20 unofficial mascots of Detroit

By Layla McMurtrie on Thu, May 9, 2024 at 5:14 pm

When people think of Detroit, certain figures or symbols may instantly come to mind that embody the spirit of the city. There are some people, landmarks, and other cultural icons that people see and instantly associate with Detroit. So, we decided to put together a list of Detroit’s “unofficial mascots” that represent the city like no other. Some are known globally, while others may be just inside jokes among Detroiters. If you know you know.

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The Spirit of Detroit statue

Located in downtown Detroit at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, this 26-foot sculpture was built to represent hope, progress, and the “spirit of man.” The statue was formally dedicated in 1958 and has stood as a testament of the city’s resilience ever since, an icon of the city for Detroiters and outsiders alike.

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Near and Far Photography / Shutterstock

GM RenCen

Built in the 1970s, the Renaissance Center reshaped Detroit’s skyline with what is now the tallest skyscraper in the city. Its seven interconnected towers house hotels, offices, and retail spaces. Recently, GM announced it would be moving its headquarters to the new Hudson site project, and no one is sure yet what will be next for the building. Whatever it may become, the view of Detroit wouldn’t be the same without it.

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Cal Sport Media / Alamy Stock Photo

The Lions

Following a successful 2023-24 season where the Lions came just one game away from the Super Bowl, Detroiters are no longer reluctant to be fans of our long-suffering hometown football team. Most of the country was rooting for us to win, according to one analysis, with many even calling the Lions “America’s team.” Unlike before, the country now sees the Lions as a symbol of positivity and hope for Detroit.

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Lee DeVito

Coney dogs

If there is one quintessential Detroit food item, it’s the coney dog. There are tons of Coney Island restaurants in the city and its surrounding suburbs, and everyone has their favorite. As a slightly gross pile of chili and onions on top of a hot dog, the humble dish may be completely baffling to some, but it’s considered a Detroit delicacy for locals and visitors alike.

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Courtesy of Detroit ACE

Detroit Youth Choir

The DYC’s time on America’s Got Talent put these talented kids on a public stage where they captivated audiences with strong performances and inspiring stories. The recently released Disney+ show Choir, which showed the group’s journey to performing at Carnegie Hall, did the same. In both cases, the DYC not only showcases the talent of Detroit’s youth but also serves as a positive light for the city and a source of inspiration for people everywhere.

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Cartier Buffs

Cartier sunglasses are a status symbol in Detroit, particularly the French luxury retailer’s C Décor buffalo horn frames, aka “Buffs.” You’ll see them worn by rappers and anyone who wants to stunt on their haters. While people may wear them elsewhere, when it comes to Detroit fashion, Buffs are a staple.

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Eminem

Considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, the 15-time Grammy award-winning recording artist rose to fame through Detroit’s underground rap scene, famously portrayed in the film 8 Mile, loosely based on his life. His rapid-fire delivery, complex rhyme schemes, and clever wordplay set a new standard for technical skill in rap music, serving as a representation of Detroit’s influence on hip-hop over time.

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Alyson Williams

Detroit vs. Everybody

Detroit native Tommey Walker founded Detroit vs. Everybody in 2012, and has since exploded globally. Originating as a clothing brand, the phrase’s message of resilience and unity has since expanded its appeal, leading to it being adopted in various contexts worldwide. Inspired by Detroit, festivals, cities, and other communities now often put their own twist on the slogan. Detroit is a trendsetter.

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Einar Einarsson Kvaran, WIkimedia Creative Commons

Mayor Coleman A. Young

As the first Black mayor of Detroit, serving from 1974 to 1994, Coleman Young played a pivotal role in shaping Detroit's political landscape and advocating for racial equality and economic empowerment for the city’s Black residents (as well as his colorful language and sense of humor). For many Detroiters, his leadership continues to hold importance.

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Lee DeVito

Joumana

If you’ve driven the freeways in Detroit, you’ve likely seen billboards of local lawyer Joumana Kayrouz, often with the famous line “Joumana is always watching.” She’s just an icon and all Detroiters know it.

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Motown

Founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959 as Tamla Records, Motown Records introduced the world to a new and distinctive sound: a style of soul music with mainstream pop appeal that broke racial boundaries. Artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Temptations, Diana Ross, and many others produced hit songs for Motown that helped shape the landscape of popular music. Now, “Motown” is synonymous with Detroit.

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Joe Louis Fist

This iconic Detroit sculpture, often just called “the Fist,” is a monument to the city’s most famous boxer, Joe Louis.

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Mayor Mike Duggan

After assuming office in 2014, Detroit’s current mayor is credited with helping to revitalize downtown, which for many residents makes him a symbol of hope for the city’s determination to overcome challenges.

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Jordan Buzzy

Dan Gilbert

The Detroit billionaire and businessman and his company Bedrock own more than 100 downtown properties. While the Quicken Loans co-founder has done a lot when it comes to the redevelopment and revitalization of Detroit, some see him as a gentrifier with too much money and power in the city. Either way, Detroit today would be much different without him.

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Instagram, @artnuttz

The Old English D

The Old English-style D has been connected to Detroit since the late 1800s. As the logo for the Detroit Tigers, the letter has become so iconic that one look at it instantly brings up an association with the city as a whole. It’s no wonder it’s a popular tattoo.

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Mark Reinstein /MediaPunch

Aretha Franklin

Emerging from the gospel scene of Detroit, the Queen of Soul left an undeniable mark on music history with hits like “Respect” and “I Say a Little Prayer.” Beyond her music, she championed civil rights and Indigenous communities’ rights, earning 18 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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Jerome the Vernors gnome

If you’re from Detroit, you know Vernors is considered medicine, and the ginger ale is actually one of the country’s oldest pops. The Vernors’ own mascot, which is a gnome originally named Jerome, can equally serve as a mascot for Detroit.

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Austin Evans Eighmey

Gmac Cash

Detroit rapper Gmac Cash is known for going viral on social media by jumping on hot topics and trends with funny, catchy songs. He famously made the track “Big Gretch,” about Michigan Gov. Whitmer, and recently made a single that made fun of Detroit’s new I-94 sign. He also made songs about national and global issues and events such as “Coronavirus” and “Montgomery Brawl.” He’s quick with the jokes and people everywhere love it.

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Joe Maroon

The Nain Rouge

Detroit’s folkloric Nain Rouge is a mischievous imp said to be a harbinger of doom. To some, it is just a misunderstood spirit, while others think the Nain is a devil who deserves to be driven out of town. The story has become more prominent since the annual Marche du Nain Rouge parade started in 2010, now a yearly tradition for Detroiters.

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Photo courtesy of @detroitchrisbrown

Detroit Chris Brown

If you’ve ever driven past Harper and Cadieux or Moross and Kelly, you’ve likely seen Darius Jones dancing on the corner. Affectionately known as Detroit Chris Brown, Jones has danced on the east side street corners for years, even receiving a Spirit of Detroit award in 2017. In 2019, there was a community uproar after Jones was nearly arrested after a run-in with Detroit Police. Nonetheless, he’s still going strong and putting smiles on people’s faces with his moves and silly costumes often.

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