Model D Speaker Series: Raising City Kids

When we talk about “city living,” we often think about people living in lofts, hanging out in bars and coffee shops, going to art openings or catching live music. You know, activities that don’t usually involve a stroller or tricycle.

Yet Detroit is a city of families. With over eighty-thousand students enrolled in DPS, and many more in private and charter schools, lots of kids (and their parents) live here, too. From historic neighborhoods to downtown apartments, families are making city life work for them.

Join us for an honest conversation about raising city kids — the joys, the burdens, the trade-offs and rewards. We’ll hear from parents who have found good neighborhoods and schools for their children, and others still searching for the right fit. We’ll also get real about what Detroit needs in order to make city living a better experience for everyone, not just young professionals or empty-nesters.

The Speaker Series event is Sunday, Feb. 27, 2-4 p.m. at Boll Family YMCA, 1401 Broadway, downtown Detroit.

The discussion will be moderated by Stephen Henderson (pictured) of the Detroit Free Press. As Editorial Page Editor, he has written about the need to improve safety, schools and quality of life for Detroit families. And as a parent of young children, he is navigating the choices every city parent must make.

Panelists include:

Sharlonda Buckman, Detroit Parent Network
Benjy Kennedy, Kresge Foundation
Andy Linn, City Bird
Austin Black II, City Living Detroit

Registration:
The event is free and open to the public. All ages welcome. Trained staff will be on-hand to supervise young children in the play area while parents attend the program. Limited space available, so please register in advance now.

Presented by: Model D Media, WDET 101.9 FM, Metro Parent Magazine, Boll Family YMCA