A diverse audience was gathered at the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art on Thursday, April 16th, for the final installment of a three-part panel series on gentrification–this one on the subject of “Gentrification and Urban Development.” The panel was moderated by Stephen Henderson of the Detroit Free Press, and comprised of Malik Yakini, founder and executive director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, which operates the seven-acre D-Town Farm in Detroit’s Rouge Park; Ernest Zachary, founder and vice president for development at Zachary & Associates, a Detroit-based firm specializing in all phases of economic development; Kathleen Colin, director of investments at Oppenheimer & Co. and chapter president for the National Association of Securities Professionals-Detroit; Catherine Kelly, publisher for the Michigan Citizen; and Halima Cassells, a Detroit-based artist and activist who holds leadership roles at many community-based organizations, including the Oakland Avenue Artists Coalition, North End SOUP and The Free Market. George N’Namdi (standing, left) introduces the panel on “Gentrification in Urban Development.” The panel included some of Detroit’s boldest and most eloquent voices on the subject of gentrification—a hot subject in a city where water shut-offs and home foreclosures seem to target the very residents who have hung on for decades to keep the framework intact, all in the name of progress and development that often seems to serve and benefit newcomers of other races and income levels. Yakini is known for his singular blend of tough message with a gentle delivery, but Cassells was the agitator of the evening, delivering scathing assessments of the mechanisms and beneficiaries behind “blank slate” Detroit, and the strategic investment in certain areas. “I’m used to being the most controversial person in the room,” Yakini joked in response to Cassells’ commentary. “Diego and Frida, el arbol de la vida (tree of life)” by Kia. I. Arriaga. These panels, which included “Gentrification and the Arts” on February 19th, and “Gentrification and Business” on March 19th, give space for a sorely needed conversation. It was profound to participate as the panel and audience (which, on this night, included Marsha Music, author of the autobiographical essay “The Kidnapped Children of Detroit”) struggled through the complexities of bringing new life to Detroit without displacing, disenfranchising, or even just ignoring the people who already live here. To this end, Cassells founded O.N.E. Mile. The new magazine focuses on local voices and craftspeople, seeking to shine a positive light on a thriving culture that’s all the more beautiful for having prevailed through endless trials and tribulations. The conversation was set against the backdrop “Mundo Mericas,” the main gallery exhibition of Latin American art currently on display at N’Namdi through May 30th. It’s expertly curated to stand at the intersection of the homemade, heartfelt and high art. Hail to gallerist George N’Namdi, all the panelists, artists and audience members, who made the evening an unforgettable experience—and one that will hopefully invite further conversation.   N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art: 52 E. Forest Ave., Detroit; 313-831-8700; nnamdicenter.org