The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, a leading institution dedicated to the African American experience for more than half a century, has announced the addition of eight prominent community leaders to its board of directors. With the addition of the new members, the board has reached its maximum of 35 members.
“Our new board members possess deep knowledge of African American culture and a passion for the museum’s mission and work,” said Neil A. Barclay, chief executive officer of The Wright. “We know they will strengthen our efforts to expand and deepen the museum’s connection to the community we serve and extend the museum’s regional and national reach.”
The museum’s directors selected the new board members at the board’s most recentmeeting. The new board members are:
- Marseille L. Allen, a longtime community activist and political consultant. Allen has a long track record of leadership that includes creating the WaterForFlint GoFundMe campaign in the wake of the Flint water crisis and establishing the Warriors Trust Fund, which helps military veterans in the criminal justice system. Her career has included stints on the staff of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and as a lobbyist for UAW Local 600
- Abdul-Musawwir Aquil, an architect who retired from the City of Detroit as Assistant Chief for Building Inspections in 2010 after 26 years. Aquil’s professional journey included stints with local and international companies including AMA and Associates, a construction consulting firm he established more than 40 years ago.
- Jasmin Barnett, Director of Constituent Services for the City of Detroit. Barnett’s career includes extensive non-profit and governmental experience including stints with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and as CEO of Ladies in Training, a non-profit mentoring program for Detroit youth.
- Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson, who has represented the city’s 3rdDistrict since 2014. Benson, a former Coast Guard officer and community development expert, has prioritized boosting public safety, quality of life and job opportunities in Detroit neighborhoods. His legislative initiatives include efforts to shut down non-compliant and violent adult entertainment venues and close illegal marijuana facilities.
- Herb Boyd, an award-winning journalist, author and activist who has written or edited 25 books and countless articles for national magazines and newspapers. Boyd’s works include the 1995 book “Brotherman – The Odyssey of Black Men in America – An Anthology and “We Shall Overcome: The History of the Civil Rights Movement As it Happened,” a book and CD that featured narration by celebrated actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.
- Tamira T. Chapman, an entrepreneur and lawyer who is the founder of Storehouse in a Box, LLC, a retail company that offers consumer products in online subscription packages. Since 2012, she has served as corporate counsel for Ford Motor Co.
- Marion Elizabeth Jackson, distinguished professor emerita in Art History at Wayne State University and co-founder and co-director of Popular Arts of the Americas, a non-profit organization that promotes understanding and appreciation for the diverse cultures of the Americas through popular art, exhibitions and educational programming.
- Richard E. Smith, a physician for Henry Ford Medical Group whose leadership includes service as the 144thpresident of the Michigan State Medical Society and a former trustee for Henry Ford Health System. Dr. Smith’s research on infant mortality has led to the establishment of national and state governmental programs.