A Year in Radical Hospitality
A Year in Radical Hospitality
From the Mission Effectiveness Team
Radical Hospitality is the intentional welcoming of those we know and those we don’t yet know into a community of belonging. A core value in every major religious tradition (and a common theme in folklore and mythology), hospitality means opening doors to both neighbor and stranger. In the Mercy and Jesuit traditions, we are asked to embrace the stranger as our neighbor, in the spirit of love, mercy, and justice.
In honor of this year’s mission theme of Radical Hospitality, the Mission Effectiveness Team is working to highlight various ways that a culture of inclusion, welcome, and belonging is fostered by members of our University community. In this series, we highlight individuals, places, programs, and events that embody Radical Hospitality and inspire all of us to live out this critical aspect of our mission.
If you would like to write or propose a feature for “A Year in Radical Hospitality,” email MET co-chairs Assistant Professor Ashlee Barnes and Associate Professor Mary-Catherine Harrison.
A Thanksgiving of Cultural Exploration: Food, Music and Tradition
By Ashlee Barnes
On November 28, I had the pleasure of hosting Aadarsh and Jamuna, who are international students from India. We hosted Thanksgiving dinner at my family home in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up in this city, I’ve always been surrounded by rich cultural diversity, and this year, I had the opportunity to share a special part of that heritage with my guests.
The experience was as enriching for me as it was for them. These students, far from their families during this time, were eager to experience American traditions firsthand. It was a privilege to welcome them and introduce them to the heart of a Thanksgiving celebration, rooted not only in food but also in prayer, music and stories of family and community.
Their favorite dishes? The turkey and dressing were a big hit—comfort foods that symbolize warmth and togetherness. As we enjoyed tasting all of the flavors in the dishes served, we shared stories about the significance of these dishes in Black culture, especially in the context of the African American experience. Throughout the meal, we discussed how food is not only nourishment but also a powerful way to express connection in the Black culture.
We also took time to reflect on the spiritual aspect of the holiday at my family’s home, giving thanks in a prayer that honored both the day’s traditions and the importance of diversity. The music that filled the air, which was classic soulful tunes, provided another layer of understanding, connecting them to the rhythms and traditions that have shaped Black culture in America.
For me, hosting these students was a reminder of the importance of intercultural exchange. It’s through such experiences that we build bridges between our diverse backgrounds, learning from each other and celebrating the things that make us unique while also discovering the common threads that bind us together. This Thanksgiving was not just about sharing a meal; it was about building connections and deepening understanding across cultures.
As I reflect on the evening, I am grateful for the opportunity to offer these students a glimpse into the richness of Black American culture, while also learning from their own experiences and perspectives. Additionally, my family and I were delighted to learn about their Indian culture and their thoughts on celebrating Thanksgiving in America for the first time. It was a truly meaningful celebration and one that will stay with me for years to come. My family and I are beyond grateful that Detroit Mercy Assistant Director of International Services Alison Roberts presented us with this opportunity.
A Night of Food and Community
“Sharing a meal isn’t just about the food;
On Nov. 8, 2024, the Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) hosted its second annual Community Meal, an event embodying the spirit of radical hospitality. TENN is a student-led, community-driven food justice program that works to address challenges in the food system for more food sovereignty in Detroit.
Central to TENN’s mission is fostering relationships with community partners who guide and support its programming, such as weekly produce deliveries. These partnerships are vital to ensuring that TENN’s initiatives align with the needs of the community. The Community Meal serves as a platform to celebrate and deepen these connections, bringing together TENN’s on-campus and off-campus communities over a shared meal.
This year’s meal was catered by volunteer Chef Bob with the assistance of dedicated student volunteers who helped prepare the dishes. The event drew 67 attendees, including university staff, faculty, alumni, students, the Band Club and community members from groups such as the Martin Park neighborhood, the Princeton Street Block Club, Theresa Maxis Senior Apartments, Gesu and Ss. Peter and Paul parishes.
Gwen Knowles, president of the Princeton Street Block Club, shared: “It was an honor to be a part of the 2024 Community Meal. The event was a joyful, especially timely communal celebration, which encouraged new, diverse connections and celebrated seasoned friendships, all while surrounded by groovy music, Chef’s delicious food and genuinely great vibes. Thank you TENN!”
The evening was about more than enjoying good food, it was about building trust, fostering collaboration and celebrating community and connection. By creating a space for dialogue, laughter and togetherness, the Community Meal strengthened ties with existing partners, facilitated new connections among groups with shared goals and reaffirmed TENN’s commitment to a united and empowered community.
A Space for Support
“Be the one who, when you walk in,
blessing shifts to the one who needs it most.
Even if you've not been fed,
be bread.”
― Rumi
On Oct. 1, 2024, students from across the University affected by war in the Middle East were invited to the Mercy Gathering Place to grieve, support one another, and share in community with fellow students, faculty, and staff. For over seven hours, faculty and staff members gathered in the space on the 1st floor of Shiple Hall, helping to create a safe environment and give students a chance to speak and be heard. This event embodied radical hospitality in the face of suffering, fear, and grief. It spoke to the profound impact of being present for and with each other.
Prof. Hiba Assi, Prof. Marwa Latif, Prof. Prasad Venugopal, and Fr. Charles Oduke, Vice President of Mission Integration, helped organize the gathering. Here, Profs. Latif and Assi share their thoughts on what it meant to them to create a space for care and mutual support on the McNichols campus.
Prof. Marwa Latif: “This gathering was a way of acknowledging on-going events and reflecting on the impact of silence towards our students, faculty, and staff with various social, cultural, and ethnic identities. There were students with identities that were directly impacted, but also students and community members who were grieving for the well-being of the close friends or the humanity in the global community. The conversations we had included how Detroit Mercy can play a role in creating a refuge for other students and community members who feel excluded or persecuted at other universities.”
Prof. Hiba Assi: “I want to thank the faculty members and staff who volunteered to be present in the Tuesday support space. I am grateful for their response to the call for community. This gathering was immensely needed, as many students and community members are hurting and aching to be seen and heard. The need for this call and the nature of the response serve as a litmus test for our preparedness as a campus to address the needs of our community in the wake of any traumatic event.”