Gerald Van Dusen is a writer and historian with a special interest in Detroit and its contributions to the American story. He is the author of Detroit's Birwood Wall, winner of the 2020 Library of Michigan Notable Book Award; Detroit's Sojourner Truth Housing Riot of 1942; and four other books. A recipient of numerous awards for innovations in teaching, learning and technology, Van Dusen is a father of four and grandfather of two and resides with Patricia, his wife of forty-five years, in Redford, Michigan.