The Book Tower Hotel, a piece of Detroit history, was the perfect backdrop for the Third Annual Faith and Blue Breakfast, an annual event held in collaboration with Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) and Detroit Police Department (DPD). The event brings faith and community leaders together with law enforcement, for a morning of unity and inspiration.
Commander Anthony Estes opened the event addressing the turmoil in the Middle East and led a heartfelt prayer for unity, healing, peace, and justice, setting a thoughtful tone for the morning. Bishop Edgar L. Vann, Senior Pastor at Second Ebenezer Church and DDP Executive Committee Member, also shared his thoughts through prayer for the global conflicts and called for divine intervention to reach peace and justice for all. He emphasized the importance of the interconnectedness of faith and law enforcement, highlighting the need to build a just and harmonious society.
CEO of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, Paul Propson, provided an update on services offered in the North End neighborhood by Catholic Charities, including a soup kitchen and clinic. Part of the work of the organization happens inside their 6,000-square-foot center, which hosts various programs and services, including a client-choice food pantry and assistance regarding housing and Bridge Cards.
Executive Director of the Pope Francis Center, Fr. Tim McCabe, expressed immense gratitude for the men and women in uniform, recognizing their daily challenges, and extended a heartfelt thanks to the DDP for its partnership in community engagement and economic development initiatives. Fr. Tim also took a passionate stance on a transformational approach to homelessness. He shared that he observed 22 programs in 10 different cities, and he firmly believes that it is possible to end chronic homelessness with the right will and resources with a strong emphasis on addressing systemic and institutional racism.
Rev. Todd Meyer, rector of the Mariner’s Church of Detroit, emphasized the importance of addressing racial and systemic challenges impacting our local community. As rector of the city’s second oldest church, built in 1822, he shared some of the community programs offered at his church.
DDP’s Chief Community Impact Officer and BIZ Executive Director, Gina Cavaliere shared about DDP’s Project Lighthouse initiative.
DPD officials shared the positive impact of working in partnership with faith-based and community organizations. They shared the many initiatives that are being carried out to help strengthen the community.
Downtown Detroit Partnership was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Detroit Police Department’s Third Precinct.
The event concluded with several organizations sharing their community engagement initiatives, networking to connect resources.
