Issuu

Is Detroit’s $400 Million Investment in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Accessible for Black Detroiters?

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Comerica Celebrates New Generation ❄ C O of M Black E R Tennis I C A Stars 35 Years of Supporting Detroit’s Campus Martius Rink Crowned

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HOMEFRONT Best Ice Skating Destination in the U.S.

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the Nation’s Largest City.Life.Style. B1 UNCF Walk for Scholarship Roots. A3 City.Life.Style. B1 Education Fundraiser

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M ichigan C hronicle Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023 Vol. 88 – No. 17 | December 25-31, 2024

All Black Everything:

Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

This Year, We Got aUAW Lot Done Strike ATriple Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 for Michiganders Against Detroit By Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Automakers

It’s that time of year again: the holiday season! As we By Ebony JJ gather Currywith friends and family to put REPORTER up our Christmas trees, dress in our SENIOR ugly sweaters, cheer on the Lions, and eat good food,Thursday let’s also night, take some time to look Late Sept. back 2024. We had aunfolded productive year in 14, aathistoric moment Michigan and got a heck of a lotasdone on the in American labor relations kitchen-table issues that make a real differthe United Auto Workers (UAW) ence in people’s lives. union initiated a strike against In communities across our state, Ford, General Motors (GM), and Michigan workers are For rolling up their Stellantis. the first sleeves time, and building and clean energy. the infrastructure, union took cars, simultaneous Union crews completed the DeGordie Howe action against all three major completing a vital link between MichBridge, troit-based automakers. The action igan and Canada. We continued involves approximately 13,000 fixing the roads andinbridges, damn UAW members assemblysaving plantsyou money and time on car repairs. We Michiacross Michigan, Ohio, and reopened Misgan Central Station and created thousands of souri, who walked off their jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By Ebony JJ Curry innovative heart of Dethe optimistic, jobs afterinexisting labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER troit, also hosted the largest NFL Draft pired which at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From in history. Shortly before midnight on of talent, determinaAs the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundn a breathtaking celebration Sept. 14, GM released a statement tion, and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who expressing disappointment with the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crethe strike action,40despite 40 Under event offering Thursday evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 what termed anin“unprecedented soirée,it drenched the theme “All Black Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. economic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentof Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. government, public, and community March 2024 fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as 12, a kid By Donald James violence intervention programs. and I always knew that I would have a business, but I The evening sparkled with a golden promise asSENIOR we WRITER Detroit’s Violence Decline: celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, DPD Chief James White April 8,Says 2024 Increased soyear I take a lot prideand in gone. the fact thatCommunity-Led our business rep-Initiatives of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- he 2024 hasofcome Presence Culledattracted Violence resents Pave the Way for Change Police sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and Yet, overour thecity’s pastpride.” 12 months, NFL Draft in Detroit more Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed thousands newsthe stories have Excellence Taking ofhome Corporate Award was than 700,000 to downtown Detroit In a city that has been called “The Ash By Andre the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in impacted De- Dannis Detroit, the region, Mitchell, Directorstate, of Community at Murder Engagement Capital of America” for mulDIGITAL ANCHOR Whether youthe are wounds a football fan or on ness district had been theexcellent lifeblood news of towards mending inflicted troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified thein transformative impact and Malow. beyond. Nevertheless, By Ebony JJnation, CurryBarton tiple that decades, it was also not, it was impossible to ignore the Detroiters and restoring a sensetreof bethe community. can on their communities. as has been since 1936, the “It the is socase important to recognize that are continued lowering costs for MichiWe professionals SENIOR REPORTER that at there the end of young 2023, Detroit Ahadstring its Black aBlack statement, saying the have company mendous the 2024torn NFL Draft of shootings longing thatimpact wasinsoofcallously away in Michigan Chronicle, the state’s oldest It’s alowest history marred injus“Together we have created a social, environmental, leaders across the country, many that are born herebyin pain, ganders this went year, too. contingenWe mailed 700,000 drop in shootings, carjackings, immediately into Detroit and the entire Metro Detroit Greektown inon mid-April left the past. Black newspaper, has375, stood the For manyLindDetroiters, Interstate or at tice, andand economic devastation. and financial impact through said Jackson. Detroit. I represent our city nationally and Iviolent tell people, households who getitsthe federal bees,” EITC checks other crimesMore in both 57than years. cy mode to protect operations. area. The Chronicle reported that more visitors and residents of vanguard to publish stories affecting I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from sey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents, were a The I-375 Boulevard Project is about more I’m a D-girl I’m the For west-side ofprimarily Detroit,’” averaging $550 thanks to the Detroit, the news Black, camethis about The UAW has branded thework in- we did to than 700,000despeople converged on the bustling downtown African Americans and others in the urban highway, a concrete artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; it’s partnerships and collaborative efforts that importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, quintuple Michigan’s Families Tax we exist in Mitchell expressed. “But more month before the NFL Draft and validustrial action as theWorking “Stand-Up Motor City to experience the first-ever tination inabout awe. One of these African across multiple secingtodifferent parts oftoDiaspora the city. To some, it’s redefining the future. It will connect over 28We plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences within an industry that not many of Credit. made the largest investment generational wealth was obliterated, and a dated Time Magazine’s 2022 naming tragically Strike,” focusing on specific plants three-dayclaimed NFL Draft (April 25 to April shootings tors, politics, business, en- have mere convenience; to others, it’s an unre- of thriving downtown Detroit to surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking ourahismovement has including us, specifically women color, the opportunity to build affordable in housing in Michigan community was torn asunder. The of Detroit “One of the World’s Greatest within each automaker. UAW to beand held downtown Detroit. the life of hoods, a 27) popular be-in philanthropic, social, markable parttrepreneurship, of their daily in commute. the gap that was placed upon inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage and I’veHowbeen the youngest personThe in the room, tory—nearly $1.4 billion to build wounds inflicted by I-375 run the deep, tran- in And bridging Places.” story and decline President Shawn Fain stated, “Thisor rehabiliif it’s all about the money, Visit loved security guard followcivil, human rights, faith-based, sports, ever, there’s a deeper, far more city decades ago. ally 10,000 to takehomes. on similar missions.” the only Blacktroubling person in the room,violence andphysical theacross onlybarrier Sistah ina freeway tate investment will grow scending the of the Motor City not theDetroit strategy will keep This the companies the Detroit Sports Comingare a to dispute with a and patron. education, and community and civic. story beneath the surface of this seemingly the room, and I really had to articulate the importance our housing supply, drive down costs and founded by penetrate the very soul ofto Black Detroiters. window dressing attract visitors. The suspect Today, allegedly the resurgence of Paradise Detroit a pioneering organization guessing. ItHives, will give our nationmission released a third-party reportValley in The male Here 10 “headline the when ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceof showing up,stories” givingfrom chances others won’t, and help moreand families choose to live right here inof urban story is also incredible news for Detroistands as this a fleeing testament to the the NFL indomitable Lindsey Jackson, harnesses the power bee- are This painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum leverage July of year stating Draft shot the guard before Michigan Chronicle that helped define ment, and the lasting impact on Black Detroiwoman thrivMichigan. tersBlack andinterstate their respective communities. ofhis Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in the Motor City. being persistent.” As a trailblazing to the nation’s highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, spirit while female truly ing remarkable year for the Motor See TOP STORIES ters. issues alike in a predominantly male-dominated industry, herviolent Detroit’s trajectory in crime is legacy of Black excellence. OF This2024 historic disTheir initiative only critical Weneed kept to investing in our students, educaof 1956—a program that aimed to connect if we go not all out, weaddresses will. companion is accused of conCity and beyond. unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections Page A-2 The tale begins in what is now Lafayette due in great part to the support of local trict, once a vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental conservation but also provides valuable tors, and schools to help make Michigan the James White the country but often did so at the expense Everything is on the table.” Union cealing the weapon in her bra. DPD Chief businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark,toonce known Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education opportunities Black De- as between placehave toand bealso aemployment kid. In yet another balanced, best of marginalized communities. In the case of leaders indicated that These incidents unfolded during an unseasonably borhood rooted in African-American culture I-375, it meant carving a path through the that harkens back to its glory days. The debipartisan budget didn’t raise taxes additional state plants couldthat be targetwarm spring, leadingof to increased pedestrian traffictorn and and history. Named after its dark, fertile heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregastruction Black Bottom may have by a dime, we kept feeding all 1.4 million ed in future waves if negotiations heightenedapart tensions in the densely populated downtown soil, Black Bottom flourished during the mida thriving community, but the resolute public remain school stalled. students free breakfast and tion, and perpetuating inequality. area. 1900s, determination of a new generation of entrelunch at clarified school, saving families an average of nurturing the dreams and aspirations Fain the union’s stratFor one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime and the influxisofreclaiming visitors tothat Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries $850 child every year and valuable time egy: “Iper want to give a major shoutthat troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the DeJoe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leg- caused by such projects, it is vital to note lost legacy. each morning. We delivered on the “Michiout to the thousands of members behind Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of the planners and politicianstroit gan all four-year-olds In the heart of Paradise Valley, BlackwhoGuarantee,” are on the so picket lines right can go to those projects built them directly through off guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was pre-K and all high school graduates can go to owned businesses are not just flourishing Housing Resource Helpline in now fightingAsh for all of us. The By Andre the heart of vibrant, populated communidismantled, erased from the response James White, Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Decollege for free. That’s on topsystematically of community but thriving, services, prodto the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: “We were caughtdiverse DIGITAL ANCHORMichigan Reconnect program, map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as- residents partment, somewhat flat-footed the bipartisan ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the face in navigating the to striking. Instead of striking all sometimes as part of a direct effort toright replace phalt. out the Bypaving designthe we way wentforinto the spring which has already helped tens ofbe thousands of pastgate. while a prosperous complex system of neighborhoods. housing serplants at once, select locals will or eliminate Black Homelessness continues to deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployMichiganders 25 and older get an associate’s While the residential areas bore the brunt future. From jazz clubs to soul food restauvices. The helpline provides a called to stand up and walkwith out plagueon urban communities, But now, after decades of enduring ment,theand rants, saw we say an uptick in violence that first degree or skills certificate tuition-free. of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, the Black Press, and art galleries to single point of contact for people on strike.and This is our generation’s families individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing There’s so movement much I amthat proud of thatits wethriving business center, remained largely seeking housing assistance and answer to the built with the challenges of making on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects Chief attributes violence in Greektown to life into the verythe essence of what once made got done in– the 2024. And Istrikes could of write a book them with the resources our sit-down endsunion meet in today’s economic clitransform this once-divisive freeway into a this of bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s a combination weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popneighborhood a vibrant of newWe year’s resolutions for 2025. But here’s 1937. told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. mate. Whether it’s struggling to of the ter. It’s a resurgence that extends beyond the mostthe important one: I’ll meant keep fightingBlack for community together—were concen- vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. 14 was deadline and we Support the helpline meet monthly mortgage whilefor heralding a newcomes era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter past you. You work hard, savepayments money, and deserve brick and it represents thethat resurHe explained, “ Wemortar; saw numbers downtown we it. We gave the companies our ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor not coping with costs Next year, and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. to just get soaring by,eight but rental get ahead. genceever. of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, People are emerging from COVID nomic demands weeks ago tion, which has pledged $10 milin a continue housing working market marked by let’s to grow ourThen, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings Fueled by more than $100 million andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it took more than atogether month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal lion over three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety economy, create jobs, lower costs, and build the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with venues downtown and the reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern Wayne Metro Commufactors contribute to person the growaofMichigan where every can succeed. project making way for the Julie construction of I-375. and other partners, this ambitious down withMarket all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing for a comSchneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn aims to create jobs, remove barriers to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate hundreds and,inin young “It’smore still people very early theparticularly, process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This helpline, making it accessible to housed. of Black Bottom and signaling the beginning nomic growth, and reconnect the neighborfolks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.” all Detroit residents. This initiative simplifies access to the See INVESTMENT Page A-2 Historically, shelterspage have provided a temporary respite of the end for Paradise Valley, the Black busi- hood with the rest of Detroit. It is a Responding step See UAW STRIKE A2 swiftly to the surge in violence, DPD for those in need, often serving as the first or second option City’s various housing services, ensuring that residents in adjusted its deployment plans. Rather than waiting for after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or need can easily find assistance. mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself family. Shelters offer a place toBy restEbony one’s head and a warm “The city and its partners offer a lot of great services JJ Curry to address the situation. meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t SENIOR REPORTER The rise in visitors to the Greektown area is evident being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners Detroit’s story is one of resilience becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights By Mychael The causes of homelessnessand areLynzee as diverse complex rebirth. Forand decades, the cityand hasthe generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, were alsomobile comingdevices. because From Black through geolocation-enabled MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right as the individuals experiencingbeen it. In response, of theBlack City of a blueprint brilliance people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and resource and a growing number of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat thisexcellence. issue. housing andFrom entrepreneurial At did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. the days of the Greathelp Mi“Providing services and high-quality housing to the center of that gritpersons now of stands a them.” inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration when thousands Black The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment vision for the future, one that fuses at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and things 670,000invisitors. families flocked to Detroit in search pledging $500 million to support projects across innovation, health, priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, Director In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs a betterand life,community to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives development. 14-acre of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization were doing in Detroit is they otal roleDepartment. they The played in theGratiot city’s residents and visitors,they the police department has implebeing a significant part of their contribution. Site, announced today Bedrock, were the leaders in fightthe against “This means focusing on building theand pipeline of by supcultural musical heritage, mented various enforcement measures to the manage inwill soon become the chapslavery. metal The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an Black Detroiters havenewest left increased population. Notably, detectors have been ter in Detroit’s narrative. It recent will years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiis the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit Care What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark city. However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal serve as and a years, hub for precision all of this Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention proin recent Detroit has mediexpeillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown cine, sciences,affordable education, and and entered the City’s community response system. see coming later.” housed grams. It also means preserving andlife expanding rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ opportunity. The improving site was once a In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and Could Mean which has raised concerns about Aretha Chief White explains. It Musical has been alegends deterrentlike for some, failed criminal justice complex that housing stability though comprehensive service of offerings the displacement long-standing Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a for Detroiters? shadow over downtown’s available through the Detroit cast Housing Resource HelpLine Blackaresidents. Similar to a setting sound emerged Defiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying Motown a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re skyline. Now, Detroit stands ready and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the to reclaim are the reclaiming space and their transform See POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters placeSee COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit it center for progress. ininto the acity, despite the challenges ing generations. Motown Records, For by many Detroiters, the site’s posed gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy not comments pointJr., to awas vision of growth. Their focus on innova- oration in close proximity to major Bonner’s transformation represents more and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of During the Great Migration, tion, collaboration, and community markets has made this visionary where Detroiters thrive in an ecothan buildings or investments. It neighborhoods became centers of trification. Black excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black families from of life sciences, education, impact aligns with Detroit’s ongo- project possible,” said Kofi Bonner, system reflects an intentional focus on creBlack culture and entrepreneurship. “Black people were coming to Dethe South came to Detroit in search ing However, as Detroit faced ecorenaissance. Bedrock’s CEO. He emphasized that and entrepreneurship. ating that connect According to Historian Jamon troitproject becausewill Black churches were nomic of jobsopportunities in the booming automobile and population Life loss expand Detroit’s A decline 220,000-square-foot “Having access to top education- the Detroit’s people to pathways for Jordon Black resilience in the city knowledge here, black economy schools were here, and industry. Despite facing discriminaincience the late 20th century, many while ensurS Innovation Building will al institutions, a diverse talent pool, success. Gilbert’s Bedrock leads hasScan roots the that QR extend far before the Up its was BlackDigital businesses here,” said Code tocollabSign for the Daily Newsletter tion andDan segregation, they built vi- and ing expertise grows within the city. fostering cross-industry this effort, ushering in a new phase SeeSee GRATIOT SITE PageA2 A-2 $1.00 brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course LEGACY page $1.00

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