Drew Mason
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Dedicated residents offer more than ‘food for thought’
It’s the classic case of choosing to be part of the solution and not backing down from a challenge.
When there wasn’t a nearby grocery store in the Brightoor neighborhood in northwest Detroit, a group of residents – known as the Brightmoor Artisans Collective – banded together to find an answer.
The four-square mile neighborhood has seen its share of hardships. And this time, the collective wasn’t in the mood to accept the vagaries of fate.
Years ago, this part of the city was known for affordable housing and home to a diverse range of migrants from the south coming to Detroit to work in the fledgling 1920s automotive industry. For decades, Brightmoor was held up as one of the city’s proudest working-class neighborhoods. In the last few decades of the 20th century, however, the neighborhood became known for blocks of abandoned homes and businesses.
Today, it’s a neighborhood in transition.
To continue on the upward path, the collective had to face the challenge: Not only wasn’t there a nearby grocery store, many residents don’t have transportation to the nearest grocery store two miles away.
Their solution of “locally sourced food” has the makings of a bonanza.
They grow it. They repair it. They sell it. All under one roof.
And, in the Brightmoor neighborhood.
In the video, you’ll see how the neighborhood kitchen is more like a town hall where families and neighbors gather in a spirit of community. And, you’ll be inspired to see a place where adults mentor younger residents, challenging the next generation to take responsibility for their neighborhood.
Brightmoor Artisans Collective Website
Brightmoor Community Kitchen Patronicity Project
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