Photo credit: Montez Miller
A lesser man might have been slightly overwhelmed by the throngs of friends and supporters who converged on a Detroit landmark to honor one of the city’s favorite sons for his litany of achievements and contributions to his embattled hometown. But Judge Greg Mathis, being no stranger to bright lights and the clamor of celebrity status, was remarkably at ease as he made his way through the crowd of well-wishers at the Roostertail to accept Detroit’s Man of the Year award on Saturday, Feb. 27.
The second-annual Daughter of Incarcerated Mothers honored Mathis, for his numerous contributions to the city of Detroit and it’s at risk youth. Once counting himself among the number of young black men who have experienced the challenges of crime and incarceration, the no-nonsense, but affable justice received national acclaim as a popular television judge and a nationally renowned advocate for African American youth.
The Man of the Year event organized by DIM founder and beloved Detroit radio personality Mildred Gaddis, of the “Mildred Gaddis Show” on WCHB-AM 1200 raised money for the newly established non-profit which assists girls whose mothers are incarcerated.
Flanked by his wife and two of his four children Mathis, said “There’s no bigger honor than one in which your hometown lifts you up and recognizes you for your efforts.” The honoree also pointed out that through the work of the Mathis Community Center which he founded on Greenfield Road in Detroit, hundreds of ex-offenders have had their criminal records expunged in addition to putting dozens of participants into franchise opportunities, noting that a couple were currently earning six-figure incomes.
Other notable on hand for the occasion included event co-chairs, Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon and UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles. Atlanta attorney and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” Phaedra Parks joined the celebration at the podium saying she was proud to be a friend and a colleague of Mathis.
Senior statesman, U.S. representative John Conyers (D-Detroit) and freshman congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield), also expressed support for Mathis along with Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones and Swanson Funeral Home, president and CEO O’Neil D Swanson.
About Post Author
