3-Detroit Bankruptcy

3-Detroit Bankruptcy.

Not only is Detroit North America's first city to declare bankruptcy, the City did it in 3-D.

Graffiti Artist Ayem and Melo,

Detroit Art Environment- Dabl's African Bead Museum

DETROIT ART ENVIRONMENTS 

Peppered throughout Detroit are citizens who are adapting vacant buildings and land. Creating oasis of original art by decorating walls, whole buildings and large expanses of open land. No where else in North America is such actions taking place on such a grand scale.

Booth Chapel on Chene St. Detroit

Chene Street in Detroit continues to be lined with empty retail stores. Booth Chapel Church in Christ was founded over 30 years ago and  continues to minister.  On a hot  July day Bishop Willis Booth ll stood on a letter touching up the building signage.

The Bishop's church remains a light of religous hope in a barren landscape. In addition to a dedication to his ministry, Bishop Booth is a full time Detroit Police Chaplain. In this role he ministers to police officers and crime victims on the east side of Detroit.

     

"Of course it is hard work running a church and working full time, but it is God's calling" the Bishop said on the ladder while handing me his business card. He cares about people and hopes for a better future.

Oasis with fig tree on John R Street in Detroit

Michael Yousif is very proud of his business, Advance Steering Column Repair. I visited on a June Monday morning and  Mondays are often good for business.  Seven customer calls already this morning from victims of attempted auto theft where the ignition is broken.

Immigrating from Iraq nearly 30 years ago, Michael settled in the Chaldean community on Seven Mile east of Woodward, he has built a strong business. The environment features a rich patch of green grass, apple and peach  trees, and a large fig tree in the garden at the rear of the building. This could be only fig tree in Detroit.

The front courtyard is framed in blue with used steering columns stored  under the tent.

Everything in the interior has an organized place.  The walls, floor, and ceiling is spotless. 

Even the office is amazing. Coordinated colors. a real feeling of being a home.
 

 Michael is very proud of his life in America " I will never go back to Iraq, America is the greatest Country in the World". His built environment is a shinning example of honest values, clean leaving, good service, and a lot of red, white and blue paint.

Mr. Jackson Has It All May 24, 2012

Mr. Jackson is 79 years old and retired. He did not say from what.  Mr. Jackson's home on West Grand St. off Hamilton in Highland Park, Mi. overflows with collected objects. 
He offered me a little lunch while listening to classical music on a cassette player tucked in his shirt pocket.

While talking with Mr. Jackson a woman walks up, looking for a bath tub..." sorry dear, I am out at the moment...check back in a week or so." Mr. Jackson went on talking about being an artist, and exhibiting  a sculpture at the art museum.  The sculpture is displayed on the front porch.

Not far from the art is a fine example of furniture planted at the stairs to the home.

Wandering the landscape you can find just about anything. 

Now don't be discouraged... he may have it .

Small business may not be booming....but you still can find friendly service, a bite of lunch,    and just the fireplace you have always wanted.

The American Dream...owning your own business including fine glassware.