Int'l Auto Show To Honor Blacks In The Industry

 Detroit  –  Real Times Media and Who’s Who Publishing will unveil DRIVEN:  A Tribute to African American Achievement in the Automotive Industry during the industry preview of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 6 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan.

Billed as the official multicultural event of the auto show, DRIVEN tells the history of African Americans in the industry, the influence of the unions and the impact the industry has had on African American economics.  It celebrates African American trailblazers who have paved the way, today’s contemporaries who are revitalizing the industry, and the emerging leaders who will catapult it into the next generation. The project includes a coffee table publication, a pictorial museum exhibit and a book donation to students.

“The auto industry shaped the city of Detroit and the world,” said Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media.  “Lesser known is the significant role that African Americans played in growing the industry to prominence and that we now play in revitalizing the struggling industry.  Through this tribute, Real Times Media and Who’s Who are striving to change that.”

DRIVEN is supported by African American organizations and individuals who have impacted the auto industry, like legendary automotive journalist Warren Brown, who wrote the introduction; and Dr. William Pickard, Chairman of a leading automotive supply company, Global Automotive Alliance, who wrote the foreword. 

In addition to its historically relevant content, DRIVEN provides sponsors and supporters of the project an additional opportunity to highlight their organization’s personal story and to recognize those individuals who contribute to its success.