Favorite School Subjects: English, American History and Music

I recently had the privilege of working on what I consider to be one of the coolest stories I’ve done in my entire 40-year career here at Local 4.

The June 1963 march in Detroit was, at the time, the largest civil rights demonstration in U.S. history, with 125,000 marching down Woodward Avenue.

In the grand scheme of things, there has been Michigander who shaped impacted the presidency more than any other. Even more than the Michigander who literally became a president.

The Blackhawks didn't exist at the time, they didn't know, OK?

A vacant lot near the Coleman A. Young Community Center on Detroit’s east side was once a training ground for Black men during the Civil War.

Most of us are aware of Juneteenth, in that it exists, but there is so much history to know about the celebration.

It’s an occasion that’s recognized in most states and the District of Columbia, but it’s not as of yet a federal holiday.

Did you realize that Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States?

“It’s one of the darkest chapters of American history,” said Democratic Michigan Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence.

There has been ongoing debate in the educational system over who is writing the stories of American history and how the stories shape the views of the nation’s children. Many historians and educators said they’re concerned about the revisionism of history and its direct ties to systemic racism. A group of experts came together to start the discussion about changes needed in how history is taught in the school system. Watch the full report to learn more.

"The Death of General Wolfe," over 240 years old and 8.5 feet in width, has been installed with new custom lighting on the oak-paneled walls of the Avenir Foundation Room at the University of Michigan William L. Clements Library. (Photo: Austin Thomason | Michigan Photography)ANN ARBOR – The William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan is now accepting applications for its fellowships through March 1. The library offers fellowships each year to help scholars access its world-renowned American history collections. Prior to the pandemic, public tours of the building designed by architect Albert Kahn were given only on select Fridays. The Clements Library is at 909 S. University Ave. on U-M’s central campus.

President Donald Trump smiles as he arrives to speak to the White House conference on American History at the National Archives museum, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Housing discrimination in Detroit: An example of systemic racismPublished: June 23, 2020, 10:26 pmOne concept has been often mentioned amid our country’s current crisis, but it is not as often understood: systemic racism.

DETROIT One concept has been often mentioned amid our countrys current crisis, but it is not as often understood: systemic racism. Systemic racism shows up across systems in our community such as education, the criminal justice system, employment and housing. When it comes to housing discrimination, there is no need to look further than what happened right here in Detroit. The Black man was forced to find a house in a Black neighborhood or in a newly-developed housing project, such as Brewster Douglass. By the 1960s, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Black people were fed up with housing discrimination in addition to systemic police abuse, job discrimination and other forms of bias.

DETROIT Although one thing Dr. King is known for is his iconic I Have a Dream speech during the March on Washington in August of 1963, he lead a march in Detroit two months prior. Detroits Walk to FreedomThe June 1963 march in Detroit was, at the time, the largest civil rights demonstration in U.S. history, with 125,000 marching down Woodward Avenue. The crowd carried signs and moved in relative silence as tens of thousands more watched from sidewalks and buildings. Inside, public officials, African American business and civic leaders, and dignitaries including John B. Swainson, Congressman Charles Diggs, and Rev. It is estimated that over $100,000 was raised for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the civil rights organization for which Dr. King served as president.

Many Black Americans also celebrate a day of freedom called Juneteenth on June 19, which commemorates the day the last African American slaves were notified of their freedom in 1865. Much like the Fourth of July, Juneteenth -- also known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day -- is celebrated around the country with parades, cookouts and community gatherings. Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm named Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2005, declaring the third Sunday of June as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. This year, amid national unrest over the recent killings of Black Americans, Detroit is holding a weeklong celebration to commemorate Juneteenth. The city of Detroit began holding virtual discussions on Monday related to Black Americans culture and history on their Facebook Live.