This section represents the voice of the neighborhood. Keeping us up to date on what's happening in the neighborhoods where One Detroit has worked. We can offer a platform for their stories to continue to be told authentically.
Robert D. Tompkins is a freelance digital strategist and technical trainer, who was born and raised in Detroit. Robert graduated from Marygrove College with a degree in business and also from Specs Howard School of Media Arts with a certificate in graphic design.
He has done work for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Mississippi-Booneville Unit, Metro Youth YMCA, Central Michigan University Upward Bound, Marygrove College, Wayne State University, Detroit Branch NAACP, AFSCME Local 1659 and the Wayne County Clerk’s Office. His articles have appeared in BLAC Detroit, Tower Times and other publications.
He has been involved in many community groups, including the Coalition to End Unconstitutional Tax Foreclosures, the Political Education Committee (Detroit Branch NAACP) and 5 Alive, as well as serving in leadership positions in professional organizations.
His love of the city prompted his interest in how the neighborhood of Islandview wasn’t waiting to be saved but rather went about saving itself. This true Spirit of Detroit attitude paved the way for Robert to be in a position to not only highlight what’s happening in and around Islandview but how its approach can be copied elsewhere.
Islandview is ripe with potential not just in its land but also in the talent and character of its residents. Robert aims to magnify the light beaming from Islandview so the rest of Detroit can see the power that lies within.
Michigan has experienced a rise in maternal deaths as highlighted in an in-depth report by Detroit News. Of particular concern is the disproportionate impact on women of color. Dawn Shanafelt, Director of the Division of Maternal & Infant Health in the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, discusses the disparities among women of color, how to address the problem and more.
