Detroit Piston To Lead MACK ALIVE'S 21st Annual Parade As Grand Marshal
DETROIT, M - Detroit Pistons Center, Greg Monroe, will serve as the grand marshal for Mack Alive's 21st Annual Parade & Rally. The parade will march down Mack Ave., from St. Jean St to East Grand Blvd., beginning at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 18, 2012.
As the parade ends at Genesis Lutheran Church on Mack Ave. at East Grand Blvd., the fun begins, featuring free food, concessions, entertainment and vendors. The rally will be lead with a Battle of the Bands between some of Detroit's greatest high school marching bands. Participants will also have an opportunity to receive blood pressure screenings, HIV testing, along with health and wellness information. This event is open to the public and prides itself on offering family fun and refreshments, in a drug-free environment, at no cost. For the second year in a row, the Parade weekend will kick off with Praise in the Park, an evening of spiritual resurgence and optimism. Taking place Friday, August 17 at 6 p.m. on Mack Alive Community Center grounds (3746 Fischer St. at the corner of Mack Ave.), the event features local gospel artist, community choirs and mimes.
The Mack Alive Parade was created 21 years ago by State Representative Alberta Tinsley-Talabi to remedy a glaring omission of positive news regarding the organization's target area. It was after a local newspaper article suggested the area should be written off as "dead," that Tinsley-Talabi vowed the area, which she was raised and currently resides, would be viewed as "alive." Located in the center of a once thriving business district, Mack Alive is dedicated to restoring community pride, reducing violence and substance abuse, and increasing graduation rates. On a daily basis, Mack Alive works to provide comprehensive programs and services that empower, educate and elevate the entire community while enlisting the support of the areas faith-based leaders. For additional information about Mack Alive and partnership opportunities, contact Artina Hardman at (313) 824-3900 or keepmackalive@yahoo.com. Stay abreast on events by joining the Mack Alive Facebook community or you may also visit www.mackalive.org.
