JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) — After the lack of her son, many in Jackson thought it would not occur, however Mama Tutu’s annual Fourth of July barbecue is again—feeding the neighborhood and honoring his spirit by each plate served.
“I’m still grieving, and I wasn’t going to have it. I was just going to spend time with just my immediately family here in Jackson,” Wanda Beavers, also referred to as Mama Tutu, mentioned.
The barbecue. (WLNS)
Since 2019, Mama Tutu has been inviting the Jackson neighborhood to her dwelling with the purpose to feed these in want and anybody seeking to rejoice the fourth.
“It started when a homeless guy came to me and asked me was I cooking for the Fourth of July, cause he hadn’t had ribs in a long time, and I was going to go out of town to be with my family,” mentioned Beavers.
This 12 months’s occasion comes after Beavers’ son, 44-year-old Anthony Owens Jr. was fatally shot.
‘It takes a village’: Mama Tutu speaks out after dropping son to gun violence
The barbecue. (WLNS)
“He loves the fireworks, so that’s another reason why I decided to not have it, too,” mentioned Beavers. “Because I knew he wouldn’t be here. He wouldn’t be around to light the fireworks.”
For Jackson native Aher Howard, Mama Tutu’s presence in the neighborhood has meant the whole lot to the event of himself and his children.
“She’s another mother. She’s always here for the community. Always helping, helps us you know, with my kids since they were born.”
The barbecue. (WLNS)
Beavers says she will get pleasure out of serving to others and offering a lifeline to those needing it most.
“I love the people. I love giving. I love feeding people — I love to eat myself,” mentioned Beavers. “It’ss the Fourth of July, so why not all of us just get together and have fun?”
