This is an image of
The Fisher Body Plant built in 1919. It flourished until the 1960s and was closed in 1984.
What does this have to do with black and white?
Detroit was the richest city in the US in 1960. It was beautiful, bustling and full of optimism. Gorgeous, massive, elaborate buildings were going up. Theater, the arts, fine dining, and luxurious night clubs were thriving. Detroit was living proof of the American dream and Detroit's white citizens were living the good life. What happened?
Yes, the fall of the auto industry contributed heavily to the collapse of Detroit, but nothing contributed more than
“White Flight.”
As the city’s white residents began leaving the city to avoid the black people, Detroit's income through taxes fell away. Many black residents in the city were unable to find employment, and they couldn't contribute financially to the city.
The city continued to pay for basic public utilities and services, but funds were limited and the city’s overall condition deteriorated. In addition, corruption became rampant in the highest levels of city government, leaving the city’s remaining residents without means. In 2013, the City of Detroit declared bankruptcy.
Poverty, unemployment, drugs and firearms have kept Detroit in the top 5 list of most dangerous US cities for decades.
The things that I've told you are tragic, but like I said in my last post - there is hope and things are slowly looking up.