Black History: Success Can't Be Just For Yourself; It Has To Be For Other People

DETROIT (WWJ) - Luther Keith had a distinguished career as a journalist working for The Detroit News for over 30 years.

"I literally started in the basement of The Detroit News, so when they had the printing plant, back in 1969, when I was in college, I actually loaded trucks - I was a jumper," said Keith.

He worked his way up to Senior Editor and Columnist during his tenure at the newspaper.

After retiring 10 years ago he founded ARISE Detroit!

"I wrote down the idea for the organization to help all organizations," Keith says.

The non-profit started with 22 founding groups and now has over 400 today.

"We've been involved in doing hundreds of community service projects - motivating thousands of volunteers - contacted by people all over the world interested in Detroit," he says.

The group celebrates its 10th anniversary later this year with a huge celebration for Detroiters.

"We want to have a big 'wow' factor, because ARISE Detroit could not exist without the people of Detroit. They have made ARISE Detroit, they have made neighborhoods, they are really at the heart and soul of what we do."

Keith says his parents were a huge influence in his life.

"My father started a program in the 50's ... when I was a kid I couldn't gain a full appreciation for what he was doing but it was really subliminally planting a seed for me. One thing that he always told me was make sure you help somebody else -- your success can't be just for yourself, particularly as a black person, your success can't be just for you; it has to be for other people."

Luther Keith ... an inspiration to us all.

WWJ celebrates Black History month this year by highlighting local outstanding African Americans who inspire others. Tune in for the reports throughout the day at: 6:20 a.m., 10:40 a.m., 3:40 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.