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.
I was most surprised by how little the NAACP had to do with the organization of the march. This was due to the petty jealousy Arthur Johnson (Detroit NAACP Chapter President) held against Rev. C.L. Franklin and his support for the SCLC. Ironically, the largest NAACP Chapter in the nation with a Chapter President who had personally known Dr. King was hesitant to join the event. Moreover, when Johnson finally did decide they would look foolish not being involved, the NAACP joined the march in quite an opportunistic way by having signs printed with the organization’s name on top. The irony does not end there. Three years ago, it was the Detroit NAACP chapter that spearheaded the 50th Anniversary march in honor of the Detroit Walk to Freedom in contrast to their true role in the organization of the original event.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I was amazed by the pettiness of the so called leaders. Overall, it reminded me that there there still remains a gap between blacks on the "right way" to fight for equality.
DeleteI was surprised by the effort of the city government to accommodate the Walk. The fact that Dr. King was assigned a personal bodyguard and treated like a dignitary by city leaders was amazing to me. I was also surprised by all of the infighting and intrigue surrounding the planning of the walk. It was somewhat disappointing to learn about the petty jealousies that existed between so called leaders.
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