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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023 Vol. 88 – No. 20 | January 15-21, 2025

All Black Everything:

Powered by Real Times Media | michiganchronicle.com A Critical Juncture Flint Residents Still Waiting: UAW for Detroit’s Community Violence and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 ATriple NightStrike of Elegance Intervention Efforts Against Detroit

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

Automakers

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

By Ebony JJ Curry

SENIOR The REPORTER ShotStoppers program has become a lifeline for neighborhoods that are too Late Thursday night, Sept. often defined by crime and despair. What 14, a historic started in 2023 moment as a $10unfolded million initiative in American laborpandemic relationsrelief as dollars funded by federal the produced United Auto Workers (UAW)reduction has a clear, measurable union initiated a strike against in violent crime. Community organizations, Ford, General Motors and at risk, working directly with (GM), those most Stellantis. first time, have driven For downthe non-fatal shootings and the unionin ways took that simultaneous homicides city-led approaches actionhad against all three But major De- begins, alone not achieved. as 2025 troit-based automakers. The action the program’s future hangs in the balance, involves approximately 13,000and shiftjeopardized by political inaction ing legislative UAW memberspriorities. in assembly plants across Michigan, Ohio, Duggan and MisDetroit Mayor Mike lauded the souri, who walked jobs a recent efforts of ShotStoppers during By Ebony JJ Curryoff their after conference, existing labor contracts express SENIOR REPORTER linking the initiative to a pireddrop at 11:59 p.m. homicides and a 25% 19% in criminal decline in non-fatal shootings in 2024. These Shortly before midnight on of n a breathtaking celebration talent, determinareductions, while noteworthy, come with a Sept. 14, GM released a statement tion, and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, stark reminder: Detroit’s population today expressing disappointment with the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual is smaller than itevent was offering in 1965, the last thefarstrike action, 40 Under 40despite Thursday evening. This year’s time homicides were this low. The progress what it termed an “unprecedented soirée, drenched in the theme “All Black Everything with underscores the importance ofexpectations maintaining and essentialeconomic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended momentum, but without secure funding, historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence that progress could unravel. of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of

troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. their city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundoring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the creative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. “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. fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we and I always knew that I would have a business, but I celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, DPD Chief James White Says Increased of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repPolice Presence Culled Violence sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” claims administrator had received 12,847 requests for reBy Ebony JJ Curry Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was By Andre Ash This underscores the deep frustration and the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in DeDannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagementconsideration. at SENIOR REPORTER DIGITAL ANCHOR dissatisfaction felttowards by manymending Flint residents who believe ness district that had been the lifeblood of the wounds inflicted on troit but also exemplified the transformative impact Barton Malow. By Ebony JJ Curry also expressed disappointment in their hardships deserve acknowledgment and fair Black Detroiters and restoring compena sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. “It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR REPORTER a statement, company he Flint water crisis stands as one of the most sation. TheASpecial A bill thatsaying aimed the to create a long-term has not issued stringMaster of shootings in payment notices It’s aneglect history marred “Together we have created a social, across the country, many that are herebyin pain, injus- longing that was so callously torn away in immediately into harrowing examples of systemic in born recent public safety went trust fundcontingenfailed to pass inenvironmental, leaders to any law firm orthe individual claimant Greektown in past. mid-April left as of yet, noting For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or tice, and economic devastation. More than and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. LindDetroit. I represent our city nationally and I tell people, cy mode to protect its operations. memory, a tragic indictment of what happens when only that Democrat-led Legislature last Michigan’s these noticesand will be issued as possible both visitors residents of“as soon I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard Project is about more sey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents, I’marea devalued D-girl I’m the west-side ofprimarily Detroit,’”Black, were communities and disregarded. Flint residents year. Duggan cautious The UAW expressed has branded the in-optimism, in the near thisfuture.” bustling downtown des- historical injustices; it’s urban highway, a concrete artery connectthan just correcting partnerships and collaborative efforts that we exist in Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, have spent more than a decade navigating the fallout from citing House Speaker Matt dustrialRepublican action as the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. One of these administrative in nature, speaks to ing different parts oftothe city. To some, it’s redefining the future. It will connect over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences within an industry that not many ofThis delay, generational was obliterated, and athough poisoned water—struggling to find justice andwealth waiting for Hall’s forplants revisiting the Strike,”apparent focusingsupport on specific shootings tragically claimed a larger issue. For more than a decade, Flint residents have a mere convenience; to others, an unrelion honeybees – humbly speaking us, specifically women of thriving color, the opportunity was torntoasunder. The downtown Detroit to surrounding neighborrecompense that,it’s even now, remains outhave ofcommunity reach. The wait proposal. However, others, like Detroitour Citymovement has within each automaker. UAW the life a for popular and be-togap fought tooth andof nail justice, only encounter markable part of their daily commute. Howhoods, bridging the that wassetback placed upon inspired others nationally, andopeven internationengage in and I’ve been thewounds youngest personby inprothe room, I-375 run deep, trancontinues as the latest developments in theinflicted settlement Councilman Fredlocally, Durhal, see “This the missed President Shawn Fain stated, loved security guard followsetback. The crisis began when improperly treated after ever, there’s a cess deeper, far more troubling the city decades ago. ally to take on similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in scending the physical barrier of a freeway to bring a glimmer of hope but no immediate resolution. water from portunity as a keep significant setback. strategy will the companies ing the a dispute withcorroded a patron. Flint River aging pipes, allowingValley story founded beneath the surface of this seemingly the room, and I really had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. Today, the resurgence of Paradise DetroitItwere Hives, a pioneering organization by Special guessing. willsome give our The male suspect allegedly Master Deborah Greenspan’s recent report on “There key nationthings that, as lead to leach into the city’s drinking water. Lead is aindomitable toxic ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceof showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and stands as a testament to the Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beeThis painful legacy can metal be traced al negotiators maximum leverage shotback the guard before fleeing the claims process underscores just how complicated and elected officials, we wanted to municipal with devastating effects, particularly on children, ment, and the lasting impact on Black Detroibeing persistent.” As a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivBlack Detroiters and the enduring keeping tosaid revitalize neighborhoods in the Motor City. to the nation’s highway program and flexibility in bargaining. Andvery vocal the families scene, spirit whileof his female protracted toward compensation has become. see done,” Durhal. “We were and Flint’s have been forced to live with the conters. issues like ing inthis a journey predominantly male-dominated industry, her legacy of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative not only addresses critical of 1956—a program that aimed to connect if we need to go all out, we will. companion is accused ofevery conJanuary 8, 2025, a total of 27,581 claims have been As of unwavering about the public safety trust fund. No one sequences of this contamination day since. to country fortifying connections The tale begins in whatrepresenting is nowcommitment Lafayette trict, once vibrant Black businessenvironmental conservation but also provides valuable DPDfor Chief James White the butthe often did so at the expense Everything the table.” Union cealing the weapon in aher bra. inhub approved, 25,516 individual claimants. Of wanted to is seeonthat go down. Hopefully, The state of Michigan’s agreement 2020 to contribbetween businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark,toonce known as Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education and employment opportunities Black Deof marginalized communities. In the case of leaders have also indicated that those individuals, 12,170 were adults, and 13,346 were ute $600 million Matt Hall keeps his promise … but what These incidents unfolded during an unseasonably tothat a settlement a significant borhood rootedminors in African-American culture harkens fund back marked to its glory days. The deadditional could targetI-375, itreminder meant carving through the during the crisis, a sobering of howa path does it lookplants like then? It’sbegot to go through warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic and step forward, but struction it did not of erase the Bottom years ofmay harmhave in- torn and history. Named after its dark, fertile Black ed in futureDoes waves negotiations heart one of Black segregamany children were forced to endure of the Detroit, most pre-reinforcing the Senate. thatifbill remain the same?” heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown flicted on this majority-Black city. Other parties, including soil, Black Bottom flourished during the midapart a thriving community, but the resolute remain stalled. tion, and perpetuating inequality. ventable public health disasters in modern history. Duggan has credited ShotStoppers and the city area. of Flint, a local engineering local hospital, 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination of firm, a newa generation of entreFain clarified the union’s stratFor one to aptly recognize the harm The approved claims cover a wide range of harm, from similar community-driven strategies as esjoined the settlement. Yet, thetothat and several businesses, also The surge in crime and the influx visitors Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries isofreclaiming egy: “I want to give a major shout- broader by suchlosses. projects, it is vital to note injuries to property and business Spesential complements to Detroit’s pathway to that receiving funds has been smooth troit’s downtown core garnered theneither attention of the DeJoe Louis, and direct numerous other Detroit damage leg- caused lostthese legacy. out to safety the thousands of which members some of the planners and politicians behind cifically, 15,363 have identified as injury-republic measures, include ininor straightforward. troit Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends. But in the name of urbanclaims renewal in been In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwho are on the picket lines right 12,082 as property was claims,those and 136 as business projects built them directly through tiatives like Project Green Light and gunshot off guard. while monumental in scale, will never the 1950s, thislated, vibrant neighborhood This settlement, owned businesses are not just flourishing Housing Resource Helpline in now fighting for allHowever, of us. The By Andre Ash Each erased of thesefrom numbers the heartlives of vibrant, populated communidetection systems. those tools systematically claims. dismantled, the represents fully account for the for irreparable harm James White, Chief of Police the Detroit Police Debut thriving, offering diverse services, prodresponse to the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is a new approach uprooted, families displaced, dreams ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: don’t replace the boots-on-the-ground work DIGITAL ANCHOR map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as-and caused by thiscaught crisis. Flint families partment, “We were somewhat flat-footed ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the residents face in navigating the to striking. Instead strikingDetroit. all basic deferred because a city’s most sometimes of organizations likeof FORCE The as part of a direct effort toright replace phalt. have had to bear costs of medout the By design wethe went the spring pastgate. while paving the way forinto a prosperous complex system of neighborhoods. housing serplants at once,which selectcontinues locals will be resource—safe drinking water—was organization, has posted significant or eliminate Black Homelessness to ical bills, developmental delays in deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt future. From jazz clubs to soul food restauhelpline provides a called onurban to stand upneighborhoods and walkwith out such as compromised. These claims arevices. tiedButThe crime in plaguereductions communities, now, after decades of enduring the in emotional toll ment,theand rants, saw children, we say anand uptick violence that first 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 to a settlement pool exceeding $600 Warrendale Cody Rouge, represents what’s families individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope of being forgotten by the systems warm weekend.” its thriving business center, remainedthis largely fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement that built million, but dividing fund equipossible local leaders are empowered with thewhen challenges of making thatthewere supposed to protect on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, clubs, Chief attributes violence in Greektown to life into verythe essence of what once made connects them with the resources our union sit-down strikescliof tably and theaters, efficiently has and proven to to address at economic its roots. ends meet –violence inthe today’s them. For a city where over 40% transform this once-divisive freewaya combination into a this of bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s weather conditions and a surge in popneighborhood a vibrant cultural epicen1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. be an arduous process. mate. Whether struggling to native Dujuan “Zoe” it’s Kennedy, a Detroit of residents live in of the ter. It’s Black community together—were concen- vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. a resurgence thatpoverty, extendsthe beyond 14 was the deadline and we meant stepped Support for the helpline comes While the claims process is nearmeet monthly mortgage payments and formerly incarcerated activist, chalcrisis compounded existing past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and mortar; it represents thethat resurHe explained, “ We saw numbers downtown we it. We gave the companies our ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaing its conclusion, hurdles remain. or coping with soaring rental costsfollowing into leadership at FORCE Detroit lenges,ofleaving scars that no amount of and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. gence a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago tion, thouwhich has pledged $10 milGreenspan’s report confirms that in adeparture housing market marked Alia by Harvey the of its founder, money can heal. Fueled by more than $100 million Then, in a cruel of fate, Hastings andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it took more than a month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal lionareover sands twist of reconsideration requests stillthree years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, and with the venues downtown and the reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern See SETTLEMENT Page A-2 SHOTSTOPPERS under review. By December 20,program. 2024, the Wayne Metro CommuofSee factors contribute to thePROGRAM growproject 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 comPagebecoming A-2 Schneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people un- Meagan Dunn to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate aims to create jobs, remove barriershundreds 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 to rest one’s head and a warm “The city and its partners offer a lot of great services to address the situation. meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t 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 becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights Mychael The causes of homelessness By areLynzee as diverse and complex and the 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 experiencing it. In response, the City of people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and conference with local and federal offiBy Ebony JJ Curry of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. housing resource and a growing number did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitorscials. to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Greathelp Mi- them.” SENIOR REPORTER “Providing services and high-quality housing to personsof Black inyear, thegot city? Theysystem started doing In the same period this these numbers increased toto gration when thousands “We’ve a sewer built The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key things in this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and 670,000 visitors. families flocked to Detroit in search Storms and across flooding devastated De- handle four inches of rain in a 24-hour pledging $500 million to support projects priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, In the 1800’s major thingboth that of jobs a betterDirector life, to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s area continues to attract period, which wasthe great through the troit in August 2023, leaving many downtown Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. they were doing in Detroit is they Detroit’s Food Truck otal role they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has imple20th century,” Duggan said. “We’ve now homes, neighborhoods, and commubeing a significant part of their contribution. wereincidents the leaders in fight against “This means focusing on building pipeline of sup-heritage, culturaltheand musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage the inwhere it’s been five had two nities grappling with the aftermath. Sensation Blends slavery. The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an inBlack Detroiters have left creased population. Notably, metal detectors have and More than a year later, a significant and a half and six inches of rain,been ishappens the rootthen in the city basements of deter Detroit to recent years, with the number of unhoused residentsrecovery steadi- hasstrategically Care on the ofwith critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark city. However, Haitian Heritage throughout Greektown to thein What adelivery Federal what is the step toward been made.placed all of this Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroitprohas expecarrying ofthis firearms. city back up. It is devastating to go The federal government illegal has allocated Government Shutdown Creole see coming later.” housed and entered the City’s community response grams. It also Flavor means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, downstairs and find three or four feet “of “We have placed them at key points, $460.8 millionsystem. in disaster recovery andstrategically In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters all incomes and improving Could Mean has raised concerns about like Aretha City.Life.Style. B1 ofwhich raw sewage in your basement, lose your Chief White It Musical has been alegends deterrent for some, withexplains. funds to Michigan, prevention housing stability though comprehensive service of offerings the displacement long-standing Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, $346.8 since themillion start of the furnace, your lose your beand have tested it. lose If you aredryer, legally carrying a designated forsome Detroit. for Detroiters? available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a setting Motown sound emerged Defiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit sawThis a 28% decrease in the longings.” weapon and a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re funding, announced by the U.S. De-carrying and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black troit, providing a soundtrack the partment of Housing and Urban Develcomes as a relief for to resThe funding page A2 See POLICE PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their placeSee COMBAT HOMELESSNESS civil rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit opment (HUD), provides an opportunity idents who have endured the costly and in the city, despite the challenges ing generations. Motown Records, to address critical infrastructure issues hazardous consequences of an aging inposed by gentrification. founded by Berryhas Gordy Jr.,miles was not that have plagued the city for decades. frastructure. Detroit 1,800 of and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gena record but a to symbol of During the Great Migration, alley just sewer lines label connected homes, Detroit’s share of the funding will of trification. excellence and70empowerment. thousands of Black families from neighborhoods became centers mostBlack installed between and 90 years go toward fixing failing alley sewer “Black people the South came to Detroit in search Black culture and entrepreneurship. However, asroots Detroit ecoago. Over time, tree havefaced infiltratlines and drains, which were havecoming causedto DeAccording to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were of jobs in the booming automobile nomic decline and population loss ed these lines, causing blockages that exthousands of basement backups during city Mayor here, black here, and industry. Despite facing discrimina- Jordon Black resilience in the in the late 20th many acerbate the problem evencentury, during moderstorms. Mike schools Dugganwere described roots the that QR extend far before the its Black businesses said Code tothe Sign for Digital Newsletter tion and segregation, they built vi- hasScan issueUp in was starkthe terms duringDaily a here,” press RISKS page Page A2 A-2 $1.00 brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course See FLOOD See LEGACY $1.00

Justice Delayed in CanWater Reparative Investment Finally Crisis Settlement Heal the Wounds Left by I-375?

Greektown Had 1.4 Million Visits This Summer and No Shootings

All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness A Holistic Approach to Providing Shelter and Support for Detroit’s Unhoused People

WHAT’S INSIDE

Detroit Secures $346.8M Federal Grant Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Detroit’s Legacy to CombatReclaiming Infrastructure Challenges and Flood Risks

Mr. Creole:

Money. A5

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