Theodore “Teacake” Harrington’s influence in the region of southwest Michigan, specifically in River Rouge, continues to inspire the hearts of “Rouge” residents, especially those grieving his absence from our physical presence. Today, those of us were reminded that the 91 years of TK’s life beginning on August 9, 1930 weren’t ‘ended’, but were transformed on February 28, 2022 to a ‘New Life’. The spirit of transformation continued to resonate throughout the family’s “Celebration of Life” service.
TK’s grandson, Rev. Arrington E. Williams Jr. performed the eulogy which reminded attendees of “trinkets on display in the yard” that included broken items extracted from some of the many homes TK owned in the neighborhood. Renters complaining of a broken appliance or furniture could depend on TK to restore or refurbish it. Nothing was simply thrown away, everything’s value was accounted for. That transformative spirit wasn’t exclusive to tarnished furniture, it carried over into his love for others. Many friends and family members recalled TK’s passion for helping others: he was a call away for those in need of resolution and right on the front porch for those in need of fellowship, TK also kept on open garage door throughout the warm Summer months hosting parties and celebrations annually for family birthdays and anniversaries.
Along with those family and friends sharing remarks, River Rouge Mayor Mike Bowdler concurred with attendees on the power of TK’s influence in the city, so much so that for many years the corner on which he lived’s signage displayed “TK Harrington” St commending several homes TK owned and rented out across the neighborhood. In addition to that, the city recently repurchased land as “Harrington Park” commending his 30 years working for the city of River Rouge and the many events he hosted for the community. His remarks ended with his presentation of a gold plated plaque, commemorating this day March 7, 2022 as TK Harrington day, “Proclamation of Remembrance for Theodore ‘TeaCake’ Harrington, One of the City of River Rouge most respected citizen, loving husband & father heareby honored. With the powers vested in me from the State of Michigan as the Mayor if The City of River Rouge and supported by the River Rouge City Council and celebrated by all of the citizens of River Rouge, I proclaim Monday, March 7, 2022 to be Theodore Harrington Day in the City of River Rouge, God Bless Him.”
Following the Mayor, I also had the privilege to contribute remarks. I reminded family that my great uncle’s spirit of self perseverance and economic sustainability has been ignited in us all and that his influence in the community is our responsibility to carry expand throughout and beyond River Rouge. I continued, “As a young adult I was eager to purchase my first home in River Rouge” after graduating from college in Washington state because, “I knew that my Aunt and Uncle OWNED Rouge”. Even without being physically close to my family for seven years I felt divinely pulled to this area, I felt a sense of belonging that I now know is accredited to my great uncle’s hardworking and diligent perseverance as a leader in the city where he was raised, graduated from Rouge High, met his wife of 72 years, purchased several properties and even had his current home built. I’m honored to reside within the town of his legacy and am eager to support those family members willing to carry his torch.
One of my fondest memories of Uncle TK were at his and Aunt Fanny’s wedding anniversary parties. I remember their 70th the most clearly, one of the many parties hosted out of the Harrington corner house’s garage. The whole community was welcome and with the most recent year’s limited restrictions on large gatherings, I’m even more aware than ever of how valuable these organized moments of family fellowship were. Having the privilege to witness TK’s love for my Aunt is one that’s fueled my own marriage of just 6 months and continues to serve as a model for us. It’s rare to have such strong examples of loving teamwork displayed in a ministry of marriage that fuels not only the nuclear family, but extends into our larger community. Fanny’s love equipped TK to be the leader that inspired so many of us. That love and 70+ year covenant undoubtedly served as a foundation for the communal sovereignty that strengthened our family network’s reach, a true power couple. TK’s life is a pillar that’ll stand tall for for decades and decades to come.
As we transition our grief over the coming days and weeks, we as a family cannot allow the flame of TK’s influence to die, or even burn stagnantly with his memory. It’s essential that we embrace his attitude of self sustenance and sustainability individually and as a collective. TK transformed several properties throughout the region to serve our community and this must continue. There are more homes in need of ownership and transformation and even commercial properties that can be rebuilt to serve a purpose for the community rather than sitting vacant. For example, there are more buildings on street of Jefferson between the Rouge river and W. Outer Dr. that aren’t operational than those that are, a golden opportunity for us to expand the reach of TKs influence. I’m honored to be apart of a family of leaders, land owners and community liberators, especially now that we’re able to strengthen his legacy through continued development and investment in the city of River Rouge that he loved so much, I’m eager to assess our progress on the next annual TK day, March 7, 2023.
Uncle TeaCake, enjoy your eternal rest.
With love, solidarity and respect,
Your great great neice, Amani
