To prepare for his second annual Peace and Unity Tri-City Kickbowl Event this coming Saturday at Hoyt Park, Chuckie Lawrence attended the 55th annual Saginaw African Cultural Festival.
With a recent double-nickel birthday his personal self, Lawrence observed how the experienced SACF team put things together and ran their operation silk smooth for one more second-August weekend, to the point of being taken almost for granted.
For even more insight, on the Morley School Park grounds he encountered Vicki Hill, fresh from wrapping up her 22nd annual Gospel Fest at Ojibway to begin the month of festivities, and she welcomed him as the newest leader among successful community event organizers.
“Last year,” says Hill, “when I heard about the kickball event, I didn’t know what to think. so I went by Hoyt Park to see first-hand, and it was already so packed that I couldn’t find a place to park.
“It turned out to be a great idea, and the manner in which it all was managed was great as well.”
If the African Festival’s latest success in 2023 is an indicator, Hill predicts another big kickball turnout.
“There were so many people who came back out Sunday (for the final day) at Morley, like I’ve never seen before,” she said. “It was so many, it was like being at the Gospel Fest all over again a week later. And that is really something, because Gospel Fest was very successful this year as well, with record numbers. People are feeling more and more comfortable about coming out again, after the pandemic.”
Look ahead to Kickball II
Lawrence pledges the parking will be resolved this time, with assistance from Larry Brethauer and the Friends of Hoyt Park volunteer group. He was caught by surprise last August, along with co-planners among family and friends, when thousands showed up during late morning like a spontaneous boom.
Summer violence in the neighborhoods had led Chuckie’s team to try to conjure action in response. They were all for marches or rallies or prayer services, but at that point they saw a need for something different.
“With all of the shootings, Saginaw has developed too much of a negative reputation and image,” Lawrence says. “I love the positive idea of people saying ‘no’ to the violence through a game that we all played together as kids.”
A key concept is to base team formation not on high schools, but on the junior highs. This brought Arthur Eddy and Central and Webber into play, along with North and South and in the suburbs, Ricker and Bridgeport and Carrollton. Beyond, Lawrence’s reason for the “Tri-City” moniker is that he dreams of a regional unity event.
For all his newly shown skills as an event planner, Chuckie was not able to manipulate the results a year ago. His Webber Wildcats fell short, with the Central Cougars taking the trophy. Since then, he has been promising friendly revenge.
Elders may take part even if the old bones and muscles no longer are quite so supple. Just kick a leg at the ball, and someone more spry will run the bases.
Lawrence also has worked to expand in the following ways:
- Friday, Aug. 18, 6 p.m. to midnight, marks a “Rep Your School Cabaret” at UAW Local 467 Hall, 2104 Farmer.
- Saturday, Aug. 19, the Hoyt hours for kickball and commiserating are expanded from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Detroiter Joe Stanton of 1980s “Dreamboy” note will perform around 3 p.m., covering artists from Prince to Ready for the World.
- Sunday, Aug. 20, noon to 6 p.m., is a return to Hoyt for the championship game, followed by a “Praise in the Park Picnic” gospel event.
Vicki Hill had one more point for Chuckie Lawrence when they spoke.
“The leaders of all the August events should sit down and be positive about working with one another,” she says. “We already are doing so, and there is no need for any sort of competition.”
Salute for African Festival
In that spirit, Lawrence did not mope on Saturday when wet grounds canceled a sneak-preview kickball exhibition. Instead, he donned headphones for an on-the-spot video promo of everything the African Festival was offering, with the skill a TV reporter might show. To view, click here.
Overall, sunshine dominated later Saturday and through Sunday after a wet Friday opening.
Anyone with questions about the upcoming kickball weekend, including sponsorships or vendor arrangements, may send a message to Chuckie via Facebook or email, charleslawrence46@yahoo.com.
Meanwhile, the SACF will be meeting soon to begin 2024 preps. Anyone wishing to volunteer may contact a member of acquaintance, or visit the Facebook page.
(Chuckie Lawrence is scheduled on News 5, with Collette Boyd at 4 p.m. today.)
