Local Fun: Ford's My City 4 Ways Comes To Atlanta

Ford–yes, as in the vehicle–came to Atlanta to celebrate the My City 4 Ways and invited me to attend this event. Before receiving the email, I have to be honest: I never heard of it. After attending and speaking with the brainchild behind the event, I’m kicking myself for not knowing about it sooner. Better late than never, amiright?

What Is My City 4 Ways?

Ford tours major cities of the United States and offers local drivers to experience the latest in Ford vehicles hands-on. But that’s not it. The program is a partnership with Ford and Essence that’s designed to celebrate Atlanta through food, music, art, and lifestyle.  Ford provided a platform to elevate Atlanta black-owned businesses to give them the opportunity to get in front of customers they may not have been able to without this event.

Having big names like Ford and Essence associated with a smaller business is huge for growth and opportunities. The beautiful thing about this is that the event offers vendor space free of charge for the businesses to sell merchandise or display their makes. While I was at the one here in Atlanta, I saw one of the finalists from Project Runway that I had been following for some time, a jewelry brand that ended up being my Spelman sister, and a brand that has natural body care.

After the My City 4 Ways, Ford keeps in touch with businesses and continues to help them grow.

My City 4 Ways Atlanta

I couldn’t agree more with this recap of the Atlanta event:

Hosted by hip hop icon MC Lyte and actor/model/entertainment host Terrence J, My City 4 Ways Atlanta presented by Ford featured musical performances by Elle Varner, LeToya Luckett, DJ Hourglass and Atlanta’s Niko Jordan with delicious bites from Chef Tanya Chavis of Pretti Plates Catering also in Atlanta. Artist Charly Palmer and fashion designer Kenya Freeman, both Atlanta-based, showcased their artwork and fashions, while Marshawn Evans Daniels and Koereyelle spoke on reinvention and empowerment.  Ford supported Atlanta black-owned businesses Human Before Handles and Herb N’Eden, who made their jewelry and skincare available for attendees to purchase.

Inside the Georgia Freight Depot, Ford displayed the 2020 Explorer, 2020 Escape and 2020 Edge with product specialist on hand for walkthroughs to highlight each vehicle’s special features, such as Alexa and Waze allowing hands-free navigation to direct you to your favorite restaurant, museum, concert or important business meeting.  Outside, Ford provided access to its latest lineup of vehicles for attendees to test drive as part of Ford’s Ride & Drive Experience.  

The rain did not discourage foodies, fashionistas, art addicts, music lovers and those with an entrepreneurial spirit from joining Ford to celebrate Atlanta at My City 4 Ways.

–Ford

But That’s Not All

As I was talking to the brains behind the Marketing of Ford, Dee Guerrero, I found out that for every person that test drives a Ford during their HBCU Tour, Ford will donate $20 to The Tom Joyner Foundation. The more people that come out to the event, the more money that’s donated to support HBCU students and their families.  Ford is more than just a car company, they’re a business invested in building other businesses and giving back.

How dope is that?!