Our research
CHILDREN OF ACTION HOUSE ORAL HISTORIES
After forcing the integration of Boblo Island, Sarah E. Ray married Rafael Haskell, a Jewish activist, and changed her name to Elizabeth “Lizz” Haskell. Together they founded Action House, a non-profit community center established to foster racial harmony, combat neighborhood blight, and empower area youth. Lizz Haskell and the staff of the Action House provided counseling, educational and recreational activities to hundreds of youngsters on Detroit’s eastside. The "Children of Action House" are now mostly in their senior years and the Sarah E. Ray Project has collected their oral histories.
Kevin George’s Action House story
Marie Shoulder’s Action House story
Kourtney Thompson’s memories of his Aunt Lizz
Melvin Jones and his childhood memories of Action House.
Rochelle Wilson shares her experiences as Citizen Journalist for the Sarah E. Ray Project
Virgil’s Action House story.
Tony’s Action House story.
Ms B’s Action House story.
Ken’s Action House story.
Karlest’s Action House story.
As we methodically comb through primary sources and newspaper archives, the first ever timeline of Sarah Elizabeth Ray’s life and accomplishments emerges. Not only are we researching her fight to integrate Boblo Island, but also the time periods before and after her 1948 victory in the U.S. Supreme Court.
The above biography and videos only begins to scratch the surface of this inspiring activist and community leader. We have so much work ahead, but you can help! Please let us know if you have any information or connections to Sarah, the Action House, Lizz Haskell, or her husband Rafael.
"Bob-Lo Discrimination Ruled Out" by James M. Haswell. Printed Tuesday, February 3, 1948, by Detroit Free Press.
"Long Journey Ends Injustice" by Desiree Cooper. Printed Friday, February 28, 2006 by Detroit Free Press.
"Long Journey Ends Injustice" by Desiree Cooper continued. Printed Tuesday, February 28, 2006, by Detroit Free Press.
"Coming On Strong for a Better City" by Frank Angelo. Printed Friday, March 22, 1974, by Detroit Free Press.
"Help for hungry, hungry for help" by Stephen Franklin. Printed Monday, October 19, 1981, by Detroit Free Press.
"105,000 Now Go Hungry in Detroit" by Betty DeRamus. Printed Sunday, December 8, 1974, by Detroit Free Press.
Printed by Detroit Free Press on Thursday, June 29, 1978.
"105,000 Now Go Hungry in Detroit as Programs Fail" by Betty DeRamus, continued. Printed Sunday, December 8, 1974, by Detroit Free Press.