East Side

On the Ground: Community change makers

Providing young people with the tools for success is what motivates Kibwe Pope and Lisa Leverette to mentor kids living in the Osborn neighborhood. Matthew Lewis talks to these two community builders in this week's On the Ground feature.

Growing patent work prompts IP law firm to expand Detroit office

UIX: Georgia Street Community Garden Collective

This nonprofit organization founded by social activist Mark Covington reduces blight, addresses food security issues, and builds community through urban farming on Detroit's East Side. Matthew Lewis goes digging for the Urban Innovation Exchange.

On the Ground: Looking toward the future

In this week's installment of our summer series in Osborn, Claire Nelson talks to Ronisha Bannerman, who graduated with honors and is on her way to Grand Valley State. But in the long term, she wants to help change the perception of her neighborhood.

On the Ground: Party in a hut (what?)

There will be music and healthy, local food at this late summer party this Saturday in the Osborn community. Some of the local leaders we've been profiling in the On the Ground series will be there. Big fun meets neighborhood innovation and collaboration. Mark your calendars.  

On the Ground: Nurturing political activism in Osborn

An old school neighborhood advocacy group with roots in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, the Youth Inititiaves Project (YIP) carries weight and street cred in Osborn. Matthew Lewis introduces us to the man who makes it all happen in this installment of On the Ground.

On the Ground: Changing the culture of learning

Students at the Brenda Scott Academy are not part of a traditional academic setting. They have longer school days and remain in class 11 months out of the year. Matthew Lewis spent time there last week and witnessed good things beginning to develop.

De-tread, Patronicity team up to clean up old tires in Osborn

On the ground and running

Welcome to Osborn, where writer Matthew Lewis is spending the summer reporting on all the small but important things that build community life in a Detroit neighborhood. Where does the energy begin? At the Benjamin Franklin branch of the Detroit Public Library.