BUF Gala 2022

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.

Nov. 25, 2022

BUF of Michigan

7650 Second Avenue Detroit, MI 48202

Greetings,

It is my honor and privilege to support the Black United Fund of Michigan Inc. as it holds its 52nd gala celebration on Nov. 25.

For decades, BUF has played an important role in the Detroit metropolitan area and state of Michigan supporting the work of community non profit organizations and helping them achieve their goals . Even now, BUF continues to have an impact through its EYES Initiative, helping youth and young adults reach their academic, financial, social, and career potential . So many organizations and thousands and thousands of individuals have benefited from the work and support of BUF.

During this year’s celebration, I jo in with BUF in honoring Otis Williams as the Image Award recipient. In recognition of Mr. Williams’ contributions to Detroit and the world, I look forward to celebrating the renaming of Wisconsin in his honor, once approved by City Council. Congratulations on this wonderful recognition.

Again, thank you to BUF. May your organization continue to improve and impact the lives of so many. Best wishes for a wonderful gala celebration.

Sincerely,

Michael E. Duggan

Dinner & Program

Programme

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

Award Celebration

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

THEME: EMPOWERING YOUTH FOR EVERYDAY SUCCESS

Photography by Scott Leon, courtesy of UMe

DIAMOND

PLATINUM

SPONSORS

SUPPORTERS & OTHERS

THANKS

Board of Directors

Duane Johnson, Esq. Attorney at Law Duane R. Johnson P.C.

Rosalind Denning President READ Consulting Service, LLC

William Jackson, Ph.D. Training & Development / Social & Community Director

Jason Appling Entrepreneur

Nicole Beecher Principal The Beecher Group LLC

Lauren Carroll MD, MBA, VP & Chief Medical Officer Advantage Health Centers

Olivia Croom, D.M.D. Dentist

Pryor Ramone Crowe, Jr. National Program Director Federal Aviation Administration

Arthur Dudley, Esq. Attorney at Law Butzel Long

Blaine Denning, Jr. Retired Automotive Executive

Edward Ford, Jr. Consultant/Entrepreneur

Steven Elam Education Consultant

Rev. Dr. Louis Forsythe, II Senior Pastor Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

Hon. Cylenthia LaToye Miller

Rayona Patrick Administrator

Hon. Dave Perkins Judge Wayne County Probate Court

Richard Rubens

Laura Sigmon President

Dawn McCloud Attorney at Law The Accountable Justice Firm

Angela Mitchell Financial Consultant

Kenneth Donaldson President/CEO

Crystal Robertson Owner Crystal Robertson - State Farm Insurance

Rick Kress Board Consultant

Tina Williams Founder & CEO

BOARD CHAIR VICE CHAIR SECRETARY TREASURER

Greetings

Dear Friends, Sponsors and Community Partners:

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

Co-Chairs

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.

Award Recognitions

The Rayford Award

• 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

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 Rayford Award was named after Brenda L. Rayford, the founding Executive Director of Black United Fund. This award honors an outstanding leader for their unwavering support to BUF and our community at large.

Image Award

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.

Photography by Scott Leon, courtesy of UMe

Photography by Scott Leon, courtesy of UMe

Photography by Scott Leon, courtesy of UMe

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

Congratulations to everyone at Black United Fund of Michigan on your 52nd anniversary gala.

Congratulations

CONGRATULATIONS OTIS ON BEING HONORED WITH BUF OF MICHIGAN’S 2022 IMAGE AWARD

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

Special Thanks

BUF Staff

Angela Mitchell

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

BUF Connect

Mary Pickard

Brandon Bell

Cameron Cobb

BUF Gala Committee

Doreen Odom

Michael Dorsey

Paula Buckhaulter

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall Dolphus Hall

Program Supporters

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

Investing in our future

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.

People are at the heart of what we do.

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.

CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY

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.

YOUTH IS OUR FUTURE. Let’s make it great.

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.

®

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.

Heart and soul

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 Y

Thank you Black Un Fund of Michigan fo steadfast commitm changing lives. We celebrate your imp and congratulate yo on 52 years of servi

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Driving the change, together.

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.

Community is the commitment we make to each other

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.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

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.

Read Your Way

Ebooks for People with Reading Barriers

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.

PROFE

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

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT/ APARTMENT/ CONDO AUDITS RETIREMENT PLANS

NS CHARTERED SCHOOLS BACK OFFICE SERVICES (ACCOUNTING)

Black United Fund of Michigan

Ja e is joining Ta

The next chapter starts December 31, 2022.

Ja e is proud to support the

Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

From Michelle Sourie Robinson and Michael Robinson

Congratulations Otis

Love your Motown Museum Family

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!

A BOLD NEW Future

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.

Dr. Otis Williams, Founding Member of The Temptations, Photography by Scott Leon, courtesy of UMe.