This Virtual Detroit Social Justice Immersion will explore the story of Detroit through the lens of race. Daily themes include housing, food justice, music as an agent of social change, water shutoffs and activism. There will also be time for optional fun activities, small group discussions and reflection on our experiences. This will be a collaborative program with students and staff from University of Scranton and Canisius College, both Jesuit universities. See below for a full schedule. Coordinated by University Ministry, the immersion experience will take place Jan. 11-15, 2021 and will be presented virtually via Zoom. Each day we will begin at 9 a.m., have a two-hour break for lunch and end each day by 3 p.m.
What are the time expectations for virtual immersion participants?
Participants are required to attend all sessions. During the week of the immersion experience, we will be meeting for approximately 4 hours per day. These gatherings will be divided up into three separate 1-1.5-hour sessions. There will also be optional social activities each evening such as a game night, yoga and a cooking class. See below for a more detailed schedule and timeline for the gatherings.
Application Process
There is no cost to participate in the immersion, but participants do need to complete a short application as spots are limited. Email Sr. Erin McDonald, CSJ, at mcdonaej@udmercy.edu to apply. The immersion is open to all Detroit Mercy students, both undergraduate and graduate. The priority deadline is Wednesday Jan. 6, but we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis after that point until all spots are filled. For questions and more information, please contact Erin McDonald, CSJ at mcdonaej@udmercy.edu.
Tentative Schedule
Please note: most morning sessions will run from 10-11:30 a.m. and most afternoon sessions will run from 1:30-3 p.m. Reflections will be approximately one hour long and will take place from 9-10 a.m. each morning. Please note this is a tentative schedule and subject to change. A final schedule will be announced once the immersion gets closer.
Monday Jan. 11: Welcome
Session #1 – 10-11:30 a.m. (90 minutes via Zoom)
- Welcome, introductions and orientation
Session #2 – 1:30-3 p.m. (90 minutes via Zoom)
- Orientation to the story of Detroit: History, social context, racial justice
Optional evening activity: Social hour and online games
Tuesday Jan. 12: Music as an agent of social change
Morning reflection – 9-10 a.m.
Session #3 – 10-11:30 a.m. (90 minutes via Zoom)
- Presentation and discussion on how Motown music has influenced Detroit and the many ways Motown was an agent of social change.
Session #4 – 1:30-3 p.m. (90 minutes via Zoom)
- How is music an agent of social change today? (Interactive session)
Optional evening activity: Taize Meditation (Via Zoom – Using a Youtube Video of Live Taize Prayer/Mediation session. Approx. 30 minutes)
Wednesday Jan. 13: Social Justice in Housing & Water Justice/Shut Offs
Morning reflection – 9-10 a.m.
Session #5 – 10-11:30 a.m. (90 minutes via Zoom)
- Detroit Water Shut Offs
Session #6 – 1:30-3 p.m. (90 minutes via Zoom)
- Detroit Housing Crisis
Optional evening activity (tentative): Virtual Ignatian Yoga Class at 7 p.m.
Thursday Jan. 14: Food Justice and Urban Farming
Morning reflection – 9-10 a.m.
Session #7 – 10-11:30 a.m. (90 minutes via Zoom)
- Eastern Market: Virtual Tour and Discussion on Food Equity
Session #8 – 1:30-3 p.m. (90 minutes via Zoom)
- Food justice and COVID-19
Optional evening activity: Interactive Cooking Lesson with Chef Phil Jones
Friday Jan. 15: Healing and Activism
Morning reflection – 9-10 a.m.
Session #9 – 10-11:30 a.m. (90 minutes via Zoom)
- Advocacy/Contemplatives in Action
Session #10 – 1:30-3 p.m. (90 minutes via Zoom)
- Closing Reflection