Wow! Wow! Wow! There is nothing like seeing a plan come together. As a Clevelander, I had the opportunity to attend and witness pure perfection this weekend. From the airport to Rocket Fieldhouse to the wide-ranging events held all over, the city simply delivered on the expectation of an enjoyable time.
There is something special coming for a city that can pull off an amazing weekend as Cleveland did during the All-Star weekend. The weather was not a factor, the traffic was not a factor, no violence, no drama. Every event held was done with class and professionalism. Black, white, old, and young all got together to celebrate one common thing.
To be honest, this weekend represents what America is capable of when we all work together. Imagine the filled Tower City, busting at the seams with people from all over the place, coming out to support Black business. LaRese Purnell did an amazing job putting this event together. It was so good to see so many Black businesses representing their quality products, owned by some of Cleveland’s rising stars.
The parties around the city hosted by Steadyfloh, Arnold Hines, The President’s Council, DJ Nerve and Mixtapes, and all the NBA celebrities truly made this weekend one to remember. As Clevelanders, we put on our fashionable clothes, smelled good, danced, bumped into each other, and hugged each other for a solid five days.
The question that comes to mind when thinking about all the wonderful experiences of the week’s events is: how do we keep this momentum going?
Cleveland has always been an under-achieving city with tons of potential. The restaurants and museums have always been here. But this weekend was about the people of Cleveland. The people of Cleveland created this feeling that we all cannot let go.
The knock on Clevelanders is that we do not celebrate ourselves and the city enough. That we do not support each other and our businesses enough. Well, this weekend Clevelanders turned a corner on all things negative about us and the city.
From the westside to the eastside Clevelanders, along with all the suburbs and surrounding communities supported the events, the city, and each other with amazing spirit and class.
With spring coming all we can do is hope to continue to create this amazing feeling of loving where you live. Honoring where you live by buying from the people in the community. This feeling can continue if we want it to.
So, as I let my feet recover from all the walking and hanging out, I congratulate every single person who stepped out to partake in this week’s festivities. I salute you and I am proud of the city that I love so much. O-H . . .
