The Detroit History Club is honored to name our first-ever fiction selection as our Book of the Year—and to celebrate, we invite you to an evening of literature, history, and dining as Blair Underwood presents Sins of the Survivors: A Carter Brothers Novel by Joe McClean.

This exclusive event will take place at Bumbo’s Bar, the very real historic bar that served as inspiration for Geraldine’s, a central setting in the novel. It is here that we will step back in time to 1930s Detroit, immersing ourselves in the world of Black Bottom, a thriving and self-reliant Black community built during the Great Migration.

About Sins of the Survivors

Sins of the Survivors (Amistad, HarperCollins) is the lively and panoramic debut novel by filmmaker Joe McClean, presented by actor and producer Blair Underwood.

Set in 1930s Detroit, this gripping saga follows Jasper and Benjamin Carter, brothers who built an empire in Black Bottom, controlling businesses from a dry cleaner to a nightclub where Billie Holiday herself is proud to perform. But success comes at a cost. Faced with political corruption, mob influence, and rising racial tensions, the Carter brothers must navigate a world where the line between power and survival blurs. As rivalries intensify and old wounds resurface, the brothers must decide: How far will they go to protect their family, their community, and their place in history?

"The Carters in McClean’s lively narrative style are a composite of the community’s aspirations, and if the Corleones come to mind, then sit back and enjoy a semblance of the real and the imagined."
—Herb Boyd, Black Detroit

An Evening of Literature, History & Fine Dining

Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated evening, blending literary conversation, historic cuisine, and intimate conversations all inspired by the novel.

A Chef-Curated Meal: Renowned Detroit Chef Jermond Booze has crafted a menu honoring the themes and time period of the novel.

MENU:

Shoebox Meal #1: Sunday Fried Chicken
Main: Cold Buttermilk Fried Chicken (thigh & wing)
Sides: Mustard Potato Salad, Johnny Cakes
Pickled/Crunch: Pickled Okra
Sweet: 7-Up Pound Cake

-OR-

Shoebox Meal #2: Fried Green Tomato Sandwich
Main: Fried Green Tomato Sandwich on Cornmeal-Dusted Bread
Sides: Mustard Potato Salad, Johnny Cakes
Pickled/Crunch: Pickled Okra
Sweet: 7-Up Pound Cake

After adding your tickets to your cart you will be prompted to select your Menu Choice of vegetarian or chicken before checkout.  Menu selection must be made at the time of booking. We apologize, but we are unable to accommodate substitutions or special dietary requests for the meal at this event

Choice of One Signature Cocktail or Mocktail: Bar owner and mixologist Tia, will create a custom beverage inspired by Sins of the Survivors. One cocktail or mocktail is included in your ticket cost, additional drinks and full bar service is available at the guests own expense. Orders will be placed in person, no need to make a selection now.

What Comes With A Ticket?

• Exclusive Early Access: Guests will receive the first two chapters of the novel electronically (via email) three weeks before the book is released (May 4th, 2025)!

• Signed First Edition Paperback: Be among the first to own a copy of Sins of the Survivors, personally signed by Joe McClean and Blair Underwood; copies will be distributed at the event.

• Dinner & Conversation with the Author and Presenter: Enjoy an intimate shoe-box meal with Joe McClean and Blair Underwood, followed by a moderated discussion exploring the novel’s inspirations and historical context. (Yes, they will both be there, in the flesh.)

• Insights from the Chef & Mixologist: Learn how the evening’s menu was designed to bring the world of the book to life.

Date & Location

Bumbo’s Bar – 3001 Holbrook, Hamtramck, MI 48212

Two Seatings:

Thursday, May 29th, 2025 2:00 PM TO 4:30 PM
Thursday, May 29th, 2025 6:00 PM TO 8:30 PM

This is more than just a book launch—it is a rare opportunity to experience the rich history, dynamic characters, and compelling storytelling of Sins of the Survivors in an unforgettable way.

Seats are extremely limited, just like Geralidine’s in the novel, Bumbo’s is a small neighborhood joint brimming with stories. Each seating of this event is limited to just 35 guests.

The Detroit History Club is proud to promote a budget friendly option hosted by our friends at Source bookstore: Join Joe McClean and Blair Underwood for a free event at Source Booksellers on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025! To attend please call the store at 313-832-1155 to reserve your spot—and don’t forget to support one of our wonderful Detroit bookseller while you're there!

About the Authors:

Blair Underwood is a two-time Golden Globe and Tony nominee, as well as an Emmy, Grammy, Peabody and eight-time NAACP Image Award-winning actor, director, and producer. He made his acting debut in the 1985 musical film Krush Groove, and, from 1987 to 1994, starred as attorney Jonathan Rollins in the NBC legal drama series L.A. Law. Underwood has starred in numerous film, television, and stage productions, including Longlegs, Three Women, Deep Impact Sex in the City, Set It Off, Madea’s Family Reunion, Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker and many more. Underwood received his first Tony Award nomination as Best Lead Actor in a Play after starring in the 2020 Broadway revival of the Pulitzer Prize- winning drama A Soldier’s Play.

Joe McClean is a screenwriter and director whose 2013 breakout indie feature, Life Tracker, screened at dozens of film festivals and sci-fi conventions before streaming On Demand in 100 million homes through cable providers. His follow up, the indie-darling The Drama Club, premiered at Grauman’s Chinese theater in 2017 before finding a home on Tubi. His most recent endeavor, Viral, written and produced by McClean, was directed by and stars Blair Underwood.