The 2023-24 year marks the fourth full school year since the pandemic started, and offers the state’s public schools an opportunity to recalibrate academic recovery programs, tackle mental health issues, and address longstanding problems.

Orlando Bailey
Orlando Bailey is Engagement Director for BridgeDetroit. He is the former deputy director for Eastside Community Network in Detroit, is co-host of the Authentically Detroit podcast, and is the host at Detroit’s Urban Consulate.
New school year and new challenges on the first day of school in metro Detroit
As the new school year begins in Detroit Public Schools Community District and others across Michigan, students face familiar challenges — with the promise of fresh solutions.
East side artist brings Detroit culture to Neiman Marcus
BridgeDetroit Engagement Director Orlando Bailey caught up with Tony Whlgn to discuss his ‘Lead With Love’ mural for Neiman Marcus and his inspiration for the project.
Detroit police board chair assures ‘transparency’ amid investigations
Citizen complaint records seized, two staffers on administrative leave amid multiple investigations into Detroit’s Board of Police Commissioners and the Office of the Chief Investigator.
A point of gratitude
BridgeDetroit’s Orlando Bailey reflects on our newsroom engagement in 2022 and plans to build continued community connection next year.
What Detroiters want, from transparency to addressing climate change
BridgeDetroit releases its newest community priorities report, which finds public transparency and climate change — among other issues — high on the list of residents’ concerns.
LISTEN: ‘There was water everywhere. How are we going to get out?’
Authentically Detroit hears from eastsiders and Jefferson Chalmers residents whose homes were flooded by last week’s rain. Residents are overwhelmed by the damage and resulting cleanup. They say they feel like they are on their own — again.
Freedom ain’t free: A look at Detroit’s proposed City Charter changes
Authentically Detroit talks with Charter Commissioner Denzel McCampbell and television host Steve Hood about the Charter Commission’s proposed changes that will be before voters in August.
Podcast: Detroit activist hopes to represent the far eastside
Detroit City Council candidate for District 4 says she wants to compensate Detroiters who were victims of over-taxation.
PODCAST: ‘Unions advocate for workers and Detroit neighborhoods’
Authentically Detroit hosts Orlando Bailey and Donna Givens Davidson discuss how labor unions can advocate for both the organization’s membership and common good.