Black Bottom Archives is set to unveil its outdoor exhibit, Black Bottom Street View 2.0, alongside the launch of the Sankofa Community Research Project on June 19 from 2-6 pm at the Dequindre Cut, near the Lafayette and St. Aubin entranceway.
Black Bottom Archives (BBA) is a community media hub dedicated to preserving the heritage of Black Detroiters and reshaping the prevailing narratives surrounding the city. The newly fabricated BBSV 2.0 exhibit will showcase a collection of photos captured by the City of Detroit between 1949 and 1950, offering visitors a glimpse into life in the vibrant Black Bottom neighborhood before its demolition and the subsequent displacement of its residents. Attendees can walk the historic streets, listen to oral stories, and visualize the neighborhood as it once stood in the immersive exhibit.
Black Bottom was a predominantly African American neighborhood situated on the city’s near east side, just northeast of downtown Detroit. It emerged in the early 20th century and was named after the dark, fertile soil found in the area.
The neighborhood became a vibrant cultural and economic hub for the African American community, featuring a bustling business district, entertainment venues, and a rich social life. It was home to diverse residents, including working-class families, professionals, and artists.
Black Bottom’s cultural significance was underscored by the thriving jazz and blues scene that flourished within its boundaries. The neighborhood served as a gathering place for musicians and artists, contributing to developing Detroit’s renowned musical heritage.
However, Black Bottom faced significant challenges due to discriminatory housing policies and neglect by city authorities. In the mid-20th century, urban renewal initiatives, including the construction of highways and urban redevelopment projects, led to the demolition of large portions of the neighborhood. The I-375 expressway, in particular, played a significant role in destroying Black Bottom.
The demolition and displacement of Black Bottom’s residents profoundly impacted the community, resulting in the loss of homes, businesses, and social connections. Many former Black Bottom residents were forced to relocate to other areas of the city, dispersing the tight-knit community.
In response to the I-375 “Reconnecting Communities” development project, Black Bottom Archives is embarking on a year-long initiative called the Sankofa Community Research project, conducted in collaboration with Detroit People’s Platform, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. This endeavor aims to delve into archival research, collect oral histories, and facilitate community conversations regarding reparations for the Black Bottom community.
Driven by the establishment of the Detroit Reparations Taskforce and growing community interest in reparations, the group sees an opportune moment for leaders and government officials to acknowledge the historical injustice inflicted upon Detroit’s Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.
“Sankofa is a West African Adinkra symbol meaning to go back and get it, representing the idea that it is important to remember our past to build a better future—and that is exactly what we intend to do with our Sankofa Community Research project,” Marcia Black, the director of Black Bottom Archives, highlighted the significance of the Sankofa Community Research project, said in a statement.
The aim is to devise a comprehensive plan for renewal and repair that addresses the needs of Black Detroiters—drawing inspiration from efforts in the Rondo community in St. Paul, Minnesota, where a research project led to the establishment of an Inheritance Fund for the direct descendants of displaced families.
Financial supporters include the Detroit Public Library Foundation and the Michigan Humanities Council.