A Thanksgiving Celebration with CeCe Winans and the Detroit Lions
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and celebration, and what better way to embrace this spirit than by tuning into the Detroit Lions’ 86th annual Thanksgiving Day Classic? This year, football fans are not only in for a thrilling game against the Green Bay Packers, but also an electrifying musical experience.
The Special Performances
This Thanksgiving, you can watch gospel music icon CeCe Winans take center stage to perform the National Anthem before the game kicks off. At 61 years young, Winans embodies a legacy of dedication to her craft, and her performance is sure to resonate with fans across the country. Following her, Jack White, the celebrated musician known for co-founding The White Stripes and his roots on Detroit’s Southwest side, will bring his unique flair to the halftime show.
Winans expressed her excitement in a recent statement: “I grew up in Detroit in a house with Mom, Dad, 7 brothers and 2 sisters. Every Thanksgiving was all about Gratefulness to God, family, food and Football.” Her connection to Detroit and the Lions is palpable, making this performance not just a career milestone but a personal homecoming.
Celebrating Detroit’s Rich Musical Heritage
CeCe Winans is not just an artist; she is a pioneer in gospel music and a vital part of the rich cultural tapestry of Detroit. Over her illustrious career, she has garnered 17 Grammy Awards and 33 Dove Awards, along with accolades from the Soul Train and Essence Awards, as well as placements in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She represents a musical lineage that has profoundly influenced not just gospel, but various music genres worldwide.
In her own words, Winans reflects, “The idea that my family and I are part of such a rich heritage of music flowing from our hometown is so amazing, and we thank God every day.” This sentiment encapsulates how deeply rooted the love for music and community is in her life and the lives of countless others in Detroit.
Addressing Food Insecurity Through Football
This year’s game carries more weight than just a competitive matchup. For the first time, the Lions are partnering with Feeding America to support families facing food insecurity across the nation. During the broadcast, viewers can take part in this charitable mission by texting TACKLE to 97955 to access a donation link aimed at providing 10 million meals nationwide. The statistics are staggering; nearly 50 million Americans, including around 14 million children, struggle with food insecurity.
Hands-On Opportunities for Fans
Fans attending the game will also have the opportunity to contribute to this crucial cause. Verizon is setting up a volunteer station at Ford Field, where supporters can help assemble hunger-relief kits at Pride Plaza from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., prior to kickoff. This initiative encourages community involvement and provides a tangible way for fans to act in service of those in need.
A Tradition of Gratefulness
As you gather around with family and friends this Thanksgiving, the Lions game promises to be more than just entertainment. With a backdrop of rich musical performances and a commitment to addressing food insecurity, it encapsulates the essence of the holiday: gratitude, community, and giving back.
This Thanksgiving, as you cheer for your team and enjoy CeCe Winans’ soulful rendition of the National Anthem, remember that the spirit of the holiday is as much about celebrating victories on the field as it is about uplifting those around us.