First Michigan historic marker for Mexican community and its music history.
For nearly 70 years, Michigan has commemorated significant sites with historical markers in more than 1,800 places, but the first to tell a story about the Mexican community's contributions to Michigan history will be unveiled Friday.
That's when a historical marker is scheduled to be dedicated at 2 p.m. in the Mexicantown Mercado-Plaza, at Bagley and 21st streets, to honor the history of Mexicantown and Tejano Music brought to Detroit by pioneer musicians from northern Mexico and Texas.
Many are proud to see this history recognized in Southwest Detroit honoring the people who built the community and Detroit Tejano music legends such as Martin H. Solis Jr. and others who played around the community in dance halls and taverns such as the Las Vegas Bar in Detroit and broadcast from radio stations around the region.
"There is finally some broader recognition for the musical legacy along with the contributions to the economy, art and culture for our Latino migrants that helped to build and sustain Southwest Detroit," said Ray Lozano, executive director of the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation.