Wherever there’s a good cause, Comerica Bank employees can be seen out in the community supporting those events and lending a helping hand.

   
Conscious of the sacrifices made by those fighting to achieve civil rights and to level the playing field for all, Comerica was pleased to help kick off the 98th NAACP convention, as co-sponsor of the mayor’s reception at the Manoogian Mansion on July 7. The NAACP National Board of Directors, the NAACP local Board of Directors, convention host committee members and key Detroit branch staff were in attendance. On July 12, Comerica co-sponsered the Spingarn Guest of Honor Reception at the Cobo Conference Center. This year’s award recipient was Congressman John Conyers.

   
Motivation and resources are key elements to ensure that youth are prepared to pursue their education at the university level, and the Detroit Omega Foundation (DOFI) is instrumental in providing these elements. The DOFI’s mission is to have a strong, positive and uplifting impact on Detroit area youth and families by providing them with programs and services that educate, mentor, uplift, and broaden their horizons. On June 16, the Omega Foundation awarded academic scholarships to three high school graduates. Comerica supported the event as a sponsor. Linda Forte received the Walter E. Douglas Humanitarian award.

   
Kicking off their pumps and loafers, Comerica employees laced up in tennis shoes to participate in the United Negro College Fund’s 5K Sole Steppin’ Walk that took place Aug. 4 on Belle Isle. The event raised thousands of dollars, helping students to fulfill their dreams of achieving higher learning.

     
A few miles away, Comerica employees gathered at Hart Plaza Aug. 3-5 for the Ribs ’n’ Soul Festival.

   
While older people enjoyed sampling mouthwatering barbecue and the soulful sounds of Con Funk Shun, Angela Winbush and Michael Henderson, it was the Kids Zone that had youngsters jumping up and down. Sponsored by Comerica, the Kids Zone offered  a giant obstacle course, slide, moon bounce, face painting, arts and crafts and more. And for those tired out from all of the excitement, Comerica also provided a cooling station to sit and relax.

   
Students saw stars and swung back into history as Comerica provided 50 tickets to the Detroit Youth Foundation, St. Stephen Young Peoples Department and Tri City Community Development Corporation to attend the Negro League Weekend celebration that was held July 20-21 at Comerica Park.

           
The Comerica Java & Jazz Series raised spirits as the community was empowered by the poetic expressions of some of the city’s top poets and danced to beat of various jazz favorites such as Alexander Zonjic, Yancy, Marcus Belgrave and Orquesta La Inspiracion.