I “DARKNESS CANNOT DRIVE OUT DARKNESS; ONLY LIGHT CAN DO THAT. HATE CANNOT DRIVE OUT HATE; ONLY LOVE CAN DO THAT.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

President, Rory L. Gamble Secretary-Treasurer, Ray Curry Vice Presidents, Terry Dittes, Cindy Estrada, Gerald Kariem UAW.ORG II

UAW mlk print piece - 8.5x11.indd 1 10/22/20 5:17 PM Greetings!

Thank you so much for your continued support and commitment to the Detroit Branch NAACP in its fight for justice and equity for all people. Since our inception in 1909, we have continued to stay on the case for the race in spite of a storm, pandemic, or political epidemic. Today we find ourselves in the midst of both a global pandemic and a national political epidemic.

As we come together to celebrate this event, we thank you for your flexibility and willingness to adjust to the time that we are in. Our theme for the 65th Annual Fight For Freedom Fund Event is TAKE YOUR SOLES TO THE POLLS! We face a tremendous challenge in our nation in 2020. Will we go back to the division, separation, and derision of the past, or will we grow forward to the unity, respect, and dignity of the future? We at the Detroit Branch NAACP choose to continue to grow forward.

A very special thanks to our Senior Corporate Chair Gary Torgow, Executive Chairman, TCF Financial Corporation, for his consistent support of the work of the NAACP. Certainly, we could not elevate our work without the support of the labor community and serving as our General Chair, Mr. Rory L. Gamble, President, International UAW. A very special thanks to all of the honorees. Your work speaks for itself. We are pleased to welcome in a special address to the Detroit Branch NAACP family Senator Kamala Harris, the current democratic candidate for the Vice Presidency of the United States. She is also the first African American woman to achieve this level of national impact and positioning for the second highest office in the land.

We are determined to beat this pandemic and not allow it to beat us. We will continue to fight until we win. God’s continuous blessings upon all of the sponsors, supporters, and well wishers for the work of the Detroit Branch NAACP. Whether we are virtual and online, we will always remain on time and on task for the work of the oldest and boldest civil rights organization in our nation. God bless each and every one of you for your tireless efforts in the struggle for freedom and justice.

Yours for Freedom, Justice, and Equity,

Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President

1 Table of Contents

Greeting, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony ...... 1 Awardee – Ms. Racheal Allen ...... 17 Executive Committee ...... 3 Lift E’vry Voice and Sing ...... 18 Greeting, Kamilia K. Landrum ...... 4 Keynote Speaker ...... 19 Detroit Branch NAACP Staff ...... 5 Ms. Kamilia K. Landrum, Biography ...... 20 Program ...... 6 Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, Biography ...... 21 Mr. Gary Torgow, Biography ...... 8 Fallen Freedom Fighters ...... 22 Greeting, Gary Torgow ...... 9 Champions of Freedom & Justice ...... 23 Fight for Freedom Fund Committee ...... 10 Greeting, Rory Gamble ...... 11 Detroit Branch NAACP in Action Top Twenty Sellers (2019) ...... 12 Strategic Priorities ...... 24 Greeting, Derrick Johnson ...... 13 Detroit Branch NAACP Programs ...... 25 Awardee – Mr. Rory Gamble ...... 14 COVID-19 ...... 26 Awardee – Governor Gretchen Whitmer ...... 15 Census 2020 ...... 27 Awardee – Hon. Alisha Bell ...... 16 Get Out the Vote (GOTV) ...... 28 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE 2019-2020 OFFICERS

Rev. Dr. Wendell Atty. John E. Mr. Kevin ANTHONY Johnson, Jr. Tolbert President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Pastor, Fellowship Chapel Executive Director Assistant Director of Advanced Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Manufacturing UAW—Ford NPC

Ms. Alice G. Atty. Khalilah Ms. LaKeisha Thompson Spencer Becton 3rd Vice President Secretary Treasurer President & CEO Partner International Representative Black Family Development, Inc. Honigman Miller Schwartz and UAW International Cohn LLP. 2019-2020 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Mr. Kenneth Applewhite Mr. Hiram Jackson Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Robinson Assistant Program Manager CEO Pastor Hot 107.5/Radio One Real Times Media Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Ms. Maia Anthony Mr. James Jenkins, Jr. Ms. Donyale Stephen-Atara Owner President Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Zella’s Bakery Jenkins Construction Detroit Alumnae Chapter Mr. George P. Barnes, Jr. Mr. Brandon A. Jessup Mr. Kenneth Shapiro, P.E. President Executive Director President Heritage Optical Michigan Forward Consulting Engineering Associates, Inc. Atty. Andrea Bradley Atty. Richard Mack Mr. Muddasar Tawakkul Partner Attorney Compliance and Privacy Manager FordDirect Bradley Law Center, PLLC Miller Cohen PLC Mr. Michael Turner Ms. Jordan Connally Mr. Charles Nolen Chief of Staff President President Wayne County Sheriff Detroit Youth Council Cutter’s Bar and Grill Atty. Dorian Tyus Dr. Shekitra Green Rev. Kenneth Pierce Executive Director Principal Pastor Detroit Charter Commission Detroit Public Schools Community District Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church Hon. JoAnn Watson Ms. Terri R. Harrison Ms. Katie Riley Professor Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Executive Committee Wayne County Community College Alpha Rho Omega Chapter Detroit Branch NAACP 3 October 25, 2020 Greetings Guests, Supporters, and Friends!

Welcome to the Detroit Branch NAACP’s Celebration in honor of the 65th Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner!

I would like to congratulate all the individuals that are being recognized for aligning their passion and their purpose to correct the ills in our society. To our Great Expectations Awardee, Rachel Allen - thank you for being a beacon of life in the city of Detroit. Your life’s work has just begun, and we are already the beneficiaries of your great sacrifice. To our Freedom and Justice Awardees – Governor Whitmer and Chairwoman Alisha Bell - you both are dynamic leaders for Michiganders. Your willingness to put your voice and resources on the front lines for the benefit of the community is remarkable and appreciated. Last, but not least, to our Lifetime Achievement Awardee; Mr. Rory Gamble – you’ve made history as the first African America president of the UAW. It is a pleasure to celebrate you and honor your loyalty and brilliance.

The year 2020 brought many challenges to all our families and friends. The pandemics or racism and coronavirus turned our worlds upside down. While racism is not a new phenomenon, the call to action for self-accountability and the role we play in perpetuating racism has been at the forefront for many of us. We have marched for justice for the lives of the lost at the hands of the police and the hands of this country’s leadership. While the year is almost over, our work is not done, and we are not tired! We fight until we win!

I’d like to thank our Senior Corporate Chair Gary Torgow and our Senior Community Chair Rory Gamble for their leadership in continuously supporting the mission of the Detroit Branch NAACP. These two leaders are powerhouses that are always ready to answer the call to action. The opportunity to watch you both lead organizations that make it a priority to develop the community and provide real solutions to help people in need is beyond inspiring. Your leadership is confirmation that everyone can do good with the blessings they receive. As I close, I’d like to give a very special thank you to Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, the Freedom Fund Dinner Committee, the Executive Committee and all of the staff and volunteers that have helped to make this evening possible. It has been a pleasure to work by your side as the Executive Director for the Detroit Branch NAACP. Your support is invaluable, and your service is cherished.

Yours in Freedom,

Kamilia K. Landrum Executive Director

4 Detroit Branch NAACP Staff

Ms. Kamilia K. Atty. Chui Mr. Darwin Ms. LaToya A. Landrum KAREGA Beacham Henry Executive Director General Counsel Finance Director Communications & PR Director

Ms. Laurie A. Ms. Kathleen W. Mr. Jermaine Mr. Robert Moore Coney PEGUESE Green Special Projects Coordinator Special Projects Coordinator Executive Assistant & Building Engineer Special Projects Manager

5 Program Call to Order ...... Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony President, Detroit Branch NAACP

Black National Anthem ...... Invocation ...... Rev. Richard White, III 1st Vice President, Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity Rabbi Matt Zerwekh Temple Emanu-EL Greetings Senior Corporate Chair Greetings ...... Mr. Gary Torgow Executive Chairman, TCF Financial Corporation Senior Community Chair Greetings ...... Mr. Rory Gamble President, United Auto Workers - International Executive Director’s Remarks ...... Ms. Kamilia K. Landrum

Remarks ...... Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony

6 Awards Presentation Freedom & Justice Awardee ...... HON. GRETCHEN WHITMER Freedom & Justice Awardee ...... HON. ALISHA BELL Great Expectations Awardee ...... MS. RACHEAL ALLEN James Weldon Johnson Lifetime Achievement Awardee ...... MR. RORY GAMBLE Keynote Address Introduction of Keynote Speaker ...... Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony Keynote Address ...... Honorable Kamala Harris United States Senator – California Benediction Benediction ...... Rev. Dr. Mayowa L. Reynolds Associate Minister – Fellowship Chapel

Tonight’s program will be rebroadcast on Comcast – November 1, 2020. More details on how to turn in will be shared.

7

October 25, 2020

Dear Friends of the NAACP,

On behalf of all of us at TCF Bank, congratulations on celebrating the 65th Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner of the Detroit Branch NAACP. Gary Torgow

This year’s dinner certainly looks a lot different than whatExecutive we have experienced Chairman previously, but one thing we have all learned in 2020, is that we must adapt and be flexible. The events of the past seven months have been extraordinarily challenging and life-changing for all of us. Our communities are fighting a deadly and invisible enemy, COVID-19, which has been devastating among Black Americans and particularly heartbreaking here in Detroit. At the same time, our nation is facing a long-overdue reckoning about the impacts of systemic racism and bias. Gary Torgow is executive chairman of TCF Financial Corporation. He was appointed to the board of directors ofMy TCF dear Financial friend and Corporation brother, the uponRev. Dr. completion Wendell Anthony, of the merger has been between a tremendous Chemical inspiration Financial to Corporationme and many and of legacyDetroit’s TCF top Financial business Corporationleaders. He, onalong August with Mayor1, 2019. Mike Mr. Duggan,Torgow previouslyurged us to served do more as thanchairman just talk of theabout board racial of directorsequity and of social Chemical justice. Financial We pledged Corporation to walk thefrom walk, August and 2016you can to alreadyAugust begin1, 2019. to seeHe alsothe results served of as that chairman pledge ofthroughout the board our of community.directors of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. from December 2009 to July 2016.

Prior to his work with Talmer Bancorp and Chemical Financial Corporation, Mr. Torgow founded and chaired a The Detroit Branch NAACP’s leadership and imprint on the national Civil Rights movement has helped us reach real estate, development and investment company, the Sterling Group, based in Michigan. this pivotal point in our history. As Detroit’s hometown bank, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Mr.this Torgowmovement. serves We knowon the from board history of Bluethat great Cross crises Blue can Shield lead ofto hugeMichigan, leaps theforward board in theof DTEmarch Energy, of human and kind. is a memberThis is one of ofthe those Beaumont moments, Health a time trustees. for brave Mr. optimism. Torgow is on the executive board of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and is the board president of Yeshiva Beth Yehudah. It is truly an honor to serve alongside Rory Gamble, president of United Autoworkers International, this evening’s Mr.Senior Torgow Community has won Chair, numerous who does awards so much including to uplift the the Frank cause A. of Wetsman working menLeadership and women Award here from in Detrthe oitJewish and Federationaround the ofglobe. Metropolitan It also is a Detroit, privilege the to NAACP’shave as our Fannie keynote Lou speaker Hamer “Keepingthe Honorable the Spirit Kamala Moving” Harris, Award, a great and leader the Waynein the U.S. State Senate University and the Law first School woman Distinguished of color to be Alumni nominated Award. for national office by a major political party.

Mr.Congratulations, Torgow is a graduateDetroit Branch of Yeshiva NAACP University and Director and Wayne Kamilia State K. Landrum,University forSchool pivoting of Law in this and time is a ofmember great inuncertainty good standing and creating of the aMichigan remarkable Bar Fight Association. for Freedom He Fundreceived Dinner. an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Alma College. He is married with five children. Very truly yours,

Gary Torgow Executive Chairman, TCF Financial Corporation

8 October 25, 2020 Dear Friends of the NAACP,

On behalf of all of us at TCF Bank, congratulations on celebrating the 65th Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner of the Detroit Branch NAACP.

This year’s dinner certainly looks a lot different than what we have experienced previously, but one thing we have all learned in 2020, is that we must adapt and be flexible. The events of the past seven months have been extraordinarily challenging and life-changing for all of us. Our communities are fighting a deadly and invisible enemy, COVID-19, which has been devastating among Black Americans and particularly heartbreaking here in Detroit. At the same time, our nation is facing a long-overdue reckoning about the impacts of systemic racism and bias.

My dear friend and brother, the Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, has been a tremendous inspiration to me and many of Detroit’s top business leaders. He, along with Mayor Mike Duggan, urged us to do more than just talk about racial equity and social justice. We pledged to walk the walk, and you can already begin to see the results of that pledge throughout our community.

The Detroit Branch NAACP’s leadership and imprint on the national Civil Rights movement has helped us reach this pivotal point in our history. As Detroit’s hometown bank, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting this movement. We know from history that great crises can lead to huge leaps forward in the march of human kind. This is one of those moments, a time for brave optimism.

It is truly an honor to serve alongside Rory Gamble, president of United Autoworkers International, this evening’s Senior Community Chair, who does so much to uplift the cause of working men and women here in Detroit and around the globe. It also is a privilege to have as our keynote speaker the Honorable Kamala Harris, a great leader in the U.S. Senate and the first woman of color to be nominated for national office by a major political party.

Congratulations, Detroit Branch NAACP and Director Kamilia K. Landrum, for pivoting in this time of great uncertainty and creating a remarkable Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner.

Very truly yours,

Gary Torgow Executive Chairman, TCF Financial Corporation

9 2020 Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner Committee 2020 Senior Corporate Chair Mr. Gary Torgow, Executive Chairman —TCF Financial Corporation 2020 Senior Community Chair Mr. Rory Gamble, President —United Auto Workers—International

Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President Ms. Kamilia K. Landrum, Executive Director Mr. Darwin Beacham, Project Manager – Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner

Tonya Allen Phyllis Frazier-Chillison Katie Riley Maia Anthony Rory L. Gamble Rev. Dr. Jeffery Robinson Monica G. Anthony Dr. Shekitra Green Dr. Phyllis Robinson Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony Terry R. Harrison Kenneth Shapiro Kenneth Applewhite Betty L. Henderson Atty. Khalilah Spencer George P. Barnes, Jr. LaToya Henry Hon. Donna Stallings Darwin Beacham Atty. Melvin “Butch” Hollowell Donyale Stephens-Atara Peggy Beacham Hiram E. Jackson Dr. O’Neil Swanson Marvin Beatty James Jenkins Atty. Maddasar Tawakkul LaKeisha Becton Brandon A. Jessup Alice G. Thompson Genevieve Bellamy Dr. Mable V. Jones James F. Thrower Beverly Berry Dr. Charmaine Johnson Kevin Tolbert Mary E. Blackmon Atty. John E. Johnson, Jr. Gary Torgow Wayne Bradley, Sr. Atty. Chui Karega Alberta Trimble Berline Brown Kamilia K. Landrum Michael Turner Joyce Brown Atty. Richard Mack Dorian Tyus Chuck Browning Lucy Maddox Alison Vaughn Ernestine Bull Arnold Miller Derek Ware Ray Card Brenda Miller Professor JoAnn N. Watson Yvonne Cash Laurie Moore Jean West Kathleen W. Coney Charles Nolen Heaster L. Wheeler Bertha L. Crossley Jermaine Peguese Dr. Lois L. Williams Maggie Farris Pastor Kenneth Pierce, II Arthur Featherstone Leon Richardson

10 Page 2

Greetings from UAW President Rory L. Gamble for Freedom Fund Dinner Celebration for the Detroit Branch NAACP

Greetings my Sisters and Brothers,

It is a special honor for me to welcome you to the Detroit Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner celebration. I can think of no greater cause than the good works that this great organization and the many, many volunteers who make up our ranks have provided to this community.

I am proud to say that I am a life member of the NAACP and have been so blessed to stand alongside our dedicated volunteers in this great cause. We are fighters for justice. We stand up for those who have no voice and for those whose voices have been silenced by prejudice or process or fear. We stand together for what we know is right. The Detroit chapter of the NAACP has fought for social, political, educational and economic equality for each and every one of us in this great Detroit community and stands strong against racial prejudice.

This year has truly been unprecedented, and I know that we have all faced challenges and sorrows due to this terrible COVID-19 pandemic and the tragedies we have witnessed in our communities.

But what we have also seen is our members rising to the challenges and standing up to help one another across this community and our great nation. I am so proud of this chapter and all my brothers and sisters for the work we have done together and look forward with great hope and optimism to the days and years to come.

It is my privilege and honor to serve this organization. I want to thank each and every one of our supporters for this very important event and encourage you to continue in your support for the Detroit Chapter of the NAACP.

Let us all stay safe and continue our good works together.

In Solidarity,

Rory L. Gamble President

11

2019 Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner Top Ticket Sellers

Rev. Dr. Wendell Mr. George P. Mr. Marvin Ms. LaKeisha Mrs. Mary E. Anthony Barnes, Jr Beatty Becton BLackmon

Mr. Chuck Dr. Shekitra Atty. John Dr. Mable V. Atty. Chui Browning Green Johnson, Jr. Jones Karega

Ms. Kamilia K. Ms. Katie Hon. Donna Dr. O’Neil D. Ms. Alice G. Landrum Riley Stallings Swanson Thompson

Mr. James F. Mr. Michael Hon. JoAnn Ms. Jean Mr. Heaster Thrower Turner Watson West Wheeler 12 Derrick Johnson DerrickPresident Johnson and ChiefPresident Executive aOfficernd Chief Executive Officer

October 25, 2020 October 25, 2020

DETROIT BRANCH NAACP: DETROIT BRANCH NAACP: It is my pleasure to extend greetings and gratitude to you as you hold your 65th It isAnnual my pleasure Fight for to Freedomextend greetings Fund event, and aptlygratitude themed, to you “Take as youYour hold Soles your to the65 th AnnualPolls. Fight” It is for my Freedom sincerest Fundhope thatevent, this aptly message themed, finds “ youTake in Your good Soleshealth to and the Polls.well-being.” It is my For sincerest 3 years, Ihope have thathad thethis highest message honor finds of servingyou in asgood president health and and well-being.CEO of thisFor extraordinary3 years, I have organization, had the highest and overhonor the of past serving few asmonths, president I have and CEOnever of thisbeen extraordinary more proud of organization,the work this Associationand over the and past members few months, like you Ihave have neverdone been to push more this proud country of the forward. work this Association and members like you have done to push this country forward. This has been the year of reckoning for our nation, and the Black community has shown undeniable power and resilience in the face of glaring adversity. In the midst of battling twin pandemics – the worldwide Thisoutbreak has been of the deadlyyear of coronavirus reckoning andfor theour resurgence nation, and of theJim Black Crow eracommunity persecution has of shown innocent undeniable Black people power and– resilienceour community in the has face withstood of glaring attack adversity. after attack In onthe the midst dignity of ofbattling the Black twin life. pandemics To the thousands – the worldwide of our outbreakmembers, of the supporters, deadly coronavirus and followers and that the joined resurgence us in boldlyof Jim proclaiming:Crow era persecution We Are Done of innocent Dying; thankBlack you. people – ourYour community voice did nothas go withstood unnoticed. attack Truly, after we haveattack made on thereal dignity change. of the Black life. To the thousands of our members, supporters, and followers that joined us in boldly proclaiming: We Are Done Dying; thank you. YourFrom voice our did Juneteenth not go unnoticed. Virtual Black Truly, Family we haveReunion made to thereal 2020 change. Virtual March on Washington, and our first ever Virtual National Convention, we have proven to the world that although we may be physically distancing, Fromour our movement Juneteenth cannot Virtual be silenced. Black Family We have Reunion the power to the to 2020shake Virtualthe world, March if only on weWashington, demand it. and And our this first everNovember, Virtual National we must Convention, use that power we to have vote proven in the most to the consequential world that although election ofwe our may time. be physicallyAll roads must distancing, lead ourto movement the ballot box,cannot because be silenced. there is entirelyWe have too the much power at stake to shake if they the don’t. world, We ifmust only continue we demand the journey it. And we this November,started in we November must use 2018,that power when to we vote elected in the themost most consequential diverse Congress election in of history, our time. and All catapulted roads must the lead to theconversation ballot box, around because civil there rights is and entirely social too justice much to atthe stake national if they stage. don’t. We must continue the journey we started in November 2018, when we elected the most diverse Congress in history, and catapulted the conversationToo many havearound fought civil for rights the progress and social of this justice nation to wethe call national home, stage.and this year, too many have died. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. Congressman John Lewis. And countless other souls. As we head to the polls this November, we must keep their memories in our hearts and continue their fight. We must vote Toolike many our havelives foughtdepend for on theit, because progress they of thisdo. Together,nation we we call will home, right-size and this the year, balance too ofmany justice have in died.this nation. Ahmaud Arbery.Together, Breonna we will Taylor. do great George things. Floyd. Congressman John Lewis. And countless other souls. As we head to the polls this November, we must keep their memories in our hearts and continue their fight. We must vote likePeace our lives and Power,depend on it, because they do. Together, we will right-size the balance of justice in this nation. Together, we will do great things.

PeaceDerrick and Power,Johnson

Derrick Johnson

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 4805 Mt Hope Drive • Baltimore MD 21215-3297 • 410.580.5777 • 877.622.2798 • naacp.org 13 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 4805 Mt Hope Drive • Baltimore MD 21215-3297 • 410.580.5777 • 877.622.2798 • naacp.org 2020 JAMES WELDON JOHNSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEE MR. RORY GAMBLE President – United Auto Workers, International

Rory Gamble was elected a vice president of the UAW in June 2018. Following that election, UAW President Gary Jones assigned Gamble to lead the UAW’s National Ford Department. Gamble previously served three terms as director of UAW Region 1A.

Gamble, a welder fixture repairman, joined the UAW in 1974 when he was hired at the Ford Motor Co. Dearborn (Mich.) Frame Plant. He immediately became active in UAW Local 600 and has since served in numerous elected and appointed positions.

In 1998 and 2003 Gamble served on the UAW-Ford National Negotiating Team. From 1993 to 2002 he was elected to three terms as the local’s recording secretary. Gamble was elected first vice president of Local 600 in 2002 and re-elected in 2005.

In 1999 Gamble received the Spirit of Detroit award; the 2006 Horace L. Sheffield Jr. Humanitarian Award; and the 2008 Minority Women’s Network (Detroit chapter) Man of the Year award. He is a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Trade Union Leaders Council, the Michigan Humane Society and a lifetime member of the NAACP. He serves on the board of Bridging Communities, a grassroots collaborative of Southwest Detroit businesses, labor organizations, churches and residents. In addition, he is co-chair of the Michigan Labor History Society, treasurer of the Rouge Employees Credit Union and a lifetime supporter of Southwest Detroit Little League. Gamble is a graduate of the labor studies program at Wayne State University. He lives in Detroit and is the father of five children: Anthony, Rory Jr., Raenard, Rashaun and Rahshidah, and grandfather to 34 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.

14 2020 Freedom & Justice AWARDEE Governor Gretchen Whitmer Governor – State of Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.

Governor Whitmer was elected to the House of Representatives in 2000 and elected to the Michigan State Senate in 2006 where she served as the Senate Democratic Leader. In the 2018 gubernatorial election, Governor Whitmer won all 83 counties in the primary and won the general election with 53 percent of the vote. Since taking her oath of office, she has put together the most diverse cabinet in our state’s history and has signed executive directives to clean up our drinking water, end discrimination in state government based on sexual orientation and gender identity, secure equal pay for equal work, and expand opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses.

Governor Whitmer is committed to solving the problems Michiganders face every day. That means ensuring every Michigander has a great public education and a path to a good-paying job, every community has clean, safe drinking water, and everyone can drive to work or drop their kids at school safely, without blowing a tire or cracking a windshield.

Governor Whitmer and her husband Marc Mallory live in Lansing with her two daughters, Sherry and Sydney. Her three stepsons, Alex, Mason, and Winston all live in Michigan as well. Governor Whitmer earned a bachelor’s degree and law degree from Michigan State University. Born and raised in Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer is honored to serve as Governor of Michigan.

15 2020 Freedom & Justice AWARDEE Hon. Alisha Bell Chair, Wayne County Commission – Michigan

Alisha Bell is Chair of the Wayne County Commission. also introduced several school officials to the Wayne She was first elected to the Commission in November County Reality Tour Program, which helps deter 2002 as the youngest African-American woman to youth from criminal behavior. She has secured more serve on a county commission in the country, and is than $1 million for parks in her district and introduced serving her ninth two-year term. She also served for an ordinance enabling the Wayne County Public nine months in 2000, succeeding her mother, who Health Department to establish a youth lead testing had served since 1991. and screening program.

As an active member of the community, Commissioner In recent years, Chair Bell has been extremely Bell has served as chair of the National Council involved in criminal justice reform. She initiated the on Alcohol and Drug Dependence and the Detroit Stepping Up resolution which diverts people with Recovery Project. She currently serves as the Chair mental illness and substance abuse from jails and of Wayne County Zoological Authority and Wayne into treatment. In 2019 she introduced a Cash Bail County HealthChoice. She is a member of the Detroit Bond reform resolution which addresses the inequity Riverfront Conservancy, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority of poor persons who go to jail because they can’t Inc. and Jack and Jill of America Inc and a past afford bail. member of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. She volunteered with Junior Achievement and was Commissioner Bell grew up in the Wayne County founder and charter president the Metro Detroit Commission’s 7th District, which covers part of Optimist Club, a young adult chapter of the Optimist Detroit’s far west side. She is a graduate of Cass Club International. She is also a former precinct Technical High School and received her bachelor’s delegate. degree in business administration from Florida A&M University, graduating cum laude. She also earned a On a national level, Commissioner Bell is very active master’s degree in education from the University of with the National Association of Counties (NACo) Nevada, Las Vegas. where she was a presidential appointee for three consecutive NACo Presidents. She is the Immediate She and her husband, Kranston Young, have a son, Past Chair of the Justice and Public Safety Committee, Kranston II, and a daughter, Morgan. She is the immediate Past President of the National Association daughter of James and Edna Bell and has a younger of Black County Officials, Past President of Women sister, Sonja Johnson. of NACo and founding member and former Executive Board member of NextGen NACo.

Commissioner Bell initiated a resolution denouncing the practice of racial profiling in Wayne County. She 16 2020 GREAT EXPECTATIONs AWARDEE MS. RACHEAL ALLEN Founding Chief Operating Officer for Marygrove Conservancy

Racheal Allen is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certified operations strategist and consultant. After receiving a B.A. in English from Marygrove College, she launched startups in the insurance, legal services and retail industries. Racheal has served as a charter school administrator, Senior Director for Operations & Finance for EAA of Michigan, and General Manager of the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Downtown Detroit Ambassador Program.

Racheal serves as the founding Chief Operating Officer for the Marygrove Conservancy, an organization formed in 2018 to steward the campus and grounds of the 53-acre Marygrove campus in northwest Detroit. She oversees daily campus operations, P20 cradle to career programs, partnerships and external engagement. Her vision is to transform the Marygrove campus into an inclusive, collaborative hub for innovation in the Fitzgerald community.

Racheal is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Detroit XLI, 2020 Michigan Chronicle Woman of Excellence and a Crain’s Detroit 40 Under Forty awardee.

17 Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing

Lift every voice and sing Till earth and Heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, High as the list’ning skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast’ning rod, Felt in the day that hope Unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet, Come to the place on which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last Where the white gleams of our star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way. Thou who has by thy might led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee. Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand True to our God, true to our native land! 18 Keynote Speaker Hon. Kamala D. Harris U.S. Senator for California

In 2017, Kamala D. Harris was sworn in as a United Having completed two terms as the District Attorney of States Senator for California, the second African- San Francisco, Kamala was elected as the first African- American woman and first South Asian-American American and first woman to serve as California’s senator in history. She serves on the Homeland Attorney General. In this role, she worked tirelessly to Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the hold corporations accountable and protect the state’s Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on most vulnerable people. Environment and Public Works, and the Committee on the Budget. Over the course of her nearly two terms in office, Kamala won a $25-billion settlement for California Kamala has spent her life fighting injustice. It’s homeowners hit by the foreclosure crisis, defended a passion that was first inspired by her mother, California’s landmark climate change law, protected Shyamala, an Indian-American immigrant, activist, the Affordable Care Act, helped win marriage equality and breast cancer researcher. for all Californians, and prosecuted transnational gangs that trafficked in guns, drugs, and human Growing up in Oakland, Kamala had a stroller-eye view beings. of the Civil Rights movement. Through the example of courageous leaders like Thurgood Marshall, In the United States Senate, Kamala’s mission remains Constance Baker Motley, and Charles Hamilton unchanged: fighting for the rights of all communities in Houston, Kamala learned the kind of character it California. Since taking office, she has introduced and requires to stand up to the powerful, and resolved cosponsored legislation to raise wages for working to spend her life advocating for those who could not people, reform our broken criminal justice system, defend themselves. make healthcare a right for all Americans, address the epidemic of substance abuse, support veterans and After earning an undergraduate degree from Howard military families, and expand access to childcare for University and a law degree from the University of working parents. California, Hastings, she began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. It’s the privilege of Kamala’s life to work on behalf of the people of California. She lives in Los Angeles with In 2003, Kamala became the District Attorney of her husband, Doug Emhoff, and is stepmother to Ella the City and County of San Francisco. Among her and Cole Emhoff. achievements as District Attorney, Harris started a program that gives first-time drug offenders the chance to earn a high school diploma and find employment. 19 MS. Kamilia K. Landrum Executive Director, Detroit Branch NAACP

Kamilia Landrum is a top millennial leader in Detroit’s non-profit industry. She is the youngest Executive Director in the history of the Detroit Branch NAACP; a Branch known for its extraordinary leadership and membership base, robust community engagement, and iconic Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner. In her 15-year commitment to the Association, Kamilia has been at the forefront social justice advocacy issues from the fight to uphold Affirmative Action in Michigan to historical legislation such as Promote the Vote which expanded voting access for millions of Michiganders. She has traveled across the country for civil rights demonstrations such as Jena 6 in Louisiana and the 50th Anniversary of the Edmund Pettus Bridge Crossing in Selma, AL. Most recently she traveled from Jamestown, Virginia to Jamestown, Ghana with a delegation of NAACP leaders to recognize the 400-year mark of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

At the Detroit Branch NAACP, Kamilia oversees the implementation of strategic partnerships and programming the Association’s five game changers: education, economic sustainability, criminal justice, civic engagement and health and heath care access. She has served in numerous leadership capacities of the local, state and national level of the organization. Kamilia has engaged hundreds of youth leaders across the country by reactivating NAACP college chapters, training students on advocacy and civil rights issues, and mentoring students as they developed as leaders. In her first year as Executive Director, Kamilia hosted the 110th NAACP National Convention in Detroit, MI. The convention brought 10,000 people to the City and over $11.5 million in economic impact to the region.

Kamilia is a graduate of Lewis Cass Technical High School and holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a Master’s of Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Policy and Management from Wayne State University. In her community, Kamilia serves on the board for Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan, Detroit Future City, and the Wayne State University Social Justice Action Committee. She is also a current member of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Alumni of New Leaders Council Detroit, and member of the Renaissance (MI) Chapter of the Links, Inc. Her leadership skills and dedication have earned recognition as a Detroit Young Professionals 2019 Vanguard Awardee, Leadership Detroit Class XLI (41) Fellow, Michigan Chronicle’s 40 under 40 Awardee, and Walker’s Legacy Power25 Awardee for women in business.

20 Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony President, Detroit Branch NAACP

Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony is a native of St. Louis, at least 10,000 persons to gather every year to celebrate Missouri. He was educated in the Detroit Public School and commemorate the struggle for social justice, system. He graduated from Wayne State University with freedom, and equality. He is the founder of the Freedom a B.A. in Political Science and Marygrove College with Institute for Economic, Social Justice, and People an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry. He attended the University Empowerment, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, of Detroit for advanced study in Black Theology. Rev. which also sponsors the annual Freedom Weekend in Anthony is a Certified Social Worker with the State of the city of Detroit. He is also the founder of the Fannie Michigan. On May 12, 2007, Rev. Anthony was the Lou Hamer Political Action Committee, a grassroots keynote speaker for the Graduation Class of Marygrove community-oriented organization which supports College at which time the Board of Trustees conferred issues and candidates often overlooked by those in the upon Rev. Anthony the degree of Honorary Doctor of traditional political arena. Arts. Reverend Anthony is the originator of the Take Your He became the Pastor of Fellowship Chapel in Souls to the Polls voter registration and mobilization December 1986 following the passing of Reverend program. This was initiated to bring about greater youth James E. Wadsworth, Jr. Through the grace of God and involvement in the electoral process. He is also the the labor of his ministry, the church has experienced recipient of numerous awards and recognition, locally the greatest growth in its 54-year history. Through its and nationally. James E. Wadsworth, Jr. Community Center, Fellowship Chapel has a full-time outreach ministry with programs On June 5, 2005, Reverend Anthony led his congregation, ranging from health and wellness, youth mentoring community and business leaders, government officials, and development and job training. Rev. Anthony is the supporters and well-wishers in a procession to the developer of the Isuthu Institute (Coming into Manhood new Fellowship Chapel called The Village, for its grand Rites of Passage Program) for boys ages 6-18, dealing opening and inaugural worship service. The Village with African American male responsibility. It is one of contains the new church and soon to be developed the oldest mentoring programs of its kind in the country. 140 units of multi-family homes and senior citizen He also initiated its female counterpart, the Intonjane residencies. This is a $60 million-dollar project which will Institute (Coming into Womanhood Rites of Passage result in the building of a new community. Program) for girls ages 6-18. Reverend Anthony has received numerous local and national awards. In September 2005, Rev. Anthony married Monica G. Anthony. They are the proud parents of three adult Currently, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony is a member of the daughters (Tolani, Maia and Theresa) and 2011 a new NAACP National Board of Directors. In addition, he is addition was added, young Ms. Wendelaya Adiah serving his 14th term as President of the Detroit Branch Anthony. NAACP, a position he has held for 27 years. The Detroit Branch NAACP is the largest branch in the country. It hosts the largest sit-down dinner in the nation, bringing 21 Memoriam Fallen Freedom Fighters

Ms. Aneeka Barksdale Mr. Calvin Jerome Hughes Mother Willie Mae Sheard Mr. Gayland Black Ms. Frankie James Mrs. Alma Lee Shelton Mr. Curtis Blue Mr. Melvin D. Jefferson Ms. Emma S. Simpson Ms. Allison Bradley Ms. Dorothy Jones Rev. Nathaniel Slappy, Sr. Mr. Isaac Bright, Jr. Mr. Theodore Jones Mr. Nathaniel Slappy, Jr. Ms. Patricia Brooks Mr. Jerry Lawrence Mr. Kanye DuSean Summerour Bishop P. A. Brooks Hon. John Lewis Mr. Thomas F. Stallworth, Jr. Mrs. Edna J. Berry Ms. Michele Kennedy Officer Stoudemire Mrs. Lottie Caudle Mr. Otis Lee Knapp Mr. Marlowe Stoudemire Mr. Raymond Cheeks Mr. Anthony McCaskill Dr. O’Neil D. Swanson Mr. B. J. Cole Mr. Alonza McKenzie Mrs. Marlene Thompson Hon. John J. Conyers, Jr. Mr. Arnold Miller Ms. Mizka Todd Hon. Elijah E. Cummings Hon. William G. Milliken Dr. Calvin Trent Sgt. Donafay Collins Hon. Raymond Murphy Mother Belle Tuft Mr. Dwayne Durr Mr. Sam Neal Rev. Dr. C. T. Vivian Mr. John Elliott Mr. Tyrone Neal Mrs. Lisa Walker First Lady Jean Ann Forward Mrs. Ethlean Hodges Patton Mrs. Bessie E. Ware Mrs. Ida M. Frazier Ms. Brenda Perryman Mr. DeAndree Watson Mrs. Annie Ruth Gant Mrs. Eric Peterson Mr. Jamayne Wheeler Mr. Lonnie Gardner, Sr. Mr. Charlie Primas Mr. Paul Wheeler Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Mrs. Jacqueline Carlotta Ms. Tisa Wigley Mrs. Gwendolyn Golden Rembert-Moss Mr. Wilson Wigley, Jr. Mrs. Deborah Green Rev. Herman Ricks Mrs. Willie Mae Williams Mr. Clarence “Pee Wee” Harris Mr. Floyd Robinson Mr. Thomas Wilson Mr. Darryl Harris Mother Grace Robinson Mr. Paul E. Windham Miss Skylar Herbert Hon. Isaac Robinson Hon. Morris Hood, III Mrs. Freddie L. Sanders

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory Becomes a Treasure.” 22 Champions of Freedom and Justice

Hon. John Hon. Elijah Justice Ruth Bader Conyers, jr. Cummings Ginsburg

Hon. John Dr. O’Neil D. Rev. Dr. C.T. Lewis Swanson Vivian 23 PrioritiesStrategic

Strategic Priorities of (Civic Engagement, Climate Justice, Criminal Justice, Employment, Healthcare, Legal Redress, Media Diversity, and Youth & Education) by the following;

• Advocating equal employment opportunity in the private and public sectors. • Advocating strong enforcement of fair housing, public accommodation, and employment laws. • Advocating for improved health, health care and for equal access to health services and insurance. • Advocating equitable distribution of public resources. • Supporting positive images and attitudes about race and about the people of the African Diaspora. • Advocating for policies and processes that promote equal and fair treatment of all immigrants. • Improving the criminal/juvenile justice system, with particular attention to: Minimizing the number and disproportionate percentage of African American and other minority youths and adults in the criminal/juvenile system. • Holding law enforcement agencies accountable for excessive use of force and abuse of authority. • Advocating law enforcement recruitment and training policies that promote equal treatment and opportunity. • Advocating equitable treatment at all levels of the criminal justice system. • Registering, educating, mobilizing and protecting citizens in the electorate process.

24 Gamein ChangersAction

ACT-SO Host and Hostess (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Youth initiative geared toward providing youth (ages 15- Olympics) 19) with customer service and soft skills while fulfilling Competition for high school student focused on STEM, their community service requirements for high school Business, Culinary Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and graduation Humanities Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! Allies, Issues and Action Meeting Series Career Expo and Workforce Development Initiative that A monthly community engagement session for matches opportunity with potential community members and industry leaders Justice Awards Art & essay A partnership with the Arab American Civil Rights League Scholastic competition for students to express via art or (ACRL) to honor legal professionals that fight for civil and essay form “What The Civil Rights Struggle Means To Me” human rights Ask the Lawyer Stops & Cops FREE 15 minute legal consultation provided monthly to Education series for youth and young adults to encounter the community positive interaction with law enforcement and learn about Back to School Stay in School their legal rights Community school supply giveaway and resource fair Synergy geared toward low-to-moderate income students A networking and recruitment effort to engage potential members in the Detroit Branch NAACP B.R.I.D.G.E.S. (Building Resources in Detroit, Giving Expanded Service) Take Your Soles to the Polls Summer Youth Employment and Skillset Development Civic Engagement Campaign to register, educate, Program mobilize and protect the rights of voters Detroit NAACP Youth Council Leadership development and community involvement program for students interested in social justice advocacy 25 CoronavirusPandemic

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) attacked the world, the nation and our community with a voracity many of us had not seen or witnessed before. It soon became apparent that this disease wasn’t a respecter of a person’s race, socioeconomic status, gender, political and/or religious beliefs. COVID-19 was particularly devastating to those with pre-existing conditions, lack of insurance and access to quality medical care. COVID-19 forced immediate closures of schools, businesses and upended our normalcy. To help alleviate some of the angst and anxiety created by the attack of COVID-19 on our community, the Detroit Branch NAACP created an informational campaign that consisted of a series of town halls to inform and educate the community. Additionally, Detroit Branch NAACP President Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony was the architect for Connected Futures, which helped to provide 51,000 Detroit Public Schools Community District students with tablets to use at home for virtual learning.

26 Census2020

The Detroit Branch NAACP began in the fall of 2019 sharing the importance of completing the 2020 Census. Our Census team called over 30,000 households and canvassed neighborhoods in the City of Detroit to enlighten and educate on the benefits of completing the Census.

27 ToVoteGet out

The Detroit Branch NAACP’s Take Your Soles To The Polls campaign, created by Detroit Branch President Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, is committed to voter education, mobilization, registration and protection. The slogan and ideals of the campaign are so successful, that it is replicated nationwide. Our 2020 Take Your Soles To The Polls Campaign consisted of door knocking, virtual phone banking, and digitally organizing to galvanize thousands of voters. We engaged and motivated voters to let their voice be heard and exercise their right to vote!

28

30 Editorial Corner

Mr. Darwin Ms. Kamilia K. Ms. Kathleen W. Beacham Landrum Coney Co-Editor Executive Director, Editor Co-Editor

EDITOR LAYOUT/DESIGN Kamilia K. Landrum Kamilia Landrum Darwin Beacham CO-EDITORS Kathleen Coney Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony Inland Press Kamilia Landrum The Smith Anderson Group Darwin Beacham Kathleen Coney PHOTOGRAPHY LAH Strategies, LLC Rogers Foster Marcus Patton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Andre Smith Kamilia K. Landrum Edwin Washington Darwin Beacham Kathleen W. Coney CREDITS Jermaine Peguese Laurie Moore Laurie A. Moore Atty. Chui Karega LAH Strategies, LLC Jermaine Peguese Antionette McGarvin

COVER DESIGN: GOLF CARTS DONATED BY: The Smith Anderson Group Ms. Beverly Watts Director of Public Services Wayne County Parks & Recreation 31 W.E.B. Du Bois Campaign Sponsors

TCF Financial Corporation UAW, International DTE Energy The Skillman Foundation Quicken Loans Ascension

Special Donors ACLU of Michigan Ford Motor Company Ally Financial Kresge Foundation AT&T The Kroger Company of Michigan The Coca-Cola Company The Mathers Foundation Comerica Bank Senator Gary Peters Community Foundation for SE MI Michigan Non-Profit Association Fifth Third Bank W.K. Kellogg Foundation 32 STRONGER For more than 15 years, we’ve worked alongside the Detroit Branch NAACP to promote the fair and just treatment of people of color. TOGETHER Today, we reaffirm our shared commitment to eliminating racism, discrimination and violence in our communities. Thank you, Detroit Branch NAACP, for your work to drive healing, recovery and progress in our communities; we’re humbled and grateful to be part of it. Proud to support this amazing event.

33 34