Midwesterners celebrated Detroit, Michigan, on 313 Day, and St. Louis, Missouri on 314 Day, this March 13 and 14. 

Commemorating two cities known for their contributions to Black American culture, 313 Day and 314 Day serve as a reminder to honor those who diversify the midwest, and in turn, the United States at large. 

DETROIT AND ST. LOUIS IN U.S. HISTORY

The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified by congress in 1865, forbidding slavery and indentured servitude in the country, unless as punishment for a crime. Though slavery was (technically) abolished,  a severe lack of resources, relentless racism and uncertainty of the future led a population of newly freed African Americans to remain in the south for decades– but the Reconstruction Era catalyzed a new direction for Black Americans. 

By the early 20th century, about six million formerly-enslaved Africans relocated from the southern United States to the north and Midwest. “The Great Migration,” as it is commonly named, is widely responsible for the expansion of African Americans throughout the entire country.  

As industrial jobs began popping up left and right in the Midwest, cities such as St. Louis, Missouri and Detroit, Michigan became nuclei for the Black population.

313 DAY

Detroit, Michigan sits as one of the northernmost regions of the midwest. Widely known as “Motor City” for its expansive automotive industry, the metropolis attracted southern African Americans who were eager to seek employment in the industrial industry between 1916 and 1970, according to detroitisit.com. The city is also largely known as the birthplace of “Motown Records,” producing musical giants such as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and Anita Baker. Detroit has an extensive history to celebrate, hence the installation of 313 Day.

The idea of a ‘Detroit day’ was coined by Dr. Darrius, the host of a Detroit radio program in 2002. Darrius incited a discussion about what Detroiters could do to show their hometown pride. Since then, 313 Day, a reflection of both the city area code and the date that it falls on, has become a citywide celebration. 

Carolyn Ganaway, a Michigan native, vividly remembers celebrating her community on its special day.

“It’s kind of a big deal– the whole city takes part,” explained Ganaway, a senior public relations student at Howard University. 

“There’s always a push for Detroit-native snacks on 313 Day, like ‘Better Made’ chips, ‘Faygo’ pop, and ‘Vernors’ ginger ale,” Ganaway added. The city’s observation of 313 Day is far from new, but this year is remarkably different. 

For the first time in Detroit's history, digital-streaming platform Spotify officially sponsored the city’s annual 313 Day concert  to spotlight both established and emerging Detroit talent. Kash Doll, Tee Grizzley, and Sada Baby were a few of the artists featured in this year’s showcase. Based on Detroit’s rich musical history, it’s no surprise that the concert served as the culminating event to salute 313 Day.

314 DAY

Following the Civil War, St. Louis’s prime location between the west and the east made it an ideal shipping port and manufacturing hub. By the 1910s, African Americans soared to the “Gateway to the West” in hopes of optimizing the employment opportunities erupting in St. Louis. Now recognized internationally for its “Gateway Arch” – the tallest monument in the U.S. that towers at 630 feet– St. Louis is home to public figures such as Nelly, Kimora Lee Simmons, Tina Turner, and Larry Hughes.  

Named by the city’s area code and the actual date, 314 Day celebrates St. Louis’ culture, community, and traditions on March 14. It began with Terrell “Young Dip" Evans and Tatum Polk, two STL natives, in 2006. Evans and Polk hoped to incite unity on the city’s special day. The municipal holiday seems to do just that.  

Hometown spirit runs rampant throughout the streets of St. Louis, as restaurants, retailers, and organizations hold events, offer specials, and pay homage to the city. St. Louis’s Mens League Baseball (MLB) team, The Cardinals, even launched a flash sale of $3.14 game tickets in honor of 314 Day.  

The city’s commemoration extends far beyond marked-down prices and discounts. 

Tyler Scott, a St. Louis native and Howard University Alumnus paid homage to his city by releasing the music video for “Peace Mantra,” his debut single about striving for high vibrational energy in all walks of life. The video, produced predominantly by a team of STL natives, was filmed in the city’s north-suburban neighborhood of Florissant.

“It was important for me to tribute my first personal music project to the city that raised me, and what better way to do that than getting a St. Louis team to work on a project set in St. Louis, and release it on a day of celebration for St. Louis,” emphasized the new artist.

Many St. Louis residents shared in Scott’s celebratory energy through social media, flooding timelines with 314 Day posts like this one, all stamped with the hashtag ‘#314day’. 

The Black communities in Detroit, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri, continue to establish themselves as models of Black resilience, innovation, and creativity to this day.