The LOVE Building's Commitment to Cultural Preservation

At the LOVE Building, our mission is clear: to contribute to the cultural preservation of Core City by honoring the legacies of those who came before us and paving the way for future generations.

Central to our mission is the creation of a vibrant mural, an ode to our past, present, and future. Designed around the theme of "Ancestral Love, Moving Us Forward," this mural serves as a living tribute to the beloved members of our community who have passed away.

“Ancestral Love, Moving Us Forward” mural.

Honoring Our Roots:

Our mural evolves with the passage of time, just as our community does. As we add new portraits to the mural, we pay homage to the pioneers, visionaries, and unsung heroes who have shaped Core City's identity. Their stories inspire us, their sacrifices propel us, and their love sustains us.

Mary E. Teasley Hunter (1916-2020)

Mary E. Teasley Hunter, a pioneering community leader, brought compassion and activism to Detroit. As the first Black secretary at Detroit Orthopedic Clinic, she blazed trails professionally while nurturing her neighborhood through education and advocacy. From founding The Core City Neighborhood Council to establishing housing for the marginalized, Mary's legacy of resilience and empathy shines brightly.

Click to learn more about Mary E. Teasley Hunter.

Umayma Rogers (ooma-eema) (1983 - 2016)

Umayma Rogers, fondly known as "Little Mom," radiated love and resilience throughout her life in Detroit. Despite facing health challenges, she embraced creativity and cared for others as a massage therapist and hair braider. Umayma's spirit of joy and perseverance, coupled with her advocacy for those facing similar struggles, continues to inspire.

Howard King (1950-2019)

Howard King's legacy is one of community empowerment and unwavering dedication. From his roots in the Civil Rights movement to his advocacy for safety and employment, Howard's impact on Detroit's neighborhoods was profound. His commitment to service, mentorship, and social justice endures, leaving a lasting imprint on the city he loved.

Grace Lee Boggs (1915-2015)

Grace Lee Boggs was an influential activist, writer, and speaker. Born to Chinese immigrants, she partnered with Black Marxist C.L.R. James before engaging in Civil Rights and Black Power Movement activism in Detroit with her husband, James Boggs. Boggs authored notable works and continued activism into her centenarian years. She received numerous honors, including recognition from the National Women’s Hall of Fame and Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. Her life is documented in the film "American Revolution: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs.

Click to learn more about Grace Lee Boggs.

Coleman A. Young (1918 – 1997)

Coleman A. Young was Detroit’s first African American mayor, serving from 1974 to 1997. Born in 1918, he moved to Detroit in 1923 and later became a Tuskegee Airman during WWII. Unable to secure a college scholarship, he worked at Ford Motor Company and became involved in union and civil rights activism. Young co-founded the National Negro Labor Council in 1951. He faced imprisonment for trying to desegregate an officers’ club. Despite challenges, he made history in Detroit and continued to advocate for social justice throughout his life.

Click to learn more about Coleman A. Young.

Malice Green (1957 – 1992)

Malice Green was an African American man whose tragic death in 1992 sparked significant protests and discussions about police brutality in the United States. He died after a violent encounter with Detroit police officers, highlighting issues of racial injustice and the need for police reform. Green's case remains a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for civil rights and accountability within law enforcement.

Click to learn more about Malice Green.

Aiyanna Stanley-Jones (2002 – 2010)

Aiyana Stanley-Jones was a 7-year-old African American girl who was fatally shot by police during a raid on her home in Detroit in 2010. Her death drew national attention to issues of police tactics and the impact of violence on communities of color. Aiyana's case underscored the urgent need for reform in law enforcement practices and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Click to learn more about Aiyanna Stanley-Jones.

Vincent Chin (1955 – 1982)

Vincent Chin was a Chinese American man who was brutally murdered in 1982 in Detroit, an act fueled by racial hatred amid economic tensions. His death became a rallying point for Asian American activism, as the lenient sentences given to his killers sparked outrage and led to increased awareness of anti-Asian violence. Chin's legacy continues to inspire advocacy for justice and equality within Asian American communities.

Click to learn more about Vincent Chin.

Image of Mary E. Teasley Hunter by Dayana Juarez.

Image of Umayma Rogers by Tzu Poré.

Image of Howard King by Phillip Simpson.

Image of Grace Lee Boggs by Dayana Juarez.

Image of Coleman A. Young by Phillip Simpson.