VOICE OF GOD PLATINUM Jalen Sumlin, 11th Grade Detroit Manufacturing Systems CO-EMCEES Magna International Nate Austin, 9th Grade & Andrew Austin, 8th Grade GAA Manufacturing & Supply Chain POSTING COLORS Wayne County Community College Cass Technical HS- ROTC Color Guard GOLD NATIONAL ANTHEMS Redi Choi, Detroit School of Arts Alumna Bank of America Vision, Detroit School of Arts Students Ford Motor Company Fund

GREETINGS Jordan Connally, 11th Grade SILVER Representing BUF Chair, Rosalind Denning Faurecia Comerica INVOCATION Sarah Vaughn, 3rd Grade Piston Group Fifth Third Bank - DINNER SERVED - MGM Grand

VIDEO PRESENTATION Mercer Brown, 7th Grade BRONZE Representing BUF President & CEO, Kenneth Donaldson Walbridge OFFERING Skillman Foundation Jordan Connally Bridgewater Interiors APTIV Foundation RAYFORD AWARD 2019 RECIPIENT Prestige Automotive Group Vinnie Johnson, Chairman Detroit Area Agency on Aging Piston Group

PASSING OF THE GAVEL 2019 Co-Chairs TABLE SPONSORS AAA · Ascension · Blue Cross Blue Shield · Michigan First Credit Union MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Detroit Youth Choir Henry Ford Health Systems · First Independence Bank · Yanfeng Automotive · Sue Coleman (Featured on America’s Got Talent) Alix Partners · Wayne State University · Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, PC · Robert Bosch GmbH

BENEDICTION Alicen Felder, 6th Grade NON-PROFIT SUPPORTERS Best Practice Solutions · Greektown Casino · Orchard Children Services · QT Solutions DESSERT RECEPTION Rev. Dr. Jim Holley · Community Social Services of S.E. Michigan · Park West Galleries DSA Orchestra Henry Ford Museum · Richard Rubens · Jason Appling · Charlene Glover Hogan, Esquire *Live music provided by DSA Jazz Band Duane Johnson, Esquire · Blaine & Rosalind Denning · Ramone Crowe · Mary Evans OFFICERS

Rosalind Denning William Jackson Duane Johnson Connie Williams Board Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer MISSION DIRECTORS BUF of MI is committed to supporting, developing and implementing impactful youth empowerment programs through strategic collaborative partnerships for the underserved, under-represented in the community.

Jason Appling Nicole Beecher Ramone Crowe Blaine Denning

WHAT IS BUF? Founded in 1970, the Black United Fund of Michigan, Inc. (BUF of MI) was established with a mission to provide funding and support to community based non-profits that targeted Education, Community Development, Cultural Enrichment and Economic Development in Michigan’s diverse community. BUF has shifted its emphasis to developing partnerships in order to have a wider impact. Through Arthur Dudley Edward Ford Jr. Louis Forsythe II Charlene the implementation of programs in the targeted areas aforementioned, BUF is instrumental in the Glover-Hogan revitalization of the Detroit Community and the lives of young people.

HOW DOES BUF OF MI HELP THE COMMUNITY? Through partnerships with others, BUF is able to enhance and expand services and programs to those in the community most in need. BUF of MI’s slogan, “Partnerships for Impact” recognizes the importance of cooperation to address the problems of our community by drawing upon the strengths of our organizations and others organizations, businesses and individuals. David Perkins Richard Rubens Laura Sigmon Rick Kress Board Consultant HOW DOES BUF RAISE MONEY? BUF STAFF BUF raises money through direct contributions, annual fundraisers, grants, corporate and foundational LaCherryn Hoost, Director of Operations and Assistant to the President support, and annual workplace payroll deduction campaigns. BUF has a growing list of clients who Dr. Linda McClain, Director of Programs John McClain, Senior Staff and Campaign Specialist utilize the organization’s fiduciary expertise. Nancy Brown, Volunteer Shecara Vardiman, Volunteer FUTURE PLANS AND PROJECTS Delphine Harris, Volunteer BUF of Michigan is excited about upcoming plans as we build our goal of “partnerships for impact”. Kenneth Donaldson Dana Hatch, Volunteer President/CEO We continue to work with those partners who serve those in the foster care system. BUF of MI looks forward to launching a new youth health and wellness program with WCCCD in 2020. In addition, we will expand the minds of young people through innovative and exciting programs that lead to healthy BUF of Michigan / 7650 Second Avenue, Suite 120 / Detroit, MI 48202 / (313) 894-2200 and productive lives. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Welcome to the 49th Dear BUF Supporters, Friends, Family and Colleagues, Annual Gala for BUF of Michigan! The theme for this affair, “Empowering Youth for Everyday Success”, embodies BUF of Michigan has redirected its effort with a fresh outlook on the future. BUF of Michigan boldly emerged our mission. This evening you are entitled to a special from the ashes of the 1967 Detroit Insurrection as a treat! Our youth will showcase oratorical and leadership stabilizing inner-city community force of self-determination skills at diverse age levels! Additionally, the nationally and revitalization in 1970. renowned Detroit Youth Choir will display musical talent that exemplifies with commitment, dedication and support Fast forwarding to 2019, BUF has sustained the community our youth are capable of achieving anything. by supporting over thousands of nonprofit organizations, including Charles H Wright Museum of African-American history, DAPCEP, Homework Hotline, Jackets for Jobs and This year alone BUF has reached over 3000 youth through The Detroit Youth Choir, just to name a few. Now, BUF’s our programs and partnerships, i.e., aviation, medical, core youth programs pave the way for underserved, under- entrepreneurship, reading and financial literacy just to represented youth to achieve success. name a few. We constantly strive to address the needs of youth including at-risk and the underserved throughout BUF’s Project Aviation, is a unique forum for minority youth to explore various careers in aviation and aerospace. This REPRESENTED BY: metro Detroit and the state of Michigan at large. With our REPRESENTED BY: year BUF hosted 3 aviation academies. BUF partnered with partnerships, we provide impactful tools and resources to Wayne State University School of Medicine, to introduce help them succeed academically, financially and socially. the SINORMS Medical program named after prominent BUF realizes that we must have a vision for the future of physician Silas Norman to interest youth in the field of our city and state, and that vision starts with our youth medical arts. BUF also partnered with Detroit Possible and being afforded more opportunities to reach their dreams Esteem We, where youth participated in all-day workshops focused on college readiness, financial literacy and career and become productive citizens. development

As stated by Oprah Winfrey, “ One of my main goals on the Looking to the future, BUF plans to launch 3 new programs planet is to encourage people to empower themselves.” in 2020: 1) an youth automotive training program, 2) a BUF believes in Empowerment! BUF believes in male and female youth leadership development program, Jordan Connally Empowering youth! Mercer Brown and 3) a youth health and wellness program in partnership 11th Grade 7th Grade with WCCCD’s opening of their new Health and Wellness Building in downtown Detroit. Rosalind Denning Board Chair BUF of Michigan has also established ‘BUF Connect’, a powerful group of young professionals who connect BUF to other millennials.

In closing, I would like to thank all of our guest and supporters of the 49th Anniversary Gala. BUF is looking forward to celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary next year with special events throughout the year commemorating our 50 years of community service.

Kenneth Donaldson President & CEO Vinnie Johnson Sylvester Hester Founder, President & CEO President & CEO Piston Group Global Automotive Alliance

Vinnie Johnson has served as the chairman of Piston Group Sylvester L. Hester is President and CEO, Global since 1996. Piston Group is comprised of Piston Automotive, Automotive Alliance (GAA). The enterprise is comprised Irvin Products, Detroit Thermal Systems and Airea. In of five companies, (2) light-manufacturing and (3) logistics this position, Johnson has led the organization to sales companies with multiple U.S. operations, and over 1,400 exceeding $2.8 billion. In this role, he guides the organization employees. Since stepping into this role in 2015, Hester’s in establishing short and long term goals, objectives, plans focus on operational excellence and sustained growth has and policies. Johnson also provides oversight, guidance, resulted in a corporate acquisition, entrée into new markets and authorization to its managers and officers. and increased customer satisfaction. GAA companies are: ARD Logistics, Global SQ, Grupo Antolin Primera, Key Logistics and Vitec. Johnson was instrumental in forming Minority Business Enterprise-certified joint ventures for Piston Automotive with Continental Teves, Lear Corporation and Sachs Automotive. Most recently, Johnson Global Automotive Alliance has the reputation for providing quality manufacturing and exceptional formed a joint venture between VJ Enterprises and Valeo – Detroit Thermal Systems. Johnson also logistics management to aerospace, automotive, food & beverage, pharmaceutical and government served as chairman of the board of directors for the joint ventures. sectors. Hester led the aerospace expansion, including two new logistics operations in Charleston, SC, and in 2013, Global SQ, a logistics company providing quality inspection services for Toyota in Johnson was a member of the NBA Professional Club from 1981 to 1994. Georgetown, KY, was acquired. During this time, the Detroit Pistons won consecutive NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990. Johnson was a first round NBA draft choice by the Seattle Supersonics, and remained a member of that team His lengthy career in the automotive parts manufacturing began in 1985 as an engineering technician for from 1979 to 1981. General Motors Advanced Engineering. In 1987 Hester joined Regal Plastics in Michigan, a Bill Pickard company. He quickly moved up the ranks; engineering, program management, sales and marketing and Johnson has always focused on giving back to the City of Detroit and supports many local charities became Vice President in 1993. In 1998 Hester was selected to serve as president of ARD near Atlanta, including, but not limited to, Alternatives for Girls, Boys Club Girls Club of Detroit, Focus HOPE and Georgia. In 2003 he was named president of GAA’s newest acquisition, Key Logistics. Today Hester is Habitat for Humanity. In 2010, Johnson established the Vinnie Johnson Foundation, a charitable president of Global SQ, LLC and president and CEO of Grupo Antolin Primera. organization focused on supporting educational opportunities for the children of Detroit. In addition to serving as president of GAA’s Advisory Board of Directors, Hester was recently appointed Johnson attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas and majored in physical education. Johnson is a to the Tuskegee University Board of Trustees to serve a full four-year term. Also, he serves as board current member of Michigan Minority Business Development Council, Detroit Chamber of Commerce, member for the Alabama Automotive Manufactures Association and the Southern Region Minority Michigan and New York Sports Hall of Fame, Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit Economic Club and the Supplier Development Council. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Detroit Golf Club. Hester holds a Master of Science in Administration degree with a concentration in Leadership from Central Michigan University, and has a Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering with an emphasis in Polymer Chemistry from Ferris State University. He has completed the Advanced Minority Business Executive Program (AMBEP) at Dartmouth College Tucks School of Business, the Kellogg School of Management Advanced Management Education Program (AMEP) at Northwestern University, and the Quantum Shift Program at University of Michigan.

Sylvester Hester splits his time between Birmingham, Alabama, Atlanta, Georgia and Detroit, Michigan with his wife Pleshette and their two sons. Hester enjoys reading and golf whenever possible. Bruce Smith Dr. Curtis L. Ivery Chairman & CEO Chancellor Detroit Manufacturing Systems Wayne County Community College District

Bruce Smith, a manufacturing industry expert with Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, Chancellor of the Wayne County 30 years of proven experience in building superior Community College District, has been a national thought teams, increasing profitability and accelerating growth, leader, educator, columnist, author, scholar, equity advocate consistently and substantially improves enterprise value at and force for change in Southeast Michigan for more than every organization he leads. Smith is Chairman and CEO of two decades. Detroit Manufacturing Systems, a large - scale component manufacturer for global brands with 1,200 team members in Detroit, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio, and Under his leadership, WCCCD, the largest urban community college district in the state has been $1 billion in annual revenue. transformed into a thriving, six-campus inclusively pluralistic District that serves more than 70,000 students annually. Before joining DMS, Smith worked closely with leading private equity firms and entrepreneurs, holding key executive management positions, including president and CEO of BTM Company, a global leader Ivery has assembled academic, community, business and government leaders at the table across of precision engineered tooling and production equipment for sheet metal clinching, piercing and a series of roundtables and conferences to develop strategies to expand educational equity and inserted fastener applications. With Smith at the helm, BTM grew nearly 40 percent in a economic mobility in our region, and throughout the nation. three-year period. Prior to becoming the CEO of WCCCD, he served in executive positions at community colleges in Previously, Smith served as president and CEO of Elyria & Hodge Foundries, a provider of highly Texas and Arkansas. As well, he served as the Commissioner/CEO of human services in the cabinet engineered castings, president and CEO of automotive supplier Piston Group, a modular assembler of Bill Clinton when he was the governor of Arkansas. of automotive components, president and COO of Guilford Mills, a supplier of automotive interior fabrics, and president and COO of United Plastics Group, an engineered injection molding company. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Trumpet Award for In these roles, he significantly grew revenues and profitability by developing “blue ocean” strategies Education in 2016, and the Leadership Excellence Award for Diversity and Inclusion from the National and implementing lean manufacturing methods. Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. Ivery was named a Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News in 2005, for his significant contributions both locally and statewide. He was named Smith holds an MBA from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the “2008 Newsmaker of the Year” by the Michigan Chronicle, which also honored Dr. Ivery as its “Man Carnegie-Mellon University. of Excellence,” in the same year.

The married father of four enjoys spending time with his family, reading, athletics, music and travel. Jason Anderson DSA Orchestra & Vision Male Ensemble BUF of MI innovative Initiative titled E.Y.E.S. (Empowering Youth for Everyday The Smith Anderson Group Success) equips underserved youth with the tools to succeed academically, Cass Technical High School financially and socially. Akil Alvin ROTC Digital Detroit Media PROJECT AVIATION Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT Marc Perry The program provides a positive forum for minority Social Media PR Solutions Anthony White youth to explore the array of career opportunities Director (DYC) available in the field of aviation/aerospace. Tracey Jennings Always An Event Redi Choi FUTURE DOCS OF TOMORROW DSA Alumna In collaboration with Wayne State University, the Beverly Morrison –Green program host cohorts of underserved students Floor Director Nate Austin & Andrew Austin who express an interest in the medical arts and Student Actors need additional academic and social supports. Park West Gallery Art Donation Mercer Brown FINANCIAL LITERACY We under-served youth and families to Student Actor improve their understanding of how to obtain and Nancy Brown manage money, so they can live a financially stable Youth Literacy Vignette Jordan Connally and secure life. Student Actor Ramone Crowe ACHIEVE AND ACCELERATE: Aviation Vignette Sarah Vaughn OVERCOMING CHILD ILLITERACY Student Actor The Achieve and Accelerate Program has helped Ruth Smith & Dr. Patricia Ferguson to improve the reading, writing and mathematics Docs of Tomorrow-SINORMS Vignette Alicen Felder skills of children by providing needed educational Student Actor tools in the form of specific adaptive and assistive Kevin Butts & Gail Perry-Mason technology. Financial Literacy Vignette Jalen Sumlin Student Actor ENTREPRENEURIAL & Kevin Fife EMPLOYMENT BUF exposes youth to non-traditional and Chess Vignette entrepreneurial opportunities through partnerships with local businesses.

BUF 45 BUF VOLUNTEERS This program empowers 45 males of color, ages 13-21 in academics, social and career plans.