Hundreds of men and women styled in 1920s garb gathered to see what the “hype” was about at the historic Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Midtown Detroit on Aug. 12. Participants revived vintage fashions of sequinned flapper dresses, newsboy hats, costume jewelry and feather boas for Teen HYPE’s fourth annual fundraising event.
Delicious cocktails, food, live entertainment and laughter filled the room, along with early models of Ford automobiles. Couples complemented each other with matching colors, smiles and gusto! Teen HYPE youth were also in sync with the night’s attire. The young ladies and gentleman wore feathered dresses, metallic skirts and dresses and vintage accessories such as top hats and suspenders. Photo booths brought out the joy in all who were in attendance, revealing positive energy and cheerful poses. A raffle was held for prizes that included a watch from Shinola and membership to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Everyone was engaging, networking, and mingling as they supported the mission of Teen Hype.
Toward the end of An Evening in Paradise Valley, the crowd was enthused by the Gatsby act performed by the teens. The classy and elegant Billie Holiday was impersonated by a talented young lady who performed “Strange Fruit” as if it were her own. Accompanied by other youth, the song was remade to have a modern jazz-hip-hop feel. A rap verse by Teen HYPE alumna and staff member Myriha Burton, pleaded for violence in the community to end. An impressive swing dance routine concluded the youths’ presentation. Guests had a choice of Apple Pie Moonshine or Brut Champagne to take home as they exited.
It takes a village to raise our children. An Evening in Paradise Valley showed that it’s possible to do it while having fun in the city of Detroit.
Since 2004, Teen HYPE has been dedicated to empowering Detroit’s youth by educating them about personal development, opportunities beyond high school and establishing and maintaining professional relationships. This fundraising event was organized to wholeheartedly support the future of the Teen HYPE legacy.
Photo gallery credit: Kristina Mitchell for Steed Media
