Downtown Detroit Black Stories Tour: Small Business and Design

Book Tower - Rotunda Bar

1265 Washington Blvd , Detroit, MI 48226

Free Event

Sat, February 22nd, 2025 @ 1:00PM EST (multiple times available)

This tour is made possible by the Detroit People Mover


Through the many ups and downs of Detroit over its existence the one thing that has stayed constant is the ability of Detroiters to find joy and beauty in their everyday experiences and to work together to have a positive impact on their neighborhoods despite the challenges they face. On this tour we will share some of the most joyful and inspirational stories of Black Detroiters from the past and present that are part of Downtown’s landscape but that haven’t always gotten the attention they deserve. 


Tour Discussion Points include:

  • Black architects and artists like Nathan Johnson and Charles McGee
  • Longtime Black businesses like Hot Sam’s & Spectacles
  • Recently opened Black businesses like Rosa and Parlay
  • Black institutions like Second Baptist Church
  • Paradise Valley Then and Now 


WHAT TO EXPECT: Light walking between the People Mover stations and destinations with extended periods of standing mostly indoors with brief standing periods outdoors. All ages are welcome.


PARKING: Paid on-street parking is very limited and often only available for 2 hours. To avoid a potential $45 parking ticket, we recommend either utilizing public transit (Detroit People Mover, QLine or DDOT Bus) from another neighborhood or parking in a paid lot. To view lot locations, rates and availability in advance, participants can utilize Spot Hero or similar sites/apps.


WEATHER POLICY:

Tours will occur indefinitely, rain, snow or shine, unless weather prohibits transportation or adversely affects our partners on the date of the tour for the time of the tour.


ACCESSIBILITY:

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact [email protected] at least 1 week prior to your desired tour date.


Event Image Muralist: Chocolate Picasso aka Charles (Chaz) M Miller

Website: chocolatepicasso.com

Location: Broadway People Mover Station


Directions
Book Tower - Rotunda Bar
1265 Washington Blvd
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 883-9141