Detroit Equity Action Lab
We develop leaders who work to end structural racism in Detroit.
We are co-creating a multiracial and multigenerational network of racial equity leaders. Our role is to equip leaders with tools to disrupt racism and create equitable alternatives together.
Shared Understanding
We build a shared understanding of racial equity from a personal to structural lens.
Skills and Tools
We develop the skills and tools needed to disrupt racism and create equitable alternatives.
Relationships
We co-create a space to deepen relationships within a multiracial and multigenerational network of racial equity leaders.
Our Latest
Introducing the DEAL 8 Racial Equity Fellows
Through our Racial Equity Fellowship, we bring together emerging and experienced leaders — in arts and media, community development, education, environment, food security, health care, housing, and more sectors — with a deep commitment to racial equity.
We're excited to share the newest cohort with you! Meet the fellows.
'Voices from the Grassroots' Oral History Project
An Oral History Project Documenting Grassroots Organizing for Racial Equity in Detroit
This project documents how grassroots activists in Detroit have challenged systemic racism during the era of emergency management by building movements for a more just and equitable city. This collection aims to preserve, honor, and amplify the voices of grassroots organizers during this pivotal moment in Detroit’s history.
Launched in October 2023, the Voices from the Grassroots website showcases inspiring, diverse stories of resistance through grassroots activism in Detroit.
Check it out for yourself! Visit voicesfromthegrassroots.org to see the profiles, oral history interviews, and more.
National Day of Healing from Racism
In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we collaborate every January to host the National Day of Healing from Racism. At our 2024 event, we learned how to talk about racism's impact and how to use practices—including meditation, art, breath work, movement, song, and improvisational performance—to guide us on our journey of healing from racism.
Save the date for our next National Day of Healing from Racism on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 at Wayne State University!
Today@Wayne Feature
The Detroit Equity Action Lab prepares to train a new generation of social justice activists
"Our goal is to increase the fellow’s capacity, and we hope that, as they add to their racial equity toolkit, they will share what they’re learning within their communities and organizations where they work or volunteer." — Asandi Conner, DEAL Director
Cover Story: 'All Eyes on Detroit'
“All Eyes on Detroit” tells the story of how our work at the Detroit Equity Action Lab (DEAL) is developing a national blueprint in Detroit designed to empower local communities to fight structural racism from the ground up.
"With a focus on lifting others to dismantle structural racism, the Detroit Equity Action Lab has discovered a new way to transform hearts and minds in Detroit — and across the country."
We're honored to have an amazing team leading and designing our Racial Equity Fellowship, all of whom are alumni of the program. Learn more in the recently released feature story on our work.