The University of Michigan Detroit Center (UMDC) is launching a new discussion series, "Block x Block," inviting community members to engage in conversations about some of Detroit's most pressing challenges. Starting Thursday, September 17, the monthly public engagement series will bring together local leaders, University of Michigan faculty and students, and Detroiters for face-to-face dialogue. The events, held from 10 a.m. until noon at the UMDC, located at 3663 Woodward Ave., #150, aim to center residents' lived experiences and foster university-community collaborations to find solutions.
The series kicks off on September 17 with a discussion focused on immigration in Detroit. Miguel Rodriguez, executive director of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, and Shahad Atiya, an immigration lawyer and adjunct faculty at UM-Dearborn, will facilitate the conversation. This initial discussion is expected to cover topics such as the impact of federal policy and ICE raids, and their effects on voting activity and the right to work within immigrant communities. Paul Draus, sociology professor and faculty director of the UMDC, noted that while initial topics are set, the specific discussion points for each session will ultimately be determined by the people in the room as they contribute and share their perspectives.
Following the inaugural session, the "Block x Block" series will continue with a diverse range of topics through early 2027. On October 16, the discussion will focus on LGBTQ+ Visibility and Vulnerability. December 17 will address Incarceration, covering Decarceration and Post-incarceration issues. Looking ahead to 2027, January 21 will delve into Youth Empowerment & Mentorship, followed by Senior Well-Being and Inclusion on March 18. April 15, 2027, is slated for a discussion on Digital Access and Technology Inclusion, and May 20, 2027, will conclude the announced schedule with a session on Addiction, Recovery, and Behavioral Health.
Each free event in the series is designed to encourage broad participation. Discussions will begin with two speakers: one community leader actively working on the ground related to the chosen issue, and one University of Michigan faculty or staff member whose work connects to the topic. After these speakers briefly share their experiences and insights, the conversation will open up to all attendees. Professor Draus emphasized this interactive approach, stating that the session "becomes more about the people who are there, learning from each other." He added, "Everyone’s a teacher, and everyone’s a student," highlighting the series' commitment to a shared learning environment. Draus also pointed out the value of personal narratives, remarking that "The stories of Detroiters are so rich that if you create an opportunity for people to share, there’s a lot that comes out of it."
The University of Michigan Detroit Center, situated in Detroit’s cultural district, serves as a central point for service, education, research, and meaningful community and cultural exchange between the University of Michigan and the city. It regularly hosts educational events, workshops, and panels designed to foster uplifting dialogue and explore solutions to current issues. The "Block x Block" series builds upon the lessons learned from previous initiatives, such as the 2025 "Workshop of Democracy: 21st Century Solutions from the Motor City" series. That prior series reflected on challenges Detroiters faced between 2005 and 2025, including food sovereignty, community violence intervention, and environmental justice, showcasing progress and remaining work.
Professor Draus explained that "Block x Block" incorporates adjustments from the previous series to enhance engagement. Instead of a larger panel, each event now features just two panelists, and their speaking time has been reduced to allow more opportunity for community discussion. This shift aims for a more intimate model that better reflects the Detroit Center's core mission of "conversations and dialogue." The UMDC is actively seeking additional speakers for future sessions beyond September. Community leaders with expertise in the planned topics are encouraged to contact Paul Draus directly at [email protected] to explore participation. These free events provide an accessible platform for residents to connect, share insights, and collaboratively address critical city challenges.
