WWII Detroit: America's 'Arsenal of Democracy'

Prior to the United States' entrance into World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt challenged the nation to become the world's "arsenal of democracy," to arm itself and so protect other democratic nations against the onslaught of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. One city in particular picked up that thrown gauntlet: Detroit. Detroiters worked round the clock in defense plants to produce 30 percent of U.S. war machinery, equipment, and munitions. Jobs were plentiful. In fact, there were more jobs than workers to fill them. WWII Detroit Answered FDR's call for America's 'Arsenal of Democracy'

Organizing Ford Motor Company: Black Detroit Autoworkers, Communism, Cadillac Square

For the last 100ish years, the word "communism" has held negative connotations. Even now, saying you're a Communist will quiet the room fast. In 1930s Detroit, being a Communist wasn't necessarily considered a bad thing, though -- at least not for 60,000 black American autoworkers. Here's the story of how black autoworkers helped turn the union tide at Ford Motor Company. Organizing Ford Motor Company

'Battle of Running Bulls' Flint Sit-Down Strike Anniversary

Jan. 11 marked the 76th anniversary of the Michigan labor struggle known as the "Battle of Running Bulls." On February 1, we remember the turning point of the strike which led to GM being forced to sign a contract on Feb 11. Violence erupted at General Motors Fisher Auto Body plant No. 2, during the Flint sit-down strike, reports the Flint Journal. The event would come to be called the "Gettysburg" of the CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations) and was pivotal in organizing auto workers, says Solidarity. Here are details about that historic event. Michigan Sit-Down Strike Marks 75th Anniversary

Exposed Shipwreck in Grand Haven, Mich., Reveals Maritime History

For years, Michigan's waterways have been drying up. Exposed muddy shoals and riverbeds are yielding up fascinating treasures. In Grand Haven, Michigan, the now-visible shipwreck Aurora connects the state's east and west side maritime history. Here's her story.  Shipwreck Appearing in Grand Haven, Mich.

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald--More than a Song

On Nov. 10,1975 , school kids in Michigan heard very little about the freighter S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald that sunk in Lake Superior, near Paradise, Mich. Surrounded by the Great Lakes, shipwrecks in Michigan were not uncommon. Then musician Gordon Lightfoot wrote "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." As the 37th anniversary of the wreck of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald approaches, here are facts from that song and why they are meaningful to Michiganders and mariners. Be sure to click the video links. They're very interesting. The one from the minister who rang the bell at Mariners Church in Detroit is particularly touching. Read on.