In Wednesday’s session (Henry Ford as Icon) the discussion highlights Henry Ford as a corporate titan and folk hero. William Spriggs, Chairman of the Economics Department at Howard University, will evaluate Henry Ford’s reputation within the African American community and discuss the significance of employment within the automobile industry for African Americans. In this seminar Michael Daher, professor of’ English at Henry Ford Community College and co-author of the oral history series, Recollections of Henry Ford, will profile Henry Ford’s image in popular culture, literature, and art.  The morning dialogue will be followed by lunch at Henry Ford’s Fair Lane Estate After lunch participants will tour the Estate and then explore Greenfield Village, an outdoor museum that Henry Ford deemed one of his prime accomplishments. Participants will also have the opportunity to continue their research at the Benson Ford Archives. 

Henry Ford in 1941 on his
78th Birthday in a Soybean Suit
Courtesy of the Benson Ford Archives