News Release 2/13/20 Contact: Greg Bowens, Bowens & Co., 248.275.3156 bowensgreg@hotmail.com

News Release 2/13/20 Contact: Greg Bowens, Bowens & Co., 248.275.3156 bowensgreg@hotmail.com 

DETROIT’S SEVENTH AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP AWARDS TO HONOR FIRST BLACK UAW NATIONAL PRESIDENT FEB. 28 Event at Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History recognizes black leadership from across the state. Rory Gamble joins Congresswomen Lawrence, Talib and Minn. AG Keith Ellison Detroit – The 7th Annual African-American Leadership Awards will honor UAW National President Rory Gamble during the event which is drawing national figures to the stage Feb. 28. “As the first African-American to lead the UAW, Rory Gamble continues to blaze a trail for others to follow,” says Al Williams, co-founder of the ceremony “Each year we take time to celebrate the accomplishments of a broad range of people working hard to help move our communities forward in business, politics and civic life. Gamble’s accomplishment is both worthy of the high recognition and honor of being recognized by our community.” Early confirmed speakers also include Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and Rashid Talib from Michigan’s 14th and 13th districts as well as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. The African American Leadership Awards derived from an idea to create an experience that recognizes and salutes public servants, business leaders, and community leaders for their contributions to the African American community locally, regionally and statewide. Held every year during Black History Month, the program has brought thousands of people together from around the state and has recognized hundreds for their contributions to the community. These awardees include former Congressman John Conyers, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garland Gilchrist, Federal Judge Denise Page Hood, Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones as well as luminaries from across the state. The categories for awards include: Political Pioneer - a black leader who broke barriers and opened doors for African Americans in Michigan. The recipient of this award must be retired. Posthumous entries accepted; Emerging Leader – for people under the age of 35 who have shown great promise as a political leader or organizer; Business Leader of the Year – a business leader who has and will continue to brake barriers and opened doors for African Americans in Michigan business and politics. The recipients of this award must be retired. Posthumous entries will be accepted; the Viola Liuzzo Award given to a non-black recipient in honor of the pioneering civil rights work done by the slain Detroit mother in the south. This year’s event promises to draw national attention with expected attendance by presidential candidates and national figures to be announced at a later date. For more information visit the website here: African-American Leadership Awards .