We had the pleasure of filming with Rev. Robert Smith who for the last 40 years, has been the spiritual leader at the New Bethel Baptist Church- C.L Franklin Blvd. As many of you know, this historic landmark was home to Aretha Franklin. She grew up there singing gospel while her father C.L Franklin proudly represented the church through some of America’s most turbulent times.

June 1963 - Members of the New Bethel Baptist Church helped to organize the "March to Freedom" down Woodward Avenue. This was the largest civil rights march ever held in the state of Michigan. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the guest speaker for this event. Rev. Franklin and several New Bethel members worked tirelessly to ensure the march was a success.

We are thrilled to be able to feature New Bethel Baptist Church Detroit in our film, Detroit: The City of Churches.