The preservation of history doesn’t belong only to institutions, it lives in the hands, voices and memories of everyday people. In Detroit, a new generation of community historians is stepping forward.

Through oral histories, archival research, and creative storytelling, Black Bottom Archives’ Preserving Black Legacy Fellowship, builds living records of Detroit’s footprint. The year-long program trains Black Detroiters to document, preserve, and share the stories rooted in their own neighborhoods.

All of the fellows’ work will culminate in a public exhibit and a festival in 2026 celebrating Black Detroit history.

Lex Draper Garcia Bey is Director of Community Engagement and Programs for Black Bottom Archives. 

We begin the conversation talking about “From the Bottom, Up,” an exhibition by Black Bottom Archives on display at the Detroit Historical Society. It’s guided by the principle of Sankofa: “go back and get it.” Its closing ceremony is April 5 at the museum. 

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They called her the girl behind the camera, but make no mistake, Leni Sinclair wasn’t standing in anyone’s shadow. She was shaping history from the other side of the lens.

After emigrating to the United States in 1959 and studying at Wayne State University, Sinclair immersed herself in the cultural pulse of Detroit. In the 1960s, she documented revolution, both musical and political, capturing icons like Aretha Franklin and the raw passion of the MC-5. 

Her photographs didn’t just freeze moments in time, they helped define an era.

Leni wasn’t only observing movements, she was leading them. A political activist, cultural catalyst, and champion for generations of artists, she transformed Detroit’s creative landscape while chronicling it.

The Detroit Historical Society is honoring Sinclair’s extraordinary legacy with a year-long exhibition, “Leni: Looking Through the Lens”.

The celebration kicks off March 12 at the Detroit Historical Museum. The evening will be moderated by WDET’s Ann Delisi with an ensemble performance led by Kasan Belgrave, son of legendary trumpeter Marcus Belgrave.

Leni joined The Metro’s Tia Graham to chat briefly about her career and upcoming event.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

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