As 2017 comes to an end, it’s time to look back and reflect on what I’ve learned this year, and where I can improve as we ring in 2018. This last year brought me a new home, a new city, and a major career shift. Moving to Michigan from Minnesota at the end of August, I’ve spent the last four months trying to better understand Detroit’s complicated past in order to find my place within this city.
As a young, white, professional, it could be easy for me to ignore the complex relationship between ‘old’ and ‘new’ Detroit, and instead embrace the life of craft breweries and Whole Foods. But, I didn’t move to Detroit just to drink IPAs in graffiti filled alleys. This year, I have a few resolutions to help me become better acquainted with the city and to defy the ‘white hipster’ stereotype by actively participating in the positive developments happening in Detroit:
- Learn more about my new home
- Go on a Corktown walking tour so I know about the rich past of my neighborhood
- Read more literature about Detroit’s past and where it’s heading (any recommendations will be greatly appreciated)
- Continue attending community meetings and events, and listen to what my long-term neighbors are experiencing as the city rapidly changes
- Immerse myself in the Detroit music scene
- Attend more local venues and support local artists
- Dust off my drums and join in the music scene myself
- Embrace my inner artist
- Adventure outside of the downtown/Midtown area, and spend time getting to know new neighborhoods by sketching everyday Detroit scenes
- Get back to my roots
- Become involved with organizations which share my passion for urban agriculture and food security
So, here’s to 2018 because the best time for new beginnings is now!