Ariel Chatman

Last week was my first time visiting the Charles H. Wright Museum and their “And Still We Rise” exhibit. Initially, coming into the museum, I had an idea of the themes that may be covered. However, I was surprised by the detail of the entire exhibit, particularly the mannequins, which were very surreal, especially in […]

Tomorrow is the start of my organization’s big Pride event, Hotter Than July! I’m very excited but also nervous about what this weekend might bring. On Friday, we will start with our banned LGBTQ+ book festival and a candlelight vigil to honor our ancestors. Then this Saturday is our HIV testing event at Palmer Park,

After reading Liberation Practices, it highlights the necessity to collaborate on systemic or collective issues to work towards all-encompassing solutions. It is so important to consult and build counsel of various identities and backgrounds as they each offer a changing perspective based on their particular ways of processing the world or internalizing an issue. The

After reading How to Kill a City, I gained a bit more insight into the complexities of gentrification. Before reading this work, I had a base-level understanding of gentrification regarding its effect on black and brown neighborhoods. The displacement that original community residents experience after an influx of white property renters/buyers is a result of

The main takeaway I have learned about Detroit so far is its vibrant culture and deep commitment to bettering the lives of people in the city. After being here for only three weeks, it’s clear that most of the discussions I’ve heard about Detroit are from people who aren’t integrated or invested in this community.

This summer, I am working with LGBT Detroit, an organization that evolved to create supportive spaces, resources, and programs for black and brown LGBTQ+ individuals within the city. LGBT Detroit originally began as a magazine called KICK which highlighted black LGBTQ+ life, and as the years progressed, it transformed into a non-profit organization. Now, their

Hello everyone, my name is Ariel! I’m a senior majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies, and I am so excited to be working with LGBT Detroit this summer. I was initially attracted to doing community work in Detroit because it allowed me to gain a more authentic, intimate connection with the city and its culture.