Could Historic Brewster Homes community be poised for a comeback?
On this day 80 years ago, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt kicked off the building of the Brewster Homes, America’s first federally funded public housing project for blacks.
Jan. 16, 1979: R&B singer Aaliyah is born in Brooklyn
Raised in Detroit, Aaliyah attended Gesu Catholic School and the Detroit Public Schools’ High School for the Fine and Performing Arts.
Jan. 13, 1977: Gov. Milliken signs Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act
Among the legislation’s primary bill sponsors are Daisy Elliott, a Detroit Democrat; and Mel Larsen, a northern Oakland County Republican.
Jan. 10, 1974: Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City” is the No. 1 R&B song in the US
The song is ranked #105 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 songs of all time.
Jan. 7, 1985: Mayor Young arrested protesting apartheid outside South African Embassy
“Young marched in a picket line with about 75 demonstrators near the embassy, wearing a placard that said ‘Free South Africa Now 3/8’ He was released on his own recognizance following arrest.”
‘On This Day’: Daily feature on Detroit’s rich history
Beginning today, we’ll feature Detroit author Ken Coleman’s insightful, daily accounts of Detroit’s African American history.