Thomas's ground-breaking study should occupy a central place in theliterature of American urban history." -- Choice
..".path-breaking... a fine community study... " -- Journal of AmericanStudies
"Thomas's work is essential reading... succeeds inproviding a bridge of information on the social, political, legal, and economicdevelopment of the Detroit black community between the turn of the century and1945." -- Michigan Historical Review
The black community inDetroit developed into one of the major centers of black progress. Richard Thomastraces the building of this community from its roots in the 19th century, throughthe key period 1915-1945, by focusing on how industrial workers, ministers, politicians, business leaders, youth, and community activists contributed to theprocess.