The finalists have been named in the Detroit Knight Arts Challenge 2013, a major grant program.

There were 1,400 applicants and 84 made the first cut. I'm thankful to be one of them, along with my project partner, documentary film-maker Juanita Anderson.

We proposed a feature-length documentary film about my father - Joe Von Battle, and his record shop on Hastings St.; as well as Black Bottom, Paradise Valley, etc., and the artists he recorded - amid the changes in Detroit, during the time between two riots - 1943 and 1967.

The awardees will be chosen in September. There are some fantastic ideas on the list of proposed projects.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...=2013306170113