Big Sean is once again proving the haters wrong and that he does represent for his hometown. After featuring local talent while filming the video for his song “Single Again” in front of Detroit’s City Hall, the multi-platinum artist and philanthropist will be home again for the 2nd Annual Detroit’s On Now (D.O.N.) Weekend presented by the Sean Anderson Foundation and Ally.
Taking place August 17-18, D.O.N. Weekend celebrates the Detroit families, youth, entrepreneurs, business owners, activists, teachers, and neighbors that are the backbone of the city.
“Last year’s D.O.N. Weekend was a huge success, and I’m excited to bring it back for the second year in a row,” Big Sean said in a release. “I have so much love for Detroit and can’t wait to celebrate it with all of the people who make the city great.”
D.O.N. Weekend kicks off Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) Dauch Campus (16500 Tireman Avenue) on Detroit’s west side with the unveiling of the Sean Anderson Production Studio. The studio is part of an effort to help Detroit children launch careers in the entertainment industry. In 2015, the graduate of Detroit Cass Technical High School did the same for his alma mater, donating a 784-square-foot space as part of the school’s music curriculum. The grand opening of the studio at 11 a.m. is only open to the media.
At noon, The Sean Anderson Foundation’s“Detroit Block Party” and City Council President Pro-Tem Mary Sheffield’s “Occupy the Corner Detroit” are partnering with BGCSM to bring a free, jam-packed event for Detroiters of all ages. The collaboration will feature everything from carnival rides and games, to face painting, live performances, health screenings, apprenticeship opportunities, felony expungement information, free food, haircuts, braiding, and more.
Later in the day, BGCSM is hosting anopen house for both youth and adults, and a tour of the new Sean Anderson Foundation Content & Production Studio.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan is committed to providing youth with a world class experience, and that’s exactly what the new Sean Anderson Foundation Content & Production Studio will do,” said Shawn H. Wilson, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. “Sean’s passion for helping Detroit youth launch careers in the entertainment industry makes this a perfect fit for our focus on economic mobility for our members.”
On Sunday, Big Sean will host a discussion that focuses on mental health and the stigma around it in the black community. Scheduled guests include psychiatrist Jessica Clemons and sociologist, author, and Detroit native Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Earlier this year around his March 25 birthday, Big Sean opened up about the mental health struggles he had been dealing with in a three-part video posted to Instagram. His mother said he will elaborate on his circumstances at the sold-out panel that runs from 2-4:30 p.m., along with other important topics.
“Dr. Michael Eric Dyson will talk about how racism, economic oppression, and the legal system have affected mental health in the black and brown community,” said Myra Anderson. “We’re going to discuss signs that (show) you may need to seek help, and I hope they’ll talk about different kinds of therapy. I know Dr. Jess is big on yoga and meditation.”
To close out D.O.N. Weekend, a bowling party will be held Sunday evening at the historic Garden Bowl in midtown Detroit (4120 Woodward Avenue) from 6-9 p.m. The event is free, but with limited space, attendees must register in advance via Eventbrite.
Lyft is offering discounted transportation to the D.O.N. Weekend events. Users can deploy the promo code DONWEEKEND for events at the Dauch Club, and DONBOWL for the bowling party.
With all eyes on the BGCSM for D.O.N. Weekend, the Dauch Campus will be on full display. The newly revamped club now features co-working, gaming, and community spaces, a laundromat, a barber salon and self-care areas, a gym, and a new music studio. A first-of-its-kind adult pilot membership was also launched, welcoming adults in the community by providing a co-working, incubator space, and other club amenities to local entrepreneurs and small businesses
“This is not just about a place for kids. This is about serving the whole family,” said Hiram E. Jackson, Board President of BCGSM. “We want the entire family to benefit from what the Dauch Club has to offer. We are very excited to partner with the Sean Anderson Foundation and we appreciate Big Sean’s commitment to the community.”