Nominations Now Open for Michigan Chronicle’s Applause! Salute to Black Non-Profit Leaders

The call to honor unsung heroes of Metro Detroit’s Black community is louder than ever. The Michigan Chronicle is now accepting nominations for its second annual Applause! Salute to Black Non-Profit Leaders, a celebration of the people whose work reflects the resilience, strength, and vision of the community. These are the leaders who dedicate their lives to building bridges, solving problems, and creating opportunities for others. This initiative stands as a testament to the Chronicle’s commitment to highlighting those who tirelessly uplift and inspire.

The inaugural class in 2024 set the bar high, featuring an impressive slate of leaders. Each honoree embodied the mission to serve and uplift the African American community. Among them were figures such as Donna Givens-Davidson of Eastside Community Network, Monique Marks of Franklin Wright Settlements, and Kenyatta Stephens of Black Family Development. Their work addressed critical needs in areas like education, housing, and workforce development, leaving an indelible mark on Metro Detroit. Leaders like Alphonso Amos of Urban Alliance and Shawn H. Wilson of Boys & Girls Club carried the mantle of change, demonstrating that impactful leadership can shift narratives and create lasting solutions.

“This initiative is about more than recognition; it’s about honoring the fabric of our progress,” said Hiram E. Jackson, Publisher of the Michigan Chronicle and CEO of Real Times Media. “Our purpose with Applause! is to shine a light on those who make it their life’s mission to serve others—especially within the African American community. These unsung heroes are the backbone of our region’s progress.”

For too long, Black non-profit leaders have carried out transformative work with little acknowledgment beyond the lives they touch. This platform ensures their stories are shared and their legacies cemented. The Michigan Chronicle is calling on the community to nominate leaders who embody this spirit of service. Whether it’s someone driving equity in health care, creating housing stability, or fostering educational success, these individuals deserve to be recognized. It’s a chance to give them the standing ovation they have earned through sacrifice, innovation, and vision.

The work of non-profit leaders often happens quietly, with results that speak volumes but rarely make headlines. The Applause! initiative breaks that silence, bringing their contributions to the forefront. By highlighting their efforts, the Chronicle aims to inspire a ripple effect—encouraging others to get involved, lead, and carry forward the work of building stronger, more equitable communities.

The nomination process is straightforward. Community members can submit their nominations online at www.michiganchronicle.com/applause25. The deadline for submissions is January 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Nominees must be Black leaders working within non-profit organizations who have made a measurable impact in southeastern Michigan. The program seeks to capture the diversity of leadership roles, acknowledging the different ways people contribute to positive change.

Honorees will be formally recognized in the January 29, 2025, edition of Applause! Salute to Black Non-Profit Leaders. This special publication, powered by Real Times Media and the Michigan Chronicle, will share the stories of those selected. It will serve as a reminder that behind every successful community initiative is someone who dared to dream, worked tirelessly, and brought others along the journey.

Reflecting on the program’s impact, it’s impossible to ignore the importance of telling these stories. In times of widespread challenges, from economic disparities to systemic inequities, celebrating those who step forward with care and commitment sends a powerful message. It reinforces the idea that leadership rooted in service can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.

“Our communities thrive because of leaders like these,” Jackson said. “Their work often goes unnoticed, but their impact is felt deeply. It’s our responsibility to lift them up and let the world see their brilliance.”

Metro Detroit is home to countless individuals whose dedication uplifts everyone around them. By taking a moment to nominate a deserving leader, community members can contribute to a legacy of recognition and respect. It’s not only about honoring those who have already achieved remarkable things but about encouraging future generations to follow in their footsteps.

This moment is a reminder that true progress is not a solitary act but a collective effort. Leaders like those celebrated through the Applause! program are proof that vision, hard work, and a love for community can overcome challenges and create meaningful change. Their stories deserve to be told, and their efforts deserve to be celebrated.

The Michigan Chronicle urges everyone to take part in this effort. Think about the leaders whose work has touched your life or shaped your community. Share their stories by submitting a nomination before the deadline. Let them know their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.

For more details or to nominate a leader, visit www.michiganchronicle.com/applause25. Join the Chronicle in applauding the trailblazers who define what it means to lead with heart, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Metro Detroit. Through this celebration, the community is not only honoring the past and present but also lighting the way for a brighter, stronger future.