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Part 09: Race relations (RealPlayer version)

Lewandowski, Thomas, 1939 - (prod., narr.)

Oakland Community College

African Americans -- Relations with Polish Americans.

Hamtramck (Mich.) -- Race relations -- History -- 20th century.

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EX01a009

Extracts from oral histories of Hamtramck, MI in the Albert J. Zak Memorial Library (Hamtramck), Detroit Public Library (Burton Collection), Hamtramck Historical Collection, Library of Michigan, Macomb County Library, Oakland Community College Libraries.

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Annie Cairns, originally from Scotland, taught English and Family Living at the Hamtramck High School and also served as a counselor at Tau Beta Camp and Rev. William Brooks, Jr., African-American, Pastor of the Corinthian Baptist Church, civic and political leader, national Republican convention delegate, share memories about early ethnic and racial harmony. Rev. Brooks tells how established African-Americans took the newly arrived Poles in as roomers in their homes. Mention of two African-American brothers who were fluent in the Polish language.