Dave Bing

David Bing was born on November 24, 1943, in Washington, D.C. He was drafted second overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 1966 NBA draft following a standout collegiate career at Syracuse University where he was a consensus All-American in 1966. Bing quickly established himself as a prominent player, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1967 and leading the NBA in scoring in 1968. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star, earning the All-Star Game MVP award in 1976. Bing played nine seasons with the Detroit Pistons (1966–1975), followed by stints with the Washington Bullets (1975–1977) and Boston Celtics (1977–1978), retiring with career averages of 20.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game.

After his distinguished basketball career, Bing transitioned into the business world. He founded Bing Steel in 1980, starting with a modest investment and four employees. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, evolving into the multi-million dollar conglomerate, The Bing Group, one of Michigan’s largest steel processing companies. His entrepreneurial success earned him the National Minority Small Business Person of the Year award in 1984. This business acumen laid the foundation for his later public service.

Bing’s commitment to Detroit extended beyond business when he entered politics. In 2009, he was elected the 74th Mayor of Detroit, serving until 2014. During his tenure, he addressed significant fiscal challenges, implemented urban renewal initiatives, and navigated the city through its municipal bankruptcy. Following his political career, he established the Bing Youth Initiative, a non-profit organization focused on supporting young African-American men in Detroit through academic, behavioral, and social wellness programs.