Detroit Evening Report: EPA invests in solar for low-income families; Detroit seeks feedback for oral history project and more
Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” podcast.
EGLE's Chief Climate Officer Cory Connolly speaks with Tammy Black, Detroit resident and CEO of Communities Power, an organization dedicated to bringing affordable solar energy to low-income communities.
On the latest episode of the Detroit Evening Report, we cover the recent $156 million EPA investment in solar rooftops for low-income families in Michigan, an oral history project documenting Detroit’s Arab American and Chaldean communities and more.
Michigan solar rooftops
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is investing $156 million to provide solar rooftops to Michigan’s low-income families. The Michigan Solar for All initiative hopes to reduce family costs and increase access to clean energy as part of the state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. The program hopes to reduce energy bills by up to 20% per home.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy says MI Solar for All will play a crucial role in combating climate change and promoting renewable energy.
Documenting Arab and Chaldean history
The city of Detroit’s Historic Designation Advisory Board is hosting a meeting to get feedback from community members on an oral history project documenting Detroit’s Arab American and Chaldean communities. The project is funded by the National Parks Services Underrepresented Communities grant to study, record and share stories from these communities. Detroit is the first recipient of the grant.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at America’s Community Council Youth Center, 62 W Seven Mile Rd., Detroit.
Author event at Detroit Public Library
Michigan author Tracie McMillian will discuss her new book, “The White Bonus: Five Families and the Cash Value of Racism in America,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 at the main location of the Detroit Public Library on Woodward Avenue. McMillian will explore whether white America thinks racism is worth the costs with Nancy A. Parker, executive director of the Detroit Justice Center.
Breast and cervical cancer screenings
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding residents to get screened for cervical and breast cancer. The agency says over 40,000 die from breast cancer every year in the U.S. – with about 10,000 people in Michigan being diagnosed with it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says communities of color face more barriers to cancer screening and treatment. That includes challenges with housing, transportation, and the costs of health care.
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program provides free screenings to low-income uninsured individuals. It also provides supplemental coverage for those who are under insured.
Visit michigan.gov for more information.
Older Americans Month
MDHHS is recognizing Older Americans Month this May. The goal is to recognize and honor older adults. This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” promotes the value of social interactions and well-being for older adults. Twenty-five percent of Michigan’s population is 60 or older. That is set to rise in the state over time as people live longer.
MDHHS suggests that community organizations find ways to better engage older adults through recreational and cultural events. People can also share their stories of connection using the hashtag #poweredbyconnection on socials.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
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