SixtyPlus Outreach Project now named Stone Community Outreach

By Roberta M. Gubbins Legal News SixtyPlus Elderlaw Clinic Thomas M. Cooley Law School and its SixtyPlus Outreach Project have renamed its outreach effort, "The Stone Project Community Outreach Project" in honor of the late Pastor Lester D. Stone. A large crowd came together last month to witness the dedication of the stone representing the new naming of the SixtyPlus Outreach Project. Pastor Lester Stone worked tirelessly with the SixtyPlus outreach project; and demonstrated unwavering commitment to freedom and justice. The ceremony included reflections on Stone's contributions to the community by members of the Elderlaw Clinic, SixtyPlus Outreach staff, and the SixtyPlus Interns. "The Mission of the SixtyPlus Elderlaw Clinic is to provide legal services to people in the Lansing area that are 60 years or older," said Sheri Sainz, representing the Cooley interns. "I believe such initiatives as the Stone Community Outreach Project better helps the local community to be informed about their rights. I believe the spirit of Stone continues to flourish today." Rita J. Bunton, Lansing Community College and Retired Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley also spoke of Stone's contributions. A'Lynne Robinson, chairperson, Lansing City Council, read the resolution adopted by the city. Reverend Robert E. Nicholson and the SixtyPlus Inc. Elderlaw Community Outreach Steering Committee dedicated the stones to Dr. Carolyn Stone, his wife of 39 years, and Lester Stone II, son. "Stone," said Reverend Nicholson "was aware that a threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." "Dr. Carolyn Stone," he said, "on behalf of the SixtyPlus Elder Law Clinic and Cooley Law School, it gives us great pleasure to dedicate this stone (as representative of the) sturdy, sound, never-wavering personality of Stone. This stone stands between us, Cooley Law and you that we will commit ourselves to serve the seniors in SixtyPlus Elderlaw Clinic." Pastor Lester D. Stone spent his entire life pursing truth and justice with unapologetic passion. A native of Nashville, TN, Stone moved to Lansing in June 1982 to lead Friendship Baptist Church. Stone sat on numerous boards and spoke to issues facing the community that had become his home. Lansing's City Council invited him to serve as guest speaker for its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday program two years in a row. Stone recited the slain civil rights leader's "I Have a Dream" speech to packed chambers both times. When two African American males died at the hands of law enforcement in Feb. 1996, Stone helped calm an outraged community and organized a group that was eventually called The March for Justice. Stone and the March for Justice spent the next ten years raising awareness of police brutality, and excessive and deadly force by the Lansing Police Dept. The group pushed for changes in police policies and procedures, including strengthening the citizens' complaint system. The city hired a special investigator to oversee the complaint process. Minority hiring of police officers increased and the incidence of violent crime dropped. In Nov. 1999, an initiative calling for a citizens' review board failed at the polls but received more than 7,000 votes cast. The March for Justice also was credited with helping elect its first African American county prosecutor. Amid strong opposition, he played a major role in pushing to rename Logan Street, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Stone earned his Bachelors' of Arts Degree from Belmont College in 1973. Vanderbilt University awarded him a Masters of Divinity Degree in 1976 and a Master of Arts Degree in 1977. The Stone will be housed at the SixtyPlus Clinic to bear witness to the work on behalf of senior citizens on behalf of justice and service. A smaller stone was presented to the family. For additional information, contact the SixtyPlus, Inc. Elderlaw Clinic at Thomas M. Cooley Law Schoo at (517) 334-5760 or visit www.cooley.edu/60plus. Published: Wed, Apr 27, 2011