Detroit’s African American Heritage
Motown and More …..
©Becky Linhardt 2010
The opportunities to experience Detroit’s African American Heritage are so numerous that the city’s web site has a separate section devoted to Black History sites.
What’s Special
Motown Historical Museum
In a collection of the original buildings that formed the national power house for the Motown Sound, you can see the original studio where Michael Jackson and his brothers refined their recording skills and stage presentations. There are gowns worn by the Supremes, album covers, gold records, and much more. A very heart-felt video at the beginning of tours presents the challenges and the triumphs of the performers and this successful African-American business.
African Holocaust Museum™
Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center & Bookstore
Karamu Art Gallery™
It started with the founding of a church, the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church (PAOCC) in 1953 by the Rev. Albert B. Cleage, Jr. Formally known as The Central Congregational Church, the PAOCC has promoted its socially conscious mission through the complex that has grown to include a bookstore, museum and gallery to serve the African-American community.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
A historic timeline exhibition of African-American history shows the past as well as current accomplishments in an extensive set of permanent displays. However it was the visual arts, the creations that rose from the culture that have the most energy. Permanent displays as well as select touring exhibitions can be seen in this powerful architectural building that has a huge gathering space that allows for performances and other cultural events.
African Art at the Detroit Institute of Art
It takes many, many rooms to display the extensive collection highlighting the rich cultural heritage of African Art. Since the DIA is almost next door to the MAAH, it’s worth the walk across the street to see this collection.
The Henry Ford
A wonderful new permanent exhibition, With Liberty & Justice for All, includes Rosa Park’s Bus in its exhibitions related to the Civil Rights Movement. Greenfield Village preserves the George Washington Carver cabin and other historic African-American buildings.
Underground Railroad Living Museum
In darken theatrical settings, Underground Railroad re-enactments at the First Congregational Church of Detroit offer participants the opportunity to imagine the experience of the runaway slaves. Volunteers take the roles of “conductors,” as they guide visitors to various “stops,” then to freedom – Canada. Their tours are by appointment only. If you plan ahead, you can call to ask to join an already scheduled tour.
www.maah-detroit.org or www.motownmuseum.com or www.friendsoffirst.com
800-338-7648 cq or www.visitdetroit.com