Is Detroit’s $400 Million Investment in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Accessible for Black Detroiters?
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New Generation RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS: C O of M Black E R Tennis I C A Stars 35 Years of Supporting Comerica Celebrates
the Nation’s Largest Stabilizing Detroit’s Neighborhoods, HOMEFRONT City.Life.Style. B1 UNCF Walk for One House, OneA3 Family at a Time Education Scholarship Roots.
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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023
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All Black Everything:
Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023 Vol. 89 – No. 18 | Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 6, 2026
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UAWon Sale Tickets ATriple Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 forStrike Jan. 15 Against Detroit Pancakes & Politics:
Automakers Detroit Auto Show Edition
By Jeremy Ebony JJAllen Curry By SENIOR REPORTER EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Detroit’s Top 10 News Stories of
2025
Late Thursday night, Michigan Chronicle’s 21st Sept. season of Pan14, a &historic unfolded cakes Politicsmoment will return in 2026 earlier in American than its normallabor springrelations kickoff. as theThis United Auto Workers (UAW) coming year, Pancakes & Politics will union a strike kick offinitiated with a special Autoagainst Show Edition on Ford, General Motors Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026,(GM), at 7:30and a.m. at HunBy Ebony JJ Curry, Senior Reporter Stellantis. firstbringing time, together tington PlaceForin the Detroit, the unionvoices took simultaneous influential from the automotive indusAs 2025 comes to an end, here are some of Detroit’s most memoaction against all three major Detry, policy circles, and the community for a rable moments and storylines. It was a year defined by change and troit-based The action morning of automakers. meaningful discussion. growth – a city that truly is reflective of its people. From the election involves approximately 13,000 of a new mayor to the continued boom of downtown development, Tickets for the are now on sale, and UAW members inevent assembly plants here are the top 10 storylines that shaped the year. seats are expected to fill up quickly. Individuacross Michigan, Ohio, and Misal tickets and table reservations are available 1. Mary Sheffield Elected as Detroit’s First Female Mayor souri, who walked off their jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. Bythose Ebony Curry for whoJJwant be part ofexthis importWhy It Mattered: after existing labortocontracts their city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER ant conversation. pired at 11:59 p.m. Mary Sheffield’s election as Detroit’s first female marked a his-From ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent withinmayor our community. one ofbefore the most highlyonanticipated As toricofshift in theParis city’s T. political landscape. As a young, progressive leader, Shortly midnight As the night unfolded, we had the privilege honPrichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundnsurrounding a breathtaking celebration talent, determinaevents thea statement Detroit AutoofShow, Sheffield brought new energy and a vision to tackle Detroit’s most pressing Sept. 14, GM released oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who tion, and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, Pancakes & Politics promises with to be an event issues, expressing disappointment the such cre-as crime, economic development, and racial equity. Her victory the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, where attendees can engage with influential also symbolized progress in breaking the gender barrier in a city that had the strike action,40despite offering Name, 40and Under event 40office. UNDER 40 page A2 figures be part of the Thursday discussionevening. about This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand never elected a woman to itsSee highest what it termed an “unprecedented received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. soirée, drenched in the theme “All Black Everything with Michigan’s future in the industry. Sheffield’s win was seen as a bold new chapter for Detroit, with the poeconomic package” thatauto included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through tential to change how the city approached its challenges. She represented historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. the changing demographics of Detroit’s electorate, with her leadership of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” focusingsaid on community engagement, youth empowerment, and tackling Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s systemic inequality. cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentWhat the City Reported: of Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. Local media covered the historic nature of Sheffield’s victory, focusing fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid on how her leadership was expected to transform the city’s policies. ReThe evening sparkled with a golden promise as we and I always knew that I would have a business, but I ports emphasized her platform’s focus on public safety, economic oppornever knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks DPD Chief James White Says Increased tunities repfor all, and her dedication to fighting poverty and environmental of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business injustice. Police Presence Culled Violence sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” Sheffield’s Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was victory also sparked discussions about the future of Detroit politics. Even she had been By Andre Asha 12-year politician in the city, her electhe landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at though tion seemed like aDIGITAL breakoffrom the moremending traditionalthe political establishments ANCHOR ness district that had been the lifeblood towards wounds inflicted on troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified thein transformative impact By Ebony JJ CurryBarton Malow. also that had ruled the city for decades because of her promise to involve comBlack Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. “It is so important to recognize that there munity are young The event, asaying staple the on Detroit’s SENIOR REPORTER a statement, companycivic caleninto her decision making.of shootings in A string longing that was so 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 dar, sets the stage for one of the city’s most immediately went into contingen2. Crime Drops Significantly Greektown in mid-April left For manyLindDetroiters, Interstate 375, our or city tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through Detroit. I represent and I devastation. tell people, More than the past. important of thebees,” year.said TheJackson. cy mode to conversations protect its operations. both visitors and residents of Why It Mattered: I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard Project is about more sey followed that sentiment with, “It is will through our local 130,000 residents, primarily Black, were I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side of Detroit,’” Pancakes & Politics Auto Show Edition The UAW has branded the inthis bustling downtown desA significant drop in crime,than particularly in homicides, shootings, and car-it’s highway, artery connectjust correcting historical injustices; partnerships and impacting collaborative efforts urban that we exist ina concrete Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able focus on key issues the automotive forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. One ofefforts these jackings, was a major victory for Detroit’s to make neighborhoods ing different parts oftothe city. To some, it’s redefining the future. It will connect over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences within an industry that not many of industry and Michigan’s economic future. generational wealth was obliterated, and a Strike,” focusing on specific plants shootings downtown tragicallythat claimed safer. Thisto development community policing strategies, a movement mere convenience; to others, it’s an unre- of thriving Detroit to surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking has us, specifically women color, have the opportunity From in electric vehicleour techcommunity was torn asunder. Thedemonstrated withinadvancements each automaker. UAW the life of a popular and the be- were public safety investments, and youth programs having tangible markable part of their daily in commute. Howhoods, bridging gap that wasaplaced upon inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage and I’ve been the youngest person in the room, nology to the region’s role in global manufacwounds inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranPresident Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard followimpact. far more ally to the take on similar missions.” the only Blacktroubling person in the room, the andphysical the only Sistah of ina freeway to the city decades ago. turing, event willthe offer critical insightsever, on there’s a deeper, scending barrier strategy will keep companies a dispute with a patron. Reductions in ing violent crime contributed a growing of sense of security story founded beneath the of this seemingly the room, and I really had to articulate thesoul importance the future Itof mobility, manufacturing, and penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. Today, allegedly thetoresurgence Paradise Valley Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization by surface guessing. will give our nationThe male suspect among residents and businesses and were critical for making Deordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceof showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and economic growth. stands as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beeThis painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum leverage shot the guard before fleeing to visitors, investors, troit more attractive ment, and the lasting impact on Black Detroibeing persistent.” As a trailblazing Black woman thrivofhis Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods the Motor City. “The Detroit Show isAnd about in more to the nation’s interstate highway program and flexibility inAuto bargaining. the scene, spirit while female and new residents. Detroit’s ters. issues like ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her of Black excellence. ThisCommunity historic disTheir initiative onlyweaddresses critical than – it’s innovation, of 1956—a program that aimed to companion connect legacy if wecars need to about go not all community, out, will. isViolence accused of conIntervention work was not framed unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections The tale begins in what is now Lafayette the country but often did so at the expense trict, once a vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental but provides valuable and chartingis the future,” Samalso Klemet, DPD Chief White Everything onconservation the table.”said Union cealing the weapon her program bra. as in a side in 2025. It James sat closer businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark,toonce known Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education andalso employment opportunities Black De- as between Executive Director ofindicated the Detroit Auto Show. of marginalized communities. In the case of leaders have that to the center of the city’s stratincidents unfolded during an safety unseasonably rooted in African-American culture I-375, it meant carving a path throughThese that harkens back to its glory days. The de“Partnering with the Michigan Chronicle borhood on additional plants could be targetthe egy.to Detroit’s “ShotStoppers” CVIand warm spring, leading increased pedestrian traffic and history. Named after its dark, fertile struction of Black Bottom may have torn Pancakes & Politics allows us to bring imported in future waves if negotiations heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregaprogram namedpopulated the organizations heightened tensions in the densely downtown soil, Black Bottom flourished during the midapart a thriving community, but the resolute ant conversations to the forefront during one remain stalled. tion, and perpetuating inequality. area. doing street-level interruption 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination of a new generation of entreof the city’s most the high-profile events.” andandoutreach, including FORCE Fain clarified union’s stratFor one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime the influx visitors tothat Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries isof reclaiming As“Ithe auto continues Detroit, Detroit 300, New Era egy: want to industry give a major shout- to evolve, that troit’s downtown core garnered the attention ofComthe DeJoe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leg- caused by such projects, it is vital to note lost legacy. Michigan is working to maintain its leadermunity Connection, Friends out to the thousands of members behind Police Department (DPD), catchingDetroit them somewhat ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of the planners and politicianstroit In the&heart Paradise Valley, Blackship manufacturing Family,ofDetroit People’s Commuwho in areautomotive on the picket lines right and innothose projects built them directly through off guard. vation. The panel Pancakesthe & 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing Resource Helpline in communi- owned businesses are not just flourishing now fighting for discussions all of us. at The By Andre Ash the heart of vibrant, populated systematically dismantled, erased from the response to the challenges that James White, Chief ofSee Police for theTOP Detroit De2025: 10Police but thriving, offering diverse services, prodPolitics will diveisinto topics such as smart Stand-Up Strike a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: DIGITAL ANCHOR map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of aspartment, “We were caught somewhat flat-footed NEWS STORIES city technology, electric vehicleallinfrastrucresidents face in navigating the to replace ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the to striking. Instead of striking sometimes as part of a direct effort right out the Bypaving designPage we way went the spring pastgate. while the forinto a prosperous ture, and workforce development, all phalt. of A-2 complex system of housing serplants at once, select locals will be or eliminate Black neighborhoods. Homelessness continues to deployment, whichFrom is lessjazz than the mid-summer deployfuture. clubs to soul food restauwhich aretocrucial toand ensuring the region’sWhile the residential areas bore the brunt vices. The helpline provides a called on stand up walk out plague urban communities, with But now, after decades 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 continued success. Panelists, who will be ansingle 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 nounced soon, will include experts from the fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement built with the challenges ofthat making on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects Chief attributes violence in Greektown to automotive sector, policymakers, life into the verythe essence of what once made them with the resources our sit-down strikescliof and comendsunion meet –inthe today’s economic transform this once-divisive freewaya combination into a this of bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s weather conditions and a surge in popmunity leaders. neighborhood a vibrant cultural epicen1937. told the 3 that Sept. they need. mate. We Whether it’sBigstruggling to of the ter. It’s a resurgence that extends beyond Black community together—were concen- vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. For Hiram E. Jackson, Publisher of the 14 was the deadline and we meant Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and it represents thethat resurHe explained, “ Wemortar; saw numbers downtown we Michigan Chronicle, the event is an opporit. gave the soaring companies ourcosts ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor We coping with rental and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. genceever. of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, People are emerging from COVID tunity to bring together diverse perspectives nomic demands eight weeks ago tion, which has pledged $10 milin a housing market marked by by more than $100 million andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… in a setting dialogue on theThen, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled and it took that more than areal month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal over three years to fund the shockingly high fosters prices, a variety the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, and with venues downtown and the reasons to come issues that will define the future of Detroit get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern program. 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 See PANCAKES & POLITICS to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate aims to create jobs, remove barriershundreds more people and, in particularly, young “It’s still very early in 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 neighborPage A-2 folks, 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 and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, The causes of homelessness are as diverse and complex were also coming because Black through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From JOURNALIST will beprocess the people’s Her now have a simple to guideadministration.” residents to the right as the individuals experiencingMULTIMEDIA it. In response, the City Sam of we By Senior Reporter Robinson people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and words reflect her deep commitment to inhousing resource and a growing number of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat Editor this issue. did Black people start doing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according to Placer.ai. &From Executive Jeremy Allen the days of the Great Mivolving the public in her leadership and enhelp 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 when thousands suring that her administration represents The Gilbert at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key Detroit’s Mayor-elect, Mary Sheffield, Family Foundation’s broader commitment things in this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and 670,000 visitors. families flocked to Detroit in search the voice of the people. involves pledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julie Schneider, has announced thatDirector she to will In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs and a better life, thehost piv-a public As Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract The swearing-in ceremony willinitiatives not only Detroit over ten years, with housing of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. swearing-in ceremony on Friday, Jan. 9, the next they were doing in Detroit is they otal role they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has implefeature Sheffield taking her oath but will being aOpera significant part of their contribution. at 10 a.m. at the renowned Detroit 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 inalso has include various city officials such as Cathedral Church House. The event is set to be a major mileslavery. metal The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an inBlack Detroiters have left creased population. Notably, detectors have been Detroit’s council members,residents police commisstone in the history, as Sheffield will with is the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, the number of unhoused steadiCare What on the of critical resources suchcity’s as the emergency delible mark on city. However, strategically placed throughout theto adelivery Federal of St. Paul’s sioners, and City Clerk Janice Winfrey. It become the first woman to serve as Deall of this Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroitprohas expeillegal carrying of firearms. is important to note that while the swearGovernment Shutdown troit’s mayor. Theaffordable celebration, open toand all,entered see coming later.” FirstItBlack Priest housed the City’s community response system. grams. also means preserving and expanding rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ ing-in of council members occurred earliis free of charge and will offer a chance for 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, Wants to Grow in the month, this ceremony will mark residents to witness along-standing historic moment in toerthe housing stability though comprehensive service offerings the displacement of Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a for Detroiters? the official beginning of Sheffield’s tenure person. availableHistoric through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a setting sound emerged Defiscal year 2019as tomayor. 2021, Detroit saw a 28% in imthe weapon and carrying Motown a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re The investiture is decrease seen as an who has longand been a key figure and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun,Sheffield, there’s a rising spirit, Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the portant event for the city, symbolizing Midtown Church See COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2both See POLICE PRESENCE Page A-2 in Detroit politics, the imporDetroiters are reclaiming their place civil rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the emphasized Detroit continuity and change as it marks the end tance of making thisthe moment accessible to in the city, despite challenges ing generations. Motown Records, City.Life.Style. B1 posed of one administration and the start of anthe public. “I am honored and humbled to by gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not other. and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of soon take the as Detroit’s next mayor,” During theoathGreat Migration, The ceremony will have probecame centers ofan exciting trification. she remarked. “It wasfamilies important to meneighborhoods that Black excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black from gram,and with performances from prominent Black culture entrepreneurship. we host the investiture in a space that al“Black people were coming to Dethe South came to Detroit in search However, as Detroit faced ecofigurestoinHistorian the Detroit arts and cultural lowed public to attend. The people of According Jamon troit because Black churches were nomic decline and population loss of jobs the in the booming automobile this city Despite have been with me every step of Black resilience in the city here, black schools were here, and in the late 20th century, many Jordon industry. facing discriminathe way. This isn’t just my moment—this isroots See CEREMONY has that SWEARING-IN extend far before the its was BlackDigital businesses here,” said Scan the QR Code to Sign Up for the Daily Newsletter tion and segregation, they built vi$2.00 Detroit’s moment, on and administration A-4 Jordon. “They were will persist coming of course Mary Detroit’s Mayor-elect, Sheffield brant communities themy city’s east Great Migration and Page $1.00 See LEGACY page A2
I
Greektown 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 WHAT’S INSIDE
Sheffield Invites Public to Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy Watch Swearing-in Ceremony
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