Detroit Studies Symposium 2026: Understanding Urban Transformation and Research Justice

April 24th | Reuther Library and Archives | Wayne State University Symposium The Detroit Studies Symposium seeks to bring together scholars, community leaders, and activists to explore Detroit’s complex history and ongoing transformation. Drawing from interdisciplinary approaches within urban studies, architecture, art and design, anthropology, and history the symposium will critically examine themes of urban decline, racial justice, economic restructuring,…

April 24th | Reuther Library and Archives | Wayne State University

Symposium
The Detroit Studies Symposium seeks to bring together scholars, community leaders, and activists to explore Detroit’s complex history and ongoing transformation. Drawing from interdisciplinary approaches within urban studies, architecture, art and design, anthropology, and history the symposium will critically examine themes of urban decline, racial justice, economic restructuring, and the prospects for building a more equitable city. By engaging with Detroit-focused research and fostering dialogue on community-led solutions, the symposium aims to deepen our understanding of how Detroit studies can inform practical policy changes and social equity in post-industrial cities.

Partners

This symposium is made possible with seed money from the Wayne State University Humanities Center through the Detroit Studies Working Group, funding from the Wayne State University Urban Studies & Planning Program, support from the UM Detroit Center, and coordination led by DETROITography.

Humanities Center

Detroit Studies Working Group, Wayne State University

✓ Detroit Studies Working Group

✓ Coordinating Committee

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Dept. Urban Studies and Planning

Wayne State University

✓ Coordinating Committee

✓ Lunch Sponsor

✓ Print Support

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Detroit Center

University of Michigan

✓ Coordinating Committee

Become a Sponsor