In honor of Black History Month, we celebrate the accomplishments of Black alumni whose leadership, service and creativity continue to inspire the OCC community. Learn more about their journeys and milestones and what Black History Month means to them.
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Gregory Anderson
Vice President of Workforce Development
Goodwill of Greater Detroit
Associate degree, General Studies and Business Administration, OCC (2013)
Bachelor’s degree, Employment and Labor Relations, Wayne State University
Anderson previously worked as director of Goodwill Flip the Script and executive director of Community Health Corps for City of Detroit Mayor’s Office. In 2014, he received the Spirit of Detroit Award in recognition of exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership and dedication to improving the quality of life in the City of Detroit. Anderson’s LinkedIn Bio.
“Black History Month is the remembrance and celebration of our contributions to the world that often go unrecognized. It represents what’s possible despite any forces designed against us, as long as we continue to press forward with urgency in life.”
William Andrews
Departmental Technician
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)
Associate degree, Liberal Arts and Sciences, OCC (2014)
Bachelor’s degree, Sociology, Oakland University
Master’s degree, Public Administration, University of Miami
During his eight years at MDHHS, Andrews also served as an eligibility specialist, disability examiner and foster care specialist. He is an inducted member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Andrews’ Linked In Bio
“Black history is the heartbeat of my academic journey—a living reminder that my pursuit of knowledge is woven into a legacy of perseverance, resistance and brilliance. I want to teach to not only inform but to guide the next generation to the truth of their unbreakable power.”
Gabrielle Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Equitable Counseling and Consulting
Equity, Inclusion & Community Engagement Manager
National Co-Op Grocers
Adjunct Faculty
Boise State University
Associate degree, Respiratory Care, OCC (2009)
Bachelor’s degree, Respiratory Therapy, Sienna Heights University
Master’s degree, Public Health, Grand Canyon University
Master’s degree, Mental Health Counseling, Boise State University
Davis previously worked as a respiratory therapist at St. Luke’s Health System, Northwest Community Healthcare and Corewell Health (Beaumont). Davis’ LinkedIn Bio.
“Black History Month is both a pause, and a mirror for me, to honor the brilliance, resistance and care Black people have always carried, while remembering that Black history is foundational, not supplemental. It invites reflection on the present, calling us to recognize both historic figures and everyday Black folks whose labor, creativity and leadership continue to shape our communities. Ultimately, it is a reminder of responsibility: to remember accurately, act with integrity and commit to creating spaces where Black people are valued and able to thrive year-round.”
Nicole Draper
Detective
Detroit Police Department
Associate degree, Mental Health Social Work, OCC (2019)
Bachelor’s degree, Social Work, Oakland University
Draper began her career as a police officer with the Detroit Police Department before being promoted to detective. While attending Oakland University, she received the Social Work Student of the Year Award for academic excellence and leadership.
“Black History Month reminds me that I stand here today because of the sacrifices, resilience and strength of my ancestors. Their fight for justice and equality allows me to live boldly, pursue my goals and show up unapologetically as a Black woman. Honoring their legacy means giving back and empowering those who look like me.”
Mikal Goodman
Councilperson, District 3
City of Pontiac
Associate degree, Political Science and Government, OCC (2020)
Goodman has served as co-chair of Metro Detroit Democratic Socialists of America since 2022 and an advisory board member for Ann Arbor for Public Power. His work centers on economic environmental and housing justice. He previously served as a paraprofessional and elective instructor at the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac and coalition manager for Michigan Alliance for Justice In Climate. Goodman’s LinkedIn Bio.
“Black History is why I measure my work by what it has done to help The Least, The Last, and The Lost. Collective ease should be the outcome of the hardship and generational work.”
Jeremy Myles
Artist and Ceramic Arts Instructor
Mighty Mud & The Bottom, Knoxville TN
Associate degree, General Studies, OCC (2017)
Myles uses his hands and tools to transform thought into form, expressing ideas and lived experience through art. He is a recipient of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Multicultural Fellowship and a Michigan Ceramic Art Association (MCAA) scholarship awardee. Myles Bio.
“To me, Black History Month is about understanding the innovation and strength it took to repair, resist and reclaim who we are. It highlights the history—all the struggles, the strength, and perseverance it takes to make for a better tomorrow. It’s a time to reflect on all the great leaders and things our people have achieved and fought for. It’s a time to learn and explore history that isn’t always taught, and to see where changes can be made for the betterment of the next generation.”
Caroline Sanders
Associate Director, Community Relations & Engagement
Eastern Michigan University
Commissioner District 4
Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners
Associate degree, Business Administration and Management, OCC (1990)
Bachelor’s degree, Public Law and Government, Eastern Michigan University
Master’s degree, Legal Administration and Technology, Eastern Michigan University
Education Specialist Ed.S., Urban Education and Leadership, Eastern Michigan University
Sanders has also served as regional manager at Eastern Michigan University, president of the Board of Directors at New Beginnings Academy, youth consultant with YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit and co-chairperson Metro Youth YMCA. She has held elected and appointed positions with the United Auto Workers for 17 years. Sanders’ LinkedIn Bio.
“Black history month, that is observed, indicates that my country is attempting to recognize the foundational contributions enslaved Africans and their subsequent offspring provided and still provide in the building of our country.”
Jana Walker
CPA, Senior Associate
Derderian, Kann, Seyferth & Salucci, P.C.
Associate degrees in General Studies and Accounting, OCC 2020
Bachelor’s degree, Accounting, Western Michigan University
Master’s degree, Accounting, Western Michigan University
An Oakland Early College graduate, Walker previously worked as an audit and assurance senior assistant at Deloitte. While attending OCC, Walker served as chair of OCC’s 5k Walk/Run for Charity. Walker’s LinkedIn Bio.
“Black History Month celebrates the strength and courage of those who fought against oppression and reminds us of the work that remains in fighting injustices that still persist. This isn't history for one community—it's a shared history of inspiration, reflection and action that we must all carry forward.”
Black History Month: Opportunities to Get Involved
- WORKSHOP: Objects as Mirrors: Finding Humanity in the Inanimate Workshop | Feb. 4, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Online
Create original poems that transform the world into profound explorations of love, resilience, identity and self-acceptance. You will discover how the inanimate can illuminate our deepest truths about what it means to be beautifully, imperfectly human. - READ-IN: OCC Libraries African American Read-In | Feb. 11, Noon-1 p.m. | Auburn Hills, Orchard Ridge, Royal Oak, Online
Hear readings of African American authors in person and online. Register. - PANEL DISCUSSION: The Impact of the HBCU’s: Legacy, Leadership and Learning | Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Online
OCC faculty, administrators and alumni will share the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their lasting influence in their personal and professional journeys, and how those values continue to guide them today. Register. - PRESENTATION: BASL: The Story and Significance of Black American Sign Language | Feb. 19, Noon-1 p.m. | Online
Learn how BASL reflects language variation, identity and cultural expression within the American Deaf experience. - EVENT: Heartful Unity | Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Auburn Hills, Bldg. F First Floor and Royal Oak Bldg. B Welcome Desk
A wellness initiative focused on individual empowerment, community strength and heart health. - (SOLD OUT) CULINARY: Spring Buffet | Feb. 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Royal Oak, E301
A curated menu that celebrates African American culture and heritage.