Community gathers to pay tribute to the late activist Horace L. Sheffield, Jr.
Detroit – In 1993 the Horace L. Sheffield, Jr. Center was donated by Comerica to the Detroit Association of Black Organizations. July 1 marked the official 25th anniversary. In celebration of the Sheffield Center’s 25th birthday, DABO will host a free community concert.
The Sheffield Center was named after the late activist Horace L. Sheffield, Jr. who left behind an astounding legacy in both Detroit and the nation as he worked tenaciously not only for union workers in Detroit but for all human rights. Throughout his lifetime, Sheffield Jr. used his multi-faceted careers as an autoworker, politician and journalist to fight for community and black empowerment.
“I had the honor of working at DABO for Horace L. Sheffield, Jr., and was blessed to witness and learn from one of the greatest civil rights, labor, and community organizers,” said TV celebrity Judge Greg Mathis. “To this very day I cherish the time we shared together and the lessons he imparted.”
As a newspaper columnist for the Detroit News and the Michigan Chronicle, moderator of a talk show for the local CBS outlet, and radio and television host, Sheffield, Jr. used the power of media to further his cause. He founded the Detroit Association of Black Organizations and served the community as a director of the Detroit NAACP.
“It is indeed fitting that we remember those who laid the foundation upon which we stand, said Rev. Wendell Anthony, President, NAACP. “Horace Sheffield, Jr. Not only helped to lay a foundation for civil and human rights but he crafted a blueprint for our forward movement. It was he who reminded us to never have a Wall Street mentality in a blue collar town. He never lost touch whether from the streets or the suites. Many of us can see further down the road to freedom because we stand on such a solid foundation. DABO is a major part of that foundation.”
The Sheffield Center serves as an organizational incubator where five non-profits are housed, and where 12 local non-profit and community based organizations are provided a monthly meeting space, technical assistance, and access to a leadership training program. The Detroit Association of Black Organizations also operates from the Sheffield Center.
“In a time where there is so much negativity in the world it’s nice to celebrate the legacy of my father and the Sheffield Center,” said Horace Sheffield, III, CEO, Detroit Association of Black Organizations. “It deserves to celebrated and seen in a positive light. What is a better way to celebrate than with music?”
The Sheffield Center 25th Anniversary Concert will take place at 6pm on July 21 at the Sheffield Center, 12048 Grand River, Detroit, MI 48204. Stan “The Man” Hampton, 1104, and Memory Lane Players are scheduled to perform. To reserve your free ticket and to see a complete line up, please visit www.sheffieldcenter.eventbrite.com/.