Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Edward “Ed” Vaughn, the iconic owner of Detroit’s first Black bookstore, Vaughn’s Bookstore, and a former Michigan state representative, passed away on October 8 at the age of 90. His death elicited heartfelt condolences from Detroit’s Mayor Mike Duggan, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, and Michigan Rep. Donavan McKinney.
Mayor Duggan praised Vaughn as a legend in Detroit, highlighting his bookstore’s importance as a community resource and gathering place for Black activist leaders. Tate acknowledged Vaughn’s fearless advocacy for Detroiters in Lansing, emphasizing his lasting impact on public education and economic development. Rep. McKinney lauded Vaughn’s love for Black people and the city of Detroit, underscoring his contributions during the Black Power movement.
Vaughn’s bookstore, opened in 1965, was a trailblazing venture believed to be the second Black-owned bookstore in America at the time. It became a hub for Black history, culture, and heritage, fostering discussions among leaders in Detroit’s Black nationalist and Pan-African movements. Vaughn’s involvement in Pan-Africanism and civil rights activism further solidified his legacy as a champion for justice and prosperity.
Despite facing challenges like the 1967 Detroit race riots, Vaughn remained dedicated to his bookstore and community, later serving in the Michigan House of Representatives. With Vaughn’s passing, efforts to restore his historic bookstore have gained urgency, preserving his legacy for future generations.
Mayor Duggan’s commitment to revitalizing Vaughn’s Bookstore reflects the enduring impact of Ed Vaughn’s legacy, ensuring that his contributions to Detroit’s cultural and political landscape continue to inspire and resonate with all who cherish Black prosperity and possibilities.
Ed Vaughn, Owner Detroit’s First Black Bookstore, Dies At 90
Who was Edward “Ed” Vaughn?
According to The Detroit News, condolences for Vaughn’s death came from Detroit’s Mayor Mike Duggan, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, and Michigan Rep. Donavan McKinney.
What was Vaughn’s impact on Detroit?
“I was deeply saddened to learn about the passing of a legend in Detroit — Ed Vaughn,” Mayor Duggan said in a statement. “In addition to his fierce activism and political career, Ed was the owner of Vaughan’s Bookstore on Dexter Avenue, which last year was placed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role it played as a community resource and gathering place for Black activist leaders in Detroit and from across the country.”
What was Vaughn’s legacy in the Michigan House?
In his own statement, Tate said that Vaughn’s legacy lives on in the House.
How was Vaughn involved in the Black Power movement?
Rep. McKinney said that Vaughn’s love for Black people was well reflected in the work he engaged in during the Black Power movement.
What was Vaughn’s bookstore known for?
Vaughn opened his bookstore in January 1965 with the help of his aunt, and at the time, it was believed to be the second Black-owned bookstore in America, according to the Detroit News.
How did Vaughn contribute to Pan-Africanism?
Vaughn was also involved in Pan-Africanism; he was the founder of Detroit’s Pan-African Congress-USA and helped to organize the Detroit chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality.
How did Vaughn’s bookstore suffer during the Detroit race riots?
In July 1967, during the race riots in Detroit, the store was damaged by fires that neighbors alleged were set by officers of the mostly white Detroit police Department.
What was Vaughn’s political career like?
Undeterred, Vaughn kept running the store and got involved in Detroit’s political scene, working for Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young, the city’s first Black mayor. Vaughn also served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1978-1980. Later, in 1994, Vaughn was elected again to the House where he represented what was then the 4th House District from 1995-2000.
What is the future of Vaughn’s Bookstore?
Mayor Duggan is hopeful that with the bookstore being named to the National Registry of Historic Places in August 2023 the work to restore the crumbling bookstore to its former glory will receive urgency due to the passing of its namesake.
Vaughn’s legacy for better public education and economic development will be remembered by Detroiters for generations.”
Condolences from Michigan Leaders
Rep. McKinney said that Vaughn’s love for Black people was well reflected in the work he engaged in during the Black Power movement.
“His love for Black people and the city of Detroit was backed up in all his actions, fueled by his beliefs that Black people deserve justice and access to prosperity,” Rep. McKinney said. “Rep. Vaughn’s contributions in the national spotlight during the Black Power Movement reminds the world of Detroit’s allure and promise of Black prosperity and possibilities. He was a giant in the community and his legacy will live on in all our hearts.”
Legacy of Vaughn’s Bookstore
Vaughn opened his bookstore in January 1965 with the help of his aunt, and at the time, it was believed to be the second Black-owned bookstore in America, according to the Detroit News.
According to Vaughn, the store stocked books about Black history, culture, and heritage because the white bookstores in Detroit wouldn’t. The bookstore eventually became a popular meeting place for leaders in Detroit’s Black nationalist and Pan-African movements.
Activism and Political Career
Vaughn was also involved in Pan-Africanism; he was the founder of Detroit’s Pan-African Congress-USA and helped to organize the Detroit chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality.
In July 1967, during the race riots in Detroit, the store was damaged by fires that neighbors alleged were set by officers of the mostly white Detroit Police Department.
Undeterred, Vaughn kept running the store and got involved in Detroit’s political scene, working for Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young, the city’s first Black mayor. Vaughn also served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1978-1980.
Later, in 1994, Vaughn was elected again to the House where he represented what was then the 4th House District from 1995-2000.
Preserving History
Mayor Duggan is hopeful that with the bookstore being named to the National Registry of Historic Places in August 2023 the work to restore the crumbling bookstore to its former glory will receive urgency due to the passing of its namesake.
“To preserve this history and Ed’s legacy, my team has been working for some time to develop plans to redevelop Vaughan’s Book Store, similar to what we are doing with the Ossian Sweet House,” Duggan said. “Ed’s passing is all the more reason to make sure we see this through.”
Conclusion
Edward “Ed” Vaughn leaves behind a legacy of activism, community engagement, and political service. His bookstore, Vaughn’s Bookstore, stands as a testament to his commitment to Black history and culture. As Detroit mourns the loss of this legend, efforts are underway to preserve his memory and the historical significance of his bookstore.
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Ed Vaughn, a prominent figure in Detroit’s history, left a lasting legacy that continues to impact public education and economic development in the city. His dedication to improving the lives of Black people and his commitment to social justice have left a profound impact on Detroiters for generations to come.
One of Vaughn’s most significant contributions was the establishment of his bookstore in January 1965. With the help of his aunt, Vaughn opened what was believed to be the second Black-owned bookstore in America at that time. The bookstore quickly became a hub for Black history, culture, and heritage, filling a void left by mainstream white bookstores in Detroit. It served as a meeting place for leaders in Detroit’s Black nationalist and Pan-African movements, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among its patrons.
Vaughn’s involvement in Pan-Africanism further solidified his commitment to uplifting Black communities. He founded Detroit’s Pan-African Congress-USA and played a key role in organizing the local chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality. His dedication to social justice was unwavering, even in the face of adversity. During the race riots in Detroit in July 1967, Vaughn’s store was damaged by fires allegedly set by officers of the Detroit Police Department. Despite this setback, Vaughn persevered and continued to run the bookstore, becoming a pillar of strength in the community.
In addition to his work in the bookstore, Vaughn was actively involved in Detroit’s political scene. He worked for Detroit’s first Black mayor, Coleman A. Young, and served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1978 to 1980. Vaughn’s impact on Detroit’s political landscape was significant, paving the way for future generations of Black leaders to follow in his footsteps.
Mayor Duggan’s commitment to preserving Vaughn’s legacy is evident in his efforts to restore the bookstore to its former glory. The bookstore was named to the National Registry of Historic Places in August 2023, a testament to its historical significance. Duggan’s team is working diligently to develop plans for the redevelopment of Vaughn’s Book Store, ensuring that Ed’s legacy lives on in the hearts of Detroiters.
As we reflect on Ed Vaughn’s life and legacy, we are reminded of his unwavering dedication to justice and prosperity for Black communities. His impact on Detroit’s history and culture is immeasurable, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a more equitable and inclusive society. Vaughn’s legacy is a testament to the power of activism and community engagement, serving as a beacon of hope for all who seek to create positive change in their communities.
(Source: Detroit News)