Making a Difference: Michele Hodges

DETROIT – Many seasons ago, Michele Hodges used to spend time with her grandparents on Belle Isle. That time produced some great memories, along with giving her a firsthand experience of the beauties of Belle Isle.

Never would she have imagined that one day she would be serving as the chair of the two most important organizations that oversee the development and operations of Belle Isle. 

For that past three years she has served as the chair of the Belle Isle Conservancy. The organization is a non profit that involves itself in fund raising and program develop for Belle Isle.

What is most interesting it is a amalgamation of four separate organizations that came together to form one entity.

"You can imagine the push and pull it took four groups to blend into one. But we all had a common purpose for the betterment of Belle Isle, so we figured we would be stronger coming together, which we did," Hodges said.

Then, after the Conservancy came together, there was a shift in Belle Isle  operations.

During Detroit's' transitions within its bankruptcy, it was determined that tremendous cost could be saved byway of Detroit's' budget along with greater operations ability if Belle Isle was to be leased to the State for 30 years. After much discussion it was agreed. One of the stipulations was that a Belle Isle Advisory Committee be formed, consisting of citizens, to relate to and advise the Department of Natural Resources on its daily operations.

It was also decided that since the Belle Isle Conservancy was up and running and had a history of working with Belle Isle, that the Chair of the Conservancy should also be Chair of the Advisory Committee, enter Michele Hodges again.

Under her leadership, great progress is being made on the Isle. Many physical  improvements have been made, it is patrolled by the State Police and is much cleaner and quieter. When Michele is asked how does she gage progress, she states" One of the best favorable indicators is that attendance continues to go up. There is a larger influx of suburbanites and more diversity in attendees, with expanded family activities" In other words it is getting more crowded, which is a good thing for the city and the region.

Michele says on some days her whole life revolves around Belle Isle, one way or another. But she would not have it any other way.

Michele Hodges, an everyday hero: Making a Difference.

On a daily basis in spite of ones life's struggles and challenges, there are some people who reach out an make a positive impact on the lives of others.

That is why Local 4 and a prominent local clergyman, Rev. V. Lonnie Peek, Jr. have teamed up to find those people and tell their stories.

Do you know an everyday hero in your life? E-mail us and tell us about them.

 

About Rev. Lonnie Peek, Jr.

Rev. V. Lonnie Peek, Jr. located in Detroit in 1975. After teaching 2 years in DPS, he went to WSU receiving a Masters of Social Work, an activist on campus he created the Association of Black Students. He is an entrepreneur and serves on such civic boards as New Detroit, Inc, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. With extensive radio background expanding 25 years, he writes a weekly column for the Michigan Chronicle. He has been a regular on local/ national television shows dealing with political and social issues An ordained minister and seminary graduate, he serves on the executive committee and is the public relations chairman for the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity and is Assistant Pastor at Greater Christ Baptist Church.

 

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