Full Description
Black Eden chronicles the history of Idlewild, a Michigan black community founded during the aftermath of the Civil War. As one of the nation's most popular black resorts, Idlewild functioned as a gathering place for African Americans, and more importantly as a touchstone of black identity and culture. Benjamin C. Wilson and Lewis Walker examine Idlewild's significance within a historical context, as well as the town's revitalization efforts and the need for comprehensive planning in future development. In a segregated America, Idlewild became a place where black audiences could see rising black entertainers. Profusely illustrated with photos from the authors' personal collections, Black Eden provides a lengthy discussion about the crucial role that Idlewild played in the careers of artists such as Louis Armstrong, B. B. King, Sammy Davis Jr., Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, and Della Reese. Fundamentally, the book explores issues involved in living in a segregated society, the consequences of the civil rights movement, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent integration, and the consequences of integration vs. racial solidarity. The authors ask: Did integration kill Idlewild?, suggesting rather that other factors contributed to its decline.
Contents
ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroductionI. Establishing the Foundations of a Black Resort in MichiganEarly History: A Logging Community in MichiganRacial Segregation, Northern StyleThe Formative Years and the Idlewild Resort Company, 1915-1927The Contractual AgreementThe IRC PlanSociological Illuminations2.Continuation of a Good DealThe Formation of Idlewild Summer Resort CompanyArticles of AssociationThe Idlewild Summer Resort Company Plan of DevelopmentThe Business District in IdlewildSociological Illuminations3.The Popular Place to BePromotion of the ResortSpecial Music and Poems Written for IdlewildThe Emergent Cleavages at IdlewildThe Skin Color Factor: Intraracial Strife and Problems of Social DistanceOther Related DevelopmentsSociological Illuminations4.An Emergent Black Entertainment ShowcaseThe Chitlin CircuitThe Significance of Idlewild Clubs to EntertainersWhite Music Lovers at IdlewildOn Stage at IdlewildEscape to Woodland Park for RestNature, Swimming, Boating, and Horseback RidingSome Famous Athletes at IdlewildSociological Illuminations5.Some Intended and Unintended Consequences in the Black Community During the Civil Rights EraLiving in a Caste System in the United StatesThe Civil Rights Movement versus the Caste SystemOn Integration: A New Phase and a New CrisisSelf-Validation, Self-Actualization, and IdentityThe Dual Challenge: Transforming America through Integration versus Racial SolidaritySome Shortcomings of Public Accommodations Act and IntegrationDid Public Accommodations Act Alone Kill Idlewild?Idlewild Will Always Be There!"Greener Pastures"Lack of Leadership and VisionAn Incomplete Infrastructure: Another FactorThe Passing of the Great OnesIdlewild: A Question of SurvivalSociological Illuminations6.A Snapshot of Idlewild's Contemporary Social StatusSocial Structure of IdlewildSome Social DemographicsThe Business Picture in IdlewildThe Employment and Income SituationCrime and Delinquency in the TownshipThe Housing Dilemma in IdlewildFamily ConcernsEducational Status and ProblemsEnvironmental IssuesThe Transportation SystemHope and Anxiety for the Future of IdlewildSociological Illuminations7.Revitalization: 1960-2000 ActivitiesMid-Sixties: The Shadies and the SaintsA New Breed Brings Hope to Old-TimersActivities to Stop the Downward SpiralActivities to Remove Squatters and Improve the CommunityActivities from the Yates Township Board: A Time for ActionMore Recent Efforts to Revitalize IdlewildAn Acceleration of Activities to Turn the Community AroundFiveCAP: A Major Piece of the Revitalization PuzzleSociological Illuminations8.A Need for a Comprehensive Strategic Plan: Some SuggestionsA Need for Definitional Clarity of the CommunityThe Importance of a Paradigm Shift and Transformative LeadersCurrent and Future ChallengesA Companion Plan for Idlewild Vis-à-Vis the County PlanBackground and Summary of Lake County's "Plan"A Comprehensive Companion Plan for Idlewild: Some Salient SuggestionsSociological Illuminations9.An Epilogue for IdlewildSuccess and FailureEntertainment and Leisure-Oriented BusinessesA Short-Term Alternative to Building New Motels and RestaurantsEmpowerment: Making Use of Existing ResourcesA Composite Summary of Sociological IlluminationsConclusionAppendices1.Sample Coupons2.Scott's Letter of Endorsement3.Curry's Letter of Endorsement4.Some Early Pioneers in Idlewild5Purchase Agreement Letter6.Sheet Music: "Idlewild"7.Sheet Music: "(Idlewild) Duett Chorus: Tango Dance"NotesIndex
