Community — iSWD Programming — Inside Southwest Detroit

In his second workshop series, "Art of Storytelling Through the Smartphone," PoTAP resident artist Anthony Valadez taught local students how to create powerful films starting with what they already have—their stories and their smartphones. His approach focused on breaking down traditional filmmaking barriers and prioritized creativity over technical skill.

“Anthony encouraged students to experiment with what they had—shaky camera work, unconventional angles, and raw footage were all valid tools as long as they added meaning to the story.”

Creativity Over Perfection

Valadez emphasized that the creative process was more important than aiming for perfection. He encouraged students to experiment with what they had—shaky camera work, unconventional angles, and raw footage were all valid tools as long as they added meaning to the story.

"Break the rules, but do so with intention," he reminded them. Valadez promised to follow the students’ decisions in post processing as long as they could explain why they wanted something included or cut from their films.

EMpowering Young Filmmakers

The workshop was all about empowering young voices through storytelling. Valadez helped the students understand that filmmaking doesn’t require expensive equipment or flawless execution. Instead, it’s about using what’s available to tell stories that matter.

Valadez fostered an atmosphere of collaboration throughout the session. The group engaged in icebreakers and hands-on activities like filming together and sharing ideas, promoting a sense of community and teamwork. By placing the power in the hands of the students, the workshop celebrated creativity, self-expression, and the importance of every individual's voice.

Beyond Media Consumption

Inside Southwest Detroit demonstrates our commitment to community storytelling by supporting students to move beyond media consumption and become a producer of media—because we all have stories to tell and the means to share them.

“...move beyond media consumption and become a producer of media—because we all have stories to tell and the means to share them. ”

Anthony Valadez summarizes his second workshop series, "Art of Storytelling Through the Smartphone".

Programming, CommunityInside Southwest DetroitAugust 24, 2024

#RemoteAlly Project Outdoor Photo Exhibition

Come visit the outdoor exhibition in person between November 18 - January 31 in front of Michigan Central Depot at Michigan Avenue and Vernor Hwy.

In March of 2020 Capturing Belief and Inside Southwest Detroit created the #RemoteAllyProject, a place for youth to process what they were going through as their school year was abruptly interrupted and they were forced into isolation by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For 15 weeks, 18 students from Detroit and 4 from Kenya, France, and Italy were encouraged to maintain a positive focus while working with 8 teaching artists, developing communication and critical thinking skills while learning about visual storytelling.

Community, ProgrammingInside Southwest DetroitDecember 20, 2020RemoteAllyProject, photography, michigancentral, youngdetroitphotosociety

Wi-Fi Hotspots Activated For Community Use In Southwest Detroit

We know that you need Wi-Fi access, and you need it now.

That’s why the Equitable Internet Initiative (Eii) of Southwest Detroit is in the process of installing public hotspots at different locations around the community.

Access to information and communication are such important parts of staying healthy, informed, and connected to each other under shelter in place orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even if you already have internet in your home or on your phone it might not be doing everything you need it to during this unique time—unreliable connections, speed caps, and data limits can affect your ability to stay in touch or get information when you need it.

Locations

Currently there are two public hotspots in the neighborhood and Eii is working on building with different community partners and schools to add more public hotspots.

Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, 8300 Longworth, Detroit, MI 48209. — **Urban Neighborhood Initiatives,** 8300 Longworth, Detroit, MI 48209.

Grace In Action, 1725 Lawndale, Detroit, MI 48209. — **Grace In Action,** 1725 Lawndale, Detroit, MI 48209.

There is no password so it is very easy to access and use. Just access the Wi-Fi Network: EII-GO-Free-WiFi on your cell phone or laptop.

These public hotspots will help anyone in need of the use of internet whether it's for homework, work, activities or just for fun. We know times are difficult and we want to offer our families and community access to the internet during this hard time.

There will be more locations coming soon so check back here for updates. See the FAQs below to learn how you can help bring new hotspots to your side of the community. Until then you can access the internet at the locations above.

Just pull up and access the network free of charge!

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this service free to the community?

Thanks to our partner locations where our hotspots are hosted, we are able to provide the Wi-Fi free of charge.

Will it work on my cell phone and/or laptop?

Any device that can connect to wifi can connect to our hotspots.

How fast is it and can I game on the hotspot’s Wi-Fi?  

On any device you can get up to 8MGBs p/s download and 2 mgbs upload, per person. This will allow people enough speed that they are able to comfortably explore the internet, watch videos, do homework and listen to music. Wifi speeds can alter determined by how many users are on the network downloading and uploading media at a time.  

Is there a limit to how much data I can use? 

There is no cap on data usage currently.

How can we access the hotspot while maintaining social distancing? 

The hotspots are placed in strategic places that allow enough space to practice social distancing properly and stay safe. For example: parks, community centers with large parking lots. We recommend not sharing devices between people without sanitizing hands or devices prior. Make sure that you are 6 feet away from others not within your household at these locations.

 How can our block get a hotspot? 

Contact one of our Eii representatives by phone or e-mail to set up a site survey.

Additionally if you know of any local community businesses, non-profit organizations, or churches with open space nearby that are interested in being a host for a high-speed community Wi-Fi hotspot please call an Eii representative immediately to get things moving.

Ask your favorite local business, organization, or church—you may be surprised to find how easy it is to help your community get connected!

Who Are We?

The Equitable Internet Initiative is a collaboration between the Detroit Community Technology Project, Allied Media Projects, Grace in Action Collectives, NEWCC, and the Church of the Messiah's Boulevard Harambe Program.

In 2016, we began working together to ensure that more Detroit residents have the ability to leverage digital technologies for social and economic development.

While we are figuring out how to get Wi-Fi Into your home while adhering to social distancing guidelines we want to offer you a free way to use Wi-Fi immediately and safely and that is why we are providing these access points in your community.

Eii of Southwest Detroit is in the process of developing a worker owned, utility cooperative to continue to increase Internet access through the distribution of shared Gigabit Internet connections in and around Grace In Action on Lawndale while increasing internet knowledge by offering internet training to residents of Southwest Detroit.

CommunityInside Southwest DetroitMay 15, 2020

Premiere Issue of 'The Southwest Detroiter' Debuts at Mama Coo's Boutique

We made a zine together. In community. And we sold (out) a zine together. In community.

Alana Rodriguez offered her store, Mama Coo’s Boutique on Trumbull and Bagley, to host a release party for the limited edition run of ‘The Southwest Detroiter’.

The Southwest Detroiter is a curated, multimedia community storytelling project. It centers hyperlocal wisdom, experience, and creativity of Southwest Detroit.

The premiere issue features Zoë Villegas’s ‘Standing In The Shadows of Love’ with photographs by Erik Paul Howard.

With the support of friends, fans, fellow artists, and local businesses all 25 copies were gone in less than two hours. Projects like this give everyone an opportunity to chip in where they fit in.

Everyone that purchased a copy contributed to the youth and community programming that makes it possible, the materials to make the zine, and supported their local artists and businesses.

CommunityInside Southwest DetroitMarch 6, 2020The Southwest Detroiter, Mama Coo's Boutique, southwest detroit, Zoe Villegas, Alana Rodriguez, Corktown, Trumbull and Bagley, potapComment

We Made A Zine Together!

The project, a special limited edition run of The Southwest Detroiter featuring Zoë Villegas’s ‘Standing In The Shadows of Love’ with photographs by Erik Paul Howard, was hand-assembled during Gabriela Baginski’s weekly Photo Arts sessions at La Sirena Studio on The Alley Project.

She led the group through a series of hands-on book making lessons.

More than a dozen hands helped put it all together over several weeks—measuring, sewing, and learning how to make books along the way in a community setting.

And now they’re done. The limited edition of 25 zines will be made available to the public and proceeds support youth and community development through the arts as well as your local artists.

Community, ProgrammingInside Southwest DetroitFebruary 12, 2020the southwest detroiter, photo arts, gabriela baginski, la sirena studio, zoe villegas, standing in the shadows of love, PoTAP

Pop Up Community Portrait Studio

Gabriela Baginski facilitated portrait sessions together with mentee Pedro Aguilera at Detroit Southwest Pride’s annual Southwest Detroit Community Christmas Party at Grace In Action this year.

Each family photographed received prints of their portraits on the spot to commemorate the holiday and the spirit of giving—part of the tradition of how the annual event comes together each year, with partners sharing their talents and creativity.

The collaborative portrait session was done as part of her Porch On TAP artist residency in a temporary studio they built the morning of the party.

Community, ProgrammingInside Southwest DetroitDecember 28, 2019gabriela baginski, potap, pedro aguilera, detroit southwest pride, Grace In Action

The Annual Southwest Detroit Community Christmas Party

Each year Detroit Southwest Pride goes hard for community. The holidays, especially, provide a unique opportunity to impact the community through individuals and families. And their annual Christmas party is no exception.

This year’s Southwest Detroit Community Christmas Party, held at Grace In Action on Lawndale, saw more than 100 attendees of all ages show up to celebrate the season and one another with music, food, and a variety of gifts for the community, from the community.

Neighbors and organizations nominate families to participate and, if they accept, each has opportunities to participate, giving and receiving in ways that meets each where they are. A collection of organizations, neighbors, and local artists willing to share hands, heads, and hearts get it all done… together.

DJ Skipz and two young DJ’s he mentors in weekly sessions provided the soundtrack for the party. Other youth in attendance were inspired by what they saw and brought questions about craft along with their requests. Skipz took the opportunity to inspire the next generation showing them around the board while spinning their songs.

Families enjoyed a meal from El Nacimento on Vernor as they received toys, clothes, groceries, gift cards, family portraits, and other items they self-identified as needing this holiday season. Stitching Up Detroit printed shirts on the spot featuring local artwork.

Gabriela Baginski facilitated portrait sessions together with mentee Pedro Aguilera as part of her Porch On TAP artist residency in a temporary studio they built the morning of the party. Each family received prints of their portraits on the spot to commemorate the holiday and the spirit of giving with their talents and creativity.

Community, ProgrammingInside Southwest DetroitDecember 22, 2019southwest detroit community christmas party, detroit southwest pride, stitching up detroit, el nacimiento, grace in action, dj skipz, gabriela baginski

Stitching Up Detroit | Youth Run Co-Op To Worker-Owned Collective

Stitching Up Detroit hosted a launch party this week—with food, live screen printing and performances, DJs, and info booths for local artists and orgs—as a formal celebration of their evolution.

Formed in 2012, Stitching Up Detroit began as a youth-run co-op and was one of the first that made up Grace In Action Collectives, a network of youth-run and worker-owned collectives and cooperatives in Southwest Detroit.

Specializing in graphic design, screen-printing, and vinyl, they had fulfilled orders in a storefront on Vernor, a church on Central, and a one-press garage on The Alley Project before building out their current space at Grace In Action on Lawndale.

Co-founder David Camarena said the launch was important for several reasons, "It is a good way get people to gather, meet new people, and celebrate the transition from a youth run co-op to a worker-owned collective, with the same members, now as adults."

The party featured live performances by Motor City Street Dance Academy and Object The Band and booths by local artists and organizations including Garage Cutural, Philip Patrick, and Freddy Diaz. DJ Skipz and two young DJ’s he mentors in weekly sessions provided the soundtrack for the party. This week was their first time performing in front of a live audience. They took requests while taking turns spinning tunes from start to finish.

Community, ProgrammingInside Southwest DetroitDecember 20, 2019stitching up detroit, Grace In Action, object the band, freddy diaz, dj skipz, the alley project, motor city street dance academy, mcsda

Our Annual Night To Remember—Angel's Night 2019

In the tradition of our annual Angel’s Night event at The Alley Project neighbors, youth, local artists, and visitors gathered this year to acknowledge and admire a collaborative community ofrenda.

The ofrenda—facilitated by Open Studio artist Dalia Reyes and our neighbors, the Romero family—converted more than 20 feet of window space into a lighted, multi-level, sacred space of remembrance visible to the community at our building on Avis and Elsmere.

Throughout the day families completed ofrendas while also sharing food, photographs, and time with each other. Children painted and carved pumpkins donated by Detroit Southwest Pride. Messes and memories were made and a beautiful byproduct remains for the neighborhood to enjoy.

Background

We began hosting our annual “Angel’s Night” event in 2012 in response to city-wide curfews issued and enforced around Halloween as part of the City of Detroit’s ongoing crime reduction initiative of the same name on Devil’s Night—an infamous Detroit tradition that saw rampant arson and other incidents on the evening before Halloween.

The Alley Project’s first annual ‘Angel’s Night’ gathering. Avis near Woodmere, Southwest Detroit. (2012)

While aspiring to reduce crime this curfew made it illegal for unaccompanied minors to be outside in their neighborhoods, some years beginning as early as 4:30pm, criminalizing youth participating in otherwise legal, routine behavior. Often youth with no prior offenses were picked up for curfew violations, issued citations, and sometimes ended up in court and/or fined affecting the whole family.

Our annual event was initiated to create a safe space where youth and adults can gather, sharing time and place, without fear of criminalization.

The city recently retired its Angel’s Night initiatives, including the city-wide curfew. But each year we continue to build in the days ahead of Halloween, All Saints Day, and Dia de Los Muertos honoring the traditions and memory of those who have come before us. We do this in a way true to our Angels Night event’s roots of intersectional, multi-generational gathering to build community.

Over the years our gathering has evolved as a creative expression of coming together to remember—that we need each other, that we are grateful for those who came before us, and that we keep us safe.

Programming, CommunityInside Southwest DetroitOctober 30, 2019diadelosmuertos, dalia reyes, angels nightComment

Wheatpasting with Tom Stoye

Neighbors, youth, and artists gathered this week as Tom Stoye began his public art installation as part of the Porch on TAP artist residency program. Tom is hanging 10 large (3ft by 4ft) portraits of youth from around the City of Detroit in The Alley on fences, garages, and buildings alongside existing artwork of various mediums.

The installation provided an exciting opportunity for people to come out and witness the process of installing large photographs outdoors for public viewing. Several artists wanted to help to assist and also learn more about the method.

Each creative installation on The Alley is a tangible monument to a set of unlikely relationships that are formed as a result of the processes we engage in to create the work people see. They often involve at least one artist, someone who lives in the property where the work is created/installed, and at least one young person.

Tom’s installation, like many, involved a handful of each… all chipping in to help on top of enjoying time and space together. These relationships offer a richness to the community that cannot be bought and are key to the benefits TAP offers the neighborhood. In this way conversations are started and new connections are made, creative processes are explained and understood, and new ideas come about.

Programming, CommunityInside Southwest DetroitOctober 28, 2019wheatpaste, swdetroit, southwest detroit, tom stoye, PoTAP

Community Open Mic Night

We miss Cafe con Leche. Much of the community does. Aside from great coffee it was a haven for good company and a hub for creativity. The Vernor and Scotten store front inspired chit chat and a constant conspiring of ideas that often grew from the coffee tables to impact the broader community. One of those impacts included Grace In Action’s Open Mic nights that were held monthly at the now-closed coffee shop. `

The Open Mic nights were originally created as “a space to build community and relationship where everyone is welcome and encouraged to share their gifts of music and poetry no matter their skill level." according to Pastor John Cummings of Grace In Action.

This is part of what we are missing. And we talk about it. It is why Grace In Action convened community partners Garage Cultural and Inside Southwest to help reinstate the popular program. Last week it happened.

The Community Open Mic lifts up creatives and connects community in a way that creates the space for chatter and process as Cafe con Leche did.

Inside Southwest Detroit was excited to host In the midst of Porch on TAP artist residency activities that have invited in the community in new ways and introduced the space as a place to gather and celebrate each others’ talents. Neighbors who regularly visit the building were introduced to new networks of musicians, spoken word, and performing artists while the artists were able to share their work in a home field community setting.

Organizers and performers Gabriel Duran and Mari Sanchez reached out to creatives—some seasoned, some shy—to sign up for slots or just come out to support those who did.

“There was a lot of first-time performers that needed an intimate setting to perform. And other performers that have had artistic block were inspired.” said Nyasia Valdez.

Artists and audience engaged with one another during the event and were encouraged to connect and build with repeated announcements to share social media channels on the dry erase board. Nyasia added, “A lot of people added each other and now look interested in attending each others’ events.”

Programming, CommunityInside Southwest DetroitJuly 25, 2019swdetroit, southwest detroit, potap, open mic, ElsmereAndAvis

Young Detroit Photo Society Kicks Off with A Photo Walk

Three youth serving photo programs in Detroit—Capturing Belief, Darkroom Detroit, and Inside Southwest Detroit—came together to develop the Young Detroit Photo Society (YDPS) as a program that introduces the youth of Detroit to photography by way of also introducing them to each other and their own city.

With an emphasis on skill building in photography, youth from various neighborhoods around Detroit meet and serve as each others’ guides as they participate in photo-based scavenger hunts that ultimately produce community-driven narratives about places and their time together. The program supports youth in developing photographic competencies, exploring and learning about different places around the city, and connecting and building relationships with youth from various communities and backgrounds.

Inside Southwest Detroit recently hosted the first edition when more than 20 young photographers from around the city met at their space at Avis and Elsmere. They were greeted by photo mentors, also from various neighborhoods and organizations around the city.

Eight of the participants were from Southwest Detroit and served as guides in groups on photo walks that covered a half square mile. Having gone in different directions, the young photogs reunited at the building to share their photos with mentors and each other then collaboratively selected and captioned photos that would best depict the routes they traveled. Together the body of work forms a photo narrative of the community and their time together.

No part of this effort would be possible without the mission and vision of the organizations and the shared passion and values of the photographers that each contributed to developing and facilitating this first YDPS project. A special thanks to La Sirena Studio and the Documenting Detroit Fellowship for their support and roles as mentors to the young photographers of the YDPS.

Community, ProgrammingInside Southwest DetroitDecember 15, 2018young detroit photo society, ydps, southwest detroit, swdetroit, 8869avis, photography, mentoring, partnerships, programming

SNAPSHOT: Reflexiones / Reflections Opening At Cafe Con Leche

Cafe con Leche on Vernor and Scotten hosted the opening for Lisa Luevanos' photography exhibit 'Reflexiones' on Friday, May 4, 2012. Lisa has sought to celebrate and preserve Latino heritage in her work over the past three decades. Born and raised in Southwest Detroit, her photographs document various aspects of the history of the neighborhood. For a night the coffee shop was transformed into a venue in overt celebration of and community. Several generations of artists from the community came together to enjoy coffee, view the exhibit, and even work on costumes and other props for the Cinco de Mayo parade. Lisa's exhibit will remain on display at Cafe con Leche, now open 7 days a week, through the end of June.

CommunityInside Southwest DetroitMay 11, 2012cafe con leche, vernor, coffee shop, Lisa LuevanosComment