A well-known Detroit community leader and businessman has died from COVID-19. Entrepreneur Marlowe Stoudamire, 43, died March 24 from coronavirus, according to the Henry Ford Health Systems.
Detroit has 563 coronavirus cases and has had eight deaths, according to the Michigan government website. Michigan has 1,791 cases and 24 deaths.
“Larger-than-life” and vibrant, Stoudamire had a huge smile and was known for his tireless dedication to Detroit, his kindness, and his honesty, The Detroit Free Press reported. “He truly saw others, and dedicated his life to building the Detroit community, and creating opportunity for Detroit and Detroiters.”
Stoudamire is a former community and diversity manager for Henry Ford Health Systems.
“An amazing man, husband, friend and one of the best dads that I have ever met lost his life to COVID-19 today,” said Stoudamire’s mentor and close friend, Bob Riney, CEO of Henry Ford Health System. “Marlowe was a devoted Detroit advocate who would light up any room with his ideas and strategic thinking. He was tireless in his love and care for others. My wife and I are heartbroken for this devastating loss. We will continue the fight of this terrible pandemic in his honor.”
Don Chen, president of the Surdna Foundation, which focuses on social justice reform and inclusive economies in the U.S., tweeted: “I feel very lucky to have known Marlowe Stoudamire. Under normal circumstances, a vast community would be coming together to mourn his loss. In lieu of that, let’s all pull together to flatten this curve.”
Stoudamire was project director for the award-winning Detroit Historical Society project, “Detroit 67: Looking Back to Move Forward.” Detroit 67 commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Detroit Uprising of 1967. “Detroit 67” won the 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Science, according to Detroit News. The project won the 2018 IMLS National Medal – the highest award given to museums and libraries, Fox 2 Detroit reported.
Stoudamire was also very active in his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi. He graduated with a B.A. in business from Wayne State University and an MSA in international administration from Central Michigan University.
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Stoudamire founded social capital firm Butterfly Effect Detroit with clients from around the world, according to his website. A self-designed serial entrepreneur, he also founded integrated marketing and social impact firm, 2050 Partners, Inc.
Prior to launching his business, he was chief of staff at the Skillman Foundation.
Stoudamire is survived his wife Valencia, and two young children.
