Emerging Leaders Defining Detroit's Next Generation: Michigan Chronicle's 40 under 40 Awards

The Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40, is a prestigious list to be a part of in the City of Detroit. To be considered, young professionals have to have made significant strides in their careers and continue to contribute to their communities across the state. Selected from a competitive and extensive list, each nominee had to demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation and dedication in their respective fields.

As the 2024 class of honorees, collectively, their backgrounds are vast and they range from education and finances, to healthcare and ministry, as well as law and the arts. It isn't easy to be chosen to be a part of this esteemed class of leaders, simply because, excelling professionally isn't enough. You must be deeply invested and committed to your community by helping to make and create a positive change through community service.

Early last week, The Michigan Chronicle celebrated the honorees with an Awards & Induction Ceremony. Upon entering the grand ballroom, at the International Banquet & Conference Center in Detroit, MI, it was vividly noticeable that the Millennials were in the building. Some were there to be honored, while others were present to celebrate and to cheer on their family and friends that were being honored that evening. It was an amazing experience filled with fun, joy, excitement, laughter and dancing. The Michigan Chronicle knows how to put on an entertaining event.

Some of the highlighted guest of the evening besides the honorees were Brittni "Bee" Brown of The Bee Agency, who gave a charge to the 2024 class. She reminded them, of what it truly means to be a part of this cohort. Donnell White, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Ian Conyers, Head of Community, Amazon 2023 Millennium Leadership Fellow, both received the Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Honorees, Dr. Brandon Claxton, Jonathan Pulley and Rev. L. Deon Williams, I, took the time out of their busy schedules to speak with the Telegram News, as they shared with us, their viewpoints about making the list.

Dr. Brandon Claxton, of the Long Lake Anesthesiology Consultants, said, "For me, this honor is a testament to 38 years-from a boy to a man-of love, support and prayers from family, friends, and mentors that simply wanted to see me win in the journey of life. It also reaffirms that although as individuals we tend to think we aren't doing enough, there is yet, still honor in walking in your current purpose.

When we asked Rev. L. Deon Williams, I, Pastor of New Macedonia Church his responded by saying, "For me, it's very surreal. I used to dream of one day making the list but, I didn't feel as though I didn't do enough to be honored at such high esteem. God sees me differently and I thank him for it. When I set out to do the work alongside ministry for the betterment of community and security, I do it from the heart and with the spirit of God. I just believe that it was God reminding me that the labor is not in vain. But you haven't arrived yet, there is more.

Jonathan Pulley, Senior Program Manager at the Rocket Community Fund, "It feels good, it's always great to be recognized by peers...it's important for me to continue doing community investment work. Advancing black people, is something that I am passionate about... ensuring people have access to quality education, family sustaining wage, and so to me, I am soaking up the fact that someone took the time out of their day to nominate me and they see me as someone who is a leader in this field. It's important for me to be here and to continue representing Detroiters.

The Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40 was an evening that celebrated "Black Excellence". In its 9th year, it was an evening of elegance, success and honor. The journey for these leaders doesn't just stop with this award but it continues on. According to CEO Hiram E. Jackson, Real Times Media, "We are comforted in knowing that the future is in the hands of extraordinary leaders." The impact has been seen and felt in every facet of our communities.

We would also like to extend our gratitude and congratulations to our friend and contributor, Ryan Bridges, Deputy CEO and Chief of Staff, Mario Marrow and Associates. To the 2024 Class of the Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40 Honorees, the Telegram News, wishes you must success in your future endeavors. Congratulations and continue soaring high, while making an impact in our communities!