Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen
Post Number: 1917 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Sunday, February 04, 2007 - 2:20 pm: | |
We're all pretty familiar with native Detroiter Kevin Boyle's book "Arc of Justice," the 2004 National Book Award winner covering the Ossian Sweet Murder Trial that took place in Detroit in the 1920s. (Historic Marker: http://www.michmarkers.com/sta rtup.asp?startpage=S0461.htm; additional info at http://detroit1701.org/SweetHo me.htm) The Everyone's Reading program has selected "Arc of Justice" as its 2007 title and put together a full complement of programs at 17 area libraries ranging from author presentations (Boyle was in town this weekend for 3 appearances and will be back in April) to lectures on a wide variety of topics to concerts and movies as well as book discussion groups. Check out the Everyone's Reading website at: http://www.everyonesreading.in fo/ for the full calendar of events and related information. |
Pythonmaster Member Username: Pythonmaster
Post Number: 18 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 4:53 pm: | |
I've been reading Boyles's book with fascination and had to go have a look. |
Pythonmaster Member Username: Pythonmaster
Post Number: 19 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 5:02 pm: | |
Sweet Home
|
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen
Post Number: 1923 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 5:19 pm: | |
Thanks, Pythonmaster, for the photo!! I too want to stop by and see the house and marker myself. If you are enjoying the book, I heartily recommend that you attend one of Kevin Boyle's Detroit-area appearances in April. He's a terrific speaker: Monday, April 16, 1pm at Clinton-Macomb Public Library, 7pm at Baldwin Public Library (Community House), Birmingham; Tuesday, April 17, 2pm, Southfield Public Library, 7pm Rochester Hills Public Library; Wednesday, April 18, 7pm Canton Public Library. |
Sumotect Member Username: Sumotect
Post Number: 264 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 5:20 pm: | |
There is a play regarding the trial of Ossian Sweet at UDM this week. I can't seem to find the link. |
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen
Post Number: 1924 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 5:58 pm: | |
Here's the info on the play: Malice Aforethought: The Sweet Trials, February 2-18, 2007 (8pm Friday and Saturday evenings; 2pm Sunday matinees). Written and directed by Professor of Theatre Arthur Beer of the University of Detroit Mercy Theatre Company, this new play addresses the trial of Dr. Ossian Sweet, a prominent black Detroit physician charged with the murder of a white man. Famed attorney Clarence Darrow defended the Sweets thanks to funds raised by the NAACP and other civil rights organizations. Frank Murphy, who a decade later became Michigan’s governor, was the trial judge. The case remains a landmark in the civil rights movement. Hosted by the Marygrove College Theatre in the Liberal Arts Building located on the Marygrove Campus, 8425 W. McNichols Rd. http://theatre.udmercy.edu/pla y3.html |
Fnemecek Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 2353 Registered: 12-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 6:38 pm: | |
And for those interested not only in see the play but in discussing it with the cast & playwright: http://www.detroitsynergy.org/ projects/coffeetalks/newsitems /ossianbookplay2/ |
Pamequus Member Username: Pamequus
Post Number: 97 Registered: 07-2005
| Posted on Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 8:44 am: | |
Fascinating book. Beyond the obvious significant history the book offers what struck me strongest was how the racial policies of the time set Detroit up for the riots, the white flight and the ultimate decay of Detroit. Further, as a white person, I found it amazing that I grew up in the city, totally unaware of the level of racism that existed. I didn't even know Rosa Parks was living amongst us. I guess, in all white Redford, it wasn't worth mentioning. (I left Detroit in 78) It makes me angry that so much rich history was denied us by those who believed it wasn't worth knowing. |
1953 Member Username: 1953
Post Number: 1292 Registered: 12-2004
| Posted on Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 9:16 am: | |
I'm not reading this, since it doesn't interest me in the least. I wish all the hype about it would go away. |
Jimg Member Username: Jimg
Post Number: 774 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 10:12 am: | |
Boyle's book is excellent. Rich in detail, great photos, informative and very readable. I've heard Mr Boyle speak and he's a brilliant storyteller. By all means attend one of his talks. |
Cjdb16 Member Username: Cjdb16
Post Number: 157 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 12:06 pm: | |
sweettrials.udmercy.edu |
Andylinn Member Username: Andylinn
Post Number: 317 Registered: 04-2006
| Posted on Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 12:20 pm: | |
why not, 1953? |
65memories Member Username: 65memories
Post Number: 341 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 2:04 pm: | |
I totally agree with Jimg and Kathleen. Boyle is excellent. Hearing him in person is always informative and insightful. |
Pythonmaster Member Username: Pythonmaster
Post Number: 22 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Friday, February 09, 2007 - 5:45 pm: | |
I came up in the Burbs and this event was never mentioned in our history books. The sad truth is our city is still one of the most segregated in the country. http://www.southend.wayne.edu/ modules/news/article.php?story id=1985 |
B24liberator Member Username: B24liberator
Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2007
| Posted on Friday, February 09, 2007 - 6:49 pm: | |
Pythonmaster, your post made me recall just how "whitewashed" my grade school history books were. I remember one spouting our gallant efforts in the Mexican-American war-- And not about the blatant land-grab it actually was. I'm also sick of the kids gloves treatment of the Alamo and the fight for Texan "independence"-- Read some of Col. Travis's letters and journal entries of that time, and you'll see how it was nothing but a big effort to bring into the U.S. another slave-state, which of course, soon happened. I hope to god I never see another made for TV "Alamo Story" type of dreck, starring (natch!) the latest country superstars.. Ugh! |
Xd_brklyn Member Username: Xd_brklyn
Post Number: 207 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Friday, February 09, 2007 - 7:13 pm: | |
Didn't know Mr. Boyle was a Detroiter. That makes it: Tom Stanton - 2001 Casey Award Best Baseball Book Jeffrey Eugenides - 2002 Pulitzer Prize Kevin Boyle - 2004 National Book Award Paul Clemens - 2005 NY Times 100 Notable Book List Not too shabby. |