The Beauty of Inkster: Celebrating the history and welcoming the future

-INKSTER- On the night of July 12th, many Inkster natives gathered at the Leanna Hicks Public Library to learn about the city's history and honor educator, STEAM advocate, and author of "A Sparkle in Their Eyes: Raising Talented Diverse Students in STEAM Careers," Dr. Veronica A. Wilkerson-Johnson.

The evening began with a prayer given by Rev. John C. Clemons, the Pastor at Womack Temple Church right here in Inkster. Afterwards an acknowledgement of the indigenous land that is current day Michigan, was given by Dr. Johnson's daughter Dichondra R. Johnson.

Viewers learned that the land of Michigan, used to be occupied by three Native American tribes, the Potawatomi, Odawa, and the Ojibwe. Together they were known as "The Three Fires" or The Three Fires Council. Each tribe had gifts that they were keepers of. The Odawa are keepers of the trade, the Ojibwe are keepers of medicine and faith, and the Potawatomi are keepers of the fire.

Among the guests, was the Mayor of Inkster, the honorable Byron H. Nolen. He briefly greeted the audience and thanked everyone for being there while expressing his excitement for the event.

The evening continued with the introduction to the essential history of the city, presented by Minister Karen S. Williams.

Minister Williams discussed figures like Rev. Marcus Swift, a regional pioneer for the community and Robert Inkster, the city's founder and namesake. She went on to describe Inkster as a rich farming community during the early 1800s and 1900s. Inkster was also home to one of the oldest living women, Jeralean Talley, who lived to 116 years old.

The city served as a home to many African Americans who moved here during the Great Migration. The Arts was a big part of Inkster's roots, birthing iconic groups like The Marvelettes and The Funkateers. Viewers also learned that the city is rooted in its faith; praying and serving one another. Its community advocacy helps in developing the economy.

After a look at Inkster's past, guests were serenaded by R&B and house artist Kyro, as he sung "Colors of the Wind" for a musical interlude. Afterwards, the audience was greeted by Jonell Henry Johnson, Dr. Johnson's son. Johnson is a poet and gave a beautiful tribute to his mother.

Soon after, Dr. Johnson herself got up to address the crowd. She spoke of how Inkster made her the person she is today. Johnson then discussed her book, why STEAM is important for future generations and why this event meant so much to her. "I am pouring a lot of love into celebrating this event celebrating Inkster. It's history, the villages that literally raised me, the people who helped our community grow, and the Students Robotics team and artists who will be a part of Inkster's future...I call Inkster's future bright."

From here guests were treated to one final music interlude from Kyro, who covered "Hero" by Mariah Carey.

The night then transitioned to shine light on the importance of robotics and technology in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). The crowd was greeted by the School at Marygrove K9.0 Robotics team coach, Leon Pryor. He came with three students from his team, Ryen Ray, Xaiver McDonald, and Tahara Drew.

Pryor discussed the importance of STEAM and how there is a discrepancy in the community. He wants children growing up in Detroit and cities like it to know how are just as capable in having a career in STEM as any other children. In Detroit, most robotics teams only have one coach. Other teams though can have a plethora of coaches. This is why he encourages people to volunteer through a program called Operation Mentor, an initiative that was started by the robotics team at the school at Marygrove (8280). Here any adult can volunteer to help students by just leading by example.

He went on to discuss the robot his students built in just six weeks. Every season the students are sent a box. Inside is an object and they are given six weeks to build a robot that must do something with that object, like launching or picking it up. That night the students demonstrated the robot they built, which they named Anubis after the Egyptian god dog. Some cool aspects about Anubis are that it can drive itself, rotate 360 degrees, and has computer vision.

Afterwards the audience received a final blessing of prayer from Rev. Clemons, before being let out for the strolling reception. Here guests could get their book signed by Dr. Johnson, see a demonstration of the robot, and enjoy light Hors d oeuvres.

The evening was a special night to remember. The community was brought together to rejoice the past and embrace the future. Dr. Johnson couldn't have been prouder to hold such an event in the place she calls home.

For more information contact

Coach Pryor - [email protected] or

Dr. Johnson - [email protected]