Horace Sheffield III facts for kids

Horace Sheffield III, born on December 28, 1954, is an American pastor and a well-known media personality. He leads the New Destiny Christian Fellowship church. As of 2018, he also helps lead the Community Democratic Caucus for the Michigan Democratic Party.

Early Life and Family

Horace Sheffield III was born in Detroit, Michigan. His mother was Mary, and his father was Rev. Horace Sheffield, Jr. His father worked at Ford Motor Company. He was also a leader who worked to create the UAW's Inter-Racial Committee. His father helped organize an important workers' strike at Ford in April 1941. Horace Sheffield III is the father of Mary Sheffield, who is the President of the Detroit City Council.

Education and Awards

After finishing Cass Tech High School, Horace Sheffield III went to Wayne State University. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in History and English. In 1995, he received a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan Dearborn. The University of Michigan has honored him twice. In 2000, he received the "African American Alumni Affiliate Alumnus of the Year" award. In 2016, he was given the "Making A Difference (M.A.D.)" Award.

Community Leadership

Horace Sheffield III is a strong leader in his community. He is the CEO of the Detroit Association of Black Organizations. He also chairs the Detroit Ecumenical Ministers Alliance. He founded and used to be the president of the Detroit and Michigan chapters of the National Action Network. He is also the pastor of the New Destiny Christian Fellowship church.

Sheffield also started the Detroit Cares Alternative Academy. This academy helps young people with their education.

In 2003, Sheffield and Al Sharpton wrote a letter to American Honda. They were concerned that the company did not hire enough African-Americans in management roles. They wanted companies to support the communities that support them.

In 2009, Sheffield led a conference called the National Black Leadership Commission. This meeting brought together African-American clergy to discuss the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Sheffield was also part of the team that organized the 2009 NCAA Final Four. This big basketball event was held at Ford Field in Detroit.

In 2016, Sheffield started a campaign called "Bust the Ball." This campaign held protests in Detroit and New York. He was concerned that the NBA might be excluding non-white agents and staff. This is sometimes called "Green-lining."

Political Involvement

In 1979, Horace Sheffield III helped start The Commission for the Advancement of Policy Affecting Youth, the Disadvantaged and the Poor. This group worked to improve policies for young people and those in need.

In 2014, Sheffield was asked to speak with a federal grand jury. This was about efforts to influence the selection of Detroit City Council leaders. The FBI was looking into rumors that someone was trying to influence votes for Council President. Sheffield was upset because this person had approached his daughter, Councilwoman Mary Sheffield.

2014 Congressional Election

In April 2014, Horace Sheffield III decided to run for Congress. He ran in the Democratic Primary Election for Michigan's 13th Congressional District. He ran against the person already holding the seat, John Conyers. Sheffield raised concerns about the signatures Conyers had gathered to be on the ballot. A judge later allowed Conyers to run. On August 5, 2014, John Conyers won the primary election with most of the votes.

Election Results