In part:
Detroit is legendary, of course, in American culture. For more than a century, this is the town where the world knows that cars are made. It is Motor City. Motown.

This is the city most associated for more than 100 years with America's manufacturing might. Detroit is the place where industry turned a nation into a world power.

In the last few months, and certainly in the last few days, it has also become a city living under a cloud. As the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression has settled in on the nation and the world, Detroit and its automakers have become the epicenter of a financial earthquake that has shaken the foundation of America's confidence in itself. Detroit's is a story that to some may look like a sped-up documentary of a city in decline -- a fast-motion dramatization of how things that can go wrong will go wrong.

Don't believe it.

As we worked with Detroit over the last year to prepare for the 71st Final Four, I have come to understand that this is a city as confident in its great future as it is aware of its great history. And what I've come to understand best is that the best of Detroit are its people.

There is no sit-down-and-quit in this town and its extraordinary citizens. In the midst of living out an economic nightmare getting worse, the Detroit Local Organizing Committee has never faltered in its efforts to make this Final Four the most successful yet.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/myles-..._b_181548.html