09/20/2026
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE
TO
A. GREGORY EATON
It is with the utmost pleasure that we join a multitude of people who hold Mr. Albert Gregory Eaton in the highest esteem by saluting this very talented and accomplished gentleman. In appreciation, the Lansing Juneteenth Celebration Committee gladly offers our praise in acknowledging his many successes.
Whereas, Mr. Gregory Eaton is a man worthy of respect. A man with pizzazz, a world traveler in the tradition of a Renaissance Man. He joined Karoub Associates in 1968, becoming Michigan’s first black lobbyist, and the State’s first black owner/partner of a lobbying firm. He was a legislative agent and assistant to lawmakers for the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association and Partner for 50 years. The City of Lansing and our state have benefited greatly through the influence and dedicated efforts of Mr. Gregory Eaton.
Whereas, as a businessman, Gregory has thrived. In 1960, he opened his first venture, Greg’s Janitorial Service. In 1970 he opened The Mustang Bar. Subsequently, he provided Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, Gregory’s Ice and Smoke, and most recently Gregory’s Soul Food for the community. In 1988, he founded Metro Cars, a highly successful limousine service at Detroit Metro Airport. Metro Cars branched out to Grand Rapids, Las Vegas, Sacramento, and many other locations airports across the country.
Whereas, Mr. Gregory Eaton's love for the Lansing community is shown in his actions. He has been a supporter of the Annual Lansing Juneteenth Celebration for many years. The Lansing Juneteenth Annual Jazz Brunch has been held at Gregory’s Soul Food for the last three years. Gregory was the 2026 African American Parade Co-Grand Marshal alongside with his sister, Dr. Surae Eaton-Sangster. He was honored by Lansing Mayor Andy Schor as he received the Key to the City during the Juneteenth Celebration Freedom Festival on June 20, 2026. This was captured in an article in The Chronicle News Publication, Vol. 7, No. 101. Gregory threw the First Pitch at the 2024 Annual Tribute to the Negro Leagues Ballgame at Benjamin Davis Park. Over the years, Gregory has hosted Grand Marshals by driving them in his impeccable vehicles in the Juneteenth African American Parade.
Whereas, Gregory has enjoyed a long and public love for Michigan State University’s athletic program. He was a mentor to many of MSU’s black student-athletes, including Erving “Magic” Johnson, who was once his employee. His efforts have enabled MSU to recruit African American players from across the country. In 2002, he was inducted into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame. In January 2019, at Lansing’s annual Martin Luther King Day luncheon, Gregory Eaton was awarded the prestigious King Legacy and Service Award. In February 2019, Gregory was honored by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for being one of only three people who have attended all fifty-three Super Bowls.
Whereas, Gregory Eaton’s life has been one of great achievement, it has also been one of giving back. He belongs to and actively supports a number of organizations. For the past 20 years he has been an active Board Member of the Accident Fund. He holds memberships that include The NAACP, The Ronald McDonald House, The Michigan Dyslexic Association, The United Negro College Fund, The Special Olympics, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, The Salvation Army and The Black Child and Family Institute.
IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE, Therefore, this document is signed and dedicated to saluting A. Gregory Eaton in acknowledgement of his outstanding leadership and business successes; his commitment to philanthropy that is deeply appreciated by both citizens and organizations who have benefited from his contributions; and the legacy of service he is leaving for the future.
August 31, 2026
Marilyn Rogers - Lansing Juneteenth Committee Chairperson
P,E,E,R,S BOARD
Chairman, Rev. Dr. A. Richard Doss - Treasurer, Minister Dr. Linda Logan
Secretary, Marilyn D. Rogers – Dr. Attorney Jerome Reide – Marcus Jefferson
