This week, the rich and poor will rub elbows downtown

Metro Times

By News Hits staff

When the Detroit Economic Club hosts a gathering of corporate executives and others in mid-June, the focus will be finding ways to improve America's ability to compete in the global economy. Those leaders will be met by a counter-gathering of people who, we think it's safe to say, won't be wearing $1,000 custom-tailored suits.

In fact, some of them will be staying in tents pitched in Grand Circus Park, from June 14 to 17, as groups whose priorities include stopping foreclosures, advocating prisoner rights and fighting racism — along with keeping good-paying jobs here at home instead of watching the CEOs export work overseas — also convene here.

The bigwigs will be sure to get most of the press, but the fire and the fun will be at Grand Circus Park. Along with a host of speakers and rallies, the campers and their brethren will have lots of entertainment, including a hip-hop concert Monday, June 15, at 7:30 p.m.

For information phone 313-887-4344 or go to peoplessummit.org. Send donations to Moratorium NOW!/People's Summit, 5920 Second Ave., Detroit, MI 48202.

News Hits is edited by Curt Guyette. Contact him at 313-202-8004 or NewsHits@metrotimes.com.