As Thanksgiving approaches, the team at Detroitisit decided to explore what Detroit’s change makers are thankful for when it comes to the city they call home. Detroit is filled with passionate individuals who, through their work, help define the city’s character and drive its progress. To capture a range of perspectives, we spoke with four Detroiters who are making an impact in different areas: technology, arts, cultural heritage, and mobility innovation.
Meet our contributors: Johnnie Turnage, a Detroit native, tech entrepreneur, and co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays, who uses his platform to create pathways for underrepresented communities in tech; Jeffrey J. Anderson, executive VP and COO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, with a career dedicated to strengthening cultural and human services institutions; Scott Hocking, a sixth-generation Detroiter and installation artist, sculptor and photographer whose works often highlight Detroit’s urban landscape; and Tony Geara, the Deputy Chief of Mobility Innovation for Detroit, who is pioneering smart transportation solutions to foster accessibility for all Detroiters.
Together, they share what makes Detroit special to them—from community resilience and the spirit of innovation to diversity and cultural heritage. Their reflections paint a picture of gratitude that highlights Detroit’s unique character.
Q: What aspects of living or working in Detroit are you most grateful for, and why?
Turnage: Detroit is a city built on resilience, community, and a culture that thrives on mutual support. Living and working here means being surrounded by people who constantly uplift and lean into each other’s growth. I’m most grateful for the spirit of unity in Detroit—how we show up for one another, no matter the challenges. This sense of belonging, collaboration, and genuine care for the city’s progress is what makes Detroit special.
JOHNNIE TURNAGE
Anderson: One thing I really like about Detroit is the diversity. There obviously is a huge African American population, as well as a large Middle Eastern population, Mexican population, Irish population, etc. No matter whether you’re in the city of Detroit or venturing out into some of the suburbs, you are constantly in contact with people different from you. I think it makes for a richer experience and, for me, that’s very refreshing
Hocking: I think I’m most grateful for how the city continues to give me ideas and inspire me to stick around. I’ve been living and working as an artist in Detroit since the 90s, and the city has changed a lot since then. Yet I can still find the Detroit of the 1980s I remember as a kid, juxtaposed with a new Detroit that gives me five different options for where to get a coffee. I like that it’s a city always in flux, but still gives me space and time to create and live as an artist. I’m thankful for the new cool things, but also thankful that what I loved about from 30 years ago can still be found.
SCOTT HOCKING
Geara: I’m grateful for Detroit’s resilient spirit, its creativity in overcoming adversity, and its dynamic, innovative culture. Our communities are uniquely driven to reinvent and uplift the city, creating a place where true innovation and community impact thrive. The city’s history of overcoming challenges together fuels an atmosphere of determination and creative approaches to mobility. I’m also thankful to be part of a passionate team under the Mayor’s Cabinet in the Office of Mobility Innovation, and to work alongside a community of leaders and residents focused on equitably embracing transformation. Together, we welcome new ideas and strive to inspire responsible progress and meaningful change.
Q: What projects, advancements, or events in Detroit in 2024 are you especially thankful for?
Turnage: Detroit is experiencing a remarkable transformation, driven by the resilience, unity, and support of its people. The city’s rise as a national star is no accident—it’s because of the collective effort and belief in Detroit’s future.
Black Tech Saturdays (BTS) Launched in 2023, and because of our partnerships with organizations like Think Technologies and Connect 313 and many others, it’s quickly evolved from a small initiative to a full-blown tech renaissance, impacting over 14,000 people.
In 2024, Detroit’s tech scene surged with events like the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit, which hosted nearly 90 speakers and engaged almost 2,000 students in STEM fields and tech. These efforts are bringing economic growth and national attention, with more visitors and businesses choosing Detroit as their base.
JEFFREY ANDERSON
Anderson: I would say the NFL draft that was here in April stands out to me because it put Detroit in the spotlight. I live downtown and it was incredible to see three-quarters of a million people here from all over the world, many of whom maybe had perceptions about Detroit but had never been here before. What Detroit has to offer was on full display and many of them will be back.
Hocking: On a personal level, I was just part of a great project that brought ten Detroit artists to Paris, to exhibit our artwork in the US Ambassador to France’s estate, and take part in a beautiful dinner party, where the new Michelin Guide to Detroit was unveiled. To be one of the ten artists asked to be an artist-ambassador was a huge honor, and I’m excited to see where a Detroit-Paris connection might lead next. On a broader level, it’s just astonishing to see buildings like Michigan Central Station and Fisher Body Plant 21 getting renovated rather than being demolished. After watching so much history be erased via the wrecking ball for decades, I’m just really thankful that the tides have turned, and these architectural gems are being saved.
Geara: In 2024, I’m especially thankful for the progress made in expanding the city’s plans for safer roads through data and technology, the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and the launch of two deployments of self-driving shuttles. These initiatives have made mobility more accessible and sustainable, demonstrating Detroit’s leadership in future transportation technologies while enhancing residents’ quality of life.
TONY GEARA
What are you most looking forward to regarding the advancement of the city of Detroit in 2025?
Turnage: Looking ahead to 2025, I’m most excited about the continued growth of Detroit’s economy and seeing more friends and community members win. We’re attracting more visitors, investors, and entrepreneurs who are choosing Detroit as their home and business base. Watching the city thrive and become a beacon for tech, culture, and innovation is fulfilling, but it’s also about seeing our people succeed. If we don’t see each other winning and lifting each other up, then we miss the point of building a better Detroit. I’m looking forward to all of us succeeding together, as we make Detroit a premier tech and cultural hub for the nation.
Anderson: In 2025, I look forward to Detroit’s growth as a hub for both urban innovation and natural beauty, blending cityscapes with accessible green spaces. I’m looking forward to the continued growth in terms of its population and investment in the city, and neighborhoods. As someone who runs the Detroit Riverfront daily, I am looking forward to a 2025 grand opening of the 22 acres of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. It’s one more step for the Conservancy’s ultimate vision to develop and connect five-and-a-half miles of riverfront to create a unique destination and dynamic gathering place for all Detroiters to enjoy the outdoors.
Hocking: Seeing the old Fisher Body 21 factory get reincarnated is personally super exciting to me. I’ve lived within walking distance from FB21 for the past 27 years, and I spent so much time in there when it was abandoned, I used to call it my second home. So, watching it transform through 2025 will be awesome.
Geara: I’m looking forward to scaling mobility solutions that prioritize equity and sustainability in 2025. The continued expansion of smart infrastructure and partnerships with tech companies and universities will be crucial in making Detroit a model city for innovative, inclusive, and future-ready transportation solutions. This approach ensures that our city is prepared to keep pace with the realities and challenges posed by new technologies and innovations. Automation and artificial intelligence, in particular, are set to transform the status quo for decades to come.
As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on all things Detroit.
