An estimated 20,000 participants from around the country and globe gathered in Detroit for the Forum that issued several noteworthy declarations. (Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us USA)

US Social Forum Ends with Declarations on Children, Segregation

By Karen H. Samuels/Tell Us USA News Network

The US Social Forum in Detroit has wrapped up its weeklong conference of workshops, informal gatherings, and peaceful protests with declarations of change on a broad spectrum of issues.

An estimated 20,000 participants from around the country and globe gathered in Detroit for the Forum that issued several noteworthy declarations.

A call to challenge Congress not to support renewal of “No Child Left Behind” when it comes up for approval in the fall was announced and closer to home; a campaign to overcome regional segregation was introduced.

The formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to examine the impact of regional housing segregation in the Detroit metropolitan area, was announced by the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion and the Housing Project Partnership.



The division between black and white in our regions is one of the biggest impediments to rebuilding southeast Michigan said Thomas Costello, President and CEO of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion. “Metro Detroit and the state of Michigan will not return to prosperity until the history and continued effects of race and housing segregation are addressed.”

For those who say racial segregation is ancient history and has no impact on today, Costello says these people are simply wrong, despite the ideal of a colorblind society and an African American in the White House. He said “This is not about blame; it’s about truth-telling and acknowledgement of what took place in Detroit and taking responsibility for making a change.

Community leaders signed a Declaration of Intent for the establishment of Michigan’s first Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Housing Segregation, its history and continued efforts. Signers of the Declaration included, Judge Damon Keith, Congressman John Conyers, Debbie Dingell, Heaster Wheeler Detroit NAACP and many other individuals.