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Achievement

Recently awarded the 2023 Award for Excellence, this exhibit is a celebration of Black innovation, invention, and leadership. The contributions African Americans have made to the automotive industry have not been celebrated or even fully captured and shared. We recognize that these are important stories that need to be told. This exhibit is our first effort to join with community in telling these stories.

Achievement is now available as a traveling exhibit. Click here to learn more.

 

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Their Stories

In living our mission,

We are embarking on an extensive initiative to identify and celebrate the African Americans who overcame so many barriers and prejudices to achieve great accomplishments in this industry. This is the first in a series of episodes where we’ll celebrate Black accomplishments and contributions to this industry. But this episode doesn’t offer all the answers. It asks questions of you, our guests. We need your input to learn about what you’d like to learn. We need your help to hear about other stories that should be told.

Lives, Experiences, Impact

These 19 individuals led remarkable lives. With intelligence, perseverance, courage, and hard work they changed the automotive industry. Their experiences created, shaped, or changed the automotive industry and the world we know in 5 key ways:

  • 1 They changed where we live.

    They changed where we live. Their work and contributions to the automotive industry created social mobility by allowing people more options on where they live.

  • 2 They reimagined how we work.

    They reimagined how we work: From the first car to today, they helped and led advancements in the automotive industry that have had a profound impact on how millions of people work around the globe.

  • 3 They redefined how we live.

    They redefined how we live. The automobile symbolizes a standard of living that has motivated and inspired multiple generations. Their work increased personal mobility, broadening the options people have for how they chose to live.

  • 4 They changed how we see ourselves.

    They brought a new lens to how we see ourselves. They redefined the role that African Americans play in the automobile industry.

  • 5 Their innovations changed our world.

    Their innovations impacted our world. Innovations in the automotive space have impacted every aspect of the mobility experience. And many of these people were leaders of those innovations.

Timeline

Rollover the timeline to show more information. Click to learn more.

Nelda Connors

Initially, Nelda Connors wasn’t sure that a career in the automotive sector was for her. She was concerned that her work and life may end up being narrowly defined and limited. Then she went heard Taichi Ohno speak on his KAIZEN approach for Toyota’s Production System. She was hooked.

Not long after that, Connors moved to Japan to work and study where she discovered new life-long passions, including hiking, eventually having a career that spanned three continents.

Read More

Nelda Connors

Initially, Nelda Connors wasn’t sure that a career in the automotive sector was for her. She was concerned that her work and life may end up being narrowly defined and limited. Then she went heard Taichi Ohno speak on his KAIZEN approach for Toyota’s Production System. She was hooked.

Not long after that, Connors moved to Japan to work and study where she discovered new life-long passions, including hiking, eventually having a career that spanned three continents.

Read More

Nelda Connors

Initially, Nelda Connors wasn’t sure that a career in the automotive sector was for her. She was concerned that her work and life may end up being narrowly defined and limited. Then she went heard Taichi Ohno speak on his KAIZEN approach for Toyota’s Production System. She was hooked.

Not long after that, Connors moved to Japan to work and study where she discovered new life-long passions, including hiking, eventually having a career that spanned three continents.

Read More

Nelda Connors

Initially, Nelda Connors wasn’t sure that a career in the automotive sector was for her. She was concerned that her work and life may end up being narrowly defined and limited. Then she went heard Taichi Ohno speak on his KAIZEN approach for Toyota’s Production System. She was hooked.

Not long after that, Connors moved to Japan to work and study where she discovered new life-long passions, including hiking, eventually having a career that spanned three continents.

Read More

Nelda Connors

Initially, Nelda Connors wasn’t sure that a career in the automotive sector was for her. She was concerned that her work and life may end up being narrowly defined and limited. Then she went heard Taichi Ohno speak on his KAIZEN approach for Toyota’s Production System. She was hooked.

Not long after that, Connors moved to Japan to work and study where she discovered new life-long passions, including hiking, eventually having a career that spanned three continents.

Read More

Nelda Connors

Initially, Nelda Connors wasn’t sure that a career in the automotive sector was for her. She was concerned that her work and life may end up being narrowly defined and limited. Then she went heard Taichi Ohno speak on his KAIZEN approach for Toyota’s Production System. She was hooked.

Not long after that, Connors moved to Japan to work and study where she discovered new life-long passions, including hiking, eventually having a career that spanned three continents.

Read More

Edward Davis

In the mid-1930s, the first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, and the population of African Americans in the Detroit area was growing. After working in auto repair and Dodge factories, Edward Davis was offered a chance to work as a new car salesperson. As members of the Black community heard about him, Davis’ sales increased, as he was providing his customers an option for greater mobility.

Two years after embarking on his sales career, Davis opened a used car dealership.  Two years later, he was recruited by Studebaker to become one of their dealers, making him the first African American new car dealer.

Read More

Edward Davis

In the mid-1930s, the first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, and the population of African Americans in the Detroit area was growing. After working in auto repair and Dodge factories, Edward Davis was offered a chance to work as a new car salesperson. As members of the Black community heard about him, Davis’ sales increased, as he was providing his customers an option for greater mobility.

Two years after embarking on his sales career, Davis opened a used car dealership.  Two years later, he was recruited by Studebaker to become one of their dealers, making him the first African American new car dealer.

Read More

Edward Davis

In the mid-1930s, the first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, and the population of African Americans in the Detroit area was growing. After working in auto repair and Dodge factories, Edward Davis was offered a chance to work as a new car salesperson. As members of the Black community heard about him, Davis’ sales increased, as he was providing his customers an option for greater mobility.

Two years after embarking on his sales career, Davis opened a used car dealership.  Two years later, he was recruited by Studebaker to become one of their dealers, making him the first African American new car dealer.

Read More

Edward Davis

In the mid-1930s, the first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, and the population of African Americans in the Detroit area was growing. After working in auto repair and Dodge factories, Edward Davis was offered a chance to work as a new car salesperson. As members of the Black community heard about him, Davis’ sales increased, as he was providing his customers an option for greater mobility.

Two years after embarking on his sales career, Davis opened a used car dealership.  Two years later, he was recruited by Studebaker to become one of their dealers, making him the first African American new car dealer.

Read More

Edward Davis

In the mid-1930s, the first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, and the population of African Americans in the Detroit area was growing. After working in auto repair and Dodge factories, Edward Davis was offered a chance to work as a new car salesperson. As members of the Black community heard about him, Davis’ sales increased, as he was providing his customers an option for greater mobility.

Two years after embarking on his sales career, Davis opened a used car dealership.  Two years later, he was recruited by Studebaker to become one of their dealers, making him the first African American new car dealer.

Read More

Edward Davis

In the mid-1930s, the first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, and the population of African Americans in the Detroit area was growing. After working in auto repair and Dodge factories, Edward Davis was offered a chance to work as a new car salesperson. As members of the Black community heard about him, Davis’ sales increased, as he was providing his customers an option for greater mobility.

Two years after embarking on his sales career, Davis opened a used car dealership.  Two years later, he was recruited by Studebaker to become one of their dealers, making him the first African American new car dealer.

Read More

Clara Doutly

In 1939, World War II broke out in Europe. By June of 1940, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Poland had all fallen to Germany. Although the U.S. was attempting remain neutral, it was becoming apparent that Great Britain would need more support in fending off the Nazi regime. The U.S. government and military were strategizing how to help Britain, while simultaneously protecting the American people.

At a more personal level, the Great Depression was waning in the U.S., but still impacted many Americans. One of those was Clara Doutly. She left high school and began working at Briggs Manufacturing, riveting components for B-24 and B-29 bombers. She was one of the very first “Rosie the Riveters” and helped redefine where women of all colors work.

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Clara Doutly

In 1939, World War II broke out in Europe. By June of 1940, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Poland had all fallen to Germany. Although the U.S. was attempting remain neutral, it was becoming apparent that Great Britain would need more support in fending off the Nazi regime. The U.S. government and military were strategizing how to help Britain, while simultaneously protecting the American people.

At a more personal level, the Great Depression was waning in the U.S., but still impacted many Americans. One of those was Clara Doutly. She left high school and began working at Briggs Manufacturing, riveting components for B-24 and B-29 bombers. She was one of the very first “Rosie the Riveters” and helped redefine where women of all colors work.

Read More

Ralph Gilles

In 1987, and with his aunt’s help, Ralph Gilles sent a letter to Lee Iacocca, the CEO of Chrysler (now Stellantis), asking how to get into automotive design. Neil Walling, the Director of Advance and International Design, responded with instructions about which schools Gilles should consider for college. Gilles followed that advice and later joined Chrysler – he has influenced nearly every Stellantis vehicle on the road today.

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Ralph Gilles

In 1987, and with his aunt’s help, Ralph Gilles sent a letter to Lee Iacocca, the CEO of Chrysler (now Stellantis), asking how to get into automotive design. Neil Walling, the Director of Advance and International Design, responded with instructions about which schools Gilles should consider for college. Gilles followed that advice and later joined Chrysler – he has influenced nearly every Stellantis vehicle on the road today.

Read More

Ralph Gilles

In 1987, and with his aunt’s help, Ralph Gilles sent a letter to Lee Iacocca, the CEO of Chrysler (now Stellantis), asking how to get into automotive design. Neil Walling, the Director of Advance and International Design, responded with instructions about which schools Gilles should consider for college. Gilles followed that advice and later joined Chrysler – he has influenced nearly every Stellantis vehicle on the road today.

Read More

Ralph Gilles

In 1987, and with his aunt’s help, Ralph Gilles sent a letter to Lee Iacocca, the CEO of Chrysler (now Stellantis), asking how to get into automotive design. Neil Walling, the Director of Advance and International Design, responded with instructions about which schools Gilles should consider for college. Gilles followed that advice and later joined Chrysler – he has influenced nearly every Stellantis vehicle on the road today.

Read More

Ralph Gilles

In 1987, and with his aunt’s help, Ralph Gilles sent a letter to Lee Iacocca, the CEO of Chrysler (now Stellantis), asking how to get into automotive design. Neil Walling, the Director of Advance and International Design, responded with instructions about which schools Gilles should consider for college. Gilles followed that advice and later joined Chrysler – he has influenced nearly every Stellantis vehicle on the road today.

Read More

Nellie Goins

As a newlywed in the late 1950s, Nellie Goins didn’t see herself as a race car driver. Funny car racing was a passion of her husband, Otis, and it became hers as well. When Otis’ health precluded his ability to race, Nellie decided that she’d do the driving. A little over a decade later, she was traveling at 215 mph and helping to redefine gender and ethnic roles in motorsports.

Read More

Nellie Goins

As a newlywed in the late 1950s, Nellie Goins didn’t see herself as a race car driver. Funny car racing was a passion of her husband, Otis, and it became hers as well. When Otis’ health precluded his ability to race, Nellie decided that she’d do the driving. A little over a decade later, she was traveling at 215 mph and helping to redefine gender and ethnic roles in motorsports.

Read More

Nellie Goins

As a newlywed in the late 1950s, Nellie Goins didn’t see herself as a race car driver. Funny car racing was a passion of her husband, Otis, and it became hers as well. When Otis’ health precluded his ability to race, Nellie decided that she’d do the driving. A little over a decade later, she was traveling at 215 mph and helping to redefine gender and ethnic roles in motorsports.

Read More

Carrie Gray

Carrie Gray helped change the way professional African American women were viewed by the auto industry and how the industry viewed women as customers. She a continuous learner, earning a bachelor, masters and law degree. During the oil shocks of the 1970s, American manufacturers were diligently working to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles while also understanding customer needs and expectations from these vehicles.

She put her knowledge and insight to work when she established the Women’s Passenger Car Committee at Chrysler (now Stellantis). This group focused on the overall needs of women and their needs as the primary new vehicle buyers.

Read More

Carrie Gray

Carrie Gray helped change the way professional African American women were viewed by the auto industry and how the industry viewed women as customers. She a continuous learner, earning a bachelor, masters and law degree. During the oil shocks of the 1970s, American manufacturers were diligently working to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles while also understanding customer needs and expectations from these vehicles.

She put her knowledge and insight to work when she established the Women’s Passenger Car Committee at Chrysler (now Stellantis). This group focused on the overall needs of women and their needs as the primary new vehicle buyers.

Read More

Carrie Gray

Carrie Gray helped change the way professional African American women were viewed by the auto industry and how the industry viewed women as customers. She a continuous learner, earning a bachelor, masters and law degree. During the oil shocks of the 1970s, American manufacturers were diligently working to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles while also understanding customer needs and expectations from these vehicles.

She put her knowledge and insight to work when she established the Women’s Passenger Car Committee at Chrysler (now Stellantis). This group focused on the overall needs of women and their needs as the primary new vehicle buyers.

Read More

Carrie Gray

Carrie Gray helped change the way professional African American women were viewed by the auto industry and how the industry viewed women as customers. She a continuous learner, earning a bachelor, masters and law degree. During the oil shocks of the 1970s, American manufacturers were diligently working to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles while also understanding customer needs and expectations from these vehicles.

She put her knowledge and insight to work when she established the Women’s Passenger Car Committee at Chrysler (now Stellantis). This group focused on the overall needs of women and their needs as the primary new vehicle buyers.

Read More

Carrie Gray

Carrie Gray helped change the way professional African American women were viewed by the auto industry and how the industry viewed women as customers. She a continuous learner, earning a bachelor, masters and law degree. During the oil shocks of the 1970s, American manufacturers were diligently working to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles while also understanding customer needs and expectations from these vehicles.

She put her knowledge and insight to work when she established the Women’s Passenger Car Committee at Chrysler (now Stellantis). This group focused on the overall needs of women and their needs as the primary new vehicle buyers.

Read More

Alma Green

In 1936, the U.S. was recovering from the Great Depression. The first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, but redlining limited where African Americans could live. And the Jim Crow laws made many other activities difficult or even dangerous for African Americans.

It was in this environment that Victor and Alma Green began publishing “The Green Book,” a travel guide for African Americans that highlighted hotels, restaurants, even gas stations that would welcome Black travelers. Throughout the years, it grew to include thousands of locations within and outside the U.S. In this way, the Greens helped African Americans live the dream of the American road trip.

Read More

Alma Green

In 1936, the U.S. was recovering from the Great Depression. The first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, but redlining limited where African Americans could live. And the Jim Crow laws made many other activities difficult or even dangerous for African Americans.

It was in this environment that Victor and Alma Green began publishing “The Green Book,” a travel guide for African Americans that highlighted hotels, restaurants, even gas stations that would welcome Black travelers. Throughout the years, it grew to include thousands of locations within and outside the U.S. In this way, the Greens helped African Americans live the dream of the American road trip.

Read More

Victor and Alma Green

In 1936, the U.S. was recovering from the Great Depression. The first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, but redlining limited where African Americans could live. And the Jim Crow laws made many other activities difficult or even dangerous for African Americans.

It was in this environment that Victor and Alma Green began publishing “The Green Book,” a travel guide for African Americans that highlighted hotels, restaurants, even gas stations that would welcome Black travelers. Throughout the years, it grew to include thousands of locations within and outside the U.S. In this way, the Greens helped African Americans live the dream of the American road trip.

Read More

Victor and Alma Green

In 1936, the U.S. was recovering from the Great Depression. The first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, but redlining limited where African Americans could live. And the Jim Crow laws made many other activities difficult or even dangerous for African Americans.

It was in this environment that Victor and Alma Green began publishing “The Green Book,” a travel guide for African Americans that highlighted hotels, restaurants, even gas stations that would welcome Black travelers. Throughout the years, it grew to include thousands of locations within and outside the U.S. In this way, the Greens helped African Americans live the dream of the American road trip.

Read More

Victor Green

In 1936, the U.S. was recovering from the Great Depression. The first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, but redlining limited where African Americans could live. And the Jim Crow laws made many other activities difficult or even dangerous for African Americans.

It was in this environment that Victor and Alma Green began publishing “The Green Book,” a travel guide for African Americans that highlighted hotels, restaurants, even gas stations that would welcome Black travelers. Throughout the years, it grew to include thousands of locations within and outside the U.S. In this way, the Greens helped African Americans live the dream of the American road trip.

Read More

Victor and Alma Green

In 1936, the U.S. was recovering from the Great Depression. The first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, but redlining limited where African Americans could live. And the Jim Crow laws made many other activities difficult or even dangerous for African Americans.

It was in this environment that Victor and Alma Green began publishing “The Green Book,” a travel guide for African Americans that highlighted hotels, restaurants, even gas stations that would welcome Black travelers. Throughout the years, it grew to include thousands of locations within and outside the U.S. In this way, the Greens helped African Americans live the dream of the American road trip.

Read More

Victor Green

In 1936, the U.S. was recovering from the Great Depression. The first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, but redlining limited where African Americans could live. And the Jim Crow laws made many other activities difficult or even dangerous for African Americans.

It was in this environment that Victor and Alma Green began publishing “The Green Book,” a travel guide for African Americans that highlighted hotels, restaurants, even gas stations that would welcome Black travelers. Throughout the years, it grew to include thousands of locations within and outside the U.S. In this way, the Greens helped African Americans live the dream of the American road trip.

Read More

Victor and Alma Green

In 1936, the U.S. was recovering from the Great Depression. The first wave of the Great Migration was still underway, but redlining limited where African Americans could live. And the Jim Crow laws made many other activities difficult or even dangerous for African Americans.

It was in this environment that Victor and Alma Green began publishing “The Green Book,” a travel guide for African Americans that highlighted hotels, restaurants, even gas stations that would welcome Black travelers. Throughout the years, it grew to include thousands of locations within and outside the U.S. In this way, the Greens helped African Americans live the dream of the American road trip.

Read More

John James Sr.

In 1971, after the Civil Rights and Fair Housing Acts were passed, John James Sr. was a decorated Vietnam veteran with a college degree. He decided to start his own trucking company, but when he applied for lucrative shipping contracts, it was opposed by the incumbents and denied by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). John took his fight to secure these types of contracts to court and fought for over 7 years. In 1978, the Michigan Public Service Commission acknowledged “a pattern of discrimination” and allowed James’ company to haul automotive parts and other materials. The ICC followed suit soon after. This was the first time the ICC had granted such permission to an African American, opening a new arena of industry for African Americans.

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John James Sr.

In 1971, after the Civil Rights and Fair Housing Acts were passed, John James Sr. was a decorated Vietnam veteran with a college degree. He decided to start his own trucking company, but when he applied for lucrative shipping contracts, it was opposed by the incumbents and denied by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). John took his fight to secure these types of contracts to court and fought for over 7 years. In 1978, the Michigan Public Service Commission acknowledged “a pattern of discrimination” and allowed James’ company to haul automotive parts and other materials. The ICC followed suit soon after. This was the first time the ICC had granted such permission to an African American, opening a new arena of industry for African Americans.

Read More

John James Sr.

In 1971, after the Civil Rights and Fair Housing Acts were passed, John James Sr. was a decorated Vietnam veteran with a college degree. He decided to start his own trucking company, but when he applied for lucrative shipping contracts, it was opposed by the incumbents and denied by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). John took his fight to secure these types of contracts to court and fought for over 7 years. In 1978, the Michigan Public Service Commission acknowledged “a pattern of discrimination” and allowed James’ company to haul automotive parts and other materials. The ICC followed suit soon after. This was the first time the ICC had granted such permission to an African American, opening a new arena of industry for African Americans.

Read More

John James Sr.

In 1971, after the Civil Rights and Fair Housing Acts were passed, John James Sr. was a decorated Vietnam veteran with a college degree. He decided to start his own trucking company, but when he applied for lucrative shipping contracts, it was opposed by the incumbents and denied by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). John took his fight to secure these types of contracts to court and fought for over 7 years. In 1978, the Michigan Public Service Commission acknowledged “a pattern of discrimination” and allowed James’ company to haul automotive parts and other materials. The ICC followed suit soon after. This was the first time the ICC had granted such permission to an African American, opening a new arena of industry for African Americans.

Read More

VeRonica Mitchell

VeRonica Mitchell has been interested in environmental social governance and its impact on under-served populations since she was a teenager; and well before its importance became widely recognized. She pursued a career with Saturn because of the impact she could have. Less than a decade into her career, the September 11th attacks occurred. In the wake of those events, Mitchell continued with her automotive career while also becoming a leader in local government.

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VeRonica Mitchell

VeRonica Mitchell has been interested in environmental social governance and its impact on under-served populations since she was a teenager; and well before its importance became widely recognized. She pursued a career with Saturn because of the impact she could have. Less than a decade into her career, the September 11th attacks occurred. In the wake of those events, Mitchell continued with her automotive career while also becoming a leader in local government.

Read More

Rodney O’Neal

In the mid-to-late-1990s, General Motors (GM) was implementing strategies to streamline operations and improve efficiency, including spinning off divisions, such as Delphi, as stand-alone businesses. Prior to the spin off, Rodney O’Neal played a pivotal role in bringing new, non-GM customers to Delphi. After the spin-off, Delphi was hit with the 2001-2003 recession. Shortly after being named CEO in 2007, O’Neal and Delphi faced the Great Recession.

Nevertheless, O’Neal led Delphi to profitability and greater shareholder value. At the same time, he changed the way the world saw Delphi and the people who worked there. This is only part of the reason McKinsey & Company writers identified O’Neal as one of the top performing CEOs this century and featured him in the book, CEO Excellence.

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Rodney O’Neal

In the mid-to-late-1990s, General Motors (GM) was implementing strategies to streamline operations and improve efficiency, including spinning off divisions, such as Delphi, as stand-alone businesses. Prior to the spin off, Rodney O’Neal played a pivotal role in bringing new, non-GM customers to Delphi. After the spin-off, Delphi was hit with the 2001-2003 recession. Shortly after being named CEO in 2007, O’Neal and Delphi faced the Great Recession.

Nevertheless, O’Neal led Delphi to profitability and greater shareholder value. At the same time, he changed the way the world saw Delphi and the people who worked there. This is only part of the reason McKinsey & Company writers identified O’Neal as one of the top performing CEOs this century and featured him in the book, CEO Excellence.

Read More

Rodney O’Neal

In the mid-to-late-1990s, General Motors (GM) was implementing strategies to streamline operations and improve efficiency, including spinning off divisions, such as Delphi, as stand-alone businesses. Prior to the spin off, Rodney O’Neal played a pivotal role in bringing new, non-GM customers to Delphi. After the spin-off, Delphi was hit with the 2001-2003 recession. Shortly after being named CEO in 2007, O’Neal and Delphi faced the Great Recession.

Nevertheless, O’Neal led Delphi to profitability and greater shareholder value. At the same time, he changed the way the world saw Delphi and the people who worked there. This is only part of the reason McKinsey & Company writers identified O’Neal as one of the top performing CEOs this century and featured him in the book, CEO Excellence.

Read More

Rodney O’Neal

In the mid-to-late-1990s, General Motors (GM) was implementing strategies to streamline operations and improve efficiency, including spinning off divisions, such as Delphi, as stand-alone businesses. Prior to the spin off, Rodney O’Neal played a pivotal role in bringing new, non-GM customers to Delphi. After the spin-off, Delphi was hit with the 2001-2003 recession. Shortly after being named CEO in 2007, O’Neal and Delphi faced the Great Recession.

Nevertheless, O’Neal led Delphi to profitability and greater shareholder value. At the same time, he changed the way the world saw Delphi and the people who worked there. This is only part of the reason McKinsey & Company writers identified O’Neal as one of the top performing CEOs this century and featured him in the book, CEO Excellence.

Read More

Rodney O’Neal

In the mid-to-late-1990s, General Motors (GM) was implementing strategies to streamline operations and improve efficiency, including spinning off divisions, such as Delphi, as stand-alone businesses. Prior to the spin off, Rodney O’Neal played a pivotal role in bringing new, non-GM customers to Delphi. After the spin-off, Delphi was hit with the 2001-2003 recession. Shortly after being named CEO in 2007, O’Neal and Delphi faced the Great Recession.

Nevertheless, O’Neal led Delphi to profitability and greater shareholder value. At the same time, he changed the way the world saw Delphi and the people who worked there. This is only part of the reason McKinsey & Company writers identified O’Neal as one of the top performing CEOs this century and featured him in the book, CEO Excellence.

Read More

Rodney O’Neal

In the mid-to-late-1990s, General Motors (GM) was implementing strategies to streamline operations and improve efficiency, including spinning off divisions, such as Delphi, as stand-alone businesses. Prior to the spin off, Rodney O’Neal played a pivotal role in bringing new, non-GM customers to Delphi. After the spin-off, Delphi was hit with the 2001-2003 recession. Shortly after being named CEO in 2007, O’Neal and Delphi faced the Great Recession.

Nevertheless, O’Neal led Delphi to profitability and greater shareholder value. At the same time, he changed the way the world saw Delphi and the people who worked there. This is only part of the reason McKinsey & Company writers identified O’Neal as one of the top performing CEOs this century and featured him in the book, CEO Excellence.

Read More

Rodney O’Neal

In the mid-to-late-1990s, General Motors (GM) was implementing strategies to streamline operations and improve efficiency, including spinning off divisions, such as Delphi, as stand-alone businesses. Prior to the spin off, Rodney O’Neal played a pivotal role in bringing new, non-GM customers to Delphi. After the spin-off, Delphi was hit with the 2001-2003 recession. Shortly after being named CEO in 2007, O’Neal and Delphi faced the Great Recession.

Nevertheless, O’Neal led Delphi to profitability and greater shareholder value. At the same time, he changed the way the world saw Delphi and the people who worked there. This is only part of the reason McKinsey & Company writers identified O’Neal as one of the top performing CEOs this century and featured him in the book, CEO Excellence.

Read More

Rodney O’Neal

In the mid-to-late-1990s, General Motors (GM) was implementing strategies to streamline operations and improve efficiency, including spinning off divisions, such as Delphi, as stand-alone businesses. Prior to the spin off, Rodney O’Neal played a pivotal role in bringing new, non-GM customers to Delphi. After the spin-off, Delphi was hit with the 2001-2003 recession. Shortly after being named CEO in 2007, O’Neal and Delphi faced the Great Recession.

Nevertheless, O’Neal led Delphi to profitability and greater shareholder value. At the same time, he changed the way the world saw Delphi and the people who worked there. This is only part of the reason McKinsey & Company writers identified O’Neal as one of the top performing CEOs this century and featured him in the book, CEO Excellence.

Read More

Randy Parker

Randy Parker’s career reflects the reality that automobiles afford people flexibility in where they live and work. Throughout his life, he resided in Texas, California, Tennessee, Germany and Japan. In each location, he focused on improving diversity, inclusivity and providing greater mobility options for everyone. This focus was a factor in enabling his success and leading to him become one of the first African Americans to serve as CEO of a major automotive company and leader of the most diverse C-suite in the automotive industry.

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Randy Parker

Randy Parker’s career reflects the reality that automobiles afford people flexibility in where they live and work. Throughout his life, he resided in Texas, California, Tennessee, Germany and Japan. In each location, he focused on improving diversity, inclusivity and providing greater mobility options for everyone. This focus was a factor in enabling his success and leading to him become one of the first African Americans to serve as CEO of a major automotive company and leader of the most diverse C-suite in the automotive industry.

Read More

Randy Parker

Randy Parker’s career reflects the reality that automobiles afford people flexibility in where they live and work. Throughout his life, he resided in Texas, California, Tennessee, Germany and Japan. In each location, he focused on improving diversity, inclusivity and providing greater mobility options for everyone. This focus was a factor in enabling his success and leading to him become one of the first African Americans to serve as CEO of a major automotive company and leader of the most diverse C-suite in the automotive industry.

Read More

CR Patterson

By 1870, the trolley car boycotts were beginning in Louisville, Kentucky and newly enacted Jim Crow laws were limiting African Americans’ access to trolleys and streetcars. The boycotts spread across many major cities, lasting from several months to several years. In many cities, African Americans established their own informal transit systems during the protests by enlisting the services of private carriages, hacks (i.e., horse-drawn “taxis”) and drays (i.e., carts and wagons used to haul goods).

It was during this time that, CR Patterson partnered with a white man, J.P. Lowe, to create a buggy business and become the first African American carriage builder. They sold horse-drawn buggies to people of all colors, providing early improvements in mobility to all their customers.

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CR Patterson

By 1870, the trolley car boycotts were beginning in Louisville, Kentucky and newly enacted Jim Crow laws were limiting African Americans’ access to trolleys and streetcars. The boycotts spread across many major cities, lasting from several months to several years. In many cities, African Americans established their own informal transit systems during the protests by enlisting the services of private carriages, hacks (i.e., horse-drawn “taxis”) and drays (i.e., carts and wagons used to haul goods).

It was during this time that, CR Patterson partnered with a white man, J.P. Lowe, to create a buggy business and become the first African American carriage builder. They sold horse-drawn buggies to people of all colors, providing early improvements in mobility to all their customers.

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Frederick Patterson

Following CR Patterson’s passing in 1910, Frederick Patterson took over CR Patterson’s company and built a strong business servicing early automobiles. By 1914, Frederick recognized the popularity of automobiles and began plans to build “horseless carriages” of his own, making him the first and only African American owner of a car manufacturing firm.

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William Perry

William Perry opened doors for African American employment when he became the first Black employee at Ford Motor Company. In 1888, he was cutting trees for Henry Ford’s lumber business. By 1914, Perry’s health didn’t allow him to engage in such strenuous work, so he requested work at one of Ford’s manufacturing plants and was hired.

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William Perry

William Perry opened doors for African American employment when he became the first Black employee at Ford Motor Company. In 1888, he was cutting trees for Henry Ford’s lumber business. By 1914, Perry’s health didn’t allow him to engage in such strenuous work, so he requested work at one of Ford’s manufacturing plants and was hired.

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William Perry

William Perry opened doors for African American employment when he became the first Black employee at Ford Motor Company. In 1888, he was cutting trees for Henry Ford’s lumber business. By 1914, Perry’s health didn’t allow him to engage in such strenuous work, so he requested work at one of Ford’s manufacturing plants and was hired.

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William Perry

William Perry opened doors for African American employment when he became the first Black employee at Ford Motor Company. In 1888, he was cutting trees for Henry Ford’s lumber business. By 1914, Perry’s health didn’t allow him to engage in such strenuous work, so he requested work at one of Ford’s manufacturing plants and was hired.

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Roy Roberts

In the early 1990s, General Motors was confronting an economic downturn and a need for dramatic improvements in efficiency. Knowing how their customers associated with various brands and vehicles, GM wanted to maintain those relationships. So, a decision was made to consolidate operations for the Pontiac and GMC brands. Roy S. Roberts was selected as the first person to lead this type of consolidated operations at GM. As his efforts turned into successes, Roberts became known as the “$100-billion-dollar man” due to the size of the organization he led.

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Roy Roberts

In the early 1990s, General Motors was confronting an economic downturn and a need for dramatic improvements in efficiency. Knowing how their customers associated with various brands and vehicles, GM wanted to maintain those relationships. So, a decision was made to consolidate operations for the Pontiac and GMC brands. Roy S. Roberts was selected as the first person to lead this type of consolidated operations at GM. As his efforts turned into successes, Roberts became known as the “$100-billion-dollar man” due to the size of the organization he led.

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Roy Roberts

In the early 1990s, General Motors was confronting an economic downturn and a need for dramatic improvements in efficiency. Knowing how their customers associated with various brands and vehicles, GM wanted to maintain those relationships. So, a decision was made to consolidate operations for the Pontiac and GMC brands. Roy S. Roberts was selected as the first person to lead this type of consolidated operations at GM. As his efforts turned into successes, Roberts became known as the “$100-billion-dollar man” due to the size of the organization he led.

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McKinley W. Thompson, Jr.

McKinley W. Thompson, Jr. was a trailblazing designer who could envision how automobiles would impact and change the way people live. Before even starting his design career, he predicted that cars would increase functional roominess while decreasing size. Thompson was hired as Ford’s first African American vehicle designer, at a time before the Civil Rights act was passed and when it was still dangerous for African Americans to go on road trips. Yet, he went on to help design the Thunderbird, Mustang, Cougar II and the Bronco – vehicles that defined and changed the way people live with their cars.

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McKinley W. Thompson, Jr.

McKinley W. Thompson, Jr. was a trailblazing designer who could envision how automobiles would impact and change the way people live. Before even starting his design career, he predicted that cars would increase functional roominess while decreasing size. Thompson was hired as Ford’s first African American vehicle designer, at a time before the Civil Rights act was passed and when it was still dangerous for African Americans to go on road trips. Yet, he went on to help design the Thunderbird, Mustang, Cougar II and the Bronco – vehicles that defined and changed the way people live with their cars.

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Edward Welburn

As a preschooler, Ed Welburn used to sketch cars in the blank pages of his mother’s books. This was the first step in a long career that would marry design ethos with efficiency and has and continues to influence General Motors vehicles.

As the U.S. struggled to achieve greater civil rights for Black Americans, Welburn was the first African American to be employed by GM’s design department. His career blazed a trail for people of color in the U.S. automotive industry. At the close of his career, Welburn was the most senior African American employed by a car manufacturer, leading 10 design studios – and the related vehicle designs – globally. His approach was to encourage strong design and collaboration across design groups. He accepted sketches from across the organization for new vehicles, encouraging a broader view of how those vehicles would look and perform.

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Edward Welburn

As a preschooler, Ed Welburn used to sketch cars in the blank pages of his mother’s books. This was the first step in a long career that would marry design ethos with efficiency and has and continues to influence General Motors vehicles.

As the U.S. struggled to achieve greater civil rights for Black Americans, Welburn was the first African American to be employed by GM’s design department. His career blazed a trail for people of color in the U.S. automotive industry. At the close of his career, Welburn was the most senior African American employed by a car manufacturer, leading 10 design studios – and the related vehicle designs – globally. His approach was to encourage strong design and collaboration across design groups. He accepted sketches from across the organization for new vehicles, encouraging a broader view of how those vehicles would look and perform.

Read More

Edward Welburn

As a preschooler, Ed Welburn used to sketch cars in the blank pages of his mother’s books. This was the first step in a long career that would marry design ethos with efficiency and has and continues to influence General Motors vehicles.

As the U.S. struggled to achieve greater civil rights for Black Americans, Welburn was the first African American to be employed by GM’s design department. His career blazed a trail for people of color in the U.S. automotive industry. At the close of his career, Welburn was the most senior African American employed by a car manufacturer, leading 10 design studios – and the related vehicle designs – globally. His approach was to encourage strong design and collaboration across design groups. He accepted sketches from across the organization for new vehicles, encouraging a broader view of how those vehicles would look and perform.

Read More

Edward Welburn

As a preschooler, Ed Welburn used to sketch cars in the blank pages of his mother’s books. This was the first step in a long career that would marry design ethos with efficiency and has and continues to influence General Motors vehicles.

As the U.S. struggled to achieve greater civil rights for Black Americans, Welburn was the first African American to be employed by GM’s design department. His career blazed a trail for people of color in the U.S. automotive industry. At the close of his career, Welburn was the most senior African American employed by a car manufacturer, leading 10 design studios – and the related vehicle designs – globally. His approach was to encourage strong design and collaboration across design groups. He accepted sketches from across the organization for new vehicles, encouraging a broader view of how those vehicles would look and perform.

Read More

Edward Welburn

As a preschooler, Ed Welburn used to sketch cars in the blank pages of his mother’s books. This was the first step in a long career that would marry design ethos with efficiency and has and continues to influence General Motors vehicles.

As the U.S. struggled to achieve greater civil rights for Black Americans, Welburn was the first African American to be employed by GM’s design department. His career blazed a trail for people of color in the U.S. automotive industry. At the close of his career, Welburn was the most senior African American employed by a car manufacturer, leading 10 design studios – and the related vehicle designs – globally. His approach was to encourage strong design and collaboration across design groups. He accepted sketches from across the organization for new vehicles, encouraging a broader view of how those vehicles would look and perform.

Read More

Edward Welburn

As a preschooler, Ed Welburn used to sketch cars in the blank pages of his mother’s books. This was the first step in a long career that would marry design ethos with efficiency and has and continues to influence General Motors vehicles.

As the U.S. struggled to achieve greater civil rights for Black Americans, Welburn was the first African American to be employed by GM’s design department. His career blazed a trail for people of color in the U.S. automotive industry. At the close of his career, Welburn was the most senior African American employed by a car manufacturer, leading 10 design studios – and the related vehicle designs – globally. His approach was to encourage strong design and collaboration across design groups. He accepted sketches from across the organization for new vehicles, encouraging a broader view of how those vehicles would look and perform.

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Charlie Wiggins

Charlie Wiggins helped change the way African Americans were seen in the automotive and racing industries. In the era of Jim Crow laws, opportunities for African Americans were limited or blocked, but Wiggins was intelligent and irrepressible. He secured a position as a car mechanic and quickly became the lead technician, ahead of his white counterparts. From there, he embarked on his racing career and engineered new, fuel-efficient engines that allowed him to succeed in that arena.

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Charlie Wiggins

Charlie Wiggins helped change the way African Americans were seen in the automotive and racing industries. In the era of Jim Crow laws, opportunities for African Americans were limited or blocked, but Wiggins was intelligent and irrepressible. He secured a position as a car mechanic and quickly became the lead technician, ahead of his white counterparts. From there, he embarked on his racing career and engineered new, fuel-efficient engines that allowed him to succeed in that arena.

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Charlie Wiggins

Charlie Wiggins helped change the way African Americans were seen in the automotive and racing industries. In the era of Jim Crow laws, opportunities for African Americans were limited or blocked, but Wiggins was intelligent and irrepressible. He secured a position as a car mechanic and quickly became the lead technician, ahead of his white counterparts. From there, he embarked on his racing career and engineered new, fuel-efficient engines that allowed him to succeed in that arena.

Read More

Charlie Wiggins

Charlie Wiggins helped change the way African Americans were seen in the automotive and racing industries. In the era of Jim Crow laws, opportunities for African Americans were limited or blocked, but Wiggins was intelligent and irrepressible. He secured a position as a car mechanic and quickly became the lead technician, ahead of his white counterparts. From there, he embarked on his racing career and engineered new, fuel-efficient engines that allowed him to succeed in that arena.

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Supporters

It takes the thoughts and voices of many people to create an exhibit such as this. Thank you to our donors and key advisors!

  • Elgie Bright
  • Colin Brown
  • Micala Evans Cochran, PhD
  • Larry Fisher
  • Hiram Jackson
  • Mark Petroff
  • William Pretzer, PhD
  • MotorCities National Heritage Area

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