In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WDET-FM 101.9 is partnering with Documenting Detroit and local media makers to produce a multimedia series called “COVID Diaries: Stories of Resilience,” which will illustrate life and resilience during the outbreak in Southeast Michigan.
The coronavirus pandemic is causing unimaginable loss and tragedy, and Detroit is one of the hardest-hit cities in the United States. During this challenging time, Detroiters have also responded to the crisis with innovation, creativity, generosity and support for people in need.
As an expansion of WDET’s StoryMakers initiative, WDET will support six independent media makers to document their experiences during this time using collaborative photo essays, audio diaries and creative writing. Together, these will be stories of resilience. Featured artists and producers include Amy Sacka, Courtney Wise Randolph, Darryl DeAngelo Terrell, Erik Paul Howard, Rachel E. Thomas and Rosa María Zamarrón.
Each producer will receive the same weekly assignment to document their world through the lens of a particular theme. Their first assignment, “Take a Breath,” will be released the week of April 20. Stories will appear on Instagram, WDET’s website and WDET’s CultureShift weekday program. WDET asks people to follow this series @wdetdetroit or by subscribing to the StoryMakers newsletter.
WDET also invites the public to share their own COVID Diaries. Follow WDET on Instagram for weekly prompts, take a picture or video that reflects your own interpretation of the weekly theme, and post your photo, tagging @wdetdetroit and #WDETCOVIDDiaries.
About StoryMakers
Detroit StoryMakers is a new approach to telling the stories that change how we experience metro Detroit. We train, connect and support media makers from communities across the region and share their stories with the world. Produced by WDET and made possible with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
For additional information, please contact StoryMakers Project Coordinator David Leins at david.leins@wdet.org or visit wdet.org/storymakers.
About WDET-FM 101.9
For more than 70 years, from our Midtown Detroit location on the campus of Wayne State University, WDET-FM 101.9, Detroit’s NPR Station, delivers a unique mix of news, conversation, special programs and music programming. Our powerful 48,000-watt broadcast signal reaches a 70-mile radius across all of Southeast Michigan, Northwest Ohio and Southwest Ontario. It expands nationally through our live stream, website, mobile app and podcasts. WDET-FM 101.9 is a community service of Wayne State University. Support for WDET comes from Wayne State, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, local foundations, and through private donors and corporate underwriting.