Welcome to The Detroit Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Detroit Red Wings home games

• Upcoming Benson Boone performance

• A deep-dive into the life of Malcolm X

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the Detroit theater that is the oldest continuously operating theater in America?

A) The Detroit Opera House

B) The Fox Theatre

C) The Fillmore Detroit

D) The Fisher Theatre

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Detroit innovation that was the first of its kind in the world, completed in 1806 is D) Underwater tunnel connecting two countries.

News

💼 Business

Detroit-style pizza is coming to downtown Saline & other Washtenaw County business news. (link)

Detroit bans Bobby Ferguson from doing business with the city. (link)

Detroit Asian restaurant Experience Zuzu to expand to Nashville. (link)

Detroit automakers work to reroute exports and parts after Baltimore bridge collapse. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Detroit Lions had an amazing season and that’s only brought more hype to Detroit hosting this year’s NFL Draft. (link)

NFL fans ready to descend on Detroit for NFL Draft. (link)

Detroit Lions President Rod Wood defends increase in season ticket prices for 2024. (link)

The Detroit Lions are set to unveil new uniforms for the 2024 season, marking their first uniform change since 2017. (link)

🏦 Finance

Upper Peninsula copper mining project gets $50 million grant from Michigan Strategic Fund. (link)

The city of Detroit has received a credit rating upgrade from Moody's Investors Services that returns the city to investment-grade status a decade after its historic bankruptcy filing. (link)

Piston Automotive has been approved for an $8.5 million state grant and $1.8 million worth of tax breaks for a planned factory at the former Palace of Auburn Hills site. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Detroit Pistons vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Little Caesars Arena
Monday April 1 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏒  Detroit Red Wings vs. New York Rangers
Little Caesars Arena Detroit, MI
Friday April 5 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

⚾ Detroit Tigers vs. Oakland Athletics
Comerica Park Detroit, MI
Saturday April 6 | 1:10 PM | (more info)

🏒 Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres
Little Caesars Arena Detroit, MI
Sunday April 7 | 1:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎻 LANY - a beautiful blur: the world tour 2024
The Fillmore Detroit Detroit, MI
Tuesday April 2 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Benson Boone: Fireworks and Rollerblades World Tour
The Fillmore Detroit Detroit, MI
Thursday April 4 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎷 Kane Brown: In The Air Tour
Little Caesars Arena Detroit, MI
Thursday April 4 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 Bad Bunny - Most Wanted Tour
Little Caesars Arena Detroit, MI
Saturday April 6 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

📚 Talking is Teaching Storytime Fun!
Parkman | Detroit Public Library
Wednesday, April 3 | 5 - 6pm EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Detroit with architecture inspired by different planets” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Detroit Historical Events

1863 - The Detroit race riot, one of the worst incidents of civil unrest in the city's history.

In 1863, Detroit experienced one of the most severe incidents of civil unrest in its history, known as the Detroit race riot. On March 6, a white mob targeted the city's black population, marking the first race riot in Detroit. This event highlighted the prevalence of racism among whites in the North and the underlying tension between racial groups. The riot was a grim demonstration of the racial divide and would foreshadow the deadly New York City Draft Riots that occurred in July of the same year.

The Detroit race riot of 1863 was sparked by the trial of a black man for rape and was further fueled by the local press. The violence resulted in the tragic killing of one black individual and the destruction of thirty homes and buildings. The aftermath of the riot led to the establishment of a full-time police force in Detroit, which was predominantly white and would remain so well into the 20th century. The Michigan Legislature also took steps to provide compensation for the victims of the riot, reflecting the lasting impact of this tumultuous event on the city's history.

Famous People From Detroit

Malcolm X: 1925–1965

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was a prominent civil rights leader and advocate for the rights of African Americans. His life and legacy continue to inspire and influence movements for social justice and equality.

Early Life and Formative Years (1925-1946)

Malcolm Little was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. His family later moved to East Lansing, Michigan, where he experienced racial discrimination and violence, shaping his early worldview and activism.

Detroit and the Nation of Islam (1946-1952)

After serving time in prison, Malcolm X moved to Detroit, where he joined the Nation of Islam and became a prominent figure in the organization. His powerful oratory and advocacy for Black empowerment gained him recognition and influence within the community.

Leadership and Activism (1953-1963)

As a minister for the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X played a pivotal role in advocating for Black nationalism and self-defense. His speeches and writings challenged racial inequality and called for a radical transformation of society.

Pilgrimage to Mecca (1964)

In 1964, Malcolm X made a pilgrimage to Mecca, a transformative experience that led him to embrace a more inclusive and humanitarian approach to race relations. This marked a significant shift in his ideology and activism.

Legacy and Assassination (1965)

Malcolm X's legacy as a civil rights leader was tragically cut short when he was assassinated on February 21, 1965, in New York City. His impact on the civil rights movement and the struggle for racial equality continues to resonate globally.

Key Achievements:

• Prominent figure in the Nation of Islam, advocating for Black empowerment and self-defense.

• Transformational pilgrimage to Mecca, leading to a more inclusive approach to race relations.

• Legacy as a powerful orator and writer, challenging racial inequality and advocating for social justice.

Malcolm X's life story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to the fight for civil rights and equality. His influence extends far beyond his lifetime, leaving an indelible mark on the struggle for justice and human rights.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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