Address
4525 and 4801 East Nevada St.
Architecture
Colonial revival style by architect Aloys Frank Harman, built by Christman Co.
History
Construction started in 1941. Site of significant anti-Black protests by white residents in 1942. Some buildings demolished in 1981, with new buildings added through 1987. Michigan Historical Maker dedicated and site added to National Register of Historic Places in 2023.
What’s happening
City and state officials dedicated a Michigan Historical Marker at the Sojourner Truth Homes last week, celebrating its inclusion in the National Register for Historic Places.
The Detroit Housing Commission began construction on the Sojourner Truth Homes in 1941 primarily as affordable housing for Detroit’s Black autoworkers, who were key to U.S. military production at that time. The 200-unit development was immediately opposed by white residents of the nearby Krainz Woods neighborhood, who attempted to block the Black residents from entering their homes. The federal government intervened after inaction from the city, and National Guard troops protected Black residents as they entered their homes.
The site was one of 14 proposed by the city’s Civil Rights Advisory Committee for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
The project is still owned by the Detroit Housing Commission to house low-income tenants. Twenty-six of the original 46 buildings were demolished in 1981 as part of a modernization project. More modern buildings were added to the complex at that time.