Detroit Branch NAACP Honors Ford Motor Company In Tribute to African-American Auto Workers

'One man's idea, one company's effort, 100-years of building great cars'

DETROIT, April 24 -- The Detroit Branch NAACP honored William Clay Ford Jr. and Ford Motor Company for its 100-year commitment to creating jobs and fostering opportunity for African-Americans and people of color.

"One man had an idea, one company put in the initial effort and for 100 years they have engaged in a uniquely American tradition of building great cars," said Rev. Wendell Anthony, President of the Detroit Branch NAACP. "That man was Henry Ford. That company was Ford Motor and that idea was for everybody -- black and white -- to get a fair day's wage for a honest day's work," he said. "This one, powerful idea, is credited with influencing the great migration of blacks from the south to manufacturing jobs in the north and ultimately the creation of our country's black middle class."

For this reason, the Detroit Branch NAACP honored Ford at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History and gave a hero's reception to William Clay Ford Jr., Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Company.

"As we approach our 100th anniversary, one of the things that I am most proud of is our legacy of commitment and support for diversity and the opportunities it has provided to African-American autoworkers and to communities around the world," said William Clay Ford Jr.

Heaster Wheeler, executive director of the Detroit Branch agreed.

"There is no greater honor we can give on the 100th anniversary of this great car company and this great family than to acknowledge the significant contribution they have made by giving people a fair opportunity to succeed," said Wheeler.

The reception honoring Ford Motor Company was the kick-off event for the Detroit Branch NAACP's 2nd Annual Freedom Weekend held April 24 - 27th at Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit. Freedom Weekend includes a national town hall meeting, introduction of a new African-American Think Tank, a hip-hop summit, a rhythm and blues concert, a comedy awards night, and comprehensive workshops on economics, business and health. A complete schedule of weekend events is available at the NAACP branch office.

Gerald Edwards, CEO, NamDiamonds Inc. is the Corporate Chair of Freedom Weekend. Rayford Jackson, RAS Development and Active Homes is the General Co- Chair. The Honorable Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is the Honorary Chair.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Details of some of the highlights of interest to the news media include: FRIDAY, APRIL 25TH * 8 p.m. Rhythm & Blues Concert Special guests: vocalists Will Downing and Angela Winbush Music Hall SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH * 1 p.m. Hip-Hop Summit Special guest: Russell Simmons and his Hip-Hop National Action Network Cobo Arena * 5 p.m. National Town Hall Meeting Moderated by Ed Gordon Special guests include: Rev. Al Sharpton, noted author and lecturer Ron Walters, and U.S. Congresswomen Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick and Maxine Waters, U.S. Congressman John Conyers Cobo Hall Riverview Ballroom * 8 p.m. Comedy Awards Night Presentation of the Detroit Branch NAACP Golden Star Award of Excellence for community service and work with young people Hosted by Robert Townsend Special guests include: Jamie Foxx, David Allan Grier, Eddie Griffin, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker, Damon Wayans and members of the Wayans family Special presentation and award honoring Richard Pryor