City Institute / DPM Downtown Black Stories Tour: Small Business & Design

Sat May 17 2025 at 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm UTC-04:00

Book Tower | Detroit

Detroit People Mover
Publisher/HostDetroit People Mover
City Institute \/ DPM Downtown Black Stories Tour: Small Business & Design
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Join us on a walking and riding tour exploring the rich history of Black-owned small businesses and design in the Downtown area!
About this Event

City Institute / DPM Downtown Black Stories Tour: Small Business & Design

Join us for a free, exciting in-person event where we will explore the rich history of small businesses and design in downtown. This tour will take you on a journey through the vibrant stories of black entrepreneurs and architects who have made a lasting impact on the city. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by the incredible contributions of these individuals.

Through the many ups and downs of Detroit over its existence the one thing that has stayed constant is the ability of Detroiters to find joy and beauty in their everyday experiences and to work together to have a positive impact on their neighborhoods despite the challenges they face. On this tour we will share some of the most joyful and inspirational stories of Black Detroiters from the past and present that are part of Downtown’s landscape but that haven’t always gotten the attention they deserve.

Meet us at the Rotunda Bar inside the Book Tower (Next to the People Mover's Times Square Station) as our 1p.m. starting point. See you there!

Tour Discussion Points include:

  • Black architects and artists like Nathan Johnson and Mario Moore
  • Longtime Black businesses like Hot Sam’s & Spectacles
  • Recently opened Black businesses like Rosa and Parlay
  • Black institutions like Second Baptist Church
  • Paradise Valley Then and Now

WHAT TO EXPECT: Light walking between the People Mover stations and destinations with extended periods of standing mostly indoors with brief standing periods outdoors. All ages are welcome.

PARKING: Paid on-street parking is very limited and often only available for 2 hours. To avoid a potential $45 parking ticket, we recommend either utilizing public transit (Detroit People Mover, QLine or DDOT Bus) from another neighborhood or parking in a paid lot. To view lot locations, rates and availability in advance, participants can utilize Spot Hero or similar sites/apps.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.thecityinstitute.com/public-tours

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Book Tower, 1265 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, United States

Tickets

USD 0.00

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