Give a Smile, Get a Smile
Morningside neighbors gathering on Three Mile Drive in 1991. Image courtesy of Jim West
There’s something about the photo that I really like. Happy and smiling neighbors. Racially integrated. And a “Neighborhood Watch” sign, suggesting that there is a community working together and looking out for each other.
It reminds me of my Detroit experience. As maybe it should.
The photo is of MorningSide. It was taken in 1991 by long-time resident Jim West. The location is Three Mile and E. Warren and it features two families from the neighborhood.
A couple weeks ago, on a whim, I posted the photo to the Detroit subreddit. (If you’re unfamiliar with Reddit, it’s just an online forum dedicated to Detroit content and news.)
The post got a fantastic response! Reddit analytics show 42 shares, 20k views, and over 60 comments. It was upvoted to the top of the subreddit.
But the really neat thing? As the photo was being shared, people started recognizing individuals from the photo and sharing it with them.
“I'm pretty sure that is my Aunt (Black Woman)”
“I know the mom and kids on the left, so wild!”
Eventually, individuals from the photo chimed in! The two boys commented and were able to provide context and additional details about the photo.
It's a great photo that made me smile and, by the looks of it, made other Detroiters smile too.
