Detroit’s gifts to the world

By Layla McMurtrie on Wed, Mar 13, 2024 at 10:26 am

Detroiters are known for their immense hometown pride, often boasting about the gems that the city has to offer. Well, it’s our turn now.

Throughout time, the Motor City has inspired and influenced people across the globe in realms including arts, culture, music, the auto industry, and more.

Here are some of our favorite gifts that Detroit has given to the world.

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John Witherspoon

Beloved comedian and actor John Witherspoon, who passed away in 2019, was originally from Detroit. His career spanned decades and made a worldwide impact through productions like Friday and The Boondocks.

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Photo via Ford

The Model T

The Ford Model T, produced by the Ford Motor Company, became the first affordable automobile accessible to the middle class. Its mass production techniques and standardized parts set a precedent for modern automotive manufacturing and transformed the way people traveled and lived.

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Screenshot via YouTube

Eminem

Rising from the underground Detroit rap scene, Eminem shattered stereotypes and challenged societal norms with his provocative and often controversial content. His rapid-fire delivery, complex rhyme schemes, and clever wordplay set a new standard for technical skill in hip-hop. While now a bit of a recluse, he remains one of the most influential and celebrated figures in hip-hop history.

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Courtesy photo

State fairs

The second-ever state fair was held in Detroit in 1849. The Detroit State Fair served as a model for other state fairs across the United States, successfully showcasing agricultural, industrial, and cultural achievements and inspiring other cities and states to establish their own state fairs. Over time, state fairs became an integral part of American culture across the country. While the last Detroit State Fair was held in 2009, since 2013, a Michigan State Fair has been held in Novi.

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Run Shia, Run (photo via Flickr)

Some great movies

There have been numerous big and small movies that many may not know were filmed in and around Detroit, such as the Transformers popcorn flicks and the low-budget horror fave It Follows, among others. See here for the full list.

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