Detroit

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The Detroit Division honors Mr. Marvis Cofield for his efforts to assist young people in his community with social and educational development.

In 1978, Mr Cofield founded the Alkebu-lan Martial Arts Federation to provide affordable martial arts training for the community in which Mr. Cofield lived and served. Over the course of more than 35 years, Mr. Cofield has introduced thousands of students to martial arts and has trained and promoted over 70 students to the rank of black belt. Mr. Cofield is currently ranked as a Grand Master, 7th Degree Black Belt.

Over the years, the Alkebu-lan Martial Arts Federation expanded to include youth and adult sports and fitness, leadership training, visual and performing arts, homework assistance and tutoring, youth entrepreneurship training, and community service. In November 2000, the organization was rebranded as the Alkebu-lan Village to reflect its growth and program expansion. Each year, Alkebu-lan Village serves more than 1,000 Detroit youth and their families.