We invite you to be a part of a transformative journey with the Friends of Royal Oak Township (FOROT). Our mission is to preserve the rich history and legacy of Royal Oak Charter Township, a community with deep roots and a powerful story that began in 1921 with the settlement of African ancestry. Our project, “Truth Toward Reconciliation: The Vision, Journey, and Voices of Historic Royal Oak Charter Township,” aims to commemorate the 100-year historical development of this township and its surrounding communities. This initiative is more than just a historical preservation project; it is a movement towards truth, healing, and reconciliation. Why This Project Matters Royal Oak Charter Township's history is a microcosm of the broader destruction of Black communities in America, akin to Detroit’s Black Bottom, Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, and Rosewood’s Massacre. Through extensive historical research, listening sessions, and interviews, we are uncovering the stories of those who lived, worked, and attended school in this area and neighboring communities. The Power of Truth and Reconciliation In the face of historical and ongoing racial injustices, our project stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action. By documenting and sharing these stories, we aim to foster understanding, healing, and reconciliation. Our effort will join other truth and reconciliation movements across the nation, including those in Chicago, Evanston, Asheville, and Greensboro. Recent Milestones In 2023, with the assistance of the University of Michigan, we completed a 25-minute short film titled "A Tale of Ten Cities," capturing the early journeys of South Oakland County and historic Royal Oak Township. This film serves as a funding appeal to complete Phase II of our documentary, "The Voices," which will feature "The Phoenix Rising." Additionally, in July 2023, we installed a historic marker at the former site of Grant Elementary School, a key location in the desegregation battle between the Ferndale District and Health Education and Welfare. We also hosted a panel on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January 2023, focusing on History and Reparations. How You Can Make a Difference We are seeking donors to support the advancement of our project. Your contributions will help us: Produce a documentary video that captures the essence of our community’s history. Create an e-magazine and social media content to share these stories widely. Facilitate inter-generational dialogues and truth-telling sessions that bring together diverse voices and experiences. Your Impact By supporting this campaign, you are not only preserving history but also contributing to a future where truth leads to healing and reconciliation. Together, we can provide an accurate and true representation of South Oakland County, support organizational development through collaboration, and enrich the cultural life of our communities. Join Us This is a national and international struggle, but we believe that change begins at the local level. Your support can help us change ourselves and our world. Join us in this vital work and make a lasting impact.