Opinion | Thrive Detroit

21Jun 2020 by delphia

United States of Apocalypse

By Delphia Simmons I read somewhere that the word apocalypse does not mean final destruction and undoing of all things as I had thought, but rather an uncovering, a revelation of what has existed but has not been seen. There have been apocalypses throughout history; I've read about some that belonged to another time. But this apocalypse belongs to us. Like Seers and Prophets of old, we've long seen what others only now see. Bringing light where there is darkness, knowledge where there is ignorance. Caution: Reasons for Ignorance May Vary. Far too many have been in the comfortable illusion of color-blindness, rugged individualism, American idealism, and equal opportunity, while we, as African Americans and people identified as “non-white,” live in the experience and reality of blatant hatred and racism in a built system that we’ve been forced to keep alive and breathing. A…

22Dec 2019 by Thrive

I, Thou, and Homelessness

Editorials, Homelessness, Inequity, Poverty

Delphia Simmons, Editor This Summer I was invited to give a Fall lecture about homelessness. I would be lecturing a group of about 30 active retirees somewhere in Oakland County. I sat with the invitation while gazing out the window from behind my desk with pen in hand. Requests such as these come from a desire for people to know more and to do more. I’ve come to know that even compassionate, well-intentioned people need, and sometimes want, to challenge what they think they know about people who are living without shelter or housing. The words “homeless and homelessness” evoke images, snapshots that prompt thoughts and confirm held beliefs. Although we all want to help, I can never take for granted that we are on the page or that our words have the same meaning.…

23Apr 2019 by delphia

The Misnomer of Affordable Housing in Detroit

Editorials, Homelessness, Opinion

By Delphia Simmons, Editor I cringe when I read or hear the “A-word” uttered in Detroit these days, especially in relationship to housing. As a city, I think we’ve almost forgotten that affordable housing for all is as important to the life of a truly thriving city as shiny new restaurants and shops, perhaps even more so. I wish I could say I believe that Detroit understands this fact. But much of what I hear is easy lip service and background noise. The reality is clearer each day: We are losing housing that is affordable for most residents of Detroit at a pace that is not keeping up with replacement or even the proclamations of new developments with 20% “affordable” units. Adding to the problem is the fact that units…

24Jun 2018 by majallen

Thoughts from Gen Z: Giving You Something to Think ‘Bout…

Life & Community, Opinion, Stories

Giving you something to think ‘bout… Majallen Cespedes (AKA Jelly) Hey guys! It's Jelly! I feel like we haven't talked in a long time! But here I am, new and improved as they say, giving you something to think about. During the time we have been apart, I truly believe that I've changed GREATLY as a person. My outlook on life, my level of maturity, my relationship with God, my way of thinking, how I handle stressful situations, pretty much everything, has changed for the better. Also, in my newfound maturity, I’ve come to realize that you will never succeed, be great, or receive any blessings when you look down on others, especially those with limitations or special needs. Everyone is equal regardless of their outward appearance or perceived limitations,…

20Aug 2015 by delphia

Intentionally Unintentional

Editorials, Opinion, Uncategorized

By Delphia Simmons I strive to maintain a perspective that has a lens on multiple angles of Detroit’s revitalization. I live, work, and play here and believe that, with intentionality, decisions can be made in a way that considers the impact on the economically disadvantaged as just as much a priority as the need to attract and retain those who are not. To that end, I like to give folks the benefit of the doubt in the space between what they say and what they do. Along with being human, there comes the realization that, no matter how well-meaning, we range between hitting the bull's eye and losing the arrow altogether. We can totally miss it. We’ve all been there, but these experiences are not wasted because we can learn…

20Aug 2015 by guest

Why Is Your Kid a Bully? A Discussion on Prevention

Commentary, Life & Community, Uncategorized

By Michelle Moon We’ve all been inundated by the emotionally overwhelming stories of bullied teens committing suicide or going on killing sprees, which are often accompanied by instructional pieces on how to teach your child to recognize bullying, to not be a bystander, and to stand up for the bullied… but I haven’t seen much aimed at preventing bullies from becoming the little nightmares we adults all remember. In other words, what about the parents of the next generation of bullies? Yes, YOU. What is a bully? I think it’s safe to say we all remember bullies in school, whether we were the bully, the bystander, or the bullied. In the classic TV world, the bully is an overgrown, heavily freckled, soulless ginger shaking a fist while demanding milk money…