In the twelve weeks leading up to Our Common Future, we have featured the work of some of the visionaries who will be attending. A week before the big day, we’re happy to provide you with the last batch of articles to get you pumped up for the week ahead. We hope this article was entertaining. We’ll catch up in Detroit.

When President Obama called on communities to expand the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) program, Detroit was one of the places that answered the call. In December 2014, the Motor City made MBK officially known as a community partner via the Skillman Foundation. Robert Thornton, Senior Program Officer of Skillman, has previously spoken with Craig Fahle from WDET about the infancy of the effort. During the last main stage event of Our Common Future, Thornton will not only lead a breakout but also receive the CMF’s Dr. Gerald K. Smith Award for Philanthropy.

Before Thornetta Davis became known as the “Queen of the Blues” in Detroit, she was one of four girls reared by her single mother with assistance from her grandmother. Thornetta discusses her “upbringing of turmoil” and how it influenced her love of the blues in a June 2017 interview with Illinois State University’s NPR station, as well as the path she took to turn that love into a successful career as a blues singer. On the last day of Our Common Future, Thornetta will serenade you with songs.

The keynote speaker at Our Common Future, Thornetta Davis, will take the stage on Friday, October 27.

Could a sculpture have movement? It’s hard to fathom today, but at Our Common Future, you may watch and participate while sculptor Kevin Reese creates a work of art right before your eyes. Reese is well-known for bringing together disparate minds and talents to produce groundbreaking works of art. Reese has coordinated similar endeavors in thirty different states as of 2016, and this month, Kevin will bring his own brand of creativity to the state of Michigan. Make some time during Our Common Future to talk about what motivates you. Kevin plans to make art right there in the room utilizing your reflections.

Throughout the three days of Our Common Future, Kevin Reese will be creating an on-site artwork.