When Detroit Played the Numbers Author Talk with Felicia B. George
Schedule
Tue, 19 Aug, 2025 at 07:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Troy Public Library | Troy, MI
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. And be sure to borrow a copy of When Detroit Played the Numbers from TPL, a Michigan Notable Book for 2025.Register now at: https://troypl.librarycalendar.com/event/copy-detroit-gambling-hist-draft-82864
This is an official City of Troy, Troy Public Library event. Program registration may only be conducted on the Troy Public Library online calendar (troypl.org/calendar). RSVPing to Facebook event is not considered as registration.
