PGreetings Sankofa 2017 Supporter:
On behalf of the National Business League, Inc. (NBL) (formerly the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.), we would like to extend an invitation for you to attend the Sankofa Black Business Awards Gala 5th Year Anniversary Celebration, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The Sankofa Black Business Awards Gala will be held at the Motor City Casino in Detroit, MI on Friday, November 17, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The African American business community represents more than 2.5 million Black-owned businesses nationally and 106,000 in the great state of Michigan. Last year’s 4th annual Sankofa Awards Gala hosted more than 800 attendees for a sold-out event featuring a wide cross-section of corporations, small businesses, elected officials, and dignitaries throughout the state of Michigan, making it the largest Black business sit-down dinner in the country.
This year, we are proud to announce that we're honoring John A. James, Sr., Chairman, CEO and founder of James Group International, a $130 million company, as the Sankofa Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. John A. James started his first company, The O-J Transport Company, which was founded by he and Calvin Outlaw, his uncle in 1971. John has established several other companies and was the first African American whose company was issued broad operating authority to transport automotive parts and other commodities in the State of Michigan. He is also the first African American in the country, to be granted such authority by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to operate in Interstate and foreign commerce since the ICC began regulating trucking in 1935.
Due to his extensive business experience, which includes taking his case for transportation authority to the U.S. Supreme Court, Mr. James makes every effort to share his knowledge and expertise with Black and minority entrepreneurs attempting to enter the highly competitive business world.
We welcome your support of the National Business League, Inc. and this momentous occasion by becoming a valued participant in this year's occasion. Please take the time to purchase an individual ticket or table sponsorship as the best option for your company.
Entrepreneurially Yours,
Dr. Kenneth L. Harris, PhD
President/CEO
National Business League, Inc.
(313) 818-3017 Ask for Monica