As 2024 draws to a close, Canfield Consortium reflects on a year filled with meaningful projects, impactful events, and unwavering dedication to the East Canfield Village community. Together, we have strengthened connections, championed environmental justice, and celebrated the power of art and inclusive design to bring people together.
This year, our monthly meetings remained a cornerstone for engaging with the East Canfield Village community. Held every 4th Thursday of the month via Zoom, these gatherings provided a space to share updates, discuss new initiatives, and invite community input. A highlight of the year was being featured on the Weather Channel, which brought national attention to our work and filled our community with pride.
Driven by the spirit of collaboration and innovation, we have made significant strides in transforming spaces, empowering residents, and fostering creativity. Below, we spotlight some of the key projects and initiatives that have shaped 2024 and continue to move our vision forward.
Transforming Spaces: The Canfield Connect Greenway
Progress was in motion this year with the completion of the pilot lots for the Canfield Connect greenway—an exciting milestone for this transformative project. Spanning 1.25 miles, the greenway will connect Brewer Park to Pingree Park with a thoughtfully designed shared-use path for walkers, bikers, and neighbors of all ages. This project is revitalizing underutilized urban spaces into vibrant corridors that promote active lifestyles, strengthen community bonds, and showcase equitable urban development.
With visionary design by JIMA Studio, Canfield Connect is setting a new standard for sustainable urban renewal. We are proud to have collaborated with Wayne State University’s Master of Public Administration program to ensure a well-planned and impactful design. This work would not have been possible without the generous support of our funders, Ford Motor Fund and AARP. Their contributions have brought this vision to life, and we look forward to sharing more updates as the project progresses.
Celebrating Creativity and Inclusion
The East Canfield Art Park & Innovation Hub was a vibrant hub of activity this year, hosting events that brought our community together to celebrate art, culture, and environmental stewardship. At our September 29th event, the unveiling of the 2024 curated art display featured the works of talented artists Mila Lynn, Nivek Monet, and Terry Childress, whose creativity inspired all in attendance. Shania Richardson of Seeyoumvment delivered an empowering speech, reminding us of the importance of community-driven progress.
During Detroit Month of Design, our ‘Inclusion by Design’ panel at the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art highlighted the critical role of equity in shaping vibrant communities. Co-founder Kim Theus shared her insights as a panelist, reinforcing the significance of inclusive design in our mission. The event sparked rich discussions that continue to guide our approach to building a more inclusive East Canfield Village.
A standout event this year was “Electric Fruit: A Celebration of Black Art”, a dynamic gathering that showcased the renaissance and power of Black artistry. This event honored the creativity, resilience, and cultural influence of Black artists while providing a platform for meaningful dialogue about art’s role in social change. Artists, performers, and attendees alike came together to celebrate a shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive future. The energy of Electric Fruit reminded us of the transformative power of art to heal, inspire, and connect communities.
Jordan Weber’s ‘New Forest, Ancient Thrones’ sculpture unveiling was another cultural milestone. This powerful piece, inspired by environmental and cultural themes, was celebrated with an Ancestral Honoring ceremony led by Baba Shemarie and the Nanou Djiapo African Drummers. The event featured reflections from community leaders and artists, including Ryan Myers-Johnson and poetry by the students of Barack Obama Academy. It was a beautiful intersection of art, community, and environmental justice, creating a lasting impression on all who attended.
Advancing Environmental Justice
One of our most impactful initiatives this year was the installation of air quality monitors in East Canfield Village. This project empowered residents with the tools and knowledge to advocate for cleaner air and a healthier environment. These efforts were complemented by workshops and educational outreach, ensuring the community could fully engage with the technology and its benefits.
Additionally, we continued to address blight by clearing idle spaces, enhancing infrastructure, and beautifying neglected areas—actions that have breathed new life into East Canfield Village. This work is part of our commitment to ensuring a healthier, more sustainable environment for current and future residents.
Jack’s Is Coming Back Soon
While the revitalization of Jack’s Place is still in progress, we’re excited to see this beloved neighborhood spot return as a central gathering place for East Canfield Village. Plans are underway to transform it into a welcoming hub that honors its history while meeting the needs of today’s community. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this project to life in the coming year.
Looking Ahead
As we close the chapter on 2024, we celebrate the progress we have made together. From inclusive design discussions to environmental health initiatives, each project has been a testament to the power of collaboration and community. These milestones bring us closer to our vision of a connected, vibrant, and equitable East Canfield Village.
We are excited to continue building on this momentum in 2025 and beyond. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are making a difference.
