Civil and Human Rights

Winston Williams - Chair

“Giving Hope to Our Children”
UAW Local 652
13th Annual Black History Program
February 24, 2008

Click here for program photos.

The 13th Annual Black History Program was simply fabulous from the beginning to the end. The theme of the program was, “Giving Hope to Our Children.” But soon after President Chris “Tiny” Sherwood and Shop Chair Art Baker open the festivities the celebration exploded with an exciting energy that had not been seen before.

UAW Local 652 Chaplain Don Sleeman recited a wonderful, heartfelt, poetic prayer that set a positive tone for the rest of the celebration (Click Here for poem). Marini Lee a graduate student from MSU shared with the audience a poem that was spiritually moving, I can say this; Maya Angelo has a poetic heir.

Keynote Speaker and E.S. Patterson award winner was Lansing School Board President Hugh Barrington Clarke. Mr. Clarke bonded with the parents and grandparents in the room when he asked the question, “How come some parents can purchase their children $60.00 or more for sneakers but cannot go out and purchase them a book?”  Mr. Clarke sincere commitment, not only as a school board member but also as a concern parent for the children in the community was on display.

We had the pleasure to witness two dance groups, Rhema from Lansing Church of God in Christ, Samuel Duncan Superintendent. They are an all girls group, who showed poise and elegance. Muster Seed Kids from Union Missionary Baptist Church, Melvin T. Jones, Pastor. Muster Seed Kids with Minister Salli Jones passionate dialog offered up precision with energy. Tremendous, just tremendous were both performances.

Katrina Coleman was our featured flute player, the young lady can go! The audience was swaying and tapping their feet as we all witness, her mastery of her instrument.

Then there was eight year old Myles Jones the son of Edwin and Antoinette Jones. The young man approached the microphone, everyone in the room settle back into their chairs thinking, “Oh he is so cute!” The music started, Myles pause, then the music approached his starting point. Myles began to sing and 300 hundred people witness, a performance that only the word “spectacular” could be used to describe what took place. I’m going on record today to inform the world that 10 years from today Myles Jones will be a household name, an American Idol winner and I will buy all his albums. Mr. Jones blew us all away. For the first time in the 13 years of our Black History Program we have never had someone who sung so well that people started crying. Three count them three standing ovations. People are still talking about what he did; all I’m can say is thank you Myles for that remarkable performance.

Even though the theme of program was “Giving Hope to Our Children”, I believe that we all walked away with a sense of happiness because those children that perform that day were wonderful. They gave us adults hope about tomorrow. I would like to thank, Pastor John Knight, of West Lansing Church for giving the benediction.

Womens Committee Mini Expo Photos