Eastside Community Network’s ‘Rooted in Wellness’ campaign honors beloved late co-founder

April 20, 2026

The Eastside Community Network (ECN) has launched a $10 million "Rooted in Wellness" capital campaign, beginning with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Angela Brown Wilson Gardens, named after the organization's late co-founder who passed away in May at age 64 following a battle with leukemia. The campaign aims to enhance ECN's Stoudamire Wellness Hub, which serves over 3,000 members, by developing outdoor gardens and greenspace that will replace existing concrete and parking areas dominated by industrial surroundings. ECN has already raised $5 million during the quiet fundraising phase, with support from entities including Henry Ford Health System, Michigan state government, and foundations like Kresge and Gilbert Family Foundation.

Who is affected

More than 3,000 members of ECN's Stoudamire Wellness Hub
Eastside Community Network (ECN) organization and its staff
Detroit east side residents and community members
Angela Brown Wilson's family, including relatives Council Member Latisha Johnson and Council Member Renata Miller
Henry Ford Health System
The Kresge Foundation
Gilbert Family Foundation
Knight Foundation
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (who directed funding)
Valencia Stoudamire (widow of Marlowe Stoudamire)

What action is being taken

ECN is conducting the "Rooted in Wellness" $10 million capital campaign fundraising effort
The first phase of the garden is scaling back parking lot pavement in favor of more greenspace
The campaign is being supported by Henry Ford Health System, with Bob Riney serving as honorary co-chair alongside Valencia Stoudamire

Why it matters

This project addresses environmental health disparities on Detroit's east side by transforming an overly industrialized area dominated by concrete and truck traffic into healing greenspace for a community that has historically lacked such resources. The campaign represents a holistic approach to community wellness that goes beyond physical health to include emotional, social, and environmental well-being for over 3,000 hub members. Naming the garden after Angela Brown Wilson, a Black Detroiter and lifelong community advocate, addresses the underrepresentation of Black Detroiters in civic recognition and memorializes someone who dedicated over 40 years to inclusive community development. The project demonstrates community-rooted investment that creates lasting infrastructure shaped by and belonging to residents themselves, rather than external development forces.

What's next

ECN hopes to eventually connect the garden to Manz Playfield at Conner and Mack
The public kickoff serves as an invitation for additional investors to contribute to the campaign (ECN has raised $5 million of the $10 million goal)
The campaign will continue to support building out the gardens and expanding wellness activities to the outdoor campus

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com