In 2014 I graduated from Michigan State University and took the first flight out to Berkeley, California. I was a newly college-educated gal ready to take on the world, and more importantly, move out to the much romanticized West Coast. I was very fortunate to be able to move to the Bay Area as a part of Urban Adamah, a fellowship that in some magical way, integrated urban farming practices, mindfulness, social action training and progressive Jewish learning.
Perhaps it was late in life, but this move and immersive experience opened my eyes to many deep-rooted issues facing our society today. This was the first time I went to an environmental-rights protest, walked in the streets demanding an end to police brutality, saw the impact food insecurity had on a community and witnessed progressive Jews organizing to dismantle the popular beliefs around Israel/Palestine.
Yes, was it easy to see movements making shit happen in the liberal haven of Berkeley, California? Of course it was, and that is why I needed to figure out how these issues were shaping my region, my community and my place in the country.
By reading this blog, it means you know I am a Challenge Detroit fellow, and also living in Detroit. To clarify, I was not raised in Detroit. But my great-grandparents, grandparents and parents were. This is where my roots are. For me, it made sense to move back to Southeastern Michigan to examine how these issues, which I observed in California, were being addressed in my home state. As I started researching and reaching out to community leaders and organizers, it was clear that this work had a home in the city.
From air quality to paid sick time, I learned about strong leaders that were organizing their communities to fight and advocate for human rights. It is with gratitude that I now highlight some of the grassroots organizations that welcomed me and my desire to learn and fight, with open arms.
Detroit Jews for Justice
DJJ’s mission is to create a progressive voice in the Jewish community, while creating a Jewish voice in the progressive community. Through following the lead of Detroiters, DJJ organizes Jewish folks around issues that work for racial and economic justice in the Detroit area.
Mothering Justice
As the leader of the MI Time to Care petition drive, Mothering Justice empowers mothers to influence legislation that affects them and their families. They are currently working to make sure a proposal addressing earned paid sick time makes it on the 2018 ballot.
People’s Water Board
Since 2008, People’s Water Board has advocated for polices that ensure Southeast Michigan provides clean and affordable water for every resident.
D15
Stemming from a national movement working to raise the minimum wage, D15 was formed in Detroit by fast food and retail workers. Folks were (and are) working full-time, and still cannot afford basic needs like food, rent and healthcare. This is a problem that D15 has brought to the forefront of the billion-dollar fast food industry in Detroit.
Motor City Freedom Riders
Motor City Freedom Riders believe that in order to achieve true freedom, we must, as a society, address mobility and transportation. As a grassroots organization, Motor City Freedom Riders organizes transit advocates to fight for better public transportation in Detroit and the surrounding region.