MCSC hosts My Brother's Keeper event featuring Lonnie Ali

Lonnie Ali, humanitarian and the wife of the late Muhammad Ali, told a group of young men, “you can all be great at something” during a My Brother’s Keeper luncheon hosted by The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) at the Points of Light Conference on Volunteering and Service in Detroit recently.

More than 300 young men from Michigan’s My Brother’s Keeper communities gathered with business and community leaders, public officials and former professional athletes to share ideas and build support for My Brother’s Keeper and make an impact in their lives and communities. Attendees also helped pay tribute to the late Muhammad Ali and his legacy of humanitarianism.

Lonnie Ali spoke of her late husband’s drive and determination. She encouraged the young men to strive for success.

“It was great to see so many people come together to inspire young men from across the state and to build support for My Brother’s Keeper efforts here in Michigan,” MCSC Executive Director Ginna Holmes said.

In addition to Lonnie Ali, special guests included: Dhani Jones, former NFL linebacker; Larry Miller, president of the Jordan Brand; Mike Ellison, actor, recording and performance artist; Michael Smith, ‎Special Assistant to the President, My Brother's Keeper at The White House; and Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Miller told the young men, "You never know what one incident is going to change your life."

Jones encourage the young men to “speak up and speak out.”

Sponsors included The Skillman Foundation, Generation Ali, Corporation for National and Community Service, Michigan Community Service Commission, Michigan’s My Brother’s Keeper Vista Project and Purposeful Networks.

Darryle Buchanan is the MCSC director of My Brother's Keeper. He can be reached at (248) 705-3456 or buchanand1@michigan.gov.