Look

A leisurely Look at Michigan’s stories and traditions from yesterday to yesteryear.

Posts Tagged ‘African Americans’

Island Backdrop

By David A. ArmourDavid A. Armour | February 7, 2012

Blacks have been a part of Mackinac Island since colonial times.

Fiesta Doll

By Steve Ostrander, Michigan Historical MuseumSteve Ostrander, Michigan Historical Museum | January 31, 2012

Carlean Gill was a showgirl at Idlewild, an African American resort.

The Ossian Sweet Story

By Mark Harvey, Archives of MichiganMark Harvey, Archives of Michigan | February 22, 2011

In 1925 Detroit, Dr. Ossian Sweet wished to move into a better neighborhood.

“…With the Greatest Determination…”

By Bob Garrett, Archives of MichiganBob Garrett, Archives of Michigan | February 15, 2011

Samuel Lett (pictured above) served in the Army during the American Civil War.

Better than Good

By Mark Harvey, Archives of MichiganMark Harvey, Archives of Michigan | February 16, 2010

Businesses were difficult to start and maintain in nineteenth century Michigan, especially if you were black. No matter the barriers, Willaim and Wallace Goodridge thrived under the pressure and created the state’s first minority owned photography business.