History      In 1970, under the direction of Barbara Martin a center for black culture and heritage, the Sudan Import Specialty Shop was created.  The store, later named the Shrine of the Black Madonna™ Cultural Center and Bookstore, provided an outlet for black authors, historians, poets, educators and artists as a place for the black community to learn their history and culture. The Cultural Center started with books, jewelry, African carvings and paintings, and African fashions manufactured onsite by the Black Star Clothing Factory. The Cultural Center and Bookstore has been an integral part of the the Shrines' program of economic development in the cities of Detroit, Atlanta and Houston