JoAnn Watson is a native Detroiter, and has been honored as a "Distinguished Alumnus" of the University of Michigan. She is the Senior Pastor of West Side Unity Church & is Host of the Radio/TV show: "Wake Up Detroit" via Watkins TV Broadcasting. Rev. Watson was formerly: Detroit City Council President Pro Temp, NAACP Executive Director, Detroit YWCA Executive Director, YWCA of the USA Assistant Executive Director; and Liaison, Congressman John Conyers. She holds an Honorary Doctorate, is a College Professor at Wayne County Community College, and teaches at The Unity Urban Ministerial School. She is founding President of the National Association of Black Talk Show Hosts, & served on an Advisory Board for American Girl when they modeled a doll and book about a Detroit girl during the 60’ Civil Rights Era, mirroring Watson’s life story.
Dr. Watson was a delegate to the 2001 U. N. World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa & the 1989 Women for A Meaningful Summit in USSR.