Dream of Detroit Neighborhood

Guide Community Organization

Strategic Housing Land Develop
Healthy Communia Marginalized
Neighborhood Goal Builda Dense
The
Neighborhood Guide
Thriving
Community
on the West
July
2016
Side Prophetic
Values
Values
Compassionate Living Downtown
Business Entertainment Districts
And Sustainable Neighborhoods
Homeownership In Development
Cooperative Economics To Local
Food Source Access To Education
Renovation The Arts Exploration
Detroit MI Opportunity Empower

Table of Contents
About This Guide........................................................................................................................................... 2
The Muslim Center........................................................................................................................................ 2
Community Staples ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Local Businesses ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Local halal grocers..................................................................................................................................... 6
Notable Local Muslim-Owned Businesses ................................................................................................ 7
Other Notable Establishments .................................................................................................................. 8
Schools & Universities................................................................................................................................... 9

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About This Guide

The DREAM neighborhood is situated in the heart of Detroit. Its a westside neighborhood thats
seen good times and bad, was buoyed and then abandoned by the auto industry, and was once
home to a thriving small business community. Today, our neighborhood is on the cusp of
revitalization thanks to the men and women who've powered Dream of Detroit.
Ours is a neighborhood full of promise for potential residents or investors with a bit of vision,
optimism, and commitment to a resurgent and an equitable City of Detroit.
Please use this guide to learn more about what amenities and resources are available to potential
residents in our neighborhood. We have a long-term plan to create a more walkable area, but we
also know that Detroiters are used to driving, so we have shared many resources that, while not
directly located in our neighborhood, are within a reasonable driving distance.

The Muslim Center

The Muslim Center Mosque and Community
Center has been an anchor in this
neighborhood for 30 years. It is home to one of
the largest Muslim congregations in Detroit
and offers incredible resources for local
Muslims, as well as the broader community.
1605 Davison Fwy, Detroit, MI 48238

Soup Kitchen
The soup kitchen was established to provide
meals for the local underserved community
and has operated consistently on Saturday
mornings for 30 years. Youll often find the
multi-purpose room at the Center filled with
folks gathering non-perishables to take home,
and enjoying a warm meal while theyre there.

Hajj Class
Hajj class has been taught by Hajji Tamra ElAmin for more than 20 years. Her mission
every year is to prepare and teach Muslims
how to perform the spiritual journey to Mecca.
I saw a need for African-Americans coming into Islam to know and understand how to do for
ourselves so that we could be comfortable as Muslims performing the Hajj and Umrah. We need
to be happy and have good self-esteem all for the sake of Allah (swt). Sister Tamra considers
herself a cheerleader instead of a traditional teacher, and serves as a reminder about the Hajj and
its importance.

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Childrens Saturday School

The childrens Saturday class was established to educate young Muslims from age 4 and older
about the basic tenets of Islam. As the instructor, Hajji Catherine Ziyad always engages children
with enthusiasm and creativity.

Arabic Class
Every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 3pm Muhammad Zaki Abdus-Salaam teaches recitation
of the Quran. His class is a valuable asset to children and adults who regularly attend. His
students appreciate that he teaches them at their individual levels and paces of learning.

Daily Halaqat after Fajr

Imam of the Muslim Center, Momodou Ceesay hosts a halaqa and a Quran study class, every
morning after fajr prayer. He explains the historical context and meanings of Quranic stories that
were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He also teaches Quranic recitation to students
who attend.

Monday and Thursday Iftars

For those who choose to fast, every Monday and Thursday, potluck-based iftars are held after
Maghrib prayer. This is a wonderful fellowshipping opportunity and a time to get to meet and get
to know more people in the community.

Saturday Taleem
Shaykh Abdul-Karim Yahya says he is privileged to share and serve in the transmission of
knowledge in the Muslim Center community. In explaining the benefits of establishing a masjidcentered community, he said, Living near the masjid, helps the believers establish the daily

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prayer. Establishing the prayer is a collective obligation and also theres benefit in increasing the
numbers of the believers. And when you increase someones numbers and come together with
them in fellowship and love, you will be resurrected with them. So we should increase the
numbers of those who are pious and those who are praying and those who are serving Allah and
his messenger in an Islamic community. And we should not increase the numbers of those who
disobey Allah or those who neglect those things.

Sunday Taleem
Imam Kafani Ibrahim Hassan Cisse says he has always had a love for teaching. He says the
children learn about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as it is applicable to their lives.
The class also functions as a mentorship so that the children can experience positive role models
in the community. On Sundays, Imam Kafani also provides a class for adults. He describes his
adult class as a real talk approach to a modern-day applicable view of Quranic explanation,
prophetic history, Islamic history and jurisprudence and spiritual enrichment for people in their
everyday lives.

Friday Vendors
Every Friday after Jumuah prayer, the Muslim Center rents out space to people to sell food,
jewelry, clothing, books, DVDs, etc.

ProsperUS Detroit Entrepreneur Training Program

ProsperUS Detroit works with entrepreneurs and community organizations to revitalize
neighborhoods by concentrating micro-enterprise development in low-income immigrant and
minority neighborhoods. The team at ProsperUS Detroit believes that residents, small businesses
and neighborhood groups in all neighborhoods have the talent, energy and ability to engage and
revitalize their own communities. It is their mission to empower entrepreneurs and community
partners to transform low-income neighborhood economies from within.

Lending Library
Lisa Peoples created the Muslim
Center Lending Library as a labor of
love because she wanted to make
children fall in love with reading
again. Mrs. Peoples says, This is
something I felt that I could help with,
a small gesture that could change a
life. Knowledge is power. It opens a
whole new world. The library is
open every Friday after the Jumuah
prayer from 2 pm until 5 pm for story
time, Saturday, and occasionally on
weekdays if there is a need for adults
that sign up for literacy night.

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Community Staples
Though the business presence in our community has waned in recent decades, several important
community institutions have continued to support, serve and invest in this neighborhood.

HUDA Clinic
13240 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit, MI 48238
HUDA Clinic is a free healthcare clinic for the uninsured and underinsured. It has proudly been
serving the Detroit community for over ten years. At the HUDA Clinic, the focus of the
physicians is on helping the patients, not only by providing them with healthcare, but also with
strategies of how to eat and live a healthy lifestyle. As such, introducing healthy fruits,
vegetables, and herbs in ones well-guided diet is a strong proponent to living healthy. Rather
than just telling patients to include these power foods in their meals, the HUDA Clinic loves to
lead by example!

HUDA Urban Garden

13240 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit, MI 48238
The HUDA Urban Garden is an initiative that was started by the HUDA Free Clinic in 2013. It is
an extension of our desire to promote a healthy community by hosting an urban garden! The
HUDA Urban Garden was founded by a group of volunteers at the HUDA Clinic and, today, this
Garden is roughly 6000 square feet, on a piece of land less than 100 feet from the HUDA Clinic.
The patients at HUDA Clinic are able to walk over and help tend to the garden. Of course, if its
ready, theyre able to harvest anything they want at the garden.

Detroit Repertory Theater

13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit, MI 48238
The Repertory is recognized for its pioneering efforts in all phases of theatre and its strong
community involvement. Born and bred in the heart of Detroit, the Repertory, since its inception,
has remained in the theatre vanguard by staunchly advocating interracial casting, creating novel
audience development techniques, stressing theatrical relevancy, inventing an array of cultural
and educational community services and playing an active role in neighborhood revitalization.

Cass Community Social

Services
11745 Rosa Parks Boulevard,
Detroit, MI 48206
Cass Community Social Services
is Detroit-based agency dedicated
to providing food, housing, health
services, and job programs. There
is always something new and
exciting happening at Cass,
including most recently,
announcement of the
development of tiny homes just
south of the DREAM neighborhood to assist in indigent housing.

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Focus HOPE
1355 Oakman Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48238
Recognizing the dignity and beauty of every person, Focus Hope pledges intelligent and practical
action to overcome racism, poverty, and injustice. The goal is to build a metropolitan community
where all people may live in freedom, harmony, trust and affection. Black and white, yellow,
brown and red from Detroit and its suburbs of every economic status, national origin and
religious persuasion are joined in this covenant.

Local Businesses
Detroit is home to a wide-range of Muslim-owned businesses and a number of other companies
offering beneficial services and products. Here are a few highlights.

Local halal grocers

Adams Poultry
2506 Market Street, Detroit, MI 48207
Located in the historic Eastern Market,
Adams offers chicken kaftas, chicken
marinated in spicy tawook, spicy kafta
patties, and other delicious options.

SAAD
2814 Orleans Street, Detroit, MI 48207
and 10029 Vernor Hwy, Dearborn,
MI 48120
Saads provides the finest quality of
100% zabiha halal meats and
poultry. They strive to serve and deliver
their products in a professional and reliable fashion.

Barry & Sons

2496 Orleans Street, Detroit, MI
48207
Barry and Sons is an Islamic
slaughterhouse located in the
Eastern Market.

Al-Haramain
3306 Caniff, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Al-Haramain provides a fresh and
full line of delicious fruits,
vegetables, Middle Eastern foods,
and lots more!

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Notable Local Muslim-Owned Businesses

Hilal Books and Imports
6541 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202
Hilal Books and Imports has been around since 1975. It started out as a bookstore that mainly
specialized in selling books relating to the religion of Islam. Since then, it has expanded to sell
scores of merchandise for many different types of people. It also does international mail ordering
upon customer request.

Caniff Gifts & Variety

2611 Caniff St., Hamtramck, MI 48212
Caniff Gifts & Variety specializes in
Islamic clothing for men, women, and
children. It also sells books, DVDs and
other Islamic items.

Hot Toppings
15539 Schoolcraft Rd, Detroit, MI 48227
Hot Toppings offers a variety of halal
burgers, sandwiches, and fries. There are
more than 30 specialty burgers on the
menu, plus the chance for custom orders.

Kareems Fish Market

4529 Woodward Ave., Highland
Park, MI 48203
For years, Kareems has offered some of
the best chicken and seafood in the area.

Amar Pizza
11608 Conant, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Amar Pizza has been featured in magazines such as the Metro Times, Real Detroit and the Travel
Channel for its unique and tasty dishes. Come by and check out its spicy hot Ghost pizza,
Tandoori Chicken pizza, or its classic Detroit square pizza!

Islamic Bargain
11619 Conant, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Islamic Bargain offers Islamic clothing, oils, jewelry and more.

Shifa Urgent Care

2930 Holbrook St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Shifa Urgent Care is a walk-in clinic that cares for underserved and diverse communities with
sensitivity to the cultural and religious values of its clients. It is less than 15 minutes away from
major freeways. Shifas physician, Dr. Karimah Joseph, is excited about Dream of Detroits
neighborhood expansion plans. As the neighborhood grows around the Muslim Center, she
would like to offer community health classes on prevention, wellness, and emergency
preparedness at the center. Such classes will empower new residents with information about
various health issues.

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Other Notable Establishments

Davison Eateries
Several Davison eateries are within walking distance for a quick ice cold drink or last minute
meal, including coney islands, fast food establishments, and small grocers.

Auto/Mechanic
If you cant make it to you favorite auto
mechanic, there are a couple of local auto
servicing stations available for your auto
servicing needs.

Whole Foods Market

115 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
Detroits first Whole Foods Market
opened almost four years ago. Whole
Foods considers itself a mission-driven
company that aims to set the standards of
excellence for food retailers.

The Water Station

18710 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48203

The Water Station is a part of the Sankofa Life Learning Center. Sankofa Life also includes the
Health Soul Juice Bar and Cafe, and the Urban Organic Farm. The mission of the cohort is to
provide programs, processes and a place to study and practice the ancient arts and sciences of
Natural Healing and Energy Medicine towards Divine Science.

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Schools & Universities

Al-Ikhlas Training
Academy
12555 McDougall, Detroit
MI 48212
Al-Ikhlas Training Academy
is a full-time Islamic school
serving students from
Kindergarten through 12th
grade. For 25 years, it has
provided a caring and
nurturing environment for its
students, and has recently
received recognition as one
of the top independent
schools in the state.

Al-Wali Childcare
12845 Conant, Detroit, MI 48212
Al-Wali Childcare is the first and only child care center of its kind in Metro Detroit. Their goal is
to instill God-consciousness, excellent character, and strengthen the traditional family.

International Islamic Academy

14350 Tireman, Detroit, MI 48228
IIA is dedicated to excellence in education, morals, and ethical values. It provides a rich and
challenging curriculum, fulfilling the requirements of the State of Michigan. In addition, it offers
opportunities for intellectual and personal growth, instilling in students an appreciation for the
treasures, beauty, and richness of an outstanding Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies education.
IIA endeavors to provide a profound understanding of Islam, preparing highly academic
scholars, citizens, and community builders. IIAs mission is to enable students to achieve their
academic best, fostering lifelong learning, responsibility, and leadership for every individual.

Michigan Islamic Academy

2301 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI
MIA is a full time school, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan,
approximately forty-five minutes from Detroit and right across from the University of
Michigans North Campus.

Crescent Academy International

40440 Palmer Rd, Canton, MI 48188
Crescent Academy International (CAI) is a private, college preparatory Islamic school. The
school currently enrolls over 400 students from age 18 months (Montessori Daycare) to Grade 8.
The mission of Crescent Academy is to educate and raise young people imbued with the qualities
of a Muslim personality: devotion to Almighty Allah, commitment to their Islamic principles,
care and service to others, and an understanding of their role in contemporary society. The goal

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of the school is to develop students who are empowered by their Islamic faith and practice to live
as effective, conscientious, and upright citizens in the national and international community
contributing to the betterment of life.

HUDA School
32220 Franklin Rd, Franklin, MI 48025
Huda is a pre-K - 5 elementary school that gives students a solid foundation for further studies
while encouraging each child to fulfill his or her potential. The staff attributes its success to their
parents, volunteers, and community members who have supported the school unfailingly.

U of D Jesuit Academy
8400 South Cambridge, Detroit, MI 48221
University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy is committed to providing the highest
quality of Jesuit college preparatory education to young men in southeast Michigan. U of D
Jesuit, in collaboration with parents, will challenge its students to go beyond academic
excellence, to be reflective, to be committed to the service of personal faith and the promotion of
justice: to be "Men for Others".

Mercy High School

29300 W. 11 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Mercy High School is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women. The student body
is made up of young women from over 70 metropolitan Detroit communities. This broad,
inclusive base provides Mercy with a rich, multi-ethnic constituency from diverse,
socioeconomic backgrounds. The common thread among staff, students and parents is a
commitment to academic excellence, cultural diversity and the integration of Mercy Values into
daily life.

Cass Technical High School

2501 Second Avenue, Detroit, MI 48227
Cass Technical High School, commonly referred
to as Cass Tech, is a four-year university
preparatory high school in Midtown Detroit,
United States. The school is named in honor of
Lewis Cass, an American military officer and
politician who served as governor of the
Michigan Territory from 1813 until 1831. The
school is a part of Detroit Public Schools.

Renaissance High School

6565 W. Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48235
Renaissance High School is one of Detroits premier high schools, offering a rigorous college
preparatory curriculum within a unique college-like setting. The population of slightly more than
1100 students, in grades 9-12, represents a cross section of socio-economic backgrounds. Year
after year, despite graduating an outstanding senior class, it keeps developing another
outstanding contingent of student scholars whose futures abound with unbridled potential. The
school consistently meets its goals and sets academic standards that reflect the commitment of
past and current students, parents and staff.

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Foreign Language Immersion and Cultural Studies (FLICS)

6501 W. Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48235

FLICS is a partial immersion language program where students typically begin their journey in
Kindergarten and leave 8th Grade not only proficient in English, math, science, and social
studies but in a second language of French, Spanish, Chinese, or Japanese. FLICS students are
ready to excel at the countrys leading rigorous, college-preparatory high schools.

A. Philip Randolph Career and Technical High School

7101 Hubbell Street, Detroit, MI 48235
Its primary focus and purpose is to teach students how to learn, and to foster in each child the
desire for lifelong learning. It provides a practical education; combining rigorous academics with
unrivaled career pathways, while offering courses that equip its students to pursue postsecondary education, apprenticeships and immediate productive employment upon graduation.

Wayne State University

42 W. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48202
Wayne State is a preeminent, public, urban research university known for academic and research
excellence, success across a diverse student body, and meaningful engagement in its urban
community. Its home to an incredibly large Muslim student population, and one of the best
medical schools in the nation.

College for Creative Studies

201 East Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202
The College for Creative Studies nurtures the creativity that is vital to the enrichment of modern
culture. The College educates visual artists and designers, knowledgeable in varied fields, who
will be leaders in creative professions that shape society and advance economic growth. The
College fosters students resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, embrace their
responsibilities as citizens of diverse local and global communities, and learn throughout their
lives. The College engages in community service by offering opportunities for artistic
enrichment and opening career pathways to talented individuals of all ages.

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