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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023
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All Black Everything:
Vol. November 1-7, 2023 Vol. 87 87 –– No. No. 93 || September 20-26, 2023
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AUAW Night of Empowerment at and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 ATriple NightStrike of Elegance Against Detroit Inaugural ‘Minding Automakers My Black-Owned By Ebony JJ Curry Business’ Event in Detroit SENIOR REPORTER
Late Thursday night, Sept. 14, a historic moment unfolded in American labor relations as By Andre Ash the United Auto Workers (UAW) DIGITAL ANCHOR, union initiated a strike against Ford, General Motors (GM), and Real Times Stellantis. ForMedia, the Pitch first Black, time, and the Michigan in partnership with the unionChronicle, took simultaneous the Detroit Regional Chamber, introduced action against all three major Deatroit-based groundbreaking discussion series, automakers. The action “Minding My Black-Owned Business. The excluinvolves approximately 13,000 sive event was held Wednesday, Oct. 25, at UAW members in assembly plants the International & Conference in across Michigan, Banquet Ohio, and Misdowntown Detroit and presented an unforsouri, who walked off their jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By Ebony JJ Curry gettable evening of inspiration after existing labor contracts and ex- empowtheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER erment. pired at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From “Minding My Black-Owned Shortly before midnight onBusiness” As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundn asome breathtaking celebration of talent, determinafeatured of Detroit’s most influential Sept. 14, GM released a statement tion, and the unyielding spirit story of Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who business leaders, each with a unique expressing disappointment with the Michigan Chronicle markedand its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the creof triumph, challenge, theaccomplishment, strike action, despite offering 40 Under 40 event Thursday evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 success. Billy Cole (left), Jeannette Hadden (middle), and Bryan Foley (right) of Supreme Felons Inc. what termed anin“unprecedented soirée,it drenched the theme “All Black Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. “I believe havingthat a succession plan is economic package” included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through important,” said Greg Jackson, Chairman, historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. President & CEO of Prestige Automotive of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said Group. A respected figure in the automotive Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s and development industries known for his cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentleadership and commitment to delivering of Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. top-quality vehicles and services, Jackson fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid was one of the featured guests and spoke and I always knew that I would have a business, but I Thetheevening sparkled with aand golden about importance of building leav- promise as we citizens their quest for a second chance. a shift White in the individual this shift will never knew it would be Detroit’s brandinname business, celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks By Ebony JJ Curry DPD ChiefseeJames Says Increased ing a legacy. They adopt holistic repapproach, providing benefit family, neighborhood, community so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our abusiness of life. Among the honorees were the brilliantSENIOR and viREPORTER Policeand Presence Violence essential support to not only the individsociety asCulled a whole,” said Bryan Foley, sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” uals but also their families, addressing a Vice President of SFI. Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking after homeyears the of Corporate Excellence Award was Reentering society conBypersonal Andre Ash Moreover, their support extends to supgamut of needs that range the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- is Dannis of Community Engagement at from finement akin to Mitchell, stepping Director into a comDIGITAL to professional. The belief underpinning ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards inflicted on plyingmending personalthe carewounds packages, facilitating troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified thein transformative impact Barton Malow. pletely transformed world full of unforeBy Ebony JJ Curry also their operations is simple yet profound:Black Detroiters and restoring sense of bethe community. Internet education, creatinga platforms for Black professionals can have on their communities. seen barriers. Imagine, for a moment, “It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying the company string shootings approach is theA key to ofsocial that wasinso callously torn away in interaction, and ensuring safety stepping outleaders into the world yearsmany It’sa acomprehensive history marred “Togetherwent we have created a social, environmental, across theafter country, that are born herebyin pain, injus- longing immediately into contingenmid-April leftTheir agency referrals and breaking the relentless cycle ofGreektown incarcera- in and security. For many Detroiters, Interstate 375,your or city of restriction, ready reclaim life, tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. LindDetroit. Itorepresent our and I devastation. tell people, More than the past. cy mode to protect its operations. both visitors and residents of act Project tion while simultaneously promoting comresource guides as roadmaps formore those I-375, has long been just another stretch of The I-375 Boulevard is about only to be met with invisible walls at from every sey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents,ofprimarily ‘Yea I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side Detroit,’”Black, were The UAW has branded the inthis bustling des-often-complex munity safety. navigating the terrain of highway, artery connectthandowntown just correcting historical injustices; it’sreturn. 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 tinationand inabout awe. One of these “Forwealth me after 43 years, 11 months, entry. ing different parts oftothe city. To some, it’s redefining the future. It will connect over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5This milhave experiences within an industry that not many of generational was obliterated, and a is the silent battle many returnStrike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimed days ofopportunity incarceration, I came toThe realizedowntown mere convenience; to others, an unre-within Detroit to Prosecutor surroundingofneighborEli Savit, the Washtenlion honeybees – humbly oura movement has us, specifically women of thriving color,23 have the community was torntoasunder. ing citizens face daily,it’s especially “You can well yourselfspeaking in the generawithin eachdo automaker. UAW the life of a popular and the be- gap athat the true essence of remorse, empathy, and markable part of their daily commute. Howhoods, bridging was placed upon aw County, brings wealth of experience inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage in and I’ve been the youngest person in the room, wounds inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranthe Black community. The discourse surtion in which you Fain havestated, your business President Shawn “This where loved Along security followtaking responsibility forof my actions. ever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling the city decades ago. toguard the table, having previously held the ally make to take on similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in scending the physical barrier a freeway to rounding recidivism isn’t just about stayou some money and receive notoristrategy will keep the companies ingI apersondispute position with a patron. withthe thevery pain andofsuffering that story founded beneath of– this seemingly senior legal counsel Valley for the the room, I really had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate Black Detroiters. tistics the andsurface studies it’sand about humanity, Today, allegedly theofresurgence of Paradise Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization by ety, but if Ityou leave a legacy, someguessing. willdon’t give our nationThe male suspect ally inflicted upon my victim, his family, ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceCity of Detroit. In this role, he champiof showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and redemption, and the societal barriers that stands as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beething that carries forward,leverage then you really This painful legacy can be traced al negotiators maximum guardoned before fleeing justice reform initiatives friends, and my community, Ishot feltback athe need and theCity. lasting impact on Blackof Detroicriminal being As a trailblazing Black woman thrivchallenge the verypersistent.” notion a “second spirit ofhis Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in ment, the Motor haven’t built anything.” to thetonation’s interstate highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, while female cure and resolve some of the destruction ters. issues for ofMichigan’s most populous city. disSavit industry, her to connect legacy chance.” Black excellence. This historic Their initiative only like ing in a predominantly male-dominated of 1956—a program that aimed if we need to go all out, weaddresses will. Taking care of not people ahead of you critical and companion is accused of conI caused my community,” Supreme Felonstrict,expresses his support for Supreme Felons unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections The tale begins in what is now Lafayette once a vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental conservation but also provides valuable Nationally, the statistics are alarming. DPD Chief James White the country but often sotold at the Everything is on the table.”aUnion not just yourself required level of plancealing the weapon in her bra. President Billy did Cole theexpense Michigan Inc.culture, (SFI), impactful businesses and communities is undePark,toonce known Black Bottom—a neighes and ishighlighting experiencingtheir a renaissance education and employment opportunities Black De- as According tobetween the National Institute of Detroit’s Jusof marginalized communities. In the case of incidents leaders have also indicated that ning for the future, just some of the insight These unfolded during an He unseasonably Chronicle. work in the community. states, borhood rooted in African-American culture that harkens back to its glory days. The “The detice, within three years of release, about additional could be targetI-375, it meant carving a path through the and wisdomplants shared amongst the room of warm spring, leading to increased traffic and Supreme Felons arepedestrian a group of returning “Through this process, Supreme Felons and history. Named after its dark, fertile struction of Black Bottom may have torn 68% of released prisoners are rearrested. ed in future waves if negotiations influential Black leaders and aspiring entreheart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregaheightened tensions in who the densely downtown citizens engage populated in a variety ofresolute commuInc. gave birth. As I reintegrated myselfapart soil, Black Bottom flourished the mida thriving community, but the This number is both during staggering and heartremain stalled. preneurs. tion, and perpetuating inequality. area. nity work—including community back into society, more importantly my 1900s, nurturing the dreams andwhen aspirations determination of a new generation ofviolence entrebreaking, particularly considering Fainall clarified the union’s strat“It’s about what do we do next. BuildForcommunity, one to aptly recognize harm development, The surge ininterruption, crime and theworkforce influxisofreclaiming visitors tothat DeI was blessed the to encounter of prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries the many structural obstacles reintegrategy:on “I the want to give block a major shouting building we’ve established causedlike-minded by such projects, it is vital to note that and connections to training in the skilled troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the Dereturning citizens who had Joe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leglost legacy. ing citizens encounter. out now to theI’m thousands of members and looking for them to take that some of planners behind trades for returning citizens and young Police (DPD), catching them somewhat thethe same needs and and politicians desires totroit apply pos-Department ends. But inThe thechallenges name of urban renewal in steIn the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackbegin with societal who are onand the do picket lines right foundation something greater with those itive projects builtwithin them directly through off guard.in people alike. The organization exemplifies inputs the community the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing Resource Helpline in communi- owned businesses are not just flourishing reotypes. Black men and women returning now fighting for all of us. The it,” shared. ByJackson Andre Ash the heart ofwe vibrant, populated how much we allfor canthe benefit from returnwhich once left.” systematically dismantled, erased fromlabeled the response James White, Chief ofoffering Police Detroit Police Debut thriving, diverse services, prodto the challenges that from incarceration are often as Stand-Up Strike is a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: DIGITAL ANCHORabout his children, who now He’s talking ing citizens’ community work.”flat-footed map, anddangerous replaced by a lifeless stretch of aspartment, “We were caught somewhat The services Supreme Felons provides ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the residents face in navigating the or untrustworthy. These labels, to striking. Instead strikingupalljust as he sometimes part of aasdirect effort toright replace lead his company andofstepped phalt. deeply rooted in systemic racism and bias, Located in the southeast Michigan, Suout the Bypaving design we wentforinto the spring are asasdiverse theyserare essential, from pastgate. while way a prosperous complex system of neighborhoods. housing plants at once, select locals will or eliminate Black was attempting to sell some ofbe the assets Homelessness continues to preme Felons stands as a testament to deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deploymentorship programs that guide returning While the residential areas bore the brunt future. From jazz clubs to soul food restauaffect their ability to find employment, vices. The helpline provides a called toholding stand up and walkwith out within his group. plagueon urban communities, Butcitizens now, after of enduring theand rants, fact that there entities within our sawthe we say an uptick in violence that first alongdecades their new pathsment, to advocaof this demolition, the even heartreconnect of Black Bottom, the Black Press,are and art galleries to housing, and with family. single point of contact for people on strike. This is our generation’s families and individuals grappling The inaugural segment, titled “Levscars of I-375, a glimmer of hope communities to reversing the warm effortsthere that israise awareness of weekend.” theirfashion its thriving business largely when boutiques,dedicated this revival is breathing How can a center, personremained move forward seeking cyhousing assistance and answer toStoried the movement withUp: the challenges ofthat making eled Accounts of built Winning Big on thestruggles, horizon. Plans been unveiled to White overwhelming tide of of challenges returning from have mental health assistance untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and Chief attributes the violence in Greektown to life into the very essence what once made society is persistently pulling them backconnects them with the resources our union sit-down strikes of Times ends meet –inthe today’s in Business,” and theeconomic debut of cliReal face. They serve as reminder that transform this once-divisive into a thiscitizens to ensure emotional freeway and psychological bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s they a combination of weather conditions and aa surge in popneighborhood a vibrant cultural epicenward? 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. need. mate. Whether it’s struggling Media’s Realx Talks in Detroit, to offered an the stereotypes and biases, there vision well-being, that seeks to to housing right theconnectors wrongsulation. ofthat the aimter. beyond Black community concenIt’s a resurgence that extends beyond 14 was the deadline anddialogue, we meant dynamic However,together—were it’s worth noting that not Support for theahelpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments authentic, unfiltered exists a realm of understanding, compasto provide stable living environment. 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 ourcosts eco- an inall of society holds these views, and there from the Gilbert Family Foundaor We coping with rental discussions, andsoaring idea sharing before sion, genuine support. and community of African-American culture in thesupport city. in places “We atrevitalization. SFI think if society adopted gence of aand spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago are beacons of hope and tion, which has pledged $10 milin a housing curated market audience marked by vitation-only of Detroit In cities Detroit, theFred storyDurhal isera… even elements of the axiom, takes a there’s village a Detroit Fueled by more than $100‘It million Then,we in might a cruel twist of fate, Hastings Michandfrom feeling that we’re in a post-COVID and it tookexecutives, more than entrepreneurs, a month to Citylike Councilman least expect. In Southeast lion over to fund the of law shockingly high prices, a variety business and more complex. The intertwining of ecoto three raise years a child,’ inclusive enforcethe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the Street, too, wasorganizations obliterated a few years later,Felons and with venues downtown and the reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern igan, like Supreme program. Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the growgo-getters. ment, the education system, the business and other partners, this ambitious project making way for the construction of I-375. down with all the activities that are going on, we saw Market resides, told the Michigan Chronicle, are actively Julie working against the prevailunion is pushing for a comSchneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn world, usingof CITIZENS createfaith jobs, based removeorganizations, barriershundreds to ecoThis marked the finalnarratives. blow, sealing fate aims to people and,inin young “It’smore stillSee veryRETURNING early theparticularly, process, MDOT is ing negative Thisthe organization See BLACK-OWNED prehensive list of demands.BUSINESS This helpline,this making it accessible to housed. holistic will we nomic growth, and approach reconnect not the only neighborof Black is Bottom anddedicated signaling the beginning folks, teenagers that we hadn’tPage seen.”A-2 ardently to aiding returning all Detroit residents. This initiative simplifies access to the See INVESTMENT Page A-2 page A2 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 By Lynzee Mychael 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 JOURNALIST The causes of homelessnessMULTIMEDIA are as diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, were alsomobile comingdevices. because From Black through geolocation-enabled MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and housing tech resource Detroit is evolving into a thriving hub and a growing number of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Great Mihelp them.” has and the addition of persons a unique collaboration “Providing services and high-quality housing to inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration when thousands of the Black emerged to further cement title. Bedrock, The 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 Bosch, Cisco, and KODE Labs have joined forces $500 million to support projects across pledging priority of the City of Detroit, said Julie Schneider, In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of launch jobs and betterDirector life, to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract to theaUrban Tech Xchange (UTX), a revoDetroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. they were doing in Detroit is they otal role they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has implelutionary real-world test lab dedicated tackling part of their contribution. being atosignificant were the leaders in fightthe against “This means focusing on building pipeline of sup-heritage, cultural and musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage inthe mostthe pressing challenges faced by modern slavery. metal 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, detectors have been cities. This dynamic project not only positions 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 Detroit resources such as the emergency delible as mark on city. However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal an open tech hub, but also propels the all of this Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion and prevention proin recent years, Detroit has expeillegal carrying of firearms. city to the forefront of smart city development. Government Shutdown see coming later.” housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams. It also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ “The Urbanand Tech Exchange isInan2021, openabout innova5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Aretha Chief White explains. It Musical has been alegends deterrentlike for some, tion platform for companies of all sizes to be able housing stability though comprehensive service offerings the displacement of long-standing Gaye, and 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? to test, demonstrate, and deploy their technology available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a setting sound emerged DefiscalJim year 2019ofto 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying Motown a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re in a real-world environment,” said Saber and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the NextEnergy. “One of the unique things about this See POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their placeSee COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit space is that it’s not technology for technology’s in the city, despite the challenges ing generations. Motown Records, sake. How does technology create a better user posed by gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not experience? How does technology create a stronmarket them across the world.” challenges, leaders across Detroit the city and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- and just a record label but asee symbol of During the Great Migration, ger and more vibrant community? Linking what as the ideal location for tech entrepreneurs and neighborhoods became centers of trification. Black excellence and empowerment. Nestled in the heart of downtown Detroit at thousands Black families from we are doingofhere in the space with the communiinventors their visions. Black culture1520 and entrepreneurship. Woodward Ave., Urban “Black Tech Xchange aimscoming people were to De-to realize theultimately South came tomake Detroit in search However, as Detroit faced ecoty, will Detroit a more attractive to propel Detroit into the future by fostering inDetroit Mayor Mike Duggan the According to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were of jobs in the booming automobile nomic decline and emphasized population loss place for people to work and launch new compain in smart The collabJordon Blacknovation resilience the city city technologies. here, black schools were here, and industry. Despite facing discriminain the late 20th century, many nies. It’s also an entry point for the companies See orative lab a space startups canDaily hasScan roots the that extend farprovides before the its where was Black businesses here,” said URBAN TECH XCHANGE QR Code to Sign Up for the Digital Newsletter tion are andhere segregation, built that to proof they things outviand scale and page A2 page A2 $1.00 test, refine, and demonstrate solutions for urban Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course brant communities on the city’s east See LEGACY $1.00
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1.4 Path Million ‘Supreme Felons’ HelpsGreektown BridgeHad the Visits This Summer and Forward for Investment ReturningNoCitizens Shootings Can Reparative 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 WHAT’S INSIDE INSIDE Urban Tech Xchange Gives Black Entrepreneurs Access to Cutting-Edge Technology
Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy
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