Our Story
Our family’s story begins on the west side of Detroit in the 1970s and 1980s—years shaped by struggle, resilience, and the unwavering determination of two remarkable parents: Dorothy Courtney and Artie Courtney Jr.
In a modest home filled with hope, they raised twelve children—nine daughters and three sons—while navigating poverty, limited resources, and the challenges of being an African-American family in Detroit during that time.
Dorothy and Artie didn’t have much, but what they did have, they invested deeply into their children.
Dorothy provided love, protection, dignity, and discipline.
And Artie devoted himself wholeheartedly to each of his children’s education—making sure they stayed focused, showed up, studied, and understood that learning was their path to something greater. He pushed them not just to attend school, but to excel, to think bigger, and to rise above the circumstances around them.
Their values became the foundation of our lives:
Integrity, even when no one is watching.
Dignity, no matter what the world tries to take from you.
Perseverance, especially when life gets hard.
Unity and responsibility, because we were stronger together.
Education as the key to independence and opportunity.
Growing up during the 70s and 80s in Detroit was not easy, but Dorothy and Artie created a home filled with structure, safety, and encouragement. Their sacrifices—long hours, sleepless nights, constant guidance—helped each of their twelve children grow into strong, capable adults with families, careers, and accomplishments of their own.
And Artie’s dedication to education didn’t stop with his children.
The same principles he instilled in us—discipline, effort, pride in learning—are now being passed down to our own children and grandchildren. His influence lives on in the success of every generation that follows.
But now, with Dorothy and Artie both gone, the threads that held us so tightly together have stretched thin. Life’s responsibilities have led us in different directions, and gathering as the large, loving family they built has become rare.
That is why this reunion is so important.
It is more than an event—it is a tribute to Dorothy Courtney and Artie Courtney Jr. It is a celebration of their strength, their sacrifices, and the values they planted in us. It is a moment to reconnect, to honor our roots, and to pass on the story of resilience and education-driven success to future generations.
We are raising funds to bring this reunion to life—not just for ourselves, but in honor of Dorothy and Artie’s enduring legacy.
Every contribution helps us unite our family, celebrate where we come from, and continue the powerful story that began in that Detroit home.
Thank you for helping us keep their legacy alive—and helping us bring our family back together.