Alexander will put the focus on drug policy, but there are many other struggles that get support from Central United. The building houses groups working around issues such as sexual orientation, welfare rights, hunger and youth empowerment. People Before Banks works there as well as organizers of the annual Martin Luther King Day March.

"We're trying to keep people alive and trying to change the system so they don't need that kind of help," says Rowe. "Most of these agencies aren't paying rent, money helps keep this six-story building here and allows them to work. They don't bring rent money with them. Believe me."

Central United Methodist Church's Peace and Justice Banquet will honor Sr. Florence Deacon, president of the Leadership conference of Women Religious; Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, parents of the slain teenager Trayvon Martin; and a posthumous award to Ethyl Schwartz, the late Gray Panther and labor activist. Civil rights attorneys William Goodman and Amos E. Williams are the co-hosts. The event is 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. Call 313-965-5422 ext, 130 or 133 or email peacejusticebanquet@yahoo.com for ticket information. 

Larry Gabriel is a writer, musician and former editor of Metro Times. Send comments to letters@metrotimes.com.

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