JUNETEENTH FOREVER DETROIT

Wake Up Detroit Civic Engagement Award Honoree: Monica Lewis-Patrick

Monica Lewis-Patrick, Co-Founder, President and Ceo, is an educator, entrepreneur, and human rights activist. With guidance and support from the other four founders of We the People of Detroit (WPD), and the leadership of volunteers and community experts, she has become one of the most distinguished social justice experts in Michigan, nationwide, and globally. Known as “The Water Warrior,” Lewis-Patrick is actively engaged in the fight to access safe, affordable water for all strategically undervalued communities.

​In 2022, Lewis-Patrick joined the University of Waterloo as a Jarislowsky Fellow. She also serves as a member of several organizations, boards, and committees dedicated to the advancement of water equity, including the River Network National Board of Directors, External Sustainability Advisory Council/United Nations Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE), the Water Equity Network: Water Workforce Institute & Taskforce, National Water Affordability Table, All About Water/Freshwater Future – Subcommittee, PolicyLink- Water Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus (WECR), End Water Poverty, and the Governor’s Board for Healing Our Waters (HOW). In 2019 she was appointed to the International Joint Commission (IJC) Great Lakes Water Quality Advisory Board, and is serving her second term. She also received an appointment to the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice by Gov. Whitmer, where she currently serves as the Co-chair of the Water Committee. In October of 2015, she was appointed to the World Water Justice Council.

​As a former Lead Legislative Policy Analyst for Detroit City Council under the Honorable Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, Monica has authored legislation, conducted research, and delivered constituency services to thousands of Detroit residents. Lewis-Patrick attended the historic Bennett College. She is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Sociology and a Masters of Arts of Liberal Studies degree with a concentration in Criminal Justice/Sociology and Public Management. She has also received the honor of being selected as a Ron McNair Scholar.

Community Sports Mentor Honoree: Keith D. Williams

Keith D. Williams is a lifelong Detroit advocate whose work has centered on youth empowerment, economic opportunity, sports, education, and community development. Raised on Detroit’s historic Holmur Street near the University of Detroit, Williams learned early lessons about discipline, hard work, and perseverance from his family, neighborhood mentors, athletics, and faith community.

A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where he lettered in track and field, Williams built his career through both public service and entrepreneurship. His professional journey includes leadership roles with Moore Business Forms and Ford Motor Company, ownership of successful business ventures in printing, landscaping, marketing, and real estate, and service as a former Vice Chair of the Wayne County Commission. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to improving the lives of Detroit families and creating pathways to success for young people.

Williams is the founder of Courageous Inc. and the Courageous Detroit Network, organizations dedicated to uplifting youth through sports, education, mentorship, media, and community engagement. Through these initiatives, he has created opportunities for thousands of young people to participate in athletic competition, leadership development, workforce training, and educational enrichment programs.

Among his signature accomplishments is the creation and leadership of the annual MLK Pro Day Baseball Camp, which brings professional scouts and collegiate opportunities directly to Detroit youth. He also founded the Courageous Invitational Track Meet and the Courageous Games, major youth sporting events that attract students, families, coaches, and organizations from across the region. These programs are designed not only to showcase athletic talent, but also to teach discipline, teamwork, financial literacy, career readiness, and leadership skills.

Williams has also championed innovative workforce initiatives such as Courageous Event Works and Courageous Academy, programs focused on preparing young people for careers in sports, entertainment, hospitality, media production, and entrepreneurship. His vision is to connect youth to real-world opportunities while helping rebuild Detroit neighborhoods through ownership, education, and economic development.

In addition to his youth advocacy, Williams is an author, media personality, and civic leader whose voice has consistently focused on empowering underserved communities and expanding opportunities for future generations. Through radio, podcasts, live events, publishing, and public speaking, he continues to inspire others with his message of perseverance, ownership, faith, family, and community responsibility.

Leadership In Education Honoree: Dr. Curtis L. Ivery
Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, Chancellor Wayne County Community College District has been a national thought leader, educator, columnist, author, scholar, equity advocate and force for change in access to higher education for more than two decades. Under his leadership, WCCCD, the largest urban community college district in the State of Michigan, has been transformed into a thriving, six-campus inclusively pluralistic district that serves more than 70,000 students annually. Ivery has assembled leading academic, community, business, and government leaders at the table across a series of national roundtables and conferences to develop strategies to expand educational equity and economic mobility in our region, and throughout the nation.

He has been an invited signatory on numerous U.S. Supreme Court amicus briefs focused on areas of education and economic equity and led the creation of the College’s “Urban Summit Series,” which gathers the nation’s leading scholars and thought leaders to advance inclusion in higher education and the project of American Democracy. Prior to becoming the CEO of WCCCD, he served in executive positions at community colleges in Texas and Arkansas. As well, he served as the Commissioner/CEO of the Department of Human Services in the cabinet of Bill Clinton when he was the governor of Arkansas.

He has received numerous awards throughout his career. Most recently, in 2026, he was awarded the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. It is the Society’s highest honor for community college presidents and chancellors. He was recognized for his sustained and exceptional commitment to student success, academic excellence, and access to opportunity. In 2025, he received the Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership, a lifetime achievement award presented annually by the Detroit Free Press and Metropolitan Affairs Coalition honoring individuals who have advanced regional cooperation and understanding throughout their careers. In 2024, he was honored with an Alumni Award by the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions and was appointed Chairperson of the Wayne County Airport Authority Board.
These recent honors add to a long record of recognition, including being honored with a street renaming in 2023 to Curtis L. Ivery Street, being named the 2022 CEO of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges in its inaugural presentation of that award, as well as the 2019 Education Award at the Let Freedom Ring event celebrating the 90th birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ivery was also the recipient of the 2017 Leadership Excellence Award for Diversity and Inclusion from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and the prestigious Trumpet Award for Education in 2016.

Ivery was named a Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News in 2005, for his significant contributions both locally and statewide. He was named the “2008 Newsmaker of the Year” by the Michigan Chronicle, which also honored Dr. Ivery as its “Man of Excellence,” in the same year. Ivery is a prolific writer, authoring nearly 20 books and contributing countless articles for publication including his most recent books, “Urban Voices: Racial Justice and Community Leadership: African American CEOs of Urban Community Colleges Speak Out on Lessons Learned from the National Racial Reckoning and the COVID-19 Pandemic,” and “Detroit and the New Political Economy of Integration in Public Education,” published by Palgrave McMillan in 2022. Ivery also authored a collection of children’s books with his daughter, Angela, and a popular book on Black fatherhood with his son, Marcus. Ivery lives in Detroit with his wife, Ola, where they work to advance childhood literacy and learning.

Community Media Broadcast Honorees: WHPR RJ Watkins, Henry Tyler, & Maxine Willis
WHPR TV Detroit Live is the viewer-supported LIVE television station serving Detroit/Highland Park and on Broadcast Cable. WHPR TV Detroit offers programming on Comcast Detroit Channel 90, live talk-shows, entertainment and documentaries. WHPR TV Detroit live is notably active in the community producing local programs that showcase arts, culture, business information, politics, news analysis, health, religious series and outreach campaigns that use the power of media to provide knowledge and awareness.

The WHPR Team
Robert J. Watkins, President
R.J. Watkins has been in the media business for over 45 years and is part of Detroit’s Music History. He is the President of Watkins Broadcasting and began his career as a Producer / Director at WGPR, the first African American station in the nation. In 1988, R.J. debuted the New Dance Show, a local version of Soul Train. The show made huge waves in the U.S. and abroad. In 1994, the FCC granted him his first media holdings, WHPR 88.1 FM. He later purchased his own TV and Radio station and became one of only a few minority broadcasters in the U.S. who owns his own broadcast tower. He was bestowed a proclamation and key to the city from Detroit Mayor Coleman Young for his achievements in production. In 2017 Mr. Watkins was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. As a result of the station’s commitment, services and programming aimed at the community for over 40 years, R.J. has positioned WHPR to become known as the “People’s Station” a Voice for the community.

Henry Tyler, Vice President
Henry Tyler is a veteran television and media executive with over 45 years of experience in broadcasting, production and entertainment. Currently, he is serving as Vice-President of WHPR TV. Tyler has played a significant role in Detroit’s Black Media landscape for decades. Tyler began his career as a DJ and attended DJ school before transitioning into television production. His broadcast career started at WGPR-TV, where he initially developed a music-oriented segment called Soul Bio for the popular New Dance Show. Working alongside long-time media entrepreneur R.J. Watkins, Tyler helped shape some of Detroit’s most influential television programs. He served as Producer of the iconic New Dance Show which aired on WGPR TV and became a cultural phenomenon throughout the late 1980’s and 90’s. Tyler and Watkins expanded the show’s reach through innovative live club broadcasts and community-based programming. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to broadcasting music, television production and community engagement throughout the Detroit area and worldwide.

Maxine D. Willis, General Manager
Maxine Willis has been in the field of substance abuse prevention for over 40 years. As a former educator, she became aware of how drug abuse affects the lives of children and families. In 1977, Ms. Willis helped to co create one of the first prevention programs in the country aimed at pre-school age children for the National Council on Alcoholism. She has traveled the country training teachers in prevention strategies and has been recognized nationally for being a pioneer. Ms. Willis has been featured and interviewed by USA Today, ABC World News tonight, special assignment, Youth & Drugs. She has worked with the National Indian Youth Council and was called upon by the Department of Defense to train Headstart teachers on the Island of Guam. Ms. Willis has been featured and interviewed by USA Today, ABC World News tonight, special assignment, Youth & Drugs. In 1992, Ms. Willis created the K.E.Y.S. KIDS TV show designed to entertain and educate children and families to the dangers of drugs, and the importance of happy healthy living. Ms. Willis is the co-founder of the Ambassador Group, an exoneration assistance group for the wrongfully convicted. She’s also a spokesperson for MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Ms. Willis currently serves as General Manager for WHPR TV & Radio.

Detroit Legacy Honoree: Patricia Dockery, JD CEO Stafford House
Patricia Dockery currently serves as the Executive Director and Founder of Stafford House Inc., a non-profit organization focused on housing, youth development, education and community outreach. She has spent the past 16 years serving the Detroit community. She began her career in litigation as a criminal defense attorney serving Southeast Michigan.

Her career in law revealed the many obstacles facing young black males in America. She became committed to removing barriers that our young men face in navigating the racial prejudice systematically designed to block their road to success in our society. Stafford House Inc. began its work providing transitional housing for adjudicated youth ages 16-21 who had been convicted of crimes and were clearly in need of guidance and direction.

Throughout recent years she has continued to work as a community organizer after serving as the Director of Good Neighborhoods for North End and Central Woodward neighborhoods. Her work included community organizing, public speaking, educator, courtroom advocate, radio announcer, lecturer, counselor and communicator. Ms. Dockery spent years as a hearing officer for the Detroit Public Schools presiding over expulsion hearings. She reduced the effects of separating kids from their schools by designing programs to keep our youth in school and combat the negative effects of suspensions and expulsions.

Ms. Dockery is currently engaged in many aspects of community development and neighborhood revitalization. Stafford House enhanced community revitalization through ongoing place making. She led and sponsored the revitalization of Bradby Park and Recreation center for the past ten years. Programs include youth sports, Meet-up Eat-up meals, summer youth employment, and a host site for special events.

Ms. Dockery serves on several boards for various community organizations, and acts as a liaison for government services, corporate connections, and business partnerships. Under her leadership, Stafford House has recently completed a mixed- use development to provide affordable housing, business spaces and workforce development programing to further create opportunities for youth to grow and thrive.

Community Father Honoree: Donald Tabron
Donald Tabron is a devoted husband, father, entrepreneur, and community leader whose life’s work reflects an extraordinary commitment to family, service, and generational impact. For nearly 20 years, he has been a dedicated partner to his wife, Tosha M. Tabron, building a family rooted in love, resilience, and shared purpose. As parents, they have raised two aspiring football players, intentionally instilling the values of discipline, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance on and off the field.

Donald’s deep devotion to family profoundly shaped his professional path. Shortly after the birth of his first son, he made the bold decision to launch his own insurance adjusting firm, driven by a desire to both provide long-term financial security and maintain the flexibility necessary to be fully present for his children. Seventeen years later, that decision has resulted in the creation of a multimillion-dollar enterprise, intentionally designed to allow Donald the time he requires to pour into his sons’ athletic, academic, and personal endeavors. His entrepreneurship stands as a powerful example of aligning purpose, provision, and presence.

A lifelong resident of Detroit, Donald’s commitment to service is rooted in lessons passed down from his mother, who taught him the power of community and the truth that no one succeeds alone. Those principles have guided his life’s work; particularly his dedication to young men across the city.

For more than a decade, Donald has served as a volunteer youth football coach, dedicating over 10,000 hours to mentoring, developing, and advocating for young athletes. This work requires the donation of tens of thousands of dollars in resources, including equipment, travel, training, and programmatic support all personally provided to ensure access and opportunity for all participants. Through coaching, Donald has created spaces of structure, accountability, and brotherhood where young men are taught leadership, respect, and responsibility.

Donald holds a Finance degree from Northwood University, where his legacy as a student-athlete continues to endure. He was a member of the ‘00 Northwood University football team inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame, a testament to excellence, leadership, and teamwork.

One final note of pride, since 1999, Donald has maintained a deep and unwavering commitment to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., living out its cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. His impact within the brotherhood is exemplified by his leadership in establishing an endowed scholarship program at Northwood University, designed to support Black football players in accessing higher education and creating pathways to long-term success.

Donald Tabron’s life reflects intentional leadership, quiet sacrifice, and enduring vision. Whether as a husband, father, coach, entrepreneur, or mentor, his work consistently centers on building strong families, empowered young men, and legacies that extend far beyond himself.

Community Mother Honoree: Theresa Mitchell
Theresa Mitchell has always been a mother in spirit long before she ever gave birth to children of her own. In her Detroit neighborhood, she became a steady presence in the lives of young people who needed guidance, care, and opportunity. From toddlers to teenagers, Theresa opened her heart and her home, ensuring that every child she encountered felt seen, supported, and valued.

She believed that exposure creates possibility. Through her efforts, countless youth were introduced to experiences that broadened their horizons and refined their talents. Whether it was offering encouragement, creating safe spaces, or simply showing up consistently, Theresa modeled a kind of love many of these children had never known.

Her commitment didn’t stop when those young people reached adulthood. Theresa stood in the gap for students pursuing higher education, helping cover rent when they were at risk of dropping out and returning home. She understood that success often hinges on stability, and she made sure that lack of resources would not be the reason someone’s dreams were deferred.

A visionary rooted in action, Theresa founded the Golden Girls, a group grounded in empowerment, sisterhood, and growth. She also made tangible investments in her community, purchasing multiple homes along her block to promote neighborhood stability and provide housing for families facing hardship. Her work transformed not just individual lives, but the environment around her.

When Theresa became the proud mother of three beautiful children, her mission only deepened. She recognized that all children are connected and that the well-being of one impacts the future of many. Balancing motherhood with community leadership, she continued to advocate, nurture, and lead with unwavering compassion.

A lifelong Detroiter, Theresa Mitchell represents what it means to lead with love, to give without expectation, and to build a legacy rooted in service. Today, we honor and salute her as a true community mother, one whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

Community Educator Honoree: Mitzi Davis
Mitzi A. Davis is an accomplished educator of 27 years, dedicated to empowering students through meaningful learning experiences. With a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for nurturing the whole child. She creates learning spaces filled with encouragement, patience, and possibility and where curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking thrive. A place where every child feels valued, capable, and inspired to grow. Mitzi is known for her thoughtful instruction, her ability to connect with diverse learners, and her belief that every student has a unique brilliance waiting to be cultivated. Her work reflects a deep devotion to equity, growth, and the transformative power of education.
Mitzi is known for her calm leadership, her ability to build meaningful relationships, and her unwavering focus on helping students discover their strengths. Her colleagues describe her as a steady, solutions-oriented leader who elevates everyone around her. She collaborates generously, mentors new educators, and consistently contributes to schoolwide initiatives that strengthen academic achievement and student well-being. Mitzi works as a Union Representative, Lead Teacher, Athletic Director, Cheer Coordinator, and Cooperative Teacher for college students.
Her professionalism, compassion, and commitment to equity have earned her the respect of peers and the trust of the students she serves. Families trust her, students thrive under her guidance, and her impact extends far beyond the walls of her classroom. Mitzi’s work is rooted in the belief that education has the power to transform lives and she strives each day to make that transformation possible for every child who enters her classroom.

Community Health Advocate Honoree: Veronica W. Banks RN BSN
At the age of 8, Veronica Banks realized that she had a calling to make a difference in the world, and to promote health and wellness individually and in the community. During her high school years, she was selected as a debutante and participated in the Stair Way to the Stars program sponsored by an International Sorority. During the summers and school breaks she worked as a CNA in a local skilled nursing facility in Inkster, Michigan. She began participating in political campaigns during her yearlong commitment in these programs. She worked on Charles Diggs’ campaign and had the opportunity to meet Shirley Chisholm as she campaigned for President. It was an eye-opening experience.

Nurse Banks had the opportunity to participate in the first “I Have a Dream” speech in Detroit, Michigan. She and her family marched down Woodard to Cobo Hall with Carl Lewis, Andy Young, Dick Gregory to name a few. She remembers sitting on the lawn on a very hot day in June listening to the speech. 50 years later, she participated in the re-enactment of the original march and engaged in the celebration. There was a banquet held for the original marchers at the Regency Hotel. She dined with and had a wonderful conversation with Dick Gregory.

Veronica W. Banks is a proud graduate of The University of Michigan’s School of Nursing. During the 70’s she participated in BAM (Black Action Movement). The purpose of the movement was to increase the enrollment of African American students at the University to 10%. There were 38,000 students, grad and undergrad, with an enrollment of 2-3 % of African American students. The BAM strike also wanted an African American Studies curriculum, an African American Cultural house, and inclusion during any Health Care courses to include the care of Black hair and skin. The BAM strike closed the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor for one week. The strike ended with the promise of inclusion of Black Studies, the Trotter House (cultural center) care of Black Hair and skin, as well as an intense look at diseases and illnesses that affect African Americans.

She was charged during her college years to function as Chairperson of the Black Women’s Caucus, University of Michigan. The goal was to open the first African American student lounge on campus. She petitioned the Board of Regents as well as the President of the University for funds and the space to open the lounge. They named the lounge “The Rosa Parks” Lounge. Nurse Banks had the privilege of talking with Mother Parks as well as Gwendolyn Brooks for over an hour in her dorm room prior to the start of the program and dedication of the lounge.

Nurse Banks was honored when asked by U of M’s School of Nursing to be the Keynote Speaker for the African American graduating Class. Nurse Banks was the only Black that graduated from her class, there were 9 when she was honored as being the Keynote speaker for the graduating class. We know that roses are beautiful but remember there are still thorns.

As a young woman, Veronica also began working as a CNA in a local Skilled Nursing Facility during Summer breaks, after school and on weekends. As a seasoned woman, Nurse Banks is an Ordained Chaplain, a member of Chi Eta Phi Nurses Sorority, A member of ANA,( American Nurses Association) a member of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), serves as Chairperson Emeritus of the Scholarship Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church and is a proud member of the Health and Wellness Team as a School- Nurse for DPSCD.

Humanitarian & Community Activist Honoree: Project Purple Light Felicia Berry and Robin Grimes
Mission of Project Purple Light
Project Purple Light is a grassroots organization founded in the Spring of 2019 with endeavors to shed light on all aspects of Domestic Violence through Education, Workshops and Community Outreach. Project Purple Light hosted its first event in October 2019 and hosted an annual event, except for the Pandemic, of which we hosted a balloon release at a local shelter in 2020. We are deeply grateful to the many generous donors, community partners, and supporters whose continued contributions make our work possible. Your compassion and commitment help us provide safety, support, and hope to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.

Felecia Berry
Felecia Berry is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over twenty-three years of dedicated experience championing and advocating for victims, families and communities impacted by mental, physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological trauma/violence. With experience in domestic violence advocacy and community programming, she is committed to creating safe, supportive spaces for those in need. She is a clinician, workshop trainer, and proud founder of Project Purple Light. She continues to serve her community through her involvement with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. supporting programs and initiatives that promote service, education, and community empowerment. Her work reflects a strong commitment to leadership, compassion, and uplifting others through meaningful action. She is a graduate of Marygrove College and Wayne State University.

Robin Grimes
In August 2016, she made history as the first female and first African American appointed by the United States District Court as Chief U.S. Pretrial Services and Probation Officer for the Northern District of Ohio. She served in various roles throughout her career to include serving as a Mental Health Specialist in the Eastern District of Michigan. Her diverse professional background includes service as a correctional officer, state probation officer, and youth counselor for juveniles, demonstrating her strong commitment to public service, youth development and community all reflecting her dedication to public service, public safety and making a positive social impact.

Robin is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. having served on various Chapter committees. She is a certified facilitator for the curriculum “Creating Lasting Families Connections,” collaborating with women who are unsheltered with disorders and addictions. In 2022, she joined Project Purple Light as a board member and outreach coordinator, inspired by the passion of the program’s founder and the organization’s mission to make a meaningful impact in the community.