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M ichigan C hronicle Michigan Chronicle

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

All Black Everything:

Vol. 89 – No. 38 | May 20-26, 2026 Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

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UAW Before We Demolish Triple Strike ARenaissance Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 the Center, Against Detroit Let Detroit Imagine Automakers What It Could Become

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

By Herbert J. Strather DETROIT ESTATE DEVELOPER Late REAL Thursday night, Sept.

14, a historic moment unfolded open letter to Mayor Sheffield, in An American labor relations as the United Auto Workers (UAW) Dan Gilbert, General Motors, and the union initiated a strike against people of Detroit Ford, General Motors (GM), and Detroit has city of buildStellantis. Foralways the been first a time, ers. the union took simultaneous action all We three major DeWe against built cars. built industries. We troit-based Thethe action built musicautomakers. that changed world. We involves approximately 13,000of strugbuilt communities in the middle UAW assembly plants gle andmembers hardshipinbecause people here have across known Michigan, andsomething Misalways howOhio, to create out souri, who walked of nothing. Byalmost Ebony JJ Curryoff their jobs after existing labor still contracts That same spirit exists exin this city SENIOR REPORTER pired at 11:59 p.m. today. Shortly before midnight n a breathtaking celebration of talent, determinaBut tooonmany of Sept. 14, GM released a statement tion, and the unyielding of Black excellence, Detroit’s spirit children expressing disappointment with the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual are growing up surthe strike action, despite offering 40 Under 40 event Thursday evening. This year’s rounded by underwhat termed anin“unprecedented soirée,it drenched the theme “All limited Black Everything with investment, economic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations opportunity, and and essentialhistoric wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within educational systemsthe true essence

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. of Black excellence. struggling Hosted bytothe charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said prepare Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s them for thefrom future cle’s Finally Friday, the was aarrivtriumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentthatnight is rapidly of Detroit and its vibrant community ing around them. 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 This is not beHerbert J. Strather and I always knew that I would have a business, but I The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we cause our young celebrated remarkable creativity, individualsorfrom DPD Chief James White Says Increased people lack intelligence, abil- various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, take a lot of pride in the fact that ouralways business rep-is transparency. of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so IAllen ity. they don’t bring costs, protect water resources, By Jeremy Policestructure Presence Culled Violence sionary co-founders Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” Anyone who hasof Detroit watchedHives, a child The AI boom is being sold as proof and secure meaningful community apEXECUTIVE EDITOR Timothy Paul Jackson. work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate that Excellence Award was but the real- proval. master technology, solveTheir problems through the economy is strong, By Andre Ash the landscape beekeeping and urban Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at gaming, adapt toofnew systems instantly, or farming in De- hen ity underneath the headlines looks very His comments make it clear that the Michigan’s political ness and district that had been the lifeblood DIGITAL ofANCHOR mending the wounds inflicted on troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified impact Barton Malow. By Ebony JJ Curry teach themselves skills online the understands different because in the first quarter oftowards politicians supporting data centers recogalso in transformative business leaders talk about data Black Detroiters andsurrounding restoring a them. sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. “It is so important to recognize that there are young the truth: the talent is already here. SENIOR REPORTER 2026, roughly 75% of all U.S. economic nize the distrust a statement, saying the company centers, they do so like they’re A stringlonging of shootings that wasinso callously torn away in It’s growth a that history marred byin pain, spending. injus“Together we have created a social, environmental, leaders acrossand thethe country, many are born here came from AI-related immediately went into contingenWhat is missing is investment. the next auto industry next big And Detroiters have reasons to be Greektown in mid-April left the past. For many Detroiters, or tice, and economic than and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. LindI represent city and I devastation. tell Take away the people, massiveMore investments cy mode protect itspeople operations. thing thatDetroit. canInterstate drag the 375, stateour into thenationally skeptical because for decades, neighThat istowhy many across this city both visitors and residents of I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from I-375 Boulevard is about more sey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents, primarily Black,and were I’m a D-girl I’m thebeing west-side Detroit,’” pouredofinto data centers AI in- The future. borhoods in desthe cityProject have been asked to The stay UAW has while branded the in- contincannot silent discussions this bustling downtown highway, connectthan just correcting historical consequences injustices; it’s partnerships and collaborative efforts urban that we exist ina concrete Mitchellartery expressed. “But more importantly, been able forcibly displaced.I’ve Families were uprooted, frastructure, and the nation’s economic absorb the environmental dustrial action as theone “Stand-Up ue about demolishing of Detroit’s most Ambassador John Rakolta Jr., Chairtination in awe. One of these ing different parts oftothe city. To some, it’s redefining theeconomic future. Itvision. will connect over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences withingenerational an industrywealth that not many of was obliterated, and flat.a about of other people’s Strike,” focusing on specific plants recognized landmarks without first explorman of Walbridge, described data cen- growth would have been almost shootings tragically claimed mere convenience; to others, it’s an unredowntown Detroit to surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking oura movement has us, specifically women of color, have the opportunity to thriving community was torn asunder. The That’s not the kind of growth most within automaker. ing what each else it could become UAW for the people ters ofastheir the daily mostcommute. significant economic Heavy industry, truckwas traffic, the life of hoods, a popular and be- gap that markable part bridging the placedrefinupon inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage in and I’veHowbeen thewounds youngest person in the room, inflicted by I-375 run deep, everyday tranfamilies actually feel in their President of Detroit.Shawn Fain stated, “This development opportunity for the Detroit eries, incinerators, polluted air – those 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 lives. Wages are still tight for many strategy will keep the companies Region in the last 150seemingly years. He comhistorically landed hardest ing a dispute burdens with a have patron. The Renaissance Center does not only story founded beneath the surface of this the room, and I really had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. Today, the resurgence of Paradise Valley DetroitItHives, a pioneering organization bythese households. Housing costs remain high. suspect guessing. willspace give our nationpared facilities to the railroads of in Black and working-class communities, The male allegedly represent office or architecture. ordinary freeway—a story of pain, of showing up,displacegiving chances others won’t, stands asleaving a fleeing testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beeCities are legacy still fighting investment Thiswhen painful can and be for traced back al negotiators maximum leverage the 19th century or the interstate higheven the 48217-area in Detroit shot the guard before It represents possibility. and theCity. lastingbeing impactpersistent.” on Black DetroiAs a trailblazing Black woman thrivofhis Black and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in ment, the Motor reaches neighborhoods instead ofspirit to the that nation’s interstate highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And way system, saying that while internal as one of female theDetroiters country’s most polluted zip the scene, while ters. issues ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her to connect legacy of Black excellence. This historic disAnd before that possibility is permaTheir initiative not only addresses critical like balance sheets.that aimed program if we need to go all out, we will. staffing may be specialized, the of sur-1956—a companion is codes. accused of conunwavering commitment to fortifying the connections nently destroyed, thetable.” people of this The tale begins ineconomic what is now Lafayette once aher vibrant hub Black businessenvironmental but alsocity provides valuable DPDfor Chief James White but often did so the expense Everything is onconservation the Union rounding activity within athe 50-country What’s driving theat numbers cealingright the trict, weapon inwhen bra. hear a new businesses and Detroit’s communities is undedeserve the opportunity to participate in Park,toonce known as between Black Bottom—a neighes andSo culture, isresidents experiencing athat renaissance education and employment opportunities Black of marginalized communities. case of leaders have also indicated that mileDeradius is substantial. now is a spending spreeInbythe a handful of wave unfolded of industrial-scale infraThese incidents during andigital unseasonably imagining different future. borhood rooted in African-American culture I-375, it that harkens back to its glory days. The deadditional aplants could be targetmeant carvingracing a path through the tech companies to dominate artifiThe pitch in favor of data centers fostructure is coming, powered by diesel warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic and and history. Named after its dark, fertile heart of of Black Bottom may have torn if parts of the Renaissance Center ed What in future waves if negotiations Black Detroit, Giants reinforcing segregacial intelligence. like Meta, Alpha-struction cuses on jobs, innovation, investment, backupingenerators and demanding huge heightened tensions the densely populated downtown soil, Black Bottom flourished during the midapart a thriving community, but the resolute became a national hub for education, techremain stalled. tion, and perpetuating bet, Microsoft, inequality. Amazon, and area. Oracle are amounts of energy and water, many economic and,aspirations in a state that’s 1900s, nurturing the growth, dreams and of a new generation of entrenology, innovation, and expected to spend more than $440 bil-determination Fain entrepreneurship, clarified the union’s stratspent decades trying to reinvent itself For one to aptly recognize the harm people see a familiar repeating The surge in crime and the influxpattern visitors tothat Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries isofreclaiming community development? lion on AI infrastructure in 2026 alone. egy: “I want to give a major shoutafter manufacturing losses hollowed so itself. 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. students could walk through outWhat to theifthousands of members many that message Theplanners question forpoliticians places like Detroit some of the and behind Environmental advocates across troit Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends. But in the communities, name of urban renewal insounds the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackrobotics artificial who arelabs, on the picketintelligence lines right learning hard to resist. is whether this AI economy will create In those projects built them directly through Michigan have warned that data centers off guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was owned businesses are not just flourishing Housing Resource Helpline in communities, centers, coding academies, simnow fighting for all of engineering us. The real opportunity for local By Andre Ash the heart of vibrant, populated communiresidents erased across the especould increase utility costs and strain the systematicallyBut dismantled, fromstate the – response James White, Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Debut thriving, diverse services, produlations, digital arts studios, and business to the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is a new approach workers, and small businesses or whethties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and DIGITAL ANCHOR cially those in ruralstretch areas where inveselectrical gridcaught while somewhat delivering relatively map, and replaced by a lifeless of aspartment, said: “We were flat-footed ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the incubators oneofofstriking the most residents face in navigating the to striking.inside Instead allrecognizwill mostly benefit a small circle part of a direct effort toright replace tors are seeking to buy cheap landsometimes for er itas permanent jobs in return. Some critphalt. outofthe few gate. Bypaving designthe we way went the spring while forinto a prosperous able buildings America? complex system of neighborhoods. housing serplants at once,inselect locals will be already-powerful corporations buildingpast orto eliminate Black data center investments – are starting ics describe the projects as “extractive,” Homelessness continues to deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployresidential areas bore the brunt vices. The future. From jazz clubs to soul food restauhelpline provides the a future. called onurban stand up and walkwith out What iftoDetroit transformed a symbol of While the digital ask questions about whoBottom, actually bene-But the arguing that local communities take first on plague communities, now, afterbackbone decades of of enduring ment,theand rants, saw we an uptick violence that of this demolition, the heart of Black thesay Black Press, in and art galleries to single point of contact for people on strike. This is our generation’s corporate power into a symbol of opportufits? the environmental and infrastructure Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, families and individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business center, remained largely seeking housing assistance and fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing answer to the movement that built nity for future generations? burdens while multinational tech comrunning governor, has acknowlwith the challenges of making That question is getting louderonasthe now horizon. Plansfor have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and Chief attributes violence in Greektown to life into the verythe essence of what once made connectsedged them that with concern the resources our union –inthe sit-down strikescliof reap the profits. The need istoday’s real. directly. Earlier ends meet economic giantplaces AI-driven data Detroit’s centers begin transform this once-divisive freeway into athisthispanies bars—the very that brought a combination of weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popneighborhood a vibrant 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. year,seeks Duggan said the communities mate. Whether it’smany struggling to further spreadingtogether—were across Southeast Michigan Tyler Marie Theile, viceextends president and COVID pushed students vision that to right wrongsulation. of are the in-ter. It’s Black community concena resurgence that beyond 14 was the deadline and we meant Support for the helpline comes creasingly angry because projects are chief operating officer of the Anderson meet monthly mortgage payments andHastings beyond.Street, Thesethefacilities, which behind academically, but educational inpast while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around epicenter brick and it represents thethat resurexplained, “ Wemortar; saw numbers downtown we it. gave the soaring companies ourcosts ecofrom theoften Gilbert Family Foundanegotiated behind closedHedoors or We coping with rental power cloud computing and artificial Economic Group, said in atorecent forum equality existed long before the pandemic. and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. gence of a spirit that refuses be subdued. have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago before residents even know what is haption, which has pledged $10 milin amany housing market by systems, require enormousFueled by more than $100 million from that a small data center facility employToo young peoplemarked across Detroit con- Then, inintelligence a cruel twist of fate, Hastings and there’s feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it took more than a month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal He told that a Detroit lion overpening. three years to Michigan fund the Chronicle shockingly prices, a variety amounts of electricity, massive cooling ing about 25 full-time workers can genertinue facinghigh barriers to technology access, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program.the and with the venues downtown and the reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern state needs set standards for data ate roughly $1 million in annual payroll Wayne Metro toCommuof factorstraining, contribute to the growsystems, of fresh water, and acres of other advanced mentorship, and career and partners, this project making way for thetons construction of I-375. down withMarket all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing for a comcenters and manages said noambitious project move Schneider nity Action Agency the should ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn land. TheyJulie often arrive with tax breaks create jobs, remove barriers to ecoThis marked the final blow, sealing the fate aims toforward hundreds of more people and, in particularly, young “It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is See RENAISSANCE CENTER prehensive list of demands. This unless developers pay infrahelpline, making it accessible to housed. and promises of economic revival. What Seewe DATA CENTERS nomic growth, and reconnect the neighborof Black Bottom and signaling the beginning folks, teenagers that hadn’t seen.” Page A-2 Page A-2 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 By Lynzee Mychael HOME FRONT The causes of homelessness are as diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, were also coming because Black through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From By Sam Robinson JOURNALIST as the individuals experiencingMULTIMEDIA it. In response, the City of we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and SENIOR REPORTER Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. housing resource and a growing number of programs to did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Greathelp Mi- them.” “Providing services and high-quality housing to personsof Black insuccessthe these city?numbers They started doing In the same periodwith this year, increased to gration when thousands U.S. Rep. John James and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist would both make history The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment 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 ful campaigns for their respective governor and Secretary of State races. $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs a betterDirector life, to theinvolves piv- Bothpledging As Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract arethe Black men who grewwith up inhousing Metro Detroit. But that might be where their comparDetroit over next ten years, initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. they were doing in Detroit is they otal role they played in the city’s isons end, because residents and visitors, the police department has implevery different perspectives. being a significant part ofthey theirhold contribution. were the leaders in fightthe against “This means focusing on building pipeline of sup-heritage, culturaltheand musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage inJames is a conservative Republican tryingin to prove to Michigan votersslavery. who areThe Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an inBlack Detroiters have left creased population. Notably, metal detectors have been loyal the to President Trump (who steadihas yet to endorse him) that he’sisthe the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, with number ofDonald unhoused residents Care What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark city. However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal candidate to take 7,847 on Jocelyn the presumptive Democraticall of this Black innovation that you Special Supplement ly declining. Inbest 2019, approximately peopleBenson, were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroitprohas expeillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown nominee, or Genesee County Sheriff system. Chris Swanson. see coming later.” housed and entered the City’s community response grams. It also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ Gilchrist is a Democrat who ended his own campaign for govIn 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Aretha Get the Chief White explains. It Musical has been alegends deterrentlike for some, ernor toofinstead run for the Secretary of the State, an office that has housing stability though comprehensive service offerings the displacement of long-standing Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and According to the City Detroit, since start of facts and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying the a for Detroiters? already seen asaw Black man at the in helm when Michiganders available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a setting sound emerged Defiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit a 28% decrease the weapon and carrying Motown a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re about elected Richard H. Austin in 1971. It’s the only statewide and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the alternative page executive office ever held by aA2 Black person in the See his- POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their placeSee COMBAT HOMELESSNESS rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit gas suppliers tory of Michigan’s government, and Austin held in the city, despite the challenges ing generations. Motown Records, that seat for 24 years. posed by gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not and west sides. Over time, these longelections, after our it current Should either win their wouldphase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of During the Great Migration, became centers of fortrification. historic wins African Americans in Black excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black families from neighborhoods mark entrepreneurship. state government this century, fewerwere thancoming to De“Blackas people the South came to Detroit in search Black culture and However, as Detroit faced ecoBlack Republicans been elected to According to10Historian Jamon have troitever because Black churches were nomic decline and population loss of jobs in the booming automobile state-level history. inpositions the city in Michigan here, black schools were here, and in the late 20th century, many industry. Despite facing discrimina- Jordon Black resilience roots the that QR extend far before the Up its was BlackDigital businesses here,” said Code to Sign for the Daily Newsletter tion and segregation, they built vi- hasScan $2.00 See GARLIN GILCHRIST JOHN JAMES Page of A-2 and will persist AND Jordon. “They were coming course brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration $1.00 See LEGACY page A2

Greektown Had 1.4 Million Will Data Centers Revive Visits This Summer and No Shootings Michigan Cities or Exploit Them? 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

Two Historic Races. But Two Very Different Lanes:

Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy

Garlin Gilchrist and John James

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