Engage

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.