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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 86 – No. 42 | June 21-27, 2023

Preserving Black History and Cultivating Intellectual Growth By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Florida has emerged as a leading proponent of silencing Black voices and distorting the comprehensive history and current realities of Black people through Gov. Ron DeSantis’s “Stop WOKE” law. This law seeks to restrict discussions and education surrounding race and gender, perpetuating a nationwide campaign that undermines the experiences and contributions of Black people across the world. The oppressive measures witnessed in Florida are not limited to a single state; they are gradually spreading to other parts of the country as well. Presently, 15 states have enforced educational gag orders, and several state legislatures are considering similar censorship measures. Alarming statistics from July 2021 to June 2022,as documented by PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans reveal that 2,532 instances of individual books being banned have occurred, impacting a staggering 1,648 book titles. Most of these banned books contain content featuring prominent characters of color, LGBTQIA+ protagonists or themes addressing race and racism. In the face of alarming developments such as the “Stop WOKE” law, the concerning increase in technology usage among minors, the banning of influential Black books and the ongoing neglect of telling Black history, it becomes crucial for the Black community to unite and reshape the narrative. Taking action becomes imperative to safeguard our history, struggles and achievements from being relegated to mere stories shared around firesides. It is particularly crucial to prioritize our Black children in this endeavor. Given the pattern to undermine and disregard the contribution of Black people across the world, it becomes necessary to cultivate a love for reading and uphold Black history to nurture the minds of Black children. By exposing them to diverse narratives, we can empower them with knowledge, build their self-esteem and instill a strong sense of cultural identity that will pass from generation to generation. Reading is a gateway to intellectual growth, allowing children to develop crucial cognitive and language skills. For Black children, reading can be a powerful tool to combat the barriers they may face in education. By encouraging a love for reading at an early age, we can equip them with the necessary tools to navigate an often-biased educational system. Reading enhances vocabulary, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and will enable Black children to excel academically and beyond. In addition to the alarming prospect of Black stories being erased, the decline in proficient reading skills casts a dark cloud over Black children. A recent report by Michigan Capital in 2021 reveals a distressing statistic: 88 percent of third-grade students in Detroit are below proficiency in reading. This alarming figure sheds light on a broader issue that exists within our schools and See BLACK HISTORY page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

The Michigan Chronicle Goes One-on-One with U.S. Census Bureau Director

Robert L.

Santos

By Donald James

SENIOR WRITER, REAL TIMES MEDIA

etroit has rarely seen a United States Census count it actually agrees with, unless, of course, it was 1950 when the Motor City saw its apex population of 1,849,900 people. Over the ensuing 73 years, Detroit’s population has been on a downward trajectory. According to the latest Census estimates released in May, Detroit’s population is 620,376 residents. The count is in sharp contrast to the Census Bureau’s 2020 estimates that put the Motor City’s population at 639,111 and later adjusted to 639,115. The Bureau’s up and down population count has infuriated city officials, prompting them to file legal challenges claiming that thousands of city residents were overlooked. Last week, Census Bureau Director Robert L. Santos was in town for three days but did not meet with the mayor or other city officials about Detroit’s fluctuating Census numbers. Instead, Santos’ itinerary included speaking at The Council for Community and Economic Research’s 63rd Annual National Conference, “Creative Solutions for Transformational Change,” held at the downtown Renaissance Center. In an exclusive interview with the Michigan Chronicle, Santos said the conference afforded him the opportunity to interface with community leaders, researchers, and others regarding the Bureau’s latest developments, policies, and other data gathering news. Santos also ventured outside of the conference. “I seldom come to a city for a single event,” said Santos, sworn in as the Census Bureau’s director in January 2022, making him the first Latino to head the agency. “I

do as much outreach as I can because that is a central part of what I want to bring to the Census Bureau. I want to put a human face on the Census Bureau for people to see and for me to reach out and listen to their concerns and help them understand the true value of the Census data.” Santos told the Chronicle that while in Detroit, he would meet with the National Business League (NBL), the storied African American trade association for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurship. “We are meeting with the National Business League to discuss the ongoing 2022 Economic Census and economic development,” Santos said. “Many folks don’t realize that the Bureau of the Census conducts three censuses, in addition to over 130 surveys of businesses and people.” The Economic Census, according to the Bureau’s website, is the official five-year measure of American businesses and their economic impact. Through comprehensive statistics at national, state, and local levels, the Economic Census is the benchmark for economic activity. “There are over 54,000 businesses in Detroit that are being solicited to participate in the Economic Census, and that data is absolutely vital to understanding not only our national economy but useful for local business and local economic development,” said Santos. “It lets us know what types of businesses there are and captures rich information on the ownership of the businesses, such as ethnicity and gender.” The Chronicle asked Santos about plans to meet with Duggan while in Detroit to discuss the Census Bureau’s work in the city and the agency’s population estimates announced since 2020. “My schedule, unfortunately, is pretty

constrained,” the director said. “We were able to pull together some media interviews, work with the business community, and participate in the conference. But we will be back and will welcome dialogue with city officials and others.” Santos was asked if he saw published news stories last month about Duggan calling the Census Bureau a “National Clown Show” in response to the agency’s latest population estimates that Detroit lost almost 8,000 residents between 2021 and 2022. Local demographers and Mayor Duggan believe the Motor City’s population is somewhere just north of 670,000. “Of course, I saw it,” Santos said. “But when I see things like that, I see them as individuals who have genuine concerns that need to be addressed. That’s basically what we are trying to do because we strive for excellence and know there are always improvements that can and should be made. We are looking for that, and we are leveraging that in our planning for the 2030 Census. And like I said, we will be back and look forward to working with city officials, local communities, universities, and the media.” Detroit is no stranger to disputing Census numbers. After the 1990’s Census, then-Mayor Coleman A. Young challenged the Census Bureau’s count in court when the federal agency reported that Detroit’s population had dropped below 1 million. The Bureau was forced to amend its count, acknowledging the Census had missed tens of thousands of residents. Duggan sued the Bureau last year and the agency agreed to add approximately 1,500 people to the city’s population count of what seems to be a trend of give and take.

NAACP Announces Four-Day Fight for Freedom Weekend in Detroit By Lynzee Mychael

American Black Film Festival

Celebrates Black Excellence in Miami

City.Life.Style. B1

$1.00

See CENSUS page A2

Detroit Branch NAACP President Wendell Anthony, accompanied by members and allies, held a press conference to reveal exciting updates regarding the Fight for Freedom weekend. The June Jubilee, an four-day event, will kick off on Thursday, June 22nd. This unforgettable weekend will feature a dynamic summit, the much-awaited unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. statue, the inspiring MLK Freedom Walk and rally, and the prestigious Freedom Fund Dinner. Brace yourselves for a weekend filled with empowerment, celebration, and a shared commitment to the pursuit of freedom and equality. The June Jubilee aims to honor, educate, and unite individuals who have made significant contributions to our community and played a crucial role in shaping a brighter future. At the upcoming Fight for Freedom Fund extravaganza, re-

nowned rapper Doug E. Fresh will receive recognition for his remarkable achievements in rap music, marking 50 years of his impactful career. Joining him in this esteemed group of awardees will be former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, 91, a respected figure and one of the last surviving lieutenants of King. The Sunday night dinner, featuring Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael War-

nock as the keynote speaker, will serve as a platform to pay homage to these exceptional individuals. The event will also honor other notable dignitaries including Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, Michigan state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Erin Keith, managing policy counsel for the Detroit Justice Center, and Ken Nixon, president of the Organiza-

tion of Exonerees. Together, they will be celebrated for their remarkable contributions and dedication to their respective fields. On June 23, 1963, the Walk to Freedom occurred as a powerful demonstration against segregation and the prevalent inequalities in wages, education, and housing. This historic event, documented by Wayne State University’s Walter P. Reuther Library, brought together a diverse group of participants including community activists, labor organizers, clergymen, and government officials. Notably, it was in Detroit where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a significant rendition of his renowned “I Have A Dream” speech, foreshadowing the momentous March on Washington that would take place a few months later. The Walk to Freedom stands as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice.

See FREEDOM FUND page A2