Ken Coleman
@historylivesdet.bsky.social
Chronicling Black life in Detroit since 1991.
On this day in 1984:
Prince's "Purple Rain" tour stop in Detroit continues at Joe Louis Arena. Prince and the Revolution are joined by Apollonia 6 and Sheila E. and her band.
Prince's "Purple Rain" tour stop in Detroit continues at Joe Louis Arena. Prince and the Revolution are joined by Apollonia 6 and Sheila E. and her band.
November 9, 2025 at 4:26 PM
On this day in 1984:
Prince's "Purple Rain" tour stop in Detroit continues at Joe Louis Arena. Prince and the Revolution are joined by Apollonia 6 and Sheila E. and her band.
Prince's "Purple Rain" tour stop in Detroit continues at Joe Louis Arena. Prince and the Revolution are joined by Apollonia 6 and Sheila E. and her band.
On this day in 1976:
The Detroit Club, a private institution, opens its doors to female membership. The club is 94 years old and located at 712 Cass Avenue in downtown Detroit.
The Detroit Club, a private institution, opens its doors to female membership. The club is 94 years old and located at 712 Cass Avenue in downtown Detroit.
November 9, 2025 at 4:21 PM
On this day in 1976:
The Detroit Club, a private institution, opens its doors to female membership. The club is 94 years old and located at 712 Cass Avenue in downtown Detroit.
The Detroit Club, a private institution, opens its doors to female membership. The club is 94 years old and located at 712 Cass Avenue in downtown Detroit.
On this day in 2005:
Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul," receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul," receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
November 9, 2025 at 4:05 PM
On this day in 2005:
Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul," receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul," receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
On this day in 1986:
Fela Kuti, Afrobeat legend, performs at the Fox Theater. The Nigerian native is described as a cross between Malcolm X and James Brown. His sound is a mix of West African musical styles with American funk, jazz, and soul influences.
Fela Kuti, Afrobeat legend, performs at the Fox Theater. The Nigerian native is described as a cross between Malcolm X and James Brown. His sound is a mix of West African musical styles with American funk, jazz, and soul influences.
November 7, 2025 at 1:28 PM
On this day in 1986:
Fela Kuti, Afrobeat legend, performs at the Fox Theater. The Nigerian native is described as a cross between Malcolm X and James Brown. His sound is a mix of West African musical styles with American funk, jazz, and soul influences.
Fela Kuti, Afrobeat legend, performs at the Fox Theater. The Nigerian native is described as a cross between Malcolm X and James Brown. His sound is a mix of West African musical styles with American funk, jazz, and soul influences.
On this day in 1983:
President Ronald Reagan signs the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Det.) had championed the legislation.
President Ronald Reagan signs the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Det.) had championed the legislation.
November 2, 2025 at 2:54 PM
On this day in 1983:
President Ronald Reagan signs the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Det.) had championed the legislation.
President Ronald Reagan signs the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Det.) had championed the legislation.
On this day in 1982:
Martha Griffiths is elected Michigan lieutenant governor. The former U.S. House member is the first woman to serve in the post.
Martha Griffiths is elected Michigan lieutenant governor. The former U.S. House member is the first woman to serve in the post.
November 2, 2025 at 2:53 PM
On this day in 1982:
Martha Griffiths is elected Michigan lieutenant governor. The former U.S. House member is the first woman to serve in the post.
Martha Griffiths is elected Michigan lieutenant governor. The former U.S. House member is the first woman to serve in the post.
On this day in 1993:
Dennis Archer defeats Sharon McPhail in a hotly contested race for the office of Detroit mayor.
Dennis Archer defeats Sharon McPhail in a hotly contested race for the office of Detroit mayor.
November 2, 2025 at 2:52 PM
On this day in 1993:
Dennis Archer defeats Sharon McPhail in a hotly contested race for the office of Detroit mayor.
Dennis Archer defeats Sharon McPhail in a hotly contested race for the office of Detroit mayor.
On this day in 2000:
Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer is officially informed that the Motor City will host the NFL's Super Bowl 40 in 2006. Here's the winning presentation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Macq...
Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer is officially informed that the Motor City will host the NFL's Super Bowl 40 in 2006. Here's the winning presentation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Macq...
November 1, 2025 at 12:40 PM
On this day in 2000:
Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer is officially informed that the Motor City will host the NFL's Super Bowl 40 in 2006. Here's the winning presentation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Macq...
Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer is officially informed that the Motor City will host the NFL's Super Bowl 40 in 2006. Here's the winning presentation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Macq...
On this day in 1980:
Stevie Wonder’s "Master Blaster (Jammin')" is the nation’s top R&B single. The inspiration for the track is Wonder's appreciation for reggae legend Bob Marley.
Stevie Wonder’s "Master Blaster (Jammin')" is the nation’s top R&B single. The inspiration for the track is Wonder's appreciation for reggae legend Bob Marley.
November 1, 2025 at 5:39 AM
On this day in 1980:
Stevie Wonder’s "Master Blaster (Jammin')" is the nation’s top R&B single. The inspiration for the track is Wonder's appreciation for reggae legend Bob Marley.
Stevie Wonder’s "Master Blaster (Jammin')" is the nation’s top R&B single. The inspiration for the track is Wonder's appreciation for reggae legend Bob Marley.
On this day in 1957:
The Mackinac Bridge opens for motorists.
The Mackinac Bridge opens for motorists.
November 1, 2025 at 5:38 AM
On this day in 1957:
The Mackinac Bridge opens for motorists.
The Mackinac Bridge opens for motorists.
On this day in 1993:
Rob Parker debuted as a Detroit Free Press sports columnist. He was the newspaper's first African American to carry out that role. MLBbro.com
Rob Parker debuted as a Detroit Free Press sports columnist. He was the newspaper's first African American to carry out that role. MLBbro.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:29 PM
On this day in 1993:
Rob Parker debuted as a Detroit Free Press sports columnist. He was the newspaper's first African American to carry out that role. MLBbro.com
Rob Parker debuted as a Detroit Free Press sports columnist. He was the newspaper's first African American to carry out that role. MLBbro.com
On this day in 1963:
Mexico City edges out Detroit to host the 1968 Olympic Games.
Mexico City edges out Detroit to host the 1968 Olympic Games.
October 18, 2025 at 4:09 AM
On this day in 1963:
Mexico City edges out Detroit to host the 1968 Olympic Games.
Mexico City edges out Detroit to host the 1968 Olympic Games.
On this day in 1941:
Boxing heavyweight champ Joe Louis receives 1-A Selective Service status from the federal government. In 1942, he will voluntarily enlist for World War II service.
Boxing heavyweight champ Joe Louis receives 1-A Selective Service status from the federal government. In 1942, he will voluntarily enlist for World War II service.
October 17, 2025 at 9:51 PM
On this day in 1941:
Boxing heavyweight champ Joe Louis receives 1-A Selective Service status from the federal government. In 1942, he will voluntarily enlist for World War II service.
Boxing heavyweight champ Joe Louis receives 1-A Selective Service status from the federal government. In 1942, he will voluntarily enlist for World War II service.
On this day in 1988:
Anita Baker's "Giving You the Best That I Got" collection drops.
Anita Baker's "Giving You the Best That I Got" collection drops.
October 17, 2025 at 12:54 PM
On this day in 1988:
Anita Baker's "Giving You the Best That I Got" collection drops.
Anita Baker's "Giving You the Best That I Got" collection drops.
On this day in 1993:
Barry Sanders rushes for 101 yards as the Detroit Lions defeat Seattle Seahawks 30-10 at Pontiac Silverdome.
Barry Sanders rushes for 101 yards as the Detroit Lions defeat Seattle Seahawks 30-10 at Pontiac Silverdome.
October 17, 2025 at 12:51 PM
On this day in 1993:
Barry Sanders rushes for 101 yards as the Detroit Lions defeat Seattle Seahawks 30-10 at Pontiac Silverdome.
Barry Sanders rushes for 101 yards as the Detroit Lions defeat Seattle Seahawks 30-10 at Pontiac Silverdome.
On this day in 1969:
Clifford Wharton Jr. is selected to become president of Michigan State University. He will be the first African American to serve in the post.
Clifford Wharton Jr. is selected to become president of Michigan State University. He will be the first African American to serve in the post.
October 17, 2025 at 12:50 PM
On this day in 1969:
Clifford Wharton Jr. is selected to become president of Michigan State University. He will be the first African American to serve in the post.
Clifford Wharton Jr. is selected to become president of Michigan State University. He will be the first African American to serve in the post.
On this day in 1969:
John Porter is sworn in as Michigan superintendent of public instruction. He is the first African American to serve in the post.
John Porter is sworn in as Michigan superintendent of public instruction. He is the first African American to serve in the post.
October 15, 2025 at 9:40 AM
On this day in 1969:
John Porter is sworn in as Michigan superintendent of public instruction. He is the first African American to serve in the post.
John Porter is sworn in as Michigan superintendent of public instruction. He is the first African American to serve in the post.
On this day in 1960:
Cobo Hall is dedicated. It is named after the late former mayor Albert E. Cobo. He died in 1957.
Cobo Hall is dedicated. It is named after the late former mayor Albert E. Cobo. He died in 1957.
October 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM
On this day in 1960:
Cobo Hall is dedicated. It is named after the late former mayor Albert E. Cobo. He died in 1957.
Cobo Hall is dedicated. It is named after the late former mayor Albert E. Cobo. He died in 1957.
On this day in 1984:
Detroit City Council adopts a resolution calling for local “divestment in South Africa.” The declaration is sponsored by Barbara-Rose Collins.The African country practices racial apartheid.
Detroit City Council adopts a resolution calling for local “divestment in South Africa.” The declaration is sponsored by Barbara-Rose Collins.The African country practices racial apartheid.
October 10, 2025 at 10:13 AM
On this day in 1984:
Detroit City Council adopts a resolution calling for local “divestment in South Africa.” The declaration is sponsored by Barbara-Rose Collins.The African country practices racial apartheid.
Detroit City Council adopts a resolution calling for local “divestment in South Africa.” The declaration is sponsored by Barbara-Rose Collins.The African country practices racial apartheid.
On this day in 1984:
Detroit Tigers 3, San Diego Padres 2 in Game 1 of the World Series.
Detroit Tigers 3, San Diego Padres 2 in Game 1 of the World Series.
October 9, 2025 at 4:29 AM
On this day in 1984:
Detroit Tigers 3, San Diego Padres 2 in Game 1 of the World Series.
Detroit Tigers 3, San Diego Padres 2 in Game 1 of the World Series.
On this day in 1948:
WXYZ-TV Channel 7 begins broadcasting.
WXYZ-TV Channel 7 begins broadcasting.
October 9, 2025 at 4:28 AM
On this day in 1948:
WXYZ-TV Channel 7 begins broadcasting.
WXYZ-TV Channel 7 begins broadcasting.
On this day in 1961:
Otis M. Smith becomes the first African American to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Smith is appointed to the post by Gov. John Swainson, a Democrat.
Otis M. Smith becomes the first African American to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Smith is appointed to the post by Gov. John Swainson, a Democrat.
October 9, 2025 at 4:28 AM
On this day in 1961:
Otis M. Smith becomes the first African American to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Smith is appointed to the post by Gov. John Swainson, a Democrat.
Otis M. Smith becomes the first African American to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Smith is appointed to the post by Gov. John Swainson, a Democrat.
On this day in 1968:
Jose Feliciano performed "The Star Spangled Banner" during the fifth game of the World Series between Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals.
Jose Feliciano performed "The Star Spangled Banner" during the fifth game of the World Series between Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals.
October 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM
On this day in 1968:
Jose Feliciano performed "The Star Spangled Banner" during the fifth game of the World Series between Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals.
Jose Feliciano performed "The Star Spangled Banner" during the fifth game of the World Series between Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals.
On this day in 1986:
Steve Yzerman is named captain of Detroit Red Wings.
Steve Yzerman is named captain of Detroit Red Wings.
October 7, 2025 at 10:24 AM
On this day in 1986:
Steve Yzerman is named captain of Detroit Red Wings.
Steve Yzerman is named captain of Detroit Red Wings.
On this day in 1974:
The Detroit Police Department will place women officers on beat patrol. “There's no reason to believe that female officers can't handle additional assignments," says Police Chief Philip Tannian.
The Detroit Police Department will place women officers on beat patrol. “There's no reason to believe that female officers can't handle additional assignments," says Police Chief Philip Tannian.
October 5, 2025 at 9:39 AM
On this day in 1974:
The Detroit Police Department will place women officers on beat patrol. “There's no reason to believe that female officers can't handle additional assignments," says Police Chief Philip Tannian.
The Detroit Police Department will place women officers on beat patrol. “There's no reason to believe that female officers can't handle additional assignments," says Police Chief Philip Tannian.