NORTHVILLIANS,

We started off July celebrating our nation's birthday when we had activities at the Mill Race Village, our All-American Parade and festivities going on throughout town. On this day, we in the community had a chance to gather with civic leaders, have fellowship with other Northvillians and share some BBQ with friends. I would be remiss if I didn’t ask for your thoughts & prayers for those in Highland Park, Illinois after the tragic shootings there…I ask that you keep their entire town in your heartfelt thoughts.

With the festivities commemorating our country’s freedoms these past few days, we are reminded of another holiday that marks our country’s second Independence Day, JUNETEENTH. This year represents the 157th anniversary commemorating the last African American slave being freed in Texas.  While it has long been celebrated in many communities, President Biden signed Juneteenth into law as a National Independence Day. This is the first federal holiday approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. On Juneteenth (6/19), we recommit ourselves to the work of equality and justice in this great country of ours.

Before looking at Equality as it relates to Juneteenth activities in our community, let’s take a look at what’s happening today:

Events

• Check out the latest Spotlight Northville clips by clicking on:  link
   
• Dancing in the Ville – Town Square, Wednesday evenings 6:30-8:00 PM. Arthur Murray teachers provide lessons for a variety of dance genres (all levels).
   
• Summer Concerts every Friday & Saturday at 7:00 PM – Downtown
   
• 7/9 Cars & Coffee (Saturday, 8-10 AM).  Join our monthly gathering, (2nd Saturday Monthly), now at 212 W. Cady Street, behind Old Village School next to Library. Refreshments will be supplied by Northville Lumber. Bring a car/bring yourself. 

Now let's take a look at some history relative to equality and justice in our Northville community through time...

Northville’s Underground Railroad Connections

According to a 1927 Record article, “The Ambler Hotel in Northville in the 1800’s was a station on the Underground Railroad, assisting Americans of color in their fight for freedom.” I have even spoken to some of the Amblers through the years on this.

In addition to the Ambler Hotel, other stations in the Northville area were: The Cady Inn (still in the area), the Starkweather Farm (7 Mile & Beck) and a location where Meads Mill Middle School is today.

John Lewis – Michigan’s last Civil War Vet

In the Northville area, John Lewis was a storied Civil War veteran. According to The Record: “The Lewis family fled the South before the Civil War and stayed at the Ambler Station on the underground railroad. Eventually, they took up residence on the edge of Northville in Salem. John Lewis felt compelled to enlist in Pontiac’s first African American division during the Civil War.” He was involved in fighting at Gettysburg, and the Lewis Family still has a Civil War drum that he used on the battlefield. John Lewis was Michigan’s last living Civil War veteran.

Joe Louis (World’s Heavyweight Boxing Champion)

Joe Louis (Joseph Louis Barrow) put our town on the map in the 1930’s when he trained on occasion in Northville. At the time, the town was a nucleus of boxing in the Detroit area, with a private full-time indoor ring in the Village.

The Brown Bomber (as he was referred to) and Northville Downs Fairgrounds teamed up to prepare for the fight when the champion was defending his crown for the eighth time (since first winning the title in 1937). The Downs facility was selected as his official training center in preparation for a match in September 1939 against Bob Pastor at Tiger Stadium (Briggs Field), where he won with a KO in the 11^th Round.

At the Downs, a ring was set up in front of the grandstand for workouts. Daily busloads of fans showed up from all over the country to see Joe in action for $1 a day. It was acknowledged that Joe Louis at times stayed at an estate on 8 Mile & Newburgh and also spent time where the Living and Learning Mansion is today.

According to The Record, Northville residents enjoyed seeing Joe running, walking and socializing in town. Importantly, he was welcomed into the community and truly accepted as a Northvillian.
 
Equality Rallies

During 2020, rallies for equality took place in Northville at Ford Field and at City Hall Park. At the “One World Family Rally,” I signed an oversized agreement called My Brother’s Keeper Proclamation that hangs in City Hall today. It is a symbol of our commitment to equality of policies and procedures for all in the community. 

In closing, I am proud of our citizens who treat each other with equality, integrity and respect, keeping in mind the highest degree of ethics in all we do. Northville is truly a special place and these principles have guided us for nearly 200 years.

As Juneteenth has been earmarked on our calendars as a federal holiday going forward, I wholeheartedly believe the future is bright for our community and for our country. The best journeys in life are the ones we share. Remember, it’s not the destination that’s important but the journey itself … how we treat others along the path of life help make us who we are!

Keep that Northville Equality Faith!