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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023 Vol. 88 – No. 38 | May 21-27, 2025

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All Black Everything:

Powered by Real Times Media | michiganchronicle.com Will Roadside Marijuana Testing UAWLead to More Triple in Policing? AInequality NightStrike of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 By Ebony JJ Curry Against Detroit Automakers Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

SENIOR REPORTER

Michigan lawmakers are pushing forward with a bill that would allow law enforcement to use roadside By Ebony JJ Curry saliva to determine whether drivers are under the SENIORtests REPORTER influence of drugs, including marijuana. That proposal hasLate reignited concernsnight, about Sept. racial profiling, scientific Thursday reliability, and whether tests would create more 14, a historic moment these unfolded harm than safety, especially for in American labor relations asBlack drivers already navigating deeply flawed legal system. the United aAuto Workers (UAW) The initiated legislation, by Rep. Brian BeGole, union a introduced strike against aFord, Republican Perry, would General from Motors (GM), and make Michigan the 25th state toFor allow officers administer roadside oral Stellantis. the first totime, fluid substances like marijuana, amthe tests unionto screen took for simultaneous phetamines, opioids, cocaine, action against all three majorand De-heroin. According to BeGole, “It’sautomakers. just a tool toThe letaction them know if (the officer) troit-based had some reasonable suspicion … that they’re under the involves approximately 13,000 influence of a narcotic.” UAW members in assembly plants across Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri, who walked By Ebony JJ Curryoff their jobs after existing labor contracts exSENIOR REPORTER pired at 11:59 p.m. Shortly before midnight on of talent, determinan a breathtaking celebration Sept. 14, GM released a statement tion, and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, expressing disappointment with the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual the strike action,40despite 40 Under event offering Thursday evening. This year’s what termed anin“unprecedented soirée,it drenched 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 talentBy Ebony JJ Curry of Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. SENIOR REPORTER fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid I always knew that I would have a business, but I The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we and As plans to reimagine Detroit’s infamous I-375 freeway never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks DPD Chief James White Says Increased move forward, voices on both sides of the aisle continue to But for many Black communities in Michigan, so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repof life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vispeak up. On one hand, you have project leaders who are where law enforcement already polices bodies with a Police Presence Culled Violence resents our city’s pride.” sionary hand, co-founders Detroit Hives, Lindsey heavier addingof saliva tests to theNicole roadside stop and enthusiastic about the reimaging and the next steps in the Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was development process, while on the other hand, community toolkit feels less like safety and more like surveillance By Andre Ash the landscape of machine. beekeeping and urban farming in De- leaders Dannisand Mitchell, Community Engagement at electedDirector officials of have voiced growing concerns, wrapped in a new DIGITAL ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the wounds inflicted on troit but also exemplified the transformative impact Barton Malow. By Ebony JJ Curryquestioning whether the project truly serves those once disalsoThe expressed disappointment in tool in question is the SoToxa mobile test — a Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. “It is so important to recognize that there are young placed by its creation. SENIOR REPORTER a statement, the acompany $6,000 devicesaying that uses mouth swab and returns reA stringlonging of shootings that wasinso callously torn away in 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 into contingenWhile the Michigan Department of Transportation sults within five minutes. BeGole emphasized that the Greektown in past. mid-April left the For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or tice, and economic devastation. More than and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. LindDetroit. I represent our city nationally and I tell people, cy mode to protect operations. (MDOT) frames the redesign as a necessary step toward imtest wouldn’t be theitsfinal word. “If the subject was arboth visitors and residents of I-375, has long beenproving just another stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard about more sey followed that sentiment with,secure “It is through our local 130,000 residents, were ‘Yea I’mpedestrian a D-girl I’m the west-side ofprimarily Detroit,’” of Project Black is Bottom and safety and modern infrastructure, many Black, rested transported to a the more setting again, Theand UAW has branded inthis bustling downtown des- historical urban highway, a concrete artery connectthan just correcting injustices; it’s partnerships and collaborative efforts that we exist in Detroiters Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, Paradise Valley all those years ago — especially are calling for a deeper reckoning—one that adthat would be where they would do the second collecdustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination in awe. One of these ing parts of city. To some, it’s about redefining future. It will overof28the plus the health of 4.5 tothe have experiences within an industry thatdisplacement not many of when generational wealth was obliterated, and a consider you that claimed many the of them were only connect given 30 dresses the generational trauma and systemic tion orallocations fluid andmanaging then that would be different placed in milStrike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically a mere convenience; to others, it’s an unredowntown Detroit to surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking our movement has us, specifically women of color, have the opportunity to thriving community was torn asunder. The days to relocate once the decision had been made to demolrooted in the freeway’s original construction through Black an evidential and … sent UAW to the forensic laboratory within each kitautomaker. the life of a popular and bemarkable part of their daily and commute. hoods, bridging the gap that was placed upon inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage in and I’veHowbeen thewounds youngest personby in the room, inflicted I-375 run deep, tran-homes.” ishloved their Bottom Paradise Valley. for further examination.” President Shawn Fain stated,Those “This results would come security guard followever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling the city decades ago. ally to take on similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in scending the physical barrier of a freeway to back within hours serve as the evidence prosMDOT doubled down on their stance that this project strategy will24 keep the and companies Theof word “reparative” never appears in MDOT’s materiing a dispute with a patron. story beneath the surface this seemingly the room, and I really had to articulate the importance penetrate the very soul of Black Detroiters. Today, the resurgence of Paradise Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization founded by ecutors rely on. posedmale as “reparative,” stating that “The purposeValley of the guessing. It will give our nationals, andoffor many, that absence speaks louder than any ren- is The suspect allegedly ordinary freeway—a story pain, of showing up,displacegiving chances when others won’t, and stands as a fleeing testament the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban bee- dering This painful legacy can be traced back I-375 project is to before replace an outdatedtofreeway with a boual negotiators maximum leverage or artist’s vision. While MDOT is focused on buildshot the guard But questions continue to rise around whether these ment, and the lasting impact on Black Detroibeing persistent.” As a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivBlack Detroiters the enduring keeping in if the Motor to the nation’s highwaylevard program designspirit that of improves safety for and all modes of transand flexibility in bargaining. a safer and more connected transportation corridor, the scene, while his female tools can to berevitalize trusted toneighborhoods deliverAnd justice or openCity. ing ters.they ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her toportation, legacy of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative not only addresses critical issues like of 1956—a program that aimed connect provides environmental benefits, and additional if we need to go all out, we will. Detroiters are pushing for something more layered. The call companion is accused of conyet another path to wrongful arrest and legal entangleunwavering commitment to country fortifying the connections The tale begins inis what is now Lafayettestreets trict, once vibrant hub Black businessenvironmental but also provides valuable DPDfor Chief James White existing neighborhoods to downtown the so at theconnections expense Everything is onconservation thereport table.”published Union not just for smoother or better but bikeoften lanes.did Instead, cealing thebetween weapon in aher bra. ment. A November by the University between businesses and Detroit’s communities is undeknown Black neighes andbusiness culture,districts.” is experiencing a renaissance education and employment opportunities toonce Black De- asthe andincidents local of marginalized communities. In the case of leaders have also indicated that callBottom—a is for justice, remembrance, and investof Michigan’s Ford School of Public PolicyPark, raised flags. These unfolded during an days. unseasonably borhood rooted in African-American culture that harkens back to its Valley glory The deadditional plants couldstandards be target-for accuracy or sensiit meant carving a path through the ment that heals. Both goals I-375, — public safety and “There are no industry Black Bottom and Paradise once stood warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic andas and history. Named after its dark, fertile struction of Black Bottom may have torn ed in future waves if negotiations community restoration — matter. deserve heart ofBoth Black Detroit, reinforcing segregativity in the manufacture of these tests,” it stated. The pillars of Detroit’s Black culture, economy, and tensions in the densely populated downtown soil, Black Bottom flourished the mid- tion, and perpetuating inequality. heightenedapart a thriving community, butneighborhoods the resolute remain stalled. the sameduring urgency. research pointed to incidents of false positives and negcommunity life. These weren’t just area. 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination of a new generation of entreatives, they cast doubt they were ecosystems of Black excellence, built Fainconcluding clarified the union’s strat-on the entire process. County ExecutiveFor Warren one toEvans aptly recognize the harm The— surge in crime and the influx ofreclaiming visitors tothat Deof prominent DetroitersWayne like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries is from resistance, brilliance, and the bare hands egy:State “I want give athat major shoutstands among the elected officials who have caused by such projects, it is vital to note that datatoshows 230 people in Michigan lost troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the De-of Joe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leglost legacy. people who were(DPD), told time and them againsomewhat that they out tolives theinthousands of members voiced strongrenewal concerns, oppo- and politicianstroit their drug-impaired crashes in 2023. ThatBut figure somemade of thehis planners behind Police Department catching ends. in the name of urban in having In the Then heartcame of Paradise Valley, Blackdidn’t belong. I-375. who seem are on picket linesroadside right enforcement, but sition to the project unmistakably clear. In a may to the justify stricter those projects built them directly through off guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing Resource Helpline in owned businesses are not just flourishing now fighting for all mechanisms of us. The disproportionately 2022 op-ed, he from questioned the of populated communiBy Andre Ash when enforcement theentire heartframing of vibrant, OnWhite, June 12, 1964, construction began on a milesystematically dismantled, erased the response James Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Debut thriving, diverse services, prodto the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is a new approach the project. “There was quite a celebratory mood affect Black drivers and rest on shaky scientific ground, long stretch of freeway as part of the federal ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and DIGITAL ANCHOR map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as- residents partment, said: “We were caughtthat somewhat flat-footed ucts, and experiences pay homage to the face in navigating the to striking. Instead of striking all not a public right. expressed by many who honestly believe – orof a direct effort to replace interstate program. That stretch, known as safety becomes a selective privilege, sometimes as part phalt. right out the Bypaving designthe we way wentforinto the spring pastgate. while a prosperous complex system of neighborhoods. housing serplants at once, locals at least are trying hard to convince theBlack rest I-375, ripped through Black Bottom and Paraor eliminate Homelessness continues tothe same as Saliva tests select for drugs arewill notbe breathadeployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt future. From jazz clubs to soul food restauThe helpline provides a called toalcohol. stand up and walk out of us to believe – that thevices. $104.6 million fed- decades dise Valley. These neighborhoods were targeted plagueon urban communities, lyzers for There is nowith agreed-upon legal limit But now, after of enduring the ment, and saw we say an uptick in violence that first of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, rants, Black Press, and art galleries of contact people on strike. This is our generation’s eral grant awarded to thesingle City point of to for under thethe era’s urban renewal policies, a settoof families and individuals grappling component for THC — marijuana’s psychoactive — the scars of Detroit I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business dismantle center, remained largely fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement that built the I-375 freeway will somehow and local initiatives that prioritized highwiththere the ischallenges making way for alcohol.ofTHC can remainuntouched. in a person’s on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to federal Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and heal Chief White attributes violence in Greektown to life into verythe essence of what oncethriving made connects them with the resources our –inthe sit-down strikescliofeffects have worn off, manage to retroactively the simmering and the commercial corridors over endsunion meet today’s economic system long after its intoxicating transform this once-divisive freewaya combination into a ways bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s of weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popthis neighborhood a vibrant 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. racial division that was stretched and torn communities. James Baldwin once called it making it possible a person tototest positive mate. Whether it’sforstruggling vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. of the Black Blackwithout community together—were concenIt’sit awas: resurgence that extends beyond 14 was the deadline and we meant wide open more than 60 years ago,” he wrote. forter. what “Negro removal.” Support for the helpline comes being impaired. meet monthly mortgage payments past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and mortar; it represents thethat resurHe explained, “ We saw numbers downtown we it. We gave the companies our ecoHe reminded the public of how little care from the Gilbert Family Foundaor coping with soaring rental costs when More 100,000 people to were displaced. That nuance matters especially the conseand community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. gencethan of a spirit that refuses be subdued. have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago was given to those displaced. boggles the tion, “It which has pledged $10 milin a housing market Homes were destroyed. Churches, schools, and quences include arrest,marked court by dates, and potentially Fueled by more $100 million Then, in a cruel mind twist that of fate, Hastings andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that we’re in a post-COVID era… and it took more than a month to Councilman Fred vanished. Durhal anyone could have the audacity to than lion over three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety businesses thatCity anchored Black Detroit the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, and with the venues downtown and the reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern say this project will in any way rectify what See contribute ROADSIDE MARIJUANA TESTS program. Wayne Metro Commuof factors to the growand other owners partners, this ambitious down project making way for thehappened construction I-375. and with all DETROIT’S the resides, activities that going on, we saw Market told theare Michigan Chronicle, See I-375 REIMAGINING union is pushing for aA-2 comto theoffamilies Julie Schneider nitybusiness Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn Page 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 Page A-2 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 to rest one’s head and a warm “The city and its partners offer a lot of great services to address the situation. meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t The rise in visitors to the Greektown area is evident being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights By Lynzee Mychael The causes of homelessnessBy areJeremy as diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, in the community, in the From neighAllen were alsomobile comingout because Black through geolocation-enabled devices. MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right as the individuals experiencingEXECUTIVE it. In response, the City of borhoods with all of our programs. EDITOR people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. housing resource and a growing number of programs to We’ve got people one ofstart the todoing number one did Black things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Greathelp Mi- them.” community engagement programs In Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale “Providing services and high-quality housing to persons inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration when thousands of Black the in country withinour 2 The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment neighborhood, thea key corner of at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is things this area the Hood 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and in 670,000 visitors. families flocked at to Detroit in search Hood program. So major I’m feeling good. involves pledging $500 million to support projects across Schoolcraft and Artesian, one of priority of the City of Detroit, said Julie Schneider, Director In the 1800’s the thing that of jobs and a better life, to the pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract both This is like our in season when we Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives the most groups is of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization they were doing Detroit is they otalcity’s roleDepartment. they influential played in the city’s residents and visitors,really the police department has impleget out and capitalize on the being a significant part of their contribution. hard at work. were the leaders in the fight against “This means focusing on building pipeline of sup-heritage, culturaltheand musical mented various enforcement measures manage the ingood weather andtothe resources. slavery. The Underground Railroad They aren’t elected Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an and Black Detroiters haveofficials, left increased population. Notably, metal detectors have been MC:root Let’s talkcity about resourcis the in the of deter Detroit they don’t do the work forHowever, the accorecent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiCare on the delivery of critical resources such as emergency delible mark on the city. strategically placed throughout Greektown to theto What a Federal New Father-Daughter es. You got an influx of resources all of this Black innovation that you lades. They do it to create the expekind ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion and prevention proin recent years, Detroit has illegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown through federally see coming later.” funded programs of Detroit whereaffordable Black residents housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams.HGTV It alsoSeries means preserving and expanding rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed themthe at work key points, “ to help continue that you feel respected, and sociallyabout and In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of allsafe, incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns like Aretha Chief White explains.started It Musical has been alegends deterrent for some, in a real grassroots way. economically empowered. housing stability though comprehensive service offerings the displacement of long-standing Franklin, Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have testedHow it. Ifdoes youMarvin are legally carrying a for Detroiters? New Era use those reavailable through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Brings Gritty Black Similar to aDetroit. setting Motown sound emerged from DeTheresidents. group: New Era fiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carryingsources a CPL, have a great day. If you’re to advance its efforts in new and Detroit Housing Services HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the And thewithin head of the organization Home Renovations to Division (New movement Era Community ConSee POLICEareas? PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their civil rights and inspiris Zeek launched Williams – a man who place is onSee COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 In May 2023, the City of Detroit the Detroit Detroit This Summer nection received a $700,000 grant the city, the challenges ing generations. Motown Records, ainmission to despite make Detroit the best from federal funds to implement a posed gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not inby America, by any means necCity.Life.Style. B1 city non-government approach to reducand west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of genjust a record label but a symbol of essary. During the Great Migration, shootings. is part of neighborhoods becamethe centers of trification. they discussed state of Michigan Chronicle: What’s ing Black excellenceThe andgrant empowerment. thousands families from where Williamsof Black recently walked the city’s $10 million ShotStoppers Black culture and entrepreneurship. city, the upcoming mayoral elec- going on? people How are youcoming feeling?to De“Black were the Souththe came to Detroit in search the However, as Detroit faced ecothrough Grandmont Rosedale initiative to reduce gun violence.) and sometoofHistorian the city’sJamon most troit According because BlackI’m churches were nomic decline and population loss Zeek Williams: feeling good, of jobs in the for booming automobile tion, neighborhood a walk-and-talk issuesresilience as the city underJordon Black in the city man. here, black were We’re schools about to get here, into and our in See industry. Despite facing discriminathe STATE late 20th many interview with Michigan Chroni- pressing OFcentury, THE CITY goes a leadership change. hasScan roots that QR extend far before the Up its was BlackDigital businesses here,” said busy season. We’re extremely active the Code to Sign for the Daily Newsletter tion and segregation, they built vicle’s Executive Editor Jeremy Allen, A-2 Page $1.00 brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course See LEGACY page A2 $1.00

Detroit’s I-375 Reimagining Faces a

Greektown Had 1.4 Million Crossroads of Safety and Justice 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

Detroit On Paper Vs. Detroit on the Ground:

Black Resilience Amidst Legacy New Era Detroit LeaderGentrification: Gives His TakeReclaiming on the StateDetroit’s of the City

“Condemned” Money. A5

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