Our Roots
Founded in 2010, Friends of Royal Oak Township (FOROT) has spent 15 years serving Royal Oak Charter Township and Greater Detroit through a powerful blend of advocacy, education, and cultural restoration. Our mission is rooted in four key pillars: • Health & Wellness Promotion • Urban Agriculture & Food Access • Cultural Promotion & Creative Expression • Historical Preservation * Advocacy We lead quarterly programs including gardens, cooking demos, youth writing contests, heritage festivals, and public storytelling. Our events honor legacy, promote wellness, and activate intergenerational leadership — all with limited funding and no paid staff. FOROT has grown from a grassroots effort to a trusted community institution serving a predominantly African American population — especially low-income families facing health, housing, and education disparities. We’re not emerging — we’ve arrived. We are 15 years strong and ready to scale.
Our Journey
With 15 years of experience, FOROT has been rooted in the community, dedicated to developing strong and resilient leaders. We believe that effective leadership is pivotal in shaping a better future for everyone. Our programs are designed to strengthen personal and cultural development to inspire collective action. Together, we can build a community that not only withstands challenges but thrives amidst them. Join us in our mission to shape a brighter tomorrow.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2010
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, L3C.
Friends of Roya Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2011
Kickoff Programs: Grant Park Garden
4H in the Garden
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2012
•Cultural Outreach:
Film & Lecture series
Holiday Giveaway.
2013
FRIENDS OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, INC.
Friends of Royal Oak Township, Inc. was founded with a vision to preserve the rich history and empower the community. Since then, we have achieved several milestones in our journey towards cultural and historical preservation.
2012
•Health Initiatives:
Health and Wellness Informational Meetings
GECC Dental Presentations
2010
GECC Clothing Giveaway
2011
4H in the Garden Summer Program
2012
Health and Wellness Informational Meeting
2014
Health Fair
2015
Black History Program (Imhotep)
2017
Black History Month Programs
2019
International Business Dakar, Senegal Initiative
Juneteenth Celebrations
2022
Diaper Bank
2022
FEED the Community Event
2022
MSU Extension Key Partner Award
2022
Small Business Leaders Event in Detroit
2022
FEED the Community Event
2023
Film Documentary Production
2023
Special Screening of Documentary
2024
Black Excellence Award
2025
Annual Kwanzaa Events
Willie J. Davis
Willie J. Davis is a member of the FOROT Executive governing body of the organization. Willie is a school administrator, business owner, mentor, and educator. His dedication to historical preservation and experience in education, entrepreneurship, and mentorship brings valuable insights to FOROT.org.
Conrad Prophet
Conrad, a native from the community brings diverse skills and experiences to the council. With expertise in labor market dynamics as an administrator, Conrad understands policies and advocates for empowering youth and supporting their development. Moreover, with his expertise and dedication, Conrad plays a vital role in shaping FOROT.org.
Dr. Kubwa Kweku
Kubwa resides in Lansing, Michigan and holds the positions of President and Founder of the All Around the African World Museum. With a background as a professor, culture guru and public health advocate, he brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the council. Dr. Kubwa Kweku plays a crucial role in shaping the direction and impact of FOROT.org.
Charles Jacksn
Charles Jackson, a native Detroiter, a dedicated volunteer from Michigan State University. He brings valuable expertise as a health and nutrition educator. As a community organizer and social activist, Charles fosters positive change, and advocates for sustainable urban agriculture practices. Charles Jackson significantly contributes to FOROT.org's mission.