As I carpooled with 4 other Challenge Detroiters, we passed numerous tailgaters setting up tents and grills, time 7:30am! Needless to say we were impressed with the dedication and jealous of them getting to participate in the upcoming activities. tThat day we were beginning our 7th Challenge with Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, and were going to be attending a Toxic Tour for much of the day in which we got to see many of the environmental issues that the city is facing, as well as opportunities for addressing them. We learned more about the incinerator, truck pollution from the ambassador bridge, Marathon’s oil refinery) and the devastating health effects that fall upon our city’s neighborhoods. We also saw great opportunities and initiatives taking place such as the Green Garage, Avalon Bakery, and stories of people protesting against the many injustices. It was a great day in which we learned a tremendous amount and it prepared us to take on the Challenge. On top of that, the Tigers won!
Saturday was another early day for me, and as I drove up Woodward I was greeted with an entirely different scene: the parking lots previously filled with tailgaters were now completely covered with red solo cups, beer cans, broken folding chairs, food wrappers, and whatever else you might imagine at a tailgate. The aftermath display of disrespect to the city was really sad to see. I am a full believer that for Detroit’s revitalization to happen there needs to be collaboration between the city and suburbs, respecting a place enough not to trash it would be a good place to start.