NAACP Image Awards: 4 Reasons Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony Proved He Was The Activist of the Year
After decades of service to the Detroit community, The Reverend Dr.Wendell Anthony was honored with the Activist of the Year at the 52nd NAACP Image Awards. Dr. Anthony’s progressive leadership and grassroots organizing has made a significant impact in Detroit and the surrounding communities. As a clergyperson, community activist, and civic leader, Dr. Anthony embodies that kind of leadership that our communities need. He’s given his life to serving his community with education, economic empowerment, and social justice, by applying Afro-centric principles that champion the flourishing of Black people. The city of Detroit is all the better because of the tireless work of Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony.
Here are 4 Reasons Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony Proved He Was The Activist of the Year.
He’s Served As President of the Detroit Chapter of the NAACP For 27 Years
Since 1993, Dr. Anthony has been at the helm of the Detroit chapter of the NAACP. The Detroit chapter has been the largest chapter since the organization with over 50,000 members, an extremely influential and politically active branch. Dr. Anthony has won reelection every two years in landslide victories. As a lifelong, Diamond member of the NAACP, he’s devoted to leading the Detroit branch as an advocate for Black people who are marginalized politically and economically. In addition to his service as president, Dr. Anthony serves on the NAACP National Board of Directors.
He Leads A Progressive Black Church
The Fellowship Church, of which Dr. Anthony is pastor, is a church that serves the city of Detroit with an African-centered philosophy. The church has outreach initiatives including computer programming, adult education, narcotics and alcoholics anonymous, homeless assistance, and academic success programs. Also, Fellowship Church created the Isuthu Institute (Coming into Manhood) program for boys ages 6-18 and the Intonjane Institute (Coming into Womanhood) program for girls ages 6-18, one of the oldest mentoring programs in the country. Under Dr. Anthony’s pastorate for over 30 years, Fellowship Church has an unwavering commitment to the community.
He Advocates For For Black People
Dr. Anthony has gained a reputation as an activist of the highest order because of his courage and boldness to raise his voice on behalf of the Black residents in Detroit. In 1993, he led a march of over 250,000 people in the city of Detroit commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the march of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to Detroit. He’s challenged racism in law enforcement and supported unions. Dr. Anthony’s front-line activism has emboldened him to work for change for Black people all throughout the state of Michigan. He’s a man of the people, for the people.
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He Leads Freedom Institute for Economic, Social Justice and People Empowerment
One of the hallmarks of Dr. Anthony’s activism is the Freedom Institute for Economic, Social Justice, and People Empowerment. The Freedom Institute is a 501c3 organization created to impact the quality of life for individuals with a special emphasis on Black people. Beginning with Dr. Anthony’s vision of a Freedom Weekend in 2001, the Freedom Institute was initiated to uplift African Americans in Detroit and across the state with economic empowerment and social justice. The organization enlists corporate sponsors, community partners, and foundations to enhance the quality of life for all participants. The Freedom instituted is another extension of Dr. Anthony’s service to uplift Black people.
