As we celebrate Black History Month, we take time to reflect on the places, people, and institutions that have shaped Detroit’s Black community. East Canfield Village is home to a rich history filled with resilience, innovation, and progress. From transportation lifelines to community hubs, these stories remind us of the deep-rooted contributions that continue to influence our present and future.
The Mack Line – A Lifeline for Detroit’s Black Community
During the early 20th century, the Mack Line in Detroit served as more than just a means of transportation—it was a vital artery for the city’s Black community. Stretching through historic neighborhoods like Paradise Valley and Black Bottom, the Mack Line connected residents to life-changing opportunities. It carried workers to Detroit’s booming automotive plants, helping to shape the city into the Motor City and creating pathways to economic mobility for Black families.
Even more importantly, the Mack Line played a key role in the cultural and social fabric of Detroit. It brought players and spectators alike to Mack Park, the original home of the Negro League’s Detroit Stars. Situated at Mack and Fairview, this historic ballpark was a beacon of pride and community. It hosted legendary athletes and provided a space where Detroit’s Black residents could come together to celebrate their talent, resilience, and love of the game, despite the racial barriers of the time.
This Black History Month, we honor the legacy of the Mack Line and the profound impact it had in shaping the history, culture, and identity of Detroit’s Black community and East Canfield Village.
Brewer Recreation Center – A Beacon for East Canfield Village
The Brewer Recreation Center was more than just a building—it was the heart of East Canfield Village. For generations, it served as a vital space for education, recreation, and community building, offering opportunities for residents to come together and thrive. Brewer’s swimming pool holds particular historical significance, as it was a place where many Black residents learned to swim—a skill often denied to them in segregated America. Barred from public pools shared with white residents, Black communities faced stark disparities in recreational access. Brewer’s pool helped close that gap, providing an inclusive space for learning, growth, and joy.
Today, Canfield Consortium honors Brewer Recreation Center’s legacy as we work to build equity and opportunities in East Canfield Village. Since 2022, we’ve proudly served as stewards of Brewer Park, hosting clean-ups and events, and championing the park’s revitalization to ensure it remains a vibrant hub for the community. One of our key initiatives, the Canfield Connect, will play an integral role in breathing new life into Brewer Park while celebrating its rich history and significance.
This Black History Month, we reflect on Brewer Recreation Center’s lasting impact and reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces that uplift and empower our community.
Barack Obama Leadership Academy – A School with Deep Roots
Located on East Canfield between Montclair and Lemay, the school now named Barack Obama Leadership Academy has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly a century. Originally named St. Clair School, it paid homage to the area’s history as part of the Village of St. Clair Heights, a name that traces back to when Detroit annexed land from Grosse Pointe in the 1890’s.
In the 1970’s, the school was renamed after The Honorable Damon J. Keith, a towering figure in civil rights and justice. Judge Keith served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 1977 until his passing in 2019. For over 50 years, he was a steadfast defender of the Constitution and a voice for equity and justice. His groundbreaking rulings desegregated public schools, broke corporate color lines, and required municipalities to repair systemic racism’s harm. Judge Keith famously challenged power structures, prohibiting President Nixon’s warrantless wiretapping and opposing secret deportation hearings post-9/11.
In 2021, the school was renamed again to honor another trailblazing figure, Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States. Today, the Barack Obama Leadership Academy stands as a proud symbol of African American history, resilience, and achievement. It is a privilege to have a school within East Canfield Village that embodies the legacies of leaders who fought for justice, equity, and progress.
This Black History Month, we celebrate the rich history and enduring impact of this cherished institution on our community.
Jack’s Party Store – A Cornerstone of the Community
During the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, Jack’s Party Store stood as a vibrant hub for the East Canfield Village community. Owned and operated by Jack, who both lived and worked in the neighborhood, the store was more than just a business—it was a cornerstone of the community. Jack provided essential goods and services while employing many local residents, creating opportunities and fostering connections within the neighborhood.
Jack’s Party Store was more than just a party store. It was a multipurpose hub that housed a barber shop, beauty salon, cleaners, and even a record store. For residents, it was a place where they could run errands, connect with neighbors, and feel a sense of belonging.
Co-founder Kim Theus fondly recalls walking to Jack’s with her dad to buy penny candy, excitedly carrying it home in a brown paper bag. Jack’s was not just a place to shop but a cherished part of daily life, creating lasting memories for generations of residents.
Today, the empty storefront remains a testament to its legacy. Canfield Consortium is deeply honored to be working on revitalizing Jack’s Party Store, restoring this neighborhood gem to honor Jack’s memory and the vital role the store played in the lives of so many.
This Black History Month, we celebrate Jack’s Party Store and its enduring impact on East Canfield Village, as we work to preserve and build on its legacy for future generations.
The rich history of East Canfield Village reflects the broader story of Detroit’s Black community—one of perseverance, innovation, and deep-rooted cultural significance. As we honor these landmarks, we remain committed to preserving and amplifying the stories that have shaped our past and will continue to inspire our future.
