New "Imported From Detroit" Video Features Gospel Group, Cornelius K9 Brundage, Jumping All Stars

"Where there is crisis, there is opportunity." One location where that observation hits home is Detroit. The city and its auto industry, twin symbols of imperial American decline, are beginning to generate renewed, positive activity in manufacturing, technology, and the arts. While it's a long road back to glory for the Motor City, these signs of life are heartening and even exciting.

One senses that energy and commitment in the new "Imported From Detroit" video and song. Commissioned by Chrysler, the video showcases the Detroit area's "Selected of God" choir singing a soulful rendition of Eminem's "Lose Yourself." The video also includes cameos by boxer Cornelius K9 Bundrage, the Jumping All Stars jump-rope ensemble, and the Cass Tech High School marching band. "Imported From Detroit" is available via iTunes. In the meantime, one can see the video now; it's included in the very interesting Detroit Free Press story on the video's inception, purpose, and execution.

According to the Free Press article, proceeds from the video go to selected Detroit nonprofits. According to the story, and consistent with the video, Chrysler product references are very discrete. The firm considers "Imported From Detroit" as a "marketing" piece, rather than a "product" sales item.

The video is another sign that Detroit, with its proud musical and automotive legacy, is beginning to show signs of a rebound. One reason is financial. It's simply less expensive to do any sort of enterprising activity there than, say, in New York, DC, the Bay Area, or southern California. There's also far less hubris in Detroit, a willingness to risk and state a case without obsessing over its impact on self-absorbed, inside-the-Beltway parties or exquisitely calibrated media mafias. Detroit just doesn't have the luxury of posing; it must succeed to survive. As the "Lose Yourself's" lyrics note, "You only get one shot."

Given this weekend's humbling events for the United States, the nation should consider "Lose Yourself's" point. Ironically, it is the once-demoralized Motor City that is showing leadership towards a better day.

The image, from the "Imported From Detroit" video, shows the Selected of God choir in front of the Detroit skyline.