Community Spotlight: Embracing Southwest’s Vibrant Hispanic Heritage
Mav-One is Xicano—born in the United States to Mexican descent, and raised in Southwest Detroit. Growing up, his father played a pivotal role in shaping his understanding of identity and family, always looking to the past to honor and learn where they came from. It was this close mentorship that taught Mav that music and activism were interconnected. “They go hand and hand,” Mav explained. “He showed me that with all the music and books he would gift me.” With his love of history and a deep respect for tracing things backwards, it was only natural for Mav to fall in love with hip hop. The culture is rich—its music echoing generations past. The love has since blossomed into a thriving arts and dance school, Motor City Street Dance Academy (MCSDA), where kids and adults from Southwest come to learn from Mav and his staff.
Southwest is more than a neighborhood, it's a legacy. Many are finding their way there again, coming from different communities with new hopes and ideas. But too often, they arrive without looking back, without understanding the deep roots of Southwest. This has long been a vibrant, working-class community: families raising their kids, celebrating each other, and holding fast to a culture rich in music, food, and late-night celebration.
The parties don’t start until 9 or 10 p.m., not out of disrespect, but because many have just clocked out from long, late shifts or from helping their kids with homework. They come together with anticipation to share a favorite meal, to dance, to let the loud music and laughter wash away the day’s fatigue. As Mav puts it, “everyone got 9-5's and a side hustle. Your buelas and tias sell laundry detergent they got on sale or hustled some coupons. It's just how it goes here and that work ethic is instilled in me and what I do”.
But as new neighbors move in, not all understand this rhythm. Instead of embracing their vibrancy, they judge them as disruptive. Some complain, or call the cops. Others, like his Irish neighbor, Jackie, who Mav describes as “good people”, will show up with egg sandwiches and join the fun. And if the parties do get too loud, even for her, she would simply send a polite text: “Can you lower the music just a little?”. No judgment, just mutual respect and connection. Jackie’s understanding, as Mav understood it, came from her appreciation for “the cultures surrounding her, because it was all new.”
It’s not just about noise. It’s about knowing the stories, the struggles, and the joy that built this place. To truly be part of Southwest, you have to listen before you speak. Dance before you judge. And maybe bring an egg sandwich instead of a complaint.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Less prejudice, more love.