July 2016

I know I’m writing this post a little late, but it’s because I was in DC all weekend (well I got back around 3 AM on Saturday, but that’s essentially all weekend). My coworkers who are involved with 482Forward, a community organizing group centered around education reform in Detroit, were invited on a free trip […]

This has been the first official week of conducting interview with various other urban agriculture organizations around the Detroit area. Naim and I have been discussing various ways in which to conduct an interview and how to debrief afterwards. This has led to very interesting conversations about power dyamics and how certain objects such as

Independence day was this week. Two more black men were killed by police officers for no reason. In the aftermath there were peaceful protests around the country because of even more senseless killings. At one of these protests in Dallas a sniper shot at and killed 5 police officers and injured 7 more. The Dallas

Coming into a new work environment changes a lot of people. I am no exception. When I started my internship at Focus Hope 5 weeks ago I definitely didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I didn’t know that I would be working with  people who ranged from having  an eighth grade education to

I am tired. Eyes shot open Pow pow As ignorance of my American “brothas” and “sistas” requires me to stay woke Excuse me As I choke On the seas of cries That pour from black eyes As we beg for freedom Excuse me As I choke On the pools of blood That you don’t fuckin’

It has been a very stressful week at work. Over the fourth of July weekend, one of the historic houses that Nortown owns was burned down most likely due to an arson fire. My supervisor was very upset about it because they have owned the house for over a decade and have put a lot of

With all of the things happening in the world right now, I sometimes feel completely hopeless. Then there are people, people who are so utterly amazing and empowering. My boss, was talking to me just a couple minutes ago. She talked about how when she was younger and how anything that got done was done

Yes, I know I just posted my week #5 blog a week late, but it was a long holiday weekend and work has been crazy since I’ve gotten back. Jenna was telling the truth when she said that we’ll feel the scramble at our placements as it gets closer to the end of the program.

This article really speaks to the experience I’ve had in Detroit. This article features interviews with a resident of the Villages of Parkside and Zachary Rowe, my boss, of the Friends of Parkside. They talk about life in the community of Parkside and how they aren’t feeling the benefits of Detroit’s “revival”. It really highlights

Just yesterday, the CEO of Excellent Schools Detroit, Dan, threw a small office party at his house to celebrate the feats and progress of Excellent Schools Detroit! We were greeted by most of the office (around 10 people) and with slobbery kisses from Dan’s adorable dog, Missy. I introduced myself to some people who I