Michele Samuels has made history as Detroit Golf Club’s first Black woman president. Her groundbreaking appointment was announced at the prestigious club’s 2025 Rocket Classic tournament. The milestone represents a significant breakthrough for diversity in Detroit’s elite golf community.
Samuels brings extraordinary heritage to her leadership role at the coveted golf institution. She descends from William Parker, an escaped slave who became an Underground Railroad conductor. Moreover, her great-great-grandfather played a key role in the historic 1851 Christiana Riot.
The Detroit Golf Club, founded in 1899, has never had a Black woman serve as president before. Samuels’ appointment breaks barriers that have existed for over 125 years. Furthermore, her leadership comes at a time when golf clubs nationwide are working to increase diversity.
Detroit Golf Club Black Woman President Draws Inspiration from Family Legacy
William Parker, Samuels’ great-great-grandfather, escaped slavery and became a prominent Underground Railroad figure. He and his wife Eliza sheltered escaped enslaved people in their home. Additionally, Parker resisted slave catchers during the Christiana Riot, which resulted in a slave owner’s death.
Parker later documented his experiences in an 1866 essay for The Atlantic titled “The Freedman’s Story.” After fleeing to Canada via New York, he settled in Buxton, Ontario, just 50 miles from Detroit. There, he served as both conductor and station master on the Underground Railroad.
“When I learned about it, I did draw a lot of inspiration from it,” Samuels told the Detroit Free Press. She credits her ancestor’s determination for shaping her leadership style throughout her career. “It explained a lot about my who I am, and why I’m always fighting for something and leading.”
Corporate Executive Brings Decades of Leadership Experience to Golf Club Role
Samuels retired in January as senior VP, general auditor, and compliance officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She dedicated 35 years to the insurance company, climbing the corporate ladder with distinction. Her extensive business experience prepared her well for leading the prestigious golf club.
The passionate golfer and motorcycle enthusiast joined Detroit Golf Club as a member in 2012. Over the past decade, she has been actively involved in club activities and governance. Consequently, her fellow members recognized her leadership potential and elected her to the historic presidency.
Samuels feels deeply honored to lead in a space her ancestors once fought to enter. She appreciates the club’s commitment to diversity and its central Detroit location. “Love the environment, love the diversity of the club,” she said during the Rocket Classic announcement.
Historic Golf Club Presidency Reflects Changing Landscape of Detroit Athletics
The Detroit Golf Club’s decision to elect Samuels represents broader changes in Michigan’s golf community. Historically, Black golfers faced significant barriers to membership at exclusive clubs throughout Detroit. However, recent years have seen increased efforts to welcome diverse members and leadership.
Samuels recently attended a session about Black golf history in Detroit that provided valuable perspective. The presentation highlighted how Black people were historically denied access to club memberships. “That really gave me a strong perspective about where Black people in Detroit were kind of denied access to membership in clubs,” she explained.
Her presidency symbolizes progress while honoring the struggles of previous generations of Black golfers. The appointment demonstrates how determination and excellence can overcome historical barriers in elite sports. Therefore, Samuels’ leadership will likely inspire other clubs to examine their own diversity efforts.