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

All Black Everything:

Vol. 89 – No. 41 | June 10-16, 2026 Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

Michigan UAW Cannot Afford toStrike Gamble with Triple A Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Black Political Power Against Detroit By Monique Baker McCormick Automakers WAYNE COUNTY COMMISSIONER

ByFor Ebony JJ Curry decades, Black communities have been SENIOR REPORTER the backbone of Democratic victories across this country. We organize. We mobilize. We Thursday night, inSept. saveLate elections. We stand solidarity with 14, a historic moment others, often even when unfolded our own issues are in American pushed aside. labor relations as the United Auto Workers (UAW) But now, as voting rights and Black politiunion initiated a strike against cal power face growing attacks, many of us are Ford, General Motors (GM), and asking: Who truly stands with us when it matStellantis. For the first time, ters most? the union took simultaneous In 2024, of us sounded action againstmany all three major De- the alarm about the dangers of another Trump presidentroit-based automakers. The action cy. We organized rallies, encouraged turnout, involves approximately 13,000 andplants warned commuUAW members in assembly across Metro across Michigan, Ohio, nities and MisDetroit about what souri, who walked off their jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By Ebony JJ Curry was at stake for civil after existing labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER rights, voting rights, pired at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From diversity initiatives, Shortly 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 breathtaking celebration and marginalized Sept. 14, released a statement tion,GM and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who communities. expressing disappointment with the Michigan Chronicle marked 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the creDonald Trumpits told the strike action,40despite offering ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, 40 Under event Thursday evening. See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 America exactly what This year’s received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. what termed anin“unprecedented soirée,it drenched the theme “All Black Everything with planned to do, and economic package” that he included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through now we’re watching historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. it unfold. of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said The United States Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s re- for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentcle’s Finally Friday, the Supreme night was Court a triumph cently weakened Sec- Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. Monique of Detroit and its vibrant community of young 2 of the Voting fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid Baker McCormick tion Rights Act, one of the and I always knew that I would have a business, but I The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we last major protections Black communities have never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks DPD Chief James White Says Increased used for decades to fight voter suppression and so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repof life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vidiscriminatory district maps. Across the coun“This cannot and will not be achieved support female inmates at the Police Wom- Presence Culled Violence our city’s pride.” By Samresents Robinson sionary co-founders Detroitaggressively Hives, Nicole try, states are alreadyofmoving toLindsey and en’s HuronAward Valley was Correctional Facility, with the departure of just one member SENIOR REPORTER Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence weaken Black political representation. Byfacility Andre Michigan’s only correctional forAshof MDOC’s leadership,” Pohutsky said the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at Forbut Black communities in the Detroit, Wayne in the letter. the “However, has become women. DIGITAL ANCHOR Lawmakers in Michigan want the diness district that had been the lifeblood of towards mending wounds itinflicted on troit also exemplified transformative impact Barton Malow. Ebony JJ Curry also expressed disappointment inHarbor,By County, Flint, Pontiac, Benton and abundantly clear to each of us that such rector of the state corrections department Washington has been championed for Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. “It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR a statement, saying company across Michigan, thisthe is not theoretical. This is REPORTER will not A training stringlonging of change shootings fired after three across inmatesthe died within many the work boosting skilled that cannot wasinso and callously tornoccur awayunder in It’s a her history marred injus“Togetherwent we have created a social, environmental, leaders country, that are born hereby in pain,jobs immediately into contingenpersonal. your leadership as director.” Greektown in mid-April left same month at a women’s prison in Ypthe past. and lowering the state’s prison populaFor many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. Lind- Detroit. I represent our city and I devastation. tell people, More than cy mode to protect its both visitors and residents of isProject onesentiment of operations. the most important bat- has Washington the longest silanti. tion, but of recent deaths, including I-375, long been‘Yea just another stretch of from Boulevard is about serving more seyMichigan followedisthat with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents, primarily Black, were two The I-375 I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side Detroit,’” The UAW has branded the inthis bustling downtown destleground states in America. And history has agency director under Whitmer. more at other facilities across the state Heidi Washington, the “But department highway, a concrete artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; it’s partnerships and collaborative efforts urban that we exist in Mitchell expressed. more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, dustrialshown actionusashow thecritical “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. One of these already Black the turnout “The questions that Itwe posed were where onenot inmate was ingis. different parts ofto the city. Tohas some, it’s since 2015, come under redefining the future. will connect over 28 plus locations managing health of 4.5director milhave experiences within anin-industry that many of stabbed generational wealth was obliterated, andand a anStrike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimed In 2016, Trump won Michigan by just questions thattocame from family memother fell towas his torn death, have soured obmere convenience; to others, an unretense fromit’sDetroit area politidowntown Detroit surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking oura movement has scrutiny us, specifically women of color, have the opportunity to thriving community asunder. The within eachvotes automaker. UAW the life of a popular and the beover 10,000 whilenationally, Black turnout De-internationfrom advocates, that’ve been markable part of their daily commute. Howbridging gap thatothers was placed upon cians after sudden deaths a long his- servers. inspired others locally, andin even engage in and I’veand been thewounds youngest personby in the room, inflicted I-375 run deep, tran- hoods,bers, President Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard followtroit In 2020, when concerned about the conditions there,” ever, there’story a deeper, farconditions. more troubling the city decades ago. of subpar ally todropped take on significantly. similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in scending the physical barrier of a freeway to “For me, one was already too many. strategy willengagement keep the companies ing a dispute with patron. Black voter rebounded in Detroit Tlaibathe said. “I’m just taken aback Valley by Gov. story founded beneath the of this seemingly the room, and Iinmate, really had to articulate the importance penetrate the very soul of Black Detroiters. Four?” Democratic U.S. Representative Today, resurgence of Paradise Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization by Thesurface latest deceased 36-yearguessing. It will give our nationThe male suspect allegedly and Wayne County, Joe Biden carried Michigan Whitmer and those in charge of the care ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceof showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and Rashidalegacy Tlaib said media standsbefore as a fleeing testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses beeAshley Hoath, passed away at an Ann This painful can on be social traced back al negotiators maximum leveragethe power of urbanold shot theafter guard overwhelmingly. ofofthese women not moving with the urment, and theArbor lasting impactpersistent.” on Black Detroibeing As a trailblazing Black woman thrivspirit Black Detroiters and the enduring the latest death. keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in the Motor City. hospital Saturday, June 6, 2026, to the nation’s interstate highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, while his that female gency is needed. This It’s obviously not ters. issuesafter Black voters are not justaddresses part of the Deming inreported a predominantly male-dominated industry, her legacy of Black excellence. historic disTheir initiative only critical like officers she was sick of and 1956—a Tlaib program that of aimed to companion connect is part a growing number if we need to go not all out, we will. is accused of We conworking. need tofor doBlack more.”businessocratic coalition.conservation We are often the deciding unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections The tale begins in what is now Lafayette trict, once a vibrant hub environmental but also provides valuable was transported to the hospital. Thethe state country but often did so expressing at the expense Everything is on the table.” Union of elected officials growing cealing the weapon in her bra. DPD Chief James White factor. businesses and communities is undeWomenisat the institution have made Park,toonce known as between Blackwas Bottom—a neighes and culture, experiencing a renaissance education andalso employment opportunities Black De- Hoathe says conscious at theDetroit’s oftime marginalized In the case leaders have indicated that concerncommunities. about the conditions at ofHuron These incidents unfolded during an days. unseasonably claims ofback blackto mold growing throughout rooted African-American that harkens its glory The deThat is why this Senate deserves borhood scrushe in was taken away in anculture ambulance. additional plants could be race targetI-375, it Valley meant carving a pathFacility. through the Correctional Tlaib and warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic and the jail, as well as issues inadequate and history. Named after dark, fertilehours, struction of Black Bottom mayofhave torn tiny honest conversation – especially about ed inand future waves if negotiations heart BlackLaurie Detroit, reinforcing segrega“During the its early morning an of Rep. Pohutsky of Livonia are part heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown care, lack of mental health resources, and soil, Black Bottom during mid-wastion, apart a thriving community, but the resolute who canstalled. actually win in November. remain perpetuating inequality. officerflourished noticed that Ms.the Hoath feel-and of a bipartisan group of more area. than 30 a general disdain for complaints about 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination of a new generation of entreIFain can clarified speak onthe thisunion’s personally ing unwell. The officer promptly escorted other the surge state in their strat-because I did For one to state aptlylawmakers recognize asking the harm The crime and thetoinflux visitors tothat Dewelfare authorities. of prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries isofreclaiming the her to the healthcare area of the facility for answers. egy:work. “I want to give a major shoutcaused 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. The governor’s office said in a statefor assessment and care, where it was deI worked of to members help bring our Arab outInto2024, the thousands planners and politicians behind policy and culture change troit Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of the “Significant ment the health and safety of those under In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blacktermined by medical staff to transfer her brothers andthe sisters into theright fold to support who are on picket lines those projects built within them directly through must occur the Michigan Depart- MDOC’s supervision must always be the off guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing owned businesses are not just flourishing Resource Helpline in Vice President Kamala many of to the hospital by ambulance,” MDOC’s now fightingAsh for all Harris, of us. because The By Andre the heartment of vibrant, populated communiof Corrections,” lawmakers wrote. systematically dismantled, erased from the response James White, Chief ofoffering Policetop for the Detroit Police Dedepartment’s priority. but thriving, diverse services, prodto the challenges that us believed thereis would solidarity in the face Jenni Riehle said in a statement. ties—oftentimes Stand-Up Strike a newbeapproach to reinforce segregation and DIGITAL ANCHOR “However, it has become abundantly clear map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as- residents face in navigating the partment, said: “We were caughtthat somewhat flat-footed ucts, and experiences pay homage to the “The governor has directed MDOC to of presidency. to another striking.Trump Instead of striking all sometimes part direct effort toright replace A 28-year-old woman Khaira to as each ofof usathat such change cannot phalt. out and the gate. Bypaving design wethorough, wentforinto thetransparspring past while the way a prosperous conduct a swift, and complex system of housing serplants at once,individuals selectcontinues locals will be And while within the Arab comor eliminate Black neighborhoods. Howard died at the facility last month, Homelessness to not occur under your leadership aswhich deployment, isinvestigation,” lessjazz than the mid-summer deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt vices. Thewill entFrom spokesperson for future. clubs toa soul food restauhelplineInprovides aa decade called to support stand upHarris, and walk outBlack Detroimunity many days before her scheduled release. Her plagueondid urban communities, with Director. the over that you But now, after decades of enduring the ment, and saw we say an uptick in violence that first of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, Whitmer told Michigan Chronicle. “This rants, the Black Press, and art galleries to single point of contact for people on strike. This isthe ourlevel generation’s ters did not see of public organizing, family will celebrate her 29th birthday families and individuals grappling of the Michigan scars of have I-375,served there as is Director a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business center, remained largely seeking process will include a careful assessment fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing housing assistance and answer to the movement that built mobilization, urgency, ofand visible advocacy without her theaters, later this clubs, month.and on the horizon. with the challenges making Department of Corrections, concerns Plans have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, Chief attributes the violence in Greektown to by the an very independent examiner. life into essence ofmedical what once made connects them with the resources our union – the sit-down strikes of that many expected during one of the most conends meet in today’s economic cliby inmates, their loved ones, The death 57-year-old Rebeccatransform Fack- raised this once-divisive freeway into a and bars—the very places thatofbrought Detroit’s a combination of weather conditions and a surgeepicenin popWhen this process is complete, we will this neighborhood a vibrant cultural 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. sequential elections our lifetime. mate. Whether it’sofstruggling to legislators gone unaddressed.” ler is also being investigated. vision that seeks toalike righthave the wrongs of the ter. It’s Black community together—were concen-Michigan ulation. release the results of extends the investigation. a resurgence that beyond 14 was the deadline we meant Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments That absence was and noticed. State Police Street, say thethe results of an autopsy past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings epicenter A letter signed by 23 Democrats and Families deserve to have the answers brick and mortar; it represents the resurHe explained, “ We saw numbers downtown that we it. gave the soaring companies ourcosts ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor We coping with rental and toxicology could be revealed and community revitalization. Of course, white candidates and other of comAfrican-American culture report in the city. seven Republicans to MDOC leadership they during the grieving process.” genceever. of a need spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago tion, which has pledged $10 milin a housing market marked by votes every as twist investigators for answers munities aremore also seeking Black for athan sweeping ofthere’s depart-a Detroit Fueledcalled by more $100 overhaul million Then, in more a cruel of fate,search Hastings andfrom feeling that in a post-COVID era… Women incarcerated at theDurhal Huron and it took than a month to City we’re Councilman Fred lion over three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety into Howard and Fackler’s deaths. election cycle. That is politics. But many Black ment leadership. U.S. Rep. Thanedar, the Infrastructure Investment and Shri Jobs Act the Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with downtown and the to come get to the table.” III,venues representing District 7, reasons where Eastern Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the growSee DEMANDING CHANGES D-Detroit, his own statement says it offered mental health and other partners,also thiswrote ambitious project making way forThe thestate construction of I-375. down withMarket all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan See BLACK POLITICAL POWER union is pushing for a comMeagan Dunn Julie Schneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming unPage A-2 Chronicle, demanding Washington’s resignation. counseling onsite over the weekend to aims to create jobs, remove barriers to ecoThis marked the final blow, sealing the fate hundreds of 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 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 Sam Robinson becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights Mychael SENIOR REPORTER The causes of homelessness By areLynzee as diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, were alsomobile comingdevices. because From Black through geolocation-enabled MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST as the individuals experiencing 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 resource Gov.toGretchen Whitmer putting her name and a growing number of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach combat this issue. is housing did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Great Mithem.” Korey behind District 3tostate Senatehelp candidate “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 Black and one of Hall, homelessness a member of her administration, The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment at risk of or who are experiencing is a key this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and things 670,000invisitors. families flocked to Detroit in search theJulie 10 people running to represent Detroit’s east $500 million to support projects across pledging priority of the City of Detroit, said Schneider, Director In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs and a better life, to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract side in the state Legislature. Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization they were doing in Detroit is they otal roleDepartment. they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has imple“I’mthe Big Gretch andsupI’m standing tall with part of their contribution. being a significant were the leaders in fightthe against Michigan Chronicle “This means focusing on building pipeline of cultural and musical heritage, mented various enforcement measures to the manage inKorey Hall,” Whitmer said in a video. “Vote for 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 Wins Six of critical resources Korey Hall for the state District 3.” with the number of unhoused residents steadiis the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, Care What on the a delivery such as emergency delible mark on the city.Senate However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal all of this Black innovation that you In a statement, Whitmer said she is proud ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention ‘Excellence in in recentand years, Detroitprohas expeillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown see coming later.” toand endorse Hall and isgentrification, confident in hisand ability to the City’s community response system. housed entered grams. It also means preserving expanding affordable rienced significant “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ Journalism’ Awards serve inhas Lansing. In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which raised concerns about Aretha Chief White explains. It Musical has been alegends deterrentlike for some, Society of housingatstability though comprehensive service offerings the displacement of long-standing Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the “In my administration, as Director of ComAccording to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a for Detroiters? available through the Detroit Resource Black residents. Similar to a directly setting Motown sound emerged from Demunity Affairs, heHelpLine engaged leaders Professional Journalists – Housing fiscal with year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying a CPL, have a great day. If you’re and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, a rising spirit, and Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the and there’s residents across Michigan to ensure that Detroit Chapter Banquet SeeinCOMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 See POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their place rights movement and inspircommunities hadthe anDetroit influential voice governIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched in the He city,possesses despite the the skills challenges ing generations. Motown Records, ment. necessary to unite posed by address gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not people. challenges, and advocate for Hollier served in the role until late 2023, when said he has worked with Detroit’s community inworking Duringfamilies.” the Great Migration, and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of he resigned to pursueofa campaign for Congress. tervention groups, have been advocating for neighborhoods became centers trification. Black who excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black families from It’s a notable endorsement for Hall, who is greater state-level funding. Black culture and entrepreneurship. Hall has worn many hats over his time work“Black people were coming to Dethe Southagainst came tosomeone Detroit in However, as Detroit faced ecorunning thesearch governor has also government for because nonprofits. U.S. and Sen. population Debbie StabenAccording ing to in Historian Jamonand troit BlackHe’s churchesWhile were working of jobs inclosely the booming automobile nomic for decline loss worked with, Adam Hollier. in inthe office 2020, the Double Up Food Bucks Blackworked resilience thegovernor’s city here, blacksince schools were ow, here,Hall andhelped industry. Despite facing Hollier discriminain create the late 20th century, many Whitmer appointed to lead Jordon the Michthe Executive of the the Governor’s hasScan roots thatleading extend far before the Office its was Black businesses here,” said QR Code to Sign Up for Digital Daily Newsletter tion segregation, builtinviiganand Veterans Affairsthey Agency January 2023.the $2.00 See KOREY HALL Pagepage A-2 A2 Detroit governor’s office, andoffice. will Within persisttheJordon. “They wereHall coming of course brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration See LEGACY $1.00

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