Melvin Bender Stand Up Comedian
Coco Stand Up
Comedian/Host
Event Photography by Satin Mosley
M I K E Y 2 3 DA
FOUN TION
What is Mikey 23
Mikey23Foundation org
Mikey 23 Foundation is in memory of Michael McKissic II Michael "Mikey" was 23 years old when he was tragically taken from us He worked for the family construction business, McKissic Construction Like his father and grandfather before him, Mikey had a passion for the work
We improve the lives of young people through innovative education and training in the area of skilled trades Led by licensed builders, electricians, plumbers, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractors, the foundation provides hands-on opportunities for selfdevelopment and growth, thereby empowering young people to reach their full potential
Mikey 23 Foundation prepares young people from all walks of life with the necessary skills and abilities to obtain a lifelong career in a high-demand industry!
If you would like to learn more or if you know of youth who may be interested in a career in the skilled trades, please contact Michael McKissic at (517) 712-8446 or email him at mckissicconst@comcast net
Board of Directors
Mikey23Foundation org
Michael McKissic, Sr. is native of Lansing. He received his education in computer science from DeVry Institute of Technology in Columbus, Ohio, and his construction education at both Lansing Community College, and Jackson Community College
He is the co-owner of McKissic Construction, which begin in 1980, where he is in charge of the day-to-day operations. McKissic Construction has built churches, homes, commercial buildings and elevator shafts Michael is also the founder of Mikey 23 Foundation, which was established in 2015 after the murder of his son, Michael McKissic II. At the Mikey 23 Foundation, he teaches adults and youth a building trade in construction The program, which is a registered apprenticeship through the state of Michigan trains its students in the fields of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, roofing, concrete flatwork, and stone masonry. His love for the work comes from his father, Lonnie McKissic Sr "Taking a home or a building that is a eyesore and turning it into something brand new is very rewarding "
Michael L. Oakes currently serves as senior attorney at the Oakes Law Group PLLC Attorney Oakes is a highly experienced Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney –representing clients throughout Michigan in both State and Federal Courts. Attorney Oakes has argued cases from the trial court to the Supreme Court on behalf of the underserved.
Attorney Oakes graduated Magna Cum
Laude from Jackson State University where he received his undergraduate degree in Political Science He graduated Cum Laude from Michigan State University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate of Law
Attorney Oakes is a proud product of Muskegon Heights High School where he was born and raised
Edward McKissic is from Lansing, Michigan. He’s currently the Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer & Chief Diversity Officer at Group1 Automotive. Prior to joining Group1 he held several key executive HR roles for fortune 100 companies such as Vice President, People Operation North America at Waste Management, DVP, Human Resources for Walgreens, Vice President, Human Resources at Walmart Edward also held leadership roles at Hewlett-Packard, Electrolux, and General Motors.
Edward has 30 years of experience in both Global Corporate and Field Operations experience in diverse Industries such as: Manufacturing, Consumer Products, Technology, Automotive and Retail.
He’s a seasoned, accomplished HR strategist and operations leader with experience leading multibillion-dollar organizations within global, Fortune 100 enterprises; proven expertise in scaling human resource programs, development, and operational / business alignment, seamlessly partnering with cross-functional business units to enable growth and development.
Michael McKissic, Sr.
Michael Oakes
Edward McKissic
Acknowledgements
The first nail that was driven at the first Mikey 23 Foundation house was so emotional Our family knew that we wanted to keep Mikey's legacy alive I asked my oldest daughter, Natasha, to post on social media that we were headed to Mikey's house and that if anyone wanted to meet us there, please attend On that cold, snowy day, a sea of cars and the people that Mikey touched during his life showed up
Before the foundation worked on it, this house caught fire the same month that Mikey was murdered The home was on the list to be demolished However, a friend of mine that owned the home heard that my family and I were starting a foundation in Mikey's name I received a call, and he asked to donate the home to the Mikey 23 foundation That day a verse came to mind, "But when he reached it, he was called, saying: Blessed is Whosoever is in the fire, and Whosoever is round it! And Glorified be God, the Lord of the Worlds!” A Blessing came out of the fire and a start to Mikey 23
The Mikey 23 Foundation would like to thank everyone! From the neighbors who brought water and snacks to our youth building team To the organizations, volunteers, our local politicians, law enforcement, and businesses that donated time, space, funding, and building materials To the community of Lansing, you have helped us to keep Mikey's legacy alive since 2015 This is the meaning of 'I am Mikey 23.”
We extend a special acknowledgment and love to Anthony Jones, who we called AJ, who passed away in 2020 He was an instructor for the Mikey 23 foundation and a big part of the foundation
~Michael McKissic~
Congratulations to the graduates of the Mikey 23 summer program the sky is the limit whatever you want to accomplish you will. And thank you for supporting my family throughout this program and following years you will always have a family with Mikey23
~Imani~
To all of our patrons and volunteers (including the servers, assistants, chefs, presenters, performers, and various others) who have offered their time, talents, and funding to this, our first gala, and to the Mikey 23 Foundation, we can not express our gratitude and thanks enough for all that you have done, Without you, our community, the Foundation would be incomplete Again, thank you!
Why We Do What We Do...
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
Why We Do What We Do...
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS:
Mr.&Mrs.Barkley
OF LANSING, MICHIGAN
GOLD SPONSORS
Blue Brigade
Capitol House
City of Lansing
Dangerous Knights
Edward McKissic
GLAMS
Michael Oakes
RE Olds Foundation
Smack Show
NAACP
Natasha Hall
SPECIAL THANKS TO
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Mr. and Mrs. Barkley
Katie and Michael, GLAMS, Diane Rodgers, Ivanna Greene, Karen Williams, Melissa Green, Shirley Mitchner, Cheryl Mask and Augie Martinez
MIKEY 23 FOUNDATION
3105 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Lansing, MI 48910 (517) 253-0200 https://www.mikey23foundation.org
Mom, You made my dreams come true and I love you with every single beat of my heart. Without your constant love and support,I would never be where I am today. All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. Thank you for everything mom! Love Eternally,Ed
Paradise(Heaven)is atthe feetof my mother.AllahThe Almighty has blessedme withthe bestmother. She is my guidance andlightthathelps me throughmy darkestdays. Her love for me has made me theperson Iam today. Momyou are forever in my heart.
Michael
