by Clare Valenti
You know the second that Michael Jones walks into the room that you’re in for a story. Author, dancer, and retired US Navy sailor, Michael brings all of it with him, every day. We chatted together in mid-May to learn more about his upbringing and the role that St. Pat’s Senior Center plays in his life.
Michael was born in Detroit and grew up visiting spots surrounding St. Pat’s. From an early age, dance was everything for Michael. Coming from a family of dancers, he remembers Elvis Presley’s iconic, hip-shaking debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. From there, he was going to dance parties all throughout the city, including some at the iconic but no longer standing Graystone Ballroom.
Michael graduated from Eastern High School (today named Martin Luther King Jr. High School) and enlisted in the armed forces. Enlisting in the US Navy not only allowed for him to serve his country but also gave him the opportunity to see the world and share his love of dance in multiple countries, including France, Italy, Japan, Malta, Philippines, Spain, and Sicily.
Coming back to the United States as a veteran himself, veterans issues are close to Michael’s heart. Michael recalled a moment that stuck with him and inspired him to take action. One Independence Day while cooking out, he saw a disabled veteran being turned away after asking for help. Michael fixed the man a plate of food and thought to himself “a veteran should never have to struggle on Independence Day.” From then on, Michael began organizing a free meal and clothes distribution each Independence Day for homeless veterans in Cass Park, across the street from the Masonic Temple.
Earlier this year, Michael published “Reflections of Us: Chronicle of Life,”book of poetry. Michael began writing his own poetry from a young age, and later in life found himself inspired by prominent poet Nikki Giovanni. What brings Michael to the community of St. Pat’s? It’s a little bit of everything.
The cultural programming brought Michael to meet his now wife, who he spotted from the balcony dancing during an event in the ballroom. The moment Michael saw her, he knew he had to get to know her. St. Pat’s means something different to everyone, but as shown by Michael’s story, it’s all about connection and the overwhelming sense of community you feel as soon as you walk in the door.