Black History

Motown Museum Hosts Second Annual Black Legacy Program Event

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE — Motown Museum announced today that it will host its second annual Black Legacy Program public event.

Published

5 years ago

February 8, 2019

AJ Williams Michigan Chronicle City.Life.Style. Editor

By AJ Williams

Motown Museum announced today that it will host its second annual Black Legacy Program public event celebrating both black multigenerational and millennial owned and operated businesses in Detroit and honoring the entrepreneurial legacy of the Gordy family on Wednesday, February 20 in honor of Black History Month. Motown Museum Chairwoman and CEO Robin Terry made the announcement.

During the event, which will take place from 6-8 p.m. at 12c (formerly NextEnergy), located at 461 Burroughs St., attendees will hear from a panel of local Detroit business owners about the importance of black business in Detroit, as well as the successes and challenges they have faced—both past and present. Camille Walker Banks, Executive Director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at Wayne State University will also provide expert business advice to attendees during the event. Paul Riser, managing director of TechTown, will serve as moderator for the discussion and will offer expert business advice.

The businesses participating in the discussion include:

LaTonya Berry (Rock the Fro);
Alice Brazelton (Brazelton’s Floral);
Edmond Douglas (Avis Ford); and
Darryl Humes (Mature Clothing).

“Berry Gordy turned an $800 loan from his family savings club into a historic music empire—and one of the most successful and recognizable black businesses in the world. That legacy of innovation, ambition and business acumen has left an indelible mark on Detroit—and on the broader cultural landscape,” said Terry. “As we celebrate Motown Records’ 60th anniversary this year, we are honored to celebrate Black History Month with our second annual Black Legacy Program event. We look forward to providing the community an opportunity to learn from the incredible instincts and invaluable insights provided by an up-and-coming generation of thriving local black businesses.”

In addition to upcoming celebratory moments and ‘Archives Dives’ during 2019, Motown Museum will host its popular lineup of core programming, including the Motown Mic: The Spoken Word poetry contest, its SPARK and IGNITE summer camps, and Amplify, a singing competition.

Announced in late 2016, the Motown Museum expansion will grow the museum to a 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination featuring dynamic, interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, an expanded retail experience and meeting spaces designed by renown architects and exhibit designers. When completed, the new museum campus will have a transformative impact on the surrounding Detroit neighborhoods, providing employment, sustainability and community pride by serving as an important catalyst for new investment and tourism in the historic area.

For more information on Motown Museum, including hours of operation, visit http://www.motownmuseum.org.

This article originally appeared in the Michigan Chronicle.

AJ Williams Michigan Chronicle City.Life.Style. Editor

Posts by AJ Williams Michigan Chronicle City.Life.Style. Editor

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Black History

Matthew Henson: Explorer Extraordinaire

Matthew Henson, a trailblazing explorer who overcame countless obstacles to leave an incredible mark on history. Born on August 8, 1866, in Charles County, Maryland, his journey is a testament to the power of determination and the spirit of adventure.

Published

1 week ago

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Matthew Henson (File Photo)

By Tamara Shiloh

Henson’s life began amidst the backdrop of post-Civil War America, where opportunities for African Americans were scarce. From a young age, he possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world beyond his small town. At the age of 12, he embarked on a journey that would change the course of his life forever when he joined a merchant ship as a cabin boy.

His most famous expedition was his journey to the Arctic with renowned explorer Robert E. Peary. In 1887, Henson joined Peary’s crew as a seaman and quickly proved himself to be invaluable with his skills as a navigator and craftsman. Over the course of several expeditions, Matthew endured extreme cold, treacherous terrain, and grueling conditions as he and Peary sought to reach the elusive North Pole.

In 1908–09, Peary set out on his eighth attempt to reach the North Pole. It was a big expedition, with Peary planning to leave supplies along the way. When he and Henson boarded their ship, the Roosevelt, leaving Greenland on August 18, 1909, they were joined by a large group. This included 22 Inuit men, 17 Inuit women, 10 children, 246 dogs, 70 tons of whale meat, blubber from 50 walruses, hunting gear, and tons of coal.

In February, Henson and Peary left their anchored ship at Ellesmere Island’s Cape Sheridan, along with the Inuit men and 130 dogs. They worked together to set up a trail and supplies along the way to the Pole.

Peary picked Henson and four Inuit people to join him in the final push to the Pole. However, before they reached their destination, Peary couldn’t walk anymore and had to ride in a dog sled. He sent Henson ahead to scout the way. In a later interview with a newspaper, Henson recalled being in the lead and realizing they had gone too far. The group turned back, and Henson noticed his footprints helped guide them to their destination. At that location, Henson planted the American flag.

Henson’s legacy extends far beyond his expeditions to the Arctic. He shattered racial barriers in the world of exploration and inspired countless individuals, regardless of race, to dream big and pursue their passions. In 1937, he was finally recognized for his achievements when he was inducted into The Explorers Club, an organization dedicated to promoting scientific exploration and field research.

Matthew Henson died in the Bronx, New York, on March 9, 1955, at the age of 88.