Community and Labor Leader
1990
Citation:
You have earned a reputation of distinction as an untiring and enthusiastic community and political activist. Your efforts on behalf of minority and employee rights are renowned. As the first black person to be named international vice president of the United Auto Workers, you are an inspiration to persons of all ethnic backgrounds. Your achievement in rising from machine operator at an auto plant to a leadership position with the international union is testimony to your abilities, vision and determination. As a UAW executive and an involved citizen, you have worked tirelessly for human rights, dignity and justice in the workplace and the community. Along the way, you sacrificed time from your personal life to earn a degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit. You continue your active involvement in the community today as Executive Director of the Institute for Urban and Community Affairs at the University of Detroit and through your continued commitment to such organizations as New Detroit, the NAACP, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and the inter-Faith Council of Religious and Civic Leaders, among numerous others. For your unswerving efforts to help create a better life for others, the university is pleased to award you an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. Commencement, University of Detroit, May 12, 1990.