Rebranding Detroit's Musical Legacy

Category: Entertainment Published on Tuesday, 17 November 2009 13:25 Written by Bankole Thompson, Chronicle Senior Editor

I am certainly not opposed to the huge fanfare that will be on display this weekend. In fact, at the invitation of The Links Inc, a national organization for women of color, I went to the preview of the 50th anniversary last weekend at the MotorCity Casino where an array of musical groups that emanated out of Motown performed before a standing-room-only audience in the Sound Board room.

But in the midst of the splendor and ostentation, we cannot forget the educational legacy of Motown owed to the next generation.

That legacy will have to be defined by those who are trusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the dreams of the past never die.

The entertainment appeal that began 50 years ago in Detroit and produced men and women who crisscrossed the world to entertain and serenade crowds with their talents was an incredible journey.

That journey has not ended.

Let the next 50 years of Motown usher in a Detroit that is at the middle of the global entertainment and cultural vibration.

When you think big, big things can happen.

Watch senior editor Bankole Thompson’s weekly show, “Center Stage,” on WADL TV 38, Saturdays at 1 p.m. This Saturday’s program, Nov 21, will feature a special tribute to Motown’s 50th anniversary. E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .