The Center for Social Solutions is committed to establishing concrete solutions to our four initiatives. While these issues are relevant across the entire nation and in all corners of the world, it is also useful to examine their local presence in the state of Michigan. Doing so can help us to better grasp the fact that no community is immune to these problems, and provide clarity when assessing the larger-scale version of these issues.

 

Today, we will be focusing on the Value of Diversity. To learn more about diversity and inclusion in Michigan, take a look at the materials below.

 

Read 

"Detroit Resident Dies After Trump Administration Deports Him to Iraq, Report Says" by Amy Gunia, TIME

Jimmy Aldaoud—a Greece-born Iraqi who moved to the United States when he was a child—died earlier this month after being deported to Iraq, despite never having lived there and not knowing how to speak Arabic. Some see his death as a negative consequence of the overloaded and inefficient immigration system, as well as a somber moment in the national culture struggles over racial profiling in deportation efforts.  

 

"Hispanic festival continues in Grand Rapids, with some added security" by Dustin Dwyer, Michigan Radio

The Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival is a celebration of Hispanic culture in Michigan. But following fatal acts of violence in Dayton and El Paso—the latter being aimed specifically at Mexicans—this year’s festival deemed it necessary to heighten security measures, displaying the obstacles that many Americans have to face simply to ensure their own safety.  

 

"Caribbean Cultural Festival brings Carnival celebration to Dearborn" by Micah Walker, Detroit Free Press

Last weekend, Detroit’s Caribbean Cultural and Carnival Organization brought Caribbean tradition to Dearborn. In a community known for Arab-American culture and influence, this event offered residents a taste of something new while proving that different cultures have the ability to peacefully coexist.

 

"How immigrants are revitalizing Detroit" by Shaffwan Ahmed, Detroit Free Press

In this opinion piece, Shaffwan Ahmed explains why immigrants are not only beneficial to Detroit’s economy, but vital to it. 

 

Watch 

"Dearborn, Michigan: a divided city grappling with what it means to be Muslim and American" (2017)

This short documentary, set in Dearborn, examines multiple viewpoints on diversity and unity in the United States during the current political climate. 

Watch on The Guardian

 

Listen 

"Stateside: Deportee from SE MI dies in Iraq; challenges facing LGBT seniors; future of Buick City", Stateside (2019)

This episode of Michigan Radio’s Stateside discusses the tragic death of Jimmy Aldaoud and the issues plaguing LGBT+ Babyboomers in Michigan. 

Listen on Apple Podcasts

 

Events 

Michigan Cultural & Diversity Festival 

When: Thursday, August 22 at 2:00 PM – Sunday, August 25

Where: HYPE Athletics Center (23302 W Warren Ave, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127)

Michigan’s second annual Cultural & Diversity Festival will feature food, live performances, and an “educational experience like no other in the state.” Join iHeart Media for this free event at the end of the month and learn about the cultures that are practiced all over the world.

 

Pride Outside 2019

When: Monday, September 2, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Where: Palmer Field (401 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)

Food, games, T-shirts, and a drag show are all free of charge at this U-M event that will take place the day before the fall academic term begins. In addition to its free activities, Pride Outside will feature LGBT+ groups and student organizations that attendees can learn about and get involved with.