Back in the 1950s and 1960s, the historic King Solomon Church in Detroit was an active center for African American life, connecting leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X with community members here. This was also a beloved site to see powerful gospel singers coming through town to connect with people young and old.
Today, King Solomon Church remains an important marker of African American history and activism in Detroit and a place that continues to ignite imaginations of the power of community and connection. Yet, its state of disrepair also speaks to the continued need for us all to remember how much empty community space remains unfilled these days - imploring us to step up to bring new life again to community life here in Detroit and around the country.
I was honored to explore this historic site with Rev. Olivia Armstrong, after an afternoon spent with her and Dr. Charles Simmons at the Hush House - recounting the evolution of African American leadership here in Detroit.
-written by Erin Meagher (Portland, OR)
Here is a great picture of Rev. Olivia I took:
Today, King Solomon Church remains an important marker of African American history and activism in Detroit and a place that continues to ignite imaginations of the power of community and connection. Yet, its state of disrepair also speaks to the continued need for us all to remember how much empty community space remains unfilled these days - imploring us to step up to bring new life again to community life here in Detroit and around the country.
I was honored to explore this historic site with Rev. Olivia Armstrong, after an afternoon spent with her and Dr. Charles Simmons at the Hush House - recounting the evolution of African American leadership here in Detroit.
-written by Erin Meagher (Portland, OR)
Here is a great picture of Rev. Olivia I took: