Michigan Chronicle
POWER50
August 14 - 20, 2024 | michiganchronicle.com | Page C-1
Michigan Chronicle
Meet the Michigan Chronicle Power50 Southeast Michigan’s 50 Most Powerful African Americans
The Michigan Chronicle Power 50 list celebrates the 50 most powerful African Americans in southeast Michigan, showcasing their remarkable accomplishments and profound influence. This prestigious list features a diverse array of individuals, including entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, public servants, law enforcement officials, community advocates, faith leaders, labor leaders, and non-profit leaders. Each honoree exemplifies the spirit of leadership and dedication, utilizing their power and influence to make a positive impact on their communities. Readers can explore the impressive achievements and significant contributions of the Michigan Chronicle Power 50 in the following pages. These influential figures are not just recognized for their professional success but also for their commitment to uplifting and supporting those in need. Through their access and resources, they bring vital assistance to their communities, fostering growth, opportunity, and resilience. Discover the inspiring stories of these trailblazers who are shaping a brighter future for southeast Michigan.
Entrepreneurship Michigan Chronicle
DENNIS ARCHER, JR. Founder & Chairman sixteen42 ventures
RONALD E. HALL, JR. President & CEO Bridgewater Interiors
GREGORY JACKSON President Prestige Automotive
VINNIE JOHNSON Founder, Chairman & CEO Piston Group
Dennis W. Archer Jr., Esq. is a powerhouse in both the business world and community. He is the Chairman and CEO of sixteen42 Ventures, which focuses on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Archer is committed to the mantra of "doing well while doing good" and has a dynamic portfolio of companies with strategic investments in tech, healthcare, and cannabis. He cofounded highly successful marketing and consulting firms, Archer Corporate Services and Ignition Media Group, which have served clients such as General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, and Microsoft.
Ronald E. Hall, President & CEO of Bridgewater Interiors, LLC, exemplifies leadership and dedication. Under his guidance, Bridgewater has become a powerhouse in automotive interiors, employing over 2,200 people across the U.S. Ron's journey at Bridgewater started in 2007, and his ascent to CEO in 2015 showcases his commitment and expertise.
Founding Prestige Automotive in 1993, Gregory Jackson, Chairman, President, and CEO of Jackson Automotive Management (JAM), has revolutionized the automotive industry. Jackson's portfolio includes eighteen dealerships, such as Mercedes-Benz of St. Clair Shores and Prestige Cadillac of Warren, Michigan.
Vinnie Johnson has served as the Chairman of Piston Group since 1996, leading the organization to remarkable success with sales exceeding $3.2 billion. Johnson was instrumental in forming Minority Business Enterprise-certified joint ventures for Piston Automotive with Continental Teves, Lear Corporation, and Sachs Automotive. He also formed a joint venture between VJ Enterprises and Valeo – Detroit Thermal Systems and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for these joint ventures.
Archer is not only an entrepreneur but also a dedicated philanthropist. He was awarded the 2023 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and is a founder of the Paradise Valley Foundation, which aims to revitalize communities and promote opportunities for economic growth. Through his leadership and commitment to Detroit's advancement, Archer has proven to be a highly respected leader with a powerful impact.
KENNETH KELLY CEO & Chairman First Independence Bank
A lawyer by profession, Ron's legal background enhances his strategic vision and operational acumen. His military service as a field artillery officer further underscores his disciplined approach and leadership prowess.
Jackson's experience extends to entertainment and real estate through Jackson Asset Management, overseeing ventures like the Copper Ridge Golf Course and Historic Lafayette Towers. His latest endeavor, Fisher 21 Lofts, promises a transformative living and commercial space.
Ron is a CEO who is actively involved in various civic and charitable organizations in his community. He has a wellrounded personality with diverse interests, including history, political affairs, and supporting his four children's pursuits. Ronald E. Hall embodies excellence and compassion in all his endeavors.
A committed advocate for the underserved, Jackson's involvement with organizations like Children of Incarcerated Parents reflects his dedication to community empowerment. Honored with the prestigious “Laurel Wreath,” Jackson's legacy of corporate leadership and philanthropy, he continues to promote growth and change.
As Chairman and CEO of First Independence Corp and First Independence Bank, Kenneth Kelly has markedly impacted the financial landscape, leading a Detroit-based minority depository institution to double its book value in five years. His strategic leadership as vice chairman of the American Bankers Association and board member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis significantly influences the industry's $23 trillion asset base. Additionally, his contributions to the FDIC’s Advisory Committee on
Economic Inclusion further his commitment to financial equity. Kenneth's pioneering spirit is evident beyond banking; he is the inaugural African American chair of Auburn University's Engineering Alumni Council and a noted voice in community development. Honored as a top leader by major publications and organizations, his influence spans policy, community, and entrepreneurship, underscoring a legacy of inclusive progress and innovation.
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A former member of the Detroit Pistons NBA Professional Basketball Club from 1981 to 1994, Johnson won consecutive NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990. He has always focused on giving back to the City of Detroit, supporting local charities such as Alternatives for Girls, Boys Club Girls Club of Detroit, Focus HOPE, and Habitat for Humanity. In 2010, Johnson established the Vinnie Johnson Foundation, a charitable organization focused on supporting educational opportunities for the children of Detroit.