The Great Migration of African Americans from the South to northern and western cities between 1910 and 1970 had a significant impact on the cities where they settled, including Detroit. A key stop for many Southerners migrating to Detroit was the Michigan Central train station, which is also where Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. previewed his new PBS series “Great Migrations: A People on the Move” in an event hosted by Ford.

Through four episodes, “Great Migrations” explores the initial wave of Black migration, driven by the search for better economic opportunities, as well as the “New Great Migration” when African Americans moved back to the South following the Civil Rights Movement. The series also examines the “Next Great Migration,” which highlights the influx of Caribbean and African immigrants and their growing influence on American society.

In conjunction with the docuseries, “American Black Journal” continues to examine the impact of the Great Migration on America. Host Stephen Henderson moderated a panel discussion at Michigan Central with Dr. Gates, filmmakers Nailah Ife Sims and Julia Marchesi, Motown Museum CEO Robin Terry, and Michigan Central’s Director of Talent Development & Programming Clarinda Barnett-Harrison.

They talk about how African Americans influenced politics, labor and culture in the North, which cities were most popular for migrants, the reasons many left the South, and why some families returned later to places like Atlanta.