MI Chronicle Vol. 89 - No. 19 by Real Times Media

Is Detroit’s $400 Million Investment Comerica Celebrates New Generation in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Six Restaurant Openings to Watch C O E Rin I C A Stars 35 Years of Supporting ofM Black Tennis Accessible for Black Detroiters? the Nation’s Largest City.Life.Style. B1 UNCF Walk for Money. A5 Education Scholarship Roots. A3 Fundraiser City.Life.Style. B1

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M ichigan C hronicle Michigan Chronicle

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

All Black Everything:

Vol. January 7-13, 20262023 Vol. 89 87 –– No. No. 19 3 | | September 20-26,

High Stakes, Hard Choices, and Historic Possibilities: WELCOME, UAW MADAM ATriple NightStrike ofMAYOR Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40

Against Detroit Automakers

By Ebony JJ Curry

10 Issues to Watch in 2026

SENIOR REPORTER

Mary Sheffield began her first day as DeBy Ebony Curry troit’s mayor JJwith the only requirement the city charter does not let anyone postpone. SENIOR REPORTER At 10 a.m. Jan. 1, Sheffield took the oath of office the Coleman A. Young Late at Thursday night, Sept. Municipal becoming Detroit’s 76th mayor 14, Center, a historic moment unfolded and the first woman hold the office in American labortorelations as in the city’s more than the United Auto300-year Workershistory. (UAW) union initiated a its strike Detroit also has firstagainst new mayor in Ford, General Motors (GM), and 12 years. Stellantis. the first time, Mayor Sheffield For replaces three-term the Duggan, union took Mike who is simultaneous now running for govactionasagainst all three major De- arrives ernor an independent. Sheffield troit-based automakers. The action after 12 years on the Detroit City Council, involves the approximately 13,000 including last four as council president, UAWamembers in assembly plants with governing résumé built inside the acrossbuilding Michigan, Ohio, and sworn Mis- in. same where she was souri, who walked off their jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. ByThe Ebony JJ Currywas intentionally swearing-in priafter existing labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR vate andREPORTER closed to the media. pired at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From City Clerk Janice M. Winfrey adminisShortly before midnight on of talent, determinaAs the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundn a oath. breathtaking celebration tered the Family members attended, Sept. 14, released a statement tion,GM thestatement, unyielding spirit of Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who according toand a city along with a expressing disappointment with the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the cresmall group totaling about 20 people. Shefthe strike action,40despite offering 40 Under Thursday evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 field shared that theevent ceremony was “very what termed anin“unprecedented soirée,it drenched theme Black private” and meant tothe satisfy the“All city’s char-Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. economic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through ter-mandated requirements. historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentof Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. fessionals. geeked. I started making andkind selling clothes as chooses a kid to become. of city Detroit er the city embraces the report or buries By JeremyI’mAllen and I always knew that I would1.have a business, I The evening sparkled with a golden promiseEXECUTIVE as we EDITOR Reparations at abut Turning Point: Will it in committees will reveal Detroit’s pobrandAct name business, soul.White Says Increased celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s DPD Chieflitical James Detroit — or Retreat? that our business repof life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact This year, residents should watch for: Police Presence Culled Violence entersour 2026 at apride.” crossroads When the Detroit Reparations Task Force resents city’s sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey andetroit its long-awaited report in Octo- • Whether council will adopt any of the and delivered Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changedpolitically, Takingeconomically, home the Corporate Excellence Award was ber 2025, it presented a list ofBy policy pro- Ashrecommended housing grants or water Andre the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De-structurally. Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at time outlining posals while at the same reforms. DIGITAL It will be defined by the arrival of a district ness that had beenHousing the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the wounds inflicted on troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified thein transformative impact Barton Malow. By Ebony JJ Curry a moral reckoning. investment, also • HDetroiters ow the city to define eligibility new mayoral administration, a revamped andplans restoring a sense of bethe community. professionals can on their communities. A larger public ceremony is scheduled for “It is so important to recognize thataffordability, there are young water business grants, en-Blackand SENIOR REPORTER aBlack statement, saying the have company verify lineage. A string of shootings in City Council, and a statewide election longing that was so callously torn away in Friday, Jan. 9, at the Detroit Opera House. 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 vironmental remediation zones, police acimmediately went into contingen•mid-April Whether aleft Reparations Administrative Greektown in past. cycle that promises attention onnationally For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or city tice, and economic devastation. than athe and financial impact through bees,” LindDetroit. I intense represent our and Ireforms tell people, countability — theMore plan offered “I am incredibly honored to serve assaid De- Jackson. cy mode to protect its operations. Office will be — the backbone both visitors and residents of created Detroit’s voters, anda these events andthecomprehensive I-375, has long been just another stretch of The I-375 Boulevard Project is about moreof sey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents, primarily Black, were ‘Yea I’m D-girl I’m from west-side of Detroit,’” roadmap for generational troit’s Sheffield saidthe in ainstatement. Themayor,” UAW has branded program implementation. this bustling downtown desothers have set the stage for a transformaurban highway, connectpartnerships and collaborative 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 repair. “This moment than me efforts – it repdustrial actionisasbigger the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. of these tive milyear. oftothe • HOne ow Detroit navigates funding debates ing different parts city. To some, it’s redefining the future. It will connect over 28progress, plus locations managing the health of 4.5 have experiences within an industry that not many of hangsand generational wealth was obliterated, a resents possibility and the power In 2026, the plan’s fate entirely Strike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimed without pitting neighborhoods against Meanwhile, neighborhoods continue a mere convenience; to others, it’s an unredowntown Detroit to surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking our movement has us, specifically women of color, have the opportunity to thriving community was torn asunder. The of community. Together, weUAW will work to in political hands. within each automaker. the life of hoods, a popular and the bedowntown interests. demanding fairness: fairI’ve housing, fair markable part of their daily in commute. Howbridging gap that was placed upon inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage and been the youngest person in the room, wounds inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranensure Detroit’s future is inclusive, equiPresident Shawn Fain stated, “This Neither former mayor Mike lovedDuggan security 2026 guard followpolicing, fair and faIr represenever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling could mark either the birth of decades ago. ally to take on similar missions.”for every thetaxation, only Black person in the room, the andphysical the onlybarrier Sistah of ina freeway to the city scending table and rooted opportunity strategy will keepinthe companies nor new mayor Mary Sheffield have ing a dispute with a patron. tation. And after thethis Detroit Reparations story founded beneath the surface of seemingly modern municipal reparations or the the room, and I really had to articulate the importance penetrate the very soul of Black Detroiters. neighborhood.” Today, the resurgence of Paradise—Valley Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization by guessing. It will give our nationpublicly committed to any portion of the suspect allegedly The male TaskbeeForce of submitted its sprawling 558- when ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displacemoment Detroit turns away from bold showing up, giving chances others won’t, and stands as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban Black women leading Detroit lands difThis painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum leverage report. City Council membersshot are divided the guardrepair. before fleeing reportbeing in late the andpage theCity. lasting impact on2025, Black Detroipersistent.” As question a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivBlack Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in ment, the Motor ferently because is a Black-majorito the — nation’s program and flexibility inDetroit bargaining. And some arguing for highway incremental theadoption, scene, spirit whileofhis female of how Detroit repairs past harms — or ters. industry, her to connect legacy of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative only critical issues like ing in a predominantly male-dominated ty cityneed in the measurable of 1956—a program thatskepticism aimed if we to clearest, go not all out, weaddresses will. sense— others expressing about cost, companion is accused of conwhether at is allnow — hangs over everyunwavering commitment to country fortifying connections begins itinwill what Lafayette See ISSUES TOfor WATCH IN 2026 once aher vibrant Black businessenvironmental but also provides valuable about 77.7 percent residents identify as The tale DPD Chief James White the butthe often didorso eligibility at the expense Everything is onconservation theoftable.” Union implementation, requirecealing the trict, weapon in10 bra. hub thing. between businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark, once known as Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing education and employment opportunities to Black DePage A-4 a renaissance Black or African American alone in the most of marginalized of leaders have also indicated that ments tiedcommunities. to lineage. In the case These incidents unfolded during an days. unseasonably As in theAfrican-American city prepares forculture what could borhood rooted that harkens back to its glory The derecent decennial profile. Brookings additional plantsCensus could be targetI-375, it meant carving acommunity path through the Meanwhile, activists warm spring, leadingof to increased pedestrian traffictorn and be one of the most consequential years in and history. Named after its dark, fertile struction Black Bottom may have has described Detroitifas the nation’s largest ed in future waves negotiations heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregainsist that a ballot-initiated Task Force — heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown theduring Michigan Chronicle soil, Blackrecent Bottommemory, flourished the midapart a thriving community, but the resolute Black-majority remain stalled. city, which means this isn’t tion, and perpetuating inequality. voter suphas identified 10 ofand theaspirations most important launched with overwhelmingarea. 1900s, nurturing the dreams determination of a new generation of entrerepresentation on a technicality; it’s leaderFain clarified the union’s stratmore thanthe symbolic ac- in crime and the influx of visitors to Deone —todemands aptly recognize harm The surge issues Detroiters watch in 2026. For port of prominent Detroiters likeshould Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries is reclaiming that ship matches the peopleshoutwho have caregy: that “I want to give a major knowledgment. They expect by such projects, it is vital to note that troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the DeJoe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leg-justcaused lost legacy. These challenges will shape not the ried this city through every era, from factoout to the thousands of members Wheth- and politicianstroit some ofaction. the planners behind Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends. But in the name of urban renewal in political headlines, but everyday life: how ry-floor to picket neighborhood block clubs In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwho arepower on the lines right those projects built them directly through off guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing families live, what neighborhoods look to the long grind of rebuilding public trust. owned businesses are not just flourishing Helpline in communinow fightingAsh for all of us. The By Andre the heartResource of vibrant, populated systematically dismantled, erased thrive, from the James White, Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Delike, whether businesses and what but thriving, services, prodresponse to the challenges that New York City has the largest number Stand-Up Strike is a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: “We were caughtdiverse DIGITAL ANCHOR map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of aspartment, somewhat flat-footed residents face in navigating the to replace ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the of residents, is not aallBlack-mato Black striking. Insteadbut of it striking sometimes as part of a direct effort phalt. right out the Bypaving designthe we way wentforinto the spring pastgate. while a prosperous complex system of housing serjority city, which is why Detroit’s moment plants at once, select locals will be or eliminate Black neighborhoods. Homelessness continues to deployment, whichFrom is lessjazz than the mid-summer deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt vices. The helpline provides a future. clubs to soul food restaureads as governance that looks like the eleccalled on to stand up and walk out plague urban communities, with 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 torate and the workforce and the families single point of contact for people on strike. This is our generation’s 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 most impacted by decisions on housing, seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement built with the challenges ofthat making on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects Chief attributes violence in Greektown to life into the verythe essence of what once made safety, transit, water, andstrikes wages. them with the resources our –inthe sit-down of endsunion meet today’s economic clitransform 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 the Bigstruggling 3 that Sept. they need. When a told Black woman holds the mate. Whether it’s to mayor’s 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 in a city office here, it raises the we standard Support for the helpline comes 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. the soaring companies ourcosts ecothat hasgave always been politically sophisticatfrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor We coping with rental and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. gence of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago ed: don’t get to talkmarked in slogans, tion, which has pledged $10 milin you a housing market by because by more than $100 million andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it tookwill more than ayou month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal Detroiters measure by budgets, by Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled 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 venues downtown and the reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern program. Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the 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, MAYOR MARY SHEFFIELD The union is pushing for a comSchneider nity Action Agency manages the ingSee issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn aims to create jobs, remove barriershundreds to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate more people and, in particularly, young “It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This Page A-2 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 By Ebony JJ Curry 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 SENIOR REPORTER 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 and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, The causes of homelessness areDetroit as diverse and complex mothers have watched Rx Kids roll were also coming because Black through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From JOURNALIST nowmoney have a simple process to guide residents to the right as the individuals experiencingMULTIMEDIA it. In response, City ofwithwereal through Wayne the County atpeople was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and housing Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. tached—$1,500 thenresource $500 a and a growing number of programs to did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the daysduring of thepregnancy, Greathelp Mi- them.” month through a to baby’s first months —while “Providing services and high-quality housing persons inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration when thousands of six Black Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment the largest city in the sat The on the outside at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is acounty key this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and things 670,000invisitors. families flocked to Detroit in search pledging looking in. Residents kept the same ques- $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, toasking theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives tion: if the goal is to stabilize moms and babies, of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. were doing in Detroit is they otal role they played in the city’s residents and visitors,they the police department has implewhy would Detroit be out? being a significant part of their contribution. were the leaders in fightthe against “This means focusing on building theand pipeline ofleft supcultural musical heritage, mented various enforcement measures to the manage inAnswer: jurisdiction. slavery. metal 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, detectors have been is the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiCare What on the a delivery of critical resources such as the emergency delible mark on city. However, Wayne County’s Health Department, Human strategically placed throughout theto Federal all of this Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion and prevention proin recent years, Detroit has expeServices, and Veterans Services runs public illegal carrying of firearms. Henry Ford Museum Government Shutdown see coming later.” housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams. It also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, health programming for communities that do “We have placed as them at key points, “ participate in Michigan State University’s Rx Rxstrategically Kids is structured a no-strings-attached Offers Free Admission, In 2021, 5,687topeople experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all operate incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about not their own municipal healthabout departMusical legends like Aretha Chief White explains. It has been a deterrent for some, Kids program, with enrollment anticipated to “cash prescription” meant to reduce stress and housing stability for though comprehensive service of offerings the displacement long-standing ments. Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the Programs According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a for Detroiters? open within the first 100 days of her adminis- stabilize basicMotown needs during a emerged period tied to lifeavailable through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a setting sound from Defiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the Detroit does. weapon and carrying a CPL, have a great day. If you’re MLK Weekend in 2026 long health troit, outcomes. The aprogram provides and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun,That there’s a rising spirit, Blackdid not fit the tration. providing soundtrack for the separation meantand Detroit $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month See COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 Four days after taking the oath of office, ShefSee POLICE PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their place civil rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit criteria for the county-administered Rx Kids field framed the move as an early marker of what for the baby’s first six months. in the city, despite the challenges ing generations. Motown Records, rollout that targeted River Rouge, Hamtramck, her administration plans to prioritize: household The program is led by Mona Hanna, posed by gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., wasMD, not Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dear- stability at the moment many families feel the MPH—pediatrician and associate dean of public and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of genjust a record label but a symbol of During the Great Migration, born—cities selected based on need and the coun- sharpest financial drop—pregnancy and infancy. health at Michigan State University College of neighborhoods became centers of trification. Black excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black families from ty’s authority to administer the program there. Human Medicine—and by GiveBlack culture and entrepreneurship. to Dethe Now SouthDetroit came to search “Detroit has always been“Black a citypeople that were leadscoming However,administered as Detroit faced ecois Detroit moving in into the Rx Kids map Directly, the press release describes asloss an Accordingwith to Historian Jamon and troittoday because Black churches werewhich of jobs in the booming automobile heart and courage, we are once nomic decline and population through a different doorway. leader cash20th transfers. resilience in athe city here, blackbyschools were international here, and in industry. Despite facing discrimina- Jordon Blackagain setting national standard ensuring the inlate century, many Mayor Mary Sheffield hasScan roots the thatthat extend farmother before the its was Blackand businesses here,” said QR Code to Sign Up for the Digital Newsletter tionMonday, and segregation, they built vi- announced every has real support, everyDaily $2.00 Detroit will becomeon the largest nation Great Migration and a will persist KIDS Page A-4 Jordon. “They brant communities the city’s city east in the $1.00 baby has strong start,” Sheffield said. were coming of course See RX See LEGACY page A2

Greektown Had 1.4 Million Visits This Summer and No Shootings

Can Reparative Investment Finally Heal D 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

$4,500 Cash Benefit Could Be Life Altering for Expectant Detroit Moms Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy

Money. A5 Roots. A3

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