June 2026 Edition





Wolverines on Woodward




Director's Letter



As we enter the full bloom of summer, in the city that the Anishinaabe called Waawiyatanong, “where the water comes around”, our rivers invite us to think about the ways we connect to the past, the future and to each other.  Every year I participate in the UM Detroit River Schooner program, where I deliver a mini-lecture on the sociology of smuggling across (and under) the watery border.   At the Detroit Center on Woodward Avenue, we see the city as a river that flows in and out of our space.  Please float on in for one of our upcoming programs!


Sincerely,


Paul Draus

Faculty Director draus@umich.edu


Picture: Last year's Schooner School with UM Detroit River Scholars- launching again June 2026!

RESHEDULED: Detroit Never Left Book Release


Join us for Author Meets Curious Readers (AMCR): Detroit Never Left, featuring Mo Torres in conversation with author Nicole Trujilo-Pagan.


Together, they'll explore themes from Detroit Never Left: Black Space, White Boarders, Latino Crossings, and reflect on the histories and identities that shape Detroit today! RSVP here.


Postmarked From the Inside: 
Greeting Cards Made 
in Michigan Prisons



Join us for an exciting art exhibition that features handmade greeting cards by artists in Michigan prisons. This exhibition reveals how greeting cards assert connection, remembrance, and hope within a system that relentlessly strips away the humanity of those it incarcerates and the relationships they hold captive. RSVP here.


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June 2026


UMDC Events Continued...




Crossing 8 Mile: 
Mayor Coleman Young and 
the Twilight of White Detroit


Historian Bill McGraw has completed a book for the University of Michigan Press about Detroit Mayor Coleman Young and white Detroit. He'll talk about his research, and his experience covering Young for The Detroit Free Press. Register here.



Juneteenth, Our Day of Rest: 
Harmonic Meditations


This is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the history of Juneteenth. Our liberation manifests itself in many different ways, so we take this moment to examine jazz music as a form of liberation and the contributions Detroit jazz artists have made. Through collective meditation we will pause and reflect on who we are as individuals and who we are as a community. Our stillness is an act of rebellion in a for profit society that never prioritizes rest. Register here.


Host your next event at the UMDC! 


Did you know?! One of the primary functions of the UM Detroit Center is to offer space for meetings and events. Check out our website to learn more and to submit reservation request for your next meeting, lecture, or other event!


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June 2026


Community Events...

EQUIPPED Scholarship Celebration


EQUIPPED is proud to introduce and honor our award recipients for 2026. More than $16,000 in scholarships will be presented to deserving students from Inkster and the surrounding communities.


The program will include gospel singing, poetry, dance, and an honor roll call. Speakers will include student presentations and professional advice on preparing for college and winning scholarship dollars. Please save the date and join us on Saturday, June 27th at 5PM.  The public is invited, welcomed, and encouraged to attend this free event to congratulate the achievements of our community of high school graduates. There will be a gift for ALL 2026 high school graduates who RSVP to ffleming@umich.edu by June 20th. Can't wait to see you there!!!

5th Annual Juneteenth 
Block Club Extravaganza


This is our 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration presented by SHAR Inc, a long-standing Detroit-based human service agency, and ECHO Detroit, SHAR's outreach arm into the community.


The Juneteenth celebration is our attempt to bring the various human services and resources in our community to the citizens in a forum where entertainment and funs is occurring. Frequently, the citizens of Detroit and surrounding communities are not aware of the many resources in the community that is available to them to enhance their lives. Each Juneteenth has accomplished that with activities and entertainment for children, adults and seniors as well. 


For more information, feel free to contact Ms. Pat Scott, Executive Assistant at pscott@sharinc.org, or by phone at (313) 894-8444, ext 2207


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June 2026


Community Events

Legacy in Sound:
A Tribute to Detroit


Legacy in Sound: A Tribute to Detroit brings the Detroit Symphony Orchestra together with powerhouse local voices for a high‑energy celebration of the city’s musical heritage, in partnership with Second Ebenezer Church. From the soul‑stirring traditions of Gospel to the iconic sounds that shaped Detroit’s cultural legacy, this concert honors the artists and communities that define the city’s spirit. This performance is free and tickets are not required. 

More information here.


Date: Wednesday, June 17

Time: 8:00pm

Location: Second Ebenezer Church

14601 Dequindre Ave., Detroit, MI 48212

313-867-4700

Art & Amble Annual Fundraiser


Art & Amble is Green Living Science’s signature fundraiser—an evening where art, community, and impact come together in support of environmental education in Detroit. Guests will enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with live art, a curated silent auction featuring works from Detroit artists, music, and raffle prizes.


Tickets include:

  • Open bar
  • A delectable variety of small plates
  • ​Opportunities to network with others who are passionate about 
    sustainability in Detroit
  • Creative, fun activities
  • A spot to bid in the silent auction of local artists' work and other prizes​​

Thursday, June 4th, 6-9pm

The Jam Handy 2900 E Grand Blvd, Detroit MI 48202


For more information visit: Annual Fundraiser | Green Living Science


To purchase tickets visit: Art & Amble 2026 | Green Living Science


Interested in helping us put on this event through sponsorship? Contact Natalie at natalie@greenlivingscience.org


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June 2026


Community Events


Pheasant Flock Party


In celebration of Detroit's most charismatic avian resident, Detroit Bird Alliance is teaming up with Brewery Faisan to the first ever full-day festival celebrating the Ring-necked Pheasant on Saturday, June 6 from 12-6pm at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St., Detroit. The festival is inspired by NYC's Pigeon Fest and offers FREE public programming including pheasant themed activities, art workshops, a Pheasant Impersonation Parade, and more!


Pheasant Flock Party also features organizations engaged in work around birds, nature, and urban wildlife. They will share information about their important work and engage attendees in hands-on activities.


Please contact us at hello@detroitbirdalliance.org or visit our website for more information.

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June 2026


Community Events



Chandler Park Sounds of Summer



Sounds of Summer brings breezy tunes and laid-back fun to Chandler Park for a concert that feels like pure sunshine. Gather with friends and neighbors for an easygoing musical escape that celebrates the joy of summertime. Enjoy free food, offered while supplies last. This event is free and tickets are not required.


Saturday, June 6, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.


12831 Frankfort St, Detroit, MI 48213 (concert to take place at corner of Frankfort and Gray) (313) 224-1100


More information here.

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June 2026

Community Events Continued...

2025 Heroes of the Neighborhood


In 2026, our annual fundraiser, Heroes of the Neighborhood will be held on June 18th at 6pm. The Annual Event is where we gather as a community to officially honor residents who have given selflessly to make a positive impact in the community of Southwest Detroit.


Celebrate Neighborhood Heroes: Community members nominate individuals, groups & businesses to celebrate their positive impact in our neighborhood. In 2025, we were ecstatic to celebrate the Alliance Catholic Credit Union (ACCU) for their impact in the Springwells community. ACCU adopted families impacted by the flood by donating over $5000 of items and support to families.


Connect with UNI Programs: Connect with UNI Program participants. Support the hopes and dreams of young people by learning how to partner and get involved. Meet Southwest Urban Mural Project (SUAMP) youth who paint murals throughout the community. Many local businesses partner with SUAMP to install murals on business walls.


Gather with Community: Gather with Business owners, community Partners, and other stakeholders who have similar values and beliefs. Heroes of the Neighborhood is a great place to connect and network with individuals who believe in building community. 


Tables and Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Partner with U-M's Golub Capital Board Fellows Program


Calling all Michigan nonprofit boards! We invite you to apply for our Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellowship Program, running from October 2026 through April 2027. Collaborate with passionate U-M graduate students as they serve on your board as non-voting members and tackle a curated governance or strategy project, all while deepening their understanding of nonprofit governance. Request an application and ask to view our info session at this interest form.



Roberta Hughes Wright Memorial Golf Classic


Charles H. Wright Museum Women's Committee invites you to participate as a sponsor of our upcoming Roberta Hughes Wright Memorial Golf Classic on August 6, 2026. Our Golf Classic is more than a day at the golf course. It is a meaningful opportunity to help open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American History and Culture. Visit our website for more information.

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