This Week on One Detroit:

In The Tradition jazz ensemble brings teachings of Kwanzaa to audiences through music

​Two upcoming musical performances will share the seven principles of Kwanzaa with audiences through song. The In The Tradition jazz ensemble, a collective of musicians who specialize in playing African-centric music, are set to bring its Kwanzaa Celebration to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit from 1-3 p.m. and Aretha’s Jazz Café in Detroit at 8 p.m., both on Dec. 30.  

Forming in 1993, first as a jazz quintet, In The Tradition has grown. The ensemble currently has nine members — four horn players, a rhythm section and a vocalist. The ensemble’s annual Kwanzaa performances are a way to make the teaching of the holiday more accessible through jazz music. Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African American studies, and others in 1966 as a celebration and reaffirmation of the principles celebrated before slavery. 

“We’re always excited when we take the stage. But during the Kwanzaa season, it’s very special for us and we love being inside the community and being a part of it and sharing our musical gift with the rest of the community,” said Olujimi Tafataona, the band leader, composer, arranger and saxophonist for In The Tradition. 

One Detroit producer Sarah Zientarski sat down with the ensemble during a rehearsal at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Detroit to talk about the influences behind their musical style, the meaning and history of Kwanzaa and how they’re preparing for their upcoming performances. 

The Black Church’s role spreading hope and healing during the holiday season

The holiday season is a joyous time, but it can also be a time of grief, struggle and insecurity for many families. Several organizations step up to help each holiday season, including the Black church. From American Black Journal’s “The Black Church in Detroit” series, host and One Detroit contributor Stephen Henderson examines the significant role of the church during the holidays to provide relief, support and hope for the community. 

Henderson sits down with Rev. QuanTez Pressley of Third New Hope Baptist Church, Pastor Semmeal Thomas from City Covenant Church, and Dr. Portia Lockett, Director of Spiritual Care & Community Affairs at the Detroit Medical Center, to talk about how the Black church’s role as a safe place takes on added importance during the holidays.  

They talk about the emotional support that’s offered to those suffering from grief over the loss of a loved one, a divorce, unemployment, or another traumatic event. Plus, the religious and community leaders talk with Henderson about the importance of mental health and mindfulness during the holiday season, and why individuals should speak up or seek help if they need it. 

Holiday time capsule: Detroit Historical Museum hosts Hudson’s Department Store holiday exhibit

​Tis the season to take a trip back in time for the holidays, and for Detroiters that may bring back memories of visiting Hudson’s Department Store downtown or at one of its suburban locations. The Detroit Historical Museum will display its Hudson’s Holidays exhibit throughout the museum for the third year since the inaugural opening in 2021. The exhibit is open through Jan. 2, 2024. 

“(Hudson’s) 25-story building was the world’s tallest department store until 1961,” the Detroit Historical Museum’s website reads. “Revisit traditions enjoyed by generations of Detroiters, like seeing the World’s Largest Flag, visiting Santa in Toy Town and shopping for deals in the Basement Store.” 

Nostalgic shoppers and newcomers alike will get to experience how it felt to shop at the historic Hudson’s downtown department store at the exhibit, which features iconic toys, holiday decorations and architectural pieces from the original downtown store.

One Detroit’s Sarah Zientarsk talks with Detroit Historical Society’s Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer Rebecca Salminen Witt and Development Manager Delisha Upshaw, as well as Michael Hauser, the 2021 guest curator for the inaugural exhibit. They reminisce on their personal experiences at Hudson’s and what made the department store so memorable during the holidays. Plus, they share some of the company’s contributions to the city over the years and what visitors will be able to find on display at the exhibit, including those iconic Santa Bears. 

One Detroit Weekend: December 22, 2023

Christmas is right around the corner, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday in Detroit this weekend. Catch Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s “Elf in Concert,” enjoy a holiday carriage ride on the Woodward Esplanade, or rock out this holiday with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. For those looking for non-holiday-themed events, check out the Detroit Institute of Arts’ drop-in workshops or Kensington Metropark’s Chickadee Chow Down. Find out what else is coming up around town on “One Detroit Weekend” with Dave Wagner and Peter Whorf of 90.9 WRCJ. 

List of Upcoming Events: 

  • Hear the soundtrack of the beloved holiday movie “Elf” played live to picture in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s “Elf in Concert” on Dec. 22-23 at Orchestra Hall in Detroit. 
  • Learn how to make Korean patchwork cloths called bojagi at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ drop-in workshops Dec. 22-23. The cloths can be used to cover food, wrap gifts and more. 
  • Learn about Motown’s The Temptations in the award-winning Broadway play “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit through Dec. 23. 
  • Embark on a holiday history journey at the Rochester Hills Museum’s Holiday House Tour and All-Aboard Model Railroad Exhibit. The exhibit runs through Dec. 30 at Van Hoosen Farm. 
  • Bask in the beauty of downtown Detroit during a holiday carriage ride along the Woodward Esplanade. Rides are available on Fridays and Saturdays through New Year’s Eve.  
  • Take a visit to Kensington Metropark in Milford on Dec. 22 for the Chickadee Chow Down, where you can feed and learn about the songbirds that call the park home. 
  • Dazzle the whole family with the mystery and magic of “The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays” showcase at the Fox Theatre in Detroit Dec. 21-23.  
  • Rock out this holiday season with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” performance at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Dec. 23. 

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