When Detroit Played the Numbers
Author/speaker Felicia B. George sheds light on the lives of Detroit’s numbers operators–many self-made entrepreneurs who overcame poverty and navigated the pitfalls of racism and capitalism by both legal and illegal means. Despite scandal and exploitation, these operators and their families also became important members of the community, providing steady employment and financial support for local businesses. Join the speaker as she provides a glimpse into the rich culture and history of Detroit’s Black Bottom and Paradise Valley neighborhoods, linking the growing gambling scene there with key characters and moments in local history, including Joe Louis’s rise to fame and the recall of a mayor backed by the Ku Klux Klan.
Dr. George is a WSU professor of anthropology and author. Her new book “When Detroit Played The Numbers: Gambling’s History and Cultural Impact on the Motor City explores how the popular three-number lottery game was a net positive for Detroit’s Black community.