2022 MLK Souvenir Book

Cover Design by Lisa Hawkins

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City of Southfield
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. TASK FORCE, INC.
• HISTORY •
1985-1986 - The first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk in Southfield, Michigan was January 20,
1986 commemorating the first observance of the national holiday of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. In 1985 City Councilwoman Barbara Talley called residents together to form a committee and
plan an activity for the occasion. Thus was born the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Taskforce.
Plans were put into place to observe the holiday with a Peace Walk for one mile down Civic Center
Drive from North Congregational Church (now Hope United Methodist Church), culminating with a
program at the Southfield Pavilion. The walk and the program paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
It recognized the ongoing struggle for peace, human rights, dignity, and brotherhood among all people
of the world and communities, and symbolized the ideals which Dr. King espoused: unity and harmony
between individuals of all races, nationalities and creeds. Awards were given for student essay winners
and later for community service. Councilwoman Barbara Talley and Rev. Mark Jensen of North
Congregational Church were the first chairpersons of the Peace Walk which drew more than 1,000
persons. Peace Statements were signed by more than 400 walkers and sent to United States and
Russia leaders. The Peace Walks continued to grow each year.
1991 - The City of Southfield granted a temporary renaming of a portion of Civic Center Drive for Dr.
King, Jr.
1992 - The City of Southfield provided funds for 28 banners that were, and continue to be placed
around the civic center complex during the celebration and the month of February. The banners were
designed by members of the Task Force.
1993-2001 - The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force gained its tax exempt status and continued its
emphasis on commemorating the national holiday and increasing the participation of walkers,
speakers, school and community choirs, and dramas. Non-profit organizations manned displayed
tables and solicited volunteers.
2002 – As an outreach, a Speaker’s Bureau was formed. MLK Community Service Award recipients
continue to go into area schools as positive role models and speak to students about various attributes
and life experiences that make for future success. Emphasis is placed on qualities necessary for the
achievement of excellence in academics.
2003 - The MLK Task Force broadened its focus and kicked off its King Non-Violence and
Peacemaking Educational Programs for middle and high school students in Southfield and the
surrounding areas of Farmington Hills, Livonia, Detroit, and Bloomfield Hills, utilizing King trained
volunteers. The training of volunteers and conducting workshops continue be an ongoing, year-round
program. To enhance “The Dream,” the MLK Youth Peacemakers component was formed for young
people to take an active role in carrying out the legacy of Dr. King. Through a multifaceted approach,
the Youth Peacemakers promote student involvement and leadership in the community throughout the
year.
2004 – To help youth pursue academic dreams, a Scholarship program was established, and each
year eligible students are awarded scholarships. The Scholarship program was later broadened to
include Civil Rights tours.
2007 - Recognizing that the City of Southfield draws strength from its rich diversity, there began more
outreach to people of all races, creeds, colors, national origins to become integrated into the Peace
Walk and programs. A Taste Fest became part of the annual program. Each year the numbers of
walkers and program attendees continued to grow to more than 2,000.
2009 – The Youth Service Award was initiated to recognize youth and their community volunteer work
and fold the recipients into the Youth Peacemakers program.
2011 - The Task Force hosted a delegation from Ixtapa Zihuantanejo, Guerrero, México to learn more
about African-American culture in the United States, particularly in Michigan. MLK representatives
participated in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, México Annual Peace Walk and
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were presented with a Peace Award for the organization’s peace efforts and international
collaboration.
2012 - The traveling exhibit “Pathways to Freedom In The Americas: Shared Experiences Between
Michigan, USA and Guerrero, México,” was unveiled culminating the Task Force’s two-year
educational project to present the mutually beneficial relationship between African-Americans and
Mexicans. The exhibit continues to travel in the Detroit Metropolitan area in libraries, universities,
corporate offices and is duplicated in México.
2013-2015 – An Advisory Board of Directors was established comprised of diverse leaders in the
surrounding communities. The first Annual Justice and Equality Awards Ceremony was held
celebrating the Drum Majors, Trailblazers and Leaders Fighting for What is Just and Right in the
Detroit Metropolitan area. Plans began to celebrate both the MLK Task Force’s 30th Anniversary
and the National Holiday in 2015 with a Peace Walk, Program, and a 30th Anniversary History
Book. An artist was commissioned to create a sculptured bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to
present to the Southfield Library. When appropriate, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force
continues to speak out for, justice and equality. In addition, through the Task Force efforts, Civic
Center Dr. also has a designation to honor Dr. King, Jr. All the activities demonstrate the lasting
effect Dr. King, Jr. has on society to work for a more peaceful world.
2016 - Southfield Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force member along with Southfield Mayor
Kenson Siver, and two City Council Representatives traveled to South Korea to share business and
culture exchanges as sister cities. They also traveled to the Cities of Seoul, Dongducheon, and the
U.S. Military base, Camp Casey. The delegation was briefed on the history and role the U.S. plays
in the safety and protection of the citizens of South Korea and the world.
2017 – The first educational MLK, Jr. Task Force “Freedom Ride” was conducted with 27 middle
and high school students from Wayne and Oakland Counties. They were given the opportunity to
learn and explore more about the Civil Rights Movement - its meaning and how each stop was
relevant. Stops included Washington, D.C., Atlanta Georgia, Louisiana Kentucky, and Memphis
Tennessee.
The Task Force entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with AMIGOS de la UNESCO (Cali,
Colombia) to seek to implement opportunities for collaboration; to promote international
understanding and to support initiatives of common interest, e.g.; Promote peace education,
intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development as outlined by the United Nations. The Task
Force was represented by an International Relations & Program Committee member at the 3rd
International Colloquium of Afro-Descendants in Cali, Columbia, South America.
2018 –The second Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Freedom Ride” was conducted with 36 Middle and
High School students from Southfield and surrounding areas. The students made stops in
Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Louisville, Kentucky to learn more about the history of
the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s dedicated to the activism for equal rights, civil rights and
social changes to end segregation and discrimination of African Americans. Upon return many
students joined the Dr. MLK, Jr. Task Force Youth Leadership Non-Violence Program.
Several Members of the International Relations and Programs Committee were invited, attended
and made an academic presentation of Dr. MLK, Jr. Task Force‘s “Pathways to Freedom In the
Americas: Experiences Between Michigan, USA and Guerrero, México” exhibit at the 19th Annual
“Meeting of the Black Towns of México,” November 9-10, 2018 at Muzquiz, Coahuila, México
hosted by the Black Seminoles Community.
2019 – The Youth Leadership Program, component of the Education Committee, completed its year
-long Non-Violence seminars, dialogues, and workshops. The King Center, Atlanta, GA, provided
Dr. MLK, Jr. certified Non- Violence trainers to conduct a workshop. Attendees received Certificates
of Attendance from the King Center. Later a “Take a Stand Against Bullying” workshop was
conducted.
Several members of the International Relations and Programs Committee attended the 2019
Convention of the Black Towns of Mexico held in Mexico City. The goal is to prepare for the 2020
census when this population will be counted for the first time in history!
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2020 - A 5 year Strategic Plan was completed to prepare for passing the torch to a new generation
of leaders. A representative traveled to Mexico to take part in the first Amig@s de la Paz
Sustainability Award and counseled the City of Southfield to be the first in the U.S. to receive such
an award.
Afro- Mexicans were counted in the Mexico 2020 census for the first time in history.
2021 - Because of the COVID19 Pandemic, a Drive For Justice parade was conducted in lieu of
the peace walk, afterward food boxes were distributed and later a virtual annual Peace Walk
Program was presented. Funds were raised to support the area of Costa Chica, Mexico stemming
from 2 earthquakes.
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
Salutes the Recipients of
MLK COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
1988 Katherine Schelbe*
1989 Dr. William Anderson
1990 Dr. Louise Reid-Ritchie
1991 Judge Stephen Cooper
1992 Irma B. Cooper*
1993 Commissioner Eric Coleman
1994 Susie M. Hunt*
1995 Rev. Mark Jenson
1996 Anne Harp*
1997 Barbara E. Talley
1998 Lawrence R. Pernick* (posthumously)
1999 Robert Block
2000 Lillian Jaffe-Oaks*
2001 Police Chief Joseph E. Thomas
2002 Gerald Kuhn*
2003 Alan Feuer
2004 Cecil Rice
2005 Priscilla Lamb
2006 Roy Bell*
2007 Felix L. Seldon
2008 Dr. Karl Gregory
2009 No Recipient
2010 Barbara Purifoy-Seldon
2011 Ashley N. Thomas* (posthumously)
2012 Rev. Angelo Henderson*
2013 Patrick Coleman
2014 Herman Sherline
2015 Cherryl Thames
2016 Delores Flagg
2017 Joan Ross
2018 Rosemerry Allen
2019 Patricia Haynie
2020 Millie Hall
2021 Darla Van Hoey
*Deceased
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
‘THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE’
Dr. Rhunell Adams, Chairperson, VFWA Post 2645
Evangelist Rosemerry Allen, MLK Task Force, Inc. International Committee
Ms. Lori Baker, Chrysler Corporation
Mrs. Bettie Baptiste, Veteran, VFWA Post 2645
Ms. Joanne Barnes, Chrysler Motors, Retired
Mrs. Avis Bell, 1 st Vice President, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Ms. Apryl Boyler, Michigan Democratic Party
The Honorable Daniel Brightwell, Southfield City Council
Mrs. Margo Broner, Treasurer, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Ms. Bernice Burnette, General Motors, Retired
Linda Carter-McClure
Commissioner Danny Craig, Southfield Veterans’ Commission
Mrs. Ida Cunningham, MLK Task Force, Inc.
Ms. Renee Drake, General Motors, Retired
Mr. Michael Dudley, San Marino Improvement Association
Yvette Ware DuVaul, Hope United Methodist Church
Commissioner John H. Eley, Jr., Southfield Veterans’ Commission
Mrs. Lorene Brooks Everett, Retired Court Reporter
Master Jordan Estell
Apostle Genora Ewegbemi, Treasurer, VFWA Post 2645
Mr. James Ferguson, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Mrs. Vida Grost, President Detroit Chapter #67 Women’s Army Corp Veterans’ Association – AWU
Ms. Faira Glenn, President, President, MLK Task Force, Inc.
Mr. Roger Goolsby, MLK Task Force, Inc.
Ms. Ashley Gray
Mr. Brandon Gray
Mrs. Sylvia Sims Gray, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
In Memory of Delbert Gray, President, Southfield P. & R Department
Mr. Phillip Hayes, President, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Mr. Terrie Hyzopski
Mr. Derrick Hale, MLK Task Force, Inc.
Ms. Barbara Hendricks
In Memory of Mr. Joshua Armande Henry, nephew of Dorothy Dean, Esq.
Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Hill, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
The Honorable Rudy Hobbs, Dedra Hobbs and Family
The Honorable Janet Jackson, Oakland County Commissioner
Missionary Carolyn Elizabeth James
Mr. Ron Johnson, The Corvette Club
Mrs. Angelena Jolly, VFWA Post 2645
Ms. Deborah Martin
Mr. John Michrina, Deputy Administrator City of Southfield
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
‘THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE’
Mr. Rodd Monts, Omega Psi Phi - TKK Chapter
Ms. Erica Perryman, MLK Task Force, Inc.
Mr. Charles Pettway, Director, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Mr. Jay Reid, Administrative Assistant, & Commissioner City of Southfield
Ms. Euni Rose, Cable 15, The Roundtable
Mr. Wayne Rucker, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Mr. and Mrs. Felix Seldon, Southfield Veterans’ Commission
Mr. Christopher Simpson, Omega Psi Phi - TKK Chapter
Mr. Donald P. Smith, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Mrs. Florene Smith, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Mrs. Martha Smith, Detroit Chapter 67 Women’s Army Corp Veterans’ Association – AWU
Mr. and Mrs. Dori Sumter, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Ms. Veronica Taylor, Michigan Democratic Part
Mrs. Clara Thompson, Trustee, VFWA Post 2645
Mr. and Mrs. LeVasseur , Tracey, and Lauryn Tellis, MLK Task Force, Inc.
Ms. Cherryl Thames, Southfield Optimist Club
Kevin and Brenda Threatt, National Congress of Black Women – Oakland County
Mr. Kyle Van Lopes, 1 st Vice President, MLK Task Force, Inc.
Jerome and Ola Wallace, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Ms. Tedra White
Mrs. Willene White
Mrs. JoAnn Wright, MLK Task Force Charter Membe
Mr. Ray Wright, Ford Motor Co., Retired
Joyce Willis, General Motors, retired
Reverend Joseph Yelder, Sharon Missionary Baptist Church
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Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding
Leads to Freedom, Justice and Equity
Dorothy J. Dean
Attorney and Counselor at Law
26677 West Twelve Mile Road
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Congratulations to The Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Task Force, Inc. on your 37 th
Annual celebration of the life and legacy of
Dr. King.
“We must live together as brothers or perish together as
fools.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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POSTHUMOUS
SALUTE!!
TO
DR. JESSE L. DOUGLAS, SR.
This famous photo has been used by the Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc. and others for
many years. From March 17, 1965, it depicts Ralph
Abernathy, James Foreman, Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr., Dr. Jesse L. Douglas Sr., and John Lewis locked
arm-in-arm leading a march to the Montgomery
County courthouse where they negotiated protocols
for protest demonstrations with city officials.
Long referred to as the “unidentified white man”,
Rev. Dr. Jesse L. Douglas Sr. was a minister, civil
rights activist, and vocalist. Dr. Douglas ministered
to the people for more than 50 years while continuing
his work in the Civil Rights Movement.
In 1960, while pursuing his first doctoral degree in
divinity, Dr. Douglas became part of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee in Atlanta, Georgia.
The group took action against segregation by participating in demonstrations, sit-ins at lunch counters, and
other forms of protest. The activities resulted in the court-ordered desegregation of dining facilities in
Georgia. Upon graduating from the Interdenominational Theological Center in 1962, he took his first
assignment as a pastor at a church in Montgomery, Alabama. During this time, he joined the Montgomery
Improvement Association, formed in response to the 1955 Bus Boycott and was elected president a year later.
As a trusted and reliable friend to Dr. King, Dr. Douglas again proved his value to the civil rights movement
through his skillful, behind the scenes coordination of logistics that sustained the 18-day, 54-mile Selma to
Montgomery marches.
In 1966, Douglas left Montgomery to begin pastoring at CME churches in Birmingham, Alabama; Kansas
City, Missouri; Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; Flint, Michigan; finally retiring in 2004 at St. Luke’s
CME Church in Champaign, Illinois. On February 17, 2021, Rev. Dr. Jesse l. Douglas took his rest in Christ
and passed peacefully in his sleep. Dr. Douglas considered fulfilling the ministry to which he had been called
by God to be his greatest accomplishment.
Dr. Douglas’s grandchildren have committed to carrying on his legacy and continuing the fight. Known as
DGLS, they shared this statement on social media: “The evil of racial injustice in America continues to
prevail. As long as it stands, we will continue to
fight against it, just like our grandfather, Rev.
Dr. Jesse L. Douglas, before us.
This day, January 17, 2022, we Salute the late
Rev. Dr. Jesse L. Douglas because he worked
shoulder to shoulder with Dr. King helping
change America, “making it better for
those who came after us.” in his own words “He
didn’t sit by and watch things happen. He helped
make things happen.”
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City of Southfield
City of Southfield
MICHAEL A. MANION
Community Relations Director
DANIEL BRIGHTWELL
Councilman
26000 Evergreen Road
P.O. Box 2055
Southfield, MI 48037-2055
(248) 796-5132
Cell: (248) 915-0865
mmanion@cityofsouthfield.com
26000 Evergreen Road
P.O. Box 2055
Southfield, MI 48037-2055
(248) 796-5150
FAX (248) 796-5155
www.cityofsouthfield.com
dbrightwell@cityofsouthfield.com
Derrick F. Hale
State Representative
Emeritus 14th District
P.O. Box 19648
Detroit, Michigan 48219
(313) 570-4437
dfhalle63@gmail.com
www.ciuw.org
Millie K. Hall (OPEIU)
METRO DETROIT CHAPTER PRESIDENT
COORDINATOR, MICHIGAN
PAY EQUITY NETWORK
P.O. BOX 14120
JEFFERSON STATION
DETROIT, MI 48214-0120
CELL (313) 657-0023
EMAIL: CLUPRES@AOL.COM
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2022
OAKLAND COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONER
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