Bootleggers. Hijackers. Murderers. They were the Purple Gang and in the early decades of the 20th century, in Detroit, there was none worse.
“They were a predatory group, and they were known for their ruthlessness. I mean they shoot everybody during these hijackings, even the guys who were simply driving the trucks. What that resulted in was that if you were making a beer delivery and were robbed by the Purples, you fought to the death, because you knew that the Purples were going to haul you out of the truck and kill you anyway,” said Paul Kavieff.
A local historian who has written a book on the Purple Gang, Kavieff will make a presentation on the notorious gang during And Still They Prospered: Living Through the Great Depression, a new program series at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College.
In addition to Kavieff’s presentation on the Purple Gang, other presentations and exhibits during the Feb. 28-May 8 program series will look at the overall Prohibition Era in the Detroit area and the popular culture – music, movies and art -- that developed at the same time. Kavieff’s presentation is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 5.
And Still They Prospered will examine what it took not only to survive the great economic and related challenges of the Great Depression and the 1930s, but will also look at the seeds that were sown to allow the Detroit region to rise up from that challenge and create a new industrial super power.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, Garfield & M-59, Clinton Township. The cultural center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday; and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information on the cultural center and on the And Still They Prospered program series is available at www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (lorenzoculturalcenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 59,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu