The African American Leadership Awards derived from an idea to create an experience that recognizes and salutes public servants, business leaders, and community leaders for their contributions to the African American community locally, regionally and statewide.  In 2014, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence discussed pulling together African American community leaders, business leaders, and African American elected officials to ensure we are united and working together on issues that affect all of us!

In 2014, at the First Annual African American Leadership Awards, over 300 people were in attendance including 53 African American elected officials from all regions from across the State of Michigan. In 2015, over 400 people attended including 73 African American Elected Officials and over 200 community leaders, Labor leaders and business leaders. The 3rd Annual African American Leadership Awards was held in February of 2016 and over 500 people attended and we streamed live with over 1000 viewers.

Since the beginning, Lear Corporation, Laborers Local 1191, Detroit International Bridge Co., Diggs Group, Rickman Enterprises have all come together to ensure the African American Leadership Awards Ceremony continues to be an experience that inspires, and salutes the many accomplishments of African Americans from both the present and the past. From Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young to Flint Mayor Floyd McCree, there have been many accomplishments made by many African American Leaders from around the state. From Bob Millender of Detroit to Greg Eaton of Lansing African Americans have contributed to improving the quality of life for all Michiganders.