Chapter 22 Upward to the Great Society
Epilogue: Now and Then

In Chapter 22, David Maraniss recounts President Johnson's famed speech outlining "The Great Society" - his domestic vision for the United States. Delivered at the 1964 University of Michigan spring commencement, his plan called for government to serve as an important partner in addressing urban and societal ills, including health, education, housing and economic disparities among Americans. 

In contrast to the optimistic/forward looking tone of the former chapter, the Epilogue taps into a more pessimistic view of Detroit as he puts forth a narrative of decaying neighborhoods and the untimely deaths of its civic, business and spiritual leaders, as well as Motown Record's abandonment of the city.

Today, what view of Detroit's future do you ascribe to?

First, write a response to the question. Then, comment on at least two responses by your colleagues.

Chapter 18 19 20 and 21

Chapters 18, 19, 20, and 21 were about the effects that the assassination of president Kennedy, the "Big Three" automobile manufacturers, the events surrounding Motown in 1964, and the racial tensions that still prevailed during this time. What new information have you learned from reading these chapters that you didn't know prior to reading these chapters?

Chapter 16 The Spirit of Detroit and Chapter 17 Smoke Rings

Chapter 16 The Spirit of Detroit and Chapter 17 Smoke Rings

Read Chapters 16 and 17 of the book. Then:

1.     Discuss your impressions of these chapters.

2.     Respond to the comments of at least two of your colleagues.

Chapter 14 and 15: The Vast Magnitude and Houses Divided

After reading both Chapters 14 and 15, what is one fact or nugget that you did not know but learned from these two chapters?

Chapter 11 Eight Lanes Down Woodward
Chapter 12 Detroit Dreamed First
Chapter 13 Home Juice

The author captures the sights and sounds of the 1963 Detroit Walk for Freedom in such vivid detail that you almost feel you were there. What fact surprised you the most about this historic march?

First, write a response to the question. Then, comment on at least two responses by your colleagues.

Chapter 8, 9, 10 - Of What Men

1. What similarities did you see in C.L. Franklin, Walter Reuther and Commissioner Edwards?

They were men who all walk very different paths, however, there was a common thread of civility to the plight of the black population in Detroit. Each walking the line of fairness and just, as not to stir those who opposed them, but enough to show their brethren they cared.

Chapter 6 Glow and Chapter 7 Motor City Mad Men

Chapters 6 and 7 focus on: Detroit’s bid for the Olympics; Martha Reeves’ rise to fame; and the men behind the city’s advertisement agencies. Which story held the most intrigue for you? Why?

First, write a response to the question. Then, comment on at least two responses by your colleagues.

Chapter 4 West Grand Blvd. and Chapter 5 Party Bus

Chapters 4 and 5 cover the emergence of Motown and the activities of the Detroit Mafia and law enforcements responses to those activities. What did you find to be the most surprising revelation in those two chapters?

Chapter 1 – Gone

Chapter 2 – Ask Not

Chapter 3 – The Show

Author David Maraniss uses an engaging narrative to chronicle the history of Detroit from the fall of 1962 to the spring of 1964. Read the first three chapters of the book. Then:

1.     Write a response to the question, what information intrigued you the most?

2.     Respond to the comments of at least two of your colleagues.