Edition No. 64
In our 64th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Women’s History Month events at the DIA; a virtual tour celebrating Women's History Month along Detroit’s Riverfront; and Oakland University faculty discussing the Ukraine War
Arts and Culture
The Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates Women’s History month.
Community and Family
Join City Institute for a virtual tour celebrating Women's History Month along Detroit’s Riverfront.
American Democracy
Oakland University faculty hosts Ukraine War discussion.
Celebrate Women's History Month
March 1 marked the start of Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and celebrate the vital role of women in American history. The Detroit Institute of Arts is offering a variety of events that celebrate the creative contributions of women.
Throughout March, guests can enjoy films, music, artist demonstrations and more. Guided tours will focus on works by women artists in the museum's collection.
Admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Take a look at the complete list of events found at the button below.
Women's History along Detroit’s Riverfront
Women have been an integral part of Detroit’s growth and success but too often are left out of the history books. Hosted by City Institute, this virtual tour travels throughout the decades and along the Detroit Riverfront to learn about the city’s most innovative and inspirational women both past and present.
Highlights include:
Brief overview of Detroit’s history and the development adjacent to the Riverfront
Historical figures such as Madame Cadillac, Lisette Denison and Fannie Richards
Women-owned businesses today including Savvy Chic Boutique and Wheelhouse Detroit
Women artists such as Sydney James and Louise Jones “Ouizi”
City Institute’s mission is to provides a deeper understanding of Detroit so that residents and stakeholders can be better equipped to shape an equitable and thriving city. Additional interviews with Detroit residents, community leaders, and small business owners on a various topics are available at www.thecityinstitute.com.
Ukraine War Discussion with Oakland University Faculty
Thursday, March 10, 12:00 p.m. - Online
As part of our partnership with the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University, we wanted to call your attention to a program on the war in Ukraine that they are holding. Three international relations experts from OU’s political science department will be joined by faculty from other areas to help us all to better understand the conflict. To learn more or to register below.
If you are unable to attend at 12 p.m., a recording of the session will be made available later on the OU Center for Civic Engagement Facebook page.
Additionally, join us Wednesday, March 16 at 7pm for our next American Democracy online event. Andrew Lapin joins us to talk about his podcast “RADIOACTIVE: The Father Coughlin Story" and the infamous “Radio Priest". Follow the button below for more information and to register.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 63
Last week's edition of Inspired Thoughts went live before the Russian invasion of Ukraine was broadly known in the west. As a result, the leading challenge facing our world was a very conspicuous absence from that issue. In response, we will devote all three sections of the 63rd edition of Inspired Thoughts to Ukraine.
Arts and Culture
Stories this past week on how Ukrainian visual and performing artists and arts institutions are responding to the current Russian invasion.
Community and Family
Local media has been filled with stories about how the Russian invasion has prompted worry as well as charitable and advocacy efforts by local Ukrainian Americans.
American Democracy
Where does the US, Europe, and the world now stand because of the invasion?
Protecting Ukrainian Art and Culture
CBS News, ARTNews, The Art Newspaper, and NPR had fascinating stories this past week on how Ukrainian visual and performing artists and arts institutions are responding to the current invasion as well as Putin’s longer-term effort to restore Moscow's political, economic, and cultural hegemony by denying the very existence of Ukraine as a distinct nation with its own people, culture, history, and right to self-determination.
In “Cultural Heritage Experts Fear Russian President Vladimir Putin Out to Destroy Ukraine's History,” CBS News visited a museum of Ukrainian culture in Stamford, Connecticut to explore fears that one of the invasion's objectives may be the systematic erasure of Ukrainian history and culture.
ARTNews’ “Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Intensifies, Artists and Institutions React to an Uncertain Future” focused on continuing efforts by Ukrainian museum curators to protect and preserve their nation's cultural resources.
NPR highlighted how, Ukrainian musicians, rejecting Russia is a matter of national pride.
Finally, The Art Newspaper’s “From naked protests to blockchain fundraising: how artists are protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine” focused on how visual artists, including some in Russia, are protesting the invasion.
The Local Dimension
Metro Detroit is home to a large and active Ukrainian American community. Not surprisingly, our local media has been filled with stories about how the Russian invasion has prompted worry as well as charitable and advocacy efforts by local Ukrainian Americans. Two items, however, one from Channel 7 another from the Detroit Free Press, really stood out.
WXYZ Channel 7 told us about Steve Andre, a metro-Detroit photojournalist currently working in Ukraine and how his perspective and definition of his role have been involving in recent days as the metro Detroit community supports Ukraine amid crisis with Russia.
The Sunday Detroit Free Press reported on local rallies in support of the Ukrainian people and efforts to not just mobilize medical and relief aid but to influence US policy, “Ukrainian Americans, who number roughly 37,000 in Michigan, are also getting active in contracting elected official, urging them to support tough sanctions against Russia and increase aid to defend Ukraine.”
Where does the Invasion leave America, Europe, and the World?
There is no doubt that America has played a leadership role in our world since World War II if not earlier. As a result, what we do, or not do, at this time could have significant consequences for our national interest and the global order but even greater, potentially tragic, consequences for the Ukrainian people. Not surprisingly, there has been an enormous amount of material coming out this past week about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and where the US, Europe, and the world now stand because of that invasion.
“Our world is not going to be the same again because this war has no historical parallel. It is a raw, 18th-century style landgrab by a superpower – but in a 21st-century globalized world.” – Thomas L. Friedman in the New York Times
The Sunday, February 27, 2022, print edition of the New York Times featured several articles on the invasion, including a piece from Thomas L. Friedman, “We Have Never Been Here Before.” The Friedman piece is long but approachable and important.
“… the West can put itself on the side of decency and dignity in this conflict. Wars that are won are never won forever. All too often countries defeat themselves over time by launching and then winning the wrong wars.” – Iana Fix and Michael Kimmage in Foreign Affairs
Writing for Foreign Affairs immediately before the invasion, Iana Fix and Michael Kimmage considered how Europe and the Atlantic alliance would change if Russia again controlled Ukraine for a time. Fix is a Resident Fellow at the German Marshall Fund in Washington DC and Kimmage a Professor of History at the Catholic University of America and a Visiting Fellow at the German Marshall Fund. The Foreign Affairs piece is long and very complex but truly magisterial consideration of the question, “What if Russia wins?”
“By casually meddling in Ukrainian politics in recent years, the United States has effectively incited Russia to undertake its reckless invasion. Putin richly deserves the opprobrium currently being heaped on him. But US policy has been both careless and irresponsible.” – Andrew Bacevich in the Boston Globe
Skip Bacevich is one of those rare scholar-warriors. A retired Army Colonel, he is an informed and respected commentator on US foreign policy who has long argued that American foreign policy has become overly militarized. He currently heads the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft near Boston and previously taught at Boston University, Johns Hopkins, and West Point. Writing in the Boston Globe, he sees post-Cold War US foreign policy as having played a significant role in provoking Putin. Although his may not be a popular view, Bacevich’s argument is well-made and, perhaps, the US can’t absolve itself of responsibility for Putin’s invasion.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 62
In our 62nd edition of Inspired Thoughts, Grosse Pointe Artists Association hosts QUENCH by portrait artist Robert Maniscalco; learn how to prepare your own Michigan-made maple syrup; and we share a new source, Axios.
Arts and Culture
Grosse Pointe Artists Association hosts QUENCH by portrait artist Robert Maniscalco.
Community and Family
Learn how to prepare your own Michigan-made maple syrup!
American Democracy
“A perfect storm brewing for extreme politicians” - Axios
QUENCH: A solo show by Robert Maniscalco
Born in Detroit in 1959, Robert Maniscalco is a nationally renowned portrait artist. Since 1980, Maniscalco’s exquisite, commissioned portraits and fine art have become part of over 850 distinguished private and public collections throughout North America. Maniscalco built his own reputation on his commissioned work, exhibitions, and classes he offered at the Maniscalco Gallery on Mack Avenue between 1997 and 2005, and as the lively host of Art Beat on PBS.
Maniscalco won his solo show QUENCH as a prize for taking first place in the Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s Our Rivers, Our Lakes exhibit in 2021. Much of the work from his solo show is from his Quench Project, an exploration of the many ways people express desire and the ways they find to quench them.
Upcoming activities with Maniscalco will include:
Demonstrated talk: Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.
Painting workshop: March 25 and 26, 10 a.m. -4 p.m.
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s next exhibition theme is Black and White. This exhibition challenges artists to look at a world without color. From subtle shades of grays to black, the exhibit will feature work ranging from realism to surrealism and abstraction. The Juror for this exhibition is Marat Paransky, a sculptor, painter, photographer, and mixed-media artist. Born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1986, his family settled in Metro Detroit in 1997.
For more details, visit grossepointeartcenter.org/calendar/#!event/2022/1/20/call-for-entries-black-and-white-deadline-monday-feb-21.
Have you heard of Maple Sugaring?
A recent article by Metro Parent shares how in the early spring months, the maple trees in Michigan celebrate the end of winter by contributing enough sap to produce tubs full of sugary syrup. Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are all offering opportunities for the whole family to learn more about the maple sugaring process — from tapping a tree to turning sap into syrup! Some events and maple syrup festivals also feature hikes through nature and the opportunity to enjoy maple treats.
Click the button below to explore a variety of locations hosting events to make your very own Michigan-made maple syrup!
“A perfect storm brewing for extreme politicians”
Axios, January 23, 2022
We are drawing on a new source this week. Axios is an online news site and collection of newsletters about which we knew very little until Nathan Bomey, one of the speakers in our series of live American Democracy events, moved there from USA Today.* With Nathan’s encouragement, we started paying more attention to Axios and found our American Democracy print item for this week.
Using data on various “open seats” in the US House (districts that will have no incumbent running for re-election later this year), Axios writers Stef Knight and Neal Rothschild concluded that, “Redistricting and a flood of departing incumbents are paving the way for more extreme candidates in this year's midterm elections.”
Ironically, rising partisanship in Congress is likely to be a bipartisan phenomenon as most of the re-drawn districts with no incumbent will be “safe” for one party or the other. “Safe”, as opposed to “Competitive,” districts effectively turn the party primary into the real election for those seats. And, in both parties, the primary election is where that party’s “base” wields its greatest influence. As a result, 2022 elections appear likely to tip the House Democratic Caucus a little more to the left, and the House Republican Caucus a little more to the right.
The Axios piece is a quick read once you get a handle on “PVI” (Partisan Voter Index) which, in an unfortunate bit of copyediting, is not explained until after the term first appears in a table accompanying the article. For access to the Axios piece, click below
*Nathan Bomey was most recently with us on January 12 talking about his new book, Bridge Builders: Bringing People Together in Today’s Polarized Age. A recording of our conversation with him is available at www.warmemorial.org/virtualevents-calendar/bridgebuilders.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 61
In our 61st edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share details about the DIA’s 85th Annual DPSCD Student Exhibition; explore Detroit Dirt’s composting site near downtown Detroit; and we discuss long COVID crisis.
Arts and Culture
The DIA's 85th Annual Detroit Public Schools Community District Student Exhibition is online and in-person.
Community and Family
Detroit Dirt’s composting site near downtown Detroit is producing rich, healthy soil for local farms, backyard gardeners, and community gardens.
American Democracy
“In many residential suburbs, things look almost normal. But in the deserted downtowns, it feels as though you’d stumbled upon the cemetery where nondescript office towers go to die.”
85th Annual Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Student Exhibition
The Detroit Institute of Arts’ 85th Annual Detroit Public Schools Community District Student Exhibition is online and in-person.
This annual exhibition is the longest standing continuous relationship the DIA has with an educational organization and features imaginative works created by Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students in grades K-12, ranging from paintings, prints, drawings, photography, ceramics, videos, jewelry, and more.
The exhibition is on view on the first floor in the Wayne and Joan Webber Education Wing and is free with museum admission.
The 85th Detroit Public Schools Community District Student Exhibition is organized by the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Public Schools Community District. This exhibition is made possible by the generous support of the Ruth T.T. Cattell Education Endowment Fund.
Detroit Dirt: Creating a Zero-Waste Mindset
Pashon Murray could be called a next-generation Rachel Carson—fearless, outspoken, and willing to take on the big boys. Murray saw that food waste had become an epidemic—a 2020 estimate in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics valued food waste by U.S. consumers at $240 billion a year—and that was a driving factor in developing Detroit Dirt, her full-circle composting company.
Detroit Dirt’s mission is to push forward a low-carbon economy by way of organic waste diversion. Murray designed a closed-loop system that treats waste as a resource, saving 50 to 70 tons of renewable waste annually from entering landfills and instead turning it into fertile compost.
Detroit Dirt’s composting site near downtown Detroit is producing rich, healthy soil for local farms, backyard gardeners, and community gardens, and before the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for Murray’s delicious dirt grew daily.
“Cities aren’t facing up to their ‘long covid’ crisis: Downtown is in deep trouble”
Washington Post, February 13, 2022
Each day there seems to be more discussion of what life will be like “post-COVID.” Earlier this week, the Washington Post’s Megan McArdle joined that discussion with an article about the pandemic’s current and possible future impact on America’s downtowns.
The McArdle piece is of special relevance here in Detroit. Pre-pandemic, we had a resurgent downtown after many difficult years. What will happen now? Will Detroit simply go back onto the positive trajectory of the past dozen or so years? Or, has the pandemic altered the nature or pace of how Detroit downtown development will unfold over the next several years? The McArdle article gives readers some good tools for thinking about such questions and is available at the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 60
In our 60th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we devote all three sections to books and authors.
Arts and Culture
“An 8-Year-Old Wrote a Book and Hid It on a Library Shelf. It’s a Hit.” New York Times
Community and Family
S. Kirk Walsh will visit The War Memorial this spring for an author talk about her new book The Elephant of Belfast.
American Democracy
Upcoming author talks at The War Memorial featuring Rochelle Riley and AJ Baime.
“An 8-Year-Old Wrote a Book and Hid It on a Library Shelf. It’s a Hit.”
New York Times, February 1, 2022
“My next book,” he said, “is going to be called ‘The Jacket-Eating Closet,’ based on actual events.” - Dillon Helbig
Multiple media outlets have had the heartwarming story of a young man who, at the age of 8, wrote and illustrated his own book. Unlike many adult authors who struggle to find a publisher, Dillon Helbig decided to skip that step entirely and surreptitiously placed his book on the shelf at his local library.
For the rest of the story, we turn to the New York Times at the button below.
The Elephant of Belfast: A Novel
S. Kirk Walsh is a respected writer with family ties to our community. She will be visiting with us later this spring to talk about her new book The Elephant of Belfast. This will be an in-person author talk on Thursday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m.
The Elephant of Belfast explores tender and harrowing story of a young female zookeeper and the elephant, and what they endure together during the German blitz of Belfast. The novel speaks the tragedy of the times, but also to the ongoing sectarian tensions that still exist in Northern Ireland today.
For more about the book, visit www.skirkwalsh.com/novel.
Stay tuned for more information about Walsh’s book talk as details become available at www.warmemorial.org/arts.
S. Kirk Walsh
Author Talks at The War Memorial
Wednesday night conversations with authors have been a mainstay of our American Democracy Initiative. In fact, our first American Democracy live event was a November 2020 online chat with author AJ Baime about his book, Dewey Beats Truman: The Election of 1948 and the Battle for America’s Soul.*
We are continuing author conversations in 2022 because we have found that visiting for an hour or so with authors of thought-provoking books on America’s past, present, and future helps us to take a step back from the day-to-day and reflect on America’s history, our democracy, and our rights and responsibilities as citizens. Look below for information about upcoming author events. Also below, a list of earlier talks and links to recordings of our visits with those authors.
*AJ will be back with us on April 20 – look below for details.
Upcoming author events:
Wednesday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. (ONLINE)
Rochelle Riley, That They Lived: African Americans Who Made A Difference. In her new book, Rochelle Riley seeks to fill-in some of the gaps in history taught to American children for generations.
Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. (ONLINE) or 6:00 p.m. (VIP reception & talk – ticket required)
AJ Baime, White Lies: The Double Life of Walter F. White and America’s Darkest Secret. On April 20th, our friend AJ Baime will be back to talk about his new book and the fascinating life of Walter F. White. A VIP reception for AJ will start at 6:00 p.m. (ticket required - includes a copy of the book) with his talk to follow at 7:00 p.m. (ONLINE access to this event will be free but does require registration)
For more information, to buy tickets for our in-person event, or to register for the free online option, go to www.warmemorial.org/americandemocracyliveevents.
Recordings of some previous American Democracy events with authors are available at the links below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 59
In our 59th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the 25th Annual Sphinx Competition; Detroit Institute of Arts’ Black History Month free online programs for foodies, seniors, and kids of all ages; and Mitch Albom’s tribute to Mrs. Rita Smilovitz, the recently deceased mother of local sportscaster Bernie Smilovitz.
Arts and Culture
The 25th Annual Sphinx Competition award winners announced.
Community and Family
Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates Black History Month with free online programs for foodies, seniors, and kids of all ages!
American Democracy
Mitch Albom’s tribute to Mrs. Rita Smilovitz, the recently deceased mother of local sportscaster Bernie Smilovitz.
The Annual Sphinx Competition
The Sphinx Competition, held annually in Detroit, is a national competition offering young Black and Latinx classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with and receive mentorship from established professional musicians.
Hosted by Lara Downs, finalists in both divisions had the opportunity to perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, the unique all Black and Latinx orchestra comprised of top professionals from around the country and compete for a total of nearly $100,000 in prizes, including the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize.
All semi-finalists and finalists have access to scholarships and fine instruments through the Sphinx Music Assistance Fund.
2022 Sphinx Competition Winners:
Senior Division
First Place Laureate & winner of the Robert Frederick Smith Prize ($50,000): Kebra-Seyoun Charles, double bass
Second Place ($20,000) : Gabriela Lara, violin
Third Place ($10,000): Harper Randolph, viola
Audience Choice ($5,000): Gabriela Lara, violin
Junior Division
First Place Laureate ($10,000): Jonathan Okseniuk, violin
Second Place ($5,000) : Brandon Leonard, cello
Third Place ($3,000): Ana Isabella España, violin
Audience Choice ($1,000): Brandon Leonard, cello
The Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates Black History Month with author and art historian Ferren Gipson
The Detroit Institute of Arts invites you to celebrate Black History Month at home with free online programs including music, films, art talks, and artmaking, events for foodies, seniors, and kids of all ages!
The Ultimate Art Museum art talk is among the many events and activities the DIA will feature throughout out the month. The DIA invites guests to join this virtual adventure through Ferren Gipson’s magnificent museum-in-a-book. This imaginary art museum is an inspiring experience without the constraints of space and time.
Discover beautiful reproductions from pre-history to the present, arranged in color-coded wings, galleries, and rooms, each with an informative guide. With over 300 wonderfully diverse artworks, this book is the ultimate resource for all art-hungry children and their parents.
Gipson is an art historian, writer, speaker, educator, and advocate for making art and art history accessible and representative. She has worked with institutions such as Tate, BBC, Pinterest, Lomography and Esquire Magazine, as an art and design content specialist.
This virtual event will take place Sunday, February 6 at 2 p.m. For more details on this event and to explore other activities, select the button below.
Mitch Albom: 'Bernie's Mom' survived the worst, proving the resilience of the Jewish Soul
Detroit Free Press, January 30, 2021
“…each time someone like Rita leaves this Earth, there is one less witness to the horror that took place in the 1940s, and one more nudge for those who would deny it.”
This week we want to call your attention to an important and touching article by Mitch Albom about Mrs. Rita Smilovitz, the recently deceased mother of local sportscaster Bernie Smilovitz. Rather than an obituary, the article is more a tribute to Mrs. Smilovitz and her indomitable spirit.
A Holocaust survivor, the then-Rita Mermelstein was liberated from Auschwitz in 1945 and made her way to the United States where she built a new life. In many ways, the final two lines of the famous poem might have easily been written specifically for her:
“Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”*
She met and married Izidor Smilovitz, himself a survivor of the camps. Together, they raised two children – Bernie and his brother – in a small Washington D.C. apartment where life was not easy but where they achieved their own victory over fascism:
“So, Hitler failed, and Eichmann and Mueller and the others who crafted a ‘final solution’ failed. They failed when it came to forces of nature like Rita Mermelstein and Izidor Smilovitz and other Jews who were strong enough to survive those concentration camps and the inhumane treatment and prosper, and have children, and have grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
*Emma Lazarus, The New Colossus which is, of course, the poem about the Statue of Liberty.
Mitch Albom’s article about the remarkable Mrs. Smilovitz, who lived in her own home until the very end and died at the age of 96, appears at the button below.
The following YouTube link will take you directly to a video Bernie’s son made with his grandparents (there is also link embedded in the Free Press story): youtu.be/QJ5EzmFwoAA.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 58
In our 58th edition of Inspired Thoughts, The War Memorial kicks off Live at the Alger performance series; King Tut exhibit returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum; Representative Brenda Lawrence retiring from Congress after completing current term.
Arts and Culture
The War Memorial kicks off Live at the Alger performance series featuring prominent jazz, classical, and roots musicians.
Community and Family
King Tut exhibit returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum!
American Democracy
Representative Brenda Lawrence retiring from Congress after completing current term.
The War Memorial kicks off Live at the Alger performance series featuring prominent jazz, classical, and roots musicians
The War Memorial (TWM) is excited to announce a new performance series welcoming a diverse cast of innovative jazz, classical, and roots musicians to the Grosse Pointe communities. Live at the Alger is a series of house-concert style performances, providing listeners with an up-close and personal musical experience.
Elden Kelly, a solo classical and jazz guitarist, kicks off the series on Friday, January 28 at TWM’s historic Alger House. One of a handful of young jazz guitarists specializing in nylon string guitar and one of the few in the U.S. to incorporate the fretless guitar, Kelly is an engaging improviser, composer, and singer, writing instrumental music for the guitar and ensembles.
“I come from a musical family and grew up with jazz, so improvisation is inherent to my practice,” said Kelly. “All of the artists I admire most created their own path through incorporating the things they loved and integrating it into a collective vision. It is my hope that my music invites people on a journey of exploration, discovery and maybe surprise.”
During this event, Kelly will play instrumental renditions of jazz, twists on familiar pop and classical themes with global music influences, and original music all with an expressive and virtuosic flair. His original music is an engaging synergy of classical, jazz, folk, and world styles, while influenced but not defined by diverse genres such as Jazz, Neoclassicism, American roots, Hindustani, and Turkish music.
“I'm a huge fan of music and am always trying to uncover more of what makes it work as a composer, performer, and scholar. My motivation to create is integral to my search to become the best version of myself that I can be, and to discover and bring into focus more truth, meaning, and significance to those around me,” said Kelly.
A full cash bar will be available throughout the evening. For more details and to purchase tickets, click the button below.
King Tut returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum
Back by popular demand, The King Tutankhamun exhibit will be on display at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History until August 22. With support from Rocket Community Fund and accompanied by an informative catalog, KING TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb, vividly brings to life Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.
Divided into five sections - An introduction to Ancient Egypt, The Archeological Discovery, The Private Pharaoh, The Public Pharaoh, and The Royal Burial - this installation features more than 120 replicas of Pharaoh Tut’s sacred and personal possessions.
The year 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of the boy Pharaoh (King), Tutankhamun. Described as an innocent puppet-ruler, Pharaoh Tut was caught in the middle of a political, spiritual, and artistic revolution, initiated by his father, Pharaoh Akhenaten.
“Rep. Brenda Lawrence, Michigan's only Black member of Congress, not running again”
Detroit Free Press, January 4, 2022
We would remiss if we did not note that Representative Brenda Lawrence who has represented the US House district in which The War Memorial is located since 2014 has chosen to not seek re-election and will retire from Congress after completing her current term in early 2023.
While she has said that redistricting did not play a role in her decision, Michigan’s loss of a Congressional seat led to new Detroit area districts that would have presented her with a tougher race than in the past and could well have led to a primary faceoff with another incumbent. Instead, Representative Lawrence will retire to spend more time with her family, and Representative Rashida Talib will run in a new Michigan 12th district linking the westside of Detroit with Southfield and Dearborn.
Here at The War Memorial, we’ll get to watch at close range the most interesting kind of Congressional race – one for an “open” (no incumbent seat). The Free Press article at the link below reports on Representative Lawrence’s decision, briefly recaps her career, and considers how Michigan’s current Congressional delegation are responding to our new Congressional district maps: https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/01/04/brenda-lawrence-will-not-run-for-reelection/9097717002/
NOTE: The Free Press uses a paywall which you may encounter if you have viewed multiple articles in the past 30 days and do not have a subscription.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 57
In our 58th edition of Inspired Thoughts, The War Memorial kicks off Live at the Alger performance series; King Tut exhibit returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum; Representative Brenda Lawrence retiring from Congress after completing current term
Arts and Culture
The Smithsonian celebrates an American civil rights icon with a look through the collections.
Community and Family
Recall a notable moment in local history when Dr. King visited Grosse Pointe South High School in March 1968.
American Democracy
Barak Obama challenged the US Senate to modify its rules so that voting rights legislation will not just reach the Senate floor for debate but be brought up for a vote.
The War Memorial kicks off Live at the Alger performance series featuring prominent jazz, classical, and roots musicians
Central Press/Getty Images
The War Memorial (TWM) is excited to announce a new performance series welcoming a diverse cast of innovative jazz, classical, and roots musicians to the Grosse Pointe communities. Live at the Alger is a series of house-concert style performances, providing listeners with an up-close and personal musical experience.
Elden Kelly, a solo classical and jazz guitarist, kicks off the series on Friday, January 28 at TWM’s historic Alger House. One of a handful of young jazz guitarists specializing in nylon string guitar and one of the few in the U.S. to incorporate the fretless guitar, Kelly is an engaging improviser, composer, and singer, writing instrumental music for the guitar and ensembles.
“I come from a musical family and grew up with jazz, so improvisation is inherent to my practice,” said Kelly. “All of the artists I admire most created their own path through incorporating the things they loved and integrating it into a collective vision. It is my hope that my music invites people on a journey of exploration, discovery and maybe surprise.”
During this event, Kelly will play instrumental renditions of jazz, twists on familiar pop and classical themes with global music influences, and original music all with an expressive and virtuosic flair. His original music is an engaging synergy of classical, jazz, folk, and world styles, while influenced but not defined by diverse genres such as Jazz, Neoclassicism, American roots, Hindustani, and Turkish music.
“I'm a huge fan of music and am always trying to uncover more of what makes it work as a composer, performer, and scholar. My motivation to create is integral to my search to become the best version of myself that I can be, and to discover and bring into focus more truth, meaning, and significance to those around me,” said Kelly.
A full cash bar will be available throughout the evening. More details and to purchase tickets, click the button below.
KING TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb
Back by popular demand, King Tutankhamun will be on display at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History until August 22. With support from Rocket Community Fund and accompanied by an informative catalog, KING TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb, vividly brings to life Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.
Divided into five sections - An introduction to Ancient Egypt, The Archeological Discovery, The Private Pharaoh, The Public Pharaoh, and The Royal Burial - this installation features more than 120 replicas of Pharaoh Tut’s sacred and personal possessions.
The year 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of the boy Pharaoh (King), Tutankhamun. Described as an innocent puppet-ruler, Pharaoh Tut was caught in the middle of a political, spiritual, and artistic revolution, initiated by his father, Pharaoh Akhenaten.
“Modify Senate rules to save democracy”
Barak Obama, in the Detroit Free Press and USA Today Group newspapers, January 13, 2021
In his first opinion piece since leaving office, Barak Obama, 44rd President of the United States, challenged the US Senate to modify its rules so that voting rights legislation will not just reach the Senate floor for debate but be brought up for a vote.
As you probably know, the impediment to bringing that legislation to the floor for a vote is the filibuster through which as few as 41 Senators can effectively block action on most matters coming before the Senate. In his piece, President Obama summarized the history of the filibuster thusly,
“The filibuster has no basis in the Constitution. Historically, the parliamentary tactic has been used sparingly – most notably by Southern senators to block civil rights legislation and prop up Jim Crowe. In recent years, the filibuster became a routine way for the Senate minority to block important progress on issues supported by a majority of voters.”
The voting rights legislation that President Obama hopes to see acted upon has already passed the House and a Senate Committee. It probably also has the votes needed to pass the full Senate. That legislation, however, would outlaw many of the restrictions on voting currently being considered or enacted by GOP-majority state legislatures across the US. As a result, Republicans in the Senate are opposed to bringing it up for a vote and can block action on the legislation unless the filibuster is eliminated or a new “carve out” from the filibuster for voting rights is created.
President Obama’s article is long but very approachable, it is available at the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 56
In our 56th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share NPR’s Tool Kit episode providing expert advice on how to rejuvenate our creativity when it is difficult to find new inspiration; details about Winter at Valade Park’s Fire and Ice weekend; and remarks on the 1-year Anniversary of the assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Arts and Culture
NPR’s Tool Kit episode provides expert advice on how to rejuvenate creativity when it is difficult to find new inspiration.
Community and Family
This winter’s go-to Detroit Riverfront hot spot, Valade Park, kicks off Fire and Ice weekend this Friday!
American Democracy
Remarks on the 1-year anniversary of the assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Creativity can't be forced. Take breaks and zone out to find new inspiration
Do you ever try to be creative but despite all your efforts, struggle to access that creative voice in your head? NPR shares an episode from its Life Kit series explaining how to escape a creative rut — and it all starts with taking intentional breaks.
Sarah Urist Green points out that this concept might be easier said than done. Green is a curator, an arts educator and the producer behind the PBS series The Art Assignment. She is also the author of You Are an Artist: Assignments to Spark Creation.
"I would get intimidated if creativity and making art was something where you had to have this great inspiration," she says. "For me and for most artists who I know, it doesn't work like that."
Overcoming a creative rut isn't easy. But it isn't at all impossible — and it doesn't require a eureka moment. This episode is filled with tips from NPR experts to help you recharge your creativity.
Winter at Valade Park
Looking for something exciting to do on the weekends with the whole family? Valade Park is the go-to destination on the Detroit Riverfront for a bit of winter fun! Each weekend, visitors can warm up by outdoor fires, enjoy hot seasonal drinks, make s'mores on a custom marshmallow roaster, play synthetic ice curling and more!
This weekend, all are invited to enjoy Winter at Valade Park’s Fire and Ice weekend – Friday, January 14 through Sunday, January 16, and indulge in a bit of medieval fun! Guests will enjoy oversized fires, turkey legs and a chance to take a photo with a 6-foot-tall iron throne made of ice!
Fire and Ice weekend will feature some Renaissance Fair favorites including:
Roaming characters
A LARP (live action role-playing) meet up
Blacksmith demos
Medieval music
Additionally, the weekend will also have an ice carving competition, a 7-foot ice tower that will incase a giant bonfire, and warm up with a techno dance party on Saturday night.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is committed to helping visitors embrace winter by extending riverfront programming year-round. Click the button below for additional details.
“Both at home and abroad, we’re engaged anew in a struggle between democracy and autocracy, between the aspirations of the many and the greed of the few, between the people’s right of self-determination and self- — the self-seeking autocrat…”
Remarks By President Biden To Mark One Year Since The January 6th Deadly Assault On The U.S. Capitol
January 06, 2022
Selecting an American Democracy item for this first edition of Inspired Thoughts prepared after the 1-year anniversary of the attack on Congress was an especially difficult task. There was an enormous amount of material from which to choose – speeches, retrospectives, timelines, status reports on investigations and prosecutions, and commentaries from all parts of the political spectrum.
Ultimately, we chose to put just one item in front of you – the written text of a speech by a person who has previously said little about the events of that day – the President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden. We chose to point you to the written text, rather than to an audio or video recording, to lower the temperature a little and get people to focus on the specific content of the speech – the information presented, the President’s message, and his word choices.
At roughly 25-minutes, President Biden’s speech is brief for a Presidential address. It is, however, still about seven times as long as Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to which some commentators have compared it. Such comparisons are perhaps inevitable given the President’s reference to Lincoln early in the speech and because President Biden used his speech to honor those who died after defending democracy on January 6, 2022, just as Lincoln honored the Union dead at Gettysburg.
The official White House transcript of the President’s remarks is available at the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 55
In our 55th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share details about the return of the GPAA’s Your Old Mansion lecture series; ways to make meal planning fun with tips from Deb Perelman, a New York City-based writer and cook; and a PBS NewsHour article discussing how COVID helped cause the biggest drop in U.S. life expectancy since WWII.
Arts and Culture
Polishing up the tarnished city that was once called the “Paris of the Midwest,” the GPAA brings back Your Old Mansion a lecture series celebrating the past and present of Detroit.
Community and Family
As we launch into a new year of goals, opportunities and fresh ideas, a New York Times article shares ways to make meal planning fun for the whole family.
American Democracy
“COVID helped cause the biggest drop in U.S. life expectancy since WWII” – PBS NewsHour
Your Old Mansion
After a COVID-induced pause, the Grosse Pointe Artists Association is resuming its popular fundraiser, Your Old Mansion, Sunday afternoons this winter and early spring. The lectures will be held at Christ Church as The War Memorial thrusts ahead with construction progress. There are four lectures in this series and a bonus lecture for series ticket holders.
Series includes:
Sunday, Jan. 23 - Lowell Boileau, artist and website pioneer who drew international attention to Detroit in the late 1990s by posting photos of abandoned Detroit landmarks. For more details and to register, click here.
Sunday, Feb. 27 - Josh Elling, Jefferson East CEO will provide updates on completed projects and future plans for the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. For more details and to register, click here.
Sunday, March 27 - Mark Higbie, Ford Motor Company will share updates on the development of a world-class art park meant to complement the re-born Michigan Central Station. For more details and to register, click here.
Sunday, April 24 - Lisa Stolarski will introduce her company that chauffeurs its guests through Detroit’s historic neighborhoods in Model A’s, while pointing out the highlights. The tours will restart in May. For more details and to register, click here.
Sunday, May 15, as a bonus for the lecture goers, DuMouchelles will hold an Antiques Roadshow-type session, opening with brief notes on what is hot and what is not in the antiques world followed by item appraisals. For more details and to register, click here.
Tickets are available for the lectures and the appraisal separately or for the entire series with the appraisal as a bonus. All must register.
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association is appreciative to each presenter as well as Christ Church for hosting the series. Because of their generosity, 100 percent of the proceeds from the series will go toward purchasing supplies for the GPAA’s arts programming for veterans, senior citizens, their family and loved ones. For questions contact 313.881.3454.
Family Meal Planning for Real Life
Deb Perelman, a New York City-based writer and cook behind the noted food blog, Smitten Kitchen, and cookbook “Smitten Kitchen Every Day,” shares a few helpful tips in a New York Times article for those parents aiming to prioritize family meal planning more efficiently.
A new year provides a clean slate to try your hand at various approaches to day-to-day tasks. It is easy to make a quick stop for dinner before heading home from a long workday or shuffling kids to and from their various activities. To better arm your troupe for busy work and school weeks, Perelman dishes a few suggestions that have worked for her family. From finding family-friendly recipes to anticipating hurdles with your young helpers, check out these ways to make meal planning enjoyable for all.
Photo credit: New York Times
“COVID helped cause the biggest drop in U.S. life expectancy since WWII” – PBS NewsHour, Wednesday, December 22, 2021
According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2020 COVID-19 reduced life expectancy for the average American’s life by 1.8 years – the largest drop since 1943 when deaths attributable to World War II also caused US life expectancy to fall sharply.
Over the course of 2020, COVID-19 rose to become the third-most common cause of death in the United States and accounted for 1 in 10 of all US fatalities.
Persons 85 years and older died at the highest rate but the highest rate of increase in the death rate was for persons aged 35 to 44.
Longstanding racial disparities, attributable to access to care, persisted in 2020. Black men continued to die at the highest overall rate but, when adjusted for age, it was Hispanic Men who experienced the highest rate of increase in the death rate rising 43% over 2019.
There was, however, a bright spot in an otherwise depressing picture – US infant mortality fell in 2020.
The story was broadly reported but one of the best summaries, including two excellent charts, appeared on the PBS NewsHour website. That story is available at the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 54
In our 54th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share a New York Times article offering a thought-provoking review on the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art’s exhibition, By Her Hand, in collaboration with Detroit Institute of Arts; ways to stay engaged with At Home with the DIA online programming; and we return to inflation again this week and focus on a New York Times article by Noble Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman.
Image: Installation view of Artemisia Gentileschi,” Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes,” c. 1623–25. Credit: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Arts and Culture
New York Times article offers a thought-provoking review on how the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art spotlights female artists from Italy in earlier centuries.
Community and Family
At Home with the DIA online programming features activities and art-making projects for the whole family!
American Democracy
“Inflation caused by supply-chain disruptions will probably fall within a few months, but it is not at all clear if Americans who dropped out of the labor force will return.”
The Renaissance Women Who Painted Against the Odds
An article posted in the New York Times titled The Renaissance Women Who Painted Against the Odds highlights a current exhibition at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut featuring a collaboration with the Detroit Institute of Arts. By Her Hand: Artemisia Gentileschi and Women Artists in Italy, 1500–1800 explains how female artists played a vibrant yet overlooked role in Italy in the 16th through 18th centuries.
The exhibition, By Her Hand, is dedicated to Italian female artists at the Wadsworth and explores how important female artists succeeded in the male-dominated art world of the time. The Wadsworth’s Self-Portrait as a Lute Player – is compared with a related painting from the National Gallery, London, is noted as a rare opportunity to see the paintings side by side. Gentileschi’s pioneering depictions of strong women, such as her Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes is featured from the Detroit Institute of Arts.
While this exhibition is not a local visit, this NYT article offers a thought provoking take on how the Wadsworth Atheneum spotlights the female artists, and asks: Who got left out of the canon?
Image credit: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
At Home with the DIA
Looking for ways to stay engaged during the holiday break? At Home with the DIA provides the community with free access to the Detroit Institute of Arts’ world-renowned collection. Check out the DIA’s Creating From Home, an online art studio, with simple, step-by-step art-making projects for the whole family. Also, for the word wizards, the Collection Crossword features clues that are answered by picking out details from a work of art from the collection.
Experience what the DIA has to offer while nestled with family right at home!
“The Year of Inflation Infamy,” New York Times,
Sunday, December 19, 2021
With inflation a concern in some quarters and growing calls for the Fed to raise rates and tighten the money supply, we return to inflation again this week and focus on a lengthy New York Times article by Noble Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman.
Though a “card-carrying member of Team Transitory,” Krugman indicated he would rethink his membership in that club if he saw evidence that, “expectations of future inflation are starting to drive prices – that is, if there were widespread stories of producers raising prices even though costs and demand for their products aren’t exceptionally high…” So far at least, Krugman has not seen such evidence and so argues against quicker rate hikes by the Federal Reserve at this time.
“My view is that we should be hesitant about killing the boom prematurely. But, like everyone who’s taking this debate seriously, I’m hanging on the data and wonder everyday whether I’m wrong.”
This an important but long article that filled an entire page in the print edition of the Sunday Times.
NOTE: The Times uses a paywall that may block your access to this story if you have read multiple articles in the past 30 days and do not have a subscription
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 53
In our 53rd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share WJR’s upcoming live rendition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; Detroit artist Shirley Woodson’s Shield of the Nile Reflection exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts, which opens Saturday, December 18 and displays paintings in vibrant hues; we also share a recent collaboration between two nonprofit media organizations taking a deep dive into the specific Detroit project being put forward for that federal funding – the I-375 Improvement Project.
Community and Family
In the spirit of the season, and back by popular demand, 760 WJR brings to you a rendition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Arts and Culture
Legendary Detroit artist and educator Shirley Woodson’s Shield of the Nile Reflections now at The Detroit Institute of Arts.
American Democracy
A collaboration between two nonprofit media organizations, BridgeDetroit and Grist based in Seattle, has now taken a deeper dive into the specific Detroit project being put forward for that federal funding – the I-375 Improvement Project.
In the eleven dream-like paintings selected for Shirley Woodson: Shield of the Nile Reflections, Woodson emphasizes the Nile as a metaphor for Africa by combining figuration and expressionism to symbolize the metamorphic, historical, spiritual, and cultural significance of this ancient body of water. The series began in 1984 and has been presenting Black bathers in rivers, a reference to the diasporic myth that the Nile River holds transformative and nurturing benefits for people of African descent.
Painting in vibrant hues, humans appear alongside fragments or detailed renderings of shields, horses, fish, shells, stars, chariot wheels, pyramids, birds—the distinctive visual vocabulary for this theme.
Woodson received the 2021 Kresge Eminent Artist award acknowledging her dedication to her career as a fine artist; her influence on the Detroit art scene as an educator of artists, teachers, and collectors; and her advocacy for artists She is the 13th metro Detroit artist to receive this award.
A Christmas Carol
In the spirit of the season, and back by popular demand, 760 WJR brings to you a rendition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
WJR (NewsTalk 760) is streaming yet another highly anticipated presentation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The live event will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 19.
A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who receives an unexpected visit by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge transformed into a kinder, gentler man.
Join WJR personalities and special guests as they bring to life the classic Christmas tale. Viewers can tune in to the presentation on the WJR Facebook page or on the WJR YouTube channel at the link below.
“A freeway ripped the heart out of Black life in Detroit. Now Michigan wants to tear it down.”
— BridgeDetroit & Grist, December 1, 2021
Image Source: Bloomberg CityLab
Inspired Thoughts #49 (November 17) highlighted a piece from Bloomberg CityLab on the Biden Administration’s interest in using funding from the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to redress some of the harm caused when communities of color were displaced or torn asunder by 1940-1960s federally funded highway construction. The CityLab article included looks at the impact of freeway construction on Detroit and several other cities.
“Highway removal is the easy part. Making reparations is where it gets complicated.”
A collaboration between two nonprofit media organizations, BridgeDetroit and Grist based in Seattle, has now taken a deeper dive into the specific Detroit project being put forward for that federal funding – the I-375 Improvement Project. The construction of I-375, which connected I-75 to Jefferson and Gratiot, almost entirely erased Hastings Street that had been the commercial center and cultural heart of Detroit’s pre-1960 black community. The I-375 Improvement Project would bring the roadway back up to the surface, slow traffic, and potentially begin redevelopment along part of the one-time route of Hastings Street.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 52
In our 52nd edition of Inspired Thoughts we highlight the Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s exhibition, Feast for Your Eyes; reflect on the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks; and consider recent articles from UPFRONT and The New York Times that examine inflation sector-by-sector and the new phenomena some have come to call the '“great resignation”.
Image: Serenity by Delphine Iwankowski
Arts and Culture
Grosse Pointe Artists Association hosts their exhibition, Feast For Your Eyes, which highlights a variety of excitement and good cheer perfect for the holiday season.
Image: Serenity by Delphine Iwankowski
Community and Family
On the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks, pause to recount first-hand experiences from both civilians and service members alike.
American Democracy
A recent UPFRONT article looked at inflation sector-by-sector. Also included is a an article from The New York Times, considers the phenomena some have come to call the '“great resignation”.
Feast For Your Eyes 2021
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association invites you to visit the gallery to view the current exhibition, Feast For Your Eyes. This exhibition, which celebrates a multitude of work ranging from mixed media incorporating many holiday sentiments to pieces curated simply to uplift spirits. Alex Fedirko, assistant art director of The Parade Company, with the assistance of the company's art director Eric Schmitt, chose fifty-four pieces for this show. The richness of each one makes the exhibit a sumptuous feast for your eyes.
You can view Feast For Your Eyes in person at the GPAA gallery at The War Memorial, now through January 6. Viewing hours are 2-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday
Christmas Lights by Winnie Chrzanowski
Description: Photo framed, matted & printed on archival material
Dimensions: 11inx14in (19inx23in framed)
Material: Archival photo paper
Price: $25
The Palenqueras by Vasu Tolia
Description: I painted these cheerful fruit sellers with a charming demeanor from the streets of Cartagena, Colombia, an inspiration from my travels. The smiling ladies with their colorful wares are a prime example to how happiness shines in the eyes of folks, regardless of their social status because they choose to have a positive attitude even in their simple way of living.
Dimensions: 48inx24in
Material: Acrylic on canvas
Price: $1,200
Sketching Santa by Winnie Chrzabiwski
Description: Photo framed, matted & printed on archival material
Dimensions: 11inx14in (19inx23in framed)
Material: Archival photo paper
Price: $250
Magical Fantasy by Nobuko Yamasaki
Description: It was my first time at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in NYC, a long time ago. I remember many balloons, floats and colorful clowns. I already had a magician block print that I changed to clowns. I painted clowns and balloons, then put it all together in a collage.
Dimensions: 19inx17in
Material: Collage
Price: $500
The GPAA also hosts an art making class for veterans on Tuesdays 6-8 p.m., and A Morning Out for seniors on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. For specific dates and details, visit grossepointeartcenter.org/events.
Image: Getty Images
Eighty years ago on December 7, 1941, the military forces of the Empire of Japanese launched a sneak attack on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and the surrounding facilities. The primary targets that day were the eight battleships of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet.
According to a recent article posted by Forbes, on this anniversary the hashtag #PearlHarbor was trending, as Americans young and old posted on social media and reflected on that moment that changed the nation. Images and videos were shared that reminded us for their valor and bravery, we salute them. May we never forget their strength and dedication to our nation. And every day at The War Memorial, we continue to offer our gratitude to the men and women who selflessly serve and protect our freedoms.
Take a moment to a read the Forbes article looking at how the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Attack was remembered this year through social media.
To read the full article, click the button below.
Is Inflation here to stay or is what we are seeing likely to be more of a short-term phenomenon?
A recent UPFRONT article from the Brookings Institution looked at inflation sector-by-sector and concluded that it is predominantly a function of the pandemic and is likely to recede along with the pandemic with one possible area of exception, “The biggest risk to inflation going forward is not a continuation of the forces currently at work in the goods sector: this will not be persistent. Instead, the biggest risk is that large increases in demand for workers in the services sector will not be met by equally large increases in labor supply.” The Brookings article is available at the link below:
Writing in the New York Times, Paul Krugman considered some differences in how the US and some European nations addressed not only pandemic relief but work more generally. Before doing that, however, he first described the phenomena some have come to call the great resignation, “Four million fewer Americans are employed than were on the eve of the pandemic, yet the rate at which workers are quitting their jobs — usually a good indicator of labor market tightness — has hit a record, and the scramble of employers to find workers has led to rapid wage increases. Noting that the “great resignation” is primarily an American phenomenon, Krugman concluded that this is an issue on which we might want to look to Europe for solutions. The Krugman article is available at the link below.
NOTE: The Times uses a paywall that may block your access to this story if you have read other articles in the past 30 days and do not have a subscription
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at lcelebi@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 51
This week in our 51st edition of Inspired Thoughts, learn about a unique way to experience The Nutcracker; engage with Learn with Smithsonian, the Smithsonian’s exclusive virtual engagement activities geared toward kids and teens; read a recent analytical piece by the Post about new district maps and the partisan impact of redistricting.
Arts and Culture
Live musicians take guests on a magical journey during Detroit Candlelight Concert Series’ The Nutcracker — a cherished holiday staple.
Community and Family
The War Memorial is delighted to share Learn with Smithsonian, the Smithsonian’s exclusive virtual engagement activities geared toward kids and teens.
American Democracy
A recent analytical piece by the Post considered new district maps for the US House of Representatives from 15-states which have completed that phase of reapportionment. Learn more about the process and the partisan impact of redistricting.
The Nutcracker: by Candelight
Thinking about new ways to enjoy your holiday favorites? The Detroit Candlelight Concert Series offers a host of performances illuminated by candlelight and presented by live musicians in some of the most iconic venues in Detroit. Music enthusiasts will delight in unique classical musical performances staged in a romantic candlelit setting. Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” is up next and set to radiate through the historic Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit.
Prepare to be taken into the clouds with some of the most treasured wintertime classics from Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and other master composers during this unique music series
Smithsonian’s 3D Program
As we welcome the community to stop by our Carriage House and take a tour of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History traveling exhibition Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, The War Memorial is also excited to share a variety of virtual engagements the Smithsonian offers exclusively for kids and teens! Young learners can enjoy art, history, and culture activities and games — including Smithsonian 3D!
Smithsonian’s 3D Program is a small group of technologists working within the Smithsonian Institution Digitization Program Office. The team focuses on developing solutions to further the Smithsonian's mission of "the increase and diffusion of knowledge" using three-dimensional capture technology, analysis tools, and its distribution platform.
From the comfort of your couch, peruse through 11 museums and 24 collections of some of the world’s most treasured artifacts.
“Competitive House districts are getting wiped off the map”
– Washington Post, November 23, 2021
As Michigan works to de-politicize its legislative redistricting process through the use of an independent citizens commission, other states appear to be moving in the opposite direction.
In a November 23rd an analytical piece, the Post’s Ashlyn Still, Harry Stevens, and Kevin Uhrmacher considered new district maps for the US House of Representatives from 15-states which have completed that phase of reapportionment.
Their conclusion?
That the new maps from those 15 states would create fewer competitive US House districts and so may increase the likelihood of continued hyper partisanship in Congress. The Post measured the competitiveness of the new and old districts by looking at the results of the 2020 Presidential election.
In the 15 states examined, the number of districts where the 2020 Presidential vote was within five percentage points fell from 23 in the old districts to just 10 in the new districts. At the same time, the number of districts strongly favoring one specific party -- by fifteen percentage points or more rose -- from 45 to 59.
For a state-by-state look at the data, as well as a consideration of the likely partisan impact of the new districts, follow the link below.
FiveThirtyEight is also following reapportionment closely. Follow the link below to an interactive tool allowing you to see the current state of play for redistricting in many more states.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 50
This week in our 50th edition of Inspired Thoughts, read about the journey of the traveling Smithsonian exhibit Voices and Votes: Democracy in America; listen to NPR's podcast series Holiday Season Starter Kit; and explore the USA TODAY series called “Seven Days of 1961” which focuses on seven 1961 protests that were pivotal in moving the cause of civil and human rights forward.
Arts and Culture
Who has the right to vote? What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens? Whose voices will be heard? How do you participate as a citizen? Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a traveling version of a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, will be a springboard for discussions about these very questions and how they are reflected in local stories. From the revolution and suffrage to civil rights and casting ballots, Voices and Votes will provide space for conversation around our democracy.
Community and Family
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and families are eager to gather in-person once again in celebration of the holiday season. Whether it is to break bread, reconvene annual traditions or simply reflect on moments of gratitude, The War Memorial is happy to share a few helpful podcasts NPR has curated and coined its Holiday Season Starter Kit.
American Democracy
Through December, the Detroit Free Press and other USA Today Network papers are running a series called “Seven Days of 1961.” The Sunday, November 14 Free Press included much of that material as a special section which focuses on seven 1961 protests that were pivotal in moving the cause of civil and human rights forward.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
The War Memorial is excited to receive and host the final touring leg of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s traveling exhibition Voices and Votes: Democracy in America. The exhibition has already made its way to five other Michigan cities, including:
· Big Rapids – Artworks Big Rapids
· Grass Lake – Lost Railway Museum
· Traverse City – Dennos Museum Center
· Lapeer – The Center for the Arts of Greater Lapeer
· Mt. Pleasant – Chippewa River District Library
Voices and Votes examines the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people,” and how each generation since continues to question how to form “a more perfect union.” Visitors will have an opportunity to explore historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.
This traveling exhibition has been made available to The War Memorial by the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and is based on an exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.
The exhibit is suitable for all ages. But, because it prompts thought and discussion about America’s past, present, and future, Voices and Votes is an especially good tool for social studies teachers, Scout leaders, and parents looking for something worthwhile to do with the kids over the holidays.
The exhibit is free, but we are asking that patrons pre-register for specific times to visit and mask when in the Carriage House in consideration for others.
Times to visit will be available Monday – Friday: 10am - 4:30pm; Saturday 10am – 1pm. The exhibit will be closed on Sundays. Holiday hours may vary so please visit the link below to view schedule updates.
J.L. Hudson Department Store in 1941 Photo credit Detroit Historical Society
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and families are eager to gather in-person once again in celebration of the holiday season. Whether it is to break bread, reconvene annual traditions or simply reflect on moments of gratitude, The War Memorial is happy to share a few helpful podcasts NPR has curated and coined its Holiday Season Starter Kit.
After the pandemic year of 2020, we can only imagine how many people spent last holiday season alone due to restrictions and health concerns. Anticipated gatherings with adored family and friends were simply put on pause.
If we realized anything throughout these challenging times it is that we are indeed social beings and exude a feeling of fulfillment when we are together, with family or friends, amongst classmates or nestled in our workspaces. We form a sense of purpose when we can connect and engage with people.
As we continue to safely reconnect with our loved ones and once again anticipate the joyous holiday season, The War Memorial encourages you to take a listen to NPR’s “Holiday Season Starter Kit,” a helpful handful of podcasts ranging from taking on family holiday recipes to ways to navigate emotionally charged conversations at the turkey table.
Times are certainly different, and we must remember to give ourselves grace as we ease back into the intricacies of gathering, but also seek gratitude as we continue to forge ahead!
“Seven Days of 1961,”
USA Today Network
“In 1961 I used to hear people say, ‘The struggle continues’, I just thought it was some words… It is, in fact, not just words. There is a reality behind it, which says those in power do not want to ever give up power.’’ -- Courtland Cox
Through December, the Detroit Free Press and other USA Today Network papers are running a series called “Seven Days of 1961.” The Sunday, November 14 Free Press included much of that material as a special section.
“Seven Days of 1961” focuses on seven 1961 protests that were both painful and pivotal in moving the cause of civil and human rights forward. In the print edition, the first article looks at the integration of the University of Georgia by its first two black students, Hamilton Holmes (1941-1995) and Charlayne Hunter-Gault. After graduation, Holmes attended medical school to become a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and professor of medicine at Emory University while Hunter-Gault went on to an equally distinguished 60-year career in journalism at NBC, New York Times, PBS NewsHour, NPR, and CNN.
The series is a magisterial treatment of seven critical events, all contained within a single calendar year, that moved our nation forward and warrants close reading and careful consideration.
NOTE: Full access to some “Seven Days in 1961” material at the link above may require a subscription to one of the USA Today Network papers.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 49
In our 49th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we visit the Detroit Historical Museum's new exhibit, Hudson's Holiday, which opens tomorrow, November 18 and will bring back the memories and magic of the holidays at Hudson's department store; we share two opportunities for you and your family to begin your holiday season with a traditional tree lighting; we also share a recent White House press briefing on the infrastructure bill, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg described the bill as creating an opportunity for the US to address a variety of transportation issues.
Community and Family
Walt Disney World, the iconic theme park celebrated its 50th anniversary this having first opened its gates to the public on October 1, 1971. Listen to an episode of Morning Edition from NPR that recalls the history that led to opening day.
American Democracy
At a recent White House press briefing on the infrastructure bill, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg described the bill as creating an opportunity for the US to address a variety of transportation issues including the negative impact of past highway location decisions on communities of color.
Nostalgic seasonal traditions take shape as holiday season quickly approaches
J.L. Hudson Department Store in 1941 Photo credit Detroit Historical Society
Countless families have a distinct holiday memory that presents itself this time of year. Many Michiganders are beginning to switch seasonal gears, swapping out pumpkins for garland and scarecrows for snowman. For some its picking the perfect tree while others prepare for the infamous holiday family photos.
Though the days of lining up at local department stores are dwindling, the spirit of the holiday season at Hudson's will come alive at the Detroit Historical Museum.
Beginning today, the Hudson's Holiday exhibit will run through January 22 at the Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit. This exhibit will display a variety of décor bringing back the memories and magic of Hudson’s in pop-up exhibitions throughout the museum, just in time for the holiday season.
Originally founded as a clothier for men and boys in 1881, J.L. Hudson Company reportedly racked up an average of 100,000 sales per day by the 1950s, and its 25-story building was the world’s tallest department store until 1961. At Hudson’s Holiday, visitors will learn what made the department store so popular, like its wide selection of merchandise and full-service approach, which went beyond in-store restaurants, salons, and alterations departments.
For more details including hours and admission for the Hudson's Holiday exhibit, visit detroithistorical.org.
Continue the holiday spirit by enjoying a local tree lighting ceremony
Image Source: Downtown Detroit Partnership
A staple for many households is gathering with family and friends at local tree lighting ceremonies. The Annual Village Tree Lighting at St. Clair at Kercheval, Grosse Pointe, kicks off this year at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19. The evening begins with a performance by Grosse Pointe South Choir while guests indulge in delicious hot chocolate and smores and keep cozy by warming fires amongst family, friends, and community members. At 6:00 p.m., the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place, led by the City of Grosse Pointe Mayor and the Grosse Pointe Foundation.
As many beloved events continue to safely return to in-person, a Detroit tradition for families is back and will be bigger, brighter, and better than ever! The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) and DTE Energy Foundation are proud to present the 18th annual Detroit Tree Lighting. The event will again be held at the award-winning Campus Martius Park from 5 p.m. – midnight on Friday, Nov. 19, and the public is invited to take part in a full schedule of free festivities and entertainment – including the official opening of the skate rink for the holiday season.
While we often hear that the holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year,” why not live up to that phrase by reengaging with our favorite seasonal memories.
The Social Impact of our Built Environment
“Take any major American city and you’re likely to find a historically Black neighborhood demolished, gashed in two, or cut off from the rest of the city by a highway.”
-- Bloomberg City Lab
Image Source: Bloomberg CityLab
At a recent White House press briefing on the infrastructure bill, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg described the bill as creating an opportunity for the US to address a variety of transportation issues including the negative impact of past highway location decisions on communities of color.
In July 2021, researchers associated with Bloomberg CityLab considered how one might do that in a piece entitled, “What It Looks Like to Reconnect Black Communities Torn Apart by Highways.” They used the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota to describe and illustrate strategies that might be employed to redress the negative impact of these 1940s-1960s highway location decisions. To give readers a sense of the nature and extent of the problem, however, the post first used maps for Detroit and six other cities showing the paths of federally funded freeways plowing through the heart of historically black business districts and residential neighborhoods.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 48
In our 48th edition, we share an opportunity for creative novices and experts alike to expand their knowledge by attending Adobe’s MAX Conference; we celebrate the 50th anniversary and history of Walt Disney World; and listen to an edition of the Radioactive podcast series about the so-called “Radio Priest” who broadcast to a national audience in the millions from Royal Oak.
Arts and Culture
Calling all creatives! Catch Adobe MAX - an free online creativity conference uniquely immersive and engaging digital experience.
Community and Family
Walt Disney World, the iconic theme park celebrated its 50th anniversary this having first opened its gates to the public on October 1, 1971. Listen to an episode of Morning Edition from NPR that recalls the history that led to opening day.
American Democracy
“Radioactive,” a new podcast by Detroit journalist Andrew Lapin chronicles the rapid 1930s rise, and even faster 1940s fall, of Fr. Charles Coughlin the so-called “Radio Priest” who broadcast to a national audience in the millions from Royal Oak.
Adobe MAX
“Adobe MAX is….a uniquely immersive and engaging digital experience.”
If you consider yourself a creative type then chances are you have probably utilized Adobe’s Creative Cloud — a collection of 20+ apps for photography, design, content creation, video, and more! Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you might just get a bit of inspiration or learn about new innovations in the field of design by checking out Adobe MAX, a free online conference with over 400+ session featuring on-demand and live events from October 26-28, 2021.
“Disney World Celebrates Its 50th Birthday”
Walt Disney opened his first theme park, Disneyland, in 1955 in Anaheim, a small, rural town in sunny, southern California. As Disneyland flourished, scores of visitors flocked to experience the iconic theme park. Disney quickly found himself with an opportunity to expand and moved east, finally settling in Florida.
After secretly acquiring 40 square miles of land, Disney World opened its gates to visitors on October 1, 1971, Disney World opened to visitors. In this segment of Morning Edition NPR, we listened and got a glimpse into the history of the theme park that ultimately reshaped the industry’s landscape.
“Podcast talks about Detroit priest who spread hate in media,”
Detroit Free Press, October 10, 2021
“You know how some neighborhoods have a house all the kids believe is haunted?”
Those are the first words heard on the first episode of “Radioactive,” a new podcast by Detroit journalist Andrew Lapin. In this case, the “house” is the Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic church located at the corner of 12 Mile and Woodward. The podcast chronicles the rapid 1930s rise, and even faster 1940s fall, of Fr. Charles Coughlin the so-called “Radio Priest” who broadcast to a national audience in the millions from Royal Oak.
Coughlin’s time was not unlike our own. America was deeply divided and anxious. Many Americans distrusted the political system. Traditional media was viewed by some with great suspicion. Conspiracy theories abounded and extreme voices were coming to the fore. Into that combustible mix rode Fr. Coughlin who started out crusading against the Klan but became an anti-Semitic, anti-New Deal, pro-fascist writer of fan letters to Mussolini before being silenced by the Church. In 8 half-hours, “Radioactive” tells his story.
For the Freep article, click below:
For the podcast, follow the link below. Episode one tells Coughlin’s origin story in parallel with the story of what Henry Ford was up to in the 1920s. Episode one runs a little less than 30 minutes:
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 47
In this week’s edition of Inspired Thoughts we take a listen to a NPR Classical’s Deceptive Cadence series and learn about a small orchestra ensemble making making big waves in the contemporary classical music world; and a Washington Post article that argues that the inability of Americans to contextualize numbers has become enormously problematic for our politics.
Arts and Culture
As major orchestras and opera companies take the stage again, one particular small organization is honored for its work in connecting audiences and listeners to overlooked American composers and neglected classical masterpieces.
American Democracy
In a recent article for The Washington Post, national correspondent Philip Bump argues that a widespread inability on the part of Americans to contextualize numbers has become enormously problematic for our politics.
Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Arts presenters and orchestras all over the world are making triumphant returns to the stage after, what was for most, a prolonged closure due to the pandemic. From Broadway to opera, from touring musicians to orchestras, artists are once again, dazzling audiences with the familiar sights and sounds of live performances. One particular ensemble, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, was recently honored with the Special Achievement Award by the 44th Gramophone Classical Music Awards lauding the ensemble’s mission and dedication to elevating the presence of contemporary orchestral and operatic works as well as neglected classical masterpieces in today’s concert halls and recorded music.
In this recent piece featured on Deceptive Cadence from NPR Classical, Andrea Shea, senior arts and culture reporter at WBUR — Boston’s NPR station, shares her insight in an interview with BMOP’s founder and conductor Gil Rose. Listen as Shea and Rose discuss his motivation for founding the ensemble and his vision for changing the classical music landscape.
“Podcast talks about Detroit priest who spread hate in media,”
Detroit Free Press, October 10, 2021
“You know how some neighborhoods have a house all the kids believe is haunted?”
Those are the first words heard on the first episode of “Radioactive,” a new podcast by Detroit journalist Andrew Lapin. In this case, the “house” is the Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic church located at the corner of 12 Mile and Woodward. The podcast chronicles the rapid 1930s rise, and even faster 1940s fall, of Fr. Charles Coughlin the so-called “Radio Priest” who broadcast to a national audience in the millions from Royal Oak.
Coughlin’s time was not unlike our own. America was deeply divided and anxious. Many Americans distrusted the political system. Traditional media was viewed by some with great suspicion. Conspiracy theories abounded and extreme voices were coming to the fore. Into that combustible mix rode Fr. Coughlin who started out crusading against the Klan but became an anti-Semitic, anti-New Deal, pro-fascist writer of fan letters to Mussolini before being silenced by the Church. In 8 half-hours, “Radioactive” tells his story.
For the Freep article, click below:
For the podcast, follow the link below. Episode one tells Coughlin’s origin story in parallel with the story of what Henry Ford was up to in the 1920s. Episode One run a little less than 30 minutes:
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at lcelebi@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 46
Our 46th edition is short and sweet! This week, we highlight the beloved exhibition Our Rivers, Our Lakes from our friends at the Grosse Pointe Artists Association (available through November 4); and we share an interesting piece from The Atlantic which touches on the very heartbeat of why we have launched our American Democracy initiative.
Image: A Good Breeze Would Help by Victor Pytko
Arts and Culture
Grosse Pointe Artists Association hosts their fan favorite exhibition, Our Rivers, Our Lakes, which serves to celebrate the beauty of nature, including our rivers and lakes.
Image: A Good Breeze Would Help by Victor Pytko
American Democracy
A recent piece for The Atlantic argues that universities and colleges need to do more to prepare students for effective citizenship; a piece of special interest to us and our American Democracy initiative.
Our Rivers, Our Lakes 2021
Returning to the Grosse Pointe Artists Association gallery this year is the beloved exhibition, Our Rivers, Our Lakes. This exhibition, which celebrates the beauty and tranquility of our rivers and lakes, has been a favorite among artists and art lovers. This year’s show features pieces from 45 various artists, many of which advocate for environmental causes. The show was juried by Sabrina Miller, an ecosystem specialist with the Army Corps of America; it was clear based on her awards and honorable mentions that she is passionate about wetlands and preserving our natural habitat.
You can view Our Rivers, Our Lakes in person at the GPAA gallery at The War Memorial, now through November 4. Viewing hours are 2-6:30pm on Thursdays and 10am-1pm on Saturdays.
BEST OF SHOW
Thirst by Robert Maniscalco
Description: Thirst captures that precious moment when our longing, that thirst for the object of our desire, the satisfaction of this most basic need, is finally quenched. It is an inner ecstasy. It is God speaking directly to our soul. It is satisfying on the deepest level because it connects us with others who understand this feeling. It is immediate, it lasts but an instant. It is personal yet universal.
Dimensions: 18inx18in
Material: Oil on panel
Price: $650
HONORABLE MENTION
SS Tregurtha by Winnie Chrzanowski
Description: Photo framed, matted & printed on archival material
Dimensions: 19inx23in
Material: Archival photo paper
Year: 2019
Price: $250
SECOND PRIZE
Gallup Park Reflections by Dennis Gordon
Description: I am fascinated with how our rivers and lakes create patterns and reflections. I also love how they invite us to go out and in them. This is my woodcut of tree reflections on the Huron River.
Dimensions: 16inx22in
Material: Woodcut printed with oil-based relief inks
Price: $385
THIRD PLACE
Cascading Water by Katarzyna Korytowska
Description: In 2018 we went for a lengthy trip to northern Michigan and had the opportunity to see 12 different waterfalls. This was one of them. It had crystal clear blue water.
Dimensions: 48inx60in
Material: Oil on canvas
Price: $3,200
And for those interested in participating in the next exhibition, entries are currently being accepted for the upcoming show, Feast for the Eyes. Artists are asked to capture and share the sights, sounds, smells, and memories of the holiday experience. Alex Fedirko, assistant art director at The Parade Company, will serve as the show juror. The deadline for entries is Monday, October 25. Click here to enter today!
Universities are Shunning their Responsibility to Democracy
Ronald J. Daniels, The Atlantic, October 3, 2021
In a piece for The Atlantic, Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels drew on his forthcoming book, What Universities Owe Democracy, to make the case that universities can, and furthermore should, do more to prepare students for informed and effective citizenship. His piece was of special interest to us as it argues that America’s colleges and universities should begin doing for their students what we have been trying to do for our audience through our American Democracy initiative here at The War Memorial
President Daniels, like many observers, sees a lack of knowledge and understanding of our system of government and the Enlightenment values upon which it is based as at the core of our many of present political dysfunction. Unlike many observers, however, Daniels perceives our present moment as an opportunity to do something about civic education, beginning with our colleges and universities: “Making education for democracy a core element of higher education’s mission will face its own obstacles, and maybe tougher ones. Chief among them will be the political and ideological divisions, often bitter and unyielding, that can turn any conversation about common values into a ferocious encounter. But we are at a rare moment when the left and the right seem to be aligned behind the idea that more civic education is crucial.” The piece is insightful but still approachable and a quick read, for access click on the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at lcelebi@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 45
In our 45th edition, we continue to celebrate Broadway’s triumphant return with stories from veteran performers and the 74th Tony Awards; we share a riveting piece from our friend AJ Baime on a Detroiter who set out to build his own Ford GT-40; and listen to a PBS NewsHour Weekend segment on how Michigan is attempting to take politics out of redistricting.
Arts and Culture
Another highlight of the Great White Way! Listen to an episode of Consider This from NPR that follows three Broadway veterans as they return to the stage. And we celebrate Broadway being back with the Tony Awards.
Community and Family
In early 2022, we will welcome back our old friend AJ Baime for a lecture on his newest book. In the meantime, read a piece he wrote for Road & Track about a Detroiter who decided to build his own GT-40.
American Democracy
A recent segment for PBS NewsHour Weekend looked at Michigan’s redistricting process. Learn how the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is attempting to take politics out of redistricting.
Broadway is Back!
Last week, we shared a moving special from CBSN that followed the many actors and workers affected by the longest Broadway shutdown in history. We celebrated the shows that welcomed audiences back to their theaters, and we are eager to watch more shows follow suit. As an institution that prides itself on presenting world-class performers, we're moved by the grit, determination, and triumphant return to stage displayed by many of these individuals. So much so that we are featuring Broadway stories in Inspired Thoughts back-to-back!
This week, listen to an episode of Consider This from NPR, where they follow three industry veterans as they make their return to the stage and theater. Krystal Joy Brown of “Hamilton,” Riza Takahashi of “Mean Girls,” and Christel Murdock of “Aladdin” recount the various thoughts and emotions that go through their minds when returning to a full (and vaccinated) theater after 18 months away.
And the common theme between all these stories is one simple thing: Broadway is back! This past Sunday, The Tony Awards returned after a year hiatus to honor and award the best in the industry, as well as remind the world of the joy and unity that live theater provides. Michael Schulman provides full commentary on the popular award show in a recent opinion piece for The New Yorker. Click here to read the full article.
A DIY Ford GT-40?
Our old friend AJ Baime has a new piece out in Road & Track about a former Detroit who, unable to afford an original, decided to build his own Ford GT-40. The GT-40 is a subject AJ knows well. In fact, he was last with us physically in November 2019 speaking about his book Go Like Hell and the era when Ford created the GT-40 to take on Ferrari and end its dominance.
More recently, AJ joined us online in October 2020 to talk about his book, Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America’s Soul. AJ will next join us online in early 2022 for the release of his upcoming book, White Lies: The Double Life of Walter White and America’s Darkest Secret (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, February 2022). The link below takes you to AJ’s Road & Track article.
“In Michigan, an effort to take politics out of redistricting”
Michigan is one of 21 states with some manner of redistricting commission to conduct its every 10-year reapportionments of legislative districts but one of only 4 states where that commission includes no politicians or political appointees, and the final reapportionment is not subject to review or revision by the state legislature. Given that Michigan is also a state where the current US House, as well as state Senate and House districts, most strongly favor one party, Michigan’s 2021 reapportionment by citizens commission is generating a great deal of attention.
“Michigan’s (old) maps were a poster child for political gerrymandering and partisanship”
Christopher Booker recently visited Michigan to report on our redistricting process for PBS NewsHour Weekend. His report includes some video of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission of four democrats, four republicans, and five unaffiliated voters in action. He also interviewed three members of the Commission, Douglas Clark, a Republican, Rebecca Szetela, who's unaffiliated, and MC Rothhorn, a Democrat. This report from PBS News Hour Weekend runs 12:20.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.