Influential Michiganders Series

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close

Who influences you?  There are personal connections with your friends and family.  Maybe it's celebrities or international icons.  These are just a few people that influenced Michigan and beyond in various ways.

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Berry Gordy (far left) and Arthur Vandenberg (2nd to left)

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Berry Gordy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berry_Gordy) is the founder of Motown Records.  He was responsible for introducing the world to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops and many more.  Motown Records spearheaded the desegregation of music and put Detroit on the map for music.

Arthur Vandenberg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_H._Vandenberg) was an isolationist Senator who became an "internationalist" when his eyes were opened during World War II.  He became a bipartisan leader and instrumental in the creation of the United Nations.

Michael Moore (left)

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Michael Moore (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_moore), love him or hate him, his film Roger and Me captured the rapid industrial decline and its impact on Flint and the Michigan region.  From there, he's made such films as Sicko, Fehrenheit 9/11, Bowling For Columbine as well as several books, TV shows, and music videos.  

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Henry Ford

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Henry Ford (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_ford) founded the Ford Motor Company, which brought the automobile to the masses by introducing auto production to the assembly line.  He had a vision of the world to promote peace though inexpensive mass produced goods and decent wages for employees.  It was Ford who made it possible for Michigan to become center of the "Arsenal of Democracy."

Chief Pontiac

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Chief Pontiac (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Pontiac) was a Native American leader of the Ottawa tribe that fought against British colonization of the Great Lakes region.  While winning several battles, he was unable to capture Fort Detroit.  He sparked a daring uprising to show that Native Americans would not willingly submit to genocide.

 

Joe Louis

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close

Joe Louis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Louis) was a record-breaking heavyweight boxing champion.  This legend of the ring also packed a powerful punch outside the ring as he fought the Jim Crow Laws of the south and the desegregation of professional golf.