Introduction:
Kenneth Chennault expresses gratitude for the invitation to speak at Clement United Church of Christ and acknowledges the notable figures who have graced the pulpit before him.

Personal Connection:
Chennault shares his close relationship with the Hood family, particularly Reverend Hood Sr. and his late Aunt Doris and Uncle Victor, who were important mentors to him.

Detroit’s History and Significance:
Chennault highlights Detroit’s deep roots, with American Express opening its first office there in 1850. He recalls his childhood visit to Detroit, describing the vibrant atmosphere and iconic landmarks that left a lasting impression on him.

Celebrating Black Achievement:
Chennault emphasizes the importance of celebrating black achievement in Detroit, a city known for its rich history and contributions.

Spirit of Striving and Succeeding:
Chennault acknowledges the congregation’s familiarity with the spirit of striving and succeeding, which is evident in the city’s history and the contributions of its people.

Challenges and Faith in Detroit’s Future:
Chennault acknowledges Detroit’s current challenges, including population decline, bankruptcy, and high crime and unemployment rates. Despite these challenges, he expresses faith in Detroit’s ability to overcome them and regain its status as a thriving city.

Conclusion:
Chennault’s faith in Detroit’s future is rooted in his experiences seeing communities come together to support one another and help those in need.

Individual Effort and Achievement:
The story of a young boy with a toothache highlights the importance of individual effort and hard work in achieving one’s dreams. The boy took the initiative to seek out a dentist and learn about the profession. He consistently visited the dentist during his office hours and lunch breaks, demonstrating his dedication to his goal.

Service to Others:
The dentist, the boy’s father, exemplifies the power of service to others. He went above and beyond to help the boy, providing dental care without charge. The dentist’s act of kindness inspired the boy to pursue a career in dentistry, creating a positive cycle of service.

Altruism and Faith:
Altruism, the desire to help others, is a natural inclination for many people. Major religions emphasize the importance of feeding the hungry, comforting the afflicted, and caring for the less fortunate. Faith and belief in something bigger than oneself serve as anchors for this sense of service.

The Habit of Service in Communities:
The habit of service is particularly strong in neighborhoods and communities where people look out for one another. This sense of connectedness stems from a time when people had to rely on each other for survival. Even though circumstances have improved, the web of interconnectedness still binds communities together.

The Essence of Service:
Service is not solely about the individual providing it; it is about the positive impact on the community. True fulfillment comes from serving others, not just from personal gain.

Service Transforms Communities:
Communities thrive when individuals engage in acts of service. Service has the power to uplift and transform entire communities.

Service Empowers Individuals:
Through skills and hard work, individuals can position themselves to serve others at the highest level. Service is a privilege and a powerful tool for positive change.

Service and Success:
Without service, true success and achievement are elusive. Altruism is essential for genuine accomplishment.

Why CEOs Talk About Service:
Kenneth Chennault explains why he, as a CEO, emphasizes service. He acknowledges that the private sector is not typically associated with service. The business world’s reputation for service needs improvement.

Chennault’s Personal Journey:
Chennault initially aspired for a career in politics or law, particularly as a civil rights lawyer. He realized that the corporate world was an untapped area where he could make a difference. Chennault recognized the potential of business to expand opportunities and improve lives.

American Express’s Involvement in Detroit:
American Express partners with small businesses in Detroit to promote their growth. This partnership exemplifies the company’s commitment to serving consumers beyond just offering products.

Corporations’ Obligation to Society:
Chennault believes corporations exist because society allows them to. In return, corporations have a responsibility to contribute to society. Many businesses are increasingly striving to fulfill this obligation.

Everyone Can Serve:
Chennault emphasizes that everyone can serve in some capacity. He quotes Martin Luther King Jr.’s statement that “anyone can be great because anyone can serve.” There is no single right way to serve; each individual should find what feels right to them.

Black Achievement and Service:
Chennault connects the theme of Black achievement to service. He highlights that progress in the Black community is often tied to individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving others. Black achievement is not just about individual success but also about uplifting the entire community.

Black Achievement Beyond Headlines:
Black achievement is often reduced to landmark events and prominent figures in politics and business, but this limited perspective misses the fundamental roots of their success.

Leadership Beyond Hierarchy and Age:
True leadership is not defined by position or age; it’s about understanding and acting on one’s values, empowering others to do the same. Examples of young leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis highlight that leadership potential is not limited to the elderly.

Success and Setbacks:
Success is not linear and setbacks are inevitable. True leaders persevere despite challenges.

Values-Driven Leadership:
Real leaders embody values, inspire others to do the same, and recognize collective effort in achieving success.

The Role of Community and Churches:
Black achievement and leadership stem from strong communities, churches, and shared values, rather than solely from boardrooms or political offices.

Remembering Unsung Heroes:
It’s essential to remember the countless people, both famous and unsung, who fought against the status quo to create opportunities for black people.

Nate Shaw’s Wisdom:
Nate Shaw, an Alabama sharecropper, emphasized the importance of using the time God gives us to avoid defeat and achieve success.

Personal Control and Community Impact:
While we can’t control external factors like economic downturns or violence, we can control our own actions, teach our children well, and make a difference through community service.

Collective Impact Through Unity:
When we come together and serve one another, we can create a powerful and positive impact.