The country is divided, and if you’re following the national news, as most of us are, you might believe the phrase “Love thy neighbor” is obsolete.
I don’t get that feeling about Detroit, however. Even at its most hectic times — right before Christmas, for example, when I did some last-minute shopping — folks were friendly: opening doors, smiling, and genuinely appreciating our decked-out downtown.
In fact, studies have shown that the presence of neighborhood gathering places — like Campus Martius and the new Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park — can facilitate social engagement and enhance a sense of belonging. And Detroit is doing a great job of creating more public spaces, including the redevelopment plans for the RenCen.
One particular showing of community support in early February helped reinforce my faith in people. On Feb. 1, when a 6-year-old nonverbal autistic boy in Madison Heights went missing, people literally jumped to their feet to help. With guidance from the Madison Heights Police Department (MHPD), which sent out alerts and posted on social media, residents walked block by block in the bitter cold, ringing doorbells and asking neighbors to check their properties.
Thankfully, the boy was found just over eight hours after he’d last been seen — he had gone to a neighbor’s home while they were out — and was safe.
The next morning, the MHPD posted a thank-you on its Facebook page to every resident who “walked the streets, drove through neighborhoods, [and] shared information,” as well as to the first responders who “worked tirelessly, coordinated efforts, and never gave up.” The post concluded with: “When we come together, we are stronger.”
Let’s hope we can all come together for a common purpose more often.
One thing I think all Hour Detroit readers can agree on is our desire to support community members, businesses, and organizations. In this month’s issue, our two features point you in the direction of great steakhouses and places to buy wedding gowns and jewelry. And in our departments section, we bring you updates on the newest riverfront luxury hotel, a list of new bookstores throughout metro Detroit, a profile of Matilda Dodge Wilson — the woman behind Meadow Brook Hall — and much more.
Enjoy. And here’s to March going out like a lamb.
This story originally appeared in the March 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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