•:‘
Mazel
Toy!
44
resh Icleas,
Sig Dreams
Detroit political activist to receive
the ADL Lifetime Achievement
Award.
7
SHARON LUCKERMAN
Editorial Assistant
"No one is born a
`good citizen' and
democracy is not just
a right ... It is
something we have to
learn how to exercise
through struggle and
practice."
Grace Lee Boggs
he Anti-Defamation League-Michigan Region Lifetime Achievement Award
this year goes to a woman who inspired a grassroots political movement in
Detroit and around the country.
Revolution and Evolution in the Twentieth Century, co-written in 1974 with
her late husband, Detroit labor activist James Boggs, inspired the formation of communi-
ty-based political-action groups around the country.
At 86, Detroiter Grace Lee Boggs continues to write about education, political activism
and democracy, while working to rebuild Detroit, especially by involving young people.
Boggs views her award and her speech at the annual ADL Women of Achievement din-
ner April 3 as an opportunity.
"I'm very concerned about building Detroit from the ground up. This award gives me
the opportunity to talk to people in the suburbs about the potential in Detroit," says
Boggs, her voice energetic, with a hint of an East Coast accent.
"Grace Boggs is a passionate visionary who inspired six decades of social activists in
Detroit and around the country," says Sue Luria, dinner co-chair with Hilary Isakow, both
of Bloomfield Hills. Luria adds that Boggs has embraced the controversial issues of labor,
civil rights, black power, Asian-American rights and environmental justice.
The fifth annual dinner also honors four Women of Achievement: Dr. Nancy
Cantor, provost of the University of Michigan; "Nati" Lirn Jenks, executive director of
the Asian American Center for Justice; Dr. Phoebe Mainster, international educator;
and Geneva J. Williams, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of United
Way Community Services (see box).
According to the ADL, the five honorees epitomize the ADL philosophy of promoting
human dignity and honoring diversity.
"We look for people who have initiated, founded cr directed diverse communities get-
ting together," Luria said.
ADL board member Frank Hoffman of Farmington Hills nominated Boggs after
For tic ets to the 2001 Women of Achievement dinner, 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, at
the Sc. John Cultural Center in Southfield, contact the ADL office, (248) 355-3730.
For information about Detroit Summer Programs, call (313) 832 2904.
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2001