Being in Detroit has been quite the learning experience for me. The delegation had spoken about the situation in Detroit, but not too extensively. To see the empty buildings, empty space and lack of people is telling o the potential crisis that could hit any American city. Detroit was once a thriving city with over a million people. However in the past two decades with the decline of the auto industry, Detroit took a hard hit economically. Businesses failed, people lost their jobs, and people moved out of Detroit city and into the suburbs or elsewhere. though there are differences between all cities, it is undeniable that cities can fail. Nothing is too big to fail. However, despite it all, the people of Detroit are strong and resilient and continue on in establishing their livelihood, making the most of it all. Particularly in the face of adversity as presented through policies that have had a negative presence in Detroit and other border cities like it.
One thing that has impressed me are the dozens of people’s assemblies and group socials that have been organized. While some perceive the execution of the people’s assemblies portion to be flawed, the initiative and intentionality in setting such assemblies presents a consciousness, need and desire to ensure coalition building and networking amongst various individuals, groups and organizations. In that, I hope that these assemblies can lay groundwork and build relationship with others. This will allow organizations and groups to be stronger. I look forward to meeting various people and organizations and continue to grow and learn about how to make a bigger splash!
