This past weekend I had the chance to visit a city built on the backs of blue-collared, anchored in American history, and stapled in the 101 textbooks that put me in an HR state of mind. On Friday afternoon when I sat down in that plush seat, powered off my Droid, and relaxed my head against the back of my chair, all I could think about were the stories I read and the images previous visitors had painted for me of the place I was headed. “It couldn’t be that bad,” I thought. The media has a way of sensationalizing everything. People exaggerate their adventures. Statistics can be manipulated. People always see the bad before they see the good.
“The estimated time for today’s flight is one hour and forty-five minutes.”
My journey was underway.
I couldn’t tell you what I did on the flight other than think. One of the things I enjoy most about flying is that my mind can literally be in the clouds. So for just under two hours, it wandered. And when I felt my ears pop, I was back on the ground.
When the plane got reacquainted with the runway, it was clear I wasn’t in New York City anymore. Airplane cabins have a certain way of telling you where you are as soon as the pilots power down the engines. I couldn’t help but find truth in that ridiculous yet well-intentioned song about it being so cold in the D. I was Definitely in Detroit.
Through my eyes.
The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) impressed me. It put La Guardia and JFK to shame and gave me a great first impression of the city. DTW was clean. Everything looked new. The people in the airport were friendly. Passengers weren’t scrambling. I felt at ease. See, I knew they were exaggerating with the stories.
Then I got hungry.
The first thing I do when I get to a new city is find food. It has to be something outside of the airport. A weird tradition I guess. I ended up at a mall, where I expected to get a feel for the pace of the city. It was Friday afternoon. Kids should’ve been out of school. People should’ve been out of work. A great formula for people watching. I didn’t expect the mall to be packed, but I thought I’d see a good number of people out and about window shopping at the least. So you can imagine my surprise when I walked in and found it to be dead like the Langoliers were about to eat it.
The food court was quiet. The mall was dashed with black folks going about their business in a fraction of what I expected. I took a look at the mall directory as my stomach rumbled and saw there was a Fuddrucker’s nearby, which — as a burger monster – left me no choice but to go there and grab something I didn’t need.
When I walked in, the proverbial tumbleweed blew by. It felt like I was at a diner just off the curve of a highway in the middle of no where, except I wasn’t worried about being lynched. It was Friday afternoon. Why was it so damn quiet? Was there a blizzard coming that I didn’t know about? Did I miss the tornado siren? Do they even get tornados out here in the middle of winter?
This was just the start of my weekend trip. Little did I know how much it was setting the tone for what was to come.
Over the course of the trip, I got to see a few parts and sites of the city. I didn’t realize Detroit was across the river from Canada. I didn’t know the Pistons played an hour away. I didn’t know the Lions, Tigers and Red Wings (oh my) were situated so close to downtown. I didn’t think the bumps in the road could be any worse than what I endured in Ithaca, NY. I didn’t realize coney island hotdogs were as common as water. I didn’t know a gas station could have better coffee than Dunkin Donuts. I’d forgotten the meaning of negative windchill. I’d forgotten that white people can do sh*t like roast marshmellows in 15 degree weather…in t-shirts…at an event called the Winter Blast.
Detroit taught and reminded me of a lot, but the biggest lessons of the weekend came in my unintentional yet intentional tour of the city. In “Tupac Back,” Meek Millz had a line that said something like “Rollin’ down in Philly this the new Iraq.”
The new Iraq is definitely a collection of neighborhoods in Detroit. This was the first time in my life I went down street after street of vacant homes with inhabited houses sprinkled here and there. And when I say vacant homes, I don’t mean foreclosed houses in decent shape with signs on the lawn. I mean houses and buildings with doors and windows that looked like they were blown out, and the scorched remains of homes that could’ve passed as victims of grenades. The closest thing I’d seen to this was my accidental trip through the hood near Morehouse, where boarded up buildings housed young black men in long white t-shirts circa 2005.
But these homes in Detroit were different. The struggling economy wiped these houses of their dignity. Vandalism looked like a way of life. Abandonment and foreclosure were mischievous brothers that ran amuck throughout the city, leaving a trail of depression behind. It was both eye-opening and disheartening to see the faded memories of those who left the area long ago. The pictures that previous visitors painted for me were crystal clear. And the words I read in newspapers turned into rotting shingles and crumbling brick.
What the hell happened here?
The worst part about it was my trip through the nice neighborhoods with homes that looked like mansions compared to the houses just a few streets over. These $300K+ abodes had guest houses above two-car garages and gates to remind you of affluence. These neighborhoods were coincidentally insulated by the depression around them. The irony. And without saying it, you can guess the predominant demographic of these areas despite the fact that the majority of the city is black. I don’t even need to go any further with this. I want to say we need to do better, but it’s hard to do better when the economy doesn’t support it.
The struggle is real in Detroit. The depreciation of property gave me an appreciation for my often loathed upstate NY hometown. Albany has its issues, but it’s nothing like what I saw this past weekend. Even with the good I viewed from my passenger seat, I can’t help but think about the broken homes.
I’m looking forward to going back to Detroit when the weather is nice though. It’s tough to see everything in two days — particularly when it’s brick sickles outside. But all around, I had an enjoyable trip. The ailing homes were a small part of the visit, but they had a big impact since I’ve never seen anything like that before. I could tell you about the fried chicken I ate, but we’ve all seen, smelled, and tasted that before.
Note to self: I’m bringing my passport next time and heading over to the casino across the river. But before that, I’ll be sure to spend some time at the park that looked like it bustles with pride when it’s not covered with snow. And I’ll do a walking tour of downtown and the historic landmarks spread throughout Detroit. Every city — regardless of it’s economic conditions — has greatness to offer. I’d love to paint you a brighter picture in a few months when the sun let’s me and the city be great. But for now, I’m still in a bit of shock.
Sometimes you just can’t sugar coat,
I like this post of Detroit. It was truthful yet tasteful. I am glad you got to experience my hometown! I usually hate commenting on posts, but something urged me to do so.
It is so hard to defend my city and tell people of its greatness especially when sometimes I don’t see it myself. Anyways, I started laughing when you started talking about the malls! You are so right!! A lil tidbit we actually don’t have malls inside the city of Detroit (another reason why we are struggling). Those disappearing neighborhoods you rode through were the product of the riots and the recession that we are apparently getting through! Oh and the park that you talked about Belle Isle!!!! A little known fact about Belle Isle is that the person who designed central park designed belle isle also.
I came from one of those “300k” neighborhoods!! When I was growing up it was predominately white but now (well at least in my neighborhood) It seems predominately black with a sprinkle of white influence lol. Those neighborhoods like mine are like the last sign of wealth in my city. Oh and by wealth I mean jobs, because a job in Detroit is a HOT commodity! lol Ok I should stop cracking jokes. One thing that did stand out to me is that you mentioned the homes and I am glad you did, because when some one comes and sees the types of homes that are vacant and abandoned you can see the type of wealth Detroit use to possess. The city of Detroit was known for its beautiful homes and now we are only known for vacant neighborhoods and abandoned buildings. Oh I forgot the MALLS!! yeah so if you want to get some shopping done in the metro area next time you go you have to go to Somerset, Lakeside,Great Lakes Crossing (the outlet mall), Oakland. The hood malls in the metro area of Detroit are Fairlane, Eastland, and Northland (those are listed in depreciating order for the hood malls). I am betting you went to one of those hood malls when you saw tumbleweeds passing through lol. Next time you go to Detroit in the summer and do a lil touring you should hit up some one these places!
For Culture. fun, and food!
-The Edsel Ford House (The estate is in Grosse Pointe)
-Henry Ford Museum (Its awesomely cool lol)
-The Historical Museum of Detroit
-The African American Museum
-Any Festival that is in the summer!
-Buddy’s Pizza (Detroit Original and its good!)
-Pizza Papalis
-Fischer Mansion
-Eastern Market (its our farmers market and its huge)
-Motown Museum
-Chene Park for one of their summer concerts
-Drive around Palmer Park, Indian village, East English Village (to see one of the last affluent areas if you haven’t already done so)
-Greektown and the Casino area
-Oh next time you go in the winter try going when the auto show is there!!! It SHITS on everybody elses wack ass attempt of auto shows
-Catch a game (thats when the white people go to the city lol)
-Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Ferndale are like posh suburbs to hang out so check out the bar scene there I am partial to Downtown detroit though just cause I live in the city lol
-Oh Mexican town to get some mexican food! lol
-The people mover (I honestly don’t know when we detroiters are so proud of this, it is a sad attempt at public transportation– which is practically nonexistent in my city)
Well I can go on and on! In general I loved your post. It showed my city in a good light! I hope we treated you well! P.S I am not good with grammar and spelling and writing in general excuse all the mistakes.
-Seeo
Just seeing this comment and glad you dropped by! I’m looking forward to going back when it’s warm. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback and suggestions since I put this post up, so I’m looking forward to have a great time.
The D is my hometown, born and raised. I currently reside in Rochester Hills, one of the wealthiest cities in the state. Definitely a difference. It’s kind of odd to see pictures and hear someone describe my home in this way, I guess because I’m “used” to it, I dunno. There are beautiful pockets of the city and there are not so beautiful pockets. I’m curious as to which mall you visited. And yeah, white people do the most random ish.. have you ever heard of the Detroit Polar Plunge? Jokers jumping into the cold ass Detroit River, for the “cause”. Bruh. o_O LOL Anywho I can’t wait to hear your follow up posts after your future visits. And there are definitely some fun spots to hit, so venture around.
I knew where you were going in the first paragraph. We moved there when I was 5 and I spent 12 years there. What people don’t get is that the lack of economy is but one problem. Merely bringing jobs doesn’t mean much without a skilled labor force and infrastructure. I have an old boo who owns a company. He has an office in the D. Reporting from there, he told me he can’t find people, of any color, who are educated OR capable enough to work for him.
I had the benefit of going to great schools, off to college, and never moving back. I also was sent away some summers and right around the summer after sixth grade, I came back and told my mother the sun doesn’t shine right in Detroit. I told her that everything, even on their most sunny days, were covered in gray. Over the years, I’ve told people this and they agreed. If you go in the summer, pay attention to it. Maybe it’s the years of the factories. But something isn’t right.
Some years ago, I went back on a business trip. I was staying in the Renaissance. My dad came down from Auburn Hills (where the Pistons play), to take me to visit my grandmother in Detroit proper. Lemme tell you something…As dusk started, I looked over at him with, “Dad, for reals though. It’s time to go.” Her block? The only houses still standing are ones our family owns. Can you imagine?
Honestly, unless you are going out socializing with people who know the city and the people, I would recommend you stay home at night. I say this because those dudes waiting to rob you? They’re my cousins. You might be good inside the club, but you will have to walk to a car. You will be wearing clothes that tell everyone you aren’t from there. And you’re tall? Yeah, it’s SERIOUS.
I could go on. But without leadership and a population who specializes in more than selling drugs, stripping, and doing hair, I don’t see much impact having change coming to the D.
Well this is pretty damn honest. Got me wanting to pack my teflon next time.lol.
But for real, this perspective from someone that spent so much time there is interesting. Appreciate the candor with your thoughts and tips.
And as you can tell, I didn’t think much about the roles of education and skilled labor. Didn’t know Detroit ranked that far down on the list, but I guess it makes sense.
Oh wow. That was NOT that long in my mind. My bad.
i really like how this post was written. thanks for sharing your experience in the D. i think often times we joke about the city and talk about how bad it is, but rarely do we have compassion for the sad state of economic affairs the once booming and proud gem of American industry is in.
this is really, really well written. i’m genuinely impressed. good job bawse. lol
the city has a lot of beauty to offer. but it’s bad can’t be overlooked.
Ms. Smart makes a good point about the lack of education in Michigan. if i’m not mistaken, it’s one of the least educated states in the country. that makes a big difference where job availability and economy is concerned.
warm weather will bring adventures. can’t wait to read after your second visit.
Said this upthread, but didn’t know the bit about the state (or lack) of education there. I can only imagine what the teachers get paid.
If you found out how much they get paid you would be in awe. It’s shameful.
It’s amazing that I knew from the drawing that you visited Detroit. I was trying to think which mall is remotely close to the airport, I forget about Fairlane sometimes. I think this is one of the few articles re: Detroit that wasn’t straight negative. I appreciate it.
While I agree with Ms. Smart’s points, I don’t want to give the impression that there aren’t educated people here…ahem *raises hand*. I will say that it’s likely a small group compared to other urban areas (way less than 6 degrees of separation). Unfortunately, those of us who are here are having a really hard time staying motivated to remain. I just found out last week that my position is being eliminated at the end of the month. I have to be honest when I say that my job search is not centered around this area. I will always love Detroit, but the current economy is running anybody who can leave, out with the quickness.
Hopefully you’re able to come back for the Electronic Music Festival or the Jazz Fest. Good times.
I know, right! I was shocked at the positive view of the city. Most people bash The D like a pinata!
The way you describe Detroit reminds me so much of New Orleans. And not the French Quarter or the Arts District, but down in the wards where my people live. NOLA is one of those cities where beauty and ruination can exist side by side, and it’s just an acceptable part of the landscape. I remember visiting a little less than 2 years after Katrina and it looked like a bomb had gone off. Entire blocks of windowless, abandoned houses with spray painted X’s still on each.
It’s always sad to see cities not too far away from our own failing in a country where none should.
I’m glad you got the chance to visit my city! I LOVE Detroit and it will always be home even though I no longer live there. My family is still there and I’ve watched it dwindle over the years to quite a depressed city still filled with so much love through the pain.
i really liked this post, because it was pretty similar to my thoughts/feelings about the city as well.
that airport??? i mean..the train running through is 1 thing – but the fact that it’s a hub for Asia, just baffled me (and probably has roots in the auto industry as well?). makes you realized how tied that city was to that 1 industry.
and that city you see across the river, is Windsor Ontario (Canada).
Yo! You were in my hometown. That’s wild. It’s funny because I’ve been in NYC recently (still haven’t gotten a chance to really see the city/sites though).
I think you described The D accurately. In fact, I’m a bit surprised at how pleasant your experience was and your view of the city. Many people just discount it as a one stop spot and never plan to come back. When you come back there are definitely places you should visit when the weather isn’t at it’s worst.
I really enjoyed this post. It was like a trip down memory lane, but it was dope because it was from an ‘outsiders’ perspective. Great stuff Slim!
This was really well written Slim. I took my hand off my mouse, sat back and started sipping my coffee like I was reading a story.