This Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending Good Pitch Local Detroit. 

Hosted by Detroit Narrative Agency, Doc Society, and the Freep Film Festival, Good Pitch Local Detroit brought together media makers, innovators, and community organizers to present their pressing stories to a room full of change makers. Every pitch highlighted a different part of Detroit's robust social justice and media making community. DJJ was among several dozen organizations that got invited to take part in a day of resource sharing, networking, and media/movement cross-fertilization.

With remarks from adrienne maree brown grounding our spirits and breakfast from Guerrilla Food Detroit nourishing our bodies, we settled into the day. In the weeks leading up, media makers and organizers applied to pitch at the event. The finalists had about 5 minutes to speak and about 5 minutes to receive feedback and resource pledges. The pledges were not only of money, but also of time, wisdom, and relationship. The collaborative, innovative model was empowering to pitchers and attendees alike. While DJJ didn't apply to pitch, we were thrilled to be a part of the space nonetheless so as to support some of our partners pitching and build relationships in this expansive, creative, resilient community.

I was moved by the powerful storytelling. I could hear the passion in the voices of those who presented their organizations and made appeals for the resources they needed to move their work forward. I knew that it was truly their life's work. Being in that space reminded me of why I love being a part of DJJ. DJJ gives me something to be passionate about, just like those who shared their stories at Good Pitch.

Pictured below: Willie Ford & John Sloan III presenting on Take Me Home, a documentary series focusing on illegal tax foreclosures in Detroit.