Member-only story
Detroit’s Diaspora
Yes, it’s about racism. Cars. And Motown.
A few years ago, when the international airline for whom I was working announced that they would begin service to Detroit, I was appointed as the taskmaster for this new market. In all my years of traveling, including 47 of the 50 states, I had never been to Detroit. As the birthplace of my idol, Diana Ross, and a huge Motown fan, I was excited to see what it would feel like. But I already knew it was going to be heartbreaking.
The story of Detroit can only be told in the context of history. Here, I’m focusing on the city in the 20th and early 21st century. Much has been written, and no doubt there are many more stories to tell as each one of the below events affected thousands.
All we ever hear about Detroit is bad news. Here are some recent takes:
- #1 Most Hated City in the Country, with a “hate index” of 100 — V.S. Wells, Best Life.
- #2 Worst Cities to Visit — MapQuest Travel
- #3 Most Miserable US City — World Population Review
- #3 Most Miserable City — Business Insider
- #10 Most Violent City — Forbes
- #18 in Poverty Rate: 38% of the population (24/7 Wall Street/USA Today content provider.
- #143 Best Run Cities in America (of 150) — WalletHub.com
