community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 21-27, 2010

Page D-9

Men of Distinction Scholarship Dinner a major success

Scholarship

On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Commission

of Ebenezer A.M.E.Church sponsored a Black and White Scholarship Dinner Banquet honoring “Men Of Distinction Paving The Way” for their out- standing service in the com- munity.

The event was held at De-

troit School Of Arts. The Ebenezer Scholarship

Commission has given thou- sands of dollars in scholar- ships to high school gradu- ates.

Commissioner Bell’s Third Annual Prom Dress Distribution set for April 24

Over 150 high school girls

in Detroit have had their prom dreams realized through a pro- gram that has entered its third year.

“Belle of the Ball,” a dis-

tribution of gently-used prom dresses and accessories, will provide formal attire for girls unable to afford new gar- ments.

The program was the

brainchild of Wayne County Commissioner Alisha R. Bell (D-Detroit), who each year mo- bilizes professional women and others to donate the dresses and gowns and acces- sories that will enable girls throughout Detroit to enjoy their high school prom, creat- ing precious, lifelong memo- ries.

“I was going through my closet and saw some formal

dresses that I’ll never wear again,” Bell said regarding how “Belle of the Ball” was started. “It got me to thinking that other women probably have the same dilemma. So I decided to start the program, encouraging other profession- al women to donate dresses and gowns.”

Over 150 girls have benefit-

ed from the donations in the program’s first two years com- bined.

Over the past several weeks,

donations have been gathered, with the distribution taking place on Saturday, April 24, from noon to 2 p.m., at the Boys & Girls Club at 16500 Tireman.

With the outpouring of do-

nated items, Commissioner Bell is confident the program will sustain itself for years to

McCormick campaign kickoff

Candidate Monique McCormick invites

all friends and supporters to her cam- paign kickoff for commissioner, District 7, on Friday, April 30, at the 313 Lounge, 15418 Schoolcraft (off Greenfield), from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

AM 1200 talk show host Mildred Gaddis

is scheduled to appear as a special guest as well as Congressman John Conyers and others.

Enjoy good people, food and entertain-

ment. For more information, call (313) 863-

6998 or visit www.ForwardTogether-

Michigan.com.

Monique McCormick

come. “I’m constantly amazed,

and overwhelmed, by the gen- erosity shown by professional women and others who send us the gowns and dresses each year,” she said. “And we get shoes and accessories, too. It’s just unbelievable.”

There are no hoops to jump

through for the girls who want to partake in the distribution, Commissioner Bell pointed. All they have to do is show up, sign in, and select a dress or gown of their choosing.

For more information about

the “Belle of the Ball” prom dress distribution, contact Commissioner Bell’s office at (313) 224-0936.

Proceeds from this event

went to the Scholarship Com- mission as it continues to help those students who will be attending college.

Special guests were the

Zone Dance Center, Saldon Jenkins and jazz recording artist Randy Scott. and

Huel Perkins, Fox 2 news

anchor, was the master of cer- emonies.

This event honored accom-

plished men from the African- American community repre- senting diverse professions,

skills, religious service and strong family bonds.

The honorees were intro-

duced by their son, grandson, or a special male friend. They were escorted by their daugh- ters, granddaughters, or a spe- cial female friend.

“It is such a refreshing

honor to be gathered together with members of our commu- nity to celebrate the staunch contradiction presented by naysayers and purveyors of negativity to the diligent and dedicated men who made our world a better place,” said Rev. Byron Moore, one of the hon- orees and Pastor of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church

“I was very moved to hear

the personal story of the hon- orees, this was an exceptional program,” said the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III, pastor of Plymouth United Church of Christ.

Attorneys Jeffrey Collins

and Melvin Hollowell II pre- sented their fathers as good examples with pride.

“This is a great honor. I am

glad to be one of the honor- ees,” said Bankole Thompson, senior editor of the Michi- gan Chronicle and host of the public affairs television program “Center Stage With Bankole Thompson” that airs every Saturday on WADL, Channel 38.

This event was an auspi-

cious occasion of celebra- tion.

While it served as a symbol

of unity, caring, and hope to Black males in our society, it was enlightening and uplift- ing with inspiration exuding from every young individual that made an introduction.

Each honoree represented

inspiration that focused on integrity, determination and perseverance.

On this journey, each indi-

vidual found their blueprint for success.

The honorees were present-

ed with a plaque and a Spirit of Detroit Award from the Detroit City Council. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36