"It's all as one complex - blacks, Coleman Young, crime, drugs, Detroit," he said.

After all, Coleman Young is not exactly the first big-city mayor to provide patronage and power to his own supporters.

In 1973, the city elected its first black mayor, Coleman Young.

Coleman Young, born in Tuscaloosa, served as mayor of Detroit from 1974 to 1993.

Coleman Young was known for his blunt statements, frequently using profanity:

As mayor Archer was never popular with loyalists of his predecessor, Coleman Young.

The election of Coleman Young (1974-93) as mayor in 1974 brought to power a new generation of black leaders who represented the city's new majority.

Coleman Young, Detroit's first black mayor, explained the long-term impact:

Coleman Young is a mythic figure who will forever haunt the city's political landscape; he can play kingmaker from beyond the grave.

"Coleman Young is a person who very much wants it clear that he is the top man in Detroit," she said.