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Local community, law enforcement, and political representatives meet at Detroit’s 10th precinct to develop a plan of action. At right, Representative John Conyers takes the podium. At far left is State Civil Rights Commissioner Damon Keith.

U.S. Congressman John Conyers addresses the crowd on 12th Street in an attempt to stop destruction in the city. Conyers, who represented Virginia Park’s district, was one of dozens of local and statewide political, civic, religious, and civil rights…

A bird's-eye view of 12th Street during the first day of the 1967 Civil Unrest. "Black Power" is painted in the center of the street. The Chit Chat Lounge is in view at upper, right corner.

Interior view of the United Community League for Civil Action, the Blind Pig at 9125 12th St. where the Civil Unrest of 1967 began. A blind pig is a term for an establishment serving alcohol without a license.

National guardsman Gary Ciko of Hamtramck watches for snipers as buildings burn on Linwood Street.

Members of the Detroit Fire Department brace themselves as they fight fires at two buildings on Michigan Avenue at Trumbull. Though much of the arson that took place during the Unrest was targeted at businesses, the tight layout of many neighborhoods…

Paratrooper Mack C. Seyburn, of Florida, stands on guard to prevent looting in the businesses on Detroit’s East Side.

Rep. John Conyers tries, in vain, to get the attention of the crowds around him as he implores for a peaceful resolution during the first day of the Unrest.

Detroit Police officer Crear Mitchell puts a bayonet on his rifle in preparation for patrol near 12th and Clairmount on the first day of the Unrest. He wears a black stocking cap over his white helmet, presumably to prevent its reflection from…

12th Street descends into chaos on the first day of the Civil Unrest of 1967. At rear, center, the Blind Pig, whose raid by police officers sparked the conflict, can be seen behind the Economy Printing sign. In the distance a photographer snaps…

Images from Focus: HOPE’s senior program. Circa 1975. Source: Focus: HOPE Records.

Images from Focus: HOPE’s senior program. Circa 1975. Source: Focus: HOPE Records.