“Being a Fellow is more about learning how to fit into a group—taking your talents and not only maximizing them in a leadership position but also utilizing them to help the team reach a goal. To be a Fellow is to be a part of a team, and we all should have that skill.” – Dennis White
Just the Beginning
Challenge Detroit for me is a great experience to connect with small businesses, current leaders in Detroit and the next wave of leaders in Detroit. To be around so many enthusiastic people that want to be a part of something that’s bigger than themselves while doing it with a passion and for a city that you couldn’t tell my story without mentioning, means a lot to me.
Having Alexa Bush speak at the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership (JLGP) challenge project kick-off was huge for me. I’ve met her before but in a different space. Her work in the Livernois-McNichols area is probably the reason I currently have a job. Now, with her being a program officer at Kresge that awards many grants not only to my company, but to the city of Detroit, is just “Wow.” However, my most meaningful experience as Fellow was being put on the Jumbotron at LCA during a Pistons game. I know it sounds vain, but to see my fellow Fellows’ reactions, Deirdre and Shelley taking pictures—sometimes I don’t feel like I belong in this group, but that love that I received made me know this is my family, too.
Understanding where I come from is huge in learning my perspective. As a kid growing up where blight and police sirens were normal, it hardened me in a way to think this is all I deserve. Being poor compounded that issue. When I saw others “with” and I was always “without” motivated me to never want for anything again. Fast forward to present day, my work as a contractor led me right back to that same neighborhood I grew up in. Partnering with my host company, Live6 Alliance, not only provided me with monetary solutions to do my work, and get rid of the blight in my old neighborhood, but also being on the administrative side, I can share my thoughts and ideas and actually make a difference so the next generation doesn’t have to see what I saw. The exciting part? I’ve only begun! Thanks!
ABOUT: My name is Dennis White, My hometown is Detroit, Michigan. I am a Fellow at Live6 Alliance. My hobbies include watching and playing too much basketball (to be healthy) and funding rehabilitation projects in Detroit! I also love a good steak if anyone is buying, lol.