As part of their ongoing Game Changers series, the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings recognized four Game Changers honorees – presented by Comerica Bank – for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Comerica Park prior to the Tigers hosting the Chicago White Sox on May 25. 

The latest four individuals celebrated for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, have made significant contributions in their respective fields, creating an impact on young community members, businesspeople, and others throughout their careers. Each Game Changer received a $1,000 donation to their charity of choice, thanks to generous support from Comerica Bank.

Director of Community Impact for Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, Kevin Brown, remarked, “These Game Changers have truly made a difference in our community. Their dedication and achievements serve as an inspiration to us all.”

Among the honorees was Lisa Gray, the Founder and Executive Producer of Dragon Eagle TV (DETV), an Asian Pacific Islander American News Network in Detroit. Gray has demonstrated her dedication and results-oriented approach as a cross-cultural ambassador between China and the US. She focuses on building bridges between the AAPI community and the Detroit community at large, fostering social, cultural, business, educational, and political connections.

The next Game Changer recognized was Roland Hwang, former Assistant Attorney General for the state of Michigan. Hwang, born and raised in Detroit, initiated his activism journey as a volunteer attorney in the Vincent Chin murder case. In addition his career in law, Hwang is also a lecturer at the University of Michigan on Asian Pacific American history. Hwang’s significant contributions extend to co-founding the American Citizens for Justice, where he served as the organization’s first treasurer and now acts as the Board’s President. Additionally, he has held prominent positions such as the Civil Rights Hearing Referee for the state of Michigan and as a member of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission.

Dr. Su McKeithen-Polish, a Bilingual Education Program Director/Title III Consultant, was also honored as a Game Changer. In her role as President of the Thai-American Association of Michigan, she provides support and leadership to the Thai and other Southeast Asian communities. Dr. McKeithen-Polish’s involvement extends to her position as an Adjunct Professor at Wayne State University and her board positions with the Council of Asian Pacific Americans and the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce.

Soh Suzuki, the Co-Founder and former Coordinator of the Detroit Asian Youth Project (DAY), was also recognized. The DAY Project was aimed at empowering Asian American youth in Detroit by cultivating their leadership skills and promoting social justice through community projects that fostered greater appreciation for Detroit’s Asian American community. Today, Suzuki is the Operations Manager for Allied Media Projects, currently serves on the Board of Education for the James & Grace Lee Boggs School and supports local political candidates with campaign finance compliance and reporting.