The Faces of Detroit

The 20th century was a time of great social change. Social reform swept through the decades, shaking the traditional balance of power. Women and minorities were extended a political voice through the granting of the vote. Revolutionary programs, such as FDR’s Work Projects Administration were put in place to dramatically improve the economic conditions and quality of life of its citizens. During the latter half of the century, desegregation was actively pursued in many cities, allowing minorities to freely move into areas where formerly they were forbidden to live. The 1964 Civil Rights Act lead to the gradual enforcement of constitutional rights guaranteed to African-Americans nearly 100 years before, prohibiting discrimination in housing and employment. Each of these movements of change were hard won had a common goal: to create opportunity where formerly there had been none, and to fully allow citizens to decide upon their own destiny.