Historic Marker Dedicated at Site of 1967 Detroit Race Riot Incident

Detroit, once the site of a transient motel where three Black teenagers were killed during the city’s 1967 race riot, is now receiving a historic marker to commemorate the tragic event. The dedication ceremony took place in a park several miles north of downtown where the Algiers Motel once stood.

During the violent race riots in 1967, police and National Guard members raided the motel and its adjacent Manor House after reports of gunfire. The bodies of Auburey Pollard, Carl Cooper, and Fred Temple were found, with several others beaten. The white officers involved were charged with murder but never convicted.

Historian Danielle McGuire, who worked to get the marker installed, emphasized the importance of truth-telling to repair past injustices. The dedication ceremony brought together community members and survivors, including Lee Forsythe, who witnessed the brutality firsthand.

Forsythe recounted the harrowing experience of seeing his friend die and being beaten by police officers. The riot, which left dozens dead and thousands arrested, exacerbated racial tensions and led to the city’s population decline.

Mayor Mike Duggan acknowledged the city’s history of discrimination and racial injustice, calling the marker’s dedication long overdue. While the past cannot be changed, McGuire emphasized the importance of acknowledging the victims and learning from history to prevent future violence.

The Algiers Motel, now a park, has been featured in documentaries and films, including the 2017 movie “Detroit.” The historic marker serves as a reminder of the city’s troubled past and a call to honor the victims and strive for a better future.