Neighborhoods in Transition
The 2010 Census showed that Grand Rapids' neighborhoods continue to evolve. All neighborhoods go through change, but determining whether they are good or bad changes depends on who you ask.
Neighborhoods and cities go through many changes, particularly when it comes to racial and economic diversity. The last census showed that many of Grand Rapids’ neighborhoods are evolving at a rapid pace. Some are becoming more diverse, some less, so the topic of neighborhoods transitioning is a timely one.
In partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Library and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Rapid Growth presents its November Speaker Series, “Neighborhoods in Transition.” This will be an important discussion focused around the book Arc of Justice, a National Book Award winner by author Kevin Boyle, Nov. 9 at the Wealthy Theatre.
Earlier this year, the Michigan Humanities Council chose Arc of Justice: “A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age” as its statewide focus for 2011. Over 150 partner organizations are taking part in this statewide “conversation” about Michigan, its troubled history with racism, and how it has effected our economy and Michigan neighborhoods.
We’ll talk about topics like:
Gentrification: the good and bad sides
Maintaining the urban fabric of neighborhoods
Racial and economic diversity of neighborhoods
What is happening on the ground in Grand Rapids’ neighborhoods, and how are they reflecting the historic character of the neighborhoods
The panel discussion will include:
Nancy Haynes, Fair Housing Center of West Michigan
Dottie Clune, Neighborhood Revitalization Advocate
Amishia Harijan, a recent Detroit expatriate and Wealthy Street resident
Darel Ross, LINC Economic Development
Rebecca Smith Hoffman, Historian, Past Perfect
Carlos Sanchez, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
And a special guest appearance by Jim Tischler of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
Moderated by Beth Byron, retired assistant planner for the city of GR.
Event begins at 6 p.m., is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30.
It’s our last speaker series event of 2011, so please RSVP here.
For more info on the book Arc of Justice.
Related Articles
#RG20LookBack: La Lucha Fund supports undocumented and mixed-status families
Celebrating 20 years, we revisit a 2020 story where La Lucha Fund and partners created direct cash relief for undocumented Kent County families excluded from CARES Act aid.
#RG20LookBack ‘A Family Loving Environment’
As Rapid Growth marks its 20th anniversary, we’re revisiting archival stories that captured cultural shifts in our community. The 2010 snapshot of Rachel Hood and Dave Petroelje, brand-new parents making climate, clean energy, and public health relatable to families, still resonates today.
Letter from the publisher: On 20 years of listening and the sharing of solutions rooted in community.
As Rapid Growth marks its 20th anniversary, publisher Tommy Allen reflects on what the publication’s solutions journalism model has meant for telling the stories of Grand Rapids. While he has not led the organization for its entire history, Allen has spent two decades as one of its key storytellers, much of that time as a photographer.
