Chapter 16 – The Spirit of Detroit – has been the only chapter of the book that I felt the author provided me far more information than I wanted to know. Yes, the story was somewhat interesting as to why Detroit lost the bid to hold the Olympics, despite their well-heeled supporters and diligent efforts. At the same time, the minutiae seemed unnecessary. For instance, I realize the author was trying to convince us the bid was doomed from the start, but did we really have to read a detailed account of the delays faced by Mayor Cavanaugh to arrive in Lyon, France for the deliberations?
Concerning Chapter 17 – Smoke Rings – I could not help, but focus on the section on the Shrine of the Black Madonna after reading this chapter. My sister, Colette, was a member of the Shrine during the period Albert Cleage (ak,a Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman) headed the church. It is an understatement to say that she “drank the Kool-aid” by the bucket. I remember how she temporarily renamed herself, “Akua,” and would tell us (her sisters) we lived under a slave mentality, because we straightened our hair. She also told us there was a “secret” plan in which Black Nationalists would take over the U.S. and those with a slave mentality would be no better off after the revolution than whites. Of course, none of this came to pass and Colette became disillusioned with the group when she finally realized how delusional the leadership was. I use the past tense, because that is certainly not the mindset of Shrine leadership today.
I can understand how the level of detail could be thought of as too much. Yet, for having no previous knowledge of bid to get the Olympics, this chapter was epic for me. I keep thinking what if they had been successful? How would that have changed things for the city? Would the riots/rebellion have taken place? Would Coleman Young ever get elected mayor? What would the ripple effect have been.
I thought the chapter on the Olympics was great! I know there was lot there, but the details made the story all the more vivid. The effort and teamwork that went into the bid was amazing. I loved how the politics around the city's racial issues came into play as well.
Chapter 17 was a revelation in that my mother was a member of the Shrine of the Black Madonna. Learning about it's founder was enlightening. I have family members still affiliated and even living at one of the Shrine's farmland compounds.
Chapter 16 – The Spirit of Detroit – has been the only chapter of the book that I felt the author provided me far more information than I wanted to know. Yes, the story was somewhat interesting as to why Detroit lost the bid to hold the Olympics, despite their well-heeled supporters and diligent efforts. At the same time, the minutiae seemed unnecessary. For instance, I realize the author was trying to convince us the bid was doomed from the start, but did we really have to read a detailed account of the delays faced by Mayor Cavanaugh to arrive in Lyon, France for the deliberations?
ReplyDeleteConcerning Chapter 17 – Smoke Rings – I could not help, but focus on the section on the Shrine of the Black Madonna after reading this chapter. My sister, Colette, was a member of the Shrine during the period Albert Cleage (ak,a Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman) headed the church. It is an understatement to say that she “drank the Kool-aid” by the bucket. I remember how she temporarily renamed herself, “Akua,” and would tell us (her sisters) we lived under a slave mentality, because we straightened our hair. She also told us there was a “secret” plan in which Black Nationalists would take over the U.S. and those with a slave mentality would be no better off after the revolution than whites. Of course, none of this came to pass and Colette became disillusioned with the group when she finally realized how delusional the leadership was. I use the past tense, because that is certainly not the mindset of Shrine leadership today.
I can understand how the level of detail could be thought of as too much. Yet, for having no previous knowledge of bid to get the Olympics, this chapter was epic for me. I keep thinking what if they had been successful? How would that have changed things for the city? Would the riots/rebellion have taken place? Would Coleman Young ever get elected mayor? What would the ripple effect have been.
DeleteSo many family ties to the greatness and foolishness that was Detroit! LOL
ReplyDeleteI thought the chapter on the Olympics was great! I know there was lot there, but the details made the story all the more vivid. The effort and teamwork that went into the bid was amazing. I loved how the politics around the city's racial issues came into play as well.
ReplyDeleteChapter 17 was a revelation in that my mother was a member of the Shrine of the Black Madonna. Learning about it's founder was enlightening. I have family members still affiliated and even living at one of the Shrine's farmland compounds.