I’m not sure if I read or heard about Lauren first, but her reputation preceded her. It was only a matter of time before, thanks to this fellowship, I would meet her. A woman so many hold in such high regard, because of the humble, honest, and thoughtful way she goes about her work. Her ability to speak truth to power, and critically analyze the past, present, and future of her city. Perhaps most importantly, Lauren challenges how her neighbors, lifelong Detroiter’s like herself, can and will play an active role in their communities into the future. Neighbors continuing to do the hard but meaningful work of community building, whether or not outsiders were watching.

Lauren and I danced from topic to topic. You know those people that give you energy, give you life the more time you spend with them? For me, Lauren energized me for the rest of my Friday evening.

We talked about her work with Theaster Gates and Place Lab, as well as the 9 Rules of Ethical Redevelopment (perhaps the topic of a future blog post?).

Then discussion flowed to her current role as the Executive Director of the Live6 Alliance, a role she is fit for being raised in the Bagley neighborhood and a double degree holder from the University of Detroit-Mercy. After completing UDM’s Master’s in Community Development program, Live6 was a career natural transition for Lauren to put classroom principles into practice.

Lauren has long understood the importance of community engagement in the development process, which unfortunately hasn’t been the prevailing opinion of the community development ecosystem in the past. However, many in the city are looking to Live6 as a model, given the community-driven voice that rings strong thanks to Lauren’s leadership.

We reflected on some other topics, like the fact that many wealthy white people have been able to avoid talking about race most of their life (again, another future blog post perhaps?). Brad Frost, Lauren’s dear friend who recently passed away from cancer, inspired her to do one thing every day that pushes her out of her comfort zone. Imagine how amazing the world would be if we all tried to do that!

Lauren hadn’t always considered community development as a future career path. However, after the market tanked and her dreams of flourishing in the music business seemed unrealistic, she was forced but also very curious to explore where her talents could be used in other industries.

Lauren earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing on a track scholarship from UDM. Despite wanting to attending college further from home, her parents convinced her to use the scholarship and save money living at home. However, her business classes never resonated with her. It wasn’t until the MCD program when Lauren found her voice, especially in the social justice course.

Community development work seemed approachable and like work she would enjoy doing. However, we talked about New Detroiter’s in depth, a topic she has written about in several local publications. I have read most of these stories, but as a New Detroiter, I wanted to get an even better idea of her perspective on this topic.

Lauren admitted new residents are exciting, as well as concerning. They bring with them new resources, face a fairly low barrier of entry, and have access to very approachable leaders. However, sometimes that overshadows the ability and impact that Native Detroiter’s can and do have in their neighborhoods.

Native Detroiter’s don’t always feel empowered to make changes, despite many great ideas and initiatives. Lauren describes the individuals and resources the mainstream public are not aware of, but have great power and potential to transform the city as “sleeping assets”. This doesn’t mean they are not active, but sometimes those that are do not want the notoriety that the Gilbert’s and Illitch’s of the city receive.

Stay tuned for Part 2…