Meet Charmane Neal | Founder of Hey Y’all Detroit

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charmane Neal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charmane, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The aftermath of the incidents involving George Floyd and Breonna Taylor significantly impacted me, evoking both positive and negative emotions. I felt compelled to channel my desire to contribute to the community beyond participating in protests. Following introspection and prayer, a conviction arose within me to establish a nonprofit organization focused on making a profound difference in the disadvantaged communities of Detroit.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
“Hey Y’all” is dedicated to providing essential resources to often overlooked and disadvantaged communities. I take immense pride in the impactful work we have accomplished. Over the span of three years, we have distributed 47,000 pounds of fresh produce to families experiencing food insecurity, provided 2,025 children’s books, extended rental assistance, offered sustainable employment opportunities, organized neighborhood cleanups, and more.

Undeniably, this work is arduous. We have encountered numerous setbacks, including the tragic loss of one of our team members, the theft of our book mobile, and the relinquishment of our facility. To be fully transparent, it becomes challenging to aid those in need while contending with our own internal struggles. However, our resilience and dedication have prevailed. The driving force behind our perseverance is the profound love we hold for the communities we serve.

It’s crucial for people to comprehend that “Hey Y’all” operates as a grassroots organization, signifying our direct involvement within neighborhoods. We are firmly rooted in the communities we serve, providing assistance to those in genuine need. This distinctive approach sets us apart. Our passion lies in instigating transformative change in neighborhoods that major nonprofits often overlook.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are numerous exceptional options to choose from! Detroit boasts an incredible restaurant culture, offering a wide array of cuisines to explore. While there isn’t a specific order, I would recommend starting with a visit to Belle Isle, including stops at the conservatory and aquarium. For lunch, Yum Village would be an excellent choice, followed by a Boston Edison tour and a visit to the Guardian Building. A trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and the Charles H. Wright Museum would provide a rich cultural experience. A stop at Two Birds for a drink, followed by a visit to the Motown Museum, and also to see where iconic Motown stars like Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson grew up, would be fascinating. Finally, a delightful dinner in Mexicantown would be a fitting end to the day. This question has so many great possibilities, but I’ll conclude here

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to extend my appreciation to the City of Detroit. “Hey Y’all” stands as my tangible expression of a heartfelt message to Detroit. Having been born and raised in this city, I attribute my identity and values to its influence. My affection for Detroit encompasses not only the city itself but also its populace and diverse communities. It is the residents of Detroit who drive our actions and sustain the momentum of our organization. I hold enduring gratitude for the communities that embrace our organization, as they serve as our perpetual source of inspiration. Thank you, Detroit.

Website: hydetroit.org

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Hey Y’all Detroit