A new 10-week program is pairing Detroit Black older adults with Wayne State University students to improve social connection and digital literacy.

Dr. Rodlescia Sneed is the program director for the Intergenerational Wisdom Exchange (WiSE). She’s an assistant professor in Wayne State’s Institute of Gerontology and Department of Psychology.

She said social connections are important for health and well-being, but many people depend on technology to maintain that social connection.

“It was our goal to increase social connection and reduce loneliness among older adults, while also improving their technology skills so that we could make improvements that impact their health and well-being,” she said.

Sneed said the program focuses on developing one-on-one connections to make it easier for older adults to learn digital literacy.

“One thing that’s really important when you’re trying to learn something is that you feel comfortable with the person teaching you. Many older adults express that they’re not comfortable speaking up when they don’t understand technology, especially when they’re trying to learn it in a group format,” she said. 

The first half of the program is focusing on sharing life stories of Detroiters. The second half is learning digital literacy.

Oral histories a focus of WiSE

The program is open to Black older adults who live in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb County. Sneed said adults are paired with students who live nearby to reduce transportation barriers and increase accessibility. 

She said undergraduate and graduate students from psychology, social work, engineering, and other disciplines participate in WiSE.

The adults will share their personal stories with the students, who will write them down and give copies to the adults.

“We’re talking about a community that may not traditionally have a lot of written history, and so particularly, I think there is value in families being able to have written histories that they’re be able that they’re able to share across generations, and we’re providing that,” she said.

Racial and technological divide

Sneed said there are large racial divides when it comes to accessing technology and using it. The program aims to reduce those gaps.

“We see divides both in access to technology and comfort with use of technology. We’re trying to close that racial gap. That’s why we specifically selected Black older adults,” she said.

She said students will have an opportunity to learn about the history of Detroit from Detroiters.

“Students really benefit from being able to talk to older adults, hear their wisdom..it really is helpful to them when they’re trying to make plans for their futures going forward. It’s a really good opportunity for students and older adults to make connection and also to learn new skills,” she shares.

The program ends around Thanksgiving this year. The program will repeat next semest

The food rescue nonprofit Forgotten Harvest is working to harvest 1 million pounds of food by the end of the year.

Mike Yancho, the farm manager at Forgotten Harvest Farms, has been working at the farm for 13 years. He says farm staff till and prep the fields, but most of the planting is done by volunteers.

“There’s not a lot in the vegetable world that can be harvested by a machine, and so we do a lot of hand harvesting,” he explains. 

Last year 3,100 volunteers came out to the farm. Yancho says volunteers plant, weed and harvest plants. 

Lori Setera, assistant farm manager at Forgotten Harvest Farms, says several crates have already been filled.

“We’ve already loaded the trailer once and sent it back in with seven crates of cabbage. Those crates run anywhere from about 750 to 950 pounds,” she says. 

The farm’s funding comes from grants and donations. Setera says the space is donated by a previous board member.

“She leases it to us for $1 a year… the farm property itself is about 1,500 acres. But we only farm 100 of that, and then they lease out to other farmers in the area,” she explains. 

The farm supplements healthy foods people need or request, like hot peppers, which are popular. 

“I think about 20 different crops, and our main, our total harvest goal this year is about a million pounds. So that’s taking everything, you know, the cabbage, the corn, the broccoli, everything, and adding it up and getting to a million pounds,” she says. 

Soon they will plant carrots and spinach in a greenhouse to harvest later in the winter months.

Volunteer harvest

Abu Bangurah came out with his company, Midland Credit Management to help out. 

“Trying to save some cabbages from some pesky raccoons, one cabbage at a time,” he laughs. 

This year the cabbage has a disease. Volunteers strip away the outer affected layers.

Deborah Mahomes is also with Midland Credit Management. She comes out every year with her children and grandchildren.

“Last year we planted broccoli, and then we always planted zucchini, zucchini, lots of zucchini. We’ve done that several times. It’s just every year is something different,” she explains.

Mark Eskola is a senior trainer with ITC Holdings Corp., which manages high-voltage power lines in Southeast Michigan. He’s putting a cabbage in one of the large bins.

“I’ve never done this before, so it’s awesome to be working with all these other volunteers today, and it’s been a lot of fun,” he shares. 

Eskola says it was an opportunity to give back.

“This is all about helping people who are hungry and need food, so that’s why we’re here today, just to help people out,” he says. 

Steady progress

Yancho says the farm grows produce with plastic mulch , using drip irrigation tapes. “It’s a super efficient way to water the crops,” Yancho says.

Setera says the food grown in the field goes to the Forgotten Harvest warehouse, where it’s later dispersed.

“Mostly our stuff here goes farmers market style, just how you see it here in these crates. A lot of our brick-and-mortar pantry partners don’t have the equipment or the space to store these giant crates, so most of our things go to the mobile pantries,” she says.

Yancho says the food is the highest quality.

Volunteers were harvesting the food on a Thursday afternoon, but Yancho says the food could get to people in days. 

“Well, one thing that we know about the food that comes from the farm is it’s the freshest of the fresh. The cabbage that’s being picked today will leave here tomorrow, and it could be on somebody’s plate as early as Saturday,” he explains. 

Setera says volunteers harvested over 10,000 pounds of cabbage that Thursday.

“It’s really important for us, for everybody, to know what the weight is of what they harvest because one pound equals a meal,” she says. 

And for families in need, that could make all the difference.

Hamtramck’s last mayoral election is still disputed.

A judge has ordered that the 37 absentee ballots found in the former city clerk’s office must be counted, despite a year-long legal battle. The candidates are former Hamtramck city council member Muhith Mahmood and current Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi.

The Wayne County Board of Canvassers originally decided not to count the 37 ballots, which were turned in days after the election.

Alharbi’s attorney says they are ready to challenge the ballots, even if they end up being counted, according to WXYZ.

They also plan to continue challenging Mahmood’s residency, despite a Wayne County judge dismissing a lawsuit over his residency last December.

Additional Headlines for Monday, Oct. 5, 2026

Forgotten Harvest hopes for 1 million pounds of food before year’s end

Forgotten Harvest is hoping to harvest 1 million lbs of food by the end of the year to feed people in need.

Lori Setera is the assistant farm manager at the Forgotten Harvest Farms in Fenton, Michigan. She says a pound of food is equal to a meal.  

“Our food here goes farmers market style, just how you see it here in these crates. A lot of our brick-and-mortar pantry partners don’t have the equipment or the space to store these giant crates. Because of that, a lot of it ends up in mobile pantries.”  

The farm supplements nutritious foods the organization distributes. They grow about 20 different crops such as cabbage, corn, broccoli, and peppers.

Around 3,000 volunteers are needed annually to help plant, weed and harvest food. Forgotten Harvest Farms still needs more volunteers to meet their goal this year. 

Virtual summit addresses race-based medicine

The Collaborative to End Race-Based Medicine-Detroit and Wayne State University’s Office of Inclusive Excellence are hosting a virtual summit about race-based medicine.  

The National Institutes of Health defines race-based medicine as “treating race as a biological or genetic trait rather than a social construct.” This leads to misdiagnoses and poor health care outcomes for minority patients—especially for those in the Black community.  

The collaborative is made up of international clinicians, legislators,  industry leaders and community members working toward ending race-based medicine through education, research and advocacy. 

Panelists at the virtual summit will discuss how bias shapes health care and public health in an age of artificial intelligence.

They will talk about how technology can help identify bias and potentially prevent harm.  

The “Held to the Light: Race, Code & Consequence in the Age of AI” event takes place Oct. 29 from 3 – 5 p.m. Register for the event here.

InterFaith Council 

The InterFaith Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a program highlighting coming-of-age traditions.

The Rites of Passage Coming of Age Across Religions event will feature a bar/bat mitzvah, a confirmation, a Hindu tradition and a Muslim rite of passage.

The program will talk about what it means for family, faith, identity and belonging.

It will be held Thursday, Oct. 8 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the North Congregation Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The event is free with registration.

Trigger Warning: This article mentions suicide.

September is suicide prevention month.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 years old as of 2024, according to a new report by the Michigan Suicide Prevention Council, made up of people from different sectors across the state. The recently established council joined together to make recommendations for the Michigan Suicide Prevention Plan.

State Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Lindsay DeCamp says that suicide rates are starting to decrease. “In 2024, our suicide rate was the lowest that it’s been since 2017, which is the first decrease that we’ve seen in recent years.”

But that doesn’t mean the work is over. 

The council recommended two priorities for the next year: sustaining state funding for suicide prevention infrastructure and finding ways to educate and license professionals across sectors in risk assessment and prevention.

Identifying risk factors

DeCamp says increased access to lethal means like firearms is a factor that contributes to suicide.  

“Research shows that states with higher rates of household gun ownership have significantly higher rates of suicide. Storing firearms securely and limiting access for those that are in heightened risk can help reduce suicide,” she says. 

DeCamp says societal, community and individual-level factors such as unemployment, health issues and social isolation can leave people more vulnerable to mental health struggles.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harm, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 for confidential emotional support 24/7. 

Mohammed Abdul Muhit received a Spirit of Detroit award from the Detroit City Council last week, recognizing his service, leadership, and commitment to Detroit’s small business community. Muhit is the associate director at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and the Business Liaison for District 3.  

“It’s really a great honor to work for the people of this great city, and so it really means a lot for me that I have been able to impact our small businesses and the community stakeholders in the big picture through my work,” he shares.

Muhit says he works to bridge city services with small businesses.

“I’m providing the white-glove service… providing one-on-one (support). Most of the days of the week we are out in the community,” he explains.

He says it can be challenging for small businesses to navigate city requirements or to request assistance. The DEGC hopes to reduce those hurdles.

“We go to them and collect that information and try to advocate for them, and provide them, and connect them with the right resources that they deserve,” he says.

There were several others who received the Spirit of Detroit awards at the Detroit City Council general meeting on September 22, held in District 3.

The award is given to an individual, organization, or group for outstanding achievement by the city council. People nominate awardees.

Among awardees were:

• Abdulrahman Abo Hatem
• Lisa Cunningham 
• Tamiko Williams
• Dr. Jameel Smith
• William C. McConico

Muhit says receiving the Spirit of Detroit award is prestigious. This is his second award from the city for his work.

“It really speaks volumes for the work that we do as a team… I hope I was able to make some impact in people’s lives, especially our small business and economic stakeholders… in the world of economic development,” he says.

Muhit says he is inspired to continue his work at the DEGC.

“I like to see my businesses stays open in the in the city and prosper, and when they prosper as an organization, as a human being myself, like we all prosper together,” he says.

Muhit, who immigrated to the Detroit area in 2016 from the United Kingdom, says he’s grateful for the opportunity to give back.

“It’s really a wholesome experience from day one that I started living here… I have had the opportunity and privilege to work in the city administration with a lot of great people every day.”  

Muhit previously worked at Global Detroit as a community organizer and community engagement specialist focusing on the Banglatown neighborhood in Detroit.

Five organizations are receiving $1.5 million in awards from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for community violence intervention efforts.

MDHHS acting director Ashley Epkey says the money goes toward reducing firearm violence and adverse outcomes in communities. 

MDHHS says community violence includes homicides and nonfatal shootings, which cause substantial harm and trauma to communities, especially in “racially segregated and historically disinvested neighborhoods.” Community violence is a public health problem, which can lead to people developing chronic diseases and avoiding resources such as recreational spaces and access to healthy food outlets. 

The funding hopes to strengthen community violence intervention services for groups with a high likelihood of firearm violence. Proposals were accepted based on measurable efforts that integrate public health and safety. Each organization was awarded $300,000 for a 2 year project that spans Sep. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2028.  

Two organizations in Detroit were awarded funds. The first is Detroit Life is Valuable Everyday, or DLIVE. DLIVE will use a hospital-based violence intervention program model to help with post-injury recovery, retaliation, mortality risk and victim services.

The second one is Detroit Peoples Community. Detroit Peoples Community will implement five evidence-based community violence intervention strategies to serve people in the Detroit ZIP codes 48219 and 48235. 

Additional headlines for Monday, Sept. 28, 2026

Local leaders agree: data center regulations are needed

Local government leaders across Michigan say they support state regulations for data centers. The University of Michigan’s Center for Local, State and Urban Policy interviewed village, township and county officials. Center director Stephanie Leiser says almost 60% of those who responded think setting rules should be a high priority for lawmakers. 55% expect strong opposition to data centers.  

Speaking on those survey percentage points regarding data centers, Leiser notes, “It’s coming through loud and clear that they (local government officials) really think the state needs to step up and help with things like decommissioning plans, health and environmental impacts, water use and discharge.” 

Leiser says the survey shows more opposition in rural communities, where 53% of local politicians say data centers’ costs outweigh their benefits. 

Gun safety a necessary step in suicide prevention      

Suicide deaths are the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 years old as of 2024. That’s according to a new report by the Michigan Suicide Prevention Council.  

Lindsay DeCamp is the State Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She says increased access to firearms contributes to suicide. “Research shows that states with higher rates of household gun ownership have significantly higher rates of suicide. Storing firearms securely and limiting access for those that are in heightened risk can help reduce suicide.”  

DeCamp says societal, community and individual-level factors such as unemployment, feelings of despair and social isolation remove protective factors against suicide.  

The council recommended two priorities: sustaining state funding for suicide prevention infrastructure and aligning policy and licensure to educate professionals across sectors in risk assessment and prevention. 

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harm, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 for confidential emotional support 24/7. 

Spirit of Detroit given to immigrant business leader 

Mohammed Abdul Muhit received a Spirit of Detroit award from the Detroit City Council last week, recognizing his service, leadership, and commitment to Detroit’s small business community. Muhit is the District 3 Business Liaison and the associate director at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.  

Muhit, who immigrated to the Detroit area in 2016, says he’s grateful for the opportunity to give back. “It’s really a wholesome experience from day one that I started living here. From day one, I have had the opportunity and privilege to work in the city administration with a lot of great people every day.”  

Muhit previously worked at Global Detroit as a community organizer and engagement specialist focusing on the Banglatown neighborhood before joining the DEGC. 

Skilled Trades Task Force meeting

The City of Detroit is hosting a Skilled Trades Task Force Meeting. At this meeting, people can find out about tuition-free apprenticeship programs.  

The meeting will take place at the Union Carpenters and Millwrights Skilled Training Center on Sept. 23rd from 4-6 p.m. That’s located at 11687 American Street, Detroit, MI 48204. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Monday is World Alzheimer’s Day. More than 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Eli Lilly and Company and Planet Harvest are giving out more than 1,300 brain-healthy produce boxes to food insecure and underserved seniors in Metro Detroit. 

Jennifer Oleksiw is the head of neuroscience and the chief commercial innovation officer at Lilly, a pharmaceutical company in Indiana. She says it is difficult for underserved communities to achieve healthy diets. 

“We are constantly looking at what healthy habits people need to develop in order to live their best health potential. Diet is such an important part, and we know, especially in underserved communities, that can be difficult.”  

The 12-15 lb. food boxes include apples, a cabbage, cucumbers and collard greens. Also, a lemon, oranges, corn and zucchinis to support healthy aging and cognitive awareness. 

Seniors can pick up a box at the Rochester Christian University, Oakland Church, Next Steps for Seniors Foundation and the Webster Community Center. 

There’s also door-to-door distributions at several senior living homes. 

Additional headlines for Monday, Sept. 21, 2026

Mike Rogers’ plan to lower health care costs 

Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers outlined his plan to lower health care costs in Metro Detroit. Much of it revolves around transparency. 

Rogers, a Republican, says prices will come down if people could price shop for their medical care. 

“We go to open books to make sure that the hospitals and insurance folks know and understand what the costs are, so that when a patient shows up, they understand what their costs are.” 

Rogers also wants to expand the Trump Rx program to lower the cost of some prescriptions. 

Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed favors Medicare for All, which would cover Americans without private insurance. 

All Saints Literacy Center looks for English instructor volunteers

The nonprofit All Saints Literacy Center in Detroit is seeking volunteer English instructors.

Grace Irwin is the center’s executive director. She says there’s a waiting list of adult learners. “Adult literacy is a lot more than just learning to read or read a book. It affects employment, healthcare access, higher education, parenting, and an individual’s independence and their ability to navigate everyday life.” 

Irwin says the center opened 11 years ago to serve a large population of Spanish-speaking immigrants and new Americans.

Volunteer instructors and learners are paired once a week for a two-hour commitment, which can entail learning reading, writing and math. While services are free, volunteers and learners are asked to commit for at least six months but can stay as long as they need.

The center is located off of Vernor Highway in Southwest Detroit. Visit allsaintsliteracy.org to volunteer or sign up. 

MDHHS warns residents about harmful nitrous oxide health risks 

Inhaling recreational laughing gas is no laughing matter. Michigan’s health department is warning residents about serious health risks of using recreational nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, whippets, galaxy gas or N.O.S. Nitrous oxide is usually used in medical settings at the dentist or doctor’s office.  

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says health risks from improper use can lead to anxiety, depression and mood changes. It can also lead to memory problems, anemia, paranoia or loss of consciousness. 

Products that have nitrous oxide can be found in grocery stores, smoke shops and vape stores. 

The Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center says there’s been an increase in health emergencies from 2019 to 2023, with 144 poison center cases, 132 emergency room visits and nearly 200 emergency medical response services related to nitrous oxide. 

In 2024, 34% of cases required hospital admission and about 7% required intensive care. People experienced numbness, tingling of limbs, trouble walking or passing out.

People who are experiencing symptoms should call 911. Visit michigan.gov/sud for resources. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The State of Michigan is highlighting the need to take your iron pills. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect which is preventable by mothers taking daily folic acid supplements.  

This week is Folic Acid Awareness Week. 

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian is the chief medical officer for the state. She says taking supplements prevents serious birth defects. She says its important for people to take their supplements within the first month of pregnancy. 

Folic acid is also found in leafy greens, beans, peas, asparagus and citrus. A daily supplement is about 400 micrograms.  

Additional headlines for Sept. 14, 2026

Students encouraged to submit civil rights artwork

The City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department invites student artists to create artwork around civil rights. Artwork could be featured through the Civil Rights Summit: Civil Rights in the 21st Century. The summit takes place on Oct. 9th. Three awards will be presented by the Atellier School of Art. Submit artwork by Oct. 2.

Neighborhood Roads Fund invests in transit infrastructure

Governor Whitmer announces the first payments from the Neighborhood Roads Fund. It’s part of a $2 billion annual investment for Michigan infrastructure.

Whitmer says the funding will go toward bridge projects for counties, cities and villages. That includes $100 million to repair and replace bridges, $100 million for public transit and $40 million for rail grade separation projects to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.  

Goal Line program expands after school programming

The city of Detroit investing more than $2 million in after school programs. The funding supports expanding the nonprofit Get On and Learn or Goal Line program. It had served 34 location and 1,000 students.

Now it will be expanded to include locations in four recreational centers and three libraries. Goal Line Executive Director Ricky Fountain says the investment will support an additional 1,000 students across the city.  

Any Detroit Public Schools Community District, Detroit chapter school, or homeschooled students is eligible to join for free.  

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley 

Detroit Cultural Center hosts Educators Night

Detroit’s Cultural Center will welcome teachers to explore five venues Tuesday night.  

The Detroit Institute of Arts, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detorit Historical Museum, the Michigan Science Center and the main brain of the Detroit Public Library will be open for Educators Night.  

Annamarie Boruki from the Detroit Cultural Center Association says the event offers resources and special programs.  “Teachers will be able to connect with more than 80 nonprofit and educational organizations, enjoy workshops, performances, exhibits, and heads-on resources that they can bring back to their classrooms.”

The event is open to classroom teachers, homeschooling parents and school administrators. This is the fourth time the Cultural Center has hosted Educators Night.  

-Reporting by Sascha Raiyn

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Americans are commemorating 25 years since the September 11th attacks. Metro Detroiters are remembering that eventful day, too.

The WDET newsroom and staff from The Metro share where they were during 9/11, how they felt in the moment and how that impacts them today.

Many of the staff were in school, while others were reporting on the field. 

This piece was produced by WDET Reporter Nargis Rahman. 

Zaman International is a nonprofit humanitarian organization based in Inkster, which works to uplift marginalized women and children to break the cycles of poverty.

This year the organization is celebrating its 30^th anniversary.

Founder and CEO of Zaman Najah Bazzy says the nonprofit is growing in capacity, leadership and training. “You can never catch up on breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty if you don’t have an intervention with the mother,” she says.

Zaman will have a new executive director Mariam Jalloul, who begins next month. Bazzy says she will help move the nonprofit into policy work. 

There are also efforts to establish a Zaman Leadership Institute. 

“If we could teach the Zaman way without Zaman popping up Zamans around the world, we could teach the methodology growing leaders in the nonprofit sector, and they can come from anywhere in the world,” she explains.

The nonprofit serves hundreds of families each year with thousands of volunteers and partners. 

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is hosting its 63rd convention in Detroit during Labor Day weekend.  

It’s one of the largest annual gatherings of American Muslims in the U.S.  

Azhar Azeez is the CEO of ISNA. He says the last time the convention took place in Detroit was 2014. 

“We have a very strong base in Detroit. Many of our supporters and members are from Detroit and from the state of Michigan, and this is this has been a long-pending request to bring the convention back to this great city,” he says.

This year’s convention will feature topics of patience, perseverance, and God consciousness. 

“We have invited more than 150 speakers who will not only address spiritual and theological topics, but they will also address contemporary challenges that the American Muslim community is facing, whether it is Islamophobia, whether it is anti-Muslim hate rhetoric, whether it is issues related to religious freedom,” he says.

The keynote speaker is the former 13th president of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi. 

Other speakers include Michigan Democratic senator nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. 

Offerings include a Detroit Food Truck Fest, a mini auto show, and a showcase of 20 Michigan nonprofits.  

The Convention will take place Sept. 4-7 at the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit.  

Visit isna.net for the program lineup and registration.

Today kicks off the 16th annual Detroit Month of Design. 

Kiana Wenzell is the co-executive director of Design Core Detroit and the director of Detroit Month of Design.  She explains this year’s theme, “Design Moves the Future.”

“Whether you’re moving forward, moving backwards, or just dancing and moving your body and getting the energy moving, let’s put our ideas into motion if we want to move this city in this region forward,” she says. 

The event will feature contemporary designers, from 250 applications, and 100 events over 30 days.

“When you go to an exhibition, whether it’s an exhibition at Scarab Club or an exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts, it’s gonna be the work of practitioners that are doing things in our city today,” says Wenzell.

Wenzell says others can learn from Detroit’s progress. “As you face different social and economic ups and downs, what can you lean on that’s inherently within you, and what’s within your community, and I think Detroit’s always been great about that, even when the storylines weren’t saying that.”

Wenzell adds that the event works to build community and is always evolving.

“So even though this is our 16th year, the festival’s never the same because we’re not the same from year to year. The festival also helps to showcase the changing tapestry of our city. Detroit is is changing fast, not only downtown, but the commercial corridors,” she says.

In 2015, Detroit received the City of Design designation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for creating art, which improves the quality of people’s lives. 

Detroit is the only City of Design to receive this designation in the U.S.    

More than one hundred people gathered Saturday for an unveiling of the Imam A. El-Amin Way, honoring the late Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin of the Muslim Center on Woodrow Wilson Street.

At the ceremony, Imam Tauheed A. Rashad of Masjid Wali Muhammad shared that El-Amin’s legacy was building community. 

“This is a special day not only because we are placing the name of Imam Abdullah Beyelahmin on the street, but because we are placing his name permanently, brothers and sisters, into the public memory of the city of Detroit,” he says. 

The late imam was known for his interfaith work helping Muslims bury their loved ones with dignity.

His daughter Zarinah El-Amin says she’s blown away by the reception. 

“I would have never even imagined that my father would have a street named after him in a big city like Detroit, but for his community members, right, that came together and saw fit that he had this honor, they did this,” she shares.

She says the intersection is significant due to its historical space in Detroit’s Muslim community.

“This intersection right here has a lot of history, a lot of hard work, blood, sweat, tears that went into creating something that families could come to enjoy, practice their faith, but also do good work in the community,” she says.

Zarinah shares that her father served in many capacities but, “he was a lot of things to a lot of people. But to me, he was just my father,” she says, one who attended her recitals, advocated for her education, and got things done.

“I’m thankful as the daughter that that was the example I had. Somebody who lived really for do for yourself, not whining, but you see something, get up and make it happen,” she explains.

Work for the city

Abdullah El-Amin served as the Neighborhood City Hall Manager between 1994-2001 under Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer. 

Detroit City Councilman Coleman Young Junior says El-Amin’s work outlasted him. 

“If you were homeless, he would help you get a house. If you were drug addicted, he’d help you get treatment. If you were jobless, he’d help you get a job. And let me say this too: when the government couldn’t provide, the Muslim community did,” he told the crowd.

The honorary street name is at the corner of Woodrow Wilson and Davison Street.  

The event was put together by the neighborhood revitalization group Dream of Detroit and other community members.

More than one hundred people came out to unveil an honorary street sign for the late Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin on Woodrow Wilson Street this Saturday. On that street sits the Muslim Center, which El-Amin cofounded and where he served as an imam. 

 El-Amin was the first executive director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan working alongside interfaith leaders. 

His daughter Zarinah El-Amin says she’s blown away by the reception. 

“I would have never even imagined that my father would have a street named after him in a big city like Detroit, but for his community members, right, that came together and saw fit that he had this honor, they did this.” 

El-Amin served as the Neighborhood City Hall Manager between 1994-2001 under then Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer. 

Detroit City Councilman Coleman Young Junior says El-Amin’s work outlasted him. “If you were homeless, he would help you get a house. If you were drug addicted, he’d help you get treatment.” 

The honorary street name is at the corner of Woodrow Wilson and Davison Street.

Additional headlines for Monday, Aug. 31

Detroit Month of Design      

This week kicks off the 16th annual Detroit Month of Design.

Kiana Wenzell is the co-executive director of Design Core Detroit and the director of Detroit Month of Design. This year’s theme is “Design Moves the Future.”

“Whether you’re moving forward, moving backwards, or just dancing and moving your body and getting the energy moving, let’s put our ideas into motion if we want to move this city in this region forward,” says Wenzell.

The month of design will feature 100 events in 30 days throughout the city featuring Detroit artists and creatives throughout September.

ISNA Detroit

The Islamic Society of North America is hosting its 63rd convention in Detroit during Labor Day weekend. It’s one of the largest annual gatherings of American Muslims in the U.S.

Topics include patience, perseverance, and God consciousness, civic duty and preserving stories of American Muslims as part of the 250th birthday of America.

Azhar Azeez is the CEO of ISNA.“We have invited more than 150 speakers who will not only address spiritual and theological topics, but they will also address contemporary challenges that the American Muslim community is facing, whether it is Islamophobia, whether it is anti-Muslim hate rhetoric, whether it is issues related to religious freedom, we will be addressing all these important topics.”

The program includes a knowledge retreat, a Detroit Food Truck Fest and a bazaar. There will also be a mini auto show, a family walk and a showcase of 20 Michigan nonprofits.

The Convention will take place Sept. 4-7 at the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit. Visit isna.net to learn more.  

Interfaith Buddhism Odyssey 

The InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting an opportunity for people to learn more about Buddhism. People can learn about mindfulness and have conversations about Buddhism. They can also take a tour of a temple, learn about traditions and share a meal.

The next Interfaith Odysseys will be hosted in Sept. 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Midwest Buddhist Meditation Center in Warren, Michigan. 

Tickets are $35 for individuals and $50 for a family of two or more.  

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The 39th District Court is hosting an amnesty program next month as part of Project Clean Slate. The program will be held throughout the month of September.

It’s designed for people who want to contact the court to discuss balances and payment options. During this period, late fees are waived and warrants issued for failure to pay will be canceled. That’s after payments are made in full. 

People will also have an opportunity to create payment plans to pay off dues. 

People can call 586-773-2010 for more information. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Michigan Reconnect program expands to 21-24 year olds

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expanding the Michigan Reconnect program. The program now includes Michigan residents between 21 and 24 to get a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate. Previously, people who applied to the program had to be 25 years old or older. More than 250,000 people have applied with 20,000 graduates. 

The program launched in 2021, helping adults without a college degree to go back to school. The funding comes from a $25 million investment in the Fiscal Year 2027 education budget. 

Detroit x Dearborn Block Party

The cities of Detroit and Dearborn are hosting a block party next month. The community event will have free food,  family-friendly activities and resource tables. Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud will be in attendance. 

The event takes place Sept. 19 on the corner of Tireman Ave and Miller Road from 12-3 p.m. 

Check out dearborn.gov/dearbornxdetriot to learn more. 

CAIR safety toolkit

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Michigan chapter released a new safety toolkit for mosques and Islamic schools through its Safe Spaces department. The toolkit was created in response to the deadly May 2026 shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

The toolkit includes guidance to institutions on emergency preparedness, accessing safety practices for emergencies and building relations with local law enforcement. 

Mosques and Islamic centers can get a copy by emailing cairmichigan@gmail.com or calling 248-559-2247. 

Michigan economy

Mortgage rates are running between 6 and 7% for the 30-year fixed loans. At the same time, Michigan faces a shortage of affordable housing.

Shreya Valampatti is a senior analyst at the Anderson Economic Group. She says policymakers need to create more housing opportunities for people with lower incomes. “If we make sure that we have enough housing stock for those income groups and demographics, we can make sure that some of the pressure is removed and we can see some easing in mortgage rates.”

State lawmakers are considering bills to loosen local zoning laws so that developers can build more multi-family homes. Many local governments oppose such changes. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The City of Warren has planted its first micro forest as part of an effort to increase the tree canopy in the city.   

Warren Mayor Lori Stone says the community rallied for more greenery in the city.

“Warren only had about 19% tree canopy, some of the lowest in Metro Detroit and Macomb County. And so, when I started out, we did a listening tour to really look at what our communities’ expectations were, and environmental sustainability was a priority,” she says.

Stone says residents want leadership to grow the city’s tree canopy, restore natural habitats, and protect green spaces.

One of those projects was a micro forest created at the Warren Community Center’s courtyard. The project received $30,000 from Green Macomb.

“I’m excited to tout that we planted our first microforest at Julius Park Circle, which is over 5,000 plants from different canopy levels, forest levels, and that was in partnership with a 4-H students, a community organization,” she shares.

Stone says Warren’s Department of Public Works also plants roughly 400 trees on easements annually, additional to the city distributing 200 saplings as part of our Arbor Day and Earth Day initiatives.

“It’s very important in order to grow tree canopy, in order to create those green spaces, … and provide natural spaces to encourage that local residents are also planting trees and providing those opportunities,” she explains.

Warren is also a part of the Rain to Roots program with Center Line, Sterling Heights, supported by the DTE Foundation, to help homeowners install rain gardens, rain barrels and native plants for stormwater management. 

This story is a part of WDET’s ongoing series, the Detroit Tree Canopy Project.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education has appointed 25-year-old youth advocate Jeremiah Steen to serve on the board for the rest of the year. 

Steen is filling the vacancy for Board Member Dr. Iris Taylor, who died in July at the age of 74. 

Taylor served in several roles, most recently as the Board Treasurer and former president. 

Steen is the founder of the Steen Foundation, a youth-oriented social group that promotes inquisitive thinking, helping teens advance community through creativity. He was formerly a member of the Skillman Foundation’s inaugural President’s Youth Council. He was the first youth board member. 

School Board President LaTrice McClendon says the board is proud to welcome Steen who will serve until Dec.31.

Additional headlines for Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Arab American Chamber of Commerce fires executive director

The American Arab Chamber of Commerce has fired its Executive Director Bilal Hammoud on allegations of missing funds according to a statement released Friday. The chamber says it has retained an attorney to investigate.  

The Detroit News reports the investigation is due to $1 million in missing funds. Hammoud also served as the CEO of Tejara, a nonprofit business incubator powered by the American Arab Chamber of Commerce. 

This comes after the previous executive director Fay Beydoun allegedly diverted a $20 million grant by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation intended for the chamber to Global International Link, another company she created. She is now facing 16 felony charges. 

Bilal Hammoud has not yet publicly commented on the incident. 

MDHHS changes baby formula distributed by WIC

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is changing infant formula distributed by the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Beginning Nov. 1, Michigan will begin carrying Mead Johnson Enfamil products. WIC is ending its contract with Abbott Similac products.

WIC provides supplemental nutrition for pregnant and postpartum women. About 187,000 people participate in WIC each month. 

For more information about baby formula changes, visit michigan.gov/wic.  

Annual block party  

The Detroit Health Department is hosting its fifth annual Block Party.  The event will feature free food and beverages, health screenings and back-to-school vaccinations. There will also be a safe space walk-n-rally at 11 a.m.

The event takes place Sept. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. on 100 Mack Ave., between John R and Mack and Erskine Streets. 

Mural in Eastern Market tells story of healthcare in the U.S.

A new mural at the Eastern Market by artist Oshun Williams depicts the rising cost of healthcare. It’s part of the “One Nation, Overcharged” campaign, a national grassroots movement seeking a healthcare system which puts people over profits. The mural was unveiled over the weekend on Saturday.  

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, or ACCESS, is hosting its 11th annual Back to School Health Fair from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Community Health and Research Center in Dearborn.

Mona Makki, director of the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center, says the organization has hosted the event for the past decade. This year, organizers are putting an increased focus on providing essential hygiene products after hearing from families, community members and school administrators about the need.

Makki says about 2,000 people are expected to attend.

The fair will also include vision and health screenings, free haircuts for hundreds of children and other community resources.

People can RSVP by calling 313-216-2200.

Michigan Immigrant Rights Center loses federal contract for legal services

The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center says its federal contract to provide legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children has ended, leaving hundreds of children without legal representation.

Last year, MIRC represented about 1,100 children. This year, the organization says it can take on only 420 cases. MIRC also expects to lose about 70 staff members in October because of the funding loss.

The organization says it will maintain offices in Detroit, Ypsilanti, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Lansing, and its other programs will continue.

Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act in 2008, establishing protections for unaccompanied children, including access to legal services. MIRC says the Trump administration sought to end federal funding that provided legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant children. Its contract with the federal government ended Aug. 1.

People can learn more about MIRC and ways to donate or volunteer.

Detroit to honor Imam Abdullah El-Amin with street designation

The city of Detroit will unveil a new street sign honoring the late Imam Abdullah El-Amin, co-founder of the Muslim Center.

Abdullah El-Amin Way will be designated at Woodrow Wilson and Davison streets near the Muslim Center. Dream of Detroit, Carey Strategy Group and Legacy Story Keepers are among the organizations hosting the street-naming ceremony.

El-Amin was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and moved to Detroit when he was 7. He spent decades serving the community through interfaith efforts and other civic work.

El-Amin co-founded the Muslim Center with his wife, Dr. Cheryl El-Amin, in 1983. He served as the first executive director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan and as a Neighborhood City Hall manager under Mayor Dennis Archer from 1994 to 2001. He was also a columnist for the Muslim Observer, an author and a provider of funeral services for Muslim families.

The unveiling will take place from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at 13148 Woodrow Wilson St.

Register for the Abdullah El-Amin Way unveiling through Dream of Detroit.

Taste of Hamtramck fundraiser supports local food pantry

Detroit Friendship House is hosting a curated walking food festival featuring several Hamtramck restaurants, including New Palace Bakery, Polish Village Cafe, Srodek’s and Amicci’s Pizza.

Taste of Hamtramck: Take a Bite Out of Hunger will showcase the city’s culinary heritage while raising money for Detroit Friendship House programs that provide nutritious food and other resources to local families.

Tickets are $85, with proceeds benefiting Detroit Friendship House.

Taste of Hamtramck takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30.

Reserve a spot for Taste of Hamtramck through Detroit Friendship House.

Happy retirement, Jerome Vaughn

And finally, WDET wishes a happy retirement to News Director Jerome Vaughn, creator of the Detroit Evening Report podcast.

You will be missed, Jerome, but certainly not forgotten.