As parents and students stepped through the doors of DBG February 21, they weren’t just arriving at an event — they were coming home. Through laughter and conversation, families reconnected. The energy in the room was warm and inviting, setting the stage for a night of reflection, celebration, and togetherness.
“Earlier in the year, Khali set a goal: to create meaningful opportunities for parents to engage with the DBG community in a unique and welcoming way,“ said Emmanuel Smith, DBG’s chief programs officer. “We also considered the lost art of family portraits – once a cherished tradition for many families. These photos, often displayed on mantels and fireplaces, told stories of family history. However, with the rise of instant phone photography, some of that magic has been lost.”
With those two ideas in mind, DBG Family Night was born.
At the heart of the evening was a photo station featuring the iconic wicker chair — a staple of Black American family portraits in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s. Parents and children posed together, some dressed in their Sunday best, others in casual outfits that reflected their everyday lives.
Each portrait captures more than just smiles — it pays homage to a legacy of Black storytelling through photography.
The photos were taken by DBG’s own talented staff. Coach Tatiana, who leads the kitchen, and Coach Jimeel, the photography coach for the trimester, took turns behind the camera, ensuring every family walked away with a beautiful memory to cherish.
While portraits froze moments in time, the rest of the space buzzed with energy. Music played through the speakers, and everyone hit the dance floor. Parents and students joined in the Detroit Hustle, laughing as they stepped in rhythm. New connections were made as parents introduced themselves, sharing stories about how DBG has helped shaped their children’s lives.
For many, this was the first time meeting some of DBG’s staff, and that was exactly the point. With so many parents not needing to physically visit the building due to the wide range of services DBG provides, Family Night became a way to bridge that gap — to put names with faces and strengthen relationships beyond daily programming.
“It really felt like a reunion,” one parent shared. “Even though we’re not all related, there was this strong feeling of community, like we all belong here.”
While DBG Family Night was the first of its kind, its impact was undeniable. By the end of the evening, more than 20 families had participated, each walking away with newfound connections — to each other, DBG, and the larger community.
Up next, DBG parents will show off their talents March 22 at special DBG Parents Got Talent event from 1-4 p.m. Click here to learn more and RSVP.