Global automotive industry stakeholders will gather in Detroit on October 31-November 1, 2019 for the 20th Annual Rainbow PUSH Global Automotive Summit, an initiative of Citizenship Education Fund, at Motor City Casino Hotel and Conference Center. This year's Summit will commence with a breakfast conversation on Friday November 1, 2019, with Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., Rainbow PUSH Coalition, president and founder, and Barry Engle, General Motors, executive vice president and president of the Americas. Mark Stewart, FCA North America, chief operating officer, will join Rev. Jackson during the luncheon for a Fireside Chat on the "best practices" in diversity and inclusion. Engle and Stewart will share their thoughts with over 500 automotive executives, entrepreneurs, suppliers, dealers, manufacturers, consumers, government and elected officials.

This year's theme, “Expanding the African American Opportunity Pipeline," will illuminate the growing disparity in market growth for African American and other minorities suppliers, dealers and professionals.

The ongoing mission of the Summit is to facilitate a dialogue with the OEMs and diverse companies, while delivering measurable outcomes. For two decades, Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project has been a catalyst in creating, strengthening and expanding opportunities for African American and other minorities in the auto industry.

"Over the last 20 years, Rainbow PUSH has built the socio-economic case for diversity and inclusion in the auto industry, "posits Reverend Jackson, adding: "We have changed the mindsets and culture of several automakers and the verdict is clear, inclusion and diversity must be intentional.” The Rainbow PUSH will measure the goals and outcomes through its Rainbow PUSH Automotive Diversity Scorecard which will be released during the press conference at the Summit.

Other major highlights include an awards reception, scholarship awards and panel discussions featuring vice presidents of global purchasing, advertising and marketing, human resources, auto dealerships and other industry experts.

The community will celebrate Rev. Jackson's 78th birthday on October 31st at 6:00 p.m. during a reception at Motor City Conference and Hotel Center.

About Rainbow PUSH: The Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project encourages and engenders the full and equitable participation of minorities in the growth and well-being of the global automotive industry. By creating meaningful awareness, fostering knowledge and understanding, and facilitating functional partnerships and healthy collaborations, the Automotive Project enables minorities to participate fully in employment, procurement, marketing, advertising, dealer development and board membership opportunities in the industry.