Proclamation

The Greek-American Family in Michigan

Proclamation, "The Greek-American Family in Michigan," made by Mayor Coleman A. Young in 1985. The proclamation is mounted on cardboard and housed inside of a blue folder. The text is printed on a white background and is surrounded by a red border. The gold seal of the Mayor of the City of Detroit is at bottom left. The text of the proclamation reads as follows:

"Detroit Greeks have played a significant role in the development of the city since they first began arriving here in 1886. By 1892 the Greek community numbered about 100 men under 30 years old.
Early reports indicate that the first Greeks in Detroit were street vendors, travelling throughout the neighborhoods selling fruits and cakes. The first Greek Coffee-shop, which also served as a community center, opened in 1900 at 40 Macomb Street.
More and more Greek establishments began opening in the early 1900's, such as groceries, confectionaries, restaurants, coffee-houses, and shoe-shine and hat-cleaning stands. This pattern of service occupations among Greek entrepreneurs continues today and can be seen in Detroit's vibrant Greektown, a business center and one of the important tourist attractions in our city.
An exhibition presenting the history, culture and contributions of Greek-Americans in Detroit and Michigan currently is on display at the Detroit Historical Museum through June 30, 1985. 'The Greek-American Family in Michigan: Continuity Through Change' highlights such aspects as the family, schools and education, the church, business and occupations, fraternal organizations, costumes and clothing, sports and politics through photographs, documents, artistic and cultural artifacts and maps.
Therefore, I, Coleman A. Young, Mayor of the City of Detroit, issue this Proclamation in recognition of the numerous contributions Detroit Greeks have made in Detroit and in appreciation of the fine exhibit tracing the roots of the Greek-American Family at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Coleman A. Young"