Ep 10. Two Detroits

In Abandoned season 1 episode 10, titled "Two Detroits," host Rick McCrank travels to Detroit, Michigan to explore the city's history of segregation and the current efforts to unify and rebuild.

The episode begins with a tour of Detroit's abandoned Packard Plant, a sprawling complex that was once a symbol of the city's auto industry but now stands as a haunting reminder of its decline. McCrank meets with local preservationists who are working to save the building and turn it into a cultural center, showcasing the city's rich history of music and art.

From there, McCrank takes a deep dive into Detroit's complicated racial history, exploring the legacy of segregation and the ways in which it still affects the city today. He speaks with residents of both the predominantly black neighborhoods and the predominantly white suburbs, hearing their perspectives on the city's past, present, and future.

One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when McCrank visits the Heidelberg Project, an outdoor art installation that uses discarded materials to create whimsical, thought-provoking sculptures. The project was created in 1986 as a way to bring attention to the blight and neglect in Detroit's predominantly black neighborhoods, and it has since become a symbol of the city's resilience and creativity. McCrank speaks with founder Tyree Guyton about the project's origins and its impact on the community.

Throughout the episode, McCrank also visits various community organizations and grassroots movements that are working to rebuild Detroit and bridge the gaps between different parts of the city. He talks with urban farmers who are using vacant lots to grow fresh produce, learns about an initiative to convert abandoned houses into affordable housing, and visits a youth center that provides resources and support to young people in the city.

"Two Detroits" is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that highlights the complex issues facing one of America's most iconic cities. McCrank's interviews with local residents and activists provide a wide range of perspectives on topics like race, inequality, and community building, while the stunning visuals of Detroit's abandoned buildings and vibrant art installations offer a vivid portrait of a city in transition. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder of both the challenges and the opportunities that come with rebuilding a city from the ground up.