Is Detroit’s $400 Million Investment in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Accessible for Black Detroiters?
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Comerica Doors 175Scholarship Years Ago Roots. A3Bank Opened ItsEducation Roots. A3Fundraiser
M ichigan C hronicle Michigan Chronicle
Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023
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All Black Everything:
Vol. August 21-27, 2024 Vol.87 87––No. No.51 3 || September 20-26, 2023
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UAW Election Integrity ATriple NightStrike of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Demands Accuracy Against Detroit Over Speed Automakers COMMUNITY VOICES:
By Sec. of JJState Jocelyn Benson Ebony Curry GUEST SENIORCONTRIBUTOR REPORTER
As State, I LateMichigan’s ThursdaySecretary night, of Sept. proudly serve as the state’s chief elec14, a historic moment unfolded tion administrator. in American labor However, relations I asbelieve the role carries with it an unofficial, the United Auto Workers (UAW) yet essential secondary educator union initiated a title strike- chief against of voters. That Motors means it’s notand only my Ford, General (GM), job to facilitate Stellantis. For our theelections first but time,to help Michiganders understand their voting the union took simultaneous rights, the options for casting a ballot action against all three major Deand, when automakers. necessary, shed troit-based The light actionon the elections involves process. approximately 13,000 Since 2020, the Department of State UAW members in assembly plants has consistently communicated to voters, across Michigan, Ohio, and Misthe media, information organizasouri, who voter walked off their jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By Ebony JJ Curry tions, and the labor public,contracts that it may after existing ex- take their city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER several hours pired at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From for counties Shortly before midnight on oftotalent, determinaAs the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundn a breathtaking celebration report unofSept. 14, GM released a statement oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who tion, and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, ficialwith election expressing disappointment own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crethe Michigan Chronicle marked results. This its 10th Annual ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, the strike action, despite offering 40 Under 40 event Thursday evening. This year’s See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 process takes what termed anin“unprecedented received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. soirée,it drenched the theme “All Black Everything with because economic package” thattime included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through of numerous historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems bi-parwithin the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. built-in of Black excellence. Hosted the charismatic duo Joe of Biden “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s said President and Vice President Kamala Harrisa atbig thedeal,” Democratic National Convention. Photo by Robyn Beck via Getty tisan by checks Andre Ash and Lynzee and Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s Images controls cle’s Finally Friday, the to night was each a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentensure of Detroit and its vibrant community absentee ballotof 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 submitted is in Jocelyn Benson sparkled The evening with a golden fact from that promise as we and I always knew that I would have a business, but I celebrated individuals various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, DPD Chief James White Says Increased voter and isremarkable the only ballot assigned from to of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repthat voter. Police Presence Culled Violence resents our city’s pride.” sionary of Detroit Hives, Whileco-founders state lawmakers recently en-Nicole Lindsey and Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was acted legislation allowing clerks to begin By Andre Ash visive forces Engagement led him to seek a better chance of securing victory in the the landscape beekeeping and urban in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community at office. By Marshelle Sanders processing and of tabulating absentee bal- farming DIGITAL ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending theUltimately, wounds inflicted on upcoming election. it illustrated troit but also exemplified the transformative impact Barton Malow. By Ebony JJ Curry As Vice President, Biden went over his REAL TIMES MEDIA lots early, larger cities like Detroit may also expressed disappointment in Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. his willingness to put the nation’s interests Black professionals can have on their communities. “It is so important to recognize there are young global standrecordthat concerning America’s still receive large numbers of absentee SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying the company A stringlonging of shootings that wasinso callously torn away in his own. It’s history marred injus“Together we have created social, environmental, leaders across country, that are born herebyin pain, ing awhile creating domestic jobsGreektown and eco- inabove Since Vice President Kamalathe Harris de- many ballots up until 8 p.m. ElectionaNight. immediately went intooncontingenmid-April leftcrowd repeatedly acknowlthe past. For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or The capacity tice,nationally and economic than and financial impact through bees,” represent ourthe city and I devastation. tell people, nomic opportunities. Despite More theboth challengclared, Lind“We didDetroit. it, Joe!” Iafter winning Receiving processing absentee ballotsaid Jackson. cy mode toand protect its operations. visitors edged and residents of I-375, has long been just another stretch of The I-375 Boulevard Project is about more that sacrifice as they repeatedly sey 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,’” recounted 2020 election, the Biden-Harris administra- es of a worldwide pandemic, he this envelopes - which includes the checking in The UAW has branded inbustling downtown desurban highway, artery connectthan just correcting historical chanted “Thank You, Joe” injustices; during hisit’s 45partnerships and collaborative efforts that tion we exist ina toconcrete Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, how the administration pushed forward, each voter on the Qualified Voter File, has tried implement what it believes dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. One of these ing different parts ofto the city. To some, it’s redefining the future. It will connect minute address—a testament to the admiover 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences within an industry that not many of generational wealth was obliterated, and a signature verification, and other security stating that he was determined to build a America should represent. Strike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically Detroit claimedto surrounding neighbormere convenience; to others, it’s an unre- of thriving lion honeybees – humbly speaking oura movement has us, ration and respect he has garnered throughspecifically women color, have the opportunity community was torntoasunder. The downtown measures - mayautomaker. take a number of hours better future for all Americans. within each UAW the life of hoods, a popular and the be- gap that was placed upon As the 2024 Democratic National Conmarkable part of their daily commute. Howbridging inspired others locally, nationally, and even internation- engage in and I’ve been thewounds out his time in the White House. youngest person in the room, inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranbefore the counting board is able to tabuPresident Shawn Fain stated, “This Though Biden made the fateful decision loved security guard followvention at the United Center there’s commenced a deeper, far more troubling decades ago. allyballots to takeand on report similarresults. missions.” the only Black person in in the room, the andphysical the onlybarrier Sistah of ina freeway to the city scending late Because of ever,Chicago, As the convention’s first night drew to strategy will keep the companies to step down, he pledged that V.P. Harris ing a dispute with a patron. event the next iterbeneaththe the surface of this seemingly theintroduced room, and I really had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the Tim very ofwould Blackcontinue Detroiters. the resurgence of Paradise this addedItwork, media and elec- storyation Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization founded by vision aToday, close, allegedly Biden was joined on stageValley by his guessing. will voters, give our nationand Gov. Walz to priThe male suspect of that in Harris, the presumpfreeway—a story of pain, showing up,displacegiving chances when others won’t, and stands as a testament to the indomitable tion observers should harnesses expect delays in ordinary Lindsey and Jackson, the power of urban bee- of family and V.P. Harris, who came on with This painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum leverage oritize the ideals that propelledshot his the ownguard before fleeing tive presidential nominee. andDemocratic theCity. lastingbeing impactpersistent.” on Black DetroiAs a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivspirit Black Detroiters the enduring reporting results the mostAnd populousin ment, keeping to revitalize neighborhoods the Motor her of family, which drewand raucous applause to the nation’s highway program and flexibility in for bargaining. the scene, while his female presidency: an administration focused on ters. issues Beforelike Bidening tookinthe stage as the finalmale-dominated a predominantly industry, her to connect legacy ofthe Black excellence. This historic disregions of the Their initiative onlyweaddresses critical standing room crowd. of 1956—a program that aimed if we need to state. go not all out, will. companion isfrom accused of concentering inclusion, economic opportunity, speaker, the convention was already off to unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections The tale begins in what is now Lafayette trict, once a vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental butpriorialso provides valuable DPD Chief James White Election is officials always the and country but often did so at the expense Throughout the convention, diverse Everything onconservation the will table.” Union cealing the weapon in her bra. the promise of prosperity for everyone, between businesses and Detroit’s communities is undea dynamic start thanks to remarks from Park, once known as Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education and employment opportunities to Black Detize accuracy whenthat reporting voices were heard, including personal testiof marginalized communities. In the case of leaders have over also speed indicated regardless of background. incidents unfolded during an days. unseasonably Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who de-I-375, it meant carving a path throughThese rooted in African-American culture that harkens back to its glory The deunofficial We continue to work borhood monies from those directly affected byand poladditional results. plants could be targetthe warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic During his speech, Biden touted his adceremonial the fertile Vice-Pres-heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segrega- struction history.a Named aftervote its for dark, ofchallenges Black Bottom may have torn with officials identify new and and livered icies and faced over the past few ed in local future waves to if negotiations heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown work in eliminating student apart idential nominee—the evening Bottom flourished during the featured mid- tion,ministration’s a thriving community, the resolute innovative ways to speed up the process, soil, Black remain stalled. years, and Monday nightbut featured stories anddebt perpetuating inequality. area. will determination loan and lowering inflation, which notable appearances from U.S. Rep. Maxine 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations of a new generation of Josh entrebutFain we will never do so at the expense of from individuals like Amanda and Zuclarified the union’s stratto aptly under recognize harm also one be priorities the the Harris/Walz The surge in crime and the influxisofreclaiming visitors tothat Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Waters, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.,Young, Sen. Dick For preneurs making sure to thegive count is accurate. rawski,and whovisionaries shared their experiences under egy: “I want 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 leg- Jas- ticket. Durbin, Hillary Clinton andDetroit U.S. Rep. lostrestrictive legacy. abortion bans imposed during know that politically motivated outWe to the thousands of members the planners and politicians behind troit Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends.mine But Crockett. in the name of urban renewal in some of“Donald Trump is going to find out the In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackthe Trump administration. people or on groups will try to exploit who are the picket lines right any those projects built them directly through offdeclared guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Dr. power of women in 2024!” ownedThe businesses arewill notcover just various flourishing Housing Resource Helpline in Biden The night concluded with First Lady length of time between polls now fighting for all of us.closing The and convention topics By Andre Ash the heart of vibrant, populated communisystematically dismantled, erased President from the Joe James Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Dein one ofthe thechallenges many highthat points of his fiery,White, but thriving, diverse services, prodresponse to Jill Biden, who introduced the reporting of results as some kind of Stand-Up Strike is a new approach in the coming days, including a dedicated ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and DIGITAL ANCHOR map,Biden, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of aspartment, said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed demonstrative speech. ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the residents face in navigating the to replace who then delivered a fiery, compelsign of potential wrongdoing. to striking. Instead of striking all session on international affairs. sometimes as part of a direct effort phalt.ling speech. right out the Bypaving designthe we way wentforinto the spring pastgate. while a prosperous Itsystem wasBlack a of rallying cry serthat encapsulated complex housing plants at once, select locals will be That’s why it’s more important or eliminate neighborhoods. In this session, President Biden and Vice Homelessness continues to than deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt From jazz clubs to soul food restauessence of hisprovides campaign:a that every citi- future. vices.the The helpline called onurban to stand up and walk out outever for Michigan citizens andwith news Reflecting on his 2020 Presidential run, President Harris will address issues such as plague communities, But now, after decades of enduring the saw we an uptick violence that first of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, singlezen thesay Black Press, in and art galleries to deserves the chance to thrive.ment, and rants, point of contact for people on strike. This is our generation’s lets to make sure they rely on official the situation in Ukraine, highlighting their Biden recounted the events of Charlottesfamilies and individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business center, remained largely seeking housing assistance and boutiques, this revival is breathing answer to movement that sources of the information for allbuilt questions last night about theto pro- fashion commitment to domestic and global chalville that compelled him to runclubs, for the high-on the Yet, with the challenges of making horizon. Planswas have beenpassing unveiled untouched. Restaurants, theaters, and Chief White attributes violence in Greektown to life into the verythe essence of what once made connects them with the resources our union – the sit-down strikes of about election procedures and trust that verbial torch. est office. sight of brought extremists marchingtransform this once-divisive freewaya combination ends meet in today’s economic cliinto a thislenges. bars—the very The places that Detroit’s of weather conditions and a surge in popneighborhood a vibrant cultural epicen1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. our robust security processes mate.state’s Whether it’s struggling to withouttogether—were fear or shame, and the sublove my to job,” Biden said, “But I love ter. It’s Secretary Hillarythat Clinton spoke about vision “I that seeks right the wrongs of the Blackopenly, community concenulation. a resurgence extends beyond 14 was the deadline and we meant ensure accurate results. Support for themore.” helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments sequent violence stirred him to action. my country the and significance of represents having a female Vice past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick mortar; it the resurHe explained, “ We saw numbers downtown that it. gave theelections companies eco- out from theThat Gilbert Family Founda- his decision to President, particularly the first womanweof or We coping with soaring rental costs Michigan’s areour carried and community revitalization. “When I heard someone call these people’ remark highlighted of African-American culture in the city. genceever. of a spirit to be subdued. have not seen, Peoplethat arerefuses emerging from COVID nomic demands eight clerks weeks and ago which has and pledged $10 milby than market 1,600 in amore housing marked by thouwonderful people on both sides,’ I knewtion, I Fueled step aside support V.P.million Harris as his a Detroit by more than $100 from Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings and there’s feeling that we’re in a post-COVID era… and it took more than a month to City Councilman Fred Durhal See PASSING THE TORCH lion over three years to fund thehis belief that shockingly high prices, a variety couldn’t stand it,” Biden stated. Helater, said his It underscored the successor. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the Street, too, was obliterated a few years and with downtown and the to come See INTEGRITY get to theELECTION table.” III,venues representing District 7, reasons where Eastern program. Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the growpage A2 wishway to protect soul from such di-andwith at thethis helm, the Democrats had Market otherHarris partners, ambitious project making for theAmerica’s construction of I-375. down with all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, A2for a comunion ispage pushing Julie Schneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn 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. 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 need can easily find assistance. after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself family. Shelters offer a place to rest one’s head and a warm “The city and its partners offer a lot of great services to address the situation. meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t The rise in visitors to the Greektown area is evident being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights By Lynzee Mychael The causes of homelessnessBy areEbony as diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, senior program manager of Rocket JJ Curry were also coming because Black through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST as the individuals experiencingSENIOR it. In REPORTER response, the City of we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right Community Fund. “It’sstuff. about enpeople was doing some When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. housing resource and a growing number of programs to suring that every Detroiter, regarddid Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Greathelp Mi- them.” less of their has the “Providing services and high-quality housing to persons A young student sits onofa Black park inyear, the city?circumstances, They started doing In the same period this these numbers increased to gration when thousands chance to connect, learn, and thrive The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key bench, this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and things 670,000invisitors. familiestablet flockedinto hand, Detroit accessing in search in an 1800’s increasingly digital world. pledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, Director online resources a In the the major thing that of jobs a betterto life,complete to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract both With over doing 25,000 people already Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. school assignment. Thisinscene, once they were in Detroit is they otal role they played the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has impleusing these networks, we can see being a significant part of their contribution. rare in the Detroit, is of now possible were the leaders in fight against “This means focusing on building pipeline sup-heritage, cultural and musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage the inthe immediate impact this project is thanks to a new initiative aimed 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 having on our community.” at bridging the city’s digital divide. 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 emergency delible mark on the city. However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal people Free public Wi-Fi has been installed all More of thisthan Black25,000 innovation thathave you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion and prevention proin recent years, Detroit has expeillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown already tapped into these networks, in fiveexpanding key parksaffordable across the housed city: and entered the City’s community response system. see coming later.” grams. It also means preserving and rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ according to data from Connect 313, Bradby, Chandler, Clark, McDuffy, In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could which has raised concerns about Aretha A Night of Mean Detroit’s Chief White explains. It Musical has been alegends deterrentlike for some, the organization spearheading and Palmerservice Parks.of This effort is housing stability though comprehensive offerings the displacement long-standing Gaye, and the the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have testedFranklin, it. If youMarvin are legally carrying a for Detroiters? Unapologetic Style project alongside the City of Detroit a Resource pilot project launched in available through the Detroit part Housing HelpLine Blackofresidents. Similar to a setting Motown sound emerged from Defiscal 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 Parks Coalition. June 2023, much-needed and Cultural Brilliance and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s abringing rising spirit, and Black troit,the providing a soundtrack forThe the See COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 installation includes solar-powered connectivity to Detroiters who have See POLICE PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their place civil rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit charging stations, ensuring that been on despite the wrong of the City.Life.Style. B1 long in the city, the side challenges ing generations. Motown Records, anyone, of their circumdigital gap. posed by gentrification. founded regardless by Berry Gordy Jr., was not can stay while and west Over these and long the afterpromise our current phase ofinclugen- stances, This project just about pro- leveling just a record label connected but a symbol of During the isn’t Great Migration, thesides. playing field.time, The Wi-Fi of greater enjoying the city’s public spaces. neighborhoods became centers in of sion. trification. viding internet access;families it’s aboutfrom op- networks, Black excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black funded by $265,000 Black culture Bridging digital faced divideecoin portunity. In a city where Black and grants “Blackinitiative people were coming much to Dethe South came to Detroit in search from and the entrepreneurship. Detroit Pistons, However, the as Detroit “This represents Detroit is moreand thanpopulation just a technilow-income communities have been Rocket According to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were of jobs in the booming automobile Community Fund, and the more nomic decline loss than simply providing interdisproportionately impacted by a Knight Jordon Foundation, Black resilience thethan city net here,access; black it’s schools were here, and industry. Despite facing discriminaofferin more the FREE late 20th century, many about creating op- in See PUBLIC WI-FI lack access, thisbuilt initiahasScan roots that QR extend faroffer before the Up its was BlackDigital businesses here,” said the Code to Sign for the Daily Newsletter tion of andinternet segregation, they vi- just connectivity—they hope portunities,” said Autumn Evans, $1.00 page A2 tive stands as a critical step toward 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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Greektown Had 1.4 Million Visits This Summer and No Shootings Biden Passes the Torch, Harris Takes the Lead
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