[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 112 (Monday, July 8, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S4229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING WILLIAM F. PICKARD

 Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of William F. Pickard, a distinguished entrepreneur, education 
advocate, business titan, philanthropist, and co-owner of the Michigan 
Chronicle, who passed away on June 12, 2024, at the age of 83.
  William Pickard was born on January 28, 1941, in La Grange, GA. He 
earned degrees from Flint Mott College, Western Michigan University, 
the University of Michigan, and Ohio State University. His 
entrepreneurial journey began in 1971 with the purchase of his first 
McDonald's franchise in Detroit, later expanding to own several 
franchises.
  In 1982, President Ronald Reagan appointed him as the first Chairman 
of the African Development Foundation. He continued to diversify his 
ventures, including purchasing Regal Plastics Company in 1984, founding 
Bearwood Management Company, Inc., in 1987, and serving on the National 
Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board 
under President George H.W. Bush.
  In 1998, Pickard founded Grupo Antolin Primera Automotive Systems and 
ARD Logistics, followed by Vitec LLC in 1999. He also invested in the 
MGM Grand Casino in Detroit and founded the Global Automotive Alliance, 
a holding company for several automotive parts manufacturers. His 
influence extended to the media industry in 2003 when he helped fund 
Real Times Media, LLC, which acquired the Chicago Defender and other 
African-American-owned newspapers.
  Throughout his career, Pickard received numerous accolades, including 
the Distinguished Alumni Award from Western Michigan University in 1980 
and being named Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News in 2001. In 
2016, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder appointed him as a trustee on the 
Western Michigan Board of Trustees. He published ``Millionaire Moves: 
Seven Proven Principles of Entrepreneurship'' in 2017, the same year 
Western Michigan University named a residence hall in his honor.
  In addition to his business accomplishments, Pickard was a comanaging 
partner of MGM Grand Detroit Casino and co-owner of five Black-owned 
newspapers, including the Michigan Chronicle. His extensive 
philanthropic efforts supported causes such as the Charles H. Wright 
Museum of African American History, the Motown Historical Museum, the 
Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the National Museum of African American 
History and Culture.
  Pickard's dedication to education and community development was 
exemplified by his generous contributions to Western Michigan 
University, his alma mater, and Wayne County Community College 
District. In recognition of his lifetime of service and philanthropy, 
he was awarded the Michigan Lifetime Humanitarian Award in 2019.
  I trust that my Senate colleagues will join me in recognizing the 
extraordinary contributions of William F. Pickard and extending our 
heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His legacy will 
continue to inspire and uplift future generations.

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