Common Bond

Muslin Ladies Social Club is a cross-cultural, arts-based community building and workforce project

woman working with fabric

Sharing Culture and Connection

When we engage in activities that are shared across cultures, we open up spaces for expression, vulnerability and connection. Common Bond uses textile arts, sewing and storytelling to help women in Detroit’s immigrant neighborhoods expand their social networks, gain economic empowerment and enact their visions for a stronger community. This collaborative, cross-cultural approach has already proven to develop new relationships, cultivate leaders and open up wealth-building opportunities. This program places a particular focus on strengthening bonds between Muslim and non-Muslim women.

Global Detroit launched Common Bond in 2019 with support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Common Bond is also supported by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and the Immigrant and Refugee Funders Collaborative at the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan. Program partners include the African Bureau for Immigrant and Social Affairs, Detroit Public Schools, Refuge for Nations and Women of Banglatown.