Category: Community

Say what you want about Detroit, but ...

There are some really great things going on here. Today, on my lunch break, I made the short trip from my downtown office to the final Grown in Detroit farmers market* of the season at Wayne State University.

I returned with a bag of arugula for a co-worker, a bunch of kale to cook at home, lunch from the Russell Street Deli stand at the market, and a cup of hot cider. Wow! What a haul! On my way back, I passed The Hub of Detroit bike shop and the Birdtown community garden.

I know there's a lot wrong with the city. And the suburbs. And the city/suburbs. But, I can't look away when I see these little seeds of hope -- each a testament to community members who believe we can grow and change in a positive way and have taken action to make that brighter future a reality. And, besides the dappled sunlight, crisp air and colorful produce at the market, I couldn't help but notice something else: The variety of people shopping and enjoying the day together -- black, white, Muslim, men, women, young, old, you name it. Maybe that's because good, fresh, healthy, affordable food is something everyone appreciates. The farmers market seems like a great equalizer in a land of great disparity. Fine, call me hippie-dippy. But, I think getting everyone together is the way to move forward.

There are a lot of young people opening up shops, working as activists, farming, creating art, voting and paticipating in the city and the Metro area, and to all of them, I say: Please stay. Don't give up! Please keep bringing people together and help make this city and this region be the best it can be.

*In January, Russell Street Deli will open a lunch stand inside the engineering building at Wayne State University, according to a fella working at their market stand.