DABO Newsletter April - June 2024

The Detroit Association of Black Organizations, founded in 1979, kicked off the celebration of its 45th Anniversary, on Friday April 19, 2024, with its Anniversary Awards Celebration held in the Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield Bridge Center Library. The Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening was Karen Drew, WDIV News Anchor. Also, there to represent WDIV, our media partner, was their evening anchor Demond Fernandez, and Graham Media executive Caroline Chambers.

The Bridge Center was packed with award recipients, corporate sponsors, long term supporters, staff, board members, and other supporters who all came to congratulate DABO on forty-five years of uninterrupted service and dedication to the Detroit Community.

Andre Ash, DABO’s Communications Director, Karen Drew, WDIV Anchor, Rev. Horace L. Sheffield, III, DABO’s CEO, and Demond Fernandez, also a WDIV Anchor

Karen Drew, WDIV Anchor, Mistress of Ceremonies

DABO’s 45th Anniversary Celebration

And the talk of the town was the performance of violinist Ezinma who was also accompanied by the duo Florella Strings.

At the 45th Anniversary Gala DABO was honored to present The Horace L. Sheffield, Jr. Exceptional Excellence Award to: Debra Fraser Howze & Choose Healthy Life, LaShawn English, Dr. Torrie Harris, Vinnie Johnson, and WDIV. The Hon. Jessie P. Slayton Award recipients were Dr. Stephanie Adams and Dr. Phil Levy. Mrs. Minou Jones and the Hon. Eric Sabree received The Otis Doughty Award. And The DABO Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Mary C. Brazelton, Charlie Williams, DTE Energy, Blanche & Billy Paul, and the Detroit International Bridge Company.

Florella Strings

Guest Violinist Ezinma

Charlie Williams Hon. Eric Sabree

Minou Jones Dr. Phil Levy

Demond Fernandez & Caroline Chambers, WDIV

Rev. Kimberly Williams, Executive Director CHL, accepting the award for Debra Fraser Howze, and Rev. Sheffield

Rodney Cole, DTE Foundation, accepting the award for DTE

Ms. Sharon Johnson Representing her brother Vinnie Johnson

Blanch Paul accepting the award for her and posthumously for Billy Paul

DABO’s Community Empowerment Speakers Series

DABO’s Community Empowerment Speakers Series continues to be the talk of the town and to draw large crowds to each event. On Wednesday March 20, 2024, at the Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield Bridge Center Library, DABO hosted renown Harvard Medical School physician Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford to discuss “Obesity: Diet or DNA”.

Dr. Stanford, as a part of DABO’s speaker’s series, also spoke to over two hundred students and staff at the Downtown Campus of the Wayne County Community College District. DABO continues to partner with WCCCD to facilitate speakers for the students and the academic community of WCCCD.

On April 3, 2024, DABO’s Community Empowerment Series hosted Chris Smalls, the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), President in observance of April 4th and the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,who was in Memphis on behalf of bettering the lives of union workers. The theme for the April 3rd Speaker’s Series was “Profits Versus Wages”. Once again, the Bridge Center was full of our regular attendees and a growing number of first time participants.

Matt Allen, Priority Waste, Sone’ Tramble, DABO Board Member, Rev. Sheffield, Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, Irice Ellis, DABO Board Member, and Aleja Tramble

Rev. Sheffield and Dr. Stanford

Rev. Sheffield, Dr, Stanford, and Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, Chancellor, WCCCD

Amazon Labor Union President Chris Smalls, Toney Steward, Rev. Sheffield, and CBTU President Michael Joseph

Michael Jospeh, CBTU, and Chris Smalls

DABO’s 45th Anniversary Celebration “Remembrance, Recognition, & Renewed Response”

“Tobacco, Menthol, & Flavors: The Impact on Black Lives” State of the Race Forum

On Saturday April 20, 2024, as a part of our 45th Anniversary, DABO partnered with the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, and Making It Count Community Development Corporation, to sponsor a community forum designed to address the impact of menthol cigarettes on the African American community, and to promote support for the campaign to ban menthol cigarettes.

Rev. Horace L. Sheffield, III, DABO’s CEO, Elder Kirsten John Foy, The Arc of Justice, and Minou Jones, Making It Count Community Development Corporation

Rev. Sheffield, Minou Jones, and Chris Smalls, President, Amazon Labor Union at a press conference supporting the proposed ban on menthol cigarettes

State of the Race Forum

Elder Kirsten John Foy, The Arc of Justice, Jordan Watkins, The Truth Initiative, John Bowman, Campaign For Tobacco Free Kids, and Rev. Sheffield

Teferi Brent, Community Activist, Jordan Watkins, The Truth Initiative, and Bryant Tipton, DPSCD Pershing High School Principal

Dr. Sheila Williamson, Chair, Making It Count Community Development Corporation, Rev. Kimberly Williams, Executive Director, Choose Healthy Life, and Dr. David Sternberg, (DMC) Detroit Medical Center

DABO Takes a Stance Against Promotion of Tobacco and Menthol in the Black Community

DETROIT, MARCH 29, 2024 – In a bold move to address a pressing public health concern, DABO (Detroit Association of Black Organizations) is announcing its stance against the promotion of tobacco and menthol products within the Black community. With a deep commitment to health equity and community well-being. DABO, led by its CEO Horace Sheffield lll, in partnership with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, continues to take proactive steps to combat the detrimental effects of tobacco and menthol marketing on Black individuals.

As the Detroit non-profit organization celebrates more than four decades of community service, the issue of tobacco and menthol and its impact on Black lives will be front and center during DABO’s 45th Annual State of the RACE.

"DABO stands firmly against the exploitation of our communities by the tobacco industry," said Horace Sheffield, CEO of DABO.

"For far too long, we have witnessed the insidious targeting of Black individuals through manipulative advertising tactics and predatory marketing strategies. This exploitation not only undermines the health and well-being of our community members but also exacerbates existing disparities in health outcomes."

Tobacco use remains a significant public health issue, with disproportionate impacts on minority communities, particularly the Black community. CDC has indicated that approximately 93% of African Americans who smoke started with menthol cigarettes.

Despite advancements in awareness and regulations, tobacco and menthol products continue to be aggressively marketed to Black consumers, perpetuating harmful health disparities and contributing to preventable illnesses such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory ailments.

“This is more than just a rally; it’s an ongoing dialogue with our community to reveal the tobacco industry's insidious tactics aimed at ensnaring Black individuals into a lifetime of addiction,” said Minou Jones, Founder, and CEO of Making It Count, a DABO partner.

“For decades, the welfare of people has been overshadowed by profit. It’s high time we amplify our voices against this injustice.”

Rev. Sheffield Featured in the Truth Initiative’s Menthol Band National Television Campaign

In an effort to ban menthol cigarettes, the most cancer causing cigarette, and the one which targets the Black community, DABO and its CEO, the Rev. Horace L. Sheffield, III, has joined forces with The Truth Initiative to launch a national campaign to create and enforce a national ban. The campaign includes social media post and YouTube videos. You can view these videos on You Tube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LecA5lq8xr0&t=5s, and on Instagram at TruthOrange.

DABO’S 45TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT WAS INCREDIBLE

On Sunday April 21, 2024, at Detroit’s Music Hall, DABO closed out the celebration of its 45th Anniversary with over 1,700 people in attendance enjoying Atlantic Starr, Evelyn Champagne King, and the SOS Band. DABO is grateful to Ms. Kim Moore who produced the concert and to all of our 45th Anniversary donors which include: Alan Young & Associates, Asaad Kalasco, BCBSM, Brinker Group, CEG, Chris Jackson, Comcast, Comerica, DAAA, Dakkota, Detroit Branch NAACP, Detroit Pistons,

DTE Energy, DWIHN, Ekkelesia Builders, Fifth Third Bank, Greektown Casino, Heritage Optical, HFHS, Huntington Bank, JP Morgan Chase, Laborers Local 1191, Make It Count Community Development Corporation, Method Development, MGM Grand Detroit, MPS, Pistons Group, Premiere Quality Health Center, Priority Waste, Terence Thomas, Tobacco Free Coalition, UAW Region 1, and United Way of Southeastern Michigan (partial listing).

Minou Jones, Rev. Sheffield, and Norma Early at the Music Hall

MC MicLarry

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield honoring DABO, and her grandfather, Horace L. Sheffield, Jr., DABO’s Founder

Concert Supporters enjoying DABO’s 45th Anniversary Concert

The SOS Band

Atlantic Starr Performing at the 45th Anniversary

Evelyn Champagne King Performing at the 45th Anniversary

DABO IN THE COMMUNITY

DABO Partnered with Ms. Minou Jones, and the Making It Count Community Development Corporation, to promote the DABO State of the Race’s “TOBACCO, MENTHOL, & FLAVORS: THE IMPACT ON BLACK LIVES” Forum on Saturday April 20, 2024. More than two hundred people were in attendance as the panel and participants planned how to ban the deadly menthol cigarettes that target people of color.

DABO was pleased to partner with DABO Board Member Sone’ Tramble to provide robust Easter Baskets for her students at Eaton Academy in Eastpointe, Michigan. The students were overwhelmed with such joy that they, and Ms. Tramble their teacher, asked that these pictures be taken and sent to DABO to display and to prove their immense appreciation. Thank you Board Member Ms. Tremble for allowing us to bless your students.

The Detroit Association of Black Organizations has been certified by AmeriCorps to present to deserving individuals the Presidental Lifetime Achievement Award. If you know of someone that you would like to nominate to receive this distinguished award please contact Dr. Carolyn Carter via email at ccarter@dabodetroitinc.com or at 313-491-0003. DABO will be sponsoring The Presidential LifeTime Achievement Award Banquet in August 2024.

LaKina Fulks, Recipient of The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, is a former workforce development participant of DABO.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024Wednesday, June 26, 2024

The Wake Up Call Radio Show is aired live every Saturday from 8-10 am in the Sheffield Center, 12048 Grand River, Detroit, and serves “Biscuits, Grits, and Salmon Croquettes” free to all who attend. Additionally, The Wake Up Call also frequently provides many giveaways to the in house audience. The Wake Up Call can be heard live every Saturday on WLQV 92.7 FM and 1500 AM, and reaired on 910 AM every Sunday evening from 11:30 pm – 1 am on 910 AM.

Rev. Sheffield taping The Wake Up Call with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garland Gilchrist

The Wake Up Call Team with Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, and with Rev. Sheffield at The Wake Up Call in The Sheffield Center

The Wake Up Call Team with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan

The Wake Up Call Team with a former DABO Detroit Cares Alternative Academy Student, his family, and historian Ken Coleman

DABO Releases Statement on Death of Aid Worker Killed in Gaza

The Detroit Association of Black Organizations, (DABO), is deeply saddened to learn about the tragic death of Zomi Frankcom, an aid worker from World Central Kitchen who worked closely with our organization in providing vital assistance to the community, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic. Zomi's dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in delivering over 250,000 Detroit meals to those in need, reflecting her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Zomi Frankcom's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We recognize and honor her selfless contributions and the impact she has made in the lives of so many people.

Additionally, we extend our sympathies to the families of all the victims who lost their lives in the tragic airstrike in Gaza. Their loss is deeply felt, and our thoughts are with them as they navigate through this unimaginable grief.

As an organization committed to humanitarian causes and peacebuilding efforts in our community, we extend our compassion in communities affected by crises around the world.

May the memory of Zomi Frankcom and all the victims be a source of inspiration as we strive for a more peaceful world.

— Rev. Horace Sheffield lll CEO, Detroit Association of Black Organizations

DABO REMEMBERS THOSE WE HAVE LOST LOU GOSSETT, JR.

Deceased DABO Board Member Charles Neal & Lou Gossett at DABO’s State of The Race

The Honorable Mary Sheffield & Lou Gossett at DABO’s State of The Race

Zomi at DABO Center in Detroit

NO FLUFF NO STUFF PODCAST

With Co-Host Andre Ash, Stephanie Pride, Laycee Horn, and Rev. Sheffield

Watch All Episodes on YouTube/Horace Sheffield Channel

DABO’s No Stuff No Fluff YouTube Podcast is now airing

The CT Scanning truck will be located on the parking lot of the Bridge Center, 9928 Grand River, Detroit,  MI 48204. For additional information please call 313-491-0003. Monday, May 20 - Friday, May 24, 2024, from 10:00am - 4:00pm.

Live Health Checkup Day with Mason & Starr Radio, free breakfast, and health screenings

DABO’S NEW COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES

Given the success of the DABO Community Empowerment Speaker’s Series DABO has launched its DABO’s Community Concert Series. The inaugural series session, entitled “A Night of R&B”, will be on Wednesday, May 29 at 6 pm with Ms. Kayla Cox lead vocalist for the SOS Band. The second in the series will be “A Night of Strings” featuring Florella Strings, a Detroit based duo of violinists, on Wednesday June 12, 2024 at 6 pm. The series will take place at the Bridge Center, 9928 Grand River at Livernois, Detroit, MI.

“A Night of R&B”

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Kayla Cox of the SOS Band

“A Night of Strings” Wednesday, June 12, 2024 Florella Strings

“A Night of Blues” (September 2024)

“A Night of Old School” (November 2024)

“A Night of Rap” (January 2025)

A Night of Jazz (March 2025)

OTHER HAPPENINGS AT DABO

DABO board member Irice Crenshaw graduating with her Community Health Worker (CHW) certification from Henry Ford College

DABO was in Lansing, MI with DTE Energy and The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), to ask for an increase in funding to assist our vulnerable residents with their energy costs

Rev. Sheffield with State Representative Helena Scott

Rev. Sheffield in New York with Tony Award with winning actress Crystal Lucas-Perry

Eric’s You’ve Been Framed presented this to DABO to be placed in the Sheffield Center

DABO’s Founder, Horace L. Sheffield Jr. , James E. Trent, former DABO President, and Judge Samuel Gardner on DABO’s Urban Voices TV show aired on Fox2

OTHER HAPPENINGS AT DABO

Bishop Marvin Winans on DABO’s Wake Up Call Live Saturday Radio Show

Rev. Sheffield representing DABO at Perfecting Church’s re-ground breaking ceremony

Rev. Sheffield sharing one of DABO’s parking lot’s murals during a television interview

Hypertension Control Screenings

DABO PARTNERS WITH WALGREENS TO PROVIDE VACCINATIONS

PREMIERE QUALITY HEALTHCARE