ºÚÁÏÉç

Opening

Keynote Video. Expanding our Movements for Climate Justice

Colette Pichon Battle

A generational native of Bayou Liberty, Louisiana, Colette Pichon Battle is an award-winning lawyer and prominent climate justice organizer. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when Black and Indigenous communities were largely left out of federal recovery systems, Pichon Battle led the Gulf Coast Center for Law and Policy (GCCLP) to provide relief and legal assistance to Gulf South communities of color. After 17 years at GCCLP’s helm, as frontline communities from the Gulf South to the Global South face ever more devastating storms, droughts, wildfires, heat and land loss, she co-founded  Taproot Earth to create connections and power across issues, movements and geographies. 

Welcome Address

Dr. Ahmed Radwan is dean of the College of Health Professions, as well as a professor. He has more than a quarter-century of teaching experience, with a focus on evidence-based practice, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and movement science.
A physical therapist (PT) and a certified professional ergonomist (CPE), Dr. Radwan is the founder and director of the Center for Ergonomic Analysis and Research (CEAR). He earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Cairo University in Egypt and an MBA and doctor of physical therapy degree from Utica University.

His research interests include ergonomics and motion analysis, and he has more than 100 publications and national and international presentations in his field. He taught in higher education for 26 years before coming to Detroit Mercy – 13 years at Cairo University and 13 years at Utica University – and he enjoys serving as a consultant for certain medical cases.

When he isn’t working, Dr. Radwan enjoys ping-pong, soccer and playing piano.

Land Acknowledgment

Kristin Johnston, director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, University of Detroit Mercy

Opening Song

Ruby Woods

Ruby Woods is a singer/songwriter, poet, ritual performance artist and massage and Reiki therapist. Known for creating sacred space by sharing circle songs and original songs, her message is Earth centered, peace loving and evokes unconditional love and awareness of the oneness of all humanity. Woods strives to be in the moment and draws participants in with movement and story sharing.

Emcee: Theroi Riggins

Theroi Riggins, co-chair of GLBD, works in outreach ministry to Detroit’s Pershing and Osborn schools. She is an alumna of University of Detroit Mercy, where she has been an adjunct faculty member and a doctoral candidate in the AG-CNS DNP program. Riggins is the CEO of Grab Community Outreach, Inc., a Detroit nonprofit that provides health promotion and preventative services to underserved communities. 

Introducing Bioneers and Thanking our Sponsors 

Gail M. Presbey, department chair and professor of Philosophy, University of Detroit Mercy

Gail M. Presbey is professor of Philosophy at University of Detroit Mercy and affiliate faculty in the History Department and Women’s and Gender Studies. She is director of the James Carney Latin American Solidarity Archives (2002-present) and is immediate past chair of the Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit conference. Presbey has been executive director and then president of Concerned Philosophers for Peace (2003-2010) and is currently president of the Peace History Society. She has authored and edited several books and has published over sixty journal articles and book chapters centered on African philosophy and philosophy of nonviolence.

A1

Keynote

Keynote Video. Abolition as Amends to Mother

Claudia Peña, lecturer in Law, UCLA School of Law

Claudia Peña, executive director of For Freedoms, an artist collective that centers art and creativity as a catalyst for transformative connection and collective liberation, serves on the faculty at UCLA School of Law and Gender Studies Department. She is also the founding co-director of the Center for Justice at UCLA, home of the Prison Education Program, which creates innovative courses that enable faculty and students to learn from and alongside currently incarcerated participants. Claudia has devoted her life to justice work through community organizing, transformative and restorative justice, and advocacy through law and policy.

A2

From Settler Colony Dispossession to Empowerment: An Historical Examination of Environmental Justice Movements and Policy Responses in the U.S.

Bruce Ewen, professor of Economics, Wayne County Community College

Bruce Ewen will share the results of his research on the Economics of Inequality and its Causes -- Environment Injustice and Racism and widespread industrial and mining ecocide. He will focus on the impact on marginalized groups of land dispossession, segregation and reservations near toxic chemical exposure, all accompanied by the attempted destruction of language, culture and tradition diversity imposed by settler colonialism in the United States.  

Bruce Ewen has been a professor of Economics since 1972 at Wayne County Community College. 

A3

Fire Cider for Community Resistance

Lottie V. Spady

Fire Cider is the name given to an apple cider vinegar-based, spicy-sweet tonic that boosts resistance to physical illness and strengthens the grassroots community to resist entities that want to make off with intellectual property, traditions, history and narratives. In this presentation, community resilience will be practiced by making this medicine together. 

Lottie V. Spady has been studying herbalism for ten years. She is a practicing herbalist and community educator working at the intersection of media justice, food justice, environmental justice, community health and civic engagement. 

TOURS (Thursday)

1

Mycelium and Mankind (Tour)

BeShroomed Farms

Discuss how fungi differ from plant life, view mushroom growth stages and learn the importance of mycelium in our ecosystem.  

BeShroomed Farms is a mushroom farm that grows gourmet and medicinal mushrooms such as lion’s mane, oyster, reishi and others. From those mushrooms, it makes products like mushroom coffee and much more.  

2

Elmwood Certified Arboretum and Natural History Cemetery

Elmwood Cemetery, established in 1846, is the oldest continuously operating nondenominational cemetery in the city of Detroit. It is Detroit's only certified Arboretum since 2015. It is a place to learn about the social, cultural, political and natural history of Detroit, to view our mature native trees, and to see how green spaces can support community health and wellbeing.

Participants will experience the natural topography which is connected to the Detroit River watershed through Bloody Run creek, a historic waterway that runs through our grounds. Another highlight is a 280-year-old Burr oak tree that supports hundreds of species of caterpillars. Other features are the notable historical figures buried at the cemetery. We'll do some hands-on tree ID and invite participants to use tree ID skills in their own neighborhoods. We'll talk about how native trees support local ecosystems and community health to encourage people to become advocates for trees in their own communities.

3

CLEAR Lab Tour: Understanding Impact of VOCs on Detroit's Public Health (Tour)

Michael Petriello, assistant professor, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Pharmacology, Wayne State University; Marianna Sadagurski, associate professor, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University; and graduate students

The tour will take place at the Integrative Biosciences Center (iBio) north of WSU’s campus. Attendees will learn about lab space, equipment and methods that assist researching the relationship between health conditions and environmental pollutants, including VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).  

Tours will be led by Michael Petriello and Mariana Sadagurski and graduate students from their labs. 

4

The Avalon Village: Celebrating Interdependence (Tour)

Aziza Brent

Tour all the buildings that have been converted into safe, usable spaces to support the neighborhood, Highland Park and Metro Detroit at large. Avalon Village is the prototype for distressed and neglected communities that aim to become eco-friendly, resilient and self-sufficient, thus transforming the community from blight to beauty.   

Aziza Brent is the daughter of Avalon Village founder, Mama Shu. 

B1

Revolution from the Heart of Nature - Celebrating our Interdependence

Rocket(!!!)man

Rocket(!!!)man uses song and ceremony to awaken his listeners, charging them up to be open, aware and receptive to the magical landscape of this conference. He makes space for new energies, perspectives and activated senses of purpose through a celebration of the path to collective liberation (shown with captions in the Ballroom and with sound in SU208)

Rocket(!!!)man is a record producer, ancient storyteller and groove monitor. He uses The Groove as an ancient technology to help people better remember who they are, where they come from and what they are capable of through exercises in healing and empowerment. 

C1

Youth and Adult Learnshop: How Would Nature Do It?

Gloria Rivera, IHM

Biomimicry's maxim is Life Creates Conditions Conducive to Life. This learnshop will present some of nature's practices that can help people be more sustainable, resilient and explore ways to attend to Earth's health.  

Gloria Rivera has been studying biomimicry for several years. She is fascinated by nature's amazing, practical and inspiring lessons and likes to explore nature's genius with others. One of her other passions is to accompany immigrants who are trying to find hope in Detroit.

C2

Youth Learnshop: Waste Management Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Yarënda Nde Yahchrondiak

Waste management is an important problem because waste is an important source of pollution.  This learnshop will address what happens to garbage, where is "away" when we throw it away, what changes are needed in how we manage our waste, how is waste managed today in different places, and how can we best handle waste in the future? 

Yarënda Nde Yahchrondiak is from a tribe in Quebec, Canada, called Nation Huronne Wendat. She is an artist, holistic medicine practitioner and Ayurvedic consultant. For her, everything is interconnected -- physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual.  

C3

Youth Learnshop: How to Discuss Climate Change 

Jim Rine

The goal of this learnshop is to empower participants to discuss climate change with family and friends. During the session, teams will discuss and decide on best approaches.   

Jim Rine is a retired research geologist and a Vietnam-era vet, who is a member of the Climate Crisis & Militarism Project within Veterans For Peace. 

C4

Youth Learnshop: Water Affordability

“We the Youth of Detroit” is a youth-centered, youth-driven leadership cohort that teaches youth the power of using their voice on projects that address flooding in Detroit; uncover opportunities for community engagement; teach video production, branding and storytelling; and create a sense of community and belonging. Learn how to use your voice for change in a fun, interactive way. 

Various speakers range in age from 12–17. Beyond academics, they excel in gymnastics, tennis, football, various musical instruments, various foreign languages, digital and visual arts, creative writing, fashion and so much more! 

C5

Youth and Adult Learnshop: Detroit Bird City: Restoring Habitat by Overcoming the "Conservation Bias"

Gretchen Abrams

Learn how Detroit Bird Alliance addressed the "Conservationist Bias" as a barrier to engagement, education and action via Detroit Bird City, an urban meadow movement.  A 10-minute award-winning short film by Detroit filmmaker Diane Cheklich will be part of this learnshop. 

Gretchen Abrams is executive director of Detroit Bird Alliance, formerly Detroit Audubon. 

C6

Youth Learnshop: 90 Seconds to Midnight: Time to Prevent Nuclear War and Nuclear Winter

Rich Peacock

This learnshop will review the danger of nuclear winter from even a small exchange of nuclear weapons and outline five ways the United States can prevent nuclear war and nuclear winter. 

Rich Peacock is co-chair of Peace Action of Michigan, the largest anti-nuclear weapons organization in Michigan. He is also a convenor of Detroit Area Peace with Justice Network, promoter of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and a retired United Methodist pastor. 

C7

Tapwatch: Examining the Global Hydrosphere Using AI Technology

Students from Ecotek Lab

This presentation will focus on helping young people understand how AI fits into environmental science and conservation. Attendees will try analyzing data, testing out an AI software application and assisting with water collection and testing. 

Students from Ecotek Lab are involved in climate change research and water quality conservation. They have over 20 years of experience doing hands-on research in earth science. Their current work involves developing a global database and a hydroBANK.

D

Intergenerational Plenary: Youth Testimonials

E1

Adult Learnshop: Empowering Environmental Protection & Justice Through Constitutional Green Amendments

Anneke van Rossum

The transformational difference of Green Amendments to the Michigan Constitution and beyond can make up for what legislative environmentalism has failed to provide. In this learnshop, attendees will explore joining the movement to secure this powerful legal protection.   

Anneke van Rossum is an advocate with Green Amendments for The Generations but considers herself a lifelong fighter for our Earth. She graduated Ithaca College with her Bachelor of Arts where she majored in Politics and minored in Environmental Studies. She also received her Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School. During her time at Vermont Law School Anneke chose to use a semester of work experience to go to New Mexico in 2021 and work on the Green Amendment movement there, where she gained valuable experience in public outreach and education, learning from legislators, and advocating for the environmental rights of all.

E2

Adult Learnshop: Meditation: The Key to Connection and Awareness

Diane Jackson

The true purpose of meditation is to connect oneself to one's deep inner self. It also provides a connection to nature, which can be very grounding and expansive. Experience guided meditation with music and the power of silence in order to hear the whispers of nature. 

Diane Jackson is the president of DMJ Educational Consultants, LLC. She teaches the power of meditation through a guided process in circle groups to promote a deeper awareness of "self" and connectivity to nature.

F1

Adult Learnshop: Roots of Resilience: Cultivating Community Through the Heart of Nature

Latricia Wright

"Roots of Resilience" focuses on community resilience, guiding participants through the creation of strong communities through grassroots initiatives and insights into leveraging nature's secrets.  

Latricia Wright, a dedicated nutritionist and corporate wellness educator, is the visionary behind the Nourish to Flourish journal and monthly Nourish Community meet-ups.

F2

Wild Life: How Personal Journeys are Essential to Sustainable Leadership in Environmental Science

Rae Wynn-Grant, affiliated researcher, Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara

Rae Wynn-Grant is a wildlife ecologist and the co-host of NBC’s newest original series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild. Currently a research faculty member at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, she maintains a research fellow position with the National Geographic Society in partnership with the American Prairie Reserve and a visiting scientist position at the American Museum of Natural History. Grant, who also serves on the board of directors for NatureBridge, is a leading advocate for women and people of color in the sciences and is the author of many scientific papers, as well as her new memoir, Wild Life.  

Raising Hell: Censorship, Carbon Capture and Being Gay on the Great Plains 

Taylor Brorby, assistant professor of English, University of Alabama

Taylor Brorby is the author of Boys and Oil: Growing Up Gay in a Fractured Land; Crude: Poems; Coming Alive: Action and Civil Disobedience; and is co-editor of Fracture: Essays, Poems, and Stories on Fracking in America. Brorby’s work has appeared in many leading publications, including The NY Times, LitHub and Orion, and he has been supported by several prestigious fellowships, including from the MacDowell Colony and the National Book Critics Circle. He also serves on the editorial boards of Hub City Press and Terrain.org, is a contributing editor at North American Review and teaches nonfiction writing at University of Alabama. 

F3

Adult Learnshop: The Visionary Fight for the Fairgrounds: A Retrospective 

Frank and Karen Hammer 

In a campaign lasting over a dozen years, the State Fairgrounds Development Coalition and allies valiantly fought the Michigan and Detroit political establishments over the fate of the 142 acres that for a hundred years was the site of the oldest state fair in the country. Find out what was won and lost.   

The Hammers have been long-time Detroit social justice, labor and environmental activists and co-chairs of the State Fairgrounds Development Coalition. Both have played leadership roles in their Detroit community as part of the Greenacres Woodward Civic Association. 

FRIDAY

Towards a just Transition: Blueprint for a Green Economy 

Sage Lenier 

Sage Lenier is an activist working to build an education system that enables the next generation to become climate solutionists. She got her start teaching her own program at UC Berkeley, which broke records for largest-ever student-led class. Lenier's work has been featured in The New York Times, The World Economic Forum and Teen Vogue, and has brought her to speak at public forums around the world. TIME Magazine named her a 2023 Next Generation Leader for her work with Sustainable & Just Future. 

Sailing Into The Future: Weaving Tradition and Modernity 

Charlotte Michaluk 

Charlotte Lenore Michaluk '17 is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary engineer, scientist and linguistics researcher, who is passionate about engineering sustainable solutions. Her development of technology for a hybrid wind-and-fossil-fuel-powered cargo ship has been widely recognized. Michaluk, who has been certified in freshwater bioassessment for over a decade, has been collecting and analyzing field data in collaboration with her state’s EPA to preserve ecologically critical wetlands and wildlife corridors in Central New Jersey. Through her organization, Acnestis By Wind, she has been researching using wind power to clean remote shorelines, developing curricula and protecting wetlands.

G

PLENARY (Youth & Adults)

Theroi Riggins
See above for bio.

Ruby Woods
See above for bio.

Welcoming Remarks

Donald B. Taylor, president of University of Detroit Mercy, became the 26th president of ºÚÁÏÉç on July 1, 2022. Taylor previously served as president of Cabrini University and provost and chief academic officer of Benedictine University. His research interests in higher education have included problem-based learning, effective partnerships in science education at the K-16 level and educational technologies.  

He has published more than 40 peer-reviewed abstracts, manuscripts and reviews in scientific journals and has given and participated in more than 60 presentations on science and higher education. Taylor has received 20 awards for teaching, research, and service and secured millions of dollars in extramural funding, including large awards from the Department of Energy, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the National Science Foundation.

Land Acknowledgement

Kristin Johnston, director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, University of Detroit Mercy 

Introducing Bioneers and Thanking our Sponsors 

Gail M. Presbey, department chair and professor of Philosophy, University of Detroit Mercy

See bio above. 

H1

Keynote Video. How Fungi Make Our Worlds

Merlin Sheldrake

Merlin Sheldrake is a biologist, writer and speaker with a background in plant sciences, microbiology, ecology and the history and philosophy of science. He received his doctorate in tropical ecology from Cambridge for his work on underground fungal networks in tropical forests in Panama, where he was a predoctoral research fellow of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. He is currently a research associate of the Vrije University Amsterdam, works with the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), and sits on the advisory board of the Fungi Foundation. Merlin’s research ranges from fungal biology, to the history of Amazonian ethnobotany, to the relationship between sound and form in resonant systems. He is also a keen brewer and fermenter fascinated by the relationships that arise between humans and more-than-human organisms, and a musician. 

H2

Adult Learnshop: Engaging Environmental Justice: Tools to Make a Difference

Charles Morris, S.J.

Using sophisticated mapping and a comprehensive Michigan database, this learnshop will show how to describe and analyze the relationships between pollution exposure, population characteristics and public health. Learn to use this database to raise awareness in the community and more effectively fight for a cleaner and safer Michigan. 

Fr. Morris was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1983. He founded Michigan Interfaith Power & Light in 2003 and was also board president of the Green Burial Council.  Since 2010, he has served on the faculty of Madonna University. 

H3

Adult Learnshop: One Health and One Water 

Associate Professor Zigmond Kozicki & Stephanie Baiyasi Kosicki 

One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. The One Water approach manages all water, whether from the tap, a stream, a storm, an aquifer or a sewer in a collaborative, integrated, inclusive and holistic manner.  

The Kosickis are award-winning filmmakers, environmental justice activists and founders of the Great Lakes Environmental Festival. They are considered leading advocates of the One Health and One Water strategy.  

TOURS (Friday)

5

Detroit’s Music of the Movement (Tour)

Michelle Jahra McKinney

Michelle Jahra McKinney will present Detroit's contribution to civil rights and social justice through the decades using visual poster art, music and storytelling to inspire and foster connections to Detroit's storied history and struggles. She will sample gospel, soul, R&B, jazz, rap & hip hop.  

McKinney is director, head archivist and founding member of Detroit Sound Conservancy. She has studied and performed African dance, folkloric music, storytelling and percussion, and worked with her late husband, Harold McKinney, and his Detroit Jazz Heritage Performance Lab. 

6

Urban Food Forests: Cultivating Equity, One Harvest at a Time (Tour) 

Derrienne Reese 

The mission of Asibara Forest is to cultivate an urban food forest that serves as a living laboratory for the local community, particularly the youth. Their activities primarily revolve around sustainable farming with a secondary emphasis on nature exploration and place-based learning.   

Derrienne Reese sees a future where urban farming is a powerful tool for community empowerment, particularly in BIPOC neighborhoods that have been historically marginalized.   

7

Building Resilience at an Urban Church and School by Recognizing our Interdependence with Nature (Gesu) 

Stephanie Osborn 

This walking tour from ºÚÁÏÉç, led by Gesu staff and Green Team members, will take place on the 6-acre campus of Gesu Catholic Church, highlighting projects that reduce environmental impacts and are financially beneficial, including rain and native plant gardens, outdoor learning lab, parking lot renovation for storm water management and chemical-free campus maintenance.  

Stephanie Osborn has a Master of Public Health and Master of Urban Planning from Wayne State University. She is a member of the Gesu Green Team and serves as the board president for Make Food Not Waste.

8

Walking the Dharma (Tour)

Bhavana Sarah Addae 

Join Bhavana Sarah Addae for a walking meditation through the grounds of the Field Temple. In this area, trees and plants were left alone, which means life was reclaiming these spaces with trees and birdsong through acts of tenderness.

Bhavana Sarah Addae was ordained as a dharma teacher in 2003 from Stillpoint Zen Buddhist Temple. After many years of practice, she started her own community: Field Temple. 

I

Revolution from the Heart of Nature - Celebrating our Interdependence

Rocket(!!!)man

See bio above.

 K1

Youth and Adult Learnshop: Climate Change and Health - Poster Session

Associate Professor Zigmond Kozicki and University of Detroit Mercy Health Services Administration students 

Posters about climate change and health, created by University of Detroit Mercy Health Services Administration 3450 students with direction from Zigmond Kozicki, are up for viewing. You are invited to review the posters and leave a comment on an index card.  

K2

Youth Learnshop: Spy: Exploring the World Around You 

Monica DeGarmo 

This presentation will be completely led by high school students, who will be talking about the history of the Detroit River and the local community's dependence and connection to the water source. We will do some interactive mapping of where the river starts and ends, explore its indigenous cultural significance, point out "ribbon farms" that tie to present-day street names and highlight positive changes in the fauna and wildlife that are in the river.  

Monica DeGarmo is an ELA educator for Detroit Public Schools Community District with a passion for cross-curricular learning and empowering youth to be active members in their communities.   

K3

Youth Learnshop: Pollution Education 101 

Theresa Landrum

This presentation will educate participants on pollution sources and its impacts on the environment and health of communities. The presentation will include a brief background on one of the most polluted zip codes in Michigan, as well as the film Pollution Has No Boundaries.

Theresa Landrum is the president of the Original United Citizens of Southwest Detroit. She serves on two boards under Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team Citizens' Advisory Work Group and the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice. She lives in Detroit 48217, deemed the most polluted zip code in Michigan.

K4

Youth and Adult Learnshop: No Silence for Gun Violence (NS4GV) 

Cory Pritchett 

Two presentations in song will address the relationship between environmental issues and social justice as well as empowering youth to become environmental stewards, change makers and leaders in their communities. 

Cory Pritchett is a clinical spiritual care provider who has consistently served youth and families ranging from the educational system to mental health professions, both vocationally and voluntarily. His passion is serving those who are impacted by gun violence through the power of music.  

K5

Youth and Adult Learnshop: How Climate Change and Central American Migration to the U.S. are Connected 

Gail Presbey, department chair and professor of Philosophy, University of Detroit Mercy

In this presentation, learn how recent migration from Central America to the United States has spiked because climate conditions are worsening and see how a grassroots movement is planting fruit trees in public spaces to mitigate drought and food insecurity at the same time.  

Gail Presbey is a professor of Philosophy at University of Detroit Mercy. She is affiliated faculty with the History Department and with Women's and Gender Studies. She most recently served as GLBD co-chair.

K6

Youth and Adult Learnshop: Recycle is Not The Only Way 

Connie Lilley 

Reduce and re-use is what's needed in Detroit to make a big impact on reducing waste from events, venues and meetings where food is being served. Reusable foodware will reduce harmful forever chemicals in our food. Using stainless steel foodware products is good for health, our homes, businesses and communities. Many other reusable initiatives are happening across the country.  

Connie Lilley is the executive director for the Detroit 2030 District and the founder of Detroit ReUse. In July 2024, she will also be the territory director for Michigan for We ReUse, LLC, a veteran-owned and woman-owned business focusing on healthy reusable foodware. 

L

Intergenerational Plenary: Youth Testimonials 

M1

Adult Learnshop: Human Health on a Sick Planet: How Air Pollution and Climate Change Affect Our Bodies, and What We Can Do ºÚÁÏÉç It 

Lisa DelBuono, Darren Reley, Kathleen Slonager 

In this learnshop, participants will construct their climate-health story to use as their own tool for political or educational advocacy and then be invited to take action to support local policy change (such as cumulative health impact bills, green amendment bills or more local sign-ons).  

Lisa DelBuono is the founder and president of Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action. 

Darren Riley is the co-founder and CEO of JustAir. 

Kathleen Slonager is the executive director of Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Michigan Chapter. 

 M2

Adult Learnshop: A Debt Owed, Not a Handout (Video and talk back) 

Khary Frazier 

This video essay serves as a poignant testament to Detroit's pivotal contribution to the reparations movement, highlighting the enduring struggle for human rights and social justice through the narratives of esteemed figures such as John Conyers, Ray Jenkins and JoAnn Watson.

Khary Frazier is the founder of Detroit is Different, an online publication amplifying the voices of more than 40 Black content creators in Metro Detroit and offering a tapestry of perspectives on various topics. 

N1

Panel: 5E’s -Education+Employment+Economy+Environment=Empowerment in Detroit’s Cody Rouge Neighborhood  

Steve Wasko 

In this panel, learn how rain gardens have been developed and how a renewable energy strategy has been implemented while engaging youth and adults in authentic education and workforce development programs focused on water, energy and replicable solutions. As a result, youth have greater access to college/career STEM pathways, and adults are certified as stormwater specialists. 

Since 2017, Steve Wasko has led efforts to organize a community resource center for Detroit’s Cody Rouge neighborhood that includes programs in green infrastructure and stormwater management resulting in annual diversion of some 600,000 gallons of runoff.   

N2

Adult Learnshop: Wildflower or Weed 

Barbara Klimkowski

In this presentation, learn whether a plant is a wildflower or a weed and the differences between indigenous, native and non-native, aggressive and invasive plants in our local flora. Discover the importance of planting natives and beneficial non-natives along with the negative factors affecting native plants and, by extension, our native pollinator population.  

Barbara Klimkowski hosts gardening and nature presentations at the Southfield Public Library as the Gardening Guru. She has been gardening for over 40 years. 

CLOSING 

FOR US: Karen Prall and Friends  

Karen Prall and Friends will present a closing celebration by breathing in harmony and rhythm while offering words of healing, hope and joy and gently using movement and rhythm in answer to words spoken. Emphasize togetherness while participating in African (Kongo, Brazzaville) based call and response and movement with a persistent feeling of being a part of the whole. Learn the call and responses and answer with vocals as an active audience. Share rhythms on the Ngoma and Conga drums, bell and stick, nsakala, Kashishi and more.