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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023 Vol. 88 – No. 40 | June 4-10, 2025

All Black Everything: What the Mackinac Policy

Powered by Real Times Media | michiganchronicle.com Michigan Judge Strikes UAW Down Triple AAbortion NightStrike ofBarriers, Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Citing Voter-Backed Against Detroit Reproductive Automakers and Where It Missed Freedom Amendment By Ebony JJ Curry Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

Conference Got Right –

SENIOR REPORTER

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR LateREPORTER Thursday

the Mark for

Black Leaders

night, Sept. 14, a historic moment unfolded Michiganlabor court relations just cleared in AAmerican as the path for reproductive the broader United Auto Workers access (UAW)by permanently of theagainst state’s lingering union blocking initiated three a strike abortion restrictions: 24-hour Ford, General Motorsthe(GM), andmandatory waiting period, Stellantis. For the thestate-required first time, informed consent paperwork, and the physician-only the union took simultaneous rule that barredalladvanced practice action against three major De- clinicians from performing abortions. Judge Sima G. troit-based automakers. The action Patel of theapproximately Michigan Court13,000 of Claims ruled involves that three violate the state’s Reproductive UAWallmembers in assembly plants Freedom for All amendment—an amendment across Michigan, Ohio, and Misapproved bywalked voters in 2022 that now serves souri, who off their jobs ByMichigan’s Ebony JJ Curry as strongest legal safeguard for after existing labor contracts exSENIOR REPORTER reproductive pired at 11:59care. p.m. These rules. These restricShortly beforeminor midnight on of n a weren’t breathtaking celebration talent, determinations have caused women to lose access to excellence, Sept. 14, GM released a statement tion, and the unyielding spirit of Black care, pushed patientsChronicle beyond with safe procedurexpressing disappointment the Michigan marked its 10th Annual al and40 blocked are This year’s thewindows, strike action, despite offering 40 Under event providers Thursdaywho evening. medically qualified but legally restricted. what it termed an “unprecedented soirée, drenched in the theme “All Black Everything with economic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essentialhistoric wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence

troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. their city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundoring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the creative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentof Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid and IAllen always knew that I would have a business, butheadlines I with a bold $4.5 billion K–12 education funding The evening sparkled with a golden promise asBy weJeremy never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, proposal, and the first James official debate Detroit’s five celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks DPD Chief Whitebetween Says Increased EXECUTIVE EDITOR leading mayoral hopefuls – James Craig, Fred Durhall III, of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repPolice Presence Culled Violence resents our city’s pride.” sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and ach spring, the Detroit Regional Chamber convenes the Saunteel Jenkins, Solomon Kinloch Jr., and Mary Sheffield – added an undeniable energy to the event. Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed state’s Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was most influential political and business minds Ash the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- for Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at FromBya Andre content and logistics standpoint, the Detroit Rethe Mackinac Policy Conference – a marquee event DIGITAL ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the wounds inflicted on troit expressed but alsonurse exemplified theinand transformative impact By Ebony JJmeant Curry That includes practitioners physitoBarton shape Malow. Michigan’s future. In 2025, the Chamber dou- gional Chamber should be commended. The flow of programalso disappointment Black Detroiters and –restoring a sense ofinbethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. “It is so important to recognize that there are young ming was tight. The issues discussed K-12 education, SENIOR REPORTER cian assistants, manythe of company whom are the only a statement, saying bled down on themes like talent retention, economic growth, A stringlonging of shootings inso callously torn away in that was 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 novation, public safety, housing – are central to Michigan’s consistent providers in contingenrural and under-reimmediately went into and infrastructure, wrapping it all under the banner of “MichGreektown in past. mid-April left the For manyLindDetroiters, Interstate 375, or city tice,nationally andhigh-level economic devastation. More than And and financial impact through said Detroit. I represent and Iconvertell people, competitiveness. the Chamber continues to prove it can sourced areas. For hundreds eachbees,” month, theJackson. cy mode to protect its operations. igan’s Equation for Impact.” our And while the both visitors and residents of I-375, has long been just another stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard Projectsolutions-fois about more sey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local residents, Black, werecross-sector a D-girl I’m the hopeful, west-side Detroit,’” bring together leaders for high-level, issue bureaucracy. sations ‘Yea were I’m relevant, smart, and130,000 often oneofprimarily thing Thewasn’t UAW medical—it has brandedwas the inthis bustling downtown desurban highway, a concrete artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; it’s partnerships andbecame collaborative efforts that we exist in Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, cused dialogue. And bureaucracy the barrier to care. dustrial action as the “Stand-Up was clear to many: thesome, equation for real impact is incomplete tination inabout awe. One of these ing different parts oftothe city. To it’s redefining the future. It will connect over plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences withingenerational an industrywealth that not many of The conference was obliterated, and a The2824-hour period, also provided an opportunity for top newsStrike,” focusing waiting on specific plantstied directshootings tragically claimed without more diverse voices at the table. a movement mere convenience; to others, it’s an unre- of thriving downtown Detroit to surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking our has us, specifically women color, have the opportunity to community was torn asunder. The ly to a mandated informedUAW consent form, makersthe to sit of the state’s news media outlets, within each automaker. lifeinoffront a popular and the be-top itsengage best, conference lived up to its inflicted billing. Governor markable part ofAttheir dailythe commute. hoods, bridging gap that was placed upon inspired otherstolocally, nationally, even internationin and I’veHowbeen thewounds youngest person in the room, by I-375 run deep, the tranforced patients navigate tightly and regulatPresident Shawn Fain stated,a “This including Michigan Chronicle. Michigan Chronicle talked loved security guard followWhitmer delivered strong address, focusing on bi- of ever, there’s Gretchen a deeper, far more troubling allywindow to takewhere on similarstate—not missions.” the only Black persona in the room, and the only Sistah ina freeway to the city decades ago. scending the physical barrier ed strategy will keep the the companiesthe doctor, to Gov. Whitmer about the importance of meeting with Presing a dispute with a patron. story beneath the ofand this seemingly unity forward-looking goals such improving the room, and I really had to articulate the importance penetrate theas very soul of Black Detroiters. Today, the resurgence of Paradise Valley Detroit a pioneering by surface not the patient-controlled whenorganization care could foundedpartisan guessing. ItHives, will give our nationident Donald Trump to keep resources like the F-15EX jet faThe male suspect allegedly ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displacesupporting military and attracting showing up, givinginfrastructure, chances others won’t, standsbefore as a fleeing testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses bee- of Thiswhen painful legacy can and be traced back happen. That consent form wasn’tthe justpower a sig- of urban literacy, al negotiators maximum leverage shot the guard ment, and the lasting impact on Black DetroiSee MACKINAC POLICY CONFERENCE Page A-2 being persistent.” Detroit As a trailblazing Black woman advanced manufacturing. Mayor Duggan madethrivBlack Detroiters and the enduring keeping tohad revitalize neighborhoods in the Motor City. to the Mike nation’s interstate highway program nature—it to accessed from and flexibility inbe bargaining. Anda state-run the scene, spirit whileofhis female ters. issues like ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative only critical website, completed more than of 1956—a program that aimed to companion connect legacy if we need to go not allnoout, weaddresses will.two weeks is accused of conto country fortifying connections The tale begins inunwavering what is nowcommitment Lafayette the once vibrant Black businessenvironmental conservation but provides valuable DPDfor Chief James White but no less than before thealso appointbutthe often did so at the expense Everything is on24 thehours table.” Union cealing the trict, weapon in aher bra. hub businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark,toonce known Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education and employment opportunities Black De- as between ment, printed out, and broughtthat in hand. Miss of marginalized communities. In the case of leaders have also indicated These incidents unfolded during an unseasonably borhood rooted in African-American culture I-375, it meant carving a path through the that harkens back to its glory days. The deone of thoseplants steps?could No abortion. additional be targetwarm spring, leadingof to increased pedestrian traffictorn and and history. Named after its dark, fertile heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregastruction Black Bottom may have ed Renee in future waves ifexecutive negotiations Chelian, director of heightenedapart tensions in the densely populated downtown soil, Black Bottom flourished during the mida thriving community, but the resolute remain stalled. tion, and perpetuating inequality. area. Northland Family Planning Centers, brought 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination of a new generation of entrethisFain reality into the union’s courtroom. Her organiclarified stratFor one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime and the influxisofreclaiming visitors tothat Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries zation, alongside Medical Students egy: “I want to give a major shout- for Choice that troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the DeJoe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leg- caused by such projects, it is vital to note lost legacy. and Center for Reproductive Rights, filed out the to the thousands of members behind Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of the planners and politicianstroit In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackthe led to lines this right ruling. Chelian wholawsuit are on that the picket those projects built them directly through off guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing owned businesses are not just flourishing Resource Helpline in estimated that at least 150 people a month now fightingAsh for all of us. The By Andre the heart of vibrant, populated communisystematically dismantled, erased from the response James White, Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Debut thriving, services, prodto the challenges that missed appointments due to consent form Stand-Up Strike is a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: “We were caughtdiverse DIGITAL ANCHOR map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as- residents partment, somewhat flat-footed ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the face in navigating the errors or timing issues. Ten ofallthose, each to striking. Instead of striking sometimes as part of a direct effort toright replace phalt. out the Bypaving designthe we way wentforinto the spring pastgate. while a prosperous system of neighborhoods. housing sermonth, turned plants atwere once, outright selectcontinues locals will be or eliminate Black Homelessness toaway. OneWhile the residential areas bore the brunt complex deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployfuture. From jazz clubs to soul food restauvices. The helpline provides a patient, Chelian testified, came called to stand up and walk outin at 23.6 plagueonurban communities, with But now, after decades of enduring ment,theand rants, saw we say an uptick in violence that first of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, the Black Press, and art galleries to weeks pregnant—just under Michigan’s single point of contact for people on strike.and This is our generation’s families individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business center, remained largely seeking fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing legal limit—but was denied care because she housing assistance and answer to the movement that built with the challenges of making on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects Chief attributes violence in Greektown to life into the verythe essence of what once made hadn’t printed the required paperwork. By them with the resources our –inthe sit-down strikes of endsunion meet today’s economic clitransform this once-divisive freeway into a this of bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s a combination weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popneighborhood a vibrant the next day, it was too late. That patient had 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. mate. Whether it’s struggling to of the ter. It’s a resurgence that extends beyond Black community together—were concen- vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. 14 was the deadline and we meant Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments See REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM while heralding aIII,new era of inclusivity Detroit Mayoral candidates Jamespast Craig, Fred Durhall Saunteel Jenkins, Jr.,numbers andit Mary Sheffield partictrated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick Kinloch and represents thethat resurHe Solomon explained, “ Wemortar; saw downtown we it. We gave the companies our ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor coping withAMENDMENT soaring rental costs and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. ipate in a debate during the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference. gence of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago tion, which has pledged $10 milin a housing market marked by Page by more than $100 million Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it took more than aA-2 month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal over three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with venues downtown and the reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the growproject making way for the Julie construction of I-375. and other partners, this ambitious down withMarket all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing for a comSchneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn aims to create jobs, remove barriers to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate hundreds and,inin young “It’smore still people very early theparticularly, 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 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 toBy restEbony one’s head and a warm “The city and its partners offer a lot of great services JJ Curry to address the situation. meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t SENIOR REPORTER 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 Imagine having to teach yourbecauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights By Mychael and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, how to navigate FAFSA before The causes of homelessnessself areLynzee as diverse and complex were alsomobile comingdevices. because From Black through geolocation-enabled MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right then rushing to class as the individuals experiencingsunrise, it. In response, the City of with people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and housing resource and a growing number of programs to an empty all issue. while caring Detroit has adopted a holistic approach tostomach, combat this did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Great Mihelp them.” for younger siblings because your “Providing services and high-quality housing to persons inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration works when of Black parent athousands double shift. That 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 isn’tJulie a hypothetical for manyinvolves Depledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Schneider, In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs and a betterDirector life, to the And pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract troit students—that’s reality. Detroit 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 impledespite every barrier, these students being a significant part of their contribution. were the leaders in fightthe against “This means focusing on building theand pipeline of sup-heritage, cultural musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage inare graduating, applying to college, slavery. metal The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an inBlack Detroiters have left creased population. Notably, detectors have been and excelling with GPAs that chalis 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 the emergency delibleevery mark on city.thrown However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal lenge statistic ever at 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. them. They carry more than books Government Shutdown see coming later.” Turns Menopause 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, “ in their backpacks. They carry resilIn 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes andand improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Aretha Chief White explains. It Musical has been alegends deterrentlike for some, ience, brilliance, quiet hope. Into a Mic Drop housing stability though comprehensive service of offerings the displacement long-standing Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a for Detroiters? That’s what the SWAG Moment Withthe Bold, available through Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to aScholarsetting sound emerged Defiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying Motown a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re ship exists to honor. SWAG—Stuand Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the Comedic Concert Film dents Wired Achievement andSee COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 See POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters arefor reclaiming their place rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit Greatness—is not a the titlechallenges handed in the city, despite ing generations. Motown Records, City.Life.Style. B1 out forbyparticipation. posed gentrification.It is earned, founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not often against all odds. For the past and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of Photos by: Monica Morgan Photography During the Great Migration, nine years, Huntington Bank and neighborhoods became centers of trification. Black excellence andthrough empowerment. thousands of Black families from noon, that purpose came to life. The them daily, often unseen, always esue their journeys college the Michigan Chronicle have linked Black culture and entrepreneurship. “Black people were coming to Dethe South came to Detroit in search However, as Detroit faced ecoarms to reward students who define 2025 SWAG Awards celebrated 15 sential. And this year, the program and beyond. According to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were of jobs the booming automobile what it in means to push forward, no graduating seniors with scholar- expanded. For the first time, four nomic decline and population loss Jordontotaling Black resilience the honcity former here, black schools were here, and in See industry. Despite discrimina- ships the late 20th century, many S.W.A.G. AWARDS $100,000inand SWAG recipients received matter how heavyfacing the load. has roots that extend far before the its was Black businesses here,” said Scan the QR Code to Sign Up for the Digital Daily Newsletter tion and segregation, they built viored five educators who walk beside alumni scholarships to help continA-4 Page $1.00 At communities Marygrove on afterbrant onSunday 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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