Christopher Copacia
Program Manager
What's one thing you think people get wrong about Detroit? I’ve heard many people suggest that there was nothing to do when they came here to visit. I think it’s the exact opposite. Even throughout the years of major economic struggle in the city, there have always been unique places and things to see and do within this city. That being said, Detroit is best experienced through the suggestions of active community members.
What Detroiter inspires you the most? Walter P. Reuther - a transplant to Detroit from West Virginia, Mr. Reuther lead the United Auto Workers union and achieved a better standard of living for auto workers in Detroit and across the nation in the face of murder attempts by his opponents. In addition, he was strongly aligned with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Caesar Chavez and greatly supported both of their respective movements.
Bio
Where to begin? I've spent my entire life with my family in the metro Detroit area, with the exception of one year of songwriting in Nashville, TN, so it's safe to say this are is my home and I love it here! Even through the worst of times, I've always had such an appreciation for the city and the people working hard to keep its spirit alive. A lot of that is in part due to my mother working in Detroit, right down the street from where I am now working, and introducing me to the realities of the hardships within the city along with it's beauties. That aside, I'm also a die hard Detroit City FC fan and social change supporter. I spend much of my time outside of work either volunteering, attending music and educational events and playing video games with my best friends from high school one night a week. Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention my new obsession with the 1980 moped that I recently brought back from the dead. Lastly, I really love what I do, giving and coordinating tours of Detroit to random strangers from all over. It genuinely doesn't feel like work at all!
Describe your perfect day in Detroit. It would kick off with one of Astro Coffee’s incredibly creamy, nut milk cappuccinos and a stroll through the historic Corktown neighborhood to observe the beautiful historic home stock that exists there. From there, I would take a bike ride down to the Detroit Riverwalk to enjoy the serene atmosphere that has been created by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. After some time at the waterfront, I would head up the Dequindre Cut towards Eastern Market, taking in the unique, Mural filled atmosphere, on my way to lunch at my favorite pizza place in the city, Supino Pizzeria. After lunch, I would take a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts to check out their most current exhibition on display and to grab tea while relaxing in the Kresge Court. I would finish of my day meeting up with a friend or family member for a late afternoon beer at Northern Lights Lounge in New Center.
Where's your favorite place to hang in Detroit during the summer? During the winter?
Summer: Cullen Plaza. Winter: POP + OFFWORLD
What's your favorite experience DXF offers and why? The Art & Architecture Tour is my favorite, largely because I feel like it provides visitors with a multifaceted look into Detroit’s rich history and truly has the ability to shift visitor perceptions of Detroit.