dream hampton writes about her childhood in Detroit and her recent return to the city for
The Detroit News:
I've no sweeping, poetic sentiment or condemnation about my city's particular appetite for arson, just a shell of a home that now contributes to the blight on my block. I'd long ago moved on from that neighborhood, but I did move back to Detroit a few years ago.
I want to be a part of the rebuilding of my beloved city. But first, I must tear down the scorched brick house that was my home for most of my life.
Her article brought a tear to my eye.
That is beautifully written and achingly sad. It is always interesting to me to read how some neighborhoods fall apart. At some point, there is a "tipping point" (I hate that phrase but it applies here) when people just stop caring and concede to the bad guys. I have no idea how to affect that...more neighborhood groups? people staying in touch with neighbors? neighborhood watch groups? So, so sad.
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