As Bert’s Complex Approaches Auction Block, Dearing Family Seeks to Buy Back Property

Last week, news broke that the beloved Bert's Entertainment Complex had fallen into foreclosure and is headed for auction with a minimum $700,000 price tag. At the time, owner Bert Dearing told The Detroit Free Press he hopes to buy back the building. Now, Metro Times reports the Dearing family has launched a $1.5 million crowdfunding campaign. In a statement to the weekly, Bert's granddaughter Melba writes:

It's heartbreaking that we are in the situation that we are. They don't want our money — they want our land and they are willing to do anything to get it. Not many black businesses with the history we have has lasted through similar situations like this. We would like to be the family to reverse the statistics. This is more than a Detroit problem. This is a problem for the black community along with the music community. I refuse to let jazz die in our establishment in my grandfather's namesake. I am preparing myself for whatever price this auction lands in order to keep my grandfather's word.

In addition to the campaign, Bert's will host a fundraiser concert June 26. The auction is scheduled to begin July 20.

Update, 06/24, 9:01 a.m.: Watch Fox 2 dives into the case of Bert's in a recent segment. Check it out below:Fox 2 News Headlines

Update, 06/24, 9:01 a.m.: Watch Fox 2 dives into the case of Bert's in a recent segment. Check it out below:Fox 2 News Headlines