Model D Speaker Series: Rolling out the welcome mat: Detroit as a global community

In the wake of the new Census figures, the city has been humming with analysis of Detroit's population and demographic shifts. Many have called it a "clarion call" to recognize and reinvest in our assets.

One of these assets is our multicultural immigrant population -- the second largest of any Great Lakes regional metropolitan area. "Nothing is more powerful for remaking Detroit as a center of innovation, entrepreneurship and population growth," says Steve Tobocman, author of the 2010 Global Detroit study, "than embracing and increasing immigrant populations and the entrepreneurial culture and global connections that they bring."

If new immigrants are key to Detroit's resurgence, how are we faring as a "welcoming" city? Is Detroit a place that values multiculturalism and diversity? What are we doing to attract and serve new populations?

Join us tonight (Tuesday, April 26) in Hamtramck, one of the 313's most diverse and walkable communities, for a frank conversation about our strengths and opportunities moderated by Martina Guzman of WDET 101.9 FM.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., program begins at 6 p.m. at the Hamtramck Public Library, 2360 Caniff St., Hamtramck.

Panelists include:
Steve Tobocman, Global Detroit; Maria Elena Rodriguez, Entrepreneur and Community Activist in Southwest Detroit; Dawud Walid, Council on American-Islamic Relations; Hayg Oshagan, Director of New Michigan Media, Wayne State University; Nadia Tonova, National Network for Arab American Communities; Seydi Sarr, Artistic Director, Rowe Niodior African Dance Company; and Ryan Bates, Alliance for Immigrants Rights and Reform.

This Model D Speaker Series is presented by Model D, WDET, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the City of Hamtramck DDA.

The event is free and open to the public. Please register below:
 

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