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Idlewild Centennial Commission

Idlewild Centennial Commission

The Idlewild Centennial Commission was established within the Department of History, Arts and Libraries by Executive Order 2007-50 to coordinate activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Idlewild resort community in Lake County.  Founded in 1912, Idlewild represented freedom for many African Americans, being one of more than 30 resorts in the country where African Americans were permitted to vacation and purchase property before such discrimination became illegal in 1964.  Commonly known as "Black Eden," Idlewild was an active, year-round community through the mid-1960s, frequented by well-known entertainers and professionals from throughout the country.

 

Click here to access the Idlewild Centennial Commission homepage and meeting information
 

Statute

 

Executive Order 2007-50

 

Members

 

Gloria Stephens Smith, East Lansing

Term ends 12/31/2011

Represents the residents of Michigan

 

Gwendolyn C. Rogers

Term ends 12/31/2011

 

Patricia Ann Williams, Idlewild

Term ends 12/31/2011

Represents the Idlewild Community

 

Carol Dean Boles, Idlewild

Term ends 12/31/2011

Represents the Idlewild Community

 

Ruth Helen Burton, Lansing

Term ends 12/31/2012

Represents the residents of Michigan

 

Elizabeth Atkins, Detroit

Term ends 12/31/2012

Represents the residents of Michigan

 

Mildred Annette Kyles, Idlewild

Term ends 12/31/2012

Represents the Idlewild Community

 

John Otis Meeks, Idlewild

Tern ends 12/31/2012

Represents the Idlewild Community

 

Sharnita C. Johnson, Detroit

Term ends 12/31/2012

Represents the residents of Michigan

 

Shahida Andrea Mausi, Detroit

Term ends 12/31/2013

Represents the residents of Michigan

 

Coffiann Ukee Hawthorne, East Lansing

Term ends 12/31/2013

Represents the residents of Michigan

 

Timothy Pharoh Muhammad, Detroit

Term ends 12/31/2013

Represents the residents of Michigan

 

Philip Anthony Clay, Idlewild

Term ends 12/31/2013

Represents the Idlewild Community

 

Denise E. Bellamy

Term ends 12/31/2013

 

Mabel Robinson Williams, Idlewild

Term ends 12/31/2014

Represents the Idlewild Community

 

Benjamin Calvin Wilson, Kalamazoo

Term ends 12/31/2014

Represents the residents of Michigan

 

George Walker, Idlewild

Term ends 12/31/2014

Represents the Idlewild Community

 

Donel Brown, Idlewild

Term ends 12/31/2014

Represents the residents of Michigan

 

Ex Officio Member

 

Keith Creagh, Director of the Department of Natural Resources