AACHM Oral History: Laurita Thomas
Laurita Thomas was born in 1950, and her family lived in southwest Detroit and Ontario, California. She attended the University of Michigan and pursued two master’s degrees from Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University. Throughout her career, Thomas has pushed for better career opportunities for women and women of color. She worked at U-M for 47 years, eventually serving as Vice President for Human Resources. A survivor of domestic violence, she regularly shares her story and was president of the board of Safe House Center in Ann Arbor.
Guests Enjoy Labor Day Barbecue at the Seeley's, September 2, 1996 Photographer: Linda Wan

Year:
1996
Labor Day Barbecue at Johnnie Mae and Howard Seeley's, September 2, 1996 Photographer: Linda Wan

Year:
1996
Johnnie Mae Seeley's annual barbecue, September 2, 1996 Photographer: Linda Wan

Year:
1996
Ann Arbor News, September 3, 1996
Caption:
At left, Johnnie Mae Seeley (center) chats with Bonnie Rattner at the barbecue Seeley and her husband Howard have held each Labor Day for some 30 years. Below, the Seeleys serve up classic barbecue fare, featuring ribs and potato salad.
Johnnie Mae Seeley Hosts Labor Day Barbecue, September 2, 1996 Photographer: Linda Wan

Year:
1996
Howard and Johnnie Mae Seeley's classic barbecue fare, September 2, 1996 Photographer: Linda Wan

Year:
1996
Ann Arbor News, September 3, 1996
Caption:
At left, Johnnie Mae Seeley (center) chats with Bonnie Rattner at the barbecue Seeley and her husband Howard have held each Labor Day for some 30 years. Below, the Seeleys serve up classic barbecue fare, featuring ribs and potato salad.
Long weekend bids goodbye to summer

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National Council of Negro Women Local Chapter Honors Black Women In Community, February 1976 Photographer: Colleen Fitzgerald

Year:
1976
Ann Arbor News, February 11, 1976
Caption:
Lives Of Service - The National Council of Negro Women honored the area women above for contributions to their community: from left, Nellie Monamus, Patsy Chandler, Johnny Mae Baylis, Margo Ellis, Dr. Eva Mae Jessye, Ruth Edwards (rear), Mattie L. Dorsey, Ruby Baker, Emma Wheeler and Lottie Johnson. (News Photos by Robert Chase)
Tea Honors Black Women

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AACHM Oral History: Audrey Lucas
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Audrey Lucas was born in 1934 and raised in Ann Arbor where she fondly recalls her school days Jones School. She talks about activities at the Dunbar Center where she had the pleasure of singing at various city events, and some of Ann Arbor's black neighborhoods and businesses. Ms. Lucas worked for the University of Michigan Health System for 47 years, the last 35 before her retirement as a human resources consultant.