A new guest speaker has been announced for the Michigan Black Summit planned in Benton Harbor for next weekend. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will kick off the event with a speech.
Neighbors Organizing Against Racism Director Trenton Bowens tells us Benson will talk about voting issues.
“We have an important election,” Bowens said. “She’s been advocating for the Michigan Voting Rights Act and it’s so much at stake. And it’s not that long ago when we look at our history, African Americans and woman could not have the right to vote.”
Benson will speak Friday, February 16, beginning an event that will feature Black leaders from throughout Michigan as well as entertainment.
Bowens says the Michigan Black Summit has grown quickly since it was started, putting a spotlight on Benton Harbor.
“It started off as a dream and we’re still in our infancy. We’re still at age two. So, to see that it pick up across the state, and now hosting the Secretary of State, one of the top elected officials, it’s unreal.”
Benson will bring with her the mobile Secretary of State branch office, which will be parked outside the Mendel Center offering all the usual branch office services to anyone who needs them.
The Michigan Black Summit will be held at Lake Michigan College next Friday and Saturday. Tickets are still available.
