(Welcome Letter from Maureen Taylor, USSF Detroit Co-Coordinator)
As the country and certain parts of the world focus on the upcoming US Social Forum happening in Detroit, MI – June, 2010, there is a rising interest in just how we residents want to portray this city that we so love and worry over. Yes, dependency on a single-growth industry like automobile manufacturing has put is dire straits. When the Big Three decided that technology would be used to replace workers and they would continue to maintain a high level of profit, the death knell started to toll. By the 100’s of 1,000’s, we are suffering and we see no end in sight with the economic and political structure remaining the same, but hope springs eternal, so bringing the best minds, the best thinkers, and the best visionaries to the “D” is a remedy made for what ails us.
Now, we have to get down to it…what is Detroit and what sites are reflective of her spirit, her history and her best days ahead. Well, this writer has taken a view of this question and has arrived at the following considerations.
Many of my colleagues will undoubtedly list the “usual suspects” when identifying those places that we want to put on the tour when our guests arrive. I support that list. I, however, have compiled the “b” side of this tune and would ask that honorable mention be awarded to these off-main street gems that really flavor our city. READ MORE
Detroit Reading List, Videos, and Links
ABOLITIONIST SITES (all downtown):
Finney House Barn Site (Griswold & State)
Second Baptist Church (441 Monroe, Greektown)
William Lambert Home Site (E. Larned & St. Aubin)
William Webb House (Congress & St. Antoine, where Blue Cross Building is)
Abolitionist statue at Detroit River, behind Hart Plaza
Detroit & Highland Park are overwhelmingly African American, with some areas with concentrations of other ethnicities:
Southwest Detroit: Mexican American & Native American
Dearborn: Arab American
Hamtramck: many new immigrants, from Albania, Bosnia, Bengaldesh; “most Islamic” U.S. city, once primarily Polish
Avalon Bakery 422 W Willis St (bet. Cass and 2nd Ave.) Next door to Goodwell's Hours: Tues-Sat, 6AM-6PM; Sun, 7AM-3PM Community bakery with coffee, juice, bread, muffins, and some sandwiches. Free wi-fi.
Bronx Bar 4476 Second Ave. Breakfast, burgers and sandwiches, soup.
Cass Café 4620 Cass Ave (bet. Forest and Prentis) Full menu. $6-$15. Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11AM-2AM (kitchen closes at 11PM); Fri & Sat, 11AM - 2AM (kitchen closes at 1AM); Sun, 5PM - 1AM (kitchen closes at 10PM) Free wi-fi. Wheelchair accessible.
Goodwell's Natural Foods 418 W Willis St. (bet. Cass and 2nd Ave.) Next door to Avalon Vegan/vegetarian sandwiches and amazing soups, plus produce and snacks. $5-$10. Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM; Sun noon-4PM. Call 15-30 minutes ahead to place your order: 313-831-2130.