New Detroit Inc., the nation’s first racial justice coalition that works toward racial equity and dismantling systemic racism, has announced it is accepting nominations for its inaugural “Just Lead: Advancing Racial Equity 2024 Leadership Awards.” Just Lead is New Detroit’s annual leadership conference that celebrates and informs leaders in racial equity. The awards are open to leaders in Michigan with an emphasis on impact in Southeast Michigan.

New Detroit will choose one recipient from the following categories:

•Lifetime Achievement: With this award, we celebrate a leader whose lifetime efforts have made a lasting impact on advancing racial equity.
•Young Leader (up to age 30): This award recognizes a young leader who has demonstrated leadership in advancing racial justice in their communities, schools, workplaces or other institutions.
•Just Lead Racial Equity in Leadership: This award will be given to an individual in a leadership role in business, municipal or nonprofit organizations who has made an impact towards racial equity.
•Just Care® Racial Equity in Healthcare: This award will recognize an individual or organization that has demonstrated commitment to correcting health disparities within minority populations.
•Just Place® Racial Equity in Public Space: With this award, we celebrate an individual or organization that has demonstrated significant leadership and impact for ensuring our public spaces are vibrant, welcoming and accessible for all

New Detroit will recognize five leaders from the above categories at its annual Just Lead Conference on October 17, 2024 at a luncheon at the Icon, Detroit. The awardees will also participate in a fireside chat with New Detroit’s CEO, Michael Rafferty at the Conference.

Nominations for all categories are open for individuals throughout Michigan, but nominees must have demonstrated strong leadership that has impacted Southeastern Michigan. “New Detroit will celebrate and honor outstanding individuals who take the initiative to enact change toward racial equity,” says Michael Rafferty, CEO, New Detroit. “Whether it’s an individual working in their community, grassroots activists, policymakers, CEOS who have elevated their business practices, or nonprofit leaders who have made a difference, we applaud those who are advancing racial equity and we want to recognize them.”

Nominations are being accepted now until May 1, 5 p.m.
Please send your nominations via our website form. We have created a simple process (contact information and a 200 word description of the nominee’s impact) to encourage all to apply: https://justinstitute.newdetro…

“At New Detroit, we believe in the importance of working towards racial equity in all areas where we live, work and play,” says Rafferty. “The impetus for these awards is the recognition that the fight for racial equity often comes with obstacles and personal sacrifice and we must celebrate those who courageously have made a lasting impact through their efforts to make the world more just for all.”