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

Vol. 89 – No. 13 | Nov. 26 - Dec. 2, 2025 Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

All Black Everything:

This UAW Thanksgiving, We’re ATriple NightStrike ofPutting Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 MoneyDetroit Back in Against Automakers Your Pocket

By Governor Ebony JJ Curry By Gretchen Whitmer SENIOR REPORTER

Fred Durhal Jr.

Every November, Michiganders come toLatewith Thursday night, Sept. gether friends and family to enjoy eat 14, afood, historic moment unfolded good watch the Lions win, and reflect in the American labor on past year. This relations year, as weasall prepare thesitUnited Workers (UAW) feasts, too to down Auto for our Thanksgiving union Michigan initiated families a strike many areagainst finding it harder Ford,harder General Motors (GM), and to make ends meet.and They’re dealStellantis. Foreconomic the first time, and coning with more uncertainty the union took That’s simultaneous stantly rising costs. why I’m working action against all threeand major Dehard with Republicans Democrats in Lantroit-based automakers. sing to lower your costs The and action put money back involves approximately 13,000 in your pocket. We want you to afford a good UAW members assembly plants life right here inin Michigan. across Ohio, months, and Mis-the federal OverMichigan, the past nine souri, who walked off their jobs on nearly troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. government slapped tariffs By Ebony JJhas Curry after existing labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and every and nearly everything. When Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIORcountry REPORTER piredstrategically, at 11:59 p.m.tariffs can help a place like ingenuity of our community. used cased the diversity of talent within our community. From Shortly before midnight on unfocused Michigan, but our current broad, As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundn a breathtaking celebration of talent, determinaSept. 14, released a statement tariffs areGM causing prices on everything to excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who tion, and the unyielding spirit of Black expressing disappointment with go up.the Reports from Chronicle Michigan state departMichigan marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crethe strike action, ments show that40despite families are payingevening. more This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, 40 Under event offering Thursday See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 what it drenched termed anin“unprecedented for meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Health soirée, the theme “All Black Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. economic package” included care ontranscended thethat Affordable Care Act ex-and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through Goldpremiums Accents,” expectations historic wage increases. Stellantis change are double or triple what within they were ly illuminated the golden gems the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. last year. The Michigan Retailers Association of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said found of Mychael small retailers Andrethat Ashtwo-thirds and Lynzee from have Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s increased prices because tariffs. cle’s Finally Friday, theof night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentDetroit, where he spent much of his life Committee; former State RepresentaAllen of Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black By pro-Jeremy ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. advocating for the people who called tive of the 9th, 5th, and 6th Districts EXECUTIVE EDITOR fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid the city home. He was born and raised of Detroit; former District Director and I always knew that I would have a business, but I The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we in Detroit, and over the years, became for U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Rose Frednever Durhal Jr., the father of curknew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks DPD Chief James White Says Increased well-respected legislator, a mentor, a Collins, 13th District of MI.; former rent Detroit City Councilmember Fred athat our business repof life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the factfather, and a tireless public servant. Police His Deputy Director of the Detroit Charter Durhal resents III and aour pillar of Michigan’s poPresence Culled Violence city’s pride.” sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and litical and civic landscape, passed away work in the Michigan House of Repre- Revision Commission; former Program Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was Manager for the Michigan Land Bank on Nov. 19, 2025, at the age of 73. sentatives spanned severalBydecades, Andre Ash the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at a reputation during which he earned Fast Track Authority; former AssisKnown for his unwavering dedication DIGITAL ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the wounds inflicted on troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified thein transformative impact Barton Malow. By Ebony JJtoCurry also public service, his deep love for his for his integrity, compassion, and fierce tant to the Mayor of Detroit, Coleman Black Detroiters and restoring of bethe community. professionals on their communities. “Itand is sohisimportant to recognize that there are marginalized. young SENIOR REPORTER for the A. Young; former Executivea sense Director, aBlack statement, saying can the have company community, tireless efforts to advocacy A stringlonging of shootings inso callously torn away in thatPark wasCitizens It’s a history marred by pain, injus“Together we have created a social, environmental, leaders across the country, many that are born here in Virginia District Council; immediately went into contingenimprove the lives of those around him, As the Dean Emeritus of Greektown the Mich- the in past. mid-April left For manyLindDetroiters, Interstate 375,that or will tice, andigan economic devastation. and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. Detroit. I represent our city nationally and I of tellRepresentatives, people, More than and many other titles and positions in cy mode to protect its operations. Durhal’s death leaves a void be House having both visitors and residents of I-375, has long just stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard Project isservice. about more sey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents, Black, were Jr. government ‘Yea I’m a and D-girl I’m the served west-side ofprimarily Detroit,’” and community feltbeen across theanother state beyond. from 2008-2014, Durhal The UAW has control brandedthe thenational inWhile I can’t tariff this bustling downtown deshighway, artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; partnerships and collaborative efforts urban that we exist ina concrete Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, the Chair son, Fred Durhal III, shared hisit’s dustrial as the “Stand-Up Durhal’s career marked held several titles, includingtination rate, we action can work together to lower costs inabout awe. His One of these ing different parts oftothe city. Towas some,one 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 of generational wealth was obliterated, and a Emeritus of the Michigan Legislative grief on social writing a heartStrike,” focusing on specific by a deep commitment tounreMichigan’s for Michiganders and make plants life a little more shootings downtown tragically Detroit claimedmedia, mere convenience; to others, it’s an to surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking oura movement has us, specifically women of color, have the opportunity to thriving community was torn asunder. The within each UAW particularly in Black Caucus; former Chairman, affordable. Thisautomaker. year, I’ve advocated formarkable a the lifeApof a See popular andDURHAL be- gap thatJR.Page FRED A-2 partworking-class of their dailyfamilies, commute. bridging the was placed upon inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage in and I’veHowbeen thewounds youngest personby in General the room, inflicted I-375 run deep, tran-Sub hoods, propriations, Government President Shawn Fainpolicy stated,that “Thisbrings jobs more strategic trade loved security guard followever, there’s a 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 strategy willwithout keep theraising companies to Michigan cost on the story es- beneath the surface of this seemingly ing a dispute with a patron. to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. Today, allegedly the resurgence of Paradise Valley Detroit a pioneering organization founded by the room, and I really had guessing. ItHives, will give our nationsentials, provoking retaliation from other The male suspect ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceof showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and stands as testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beeThis painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum leverage countries, and preventing large and small shot the guard beforea fleeing ment, and theCity. lastingbeing impactpersistent.” on Black DetroiAs a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivBlack Detroiters and the enduring keeping tofrom revitalize neighborhoods the Motor to the nation’s highway program and flexibility inplanning bargaining. And businesses for the future.in ters. the scene, spirit whileofhis female ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her legacy of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative not only addresses critical issues like of 1956—a program that aimed to connect if we go all out, wemy will. companion is accused of conI’m need also to proud I signed seventh bal-The tale begins inunwavering to country fortifying the connections what is nowcommitment Lafayette the trict, once aher vibrant hub Black businessenvironmental conservation but also provides valuable DPDfor Chief James White but often did so at the expense Everything is on the table.” Union cealing the weapon in bra. anced, bipartisan state budget. It continues between businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark, once known as Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education and employment opportunities to Black Deof marginalized communities. In the case of incidents unfolded during an unseasonably leaders have also indicated thatTax Credit the expanded Working Families These borhood rooted in African-American culture I-375, it meant carving a path through the that harkens back to its glory days. The deadditional plants back couldofbethetargetand keeps rolling retirement tax. warm spring, leadingof to increased pedestrian traffictorn and and history. Named after its dark, fertile heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregastruction Black Bottom may have edalso in future waves if negotiations It ends state taxes on tips, overtime, and heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown soil, Black Bottom flourished during the mid- tion, and perpetuating inequality. apart a thriving community, but the resolute remainSecurity. stalled. And it includes the largest Social area. 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination of a new generation of entreFain clarified the union’s For one to aptly recognize the harm roads deal in Michigan to fixstratthe damn state The surge in crime and the influxisofreclaiming visitors tothat Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries egy: “Ilocal want to give a major AND roads, saving you shouttime and money that 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. out to making the thousands of members while your entire drive from your behind Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of the planners and politicianstroit In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwho are on theschool, picket or lines house to work, the right store smoother those projects built them directly through off guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing Resource Helpline in communi- owned businesses are not just flourishing now fighting for all also of us. The access to and safer. Our budget protects By Andre Ash the heart of vibrant, populated systematically dismantled, erased from the response to the challenges that James White, Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Debut thriving, diverse services, prodStand-Up Strike a new approach health and is keeps hospitals open in unties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: DIGITALcare ANCHOR map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as- residents partment, “We were caught somewhat flat-footed ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the face in navigating the to replace to striking.areas Instead of striking alldon’t have derserved so Michiganders sometimes as part of a direct effort phalt. right out the Bypaving designthe we way wentforinto the spring pastgate. while a prosperous system of neighborhoods. housing serplants at far once, locals be to travel toselect get continues the carewill they or eliminate Black Homelessness to need. AndWhile the residential areas bore the brunt complex deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployfuture. From jazz clubs to soul food restauvices. The helpline provides a called onurban to stand up and out it continues feeding all walk 1.4 with million public plague communities, But now, after decades of enduring theand rants, ment, saw we say an uptick in 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. This isfree ourbreakfast generation’s school students and lunch at 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 answer to the movement that built school, saving parents nearly $1,000 per kid, 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 our union –inthe sit-down strikes ofmorning.untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects them with the resources per and valuable time in the endsyear meet today’s economic clitransform this once-divisive freewaya combination into a this of bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s they weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popneighborhood a vibrant 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. need. While I can’t it’s lower the national tariffs, mate. Whether struggling to of the ter. It’s a resurgence that extends beyond Black community together—were concen- vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. 14 was the deadline and meant Support for the helpline comes I’ll keep fighting hard to we lower costs and put meet monthly mortgage payments past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and it represents thethat resurHe explained, “ Wemortar; saw numbers downtown we it. gave the companies our eco- I’m proud from the Gilbert Family Foundamore money back in your pocket. or We 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 tion, which has pledged $10 milof progressmarket we’ve made with in the a housing marked bythis year’s by more than $100 million andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it took more than aadvocating month to for a com-Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal budget and I’ll continue over three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, and with downtown and the to come get to the table.” III,venues representing District 7, reasons where Eastern monsense policy.toLet’s program. Wayne Metro Commuof factors trade contribute the work grow-together to 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 comhelp more ‘make it’ inMeagan MichiDunn Schneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue ofMichiganders people becoming unto eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate aims to create jobs, remove barriershundreds more people and,inin particularly, young “It’s still very early the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This gan. 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 need can easily find assistance. after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or 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 Whitmer raise is a heavily scrutiBy Sam Robinson 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 nized factor heading into the August SENIOR REPORTER in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners 2026 gubernatorial primary given becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights Lynzee Mychael and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, more means more exposure. The causes of homelessness By areU.S. as diverse complex Rep. and Jasmine Crockett, were money alsomobile coming because Black through geolocation-enabled devices. From MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right as the individuals experiencingD-TX, it. In was response, the City in Detroit lastofweekend Benson, who served the state’s people was doing someas 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 combatfor thisMichigan issue. housing for a fundraiser govtop elections chief Presidid Black people startduring things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according todoing Placer.ai. From the days of the Greathelp Mi- them.” ernor candidate Gov. Garlin dent Trump’s baseless attacks on “Providing services and high-quality housing toLt.persons inyear, the city?numbers They started doing In the same period this these increased to gration when thousands of Black Gilchrist. The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key elections, the 1800’s. money things this area has in the 1.4 million visits and Detroit’s 670,000invisitors. families flocked to Detroit in search pledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, advantage on top higher The two viral In the 1800’s the of major thing that of jobs alawmakers betterDirector life, went to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues tohaving attract both Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. name recognition. She’s raised more in a role video posted Monday morning they were doing in Detroit is they otal they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has implebeing a significant part of their contribution. than $4.5 million since launching that’s been “liked” more 50,000 were the leaders in fight against “This means focusing on building theand pipeline of than sup-heritage, cultural musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage the inher campaign. times across Instagram and TikTok. slavery. The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of Black Detroiters have left an increased population. Notably, metal detectors have been The video is captioned, “POV you’re is the rootGreektown in the cityraising of deter Detroit recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiCare What on the a delivery of critical resources such as the emergency Benson reported $1.21 delible mark on city. However, strategically placed throughout to theto Federal about toand elect Michigan’s first all of this Black innovation thatOct. you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention million from July 21 through in recent years, Detroitprohas Black expeillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown governor.” see with coming later.” housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams. It also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, 20, $2.98 million left to spend. “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ Inand 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all“Congresswoman incomes and improving Could Mean Crockettabout which has raised concerns Musical like Aretha reported raising Chief White explains. It Gilchrist has been alegends deterrent for some, housingDelivering stability though comprehensive service offerings the displacement of long-standing I know these times aren’t normal,” Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the $358,000 during the same period, and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a for Detroiters? available the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar toChronicle a setting Gilchrist told Michigan Motown sound emerged Defiscal year 2019Gilchrist to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in Crockett the weapon and carrying with a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re $378,000 remaining. 105 through Affordable Garlin Jasmine and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, a rising spirit, and Black in athere’s statement. “Everything from troit, providing a soundtrack for the Swanson Page reportedly raised Senior Homes accountable.” Congresswoman from Texas is civil COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 Seewho POLICE PRESENCE A-2 Detroiters reclaiming their placeSeepowerful housing toare groceries too much, rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the costs Detroit $296,000, with $385,000 left in his reportedly weighing a U.S. Senate in city, despite the people, challenges andthe instead of helping the ing generations. Motown Records, in Detroit Gilchrist is one of three Demowar chest. posed gentrification. federalbygovernment is killing jobs, crats running for governor, along bid, joined Gilchrist’s fundraiser at founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not private thephase afternoon of just“The people of but Michigan, sides. OverSheriff time, Chris these along afterresidence our current of gena record label a symbolthe of abusing terrorizing our and Duringpower the and Great Migration, with west Genesee County Saturday, Nov. 15. A flyer for the voters of Michigan, they’re not neighborhoods became centers of trification. Black excellence and empowerment. communities. thousands of Rep. BlackCrockett familiesknows from Swanson and Secretary of State Jocsuggested supporters for who’s connected to ecothe thatSouth all Democrats are innot the Black culture and entrepreneurship. event “Black people were comingdonate to De- looking the came to Detroit search However, as Detroit faced elyn Benson, who leads the fund- $500 to $5,000 to Gilchrist’s cam- most millionaires,” Gilchrist said same everyone automobile is built for According to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were of jobsand in not the booming nomic decline and population loss raising battle between her Demo- paign. September. “If this moment… asdiscriminaGovernor, Jordon Black resilience in the city here, black schools were here, and on industry. DespiteAnd facing in Off theThe lateRecord 20th incentury, many cratic opponents. amount candidates vying to I’ll and raisesegregation, wages, make housing roots that QR extend far before the Up its The was BlackDigital businesses here,” said the Code to Sign for the Daily Newsletter tion they built vi- hasScan See FUNDRAISER Page A-4 $2.00 affordable, and hold the city’s rich east and Great Crockett, a rising progressive term-limited Gov. Gretchen Migration and will persist replace Jordon. “They were coming of course brant communities on the See LEGACY page A2 $1.00

Leaves Legacy of Service, Compassion, andGreektown Leadership 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

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Garlin Gilchrist Hosts Rep. Jasmine Crockett in Detroit

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