United We Walk

United We Walk is a Founding Sponsor of the Washington, D.C., Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., National Memorial.

United We Walk Logo
Designed by Justin Brown
United We Walk Adult Co-Chair
2016-2017

United We Walk Original Logo
Designed by 8th Graders: Kinyel Ferguson and Crystal Roberson 
Orchard Lake Middle School
1994
Gina Gregory, president of the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society, placed a 1995 United We Walk event button in the permanent collection of the Orchard Lake Museum in 2021. United We Walk is also included in the museum's timeline. The United We Walk would like ot thank the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society for the special recognition. 
 

Meeting Schedule - Wednesdays at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted

• December 10, WBMS iCenter
• January 7, WBMS iCenter
• Friday, January 16, WBMS Event Set-Up at 4 p.m.
• EVENT - Sunday, January 19
• March 18, WBMS iCenter

Contact Sonja James, if you are interested in joining the 6 p.m. meetings at sonja.james@wbsd.org.

Committee Members

• Bazzi, Dr. Dania - Superintendent
• Dobson, Kenneth
• Estill, Russell
• Glinz, Jamie
• Graham, Jennifer
• Payne-Jackson, Dr. Valerie
• James, Sonja - Adult Co-Chair
• Kieft, Tyler
• Lynch, Martie
• Macon, Deb
• Mandel, Kate – Student Co-Chair
• Mandel, Kelly
• McCaskill, Riley – Student Co-Chair
• McPherson, Samiya – Student Co-Chair
• Mindell, Amy
• O'Brien, Juliann
• Owens, Daniel – Student Co-Chair
• Qureshi, Inaya – Student Co-Chair
• Roberts, Renee
• Robinson, Shaura
• Scott, Dave
• Tobin, Emily
• Warshay, Jonathan – Adult Co-Chair
• Welcome, Sue - Adult Co-Chair 
• Williams, Denisha
• Woodruff, Hertha
• Young, Dale - WB Police Chief

Legacy of Leadership
United We Walk Adult Chairs and Adult Co-Chairs:
2026 Sonja James, Jonathan Warshay
2025 Sonja James, Jonathan Warshay 
2024 Jennifer Graham, Jonathan Warshay 
2023 Jennifer Graham
2022 Jennifer Graham
2021 Jennifer Graham
2020 Jill Bickford, Jennifer Graham
2019 Jennifer Graham
2018 Jennifer Graham
2017 Justin Brown, Jennifer Graham, Pastor Tim Holzerland
2016 Justin Brown, Jennifer Graham, Pastor Tim Holzerland, Police Chief Mike Patton
2015 Pastor Tim Holzerland, CharRhonda Moye, Police Chief Mike Patton, Hertha Woodruff
2014 CharRhonda Moye, Police Chief Mike Patton, Rev. Chris Richards, Hertha Woodruff
2013 David Flaisher, Rev. Chris Richards, Regina Strong
2012 Brian Flaggs, David Flaisher, Katherine Sheiko
2011 Brian Flaggs, Pastor Bill Matlack, Eleanor Squaire-Spears
2010 David Henig, Sheryl L. Mitchell, Brian Flaggs, Pastor Bill Matlack
2009 David Henig, Sheryl L. Mitchell, Brian Flaggs
2008 Rev. David Robertson, David Henig, Steve Wasko
2007 Rev. David Robertson, Raman Singh, Sherry Masterson, Steve Wasko
2006 Nanci Gelsey, Denise Drake, Rev. David Robertson, Steve Wasko
2005 Nanci Gelsey, Rev. David Robertson, Velma Jones, Steve Wasko
2004 Nanci Gelsey, Velma Jones, Rev. Bruce Quatman, Steve Wasko
2003 Deb Macon, Rev. Bruce Quatman, Velma Jones, Steve Wasko
2002 Stuart Brickner, Deb Macon, Rev. Bruce Quatman
2001 Stuart Brickner, Deb Macon, Shelley Willner
2000 Jeddy Hood, Stuart Brickner, Dorothy Friedl
1999 Jeddy Hood, Stuart Brickner, Dorothy Friedl
1998 Jeddy Hood, Stuart Brickner, Hon. Denise Langford Morris
1997 Jeddy Hood, Hertha Woodruff
1996 Jeddy Hood, Beth Borson, Diane Ferguson, Sharkey Haddad, Hertha Woodruff
1995 Hertha Woodruff, Beth Borson 

United We Walk Student Co-Chairs:
2026 Kate Mandel, Riley McCaskill, Samiya McPherson, Daniel Owens, Inaya Qureshi
2025 Moriah Culver, Kate Mandel, Riley McCaskill, Samiya McPherson, Daniel Owens, Inaya Qureshi
2024 Moriah Culver, Daniel Owens, Kate Mandel
2023 Maya Aisner, Jamir Benjamin, Brad Bordelove, Moriah Culver, Kenna Ndukewe, Chloe Norman 
2022 Kamala Mallubhotla, Hannah Rashty, Natasha Selektor, Mathea Stubblefield
2021 Faith Johnson, Kamala Mallubhotla, Navya Paingol, Hannah Rashty, Natasha Selektor
2020 Sage Golden, Hannah Rashty, Rachel Zubrzycki
2019 Veronica Boddy, Lara Mathias, Brooke Taylor, Joe Thomas, Rachel Zubrzycki
2018 Lauryn Azu, Maria Kakos, Reese McCaskill, Jr., Jordan Robinson
2017 Tom (Zay) Douglas, Cydnee Graham, Maria Kakos, Jordan Robinson
2016 Evan Foster, Cydnee Graham, Mario Kakos, Vernon Moye
2015 Mario Kakos, Vernon Moye, Jonathan Nirenberg, Rachel Warnicke
2014 Marcus Brooks, Nicholas Foster, Sara Nirenberg, Rachel Warnicke
2013 Marcus Brooks, Nicholas Foster, Malcolm Moye, Sara Nirenberg
2012 Alyxis Flaggs, Olivia Peace
2011 Alyxis Flaggs, David Kakos, Erin Lasenby
2010 Chanel Geter, Taylor Gunn, Alyxis Flaggs, Erin Lasenby
2009 Ariel Flaggs, Chanel Geter, Taylor Gunn, Alicia Lasenby
2008 Michelle Boyd, Chanel Geter, Becca Portney
2007 Michelle Boyd, Chanel Geter, Becca Portney
2006 Michelle Boyd, Becca Portney
2005 Michael Rubyan, Sawdayah Brownlee, Samit Sheth
2004 Michael Rubyan, Samit Sheth
2003 Rachel Charlupski, Sonal Sheth
2002 Vibhuti Kowluru, Oluwakemi Talabi
2001 Lauren Gaines, Jasmine Patton
2000 Nathaniel Hargress, Stephanie Kakos
1999 Michael Schonberger, Carmen Woodruff, Courtney Youngblood
1998 Stephen Goutman, Monique Johnson
1997 Tara Edwards, Dan Tounsel

Note: 1997 was the first year for United We Walk Student Co-Chairs.

United We Walk Event Awards and Committee Member Awards:

• 2023 Jennifer Graham was awarded the Volunteer Service Award at the May 2023 Greater West Bloomfield Michigan Week Breakfast for leadership in serving since 2016 as the United We Walk Chairperson plus for facilitating community forums and committees that benefit all students with equitable opportunities.
• 2023 Student Co-Chairs Maya Aisner, Jamir Benjamin, Brad Bordelove, Morial Culver, Kenna Ndukewe, and Chloe Norman received the 2023 West Bloomfield Youth Assistance Recognition Awards for their work with United We Walk.
• 2022 Jennifer Graham received the Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ Women’s History Month Award in March 2022 for work in the West Bloomfield School District, in the community, and with United We Walk.  
• 2021 Student Co-Chairs: Faith Johnson, Kamala Mallubhotla, Navya Paingol, Hannah Rashty and Natasha Selektor received 2021 West Bloomfield Youth Assistance Awards
• 2021 Student Co-Chair, Navya Paingol, received the 2021 Michigan Week, John Freed Volunteer Service Award
• Certificate of Special Senatorial Recognition Awarded to United We Walk for 25th Anniversary by U.S. Senator Gary Peters at 2019 Michigan Week Community Awards Breakfast
• Signature Community Recognition Award for United We Walk for 25th Anniversary at 2019 Michigan Week Community Awards Breakfast
• Brooke Taylor named a Coca-Cola Scholar for the 2019 Class Through the Coca-Cola Scholars Program
• "The Splash" Person of the Week: Jennifer Graham, November 20, 2018, Civic Center TV
• Hertha Woodruff, 2016 MLK Drum Major for Service Award, from President Barack Obama
• Mario Kakos is the 2016 Michigan Week Greater West Bloomfield Community, Hidden Treasure Honor Roll Award Honoree for United We Walk.
• Jonathan Nirenberg is the 2015 Michigan Week Greater West Bloomfield Community, Hidden Treasure Honor Roll Award Honoree for United We Walk.
• Rev. Chris Richards, Sara Nirenberg, Nick Foster, Marcus Brooks, and Rachel Warnicke are the 2014 Michigan Week Greater West Bloomfield Community, Hidden Treasure Honor Roll Award Honorees from several organizations including United We Walk.
• Crystal Brooks is the 2013 Michigan Week Greater West Bloomfield Community, Hidden Treasure Honor Roll Award Honoree for United We Walk.
• Hertha Woodruff is the 2012 Michigan Week Greater West Bloomfield Community, Hidden Treasure Honor Roll Award Honoree for United We Walk.
• 2004 Telly Award Received for the United We Walk 10th Anniversary Video at 25th Annual Telly Award National Competition
• 2001 Cranbrook Peace Foundation - Expanding the Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King Jr. Grant Award Winner
• 2001 Michigan Association of School Boards - "Michigan's Best" Community Relations Award
• 2000 The Oakland Press Gold Medallion - Excellence in Education Award
• 2000 and 1999 National School Public Relations - Golden Achievement Awards for Exemplary Public Relations Activity
• 2000 Greater West Bloomfield - Michigan Week Community Achievement Award
• 2000 State of Michigan - Michigan Week Community Achievement Award
• 1999 Governor’s Honor Roll, Hertha Woodruff, by Governor John Engler for United We Walk on April 9, 1999

Race Relations & Diversity Task Force, DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS

• Lamar Crowder nominated by United We Walk in 2019
• Jennifer Graham nominated by United We Walk in 2017
• Justin Brown nominated by MLK365 in 2017
• Pastor Tim Holzerland nominated by United We Walk in 2016
• Police Chief Mike Patton nominated by United We Walk in 2015
• Tamela Peace nominated by United We Walk in 2014
• Crystal Brooks nominated by West Bloomfield School District in 2014
• Barbara Moretsky nominated by MLK365 in 2014
• Pam Zajac nominated by United We Walk in 2012
• Brian Flaggs nominated by West Bloomfield School District in 2012
• David Henig nominated by United We Walk in 2011
• Katherine Sheiko nominated by West Bloomfield School District in 2011
• Sheryl Mitchell nominated by the League of Women Voters, Oakland Area, in 2010
• Eleanor Squaire-Spears nominated by West Bloomfield School District in 2010
• Hertha Woodruff nominated by United We Walk in 2004

The Origins:
United We Walk is primarily a community event, designed to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: his life, dedication, and dream of equality in the world. In keeping, the United We Walk Committee strives to honor this dream each year by walking, celebrating, and holding vigil together with other members and guests of the community in a focused effort to live the dream and further enhance our thoroughly-diverse community. Starting in 2009, the Committee has endeavored to recognize the contributions of our community members on a more personal level. Thus, the Community Leader Recognition Award (CLRA) was created (on a trial basis) to be conferred during United We Walk's Sunday event celebration to a previously selected and deserving community member who has dedicated him/herself to giving back to his/her community according to his/her talents and resources.

The Distinction:
The United We Walk Community Leader Recognition Award is intended to honor any community member(s) that the Committee wishes to recognize for their consistent and selfless contributions to the community. The Award is neither exclusive nor intended for more than thankful recognition. The Committee's deliberation process is extensive and thoughtful, as the Committee seeks to honor entirely deserving candidates, independent of whether or not they are well-known throughout the community for their efforts.

Chanel Geter, Student Co-Chair, 2007-2010

The Winners:

2017 - United We Walk XXIII"His Dream Raises Us Up"
Mike Rott
Michigan filmmaker, Mike Rott with his passion for film, technology and the arts has produced an award-winning documentary about the life and legacy of Tuskegee Air-men ("Red Tail") fighter pilot, WWII Nazi P.O.W. and eyewitness to the atrocities at Da-chau Concentration Camp, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson (95).

Mike is a West Bloomfield resident who honed his passion for all things tech at Apple, Inc where he served as Lead Creative at the Somerset location. He educated the public teaching over 5,000 classes during his tenure while leading the team of 20+ trainers. When realizing that further advancement within Apple necessitated relocating to Cu-pertino, California, Mike stayed in Metro-Detroit and pursued his dream of opening his creative studio to tell socially conscious stories through film. He will tell you that he is a “Detroiter" at heart and there’s no place like home.

The Rott family is a showbiz family. Mike's father, Sheldon Rott (Co-Producer / Music Director, The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of A Second Class Hero) and mother, Carol Rott (Art Director / Interviewer, The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of A Second Class Hero) met in the entertainment industry. Sheldon was a band leader, record producer and promoter who has worked with many artists during the glory days of the Motown era and even promoted The Beatles during the early phases of the British Invasion with Capitol Records. Carol was a popular recording artist who sang for Decca records and enjoyed a long career as a singer under the stage name Vickie Carroll. Both are natives of Detroit and West Bloomfield residents. Sheldon and Carol met to discuss a recording contract but they ended up signing a marriage contract instead.

In 2010, Mike formed his production company Dynasty Media Network, LLC and opened a full service creative studio located in downtown Ferndale, MI. The business is active and future film projects are under development while simultaneously re-purposing his studio as Metro-Detroit’s exclusive Apple training center.

Mike's dedication to telling important stories that unite communities is clearly evident in the way this film project came together. In order to ensure that Lt. Col. Alexander Jeffer-son’s story got told, Mike funded the award-winning feature length film, ‘The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of A Second Class Hero’ from the proceeds of the sale of his home. The project is currently seeking support to distribute the film to High Schools nationally and educate the youth of America about the senselessness of racism, bigotry and segregation.

After viewing the film, Maj. Bill Burnett, President of the Macon-Thomas Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, personally sponsored Mike and Sheldon Rott for induction as hon-orary Tuskegee Airmen chapter members. Both feel a great sense of personal pride for this and are honored to help carry on the legacy of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen while simultaneously raising awareness for the prevention of genocide and fighting the senselessness of racism.

2016 - United We Walk XXII "Making His Dream Our Reality"
Pastor Ron Todd
Actor & National Gospel Artist Pastor Ron Todd is a 2004 alumnus of West Bloomfield High School. His acting and singing career has taken him to Chicago, Atlanta, and Texas, among other cities. It has afforded him the opportunity to be featured on various networks including BET accessing over 7.5 million viewers. Pastor Todd has released 6 songs over the last 10 years including his latest single "Forgive Me", a spirited traditional Gospel song, as well as another single "Better."

Todd made his television debut in 2002 on WB20’s Everyone’s a Star and UPN 50’s Showdown in Motown. Pastor Ron Todd has not only been on a number of radio stations but is also the Radio Host of one of the nation’s top radio shows, The Ron Todd Show, a hit national syndicated show heard every Sunday from 6-8pm EST; on worldwidecoreradio.com. also the host of one of the nation’s top radio shows, The Ron Todd Show on Worldwide Core Radio.

Pastor Todd is married to Carmen with three children, Gabrielle, Nahla, and Sebastian, who is 2 months old. He is also the Senior Pastor of Kingdom Dwellers International Church which he founded in late 2012.

2015 - United We Walk XXI "Mentoring for Social Justice and Peace"
Police Chief Michael Patton
Michael Patton has served as the West Bloomfield Police Chief since October 2010 and has been a member of the West Bloomfield Police Department for 29 years. He has a master's degree in public administration from Oakland University and attended the FBI National Academy in 2004. He has served as the United We Walk Chairperson of the Walk Subcommittee and as Adult Co-Chairperson. He works and lives in West Bloomfield. He values diversity, promotes unity, underscores the worth of every person, and exemplifies all of United We Walk's MLK365 initiatives of caring, fairness, citizenship, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness. He mentors for social justice and peace, developing strong relationships with the following community groups:

• West Bloomfield High School African American Awareness Club
• West Bloomfield African American Parent Association
• West Bloomfield School District Parent Communication Network
• United We Walk
• MLK365
• West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce
• Chaldean Chamber of Commerce
• Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
• Anti-Defamation League
• West Bloomfield Clergy Association
• Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition
• West Bloomfield Youth Assistance
• West Bloomfield Civic Center TV
• Middle Eastern American TV & Radio
• West Bloomfield Optimist Club
• Defeat the Label
• WB Police Dept. Teaching, Educating, and Mentoring (TEAM) Program
• Crime Prevention Association of Michigan
• Crime Stoppers of Michigan
• West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation
• West Bloomfield Township Public Library

According to the October 5, 2010, edition of The Oakland Press, upon his appointment as Chief of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Chief Patton said, "I hope to be a unifying force within this department and the government of this township. Even after 25 years, I still look forward to coming to work every day." He also said that he would take steps to improve relations between the police department and the diverse membership of the community, stressing the importance of integrity.

Chief Michael Patton is a positive role model for all communities across America. He has strived to develop Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.'s, beloved community in the West Bloomfield community and beyond.

2014 - United We Walk XX "United We Remember, Celebrate, Act!"
Mr. Wesley Berry, Jr.
Wesley Berry, Jr., who is the owner of Wesley Berry Flowers and Flowers Delivery Express, is known for his involvement and support of community programs in West Bloomfield and surrounding areas. Wes is both personally and professionally committed to actions that year-round embrace caring, fairness, citizenship, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness. He can always be counted on to provide floral arrangements to service clubs or organizations, being either youth or senior-citizen focused. Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Wes has committed himself to creating harmony among people. For the past 12 years he has given away over 240,000 roses on "Good Neighbor Day" in September and on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.

Wesley Berry, Jr., served as President of the Optimist Club and is a member of the Rotary Club. He has served on the Board of Directors of the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation, Youth Assistance, and the Henry Ford Hospital Community Board. Wesley Berry, Jr., has been honored with the "Ring of Hope Award" for supporting programs for Autism. In 2012, he also was recognized by the Michigan District Optimist as the "Corporate Optimist of the Year" for his ongoing support for youth programs.

2013 - United We Walk XIX "Unity in the Community"
Mr. Brian Flaggs
Brian Flaggs exemplifies the United We Walk Community Leader model, because he lives the guidelines on a daily basis. Mr. Flaggs serves the Greater West Bloomfield area as an active parent and leader in a diverse school district who gives time, attention and resources to supporting all children. Through civic, social and religious organizations, he demonstrates respect for race, religion and ethnicity. Mr. Flaggs actively has served on virtually every committee relating to children, working to improve the effects and results of each mission.

As President of the Optimist Club of West Bloomfield, Mr. Flaggs single-handedly grew the club to include prospective members that reflect the diversity of our area.

Mr. Flaggs created a Saturday morning tutoring and mentoring program for at-risk African Americans, improving the academic standing of struggling students, while empowering and motivating them. Grades and attitudes toward school and relationships improved significantly.

Mr. Flaggs chaired the diversity-minded 18th Annual United We Walk, creating new energy and interest from committee members as well as other community leaders.

Most recently, he co-spearheaded an effort to begin a Junior Optimist Club for high school students with great success. To witness Brian Flaggs interacting with kids is a marvel in itself; they watch him intently, respect him, and most importantly, they are seized with interest as they listen to every word he speaks. Brian Flaggs is a teacher, a mentor, a doer, and a visionary who treats everyone with respect, fairness, and inclusion. He is someone who truly cares and works for the betterment of all society.

2012 - United We Walk XVIII "United We Build the Dream"
Mr. Dan Navarre
Dan Navarre's community leadership is unparalleled. Under his guidance, the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Department has continued to support all segments of the greater West Bloomfield Community with innovative programs and collaborative partnerships. Programs for senior citizens as well as youth have given residents a positive, social outlet and a sense of community pride. The partnerships forged with the Youth Coalition, school districts, library, the Optimists, and others show his endearing dedication to this community. The renovation of Marshbank Park has provided a world-class public facility for all residences. Mr. Navarre has successfully championed the purchase of the West Bloomfield/Commerce railroad to convert into a walking/jogging trail for all residents to enjoy. Dan is a former President of the Optimist Club of West Bloomfield and a dedicated member of several community organizations. Congratulations, Dan Navarre, for being selected as the Community Leader for 2012.

2011 - United We Walk XVII "United We Remember and Move Forward"
Ms. Clara N. Bohrer
The West Bloomfield Township Public Library is the 2011 recipient of the Community Leader Recognition Award. The West Bloomfield Township Public Library has been named one of 10 recipients of the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest honor for museums and libraries. The annual award, made by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) since 1994, recognizes institutions (5 libraries and 5 museums) for outstanding social, educational, environmental, or economic contributions to their communities. Library Director, Clara N. Bohrer, Library Board President, Ken Macon and community representative Cameron Thomas-Shah received the prestigious National Medal Award in December 2010 at the White House. The Library was selected based on innovative public service, extensive outreach and collaboration with community partners, and positive impact on those served.

2010 - United We Walk XVI "United We Can"
Ms. Julie Rodecker Holly
Within the West Bloomfield School District, Ms. Holly has been instrumental in the funding and coordination of major events and programs that continue to benefit our students and district residents, some of these include Challenge Day, our Student Mentoring Program for freshmen, WeB leaders, Green School Garden, West Bloomfield Education Foundation, the Bond Community, Band Boosters, and PTO. Outside of these walls, Ms. Rodecker Holly is affiliated with the DeRoy Testimentary Foundation. This foundation is focused on funding youth, arts, culture, health, and community programs. A motivated, bright, and exceptional woman, we feel that Julie Rodecker Holly best embodies the award's distinction: she is a citizen we desire to commend for giving so selflessly to enhance our community.

2009 - United We Walk XV "United We Live"
Dr. JoAnn Andrees, Superintendent of West Bloomfield School District
Dr. JoAnn Andrees, the first winner of the United We Walk Community Leader Recognition Award, was, among many other accomplishments, fundamental to the launch of the first United We Walk Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. She is the two-time superintendent of West Bloomfield schools and has also spearheaded several diversity-minded initiatives within her district, including the Diversity and Stakeholders' Task Forces. The United We Walk Committee desired to honor Dr. Andrees for her constant and consistent contributions to West Bloomfield's social and educational community.

The World Leaders Gallery was born in 2004 as a part of the 10th Anniversary of the United We Walk Celebration. Our student organization, S.H.A.R.E (Students Helping Accepting Reaching Ethnicity), wanted to create a forum in which students could recognize those leaders who had devoted their lives to the causes of protecting freedom, fighting for justice, and working toward peace. The gallery features 8 X 10 portraits of each of the selected leaders and was unveiled in January 2004 as a part of the candlelight vigil. Our goal was to add another leader each year in order to grow the gallery and enhance its effect.

Selecting the first group of gallery members was extremely rewarding. Each student drew on his or her own cultural background to identify world leaders that should be featured. Those selected in the first year represented a diverse group of individuals who embodied the ideals that the gallery was designed to highlight. Among them were Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mohandas K. Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The gallery serves as a living testament to the importance of diversity and the contributions and sacrifices that great leaders have made internationally in the ongoing fight for justice and peace. It is very gratifying to see that this important gallery will remain open year after year and that students will continue to elect additional members as a part of the United We Walk Celebration. At this defining moment in our country's history, it is crucial that we continue to identify and recognize those individuals who have set a positive example so that we can learn from them and become the kind of leaders that will work toward positive social change.

Michael Rubyan, Past Student Co-Chair, University of Michigan Senior, Pre-Med Studies, January 2009

Twenty-six World Leaders in the cause of Unity and Peace are honored, the twenty-six honorees include: Abraham Lincoln, Thurgood Marshall, Mohandas K. Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lyndon Baines Johnson, Mother Teresa, Father William Cunningham, Jimmy Carter, Menachem Begin, Anwar El Sadat, 14th Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Shirley Chisholm, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Paul Rusesabagina, Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, Alice Paul, Maya Angelou, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Malala Yousafzai, Carter Godwin Woodson, and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha

2023 Written Expression Winners
United We Walk XXIX
Sunday, January 15, 2023 - "I Have A Dream: 1963-2023"

Paul Sherman - WBMS 6th grader, Eliza Sokoli - WBMS 8th grader, Julia Amato - WBHS 9th grader and Kai'yah King - WBHS 11th grader

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2017 Written Expression Winner
United We Walk XXIII "His Dream Raises Us Up"
Sunday, January 15, 2017

Akshara Karthik

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2016 Written Expression Winner
United We Walk XXII "Making His Dream Our Reality"
Sunday, January 17, 2016

Priya Shah

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2015 Written Expression Winner
United We Walk XXI "Mentoring for Social Justice & Peace"
Sunday, January 18, 2015

Parker Jacobs

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2014 Oratory/Written Expression Winner
United We Walk XX - "United We Remember, Celebrate, Act!"
Sunday, January 19, 2014

Danielle Fink, Joya Jackson, and Jourdan Clements

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2013 Oratory/Written Expression Winner
United We Walk XIX - "Unity in the Community"
Sunday, January 20, 2013

Rishabh Parekh

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2012 Written Expression Winner
United We Walk XVIII - "United We Build the Dream"
Sunday, January 15, 2012

Sara Nirenberg

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2011 Written Expression Winners
United We Walk XVII - "United We Remember and Move Forward"
Sunday, January 16, 2011

Olivia Peace, Mario Kakos, and Austin Goodman

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2010 Written Expression Winners
United We Walk XVI - "United We Can"
Sunday, January 17, 2010

Rachel Kurian, Olivia Peace, and Shelby Bruseloff

Thank you to the following United We Walk sponsors and community partners:

2025 Sponsors

• Youth Service America $5,000 Grant for 2025
• Caring Smiles Family Dentistry - Peace Sponsor
• Mr. and Mrs. Michael Patton - Peace Sponsor
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Rho Lambda Chapter, Oakland County
• Civic Center TV
• Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
• Pine Hill Congregational Church
• Rotary Club of West Bloomfield
• West Bloomfield Clergy Association and Community Forum
• West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission
• West Bloomfield Police Department
• West Bloomfield School District
• West Bloomfield Township
• West Bloomfield Township Public Library
• Winning Imprints and Custom Trophies

United We Walk sends a world of thanks to all event sponsors, donors of charitable items and participants who supported the 2025 event at West Bloomfield Middle School. If you are interested in sponsoring the Sunday, January 18, 2026 United We Walk event, please contact sonja.james@wbsd.org.

           

Thank you for your donation and support of United We Walk!  Your donation is tax-deductible. Please make checks payable to WBSD-UWW

Please mail your donation to:

Sonja James
West Bloomfield School District
Administrative and Community Service Building
5810 Commerce Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48324
(248) 865-6485

We could not do this without your support!

Levels of Giving

• $1,000 - World Leader Champion
• $500 - Community Champion
• $250 - Peace Champion
• $100 - Diversity Champion
• $50 - Freedom Champion
• $25 - Unity Champion
• In-Kind Donation

Do you enjoy drawing? Your work of art could be the inspiration for the 2026 United We Walk button!

Students in grades K-5 are invited to create an original button design based on our annual theme which is chosen each fall by the committee.

If selected you will be honored Sunday, 1/18/26 at the event and your button will be given to participants.

Click this two-page UWW Button form with more information and the button template.

• Eligibility: WBSD K-5 Students
• Deadline: December 1
• Submit completed form to: Sonja.James@wbsd.org
• Include: 2026 Theme which is One Dream, One World, One Walk and be original, hand-drawn or digital