A long-time Metro Detroiter who, in his youth, became a Civil Rights Activist, took part in demonstrations that helped to desegregate the South.

Raymond Randolph Jr. has lived in Farmington Hills with his wife, Shirley, for more than 30 years.

“My wife is the best thing that ever happened to me,” Randolph Jr. said.

He grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, in an all-white neighborhood.

“It was in the vicinity of Yale University, which in my area was in the projects,” Randolph Jr. said.

His father, Raymond Randolph, cleaned houses for the wealthy.

“On one end, I grew up in the projects. On the other end, 50% of my life was spent in high-end homes,” Randolph Jr. said.

After graduating from high school, Randolph Jr. attended Virginia Union University.

“When a white person was walking down the street, you had to step aside so they could come by,” Randolph Jr. said. “I mean, really, as far as human dignity is concerned, it was, you know, just wasn’t something that I was used to, and which kind of put me into activism.”

Inspired by other peaceful protests at the time, a group of Virginia Union students staged a sit-in at the lunch counter of Thalhimer’s Department Store in downtown Richmond.

As Randolph Jr. walked into the Richmond Room, he was handed a card.

“The card said, ‘We request you to leave the premises. Your refusal to leave constitutes a trespass, which is a misdemeanor upon conviction,’” he said.

Randolph Jr. and 33 others were arrested on Feb. 22, 1960, and later convicted. It was a decision they appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and won.

“These were times when folks were trying to change things and were willing to do whatever they could, no matter what it took,” Randolph Jr. said.

A year later, Randolph Jr. became one of more than 400 Freedom Riders. He says it was a dangerous mission worth taking.

“Mama putting together a basket of fried chicken and stuff. So it lasts you the entire trip, because you couldn’t stop anywhere, or you would be, you know, run the risk of being hurt in some way,” Randolph Jr. said.

He was arrested again in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1961 and spent four months in a penitentiary where fellow Freedom Riders cried out in song each night.  

Now, a historic marker honoring Richmond 34 is in place where the former department store once stood. His contributions are enshrined at his alma mater.

“This took 50 years, and before Richmond recognized the Richmond 34, and now on every Feb. 22, there is recognition of the Richmond 34,” Randolph Jr. said.

“To have your university, have your name, to have your name as part of this legacy is just mind-blowing for this kid out of the projects.”

Despite everything, Randolph Jr. doesn’t consider himself an icon.

“It’s just been a great story for Ray Randolph, not an icon, just, I just consider myself just a nice guy, that’s all,” Randolph Jr. said.

Southwest Detroit’s tropical cocktail spot appears to be saying it’s last call, and hopefully, someone continues to carry the torch for the Mutiny Tiki Bar.

Owners of the bar said in a social media post on Monday that the Polynesian-inspired party at the tiki-themed watering hole was ending. The bar is located at 4654 Vernor Highway near Clark Avenue.

“Friends, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Mutiny Tiki Bar,” the post said. “For nine incredible years, you’ve filled our space with laughter, music, celebration, and community. We are endlessly grateful for every visit, every toast, and every memory made under our roof.”

The post said the last day of service will be March 1. The owners said it’s no longer possible for the bar to continue operating under its current business levels.

DETROIT – A Michigan couple says their February social security money wasn’t deposited on their Direct Express card. It’s not the first time it’s happened, they said.

In Dec. 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed a lawsuit against Comerica Bank, who once operated Direct Express, alleging the program left over 20,000 people without their payment issues properly resolved.

Although the lawsuit was terminated in 2025, the program was transferred to Fifth Third Bank due to similar issues.

Michigan users say there’s real world impact to the practices.

Roy Lee Jones is a double amputee in Sanford.

“$1,284,” Jones said on Sunday about how much money in social security he’s received since the nineties.

On Feb. 2, something changed.

“He just found out on the 2nd that he could not access his account,” Heather Swearingen, Jones’ girlfriend, said.

His Direct Express card was not loaded and the company told him they didn’t have a record of him. His money has been deposited by Direct Express since the early 2000s.

It’s a third party program serving over 3 million Americans who don’t have a bank account.

“So, we called, they said they have to verify him,” Swearingen said.

They sent in the verification again.

It was approved. On the fourth, they say Direct Express said they’d send the money and a new card in two to three business days.

Then Feb. 10 rolled around and there was still no sign of the money.

“I am panicking,” Swearingen said. “Our rent was due on the third. We had no gas to go anywhere to doctor’s appointments.”

They got in touch with someone from Social Security and were told to go open a bank account.

They opened the account and they hope the money is deposited this week.

After Local 4 reached out, Direct Express says they are following up with Jones.

Local 4 took a deeper look and found the issue may not be unique to the couple.

There are several recent complaints on the Better Business Bureau. One woman, who lives in Warren, says she experienced something similar.