George Waldman

8 years at the News, 10 at the Free Press

This small book has grown out of the ever-deepening sense of loneliness I have felt as I've watched many of us lose each other in a bitter labor struggle in Detroit. Many from my union crossed the picket line. Many left town, six to work at the New York Times and almost that number to the Boston Globe and then others to the Los Angeles Times. Local corporations and governments, public relations firms and colleges, trucking companies, printing plants, restaurants and community organizations have soaked up our talents. We needed something to help us remember a very real Diaspora, a scattering culture that had evolved through generations in Detroit to produce what had been two of the ten largest and at least one of the ten best newspapers in the country. These portraits cannot represent all of the 2,000 strikers out of the 2,500 original employees at the Detroit Newspapers. The idea of this book has evolved in fits and starts through chaotic periods while meeting other demands. Beyond all those I admire who have stood by each other, many not mentioned in this book directly, I need to thank Emily Everett for editing the words and for being my friend. Steve Anderson asked if he could help and designed the book. Patty Montemurri offered strong words and support at a critical time. The Copy and Art group contributed money and encouragement. And for my family: Mallory, who has lived with me for over 30 years, rarely blinked or paused at the new demands made on her commitment. Terrill, through changes in her own life, understood beyond her years or mine at times. Aaron, watching his father deal with a crisis, learned from the good and the bad. It's for those we love that we work.