A big honor for All Things Detroit founder Jennyfer Crawford-Williams

All Things Detroit founder Jennyfer Crawford-Williams was recognized with a congressional proclamation for a decade-long commitment to supporting small local businesses. U.S. House Rep. Shri Thanedar presented her with the honor in late March.

Born and raised in the city, Crawford-Williams started All Things Detroit in her one-bedroom apartment to highlight the entrepreneurs in her circle. She said she fell in love with the work, so she expanded to a twice-a-year event that draws hundreds of small business owners and thousands of customers to Eastern Market for a day of shopping and connection. It’s not just about buying and selling for Crawford-Williams: She wants people to get to know each other.

“You get what you pray for as long as you put in the work,” Crawford-Williams told us. “I just feel like my passion is people. I love to hear exciting stories and learn about them and what they do. I felt like I just wanted to be their cheerleader.”

Crawford-Williams was also honored through a Detroit City Council resolution and a tribute from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her work. But she’s not done: The entrepreneur wants to have the governor establish a statewide All Things Detroit Day through an official proclamation.

“I want the world to see how great Detroit is,” Crawford-Williams said. “During the (height of) the pandemic, everyone was intentional with supporting small businesses. I want people to go back to intentionally supporting small businesses because we are the backbone of the community.”

The next All Things Detroit event is set for April 7 at Eastern Market, starting 10 a.m.

A big honor for All Things Detroit founder Jennyfer Crawford-Williams · Outlier Media