Detroit 1967
As part of the Detroit 67 project, the Society has cultivated the most comprehensive collection of written, audio and video histories ever assembled on this topic.
The Society’s oral and written history online archive is a unique and invaluable resource, universally accessible to students, researchers and everyone with an interest in Detroit’s past and future. A wide range of perspectives is represented, including those of individuals who were present and in positions of authority in 1967, people who lived in the city at the time and have remained, and people who have moved away. In addition, we have interviewed people who were not yet born in 1967 but have been eager to reflect on how the events affected their lives, their families and their future. Numerous community leaders have been interviewed, including Reverend Wendell Anthony, Edward Deeb, Dr. Karl Gregory, Mike Hamlin, Donald Lobsinger, Marsha Battle Philpot, Reverend Lonnie Peek, Bob Roselle, Harriett Saperstein, and Adam Shakoor.
SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US TODAY!
It's EASY!
Here's how:
Using your phone, pad, laptop or desktop, record a 10-15 minute memory. Please address the questions below. That helps us with consistency.
If you do not want to share an audio recording with us, you can share your story by writing as well.
After you've looked over the questions, click below to share your story!
On the 'Contribute' page please select WRITTEN or RECORDED HISTORY.
Please include your preferred contact information in the 'Tell your story here' text box.
If you want your story to be a part of the collection, DO NOT select "Keep Identity Private". If you do, the Society will not use your contribution.
Share your story HERE!
Please Note:
This should be a memory of an event or a place, with details such as names and dates stated as clearly as possible. This should NOT be a recorded opinion related to a political or social issue – these will not be saved. Of course, opinions related to the event or place you are memorializing are fine, but they should not constitute the bulk of your narrative.
QUESTIONS
What do you call the events that took place in July of 1967?
(Uprising, Rebellion, Riot, Revolution, or Civil Unrest)
How old were you in July 1967?
Where were you living at the time?
Where were you the morning of July 23rd?
Where were you working?
How did you first hear about what was happening on 12th Street?
Could you see anything from where you were (smoke, fire, people in the streets)?
What was your first reaction?
Had you anticipated this could have happened in Detroit?
Where did you stay during that week?
Were you involved in the looting?
How did that week play out for you?
Over the course of the week, did you see any 'unrest' firsthand?
Did you interact with looters, law enforcement, the National Guard, or the US Army?
How did you feel that week?
If you were living in Detroit, did you move out of the city?
USE STATEMENT
Material on this website is made available to researchers and students. If this material is used to produce a product (book, poem, movie, theatrical piece, etc.), permission must be obtained from the Detroit Historical Society.