Detroit 48202: Conversations Along a Postal Route examines the rise, demise, and contested resurgence of the City of Detroit through the lens of African-American mail carrier, Wendell Watkins, and the committed community he faithfully served for thirty years.

We take a journey with Wendell along his route, which winds through the center of what was, once upon a time, a vital and thriving city. We listen in on his conversations with his customers – the resilient Detroiters who share stories of resistance: pushing back against racial segregation in housing; challenging industrial and political disinvestment; and living on reduced pensions as a result of the 2014 municipal bankruptcy. Our characters share stories of hope and propose creative ways to re-imagine an inclusive, productive, equitable and re-invigorated city.

We also meet legendary labor organizer, General Baker, Historian Thomas Sugrue, and Urban Planner June Manning Thomas, who provide a thread of analysis and historical context.

https://www.newday.com/films/detroit-48202-conversations-along-a-postal-route

This screening is co-sponsored by the DC Labor FilmFest (Washington, D.C.), the Rochester Labor Film Series (NY), the Socialist Labor Party Hall in Barre (VT), Reel Work Labor Film Festival (CA), and the Labor Heritage Foundation (D.C.) as part of the Global Labor FilmFest Network (GLFF) 2023 Online Screening Series.