Resilience in the D is a five-part series launched to commemorate BridgeDetroit’s fifth anniversary and recognize Detroiters who have made a difference in their communities. Selections were made based on resident nominations.
Bettye Wright’s upbringing set the tone for her life’s mission.
The 86-year-old grew up surrounded by elders who helped her learn to care for herself and for each other. Most prominently, her late grandfather, Tobe McDaniel, who embraced people with decades of lived experience that he had not yet reached, she said.
“When I was growing up in a rural suburb of Kansas City, my grandfather was so helpful,” Wright told BridgeDetroit. “Most of the widows or single ladies that were getting older, he had keys to their home, he picked up their mail, and for one period of time he owned the grocery store, so he would deliver their groceries to them and I just saw what he did to take care of them.”…