About Us
Who We Are
•Detroit’s African-American native sons and daughters
who are former or present members of the United States Armed Forces
•Veterans with a connection to Metro Detroit •Family members
•Sponsors who believe in “A United Force of Progress and Hope” for uplifting Metro Detroit and her youth!
What We Do (Our Mission)
To inform the public of the lives and achievements of Detroit Black Veterans whose service to America is often unknown, overlooked, or placed as footnotes in history.
Why We Do It (Our Passion)
To inspire Detroit youth to continue the legacy of
excellence, service, and progress throughout Metro Detroit and the world.
Our founder
Lolita M. Poplar
Lolita M. Poplar
Lolita M. Poplar
Founder & CEO
Lolita M. Poplar
Lolita M. Poplar
Lolita is proud to say,
“I’m from Detroit!”
During her years of military service, she always made it a point to return home, wear her dress uniform, and share her story with students at her former schools. Lolita boldly inspired youth with the message of:
“You can do it, too!”
Lolita M. Poplar
As the founder of Detroit Black Veterans Alliance, Lolita gives God the glory for His many blessings, especially for having a servant’s heart that beats stronger now than ever before. And as compared to the Gospel of John 1:46, Lolita is proof that – “Yes, something good can come out of Detroit!”
Altar'd State Supports Service Men and Women
You Can. Join Us. and Stand Up. For Good.
Detroit Black Veterans Alliance is grateful and honored to partner with Altar'd State at Somerset Collection
in their generosity to support our military Veterans!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DETROIT NATIVE IS PRESERVED IN MEMPHIS HISTORY
A New Community Mural Inspires Continued Hope
Memphis, TN, December 1, 2019 – Detroit native and Navy Veteran Lolita (Brooks) Poplar is included in a community mural for her historic election as the first African American and first female to command the oldest American Legion Post in Tennessee. This milestone broke a 99-year tradition and coincided with this year’s 100th birthday of The American Legion, the world’s largest Veterans service organization.
“I am blessed, humbled, and honored to be included in this beautiful mural that captures the inspiration of achievements birthed out of sacrifice and struggle,” said Lolita Poplar during the recent dedication ceremony. “I strive to shine my light and promote positive change wherever I go. And I’m always proud to show the world that ‘Yes, something good can come out of Detroit!’”
Located at the Marion Hale Community Center, Poplar’s nine-foot image is vividly displayed along with notable Memphis history and scenes of youth achievement. Artist Darlene Newman was commissioned for this community art project.
A Detroiter of many firsts, Poplar is also the first African American and first female to command the former Naval Operational Support Command Marquette in the Upper Peninsula (Gwinn, MI). She is also the founder of Detroit Black Veterans Alliance, a nonprofit organization that honors Detroit’s African American military who are often unknown, overlooked, or placed as footnotes in history.
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Marion Hale Community Center is located at 4791 Willow Rd, Memphis, TN 38117. For more information, contact Lolita Poplar at detroitbva@gmail.com or visit www.detroitbva.com. Thank you!
Unity, Progress, and Hope for Metro Detroit
How We're Helping
We are a nonprofit organization focused on uplifting Detroit and her youth. Through our members and volunteer leadership team, we conduct inspiring and interactive presentations, exhibits, and events at schools, libraries, and other venues throughout Metro Detroit.
Get Involved
Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know! We are always looking for members and volunteers to help make our vision a reality. Whether it's public speaking or recruiting new members, we'll help you find what best suits you.
Thank You!
Whether you help through membership, monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission by word-of-mouth, thank you! We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.
Veteran Membership
$30.00
Former/Current member of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Honor of joining A United Force of Progress and Hope
- Certificate of membership (suitable for framing)
- Eligible to serve on the volunteer leadership team
- Opportunity to serve in community outreach presentations and other activities
- Invitation to events
- Opportunity for your story to be publicly displayed in the Detroit Black Veterans Alliance Hall of Honor (as space permits for designated year)
Associate Membership
$20.00
Family/Loved one of former/current member of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Honor of joining A United Force of Progress and Hope
- Certificate of membership (suitable for framing)
- Opportunity to volunteer for selected programs
- Invitation to events
Community Stakeholders*
$0.00
Bronze Donor : $100.00 - $299.00
Silver Donor: $300.00 - $499.00
Gold Donor: $500.00 - $999.00
Platinum Donor: $1,000.00 +
- Honor of supporting A United Force of Progress and Hope
- Certificate of appreciation (suitable for framing)
- Special recognition and invitation to events
- First 100 Community Stakeholders will receive additional recognition as a Founding Sponsor.
* Detroit Black Veterans Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that meets IRS requirements to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Internal Revenue Code section 170.
Help Our Cause - General Donations
Your generous gift of any amount will help us fund our mission to inspire youth and uplift communities throughout Metro Detroit.
Joint the Movement TODAY!
A United Force To Share Our Story Before It's Too Late
PHONE: (901) 800-0778