Michael L. Thomas was born March 23, 1946, in Guyandotte. He attended segregated Huntington public schools until he integrated Guyandotte Elementary School in 1954. He attended Enslow Junior High School and graduated from Huntington East High School in 1964. This was the year that he and a diverse group of local guys formed a musical act to perform at the HEHS senior assembly.
From 1964-71, the Dynamiks and Explosive Dynamiks were arguably the most popular R&B/rock and roll band in the Tri-State. Michael stepped away from the aura of the Dynamiks to begin a career with Allied Chemical Corp. from 1971-87.
Michael completed his undergrad studies at the University of Michigan, Dearborn, and received his degree from Marshall University in 1979.
From 1987-2010, Michael began a career with the city of Huntington as Housing Rehabilitation director, community liaison, compliance officer and technical housing inspector, serving at the will and pleasure of four different mayors.
Michael has been a tireless advocate for minority community/economic development initiatives. He is a founding member of Unlimited Future Inc., a micro-business incubator located in the Fairfield area of the city.
Since 1996, Michael has owned and operated a Tudor’s Biscuit World franchise.
Michael served as president of the Huntington/Cabell County Branch NAACP from 1993-96, actively working to improve race relations in the city and state.
For Michael’s dedication to his race, family and community, the City of Huntington Foundation honors Michael L. Thomas.
