Larry Harp, Owner/Operator

JOY1580AM/100.3FM, WWSJ Gospel Radio Station

Biography

Larry is known among his family and friends as a thinker and a visionary. Therefore, it was no surprise when God gave him the vision for the birthing of Joy 1580 WWSJ in 1996. By the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit, Larry christened the station on Palm Sunday 1997 as a station Working Winning Souls for Jesus, with St John 12:32 as the mission statement. Under his leadership, the station has been a beacon of light not only for the local community but was one of the very first stations in the nation to broadcast over the World Wide Web at www.joy1580.com. Listeners from all over the world have been blessed by the music and the ministry of Joy 1580. In March of 2010, an FM translator was added and Joy1580AM can now be heard on 100.3 FM on your radio dial.

Because of Larry's faithfulness over a few things, God has placed him at the helm of two (2) additional FM radio stations located in the Michigan area. Power 91.9 FM WDPW in Grand Rapids, Michigan officially went on the air in February of 2010. Western Michigan has now been given the opportunity to praise God all day and all night. The third station, Praize 90.9 WXPZ is scheduled for an official launch in August of 2010. The corridor of Interstate-96 from the Lake Shore to Mid-Michigan has been taken for the Kingdom and is lifting up the Savior Jesus Christ 365/24/7.

Larry attended Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan majoring in economics and management. He has served as a past Stellar Award Advisory Board Member for Central City Productions of Chicago IL. As a trustee of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, he has served as Minister of Transportation and has been Chairman of the Annual African American Male Conference multiple times. He has been married for over 33 years to his wife Helen and is the father of two wonderful daughters, Danielle and Dione. He has 4 beautiful grandchildren, Christopher, Jonathan, Madeline and David III. He says, "God gets all the Glory for the marvelous works He has done in his life."

Helena Dubose, founder

96.5 FM, WQHH and 1180AM, WXLA

Biography

HELENA DUBOSE moved to Lansing as a health care professional. but transferred her management and leadership skills into a remarkable second career in business.
Mrs. Dubose was born in New Orleans and raised in Pascagoula, Mississippi. After graduation from Dillard University with a B.S. in nursing, she began her career as a staff and assistant head nurse at the United States Veterans Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana.

When she moved to Lansing with her husband in 1960, Mrs. Dubose became an instructor at the Mercy School of Nursing. She later became the Associate Director of the school. But after nursing-education positions with the State of Michigan and Ingham Intermediate School District she left the health care field.

In 1981 she became co-owner and general manager of Rapid Photo, lnc., the first one-hour photo labs in Lansing. She took over management of WXLA radio in 1986 and five years later secured the license to launch WQHH.

"Mrs. D," as many affectionately call her, overcame numerous competitive and personal hardships to turn the two radio stations into a successful small business. Her company, Mid Michigan FM, Inc.. was nominated in 2002 for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award.

She created the urban contemporary formats to appeal to a diverse segment of the market that had never been adequately served. More importantly, the stations were a training ground for minority and women broadcast staff who have gone on to add diversity to the broadcast industry as a whole.

Under the leadership of Mrs. Dubose, the stations held a unique position of influence and demonstrated a commitment to the community through involvement and investment in a number of initiatives and organizations.

Mrs. Dubose sold the radio stations in 2006, but she continues her personal contributions to society on the local, national and international levels through memberships in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, the Lansing-East Lansing Chapter of Links Incorporated and by being a Life and Golden Heritage Member of the NAACP. She also is a member and trustee emeritus of Trinity A.M.E. Church.

Mrs. Dubose has been honored for her many contributions to the Lansing community by being awarded the Pioneer Award (Forum Magazine), the Minority Business Person Award (Lansing Chamber of Commerce), the YWCA's Diana Award (Business), the Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year Award, the Lansing Black Lawyers Citizen of the Year Award (2002), and the Trinity AME Church Sons of Allen Community Service Award (2009).

Helena and Cullen Dubose have three adult children: daughter Cheri Dubose Reid and sons, Cullen II and Freddie. They are the proud grandparents of Ariel and Christopher Reid, and Aaron and Erika Dubose.

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

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.