Earlier this spring, the 2022-2023 Engage Detroit Workshops grant program selected six project teams currently working with Detroit-based organizations and leaders to lead a series of workshops highlighing the advancement of partnerships and collaborations between U-M and Detroit.

On Thursday August 11th, workshop leaders Greg McKenzie and Korey Batey will lead the very first session of the series, Activating Alleys, Lots and Hubs: Local Lessons in Grassroots Innovation: Engaged Detroit Workshop at Alkebu-Lan Village African Cultural Festival. This event will bring university faculty, students, community partners, and residents together to participate in a day-long capacity-building workshop on Basic Simple Porch Construction and Repair that will serve as a model for innovative community-driven land restoration.

All are welcome to attend!

RSVP by August 8th: gmckenziejr@alkebulanvillage.com
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EVENT DETAILS
Date: August 11 2022 2-4 p.m.
Address: 7701 Harper Ave, Detroit, MI 48213
Workshop Leaders:
Greg McKenzie (313) 578-1300
Korey Batey (313) 348-0616

EVENT SCHEDULE
2-2:30 p.m.: Basic Porch Repair Workshop led by Master Carpenter

2:30–3 p.m.: Community residents and participants voice their major concerns that relate to vacant land and spaces around them, in open mic format using creative means of expression (poetry, song, dance, cooking).

3-3:30 p.m. Tie it all back to the alley where it started, with Korey Batey explaining the work that went into clearing the alley, providing overview of alley activation and demonstrating some elements that can be creatively incorporated into alleyways, such as rain barrels, composting, pollinator plants, art and culture, recreation, etc.

3:30-4 pm. Final Report on outcomes of previous engagement sessions and presentation of alley rendering led by Greg McKenzie
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ABOUT THE PROJECT TEAM
Workshop Series: Activating Alleys, Lots and Hubs: Local Lessons in Grassroots Innovation

Project leads: Paul Draus, professor of sociology, and Jacob Napieralski, professor of geology, UM-Dearborn College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, and Christopher Pannier, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, UM-Dearborn College of Engineering and Computer Science

Community partners: Alkebu-lan Village, Birwood House, Bailey Park Neighborhood Development Corporation, Rescue MI Nature Now, Mama Akua House