On a beautiful morning, where the sun may glaze over the cityscape and shimmering breaths are visible in the cool air, people from all around the state–some from out of the country–gather in Detroit. What began as two Muslim men’s love for running has grown into a community known as the Detroit Muslim Running Club (DMRC). The club has become a joint effort bringing together a community to help rebuild the city.

When I joined DMRC, I didn’t think I had what it takes to run, but showing up for myself was important to me. The days leading up to my morning group runs were the best. Many people gathered on the Dequindre Cut, a recently completed cement pathway along an abandoned railroad track, which has been beautified with art installations, lights, and well-manicured green spaces.

The group of runners I was with stretched together and paced off. We ran through streets of Detroit I never heard of, and streets that show how much the city is changing. On days we gather and run/walk, we do it for our community. That’s what DMRC taught me.

When I run through paths in Detroit, I run through history. I run through stories; some yet untold, and some that have been shut down or remodeled. I witness how Detroit’s renovated and modernized neighborhoods and projects with skylines that attract tourists to the city separate what is remembered–and what is forgotten.

While I enjoy Detroit’s beauty, its cleaner pathways, newly built markets, and cultural vibes, I see how one side of the city gets so much attention and the other stays forgotten. It is important to acknowledge all of the city’s history and the spirit of community that has kept Detroit going even in its lowest times.

Running with DMRC reminds me of the spirit of the people of Detroit. On days when I didn’t want to run, I received unwavering support from people I had never seen before. Simple phrases such as “ You can do this!” would instantly make me push to achieve my goals. During a hot day, out of breath and just hoping you reach the end, you have a stranger next to you who offers you their water bottle, even though they don’t know you. You find people who show up for you and run with you.

One of DMRC’s impactful efforts is the “Build Detroit 5K.” This event is accomplished in partnership with fellow nonprofit “Dream of Detroit,” whose mission is about community healing and “building a neighborhood where every family has the chance not just to survive, but to thrive.” The “Build Detroit 5K” is an event that has raised funds to benefit Detroit’s DREAM neighborhood: a place that is community-led and transforms spaces for healing, learning, and growth.

The mission of DREAM is to build a place where neighbors can gather, where youth can grow and learn, and where a community can thrive. The first “Build Detroit 5K” advocated for improvements to Woodrow Wilson Street, the current project of Dream of Detroit.

Dream of Detroit is using neighborhood land to build the DREAM Center. The DREAM Center is planned to be built from shipping containers and used as the official office for Dream of Detroit. This space will be used to transform vacant land into a place where people can benefit from digital literacy and technology services to build their careers. The DREAM Center will also have an outdoor event space where the community can gather or where small businesses can test their products.

Another neighborhood nonprofit organization is Hope Village Revitalization (HVR). Through its Hope Village 360 Facebook page, this nonprofit coordinates programs and events that help residents have access to wellness, physical activity, and a healthier lifestyle. HVR hosts events like “Movement Monday,” where residents train their muscles, practice, and encourage each other to move their bodies every day.

On “Thirsty Thursday,” Hope Village encourages residents to stay hydrated and lists nutritional blends.

HVR hosts neighborhood cleanups to allow people to commit time towards their community, doing as their mission states, “blending community service with exercise.”