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Tony RoKo: A Difference Maker In The Community

Tony RoKo is a well-known Detroit artist.

"All of my creations come from re-purposed materials, like salvaged industrial pallets and metals and stuff I find in the city," RoKo told WWJ Newsradio 950's Marie Osborne.

More than 20 years ago, RoKo started working on the line at Ford. Supervisors soon saw his real talent was art and he began the beautification project for the plants.

RoKo blushes at the suggestion that he's a modern-day Diego Rivera.

"He was an artist for the people, and I've kind of adopted that philosophy and have geared more recently toward an artist for the children," RoKo said.

RoKo, whose works of art often sell at galleries for close to ten thousand dollars each, spends his volunteer hours teaching kids in Detroit Public Schools about art.

"These guys don't have the opportunity in many cases for art lessons," he said. "I do it because this town was built by creatives."

Do you know someone in your community that has made a difference to benefit others? WWJ Newsradio 950 is seeking out individuals who are making a difference, big or small - people who have inspired positive change and those who have made an impact in the community.

Each month, WWJ will honor a person as the Difference Maker in the Community.  This person will be highlighted on-air and on cbsdetroit.com for their positive contributions.  All monthly Difference Makers will be invited to join at a special luncheon in the spring of 2013 to recognize the positive contributions.

Click here to nominate someone you know.

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