Language is such a powerful, perception-forming tool, and the language used to describe anything from people, events, and places in mass media, in particular, has a remarkable impact on an individual's formation of ideas. In a look at the large, midwestern city of Detroit, Michigan, my home city, once a megalopolis where the early auto industry was stationed and spread its roots, the constantly evolving outside views of the city reflect shifting narratives. However, my personal views about my city have not changed, as my optimism for the future and love for my city have never wavered despite hardships. As every city has its good and bad days, safer and slightly high-risk areas, I am proud that my upbringing is rooted in my experiences of being from the Seven Mile, Livernois intersection neighborhood, a part of the renowned Avenue of Fashion.
This couple-mile strip of storefronts owned by black, small business owners has stood the test of time, surviving some of the worst periods of Detroit’s history. From boutiques to restaurants, the Ave has it all, with people from all over the city coming to visit for weekends, holidays, etc. From a young age, I took full advantage of my proximity to that world, becoming a regular at some of my favorite stops and forming relationships with many of the owners. After school, I would stop at my favorite Coney Island, Detroit’s iconic restaurants that serve a whole host of good foods typically open twenty-four seven, and have a tasty meal to eat after my walk back home. With initiatives from the city and help from local store owners, the creator of some of the city's most iconic street murals, which are known east and west, he has set up the Ave and continues to work on many more projects in the area. Even to this day, after passing by his works, they never fail to turn my head.
Also, on the avenue, I still fondly remember for my much anticipated senior year homecoming and prom, the owner of one of the men’s fashion boutiques, who is also a good family friend, gave my mother and me a generous, much-needed discount for both of my suits. Even during the school year, I was active on the avenue, but summertime, without a doubt, was and still is the best time to be out on the Ave.
The streets are lined with crowds of people, the sounds of soothing Motown warms the souls, the smell of good food wafts in the air for miles, and the tip-tapping of people dancing along to some of our most famous hustles. Though this hidden gem is still in the city with relatively higher crime and poorer education, I feel the city is going in the right direction by using the Avenue of Fashion as a blueprint for the endless possibilities about what the city can develop into.
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