Episode 1

Carolyn Pruitt completed her BA in Political Science and MA in Social Justice. Born and raised in the Midwest-Tireman area, she is passionate about her neighborhood and advocates for it by supporting community leaders and their organizations in various projects. She takes great pride in her community, its arts, culture, history, and her family’s humble beginnings. And feels a deep sense of responsibility to share the history of the community and restore its beauty.

Ms. Pruitt sees Detroit’s residents as being resourceful in the present while optimistically planning. She believes understanding Detroiters’ pride and connection to the city lends itself to meaningful, sustainable practice. It shows in her transformative work with the butterfly rain garden at LaNita’s Memorial Park and as the executive director of My Community SPEAKS. The park is a tribute to her mother and is a very close project to her heart.

Her work with LaNita’s Memorial Park exemplifies how vacant land can be transformed into sustainable open spaces for community-based recreational use.

The goal is to be a resource and inspiration for resident-centered, environmentally conscious projects throughout the city. She said, “When one community/ organization successfully achieves their goal(s), it lets others know that they too can achieve theirs.”

Information regarding LaNita’s Memorial Park can be found here: lanitasmemorialpark.my.canva.site