DETROIT – A group of organizations ensured hundreds of men across Metro Detroit had a new suit to add to their closet days before Father’s Day.
A long line of men wrapped around the corner outside the DABO Community Center in Detroit on Friday (June 7).
The men were waiting for their chance to pick out a new designer suit and accessories as part of the inaugural Suit Up Detroit giveaway.
“When you look good, you feel good,” said manager Walter Shannon with Van Dykes Men’s Clothing.
About 1,000 designer suits were distributed by Van Dykes and its community partners.
“You know, some men can’t afford suits,” Shannon said. “This is a way they can get their first suit for whatever reason. Work, business, going to church. Whatever they want to do. We just want to pass the blessings on.”
The fire forced the business to shut down for repairs. Van Dykes reopened in December. Instead of trashing hundreds of suits, their team donated those items to men across the community.
“It’s nothing but joy when you see a man say this is my first suit, and you can now put color combinations, color patterns, together,” said Tarence Wheeler. “For him to be able to walk out here smiling with his dignity. There’s absolutely no judgment.”
Participants were required to register for a suit. Tailoring and dry-cleaning service providers were also on hand.
“It’s a big game changer,” said Samuel Kent. “It builds your morale and everything. I can go out amongst everybody and fit right in. I don’t have to feel different based on my level of income or anything else.”
Organizers said the mission was about more than distributing free suits and accessories. It also connected community members with resources like F.A.R.M. or Family Assistance for Renaissance Men.
“It’s a program designed to help fathers, primarily, get back on track with their children.” said Willie Bell, Founder and CEO of F.A.R.M. “We help them with tickets, warrants, drivers’ licenses, child support payments. We held them with workforce development training and job placement.”
DABO, or Detroit Association of Black Organizations, was also a partner. Its team wanted to ensure the men’s access to health care screenings.
“We just want to provide someone with a baseline in where they are health-wise,” said Nancy Jamerson of DABO.
Organizers said they want to continue hosting designer-suit giveaway events like this.
Van Dykes Men’s Clothing is located at 29738 Southfield Rd, in Southfield, MI. Click here for more information about F.A.R.M.