Sometimes starting a blog post on here feels like sitting down to speak into a void, but kind of in a comforting way. Anyways, I wanted to utilize this week’s blog post as a time to think about some of the incredible people I have met in the past month and a half, and think about the guest speakers we have had. We have listened to so many incredible people speak, between DeAndre Calvert opening up about his experiences working in Detroit; Crystal King & Joanna Dueweke-Perez being brave enough to be vulnerable in front of a group of strangers and talk about their work and how their privilege interacts with it; and listening to Tiffany Brown talk about how her experiences with an incarcerated parent drove her to create Developing Despite Distance, I feel like each time we have a guest speaker, I learn and love Detroit a little bit more.
Although it wasn’t a singular event, the love, bravery, passion, and openness that these speakers showed us while they talked about who they are, what they do, and what is important to them paints an incredible picture of the ways in which Detroit is held up by its community. I feel so lucky to be allowed to take part in this learning experience.
Hi Serena,
I completely agree with your perspective on the guest speakers! Each of them has brought such a unique perspective, yet they are all connected through their work in supporting Detroit. That connection alone is inspiring to me, even before I consider their passion and vulnerability. I too am learning about and loving Detroit a little bit more!
Hey Serena,
Your outlook on the value that each speaker has brought is so comforting, and true. Each speaker has brought some incredible stories to the table. I am so glad that the people in our cohort had the opportunity to work with these amazing people!
Hi Serena! I also really enjoyed having Crystal King and Joanna Dueweke-Perez speak to us. They both provided valuable insights into their experiences working at their organization. I appreciated their candor and transparency as they talked about these important, complex topics.