Detroit residents celebrate community, unity and kindness through hugs

A local community event is inspiring people to love one another, embrace their neighbors, and strengthen the bonds that make Detroit a community.

For the past 15 years, on the fourth Sunday in August, Hug Day Detroit has been celebrated.

Nicole Freeman, the musical artist also known as Sky Covington, says the idea came to her at a time when the city was struggling.

"The Detroit did not look like it looks now. We were grieving for our city and we said Detroit just needs a hug, and then after that, we're like, 'Hug Detroit,'" Freeman said.

In 2018, the Detroit City Council officially recognized Hug Day Detroit as an annual citywide event.

"We want people to really enjoy and really celebrate the goodness of Detroit. We have accomplished so much, and even when things are crazy around the world, the people come together," Sheila Everette-Hale, known as "Queen Aduni" and co-founder of Hug Day Detroit, said.

The Woodbridge Pub has hosted vendors, musical performers and community members for three years in a row.

"A lot of people in Detroit need hugs. The city needs a hug, and we do all this stuff here just to help the community and give back because the Woodbridge Pub wouldn't be anything without the community that surrounds it," Ibrahim Chahrour, owner of Woodbridge Pub, said.

While a hug may seem like an ordinary everyday practice, it can make a big difference to those that need it.

"Giving somebody a hug makes them feel it's okay. Everything is going to be okay. Whatever is happening out there, it's going to be fine. Your day is going to start with the hug. This is a positive way to start your day," Chahrour said.

That's what Hug Day Detroit is all about: spreading kindness.

"I want us to be kind to each other. You never, we never know when we're going to need each other," Freeman said.