We Hope for Better Things; It Will Rise from the Ashes

Items

• Linwood Madonna & Child
  This vivid color 35mm slide taken by artist Henri Umbaji King captures a poignant moment during the events of July 1967 on Linwood Avenue, offering a glimpse into the tension and resilience of the time. In the foreground, a Black woman cradles a child, embodying the protective instincts and human vulnerability amid the chaos. Across the street, a line of eight White police officers, armed with rifles, stands as a stark reminder of the forceful response to the unrest. Behind them, the boarded-up facade of Linwood Sportland and another shuttered building echo the disruptions to community life and commerce. This image encapsulates the complexities of the 1967 Detroit riots, juxtaposing scenes of familial tenderness with the rigid posture of authority, and serves as a testament to the enduring impact of these events on Detroit’s social and urban fabric.