Are Detroit’s neighborhoods getting safer? The city’s police department says yes, thanks in part to community violence intervention programs. Homicides and non-fatal shootings have gone down in the city, but do residents feel safer? Do you feel safer?
Chef Greg Beard is the owner of Chef Greg’s Soul – N – the Wall, a restaurant in the Bagley neighborhood. For over 20 years, the restaurant has thrived as the neighborhood changed. And he wants to engage in conversation about protecting communities through being neighborly.
Brick houses in Detroit’s Bagley neighborhood.
Back in April, Chef Greg became a victim of gun violence and his perspective about his role in the community changed. He hosted a rally, asking residents of the community “what does it mean to be a good neighbor?”
Bagley is a community, like so many in Detroit, that’s seen demographic changes over the years.
Once home to a large Jewish community, the neighborhood changed rapidly after the 1967 rebellion. Today, the community remains a strong example of Black homeownership and legacy.
Just last week, the city broke ground on a $9 million development that will be home to an artisan market, event and office space for small businesses.
Chef Beard joined Tia Graham in-studio to talk more about connecting with neighbors to foster safer communities.
