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M ichigan C hronicle Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023

Vol. 89 – No. 12 | November 19-25, 2025 Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

All Black Everything:

Regarding the Misspelling UAW of Mr. Hollowell’s Name

ATriple NightStrike of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Against Detroit As Executive Editor of the Michigan Chronicle, I want to address an error that appeared in last Automakers week’s edition in the article titled, “Melvin By Jeremy Allen, Executive Editor

‘Butch’ Hollowell Leads Mayor-Elect ShefBy Ebony JJ Curry

field’s ‘Community-Centered’ Transition.” In that story, we misspelled Mr. Hollowell’s last name. We sincerely regret this mistake. Late Thursday night, Sept. Hollowellmoment is a respected leader whose 14, Mr. a historic unfolded long record of labor public relations service deserves to be in American as represented with accuracy and care. Getting the United Auto Workers (UAW) his name wrong afalls short against of the standards union initiated strike we set for ourselves and the expectations our Ford, General Motors (GM), and readers rightfully and I take full responStellantis. For hold, the first time, sibility for the oversight. the union took simultaneous Michigan served Detroit and action againstChronicle all threehas major Deits surrounding communities for generations, troit-based automakers. The action and our mission has always13,000 been rooted in involves approximately trust, members clarity, and Errors UAW in editorial assemblyexcellence. plants like thisMichigan, remind us that accuracy is a core part across Ohio, and Misof howwho we honor theoff people souri, walked their and jobsstories we By Ebony JJ Curry cover,existing and it is labor so much more than after contracts ex-just a proSENIOR REPORTER fessional obligation. pired at 11:59 p.m. We appreciate readers’oncontinued Shortly before our midnight n a breathtaking celebration of talent, determinasupport and thank Mr.a Hollowell for his unSept. 14, GM released statement tion, and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, derstandingdisappointment as we reaffirm our commitment expressing with the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual to the highest journalistic standards. the strike action, despite offering 40 Under 40 event 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 SENIOR REPORTER

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. Courtesy of Mary Sheffield's social media 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 The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we and I always knew that I would have a business, but I celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, DPD Chief James White Says Increased trative fromrepresidents interest- verse voices and is ready to deliver bold, so I take a lot of pride in the fact thatpositions our business Sam of life. Among the honorees were the brilliantBy and vi- Robinson ed in joining her administration. results from day one,” Policecommunity-driven Presence Culled Violence resents our city’s pride.” SENIOR REPORTER sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and the group said in a release. “Which I believe is a testament to the Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was By Jeremy Allen Byshaping Andre AshAt the podium, Sheffield called the excitementEngagement that people at have in the landscape De- Mayor-elect Dannis Mitchell, of Community Detroit Mary Director Sheffield’s EXECUTIVE EDITORof beekeeping and urban farming in DIGITAL the future. our city, and also a belief in towards processmending the boldest, most rigorous ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR the wounds inflictedand on troit but also exemplified the transformative impact Barton Malow. transition team, Rise Higher Detroit, anBy Ebony JJ Curry also expressed disappointment in creating the Detroit that works for everyinclusive transition plan in the city’s hisBlack Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. nounced last week that it will identify A bold new chapter for connection, collab“It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying the company A stringlonging of shootings Sheffield said.herebyin pain, injustory. that wasinso callously torn away in best practices through morethe than a dozenmany oration, and culture is taking shape in downIt’sone,” a that history marred “Together we have created a social, environmental, leaders across country, are born immediately went into contingenGreektown in mid-April left reflect the best of Dethe past. policy committees, all of which will be Rise Higher Detroit is led by Butch “These co-chairs For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or town Grand Rapids, and the Michigan tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through bees,”Chronsaid Jackson. Lind- Detroit. I represent our city and I devastation. tell people, More than cy mode to protect its operations. both visitors and residents of chaired by ‘Yea local civic and community Hollowell, who is the managing partner troit — people who lead withisheart, I-375, has long been just another stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard Project aboutvision more icle be part of it. Plans were unveiled sey will followed that sentiment with, “It is this through our local 130,000 residents, Black, were I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side ofprimarily Detroit,’” The UAW has branded the inthis bustling downtown desleaders. of The Miller Law Firm Detroit a former and a deep belief in what’sinjustices; possible for urban highway, artery connectthan just correcting historical it’s week for the Commerce Club, a new private partnerships and collaborative efforts that we exist ina concrete Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. these corporation counsel forofthe City of aDeour One city.of Their work will shape traning different parts oftothe city. To co-chairs some, it’s redefining the future. It willour connect city to bring together the business overclub 28 designed plus locations managing health of 4.5The milhave experiences within an industry that not many transition team’s –leadgenerational wealth was obliterated, and Strike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimedto sition priorities, inform our policies and a movement mere convenience; to others, it’s an unreDetroit surrounding neighborleaders, entrepreneurs, and community influlion honeybees – humbly speaking our us, specifically women of thriving color,troit. have the opportunity ers inhas finance, neighborhood revitalizacommunity was torntoasunder. The downtown within each automaker. UAW the life of hoods, a ensure popular andevery be- gap that decision weplaced make upon as a markable part of their daily commute. Howbridging the that was encers from across West Michigan. inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage in and I’ve been the youngest person in the room, tion, environment, education, transit, and Hollowell said Rise Higher will be onwounds inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranPresident Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard followisdecades rooted in partnership and the colever, there’s deeper, far city ago. ally to take on similar missions.” the– only Blacktroubling person in the room, andphysical the onlybarrier Sistahofficer ina freeway publica safety are more tasked with making boarding a chief talent that will do thecity scending the of The initiative a strategic partnerstrategy will keepmarks the companies ing a to disputelective with voice a patron. of our people.” story beneath the surface of this seemingly the room, and I really had to articulate the importance recommendations to Sheffield’s first 100vetting and outreach.to ensure Sheffield’s penetrate the very soul of Black Detroiters. ship for Real Times Media, the Detroit-based Today, the resurgence of Paradise Valley Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization founded by guessing. It will give our nationThe male suspect allegedly ordinary freeway—a story of pain, showing up,displacegiving chances when others won’t, and day plan. cabinet is made up can of the talent in the standsEastside Community Network CEO parent company of the Michigan Chronicle, as of urban as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power bee- of This painful legacy bebest traced back al negotiators maximum leverage shot the guard before fleeing ment, and the lastingbeing impact on Black Detroipersistent.” As a trailblazing Black woman thrivUnited States. and president Donna Givens Davidson it expands the paspirit of Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in the Motor City. Community activist Teferi Brent said to the nation’s interstate highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, while his female ters. ing aincoalition a predominantly male-dominated industry, herButch said of being selected to serve the tranper’s presence on issues Black excellence. Thison historic disTheir initiative onlywe addresses critical like seen he’s never with members “I’veprogram always known to be a legacy of 1956—a that aimed to companion connect if we need to go not all out, will. is accused of conunwavering commitment to country fortifying connections sition team is an DPD honor to James those who what is now Lafayette westalso sideprovides ofThe tale once vibrant for Black businessenvironmental but valuable thatbegins touchin more areas of civic life than the doer,” Sheffield told Michigan Chronicle Chief White the butthe often did so at the expense Everything is onconservation the table.”the Union cealing the trict, weapon in aher bra. hub businesses andmayDetroit’s communities undehaveculture, been doing community adevelopment Park,toonce known Black Bottom—a thethat state through es and is experiencing renaissance education andalso employment opportunities Black De- as between one Sheffield assembled aheadneighof her when asked why isshe selected of marginalized communities. In the Hollowell case of incidents leaders have indicated These unfolded during an days. unseasonably work for years. borhood oral rooted in African-American culture harkens back to its glory The detenure, which begins Jan. 1. BrentI-375, is toit lead hercarving transition team. “He was one that additional plants could be new target-storytelling meant a path through the warm spring, leadingof to increased pedestrian traffictorn and and history. Named its dark, public fertilesafety and event opporBottom have a co-chair forafter Rise Higher’s firstDetroit, people that reachedsegregaout to me struction “I am aBlack descendent ofmay a long line of ed in future waves if negotiations heart of of the Black reinforcing heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown soil, Black Bottom flourished duringformer the midtunities. a thriving butreally the resolute committee, along with Detroit throughout this process with advice and apart strong womencommunity, who’ve never had an remain stalled. tion, and perpetuating inequality. area. 1900s, nurturing the dreamschief and James aspirations determination of alead newatgeneration ofand entrePolice Department White. guidance… I’m honored to have him.” opportunity to this level, so RTM CEO and Fain clarified the union’s stratFor one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime and theGivens influxisDavidson ofreclaiming visitorssaid. tothat Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries that’s an honor,” Michigan ChronThe first convening of the committee Huntington Bank CEO Gary Torgow, egy: “I want to give a major shoutcaused by such projects, it is vital to note that troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the DeJoe Louis, and numerous Detroit leg-13, at a co-chair of the workforce, economic icle publisher chairs were held other Thursday, Nov. de- lost legacy. Givens Davidson will serve as co-chair out to the thousands of members some of the planners and politicianstroit behind Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends. But in the name of urban renewal in Hiram In Housing the heart of Paradise Valley, BlackMarygrove Conservancy, the headquarvelopment and them small business committee of Development & Planning with who are on the picket lines right Jackson, those projects built directly through off guard. the 1950s, vibrant neighborhood was HousingtoldResource a co-founder and businesses are not just flourishing tersthis of the Rise Higher Detroit transition reporters Thursday he expects owned Rob Lockett, the executive director of Lisc Helpline inthatcommuninow fightingAsh for all of us. The By Andre the heart of vibrant, populated dismantled, erased from the response James Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Deinvestor in the isCommerce Club, said systematically the butDetroit. thriving, diverse services, prodinitiative. Sheffield a historic leader for moreWhite, to the tochallenges that Stand-Up Strike a new approach ties—oftentimes tobereinforce segregation and DIGITAL ANCHOR map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as- residents partment, said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed partnership represents a natural progression ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the one mayor. face interm navigating the to replace Mayor-elect Sheffield’s decision sometimes to than to striking. Instead of striking all Nicole Sherard Freeman, CEO and as part of as a direct effort phalt. out the gate. Bypaving designthe we way wentforinto the spring for theatcompany’s and be engagement while a Foundation prosperous complex system of be housing ser-leaderright headquarter her transition at Marygrove president of the Community plants once, selectgrowth locals will “SheBlack will a historic of Detroit past or eliminate neighborhoods. Homelessness continues to deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt across Michigan. From jazz Michigan, clubs to soul food restauvices. The helplineTorgow provides a The bank exec- future. marks the first time a mayoral transition for Southeast said Sheffield called to stand up and walkwith out decades,” plagueonurban communities, Butfornow, after decades said. of enduring theand rants, ment, saw we say an uptick in violence that first of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, the Black Press, and art galleries to “We’ve built relationships in Grand Rapids single point contact for team has done its work in one of Detroit’s on strike.and This is our generation’s utive of referenced the people historic nature of her has made it crystal clear she will be invitfamilies individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business center, remained largely seekingelection fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing for years and watched with great admirahousing assistance and neighborhoods, she said. ing the ideas of all and centering the input answer to the movement that built win as the first woman to do it, with the challenges of making on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects Chief attributes the violence in Greektown to lifeofinto the very essence of what once made tion the ethosclithem withathe resources Detroit residents. our –inthe sit-down strikes ofand underand by such large margin. Keeping a focus on the city’s neighborendsunion meetentrepreneurial today’s economic transform this once-divisive freewaya combination into a this of bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s they weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popneighborhood a vibrant dog mentality of this community,” Jackson 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. need. hoods, not just what’s happening in the “And in our small corner of the world, In total, 18 policy committees of will supmate. Whether it’s struggling to the Black community together—were concen- vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. a resurgence extends beyond said. “When themortgage Commerce Club opportunity 14 was the deadline and we meant growing downtown, was a key part past ofSupport know that what that is good for Detroit is port for thethe Rise Higher Detroit transition ter.weIt’s helpline comes meet monthly payments while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and mortar; it represents the resurarose, we knew it was the time and place to He explained, “ We saw numbers downtown that we it. gave the soaring companies ourcosts ecoSheffield’s pitch to voters throughoutfrom her initiative will meet regularly each good for the rest of the region,” Freeman the Gilbert which Family Foundaor We coping with rental and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. gence of a spirit to be subdued. invest indemands the West side.”marked have not seen, ever. Peoplethat arerefuses emerging from COVID nomic eight weeks ago campaign. said. weekhas through the $10 end milof this year. tion, which pledged in a housing market by by more than $100 million from Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled and there’s a feeling that we’re in a post-COVID era… and it took more than a month to Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal Located in the historic 61 Commerce buildover three to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety Sheffield told reporters during a press “Theseyears appointments a sigthe Infrastructure Investment represent and Jobs Act Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with the downtown and the to come get to thesix-floor, table.” III,venues representing District 7, reasons where Eastern ing, the 30,000-square-foot Waynestep Metro CommuSee SHEFFIELD’S TRANSITION of factors contribute to the grow- private conference Thursday morning more than nificant forward in assembling an project Market making way for the Julie construction of I-375. and other partners, this ambitious down all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan The union is pushing for a comDunn Schneider nity Action Agency manages the Detroit’swith ingSee issue of people becoming un- Meagan 795 resumes were received for adminisadministration that reflects TEAM A-2 Chronicle, COMMERCE CLUB Page A-2 to eco- di-of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate aims to create jobs, remove barriershundreds more people and,inPage in particularly, young “It’s still very early the 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 need can easily find assistance. after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or 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 Mychael The causes of homelessness By areLynzee as diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, were alsomobile comingdevices. because From Black through geolocation-enabled By Sam Robinson MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and SENIOR REPORTER Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. housing resource and a growing number of programs to did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Greathelp Mi- them.” “Providing services and high-quality housing to personsof Black inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration thousands Voter when turnout increased during year’s Thethis Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key things in this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and 670,000 visitors. families flocked to Detroit in search Detroit elections, though 78% involves of eligiblepledging voters $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, Director In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs a better life, to the pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract didn’t let their voice be heard. 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 impleCity.Life.Style. B1 The Nov. 4 general election between May- part of their contribution. being a significant were the leaders in fightthe against “This means focusing on building pipeline of sup-heritage, culturalthe and musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage inor-elect Mary Sheffield and Solomon Kinloch 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 drew a 22% turnout — that’s 115,518 ballots is the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiCare What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible city. However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal cast outmark of 519,270 registered voters, unofficial 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. results show. Government Shutdown see coming later.” housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams. It also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ Some wondered whether Sheffield’s massive In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Aretha Chief White explains. It Musical has been alegends deterrentlike for some, primary win mixedof with an opposing base that Reopens with though comprehensive housing stability service 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? seem to Similar grow past size of Kinloch’s available through the Detroit couldn’t Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. to athe setting Motown sound emerged from DeNew Vibes fiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying a CPL, have a great day. If you’re congregation, would diminish and within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and turnout. Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the andDetroit Housing Services Division COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 However, last Tuesday saw place the See highest turnSee POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit New out in acity, localdespite municipal election since the last in the the challenges ing generations. Motown Records, time mayoral seat was up for grabs in 2013, Location posedaby gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not when then-DMC Duggan defeated be- sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of and west During the CEO GreatMike Migration, Kilpatrick Freeman had the highest Less than three quarters of eligible voters in loved SheriffofBenny becameand centers of Hendrix trification. Black excellence and empowerment. thousands BlackNapoleon. families from neighborhoods turnout in the last 20 years, with 37% of voters Detroit are participating in municipal elections. Black culture and entrepreneurship. same turnout was reported in 2017, when “Black people were coming to De-Free Press theThe South came to Detroit in search However, Detroit facedof ecoparticipating. A Detroit review as found that 41% the former Rep. Coleman Young II’s challenged According to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were of jobs state in the booming automobile nomic decline and population loss voting age population cast ballots in 2005, comThe 2021 election between Mayor Mike Duggan. industry. Despite facing discrimina- Jordon Black resilience in the city here, black schools were here, and in the late 20th century, many Duggan and Anthony sawBlack 93,727 total here,” said roots the that extend far before the Adams its was businesses Scan QR Code to Sign Up for the Digital Daily Newsletter tion and2005 segregation, built Mayor vi- has The election they between Kwame See VOTER TURNOUT Page A-4 $2.00 votes out of 502,129 registered voters. brant communities on 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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