Downtown Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Detroit Plaindealer
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 3, 2021
1. Detroit Plaindealer Marker
Inscription.
Detroit Plaindealer. . The office of the Plaindealer, Detroit’s first successful black newspaper, was located on this site. Founded in 1883 by five young men, it served as an advocate of black interests in Michigan and throughout the Midwest. Especially concerned with developing racial pride, the paper preferred the designation Afro-American rather than Negro, and encouraged the support of black businessmen and politicans. Its managing editor, Robert Pelham Jr., was perhaps the best-known black political figure in late nineteenth-century Detroit. In 1889 he helped organize the Afro-American League, the first nationally prominent civil rights group. Later he held the position of census clerk with the federal government. The Plaindealer, however, failed to receive sufficient financial support in the community, and ceased publication in 1894.
The office of the Plaindealer, Detroit’s first successful black newspaper, was located on this site. Founded in 1883 by five young men, it served as an advocate of black interests in Michigan and throughout the Midwest. Especially concerned with developing racial pride, the paper preferred the designation Afro-American rather than Negro, and encouraged the support of black businessmen and politicans. Its managing editor, Robert Pelham Jr., was perhaps the best-known black political figure in late nineteenth-century Detroit. In 1889 he helped organize the Afro-American League, the first nationally prominent civil rights group. Later he held the position of census clerk with the federal government. The Plaindealer, however, failed to receive sufficient financial support in the community, and ceased publication in 1894.
Erected 1975 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S0451.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 42° 19.947′ N, 83° 2.986′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit.
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Marker is at the intersection of State Street and Shelby Street, on the left when traveling west on State Street. Mounted on the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel at the northeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 371 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
