It saddens me to know that Detroit often gets a bad rap. While working at the Mi Estilo booth in Clark Park for Cinco de Mayo, I was touched by the beautiful people that  I had the honor of meeting.  I felt so fortunate to be there.  We met Detroiters of all cultures, colors, religions, sizes, shapes, occupations and ages.  A great assortment of amazing people was available to us.  They were caring, funny and supportive.  I have never interacted with such kind people as the people of my hometown.  This all made me feel so proud to be a product of Southwest Detroit.

As I walked through the Cinco de Mayo Festival with my daughter, I explained to her how the familiar smells, sights, and sounds brought me back.  I had a feeling of being home again-like coming home to Mom’s house after a long vacation.  This food-the real authentic stuff-was tasty.  The music was familiar and soothing.  The park, adorned with all kinds of decorations, looked beautiful.  I was so proud to have my daughter experience this because, since she was not raised in Detroit, this was all new to her. The experience showed her a little more about her mom and taught her about her Mexican culture.

Not only did I have the privilege of working with the great people of Mi Estilo Magazine, I had the opportunity to run into some old friends and make new ones.  We met wrestlers, caterers, city workers, police officers, construction workers, holistic healers, musicians and world travelers.  We even met Nacho Libre!  Yes…I met Nacho Libre. All of these people contribute to our city great.  They make the world a better place in which to live.  I was so happy to talk to these people and learn about their lives.  I felt blessed to be able to interact with them.

Photo: Renée Gonyeau