community Celebrating “Education . . . a Matter of Building Bridges” was the theme of Black Family Development, Inc.’s 2012 Annual Presidents’ Dinner and Dr. Gerald K. Smith Humanitarian Award presentations, held on December 6, 2012 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Dr. Gerald K. Smith was a founding Board Member of Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI) dating back to 1976. “It is with pleasure that Black Family Development, Inc.’s Board of Directors recognizes the legacy of one of our most distinguished past Presidents, Dr. Gerald K. Smith. In keeping with the commitment and values of Dr. Smith, this year’s event is a salute to education and youth development,” stated Alice G. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, BFDI. This year’s recipients of the Dr. Gerald K. Smith Humanitarian Award were selected because of their tremendous contributions in advancing improved educational opportunities and outcomes for children and adolescents in the Detroit region. Honored were: Ralph C. Bland, Superintendent, Detroit Edison Public School
December 19-25, 2012
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
Academy; Carol Goss, President/CEO, The Skillman Foundation; Gerlma Johnson, Principal, Earhart Elementary/Middle School; Carl J. Latona, General Partner, CjL Strategies LLC; Johnathon Matthews, Principal, Cody Academy of Public Leadership; and Veneda Fox Sanders, Principal, Hope Academy. In addition to the Humanitarian Awards, three (3) students were provided with the Dr. Gerald K. Smith Scholarship Award: Elizabeth Morales, University of Michigan Student; Stephan Quicksey, Osborn High School Senior; and Terry Wallace, Cody High School Senior.
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cation Achievement Authority of Michigan; Hope Academy; Juvenile Assessment Center; New Detroit, Inc.; Straight Gate International Church; The Skillman Foundation; and Wayne State University School of Social Work. Keisha Allen served as the Mistress of Ceremony, and introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Roy Roberts, who provided an inspiring message. Those gathered enjoyed the musical selections by national recording duo 21:03.
The proceeds from the dinner help support BFDI programs that promote education and fun, including the annual Obama Bowl, the BFDI gratefully acknowledged support from its sponsors: Ford African-Centered Olympics, My Healthy Body Olympics, Math Motor Company Fund; Hudson Property Group , LLC; Blue Cross Mastery Challenge, and the Annual Back to School Community Blue Shield of Michigan; Comerica Bank; Clark Hill PLC; DTE En- Day. ergy; Jane Fernanders; Fifth Third Bank; McLaren Macomb; MGM Grand Detroit; Pepsi Bottling Group; St. John Providence Health For more information on BFDI contact 313-758-0150 or visit our System; Gregory Terrell and Company; Alice G. Thompson; Edu- website: www.blackfamilydevelopment.org.
2012 Dr. Gerald K. Smith Humanitarian Award Recipients: (l-r) Carl J. Latona, General Partner, CjL Strategies, LLC; Veneda Fox Sanders, Principal, Hope Academy; Ralph C. Bland, Superintendent, Detroit, Edison Public School Academy; Gerlma Johnson, Principal, Earhart Elementary/Middle; Carol Goss, President/CEO, The Skillman Foundation; and Johnathon Matthews, Principal, Cody Academy of Public Leadership.
Jane Fernanders, Chief Financial Officer, BFDI, and Alice G. Thompson
Alice G. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Black Family Development, Inc. and Dr. Gerald K. Smith, Scholarship recipients: Terry Wallace, Cody High School Senior; Elizabeth Morales, University of Michigan Student; Stephan Quicksey, Osborn High School with Kenyatta Stephens, Chief Operating Officer, Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI)
J. Wm. Covington, Ed. D., Chancellor, Michigan Education Achievement Authority and his leadership team.
Alice G. Thompson, Dr. Ann Smith, wife of Dr. Gerald K. Smith, and Dr. Gerald K. Smith Scholarship Award recipients: Terry Wallace; Elizabeth Morales; and Stephan Quicksey.
Thomas Traylor, Tanya Traylor, BFDI Staff; and guests, Wilda and Robert Biggs.
(l-r seated) David Merritt, previous Dr. Gerald K. Smith Humanitarian Award recipient; Bishop Andrew and Pastor Viveca Merritt, Straight Gate International Church and guests.
Walter and Kenyatta Stephens BFDI Board members: Jason Malone; Dee Dee McKinney Odom; Dr. Ingrid Draper; and Sharon Banks; Alice G. Thompson; Terry Wallace; Stephan Quicksey; Elizabeth Morales; Roy Roberts, Keynote Speaker; Equilla Wainwright, President BFDI Board of Directors; Janice Cosby Bridges; and Wayne Bradley, Sr. BFDI Board members.
(Photo left)
(Photo Left)
Alice G. Thompson; Ralph Bland, Dr. Gerald K. Smith Humanitarian Award Recipient; and Kenyatta Stephens.
Alice G. Thompson; Carol Goss, Dr. Gerald K. Smith Humanitarian Award Recipient, and Kenyatta Stephens.