More than two dozen of

YDB trainee painting a room as part of the Sherwin-Williams "Home Work" program

our students worked hard learning about all the aspects of painting, from how to use lead safe practices to applying paint to different paintbrushes and surfaces.

Retired Sherwin-Williams district manager, Bill Allman, was the instructor for the program at YDB. The first few days were spent in the classroom; where students learned about equipment use, safety and an introduction to union and apprentice job programs. Afterwards, they spent time on an actual job site to put their knowledge to the test; preparing surfaces, patching walls and of course, painting. Upon completion of “Home Work,” they received certifications that they can use to make themselves more marketable for employment.

“Home Work” is a program that trains inner-city residents in professional painting. It is an effort by Sherwin-Williams to revitalize Detroit and provide our students with additional skill trades. Partners of “Home Work” are the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state and local governments. The program first began in Tampa, Florida in 2004 and has made it mark in other cities including San Fransisco, Baltimore, Cleveland and right here in Detroit.

12-year-old Hip-Hop dancer, Lil' T, doing some floorwork during the Showdown

More than 350 people attended the talent competition and fundraising event.  First-place performer and winner of the $1,000 grand prize was opera singer, Modestina Fernandez. Second and third place winners were rapper BossE and jazz vocalist Allyson Jones, who won $500 and $100 respectively.

The event was hosted by HOT 102.7’s midday radio personality, Paigion. Guest judges were WXYZ Channel 7 reporter, Glenda Lewis; poet/author jessica Care moore, Universal Republic recording artist John Brown and Star Factory Artist Development CEO, Brandon Smith.

The night was filled with live entertainment and a wide range of talent, as 10 Detroit-area performers made their mark on the stage. From 12-year-old Hip-Hop dancer, Lil’ T to slam poet Ralph Paulk and country singer Ashley Franso, each performance was well-received by the crowd.

Showdown highlights included a special tribute to former Executive Director, Beverly Manick, who retired in July and former Program Director, Rowland Watkins, who was killed in March in a car crash. Manick received awards from the Office of Councilman Ken Cockrel Jr., State Representative Alberta Tinsley-Talabi and the Young Detroit Builders Executive Board. In addition, 11 lucky audience members received free items from Slowe’s BBQ, Home Depot, Pete’s Chocolate Co. and the Majestic Theatre’s Garden Bowl during a gift giveaway.

Thank you to all of the Showdown corporate sponsors, table sponsors, judges, performers, host, The Majestic Theatre, Showdown volunteers and everyone who supported this wonderful event! We’ll see you next year!

It was a great day for all involved and an excellent way to meet our neighbors!

The Young Detroit Builders: “Rebuilding Communities, Transforming Lives…” from Logan Siegel on Vimeo.

The shelter is made out of 70 pound sand & dirt bags. The bags are stacked on top of each other and secured by a strip of barbed wire. Students completed the prototype in two days. One shelter can fit 8 Haitians inside.

Ultimately, Kevin would like for the people of Haiti to be able to build the shelters for themselves, so in case of emergency, they will not be left on the streets.

Watch the video on Channel 4 News

See images from our past Showdowns:

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“Many people withhold information and are therefore undercounted because of their fear of what will be done with the information once it is collected. YDB would like to help clear up some of the confusion,” said Indira Pierce, Leadership Development Specialist at YDB.

The census workshop was held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 1950 Trumbull in Detroit from 5p.m.-7p.m. Guest speakers included Dr. Jerome Reide, Field Organizer for NAACP National, and Brian White from the Census Bureau. In addition to dispelling myths, speakers will also talked about census job opportunities.

YDB selected this particular event as their MLK Day of Service Project because of the connection of the census to civil rights. According to the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund, “An accurate census affects the nation’s ability to ensure equal representation & equal access to resources.”

YDB wanted to become involved because it provides services to the same populations that are most commonly underrepresented in the census and, therefore, denied valuable resources. So, instead of cleaning or painting, this year YDB students chose to serve by offering knowledge, which could result in major change for some Detroit communities.

Read the Detroit News Article about the Showdown

Photos from the 6th Annual Showdown in Motown