Issuu

Is Detroit’s $400 Million Investment in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab C O forMBlack E Detroiters? R I C A Accessible

NewSpotlight: Generation Black Business Month

HOMEFRONT Money. A5

Comerica Celebrates C O of M Black E R Tennis I C A Stars 35 Years of Supporting the Nation’s Largest City.Life.Style. B1 UNCF Walk for Education Scholarship Roots. A3 Roots. A3 Fundraiser

ZaLonya Allen in the Business HOMEFRONT of Cultivating Businesses

M ichigan C hronicle Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023 Vol. 88 – No. 51 | August 20-26, 2025

All Black Everything:

REPORT: Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

Michigan UAWTeachers Are Making Less and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Triple Strike A Night of Elegance By Sam Robinson Against Detroit Automakers SENIOR REPORTER

Michigan teachers are losing ground when it comes to their salaries compared to By Ebony Curry other states JJ and professions, according to a SENIOR REPORTER recent report from Michigan State University’s Education Policy Collaborative. Late Thursday night, Sept. The authors of the report are targeting 14, a historic moment unfolded lawmakers, as schools across Michigan are in American labor relations as anxiously for state(UAW) lawmakers to fithe Unitedwaiting Auto Workers nalize education union an initiated a budget. strike against TheGeneral report found the(GM), State ranks Ford, Motors and 44th nationally in average starting teacher Stellantis. For the first time, pay, down five sincetook the 2021-22 school year. New the spots union simultaneous teachers in Michigan action against all three earn majorapproximately De$41,600 annually, almost troit-based automakers. The$4,900 action below the national involves average. approximately 13,000 UAW assembly Themembers report’s in authors say plants Michigan’s slipacross Michigan,edge Ohio, and Misping competitive is making it harder to souri, who walked off their jobs hire and retain teachers in the State. troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By Ebony JJ Curry after contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Theexisting report,labor Teacher Compensation in Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER pired at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From Michigan: Recent Trends and Public Opinion, Shortly before midnight on byofMichiAs the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the bound2025 Update, released this month n a breathtaking celebration talent, determinaSept.State 14, released a statement gan University’s Education PolicyofInnotion,GM and the unyielding spirit Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who expressing disappointment with vation Collaborative (EPIC), highlights the Michigan Chronicle markedhow its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crethe wage strike action, offering the gap between teachers and compara40 Under 40despite event Thursday evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 what it drenched termed anin“unprecedented bly educated professionals in other fieldsEverything is soirée, the theme “All Black with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. economic package” that included growing wider. Michigan teachers now earnand essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through Gold Accents,” transcended expectations historic wage nearly 23% lessincreases. than otherStellantis workers with simly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. ilar levels of educationHosted and experience. of Black excellence. by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from MichiganBy Chronibe remembers honored and oneit’s of her earliest ex- left Black children learning about them“Given trends in the broader labor market, Ebony Brown. JJ Curry“It’s always an honor toShe cle’sprojected Finally Friday, thegap, nightknown was a triumph the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentperiences there: being required to attend selves only in the context of enslavement we that the as the forSENIOR REPORTER of Detroit and penalty,’ its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look Wednesday Masslike but me. barred from taking or oppression. ‘teacher wage was likely to widen fessionals. I started making selling clothes as ainkid communion. Raised the African MethIn Detroit,I’m thegeeked. fight over what our chil- and unless the State raised teacher pay,” the au“Centering Black students shouldn’t and goes I always knew I would have a business, but I odist Episcopal Church—one of the oldest be something that is out of the norm— dren deeper thanthat an acathors of evening the reportsparkled wrote. with a golden promise The as are we taught never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, Black Christian denominationsDPD in the demic debate—it’s a question of survival, celebrated remarkable walks ChiefforJames Says Increased Black White students, educators, and comExperienced teachers individuals fare slightly from better,various so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business rep-to worship that munities,” Brockington said. “We should country—she was used of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and viself-worth, and the kind of future we’re but Michigan’s overall average salary ranking Presence Culled Violence ourBlack city’syouth. pride.”Over welcomed everyone. The restriction Police con- not sionary of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey andfor resents building the city’s has also co-founders fallen from 16th to 19th nationally, expect outsiders to center us and our fused her and left her feeling out of place. Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not changed Taking home Excellence Award was past two installments of the this Corporate “Black now sitting at $69,100, roughly $3,000 less onlythe needs; we already know what that looks By Andre Ash the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- White Dannis Curriculums” Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement Students, series, That changed in the at third grade, when like.” than the U.S. average. DIGITAL ness district that enrolled had beenher theand lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the wounds inflicted on troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified thein transformative impact Barton Malow. we’ve dug into how Eurocentric lesson her parents her brothers By Ebony JJ Curry also “Low pay makes it harder to recruit and One story,and passed down atosense Brockington Detroiters restoring of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. plans erase, distort, or important dilute the totruth in the Nataki Schoolhouse of De-Black “It is so recognize that thereTalibah are young SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying educators,” the companysaid Jason retain high-quality by N’Namdi years after she’d A string of shootings in longing that was so callously torn graduated, away in troit, then under the leadership of foundabout Black history and culture, and what 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 immediately went intoofcontingenBurns, the lead author the report. “Without captured Greektown in past. mid-Aprilthe leftschool’s ethos perfectly. A For many Detroiters, 375,Statewide or city ing principal N’Namdi. thatLindabsence costsInterstate ourI represent children. tice,nationally and economic devastation. More than the and financial impact through bees,” Detroit. our and ICarmen tell people, cy mode to protect its operations. stronger compensation, Michigan riskssaid pro-Jackson. young girl hadofasked her mother to put her both visitors and residents I-375, has long beenthat just only another stretch The Boulevard Project about more data shows ofofMichisey followed that sentiment with, “It which is through our local 130,000 residents, primarily were ‘Yea I’m a fraction D-girl I’m from the west-side Detroit,’” In 2016, of the Nataki Black, Talibah longing its current teacher the shortages, hairI-375 in pigtails. naturalistexture puffed The UAW has branded inthis Schoolbustling downtown des- Her urban highway, a concrete artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; it’s partnerships and collaborative efforts that we exist in Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able gan school districts include comprehensive forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, house closed after 38 years in operation. will negatively achievement.” upward instead of hanging down. Rather dustrial actionimpact as thestudent “Stand-Up tination in awe. One of these ing different parts oftothe city. To some, it’s about redefining the future. It will connect over 28 plus locations managing the health ofAfrican 4.5 milhave experiences within an industry that not many of American history in their curricgenerational wealth was obliterated, and a Founded in 1978 by Carmen N’Namdi and than force her hair to conform to a style Strike,” focusing specific plants shootings downtown tragically claimed Data from the –on spring round of the State mere convenience; tofewer others, it’s an Detroit to surrounding neighborlion honeybees humbly speaking oura of movement haseven us, specifically women of thriving color,her have the opportunity community wassmall torntoasunder. The ula, and weave it unreinto everyhusband, the African-centered designedand forbe-straight textures, N’Namdi within each automaker. UAW the life of a popular the State survey found that residents believe markable part of their daily commute. Howhoods, bridging the gap that was placed upon 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, tranday instruction. And while Detroit Public school was named in honor of their late President Shawn Fain stated, “This $54,600, it: this was the hair’s gift, its loved security reframed guard follownew teachers around ever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling ally to take onshould similarearn missions.” only Black person culture in the room, andphysical theNataki onlybarrier Sistah ina freeway to the city decades ago. scending the of Schools are the ahead of statewide daughter, Talibah. strategy $13,000 will keepmore the than companies unique talent. It was something to celeing a dispute with a patron. roughly current starting story founded beneath surface of this seemingly thetoroom, and reallyhistory had to articulate the importance penetrate the very soul ofcreated Black Detroiters. when itthe weaving inIBlack Today, the change. resurgence of Paradise Valley Detroit a pioneering organization bycomes Nataki Talibah a wave Afri- suspect guessing. ItHives, will give our brate, not The ofmale allegedly salaries. Additionally, theynationsupport raising ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceof showing up, giving when others won’t, into its the result of thechances cur-This standsbefore as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban bee-curriculum, painful legacy can and be traced can-centered education efforts led bythe Black al negotiators shotback guard average teachermaximum salaries byleverage $2,400 per year, Thosefleeing moments mattered. They built an and theCity. lastingbeing impact on Black Detroipersistent.” As awhere trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivspirit of Black Detroiters and the enduring rent classroom culture is a system keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in ment, the Motor to the nation’s highway program educators and community leaders in Deand flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, while his female for a preferred average salary of approxiinternal compass that pointed Brockington ters. in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative onlyweaddresses critical issues most like Black ing students spend their formatroit who believed thetopublic schoollegacy of 1956—a program thatthat aimed connect if we need to go not all out, will. companion is accused of conmately $71,400. toward self-assurance. “It’s regular for me unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections The tale begins what isinnow Lafayettewhere once aher vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental but also provides valuable tive years in learning classrooms DPD Chief White systembut wasoften failing to so affirm theexpense city’s Black the country did at the Everything is onconservation the table.” Union cealing the trict, weapon in bra. she to be centered,” said. “Ita James changed how Along with broader pay increases for Park, all toonce between businesses and Detroit’s communities is undeknown as Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing renaissance education and employment opportunities Black Detheir own heritage is treated as an elective children. The late 1970s early of marginalized communities. In and the case of 80s leaders have also indicated that These incidents unfolded during an unseasonably I understood and framed experiences. teachers, the public supports policies that borhoodrather rootedthan in African-American culture I-375, were that harkens back to its glory days. The de- I a foundation. a period of economic crisiswarm andthe white additional plants could be targetit meant carving a path through spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic and didn’t of realize different schooling would target Michigan’s teacher shortages, and history. Named after its dark, fertile struction Blackhow Bottom maymy have torn in Detroit, reinforcing and public schools—aled in future waves if negotiations heart flight of Black segregaIn this final chapter, the lens turns hyheightened tensions in the densely populated downtown experience had been until high school. such as incentives for teachers who worksoil, in Black Bottom flourished during mid-Detroiready under-resourced—were increasing-apart a thriving community, but the resolute remain stalled. tion, and perpetuating inequality. area. perlocal, centering the storythe of one But I didn’t have the words until I was at hard-to-staff schools and subjects. 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations ly dominated by curricula that centereddetermination of a new generation of entreter whose educational journey proves ex-For one to aptly recognize the harm Fain clarified the union’s stratHoward University in is Dr. Carr’s freshman The surge in crime and the influx ofreclaiming visitors tothat DeDetroiters like Coleman Young, When asked about financing these of in-prominent preneurs and visionaries on Eurocentric history and values. Afriactly what’s possible when Black children egy: “I want to give a major shoutcaused by such projects, it is vital to note that seminar, when he talked about the mbongi troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the DeJoe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leglost legacy. creases, Michiganders polled favored allocatcan-centered schools like Nataki sought to are given the opposite experience. out to the thousands of members the planners and politicianstroit behind and being present intellectually. Those Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of ing state education. be the antidote. Theydirectly were intentionally In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwhomore are on thefunding picket to lines right To fund those projects built them through Dr. Tiffany Brockington, educator, norms were already my norms because of off guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housingdesigned teacher salary increases, nearly three-quarto weave African history, culbusinesses are not just flourishing Helpline in communi- owned now fightingAsh for all of us. The By Andre the heartResource of vibrant, populated higher dismantled, education practitioner, PhD Nataki.” erased from and the response James White, Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Deters support increased investmentsystematically in tural and community responsibility but thriving, diverse services, prodto pride, the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is a newstate approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and DIGITAL ANCHOR candidate in education, grew up on Demap, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as- residents Brockington is quick to connect her partment, said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed K-12 education, while fewer than one in five into every subject area, also main-ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the face in navigating thewhile to striking. Instead of striking all sometimes as part of a direct effort toright replace phalt. troit’s west side, directly across the street out the gate. By design we went into the spring confidence to her community’s legacy. Her would support cutting existing educational taining rigorous academic standards. The past while paving the way for a prosperous complex system of neighborhoods. housing serplants at once, selectcontinues locals will be orIteliminate Black Homelessness to John J. Bagley School. deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deploypaternal grandfather, physician, delivprograms orstand increasing class sizes. Whilefrom the residential areasElementary bore the brunt namehelpline “Nataki provides Talibah” translates to “shefuture. From jazz clubs to asoul food restauvices. The a called to up and walk out plagueonurban communities, with was so close she could see the front doors But now, after decades of enduring the ment, and saw we say an uptick in violence that first ered and cared for generations of Detroiof this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, who seeks knowledge” in Swahili, a direct rants, the Black Press, and art galleries to “The public has outlined a clear roadmap, single point of contact for people on strike. This is our generation’s families and individuals grappling from her home. But when largely her parents scars signal of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” ters from 1960 until his passing in 2005. its thriving business center, remained of the school’s mission. fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing and state leaders should take note,” report seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement built with the challenges ofthat making triedRestaurants, to enroll her before kindergarten, on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White Her maternal grandmother was a DPS spetheaters, clubs, and connects attributes violence in Greektown to life into the verythe essence of what once made co-author Mavrogordato a Under N’Namdi’s leadership,Chief Nataki them with the resources our –inthe sit-down strikescliof said inuntouched. endsunion meet Madeline today’s economic they were told she didn’t meet the criteria transform this once-divisive freewaya combination into a this of cial education teacher, a Boy Scouts Den bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s weather conditions and a surge in popneighborhood a vibrant cultural epicenstatement. “As Michigan policymakers debate became one of the first charter schools in 1937. told the 3 that Sept. they need. mate. We Whether it’sBigstruggling to to be considered “at-risk” enough for early visionMichigan that seekstotofully right the wrongs of the ter. Mother, and a Girlthat Scouts leader. These Black community together—were concenulation. It’s a resurgence extends beyond the upcoming state budget, findings embrace an African-cen14 was the deadline and we meant from our Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments admission. past while heralding a new era of inclusivity were her relatives—folks who were extrated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and mortar; it represents the resurHe explained, “ We saw numbers downtown that we report suggest is rental a real opportunity to tered philosophy. Its approach drew on it. gave the there companies ourcosts ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor We coping with soaring and revitalization. amples of how torefuses build atolife in service to “I was denied I community of African-American cultureadmittance in the city. because gence of a spirit that be subdued. have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID strengthen the educator workforce and ultraditional African learning models that nomic demands eight weeks ago which has pledged $10 milin a housing market marked by others. that considered enough,” tion, sheFueled by more than $100 million from Then,wasn’t in a cruel twist of‘at-risk’ fate, Hastings and there’s a feeling we’re in a post-COVID era… timately improve educational outcomes by connected education to community life, and it took more than a month to Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal over three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety recalled. “My parents melater, to a lion prithe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the Street, too, was obliterated a fewsent years That same spirit her work today. and with downtown anddrives the to come increasing K-12 funding forgrowteacher salary artistic expression, and moral grounding. get to the table.” III,venues representing District 7, reasons where Eastern program. Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the vate Catholic school because they had and to. other partners, this ambitious project making way for the construction of I-375. “People who are centered and affirmed down with all the activities that are going on, we saw This was a deliberate counter to the stanincreases.” Market resides, told the Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing for a comJulieto Schneiderwith majority nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn Though went create jobs, remove barrierswhich to ecoThis marked the Ifinal blow, school sealing the fate aims to hundreds of more people and, in particularly, young tend to have a lot of audacity,” she said. dard public-school experience, often “It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronhelpline, making it accessible to housed. students, the culture and experiencnomic growth, and reconnect the neighborof Black Black Bottom and signaling the beginning folks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.” icle.com. all Detroit residents. This initiative simplifies access to the See INVESTMENT Page A-2 Historically, shelterspage have provided a temporary respite es for didn’t centerValley, us—obviously.” of the end Paradise the Black busi- hood with the restSee of Detroit. It is a Responding step AFRICAN-CENTERED EDUCATION Page in A-2 See UAW STRIKE A2 swiftly to the surge 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 dance and achievement in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics between companyus By Ebony JJ Curry settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners and the State of Michigan.” because of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends and demographic insights By Mychael The causes of homelessnessSENIOR areLynzee as REPORTER diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, were also coming because Black through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From The additional $25,000 pushes JOURNALIST as the individuals experiencingMULTIMEDIA it.Amazon In response, the City of wein-now have a simple process to guide residents to the right has made another people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and Amazon’s total financial support resource and a growing number of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to in combat this students’ issue. housing vestment Detroit fudidDPSCD Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. of to $200,000, part of a From the days of the Greathelp Mithem.” tures, the Detroit “Providing services and high-quality housing to persons inyear, the these city? They started In the same period this numbers increased to five-year partnership that hasdoing also grationawarding when thousands of Public Black The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment Schools Community Founat risk of or who are experiencing homelessness isDistrict a key things this area ininthe 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and included 670,000invisitors. investments STEM edfamilies flocked to Detroit in search pledging $500 million to support projects across dation to Director boostto back-topriority of the City of Detroit, said Julie$25,000 Schneider, In the 1800’s the major thingboth that ucation and family engagement of jobs and a better life, theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives school readiness. The in funding, diof Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. they were in Detroit is they Fordoing district leaders, the otal role they played the city’s residents and visitors,efforts. the police department has implebeing a significant part of their contribution. rected through the district’s Family were the leaders in fightpush against timing aligns with their “This means focusing on building theand pipeline of sup-heritage, cultural musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage the in-to and Community slavery. The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in keep narrowing gaps in have attendance portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an inBlack Detroiters have Engagement left creased population. Notably, metal detectors been (FACE) department, will help prois the root in the city of Detroit recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiand achievement. Last school Care What on the a delivery of critical resources such as emergency delible mark on the city. However, strategically placed throughout Greektown to deter year, theto Federal vide clothing and Detroit essential resourcall of thisreduced Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unDPSCD chronic absenteeshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion and prevention proin recent years, has expeillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown es to students whoaffordable might otherwise see coming ism by 10 later.” percent, progress they housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams. It also means preserving and expanding rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ start thehas yearraised without them. about credit in part to targeted investIn 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which concerns Musical legends like Aretha Chief White explains. It has been a deterrent for some, donation, Thurspreparedness. A for Neighborhood housing stability though comprehensive serviceannounced offerings theThe displacement of long-standing Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have testedments it. Ifinyou are legally carrying a Detroiters? (Left) Amazon representative and Detroit native Ian Conyers presents atresidents. Davison Elementary available through the Detroit day Housing Resource HelpLine Black Similar to a during setting Motown sound emerged De“Ourhave families continue to face fiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying a CPL, a great day. Iffrom you’re Oasis forHousing SelfCare the final Summer the DPSCD Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti, DPSCD Foundation Presi- one and Detroit Services Division within HRD.” sun,district’s there’s a rising spirit, andonBlack troit,ofproviding a soundtrack for the the highest levels of concenSeedent COMBAT A2 representatives Block activation, drew more than Seewith POLICE PRESENCE Page and CEOHOMELESSNESS Kerrie Mitchell, and page other district a trated Detroiters are reclaiming their place civil rights movement and inspirpoverty in the A-2 nation,” Vitti In May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit City.Life.Style. B1 200 people. event re- $25,000 check at Davison Elementary. in the city, The despite thefeatured challenges ing generations. Motown Records, said. “When students don’t have marks from DPSCD Board Chair posed by gentrification. founded Berry Gordy Jr., was not theybyneed, they are more likely nomic gaps for our families and what Community Affairs. Bishop Corlotta Superin- and west sides. Over time, these their long after our current phase of genjustmiss a record label a symbol of to school. Webut can’t afford to During the Vaughn, Great Migration, students through funding to “This realitybecame impactscenters student tendent Dr.ofNikolai Vitti, DPSCD neighborhoods of provide trification. Black excellence empowerment. lose those days ofand instruction.” thousands Black families from attendance school uniforms and basic therefore their Foundation President CEO Black cultureand and entrepreneurship. “Black people were coming to Dethe South came to Detroitand in search However, aswhose Detroitdepartment faced ecoBuckman, achievement,” said Dr. Vitti. “We needs, such as toiletries, to them. Kerrie Assistant SuperinAccording to Historian Jamon These troit because Black inchurches were nomic decline and population loss of jobsMitchell, in the booming automobile investments our families continue to be encouraged by more tendent Familyfacing and Community Jordon Black resilience in the city and here,students black schools were here, and inSee industry.ofDespite discrimina- and theDPSCD late 20th century, many are allowing the DisFOUNDATION more partners stepping forEngagement Sharlonda Buckman, hasScan roots the that QR extend far before the Up its was Black businesses here,” said Code to Sign for Digital Daily tion and segregation, they built vi- ward, trict to the narrow the gap in Newsletter attensuch as Amazon, to fill ecoPage A-2 $1.00 and Ian Conyers, Amazon’s Headeast of Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course brant communities on the city’s $1.00 See LEGACY page A2

How African-Centered Education Shaped a Detroit Scholar’s PathGreektown and Purpose Had 1.4 Million Visits This Summer and No Shootings

Can Reparative Investment Finally Heal the Wounds Left by I-375?

All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness A Holistic Approach to Providing Shelter and Support for Detroit’s Unhoused People

WHAT’S INSIDE INSIDE WHAT’S

AmazonResilience Donates $25,000 to Gentrification: DPSCD FoundationReclaiming for Back-to-School Black Amidst Detroit’sSupport Legacy

The NOW Massage: Money. A5

Get Michigan Chronicle Delivered Daily to Your Inbox!