Speaker Series follow up: Declare Detroit and State of the City forum

The Model D Speaker Series took over the Majestic once more for a night of political discussion. First we heard from the Declare Detroit movement.

Actually, first we heard some amazing poetry from InsideOut Detroit poets. InsideOut is a program that fosters a love for literary arts in Detroit's young people. Last year it won the Coming Up Taller award from the White House. For our event, Jose Rodriguez riffed on the theme "I declare," and he was amazing.

Here's an audio clip:


Next we heard from the Declare Detroit movement. They shared their 12 principles:
    •    Be welcoming and embrace our diversity.    
    •    Preserve our authenticity.
    •    Cultivate creativity.
    •    Diversify our economy.
    •    Promote sustainability.
    •    Enhance quality of place.
    •    Demand transportation alternatives.
    •    Prioritize education, pre-K through 12 and beyond.
    •    Elevate our universities and research institutions.
    •    Enhance the value of city living.
    •    Demand government accountability.
    •    Think regionally and leverage our geography.

They also shared personal stories of why they Declare Detroit, and encouraged the audience to join them in signing the Declaration, and being a part of the movement through action.

Here's an audio clip of part of the presentation:



Learn more about the movement and sign the Declaration here.

After we watched Detroit's State of the City address from Mayor Dave Bing on the big screen, WDET 101.9 FM host Craig Fahle led a spirited and insightful discussion of the mayor's speech. Not surprisingly, a lot of the audience's feedback was centered on the mayor's right-sizing plans. Here's a clip:



We also had a Twitter feed streaming live for the audience to track, and many in the audience also tweeted during the sessions. You can find those tweets at #detsotc.

The Model D Speaker Series continues next month. The topic will be "Eating Green: From Garden to Grocery" and it will be Tuesday, April 20, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Cliff Bell's, 2030 Park Ave. Look for a sign up and more details next week.

Send feedback here. The Model D Speaker Series is sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Henry Ford Health Systems, Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center.