COVID & Our Economy
This is Part Three of a 4-part study I conducted in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Detroit, my beloved hometown, was ravaged by the pandemic; I felt helpless watching its impact. The study was my attempt to illuminate the humanity and spirit of my home using personal interviews.
Collective Trauma and Resilience
In this part of the study, I discuss impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Detroit’s economy with Dana Harvey. This conversation provides a rich source of information about the specific challenges faced by Detroiters during this time, and how they are coping with these challenges. Together we explore themes of collective trauma, resilience, mental health, and the socio-economic factors contributing to Detroit's unique pandemic experience.
COVID’s Swift Initial Impact
We begin by acknowledging the pandemic's pervasive impact. It quickly became apparent that Detroit’s experience is distinct from other parts of the country. The initial shock of the pandemic has been followed by a period of intense grief and loss. The constant stream of news about the deaths of family, friends, and coworkers created a heavy emotional burden. The sheer number of deaths in Detroit, especially within a short period of time, was considered "unfathomable", illustrating how the pandemic resulted in a deep sense of shared grief within the Detroit community.
Coping Mechanisms and A Need for Vulnerability
In the face of this trauma, Detroiters have had to develop coping mechanisms. We discuss how some people use social media to post lighthearted content, such as memes, cooking, and sleeping more, as a way of masking the underlying issues. This behavior highlights the cultural tendency within the Black community, and particularly in Detroit, to hide pain and "pretend" that everything is okay. Detroiters have a cultural practice of "pushing forward no matter what". The pandemic necessitates a need to break through this barrier in order to create "pockets of vulnerability" where people can share that they are not okay. Because things are not okay.
We note that the pandemic has shifted how people connect. While physical touch is no longer readily available, people are relying more on technology such as phone calls and video chats to maintain connectedness. The pandemic has also, surprisingly, brought families closer. Dana mentions that the time spent with her children, even though they retreat to their own rooms, has been priceless and would not have happened otherwise. This is an example of finding blessings within a crisis and an increased appreciation for time with loved ones.
Another important aspect of coping is recognizing the need for mental health support. Dana shares how the pandemic has begun to erode the stigma around mental health in Detroit. There is a rise in the voices of mental health professionals and people sharing their stories of therapy. This is significant because mental health was not openly discussed as much when we were growing up. The increased willingness to discuss mental health and seek help is a positive, albeit unexpected, shift because of the pandemic. It has been an important aspect of healing and coping with loss.
Interplay of Past & Present Trauma
“It hit us in Detroit like a Mac truck... My Facebook news feed was a rolling obituary website.”
Our conversation goes on to address how the pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing issues in Detroit. Dana mentions that the city was already dealing with high rates of anxiety and depression prior to the pandemic. The pandemic’s terror has layered on top of existing issues such as intergenerational trauma, the impact of environmental trauma, and the trauma of the 2008-2011 Great Recession. We reminisce on growing up in a city flooded with gangs, the crack epidemic, and President Reagan’s War on Drugs. These back-to-back events reveal deep-seated issues which have impacted the community over many years. We admit that some people may be dealing with multiple layers of trauma at once. This highlights the need to consider the compounding effects of trauma when addressing the community’s needs.
Our conversation also recognizes the unique history of Detroit. There's a shared sense of pride in being from Detroit. There’s also an acknowledgment of how this has manifested into a "Detroit versus everybody" mentality. While this pride is a source of strength and resilience, it has also at times hindered the community's ability to seek help or to accept support from the outside. The history of being marginalized has also led to a reluctance to trust outsiders.
Employment, Safety & the "New Normal"
The pandemic has significantly impacted employment, particularly in roles that depend on large crowds. As a marketing director for a local large shopping center, Dana’s job depends on people being present and in close proximity. She acknowledges that crowds are a key part of how things will "get back to normal"; however, there are concerns about how people will feel about being in crowds and how they will be managed. A company poll of over 200 people revealed that most people are not yet comfortable with returning to “normal” activities. This reinforces the idea that the "new normal" is going to be strange and require some adjustment. There's also a focus on the need for safety measures and communications so that the public can see that businesses are being proactive about safety.
The pandemic has also revealed how different regions have responded to the crisis. The way the public authorities communicate about the dangers and the safety measures has varied. The result is varying levels of paranoia regarding returning to normal business operations. The leaders of cities and states have been managing their people in different ways. In Detroit, there is an increased sensitivity to messaging and testing because of how hard the city has been impacted. We share how people in Detroit are aware of the socioeconomic issues that have made them particularly vulnerable to the pandemic. The fact that the communities most affected are also the communities that have been marginalized is not lost on us.
Socioeconomic Factors & Systemic Inequities
My discussion with Dana highlights the socioeconomic factors that have made Detroit particularly vulnerable to the pandemic. Detroit, and other similarly composed cities, have faced challenges such as lack of access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and basic resources. These issues have been exacerbated by the pandemic, exposing deep-rooted inequities. Dana emphasizes that Detroiters are often essential workers, such as bus drivers, who cannot retreat to their homes. These are the same people who are more exposed to the virus and face greater health risks. The lack of adequate infrastructure and resources in the region have contributed to these issues. These include lack of hospitals, roads, public transportation, and access to fresh food. We point out that these issues were not accidents but resulted from deliberate systemic efforts.
The pandemic has also made it clear that the "Detroit versus everybody" mentality, while rooted in pride, has also contributed to the city's struggles. We recognize that it's time to move towards a collaborative approach that involves both Detroiters and people from outside the city. Our conversation is very clear that this must be done as equals and not as beggars. There’s an awareness that there are different types of Detroiters. There are those who were there when the city was not as pretty and those who moved in after things improved. This calls for intentional conversations about how to move forward and to make sure everyone feels that Detroit is theirs, regardless of entry point.
We further explores how to address these systemic issues and how to create a better future. There's a need to address economic issues, healthcare issues, and employment issues. There's also a need to address the lack of foundational support in a national way. We know that in order to garner support from multinational companies, local communities must show that they are "good for business". This includes showing how a stronger core of Detroit will lead to full economic development and success.
Importance of Local Leadership
These changes require both political and personal conversations. The decisions of those in power have long-lasting ripple effects which can affect generations. Dana and I discuss the need for younger people with progressive ideas and new ways of thinking to step into leadership roles. It’s important to also engage local community leaders to ensure ongoing trust and recognition. These often overlooked leaders have been able to make progress on issues such as mortgages and tax forgiveness. Their knowledge, care, and familiarity with the community are critical in opening up communication.
Dana recounts her experience working in public affairs for the city's lighting department and highlights the difficulties in making positive changes. She had to engage with residents and explain to them why the new program was beneficial to them. This was met with distrust because residents have been mistreated in the past and have no reason to believe things will be any different. Her navigation of community mistrust underscores the importance of consistent and intentional effort to create real change. We admit during the interview that progress may not be linear and that it will be an “ebb and flow” process. Despite the challenges, we remain optimistic about the future of Detroit.
Community & Call for Support
The conversation concludes with a message about Detroit's resilience. Despite admitting that Detroit is going through an extremely rough time, we know our strength is a point of pride. We remain confident that the City will rise above it all and celebrate our strength. We end with a call for prayers for the City and for the recovery of those who are surviving. Dana expresses appreciation for the love and support the City has received from around the country and the world.
Conclusion
My conversation with Dana Harvey offers a nuanced understanding of the complex ways in which the pandemic has impacted Detroit and its economy. It highlights the collective trauma experienced by the community, as well as the resilience and resourcefulness of its people. Our interview underscores the critical role that socioeconomic factors and systemic inequities have played in making Detroit so vulnerable. Our calls for an approach to address immediate and intergenerational needs gives us hope for the future.
