Michael W. Skinner

Michael W. Skinner, the son of Robert W. Skinner and Pearl M. Greene, was born on November 4, 1941. Growing up on the west side of Baltimore, he was baptized at an early age at Providence Baptist Church and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1959. Michael began his college career at the Maryland Institute College of Art before joining the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Army in 1961, serving for four years in Germany. He continued his military service as member of Morgan’s Army ROTC Bear Battalion when he returned to his studies at Morgan State College working towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree. There he met Laura Anne Gibbs, and they married the Decem- ber after they both graduated in 1968. Michael began his career connecting African Americans with work op- portunities at the Neighborhood Youth Corps program, helping many young people find jobs. He began working for the State of Maryland in the 1970s, developing and administering some of the first Equal Employment Oppor- tunity policy programs. During his tenure, his name became synonymous with minority employment development. A recruiter, a planner, and a worker, Michael never really retired when he left the State of Maryland, but moved into minority business contract compliance as a Senior Consultant with the Armand Resource Group. A big brother to many, Michael was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Frater- nity (Beta Alpha Chapter) and a member of the National Society of the Persh- ing Rifles. As a Mason he was a member of Hiram Consistory No. 2 and has served as a Past Master of King David Lodge No. 18 as well as a mounted patrol for Jerusalem Temple No. 4. In addition to his deep love of art, he was a highly skilled story-teller who spent much of his free time researching the contribu- tions of Africa and African American’s impact on the world. These passions Michael would later instill into his children and grandchildren. Michael W. Skinner transitioned from this life on Thursday, November 7, 2013. He leaves behind: his wife, Laura; their children, David and Alexis; his grandsons, Joshua and Jonathan; his sister, Marlene Carter and her family; as well as a host of family, friends, fraternal brothers and colleagues who mourn his absence.

Tributes

Michael W. Skinner

November 4, 1941 - November 7, 2013