Detroit Does National Chicago Style Steppers Day the Copacetic Way! Back
Aug 14, 2011
By Tracey Bivens
Detroit can be added to the list of cities that illustrated their love for steppin on Saturday. The Copacetic Steppers held their 6th annual picnic at the Pavilion on Belle Isle which coincided with National Chicago Style Steppers Day.
Over one hundred people from the Detroit Metropolitan area came out to participate in a raffle for a 32’ inch flat screen television, to purchase commemorative "National Chicago Style Steppers Day” t-shirts, consume food, play card games and engage in plenty of steppin. DJs Steppin E (Emile) and DJ Paul Ross "The Boss”, both tagged teamed the turntables, clearly well rested from their performance last week at Project 300 gala which was considered a precursor for The Copacetic Steppers picnic.
One thing that I joked about with the people that I was sitting with was the fact that CEO and founder of the group, Brock Powers, and company were clearly trying to feed people to death. As soon as you walked in you had your choice of potato chips and hot dogs, then an hour later it went to chilled watermelon slices, after that, servings of fried tilapia and catfish and THEN the main course of barbecue ribs and chicken, spaghetti, vegetables, desserts and then they wanted everyone to take home plates. Did I mention that all this great food was free?
The Copacetic Steppers do an excellent job of making sure their guests feel welcome and appreciated as members Lisa and Rosalyn went around greeting patrons and making sure their needs were met. "DetroitMovement” and the son of famed Detroit mayor, Senator Coleman A. Young Jr. were also at the picnic trying to garner support for community based projects and possibly greeting future constituents? Hmmm...
Eventually, the unpredictable skies of Detroit tried to drench the parade but the Copacetic Steppers got the last laugh because by that time…the picnic was over.
Says Powers, "Each year, The Copacetic Steppers give back to the community on this day anyway. It was a good thing that it happened to coincide with National Chicago Style Steppers Day because it helps us to educate ourselves, our students, and our community about the importance of celebrating stepping and giving back.”
