https://simplecast.com The Common Wealth The Common Wealth Podcast tackles economic development challenges and identifies tools used to empower disinvested communities in Detroit and beyond. We examine the central question. Can community economic development meaningfully advance economic, racial, and social justice? The Regents of the University of Michigan en Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:43:19 +0000 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:43:29 +0000 https://the-common-wealth.simplecast.com The Common Wealth https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/03e29a23-010d-4cdc-a857-6402754671ac/f2e41fd0-9393-4fb5-8daf-673019e1ea09/3000x3000/thecommonwealthsquarelogo61726.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://the-common-wealth.simplecast.com episodic The Common Wealth Podcast tackles economic development challenges and identifies tools used to empower disinvested communities in Detroit and beyond. We examine the central question. Can community economic development meaningfully advance economic, racial, and social justice? Dana Thompson false https://feeds.simplecast.com/LMF_OeW8 community development, community economic development, economic development, economic justice, urban community development University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic ceclawclinic@umich.edu 52e29de3-174e-4375-a411-81437c867fca How Community Organizations Are Advancing Renewable Energy: Lessons from Detroit Community development organizations play a vital role in advancing renewable energy projects that promote environmental sustainability, reduce energy costs, create economic opportunity, and strengthen local communities.

In this episode, host, attorney, and University of Michigan law professor Dana Thompson speaks with Dr. Tony Reames, Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Dr. Reames is a former Presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration, where he held several senior leadership roles within the U.S. Department of Energy focused on energy justice and community-based clean energy initiatives. She is also joined by Mary Braun, Green Projects Director at the North End Woodward Community Coalition (NEWCC), a Detroit-based social justice and community development organization dedicated to equitable systems change, community ownership, and neighborhood wealth building.

Together, they discuss how community development organizations are leveraging renewable energy projects to advance climate and energy justice, expand economic opportunity, and ensure that communities share in the benefits of the clean energy transition. Using Detroit as an example, they explore lessons that can help communities across the country develop more equitable and sustainable approaches to renewable energy. This conversation offers valuable insights for nonprofit leaders, community developers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of renewable energy, equity, and community impact.

]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:43:19 +0000 ceclawclinic@umich.edu (University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic) https://the-common-wealth.simplecast.com/episodes/advancing-renewable-energy-energy-justice-and-community-development-lessons-from-detroit-XGIE_n3t Community development organizations play a vital role in advancing renewable energy projects that promote environmental sustainability, reduce energy costs, create economic opportunity, and strengthen local communities.

In this episode, host, attorney, and University of Michigan law professor Dana Thompson speaks with Dr. Tony Reames, Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Dr. Reames is a former Presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration, where he held several senior leadership roles within the U.S. Department of Energy focused on energy justice and community-based clean energy initiatives. She is also joined by Mary Braun, Green Projects Director at the North End Woodward Community Coalition (NEWCC), a Detroit-based social justice and community development organization dedicated to equitable systems change, community ownership, and neighborhood wealth building.

Together, they discuss how community development organizations are leveraging renewable energy projects to advance climate and energy justice, expand economic opportunity, and ensure that communities share in the benefits of the clean energy transition. Using Detroit as an example, they explore lessons that can help communities across the country develop more equitable and sustainable approaches to renewable energy. This conversation offers valuable insights for nonprofit leaders, community developers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of renewable energy, equity, and community impact.

]]> How Community Organizations Are Advancing Renewable Energy: Lessons from Detroit University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic 00:38:08 Community development organizations play a vital role in advancing renewable energy projects that promote environmental sustainability, reduce energy costs, create economic opportunity, and strengthen local communities. In this episode, host, attorney, and University of Michigan law professor Dana Thompson speaks with Dr. Tony Reames, Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Dr. Reames is a former Presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration, where he held several senior leadership roles within the U.S. Department of Energy focused on energy justice and community-based clean energy initiatives. She is also joined by Mary Braun, Green Projects Director at the North End Woodward Community Coalition (NEWCC), a Detroit-based social justice and community development organization dedicated to equitable systems change, community ownership, and neighborhood wealth building. Together, they discuss how community development organizations are leveraging renewable energy projects to advance climate and energy justice, expand economic opportunity, and ensure that communities share in the benefits of the clean energy transition. Using Detroit as an example, they explore lessons that can help communities across the country develop more equitable and sustainable approaches to renewable energy. This conversation offers valuable insights for nonprofit leaders, community developers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of renewable energy, equity, and community impact. Community development organizations play a vital role in advancing renewable energy projects that promote environmental sustainability, reduce energy costs, create economic opportunity, and strengthen local communities. In this episode, host, attorney, and University of Michigan law professor Dana Thompson speaks with Dr. Tony Reames, Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Dr. Reames is a former Presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration, where he held several senior leadership roles within the U.S. Department of Energy focused on energy justice and community-based clean energy initiatives. She is also joined by Mary Braun, Green Projects Director at the North End Woodward Community Coalition (NEWCC), a Detroit-based social justice and community development organization dedicated to equitable systems change, community ownership, and neighborhood wealth building. Together, they discuss how community development organizations are leveraging renewable energy projects to advance climate and energy justice, expand economic opportunity, and ensure that communities share in the benefits of the clean energy transition. Using Detroit as an example, they explore lessons that can help communities across the country develop more equitable and sustainable approaches to renewable energy. This conversation offers valuable insights for nonprofit leaders, community developers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of renewable energy, equity, and community impact. false full 6 2076ebde-93fc-407e-a1d4-143f1c2a4c77 The Common Wealth Season Two Trailer This is Season 2 of The Common Wealth and the podcast looks and sounds a little different.  What remains consistent is that Dana Thompson, University of Michigan law professor and community development leader, sits down with community leaders, from grassroots organizers to government officials in metro Detroit and beyond for thoughtful, dynamic conversations. The podcast examines the projects and policies shaping urban communities and asks a critical question: can these tools truly create systemic, lasting change? This season, The Common Wealth takes a closer look at energy policy at both the national and local level speaking with the people behind community solar initiatives that are helping residents lower their energy costs.  Dana also interviews two metro Detroiters working to preserve livable neighborhoods through community land trusts. And the podcast explores the role of arts and community expression as forces for empowerment and collective strength. We hope these inspiring, informative conversations expand your perspective about the capacity of the individual to impact their community.  Enjoy Season 2!

]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:20:00 +0000 ceclawclinic@umich.edu (University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic) https://the-common-wealth.simplecast.com/episodes/the-common-wealth-season-two-trailer-Hg5r8tiA This is Season 2 of The Common Wealth and the podcast looks and sounds a little different.  What remains consistent is that Dana Thompson, University of Michigan law professor and community development leader, sits down with community leaders, from grassroots organizers to government officials in metro Detroit and beyond for thoughtful, dynamic conversations. The podcast examines the projects and policies shaping urban communities and asks a critical question: can these tools truly create systemic, lasting change? This season, The Common Wealth takes a closer look at energy policy at both the national and local level speaking with the people behind community solar initiatives that are helping residents lower their energy costs.  Dana also interviews two metro Detroiters working to preserve livable neighborhoods through community land trusts. And the podcast explores the role of arts and community expression as forces for empowerment and collective strength. We hope these inspiring, informative conversations expand your perspective about the capacity of the individual to impact their community.  Enjoy Season 2!

]]> The Common Wealth Season Two Trailer University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic 00:01:40 This is Season 2 of The Common Wealth and the podcast looks and sounds a little different. What remains consistent is that Dana Thompson, University of Michigan law professor and community development leader, sits down with community leaders, from grassroots organizers to government officials in metro Detroit and beyond for thoughtful, dynamic conversations. The podcast examines the projects and policies shaping urban communities and asks a critical question: can these tools truly create systemic, lasting change? This season, The Common Wealth takes a closer look at energy policy at both the national and local level speaking with the people behind community solar initiatives that are helping residents lower their energy costs. Dana also interviews two metro Detroiters working to preserve livable neighborhoods through community land trusts. And the podcast explores the role of arts and community expression as forces for empowerment and collective strength. We hope these inspiring, informative conversations expand your perspective about the capacity of the individual to impact their community. Enjoy Season 2! This is Season 2 of The Common Wealth and the podcast looks and sounds a little different. What remains consistent is that Dana Thompson, University of Michigan law professor and community development leader, sits down with community leaders, from grassroots organizers to government officials in metro Detroit and beyond for thoughtful, dynamic conversations. The podcast examines the projects and policies shaping urban communities and asks a critical question: can these tools truly create systemic, lasting change? This season, The Common Wealth takes a closer look at energy policy at both the national and local level speaking with the people behind community solar initiatives that are helping residents lower their energy costs. Dana also interviews two metro Detroiters working to preserve livable neighborhoods through community land trusts. And the podcast explores the role of arts and community expression as forces for empowerment and collective strength. We hope these inspiring, informative conversations expand your perspective about the capacity of the individual to impact their community. Enjoy Season 2! false full 5 b2ca089a-c1ad-49be-8c1b-dc0334fac75f What Is Community Economic Development—and Why It Matters What does it really take to build thriving, equitable communities?

In this episode, we dive into the world of community economic development (CED)—what it is, how it’s evolved in the U.S., and whether market-based and other policies are actually making a difference. From federal policy to grassroots activities, we unpack how CED shapes real lives and neighborhoods.

Joining us is Professor Priya Baskaran, Associate Professor of Law at American University’s Washington College of Law and director of the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic. With deep experience providing free legal support to small businesses and entrepreneurs, Professor Baskaran brings a unique, hands-on perspective to what CED looks like in practice—and why it matters now more than ever.

Whether you're curious about policy, passionate about social change, or working to make a difference in your own community, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Professor Priya Baskaran’s American University WCL Faculty page - https://www.american.edu/wcl/faculty/baskaran.cfm

American University WCL Entrepreneurship Law Clinic - https://www.american.edu/wcl/academics/experientialedu/clinical/theclinics/elc/

Professor Dana Thompson’s University of Michigan Law School Faculty page - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/dana-thompson

University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics/community-enterprise-clinic-0

]]> Thu, 7 Aug 2025 19:24:28 +0000 ceclawclinic@umich.edu (University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic) https://the-common-wealth.simplecast.com/episodes/what-is-community-economic-developmentand-why-it-matters-vO_qCLEC What does it really take to build thriving, equitable communities?

In this episode, we dive into the world of community economic development (CED)—what it is, how it’s evolved in the U.S., and whether market-based and other policies are actually making a difference. From federal policy to grassroots activities, we unpack how CED shapes real lives and neighborhoods.

Joining us is Professor Priya Baskaran, Associate Professor of Law at American University’s Washington College of Law and director of the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic. With deep experience providing free legal support to small businesses and entrepreneurs, Professor Baskaran brings a unique, hands-on perspective to what CED looks like in practice—and why it matters now more than ever.

Whether you're curious about policy, passionate about social change, or working to make a difference in your own community, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Professor Priya Baskaran’s American University WCL Faculty page - https://www.american.edu/wcl/faculty/baskaran.cfm

American University WCL Entrepreneurship Law Clinic - https://www.american.edu/wcl/academics/experientialedu/clinical/theclinics/elc/

Professor Dana Thompson’s University of Michigan Law School Faculty page - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/dana-thompson

University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics/community-enterprise-clinic-0

]]> What Is Community Economic Development—and Why It Matters University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic 00:48:06 What does it really take to build thriving, equitable communities? In this episode, we dive into the world of community economic development (CED)—what it is, how it’s evolved in the U.S., and whether market-based and other policies are actually making a difference. From federal policy to grassroots activities, we unpack how CED shapes real lives and neighborhoods. Joining us is Professor Priya Baskaran, Associate Professor of Law at American University’s Washington College of Law and director of the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic. With deep experience providing free legal support to small businesses and entrepreneurs, Professor Baskaran brings a unique, hands-on perspective to what CED looks like in practice—and why it matters now more than ever. Whether you're curious about policy, passionate about social change, or working to make a difference in your own community, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Professor Priya Baskaran’s American University WCL Faculty page - https://www.american.edu/wcl/faculty/baskaran.cfm American University WCL Entrepreneurship Law Clinic - https://www.american.edu/wcl/academics/experientialedu/clinical/theclinics/elc/ Professor Dana Thompson’s University of Michigan Law School Faculty page - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/dana-thompson University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics/community-enterprise-clinic-0 What does it really take to build thriving, equitable communities? In this episode, we dive into the world of community economic development (CED)—what it is, how it’s evolved in the U.S., and whether market-based and other policies are actually making a difference. From federal policy to grassroots activities, we unpack how CED shapes real lives and neighborhoods. Joining us is Professor Priya Baskaran, Associate Professor of Law at American University’s Washington College of Law and director of the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic. With deep experience providing free legal support to small businesses and entrepreneurs, Professor Baskaran brings a unique, hands-on perspective to what CED looks like in practice—and why it matters now more than ever. Whether you're curious about policy, passionate about social change, or working to make a difference in your own community, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Professor Priya Baskaran’s American University WCL Faculty page - https://www.american.edu/wcl/faculty/baskaran.cfm American University WCL Entrepreneurship Law Clinic - https://www.american.edu/wcl/academics/experientialedu/clinical/theclinics/elc/ Professor Dana Thompson’s University of Michigan Law School Faculty page - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/dana-thompson University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics/community-enterprise-clinic-0 urban development, mutual aid, professor dana thompson, university of michigan law school community enterprise clinic, economic justice, professor priya baskaran, university of michigan law school, american university washington college of law entrepreneurship law clinic, cooperative economics, community development, community economic development false full 4 03b8db95-cae4-4d31-b322-23a6d877e5ed Bridging Divides: The Impact of the Gordie Howe Bridge Project on Southwest Detroit  

In this episode of The Common Wealth, we dive into the complex and far-reaching impact of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project on Southwest Detroit. From promises of revitalization to concerns about displacement, our conversation explores both the benefits and the burdens this massive infrastructure project has brought to the community.

 

We’re joined by three deeply knowledgeable and passionate guests:

 

Theresa Landrum, longtime Delray resident and environmental activist,

 

Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din, Former President and CEO of the Southwest Detroit Business Association, and

 

Simone Sagovac, Project Director of the Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition.

 

Together, they unpack the meaning of “community benefits,” the Community Benefits Agreement tied to the bridge, and how area residents and small businesses—especially in the Delray neighborhood in Southwest Detroit—are navigating the economic fallout and opportunities that have come with this development.

 

Tune in for a candid conversation about equity, resilience, and the real cost of progress.

 

 

Professor Dana Thompson's UM Law Faculty page - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/dana-thompson

Professor Dana Thompson's LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-thompson-jd-aba10b22/

University of Michigan Law School's Community Enterprise Clinic - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics/community-enterprise-clinic-0

Theresa Landrum - https://caphedetroit.sph.umich.edu/project/theresa-landrum/

Simone Sagovac - https://www.detroiturc.org/southwest-detroit-community-benefits-coalition

Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din -https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-chavez-wazeerud-din-842b18191/

Gordie Howe Bridge Community Benefits - https://swdetroitcbc.org/about-us/

Gordie Howe Bridge - https://gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/

]]> Tue, 3 Jun 2025 04:43:00 +0000 ceclawclinic@umich.edu (University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic) https://the-common-wealth.simplecast.com/episodes/bridging-divides-the-impact-of-the-gordie-howe-bridge-project-on-southwest-detroit-DKL6q7ZC  

In this episode of The Common Wealth, we dive into the complex and far-reaching impact of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project on Southwest Detroit. From promises of revitalization to concerns about displacement, our conversation explores both the benefits and the burdens this massive infrastructure project has brought to the community.

 

We’re joined by three deeply knowledgeable and passionate guests:

 

Theresa Landrum, longtime Delray resident and environmental activist,

 

Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din, Former President and CEO of the Southwest Detroit Business Association, and

 

Simone Sagovac, Project Director of the Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition.

 

Together, they unpack the meaning of “community benefits,” the Community Benefits Agreement tied to the bridge, and how area residents and small businesses—especially in the Delray neighborhood in Southwest Detroit—are navigating the economic fallout and opportunities that have come with this development.

 

Tune in for a candid conversation about equity, resilience, and the real cost of progress.

 

 

Professor Dana Thompson's UM Law Faculty page - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/dana-thompson

Professor Dana Thompson's LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-thompson-jd-aba10b22/

University of Michigan Law School's Community Enterprise Clinic - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics/community-enterprise-clinic-0

Theresa Landrum - https://caphedetroit.sph.umich.edu/project/theresa-landrum/

Simone Sagovac - https://www.detroiturc.org/southwest-detroit-community-benefits-coalition

Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din -https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-chavez-wazeerud-din-842b18191/

Gordie Howe Bridge Community Benefits - https://swdetroitcbc.org/about-us/

Gordie Howe Bridge - https://gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/

]]> Bridging Divides: The Impact of the Gordie Howe Bridge Project on Southwest Detroit University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic 01:00:55 In this episode of The Common Wealth, we dive into the complex and far-reaching impact of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project on Southwest Detroit. From promises of revitalization to concerns about displacement, our conversation explores both the benefits and the burdens this massive infrastructure project has brought to the community. We’re joined by three deeply knowledgeable and passionate guests: Theresa Landrum, longtime Delray resident and environmental activist, Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din, Former President and CEO of the Southwest Detroit Business Association, and Simone Sagovac, Project Director of the Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition. Together, they unpack the meaning of “community benefits,” the Community Benefits Agreement tied to the bridge, and how area residents and small businesses—especially in the Delray neighborhood in Southwest Detroit—are navigating the economic fallout and opportunities that have come with this development. Tune in for a candid conversation about equity, resilience, and the real cost of progress. In this episode of The Common Wealth, we dive into the complex and far-reaching impact of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project on Southwest Detroit. From promises of revitalization to concerns about displacement, our conversation explores both the benefits and the burdens this massive infrastructure project has brought to the community. We’re joined by three deeply knowledgeable and passionate guests: Theresa Landrum, longtime Delray resident and environmental activist, Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din, Former President and CEO of the Southwest Detroit Business Association, and Simone Sagovac, Project Director of the Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition. Together, they unpack the meaning of “community benefits,” the Community Benefits Agreement tied to the bridge, and how area residents and small businesses—especially in the Delray neighborhood in Southwest Detroit—are navigating the economic fallout and opportunities that have come with this development. Tune in for a candid conversation about equity, resilience, and the real cost of progress. dana thompson, theresa landrum, southwest detroit community benefits coalition, professor dana thompson, gordie howe international bridge, community benefits agreement, simone sagovac, laura chavez-wazeerud-din, gordie howe bridge false full 3 af45a1e4-51cc-451e-9a19-05b2a857cff5 Black Food Sovereignty and Cooperative Economics: A conversation between Community Activist and Leader Malik Yakini and The Common Wealth Podcast Host and UM Law Professor Dana Thompson In this episode of The Common Wealth, University of Michigan Law Professor Dana Thompson is in conversation with community leader and activist Malik Yakini.  Malik Yakini is an urban farmer, guitarist, Black food sovereignty activist, institution builder, and a founder and former Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) organization.  The two discuss the meaning of Black food sovereignty, food security, food apartheid, food deserts, and cooperative economics. Dana Thompson also discusses with Mr. Yakini, the Detroit Food Commons project and the Detroit People’s Food Coop.  The Detroit Food Commons project is a $23 Million, 2 story, 31,000 square feet community development project spearheaded and co-developed by DBCFSN.  The project’s anchor tenant is the Detroit People’s Food Coop which is a Black-led, community-owned grocery store cooperative.  It also includes a banquet-hall rental space, commercial kitchens for rent to food entrepreneurs, and DBCFSN’s office space.  The project brings the Detroit People’s Food Coop grocery store to a neighborhood in Detroit that didn’t have a grocery store in its boundaries.  The University of Michigan Law School’s Community Enterprise Clinic provided the primary legal services to the project.

 

Malik Yakini’s Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn Pages -https://www.instagram.com/beblackandgreen/

https://www.facebook.com/malik.yakini/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/malik-yakini-313a4928

Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network’s Website - https://www.dbcfsn.org/

Detroit Food Commons’s Website - https://www.dbcfsn.org/detroitfoodcommons

Detroit People’s Food Coop’s Website - https://detroitpeoplesfoodcoop.com/

Professor Dana Thompson's UM Law Faculty page - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/dana-thompson

Professor Dana Thompson's LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-thompson-jd-aba10b22/

]]> Tue, 6 May 2025 13:10:19 +0000 ceclawclinic@umich.edu (University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic) https://the-common-wealth.simplecast.com/episodes/black-food-sovereignty-a-conversation-between-community-activist-and-leader-malik-yakini-and-the-common-wealth-podcast-host-and-um-law-professor-dana-thompson-jdffGRxa In this episode of The Common Wealth, University of Michigan Law Professor Dana Thompson is in conversation with community leader and activist Malik Yakini.  Malik Yakini is an urban farmer, guitarist, Black food sovereignty activist, institution builder, and a founder and former Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) organization.  The two discuss the meaning of Black food sovereignty, food security, food apartheid, food deserts, and cooperative economics. Dana Thompson also discusses with Mr. Yakini, the Detroit Food Commons project and the Detroit People’s Food Coop.  The Detroit Food Commons project is a $23 Million, 2 story, 31,000 square feet community development project spearheaded and co-developed by DBCFSN.  The project’s anchor tenant is the Detroit People’s Food Coop which is a Black-led, community-owned grocery store cooperative.  It also includes a banquet-hall rental space, commercial kitchens for rent to food entrepreneurs, and DBCFSN’s office space.  The project brings the Detroit People’s Food Coop grocery store to a neighborhood in Detroit that didn’t have a grocery store in its boundaries.  The University of Michigan Law School’s Community Enterprise Clinic provided the primary legal services to the project.

 

Malik Yakini’s Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn Pages -https://www.instagram.com/beblackandgreen/

https://www.facebook.com/malik.yakini/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/malik-yakini-313a4928

Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network’s Website - https://www.dbcfsn.org/

Detroit Food Commons’s Website - https://www.dbcfsn.org/detroitfoodcommons

Detroit People’s Food Coop’s Website - https://detroitpeoplesfoodcoop.com/

Professor Dana Thompson's UM Law Faculty page - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/dana-thompson

Professor Dana Thompson's LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-thompson-jd-aba10b22/

]]> Black Food Sovereignty and Cooperative Economics: A conversation between Community Activist and Leader Malik Yakini and The Common Wealth Podcast Host and UM Law Professor Dana Thompson University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic 01:14:40 In this episode of The Common Wealth, a podcast about community development and economic justice in Detroit and other urban communities, University of Michigan Law Professor Dana Thompson is in conversation with community leader and activist Malik Yakini. Malik Yakini is an urban farmer, guitarist, Black food sovereignty activist, institution builder, and a founder and former Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) organization. The two discuss the meaning of Black food sovereignty, food security, food apartheid, food deserts, and cooperative economics. Professor Thompson, who is the founding director of the Zell Entrepreneurship Clinic as well as the director of the Community Enterprise Clinic also discusses with Mr. Yakini, the Detroit Food Commons project and the Detroit People’s Food Coop. The Detroit Food Commons project is a $23 Million, 2 story, 31,000 square feet community development project spearheaded and co-developed by DBCFSN. The project’s anchor tenant is the Detroit People’s Food Coop which is a Black-led, community-owned grocery store cooperative. It also includes a banquet-hall rental space, commercial kitchens for rent to food entrepreneurs, and DBCFSN’s office space. The project brings the Detroit People’s Food Coop grocery store to a neighborhood in Detroit that didn’t have a grocery store in its boundaries. The University of Michigan Law School’s Community Enterprise Clinic provided the primary legal services to the project. In this episode of The Common Wealth, a podcast about community development and economic justice in Detroit and other urban communities, University of Michigan Law Professor Dana Thompson is in conversation with community leader and activist Malik Yakini. Malik Yakini is an urban farmer, guitarist, Black food sovereignty activist, institution builder, and a founder and former Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) organization. The two discuss the meaning of Black food sovereignty, food security, food apartheid, food deserts, and cooperative economics. Professor Thompson, who is the founding director of the Zell Entrepreneurship Clinic as well as the director of the Community Enterprise Clinic also discusses with Mr. Yakini, the Detroit Food Commons project and the Detroit People’s Food Coop. The Detroit Food Commons project is a $23 Million, 2 story, 31,000 square feet community development project spearheaded and co-developed by DBCFSN. The project’s anchor tenant is the Detroit People’s Food Coop which is a Black-led, community-owned grocery store cooperative. It also includes a banquet-hall rental space, commercial kitchens for rent to food entrepreneurs, and DBCFSN’s office space. The project brings the Detroit People’s Food Coop grocery store to a neighborhood in Detroit that didn’t have a grocery store in its boundaries. The University of Michigan Law School’s Community Enterprise Clinic provided the primary legal services to the project. detroit people's food coop, dana thompson, detroit black community food sovereignty network, new market tax credits, d-town farm, private foundations, malik yakini, professor dana thompson, university of michigan law school community enterprise clinic, economic justice, local food movement, food apartheid, food security, real estate development, urban agriculture, black food sovereignty, cooperative economics, urban farm, university of michigan, community development, detroit food commons, community economic development false full 2 75116434-fa07-4634-beae-fa2281ec112a University of Michigan Regent Mark Bernstein and The Common Wealth Podcast Host and UM Law Professor Dana Thompson Take on Community Development in Detroit In the inaugural episode of the anticipated podcast on the nexus between higher education and community economic development, called The Common Wealth, University of Michigan Law Professor Dana Thompson invites University of Michigan Regent Mark Bernstein as her first guest.  The two discuss Bernstein's legal and professional career and the University of Michigan's impact on the City of Detroit as well as it's continued engagement with the state's largest city. Professor Thompson, who is the founding director of the Zell Entrepreneurship Clinic as well as the director of the Community Enterprise Clinic also discusses with Regent Bernstein the University of Michigan's Center for Innovation in Detroit, which is being billed as a world-class research, education, and entrepreneurship center designed to stimulate economic development in Michigan's urban core.

Regent Mark Bernstein's Bio - https://regents.umich.edu/regents/mark-j-bernstein/

Professor Dana Thompson's UM Law Faculty page - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/dana-thompson

Professor Dana Thompson's LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-thompson-jd-aba10b22/

University of Michigan Law School's Community Enterprise Clinic - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics/community-enterprise-clinic-0

 

 

]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:06:29 +0000 ceclawclinic@umich.edu (University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic) https://the-common-wealth.simplecast.com/episodes/mark-bernstein-the-university-of-michigan-and-community-development-in-detroit-O919GPIf In the inaugural episode of the anticipated podcast on the nexus between higher education and community economic development, called The Common Wealth, University of Michigan Law Professor Dana Thompson invites University of Michigan Regent Mark Bernstein as her first guest.  The two discuss Bernstein's legal and professional career and the University of Michigan's impact on the City of Detroit as well as it's continued engagement with the state's largest city. Professor Thompson, who is the founding director of the Zell Entrepreneurship Clinic as well as the director of the Community Enterprise Clinic also discusses with Regent Bernstein the University of Michigan's Center for Innovation in Detroit, which is being billed as a world-class research, education, and entrepreneurship center designed to stimulate economic development in Michigan's urban core.

Regent Mark Bernstein's Bio - https://regents.umich.edu/regents/mark-j-bernstein/

Professor Dana Thompson's UM Law Faculty page - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/dana-thompson

Professor Dana Thompson's LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-thompson-jd-aba10b22/

University of Michigan Law School's Community Enterprise Clinic - https://michigan.law.umich.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics/community-enterprise-clinic-0

 

 

]]> University of Michigan Regent Mark Bernstein and The Common Wealth Podcast Host and UM Law Professor Dana Thompson Take on Community Development in Detroit University of Michigan Law School Community Enterprise Clinic 00:31:55 In the inaugural episode of the anticipated podcast on the nexus between higher education and community economic development, called The Common Wealth, University of Michigan Law Professor Dana Thompson invites University of Michigan Regent Mark Bernstein as her first guest. The two discuss Bernstein's legal and professional career and the University of Michigan's impact on the City of Detroit as well as it's continued engagement with the state's largest city. Professor Thompson, who is the founding director of the Zell Entrepreneurship Clinic as well as the director of the Community Enterprise Clinic also discusses with Regent Bernstein the University of Michigan's Center for Innovation in Detroit, which is being billed as a world-class research, education, and entrepreneurship center designed to stimulate economic development in Michigan's urban core. In the inaugural episode of the anticipated podcast on the nexus between higher education and community economic development, called The Common Wealth, University of Michigan Law Professor Dana Thompson invites University of Michigan Regent Mark Bernstein as her first guest. The two discuss Bernstein's legal and professional career and the University of Michigan's impact on the City of Detroit as well as it's continued engagement with the state's largest city. Professor Thompson, who is the founding director of the Zell Entrepreneurship Clinic as well as the director of the Community Enterprise Clinic also discusses with Regent Bernstein the University of Michigan's Center for Innovation in Detroit, which is being billed as a world-class research, education, and entrepreneurship center designed to stimulate economic development in Michigan's urban core. dana thompson, detroit community development, santa ono, regent mark bernstein, professor dana thompson, university of michigan law school community enterprise clinic, economic justice, university of michigan law school, university of michigan regents, university of michigan center for innovation in detroit, mark bernstein, community economic development false full 1