NEWSPAPERS n o i t i d E l a i c e Sp
JULY 16, 2025 candgnews.com
Macomb County and Grosse Pointe papers
Detroit Memorial Park cemetery celebrates centennial BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — Prior to the year 1925, when a Black Detroiter died, oftentimes there was not a proper burial or funeral. Because of discrimination, many Black families buried their loved ones late at night, entered cemeteries through side gates, or laid them to rest in the very back of the graveyard. Sometimes, too, they were flat out denied a final resting place. By 1924, Charles Diggs Sr., a Black state legislator and mortician, decided he had enough of that kind of mistreatment. He called on several Black leaders to invest in a place for
the departed that welcomed everyone regardless of race, creed or religion. Black pharmacist Aaron C. Toodle helped Diggs lead the efforts. A group of Black investors pooled together their money to purchase 85 acres of farmland in the area of what is now 13 Mile and Ryan roads. There, they established Detroit Memorial Park in 1925. Located at 4280 E. 13 Mile Road, just east of Ryan, the cemetery is celebrating 100 years of service and compassion. A gala was hosted June 28 at the Auburn Hills Pontiac Marriott to commemorate the milestone. “It’s hard to believe,” Detroit Memorial Park President Wilbur B. Hughes III said See CEMETERY on page 8A
Detroit Memorial Park in Warren is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. With the help of several Black leaders, it opened in 1925 so that Black families could have a proper burial for their loved ones. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
CARE OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN HAS A NEW HOME BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — For nearly 50 years, CARE of Southeastern Michigan has been helping families deal with relationship issues, substance use addiction, anger management and more. Now, CARE staff members have more space in which to provide services. The organization recently moved from Fraser to its new location at 18441 Utica Road in Roseville. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to strengthen resiliency in people and their communities through vari-
ous programs. On the afternoon of June 23, a ribbon cutting — coordinated by the Eastside Community Chamber — was held with employees and local dignitaries. Guests also toured the new location and talked with employees. CARE President and CEO Susan Styf welcomed all to the event. “This has been a wonderful project for CARE. We’ve been around for almost 50 years. To be able to move to Roseville on a bus line for the people that we serve, and to have a parking lot that is big enough, is just incredible,” Styf said. “Most importantly, to have See CARE on page 10A
CARE of Southeastern Michigan recently moved from Fraser to its new location at 18441 Utica Road in Roseville. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes