The annual Urban Wheel Awards in Detroit is the only major event during the plethora of auto shows around the country to recognize and illuminate minority brilliance and achievement.
The 15th annual Urban Wheel Awards program brought together CEOs, presidents and VPs from the auto industry as well as celebrities, dignitaries and local Detroiters. Here are a few of the people rolling out caught up with during the festivities that you should know:
1. Randi Payton (pictured at left with wife): Founder of the Urban Wheel Awards 15 years ago, as well as president and CEO of Decisive Media Inc.: “Our mission was, and remains, the promotion of multicultural inclusion in the audo industry. We’re accomplishing it [with] actions like ensuring participation in the nation’s largest auto shows and helping to stimulate the pool of journalists of color to pursue careers in the auto industry.
2. Zafar Brooks, general affairs, government relations and diversity outreach, Hyundai Motor America: “Hyundia has been a longtime partner of the Urban Wheel Awards in conjunction with Decisive Media. For the second year in a row, we’ve made a charitable donation to a local organization, Focus Hope. We donated 1,000 winter coats for needy children in Detroit as well as a [made] $10,000 donation to the Focus Hope Village Initiative.
3. Damon Lester, president, National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers [NAMAD]: “We represent all the new minority dealerships in the country. We are here today at the 15th annual Urban Wheel Awards as advocates to increase the number of minority-owned dealerships in the United States.”
4. James H. Colon: vice president, product communication, Toyota Motor Sales USA: “This is a one of a kind event. There are several major auto shows around the country — L.A., New York, Miami, Chicago, Detroit — and this is the one major participation piece from a diversity standpoint. Randi [Payton] has found a niche to make sure that ethnic minorities are being included in the mainstream in terms of auto shows across the country.”
5. Jessie Armstead, former NFL Pro Bowler and owner, Hamilton Honda, Hamilton, N.J.: “This award show is important. You get an opportunity to recognize yourself and others for the work that you’ve done. This industry is so hard for minorities, and [events like this] give you the opportunities to come together and recognize the way you have been performing. And maybe inspire someone sitting in the audience.”
6. Mayor Dave Bing, NBA Hall of Famer and former automotive supplier: “As a former automotive supplier, I understand the complexities of the industry and the need to cultivate a diverse talent base. I stand with the Urban Wheel Awards in recognition of Tony Brown, Frank Venegas, Rodney O’Neal, Andra Rush and Max Siegel. Your contributions to the industry and proven track record of success are a model for future entrepreneurs and automotive executives.”
–terry shropshire
