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Winter 2025
Welcome to the winter 2025 edition of the OAMI Impact Update, and happy Black History Month!
It’s important that we recognize that OAMI exists because of Black student activists and other allies’ commitment and sacrifice to building a more equitable university. We are excited to share an initiative that documents this work, the Black Action Movement Legacy Tour, which you can read more about below. In addition, we held our 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium keynote lecture, which featured Erika Alexander, actress and trailblazing activist. Alexander embodies the fire and creativity that was a critical aspect of King’s work, which she brought wholeheartedly to Ann Arbor.
Thank you for your continued support during these uncertain and tumultuous times. OAMI is here to continue to uplift all students as we continue our mission to strengthen the campus community and further academic excellence.
If you are interested in sharing how OAMI made a difference for you, please contact [email protected]
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Symposium and the power of restless dissatisfaction
This year’s 39th annual MLK Symposium theme, “Restless Dissatisfaction: An Urgent Call for the Pursuit of Justice and Equality,” continued exploring the ever-evolving philosophy of Dr. King. His idea of restless dissatisfaction is not simply about unhappiness and anger, but about rejecting complacency and confronting injustice in deeply challenging times.
With our organizing committee made up of faculty and staff from across campus and the greater community, we developed an inspiring and captivating keynote lecture featuring Erika Alexander, actress, trailblazing activist, entrepreneur, creator, producer, and director. While the committee developed the focal point and framework of the symposium, its true power lies in a month-long calendar of over thirty celebrations, talks, performances, and other events made possible by collaboration and engagement from groups across campus and southwest Michigan.
At Hill Auditorium on Monday, January 20, Erika Alexander shared her experience growing up in a family of itinerant preachers and the steps she had taken to forge ahead into a deeply impactful career. Daphne C. Watkins, a University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor, and the Letha A. Chadiha Collegiate Professor of Social Work and professor of social work at Michigan, framed the conversation around the theme of restless dissatisfaction, which Alexander challenged the audience to channel as they fight for justice.
The keynote brought over 1,300 people to Hill to celebrate King’s legacy, and over 4,300 live streamers joined from across the country, including Louisville, Atlanta, DC, and Florida. Our continuing partnership with Detroit PBS garnered over 3,000 views via their Facebook page, with one user remarking, “Thank you so very much for streaming this today. This is content for me today. This is what I am celebrating."
In addition to the keynote, Alexander joined a group of more than 75 student leaders at the Trotter Multicultural Center for an intimate conversation about student activism and learning to follow your own path. She listened deeply to students looking for advice on how to find their passion and use their art for justice while making time for family and self-care. She pressed everyone in the room to do their homework to understand the movements that had come before them and to use this work as a template to inform their community engagement. Alexander spent the remainder of her time with the students, offering selfies, hugs, and words of encouragement.
Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the symposium, and we are excited to bring the community a program of events that honor this significant milestone. Like OAMI, the MLK Symposium and accompanying university celebrations came about through student protests and demands. We look forward to you joining us in 2026 to celebrate 40 years of the symposium!
You can read the full MLK Symposium theme statement and more at mlk.umich.edu
Detroit Promise SEEDS Program Ignites Passion for Change Among Future Leaders
Since 2013, the Detroit Regional Chamber has sponsored the Detroit Promise, a transformative initiative funded by the Michigan Excellence in Education Foundation. What began as a vision under former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to provide Detroit high school graduates with tuition-free access to an associate degree or technical certificate has evolved into a dynamic pipeline for future leaders.
With 254 Detroit Promise Scholars enrolled this year, most first-generation and economically disadvantaged, the University of Michigan took the Detroit Promise a step further—through a bold new pilot program: Detroit Promise SEEDS. OAMI ran a week-long residential experience for nine entering scholars, which sought to immerse these students in critical challenges currently facing Michigan, in alignment with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Growing Michigan Together Council.
At the heart of the program was the pressing issue of Michigan's population decline and the urgent need to retain young talent in the state. Students were introduced to key challenges that impact talent retention, including career opportunities, public education, housing, and reliable transportation.
Detroit Promise SEEDS scholars with Lisa Howze, Michigan Alumna, former State Representative, Mayor Duggan Chief Government Affairs Officer, author, and nationally recognized empowerment speaker, who urged them to “keep the promise.” She shared her journey growing up in Detroit and how future leaders of Detroit can and will have a significant impact on the city’s future.
Over the course of the week, participants gained valuable insights into how their Michigan education could be a tool to address these concerns. Kicking off the week with a compelling discussion with Anika Goss, Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Future City, and Wytrice Harris, Senior Director of College Success and Partnership for the Detroit Regional Chamber, scholars explored the issues through three powerful lenses: their personal experiences growing up in Detroit, practical input from practitioners working in these areas, and research-driven solutions that could attract young professionals to stay in Michigan, build careers, and raise families.
The SEEDS Program was more than just an educational experience—it was a call to action. Through interactive sessions with faculty and practitioners, students explored innovative ways to tackle Detroit’s challenges, and by the end of the week, they presented their own policy recommendations.
The impact was undeniable. Over 80% of participants reported that they were now far more likely to consider returning to Detroit after graduation to launch their careers. One scholar said, “SEEDS gave me more gratitude for receiving Detroit Promise; it's Detroit's way of investing in youth so they can come back to Detroit and invest in the city with their gained experiences and knowledge.”
Another student reflected,
“The most impactful part was learning about different factors that affected my everyday life living in Detroit. This program provided me with an opportunity to live on campus a week before classes. It helped me adjust, learn the campus, and bus routes before actually starting classes, which was extremely helpful.”
The Detroit Promise SEEDS Program has done more than raise awareness of critical issues—it has empowered a new generation of Detroiters to be part of the solution. Through their participation, these students have gained not only the knowledge but also the confidence to envision a future where they lead the charge in revitalizing Michigan, proving that with education and collaboration, they can truly make a difference.
From Student Advocate to Industry Leader: George Davis' Journey of Impact in OAMI and Beyond
OAMI alum George Davis, II has helped shape Detroit and the state of Michigan's brightening future through his tireless work in public service and private enterprise. As the Director of Security, Public Affairs, and Real Estate at the Detroit Salt Company (DSC), George is deeply involved in safeguarding this unique industry while advocating for environmental sustainability. A professional miner certified by the U.S. Department of Labor-Mine Safety and Health Administration, George is one of the country's few African American mining executives. His journey to prominence began in Ann Arbor, where his involvement with OAMI set him on a path as a champion for underserved students, community engagement, and the state of Michigan’s vital resources.
Finding the Bridge to Ann Arbor
Born in Ohio, where he lived with his parents on the campus of Wilberforce College, a historically Black university, George moved to Detroit at the age of three. He attended the renowned Cass Technical High School, majoring in Avocational Music. With guidance from his high school counselor, George chose to attend the University of Michigan over acceptances from Howard University and Morehouse College, owing to Michigan’s proximity and academic opportunities.
George Davis, II began his path to industry leader and environmental advocate at OAMI. He is currently the President of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters
“I came to U-M through the Summer Bridge Program with the Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP),” George recalls. “That program helped me to adapt quickly to university life.” George soon immersed himself in various student activities, including student governance with the Michigan Student Assembly, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. membership, and various musical ensembles.
With OAMI from the Beginning
His involvement with OAMI, then known as the Office of Minority Affairs (OMA), was a key step in his transformation from an engaged student to a campus leader. As a student participant in the Black Action Movement III (BAM III), which advocated for the establishment of OMA, George joined the office in the late 1980s. As a leader in the KCP Program, he coordinated visits for middle school students, organized high school summer programs, and pioneered the College Club Program. George also collaborated closely with Warde Manuel, current University of Michigan Athletic Director, in the Wade McCree Incentive Scholars Program.
“My experience at OAMI taught me the value of working with young people and helping to broaden their cultural horizons,” George reflects. He connected deeply with students through programs like the “G. Davis Show,”—a live talk show covering topics such as college education and cultural adaptation. “We created a space where youth could see themselves as successful college students while learning about the world outside their communities.”
The impact of his efforts extended far beyond those he directly mentored. Many student leaders he worked with have become educators, counselors, and even superintendents, a testament to his lasting influence.
Hosting "talk shows" and facilitating discussions, Davis learned how to connect with young people while being guided by role models in OAMI and the broader campus
Guided by Exemplary Leadership
George credits his personal and professional development to the mentorship he received at OAMI. "I had the privilege of working with leaders like Dr. Charles Moody, the first Vice Provost for Minority Affairs, and Dr. John Matlock, OAMI’s first full-time director. These were the first Black male role models I worked with, and they shaped how I viewed leadership and advocacy." George’s confidence and interpersonal skills grew with the support of leaders such as Barbara Robinson of CSP, Henry Johnson, VP of Student Affairs, and Greg Harden in the Athletic Department.
One of George’s most meaningful experiences was driving civil rights activist Angela Davis to several events on campus. Their conversations, rooted in their shared experiences of Alabama summers, left a lasting impression. “I became confident in working with a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds,” George asserts. “I realized I could be an impactful leader in multiple arenas—schools, college campuses, and local communities. This would be vital in my work to help restore Detroit.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Public Service
This sense of purpose has permeated all of George’s professional roles, including his tenure with Detroit Mayor Dennis W. Archer, where he led Public Safety and Cultural Affairs. In his current role at DSC, George remains committed to Detroit’s growth and safety, securing mineral rights for the underground mine and managing corporate security.
George’s connection to Michigan endures through his work with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters (MLCV) Board, where he strives to elect environmental champions as president. His dedication to sustainability and environmental justice is key to addressing the needs of affected communities.
Perhaps most remarkable is George’s ability to balance professional responsibilities with community service. Whether coaching football at Cranbrook-Kingswood High School or volunteering as a weather spotter for the National Weather Service, he remains devoted to mentorship and giving back.
Looking Ahead: Supporting OAMI’s Mission
As alumni like George consider how to support OAMI’s mission, he envisions an OAMI alumni group to maintain connections, offer mentorship and advise OAMI leadership. “During my time with OAMI, I developed crucial leadership skills and a commitment to making U-M a welcoming place for students of color,” he says. “My work to help make Detroit a world-class city embodies the same mantra—that I can impact and improve Detroit for everyone. OAMI nurtured that spirit in me.”
To current OAMI students, George offers this advice: “OAMI is a great place to define your path. You will experience and manifest great moments, developing a broader sense of your place in the world by promoting diversity and inclusion. Learning about other cultures and integrating them into the U-M tapestry equips you to be a global leader. If U-M’s brave song is to fly around the world, it will be on the wings of multiculturalism and freedom. These values foster intellectual honesty to teach, serve, and explore the unknown—core goals of our university.”
George Davis’ journey epitomizes dedication to Detroit and the broader principles of community, education, and leadership. His ongoing contributions continue to inspire, highlighting the lasting impact of his time at OAMI.