As my first year in Detroit comes to a close, I reflect on my time as a Challenge Detroit Fellow here—the many things I’ve learned, the many friends I’ve made, and the many ways I’ve grown—and I freely admit my story is just a minuscule part of what’s going on in this incredible city. There are so many inspiring people who live here and whose stories deserve to be heard. In fact, if you’re going to read only one thing in the next five minutes, please read this article by Brittney Cooper instead of my own. While not directly related to Detroit, the words of Cooper are ones I wish everyone would take to heart. I think if more people adopted her perspective, even more stories will be able to surface—stories that would have the potential to change the way we see the world and how we choose to live in it.
And yet, if you’ve decided to keep reading, I have tried to consolidate a few of the things I’ve come to wish people knew about Detroit. So feel free to review and reflect on my perspective of Detroit.
This city is alive.
Some people seem to view Detroit as being “past its prime” or stuck in the past, but my experiences have quickly revealed quite the opposite. Not only is there an invigorating, entrepreneurial spirit sweeping through the metropolis, there are also hundreds of thousands of people who have lived in Detroit their whole lives, who love this city and are continuing to make it the place they want to be.
Detroit has incredible housing stock.
Pictures that make their way outside Detroit are tragically one-sided. While Detroit is actively tackling the issue of blight, there are countless majestic properties that are impressively well kept and beautifully remodeled. From quaint, historic mansions to pristine, modern lofts this city has a competitive edge when it comes to property, land, and space.
It is unnecessary to be excessively concerned about your safety.
The stereotypical casting of Detroit as unsafe is one that I find particularly trying. As in most cities, I take simple precautions like ensuring no valuables are left in plain view or traveling in groups late at night, and yet I’ve never been in any situation where I’ve felt unsafe in Detroit. Please give the city a chance before arriving at conclusions about its security.
People here are wary of others coming in and changing their neighborhoods.
Just as you might be suspicious of some stranger traipsing into your community, uprooting your favorite haunt, completely rearranging the areas you painstakingly worked to create, and then inviting others to do the same, I’ve found that people in Detroit feel a similar wariness. There have been a lot of changes taking place in pockets across the city and it’s very important that those who live here have the opportunity to initiate, lead, and participate in any modifications that occur. Without the input and support of longtime residents, it is highly presumptuous to make any changes in this city.
There is incredible diversity here.
The city of Detroit, along with its surrounding region, is a place filled with diversity. From distinct regional pockets complete with unique cultures to lifestyle opportunities attracting anyone from techy entrepreneurs to artistic free spirits, Detroit has it all. Which means for those who have been here all their lives to those who are interested in visiting or even coming to settle down, Detroit has a place for everyone.