Delores Bennett is a native of Clarksville, Tennessee; however, she has resided in Detroit, Michigan most of her life.   Delores Bennett has been married to her husband, Eugene Bennett Sr., for fifty-two years.  She is the mother of four children –(daughters) Ronda, Mary, Michelle and her son Eugene Jr. 

            Delores Bennett was once asked during a newspaper interview, “What is your hobby?” “Kids” was her answer.  Not only a hobby, this interest led to a dedicated working project, where she donated 850 service hours annually to youth programs promoted by the Considine Recreation Center.

            Since that time her focus on the organization of youth groups has provided athletic and cultural activities for young children and teenagers.  She is the founder and executive of the North End Youth Improvement Council.  She organized many types of projects to raise funds, such as candy sales, etc., to generate funds to secure playground equipment for the children and youth of the community.  When “Miss Bennett” as she is affectionately known throughout the community organizes her youth group, three of her four children were pre-schoolers, and she was looking for a project to keep them and their little friends busy.  “When we walked through the neighborhood,” she recalled, “I would have them to pick up litter.  As the children grow older, I encouraged them to do odd jobs for ill and elderly neighbors.  The young people painted homes, and shoveled snow from the walks of those unable to do it.  The youth group volunteered their time to entertain as well as help senior citizens.”

            Delores Bennett has always fought for employment, education, recreation and housing.  She has devoted her time and energies to benefit the entire community, not only in its physical appearances, but promoting a feeling of well-being and good will toward mankind.  Among her many rewarding accomplishments – is her accomplishment for 13 years she worked on developing a neighborhood playground and recreation area.  One day she spotted an area that was being used as a dump, owned by a neighborhood church.  She got permission from the Pastor to clean up a play lot in another area where houses would have to be torn down.  Only three families had to relocate, and they were will to do so.  Delores gathered petitions and won her battle with City Hall on July 2, 1977.  Delores’ 13-year efforts to get a neighborhood park became a reality at Brush and Bethune.  Her husband, Eugene, once asked her if she thought she could change the world by doing so much for her community.  Her reply to him was, “Perhaps I can’t, but the whole world sure is gonna know I’ve been here.”

            More than 30,000 kids have been mothered by Adopt-A-Child Christmas Program all because a bar owner had a good year and a good eye.  The salon keeper and some local business owners decided to share the wealth in the winter of 1964.  Having noticed in passing that Bennett’s house was an unofficial youth center, she asked them to provide clothing gift and refreshments to her guests.  Some 75 children had a fine time, but Bennett wasn’t happy because the sponsors just dropped off their packages and left.  “If you adopt something,” she reasoned, “you’re going spend time to take care of it.”  So the next year, she moved the party to a church and changed the rules.  Adopt-A-Child quickly out grew the church, then overwhelmed the Considine Recreation Center before finally settling at Cobo Hall.

            Delores has been a concerned citizen, doer and involved community activist in Detroit’s North End for over 54 years.  She has a track record for numerous successes in meeting human needs.  Her primary involvement is with children, young people, senior citizens, and the “grassroots.

            Delores Bennett was first elected to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners from the 8th District in 1978, and took office in 1979.  With the help of her group of young volunteers, the North End Youth Improvement Council she is also served a second term as Wayne County Commissioner.  In all the plans of government, business and organizations, there is nothing to equal the spark and determination of one person to cause things to happen which achieve lasting results.

Delores Bennett has been a member of many organizations and boards:

Delores Bennett has received many awards locally and nationally:

*  The Detroit Old Timers, Inc.                                 
*  Gertrude Powe Community Service Award
*  Youth Service Award (FBI) - Community Outreach Award Program                                               
*  Community Service Award (Afro American Sports Hall of Fame & Gallery)
*  Michiganian of the Year
*  Lifetime Achievement Award (Youth Sports and Recreation Commission)
*  The Erma L. Henderson Distinguished Community Service Award (The Safe Center, Inc.)