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Three MI Moments from January
1. A State First for Civil Rights
On January 1, 1964, Michigan's new constitution took effect, creating the Civil Rights Commission with full constitutional authority.
Governor George Romney pushed for it, appointing a Black Democrat and a White Republican as co-chairs to ensure it wasn't just political theater.
It remains the only state constitution in America that explicitly mandates a commission to investigate discrimination.
2. The Battle of the Bulls and the Brigade.
On January 11, 1937, during the Flint Sit-Down Strike, Genora Johnson organized the Women’s Emergency Brigade to break police lines and deliver supplies to strikers.
During the "Battle of the Running Bulls," these women acted as human shields and smashed plant windows to ventilate the tear gas being used against the men inside.
The police, constrained by the public optics of attacking women, were forced to retreat.
This pivotal victory protected the strike and ultimately pressured GM into its first historic agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW).
3. The Speech That Changed the World
On January 10, 1945, Senator Arthur Vandenberg shocked the Senate by renouncing his lifelong isolationism in a famous speech.
He admitted that "robot bombs" and air warfare meant the oceans could no longer protect America from the world's problems.
His "speech heard round the world" secured bipartisan support for the UN charter, ending American isolationism.
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MI History Photo of the Week
The Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936-1937
Flint Sit-Down Strikers in the Fisher Body Plant - circa 1937
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MI Trivia
On January 12, 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. founded the "Tamla" record label—the precursor to the Motown empire—using an $800 loan borrowed from which specific source?
Tip: Click or tap on your guess to see if you got it right!
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MI History Spotlight
The Calumet Colosseum
Originally opened in 1913 during the height of the copper boom, the Calumet Colosseum is recognized as the oldest continuously operating indoor ice rink in North America.
Today, this historic landmark remains a vibrant community hub where visitors can skate on the same ice that has hosted over a century of Michigan hockey history.
Plan a visit or explore the arena’s heritage at the official Calumet Colosseum website.
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My Michigan Reflection
I was genuinely surprised to find out that Michigan was the only state to write a Civil Rights Commission directly into its Constitution. And there are so many layers to the auto industry and its impacts that it seems limitless.
And history continues to be made in Michigan—sometimes, it even happens overnight. Just look at the fresh history made days ago.
On Friday, January 9th, temperatures in Detroit, MI, reached 60°F. The previous record for January 9th was 55°F, set way back in 1880 and tied in 1949.
It wasn’t just Detroit; locations like Flint (59°F), Saginaw (58°F), Traverse City (55°F), Alpena (53°F), Houghton Lake (51°F), and Gaylord (48°F) all set new daily record temps for January 9th, shattering previous highs by 4-7 degrees!
I’m amazed by how many historic moments are made here—whether in 1963 or last Friday—and it only makes me prouder to be a Michigander.
Until next week, thank you for reading Michigan History Digest.
— Zac and the Welcome Home History Team.