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From the fight for a fair wage, to business closures during a pandemic, to a historic lack of job opportunities for specifically Black individuals in Detroit - race-based economic and social suppression was systemically and strategically created in Detroit. This special virtual discussion focuses on the work of Detroit activists and leaders who have dedicated their lives to helping create a more economically just and mobile city.

Special guests include the Michigan Executive Director of Mother Justice, Eboni Taylor; Executive Director of the Economic Justice Alliance of Michigan (EJAM), DeWayne

Homelessness and housing insecurity is an epidemic in our country, especially among Black and other communities of color. During a pandemic, these individuals end up being our most vulnerable. Linked to so many other systems of oppression, homelessness, and housing insecurity is something as social workers that we are obligated to understand. Join us for this special virtual discussion featuring panelists who work on the frontline of Detroit’s housing insecurity to discuss how this issue has been exacerbated during the pandemic. Featured panelists include Lead Mobility Coach of Creating

Immigrants have made vast contributions to this state - economically, politically, and socially. The fabric of American society was created by the contributions of a diverse range of immigrants. As a nation, however, we continue to suppress and demonize immigrants. This session explores the untold story of immigrants in Michigan, from undocumented and documented populations to immigration issues and struggles that we, as social workers, are obligated to be knowledgeable about.

Special guests include Executive Director of the Office of Global Michigan; Executive Director of the International

Storytelling, or listening to the stories of others and sharing your own stories, builds the foundation of human interaction. Telling others how we got here and why we care about an issue builds connection, allows us to share our values, and create meaning. The art of public narrative is used in all aspects of social work practice - from helping our clients rewrite the stories they tell themselves, to helping communities and groups galvanize social change, to helping policymakers and politicians tell a “story of self” while creating a “story of us.” Join us for a special discussion featuring

A students’ identity and self-concept is largely shaped by representations of their community in school curriculum, the media, and broader society. But when do Black, Indigenous, and other People Of Color (BIPOC) get a chance to share their own history? Are the contributions, and histories of oppression, of BIPOC communities fairly represented in our K-12 curriculum? How does the erasure of BIPOC history in K-12 curriculum affect learning outcomes and self-concept of BIPOC students? And others?

Join us to discuss the whitewashed history we teach in our K-12 curriculum, from the arts and music

Some of the most influential and impactful coalitions represent voices from diverse communities. Faith-based activists can be powerful in creating change, especially when they join forces with other faith-based groups.

Join us for a special session featuring local religious leaders and social justice activists who are committed to working with other religious groups to create meaningful community change. Speakers include Rabbi Alana Alpert of Detroit Jews for Justice, longtime interfaith social justice organizer and Former Executive Director of the Michigan Muslim Community Council and current

Proposal P attempted to address numerous social inequities in the City of Detroit that would impact the quality of life for its residents, giving them a greater voice in the city’s administration. In the August 2021 elections, however, Proposal P did not pass. What is proposal P? And how would it have impacted the city? Who was and is involved in the continued fight for the proposal, and the issues that surround it? Come and listen to Detroit changemakers and social justice advocates involved in this movement share their thoughts and experience, and ideas for continued civic change in Detroit

We’re all exhausted, and self-care has become a buzzword and another multi-billion dollar industry. What are the public policies that help reinforce our workaholic culture? That puts profits above people, families, and health? What social norms and beliefs do we have that help support this toxic mentality? How has this culture of workaholism shaped the health and well-being of our nation? And how do we compare to other countries, and what has the pandemic taught us? The focus of this discussion will be touching on various labor issues that affect our work-life “balance,” including the "Great

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in elected office are powerful and pave the way for other underrepresented communities to join the political process. Join us as we discuss running for elected office as a BIPOC individual, how to become a candidate, representation and identity, and hear from several BIPOC candidates and elected officials who will be joining us as panelists. 

This session will be co-sponsored by New American Leaders (NAL), an organization dedicated to increasing the diversity of our elected officials by recruiting and training candidates of color to run for office