DETROIT – Families in communities across Metro Detroit are preparing for the annual National Night Out event, an opportunity for neighbors to connect, form block clubs, and engage with local police in informal street parties and community gatherings.
Traditionally held on the first Tuesday in August, this year’s event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
National Night Out serves as more than a social gathering.
It is a platform for neighborhoods to send a strong message of unity and commitment to reclaiming their communities and enhancing safety.
This summer has been particularly intense for communities and law enforcement in Detroit, marked by a surge in senseless violence affecting residents, including many young people.
Community advocate Sandra Turner-Handy of the Denby Neighborhood Alliance expressed deep concern over the recent shootings involving teens and even children as young as two years old.
“We have seen a rash of shootings that have involved our young people,” Turner-Handy said. “We’re scrambling to understand why this is happening and how we can prevent it.”
In response to these challenges, community leaders and Detroit police are emphasizing proactive engagement strategies.
National Night Out events are a crucial part of this approach, encouraging residents to come outside, meet one another, and interact with their neighborhood police officers.
Officer Dallas Garner of the Detroit Police Department highlighted the importance of building trust between the police and the community.
“We’re based on community. We want the community to know us and trust the police officers and the police department,” Garner said.
Garner, alongside officer Jolynda Wolanin, is organizing National Night Out activities at the Heilmann Recreation Center, located at 19601 Crusade, Detroit, MI, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5. The event promises family-friendly fun, featuring food, music, and other activities designed to foster a sense of community spirit.
“Everything is surrounding the community,” said Garner. “We want to help bring it up, but we can’t do it by ourselves.”
The goal of National Night Out is to promote safety through unified community action, creating a connection between residents and law enforcement that is proactive rather than reactive.
Sandra Turner-Handy emphasized the urgency of this mission, saying, “We’ve got to do this — city residents must come together. We’re losing too many of our babies daily in this city, and that’s not acceptable.”
National Night Out events are typically free and are happening in neighborhoods across Metro Detroit.
Residents are encouraged to check with their local police departments or community associations for event details specific to their area.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Aug. 5, and join the community effort to reclaim and protect Detroit neighborhoods through connection, collaboration, and unity.