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DETROIT'S CHILDREN
Calling your attention to a special package of text and images presenting Detroit's current struggles from a new perspective — that of the city's hard-pressed children.
Against the backdrop of America's largest municipal bankruptcy, the youngest Detroiters face formidable challenges, AP National Writer David Crary writes. As one local lamented to him: "Detroit is a very difficult place to be a child."
The debt-strapped school system is fragmented, with the worst results of any major city on national standardized tests. Students riding inefficient city buses to class pass through blighted neighborhoods and may confront scores of school buildings closed and put up for sale after steep enrollment declines.
The youth mortality rate — fueled by high levels of premature births and gang violence — is the worst of any large U.S. city.
Even parks, a traditional haven for kids, offer little respite. The mayor, acknowlegding that only 25 of 300 parks are usable, has promised upgrades.
And this reflects another part of the story that Crary covers: The fight being waged for the future of Detroit's children. Activist parents, dedicated educators and newly energized community groups are pursuing a host of initiatives — in and out of school — to do right by these young people.
"Detroiters are really clear that they can't be passive residents anymore. The cavalry is not coming in to help," says one activist about the new energy and the sense that Detroit may finally be on the rise after hitting bottom.
Crary's story, Detroit's Children, was sent in advance for release in print editions of Sunday, March 23. Full-length and abridged versions are available, along with a Glance.
The story is accompanied by a gallery of AP photos and AP video.
The AP
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