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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023
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All Black Everything:
Vol. 89 87 –– No. 20-26, 2023 Vol. No. 3 52| |September Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026
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UAW Building a ATriple NightStrike of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Against Detroit Stronger Automakers
Future for Michigan Students
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
Detroiters Weigh In on
$1.6B RenCen
Late Thursday night, Sept. 14, a historic moment unfolded in American labor relations as the United Auto Workers (UAW) union initiated a strike against Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. For the first time, By Governor Whitmer the union took simultaneous action against all three major DeBack-to-school season is here. troit-based automakers. The action Across our state, teachers are preinvolves approximately 13,000 paring their classrooms, parents UAW members in assembly plants Sam Robinson are checking off school supply lists, across Michigan, Ohio, and MisSENIOR REPORTER and students are getting ready to see souri, who walked off their jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By Ebony Curry their friends JJand start a new year. after existing labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst and glamour, the event Detroit’s also showSENIOR REPORTER As teachers, edrock and General Motorsthe areglitz pitching a plan to transform pired at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity talent within ourinto community. From families, and Renaissance Center, formerly the of GM headquarters, Michigan’s Shortly before students midnight on As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of honParis T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundget of talent, determinan a breathtaking celebration finest family entertainment destination. Sept. 14, released a statement their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who ready, I want tion,GM and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving Employees with the development company are calling the plan the expressing disappointment the creyou to with know the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, largest redevelopment project in the United States. Bedrock says it the strike action,40despite offering Brand Name, that have evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s 40 Under event we Thursday See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 wants to capitalize on being on the water. what termed anin“unprecedented been soirée,it drenched the themework“All Black Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. “I like to look at it too — looks great. But at some point, you want to be on the economic package” that included ing to make Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through water to take advantage historic wage increases. Stellantis fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. of it as a resource,” Brian Watkins, Bedrock’s governly illuminated the sure goldenMichigan gems within the true essence ment affairs director, told Michigan Chronicle during a tour of the developer’s schools of Black excellence. Hosted byare the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said new office space where the public can share feedback. ready, too. Last Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s The public had a chance to share concerns with I signed cle’s Finally Friday,month, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentthe development company owned by billionaire my eighth and of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. of Detroit and its vibrant community Dan Gilbert at the community benefits meeting Governor final balanced, fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid held at the Coleman A. Young MuniciWhitmer bipartisan eduand I always knew that I would have a business, but I The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we pal Building, on Tuesday, Aug. 18. cation budget into law. This budget from various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, celebrated remarkable individuals DPD Chief James White Says Increased Some who came to the meeting makes historic investments in of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repPolice Presence were vocallyCulled opposedViolence to the plan to Michigan students, educators sionary co-founders of Detroit and Hives, Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” tear down two of the structures that schools, builds on the progress Timothyand Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was By Andre Ashsurround the Marriott hotel, the cywe made over the past seven the have landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at DIGITAL lindrical centerpiece of the Renais-on years. ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the wounds inflicted troit but also exemplified the transformative impact Barton Malow. By Ebony JJ Curry also expressed disappointment in sance Center. Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. We professionals know that a child’s education Black can have on their communities. “It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying the company A stringlonging of shootings Bedrock that wasinsoDetroit callouslyand torn General away in starts long before the first day aofsocial, environmental, leaders across the country, many It’s a history marred by pain, injus“Together we have created that are born here in immediately went into contingenGreektown in mid-April leftto redevelop the RenaisMotors want kindergarten. That’s why we’re conFor manyLindDetroiters, Interstate 375, our or city tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. Detroit. I represent and I devastation. tell people, More than the past. cy mode to protect its operations. both visitors and residents ofand the sance Center surrounding tinuing to expand free pre-K,with, help-“It is through I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard Project is about east more sey followed that sentiment our local 130,000 residents,ofprimarily I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side Detroit,’”Black, were The UAW has get branded the start inthis bustling downtown desriverfront. The plan includes tearing ing more children a strong highway, artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; it’s partnerships and collaborative efforts urban that we exist ina concrete Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. down One oftwo these of center’s towers to and families $14,000 a year. the health ing different parts oftothe city. To some, it’s redefining thethe future. It will connect oversaving 28 plus locations managing of 4.5 milhave experiences withingenerational an industrywealth that not many of was obliterated, and a Strike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimed make Detroit use of underutilized The We’re also continuing our mission mere convenience; to others, it’s an unre- of thriving to surroundingland. neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking oura movement has us, specifically women color, have the opportunity community was torntoasunder. The downtown within each the life of hoods, a popular and the bedevelopers say more than 40 acres to provide free automaker. breakfast andUAW lunch and even markable part of their daily commute. Howbridging gap that was placed upon inspired others locally, nationally, internationengage in and I’ve been thewounds youngest personby in the room, inflicted I-375 run deep, tranPresident Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard followof decades underutilized for million public school stuever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling the city ago. land will become a allyall to1.4 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 keep the worry companies ing a dispute with a patron. mixed-use neighborhood that better dents. Nowill child should about story founded beneath the of this seemingly the room, and I really had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. Today, the resurgence of Paradise Valley Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization by surface guessing. It will give our nationThe male suspect allegedly connects the city to the Detroit River. where their next meal is coming ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceof showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and stands as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beeThis painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum leverage shot the guard before fleeing from while trying to learn. in ment, and theCity. lastingbeing impactpersistent.” on Black DetroiThe total cost of the is apAs a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivBlack Detroiters andproject the enduring keeping to they’re revitalize neighborhoods the Motor to the nation’s highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, spirit whileofhis female So, we took care of that – saving ters. 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 need to go$1,000 all out,a we will. companion is accused of confamilies around year, peralso provides to country fortifying the connections See RENCEN TRANSFORMATION The tale begins inunwavering what is nowcommitment Lafayette the trict, once aher vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental conservation but valuable DPD Chief James White but often did so at the expense Everything is on the table.” Union cealing the weapon in bra. child, and time each morning. opportunities businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark,toonce known Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education andalso employment Black De- as between Page A-2 of marginalized communities. In the case of incidents leaders have indicated that unfolded during an days. unseasonably When our kids are in the classborhood rooted in African-American culture I-375, it meant carving a path throughThese that harkens back to its glory The deadditional plants could be targetthe warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffictorn and room, we want to make sure they and history. Named after its dark, fertile heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segrega- struction of Black Bottom may have ed in future waves if negotiations heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown have the tools they need to sucsoil, Black Bottom flourished during the mid- tion, and perpetuating inequality. apart a thriving community, but the resolute remain stalled. area. ceed. This budget delivers a historic 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination of a new generation of entreFain clarified the union’s For one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime and the influxisofreclaiming visitors tothat De$502 million investment in stratliteraof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries egy:through “I wantMichigan’s to give a major shoutthat troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the Decy Every Child Joe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leg- caused by such projects, it is vital to note lost legacy. out to plan, the thousands members behind Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat Reads fulfilling ofmy promise ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of the planners and politicianstroit In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwho are on the picket lines right those projects built them directly through off guard. from my State of the State address the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing Resource Helpline in communi- owned businesses are not just flourishing now fighting for all of us. The By Andre Ash the heart of vibrant, populated earlier this year. It invests in what 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 newmethods approachto ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: DIGITALand ANCHOR works gets is proven 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. Instead of striking all sometimes as part of a direct effort teach reading into every classroom. phalt. right out the Bypaving designthe we way wentforinto the spring pastgate. while a prosperous complex system of neighborhoods. housing serplants once, teachers selectcontinues locals will be or eliminate Black Homelessness to We areatgiving more traindeployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt future. From jazz clubs to soul food restauvices. The helpline provides a called to science stand upofand walkwith out plague urban communities, ing in on the reading, exBut 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.and This is generation’s families individuals grappling panding access toour literacy coaches, 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 with the proven challenges of making adopting curriculums, and 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 them with the resources our –inthe sit-down strikes of endsunion meetin today’s economic investing more tutoring forclithe transform 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. mate. Whether it’s struggling to students who need it most. With 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 andmaking we meant Support for the helpline comes this budget, we’re also sure 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 ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundathe teachers who make this allcosts possior We coping with soaring rental 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 milble supported as wellmarked by continuin are a housing market by by more than $100 million Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it took more thanand a month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal over three years to fund the ing educator bonuses shockingly high prices, a investing variety the Infrastructure Investment and 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 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, The union is pushing for a comSee MICHIGAN STUDENTS Schneider nity Action Agency manages the ing issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn aims to create jobs, remove barriers to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate hundreds more people and,inin particularly, young “It’s still very early the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This helpline, making it accessible to housed. Page A-2 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 inJames data last fromweek Placer.ai, a location analytics company knew that if I wanted to see things U.S. Rep. John settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks the efforts of our partners Sam Robinson becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in demographic insights By Mychael I couldn’t wait someone state Rep. Jay DeBoyer visit as trends generous support of thefor Gilbert Familynamed Foundation, The causes of homelessnessSENIOR areLynzee as REPORTER diverse and complex and thechange, were alsomobile comingdevices. because From Black through geolocation-enabled else to do it,” Brinks said. MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST his pick for lieutenant governor. 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 housing resource and campaign a growinghosted number programsoftoSt. Clair County, chairs Democratic gubernatorial The Benson an of DeBoyer, Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. nomidid Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Great Mithe Michigan House Oversight Comhelp them.” nee Jocelyn Bensontohas chosen state event at a brewery in Grand Rapids “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 Sen. Winnie Brinks, the leader of Wednesday, where Brinks is mittee. The on 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 the Julie chamber, to be her lieutenant from. “Jayacross embodies the West Point pledging $500 million to support projects priority of the City of Detroit, said Schneider, In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs and a betterDirector life, to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s area continues to attract governor. Honor Code principles I expectdowntown in “As Lieutenant Governor, 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 impleBrinks brings moreofthan a decade willpart draw hercontribution. wealth of my administration: restoring integ- were the leaders in the fight against being a Winnie significant of on their “This means focusing on building pipeline culturaltheand musicalsup-heritage, various enforcement measures to manage the inrity, competence, mented and trust in state of legislative experience to the Demlegislative knowledge to help impleslavery. 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 government,” James said in a post ocratic ticket. She was first elected ment with our plans to lower costs andresidents steadiis the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, the number of unhoused Care What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark city. However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal announcing his pick. to the Michigan House ofproRepresenraise In wages Michigan families. all of this Black innovation that you ly declining. 2019,for approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroit has expeillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown tatives in 2012, serving three terms the right to help leadresponse DeBoyer House Over- see coming later.” housed She’s and entered thepartner City’s community system.has led the grams. It also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at keymate points, “ before being elected to the Michigan Michigan forward and I’m proud to sight Committee through hearings James and his running as beIn 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about like Aretha Chief White explains.holden It Musical has to been alegends deterrent forTrump. some, Senate. have her join me in the fight for a over Benson’s handling of election President Donald Opensstability New Location housing though comprehensive service of offerings the displacement long-standing Gaye, and the According to more the City of Detroit, since therecords, start ofher therollout and have testedFranklin, it. If youMarvin are legally carrying a for Detroiters? brighter, affordable future.” of some the new camSheresidents. won a write-in “Time and time again, James has available through Detroit the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black Similar tocampaign a setting Motown sound emerged from Dein Downtown fiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying a CPL, have a great day. If you’re paign finance system, among other before serving three terms the Benson, the day before she made it clear that he is not fighting and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, andinBlack troit, providing a soundtrack for the controversies surrounding DemoCOMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 House andarebeing elected toplace theSeenamed her pick, said there were for the people of Michigan he’s See POLICE PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters reclaiming their civil rights movement and — inspirIn May 2023, the City launched the Detroit City.Life.Style. B1of Detroit cratic statewide office holders. Senate in 2018. Shetheis challenges the first many options. fighting for Donald Trump,”Records, Brinks in the city, despite ing generations. Motown female Senate majority leader. DeBoyer also has years of mu- said. “That’s not leadership and not it’s “What I’m looking for is someposed by gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was experience, Michigan and who westcansides. time, these long aftergovernment our current phase of gen- not “Fourteen yearsGreat ago, when Dem- one bringOver perspectives that nicipal justwhat a record label needs.” but a symbol of During the Migration, for 12 years as the St. Clair Black neighborhoods becameat centers of serving trification. ocrats needed fieldfamilies a last-minute aren’t already the table,” excellence and empowerment. State Sen. Sarah Anthony was thousands of to Black from perhaps County Clerk andwere Register of Deeds, Black culture and entrepreneurship. candidate for my state represenBenson told Michigan Chronicle. first nameasfloated politicos “Black people coming to De- the However, the South came to Detroit in search Detroitbyfaced ecoserving as the were Clay in the past months, but Anthony is tative many of myautomobile neighbors “Someone who’stogotHistorian great governing According Jamon and troitpreviously because Black churches of jobsseat, in the booming nomic decline and population loss urged me Despite to run as a write-in can- and legislative experience Jordon Black resilience in as thewell. city Township here, blacksupervisor. schools were here, and in the late 20th century, many industry. facing discriminaSee RUNNING MATE didate. while I could of There are the a lotQR of great out the event in Grand Rapids hasScan roots that extend faroptions before the Up its At was Black businesses here,” said Code to Sign for the Digital Daily Newsletter tion andAnd segregation, they think built vi$2.00 a million reasons not to run, I there.” Tuesday, Benson and Brinks cast Page A-2 brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course See LEGACY page A2 $1.00
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Transformation B
Greektown Had 1.4 Million Visits This Summer and No Shootings
Can Reparative Investment Finally Heal the Wounds Left by I-375?
All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness A Holistic Approach to Providing Shelter and Support for Detroit’s Unhoused People
WHAT’S INSIDE WHAT’S INSIDE
Benson Taps Winnie Brinks as Running Mate Detroit’s Legacy Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming
Joe Louis Southern Kitchen Money. A5
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