June 15, 2023
DEI in the Downtown Detroit
At the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), we are intentional about integrating DEI throughout every part of the organization. You may have seen the launch of our recent We Make It Happen campaign, which illustrates how DDP creates a vibrant community with intentional inclusion at the heart of work.
In this edition, we’ll share some of the recent ways we’re putting our DEI efforts into action. What we’re implementing internally is being reflected externally, most visibly with our 2,000+ programs and events that are produced throughout DDP-managed parks and public spaces.
Earlier this month, the Detroit Grand Prix returned to the streets of Downtown, making it the most accessible event of its kind. We partnered with the Detroit Grand Prix, a DDP affiliate, to create the Small Business Straightaway in Cadillac Square, which included minority-owned businesses. The Downtown was fully activated, as 50-percent of the racetrack was free and open to the public by pedestrian bridges that connected the community to the course and concert stage. Enjoy a couple of photo galleries from race weekend.
“Movie Nights in the D” presented by Capital One Café returned on June 7. This free, weekly film series takes place at Campus Martius Park every Wednesday through August 23. All movies are closed captioned, making it assessable for all to enjoy the films.
In celebration of Pride Month, our first movie, “Love Simon,” attracted a large audience of movie-goers who generously joined the DDP in making clothing donations to our charity partner, Ruth Ellis Center, an organization that creates a supportive community and trauma-informed services to LGBTQ+ youth.
On June 9, in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, we presented an exciting interactive art installation where attendees were able to honor and display their own heritage by adding their national flag to a beautiful, “WE LOVE DET” art piece. This was accompanied by a diverse assortment of local vendors, food trucks and artists performing Lunchtime Acoustics during our Market Friday at Cadillac Square.
As Juneteenth approaches, the DDP has marked this national holiday with a screening of the film, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” pre-movie activities included an African dance and drum circle, performed by the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Arts and Michigan’s Poet Laureate, Nandi Comer. Click here to see the full Movie Nights in the D lineup.
If you’ve missed these events, there’s more in store. The DDP is proud to partner with the Detroit Branch NAACP to commemorate the Freedom March’s 60th Anniversary, the NAACP will host a Commemorative Freedom Walk on June 24, starting at Martin Luther King Blvd., and Woodward Ave., at 10 a.m., continuing down Woodward ending at Hart Plaza. Participants will have access to amenities such as restrooms, water stations, food trucks and seating at Grand Circus Park and Cadillac Square. The March will culminate with a rally at Hart Plaza which will be livestreamed in Campus Martius Park from 3-5 p.m. followed by live performances by local artists on the stage.
Join us, July 21 in Campus Martius Park, for Detroit’s Black Wall Street presents…”Past Forward,” an event produced by The Institute of Legacy Preservation, Inc. and hosted by Hot Sam’s and the DDP. This event will highlight the history and legacy of Black businesses and communities in Detroit and throughout the nation by showcasing the art, fashion, music and culture of the Black community in Detroit.
We look forward to seeing you Downtown!
Lila Asante-Appiah, Chief Administrative Officer
Read the full newsletter at the following link: https://mailchi.mp/downtowndetroit/june2023deijuneteenth
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