Northwest Wayne News

The Detroit City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board (HDAB) has launched a study to recognize the histories of the Arab and Chaldean communities in the city. This initiative, made possible by the Underrepresented Communities Grant (URC) from the National Park Service (NPS), aims to identify and preserve historic places related to these immigrant communities.

Detroit has a rich and diverse history, but currently, there are no historic districts or individual properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) that represent the Arab and Chaldean communities. The HDAB's project seeks to change this by conducting a historic property survey and involving community members in sharing their local and family histories.

City Council President Mary Sheffield expressed her excitement about the project, stating, "As we celebrate the awarding of the National Parks Service grant to the Historic District Advisory Board for the historic context survey of Detroit's Arab and Chaldean Communities, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the diverse tapestry of our city's history."

The $50,000 URC grant will fund the survey of Detroit sites related to Arab and Chaldean community history. The HDAB will collaborate with community partners to collect stories and information. Based on community feedback, a site that holds significance to the Arab and Chaldean history will be nominated for listing in the NRHP. This could include businesses, places of worship, schools, and community centers.

Detroit is proud to be the first city in the nation to receive the URC grant, recognizing the contributions of Arab and Chaldean immigrants. The grant not only acknowledges the significance of these communities in shaping Detroit's story but also emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of underrepresented communities.

The study of underrepresented communities is a multi-year initiative by the HDAB, with recent projects including the Eight Mile/Wyoming area, the oldest Black neighborhood in northwest Detroit, and a study of the Latinx community history in Southwest Detroit.

To engage the community, the City of Detroit will be hosting a meeting on February 20th at the WCCCD (Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus), where community members can learn more about the project and contribute their knowledge and stories. The HDAB encourages everyone to join in unearthing the untold narratives of Detroit's Arab and Chaldean community history.

This project is supported by the Underrepresented Communities Grant (URC) from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) administered by the National Park Service. The HPF has been instrumental in funding historic preservation projects, contributing over $2 billion since its inception in 1977. For more information on the URC grant program, visit go.nps.gov/urc.

The HDAB is responsible for advising the City Council on various historic preservation matters, including the designation of local historic districts. The Advisory Board meets regularly to discuss these matters and welcomes community involvement. For more information on the HDAB and its initiatives, visit detroitmi.gov/hdab.

As Detroit embarks on this historic study, it is a testament to the city's commitment to recognizing and preserving the diverse stories that have shaped its past. By honoring the Arab and Chaldean communities, Detroit continues to build bridges of understanding and ensure that every voice contributes to the rich narrative of the city's beloved history.