What: Noted national civil rights and public policy experts, along with more than 200 citizens, will convene in Detroit to kick off an initiative opposing the city's current bankruptcy plan in a national call for more creative solutions to the problems of cities facing municipal distress. In a two-day event that is open to the public, experts in economics, urban housing and transportation will outline alternative plans for defining a new urban agenda for cities like Detroit that have been affected by structural racism.
Media is invited to attend to the final day of the event, where organizers will be available to summarize results of the conference and present initial plans for a more fair and equitable restructuring of Detroit.
"Bankruptcy and Beyond: Organizing for Change in Distressed Cities" is sponsored by the Damon J. Keith Center of Civil Rights, the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society at the University of California Berkley, and the Detroit-based social justice group MOSES (Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength). The following spokespeople will be available for comment:
- john a. powell, professor of law and director of the Haas Institute at University California Berkley
- Ponsella Hardaway, executive director of MOSES
- Peter Hammer, professor of law and executive director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights
- Ron Simms, former deputy secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Carol O'Cleireacain, senior fellow at The Brookings Institution
When:
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Where:
Wayne State University Law School, Spencer M. Patrich Auditorium
471 W. Palmer
Detroit, MI 48202
More Info:
The nearest available parking is located across from the Law School in Parking Structure 1. Cost is $6.50 (debit and credit cards only). Visit http://media.wayne.edu/2014/03/06/conference-april-7-8-at-wayne-law for a full conference schedule and details.