Each year Detroit Southwest Pride goes hard for community. The holidays, especially, provide a unique opportunity to impact the community through individuals and families. And their annual Christmas party is no exception.
This year’s Southwest Detroit Community Christmas Party, held at Grace In Action on Lawndale, saw more than 100 attendees of all ages show up to celebrate the season and one another with music, food, and a variety of gifts for the community, from the community.
Neighbors and organizations nominate families to participate and, if they accept, each has opportunities to participate, giving and receiving in ways that meets each where they are. A collection of organizations, neighbors, and local artists willing to share hands, heads, and hearts get it all done… together.
DJ Skipz and two young DJ’s he mentors in weekly sessions provided the soundtrack for the party. Other youth in attendance were inspired by what they saw and brought questions about craft along with their requests. Skipz took the opportunity to inspire the next generation showing them around the board while spinning their songs.
Families enjoyed a meal from El Nacimento on Vernor as they received toys, clothes, groceries, gift cards, family portraits, and other items they self-identified as needing this holiday season. Stitching Up Detroit printed shirts on the spot featuring local artwork.
Gabriela Baginski facilitated portrait sessions together with mentee Pedro Aguilera as part of her Porch On TAP artist residency in a temporary studio they built the morning of the party. Each family received prints of their portraits on the spot to commemorate the holiday and the spirit of giving with their talents and creativity.