We are wrapping up the Wednesday of our week already. The rain graciously held off yesterday as we toured The Heidelberg Project but some fell overnight and this evening - somewhat breaking a bit of the humidity that has kept us sweating.
We have had some incredible conversations thus far. A line from David Blair's poem "Detroit, While I Was Away" keeps echoing through my thoughts as I try and soak up the many perspectives: "Detroit, look what we have made you. Steam and steel, still. That's how hard I love you."
Steam.
The determination, persistence and drive we have met in each meeting and interaction is astounding. From the Henry Ford Health System to the UAW to Detroit Venture Partners to the Heidelberg Art Project to each and every small business owner grinding and community leader organizing - there is a commitment to the city and greater community that couldn't be manufactured or created, regardless of the tax base.
The Dean of Wayne State Law is opening legal aid and entrepreneur clinics - refocusing the school on the use of Law in public service. The Bell building has beautiful apartments with onsite mental health services - providing permanent, supportive housing to homeless while anchoring surrounding neighborhood development. Yusef Shakur runs a his own cafe and book store while running for City Council and organizing his neighborhood to provide resources to neighbors.
This isn't a new coat of paint to cover underlying problems - this is full scale engagement of the most pressing challenges.
Steel.
We continue to hear about the structural barriers throughout the city. From difficult city permitting processes to the vast city footprint to the lack of adequate city services - the physical, political and economic landscape is often daunting.
At the same time, those who we meet making change in every corner of the city are perhaps the most hard-headed, unflinching and steady individuals I have ever met. One community leader from SouthWest explained over dinner that for years they have had to for wait unbearable periods for police to respond to a crime, for EMS to respond to a victim and for their kids to get a fair crack at education. The support system that exists of organizations and individuals is deep and durable, forged in the fire of necessity and built to withstand whatever political winds may blow.
Still.
This is defintely an exciting time for Detroit. Captial and opportunity are flowing into Downtown. The New York Times and national media are finally saying some positive things. In the greater view of the city - nothing is really that new. Some of the most impressive people and organizations are those who have been working in the City for years, building relationships and movements. The idea the Detroit would be a 'blank slate" where doing anything is better than nothing is just plain dumb. There is a deep history and an ongoing guard of committed, ass-kicking leaders who I would love to be like when I grow up.
This trip has been incredible so far - so many questions, great insights and more questions.
"Detroit, Look what we have made you. Steam and Steel, Still. That's how hard I love you."
-David Blair
I am really looking forward to the next few days - more dynamic meetings, incredible food and a Tigers game in store!
Keep up with us on Twitter with #HKSinDetroit
Much love,
Michael
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