Homeless remembered at Detroit backyard barbecue

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Homeless remembered at Detroit backyard barbecue

Detroit— Homeless for about a year, Charles Singleton is always looking for hope and inspiration — and on many days a hot meal.

Monday, Singleton got that and more when he came to Cass Park with thousands of others like him to enjoy a hot dog, burger, corn on the cob and music in a first-time event called Feed the People: Detroit’s Red Carpet Backyard Barbecue.

“It’s tight for the city,” said Singleton, a Marine veteran who served from 1979-89. “This is wonderful. It makes me feel good to see everybody come together like this. It’s beautiful. We should have more of this.”

The barbecue, which organizers said served nearly 5,000 people throughout the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. festivities, featured grocery giveaways as well as barbecue grilled food along with water and Gatorade. Those in line in the sweltering temperatures stood on a long strip of red carpet to make them feel special, organizers said.

The event was sponsored by the United Supreme Council Northern Jurisdiction of Masons, the Shumake Friends and Family Foundation, and others.

Trea Davenport, who helped coordinate the event, said the barbecue was born out of the severe need in Detroit amid the economic downturn.

There were hundreds of volunteers who began setting up tents and other functions at 9 a.m., she said.

Davenport said Forgotten Harvest provided peppers, fruits and tomatoes, and Anchor of Love Ministries donated the barbecued food.

“We know there’s a need and just as much as there’s a need, there’s also a bunch of love and a bunch of people willing to give,” she said.

“And they are willing to share resources and that’s what this is about today.”

Legendary singer Martha Reeves attended the event and was pleased the organizers were doing something special for the homeless and forgotten.

“I know that the homeless get encouraged by events like this,” said Reeves, a former member of the Detroit City Council.

“To give everyone a chance to celebrate Memorial Day is a wonderful thing. There’s a lot of inspiration. I feel very much at home.”

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