Wherever We Go, There We Are

Hey there, everyone. Brendan here, and I know that I have to choose my next words (and all of them) pretty carefully. There are not many times in life when there is an objectively right thing to say, though there are rather a few when there are wrong things. I'll do my best to avoid those!

In light of an election season for which the word "contentious" feels charitably weak, I wanted to take this chance to reflect on things that do bring us together. I will not sit here and tell you that there are any perfect solutions, because there are none.

History Precedes Us

It's worth remembering, though, that from the founding of America's unique blend of ideas and idealism almost 250 years ago, there were debates and arguments over some of the same issues that we're still confronting today. We chose, in spite of those differences, chose "to form a more perfect Union," knowing that there would be times ahead when that union might be splintered by partisan struggles. It is not a perfect system, and still does not fully reflect its people, but great strides have been made, and they will not be erased. 

I don't want to sit here and preach to the choir. I know that we've all read more than a few milquetoast social media captions blankly preaching unity without addressing anyone's grievances, or pretending that a veneer of trite phrases can gloss over the hard fractures that exist between so many people. Those makes things worse, in my honest opinion. Those posts treat the audience childishly and shirk the responsibility that a business has to its community-- not just to provide them with products or experiences, but also the many ways those businesses interact with and support those around them (something I discussed in depth here).

Community is a Chosen Family

The full spectrum of those responsibilities were on display this past weekend at All Things Detroit, though. Anyone in attendance saw not only a variety of creatively made and marketed wares on display from some of the city's best and brightest, but also how resilient we are as creators and innovators in the face of great adversity.

The past several years have taught many lessons to us all, and allowed us to learn from each other in ways that we may not have expected. All Things Detroit showed that, and was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate one another's dedication. It's a simple fact that entrepreneurs and the businesses they lead are a cornerstone of the American dream and economy, and the event was a wonderful chance to see that fact in action. 

I wanted to mention something in that regard, actually: how grateful Nakee is for the support of those around us. It's a theme I've touched on before, but it more than bears repeating in the face of how kind and supportive people were after our appearance on WDIV. I can tell you that Evan was smiling as wide as his beard is long about how many people came up and said hello because of that interview and the things it meant to them. It was invigorating for all of us to hear about your kind words, and for them and the continued support we've received, we are all grateful. 

Giving Back in the Giving Season

Going into the holiday season, the importance of that love from you all only feels amplified. It's a time that cries for a unity and an enjoyment of what we share. Even in that time that comes, as the Grinch said, "without packages, boxes or bags," there is importance in shopping local. It helps to support your entrepreneurial neighbors and their families, and there's something special attached to the one-of-a-kind and hand-made gifts that you can find at venues like Eastern Market's Holiday Markets (of course, we'll be there!). Even if you're not up for coming downtown, you can still help small businesses by spreading the word about ones you love on social media! 

However you choose to do it, supporting those entrepreneurs helps create and preserve a unique community character, bringing people together in the process. That support is a cycle as those in the business community stay connected and frequently invest in one another. That's part of what makes All Things Detroit so special; it's not just a market, but also a forum for those who are keen to champion their neighbors' ambitions and the city's continued march toward success. 

I could never entirely agree with the phrase "uncertain times," because no time in history has ever been absolutely certain, nor will it be. Through the support we give one another, however, be it in business or through kind words and gestures, we help to stabilize ourselves and each other. There are things more than proximity that unite us, ideas that are intangible but also solid in our hearts, and we will go on being a community in spite of our differences. I encourage you to use the holiday season as an opportunity to support those communities, because that reinforcement radiates out into our city and beyond, and makes us all better for it. Thanks for reading, everyone, and stay warm and safe out there.