With a focus on celebrating the current history of Black excellence Thornton Township held its annual Black History Month event. Taking place at its Youth and Family Service Department in Riverdale, the program featured Melody Winston, vice president of Golden Eagle Aviation. a fixed base operation (FBO) that specializes in jet charters, jet maintenance and fuel services. In 2012, her and a colleague, co-founded Legacy Flight Academy, an annual aviation summer camp for teens interested in aviation, as a way to give back. The Legacy Flight Academy is located in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Aside from her personal involvement and professional responsibilities in the aviation industry, Melody is a seasoned commercial real estate investor. Her latest accomplishment with the Forest Park Plaza is a deal that she played a vital role in brokering to secure a new alternative independent grocery concept, named Living Fresh Market. She began her career serving as a realtor for one of Chicago’s most prestigious realty companies. “She is intelligent, innovative, entrepreneurial, game-changing influencer. She has the motivation and energy to inspire generations- young and old,” said Dr. J.L. Weems, director of the youth and family services department.
In previous years, Thornton Township has featured internationally-known civil right activists and author Dick Gregory and last year rented out two showing in the Lansing theater of Black Panther, the highest grossest North American film in 2018. This year’s also entertainment includes the Najwaa Dance Group, an African dance Entertainment and students from District #205 performing songs and spoken words.
The event was catered by local Lansing restaurant Ooo Wee Chicken & Ribs, 18155 Roy St. There was also a five-minute video presentation on current local and national figures who are making an impact today. “This year we focused on the incredible people who are changing our world right now,” said Ernst Lamothe Jr., communication manager for Thornton Township. “There are so many wonderful people who are currently doing great things for our community now we thought it was important to honor them.”