The Heidelberg Project, founded by artist and Detroit native Tyree Guyton, has experienced eight arsons from May of 2013 to December of 2013. The project is the vision of a Tyree Guyton a resident of the neighborhood who over three decades has tried to revitalize his neighborhood by turning abandoned, old, dilapidated, buildings and homes into works of art. He uses all types of medium from tires, to self drawn paintings on wood, and just plain trash into works of art. His efforts has made The Heidelberg Project Detroit’s third most popular tourist attraction. Despite the efforts his impact has made on the community financially. The city did nothing to refurbish the older buildings with hopes of bringing families back into the neighborhood. The Heidelberg Project recently contracted with the state’s Department of Education for a three-year program focusing on African American males. All the monies received came from foundations that help assist them with programming in an area where most people would not go or feel is not worth the efforts. Obliviously the citizens feel they are worth the effort and plan to raise enough money to clean up their neighborhood and Tyree has already erected art from the ashes. Heidelberg Street is just another example of government turning a blind eye to impoverished areas. We as citizens need to e=be asking who are these people and should be writing our congressmen and representatives letting them know something has to be done and we can not continue to disregard our nation’s people as we pour billions of dollars into countries that are not ours. So I ask you great citizens to “Rock the Vote”
mgarl001 