Diversity & Equity

Coverage of programs that deal with gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, and socioeconomic status; are focused on fair access to resources and opportunities; and, those that create environments where people feel welcome, respected, and fully accepted.

AAoM NAT Conference vendors include autistic artists and entrepreneurs.

Beyond awareness, autism acceptance affirms neurodiversity and improves lives

The Autism Alliance of Michigan and other advocates for autistic people are working hard to move from raising autism awareness to fostering autism acceptance. 

Latest in Diversity & Equity
The Phoenix Center in Pontiac, 2015.
‘A major moment’: Demolition work begins at Phoenix Center in downtown Pontiac

“This is a turning point for Pontiac’s future,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “For decades, many have disinvested in Downtown Pontiac, limiting its potential. Now, we are unlocking the opportunity to attract businesses and bring new energy to our county seat.”

K-9 Mase.
Oak Park’s first K-9 officer retires after eight years of service

On March 31, the first K-9 officer and handler in Oak Park retired from the city's Department of Public Safety after eight years of tail-wagging dedication. Named after an Oak Park officer who died while on duty in 2008, K-9 Mase is renowned for his outstanding tracking abilities.

St. Blase Catholic Church in Sterling Heights.
PHOTOS: Places of worship for the many faiths of Sterling Heights

The many places of worship of Sterling Heights.

Fish and Chips at 342 Bar & Grill in Dearborn Heights.
Hooked on Lent: Five fish fry’s to check out in Metro Detroit

Earlier this month marked the beginning of the Lenten season, where many people across the metropolitan area indulge in what is known as Fish Fry Fridays. Metromode dives into some of the places people can enjoy and celebrate this tradition.

LittleGuide Detroit proves to be a huge resource for families with little ones

Life with kids can feel overwhelming and costly. LittleGuide Detroit provides event guides, lists with free activities, birthday party ideas, local parks, recreation, and more for families. We spoke with founder Kerry Doman on how this newsletter, website and social media presence provides to families seeking out fun in the area.

Gala rocks and raises funds to advocate for autistic Michiganders

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, its largest fundraiser, will rock Detroit’s Motor City Casino Hotel on April 25, 2025 with “an electrifying evening blending a black-tie event with a rebellious twist.” 

This is how to do mental health: Community outreach builds access

The staff of Michigan’s community mental health agencies aren’t sitting at their desks waiting for the phone to ring. They are out in their communities letting people know that mental health care is within reach. 

“We’re not just investors with a bunch of money trying to capture revenue. We are a real family-owned business that’s working hard at supporting ours and other families,” says Rick Fandakly, co-owner of Boozy's Bar & Grill in Hazel Park.
Hazel Park’s newest business hopes to spark a more robust commercial corridor in city’s South End

“We’re not just investors with a bunch of money trying to capture revenue. We are a real family-owned business that’s working hard at supporting ours and other families,” says Rick Fandakly, co-owner of Boozy's Bar & Grill in Hazel Park.

Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.
OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Our Partners

City of Oak Park

Don't miss out!

Everything Detroit, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.