Faces of GM stopped in at GM’s Tonawanda Powertrain facility outside of Buffalo, N.Y. recently to meet Plant Manager Steve Finch. We found out about some exciting new products they’re going to be building at the plant soon. But, as we were talking, the conversation turned to the newly-opened Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., and Steve talked about the inspiration Dr. King and others have given to him and so many of today’s professionals. Steve says, “I look back to folks like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and those that were active in the civil rights arena back in those days that paved the way, that made the opportunity for minorities and young people to come into corporate America and have a chance for success.”
And Steve reminds us that the auto industry was a huge factor in the creation of the middle class in the United States. Steve said, “The black middle class was very much influenced by the auto industry. (The auto industry) allowed people to come in and make a good living and provide for their families.”
Steve also points out that certain leaders got the publicity during the Civil Rights movement, but others who stood behind them and alongside them to help them achieve their goals, didn’t get as much attention. Recently Dr. King’s surviving daughter, Bernice King, visited Steve’s family church for a conference and she talked about her mother’s role in the effort. Steve says, “She (Bernice King) talked about her dad. But interestingly enough, she talked about her mom … and she brought up the unique aspect of how her mother was so instrumental in keeping her dad encouraged during some of those very dark days of the Civil Rights movement. And it’s interesting, you hear so much about a man like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and you think so much of him, but oftentimes the wife that’s standing right there by his side doesn’t always get the attention and focus.”
Steve knows the importance of having a partner at your side. He and his wife Lillian have been married for 33 years and have five children and eight grandchildren. Steve and Lillian were self-described “high school sweethearts,” and their grandchildren are growing up in a world that is more diverse and more global than ever, partially because of the efforts of people like Dr. King and others who were willing to sacrifice much to give opportunities to future generations.
We will have Steve back on Faces of GM later this year to talk about the engines they’re making at his plant, and the relationship he has with the workers there. But we felt in the wake of the MLK Memorial events, it was only appropriate to take some time to look at the importance of diversity at GM.
Watch the video (below) to hear Steve’s story about how GM changed his life and how he feels about it.
Great story. GM Diversity will give us a competitive edge in the automotive market for years to come!
Steve, your message is awsome. You look in better shape. All is good here also. By the way how did you get $$ for school ?? We all made it by the grace of God…GG
Hello Steve,
The Tonawanda complex is an impressive and key location.
It’s good to hear a first-hand account of what GM diversity has done – at first for the “working man” and now for the professional. We all hope it continues, especially in view of the loyalty that minorities often have to GM products. Much of the public which supports diversity doesn’t seem to support our products so your message is important.
Good luck in the future.
Steve
I am honored to know you, but incredibly blessed to share my life with you. Looking to Dr. King as trailblazer for the work he did in paving the way for people of color, but it’s unfortunate young people today only see him as someone they learn about in Feburay or a reason to have a day off from school. We don’t take time to explore opportunities to engage young people and I am thankful for you and your story…and the potential to have your story.
Thanks everyone for the positive comments. When the reporter asked me questions, it made me reflect on just how much others play a role in the things we do or accomplish. Our spouse, parents, teachers, and other role models (many of whom we don’t know personally) all have an influence. Makes you wonder: who am I influencing by my actions right now, that I don’t even know.
Steve — Thanks for being a leader — in GM and in the community, It was great to read your story — you do a great job of representing GM.
Well, you have always inspired me. Watching you take chances, make changes, having creative ideas. You do have people looking up to you Sir; eyes are watching. You’re a great leader. Great video. Great story!