In the final years of my company's stamping plant on Detroit's east side, we had this little 76 year old black guy named James "lookin' good" Robinson who worked in our press shop.
He got the nickname because every single day he showed up for work, he'd pass you by with a smile and say you "lookin' good!".
At the age of 76, until he couldn't work anymore because of illness, he never missed a day, he worked all the overtime that was available, was receiving social security and due to the IRS laws that said he had to start his company pension at the age of 72 1/2 he was receiving that too.
He also had a landscaping company he created that was run by his son.
Unfortunately for Mr. Robinson, while he could have retired years prior, the company was all he had and that's where his friends were. His family treated him like crap as did his son who ran the landscaping business.........
You're absolutely right, Detroit IS filled with many proud people such as Mr. Robertson........
And I too noticed the lack of ebonics. We need many more strong black men of integrity like him throughout the states to set the example for the next generations.
He reminds me, in personality and stature of my dad, an immigrant refugee who earned every modest possession he has. Too proud to accept handouts and refusing to retire at 76 despite his health concerns.