May 16, 2017
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Amanda Campbell of Oscoda, Michael Nassaney of Kalamazoo, and Kevin Turman of Detroit to the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission.
The commission preserves and promotes the legacy of the Underground Railroad's Freedom Trail in Michigan.
"I thank these individuals for serving on this commission and their commitment to preserving this important piece of history," Snyder said.
Campbell is an archaeologist and a project liaison officer for the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Enterprise Division, where she oversees heritage, recreation, and landscape architecture programs. Campbell holds a bachelor’s degree in history and English from Albion College, a certificate for archaeological field school from Western Michigan University, and is pursuing a master’s degree in anthropology and archaeology at Western Michigan University. She will represent members at large which was formerly held by Dr. Nassaney.
Dr. Nassaney is a professor of anthropology at Western Michigan University and previously conducted research on the Underground Railroad in Cass County. Nassaney holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Providence College, a master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts. He previously served on the commission as a member at large, and will now represent members of the academic community who are knowledgeable in African-American history and will replace Kimberly Davis.
Turman is the senior pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Detroit, which served as a stop on the Underground Railroad from 1836-1865. He is chairman of the Harriet Tubman Center Board of Directors and a member of the NAACP. Turman holds a bachelor’s degree in American government and African American studies from Harvard College, a master of divinity in pastoral ministry from Yale Divinity School, and a doctor of ministry in biblical preaching from the United Theological Seminary. He will represent individuals who are actively involved in civil rights issues and replace Tamara Barnes.
Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring Feb. 1, 2021.
###
