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.
I disagree with the comment, "Each walking the line of fairness and just, as not to stir those who opposed them, but enough to show their brethren they cared." Each of these men endured hateful threats during their lifetime. In fact, Reuther was beaten and even shot. Consequently, the UAW provided Reuther and his family with bodyguards for protection.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't saying that didn't face harsh criticism. I was saying, although different, in their comprehension of what was going on, they helped how they could. People didn't like that and responded, horribly.
DeleteThe first commonality that stood out for me was the trio’s southern roots: Rev. Franklin – Mississippi; Reuther – West Virginia; and Edwards – Texas. In addition, racial strife and violence (threats and actual) was known to all three. In hindsight, all three were extremely brave men to advocate social justice during the times in which they lived.
ReplyDeleteI too found it interesting that all three men were from the South. It helps to build the notion of Detroit as a place that was made up of so many different types of people. All of these people came together to make the city a great place.
DeleteI think each man was passionate about their cause. Although a lot was written on CL Franklin I feel like I did not learn a lot about him. I still don't have a sense of him as a man and individual. Sure he worked on the Walk, but I just wasn't able to glean much about his true character. Walter Reuther has been a revelation for me. I have read and heard stories about him before, but nothing quite like this. That man deserves all of the accolades he was given and more. Commissioner Edwards seemed to be very committed to bettering the city in a number of ways. His desire to stamp out Organized Crime and build better relations with the Black community were very admirable.
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