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Even before newly inaugurated President Barack Obama issued his call for a new
era of “personal responsibility,” and urged all Americans to become involved in
efforts to improve their communities, thousands of Detroiters and hundreds of organizations
were already embarked on a mission of transformation.
Now, hopefully, more people who have been sitting on the sidelines will join
hands with their neighbors in churches, community groups, block clubs and social
organizations and dedicate themselves to “Be Part of The Change.”
This is not about politics; it’s about people, creating a better America – and
for those of us who live here – creating a better Detroit. That’s why I am so hopeful
about Detroit’s future in 2009, despite the many daunting challenges we face.
I’m hopeful because of people like Agnes Reed,
who didn’t know anything about ARISE Detroit! until she heard one of our promotional
spots playing on recently on a local radio station. “I liked what I heard because
it was about making our neighborhoods better,” said Reed, who is president of the
Lenox Block Club on the far east side of Detroit in the Jefferson Conner area..
Reed phoned the offices of ARISE Detroit! and I was lucky enough to answer her
call. She is a refreshing reminder that that despite a bad economy, crime, high
unemployment and schools that need a makeover, there are thousands of Detroiters
like Reed who are not just committed to staying the course – they want to chart
a new and better course for the city they love. Reed is active in a wide number
of community efforts and wants to see a cleaner, safer community. She’s would welcome
volunteers to help with clean up of blighted neighborhood eyesores. “We all need
to be doing something,” she said. Amen!. Reed promises to spread the word about
ARISE Detroit! And we are going spread the word about her and the Lenox Block Club!
I’m hopeful because I know there are many people like Reed, often unsung and behind
the headlines, who are part of a growing “Transformation Community” in Detroit,
hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals working in ways large and
small to create a better Detroit.
I’m hopeful because of the passion of people like Tiffany Tilley
of the Mannie Project , Fred Hart of Brothers Against Guns,
Weusi Olusola of Pioneers For Peace and Linda White
of the Arc of Nonviolence all of whom have turned personal tragedies into organized
efforts to to reduce crime and violence in Detroit.
I’m hopeful because of commitment of Amy Good,
who 20 years ago grew tired of seeing teenage girls sell their bodies on the streets
of southwest Detroit and pulled some friends together to form Alternative For Girls
to offer housing and educational opportunities.
I’m hopeful because of the dedication of Jeron Campbell, a young
Ford Motor Co. engineer, who started the Aces program, to help Detroit students
boost their college entrance scores, and Mark Mayberry,
a former educator, who started Exam Experts for the same reason.
I’m hopeful because even with all the problems with Detroit public schools, there
are many people like Sharlonda Buckman and Minnie Davis
of the Detroit Parent Network, Charlie Anderson, Alan Dozier and
Pandora Brown of Communities in Schools of Detroit and Penny
Bailer
of City Year Detroit who refuse give up on our children and continue to use their
resources and volunteers to point our youngsters toward a brighter future.
I’m hopeful because of Terrance Collier
of The Rapping Mentor and the Good Boys, who with his sons gives positive message
rap performances.
I’m hopeful because of David Sawicki and his wife Lisa Lapides
of Youth Under Construction and Rae Glover and Susan Storey
– a Cody High School Teacher -- of the Better Detroit Youth Movement, who use entertainment,
music and dance to promote self esteem and educational achievement with our young
people.
I’m hopeful because of Rick Sperling,
who founded the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, to use the performing arts to teach
young people not just to sing and dance, but also to become better people.
I’m hopeful because of Nat Pernick, a suburbanite who has launched
the Detroit College of Promise – with Cody High as the first school – to guarantee
college scholarships for city public school graduates, and Leslie Andrews
–a Detroiter -- who is making higher education for youngsters through the United
Negro College Fund.
I’m hopeful because of the unflagging efforts to revive neighborhoods on the east
side of Detroit with Toni McIlwain of the Ravendale Community,
Mike Fisher of the Detroit Community Initiave and Shirley Burch
of Community United for Progress.
I’m hopeful because their efforts are matched on the west side of town by Olivia
Shakoor of the Crary St. Mary’s Community Council, John George
of the Motor City Blight Busters, Mary Banks of the Brightmoor
Alliance and Kim Tandy
of the University Community Association.
I’m hopeful because of Carol Shoch,
a former music teacher, who started the Detroit Children’s Choir to bring the joy
of choral singing to Detroit students.
I’m hopeful because of Terry Blackhawk and Nandi Comer
of the Inside Out LiteraryArts Project, which has brought the love poetry to city
schools.
I’m hopeful because of Paul Miles, a talented local blues musician
who has used his skills to raise money for ARISE Detroit! and other local non-profits
and produced a song called Motown Still Our Town to boost the spirits of Detroiters.
I’m hopeful for these and countless other reasons.
I’m hopeful because I believe in Detroit. I believe in you.
--Funded by the Skillman Foundation, ARISE Detroit! is a coalition of more than
400 community groups, block clubs, churches, businesses and media outlets promoting
volunteerism, community activism, and positive media images to create a better Detroit.
Learn more at www.arisedetroit.org or
phone, 313-921-1955.
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