Other cities without the same demographic characteristics do not have the same type of institutions. These successes are mixed with profound challenges. The good and bad of Detroit have become inextricably linked in the national consciousness with its status as a black majority city. Recent census estimates indicate that more than 33 percent of the population lives under the federal poverty level. The black population may in fact decrease in this census, but as a percentage it will increase primarily because whites are leaving.
All evidence indicates therein lies the change.
Metzger estimates the white population at 15 percent. He said Metro Detroit is unique from many other large metropolitan areas because it has not had a major influx of Asian and Hispanic immigrants in the past 30 years. The largest branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, with more than 50,000 members, is in Detroit. Metro Detroit sent one of the largest contingents of black men to the Million Man March on Washington, D.C., in 1995. Black Detroiters have made major contributions to American culture, including the arts, academics and sports.