Henry Ford was an American industrialist and the founder of the Ford Motor Company, which revolutionized the automotive industry with the introduction of the assembly line technique of mass production.
Berry Gordy Jr. is a record executive, songwriter, and producer who founded Motown Records in Detroit. Motown played an influential role in the racial integration of popular music and achieved widespread success with acts like The Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye.
Aretha Franklin was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Known as the 'Queen of Soul,' Franklin's powerful voice and emotive delivery made her one of the greatest singers of all time. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but spent much of her childhood in Detroit.
Coleman A. Young was a politician who served as the mayor of Detroit from 1974 to 1994, making him the city's longest-serving mayor. He was the city's first African American mayor and played a significant role in shaping Detroit's political landscape.
Diana Ross is an American singer, actress, and record producer. As the lead singer of The Supremes, she achieved fame and success in the 1960s. Born and raised in Detroit, Ross became one of the most successful female artists of her era.
Madam C.J. Walker was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social activist. She became one of the wealthiest African American women in the early 20th century through her line of hair care products for black women. Walker's success paved the way for future generations of black entrepreneurs.
Marshall Mathers, known professionally as Eminem, is a rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, he moved to Detroit as a teenager and gained fame with his alter ego, Slim Shady. Eminem is one of the best-selling artists of the 21st century.
Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. Although she was born in Alabama, Parks moved to Detroit in 1957 and remained active in the civil rights movement. She received numerous awards for her activism and dedication to equality.
Smokey Robinson is a singer, songwriter, and record producer who founded The Miracles and was a key figure in the Motown sound. Born and raised in Detroit, Robinson became one of the most influential and celebrated artists in the history of popular music.
Tyree Guyton is an artist and community activist best known for his work on the Heidelberg Project, an outdoor art installation in Detroit's McDougall-Hunt neighborhood. The project aims to transform abandoned houses and vacant lots into colorful works of art.