With four of the five Great Lakes, it’s no surprise Michigan has one of the largest boating communities in the country.
However, what some may not not know is Detroit is home to the largest African American boating community in the nation, and Riverside and Erma Henderson Marinas, both located in Detroit on the Detroit River, are the only marinas in Michigan ran and operated by a Black company. Only two other marinas in the nation hold this title.
“Given the history of boating life for black people, we have come a long way,” says Jason McGuire, whose company, ABC Enterprise, runs and operates Riverside and Erma Henderson Marinas.
“A lot of Blacks actually docked in Canada because they could not dock here in the United States because there was racism. So, Porterfield wanted to build a marina that was inclusive of everyone. It didn’t matter what color you were, you would have a nice place to be able to dock your boat. This place was originally the Porterfield Wilson marina,” McGuire told “Live In The D’s”, April Morton.
The late Porterfield Wilson, a Black Detroit businessman in the 70s and 80s, along with former Detroit Mayor Coleman A Young, envisioned a world-class marina They envisioned one with condos, restaurants, and inclusive to all ethic backgrounds.
McGuire says business at Riverside is seeing an all time high. Although he hasn’t brought Mr. Wilson’s entire vision to life just yet, he’s hoping to one day bring it all to fruition.
To see the entire interview, click the video above.