Rebuilding Detroit will be the topic of Wayne State University Law School's annual academic symposium from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, in the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium.
The event will look at the complex issues facing Detroit and attempt to generate solutions in panels of community leaders, government officials and academics.
Rita Subhedar, editor-in-chief of
The Journal
of Law in Society and an organizer of the event, says that special consideration was given to bringing in speakers that are experts capable of communicating not just to academics but to a general audience. She says a conscious decision was made to highlight projects from the "movers and shakers" of the Detroit community.
"We spent many long nights deliberating on the groups of people who could contribute different perspectives on an issue and would have a lively conversation on the topic if put on a panel together," says Subhedar. "We made a decision to invite only speakers who have experience in working on these issues in the city, have a clear vision for the city, and have taken concrete steps to bring those plans to fruition."
City of Detroit Deputy Mayor Saul Green will speak about challenges ahead and WSU Professor John Mogk will provide an overview of the issues. The symposium will then be broken up into hour-long segments of panel discussions on right-sizing, attracting the middle class, environmental concerns and economic development. Clare Pfeiffer Ramsey, managing editor of Model D, will be one of the presenters. "I hope that this symposium will educate people on the challenges facing the city, and will give audience members an opportunity to learn about the solutions proposed by the presenters," says Subheder. "But most importantly, I hope people will be able to see this city's potential."
This event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in Structure #1 for $4.25 across from the Law School on West Palmer Street.
Tune in to the Craig Fahle Show on WDET from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, to hear Craig interview some of the speakers from the symposium.
Source: Rita Subhedar, WSU
By: Ian Perrotta
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