An educational, experiential and cultural celebration to honor the history of Black businesses and Black communities in Detroit and beyond with Hot Sam’s fashion showcase and live entertainment.

DETROIT – Hosted by Hot Sam’s Detroit, the longtime men’s clothier that has called Downtown Detroit home for more than 100 years, and produced by The Institute of Legacy Preservation, Detroit’s Black Wall Street presents Past Forward: Remembering - Restoring - Rebuilding on Friday, July 21 at 5 p.m. in Campus Martius Park. Returning for its third year, Detroit’s Black Wall Street aims to celebrate, showcase and bring awareness and acknowledgement to the contributions, history and legacy of Black businesses and Black communities in Detroit and across the country.

In partnership with the Downtown Detroit Partnership, this free event will offer an immersive experience of musical storytelling, artistic expression with historical and educational perspective for family and community. The celebration will spotlight the latest trends during the Hot Sam’s Fashion Showcase at the award-winning Campus Martius Park. Guests can also stroll through a Black Bottom archive installation remembering the historic, predominantly Black neighborhood that once stood in Detroit, as well as a special tribute to Black businesses.

“Many consider Hot Sam’s a Detroit staple, and through this signature event, we’re not only preserving the legacy of our own long-standing, family-owned business, but honoring an array of Black-owned businesses, both local and national, as they continue to strive for diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Lauren Stovall, business lead and legacy preserver for Hot Sam’s, and also founder and principal of the Institute of Legacy Preservation. “This year’s Detroit’s Black Wall Street is about honoring the past, standing in the present and looking forward to the future.”

Digital Deals
Attendees will have the opportunity to shop and support more than 20 Black-owned businesses on a newly developed, black-owned social media community platform called “BeFriend Me.” On the “BeFriend Me” platform, users will be able to take part in a digital coupon hunt that will be happening live at the “Past Forward” event starting at 5:30 p.m. Users can take advantage of promotions and offerings available exclusively to attendees of the Detroit’s Black Wall Street event. The first 50 attendees will also receive a complimentary cocktail upon arrival.

Entertainment with Energy
The “Past Forward” celebration features a spectacular lineup of live entertainment in the heart of Downtown Detroit. Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Gabriel Brass Band, DJ Drake Phifer, Jit Masters and Luther “Bad Man” Keith Blues Band will all take the stage to keep attendees excited and engaged.

“Hot Sam’s is the longest standing men's clothier in Downtown Detroit, we are proud to support this initiative that solidifies the shop’s remarkable legacy in the city while honoring and uplifting fellow Black-owned businesses that contribute to the diversity and vibrant tapestry of our downtown,” said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer with the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Events like this, that showcase the importance of culture, community and representation, are for everyone to enjoy and what make Campus Martius Park Detroit’s Gathering Place.”

Detroit’s Black Wall Street is a community-wide event that is welcoming to all positive participation. For more information, visit detroitsblackwallstreet.com.

Sponsors and Partners
Detroit’s Black Wall Street is grateful to its sponsors and partners, which include Bedrock, Downtown Detroit Partnership, Detroit Development Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Huntington Bank, United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Money Matters 4 Youth.

About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) strengthens and supports Downtown Detroit through strategic initiatives and programs. DDP convenes business, philanthropic and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the surrounding community. DDP is responsible for programming, managing and operating several of Downtown Detroit’s parks and public spaces. For more information, visit DowntownDetroit.org.

About Hot Sam’s Detroit
Owned by two legendary Detroiters, Tony Stovall and Cliff G. Green, Hot Sam’s is an iconic Detroit men’s fashion brand built on an essential lifestyle promise. The Hot Sam’s brand has always been synonymous with high quality Detroit style. The story goes that in 1974 a couple of determined and hardworking young men worked their way up the retail ladder at Hot Sam’s and in 1994 became owners of the very store they worked at, which makes this fashion and lifestyle label a true American/Detroit Dream personified. Hot Sam’s is located at 127 Monroe Ave. in Detroit and is open Monday through Saturday. For hours of operation, events, to shop online and more, visit HotSamsDetroit.com.