The tiny city is known as ‘the world in two square miles’ due to its hugely diverse population. Bosnians, Poles, Bangladeshis, African Americans, French, Germans, and Yemenis are among the many nationalities who populate or once populated the town.
Until a few decades ago Hamtramck was dominated by Poles; one resident told us it was typical to solely speak Polish, read local Polish newspapers, go to Polish banks and go to one of three Polish churches. Just one such church remains now. A flurry of Mosques have taken their place.
Conservative Yemeni Muslims have flooded into Hamtramck in recent years. In 2021 Hamtramck made history when it became the first American city to elect a full Muslim council and mayor. After 100 years of continuous Polish mayors and politicians, not one remains in local government.