In a remarkable occurrence that has drawn the attention of the Detroit community, a father and son duo are each being spotlighted for their unique contributions in adjoining exhibits at the Detroit Historical Museum. This is reportedly the first occasion in the museum's near-century existence that parent and offspring have been featured concurrently in separate displays, exemplifying both individual and familial enterprise.
Emmanuel Smith, known locally as "Mr. E in the D," steps into the limelight with 33 other black entrepreneurs in the exhibit titled "The Hustle: Detroit's Unsung Entrepreneurs," a feature by the Detroit Historical Museum that casts a spotlight on local trailblazers. His Emmy-winning children’s television program, "Mr. E Show," is likened to a Detroit-flavored blend of vintage educational programming, as ClickOnDetroit reports. Across the exhibit hall, the narratives continue with Eleazar-Yisrael Smith, the ten-year-old progeny of Emmanuel Smith, who has an audio story featured in "Stories in Stereo: Voices of Detroit Students" – an ensemble of work by fifth graders from University Preparatory Academy.
The happenstance was initially overlooked by the museum until the connection was pieced together by Rebecca Salminen Witt, the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer of the Detroit Historical Society. She realized the connection while talking with the program manager of 826 Michigan, the organization behind young Eleazar's storytelling project. "I told Eleazar ... 'This is something that’s going to go down in history for you and your family,'" Emmanuel Smith said in an interview with Detroit Free Press. "This is like legacy. Every time you drive past the Detroit Historical Museum, you’re going to be the grandfather that’s like, ‘Hey! Your dad was in this museum, and matter of fact, your grandad was in the museum, too.’ This is family history for us now, in the Historical Museum."
The story of the Smiths showcases the intersection of innovation, memory, and community influence, signaling the integral roles these elements play in the cultural and economic fabric of Detroit. Emmanuel Smith's dedication to fusing education with entertainment through his music and television show, and his son's burgeoning talent in narrative storytelling, together paint a vivid picture of the Detroit spirit. As put by Emmanuel in a conversation with BNN Breaking,, "It speaks volumes to how the city of Detroit is the city of innovation. ... From music to entertainment to science, we're the first, and the world is watching us."
Visitors can experience the interwoven stories of the Smith family at the Detroit Historical Museum, with the "Stories in Stereo" exhibit running until March 17 and "The Hustle" until March 31. As these exhibits draw to a close, they leave behind a legacy for the Smiths and an inspiration for the city's residents who see their vibrant narratives enshrined within the institution's walls.
