The Detroit Auto Show will host an inaugural Driven by Service Day on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, that kicks off on Saturday, January 11th with a clothing drive to benefit students across Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD).  From Jan. 11-18 show-goers are invited to bring new, warm clothing items to the Concourse area of Detroit’s Huntington Place where bins will be staged to collect the donations. 

The clothing drive, together with the all-new Driven by Service Day, a day of special programming featuring prominent Detroiters and area students, is a community celebration honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service.  The Huntington Place venue is particularly fitting for this special day of service as the former Cobo Center was site of the first occasion where Dr. King made his historic “I Have a Dream” remarks in 1963.

In addition to onsite collection bins, monetary contributions and item donations can be made via the Detroit Public School Community District Foundation at www.dpscdfoundation.org.  QR codes will also be prominently displayed on the onsite collection bins at the Detroit Auto Show for those wishing to initiate their donations there. 

Community volunteers, including students and alumni from Detroit-area Divine Nine fraternities and sororities and members of the Detroit Morehouse College Alumni Association (Dr. King was an alumnus of Morehouse College), will lend a helping hand to sort donated items during the Driven by Service Day. 

Participating fraternities and sororities include:

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

*All volunteers will be provided with a lunch voucher and a free auto show ticket

*Roadmaps to Resilience:  Building Stronger Communities Through Collaboration Panel

Jeremy Allen

Executive Editor,
Michigan Chronicle
Moderator

Jeremy Allen is an accomplished journalist, marketing leader, and public relations professional with nearly two decades of storytelling experience across Southeastern Michigan. He is originally from Pontiac, MI, and currently serves as the Executive Editor of the Michigan Chronicle – the state’s oldest and most prestigious Black-owned media company.

Allen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and a Master of Science degree in Sport Management, both obtained from Eastern Michigan University. Throughout his educational journey, he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the media landscape.

Chris Harris

President,
African American Automotive Association

Christopher Harris is a visionary leader dedicated to innovation, education, and inclusion in the automotive and motorsports industries. Throughout his career, he has confronted the lack of diversity within these fields, using his influence to build bridges and create opportunities for underserved communities.

As the founder of the African American Automotive Association (AAAA) and co-founder of Foxxtecca, Christopher has led initiatives blending STEAM-based education with experiential learning, exposing students to careers in design, sustainability, and technology.

Sharnese Harris

CEO, The Konnection

Sharnese Harris is the dynamic founder and CEO of The Konnection, a Detroit-based nonprofit organization dedicated to combating student chronic absenteeism. With a mission centered on inspiring youth to expand their horizons through positive relationships and healthy connections, Sharnese brings a deep-rooted commitment to service to her work. She invests in initiatives for systemic change in Metro-Detroit and beyond. Sharnese is a Detroit-native driven by service. She holds degrees in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University and Sports Administration from Wayne State University.

Sharnese’s dedication has impacted thousands of Detroit youth and families, earning her recognition such as the 2023 Shining Light Dave Bing Young Leader Award, 2024 Detroit Pistons Woman of the Week, Presented by Ally and is also a part of the prestigious Leadership Detroit Class of 45 cohort.

Dexter Sullivan

Founding President and CEO,
Black Legacy Advancement Coalition

Dexter Sullivan is an unapologetic force for change. A born native of Detroit, Michigan, Dexter has measurably empowered diverse communities globally over the past two decades. Canvassing the majority of the United States and more than 20 nations abroad, his legacy continues to create equitable and sustainable solutions for marginalized populations in the urban context.

With proven, award-winning success, he is best known for his impact on the leadership standards, social constructs and educational policies retained in community facing institutions. Dexter’s reputation has established him as a credible voice, making him a highly sought-after advisor for global shapers around the world.

Julius Curry

After retiring from professional football, Curry returned to Detroit, where he remains active in the community with the launch of his Motorsports team. Curry Motorsports, is comprised of three divisions, a pro race team, driver development and offers a curriculum that introduces students to the vast world of Motorsports. STEAM and career initiatives are aimed at help students develop the knowledge and training to develop a profession in the industry.

Curry’s journey from a young athlete in Detroit to a professional player in the NFL serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes within the community. Curry’s legacy continues to thrive, as he actively contributes to fostering a positive environment for future generations of professionals.

Dawn Patterson

Business maven and power leader I have coordinated and overseen over 400+ corporate, political, and high-end social events. Highly skilled in corporate communications with a reputation for excellence among the elite hospitality management/ beauty, Motorsports and education industries; I elevated my acumen for emotional and social intelligence with hands-on leadership experience.

Known for my detailed and proactive approach in developing intellectual creative strategies; bringing visions to life that connect to the core of each brand I touch. I am a licensed Real Estate Agent focused on the Commercial Real Estate sector. Investors have found my knowledge in creating business concepts invaluable when acquiring real estate.