The Ditch

This novel is a gripping story of the courage of a group of youths from Detroit's Eastside, who stood up and faced down a vicious attempt by the Urban Renewal Program to physically remove them from their neighborhood during the destruction of Hastings Street in the early 1960's. Hastings Street was a thriving Black Business District known all over the world as a flourishing cultural and business community. This program of Negro removal by the government of that period included constant police harassment, false and illegal arrests, brutality, incarceration, the Draft and intimidation by city, county, and government officials. This abuse occurred over a long period of time until a special person joined these courageous young men, educating them, changing their outlook and insight, and preparing them to rebuild this neighborhood. A neighborhood that the government deemed unfit for human habitation before these youths were born.This novel is not only a part of Detroit's history, but is a true story. You or a family member may be connected to this great saga.