For me, there are two topics that are paramount to the success of revitalization in the city of Detroit — overcoming racial inequities/tensions and improving the educational opportunities for school-aged youth. Both huge topics of interest, wouldn’t you say?

Well, for my July Impact project, I decided to try and tackle those issues in hopes of making a difference in the lives of Detroit teens and, eventually, younger students as well.

I worked with Deep Dive Detroit, an organization that facilitates race conversations in innovative ways in order to open the lines of communication among groups of people who work closely together. After having participated in one of the conversations myself, I began to discover that much of the tension and racial insensitivity that occurs in the city is based lack of knowledge as opposed to blatant disregard. Then, I figured that if students learned to be open about these feelings and have these conversations much earlier than in their working adult life, it could make for a more tolerant and cohesive society.

Thus, for my project, I creased a group that will high school leaders together for conversations with students of different racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, and foster relationships. When the students return to their own schools, they will be leaders and share their experiences with their peers, hopefully igniting a strong desire on the part of other student to join, as well.

During my first mini-conversation, the students were quite open and willing to learn more. We have planned several meetings throughout the school year, and a field trip in the next few weeks. I am looking forward to what is to come!