Activation Days: Reclaiming Land, Building Learning Dreams
During the summer of 2025, Freedom Dreams hosted two Activation Days, welcoming neighbors and community members into a block-party–style gathering that celebrated land reclaimed, reimagined, and actively shaped by the Freedom Dreams team and the surrounding neighborhood.
Across the 4 acres of the current phase of the Freedom Dreams EcoVillage, the land became a living classroom and creative commons. Local vendors, a DJ, and artists activated every corner, while youth and adults shared fresh pizza from our outdoor oven, arts and crafts, Puppet Karaoke, fresh fruit smoothies and lemonade, and hustle lessons led by the DJ. Each activity invited people not just to attend, but to participate—moving through the land, meeting neighbors, and experiencing what’s possible when space is designed for community.
Activation Days were also an opportunity to pause and reflect together. While gathered on the land, neighbors shared their Learning Dreams through conversation and surveys—naming skills they want to develop, workshops they hope to attend, and knowledge they’re excited to share. Community members were invited to imagine how the land could continue to grow as a place for learning, healing, and creativity.
The insights gathered during these Activation Days are directly shaping Freedom Dreams’ programming for the year ahead. As we continue to host Activation Days, these community-driven ideas will guide new workshops and experiences, ensuring the land evolves alongside the dreams of the people who call it home.
The best thing was when I got to watch my family have fun and also playing cornhole. The pizza was amazing, and I love chess. The hammock was great and the juice and smoothies and stretching.
- 6th grade student
I loved the Activation Day Part1. What was most exciting were the different activities that were happening simultaneously: chess playing, hustle, pizza making, and more. Everyone was engaged and enjoying the fun. Can’t wait for Part 11!
- Childhood Resident of the neighborhood
Activation Day was beautiful and fun! We look forward to attending more events in the future. Thank you for sharing the beautiful space with us!
-Neighborhood Family
Activation Day at Freedom Dreams literally felt like a dream! On a warm and hazy Saturday before the Summer Equinox, I entered Freedom Dreams on Detroit's east-side, and the space was immediately welcoming. In the distance, yoga bodies were stretching and greeting the mid-day sun. Pizza crust and cheese was starting to bubble from the brick pizza ovens. Espresso beans were hand-ground and turned into a cake latte. I used that energy to whoop up on some youngbloods in chess. I met new friends, was fed and fluttered. And as the DJ spun tunes bouncing off young flower petals, I got to see the love that Freedom Dreams and Come Unity One Stop were pouring into my old neighborhood. Thank you for stewarding the land
- Vendor