ARISE Detroit! annual Neighborhoods Day, a citywide celebration of civic pride and community service, returns on Saturday, Aug. 2. The 19th annual event, themed “A Day of Pride and Power,” will pay tribute to the organization’s late founder Luther Keith, a community activist, journalist and blues musician, who passed away in March.

Neighborhoods Day showcases the efforts of block clubs, churches, schools, nonprofits and small businesses and their efforts to strengthen Detroit’s communities. More than 100 activities will take place simultaneously across the city, stretching from downtown to Eight Mile Road. They include blight removal, beautification efforts, art exhibits, live music performances and educational resource fairs. 

Since its inception in 2007, Neighborhoods Day has mobilized more than 70,000 volunteers and helped organize over 1,500 beautification and blight removal projects. The annual event has also hosted more than 200 concerts, 50-plus health fairs, and numerous back-to-school events and supply giveaways. 

“American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson talks with the organization’s Board Vice Chair Dr. George Swan III about the event’s growth over the years and the many ways that Detroiters show their pride and express themselves on Neighborhoods Day. Plus, he shares how this year’s event will honor founder Luther Keith and the organization’s future plans.