Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley / Black Bottom was an area in Detroit where African Americans lived and survived. This story was about a time in American history in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, concerning citizens who, because of restrictions based on their race, were forced to build and create their own social order and leave for their successors a rich legacy and an indelible mark for posterity.

This is a story of Reuben Ray Sr. and his resolve to exist successfully in a space that didn’t seem too receptive to his presence. His son, Reuben Ray II, and daughters, Izetta Carol Jackson and Gayle Hawkins, encouraged him to put his life story on tape so that his grandchildren could enjoy his commanding voice as much as they had. Little did they realize the significance of their request until after Reuben Ray Sr.’s death on Tuesday, March 18, 1980.