These Black historical figures are from Michigan

By Layla McMurtrie on Sun, Feb 18, 2024 at 11:31 am

Michigan has been home to a diverse array of Black historical figures whose legacies have left a mark, not only in the state but around the world. From social justice and civil rights activism to visionary music and entertainment, Michigan has produced some legends. As we celebrate Black History Month, we wanted to highlight some notable Black figures that Michigan should be paying homage to year-round.

Tags:

Scroll down to view images

Mark Reinstein /MediaPunch

Aretha Franklin

Emerging from the gospel scene of Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church, 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. Following her death in 2018, Franklin was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.

1 of 18

Courtesy photo

J Dilla

Renowned as a groundbreaking figure in hip-hop production, J Dilla, born James Dewitt Yancey, spent much of his life in Detroit. His innovative beats influenced an entire era of hip-hop, collaborating with icons such as Slum Village, the Pharcyde, Erykah Badu, and Common. Tragically, his career was cut short at 32 due to a rare blood disease. In 2021, Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm was released, helping to introduce the visionary to a new generation.

2 of 18

Public domain, Library of Congress

Malcolm X

Influential civil rights leader and activist Malcolm X spent his formative years in Lansing, residing in Inkster for a year later on in life. It was during his time in Michigan that Malcolm X began his journey toward becoming one of the most prominent figures in the fight for racial equality and social justice. His experiences in Michigan, including encounters with racism and activism, helped lay the foundation for his later work as a powerful voice for change.

3 of 18

Shutterstock

Aaliyah

Though born in Brooklyn, New York, the Princess of R&B found her musical roots in Detroit. She soared to stardom with her debut album Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number at 15, later graduating from Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts in 1997. Her smooth R&B tracks, later produced by legends Timberland and Missy Elliot, alongside sensual hip-hop choreography, put Aaliyah on the map as one of the most influential artists of the ’90s. On August 25, 2001, the singer tragically lost her life after a fatal plane crash at the age of 22.

4 of 18

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com

John Conyers

Hailing from Highland Park, John Conyers became the longest-serving Black congressman. A co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, Conyers introduced a bill to study reparations for slavery in 1989 and did so every year for three decades, but his legacy was tainted by sexual harassment allegations, resulting in his resignation from the U.S. House in 2017. He passed away in 2019 at age 90.

5 of 18

Rene Passet, Flickr Creative Commons

Amp Fiddler

An influential musician, mentor, and friend to many, Joseph “Amp” Fiddler played an integral role in shaping Detroit’s rich musical heritage. Born and raised in the city, the former member of George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic collective made indelible contributions to funk, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music throughout his career and garnered widespread acclaim and admiration. Sadly, Amp passed away in late 2023, but his legacy and love live on.

6 of 18

National Portrait Gallery, Wikimedia Creative Commons

Sojourner Truth

Born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree, Sojourner Truth escaped to freedom and became a prominent abolitionist and women's rights activist. She spent a significant portion of her life in Michigan, where she worked tirelessly for the abolition of slavery and equal rights for all.

7 of 18

Raph_PH - DRossLongleat010722 , Wikimedia Creative Commons

Diana Ross

Born in Detroit, Diana Ross honed her musical talents and began her journey to stardom in Michigan. As a teenager, she found early success as a member of The Supremes, one of Motown’s most prominent acts. The group’s chart-topping hits, including “Where Did Our Love Go” and “Stop! In the Name of Love,” propelled them to international fame. Beyond her musical prowess, Ross made history as one of the first Black women to achieve mainstream success in the entertainment industry.

8 of 18

Public domain, Wikimedia Creative Commons

Rosa Parks

Following her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott, civil rights activist Rosa Parks relocated to Detroit. Serving in U.S. Rep. John Conyers’s congressional office and later as a Planned Parenthood board member, Parks left a lasting legacy. When she died in 2005, Parks was buried in Detroit’s Woodlawn Cemetery.

9 of 18

Shutterstock

John Witherspoon

Beloved comedian and actor John Witherspoon, who passed away in 2019, was originally from Detroit. His career spanned decades and made a worldwide impact through productions like Friday and The Boondocks.

10 of 18

Einar Einarsson Kvaran, WIkimedia Creative Commons

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 Black Detroiters.

11 of 18

Publicity photo

Susie Garrett

A versatile actress and jazz vocalist, Susie Garrett left her mark on television with roles like Cherie’s grandmother Betty Johnson on Punky Brewster, as well as a guest appearance on The Twilight Zone. She died in 2002 in Southfield at the age of 72 and is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery.

12 of 18

Timothy M. Moore, Wikimedia Creative Commons

Proof

DeShaun Dupree Holton, known professionally as Proof, was a founding member of rap group D12 with Eminem. Proof released several hits, including “Kurt Kobain,” “Trapped,” and “Oil Can Harry,” plus he appeared in the 2002 film 8 Mile as Lil’ Tic. Killed in 2006 at age 32, Proof is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.

13 of 18

These Black historical figures are from Michigan

John Mathew Smith, Wikimedia Creative Commons

14 of 18

Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

David Ruffin

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a lead singer of The Temptations, David Ruffin's soulful voice defined hits like “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Following his 1991 passing, Ruffin was buried in Detroit’s Woodlawn Cemetery.

15 of 18

Public domain, Wikimedia Creative Commons

Son House

Renowned for his slide guitar prowess, Edward James “Son” House Jr. transitioned from preaching in Mississippi to playing blues music at 25. Despite initial struggles, the blues revival of the 1960s revitalized his career. House retired in 1974 and spent his final years in Detroit, passing away in 1988 at age 86. He is buried at Mt. Hazel Cemetery, where members of the Detroit Blues Society raised money through benefit concerts to build a monument.

16 of 18

Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Berry Gordy, Jr.

Born in Detroit, Berry Gordy, Jr. was the founder of Motown Records, one of the most successful and influential record labels in the history of American music. Gordy’s contributions to the music industry revolutionized popular music and helped to promote Black artists on a global scale. The producer is currently 94 years old and resides in Los Angeles.

17 of 18

Shutterstock

Charles H. Wright

A prominent African American physician and author, Dr. Charles H. Wright founded the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit in 1965. The activist passed away decades later in 2002, but the museum continues to grow.

18 of 18