There are a number of prestigious occasions in communities throughout the nation when one is especially proud to be an African American, but few are as inspirational as the Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence event which recognizes the subtly heralded achievements of extraordinary African American men.
On Friday, July 10, the 80 year-old iconic publication of the black press celebrated 54 of Detroit’s most distinguished black leaders who have determined to improve the quality of life for Detroiters of all ethnic persuasions and economic circumstances.
As these vanguards of industry and community filed into the lavish ballroom at the MGM Grand Hotel, they were greeted with jubilant applause and heartfelt ovation in appreciation for their relentless commitment to improving the quality of life for all of Detroit’s citizens.
Michigan Chronicle CFO Cathy Nedd in an emotional introduction of Men of Excellence honorees and Real Time’s Media founder and Swanson Funeral Home president and executive director, O’Neal Swanson, compared them to other greats in Detroit’s history. Nedd assured the capacity crowd of elated guests that the evening would be one of the most memorable in the history of the Men of Excellence event.
“These great men have been unafraid to live their dreams and to challenge the status quo. They have been unafraid to dream the impossible dream. They have been unafraid to stand up, when so many others down. When Detroit went through good times and bad times, they were there. Tonight we salute the men who have made such a difference in the Detroit community,” said Swanson. “They have inspired young African American men around the world, and they continue to help young Detroiters go where no generation has ever gone before.”
Men of Excellence moderator, Rochelle Riley, introduced Real Times Media CEO and Michigan Chronicle publisher Hiram Jackson, who voiced concern that in the infancy stages of the Men of Excellence event, he was warned that honoring 50 African American men of Detroit on an annual basis would become a daunting and probably impossible charge. “I wish [channels] 2, 4 and 7 and CNN were here tonight. If we were robbing somebody they’d be here,” said Jackson. “There is nothing like celebrating strong black men … When we started [this event] people actually asked me to only honor five. Their fear was that we would run out of men to celebrate. Look at any of the men that we have celebrated over the years and tell me which one did not deserve it,” charged Jackson. “These men have done the work and played by the rules. So when no one else will take the time to acknowledge the work that you have done, the Michigan Chronicle is here to stay thank you, thank you, thank you,” concluded Jackson.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Congressman Keith Ellison, a native Detroiter and the first Muslim to serve in Congress, also has the distinction of being the first African American elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Known for his firebrand style of politics, Ellison wowed the enthusiastic crowd with a power- packed address on the state of African American citizens in Detroit and throughout the nation.
“I first want to thank South Carolina for taking down the Confederate flag. It is unfortunate though that nine good people lost their lives for us to be shocked into reality about how offensive that symbol was,” said Ellison, adding, “what kind of people can turn around and go to [Dylan Roof’s] bail hearing and say, ‘I forgive this person.’ They decided not to burden themselves by hating and that is the definition of grace and excellence.”
Ellison went on to accuse the Detroit Water Board of racism in denying Detroit citizens water to cut losses and generate revenue.
The young Congressman from Minnesota urged African Americans nationwide to take action at ballot boxes to protect voters rights, international trade agreements and quality-of-life issues for all people of color.
Ellison is spearheading legislation to protect U.S. workers from unfair trade agreements which he says are actually modern-day slavery pacts.