Hard Stuff: The Autobiography Of Mayor Coleman Young

by Coleman A. Young, Lonnie Wheeler

The first African-American mayor of Detroit recounts his life, describing his epic journey from "Big Time Red" on the Prohibition streets of Detroit to his rise in politics

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

368 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1994

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up in suburban Metro Detroit in the 70s and 80s, I naturally inherited the pervasive middle class white suburban perception of Coleman Young that the media effectively "sold" to us. I never questioned my perceptions until I read Mark Binelli's Detroit City Is The Place To Be. As I read Binelli's work, my limited perceptions of Detroit, the suburbs, the auto industry, and Coleman Young's influence opened doors I didn't even know existed. The excerpts from Hard Stuff blew me away and inspired me to seek out the book and take on the possibility of continuing to see my foundational "world" in entirely new light. Reading Young's book reminded me of the power of perception, the importance of being open to learning, and the gift of rewriting my own history with greater context.

[Chris Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hindsight is an interesting thing. Some of the things that Coleman Young talks about in his post-mayoral vision of Detroit (casinos for example) are now part of the region's fabric. Light rail is on its way. Cooperation with the suburbs has also been a given. It was not always as such and interesting to reflect on the 20 years after this book was written. Young gives much of his early life, his times in the unions, military, state capital and ultimately, the mayor's office. He pulls no punches in telling his tale from his perspective. Very interesting read, if for nothing else historical posterity of Detroit in the 1970s and 1980s.

[Sabin Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to re-read the autobiography of one of my most influential heroes, Mayor Coleman Young! His 20 year leadership of my hometown coincided with my first 20 years in life and would serve as the foundational example of how I view leadership. Too much mud has been unfairly heaped upon him; yet, his accomplishments stand as bedrocks for Detroit’s renaissance.

[Susan Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading on African American history and politics, Detroit as the heartbeat of America in more ways than one, race in America, our urban crises, labor history, the role of Communists and anti-Communism in our country, and one of this country's most colorful and significant political figures. Quite entertaining too. Young is/was known (and loved by many) for his prolific spicy language and sense of humor.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often that you find an honest, funny, thoughtful and informative account of a major political figure in one work. For anyone looking to understand the life experiences that shaped Coleman Young’s approach, or how decisions made 30 years ago continue to shape the upward trajectory of the city of Detroit today, this is a worthwhile read.

[Len Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously a little one sided but nevertheless a great insight into the history of Detroit and the experience of racial discrimination.

[Marieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biased, one-sided account, but it really helped explain a lot of emotion behind his decisions.