Model D's "On the Ground" series gives voice to the residents, business owners, and other community members who make up Detroit's neighborhoods. The Live6 area is composed of four distinct neighborhoods—Bagley, Martin Park, The University District, and Fitzgerald. These communities are home to The University of Detroit Mercy and Marygrove College, as well as a number of beautiful residences and longstanding businesses.
CDFIs like ProsperUs and Invest Detroit have a passionate commitment to uplifting neighborhoods in the city. Their latest investments have helped two new stores carry on the legacy of the Livernois McNichols corridor’s small business ecosystem.
“UDM has a unique opportunity to work with project partners and nonprofits through collaborative work that connects to our vision and mission as one of the best Jesuit and Mercy Catholic Universities in Michigan and our region,” says UDM President Donald B. Taylor. “We are beyond excited to partner with such incredible organizations as the DOE, Focus: HOPE, the nonprofit agencies in our community and the people they serve who will directly benefit from this grant.”
“I love being able to help people bring their dreams, goals and aspirations to pass. This year is about taking collaborative efforts and partnerships to the next level,” says Waffle Café Detroit owner Kimyana Freeman.
Last year's Detroit FHLBank Indianapolis Affordable Housing Program grant winners are all working on projects connected to rich local histories.
“Come hungry and be ready to dance,” says COTS CEO Cheryl P. Johnson.
These projects show how the development tools and resources the City of Detroit offers can help new business thrive and bring new vitality to local neighborhoods.
“This is about spreading awareness of the profession and what we do, as well as celebrating those who are here with us and those who have paved the way for many of us today,” says Stephanie Onwenu, Public Interest Design Fellow with the Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC).
“It’s already a small group of people making films here, and it’s an especially smaller group of people of color doing it,” says Asia Hamilton, organizer of the inaugural Noir Cinema Film Festival.
Black-owned businesses often face hurdles accessing capital. Here are some organizations and programs that may be able to help.
“I really think West McNichols may seem different than Livernois today, but I think it's the same. I think it's in the same book,” says Dr. Geneva J. Williams, executive director of the Live6 Alliance. “They may be different chapters, but it’s the same book: revitalizing the commercial corridors, which in turn will help revitalize neighborhoods.”
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