Happy 60th Birthday Inkster!

INKSTER-The Inkster Chamber of Commerce hosted an elaborate birthday celebration to commemorate the City of Inkster's 60 th anniversary of its incorporation on November 16, 1964. The celebratory event entitled, "Keeping the Faith Then and Now", was held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Bliss Event Center located at 30225 Cherry Hill Road in Inkster, Michigan. The program participants included Kimberly Faison, President of the Inkster Chamber of Commerce, the Honorable Byron H. Nolen, the mayor of the City of Inkster, and Pastor John D. Hearn, Jr. of Christian Faith Ministries.

The city of Inkster's history can be traced back to the early 1820's when one of its first settlers, Marenus Harrison, purchased land in 1822 on the corner of what is now Michigan Avenue and Inkster Road; however, Inkster's first African American settler, Charles Lawrence, came to Inkster in 1918. On October 17, 1927, Inkster was incorporated as a home-ruled village during which time Henry Ford provided a great deal of philanthropic support to Inkster residents by opening a commissary, building a school, and buying land for homes and gardens, as many residents were employed to work in his factory. Accentuating the importance of "Keeping the Faith Then and Now", Pastor John D. Hearn, Jr. led the path down memory lane as he

highlighted the multitudinous accomplishments, establishments, and contributions that African Americans made in Inkster over the years. He reminded the festively-clad audience about the rich history of numerous African American medical doctors, dentists, educators, business professionals, retail and real estate owners, as well as community-driven preachers, skilled tradesmen, and the like, who lived, worked, and practiced in Inkster.

On the whole, the sold-out celebration was a time to be had by all. Dr. Shamiran Golani (President-elect)introduced the chamber members and chamber secretary Octavia Smith led in paying tribute to a life-long resident and Inkster legend Ruth E. Williams. Ms. Williams' multifarious contributions to the City of Inkster span over 60 years and were acknowledged with awards from the Chamber of Commerce, Georgina Holliday, the city clerk and Dr. Fleda Fleming, executive director of EQUIPPED. Another pinnacle point of the evening was the presentation of a certificate of congratulations by Commissioner David Knezek to the Mayor, City Clerk, and attending councilpersons: Felecia Rutledge, Freddie Bishop III, Lindsay Scott, Steven Chisholm, and DeArtriss Richardson. The celebration was enhanced by delicious food, scrumptious desserts, lively music, and great fellowship among citizens and friends of Inkster alike. Dearest gentle readers, help me wish a Happy 60 th Birthday to the City of Inkster, and may you be blessed with many years to come!