Perspectives: The History of Detroit Neighborhoods and its Residents
When I first received the position as an oral history intern at the Detroit Historical Museum in the summer of 2021, I did not expect the overwhelming amount of outreach I had gotten from not only my community, but many others. I had been tasked with conducting formal interviews with individuals for the Where Detroit Lives project, regarding their neighborhoods and residency, whether it was current or formal, in the city of Detroit. While I initially believed that this internship would be as exhausting and demanding as we tend to see in television and movies, mostly because this was my first internship and I wasn’t sure what to expect, this could not have been further from the truth. To say I am grateful to have had this experience with other students would be a gross understatement.
The importance of allowing people to be heard through the oral histories not only gave me the opportunity to hear a narrative that differs from the one I am familiar with, but it brought back memories that were nearly forgotten. I would say the most rewarding aspect of this entire experience is hearing and seeing the amount of nostalgia come from these individuals that were previously not given the chance to have their stories recorded for the public to see. The sheer excitement on their end, and the disciplines I had learned in order to successfully conduct the interviews on my end, taught me the significance of creating spaces for the demographic of Detroiters that are overshadowed by the “new and improved Detroit” narratives, and it is a skillset I will carry with me into my professional career.
A Brief History of Dally in the Alley
Source: Detroit Free Press
Not only does it attract attention to local businesses and artists in the Corridor, the organization responsible for the event donates to community fundraisers that aid projects in the Midtown area. With well over two-hundred performers that volunteer to showcase their talents, Dally in the Alley is arguably one of Detroit’s most widely anticipated gatherings of the year, having been held the Saturday after Labor Day since 1977. With that being said, the inevitable cancellation of Dally 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic was felt by residents by and large, leading to the community planning for an even bigger celebration this upcoming autumn to make up for lost time
References to the Detroit News.
For over forty years, the preparation and eagerness for one of Detroit’s biggest events has garnered a large community and draws thousands nearly every year. This event, better known as Dally in the Alley, is a day-long celebration of the city’s unique culture. Through music performances, clothing and artistic vendors, mingling, and sight-seeing, it is a time where the historic Cass Corridor fills up with not only Wayne State students, but metro Detroiters and even out-of-state visitors excited to see what the day has to offer. Beginning some time around as early as eight in the morning, it is inclusive of all people, from offering yoga to senior citizens, painting stations for children, to concerts going well into the evening to cater to the younger, college crowd.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Check out our other 2021 presenters