Posthumously Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

History was made on Thursday, July 20, as leaders in the automotive industry gathered at the historic Fillmore Theater to honor trailblazers whose contributions have left an indelible mark.

Among the esteemed honorees was the late McKinley W. Thompson Jr., a visionary pioneer and one of the first Black industrial designers in the country. His posthumous induction into the prestigious Automotive Hall of Fame was a befitting acknowledgment of his groundbreaking achievements in the realm of automotive design.

The Automotive Hall of Fame, widely regarded as the most esteemed accolade in the automotive industry, reserves its prestigious induction for remarkable individuals who have forged, molded, and revolutionized the automotive and mobility market.

Surrounded by fellow industry professionals, past awardees, and loving families, the ceremony served as a heartfelt celebration of the remarkable life and enduring legacy of the men and women who forever revolutionized the field of transportation and mobility.

Thompson was the lone Black inductee in a class of six 2023 inductees, including General Motors CEO Mary Barra, Simicon Co. founder Fred T. Bauer, famed motorsports driver Juan Manuel

Hall Of Fame

From page A-5 ican designer to be hired at the renowned Ford Motor Company. Joining the company’s legendary Advance Design Studio, he embarked on a career that would span an impressive 28 years. Thompson’s tenure at Ford was marked by his extraordinary talent, innovation, and dedication, and he played a significant role in shaping some of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history.

Throughout his career, Thompson influenced and designed automotive brands. His keen eye and artistic prowess lent themselves to the sleek design of the Ford Thunderbird, the timeless appeal of the Ford Mustang, and the bold presence of the Ford Warrior concept, which became one of his most iconic works.

“His mind was constantly thinking in terms of how to approach a good idea and to make it work - make it happen. He wasn’t just thinking of a small group of people. He was thinking about a worldly vehicle that he designed that could impact the nation.” said Bob Tate, Automotive Hall of Fame Historian.

One of his most notable contributions came with the first-generation Ford Bronco, a beloved off-road vehicle that captured the hearts of adventure-seekers worldwide. Thompson’s artistic vision and design ex-

Clean Energy

From page A-5 able solutions that cater to the unique needs of their community.

“We don’t often think about the climate industry or the climate economy so for Detroiters to see that their work can scale and to see themselves not just as entrepreneurs or small business owners but as climate innovators who can be a part of this economy that’s emerging is transformational,” expressed Feagin. “Right now, the climate industry is wide open and despite the broader challenges happening in our country, you’ve never had more of an opportunity for Black Detroiters to play a top to bottom role in this industry as it grows.”

Detroit’s own, Soulardarity, a community-based, non-profit organization, exemplifies this. They’ve been installing solar-powered streetlights in Highland Park, a majority-Black city within Detroit, filling in gaps left by utility company neglect. Soulardarity not only illuminates streets but also the potential for local businesses to drive green transitions in a way that uplifts the very communities they serve.

Moreover, green transitions can stimulate local economies and create jobs. The Solar Foundation’s National Solar Jobs Census reveals that the solar industry has seen a 167% increase in jobs since 2010, and pertise were pivotal in shaping the Bronco’s rugged and distinctive appearance, earning it a permanent place in automotive folklore. He is universally recognized for naming the iconic vehicle and completing more than 50 percent of the final design work that went into shaping the Bronco.

Not only did Thompson excel in design, though, but he also broke down barriers in the automotive industry, becoming a trailblazer for African Americans in the field. He served as an inspiration and a role model with further investments, it can provide job opportunities for communities that have been left behind in the traditional energy economy. for aspiring designers from diverse backgrounds, proving that talent and determination could overcome any obstacles.

Detroit’s ascent in the clean energy arena, coupled with its dedication to environmental justice, underscores the impact of homegrown solutions and the strength that springs from grassroots resilience. Moreover, we must not underestimate the crucial part that policy plays in augmenting these efforts and shielding our communities from the damaging consequences of carbon emissions. It is incumbent upon our federal and state governments to place renewable energy infrastructure investments at the top of their agenda, particularly in communities that history has repeatedly marginalized. It’s essential to beef up environmental regulations to stem the tide of pollution and implement strict penalties for transgressions that imperil our communities.

The Detroit TED Countdown Summit has shown us that a sustainable future is not only possible—it is a moral imperative. Our fight against climate change cannot be separated from our quest for social justice. A cleaner, greener future for Black communities is not only about cleaner air; it’s about creating a more equitable society where every individual can thrive. The road to net-zero by 2050 is paved with the promise of justice, health, and prosperity for all, and Detroit is leading the way.

During the acceptance speech made in his honor, his younger sister Colette Thompson spoke of his vital role in diversifying the automotive industry.

“My brother wanted the world to connect because connection allows the spread of knowledge and unlost places that seemed off limits. He saw the importance of unlock- ing places that seemed off limits. Tom was the first Black designer at Ford Motor Company,” she said. “When he walked through those doors of Ford Design Studio, my brother unlocked that space for that young black boy or girl in class drawing cars, unaware of the power that pencil holds for them. That pencil right now is being held by the next game changing designer of the next generation of cars. That’s what my brother would’ve wanted his legacy to do. To allow accessibility to all.”

In a profound expression of dedication to justness in the clean energy space, Walker-Miller Energy Services, hand in hand with Real Times Media, is fired up to herald the commencement of the first-ever Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS23). This monumental gathering, will descend upon the city of Detroit from October 30 to November 1, 2023, at the Huntington Place convention center. RECESS23 isn’t just another conference—it’s a trailblazing platform for meaningful dialogue and disruption. Bringing together a tapestry of worldwide influencers, decision-makers, and game changers to shine a light on the vital intersection of clean energy and social equity. Moreover, we’re keen to amplify the educational, career, and entrepreneurial prospects in this booming sector for our often sidelined communities.

Standing tall in the global march towards fair clean energy, RECESS23 is specially crafted to elevate the voices that have been overshadowed in these pivotal economic domains. Branded as the “Black and Brown Clean Energy Conference”, — with hopes to spark a movement. The mission is to motivate leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, innovators, and those with a passion for change from diverse backgrounds. This is more than just an opportunity—it’s a call to action to shape climate policy and mold the future of clean energy.

Thompson’s family beamed with pride as they witnessed the night dedicated to honoring him. Among them, his daughter Wendi Burt, her eyes glistening with tears of joy, fondly reminisced about the time she spent with her father, speaking about his brilliance and the extraordinary creations he brought to life. She revealed that she cherishes his old drawings, and they are destined to be showcased in an upcoming book that will beautifully capture the story of his remarkable life.

“I always thought he was a genius, but he was my father. This has been a great opportunity to learn about his contributions and what he meant to other people. I saw him help a lot of people,” Burt said. “He put a lot of people through school and got a lot of people employment through Ford. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the opportunities he created.”

The family fondly recalled how Thompson would lovingly construct cars, bikes, and race car tracks for them, creating memories that will be missed dearly. His significant presence within the family was something they will hold close to their hearts, always holding closely the moments spent together with him.

When asked about whether anyone in the family possesses similar skills as Thompson, his grandson Anthony Burt offered a simple yet profound response: “No. He was truly one of a kind.”

Credit

From page A-5 accounts for your children can help teach them about everything from depositing your paycheck to easily paying your bills -- the basic building blocks of your financial infrastructure. You can also consider making your teenager an authorized user on your credit card account to assist them in establishing their own positive credit history. Take this approach if you consistently pay your credit card bill in full and on time, as late payments can also impact your child’s credit report, in addition to your own.

Building and rebuilding credit takes time and patience, but the results are worth it. A solid credit history can help you build generational wealth, reach your financial goals and establish long-term fiscal stability for you and your family. For more information on the basics of building credit, visit chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education.