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words and rhythms of the D:
black-owned mcdonald’s sponsors youth poetry parties
Spoken Word Maestro Fluent, aka Joel Greene, ripping off rhymes as the host of the “Words and Rhythms of the D” event at McDonald’s on Woodward Avenue. |
The Errol Service-owned McDonald’s on Woodward Avenue didn’t require electricity on this eventful day. The powerful poetic flow from Detroit’s youth during the “Words and Rhythms of the D” program streamed with enough current to power up this architectural gem of a McDonald’s in Highland Park. The McDonald’s AACM (African American Consumer Market) helped sponsor Words and Rhythms, a program initiated by the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Words and Rhythms which kicked-off in April during National Poetry Month, is conducting a three-month, citywide tour that is designed to expose youth to the world through words, and simultaneously decrease the alarming illiteracy rate in Detroit. At the end of the tour, a book of poetry featuring 45 high school students will be given to the fast-food restaurant’s customers with the purchase of a McCafe Coffee at all AACM McDonald’s.
“Performing arts indeed helps [to] develop a student into a positive, well-rounded individual,” said Alana Wright, the Music Hall’s educational outreach coordinator. “It helps you become a better student, even in math and science as well as reading and comprehension.” The next Words and Rhythms event takes place at the Jazz Café on May 10, before moving onto the McDonald’s at 10000 Mack Avenue on May 31. Spoken word virtuoso Joel “Fluent” Greene, who regularly showcases his poetry prowess at the Music Hall’s Jazz Café, jumped at the chance to host.
“Anything to give back to the city. It’s a positive thing,” Greene said. “I leave here feeling like gold, helping [high school students] express themselves, and giving them whatever advice that I can impart. I love it. It’s really rewarding.” –terry shropshire
For more information about Words and Rhythms of the D, please log onto www.mypsace.com/wordsandrhythmsdetroit.
The Music Hall can be accessed via www.musichall.org.
One of the many youth poets performing at the Errol Service-owned McDonald’s in Highland Park. |
Event organizer Alana Wright (third from right), with DJ Sicari (second from right), and DJ Slo Poke (right) as they pose with three youth poets. |
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