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Admirers are paying tribute online to longtime Detroit community leader Delores Bennett, who died at 84 on Monday, and can do so at a series of gatherings in coming days.
Bennett, founder and executive director of the nonprofit North End Youth Improvement Council, is saluted as "an inspiration to us all," in the words of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon.
Delores Bennett: Nov. 23, 1932 - Feb. 06, 2017
His Facebook post is among many from neighbors, civic allies, mentoring beneficiaries and other Detroiters who cherish Bennett. Five tributes are excerpted below.
The influential leader was a Wayne County Commission member in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and was honored in 1988 by The Detroit News as a Michiganian of the Year. Her husband died earlier.
Public memorials begin Sunday with a 5 p.m. candlelight vigil at Delores Bennett Park on Smith Street, just west of Beaubien Street and four blocks north of East Grand Boulevard.
Services below are arranged by Wilson-Akins Funeral Home. The family suggests donations to the Adopt a Child Program, 111 King St., Detroit, MI 48202:
- Tuesday: Viewing at noon-8 p.m., Considine Recreation Center, 8904 Woodward Ave. at Holbrook Street.
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Wednesday: Viewing from 5-7 p.m.; community salute from 7-9 .p.m., Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 586 Owen Ave. at Oakland Avenue.
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Thursday: Viewing from 9-10:30 a.m.; Detroit tributes 10:15 a.m.; homecoming celebration of life, 11 a.m., Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, address above.
At BLAC Detroit magazine, associate editor Alana Walker describes part of what this "pillar of Detroit's North End" achieved:
Bennett founded the North End Youth Improvement Council over 40 years ago. The organization uses mentorship, educational assistance, recreational activities and other methods to improve the lives of children in the neighborhood.
Through this organization, she founded the Adopt-A-Child Christmas program, which afforded holiday gifts to many of the neighborhood’s kids.
A leader in the North End, Bennett was said to be the only person in Detroit to have a park named after her while she was still living. The former Smith Park served as a place where Bennett organized and reached out to many in the community for things like serving free lunches to the kids in the summer.
At the holiday program, more than 3,000 low-income youths up to age 12 get warm clothes and toys. The holiday gathering also includes conversations with mentors, crafts and a light meal for parents and youngsters.
"In the early 1980s, Mrs Bennett approached a member of the Coleman Young administration to gain access to Cobo Hall for her annual Christmas gala," hip-hop artist Khary Frazier recalls on Facebook tribute. "The Young administration member did not respond quickly enough for Mrs. Bennett so she sought out the mayor at a public forum. Within days Mrs Bennett was provided use of Cobo Hall on behalf of the City of Detroit. Mrs Bennett said Mayor Young told her: 'I'm not gonna be somebody on the wrong side of Delores Bennett.'"
The volunteer-based council she created describes its mission this way: "to address the needs of troubled young men and women who desperately need a helping hand, a loving hug, a gentle push to let them know that they matter and can make a difference in the world." It adds:
We organize and sponsor educational and recreational activities year around. We furnish information on available resources of social, educational and financial assistance in maintaining, renovating and beautifying the community.
Activities include mentoring, tutoring, winter clothing distribution, recreation, anti-drug awareness education and peaceful conflict resolution lessons.
Draft sketch by Nicole MacDonald of a planned mural.
Here's what Detroiters who knew Bennett post on social media:
► Huel Perkins , Fox 2 anchor: Delores Bennett was God's gift to us all. May we cherish her memory by doing our best to do good and serve others.
► Kim Trent, Wayne State Board of Governors: Delores Bennett was one of my mentors, but she was so much more than that. She was a heroine of the North End, but she was more than that. She has passed away and I'll miss her but more that, Detroit will never be the same. She is simply irreplaceable.
► Darin McLeskey, real estate broker/developer: I can't think of a modern-day local person whose spirit will remain as a strong and persistent force for generations to come. From the first time meeting on the farm, to our last conversations in her home about this mural (right), she was always surrounded by those who care about her. As she'd always say "It's all about the kids!"
► Khary Frazier, hip-hop artist and designer: She will forever live on in the mind of most as the Godmother of the North End. . . . Delores Bennett was one of my mentors and most avid supporters. . . . Bennett stands out as the loudest voice pushing me to write a book and engage young people of Detroit. When I would run low on cash, she would hire me to perform, speak or buy my albums for many of her mentees on the North End. Humbly, she’d always share a laugh and make sure I was working on something creative. . . .
She stood tall against many odds. Most will remember her for the tens of thousands of families she’s provided Christmas gifts, food, and monies for since the 1970s. . . . Her dedication speaks through me and so many other people who have been recognized on platforms internationally.
► Benny Napoleon, Wayne County sheriff: Ms. Bennett was a mother, mentor, friend, community leader and an inspiration to us all. Ms. Bennett will truly be missed, but her spirit will live on in us forever. We thank her for her unconditional love and service to our community.
Dorothy Bennett Park, site of a 5 p.m. candle vigil Sunday, is off Beaubien (right), between Smith (top) and Bethune streets, four blocks north of East Grand Boulevard. (Google Earth photo)
