Detroit is rich in African-American culture and history, and one of the best places to start your exploration is with a visit to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit). The museum is the world's largest institution dedicated to the African-American experience with more than 30,000 artifacts and archival materials, a remarkable permanent exhibit, "And Still We Rise," plus a host of always-interesting temporary exhibits, a film series and special events.
A few blocks north is the Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit), one of the country’s largest fine arts museums with one of the most extensive collections of African-American art. Extend the artful experience with a meal at Atlas Global Bistro (3111 Woodward Ave., Detroit), which has an eclectic, creative menu and an inviting dining room fronting the action on Woodward Avenue.
Next drive west to the Motown Historical Museum (2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit) created by Esther Gordy Edwards, sister of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, to preserve the legacy of Motown Records and to promote the values the company exemplified. The museum includes models of several houses and buildings integral to Motown’s history, interactive exhibits, original stage clothing worn by famous Motown artists, sheet music, instruments, rare photos and other memorabilia (including Michael Jackson’s trademark jeweled white glove and black fedora hat).
If you don’t mind crossing the border (simple enough to do, just make sure you have the necessary identification) the John Freeman Walls Historic Site & Underground Railroad Museum (932 Concession 6, R.R. 3, Essex; about 30 minutes east of the Detroit/Windsor border) is worth the trip. The museum was built and is operated by the descendants of John Freeman Walls and Jane King Walls, who traveled on the famous Underground Railroad. Tours are by appointment only and are limited, so be sure to call first.
Closer to downtown is the Black Holocaust Museum (13535 Livernois Ave., Detroit), a memorial to the millions of Africans who were captured and sold during the slave trade. The museum features a collection of artifacts from the slave trade, and a reproduction of a slave cabin.
Top off your day-long immersion into this rich culture with dinner at Beans & Cornbread (29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield) an upscale but moderately-priced soul food restaurant. The convivial dining room adorned with portraits of Josephine Baker, Aretha Franklin, and Paul Robeson is a great place to kick back and relax with a down-home meal. The especially-spirited Sunday Gospel Brunch is not to be missed, as is the incredible peach cobbler waffle.
