The community activist group, New Era Detroit, will be visiting OU next week to hold an open panel discussion on social conditions and issues affecting Detroit and the surrounding metro area.

Formed in August 2014, New Era Detroit is focused on encouraging intra-community solidarity and empowering African Americans to secure both economic and political influence in their communities — particularly in the City of Detroit.

Since inception, New Era Detroit has organized several protests, community meetings and neighborhood clean-ups around the city. They have also sponsored two annual Angel’s Night block parties, to help curb arson and other crime on the eve of Halloween.

The leaders of New Era Detroit have been frequently quoted and featured in local Detroit news and the organization has been mentioned in national publications such as Ebony magazine.

The open panel discussion will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., in the Lake Michigan room of the Oakland Center and will be hosted by The Association of Black Students. Noted Detroit activist and entrepreneur Kwasi Akwamu will also be joining the discussion. 

This will be the first of a series of forums New Era Detroit plans to have at local area colleges and universities. The hashtag “#riottalks” is being used to promote the discussions and build awareness of the program.