Skills, Relationships, and Storytelling.
On July 19th, Uso Detroit's annual picnic returned to the Detroit Historical Museum as part of Concert of Colors. The museum parking lot filled with lowriders, music, families, and friends as car clubs and solo riders came together to celebrate and share the culture.
The picnic has become a favorite part of a lasting partnership among Inside Southwest Detroit, Uso Car Club’s Detroit chapter, the museum, and Concert of Colors.
A Little History
Our relationship with the festival began in 2019 with an invitation by Ismael Ahmed and Ralph Valdez to showcase local lowriders at the DIA during the Concert of Colors. But when COVID-19 disrupted the festival’s plans the following year, we were challenged to create and share a film to support its pandemic-era virtual program. It has since grown into an annual gathering in the heart of Detroit's cultural center.
Skill Build + Storytelling
This year Lowrider Garage was a highlight. Detroit Historical Museum employee and custom car builder Dave Marchioni turned his self-painted 1960 Pontiac Catalina into a hands-on classroom. Following a demonstration of how layered tape and paint create the patterns seen on lowriders, young visitors and families tried laying down tape themselves. Several families participated together, taking photographs along the way to remember the experience.
Across the parking lot, our youth interns ran the returning Pop-Up Portrait Studio making 46 portraits of individuals and families in just three hours. Each received a print to take home. The Skillman Foundation sponsored this year's studio through our Youth Photography Fund fundraiser, supporting opportunities for young photographers to practice their craft while creating lasting family keepsakes.
Southwest Detroit’s DJ Mic Luv played the tunes and Piny's Tacos provided free-for-visitors tacos until the grill was empty while the museum offered free admission, inviting youth and families to explore Detroit's history inside. Across Woodward at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Concert of Colors continued with music and performances.
Honoring Ismael
The festival's 35th anniversary was especially meaningful as it honored cofounder Ismael Ahmed, who passed away earlier this year. His commitment to bringing Detroit's communities together remains part of the spirit of this gathering.
Thank you to the riders, partners, volunteers, and families who made another picnic possible.
Sterling talks with Ismael on stage at the 2022 Uso Regional Lowrider Picnic at the Detroit Historical Museum during Concert of Colors.