Detroit & afrofuturism incarnate

Not only was the trip filled with beautiful art, delicious local treasures but some of the dreams that I continually envision when I think of Black and brown futures I lived it there. Dancing house, watching people shuffle in different streets, unfettered joy that is so infectious time is deconstructed and warped.

There is no time just now. It’s like stepping into a the present that becomes the gift. Anything feels possible. Even romance. Black culture, a town that has people willing to fight for it, the history of its ongoing audacity to keep going. Keep nurturing the roots, the people of Detroit. That to me was the first true city of locals I’ve been in for a while.

World or nation’s best museum. Detroit institute of the arts — where parallels and conversations explode the mind. I must say my homies that hosted me added infinite layers to welcoming Detroit into me and i into it. The museum spoke so loudly to me within artifacts and currencies and jewelry styles I collect. Asking me who was in another lifetime and have my ancestors influence my style? It’s absolutely yes. In awe of the Diego Rivers’s famous mural. Which is ironic now that I’ve encountered it before by someone I used to work with. And prior in my own art musings — to see it up close — it’s something that awe can’t fully capture.

Extraordinary Indian, Italian, and African fusion food. Still tasting it in my mind 😭😭😭 the Boabab fare had been a that reminded me of my favorite sos pwa. The pistachio pesto 😭😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨🤌🏾🤌🏾 because that’s all I can say. The vibes immaculate in every restaurant. Detroit is a balm.

I always wonder how i etch this romantic feeling into my every day. I am found in the futuristic clouds of liberation most days but these September days of Miami almost winter temperatures in Detroit I walked like no tomorrow and I still couldn’t reach every nuance and majestic moments.

My manuscript captures the essence of something that exists and that makes me all the more excited. A place where Black folks are a sea of joy, of connection, fly looks, vibes, synchronized steps, and a freeness I haven’t always been privy too. Communal harmony is found in pockets in South Florida but I found it in Detroit. Just as is. It lets me know my poems, my manuscript, my dreams aren’t in vain. I am grateful and looking forward to returning again.