4 - Encompassing Omitted Voices in History: An Evaluation of Detroit’s Historical Markers

Abstract Information: History is often narrated from the perspective of white people, reflecting their experiences, viewpoints, and biases, while overlooking the perspectives and contributions of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and individuals. Considering this, the Michigan History Center (MHC) sought out JFM Consulting Group (JFM), an African American woman-owned evaluation and consulting firm, to facilitate and evaluate a series of sessions in which Detroit historians and community members reviewed the existing historical markers in Detroit for their content, accuracy, and tone. This group further developed priority topics and criteria for new historical markers. JFM conducted ten 90-minute community meetings of which five were dedicated to critiquing existing markers and five dedicated to suggesting new markers and equitable marker criteria. Three to twelve attendees were present at each meeting, which were held virtually via Zoom or in person at a local history museum. In total, 38 community members of various ethnicities, genders, ages, and sexual identities were present for at least one of the ten sessions. Furthermore, community members had various degrees of historical knowledge, ranging from novices who were generally interested in the history of Detroit to History professors at the University of Michigan. Presently, there are 154 historical markers printed in brass and ceramic throughout Detroit; community members critically annotated 142 of these. Community members determined that 29% of the reviewed markers had grammatical errors, 16% had outdated/harmful language (i.e., negro, colored, etc.), and 53% had missing perspectives or historical inaccuracies. Of the existing markers, the large majority were white-centered; only 17 (11%) acknowledged non-white populations and their historical significance and contributions to the city of Detroit. Acknowledging the missing voices from the existing historical markers, community members suggested new markers for 87 places/people to better capture underrepresented perspectives and stories. This included 1 Asian story, 2 acknowledging the LGBTQ+ community, 5 emphasizing Hispanic experiences, 6 celebrating women, 12 highlighting Indigenous plight, and 21 suggestions uplifting Black voices. After creating this list of suggested new markers, community members voted for their top four priority stories for MHC to implement first. Encouraged to apply an equity lens in their decision making, participants often voted for new markers that highlighted diverse voices. Additionally, to ensure future markers are telling historically accurate and inclusive stories, community members decided that readability, accessibility, historical accuracy, multiple perspectives, and inclusion of various identities are important criteria to consider when inducting a new marker. Through revising existing markers, suggesting new stories, and establishing updated criteria for accuracy and inclusivity, JFM and the designated team were able to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, celebrating their heritage and ensuring more comprehensive historical accounts. Utilizing the rich historical experiences and multifaceted viewpoints of passionate community members, the integration of these narratives into tangible landmarks will foster greater recognition of BIPOC stories within the city of Detroit.