Why Context is Important
Detroit more than any other city has been defined in the minds of much of the world by the headlines, the memes, and the videos they’ve seen from afar. Or by the sporting events, concerts and museums they’ve visited briefly. The world thinks they know Detroit but it’s impossible to know a place without going beyond the headlines, stereotypes, and brief encounters.
None of those things explain Detroit. None of them offer a true understanding of how Detroit got to where it is today, what’s happening now, and where it’s headed in the future.
Context is important because people, places, and projects don’t exist in a vacuum. Knowing that a young chef purchased an abandoned building and opened an award-winning restaurant is only part of the story. Why was the building abandoned in the first place? Who lives in the neighborhood the restaurant is in? How does this one story fit into the larger story of the city? Knowing the answers to these questions helps connect the dots. Helps connect the past with the present. Land-use policies with social justice issues. The story with the context.
New and longtime residents of Detroit learn about both the historical and present businesses in East English Village.
Context isn’t only important for outsiders and newcomers. Longtime Detroit residents have the most to gain from learning more about their city. From assets like parks, events, and neighborhood businesses to the history behind the city’s challenges, both big and small. Knowing more about the past can help us understand the present and become better equipped to engage in the future.
When more people are informed and engaged in shaping a place’s future, there is a much better chance of that city becoming an equitable and thriving place for all.
On this blog, I will provide insights and put things in context as I take you around the city and throughout the decades in order to help locals and stakeholders understand how Detroit’s history shaped where we are today, connect with what’s happening now, and be inspired to take an active role in creating an equitable and thriving city in the future.
