The University of Michigan Detroit Center (UMDC) has launched a new monthly public discussion series, "Block x Block," inviting community members to engage in conversations about pressing city challenges. The series, designed to center Detroiters' lived experiences, aims to foster university-community collaborations and find solutions. Events are held from 10 a.m. to noon at the UMDC, located at 3663 Woodward Ave., #150, Detroit, with the initial discussion on immigration taking place on Thursday, September 17.
"Block x Block" brings together local leaders, University of Michigan faculty and students, and Detroiters. Each event features two speakers—a community leader working on the ground and a UM faculty or staff member with relevant expertise. After briefly sharing insights, speakers open the floor to attendees, emphasizing that the session becomes about mutual learning. Paul Draus, sociology professor and faculty director of the UMDC, stated the series is designed to foster "a conversation culture that begins with listening."
The series addresses a range of issues, with several dates already scheduled. Following the September 17 discussion on immigration, topics include LGBTQ+ Visibility and Vulnerability on October 16, and Incarceration: Decarceration and Post-incarceration on December 17. Looking ahead to 2027, Youth Empowerment & Mentorship is scheduled for January 21, followed by Senior Well-Being and Inclusion on March 18, Digital Access and Technology Inclusion on April 15, and Addiction, Recovery, and Behavioral Health on May 20.
The kickoff discussion on September 17 focused on immigration in Detroit. Speakers for this event included Miguel Rodriguez, executive director of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, and Shahad Atiya, an immigration lawyer and adjunct faculty at UM-Dearborn. This conversation was planned to cover the impact of federal policy and ICE raids, including their effects on voting activity and the right to work. However, specific discussion points for this, and all events, are ultimately shaped by the attendees' contributions. Draus noted the goal is to "open the door to whatever people want to talk about."
The UMDC, situated in Detroit's cultural district, serves as a central point for service, education, research, and community exchange between the University of Michigan and the city. It regularly hosts educational events, workshops, and panels to encourage dialogue and explore solutions to current issues. Draus emphasized the richness of Detroiters' stories, stating that creating opportunities for sharing leads to both informational and emotional learning. He added that in these discussions, "Everyone’s a teacher, and everyone’s a student."
The "Block x Block" series builds upon lessons learned from UMDC's "Workshop of Democracy," a 2025 series that reflected on two decades of challenges Detroiters faced, such as food sovereignty, community violence intervention, and environmental justice. Draus explained that while the previous series highlighted community-led progress and remaining work, "Block x Block" introduces key adjustments. These include reducing the number of panelists from four or five to two per event and shortening speaker presentations to allow more time for community discussion, fostering a more intimate, dialogue-driven model.
The UMDC is actively seeking community leaders with expertise in the planned topics to serve as speakers for future sessions beyond September. Interested individuals can contact Paul Draus via email. Registration for these free events is available online, and more information about this series and other UMDC activities can be found on their events page.
