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M ichigan C hronicle Michigan Chronicle

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

All Black Everything:

Vol. January 21-27, 2026 Vol. 89 87 –– No. No. 21 3 | | September 20-26, 2023

Black Democratic Caucus UAW Defends Jocelyn Benson Strike ATriple Night of Racial Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Amid Against Detroit Discrimination Automakers Lawsuit

By Sam Robinson By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER SENIOR REPORTER

The chair of the Democratic Party Black Caucus Late Thursday night, Sept.Jocelyn Benson is defending Secretary of State 14, a historic moment unfolded against allegations of racial discrimination made in MDOS American labor relations as County court by employees in a Wayne the United Auto Workers (UAW) filing this week. union initiated a strike against Four African American employees of the MichFord, General Motors (GM), and igan Department of State filed a lawsuit in Wayne Stellantis. For the first time, County Circuit Court last week, accusing the the union took simultaneous agency and senior officials of race-based discrimaction against all three major Deination. troit-based automakers. The action The allegations come as Benson, involves approximately 13,000 who is named in the suit, is gaining momentum UAW members in assembly plantsas the front-runner to be the Michigan across Michigan, Ohio, Democratic and Mis- Party’s nominee for governor. Benson’s rivals souri, who walked off their conservative jobs By Ebony JJ Curry have circulateexthe allegations in after already existingbegun labortocontracts SENIOR REPORTER an attempt to p.m. discourage Black voters from suppired at 11:59 porting her campaign. Shortly before midnight on of talent, determinan only a breathtaking celebration The14, Black candidate in the race, Lt. Gov. Sept. GM released a statement tion, and the unyielding spirit of excellence, Garlin Gilchrist, dropped out with Monday toBlack run for expressing disappointment the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Secretary of State.despite Geneseeoffering County Sheriff Chris Annual the strike action, 40 Under 40 eventfor Thursday This year’s Swanson is also running governorevening. as a Demwhat it drenched termed anin“unprecedented soirée, the theme “All Black Everything with ocrat. economic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essentialhistoric wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the 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. 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. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we and I always knew that I would have a business, but I celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, DPD Chief James White Says Increased of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repPoliceDemocrats Presence Violence our city’s pride.” sayCulled Republican leaders are sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and Byresents Sam Robinson operating in bad faith and far outside Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed SENIORTaking home the Corporate Excellence Award was REPORTER By Andre Ash the limits of the law. the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at DIGITAL ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards“I mending woundshas inflicted troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified thein transformative impact think thisthe campaign shown on By Ebony JJ CurryBarton Malow. also ichigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer isn’t letting herBlack Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. that it has zero movement and zero “It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR REPORTER The Department of company State, in a statement, a statement, saying the AMayor stringlonging ofreal shootings party chair’s public feud with former Detroit that wasinso support callously throughout torn away in grassroots 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 strongly denied theinto claims, calling the allegations immediately went contingenGreektown in past. mid-April left said during a virtual For manyLindDetroiters, Interstate 375, or city the state,” Hertel Duggan get inand theeconomic way complimenting the jobthe tice,nationally and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. Detroit. IMike represent our andofI devastation. tell people, More than “absolutely false.” cy mode to protect its operations. both visitors and residents of I-375, has long been just another stretch of The I-375 Boulevard Projectthis is about more media roundtable earlier month. sey“We followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents, primarily Black, were ‘Yea I’m a D-girl I’m from the west-side of Detroit,’” he did as mayor of Detroit. will vigorously defend this case in court The UAW has branded the inthis bustling downtown desurban highway, a concrete artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; it’s “I think it’s going to be a problem partnerships and collaborative efforts that we exist in Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, and continue to as operate at the highest standards dustrial action the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. One of these ing different parts ofto the city. To know some, it’s “Well, you what, Duggan did a good job as mayor here,” redefining the future. It will connect over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences within an industry that not many of when it comes to getting on the ballot generational wealth was obliterated, and a of transparency, and plants professionalism,” the Strike,” focusing ethics, on specific shootings downtown tragically Detroit claimed surrounding neighbormere convenience; to others, it’s the an unrelion honeybees – in humbly speaking oura movement has Whitmer us, specifically women of thriving color, have the opportunity and I think it’sto going to be a problem community was torn asunder. The told Michigan Chronicle during an to interview after department a statement within eachwrote automaker. UAW from a spokesthe life of a popular and the be- gap that was placed upon markable part of their daily in commute. Howhoods, bridging inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage and I’ve been the youngest person in the room, when there isn’t anyone to actually wounds inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranperson. President Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard followhertheannual address theroom, auto and conference. “I am Democrat; ever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling the city decades ally to take on similar missions.” only Black personat in the the onlybarrier Sistah ina afreeway do the workago. of knocking doors and scending the physical of to strategy will keep the companies ing a dispute with a patron. Attorney Leonard Mungo, of Mungo &story Mungo beroom, supporting thehad Democratic nominee for governor. But Today, beneath the surface of this seemingly the and I really to articulate thesoul importance talkingthe to voters.” penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. resurgence of Paradise Valley Detroit a the pioneering organization founded by I’ll guessing. ItHives, will give ourfour nationThe male suspect allegedly At Law, represents former employees. ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceof showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and stands as a testament theconference indomitable Duggan and I worked well together.” Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beeDuring a virtual to press This painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum shot the guard before fleeing Plaintiffs include David leverage Murray, an executive ment, and theCity. lastingbeing impactpersistent.” on Black DetroiAs a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivspirit of Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in the Motor of his own, Duggan referenced Demto the nation’s highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, while his female office analyst; Elvine Vanbolden, a stateters. admina predominantly industry, her to connect legacy of Black excellence. This historic Their initiative onlyweaddresses issues like ing The in compliment camemale-dominated after own. ocrats attacking Whitmer for notdisof 1956—a program that aimed if we need to go not all Mychael out, will. companion is accused of conistrative manager; Foster, acritical training to country fortifying the connections The tale begins inunwavering whathad is now Lafayettehe supports once aher vibrant hub Black businessenvironmental conservation also provides saidcommitment recently being enough onfor Trump, saying DPD Chief James White the but did sosaid at the Everything is on the table.” cealing the trict, weapon inhard bra. specialist; and Nirva Civilus,Union abut director of public valuable Duggan Theoften governor theexpense president’s between businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark, once known as Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, isthe experiencing a renaissance education and employment opportunities to Black DeWhitmer’s bipartisan approach to contentious he won’t let line of attack bother of marginalized communities. In the case of leaders have also indicated that engagement. language and These rhetoric incidents unfolded during an days. unseasonably borhood rooted ingoverning African-American thathim. harkens back to its glory The desince theculture election of Presi-it meant additional plants could be targetI-375, carving to a path the contributed the through kidnapping at- leading warm spring, to increased pedestrian traffictorn and The lawsuit names Benson, COO Jackie and Venton, history. Named after its dark, fertile struction of Black Bottom may have dent Donald Trump in 2024. ed in future waves if negotiations heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segrega“For a guy who doesn’t think I can tempt against her. heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown chief of staff Christina Anderson, and Johnsoil, Strotdduring the midapart a thriving community, but the resolute remain stalled. administrator, as defendants. Black Bottom flourished and perpetuating Whitmer made appeals totion, conserwin, he sure does spend a lot of time area. beck, a division “Just lastinequality. week, the president ofdetermination 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations of a new generation of entrevatives last year, including trips to Fain clarified the union’s stratabout Duggan said toofDeFor one to aptly recognize the harm the United States stood before the The surge intalking crime and theme,” influx visitors The allegations in the lawsuit includeofretaliaprominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries isofreclaiming that the White House and a positive public egy: “I want to give a major shoutHertel, a former Mid-Michigan caused by such projects, it is vital to note that American people and refused to controit’s downtown core garnered the attention ofstate the Detion for complaining about unfair treatment amid Joe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leglost legacy. relationship with the president. to thehostile thousands of members senator. (DPD), catching them somewhat planners andsupremacists politicianstroit behind white and hateDepartment Police aout racially workplace that favored and gave ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of thedemn In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwho are on the picket lines right those projects built them directly through Duggan told CNN in September Whitmer also complimented new off guard. groups, like these two Michigan milispecial treatment to white employees. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing Resource Helpline in owned businesses are not just flourishing now fightingAsh for all of us. The By“MDOS’s Andre the heart of vibrant, populated communilast year that Whitmer’s approach Detroit Mayor Mary theDetia groups,” Whitmer said after Pressystematically dismantled, erased from the James White, Chief Police for the Sheffield, Detroit Police White and supervisors have but thriving,ofoffering diverse services, prodresponse the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is amanagers new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce and DIGITAL ANCHOR Trump saved to ident first woman to leadsomewhat the state’sflat-footed largest Trump toldsegregation the Proud Boys to map,and and replacedtobyworking a lifeless with stretch of as- has partment, said: “We were caught adopted and regularly engage in a pattern ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the residents face in navigating the to striking. Instead of striking all sometimes “Stand as part of a direct effort to replace thousands of Michigan jobs. Whitmer city, who she says will become a partback and stand by” while phalt. right outdethe By design we way went the spring practice of applying said written and unwritten pastgate. while paving the forinto a prosperous complex system of housing serplants at once, select locals will be or eliminate Black neighborhoods. credited the White House for her efHomelessness continuesas stated to ner From tois the state. former President Joe Biden infuture. deployment, which lessjazz than the mid-summer deploypolicies rules and up guidelines aboveWhile sub- the residential areas bore the brunt vices. The bating clubs to soul food restauhelpline provides a called to stand and walkwith out forts to bring a significant investment plagueonurban communities, October But now, after 2020. decades of enduring theand rants, ment, saw we say an uptick in violence that first jectively and in an unlawful racially discrimina“I’m really excited about Mayor 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 our generation’s to acenter, Macomb Countylargely Air Force base. families individuals grappling scars of I-375,Duggan there ishas a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” tory manner towards MDOS’s African American Sheffield,” Whitmer said. “I’ve had been criticized by its thriving business remained fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement that built with the challenges making It’s atheaters, stark change from the rela-horizon. on the Plans have been unveiled tochair employees insit-down a moreoffavorable its aattributes number of conversations with Michigan Party untouched. Restaurants, clubs, and Chief White the violence in Greektown to life into the very essence of what once her made connects them with the Democratic resources our union –and the strikescliof way toward ends meet in today’s economic tionship the president and governor transform Curtis this once-divisive freeway into afromthis of White employees,” the lawsuit reads. over the years, but certainly very reHertel for taking money bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s a combination weather conditions and a surge in popneighborhood a vibrant cultural epicen1937. told the 3 that Sept. they need. mate. We Whether it’sBigstruggling to a few years ago. seeks to right the wrongs of well I think she’s going donors and for notthe beingter. cently Black together—were concen- vision thatRepublican ulation. At the of theand suitwe is meant the use of state vehi-communityheld It’s a as resurgence thatthat extends beyond 14 was thecrux deadline Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments past while heralding a new era of inclusivity to be a great leader for the citythe ofthat Decritical of Trump. Duggan’s indepentrated around Hastings Street, the epicenter During his first term, Trump cles, the dispensing of discipline to employees, and brick and mortar; it represents resurHe explained, “ We saw numbers downtown we it. We gave the companies our ecothe Gilbert Family Foundaor coping soaring rental costs and community revitalization. troit. need torefuses do what we canCOVID do dent campaign has taken have aim atnot both of African-American culture the city. into afrom helped turninWhitmer national the use demands ofwith performance improvement plans. The gence of a We spirit that to be subdued. seen, ever. People are emerging from nomic eight weeks ago tion, which has pledged $10 milin a housing market marked by sides of than the political aisle, even as a Detroit keep this region strong and healthy brand Democratic attorney representing plaintiffs four in a cruel Fueled by more $100 million twistafter of fate, Hastings supporters andfrom there’s feeling that we’re in a post-COVID era… and it took more thanthe a month to says theThen, City Councilman Fred Durhal lion over three years to fund the shockingly high received prices, aunequal variety took his “That woman from MichiBlack employees discipline comthe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, and with the 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 growSee this GOV.ambitious WHITMER ATwith DETROIT AUTO SHOW Page A-4 we saw gan”construction comments and andtheir other partners, project making way for the of made I-375. them down all the resides, activities that going on, Market told theare Michigan Chronicle, union isDISCRIMINATION pushing for a comSee RACIAL LAWSUIT Dunn Julie Schneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan 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 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 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 areDarnell as diverse andJr. complex Currie was 9. A’milwere also coming because Black through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From JOURNALIST wein now have a simple process to guide residents to the right as the individuals experiencingMULTIMEDIA it. In response, lah Currie was the 2. City Theyof died people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and housing resource and a growing number of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat issue. Hollytheir family van this inside did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the the Greathelp Mi- them.” wood Casino atthousands Greektown “Providing services and high-quality housing to personsofparking inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration when Black The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment garage after their mother, 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 inTateona search involves pledging $500 million to support projects across Williams, ran out of options priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, Director In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs a better life, to thefor piv-a As Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives safe, warm place to sleep. Detroit 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 implewatchedthe that loss unfold andbeing rec- a significant part of their contribution. How were the leaders in fightthe against “ThisDetroit means Salon focusingIson building pipeline of sup-heritage, cultural and musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage inognized the part nobody wants to slavery. metal The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portiveCarrying housing and with the Continuum of an inBlack Detroiters have left creased population. Notably, detectors have been the coordinating say outmark loud: children canHowever, die from 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 suchon as the emergency delible city. strategically placed throughout theto Federal City’s Artists—and Its poverty here, not because their all of this Black innovation that you lypardeclining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroitprohas expeillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown ents love them, but because see coming later.” Story—to World housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams. It alsothe means preserving anddidn’t expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ the built toconcerns catch families In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all systems incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised about Aretha Chief White explains. It Musical has been alegends deterrentlike for some, before the service crisis did not move fast City.Life.Style. B1comprehensive housing stability though offerings the displacement of long-standing Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a for Detroiters? enough. available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a setting sound emerged Defiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying Motown a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re know the maze. and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun,Detroiters there’s a rising spirit, and Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the See COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 See POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming rights movement and inspirA mother to their keep place DTE In May 2023, the City of Detroit launchedtrying the Detroit a landlord’s threat, a child’s asthma, announced a reorganization that ty Solutions initiative, as Detroit’s in theshutting city, despite theoff. challenges ing generations. Motown Records, from the lights A senior a mother’s postpartum depression, centralizes the city’s health, social, first Chief Executive of Health, posed by insulin, gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not juggling rent, and bus fare. a family’s eviction notice. and supportive services under a Human Services, and Poverty SoluA young who and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of Duringperson the couch-surfing Great Migration, new leadership structure, an- tions. Sheffield’s reorg is built around became centers of single trification. Black excellence and empowerment. gets told to of callBlack three different thousands families numfrom neighborhoods chored by the appointment of Luke a simple premise: the city should “Focusing on people and on Black culture and entrepreneurship. bers depending on which door they “Black people were coming to Dethe South came to Detroit in search However, as Detroit faced ecoPh.D., founding director of require residents in crisis to Shaefer, are the main goals of our walk first. Poverty in this notAccording to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were poverty of jobsthrough in the booming automobile nomic decline and population loss the University of Michigan’s Povernavigate a fragmented system in administration and a promise we city has never been a single problem Jordon Black resilience in the city here, black schools were here, and in the late 20th industry. Despite facing discriminacentury, many order to get basic help. with a single fix. It shows up as an has roots that extend far before the its was Black businesses here,” said Scan the QR Code to Sign Up for the Digital Daily Newsletter tion and segregation, they built vi$2.00 See NEW DEPARTMENT PageA2 A-4 On Migration Tuesday, Jan. overdue bill, a missed appointment, and 13, willSheffield persist Jordon. “They POVERTY were coming SOLUTIONS of course brant communities on the city’s east Great $1.00 See LEGACY page

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