My parents grew up in Detroit and deeply loved the city. My childhood was filled with stories of walking to school, hanging out with cousins who lived mere blocks away. It was only when my parents found out they were expecting a child – me! – that they decided to move to the suburbs.
It was 1969 and Detroit at the time had a reputation as the crime capital of the country. People thought it was funny to wear t-shirts saying “I survived Detroit”. But not my parents. My dad loved to bring us to the city to visit the churches that used to be synagogues. Dad would take us to meet the pastors, share the Jewish history of the buildings and hear about the church. We would visit the houses my parents and grandparents lived in, and meet the current inhabitants, sharing stories about the neighborhood, the house, the community.
I learned how Detroit was a factory town, how it drew people looking for jobs, for opportunity. I learned about the redlining of black families, and Jews.
These childhood trips to Detroit left an indelible mark on me. They taught me through their actions how to build and sustain relationships. They taught me to value and learn about my own history, as well as the history of the communities around me. And they taught me to listen to people’s voices, and people’s stories. I credit my parents with helping me become the person I am today.
Cheryl Cook is CEO of Avodah, investing in Jewish justice leaders across the United States. www.avodah.net
