Welcome to The Detroit Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Detroit Symphony Orchestra performance

• Recap of the Pistons' dominant performance

• A deep-dive into the life of Rosa Parks

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If it wasn't for failures, I wouldn't know what strength looked like."

- Byron Pulsifer

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!

In what year did Detroit become the first U.S. city to pave a concrete road?

A) 1909

B) 1924

C) 1901

D) 1915

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

Detroit's famous museum is C) The Detroit Institute of Arts.

News

💼 Business

Downtown Detroit's Book Tower is adding two Japanese dining and cocktail spaces, enhancing the city's dining experience​​. (link)

Redico is developing a new Meijer store in Plymouth Township, indicating growth in local retail and real estate sectors​​. (link)

Walsh College partners with the Troy Chamber for a talent retention initiative. (link)

The BuyDetroit Passport 2 Procurement Conference focused on empowering local businesses with effective procurement strategies and workshops​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

Detroit is buzzing with excitement, counting down 100 days until the 2024 NFL Draft, with community engagement events across the city​​. (link)

The Detroit Pistons secured a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Jalen Duren leading the team with 22 points and 21 rebounds​​. (link)

Motor City Rockers' Debut: After delays, the new metro Detroit pro hockey team, Motor City Rockers, is ready to hit the ice in Macomb County. (link)

🏦 Finance

The Progressive Detroit Boat Show highlighted the boating industry's substantial $11.7 billion impact on Michigan's economy and showcased over 113 new boat models​​. (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 Red Wings vs. Vancouver Canucks
Little Caesars Arena
Saturday, Feb. 10th | (More Info)

🏈 A Touch of Football
Ford Field
Saturday, Feb. 10th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎻 Berlioz
The Shelter at Saint Andrews Hall
Thursday, Feb. 8th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Raheem DeVaughn
Motorcity Casino Hotel
Friday, Feb. 9th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎷 Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Lush Life - Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall
Thursday, Feb. 8th | 10:45 AM & 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎷 Mardi Gras at Valade Park
Valade Park
February 9th - 11th | (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 domed buildings” 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

British capture Detroit during the French and Indian War (1760)

In 1760, amidst the broader conflict of the French and Indian War, a significant shift occurred in the control of the strategic settlement of Detroit. The British forces, led by Major Robert Rogers, marched into the area and successfully captured the city from the French. This event marked a pivotal moment in the history of Detroit, as it transitioned from French to British rule. The capture was part of the larger struggle between Britain and France for dominance in North America, a contest that shaped the future of the continent.

The British takeover of Detroit was relatively peaceful, as the French, recognizing their precarious position and the might of the British forces, capitulated without significant resistance. The change in control was formalized through a peaceful handover ceremony, and the British flag was raised over the fort. This transition was emblematic of the larger shifts happening across the continent as the balance of power shifted in favor of the British, who were steadily gaining territory from the French.

The British occupation of Detroit introduced new policies and a different administrative approach, impacting the settlement's trade dynamics, military significance, and relations with the Native American tribes. Detroit under British rule would continue to play a strategic role in the region, especially in the subsequent conflicts and negotiations that shaped North America. The capture of Detroit in 1760 was not just a momentary event of the French and Indian War but a significant chapter in the city's history, influencing its evolution and trajectory in the years to come.

Famous People From Detroit

Rosa Parks (1913–2005)

Early Life and Formative Years (1913-1930)

Rosa Parks was born in 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama. Raised in a time of racial segregation and discrimination, Parks developed a strong sense of justice and equality from an early age. Her early life was marked by experiences that shaped her commitment to civil rights, including witnessing the Ku Klux Klan's intimidation tactics and the racial injustices prevalent in the South.

Education and Early Activism (1931-1943)

Parks attended the Montgomery Industrial School for Girls, a private school where she received a progressive education that emphasized self-worth and equality. After her marriage to Raymond Parks in 1932, she became actively involved in the civil rights movement, joining the Montgomery chapter of the NAACP and serving as its secretary.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955)

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks made history when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery city bus. Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement. Parks's act of defiance became a symbol of the struggle against racial segregation and inequality.

Leadership in the Civil Rights Movement (1956-1965)

Following the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Parks continued to be a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. She collaborated with other civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., to advocate for racial equality and justice. Her quiet strength and unwavering resolve inspired countless individuals to join the fight for civil rights.

Move to Detroit and Continued Advocacy (1966-1979)

In 1957, Parks and her family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where she continued her work as a civil rights activist. She worked for Congressman John Conyers and remained active in several civil rights organizations. Parks's commitment to social justice extended beyond racial equality to include issues such as poverty, education, and workers' rights.

Legacy and Honors (1980-1999)

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Parks received numerous honors and awards in recognition of her contributions to the civil rights movement. She founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development, aiming to empower young people and continue the pursuit of social justice. Parks became a national icon, revered for her courage and dedication to civil rights.

Final Years and Reflections on Impact (2000-2005)

In her final years, Parks remained a respected and influential figure in American society. She continued to inspire and educate others about the importance of civil rights and the ongoing struggle for equality. Parks reflected on her life's work, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance in the fight against injustice.

Death and Enduring Influence (2005)

Rosa Parks passed away in 2005. Her death marked the end of a life dedicated to the pursuit of justice and equality. Parks's legacy as a civil rights icon endures, inspiring generations to continue the fight for civil rights and social justice.

Key Achievements:

• Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott by refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement.

• Collaborated with leading civil rights figures, playing a key role in the struggle for racial equality.

• Received numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

• Founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development to empower future generations.

Rosa Parks's journey from a determined activist in Montgomery to a revered civil rights icon is a testament to her indomitable spirit, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. As the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," her legacy continues to inspire and guide the pursuit of equality and human rights. Parks's life and actions remind us of the power of individual courage to spark collective change and the enduring importance of fighting for a just and equitable society.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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