Detroit Evening Report: State bills protecting indigenous students’ rights move forward; Highland Park tree lighting + more

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a bill package moving forward in the state legislature that would protect Indigenous students’ rights to wear tribal regalia to graduation ceremonies; the upcoming deadline to apply for Detroit Neighborhood Beautification grants and more.

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Anti-discrimination legislation for indigenous students moves forward

State legislation that will allow indigenous students to wear traditional tribal regalia to graduation ceremonies is moving forward. At least 12 other states have passed similar laws to allow indigenous people to honor their traditions at public events. Tribals members say the move will help build trust with schools in their communities. Regalia and objects that would be protected under the new law would be any items that hold tribal ancestral or ceremonial significance for Native American people, such as headdresses, masks, feathers, or beadwork.  The House Higher Education Committee approved the bills to go to vote. 

 New report offers latest data on Arab American community

A new report released by the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey is being called the most comprehensive data on Arab Muslim and Chaldean Americans across the country. It’s called the “Portrait of Arab Americans” and estimates there are between 3 and 5 million Arab Americans nationwide. Historically, the community has been undercounted because Arabs have been legally categorized as white in government data such as the census. To view the report or for more information visit arabnarratives.org.

Application window open for Detroit Neighborhood Beautification grants

The deadline to apply for a grant through Detroit’s Neighborhood Beautification Program is Dec. 13. Block clubs, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $15,000. Grants can be used for community gardens, public space improvements, and clean up activities. This is the fifth and final round of the beautification program. The city is looking to award up to 96 organizations a total of $1.4 million. Visit the city of Detroit’s website for more information.

We The People, Detroit vs. Everybody launch ‘Water for Everybody’ campaign

Detroit vs Everybody and We the People of Detroit will celebrate Human Rights Day with the launch of the “Water for Everybody” campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness about water justice and advocacy for equitable water policies. The event will feature community leaders, influencers, and policymakers taking the Water Affordability Pledge to spotlight water access as a basic human need. The event will be at the Detroit Vs Everybody Store on 44 W Columbia Street in Detroit on Tuesday, December 10th from 4:00pm to 7:00 pm. 

Highland Park tree lighting

Highland Park is hosting its City Tree Lighting and A Christmas in the Park event from 3-6 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 7, with the lighting ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. The event will feature music, crafts and treats and take place at Massachusetts Park, 12170 Woodward Ave., Highland Park. To volunteer or sponsor, contact Sydney Spight at 248-228-6369.  

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.