As a boy, Krys Fakir was well aware that his grandfather was a big deal. After all, the man would pick him up in a limo.

Abdul “Duke” Fakir, also known as the Silky Smooth Tenor, was one of the founding members of the Four Tops, the legendary Motown group.

“He was a fun, energetic, kindhearted man who always put others above himself,” said Krys, a Colorado Springs resident. “He had pizzazz for the industry.”

But Krys didn’t know how big a deal Duke was until he read his grandfather’s 2022 book, “I’ll Be There: My Life with the Four Tops.” Duke died in 2024 at the age of 88.

“I didn’t realize how much impact and influence he did have,” he said. “I thought, ‘This is something I’m coming from. It’s a blessing. It’s an honor.’ I know it’s not easy. There’s a lot of weight that comes with this last name. But I feel very special.”

Krys will turn a portion of Duke’s book into a monologue and perform it during OneBodyEnt’s “13th Annual Multicultural Black History Program: Through the Eyes of the Four Tops, a Motown Tribute.” The free, family-friendly event is Sunday at Ent Center for the Arts.

OneBodyEnt is a local nonprofit dedicated to the arts, violence intervention and gang prevention. Under its umbrella are several groups: Men of Influence, Women of Impact, Youth of Influence and Mothers of Wisdom.

What’s happening at the event?

The program will feature music, dance, poetry, fashion, reenactments of famous Motown musicians, and live tributes featuring community members.

Hosted by 15-year-old Sydney Robinson, a member of Youth of Influence, other guests and entertainers include R&B groups Intro and Surface; musical group F.A.T.E. doing a rendition of Motown hits; state Sen. Tony Exum Sr.; and Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade.

What is Motown?

Motown Records, a record label founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, was a queen and kingmaker in the musical landscape. And it all started with an $800 loan from Gordy’s family. Motown is a portmanteau of motor and town, which was a nickname for Detroit, where the label originated.

Some of the biggest names of Motown Records we still pay homage to today, including the Four Tops, but also The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, and the Jackson Five.

First signed was The Matadors, who renamed themselves The Miracles, led by Smokey Robinson.

What was Motown’s cultural impact?

Motown helped integrate Black and white music by finding crossover success with white audiences. These artists were the main proponents of the Motown sound – soul music influenced by mainstream pop.

“They had one of the biggest and first impacts in music,” OneBodyEnt executive director Dee Smith said. “They were the first Black record label to dominate an era during a time when it wasn’t Black-dominated. They were big in every genre, not just R&B. The Four Tops played a big role in that.”

And they treated musicians like family.

“There could be a time when Diana Ross or Marvin Gaye needed a backup, so the Four Tops would go in and do backup vocals. It ran like an assembly line,” Smith said.

IF YOU GO

What: 13th Annual Multicultural Black History Program: Through the Eyes of the Four Tops, a Motown Tribute, by OneBodyEnt

When: 4-7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave.

Price: Free; onebodyent.org, entcenterforthearts.org