Evening Sessions- The Purple Gang: Detroit's Own Prohibition Era Gang

The Evening Sessions is a monthly adult program series featuring a fun and engaging mix of presentations, lectures, workshops, demonstrations, author visits, and performances on topics covering the arts, culture, history, science, and more!

The Purple Gang: Detroit’s Own Prohibition Era Criminal Gang

The all-Jewish gang that ruled Detroit’s illegal booze market for less than a decade during Prohibition. It was led by the four Bernstein brothers and was said to have made tens of millions of dollars in liquor smuggling, gambling, hijacking, extortion, and labor racketeering. The Purples were said to be responsible for hundreds of gangland slayings plus the death of a Michigan state senator.   

How to Attend

Join us on Zoom for this virtual program!  It will also be live streamed in the Kantzler Community Room at the Alice & Jack Wirt Library for anyone to drop in to view.