This exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum reveals the faces and stories of those in prison. It lifts up the voices of those who have been silenced by the criminal legal system. The Humanize the Numbers project gives them a freedom not normally allowed in prison. They share their stories with the world outside. By doing so, those in prison reclaim their humanity.

Yvette Rock’s empathetic approach has had that effect on scores of people in the community through her many initiatives connected to art. “I started thinking about what it would mean for Yvette Rock to be a ‘live coal,'” she said. “What would it mean for me to be someone in the city of Detroit who helps set these things in motion, this artistic venture in motion, you know, like being a spark in the city, causing others to be excited about art?”

“We want to build housing for everyone from young people trying to find their place in this world to older single people looking for a clean, safe home. There is too much emphasis on building bigger housing for young families, i.e. single-family houses.”
~ Jon Zemke, U-M alum

To make sure their business solutions are targeted toward Detroit small business needs, community engagement will take a center role in the course like never before.

Brilliant Detroit runs a host of programs out of houses-turned-community hubs in 14 neighborhoods across the city. On a mission to create “kid success” neighborhoods, the nonprofit offers tutoring, GED preparation and testing, health and fitness classes, nutrition information, reading activities, and social-emotional and mental health services for children and their families. It was co-founded by two U-M alums in 2016 and has partnered with the university from the beginning.

The Office of the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning has announced the 2023 Engage Detroit Workshops grant program, designed to support a new workshop or speaker series on a topic that connects U-M with Detroit communities.

Among the 73% of Detroiters who believe the average Black person is worse off than the average White person in terms of income and wealth, 71% support reparations and 75% say policies that address racial inequality should be a high priority. Among the 14% of Detroiters who believe the average Black person is equally well off as the average White person, 38% support reparations. 

Does it matter who is telling the story? Moderated by Rochelle Riley, former Detroit Free Press columnist and the Arts and Culture director for the city of Detroit, the panel explored individual responsibility, how to teach people to take a deeper look at what diversity means and how we can all play a part in changing the narratives around us.

From U-M to GM, May Mobility and now Newlab Detroit, Alisyn Malek has become one of the country’s top innovators. Named one of the top-10 innovators to watch by the Smithsonian Institution, her experience as a founder and entrepreneur has served her well for her most recent endeavor. In July she became managing director of Newlab Detroit, a collaboration with Michigan Central, Ford Motor Co.’s mobility innovation district in Corktown.