In a city that is frequently touted for its alleged lack of shine under the “Bing, no bling” administration, the uncomely adage couldn’t have been more of a contradiction than at the Who’s Who In Black Detroit unveiling reception on Wednesday, Aug. 17, In the opulence of the Motor City Casino Hotel. Notable Detroiter’s from all corners of the metropolitan region were recognized and honored with their induction into the prestigious and exclusive company of African American business, civic and academic leaders whose accomplishments merit national and international attention.
The impressive guide identifies more than 340 Detroiters who have been significant contributors to the city’s storied history and whose efforts have helped to make remarkable strides for African Americans on the social and economic forefronts.
The popular Who’s Who annual publications are invaluable networking tools available to residents in more 
than 25 cities throughout the nation. The 20-year-old publication is a must-have for black Americans aspiring to make their own marks on their respective communities and earn a place in the journals of African American history-makers. The Detroiters featured on the pages of the Who’s Who Detroit’s third annual publication identifies and illuminates the work of black Detroiters who helped build the city on the river and continue to fight fiercely for the it’s return to prominence.
Rolling out asked presenters and inductees to pinpoint the issues paramount to the Detroit agenda, and here are a few of their responses.
“Many of Detroit’s issues are inter-related. Even though we are in a recession there are still businesses that exist and are starting up that do not locate themselves in the city of Detroit for a number of reasons. One of the reasons is crime. I will allocate a portion of the budget to visit and work with store chains around the country and encourage them to invest inside the city of Detroit. I’ll also legislate to make it easier for our mayor to use the money that the city of Detroit gets from the economic stimulus plan to help Detroiters get good-paying jobs.”
–Charles Pugh, president, Detroit City Council
“Our chief aim is to help develop good schools and good neighborhoods for children. The primary work is investing in special opportunities that can accomplish significant results for children. … So, think about giving back yourself and reaching out to some young person.” –Carol Gross, president and CEO, The Skillman Foundation
“I am working to pass a bill, introduced in February, that calls for academic distress commissions to be created in districts where half the schools miss federal benchmarks for three years. … Some of the changes we want are big. But they are possible. We need to change programs that impact Detroit children and Detroit neighborhoods.”
–Shanelle Jackson, Michigan State Representative 9th District
“Certainly we need national health care and an end to these wars. Yet there is also a battle that is being waged inside our neighborhoods. This war has been going on under the radar far too long. Millions of people already have lost jobs and hundreds of thousands are losing their homes to foreclosure. In Detroit, … there are many urban jewels, but all that is ever really described is the pain of unemployment, dilapidated buildings and crime.”
–Rev. Wendell Anthony, president, Detroit Branch NAACP
–roz edward
