The spirit of leadership in Detroit was more vibrant than the sapphire blue and sunset orange glow that illuminated the walls of the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel’s Woodward Ballroom Saturday evening at the Michigan Chronicle’s fourth annual Newsmakers gala, “Legacy in Motion.”
The chic event celebrated the city’s most noteworthy leaders, individuals, families and organizations whose hard work and dedication to Southeast Michigan’s local communities enhanced the region’s economic growth, social reform and overall development.
There were many key trailblazers in attendance, including Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb, Judge Damon J. Keith, Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon, U.S. Congressman John Conyers, City Council President-elect Charles Pugh and State Rep. Shanelle Jackson, among many others. Such recognition of courageous leadership paired with the elegant backdrop of the city’s historic Book Cadillac Hotel was a refreshing departure from the flood of grim news and images that are pumped out and around the city on a daily basis.
The event, sponsored by DTE, Bank of America, MGM Grand Detroit, St. John Health, Marygrove College, Real Times Media, Jackets for Jobs, and Good People Popcorn, served as a canvas on which a positive image was painted; an image of the hope, hard work and innovative leadership that it takes to pull a city out of an economic crisis.
In addition to leadership, generosity was also a theme of the evening. In fact, one of the most notable events came when the Pickard Family Fund, in association with the Michigan Chronicle’s parent company, Real Times Media, presented a generous donation of $100,000 to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.
Dr. William F. Pickard, who chairs the Pickard Family Fund, said he chose to present the donation at the Legacy in Motion gala, where Robert Bobb was being honored as a Newsmaker of the Year, for a number of reasons. Most notably because the affair, which is known to attract some of the region’s most influential citizens, would help in putting a stronger spotlight on the need for the business community to assist with revitalizing our educational system.
The donation comes to the DPS Foundation just four months after the independent non-profit emerged from a seven-year dormancy. The gift will help support struggling athletic and fine art programs that recently suffered massive cuts in state funding.
During his acceptance speech, Bobb, who was appointed to take over district finances by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in January, outlined the emergencies the Detroit school system faces involving finances, academics, reading and standardized testing. Still, with the support of other community leaders, Bobb said he is “in it for the long haul” and is confident he can dig the schools out of each emergency “come hell or high water.” Bobb also showed his unwavering support for Mayor Bing’s tough decisions.
“I am 2000 percent in support of Mayor Bing and what he is doing,” he said with a friendly gesture to the mayor who sat just a few feet from the broad stage.
The enthusiasm for hope, positivity and love for community was the thread that ran throughout the evening. More evident than ever was the pride Detroiters have for their city, the kind of pride that is most genuine in trying times.
State Rep. Shanelle Jackson, who won the “Rising Star” Award for her dedication to her community, said she would not live in any other city.
“Detroit has a legacy of leadership,” she said. “I am proud to be considered a leader in Detroit.”
As Mayor Dave Bing accepted the Newsmaker of the Year Award, he reminded his fellow citizens of the value of their own resilience.
“Detroit is blessed with people who know how to take a hit, who know how to take the knockdown but get back up and keep fighting,” he said to applause from the nearly 500 guests in attendance.
City Council President-elect and former Detroit TV reporter and news anchor Charles Pugh was one of the many who pointed out the contrast between what regular news consumers are led to believe about Detroit and the strong, lively undercurrent that is stirring beneath the city’s bruised image.
“News doesn’t cover all of the wonderful things going on in Detroit,” Pugh said as he accepted his Newsmaker Award. “We’re getting all dressed up just to tell people they’re doing the right thing.”
In essence, Pugh’s statement captured the nature of the event: a setting to show appreciation for those who deserve a gesture of encouragement in times when bad news turns pages faster than good news. At least that’s what the award means to Mayor Bing, who has faced immeasurable criticism for doing what he calls “the hardest job I’ve ever had.”
“What this award means is that people appreciate what you are attempting to do,” Bing told the Michigan Chronicle. “We want to be a part of the renaissance of this city.”
Years from now, when the renaissance of which Bing speaks has turned the curve and the city reclaims the grandeur of booming industry, today’s innovators will be remembered for their steadfast pride and unwavering hope.
But more important is the present time, the legacies that are currently in motion, constantly moving forward to the bright future. Detroiters have a lot to look forward to: new leadership in the city and a chance for each citizen to work the vanguard of a changing America.
“It’s a new day,” said City Councilwoman-elect Saunteel Jenkins. And Newsmaker Award recipient Pugh thinks so, too.
“If y’all think getting elected was worth news you ain’t seen nothin’ yet,” he said.
Go to the Photo Gallery to view the event photos of Legacy In Motion.