Michigan Minute

On this day in 1913, Gerald R. Ford was born. The only U.S. president never elected to the presidency or vice presidency, he represented Michigan in Congress for 25 years

On this day in 1787, the Northwest Ordinance was enacted, setting the stage for Michigan and other Midwest states to move from territory to statehood with guaranteed rights.

On this day in 1995, Olympian Jordyn Wieber was born in DeWitt, Michigan. And in 1974, women were officially allowed to join the Michigan National Guard.

On this day in 1974, Michigan enacted its Endangered Species Act. And in 1796, U.S. forces officially took control of Fort Detroit from the British after years of delay.

On this day in 1805, Jacob Merritt Howard was born. A Michigan lawmaker and U.S. senator, he helped draft the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments alongside President Lincoln.

On this day in 1975, Jack White was born in Detroit. A key figure in the 2000s garage rock revival, he rose to fame with the White Stripes and later wrote a Bond theme in 2008.

On this day in 1924, U-M alum DeHart Hubbard became the first Black American to win Olympic gold. In 1962, Roger Roberts became Lansing’s first Black firefighter.

On this day in 1933, Michigan passed the Old Age Assistance Act. And in 1845, the first issue of the Detroit Daily News was published, laying the foundation for today’s Detroit News.

1931: Della Reese, born Delloreese Patricia Early in Detroit, began her journey as a singer and made history by performing as the first gospel singer in Las Vegas casinos. She later gained fame for her role in "Touched by An Angel" and was ordained as a minister, officiating the wedding of her co-star Roma Downey. 1845: The antislavery Fusion Convention in Jackson, Michigan, originally planned indoors, moved outdoors due to large attendance, leading to the formation of the Republican Party.

On this day in 2002, Michigan’s Court of Appeals struck down a law banning public cursing, ruling it protected speech—thanks to one canoeist’s colorful language.