I am stepping back in time a bit for this month’s post. My second visit to Detroit occurred this past March. I was here in the city for 5 days conducting archival research for my thesis (one of my chapters is on the Old Wayne County Building). I was also reaching out to professionals in the fields of architecture and historic preservation in an effort to understand where I could fit in professionally within the city. In addition, I had been selected for the semi-final round of Challenge Detroit. Our task for this portion of the application process was to create a one-minute video about ourselves. I took a different approach. Instead of talking about myself, I decided to embrace the Detroit community while I was in the city. As an “outsider,” I believe it is critical to listen and learn from Detroiters themselves. In this video endeavor, I walked around the city with signs and a black sharpie. I approached random folks and asked the simple question of “What matters to you about Detroit?” You will find the responses below. I should also note that I did not prompt any of the participants with a “correct answer.” What you see written on the paper signs are truly genuine responses. Also, I added the photos of myself as that was part of the structure of the video. It was really fun to go back through these and remember how I was feeling at that time.

People Matter.

Ultimately, I believe people matter. Period.

Creative Minds Matter.

I agree. This was the first person I asked to participate. She knocked it out of the park.

Trains Matter.

This little guy is wise beyond his years. Not only do trains matter, train stations matter too.

My Hometown Matters.

Detroit is the hometown of so many people–we need to remember that and learn from them.

Affordable Housing Matters.

Affordable Housing is a necessary element to a thriving city. Let’s make it happen!

Neighborhoods Matter.

Detroit’s neighborhoods are rich in culture and history. We cannot forget about them.

Urban Growth Matters.

Oftentimes urban growth can have detrimental effects such as gentrification. How can we grow urban areas in the most compassionate way possible?

Two-Parent Households Matter.

This gentleman was very deliberate and thoughtful in his statement. He wanted to be very clear that it didn’t have to be the traditional family model. The important thing was that there were two parents involved.

Community Culture and Local Character Matters.

This is Jim Turner. He has been an invaluable resource to me and a great role model. He also happens to be one of the best in the country when it comes to historic window restoration and repair. He’s great.

Life Matters.

I couldn’t agree more.

Cities Matter.

Cities are complex entities in which we all play a small part. What part(s) do you play in your city?

My Students Matter.

These handsome fellas were holding a fund raiser at Garden Bowl to raise money to send these young men on college tours. They were having a great time. 🙂

Pizza Matters.

Regardless of age, at the end of the day, who doesn’t appreciate a good slice of pizza? Detroit has some of the best!

My Damn Street Lites Matter.

This is DJ Head (Kevin Bell), a Grammy Award Winning hip-hop producer and DJ known for his work with Eminem. I did not figure this out until I was back in Oregon after my trip. Street lights do matter.

Hope in Our Future Matters.

The employees of the Mac Shack food truck have it right. Hope is a crucial ingredient in the revitalization of the “Paris of the Midwest.”

Detroit Matters.

Detroit Matters!

This Dance Party happened just after I had completed my task of asking the locals what matters to them. I thought it was appropriate.