2009 Grand Marshals
- Mrs. Christine Johnson
- James E. Bibbs
- Martha Bibbs
- Stuart Dunnings III
- Jackie Day
- James W. Butler III
 Mrs. Christine Johnson Biography Mrs. Christine E. Johnson wears many titles: wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and confidant. But the one most notable to her is; “ Servant of God.” She has inspired people all over the world sharing her experiences, not to receive self recognition but from the sincere love and concern for people. Mrs. Johnson has spent countless hours touching the lives of disenfranchised individuals: incarcerated men and women, those suffering from alcohol/drug abuse and domestic violence. She frequently visits hospitals, prisons and also hosts a weekly prayer and bible study group in her home. The heart of her life has been caring and providing for people of all races, culture, and ethnic groups. Mrs. Johnson travels around the world as a motivational speaker encouraging parents to spend quality time with their children. The love she has for children triggered and inspired her to develop and implement a summer reading program geared toward helping youth. She has served as a mentor in public school systems throughout the country and encourages young people to set goals and strive to achieve them. Mrs. Johnson is making plans to establish “The Christine E. Johnson Youth Empowerment Foundation” to assist young people in pursuing their educational goals in the very near future. Because of her commitment and desire to help children she has become a part of the Rowell Foster Children's Positive Plan. Mrs. Johnson has been co-owner of D&J Promotions/Management, Incorporation since 1979. The company promotes gospel concerts and assist individuals in growth and development in the music industry. D&J has also presented several youth basketball camps nationally and internationally. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the prestigious celebrity parent's organization, the Silver Foxes, including: Tony Tarantino, Quentin's father; Jenny Crawford, Cindy's mother; and Patsy Swayze, Patrick's mother and has appeared on several radio and television programs including NBC's “The Today Show.” She has received numerous local and national awards including the 2007 Trumpet Award for “Spiritual Guidance.” Mrs. Johnson resides in Lansing, Michigan and has been married fifty-one (51) years to Mr. Earvin Johnson, Sr. She is the mother of ten (10) children including Entrepreneur and former NBA basketball great, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. She is a faithful member of Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Church where she serves as an ordained Elder. |
 James E. Bibbs Biography Coach James E. Bibbs has been involved in instructing and coaching Track and Field nearly five decades. He was the first African American Head Coach at Michigan State University and first head Track Coach in the Big Ten. During his distinguished career he has coached on every level including High School, AAU Club sports, Collegiate, National and International Teams. Coach Bibbs has coached 26 All Americans and 52 Big Ten Champions. Athletes of particular note include World Record holders Herb Washington and Marshall Dill, US Olympian Judy Brown, and US Olympic Head Women’s Coach Karen Dennis. He founded the Detroit Track Club winning five consecutive Women’s national relay championships. All Americans include Cheryl Gilliam, Pamela Sedwick ,Odessa Smalls, Elliot Tabron, Bob Castleman, and Molly Brennan. His numerous honors include being named AAU Women’s Coach of the Year and induction into the Michigan Amateur Athlete and Eastern Michigan Halls of Fame. He was selected as a torch bearer for the 2000 Winter Olympics. The following year the James E. Bibbs high school football stadium at Ecorse High School was dedicated. Recent tributes include acceptance into the greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame, Unsung Heroes Award and Citizen of the Year by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The first annual Kevin Bibbs Gentleman of Distinction Award was bestowed on Coach Bibbs in 2003. The first annual James E. Bibbs Invitational Track Meet sponsored by the Lightening Lynx Track Club was held in 2006 to raise money for a Jim Bibbs scholarship. His deep commitment to youth and passion for the sport has gained the respect and admiration of countless colleagues, athletes, parents and friends nation wide. Under his tutelage, coaching, encouragement and support, many student athletes have been empowered to excel athletically and academically. Coach Bibbs retired as head Coach of Michigan State University in 1995. He continues coaching as a volunteer at East Lansing High School. He also serves as a volunteer instructor of Health and Physical education at the Black Child and Family Institute. James E. Bibbs is known throughout the community as an ambassador for Spartan Sports. He is “green” through and through , a role model and mentor to children, youth and adults of all ages. He is a man of integrity and honesty who is never hesitant to share his love of Michigan State University , his talent and his considerable knowledge with others.
James E. Bibbs is known throughout the community as a Spartan ambassador, role model and mentor to children, youth and adults of all ages. He is a man of integrity and honesty who is never hesitant to share his love for Michigan State University, his talent and his considerable knowledge with others all over. |
 Martha Bibbs Biography Ms. Bibbs is President of the Board of Directors for the Black Child and Family Institute. Her involvement with the Institute extends over the entire life of the Institute. She also serves on other Boards in the community including the Physicians Health Plan of Mid- Michigan and the Fifth Third Bank Women’s Interest Night Advisory Committee Previous community activities include Chair of Ele’s Place(A Center for grieving children) Board and serving on the National Alumni Board of Michigan State University. She has been the recipient of numerous professional and community awards including the prestigious Diana Award. Ms Bibbs is currently employed as a Senior Consultant in Human Resource Management. Ms. Bibbs served as the first African American and first female State Personnel Director for the State of Michigan for seven years, implementing the policies of the State Civil Service Commission for up to 70,000 employees in the classified workforce. She managed a budget of $30 million and directed a staff of 300 employees in all areas of personnel, labor relations, and benefits. Ms. Bibbs has international and national experience as a consultant for human resources. This experience includes consulting in the Virgin Islands, the State of Minnesota Legislative Service, the State of Oklahoma, the Flint Civil Service Commission, and advising employer and union officials in South Africa Ms. Bibbs was elected by her peers to serve an unprecedented two terms as President of the National Association of State Personnel Executives. Ms. Bibbs received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Michigan State University. She completed the Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. She also received training in strategic uses of technology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. |
 Stuart Dunnings III Biography Stuart Dunnings III was elected Ingham County Prosecutor in 1996, becoming the second African American elected Prosecutor in Michigan history. Prior to his election, Dunnings had served for sixteen years as a partner in the law firm founded by his father, Dunnings and Frawley, P.C. Upon taking office, Mr. Dunnings reorganized the office to place a high priority on cases involving youth violence, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and drug trafficking. In addition, the office has continued its partnership with community crime prevention groups such as the Coalition for Community Youth, the Capitol Area Sexual and Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and the Comprehensive Strategy Initiative. At the end of his first year in office, Mr. Dunnings was named one of the 12 Lawyers of the Year of 1997 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Stuart Dunnings III is a graduate of Amherst College and received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School. He also served for nine years, from 1987-1996, as a member of the State Bar of Michigan's Standing Committee on Character and Fitness, and previously served as an adjunct Professor of Law at Cooley Law School (1989-1998). In November 2008, Mr. Dunnings was re-elected to the office of Prosecutor, with 67 percent of the Ingham County vote. In his role as Prosecutor, he also serves as a member of the State of Michigan Community Corrections Advisory Board. Mr. Dunnings serves on the Board of Directors of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM). As President of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association (2004-05), Mr. Dunnings represented Michigan=s 83 Prosecutors before the Michigan legislature, serving as an advocate for law enforcement and the rights of crime victims. He also serves on the PAAM Legislative Committee, often testifying before the legislature on criminal justice issues. Stuart and his wife, Cynthia, live in Lansing and have three daughters. |
 Jackie Day Biography Mrs. Jackie Day, a woman after God’s own heart and Co-Owner/Founder of D & J Promotions & Management. She was born the third oldest child of six children (four brothers and one sister) in Memphis, Tennessee. She is a dedicated wife and loving mother of three adult children (one son and two daughters), and five grandchildren. In spite of her educational hindrances, it is no doubt that her diligence and persistence were her motivating force that led her to earn her high school degree. She later became a highly recognized spokesperson for “Continuing Education” because of her remarkable determination and accomplishments. At present, these same attributes has inspired her to help others reach out to obtain their goals. In 1965, Mrs. Day moved to Lansing, Michigan where she worked as a clerk at Arbaugh’s Department Store. She later worked for East Lansing State Bank as a Bookkeeper, where she was also recognized for her heroic actions that saved the innocence job. In 1978, Mrs. Day accepted a position at General Motors. It was then she realized her God given purpose to help those that were vulnerable to this world’s system due to lack. During her tenure at General Motors, Mrs. Day’s compassionate heart compelled her to start a charity called “Share a Pair of Mittens” by using a big collection box. Her love and compassion to help others was and is so contagious. It generated such a spirit of giving throughout the entire plant that the box filled to its capacity by the end of the next day. It had to be emptied to make room for more donations, and the box continued to fill until Christmas. The charity assisted families that were less fortunate, and the items were distributed to the children at St. Vincent Home and Cristo Rey Community Center at Christmas time. Yearly, during her 10-year employment with GM, the employees continued to fill the box with gloves, hats, scarves, mittens, socks. Mrs. Day’s mission does not stop there. She has also been actively involved with various reach-out ministries such as prisons and youth ministries. In 1996, Mrs. Day provided assistance at the Piney Woods Country Life Boarding School for troubled youth located in Piney Woods, Mississippi through the support of a Fundraising Gospel Concert. Mrs. Day possesses an extraordinary deep passion for helping people to realize their full potential. To date, her ministry is ongoing through her continual support and encouragement to the inmates housed in various prisons. The year of 1980, was the beginning of D & J Promotions/Management, Inc. Mrs. Jackie Day and Mrs. Christine Johnson (Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s mother) initially established the company by answering Magic’s fan mail. The 20-plus year veteran is a multi-talented planner/organizer, coordinator, gospel promoter, producer and manager. Mrs. Day has poured herself into this community by sharing her gifts, talents and abilities. She has been instrumental with bringing numerous gospel concerts to the Capital City and the East Lansing area, as well as other cities in Michigan. In 1993, Mrs. Day was presented with the “Milan NAACP Distinguish Service Award – Appreciation Service” from the inmates at Milan Federal Prison for recognition of her outreach efforts. She is noted for providing indoor/outdoor Gospel Concerts at several prisons, which included the following guest artists such as Kirk Franklin, Beverly Crawford, Vicki Winans and the Ranch Allen Group. D & J Promotions/Management has also presented gospel concerts that included other acclaimed gospel artists, just to name a few such as Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. Mrs. Day’s credit includes managing Stellar Award Star Search Third Place Winner, Brian Hurst (featured in Tyler Perry’s play “Madea Goes to Jail”) Evangelist Esther Smith, Reverend T.L. James and others . . . Mrs. Day’s skills are not just exclusive to promoting gospel concerts, managing talents, coordinating projects, and planning/organizing events, but she is quite computer savvy. She is easily considered a one-woman operation. While planning events, Mrs. Day is busy with creating, designing and printing marketing material (tickets, badges, flyers, posters. . . etc.) Mrs. Jackie Day’s gift of true hospitality has opened many doors for her to work within various genres. The Bible tells us that our gift will make room for us; truly her gift has made room for her, which has opened many doors into numerous venues, serving on many boards, and working with a host of prominent and accomplished NBA Stars, Gospel Artists and Stellar Award Committees. Bobby of Bobby Jones Gospel refers to her as an Advisory Board member, which has afforded her the opportunity to help numerous artists present their talent on Bobby Jones Gospel Hour. Some of Mrs. Day’s projects included working with Lucille O’Neal (mother of NBA star Shaquille O’Neal of the Cleveland Cavaliers), Jolinda Wade (mother of NBA star Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat) and Elaine Richardson-Cook (mother of NBA star Jason Richardson of the Phoenix Suns and graduate of Michigan State University). In addition, to her work with coordinating “Basketball Camps,” she has worked with basketball greats such as Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons, and Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets. Basketball great, Penny Hardaway also retained Mrs. Day’s services to coordinate five Basketball Camps for him. The Charity Classic Basketball Game held at the Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee drew a crowd of 23,000 people, and the money was donated to various charities. Mrs. Day’s most recent charity project that she has coordinated is the kickoff event for the COGIC (Church of God In Christ) Heritage Global Walk-a-Thon for World Missions and Education at 8:00 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2009 starting at New Hope Church of God Christ, 6025 S. Waverly Road, Lansing, Michigan. Without any omission, God is first and foremost in her life. Her life is exemplary to the ways of God. Ultimately, she is a reflection of HIS character. Mrs. Jackie Day’s public relationship skills are the epitome of a peacemaker; an awesome Woman of God with a “Heart of Gold.” Additional Accomplishments/Recognition
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 James W. Butler III Biography James W. Butler, III was appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, and confirmed by the Senate, as Vice President of the Michigan Broadband Development Authority in February 2003. The Authority, created by PA 49 of 2002, offers low-cost loans to telecommunications companies willing to make investments in high-speed internet, and to organizations to acquire hardware/software applications that improve or increase broadband service. Governor Granholm stated “I am excited to have someone of James’ caliber join our team to further develop Michigan’s infrastructure and demand for broadband services. With James’ help, I am committed to closing the digital divide in Michigan.” Effective May 2007, James accepted the position as Director of the newly created Urban Revitalization Division within the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The Urban Revitalization Division houses programs, Cities of Promise, Blight Elimination and Cool Cities. Cities of Promise is an interagency initiative that aims to redevelop communities and reduce poverty and Cool Cities aims at building vibrant, energetic cities that attract jobs, people and opportunity to our state. The Blight Elimination Program has set aside $25 million over the next four years to tear down abandon houses and buildings. The Urban Revitalization Division will be creating vibrant Cities, Towns and Villages across Michigan. There is currently 6 professional staff members assigned to the division. James has 30 years of experience with IBM. As Business Unit Executive for Global Government Systems, he recently oversaw a $200 Million operation for IBM in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. He was also the Senior Location Executive for Lansing, Flint, and Toledo IBM Branch Offices. Butler has degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia. Butler is a decorated Vietnam War veteran. He served as a Platoon Sergeant in the U.S. Army and earned many honors during his tour of duty, including the Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart (2) and the Bronze Star (4) with Oak Leaf Clusters for heroism in ground combat, indicating four separate awards of this prized medal. He has received numerous community and business awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for the Blue Ribbon Committee on Downtown Revitalization, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Advocate of the Year, two awards for the YMCA “Y” Achievers Program Achiever of the Year, the Mayor’s World Class Corporate Award, the Rev. Joseph E. Graves NAACP President’s Award, the Alma G. Stallworth Award from the Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan, the National Society of Black Engineers at Michigan State University Award, the Martin Luther King Commission partnership Award, the Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen Award, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, and the Lansing Black Lawyers Association Outstanding Leadership Award. James has been very active in many community and social organizations. He is active or has been active in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Board of Directors and Member), Junior Achievement (Board of Directors), Greater Lansing Urban League (Board of Directors), Michigan Agent Orange Commission (Commissioner), Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors & Chairman of the Board), CAP-PAC (Board of Directors), Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority Commissioner (Board of Directors & Chairman of the Board/Twice-Mega Board), Sparrow Hospital (Board of Directors & Vice Chairman & Chairman of the Board), Sparrow Foundation (Board of Directors) LISC (Board of Directors), National City Bank (Board of Directors), Inroads (Board of Directors), Lansing Economic Development Corporation (Board of Directors), MSU Museum (Board of Directors), Lansing School Bond Project, East Lansing Downtown Development Authority, Project Hope (Helping Other People Excel) of Lansing, Olivet College Board of Trustees, and Cooley Law School Board of Directors. |