Dr. Eugene Cain and his students at El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz Academy, also known as Shabazz Public School Academy, was a charter elementary school in Lansing, Michigan. Although the school is not longer open, he continues to impact the lives of many. Photo courtesy of Eugene Cain
By TNCPCAN
LANSING, MI – The Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission (LRSCC) recently announced its upcoming 2024 Global Impact Awards, to be presented during the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Global Diversity. Among the distinguished honorees, Dr. Eugene L. Cain will be recognized with the Global Impact Educational Excellence Award for his outstanding educational contributions and tireless efforts to improve outcomes for African American children.
The evening, “A Celebration of Global Diversity,” will feature various cultural music, cuisine, artifacts, global fashions, and performances from sister cities and other regions worldwide. Distinguished guests have been invited, including ambassadors, consuls general, and U.S. government representatives, for a night of music, dance, fine dining, awards, and meaningful conversations. This milestone celebration is a memorable occasion highlighting the enduring global connections the LRSCC nurtured.
This gala event, scheduled for September 14, 2024, at 6 pm at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing, will celebrate Dr. Cain’s remarkable achievements and three decades of fostering international friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.
Dr. Cain has long been a towering figure in the field of education, particularly in his tireless advocacy for African-centered education and his commitment to improving outcomes for African American children. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and later establishing his life and career in Lansing, Michigan, Dr. Cain’s journey has had a profound impact and influence, earning him the esteemed Global Impact Educational Excellence Award.
A 1965 graduate of Talladega College, Dr. Cain furthered his education by obtaining both his master’s and doctoral degrees in education administration from Wayne State University. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a career spanning five decades, during which he became a nationally recognized leader in urban education.
Dr. Cain’s contributions to education are as varied as they are significant. From his early days as an exemplary classroom teacher—so much so that he was featured in Philip Sterling’s book “The Real Teachers” to his roles as curriculum director, school principal, and superintendent, Dr. Cain consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to educational excellence. His work did not stop at the school level; he served as assistant superintendent for the Michigan Department of Education, influencing policy and practices that would benefit students nationwide.
One of Dr. Cain’s most notable contributions was his leadership in the Southeast Regional Development for Edison Schools, the nation’s largest manager of public schools. His influence extended beyond the classroom and into educational reform, where he worked to ensure that poor and minority children received the quality education they deserved. His advocacy and strategies for improving educational outcomes for African American children have left an indelible mark on the communities he served.
Dr. Cain’s impact is not confined to education alone. His leadership roles in organizations such as the National Dropout Prevention Network, the Lansing NAACP, and the United Negro College Fund highlight his broader commitment to social justice and equity. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the “Soaring Beyond Excellence” award from Lansing’s Black Child and Family Institute and proclamations of “Dr. Eugene Cain Day” by two different mayors of Lansing. These honors and resolutions from the Michigan Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication to improving society through education.
The Global Impact Educational Excellence Award is a fitting recognition of Dr. Cain’s lifelong contributions. His work has not only shaped the educational landscape in Michigan but has also inspired educators and policymakers across the nation. Dr. Cain’s legacy is one of excellence, perseverance, and an unyielding belief in the power of education to transform lives. This award celebrates a man dedicated to improving the world, one student at a time.
The LRSCC’s 30th Anniversary Celebration will honor several outstanding individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to global diplomacy, community service, and public policy:
Global Humanitarian Service Award – Dr. Won O. Song, professor emeritus of Michigan State University, will be recognized for her extensive contributions to international student exchange programs, particularly between Lansing and its sister city, Asan, Korea.
Global Impact Foreign Direct Investment Award – ATESTEO North America, a leader in testing services for automotive drivetrains, will be honored for its significant investments and contributions to the e-mobility industry in the U.S.
Global Impact In Memoriam – The family of Jack Davis will be acknowledged for his lifelong commitment to worldwide diplomacy and his work with the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission.
Global Impact Community Service Award – Dr. Nino Rodríguez will be celebrated for his decades of service to the Lansing community, particularly in education and public health.
Barbara Roberts Mason Lifetime Achievement Award – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow will be recognized for her unparalleled leadership in public policy, particularly her efforts in championing the Great Lakes, healthcare, and children’s health initiatives.
The LRSCC is a non-profit organization committed to connecting Lansing with the global community through a network of citizen diplomacy. The organization’s approach to international exchanges is personalized, inclusive, and centered on fostering citizen-to-citizen relationships. By developing and sustaining programs that strengthen global connections, the LRSCC promotes increased international understanding. The LRSCC is affiliated with Sister Cities International, founded in 1956 by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower as part of the People to People program.
Lansing’s first Sister City relationship was established in 1968 with Otsu, Japan. This was followed by Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1982, and additional sister cities include Saltillo, Mexico (1994), Sanming, China (1997), and Akuapim South District, Ghana (1997). Asan, South Korea, became a Sister City in 2008. In 2000, a unique friendship tie was recognized between Lansing and Cosenza, Italy, and a similar bond was formed with Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2005. The LRSCC is dedicated to fostering a deepened appreciation in the Lansing community for the beauty and unique strengths of the world’s myriad cultures.
For more information and to register for this event, visit https://thelansingsistercities.org/
