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Detroit Regional Chamber > Economic Equity & Inclusion > Mayor Mike Duggan: Detroit Must Grow And Move Beyond Racially Divided History

Mayor Mike Duggan: Detroit Must Grow And Move Beyond Racially Divided History

June 23, 2022

Key Takeaways

  • Detroit must be one city, for all of us.
  • Detroit is not a blank canvas; we must respect those who have lived in the city and contributed to the fabric of Detroit.
  • The government owes it to the people to prevent displacement of disadvantaged residents due to private investment.
  • Development will combat economic segregation; there will be a place for people of all incomes in all areas of Detroit.
  • Blight removal is a top priority that must continue, while preserving as many salvageable structures as possible.
  • Detroit must work to build neighborhoods of density, where daily needs of citizens can be met within walking distance.

Returning to the Mackinac Policy Conference, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivered a powerful keynote about the often-forgotten truths of Detroit’s racially charged history along with ideas of how to sustain America’s great manufacturing city by learning from its past.

“We were at a crossroads in the ’50s and ’60s,” Duggan said. “Now we are at another (crossroad), during this important time in the city’s history – we must create a Detroit for all.”

Following Duggan’s keynote address, Paul W. Smith, host of WJR NewsTalk 760 AM, joined him on stage for a one-on-one conversation. The session was sponsored by DTE Energy and aligned with the Conference pillar of increasing economic opportunity.