In June of 2009, as General Motors and Chrysler were on the brink of financial collapse, a group Metro Detroit entrepreneurs banded together in an attempt to save their industry. These local auto suppliers represent jobs for many people who would otherwise be seeking public assistance. As these workers tell their stories we see the pride and value of the American worker.

As suppliers saw their overhead rise and their market share shrink they too realized that a full blown bankruptcy of either of the troubled Big 3 would mean the beginning of the end of the minority suppliers. The suppliers play a unique and vital role in urban cities like Detroit that lack reliable public transportation. They provide jobs in the community for workers who may not be able to afford the cars they build. If these jobs go away, many of these workers would become long term unemployed.

More people work for automotive suppliers than the car companies themselves…This is the story of the men and women who work for six major minority-owned suppliers…their future and the well-being of their families and communities is at risk.