October 2026 Edition





Wolverines on Woodward




Director's Letter



As we roll into October, Halloween decorations proliferate like rampant pumpkin vines and the fall semester kicks into high gear. Throughout September, I got to split my days between Detroit and Dearborn, going to parks, rivers, concerts and classrooms, experiencing the range of what is possible in our region. In that spirit, we hope you join us for our next DETROIT PRACTICE SESSION, featuring wandering poet and dream deliverer Mathias Svalina, and the October session of BLOCK X BLOCK, which will focus on LGBTQ+ visibility and vulnerability.




Sincerely,


Paul Draus

Faculty Director draus@umich.edu


Picture: Miguel Rodriguez, Marisol Bonilla, Shahad Atiya, and Paul Draus during the September BLOCK X BLOCK session.

Sound Bath + Meditation w/ B.E.A.T.T. Space


Creative Arts based therapies such as Music Therapy have been linked to improved Mental and Physical Health outcomes.


Join us at the University of Michigan's Detroit Center to learn more about the restorative practice of Sound Bathing from Public Health educator Christian Patterson. Registration is limited for this immersive experience. Secure your spot today and discover how sound can support stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Lite refreshments will be provided. RSVP today!


 

Delivering Dreams 
with Mathias Svalina



What if someone delivered a dream to your door before dawn? 🌙


For more than a decade, poet Mathias Svalina has done just that. Through his Dream Delivery Service, he writes original dreams and delivers them to subscribers in little pink envelopes—part poetry, part fable, part fortune-telling. Join us at the University of Michigan Detroit Center for the next Detroit Practice Series, where Svalina will explore poetry, dreams, the unconscious, and the stories we create about ourselves.


Come curious. Come imaginative. Come ready to dream. RSVP today.


 
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October 2026


UMDC Events Continued...

 

BLOCK X BLOCK: LGBTQ+ Visibility & Vulnerability


BLOCK X BLOCK brings Detroit community leaders and University of Michigan voices together monthly to listen, learn, and act. The series builds trust, shared understanding, and pathways to meaningful change- block by block.


Our October session, focused LGBTQ+ Visibility & Vulnerability, will feature brief presentations by Lilianna-Angel Reyes (Ruth Ellis Center), as well as M. Candace Christensen (UM-Ann Arbor), followed by a facilitated discussion and a storytelling/listening circle. Reserve your spot today!

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. Contact Kam Sykes, UMDC Conference & Events Manager, to learn more and book your next meeting, lecture, or other event!


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October 2026


Community Events...

Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide Community Roundtable


Community leaders, unionists, university faculty and students as well as neighborhood activists will explore how to develop new content for the MotorCities National Heritage Area's "Auto Heritage Guide". The session will discuss how to generate new material highlighting Southwest Detroit's auto century, focusing on its African America, Arab America, Irish, Italian, Latino/a, Maltese, Native American, Polish, and other Eastern European communities. It will also explore how to create more material on the area's UAW, Teamsters, and Steelworkers locals. Register here.


More details to follow.

 
 



PHILADANCO! Dance Company


For more than five decades, PHILADANCO! has been a leading force in American dance, preserving and celebrating the rich traditions of Black concert dance while inspiring new generations of artists and audiences. Renowned for its extraordinary dancers, technical excellence, and commitment to artistic innovation, PHILADANCO! continues to shape the landscape of modern dance through works that honor the past while embracing the future.



PHILADANCO!’s dynamic program features the company’s creative vision, cultural legacy, and enduring influence, featuring works from four distinctive choreographic voices. This performance highlights the depth, versatility, and evolution that have defined the company throughout its celebrated history. Audiences can expect an unforgettable evening of movement, music, and storytelling that reflects the beauty, resilience, and innovation of the Black experience. Buy tickets here.


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October 2026


Community Events

The Wright Gala 2026


Join us on Saturday, October 10 for The Wright Gala! The Wright Museum's annual gala honoring the power, resilience, and legacy of African American history and culture. As Michigan's largest institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history, The Wright continues to inspire visitors through world-class exhibitions, educational programs, public conversations, and unforgettable cultural experiences.


This special evening will bring together civic, corporate, philanthropic, and community leaders for a powerful celebration of impact, purpose, and possibility. Your support helps advance the museum's mission and invests in the next generation of leaders, scholars, artists, and changemakers.



Be part of an extraordinary night that celebrates where we've been, amplifies the voices shaping today, and helps build the future we imagine together. Purchase tickets today.


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October 2026


Community Events

SANGRIA & SOUL FOOD 
with Chef Joe!


Y’all ready to cook, sip, eat and catch a vibe?! Come join Chef Joe in the kitchen for an intimate, hands-on cooking experience filled with great Southern vibes, good food, good drinks and good people!


We’re getting in the kitchen and learning how to make:

Fried Chicken Wings

Greens w/ Smoked Turkey

Creamy Mac & Cheese

Honey Butter Cornbread

And of course…enjoy a glass or two of SANGRIA!


And while we cook, sip and eat, we’ll be vibing to a mixture of your favorite ’80s & ’90s music! Come ready to sing a little, dance a little and COOK!


Friday, October 16th, 2026

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

8324 Woodward Avenue | Detroit, MI 48202

$125 per person https://tr.ee/K93zOvtu5X


LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE! We’re keeping this class intimate, so once the seats are gone, they’re GONE!


Good food. Good drinks. Great Southern vibes. ’80s & ’90s music. What more do you need?!


#SangriaAndSoulFood #SBCcookingclass #DetroitEvents #DetroitFoodie #80sMusic90sMusic


 

Grand Vision

An exhibition by Olayami Dabls



Sept. 22 - Oct. 28

M-F 9am-5pm

Institute for the Humanities Gallery,

202 S. Thayer


Grand vision is a conceptual installation presenting Olayami Dabls' own work in visual conversation with African beads and artifacts from the MBAD Bead Museum collections, as well as personal ephemera chronicling the artists' own storied career. With a combination of wisdom and mysticism, symbols and signs, strings of colors and patterns, it is impossible to tell where the story begins...an endless tale. As part of Olayami Dabl's residency, the iconic outdoor sculpture Iron Teaching Rocks Table Manners will be installed on the U-M campus grounds near UMMA, at the intersection of State Street and South University from September 17 - October 11, 2026.

 

Ballets Jazz Montréal


Explosive, poetic, and completely original, Ballets Jazz Montréal arrives at the Detroit Opera House on October 17 with their highly anticipated tour de force Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen. Dance Me is an exclusive creation inspired by the rich and profound work of Montréal-based poet, artist, and songwriter Leonard Cohen. Approved by Cohen during his lifetime, this riveting homage evokes the grand cycles of existence, as described in Cohen’s deeply reflective music and poems.


Music featured in Dance Me ranges from “So Long, Marianne” and “Suzanne” (1967) to “Hallelujah” (1984) and songs from Cohen’s final album, You Want It Darker, released shortly before his death, on November 7, 2016.  More information can be found here.

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October 2026


Community Events

Catch & Play Songs


Catch & Play Songs is a Michigan-based music company focused on artist development, music marketing, and community building. Through artist development, workshops, songwriting programs, events, and creative partnerships, Catch & Play Songs creates opportunities for artists and communities to connect, grow, and make every play count.


Website: catchandplaysongs.com

Events: catchandplaysongs.com/events

Instagram: @catchandplaysongs

 

Public Allies Introduces the Detroit Civic Slam


The Civic Slam is a community-centered pitch competition designed to bring Detroiters together to share bold, creative ideas for making a positive difference in our city—and to put resources behind some of those ideas so they can move from concept to action.


Individuals, grassroots leaders, organizations, entrepreneurs, and community teams are invited to propose projects that address local challenges, strengthen communities, and create new opportunities for Detroit residents. Finalists will develop and present their ideas at the Civic Slam, connect with other community leaders and partners, and compete for funding and support to put their projects into action. More information can be found here and questions can be directed to Najah Woods (najahw@publicallies.org).

 
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October 2026


Community Events

CMENAS 65TH Anniversary Celebration


The University of Michigan’s Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS) is celebrating its 65th anniversary on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at the Vandenberg Room, Michigan League with a full-day program, Legacy, Scholarship, and the Future of MENA Studies. The celebration will bring together former directors, faculty, alumni, students, educators, and friends of the Center. The program will also feature a keynote by UM alum Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.


For more information, please contact Warsan Salah at warsansa@umich.edu or visit the CMENAS website. 

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October 2026

Community Events Continued...


Credit 101


Struggling with credit? Don’t let bad credit hold you back! Take the first step toward

better financial health by attending our FREE workshop. Learn how to build, use, and maintain good credit.


What You’ll Learn:

  • What credit is and why it matters
  • How to use and maintain credit responsibly
  • Understanding your credit report
  • And more!
    

Take control of your financial future and start improving your credit today. Register now!

 

Renter's Rights & Responsibilities



Are you a new or prospective renter? Learn how to make the most of your rental

experience with our FREE workshop! Gain essential knowledge about your rights and

responsibilities to help you navigate renting with confidence.



What You’ll Learn:

  • How to understand lease agreements
  • Tenant rights & landlord responsibilities
  • Dispute resolution & legal resources
  • Filing maintenance requests
  • Eviction process & prevention

Empower yourself with the tools to be an informed and prepared renter. Register now

to secure your spot!

 
 

Homeownership Basics


Buying a home can feel overwhelming—but you don't have to navigate the process

alone. Join us for Homeownership Basics to learn practical information and helpful

strategies for taking the next steps toward homeownership.


During this workshop, you'll learn about:

• Understanding creditworthiness and preparing your finances

• Navigating the mortgage application process

• Exploring homebuyer assistance programs

• Understanding key steps in the homebuying journey

• Getting expert insights and answers to your homebuying questions


Whether you're just starting to think about buying a home or you're ready to take the next step, this workshop will provide valuable guidance to help you move forward with greater confidence!

 

Budgeting 101


Take control of your finances and secure your financial future with our monthly

virtual workshop led by a trusted financial coach! Learn practical strategies to build

a spending plan that works for you.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Money values & influences
  • Spending & your savings plan
  • Managing debt effectively
  • Making informed housing decisions
  • Protecting your identity &savings
  • Building your financial future


This interactive workshop is designed to help you make smarter money decisions and

achieve financial stability. Register now to take the first step!

 

Credit Comeback


Financial setbacks can happen to anyone—but they don't have to define your future.

Join us for the Credit Comeback Workshop to learn practical strategies for rebuilding

your credit and creating a stronger financial foundation.


During this workshop, you'll learn about:

  • Recovering after collections
  • Understanding and managing medical debt
  • What charge-offs mean and how they affect your credit
  • Using credit responsibly to rebuild your score
  • Long-term strategies for maintaining healthy credit

Whether you're recovering from unexpected financial challenges or looking to improve

your credit over time, this workshop will provide practical guidance and actionable steps to help you move forward with confidence!

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