Nazi Sign Prompts Look at Run-Down Detroit Packard Plant

 "Arbeit macht frei" means "labor makes one free" in German. These words became a symbol of Jewish oppression under the Third Reich, as the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz bore this legend. In February, this slogan appeared in graffiti across the walkway of Detroit's derelict Packard plant on East Grand. It ignited a firestorm of debate. Jewish groups and Holocaust survivor collectives pushed for its removal, saying it was an offensive, ugly reminder of past suffering, reports the Detroit Free Press. Packard has a long history of notoriety in Detroit. Note: the plant is not "run-down." My title was changed. This gives the impression it's just unkempt. Packard is abandoned, dangerous and derelict and has been for 60 years.  Nazi Sign Prompts Look at Run-Down Detroit Packard Plant

Organizing Ford Motor Company: Black Detroit Autoworkers, Communism, Cadillac Square

For the last 100ish years, the word "communism" has held negative connotations. Even now, saying you're a Communist will quiet the room fast. In 1930s Detroit, being a Communist wasn't necessarily considered a bad thing, though -- at least not for 60,000 black American autoworkers.  Sadly, Michigan government has turned back the hands of time and progress by passing an anti-union"right-to-work" bill. Organizing Ford: Black Detroit Autoworkers, Communism