Today's politicians point out fiscal problems, but one nine-year-old boy to took action in an effort to save his city. One of Detroit's youngest residents, Joshua Smith was paying attention when the grownups began talking about potential cutbacks that the Motor City was facing. Some of Joshua's chief concerns were the city's lawn care, trash pick up and maintenance to a nearby park. The young boy gathered supplies and created a brief YouTube video inviting his friends and family to stop by his makeshift lemonade stand.
From a Monday to a Friday, Joshua and his friend, Dwayne Durant, manned their stand to sell lemonade, bottled waters, bagged popcorn and juice boxes. From 5 to 8PM the boys sold their goodies to passerbys and raised $3,340 for their beloved city, far surpassing their original goal of $1,000.
On his video, Smith says, "Will you please help support our sale? This money is going to the mayor of Detroit and it will also go to help people cut grass and pick up trash. Please help us."
Detroit city's mayor, Dave Bing is struggling to keep the city going. According to the city's website, "The Bing Administration has worked tirelessly implementing structural reforms as a part of a financial plan designed to address the City's financial crisis and prevent the takeover of City operations by an emergency financial manager."
In recognition of his efforts and entrepreneurial spirit, the Detroit City Council awarded the young man the Outstanding Achievement award. Smith also earned a $2,000 college scholarship from the Rosa L. Parks Foundation.
Smith's mother, Rhonda Smith said, "It's not really been about the money. It's been about his spirit being contagious and allowing people to know that we all can do something to change where we are ... It's bigger than just making money for the city. It's about changing hearts and minds."Joshua Smith's hard work has definitely done that.
