5th Annual DON Weekend activities include a 16-Bars Rap Battle sponsored by the Detroit Pistons, Community Block Party, DON Talks, Celebrity Flag Football Game, Skating Party and more!
“It’s such a blessing to be hosting our 5th Annual DON Weekend, and I’m so thankful to everyone who has supported us so far,” said Big Sean. “I’m looking forward to celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop in the city that has given me so much love. LET’S GO!”
“Hip-Hop is not just music, but a culture that has impacted our community in so many ways—and to celebrate 50 years by exposing and engaging youth in its impact is something the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan is proud of doing alongside Big Sean and the Sean Anderson Foundation,” said Shawn H. Wilson, president & CEO BGCSM. “We’re excited to be a partner in celebrating the city in unique ways every year during DON Weekend and we thank Myra and Sean for keeping youth top-of-mind in all they do for the city of Detroit.”
In addition to the community activities, a large donation presentation and a special announcement surrounding the strategic partners for the newest BGCSM Club locations including the latest Sean Anderson Foundation Content & Production Music Studio. Sean previously opened three other recording studios for Detroit’s youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan: Dick & Sandy Dauch Club, the Lloyd H. Diehl Club, and the Fauver-Martin Club. Sean also unveiled a recording studio at his alma mater, Cass Technical High School. This year, attendees will also be able to participate in DON Talks. These panel conversations will include Monetizing the Culture now and into the Future, Mental Health: Harness the Benefits of Technology while Protecting Mental Health and Reimagine Neighborhood Development in Detroit. DON Talks and the Community Block Party and City Council President Mary Sheffield’s Occupy the Corner require registration via Eventbrite HERE.
VIP Reception and 16 Bars Rap Challenge: Friday, August 25, 2023, 6-10pm (Invite Only)
Block Party: Saturday, August 26, 2023, 9am-6pm
Diehl Club, 4242 Collingwood St, Detroit, MI 48204
DON Talks 11:00am – 2:30pm
(All DON Talks are held inside the club and each one requires its own registration via Eventbrite)
● 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Monetizing the Culture now and into the Future
● Moderator: Damien Hooper-Campbell, Chief Impact Officer, StockX
● Cedric Rogers, Co-Founder & CEO, Culture Genesis Inc.
● D’Wayne Edwards, Founder, Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design
● Nia Batts, General Partner, Union Heritage Venture Partners
● Louis Carr, President of Media Sales for BET Networks
● 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Mental Health: Harness the Benefits of Technology while Protecting Mental Health
● Moderator: Shaka Senghor, author, speaker, investor and President of Shaka Senghor, Inc.
● Chelsea Peterson-Salahuddin, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan School of Information
● Tiffany Abrego, Executive Director, Mentally Fit Program, BGCSM
● 1:45 – 3:00 pm
Reimagine Neighborhood Development in Detroit
● Moderator: Shawn H. Wilson, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
● Joshua Sirefman, CEO, Michigan Central Station
● Quentin L. Messer, Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer – Chair, Michigan Strategic Fund
Block Party 11:00am-6:00pm
(Block Party is outside and requires registration via Eventbrite)
● Carnival Games
● Kids Arts & Crafts BGCSM Sports League Youth Kickball Tournament
● E-Gaming Tournament
● Outdoor Art Walk
● Community Wrap Around Services
● Pony Ride Demonstrations
● Industry Clubs Demonstrations
● Celebrity Flag Football Game
Roller Skating Party: Sunday, August 27, 2023, 3pm – 6pm
Monroe Street Midway, 32 Monroe St. Detroit, MI
Open Skating for all.