Huel Perkins has left an imprint on Detroit. 

Across more than three decades, the broadcasting icon's work at Fox 2 Detroit helped us understand what was happening in the city and beyond. 

He covered six presidential elections, the 2008 recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His interviews with civil rights revolutionaries like Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II showcased his journalistic passion and deep respect for history. 

Before landing in Detroit, Perkins grew up in the segregated South in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His parents, who were among the first African American graduates of Louisiana State University, helped to shape his drive to break barriers and his commitment to social justice and equality.

His retirement in 2022 marked the end of that era of Detroit journalism, but his legacy continues to inspire both viewers and aspiring journalists. 

Perkins joined The Metro on Thursday to reflect on his illustrious career, which he attributes to his parents, calling them the "true heroes" of his life. He also joined the show to sound the alarm about the importance of supporting local, accurate and non-biased news sources like WDET during this unique time in history and in support of the station's Spring Fundraiser.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.