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2011 NAIAS to highlight diversity with themed events

Racial and cultural diversity is not new in Detroit. From Polish Hamtramck to Italian businesses, to Greek Town, to Mexican Town and the largest Arabic community in the country, “The D” will help the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) highlight diversity in a unique way, celebrating cultural diversity within the global automotive industry with three events.

According to a NAIAS email provided to followers and the media, Barron Meade, 2011 NAIAS chairman said,

"NAIAS has always been more than a car show. It is a gathering place of opinion leaders from audiences that include the industry, international government officials, media from all parts of the globe and a buying public hungry for information about the vehicles they will be driving this year and in the future. The ability to have all this activity occurring under the wide umbrella of NAIAS is what makes our event unique and has kept us among the top events in the world."

The three events will be as followers:

15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards

The 2011 Urban Wheel Awards event to be held on Sunday, Jan 9th, at Sound Board in Motor City Casino celebrates 15 years of emerging diversity in the automotive industry.

The annual event, held during the North American International Auto Show, brings together celebrities, executives, international media, government representatives, and the multicultural community to celebrate diversity in the automotive industry. Consumers in the multicultural market buy one-quarter of new vehicles annually. The Urban Wheel Awards promotes awareness of their contributions to the industry as well as those of companies and individuals who have made progress toward embracing this reality.

Real Times Media

"Driven" will explore the role of African Americans in the growth of the automotive industry and recognize those who sacrificed along the way. Celebrating all facets of African-American achievement within the industry, the tribute to be held on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at Cobo Center will focus on the success stories of individuals in all areas--from design, engineering, sales and marketing, manufacturing, suppliers, the union, dealers and all functions in between.

Multicultural Media Luncheon

The event on Thurs., Jan. 13 at the Westin Book Cadillac, will be themed "Building Brands Through Urban Markets" and will feature keynote speaker Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Johnson, an NBA legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist, will help to honor minorities in the automotive industry. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Haitian charity Project Medishare and Orchards Children's Services, a foster care and adoption agency in Michigan.

Automotive News