Retired judge Norma Dotson-Brown is handing out leaflets at the foot of a huge apartment block.
Anticipating a long day, she is well wrapped up in several layers and gloves.
But it has started to rain and she needs her waterproof jacket.
Luckily, her husband Dr Joseph Sales sen is on hand to help and he arrives with it a few minutes later.
The pair are in reflective mood on the day that marks the beginning of the end of Barack Obama’s second term.
Mrs Dotson-Brown, 79, who was born in Chicago, says she never thought there would be a black US president in her lifetime.
“It’s been very humbling, very touching,” she adds, visibly emotional.
“My only regret is that my parents and grandparents did not experience that.
“My father was in the military and when I went to vote in 2008, I wore his dog tag.
“I had pictures of my great-grandmother, my mother. I took all of my family memorabilia with me into the voting booth.
“I had to take my family with me, my ancestors with me, because they weren’t here to experience it so I took them in with me.”
Retired college professor Dr Sales, who was assistant dean of education at Wayne State University, says President Obama has accomplished “tremendous things with one hand tied behind his back”.
The 81-year-old from Detroit, who plays the tuba and string bass in a couple of bands, adds: “It makes you wonder what would have happened had he gotten support.
“But the night he got inaugurated, a group of people got together and said ‘let’s not do anything to help him’.
“If they had said ‘let’s help him’, we could have got a lot more done.
“This would be a completely different country.”
Social worker Rosalind Jackson, 55, says she thought the outgoing president would be looking forward to having a rest and spending time with his family.
“He has had a very challenging eight years,” she adds.
Asked about his legacy, she replies: “I would not say we have overcome as a people.
“But I think it just gives us a glimpse of hope that perhaps you can be anything you want to be here in America.”
