Detroit's Birwood Wall
Discover the intriguing story of the Birwood Wall, a concrete barrier built in 1941 in northwest Detroit. Created to address racial tensions, this historic wall forever changed life in West Eight Mile. In his book, author Gerald Van Dusen shares personal interviews, family histories, and archival sources, highlighting how this isolated black enclave overcame discrimination and turned the wall into a symbol of hope and perseverance.
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In 1941, a real estate developer in northwest Detroit faced a dilemma. He needed federal financing for white clients purchasing lots in a new subdivision abutting a community of mostly African Americans.
When the banks deemed the development too risky because of potential racial tension, the developer proposed a novel solution. He built a six-foot-tall, one-foot-thick concrete barrier extending from Eight Mile Road south for three city blocks--the infamous Birwood Wall. It changed life in West Eight Mile forever.
Gathering personal interviews, family histories, land records and other archival sources, author Gerald Van Dusen tells the story of this isolated black enclave that persevered through all manner of racial barriers and transformed a symbol of discrimination into an expression of hope and perseverance.
Information
Subject: History
Brand: The History Press
Publisher Date: 06/03/2019
Dimensions: 9.00 x 6.00 x 0.42
UPC: 9781467142014
Pages: 192
