M a r k D i l l e y

In 1992, a group of community activists coming out of the organization Save Our Sons and Daughters began organizing against the idea that casino gambling could save Detroit. At that time, the city was reeling amidst a shattered economy, crack ravaging the neighborhoods and an epidemic of youth on youth violence in the streets. Then mayor Coleman A. Young challenged the anti-gambling activists to go beyond merely protesting the construction of casinos and to answer the question: if not casinos, what kind of development could save our city?

Detroit Summer was created as an experiment in answering that question. If given the opportunity, could young people transform their communities and themselves at the same time, through projects such as urban gardening, mural painting, house rehabilitation, block parties, and community dialogue?