Hannan Center

A little about Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a global movement. It promotes generosity and giving back. It is celebrated annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It was created by the 92nd Street Y in New York City, to shift the focus from consumerism, seen on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to helping others. In 2024, please give a gift to our incredible nonprofit - Hannan Center! https://lnkd.in/gSCfhD4M... #givingback #Generosity #GivingTuesday #helpingothers

Shout out to all our volunteers, supporters, and donors for their generosity – helping us to keep the good going – so good things happen. #volunteers #generosity #philanthropy #doinggood https://lnkd.in/g3W8C8dr

Tara Franey Impact Award: Unsung Hero. Mary Jones, 75, affectionately known as “Baby Love” throughout Michigan, has profoundly impacted her community. Jones dedicated years of service to the University of Michigan Hospital, where she worked until retirement. Now, Jones serves on the board of directors for Operation Refuge, a nonprofit in Inkster, and is an administrative lead at Mother’s Pantry, where she greets people with her signature phrase, “Good Morning, Baby Love.” Representing strength, unity and support wherever she is, Jones does her work quietly and humbly. #agingoutloud #nextchapter #70OverSeventy

Tara Franey Impact Award: Lifetime Achievement. Professor Willis Charles Patterson, 93, emeritus professor and associate dean at the University of Michigan graduated from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, was a Fulbright Association Fellow, and studied and performed in New York. Professor Patterson was the first African American to join the faculty at his alma mater and, in 1969, established Our Own Thing Chorale, dedicated to preserving traditional African American spirituals and instrumental compositions. After retiring, Patterson published two anthologies of songs by African American composers and today his assembled repertoire is studied in other schools and a graduation requirement at the UM School of Music, Dance and Theater. Patterson is past president of the National Association of Negro Musicians and past executive secretary of the National Black Music Caucus. #agingoutloud #nextchapter #70OverSeventy

Tara Franey Impact Award: Lifelong Learning. Marian Stephens, 90, retired in 1997 after an award-winning career as an art teacher at Detroit Public Schools Community District. Born, raised and educated in Detroit, Stephens began teaching Detroit students drawing, painting, design, ceramics, fashion, printmaking, art appreciation and art history. In the 1950s, through the Arts Extended Group, she helped establish a gallery and exhibition space for artists of color. Today, Stephens is a working artist, teaches art education at Wayne State University and leads an architectural project with elementary and high school students. #agingoutloud #nextchapter #70OverSeventy

Tara Franey Impact Award: Entrepreneur. Two things inspired Wisetta Dolsey, 70, to start the Five Star School of Etiquette: her Southern parents and a societal decline in civility, which she experienced daily. Fondly known as Miss Manners, Dolsey instructs families, youth, and adult professionals in everyday etiquette and the value of civility in a successful life. After earning a bachelor's degree in social science, she was certified as an etiquette consultant and, in 2012, established the Five Star School of Etiquette. Dolsey has served as an emergency services manager for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, a housing specialist for Neighborhood Legal Services and is active in the Junior League of Detroit, Toastmasters International, Optimist International Club, Save Our Youth and the Variety Organization. #nextchapter #70OverSeventy #agingoutloud

Tara Franey Impact Award: Civic & Community Leadership. Dr. Beth Glover Reed, 81, associate professor emerita of Social Work and Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Michigan, has made significant and lasting contributions to social justice and community engagement in Michigan by defining barriers to social justice and developing strategies to overcome them. Notably, in her late 70s she organized the HOMES Coalition, a community-based research initiative identifying the housing and support system needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Today, Dr. Reed mentors some 40 doctoral students across various disciplines. #agingoutloud #nextchapter #70OverSeventy

Winner: Tara Franey Impact Award: Changemaker. As president and director of the Payne-Pulliam School of Trade and Commerce for more than 40 years, Rev. Betty Pulliam, 84, has quietly transformed lives and empowered individuals. Under her leadership the school has served youth and adults by providing the tools and confidence needed to secure employment and achieve financial independence. Pulliam has been instrumental in expanding the school’s reach and impact, making it a vital resource for those seeking to improve their lives. Considered a beacon of hope in the city, Pulliam’s efforts have touched more than 50,000 Detroiters. #agingoutloud #nextchapter #70OverSeventy #detroit

Hannan Center hosted the annual 70 Over Seventy Awards this past Saturday at the Atheneum Grand Ballroom in Detroit. Thank you to our terrific volunteers and staff who made this event possible. Thank you to our sponsors and special hosts Mary Sheffield and Roop Raj. Thank you to the Brazeal Dennard Chorale and Hannan Players for their performance. Last, thank you to all our 2024 Awardees for allowing us to celebrate and honor them at this event. See you for the "next chapter" in 2025 when Hannan turns 100 and at 70 Over Seventy! #hannancenter #70OverSeventy #midtown #detroit #creativeaging

Winner: Tara Franey Impact Award: Art. Harriet Jean Berg, 99, is a Detroit arts icon noted for helping make Detroit a center for modern, folk and historical dance. A dancer, choreographer, teacher, and advocate, she founded the The Renaissance School of Dance, Madame Cadillac Dance Theater, Belles and Bachelors of Fort Detroit, and Isadora Duncan Dance Fndtn Inc Dance Ensemble. Influenced and mentored by dance greats Twyla Tharp and others, Berg collaborated with Detroit Opera founder David DiChiera to bring modern dance to Detroit’s Music Hall. “Dancing is that fleeting moment when you feel alive,” said Berg, who continues to inspire students, dancers and choreographers while advancing the art of dance in Detroit. #agingoutloud #nextchapter #70OverSeventy