In Detroit’s West Village neighborhood, a major new chapter is about to be written where culture and education collide. As National Reading Month and Women’s History Month are in full swing, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the district, has announced a $60,000 investment to bring new life to the Marcus Garvey Academy library.
The person behind this gift is Denise Lewis, a retired, influential Detroit real estate attorney and former senior partner at Honigman LLP, and a proud graduate of Mumford High School. Many in Detroit know her for her legal work and as a member of the Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence Class of 2022. With this donation, she shows what true excellence means, giving back to the district that laid the foundation for her education and supporting the next generation.
Marcus Garvey Academy at 2301 Van Dyke Street has been a leader in African-centered education since the early 1990s. The school is based on the idea of a “village,” acting as a cultural and academic center for Detroit families. Still, even strong foundations need support. This investment is the first big update to the school’s library in years.
For Lewis, this project is personal.
“I’ve always been an avid reader, and I spent many days at the Parkman Library growing up. It was such a beautiful, inviting place,” Lewis shared.
“I want our students to have that same experience. My hope is that this library sparks imagination in a child, whether they become a scientist, an astronaut, or an attorney, and they see their heritage reflected in the content they read.”
The $60,000 gift will modernize the library and bring new books and digital resources. The updated collection will focus on cultural identity and academic quality, so students can see themselves in the stories they read. A new cataloging system will also make it easier for students to find and enjoy these books on their own.
“Denise’s investment is a powerful example of what happens when alumni pour back into the institutions that shaped them,” said Kerrie Mitchell Campbell-Mabins, President and CEO of the DPSCD Foundation.
“This library reflects excellence, culture, and opportunity. When we invest in literacy, we invest in every future pathway our students choose.”
The library space itself is also changing. New furniture and flexible seating will turn the room into a comfortable space for students to study, collaborate, and explore.
A custom mural will be added to inspire students every day. The artwork combines cultural heritage with a modern look, aiming to spark creativity in everyone who visits. These changes will help make the library a lively,welcoming place for Detroit’s future leaders.
This project is largely woman-powered with Marcus Garvey Academy Principal Wakeita “Mama” Winston leading the efforts, alongside Denise Lewis, Mitchell Campbell-Mabins, and local DPSCD alumni artists.
A ribbon-cutting and mural unveiling are set for April. For Marcus Garvey Academy students, this effort shows how much their stories matter and the community cares about their future.
Detroit has always valued the written word. Lewis is making sure the next generation not only reads history but also has the tools to write their own narrative.
To learn more about DPSCD Foundation or support their work, visit dpscdfoundation.org.
