July 31, 1967
Detroit stays cool during long, hot summer
As violence sweeps across America's cities, one place remains relatively free of unrest. Despite rioting in inner city neighborhoods in Tampa, Buffalo, Newark, Plainfield, Minneapolis, and now Milwaukee, Detroit is at peace. Or at least eerily calm. [1]
After last year’s riots in the wake of the Fermi meltdown, Detroit and the State of Michigan have taken steps to ensure that another riot does not take place. The city touts several new initiatives aimed at integration and ending disenfranchisement. More Black officers have been hired to patrol in Black-majority neighborhoods in the city. The Greater Detroit Board of Commerce is encouraging employers to hire Black candidates. A committee known as “New Detroit” has been formed that encourages dialogue between community members, politicians, and business leaders. [2]
Governor Romney attributes Detroit’s calm to fair housing initiatives he himself supported. Despite initial opposition from both parties, the housing measure passed with the support of the governor. These initiatives include important relocation, tenants' rights and code enforcement legislation that are aimed at integrating a very racially segregated city. To win over skeptical legislators, the governor warned that if the bill were not passed, "it will accelerate the recruitment of revolutionary insurrectionists." [2]
Despite this optimism, not all is well in Detroit. While Downtown Detroit is five miles away from the northern edge of the evacuation zone, the city streets are increasingly empty. Blight is increasing as homes and businesses are abandoned, becoming havens for the criminal element. Rumors of a spike in cancer cases has many concerned for their health. These fears, combined with anxiety over increasing crime and social unrest, have caused many Detroiters to leave for the suburbs north and west of the city. These fears have also led to the formation of White radical groups like "Breakthrough”, which encourages its members to arm themselves, ostensibly against future riots. [2]