The one thing I love about Hamtramck is the diversity. But this is also something I find intimidating. I am from Berkley, MI, a suburb of Detroit. My neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods are predominantly White with a strong Black presence as well. As a result, I have spent most of my life surrounded by […]
Week 4: Building Bridges Read More »
For this week’s post, I wanted to write about the community at HOPE Village Revitalization. As I have mentioned before, HVR is a ‘community development corporation’– it is by the people and for the people. At first, I had a hard time answering the question, “So, what do you do there?” because it seemed like
That’s My Neighbor! (Week 4) Read More »
It’s crazy and maybe a bit embarrassing how little I know about Detroit considering I only live 45 mins away. After my first in-person visit to my site, I feel like I have already learned a lot more about Detroit. I have always considered it a large city, but have never taken the time to
Week 3: Learning more about Detroit! Read More »
Reflecting on the CDAD culture is the most perfect way to sum up how CDAD operates. The organization is compromised of all women of color who serve their members, care for each other, and always lend a helping hand to those who need it. The culture of CDAD promotes a community of care, respect, equity,
Week 4: The Collective Culture of CDAD Read More »
While reading “How to Kill a City” I came to the realization that people can view gentrification as an impersonal thing. “But these buildings are helping the city! The economy is booming! Everyone’s happy!” But in reality, that’s far from the truth. Not everyone is happy with flashy lights and colors that illuminate the big
Week 3: Can Anyone Really “Save” a City? Read More »
My blog post title poses a question, which I do not have the answer to. I know many people have strong opinions about gentrification in urban areas (and I also acknowledge the fact that many people feel indifferent towards it unless it begins to impact them in any way). While reading the Detroit section of
‘Gentrification’ or ‘Urban Revitalization’… or both? Read More »
Hi everyone! I am so sorry this blog is late. My computer broke and I could not post the blog from my phone. Good to know. Anyway, thinking about Detroit and what I’ve learned so far: COVID had a huge impact on Detroit residents, especially on the East, West, and South sides. That’s where all
Week Three – 3 days late Read More »
How to Kill a City surprised me in many ways. It showed me how quickly gentrification can take over and how easily history is forgotten or ignored. It was heartbreaking to hear about how people who have owned their houses for decades could no longer afford to pay taxes and were then forced to pay
A New look on Detroit Read More »
One thing I have learned about Detroit from working with my community organization is how passionate community leaders and residents are about restoring and improving their city. Over the past few weeks, I have attended many zoom meetings with community leaders and neighborhood associations, and it has been so great to see everyone collaborate to
Week 3: Community Engagement in a Virtual World Read More »
One thing I’ve learned from NSO and from listening to the other fellows, is just how much love Detroiter’s have for their community. I’m really glad that so many of the fellows grew up in or around Detroit, because it has been really interesting to hear their first-hand accounts of what it is like to
Week 3: Love for Detroit Read More »
