51%: the certification of our blackness

A Supplier Diversity Documentary

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRODUCERS

This Docu-Series is in pre-production under Best Sellers Productions, a California/Michigan-based company. The film will consist of several episodes of the Supplier Diversity Program, from its Grassroots to its Groundboots.

Stories told by those who lived it, those who are currently living it, and those who support it, see its value and hope to be a part of its evolving mission.

We seek to capture the heart and soul of this incredible and somewhat complex journey. Visual storytelling can move hearts and minds as we address the social and cultural impact that diverse suppliers have contributed TO globally.

WHAT IS THE SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM?

JUST A FEW OF OUR CURRENT SUBJECTS

William F. Pickard, Ph.D. is Chairman of Global Automotive Alliance, Co-Managing Partner, of MGM Grand Detroit Casino, CEO of Bearwood Management Company, and co-owner of five black-owned newspapers. Pickard's Forty-five-year entrepreneurial career began as a McDonald's franchisee in Detroit, Michigan.

Joseph B. Anderson, Jr. born in Topeka, Kansas, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Math and Engineering. He subsequently received two master degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles. Mr. Anderson attended the Army’s Command and General Staff College and is a graduate of the Harvard Advanced Management Program.

Jeanette Abraham is the founder, president, and chief executive officer of JMA Global, LLC, a 100% minority- and woman-owned Tier 1 automotive supplier specializing in procurement, warehousing, kitting, and distribution of fastener components. Prior to starting JMA Global, Abraham spent 32 years at General Motors, including in several leadership roles.

OUR PARTNERS

“Despite strong growth among NMSDC-certified MBEs in 2022, our Black businesses only saw a 4.6% increase in revenue as compared to the previous year. Fortunately, 2023 showed real progress for Black MBEs with a 12% increase in revenues from the year before.

While we applaud the notable strides made in narrowing the disparity gap for Black businesses, further progress is required, and we are dedicated to investing in additional programs and forging new partnerships that address and rectify these inequities. That is why I am excited to support the 51%: The Certification of Our Blackness docuseries and its effort to lift up Black businesses and show the value of and need for supplier diversity programs across the nation.”

THE CREW

Sadè Sellers is a director, writer, and producer based in Burbank, California. Originally from Michigan’s capital, Lansing, Sade’ has worked in the entertainment industry since 2009. In 2017, Sade’ was a finalist for TV One’s Screenwriting competition for her teleplay The Replacement. This achievement motivated the network to hire her as a writer for their upcoming movie of the week event, Deadly Dispatch, which premiered on the platform in the summer of 2019.

Through that production process, Sadè met casting director Leah Daniels-Butlerad joined her production company, 1oneninety5 as the Vice President of Content Acquisitions and Development. As a director/producer, Sadè has a keen eye for unique storytelling in various genres.

DIRECTOR

Nadia Sellers is a mother, philanthropist, former Model, Basketball player, Basketball coach, and the President and CEO of 3 companies:

Her current companies are:

National Career Group LLC with offices in Okemos Michigan, Farmington Hills Michigan, and Burbank, California. NCG LLC is a permanent staffing, training, and lean continuous improvement firm that works with companies throughout North America and Asia. NCG LLC was established in 1997.

Haute Entertainment Group LLC, located in Farmington, Hills Michigan. Their core services include managing talent and event planning companies.

Honey Bear Project, a non-profit Nadia founded in 2020 to assist with facility improvements at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Honey Bear awards annual scholarships to HBCU students from low-income communities.

Nadia also donatees her time to providing free career counseling to high school seniors in her community.

PRODUCER

Robere Lett: Owner of Haute Entertainment Group LLC. and publisher of Haute Is Magazine, Robere is an international fashion veteran with 25 years of industry experience. As an award-winning fashion designer, stylist, producer, and artist, he has worked for numerous clients in fashion, print, runway, commercial/film, music, entertainment, and production.

His expertise has taken him across the USA, Europe, and Asia. Robere's work has been published in many national publications such as Vogue, Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and People Magazine, and now in his fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication. Robere is also the acting director of fashion/print for the Haute Models + Talent Agency, Publisher and editorial director for Haute is Online Magazine, Vice President of The Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit, overseeing its three main design-based pillars: Honoring Black Design, Biomimicry, and Brainworxx exhibitions.

PRODUCER

LaVonne Trent is a creative visionary professional with over 25 years of experience in event production, marketing, public relations, and business development, producing for Fortune 500 corporations, non-profit organizations, and entertainment and lifestyle projects.

A confident, conscientious, seasoned communicator, Trent offers high-caliber event productions, fund development, and management skills with a commitment to excellence in service and product delivery.

Trent provides consulting, production, strategic planning, design, and media relations to facilitate promotional and marketing success for her demanding clientele.

PRODUCER

In Loving Memory and With Eternal Gratitude To

1941

2024

DR. WILLIAM F. PICKARD

CONTACT

Ways to Support

We are currently accepting donations to help us complete physical and post-production. Every dollar counts and is 100% tax deductible through our partner The Social Ripple Effect

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Accepting all major credits or bank transfers.

Direct bank-to-bank donations to $socialrippleeffect.

Make to The Social Ripple Effect and send to 1745 Hamilton Rd Suite 340 Okemos, MI 48864.