June 12, 2024 [DETROIT] — Bedrock's Decked Out Detroit and non-profit The Stories of Us have partnered with the Downtown Detroit Partnership to launch a groundbreaking storytelling initiative in downtown Detroit. Beginning on June 12, 10 large-scale sculptures created by 11 local artists will be on display for the first time in Capitol Park, encouraging public dialogue on how communities can create a future that works for the benefit of everyone.

“In 2026, the Declaration of Independence turns 250 years old,” Ashley Shaw Scott Adjaye, co-founder of The Stories of Us, said. “Its simple words, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,' reveal the promise of America: the twin ideals of equity and solidarity. Two ideas that shape our very identity as a country—and yet they weren't a reality in 1776 and they aren't our reality now.”

The Stories of Us debut exhibition will be a part of Detroit's upcoming Juneteenth celebrations, and its location within Capitol Park further amplifies and honors the legacy of Detroiters who have helped define the city's rich culture.

Shaw Scott Adjaye continues, “With its longstanding reputation as a cultural heartbeat of the United States, Detroit is a powerful place for The Stories of Us to make its debut, and to invite everyone to come together to discover more about our shared past and understand our shared present.”

Detroit will be the first host city for The Stories of Us. The ambitious drum sculpture exhibition will showcase designs that speak to ten themes that center the Black experience as an invitation to everyone. Following its debut in Detroit, The Stories of Us plans to expand its art education programs throughout the United States in the coming months and years.

“The transformative work of building a nation for ALL requires spaces that bring people together, to truly see one another and see a role for themselves in creating a future rooted in love and justice.” said Michael McAfee, CEO and President of PolicyLink, founding partner of The Stories of Us. “I'm delighted that The Stories of Us is launching in Detroit to do exactly that. I hope everyone experiences this powerful exhibition -- and contributes their own story to the ongoing work of making that future irresistible.”

This initial exhibition includes works by local Detroit artists who represent the city's diverse talent. These artists are:
● Peter Daniel Bernal
● Darius Baber
● Shirley Woodson & Senghor Reid
● Khary Mason
● Cailyn Dawson
● Ackeem Salmon
● Juniper Jones
● Nicole Macdonald
● DeAnn Wiley
● Hubert Massey

For more information on The Stories of Us, visit DeckedOutDetroit.com and thestoriesofus.org www.thestoriesofus.org and follow the exhibition in Detroit @DeckedOutDet, @BedrockDetroit and #DeckedOutDetroit on Instagram. Engage with The Stories of Us throughout its national journey @tsouorg on Instagram and @tsouorg on X, connect with #TheStoriesOfUs