All are invited to attend this forum on June 30, 2016 for county, citywide and district candidates in northeast Detroit. The event starts at 7pm at Conner Creek, 4777 E Outer Drive.

Block clubs or neighborhood associations that wish to cosponsor this event may communicate that by email [link]. Cosponsorship commitment only requires that you agree to notify your members and encourage their attendance.

Social Movements Gathering: Welcome to Detroit!

Social Movements Gathering: Welcome to Detroit!

We're excited to share this Invitation with you to join the upcoming International Social Movements Gathering on Water and Affordable Housing in Detroit, MI from May 29-31, 2015. This regional, national and international gathering will bring together social movement organizations and justice groups working in defense of water and housing affordability and access.

On the SocialMovementsGathering.info website, you'll find links for Registration and Lodging that we've arranged. As more information becomes available, including a Schedule, we will post it here.

Please make arrangements to join the Detroit conveners and many other groups expected to attend!

Social Movements Gathering: Schedule

Social Movements Gathering: Schedule: The following is the schedule of events for the International Social Movement Gathering on Water and Affordable Housing being held May 29-31 in Detroit.

Michigan Welfare Rights Organization: International Network ESCR files legal brief in su...

Michigan Welfare Rights Organization: International Network ESCR files legal brief: For immediate release International human rights network intervenes in case challenging large-scale disconnection of water supply to tens of thousands of low-income residents in Detroit.

Water Shutoffs declared violation of human rights by United Nations

Freedom Fridays first targeted the Detroit Water Board's actions as directed by the Emergency Manager's staff in early June.

Looking at how delinquencies are being handled is why the United Nations has warned Detroit about possible human rights violations.

Who is Responsible for Shutoff Activities

Gary Brown, Detroit's appointed Chief Operating Officer, is the most known executive behind the water shutoffs, and is known for shutting off electric in 90 degree Sept 12, 2013 in downtown - paralyzing the city and causing health problems as a result. [1][2]

"We had to send them a strong message by turning the power off", says Gary Brown.

Brown, former City Council pro tem was selected by Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr's leadership and moved to Assistant Emergency Manager at the end of 2012 with the COO title and salary moving from roughly $80,000 to $225,000. There are questions as to how legal this move was from one position to another, as detailed in the Michigan Citizen. [3] The end of 2012 saw a lot of upheaval in Detroit City Council. Charles Pugh fled office after the EM denied leave request, and Kwame Kenyatta was in hospital fighting for his life resigning from office in June. City Council was extremely weakened (6 of 9 remaining), and Saunteel Jenkins became acting City Council president [4] for the remainder of the year until election was held.

References

1. Detroit Emergency Mgr staff intentionally cut power during heat wave, stranding people in elevators, Daily Kos
2. Unelected Detroit Official Gary Brown Turns Off City Power In Some Areas (Video), Opposing Views 
3. Council leaders test ethical boundaries, Michigan Citizen
4. Saunteel Jenkins Elected Detroit City Council President To Replace AWOL Charles Pugh, Huffpost Detroit