In a groundbreaking move to foster empowerment and drive positive change, the Michigan Black Summit will host a discussion featuring four African American mayors. The panel will focus on leadership, the challenges faced, and navigating the responsibilities of being an African American leader in today’s society.
The panel will include Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad, Ypsilanti Mayor Nicole Brown, Lathrup Mayor Kelly Garrett, and Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald, and will run at noon on Friday, February 16, at Grand Upton Hall, Lake Michigan College, 1100 Yore Ave., Benton Harbor.
The Summit is a flagship event in Neighbors Organizing Against Racism’s ongoing efforts to educate and empower Southwest Michigan.
Trenton Bowens, Executive Director of Neighbors Organizing Against Racism (NOAR) and Co-Chair of the MI Black Summit, emphasizes the significance of this initiative, stating, “The Michigan Black Summit will learn from and gain knowledge and wisdom from other communities and understand how black leaders across the state lead, navigate, and empower the communities they live in. Bringing together four Black mayors in Benton Harbor for an empowering discussion is unprecedented.”
Attendees of the Michigan Black Summit will have the honor of hearing Dr. Ken Harris deliver the Keynote Address, offering insights, wisdom, and a call to action for the empowerment and advancement of the Black community.
Financial expert and community advocate Gail Perry-Mason will also be a featured speaker in an exclusive Fireside Chat, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 16-17, also at LMC. Attendees will have chance to engage in a Fireside Chat with Mason on the second night, on February 17. This intimate conversation will delve into her remarkable journey, insights into financial empowerment, and the importance of community advocacy.
Featured Mayors
Muhammad is in his third term as Mayor of Benton Harbor. His leadership has guided the city through various challenges, including the water crisis, education advocacy, and community revitalization. Mayor Muhammad’s experience will provide valuable insights into navigating crises and fostering community resilience.
Brown is the youngest and first African American woman elected as Mayor of Ypsilanti, with 76% of the vote, and has focused on mental health and public safety issues, Mayor Brown’s perspective on leading a diverse community will contribute to the discussion on effective governance.
Garrett is serving as Lathrup Village’s first African American mayor. She served as mayor pro tem (2013-2017), before getting elected mayor in 2023.Her commitment to social justice, earned paid sick days, and advocacyfor women and children’s rights will add depth to the conversation.
McDonald, elected in 2023, is leading her city through development and revitalization. Her work with the Council, state, and Governor’s Office on water infrastructure and plant debts showcases her dedication to community progress.
About Dr. Ken Harris
Dr. Ken Harris stands as a prominent figure with a rich heritage deeply rooted in the Mafa people of Cameroon, Africa, and lower Kemet (Egypt). Born and raised in Detroit, MI, he currently resides in Washington, D.C. Dr. Harris has devoted his career to addressing social-economic challenges within the global Black community, making him a distinguished leader in this space.
Currently serving as the 16th President/CEO of the National Business League (NBL), Dr. Harris continues the legacy initiated by the visionary Dr. Booker T. Washington in 1900. The NBL stands as the first and oldest trade association for Black businesses in America, boasting access to over 3.2 million Black-owned businesses across the U.S. and internationally.
About Gail Perry-Mason
Gail Perry-Mason’s journey from the foster care system in Detroit, Michigan, to becoming a respected authority in the financial industry, best-selling author, and community activist is nothing short of inspiring. With a career that includes working with major corporations such as Ford, General Motors, CBS News, and Wells Fargo, Perry-Mason has become a sought-after speaker and educator on financial literacy.
About the Michigan Black Summit
The Michigan Black Summit, hosted by Neighbors Organizing Against Racism, is a platform dedicated to fostering meaningful conversations, inspiring change, and uniting communities. The 2024 summit’s theme, “Piecing the Puzzle Back Together,” reflects its commitment to addressing critical issues and celebrating the strength of the Black community.
To get tickets, be a sponsor, or for more information, please visit Michigan Black Summit (canva.site), or contact Co-Chairs Trenton Bowens, at (269) 861-2861, or Tracy-Ann Jennings, at (269) 757-6476.
