Detroit, MI – On Wednesday, February 26, 2020, the Detroit Police Department Chief James E. Craig and members of the community honored four local icons for Black History Month.
During the ceremony, four trailblazers were recognized for their contributions to the city of Detroit and the legacies they have left for future generations: ‘Mother’ Lillie Lester, Teola Hunter, Cornelius Pitts, and Dr. Curtis Ivery.
“Its give me great joy today to celebrate Black History Month by honoring four iconic individuals whose hard work and dedication have had, and continue to make, an impact on the lives of our citizens,” Chief Craig said.
Chief Craig meets with ‘Mother’ Lillie Lester, one of the local icons recognized on Wednesday 
Chief Craig shakes hands with Attorney Cornelius Pitts 
Local icon Teola Hunter speaks with Chief Craig before Wednesday’s ceremony 
Neighborhood Police Officer Dani Woods begins the Black History Month event honoring local trailblazers 
Detroit Police 1st Assistant Chief Stair reads the Bio of ‘Mother Lester’ 
Detroit Police Deputy Chief Bryant honors educator Teola Hunter 
Chief Craig stands with Dr. Curtis Ivery after honoring him at Wednesday’s ceremony 
‘Mother’ Lester is recognized by Chief Craig and the Detroit Police Department for her services to the community 
Chief Craig honored Cornelius Pitts during the Black History Month ceremony on Wednesday 
Educator and former Speak Pro Tempore of the Michigan House of Reps Teola Hunter was recognized by the community and Chief Craig
The honorees were recognized for their efforts and dedication to the community and included:
‘Mother’ Lille Lester was the first African-American woman Sergeant-At-Arms in legislation in the country, serving at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing. She is also a founding member of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and remains active in the community today.
Teola Hunter is a career educator in Detroit Public Schools who was elected the first woman Speaker Pro Tempore for the Michigan House of Representatives. She also served as Deputy Director for the Wayne County Health and Community Services Department and was the first woman elected to the Wayne County Clerk Office.
Cornelius Pitts is a long-time attorney in Detroit, who has represented professional athletes, celebrities, police officers and judges. He has also served as a mentor and teacher to a generation of attorneys and judges.
Dr. Curtis Ivery is a vital leader in reviving Wayne County Community College in Detroit. He has written and complied 15 books and more than 600 articles. Before coming to the city, he was the first African-American appointed to the Cabinet of the Governor of Arkansas.
“These four individuals are proof by their presence that ordinary men and women can accomplish anything,” Chief Craig said. “They take us all to new heights, set an example for our children, push the boundaries from what is possible to what is expected.”
Detroit Police Office of Public Information 