Q & A with Grosse Pointe’s NAACP chapter founder, Greg Bowens:

North Pointe: What drew you to come to the Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods area?

Greg Bowens: I’ve lived in D.C., San Diego, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Detroit. Each of those cities have a certain beauty and charm but catching the sunrise over Lake St. Clair on a summer morning in Grosse Pointe is amazing. I really like that.

NP: How did you get involved in the NAACP?

GB: I first got involved in the NAACP while working on political and social justice issues as the Press Secretary for Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer back in the 90s.

NP: Who is your biggest role model?

GB: I would have to say my biggest role model is the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso for his commitment to helping people live life more peacefully and joyfully. I remain impressed that even though he is exiled from his home country of Tibet, the Dalai Lama talks openly about forgiving the Chinese government for taking over his home and causing his exile. His ability to forgive, to me, is a powerful example of love in action.

NP: How did your previous work with the Free Press and city of Detroit influence you?

GB: As a journalist and then public servant, I got to see firsthand how much more we are all alike than different. I also became more aware of how some people use fear as a tool to manufacture differences between people to achieve financial and political gain.

NP: Did you always plan on getting so involved in the community?

GB: No.

NP: What’s your biggest goal for Grosse Pointe?

GB: My biggest goal for Grosse Pointe is the same goal I have for myself — to leave the world a little better than I found it.

NP: How did the Sept. 23rd NAACP meeting go?

GB: The Sept. 23rd meeting was wonderful because people of all ages and background were really engaged in getting to know each other. There was a lot of laughter, a lot of hugs and a lot of optimism in the room that day. The positive energy literally lit up the place.

NP: What do you find the most interesting about yourself?

GB: My desire to find the good in every situation.

NP: What is your idea of the perfect city?

GB: My idea of a perfect city is one where love, compassion and forgiveness is the norm. That would be cool.