Bear in mind, I will more than likely be biased throughout this entire article but it's all for the right reasons. To cut to the chase, the city of Detroit has been to hell and back - Detroit's unemployment rate dropped to 5.3 percent in 2016, down from a high of 19 percent. The poverty rate is now 13.4 percent, a full point below the national average. Despite the constant ridicule, this city is taking a turn for the better and maintaining its soulful endurance.
I, however, have created some of the best memories in Detroit. With both of my parents being born and raised in the inner-city, Ford Field, Lafayette Coney Island, the Motown Museum and Campus Martius are just a few of the places I keep close to my heart.
I admire those who are standing tall to change the media's perception of this city because building by building and block by block, Detroiters are starting to see themselves in a different light, a better light.
If you ever need a reminder on how incredible this city is, here are three of the biggest reasons why anyone who says they're from Detroit should say it proudly:
1.The sweet sound of Motown
I am sitting here trying to think of a way to accurately express my love for Motown without going off on a tangent. Think about this: Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, the Isley Brothers and the Temptations (just to name a few) got their start at Motown Records. I can confidently say without these artists, music would not be what it is today. And it all started in a small recording studio on West Grand Boulevard. Just let that sink in.
2. Baaad Boys, Baaad Boys
In the late '80s and early '90s, the Motor City Bad Boys dominated the NBA by literally fighting their way to back-to-back championships. The Detroit Pistons made history and essentially changed the defense game in basketball. In fact, in 1996, Isiah Thomas (their point guard) was named one of the 50 best basketball players of all time. If you need any further convincing, take a look. Lebron, who?
3. The downright culture
I can sit here and tell you what to visit, where to eat and who to see but I would rather tell you to experience the energy in the heart of downtown. There is something special about being in the city and seeing it thrive that makes me smile. It is so refreshing to hear about Detroiters making noise - people who have cultivated beautiful homes and communities over the difficult decades and working hard at unglamorous everyday tasks. They don't make headlines, but they are the heartbeat of the city.
Experience Detroit for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
