Detroit is not just a city to our founder, it is a way of being, it becomes part of your Soul, and he is proud of his Detroit roots and believes it is the key to his success. A Detroit Soul can be tough and is a hard worker that never, ever, gives up. A Detroit Soul is a great friend who is kind and loving and honest, although sometimes direct which is when you know they care. A Detroit Soul helps those who want to help themselves, doesn’t blame others and is never defeated. A Detroit Soul is an enigma, like a candy with a hard shell to bite through, but once you do it has a sweetness inside that surprises you.Our founder was born and raised in Detroit’s Burbank neighborhood (6 mile and Gratiot) and as an at-risk youth at 15, on his own, he moved from place to place. Watching the decay of the neighborhood, seeing and hearing sinful racism and negativity take hold, and walking amongst those addicted to drugs and alcohol, he vowed that one day he would come home and reinvigorate the neighborhood and help those in need like he was at one time. That journey took him over 30 years as trials, tribulation and loss were replaced with humbleness, love and wisdom.

One night, while on his knees praying, he was told to call a Detroit economic organization the next day. When he called and told his story, the woman on the other end of the phone said; “oh my God, you won’t believe the meeting we just had.” That conversation validated the need for Peaceful Hugs and the result was the opening of an office providing services to the neighborhood and a focus on revitalization.

As the story continues to be written, Peaceful Hugs carries out its mission in humbleness, kindness and love in Spirit with God and… in a Spirit of Detroit way throughout the country!