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Ford Freedom Awards: Honoring Men Of Courage

DETROIT (WWJ) - A black tie affair in Detroit honoring African American men for being positive role models here and across the nation.

The focus of the annual Ford Freedom Award event in Detroit this week; honoring the uplifting and inspiring leaders in the community.

Usher
Usher (WWJ/Stephanie Davis)
Syncopated Ladies
Syncopated Ladies
Shaka Senghor
Shaka Senghor and his son
Lomas_Wendy Brown
Former Detroit Lion Lomas Brown and wife, Wendy
Karen and Jimmy Settles
Karen and Jimmy Settles
Juanita Moore_Carolyn Fugett
Juanita Moore and Carolyn Fugett
Andre Drummond
Detroit Piston Andre Drummond
BigSean's Mom Myra Anderson
Big Seans mom; Myra Anderson
Dave and Yvette Bing
Dave and Yvette Bing
Jerome Bettis
Jerome Bettis

NFL Hall of Famer and Detroit native Jerome Bettis, along with R&B recording artist Usher, were presenters at the event.

"Continue to keep your business here in Detroit - keep it home grown no matter how much you see, no matter how much money you make - keep it right here in Detroit," advised Usher.

Former prisoner, now criminal justice reform advocate Shaka Senghor referenced the future he believed could happen, including being a best selling New York Times author of "Righting My Wrongs."

"You have to believe in what you are doing," said Ford Courage Award honoree Senghor. "And once you really believe in it you'll start accomplishing those things."

Former Detroit mayor Dave Bing was named one of the 2016 Ford Freedom Scholars.

The 2016 Ford Freedom Award honored late business tycoon, Wall Street lawyer, and philanthropist Reginald F. Lewis.

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