Researchers plan to apply spatial modeling and geospatial technology to highlight new insights that could help planners and policymakers consider natural urban edible food resources to alleviate food insecurity in Detroit.

Now in its concluding year, the project is evolving into an Urban Humanities Initiative at the University of Michigan, which will continue to connect humanities researchers, planners, and architects, along with community leaders outside the university, as they work toward a fairer future.

After a year-long pause due to Covid-19 precautions, the 21 students in this year’s “Children in Peril” class undertook a semester-long project collaborating with School of Music, Theatre & Dance graduate music composition students, Alfredo Cabrera and Nicholas Felder.

“I was always very impressed with the way U-M engaged our program participants. You could sense there was a respect for their time and information. It wasn’t ‘we’re going to swoop in, do our research, and bolt.'”
~ Delphia Simmons

“We need to close that gap. I want to spend the next 10 to 15 years addressing the issues in the food insecurity space to give more Michiganders the food security that they deserve.”

~ Patrice Brown

With pandemic-era protections expiring, eviction filings in Detroit rose from historic lows to 75% of the pre-pandemic rate as of June. At the current filing rate, 21% of Detroit renters – 61,000 tenants – will face the threat of eviction this year.

Students are encouraged to think about problems in a culturally responsive manner while working on gaining a stronger understanding of personal biases, power and privilege. 

Compared to Detroiters who say they will definitely vote, uncertain and unlikely voters list fewer policy issues as high priorities. Definite voters are far more likely to consider the environment; abortion; LGBTQ+ rights; and racial inequality as high priorities for elected officials. 

In addition to affecting voter turnout in upcoming elections, a reparations policy may also shape which candidates voters support. The majority of Detroiters who said they will “definitely” or “probably” vote in the upcoming election said a reparations policy was an important factor in who they will support.