Biden Tells NAACP Fight For Freedom Crowd Detroit Is Ready For Huge Comeback
DETROIT (WWJ) - Vice President Joe Biden was the keynote speaker last night at the NAACP's 60th annual Fight for Freedom Fun Dinner at Cobo Center.
Biden, telling the crowd that Detroit has had some rough times in the past, but it's ready for a huge comeback:
"Let downs, bad breaks, set-backs, but you refused to let that be the final work to this great city," said Biden.
And now that Detroit's bankruptcy is in the rear-view mirror, the city is showing signs of making a comeback.
"Folks, the bottom line is that America has gone from crisis to recovery and is on the verge of resurgence and we can not let your Detroit be left behind, just as America is getting back up on its feet."
Biden applauded Mayor Mike Duggan and said he "turned the lights back on" and that "buses are moving ... the streets are plowed, the trash is picked up."
Detroit exited the nation's largest municipal bankruptcy in December, eliminating or restructuring $7 billion in debt.
Past speakers at the dinner have included U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and former President Bill Clinton.
Congressman John Conyers received a Lifetime Achievement Award before an estimated crowd of 5,000.
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