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General Motors African Ancestry Network (GMAAN) Celebrates Annual Black History Month
10 February 2020
The 14th annual GMAAN (General Motors African Ancestry Network)
Black History Month Celebration occurred on February 7th at the
Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. IHS Markit, a proud
sponsor of the event, was represented by key executives including
Marc Bland, Chief Diversity Officer, Vanessa Williams, SVP and
General Counsel, and Kathy Schroeder, VP Development. The event was
attended by over 800 guests and community leaders.
"Each year, GM does an excellent job with their Black History
Month Celebration and 2020 was no exception," Bland observed. "GM
continues to address the unique marketing needs of the African
American market as well as all other diverse communities through
their marketing, minority supplier and overall internal diversity
efforts."
The celebration was hosted by Josh Landon, Anchor/Reporter with
FOX 2 News. Awards were given out to honor those who represent the
2020 theme of "driven by culture - defined by innovation" and also
made valuable contributions in their respective communities. Their
acceptance speeches were a brief summary of their focus and
determination.
The 2020 GMAAN Black History Month Awards and Honorees are
listed below:
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Cheryl Ajamu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, the
Ajamu Group
Community Enrichment Award Renee Fluker, Founder and President, Midnight Golf
Program
Excellence in S.T.E.A.M. Award Dr. Alecia Gabrielle, Chinonye Akunne, Dierdre Robinson,
Co-Founders, Motor City STEAM
Marketing Excellence Award Jim Campbell, General Motors US Vice President, Sales
Lifetime Achievement Award Roy Roberts, Retired General Motors Executive
Mr. Roberts gave attendees a piece of wisdom from his father,
"When we are juggling life, some of the balls are rubber, and some
are crystal. The crystal balls are your work, family and your
religions. It is most important to discern the difference. Be the
best you can be in your work - don't let that crystal ball
drop."
Keynote Speaker was Lonnie Johnson, American inventor and
engineer who holds more than 120 patents including the Super
Soaker. Mr. Johnson gave a very informative presentation starting
his path of success in winning 1st place in a science fair as an
African-American senior in high school in 1968, to nuclear
engineering work launching a Galileo mission to Jupiter with NASA.
He is currently working with a team on Lithium ION battery
technology that will make a huge impact in the automotive and
mobility industry.
Mr. Johnson closed with these inspiring words, "We need everyone
on board to move this country forward."
Attendees were energized and entertained as musical guests
EnVogue performed an outstanding show.
For more information about GMAAN and the annual GMAAN Black
History Month Celebration, please visit the GMAAN website at https://www.gmaandrives.com/.
IHS Markit representatives: Mr. and Mrs. Kathy Schroeder, Ursula
Torp, Marc Bland, Tracie White, Vanessa Williams, Chauncey Gilbert
and Michelle Graham
IHS Markit attendees with EnVogue: Bill Harriss, Kathy Schroeder,
Cindy Herron (EnVogue), Tracie White, Marc Bland, Terry Ellis
(EnVogue), Ray Schroeder, Rhona Bennett (EnVogue), Ursula Torp
Ken Matheis, Chief Diversity Officer for ACG (Auto Club Group
formerly AAA), Roy Roberts (GM Honoree) and Marc Bland, Chief
Diversity Officer, IHS Markit
