The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy proudly supports the Black United Fund of Michigan. We congratulate Mr. Otis Williams for this year’s Image Award and for a lifetime of entertaining Detroit and the world.
OPENING
The Zone Dance Center
POSTING OF COLORS
Cass Technical ROTC NATIONAL ANTHEM Unique Stewart
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Gwen Jackson, Student Glenda Lewis, Anchor WXYZ - Channel 7
GREETINGS
Raven Crowe, Student WELCOME
Rosalind Denning, Board Chair
INVOCATION
Pastor Arthur Ledlie, Bridge Network GRACE Karrington Mitchell, Student DINNER IS SERVED
OPENING
The Zone Dance Center
CHANNEL 7 BUF OF MICHIGAN VIDEO STATEMENT OF OCCASION Kenneth Donaldson, President, and CEO
STUDENT TESTIMONIES
Tyler Griggs, Project Aviation Sage Johnson, Future Docs Jalen Montgomery, uCode
SOLO PERFORMANCE
“Greatest Love Of All”, Unique Stewart
OTIS WILLIAMS TRIBUTE PERFORMANCE Detroit Youth Choir
SPECIAL VIDEO AND APPEAL
Kenneth Donaldson
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS
HAMPTON AWARD Dolphus Hall
RAYFORD AWARD William Pickard, PhD
PASSING OF THE GAVEL
SOLO ARTIST
Travis James
Motown Museum’s 2021 Amplify: The Sound of Detroit Artist of the Year Inami Bloom
Local Artist, Singer, Song Writer and Musician
STUDENT PRESENTERS
Sarah Vaughn Mercer Brown
SPECIAL GUESTS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO MR. WILLIAMS
Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit
Robin Terry, Motown Museum
Paul Riser, Sr., Musical Arranger McKinley Jackson, Musical Arranger TRIBUTE VIDEO
Courtesy of Universal Music Enterprises
2022 IMAGE AWARD RECIPIENT Otis Williams
LIVE STREAM CLOSING PERFORMANCE
The Zone Dance Center
SPECIAL DESSERT IN HONOR OF OTIS WILLIAMS
Motor City Casino Hotel
LIVE MUSIC
Presented by Larry Lee and Back In the Day Band
DANCING AND PRIZE GIVEAWAYS
EVENT CLOSING
Dr. Portia Lockett, Keynote Speaker, Spiritual Advisor, Author
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your support of Black United Fund’s 52nd Annual Gala! Our E.Y.E.S. Initiative, “Empowering Youth for Everyday Success,” continues to exemplify our commitment and determination to connect youth to meaningful programs that help them succeed. This year alone, we have reached thousands of youth. The excitement builds as we prepare to launch over five new programs in 2023. We are proud to announce that our new youth business program will be named after Dr. William F. Pickard, a successful businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist dedicated to enriching the lives of others. Please stand with us as we work together to prepare the next generation of achievers. Together, we will make a difference!
Rosalind Denning Chairperson, Board of Directors
Dear BUF Partners, Friends & Family, Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races, one after the other. – Walter Elliot
For 52 years, Black United Fund of Michigan has connected programs and resources to thousands of youth, adults, and communities. We understand the importance that education plays in helping individuals create the life and wealth they desire. BUF will continue to be one of the leaders in bringing together community partners to help the underrepresented and underserved. We commit to the empowerment, establishment, and longevity of the human spirit.
I want to thank you for celebrating with us as we look forward to a bright future. We must remember, that no matter the obstacles we will persevere. We have many races behind us, and we look to those before us. With each successful completion, we will increase our impact to empower youth for everyday success.
Kenneth Donaldson President & CEO
Terrence Wilson is the Global Director, Innovation of Magna International. He is an experienced executive with more than 20 years of developing programs at a high level.
Denise Steele is the Vice President and Community Engagement Manager for JPMorgan Chase Bank, supporting the Central Region. As part of the Corporate Responsibility team, she focuses on building enduring relationships with community stakeholders.
LaTrice McClendon is a dedicated community leader. The Detroit native is the Detroit Market Executive and the Community President for Detroit at Huntington National Bank. In this role, she oversees the strategic development and execution of corporate community initiatives.
Stanford Wilkinson is the Fearless Founder and Executive Director of D.E.F.Y. (Determined, Exceptional, Fearless Youth) a nonprofit organization that provides access, exposure, and mentorship opportunities to youth.
Sharon Johnson is the Executive Director of Operations-Human Resources for Piston Group. An established proven leader of excellence in metropolitan Detroit.
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• Founder and Executive Chair, Global Automotive Alliance (GAA)
• Co-Managing Partner MGM Grand Casino
• Entrepreneur, Chairman and Founder, Global Alliance
• Co-Owner, Realtime Media
A media marketing company and parent company of: Pittsburgh Courier, Chicago Defender, Atlanta Daily World and Michigan Chronicle
The Hampton Award is named in memory of BUF’s former employee, Linda Hampton. This award honors an individual for their outstanding volunteerism and ongoing commitment to BUF.
Dolphus Hall is a former employer of Black United Fund of Michigan. He operated in many various roles and was always complimented and respected for his outstanding work, attitude and professionalism. He was later hired by Ford Motor company but continued to volunteer with BUF. His dedication to the organization has never wavered.
The image award is presented to Otis Williams for his admirable character, outstanding leadership and musical contributions to Detroit, our nation and the international stage.
Dr. Otis Clayborn Williams, founding member of the worldrenowned, Grammy Award-winning group, The Temptations, is a music legend. From award-winning singer, songwriter to critically acclaimed author, from television producer, and Broadway executive producer to executive producer of the group’s brand-new album, Temptations 60, Dr. Williams defied all odds, having gone from the dirt roads of rural Texas to the highest heights of Detroit, Motown, and beyond. One of the world’s most significant and prolific musical institutions of all time, The Temptations are entertainment giants revered for their enduring catalog of music masterpieces. As the sole surviving member of the original Temptations, Dr. Williams is uniquely one of Detroit’s and America’s national treasures.
recently the touring production of the musical broke a house record at a local theater while on tour. Broadway’s Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is currently touring across the U.S., to more than 50 cities, throughout this year and next. The electrifying Broadway musical is also scheduled to open in the UK, in the West End of London at the Prince Edward Theater, on March 31, 2023.
Dr. Williams has been and still is the chief architect of The Temptations’ evolution throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Celebrating 60 years at the forefront of The Temptations, and still performing around the world today, he is a global superstar.
With millions of fans worldwide, Dr. Otis Williams has continued to lead and carry the torch for the group. The Temptations ranked #1 in Billboard magazine’s most recent list of Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of All Time, and Rolling Stone magazine commented that The Temptations are “Indisputably the greatest black vocal group of the Modern Era…”
Dr. Otis Williams received an honorary degree, Doctorate of Humane Letters, from Stillman College, a historically Black college and university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 2006.
Dr. Williams’ personal journey has been documented in his critically acclaimed 1988 autobiography, Temptations, which became the source for both the Emmy® award-winning television mini-series, The Temptations, released in 1998, and most recently the smash hit Broadway musical, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, which won the 2019 Tony® Award for Best Choreography. Ain’t Too Proud broke house records while in previews in major cities on its road to Broadway. It also broke house records at The Imperial Theater while on Broadway, and
The Temptations are today one of the most iconic, bestselling brands in the entertainment world. With original member Dr. Otis Williams, the group’s track record of continuing to sell decades worth of history-making music is breathtaking. The Temptations have been awarded more than 50 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum Awards all combined.
The unique contributions Dr. Otis Williams and The Temptations have made to the legacies of Detroit, Motown, The Motown Museum, American Culture and Black communities everywhere, as well as to the global music landscape are undeniable.
Dubmeister, They say you are never a hero in your hometown...tonight proves that is not true, because this historic night shows how much you are loved, respected and thought of. Sorry I can’t be there with you in person but you know my heart is always with you. Much love, Chub
Congratulations to everyone at Black United Fund of Michigan on your 52nd anniversary gala.
Robin has devoted the past two decades to carrying the torch for one of Detroit’s most notable entrepreneurial families and preserving the legacy of an iconic brand, “Motown.” Robin is the Chairwoman and CEO for Motown Museum, a cultural gem founded in 1985 by her grandmother, the late Esther Gordy Edwards. Mrs. Edwards was a senior executive at Motown Record’s and sister of Motown founder, Berry Gordy.
Paul Riser, Sr. is a graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. Soon after graduating, Paul Riser, Sr. began his professional career at Motown Records. As a session trombonist, he eventually was propelled into arranging world renown, classic tunes. Many have said that Paul arranged the majority of Motown’s top hits from the ‘60’s through the 80’s. Over the last years, Paul has been involved in musically educating the next generation of musical artists.
McKinley Terrell Jackson, musician, producer, songwriter and prolific arranger, also affectionately known to many as Maestro, had his first session as a musician at Motown with Smokey Robinson’s “Ooh Baby Baby”.
He is currently the Musical Director for the Temptations and continues to work and share his musical gift and talent.
Kenneth Donaldson
President and CEO
LaCherryn Hoost
Director of Operations
Dr. Linda McClain
Director of Programs
John McClain
Senior Staff and Campaign Specialist
Fiscal Manager
Rosa Worth
Administrative Assistant
Parker J. Cole
Administrative Assistant
Cortnie Squirewell
Courtney Bell
Lisa Bell
Courtney Bell
Alexis Ramsey
Brandi Ford
Crystal Robertson Carlotta Tutt Holloway
Mary Pickard
Brandon Bell
Cameron Cobb
Doreen Odom
Michael Dorsey
Paula Buckhaulter
Dr. Regina Banks-Hall Dolphus Hall
Hodari Brown
Erica Uzzle Michael Dorsey
Jason Anderson
Chelsea Atkins
Rebecca Best Michelle Burton
Terri Brinston
Allen Brogdon
Dr. Jason Brooks
Kirsten Brown
Nancy Brown
Keith Crispen
Christopher Davis
Alexis DeMoss
Dr. Obi Ekwenna
Maurice Evans
Kevin Fite
Edward Foxworth
Mabel Fox
Saba Gebri
Beverly Green
Chief James Harris Tammy Hawkins
Jennifer Hawkins
Cass Tech ROTC
Dr. Avery Jackson Caramarie Jackson
Dr. Crystal Jackson
Capt. Stephanie Johnson Brandon Jones
Capt. Chris Kinsey
Maurgan Leew
Patrick Lindsay Clinton Loh
Tiffany Matthews
Melvin Martin
Darren McDonald
Gail Perry Mason
Monica Morgan
Ayisha Mumin
Dr. Silas Norman, II Lisa Phillips
Mikosha Phoenix
Fatima Raadia
Alexis Ramsey
Asad Rafiqe
Dr. Donovan Ray Vesta Rumphy
Jasmine Roberson Dr. Leah Robinson
Theresa Randleman
Keith Crispen
Mary Pickard
Erica Uzzle Regina Peoples
Cid Salvador
Doug Schwartz
Dr. Brian Smith
Ruth Smith
Dr. Wynona Snellabarger Dr. Jamie Snell
Tom Thinnes
Angela Trepanier
Erica Uzzle
Daren Vaughn
Anthony Wells
Anthony White
Dr. Jenell White
Joseph Weetz
Jerlysha Williams Dr. Evan Wilshire
By empowering youth today, we inspire them to dream big and achieve their potential tomorrow.
JPMorgan Chase proudly supports BUF of Michigan and applaud its positive impact on the lives of children in our community.
It can be easy to forget to stop and appreciate this place: our community. At Huntington, we see it as our responsibility to not just appreciate the neighbors we serve, but to always be looking for ways to make it better. That’s why we’re making a number of investments right here. Check them out at huntington. com/Community. Because when our communities thrive, we all live better.
Member FDIC. ⬢®, Huntington® and ⬢ Huntington. Welcome.® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2022 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.
DTE Energy is celebrating the partnerships that the Black United Fund creates, serving underrepresented, underserved youth by exposing them to opportunities and improving crucial skills for lifelong learning and a fulfilling career. Working together, we bring fresh, bold ideas forward to improve lives.
Until every person in every community in Michigan is truly and fully served and represented, we will be a proud supporter of Black United Fund of Michigan, Inc. Fifty-Two Years & Forward.
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
We are as unique as our fingerprints that mark individual human identity. Great things happen when we come together and connect our unique talents, ideas, cultures and experiences.
Wayne State University is honored to support the Black United Fund of Michigan’s 52nd gala celebration recognizing Motown legend Otis Williams. You’re leading by example to empower future generations — and we continue to be inspired by the way you do the things you do.
Thank you Black United Fund of Michigan for your steadfast commitment to changing lives. We proudly celebrate your impact and congratulate your team on 52 years of service.
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At FORVIA we believe that diversity is a strength and that great things are possible when people work together to reach a common goal. That’s why we’re proud to support the Black United Fund of Michigan 52nd Anniversary Benefit Gala We know that the exceptional work of partners, like you, drive the change required to empower our youth for a successful today and tomorrow.
When a community is strong, it’s more than a collection of streets and buildings. It’s a place that nurtures and helps its residents thrive. That’s what happens when people share the commitment to make things better together. That’s why we’re proud to support Black United Fund of Michigan.
Henry Ford Health is pleased to sponsor Black United Fund of Michigan and continue to support their mission to deliver impactful programs for the underserved youth in the community.
More than 200,000 students across Detroit and Michigan with learning differences need education equity. Together with our community partners, we are breaking down systemic barriers and raising up literacy and learning. Scan the QR code to learn more about Benetech’s partnerships with local organizations like Black United Fund of Michigan to empower students in Detroit to learn their way. Together, we can make education equity happen.
The Kresge Foundation is proud to support the Black United Fund of Michigan 52nd Gala Celebration.
Alan C. Young & Associates, P.C. (ACY) is a Detroit headquartered firm of Certified Public Accountants and Consultants located at 7310 Woodward Avenue, Suite 740, Detroit, Michigan specializing in audit, accounting, tax and management consulting. We are a full service public accounting firm with over 30 years of experience providing services to various private and public sector clients across all industries
The next chapter starts December 31, 2022.
Ja e is proud to support the
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
When you visit Motown Museum you’ll be transported into an era of musical magic! Hitsville U.S.A. is the birthplace of the Motown Sound and where Otis Williams and The Temptations rose to stardom. From the moment you step on the Museum plaza, you’ll be immersed in classic Motown music and will experience a profound sense of history. As you walk through Studio A you’ll be standing in the very footsteps of many iconic musical legends. Visit today and be part of the magic!
The Motown Museum expansion will grow the campus to an over 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination. Once the full expansion is complete, the museum will feature dynamic, interactive exhibits, a professional recording studio, an expanded retail experience, state-of-the-art performance theater, and a casual-style café offering light food and drinks!
The new Motown Museum will be designed and built around the current Museum space and cherished Hitsville U.S.A. house.
