From the Annals of WWII Detroit

[Lowell]

I have been on a long-running project of reading the New York Times day-by-day same-every-day for the WWII years [I'm currently in 1943]. It is interesting to read history as it unfolds, as one might have done back then. Naturally my eye is drawn to Detroit stories. Hence this thread.

Last month I came across this story, appropriate to today with the swirl of protests triggered by the George Floyd murder. It is a reminder of why his death has become more of a culmination of a long history of systemic racism and injustice.

Col. William T. Colman staggered out to his chauffeured staff car in a drunken stupor and saw Pfc. William H. McRae as his driver. Col. Colman became so incensed by the sight of McRae who was Black that he shot McRae twice.

And the punishment? A reduction in rank to Captain!