Detroit’s Black Wall Street, for its third annual event, is serving up a monumental night to remember: “Past Forward.” in downtown’s Campus Martius on Friday, July 21, from 5-8:30 p.m. This immersive celebration is brought to life by Detroit’s legendary Hot Sam’s, dedicated to honoring the past, standing tall in the present, and anticipating a future steeped in progression and shared success.
Imagine a world where black business prowess is not just recognized but exalted. Now, stop imagining. That world is right here, right now. This year’s ‘Past Forward’ event promises a richly blended cocktail of education and experience. It’s a taste of art, music, and technology, garnished with community, collaboration, and culture, and finished with a spirited hint of support, solidarity, and passion. And yes, there’s plenty of fun, family, and fellowship on the side.
Hot Sam’s Marketing Director Lauren Stovall tells Michigan Chronicle that this year’s event comes with a new location, a new look, and a new approach all aiming towards both an educational and entertaining experience.
“This is an immersive experience, meaning there’s a lot of different elements from what you will see, to what you will hear, and also what you might feel,” Stovall expressed.
The highlight of the night, a Hot Sam’s Fashion Showcase, adds a sophisticated glam to the event, while a special tribute to black businesses is set to put a well-deserved spotlight on our community’s economic trailblazers.
Guests will also have an exclusive chance to shop and support over 30 black-owned businesses through the newly developed black-owned social media community platform ‘BeFriend Me.’ And to add to the excitement, be ready for the first-ever digital coupon hunt, taking place live at 5:30 p.m.
“It’s great to know that Black people are so creative and represents ingenuity so well that we have the technology space,” Stovall said. “So, we’re happy to partner with the newly developed Black owned app and that’s where you’ll see Black businesses highlighted and showcased.”
Furthermore, an art installation recounting the historical Black Bottom district will serve as a poignant reminder of our roots and resilience. The evening’s entertainment, including an engaging segment of ‘Musical Storytelling,’ promises an evocative journey through our past, present, and future.
Our journey, however, doesn’t begin in Detroit but travels back to the infamous Black Wall Street in Tulsa. From the ashes of a dark past, we see the echoes of resilience in Detroit’s Black Bottom, a hub of African American business and culture from the 1920s to the 1950s. The parallels drawn between these two epochs of black economic prosperity are no coincidence.
Recognizing the rich tapestry of black history and economic progress is critical in shaping the narrative for future generations. The ongoing celebration and acknowledgment of black businesses and excellence, particularly here in Detroit, not only forge a path of remembrance but also chart a course for the future.
The first 50 attendees will be greeted with a complimentary cocktail and the festivities are set to begin at 5 p.m. Remember, this is more than an event; it’s a celebration of black history, a rally for black businesses, and a blueprint for black futures. It’s an acknowledgment of the indomitable spirit of black entrepreneurship in America.
For more information or questions, visit the EventBrite page or reach out to thelegacypreserver@gmail.com. This is your chance to be part of an inspiring movement and to demonstrate solidarity with our city’s black business community. We stand together, looking back to move forward.
As we honor the legacy of black entrepreneurship, let’s also foster an environment for continued growth and innovation. This is our time, Detroit, to make sure our legacy stands, not as a memory, but as a living, breathing testament to black excellence.
This is a free community event, but the memories, connections, and lessons you’ll take home – priceless.
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