Young Detroiter, freep.com win National Emmy

Most of us can only dream of winning an Emmy award.

But that's not the case for Detroit resident-Stephen McGee.

He not only won an Emmy -- he won an Emmy at the tender age of 25.

The local photographer/videographer and a handful of other journalists at the Detroit Free Press beat out the Washington Post, Frontline, National Geographic and Newsweek with Michigan Marines: Band of Brothers, a 23-part video documentary that chronicles the journey of Michigan's 1st Battalion of the 24th Marine Regiment, to win "Outstanding News Coverage for Broadband" at the 28th annual Emmy Awards last week in New York.

The award was one of three News and Documentary Emmy Awards in the National Academy of Arts and Sciences' new broadband category. The announcement and award presentation was made by newsman-Dan Rather himself.

McGee, who now works as a freelancer, worked as a producer, principal videographer and principal reporter on the project. He joined the Detroit Free Press in 2005 as an intern but quickly moved up. He is responsible for teaching staff members at freep.com video techniques starting in 2005, the year the news organization first plunged into the broadband scene.

Other team members responsible for the award-winning video series include executive producer Nancy Andrews; producer/principal videographer David P. Gilkey; principal reporters David P. Gilkey, Joe Swickard, and John Masson; director of photography and video Craig Porter; deputy director of photography and video Kathy Kieliszewski; videographer Brian Kaufman; and photographer/reporter Kathleen Galligan. Congratulations to all of them!

Watch the Michigan Band of Brothers videos here.

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Detroit Uncorked this Friday

Wine enthusiasts, take note: a limited number of tickets are still available for Detroit Uncorked, a night of wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and a wine- inspired silent auction for the benefit of The Children's Center in Detroit.

It all happens this Friday from 6:30 to 9 pm at Ford Field in downtown Detroit.

Presented by Ford Motor Company and Ford Field, Detroit Uncorked is organized by the Detroit Wine Organization (DWO), a non-profit organization of over 5000 members.

Created in 2002 to "promote the education and enjoyment of wine, as well as the great wines and wine experts in our local market, while benefiting other local charities," the DWO says it is the largest wine enthusiast club in the Midwest.

Tickets to the fourth annual installment of Detroit Uncorked are $75 for DWO members and $80 for non-members. Membership in DWO is free (sign up here). Attendees of Detroit Uncorked must be at least 21 years old.

For more information, please visit the event's website or call 313.262.1112.

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Movin' the D Forward

Girl in the D is honored to be a panelist of Movin' the D Forward, a candid, two-hour event with six young leaders about the 1967 uprising in Detroit and its impact 40 years later.

Sponsored by WWJ, Wayne State University and WDET 101.9, Movin' the D Forward takes place from 9 to 11 am on Thursday, July 26 at the Spencer Partrich Auditorium on Wayne State's campus.

Award-winning broadcast journalist Amyre Makupson will serve as Master of Ceremonies and moderator of the event, which begins with remarks from Shirley Stancato, president and CEO of New Detroit-The Coalition, and Dr. Daniel Krichbaum, president and CEO of Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, about the 1967 uprising in Detroit and other historical points of note. Following that -- and some quick words from Ebony Reed of the Detroit News -- the five panelists will offer their frank opinions about the legacy of 1967 and the future of Detroit, including their personal views on the region and what we think it will take to make Detroit a world-class city. The event concludes with a question and answer session among the panelists and audience members.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to express my views about Detroit's future, and humbled to share the stage with the other panelists, five dynamic, young leaders that include:

• Ethriam Brammer, Assistant Director of Chicano Boricua Studies at Wayne State University;
• PJ Cherrin, Community Relations Associate of the Jewish Community Relations Council;
• Hannan Deep, Director of Communications for Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS);
• Dalton Roberson Jr, program associate of New Detroit;
• Bankole Thompson, senior editor of the Michigan Chronicle.

Seats to Movin' the D Forward are no longer available, but if you have access to a computer, you can still catch the event live. Head to WWJ for an audiocast of the program, or check out WDIV or Fox2 for live video coverage.

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Musical notes

While surfing the Web on Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised to uncover two Detroit music-related items on Amazon.com.

Number 1: Meg and Jack Garner Top Spot
The White Stripes didn't waste any time shooting to the top of Amazon's Bestsellers in Music list. On Saturday, Icky Thump, the Stripes' latest creation, ranked as the online giant's top-selling album. The Stripes' sixth studio disc is still #1 on the list today. Watch videos from the new album here; grab a copy of the LP here; or grab the CD for $9.99 here.

Number 2: Dear Gets Props
While delighting in Icky Thump's success, I discovered that another Detroit musician, Matthew Dear, is getting some props of his own from Amazon this month. Dear's newest album, Asa Breed, is one of the site's Significant Seven, a handful of must-hear new releases chosen monthly by Amazon's music editors. Pick up a copy of Asa Breed for a mere $8.99 here; read about the album here; or listen to sample tracks here.

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UWSEM Launches Emerging Leaders Program

A few weeks ago, I received an email about United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s (UWSEM) new Leadership Next program, and I was bummed. Not bummed about the program – it sounds fabulous – bummed because I can't attend the launch event on June 20. (I’m currently in Kauai and won’t be home until June 27).

Unlike me, though, those of you in Southeast Michigan this week can go. If you're an under-40 up-and-comer in the area or want to be one, you should definitely check it out.

Along with complimentary food, drinks and live music, you'll hear what Troy Clarke, president of General Motors North America, believes today’s executives want in tomorrow’s leaders, and get information on volunteer opportunities that match your interests. Plus, you'll learn about professional development programs to build your skill set. And, if nothing else, you'll meet other young professionals like yourself.

Why join Leadership Next? Besides being part of a dynamic group of people, members of Leadership Next also enjoy a variety of perks, like attending CEO luncheons and skill-building workshops hosted by community business leaders. Members also have a say in Leadership Next events, activities and volunteer opportunities.

Where do I sign up? To join Leadership Next, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Identify with UWSEM’s mission;
2. Register for the program;
3. Be a United Way donor (any amount qualifies).

The Leadership Next kickoff event is scheduled for 6 - 9 pm on Wednesday, June 20 at McNarney’s Public House in downtown Detroit. McNarney's is located at 673 Franklin, east of the Renaissance Center. Parking is available along the street or in the surface lot just to the east of the restaurant.

Questions? Contact Brittany Guerriero or Julie Updyke, or visit the Leadership Next Web page.

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