Detroit — Brianna Burt is convinced food can bring Detroiters together.
The 17-year-old Redford Thurston student read a gastronomical-themed poem to a gathering of dozens who attended Friday’s “Juneteenth at Wilson: The Stories of Us” at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park on W. Jefferson in downtown Detroit.
“Food in my city is hearty, filling and free,” she read to the crowd. “I like the vibe, the flavor of all different skin colors, of our murals, the vitamins in melanated skin … We eat so much because we always hunger for more and we always starve for less.”
“Food is something everyone experiences,” said Burt, who will be a senior when classes start in September. “It really does bring people together, I think.”
Friday’s free event, sponsored by Huron-Clinton Metroparks, was one several held across Metro Detroit to mark Juneteenth, the federal holiday that marks Black Americans’ freedom from slavery. Detroit’s Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church held a parade and the Charles H. Wright Museum had programming planned until 5 p.m. Friday.
At Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, there were eight sculptures shaped like West African talking drums, food and art booths, and a “Get out the vote” booth staffed by employees of the Wayne County Clerk’s office.
Thomas Willis, 38, brought his 12-year-old daughter Lisa Willis to the shindig, which he said shows Detroiters can gather peacefully.
“Look around; there’s no problems here,” the resident of Detroit’s east side said. “All you ever hear about are the problems in Detroit, but when you get things like this, it makes you feel good. We need more stuff like this.”
Dennis Thom of the Detroit Drum & Dance troupe was among the performers Friday.
“It’s really great; there were drums set up and the kids were all playing them,” the Detroit resident said. “It was just a good vibe; a real family event.”
Among the interactive activities Friday were Thom’s “Peace Vibration Machine,” a bicycle wheel with crystals tied to wires that resonate when the spokes pluck it.
“Deep within us all, we all want peace,” said a handwritten placard Thom set up near his contraption. “With pure intent, spin the wheel and send out your peace vibration.”
Roseville resident Jamelle Morris smiled when asked if she was enjoying Friday’s event.
“It’s great,” the 62-year-old said. “Great weather, a lot of people down here. God is good.”
ghunter@detroitnews.com
(313) 222-2134
@GeorgeHunter_DN
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Juneteenth celebrations mark holiday with percussion, poetry, parades
Reporting by George Hunter, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By George Hunter, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
