“I would encourage someone to be a Fellow because it is an experience. You learn the deeper meaning of Detroit while also putting your thumbprint on what may seem small but can grow as something greater.” – Keke Jordan
I Thought I Knew Detroit
Checking out some art in the East Warren Corridor during orientation.
Growing up in Detroit you believe that no one can tell you about your city. I am a born and raised Detroiter. I thought I knew all I needed to know about Detroit, but I was so wrong. Becoming a Challenge Detroit Fellow has opened my eyes to a Detroit I thought I knew. We are known for our music and art but, we are so much more. I never knew how many resources are available and native to Detroit. Most importantly, I learned that there are people out here that are truly trying to restore Detroit to its former glory.
Organizations like our project partners the Detroit Park Coalition, Joe Louis Greenway Partnership, Detroit Food Academy, Detroit United Lacrosse and Wayne Metro Community Action Agency are making that difference. Wayne Metro allows people who are suffering from the economic shift to seek help in housing, jobs, schooling, and even with something as little as helping with paperwork. I had heard of them before but did not know who they were exactly. They are helping the people who live here, stay here. They run an excellent nonprofit and are really putting a thumbprint on the City of Detroit. Wayne Metro still gives me hope that there are people out here that do want to see Detroit succeed as a community, not just as individuals. Detroit is much more than what the media portrays us to be. With companies like Wayne Metro, Detroit will thrive again.
Our team for the Wayne Metro project (Myself, Von, Cait, Jessenia and Malik).
ABOUT: My name is Nikeila “Keke” Jordan. I am a person who loves children and helping others. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in criminal justice. I plan to go back to school one day for forensics and biology. I love music and everything art. I have a dog named Brookie and a rabbit named Panini and even though I do not have kids, I have kids (through my work with Brilliant Detroit).