Detroit Cultural Sites
A permanent exhibit of their performing artist tours in the Motown Museum, Detroit; (c) Soul Of America
Gateway to Freedom International Memorial to the Underground Railroad
DESCRIPTION: Dedicated in October 2001 at Hart Plaza along Detroit Riverwalk, it is one of the finest memorials to the Underground Railroad in terms of historic meaning and artistry. Detroit was one of the largest terminals of the Underground Railroad with a network of abolitionists aiding people seeking freedom — just across the river. Detroit’s closest Underground Railroad Station, Second Baptist Church, is only 8 blocks from the river and Detroit has one of the narrowest river distances between America and Canada. Since Detroit looks southeast at Windsor, Canada, the setting sun revealed more places along the Canadian waterfront for railroad conductors to signal last-minute secret crossings. Hence, this memorial faces its companion Freedom Tower Memorial in Windsor, Ontario at one of the Underground Railroad’s most used paths to freedom. Renowned sculptor Ed Dwight captures the challenge of the journey, sense of place, and dream of freedom in the expression of each figure. Granite slabs on the memorial are inscribed with information about the Underground Railroad and the sculptor. Anyone with an appreciation for American and Canadian history will find a visit to both memorials deeply moving. As you can imagine, this memorial is often the highlight of celebrations during Juneteenth and the annual Africa World Festival held in Hart Plaza.
DAYS & HOURS: daily
ADDRESS: Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI
Charles Wright Museum of African American History
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Joe Louis Monument
DESCRIPTION: From his defeat of German champion Max Schmeling during World War II to his unmatched 13-year reign as Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Joe Louis ranks among the most influential sports figures of the 20th century. Based on the number of successful title defenses and caliber of competition, Joe Louis may have been the greatest heavyweight pugilist ever. The city pays homage to its native son with three monuments in the downtown area. The 12-foot bronze sculpture by Ed Hamilton captures Joe in his prime boxing form.
ADDRESS: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
Motown Museum
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National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen
DESCRIPTION: In 1941 the Army Air Corps created the now famous segregated pilot training program at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Among those graduates was the late Detroit Mayor, Coleman Young. This museum honors the 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, and the 477th Bombardment Group which became known as the Tuskegee Airmen; during the WWII air campaign over Europe. While suffering major casualties themselves, not a single American bomber escorted by the Tuskegee Airmen was lost. The Airmen’s heroism helped pave the way for mainstream America to accept the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
ADMISSION: donations appreciated
DAYS & HOURS: by appt
ADDRESS: 6325 West Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI
PHONE: 313-843-8849
WEBSITE: https://tuskegeemuseum.org
Monument to heavyweight boxing champ Joe Louis from Detroit; (c) Soul Of America
Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of Noble Mythic Shrine
DESCRIPTION: From an external view, the name says it all at this very private fraternal organization
DAYS & HOURS: invitation only
ADDRESS: 2211 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI
PHONE: 313-961-9148
WEBSITE: https://aeaonms.org
Barry Sanders Monument
DESCRIPTION: An 8-foot bronze statue of this 5’8″ football legend outside the Lions’ home, Ford Field. This Hall of Fame player is in the conversation with Jim Brown and Emmitt Smith as the Greatest NFL running back. His moves on the field made highlight reels. His nimble feet and toughness gathered 15,269 yards, 99 touchdowns, a record 10 consecutive 1000-yard seasons, and a career-high 2,053 yards in the 16-game 1997 NFL Season. And he did it with an average Offensive Line, at best.
ADDRESS: 425 East Montcalm Street, Detroit, MI
Plowshares Theatre Company
DESCRIPTION: A cultural gem and Michigan’s only professional African-American theater company, Plowshares has presented numerous productions by contemporary and up-and-coming African-American playwrights to the community since 1990, earning it a reputation as one of the most dynamic drama companies in Michigan.
DAYS & HOURS: 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 440 Burroughs Street, Suite 525, Detroit, MI
PHONE: 313-506-2858
WEBSITE: https://plowsharestheatre.org
Walter P. Reuther Library
DESCRIPTION: The Archives of Labor and Urban History at Wayne State University are a Black historian’s treasure chest. You can learn about how labor unions made huge contributions to the advancement of Black citizens since the early 1900s.
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Tue 11a-6:45p, Wed-Fri 9a-4:45p
ADDRESS: 5401 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI
PHONE: 313-577-4024
WEBSITE: https://reuther.wayne.edu
Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center & Bookstore
DESCRIPTION: Spend the afternoon traipsing among the artwork, refreshing the spirit, and locating hard-to-find books concerning black heritage. Also housed in the Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center and Bookstore is a Black Holocaust Museum, a memorial to more than 100 million Africans captured in slave trade for the Americas and Europe. It contains a collection of compelling documents, photographs, narratives and artifacts from the slave trade, a reproduction of a slave cabin, and highly emotional portrayals of the African slave experience.
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Thu 11a-6p, Fri-Sat 11a-7p
ADDRESS: 13535 Livernois Avenue, Detroit, MI
PHONE: 313-491-0777
WEBSITE: https://www.shrinebookstore.com
Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center & Bookstore, Detroit; (c) Soul Of America
Submerge
DESCRIPTION: The first black-owned record distributor is also a Techno music home. Located in a 3-story music building, a short distance from the original Motown headquarters. The Union Hall is nicely renovated for seminars. Today, the building is also a hub for record shopping and record shipping to retailers.
DAYS & HOURS: invitation only
ADDRESS: 3000 East Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI
PHONE: none listed
WEBSITE: https://www.submerge.com
Graystone International Jazz Museum
DESCRIPTION: The Book Tower building features more than office space; Suite 201 exhibits instruments, photos, and videos of the Jazz greats in a sublime, small museum
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Fri 11a-4p
ADDRESS: 1249 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI
PHONE: 313-963-3813
WEBSITE: https://www.ipl.org/div/detjazz/
Eta Phi Beta Sorority Headquarters
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1942, this business and professional sorority with over 100 chapters throughout the US and Virgin Islands is dedicated to public service.
DAYS & HOURS: by appt
ADDRESS: 16815 James Couzens Avenue, Detroit, MI
PHONE: 313-862-0600
WEBSITE: http://www.etaphibetanatl.org