Buick and Samaritan’s Feet Celebrate Black History Month

DETROIT – Celebrating Black History Month, Buick and Samaritan’s Feet hosted a foot-washing event Thursday at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

In addition to the foot washing at the world’s largest African-American museum, Buick and Samaritan’s feet provided shoes to more than 290 schoolchildren from the Detroit area.

“Samaritan's Feet is thankful for the wonderful team at Buick,” said Emmanuel “Manny” Ohonme, founder, president and CEO of Samaritan’s Feet. "We are able to impact thousands of lives through our continued Buick partnership in the local communities that their employees reach out to. I had a wonderful time personally serving my friends in Detroit."

Samaritan’s Feet is dedicated to helping cover the feet of 10 million shoeless children around the world in 10 years. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2 billion people, or 29 percent of the world’s population, are infected with parasitic diseases transmitted through contaminated soil that could be prevented by wearing proper footwear.

“This is a great opportunity for Buick and Samaritan’s feet to celebrate African- American history and the ongoing comeback of Detroit in such a historic institution,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing.

Buick has collaborated with Samaritan’s Feet for four years. Teaming up in several cities, including Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston and Chicago, the brand has donated more than 15,000 pairs of shoes.