Over the course of being in Detroit for a couple of weeks, I have grown to love this city in a way I never imagined. I mean before being in this program I knew about Detroit based on what others told me but I never really got to experience Detroit like I have this summer during this program. I can honestly say that I love every inch of this city. There have been so many occasion where I have experience an awakening moment due to something an individual said or just what I have been privileged enough to witness. Detroit is by no means perfect but it holds a very important history to it. Walking around I have come to realize how big it is and the architecture of the buildings are amazing. I remember being in my friend’s car and just being in awe of the buildings. I was intrigued by the styles and the depth of the designs of each building that we drove past. In a way it was as though the buildings each had a story to tell and we as individuals just have to find that story. Funny right?!
With the work that I do with my placement I get to see the not so good side of the DPS system, however to be able to explore the city as I have with the friends that I have made here it gives me a chance to see the beauty in the city that majority of individuals leave out when narrating the story of Detroit. There are buildings so tall that I have to literally look all the way up as though I’m looking at the sun and there are buildings that could be used as a castle because that is how big and detailed oriented there are. I believe my most awe moment took place last Saturday. I went with a couple friends to the Greater Central Park to watch a Shakespeare play. This was actually my first time being able to witness something such as that. Which is basically the people of Detroit putting on something for the rest of the city at free of charge as that. You would be amazed at the turnout of citizens. A lot of individuals including families showed up for the performance and were amazing audience members. And in that moment, sitting on the grass I started glancing around the park and each and every individual was paying attention to the play. I realize then that this city supports itself even when others denounce it as being a dangerous and unsafe place to be. This experience showed me that no matter what the city may go through, its citizens will always be there to put it back together. And this is why I have grown to love this city!!!!
That’s such a cool event. You know I sometimes walk by a playhouse on Cass and I’ve wondered where the plays are at…Looks like they’re at Greater Central Park. Which Shakespeare play was it?