City Ride

Now Playing: Ain't No Thang – Outkast
Location: Rosa Parks Transit Center

City Ride

Detroit is so hard, and not just in the aspect of hard times, but it's core is like the steel once used to manufacture it's American autos. Something about this place is amazingly unbreakable. In the face of some of the most furious social, political and financial upheavals it has a throbbing pulse felt in the pissed stained concrete, beneath the worn soles of the unemployed, and the crispy white kicks of those dedicated to dressing fresh in the face of poverty. I always describe the connection between this city and it's natives as love hate. To know Tha D is to both adore and loath it. There is so much to treasure: the history, the long striving communities, the music, art, culture and food and then there is the disparity and ruin, political corruption, and soaring obstacles. Still, Detroit like a broken winged phoenix erupts in fires beyond Devil's night and smolders into ashes, always waiting to catch fire again.

The most picturesque intake of my city can be found while riding the bus from East to West, to the fringes of the suburbs and back downtown. The most colorful routes I have found are Woodward, Dexter, Grand River and Linwood. I have witnessed everything from a demented revolutionary to a spazzed out brother covered in blood ready to box everyone on the bus. Sometimes exchanges range from community furor over the latest unjust policies from our incompetent mayoral administration and foolish city council to just plain ignorant confrontations between irate riders and disgruntled bus drivers. On the best days there is the cool brother bus driver that passes out fist pounds and smiles with an infectious “Booyah!” or the bus driver who waves off you paying bus fare when the fare box is working! When all your bus rides and transfers happen on time then the day becomes pretty freaking magical.

In moments like this you appreciate the funky trick Detroit is. Ghetto as hell, house parties, and block barbecues. Country as your Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi roots and the Upsouth drawl of our words, . Slick as gators and the intricate hairstyles artfully coiffed in salons across the city. Eclectic as indy rock, organic gardens, hippies in Cass Corridor and street festivals happening in cool neighborhoods. Sophisticated as art museums, wine tasting, independent films and literary circles. Broken as the lines in the faces of the dejected and struggling. Spiritual as saints and Muslims gathering in churches and mosques with sincere prayers for the future of our city. Detroit is not just one thing, but all of these things.

Take a ride through my city and get to know the real Detroit.

Closing track: Hard Times - Ludacris