City-Wide Citizens Action Committee flyer. 1967. The CCAC was led by the Reverend Albert B. Cleage, noted political and religious activist who launched the Black Christian National Movement in 1967. Source: NAACP Detroit Branch Records, Box 3, folder 8.
A Bureau of Labor Statistics chart details work stoppages in 1943 by white employees in Detroit factories over issues related to the job advancement of Black workers. July 1943. Walter P. Reuther Library Vertical Files Collection, Box 128.
Thousands rally against racial discrimination in downtown Detroit during the “Walk to Freedom” civil rights demonstration. Demonstrators carry signs that read "I want to Live Where I Choose! White House for Rent...No Color Barrier," "Equal Housing" and "CORE: Congress of Racial Equality."
Reverend Albert Cleage (later Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman), a prominent Detroit-based activist, exhibited dimensions of Black nationalism through a number of associations. Here, Cleage addresses the audience at Cobo Hall following the “Walk to Freedom” march where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave one of his “I Have a Dream” speeches.
Coleman Young’s campaign positions on housing and homeownership, Economic Club speech notes. October 29, 1973. Source: Coleman Young Papers. Box 2, folder 4.
The Detroit Commission on Community Relations expresses optimism that the relationship between the African American Community and the police are improving. August 6, 1962. Detroit Commission on Community Relations/Human Rights Department Collection, Part 3, Box 65, Folder 13.
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 leaders in the streets trying to broker peace with demonstrators.
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.
Demonstration in Detroit protesting the S.T.R.E.S.S. (Stop the Robberies and Enjoy Safe Streets) program. A police unit established in 1971 to address street crime, S.T.R.E.S.S. was highly controversial. Citizens accused S.T.R.E.S.S. of promoting racial targeting and excessive force. Mayor Coleman Young eliminated the program in 1974. September 23, 1971.
The NAACP Detroit Branch provides recommendations to reduce racial tensions between the Detroit Police Department and Black residents. September 8, 1964. Detroit Commission on Community Relations/Human Rights Department Collection, Part 3, Box 65, Folder 14.
Timeline created by Detroit Commission on Community Relations during the first few days of civil unrest. Commissioners and their connections would call into DCCR offices and report the mood in the neighborhood, events they had witnessed, and rumors they had heard. Detroit Commission on Community Relations Records, Part 3, Box 12, folder 28.
City officials reported the emergency response activities in various departments to the office of the Mayor, including emergency shelter, food, sanitation, water service, and others. Jerome P. Cavanagh Papers, Box 398 folder 19.
A discrimination complaint filed by L. Miller, a Black employee of Detroit manufacturing company Ex-Cell-O, explains the circumstances that prevented his job advancement. July 9, 1956. UAW Fair Practices and Anti-Discrimination Department Records, Box 16, Folder 23. Click the image to read the complaint.
The final report of a discrimination complaint filed on July 9, 1956 by L. Miller, a Black employee of Detroit manufacturing company Ex-Cell-O, explains that, "Management tries to help the average white worker to get a better job, but in order for a negro worker to do the same he must be exceptionally outstanding…" July 25, 1956. UAW Fair Practices and Anti-Discrimination Department Records, Box 16, Folder 23.
Katrina Bryant, 2, holds her mother’s finger and drinks a carton of milk outside of Grace Episcopal Church. She and her mother received assistance from the church’s “food station” which was established to feed families made homeless or displaced during the Civil Unrest of July 1967.
Masthead from the Eldon Wildcat, a publication from the Eldon Revolutionary Union Movement, a DRUM counterpart at Chrysler's Eldon Avenue plant. 1971. Source: Eldon Wildcat. Publication. Box 1, folder 2.
Masthead from the Eldon Wildcat, a publication from the Eldon Revolutionary Union Movement, a DRUM counterpart at Chrysler's Eldon Avenue plant. 1971. Source: Eldon Wildcat. Publication. Box 1, folder 2.
Mayor Cavanagh's office recieved these reports, recommendations, and memoranda regarding the need for housing created by the Civil Unrest. Senders include the Community Renewal Program and the Detroit Housing Commission. Jerome P. Cavanagh Papers, Box 398 folder 19.
Letter concerning Fair Housing Ordinance enforcement to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation, September 30, 1970. Source: Detroit Commission on Community Relations/Human Rights Department Collection, Box 34, folder 16.
Pamphlet explaining the new Fair Housing Ordinance that had been passed by Detroit’s Common Council in late 1967. Before this law, nothing in Detroit legally prevented sellers, landlords, and real estate agents from denying housing to someone due to race or ethnicity. Source: Detroit Commission on Community Relations/Human Rights Department Records, Box 27, folder 27.
