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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023

All Black Everything: Mama Shu Set to Run in

Vol. 89 – No. 37 | May13-19, 2026 Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

Greene Becomes UAW First Black State and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Strike ATriple Night of Elegance Against Detroit Senator from Automakers Mid-Michigan By Ebony JJ Curry

By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER SENIOR REPORTER

Highland Park Mayor’s Race

Late Thursday night, Sept. defeated 14,Democrat a historicChedrick moment Greene unfolded Republican Jason Tunney on Tuesday in American labor relations as in a special election a mid-Michigan the United Autofor Workers (UAW) state Senate that had sat empty for more union seat initiated a strike against than year. Ford,a General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. first time, Grenene’sFor winthe maintains Democratic the union simultaneous control of thetook Michigan Senate through By Jeremy Allen action three major De- term. the restagainst of Gov. all Gretchen Whitmer’s EXECUTIVE EDITOR troit-based automakers. The action A Republican win involves approximately would 13,000 have forced Shamayim “Mama Shu” Harris, the naUAW members in assembly plants Garlin Lt. Gov. tionally known founder of Avalon Village across Michigan, Ohio, and to MisGilchrist serve in a and one of Highland Park’s most recogsouri, who walked off their jobs tie-breaking vote. troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By Ebony JJ Curry nizable community leaders, has officially after existing labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and On Tuesday night, Amidst the glitz and event also showSENIOR REPORTER launched her glamour, campaign the to run for mayor. pired at 11:59 p.m. unofficial ingenuity of our community. results cased the diversity of talent within our community. From She made the formal announcement at Shortly before show midnight on of Greene beat As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundn a breathtaking celebration talent, determinaan at Prayer Temple of Love CatheSept. 14, released a statement Tunney by nearly 20Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field,event to math wizards like Donna Laster, who tion,GM and the unyielding spirit of dral in Highland Park on Monday, May 11, expressing disappointment with percentage points. the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crefrom 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This announcement the strike action,40despite offering Greene acknowl40 Under event Thursday evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See UNDER page sets 40 up what could40 become oneA2 of the city’s what it termed an “unprecedented the“All historic soirée, drenched in edged the theme Black Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. most talked-about elections in recent years. economic package” that included nature of his election and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through Gold Accents,” transcended expectations Chedrick Greene Harris joins incumbent Mayor Glenda historic wage increases. win, Stellantis becoming the the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. ly illuminated the golden gems within McDonald and community activist Joshua first Blackexcellence. man to represent of Black Hostedthe bytri-cities, the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said LaMere in the race to lead the small city comprised of Midland, Bay City, and SagiAndre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s surrounded by Detroit that has spent years naw, in the state Senate. cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentfighting through financial hardship, infraof Detroit and itshonored vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. “I am deeply to be the first structure issues, and the lingering effects fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid African American person ever elected to of disinvestment. represent any partsparkled of our Great Bay promise as we and I always knew that I would have a business, but I The evening withLakes a golden Mama Shu – to Highland Park residents never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, Region,” Greene told supporters at from his various walks celebrated remarkable individuals DPD Chief James White Says Increased and many Detroiters, too – is already seen so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repvictory party Tuesday night, the Midland of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vias someone who Culled has helped reshape HighPolice Presence Violence Daily News reported.of“We delivered sionary co-founders Detroit Hives,this Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” land Park without ever holding elected decisive victory by listening and speaking Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was By Andreoffice. Ash to things keeping everyday and people up farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at thethe landscape of beekeeping urban DIGITAL ANCHOR Through Avalon Harris turned at night worries about affordability, ness district that had been the lifeblood of towards mending theVillage, wounds inflicted on troit but—also exemplified thein transformative impact By Ebony JJ CurryBarton Malow. also expressed disappointment vacant lots andand abandoned spaces into a safety, and freedom,” Greene said in his Black Detroiters restoring a 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, saying the company neighborhood-centered development that A stringlonging of shootings inso callously victory speech. that was torn away in It’s a history marred by pain, injus“Togetherwent we have created a social, environmental, leaders across the country, many that are born here in immediately into contingengardens, Greektown includes in mid-April left community gathering House Hakeem For manyLindDetroiters, Interstate 375, our or city tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through bees,”Jefsaid Jackson. Detroit. I represent and I devastation. tell people, More than the past. cy mode toMinority protect itsLeader operations. spaces, a marketplace, a basketball both visitors and residents of fries, a New York Democrat, said in a I-375, has long been just another stretch of The I-375 Boulevard Project is aboutcourt, more sey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local ‘Yea I’m a D-girl I’m from 130,000 residents,ofprimarily the west-side Detroit,’”Black, were The UAW has branded the inand the Homework House, a learning space this bustling downtown despost on Wednesday that the contest was aurban highway, connectpartnerships and collaborative efforts that we exist ina concrete Mitchellartery expressed. “But more importantly, been able forcibly displaced.I’ve Families were uprooted, than just correcting historical injustices; it’s dustrial action as the “Stand-Up designed toofgive children access to tutoring, tination inabout awe. One these “massive defeatlocations for MAGA Republicans.” ing different parts oftothe city. To some, it’s redefining the future. It will connect over 28 plus managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences withingenerational an industrywealth that not many of was obliterated, and a Strike,”said focusing on specific plants technology,Detroit and a safe place to study. What shootings downtown tragically claimed Jeffries Greene’s huge win meant two mere convenience; to others, it’s an unre- of thriving to surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking oura movement has us, specifically women color, have the opportunity to community was torn asunder. The within each automaker. UAW started as a personal mission eventually the life of a popular and beHouse Republicans fromnationally, the state, Reps. markable part of their daily in commute. bridging the gap that was placed upon inspired others locally, and even internationengage and I’veHowbeen thewounds youngest personby in the room, inflicted I-375 run deep, tran- hoods, President Shawn FainHuizenga stated, “This became onefollowof the best-known grassroots loved security guard Tom Barrett andsimilar Bill were “offi-ever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling the city decades ago. ally to take on missions.” the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in scending the physical barrier of a freeway to strategy will keep the companies redevelopment efforts in the region and ing a dispute with a patron. cially on notice.” story beneath the surface of this seemingly the room, and I really had to articulate the importance penetrate the very soul of Black Detroiters. Today, the resurgence of Paradise Valley DetroitItHives, a pioneering organization founded by guessing. will give our nationacross the state. The male suspect allegedly ordinary freeway—a story of pain, showing up,displacegiving chances others won’t, Tunney conceded the race early standsbefore as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses theTuespower of urban bee- of Thiswhen painful legacy can and be traced al negotiators maximum leverage shotback the guard Her workfleeing has put both her and Highland and theCity. lastingbeing impactpersistent.” on Black DetroiAs a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivday evening after the polls closed, spirit of Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in ment, the Motor to the nation’s highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And saying the scene, Park whilein his female the national spotlight several times ters. issues like ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her the two would likely meet again in the Nolegacy of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative not only addresses critical of 1956—a program that aimed to companion connect if we need to go all out, we will. is accused of conover the years. In 2023, Harris was named unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections vember general The tale begins in what is now Lafayette the country but often did so at the expense once vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental conservation but also provides valuable DPD Chief White Everything is onelection. the table.” Union cealing the trict, weapon in aher bra. one of “CNN’s Top 10 Heroes” inJames the counbetween businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark, once known as Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education employment opportunities to Black De“This have isand only the halfway point,” of marginalized communities. In the case of leaders also indicated that try and became a finalist for Hero of These incidents unfolded during an“CNN unseasonably harkens back to its glory days. The deTunney said. “As we headbeinto November,borhood rooted in African-American culture I-375, it meant carving a path through the that additional plants could targetthe Year” because of her work rebuilding warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic and of Black Bottom may have torn the contrast and myselfand history. Named after its dark, fertile heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segrega- struction ed in future between waves ifChedrick negotiations her neighborhood afterpopulated the tragic downtown deaths of heightenedapart tensions in the densely soil, Black Bottom flourished during the mida thriving community, but the resolute will onlystalled. become clearer to more and more remain tion, and perpetuating inequality. area. two of her sons. Her story and Avalon Vildetermination of a new generation of entrevoters. excitedthe about what lies ahead,1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations FainI’m clarified union’s stratlage been featured nationally as examFor one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in have crime and the influx visitors tothat Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries isofreclaiming and not going anywhere.” egy: I’m “I want to give a major shoutples of what community-driven investment caused by such projects, it is vital to note that troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the DeJoe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leglost legacy. a retired of firemembers captain from outGreene, to the thousands can look like(DPD), in Black neighborhoods that some of the planners and politicianstroit behind Police Department catching them somewhat In long the heart of Paradise Valley, BlackSaginaw, overperformed in a right district pre-ends. But in the name of urban renewal in those projects built them directly through who are on the picket lines have gone overlooked. off guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing Resource Helpline in owned businesses are not just flourishing viously held Ash byfor Congresswoman now fighting all of us. TheKristen By Andre the heart of vibrant, populated communiNow, is for looking to bring that systematically dismantled, erased from the James White, ChiefHarris ofoffering Police the Detroit Police Debut thriving, diverse services, prodMcDonald Rivet.isRivet the state Legresponse to the challenges that Stand-Up Strike a newleft approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and DIGITAL ANCHOR same“We energy into city somewhat hall, and flat-footed her cammap, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of aspartment, said: were caught ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the islature when she was Congress residents face in navigating the to striking. Instead of elected strikingtoall sometimes as part of a direct effort toright replace paign feels like a natural next step her phalt. out the Bypaving design we way went thetospring pastgate. while the forinto a prosperous in 2025. campaigned withbe system of neighborhoods. housing serplants at Rivet once, select locals will or eliminate Black supporters. Avalon Village has become one Homelessness continues toGreene, While the residential areas bore the brunt complex deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployfuture. From jazz clubs to soul food restauas did on Democratic Gretchen vices. The helpline provides a called to stand upGov. and walk out Whitof the few visible successviolence stories in Highplague urban communities, with But now, after decades of enduring ment,theand rants, saw we an uptick that first of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, single thesay Black Press, in and art galleries to mer. point of contact for people on strike. This is our generation’s land Park over the last several years. It has families and individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business center, remained largely fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and Greene defeated progressive state answer to the movement that built created opportunities for children, small with the challenges of making on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White Chief attributes violence in Greektown to life into the verythe essence of what once made board of education chair Pam Pugh our –inthe sit-down strikes of in theuntouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects them with the resources businesses, and neighborhood engagement endsunion meet today’s economic clitransform this once-divisive freewaya combination into a this bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s of weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popneighborhood a vibrant August primary. 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. in a city that has struggled with blight, mate. Whether it’s struggling to vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. of the ter. It’s a resurgence that extends beyond 14 was theon deadline and we meant He ran his background at the Sag-Black community together—were concen- past Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and itSHU represents thethat resurHe explained, “See Wemortar; saw numbers downtown we MAMA Page A-2 it. We gave the companies our ecoinaw Fire Department and as a Marine, from the Gilbert Family Foundaor coping with soaring rental costs and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. genceever. of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago saying he would lower prices for consumtion, which has pledged $10 milin a housing market marked by by more than $100 million Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled 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 ers. over three 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 to Chedrick program. Wayne Metro Commuof “Congrats factors contribute to the Greene grow- on a project 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 comlandslide victory last night! Because ofmaking Dunn Schneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate aims to create jobs, remove barriershundreds more people and, in particularly, young “It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This helpline, making it accessible to housed. See CHEDRICK GREENE Page A-2 of Black Bottom and all signaling the beginning nomic growth, and reconnect the neighborfolks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.” 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 visitorsmented to the Greektown is evident difference area between voting being unhoused means living inBy carsSam or makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said Robinson in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics on a third-party mobile company phone apsettings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners SENIOR REPORTER because ofatdiscrimination, but they specializing in visit trends and demographic insights Mychael plication a partisan convention The causes of homelessness By areLynzee as diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, were also coming because Black through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From and the long-established, decentralJOURNALIST we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right Attorney as the individuals experiencingMULTIMEDIA it. Michigan In response, the City of General people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and ized process utilized by over 1,600 resource and a growing number of programs to Dana Nessel is joining state housing Sen. Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. did Black people start things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according todoing Placer.ai. From the days of the Great Mibipartisan clerks each election,” help them.” Sylvia Santana and another Demo“Providing services and high-quality housing to persons in the said city? started doing In the same period this year, these increased to gration when thousands of Black Nessel innumbers aThey statement Monday cratichomelessness candidate who their race The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment at risk of or who are experiencing is alost key invisitors. this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and things 670,000 families flocked to Detroit in search that riled up Republicans, who at last Michigan Democratinvolves pledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Juliemonth’s Schneider, In the 1800’s the major thing that ofic jobs a betterDirector life, to the pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract both have since 2020, accused DemoPartyand convention in a call toDetroit have over the next ten years, with housing initiatives ofBlack Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. Tech Saturdays, they were doing in Detroit is they otal role they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has implecrats without evidence of “rigging” a third-party firm audit the election were the leaders fight against “This means focusing on building the pipeline of sup- being a significant part of their contribution. U-M Launch cultural mented various enforcement measures to manage inthe 2020 electionin inthe favor ofthe former results. and musical heritage, slavery. The 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 been President JoeUnderground Biden. Santana filed ancity. appeal with years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiis the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit to recent Care What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark However, strategically placed throughout Federal Progressives won big at the the party after she saysproshe all of this Black innovation that you ly the declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion and prevention intherecent years, Detroit haslost expeillegal carrying of firearms. convention last month, earning Government Shutdown Michigan State University trustee see coming later.” housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams. It also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed at key points, “ victories in them the Secretary of State race by 15 votes. Oakland County In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Musical legends like Aretha to Connect Detroiters Chief White explains. It has been a deterrent for some, race with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist Prosecutor Karen of McDonald is also housing stability though comprehensive service offerings displacement long-standing Gaye, and the According to thethey Citybelieve of Detroit, of the Democratic and some have testedFranklin, it. Savit, If youMarvin legally carrying a Chronicle manysince dele-the start Michigan Party for Detroiters? and a are progressive prosecutor to Innovation Economy the calling for an Similar independent audit available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. to a setting Motown sound emerged from Defiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying a CPL, have a great day. If you’re gates who voted in the Michigan chair Curtis Hertel prior to the confrom Ann Arbor. However, Santana after she lost the convention elecand Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black providing a soundtrack for the State University Board of Trustees vention called questions of wheth- troit, was the lone candidate backed by tion for attorney generaltheir to WashtCOMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 See POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming placeSee race rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit signed up after the 30-day er delegates could vote remotely progressive groups and coalitions enaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit. in the city, despite the challenges deadline. Over 7,000 delegates “baseless attacks.” Former lottery ing whogenerations. was defeated.Motown Records, “Petitioners learned that memposed by gentrification. voted at Huntington Place in De- commissioner and candidate for founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not bers were voting from as far away and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- justSantana’s race was a record label but adecided symbol by of During the Great Migration, troit last month. Secretary of State, Suzanna Shkreli, as Montenegro and Antrim the slimmest margin of votes in any became centers of trification. Black excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black familiesCounty from neighborhoods Incumbent MSU trustees Brian- demanded the state party release its race at the convention. during convention,” culture and entrepreneurship. “Blackand people were coming to Dethe Souththe came to Detroit inSantana search Black However, as Detroit faced ecoprocedures for voting na Scott and Kelly Zemke won the process in her According towhich Historian Black up churches were nomic A leaked showing ofclaims jobs in the filing. booming automobile declinespreadsheet and population loss in thebecause week leading to the April endorsement, meansJamon their troit Santana isn’tfacing commenting on Jordon Black resilience in the city here, black schools were here, and industry. Despite discriminain the late 20th century, many 19 convention. names will appear on the NovemSee MDP CONVENTION the matter but a source close to her roots that QR extend far before the Up its was BlackaDigital businesses here,” said Scan the Code to Sign for the Daily tion and segregation, they built vi- has ber ballot. “There’s substantial andNewsletter docu$2.00 trustee campaignontold Michigan Page A-2 brant communities the city’s east Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course $1.00 See LEGACY page A2

Greektown Had 1.4 Million Visits This Summer and No Shootings

Can Reparative Investment Finally Heal the Wounds Left by I-375?

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

WHAT’S INSIDE WHAT’S INSIDE AG Dana Nessel Joins Sen. Santana’s Call for Investigation into MDP Convention Election

Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy

‘Bridge to Success’ Money. A5

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