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Is Detroit’s $400 Million Investment in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Accessible for Black Detroiters?

Comerica Celebrates New Generation WSU Ilitch School Gets $500k from of Black Tennis Stars 35 Years of Supporting the Nation’s Largest JPMorganChase to Expand HOMEFRONT City.Life.Style. B1 UNCF Walk for Money. A5 Student Opportunities Education Scholarship Roots. A3 C

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

Vol. 89 – No. 16 | December 17-23, 2025 Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

All Black Everything:

Michigan UAW Secretary of and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 ATriple NightStrike of Elegance StateDetroit Race: Against

Lottery Commissioner Automakers Resigns By Ebony JJ Curryto Enter SENIOR REPORTER Crowded Dem Field Late Thursday night, Sept.

By Robinson 14, Sam a historic moment unfolded

SENIOR REPORTERlabor relations as in American

the United Auto Workers (UAW) Former Michigan Lottery Commisunion initiated a strike against sioner and Whitmer Administration Ford, General Motors (GM), and cabinet member Suzanna Stellantis. For the first Shkreli time, announced she’s took runningsimultaneous for Michigan Secthe union retary State on action of against all Monday. three major DeShkreli joins the race The to beaction the Demotroit-based automakers. cratic nominee for the position, as three involves approximately 13,000 other Democratsin have already entered UAW members assembly plants the race.Michigan, Ohio, and Misacross souri, who Secretary walked troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. of their State jobs Aghogho ByDeputy Ebony JJ Curryoff after existing laborCounty contracts ex- Barb their city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Edevbie, Ingham Clerk Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER pired at 11:59 p.m. state Sen. Adam ingenuity of our community. Byrum, and former cased the diversity of talent within our community. From Hollier already launched their Shortly before midnight on own As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundn have a breathtaking celebration of talent, determinacampaigns. Sept. 14, released a statement tion,GM and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who expressing disappointment Democratic delegates at thewith state par- its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crethe Michigan Chronicle marked the nominating strike action, ty’s convention on April 19, 40 Under 40despite event offering Thursday evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 what it drenched termed anin not voters during a“unprecedented primary election, de- Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. soirée, the theme “All Black economic that termine thepackage” candidate whoincluded willexpectations face the Gold Accents,” transcended and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through historic wage increases. Stellantis Republican. ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence 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 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 sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was By Andre Ash the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at 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 Curry also expressed disappointment in 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 SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying the company A string of shootings inso community longing that was callously torn “There’s nothing more important to the andaway 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 By Sam Robinson immediately went into contingenGreektown in mid-April left Shkreli told Michigan Chronicle on the past. me as mayor than improving public safety,” said Mayor-elect For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. LindDetroit. I represent our city and I devastation. tell people, More than SENIOR REPORTER cy mode toDec. protect its operations. both visitors and residents of Monday, 8, sentiment that she joined theis through Sheffield. “It’s rare to have ChiefBoulevard of Police who has the more I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from Thea I-375 Project is about sey followed that with, “It our local 130,000 residents,ofprimarily Black, were I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side Detroit,’” The UAW has branded the inthis bustling downtown descrowded field because Michigan DemoDetroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield on Tuesday, Dec. 16, respect of their peers, the loyalty of the rank and file, and highway, artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; it’s partnerships and collaborative efforts urban 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 inthe awe. One of these crats the Republicans could winthe the health the reappointment ofit’s Chief generational Todd Bettisonwealth to conthe hearts and trusta of people. That isthe precisely weconnect ing different parts of the city. To some, about redefining future.what It will over fear 28 plus locations managing of announced 4.5 milto have experiences within an industry that not many of was obliterated, and Strike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimed office. tinuehas serving Detroit’s of police. inasunder. Chief Bettison, who brings with to him nearly 3 demere convenience; toasothers, it’schief an unreDetroit surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking oura movement us, specifically women of thriving color, have the opportunity community washave tornto The downtown within each from automaker. UAW the to lifeour ofgreat a popular and be- gap of cades of service City as a member thewas Detroit “I’ve heard Democrats all across markable part of their daily commute. HowDuring her campaign, Sheffield championed Bettison hoods, bridging the that placed upon inspired others locally, nationally, and even internation- engage in and I’ve been thewounds youngest person in the room, inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranPresident Shawn worried Fain stated, “This loved security guard followPoliceof Department.” the they’re about us hold- ever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling as a key contributor to the city’s decrease in violent crime the city decades ago. allystate, to take on similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, andphysical the onlybarrier Sistah in scending the a freeway to strategy will keep the companies ing a dispute with a patron. ing this office, and I do believe I’m the story beneath the surface of this seemingly through thethe city’s community violence intervention proSheffield cited Bettison’s ties the within Detroitofneighborroom, and I really had to articulate the importance penetrate the very soul of Black Detroiters. Today, resurgence Paradise Valley Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization founded by guessing. It willtogive ourthat,” nationThe male named suspectChief allegedly best candidate do all Shkreli ordinary freeway—a story of pain, gram. hoods. toback being of Police in February showing up,displacegiving chances others won’t, and stands as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban bee- of Thiswhen painful legacy can be Prior traced al negotiators maximum leverage shot the his guard before fleeing said. and the lasting impactpersistent.” on Blackhas DetroiBettison spent 27-year career at the Detroit As a trailblazing Black woman2025, thrivThe city being claims Detroit seen record in violent spirit ofhis Black Detroiters and Police the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in ment, the Motor City. to thedrops nation’s interstate highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, while female ters. Department, retiring as First Assistant Chief of Police the in a took predominantly male-dominated her to connect Shkreli says she crimelike since ing Bettison over as chief. are industry, the that of Black excellence. This–historic disTheir initiative onlyweaddresses of Homicides 1956—a program aimed if we need to go ifnot allelected, out, will.wouldcritical issues companionlegacy is accused of consecond-highest-ranking member of the department – before unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections create digital driver’s licenses like other The tale begins in what is now Lafayette lowest they’ve been in decades and nonfatal shootings have trict, once a vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental but also provides valuable DPD Chief James White the country but often did so at the expense Everything is onconservation the table.” Union cealing the weapon in her bra. Deputy Mayor 2022. businesses and Detroit’s communities undestates offer to also drivers for Michigan res- Park,toonce known as between Black Bottom—a been cut in half between 2022neighand 2024. The number of re- isbecoming esin and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education and employment opportunities Black Deof marginalized communities. In the case of incidents leaders have indicated that These unfolded during an police unseasonably idents, work for faster results, borhood ported rooted carjackings in African-American have also culture fallen 71%I-375, since 2015. harkens backafter to itsformer glory days. The deHe was named chiefthat earlier this year additional plants could election be targetit meant carving a path through the warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffictorn and and walk-in at Secretary of and history.Sheffield Named and after its Bettison dark, fertile struction Black Bottom have chief James White resigned to leadofthe county mentalmay health Chief say theyheart shareof a commitment ed inoffer future waveshours if negotiations Black Detroit, reinforcing segregaheightened tensions in the densely populated downtown State branches for seniors. soil, BlacktoBottom mid- Prevention apart a thriving community, but the resolute authority, DWIHN. create aflourished new Officeduring of Gunthe Violence that would inequality. remain stalled. tion, and perpetuating area. 1900s, nurturing thegrassroots dreams and aspirations determination of a Sheffield new generation Before her role as lottery commissionwork with partners to ensure meaningful engage“I am excited that Madam Mayor Elect is givingof entreFain clarified the union’s stratFor one to aptly recognize the harm The surge incontinue crime and the influx visitors Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries isofreclaiming er, Shkreli served in the administration ment with residents to shape public safety policy. me another opportunity to to work in making De- tothat 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 other Detroit leglost legacy. as first-everofdirector of juvetroit one of the safest cities in America and I know with her The mayor-elect’s transition team some said of in the a statement outthe to state’s the thousands members planners and politicians behind troit Police this Department (DPD), catching them somewhat ends. ButTuesday in the name of urban renewal nile in the guidance and support, goal become a reality,” BetIn thewill heart of Paradise Valley, Blackthat more details about in the office will be released who justice are on reform the picket linesDepartment right those projects built them directly through off guard. the 1950s, thisnew vibrant of Health and for Human Services, tison said. Resource Helpline in communi- owned businesses are not just flourishing in the year. neighborhood was Housing now fighting all of us. Theand in By Andre Ash the heart of vibrant, populated systematically dismantled, erased from the response to the challenges that White, Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Deanother cabinet as Michigan’s but thriving, diverse services, prodhasJames been active voice in advocating for state Stand-Up Strike role is a new approach child “It is an to be selected by Mayor-elect Mary Shefties—oftentimes to reinforceBettison segregation and ansaid: DIGITAL ANCHOR map, and replaced byhonor a lifeless stretch of aspartment, “We were caught somewhat flat-footed advocate. ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the residents inunder navigating the oftocommunity funding violence intervention. He’s been to to striking. Instead of striking all Police face Chief sometimes as part of a direct effort replace phalt. field to continue serving as the Detroit right out the design we went the spring pastgate. while paving way forinto asend prosperous Shkreli alsoselect served aswill Whitmer’s complex system of neighborhoods. housing ser- to push Lansing lawmakers to By pass billsthe that would plants at once, locals be her administration,” Chief Bettison said. myBlack time as or“During eliminate Homelessness continues to deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt future. clubsworkers to soul amid food restaudeputy legal counsel and walk worked helplineourprovides moneyafor Detroit groups thatFrom servejazz as case called to stand up and out as an chief, I have had the pleasure to workvices. handBut inThe hand plagueonurban communities, with now, with 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 assistant Macomb County Prosecutor, single point of the contact people communities dealing with violent crime. on strike.and This is our generation’s Mayor-elect to keep the citizens of Detroit safe. Over past for families individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” business center, remained largely fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing where she prosecuted crimes against its thriving seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement that built year, the Detroit Police Department has witnessed for CVI groups to be able to continue with the challenges of making on the horizon.violent Plans have “I’m been fighting unveiled to our untouched. Restaurants, clubs, and lows Chief White attributes violence in Greektown to lifeit’s into the very essence of what once made children. connects them with the our sit-down strikescliof crime continue theaters, to drop to historic in the city—and I resources to dofreeway the good work — cops, it’sthe people, community endsunion meet –inthe today’s economic transform this once-divisive into a bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s a combination of weather conditions and a surge in popthis neighborhood a vibrant cultural epicen1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. “I wasn’t planning to run for this, am confident we will close out 2025 with eventhat more historic also technology, that is going to continue to help us mate. Whether it’s struggling to you vision seeks to rightand theit’s wrongs of the ter. ulation. It’s adown resurgence 14 was the been deadline andinwe meant know, I’ve happy my role with Black community low violenttogether—were crime levels.” concen- past move forward and push crime and stopthat the extends cycle of beyond Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments 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. gave theadministration,” companies ourcosts ecothe Whitmer she said. violence,” Bettison said this year in an interview in Lansing. from theenhance GilbertneighFamily FoundaBettison said in ainstatement is to or We coping with soaring rental and community revitalization. of African-American culture the city. his goal genceever. of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago “I have so much respect for her, it was which has pledged $10 You mil-can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com. borhood safety and continue pushingtion, violent crime down. in a housing market marked by 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 a 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 See SECRETARY OF STATE RACE Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with downtown and the to come get to the table.” III,venues representing District 7, reasons 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 Page A-2for a comtold theare Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing Schneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate aims to create jobs, remove barriershundreds more people and,inin 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. Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “Our meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t By Ebony JJ Curry The rise in visitors to the Greektownhas areaconsistently is evident Administration being unhoused means living inSENIOR cars orREPORTER makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said in data from Placer.ai, a location analyticsoncompany fought and advocated behalf of settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners because of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends and demographic insights this community, urging the release Ten yearsMychael have sinceand Flintthe generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, The causes of homelessness By areLynzee as diverse and passed complex were alsomobile comingdevices. because Black through geolocation-enabled From of these long-awaited settlement families were told their tap water MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right some stuff. May 1-Aug. 27, 2022,people there was weredoing 1.3 million visitsWhen and funds.” was safe. Ten years since parents housing resource and a growing number of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. didThe Black people start doing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. Frompots the of days of thewater, Greathelp Mi- them.” boiled brown since amounts will to vary widely. “Providing services and high-quality housing to personsof Black in the these city? They started doing In the same period this year, numbers increased to gration childrenwhen brokethousands out in rashes, since Property claims will average around The 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 the term “Flint water crisis” became $1,000. Payments for the youngest pledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, In the 1800’s the thingboth that ofnational jobs a betterDirector life, to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract shorthand for government Flint residents — major the babies and 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,toddlers the police failure. at department the time ofhas theimplecrisis being a significant part of their contribution. were the leaders in the fightthe against “This means focusing on building theand pipeline of supcultural musical heritage, mented various enforcement measures to exposure manage inwho can document to lead A decade later, the people who slavery. Thehealth Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of Black Detroiters leftcountry’s an increased population. Notably, metal detectors have and related impacts —been may lived through onehave of the is the roughly rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit to 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 Federal reach $100,000. Thesethe are most mark devastating modern puball ofchildren this Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention proinlic-health recentand years, Detroit has expeillegal carrying of firearms. the who faced the highest disasters are only now set Government Shutdown see later.” housed and entered the City’s community response system. code granting grams. It also means preserving affordable rienced significant gentrification, riskcoming and who carried thepoints, heaviest “We haveaccess strategically placed them at key “ never matched urgency. Families identification toand seeexpanding the first steps toward finanIn 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Musical Aretha burden of the government’s Chief White It has been alegends deterrentlike for failure. some, have spent years navigating paper- to a payment portal. Thoseexplains. who cial restitution. housing stability though comprehensive service of offerings the displacement long-standing Gaye, and the Nearly of entire settlement According the Cityharm, of Detroit, since the cannot start of access the anddigital some have testedFranklin, it. If 80% youMarvin arethe legally carrying a work,toproving and waiting the system for Detroiters? A federal judge has approved available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a setting sound emerged Dehas been seta aside for who fiscal year to 2021, Detroit sawslowly, a 28% decrease the an alternative weapon andmethod carrying Motown a CPL, have great day.those Iffrom you’re for2019 a system that moved will beingiven the long-awaited process to begin and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black providing a soundtrack were minors during the crisis.for the even as residents continued to cope page to choose how they want to receive troit, paying tens of thousands of claims COMBAT HOMELESSNESS A2 Seeletters POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their placeSee with rights movement andtheinspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit the consequences of poisoned their payment. Returned The order also outlines next to the more than $600 City.Life.Style. B1 inconnected the city, despite the challenges ing generations. Motown Records, must be mailed a second time, an at- steps for the settlement’s most million legal settlement tied to the water. posed by gentrification. by Berry Gordy Jr., was not tempt to limit yet another bureau- founded complicated outstanding issues. U.S. crisis. westDistrict sides. Court Over Judge time, Judith these long after our current phase of genjust a record label but a symbol of During the Great Migration, and cratic delay for residents who have Roughly 1,100 claimants are Mediorder directing The settlement, created by the Levy issued a new became centers of trification. Black excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black families from neighborhoods already endured too many. care-entitled and must resolve state of Michigan, the city of Flint, the start of the payment process. “Black is people to resDe- federal the South came to Detroit in search Black culture and entrepreneurship. However, as Detroit faced payecoMedicare liens before greatwere newscoming for the Nearly 26,000 claims have been troit“This and several other defendants, repAccording to Historian Jamon because Black churches were of jobs in the booming automobile nomic decline and population loss ments can be finalized. There is also idents of the City of Flint,” said deemed eligible. Letters will now resents one of the largest mass enviindustry. Despite facing discrimina- Jordon Black resilience in the city here, black schools were here, and in the late 20th century, many every claimant — orthe to its was Black businesses here,” said ronmental-harm agreements in the be sent rootsto that extend far before the QR Code to Sign Up for the Digital Daily Newsletter tion and segregation, they built vi- hasScan $2.00 their attorneys — with a unique state’s history. But size alone has Great Page A-4 Migration and will persist Jordon. “TheySee wereSETTLEMENT coming of coursePAYMENTS brant communities on the city’s east See LEGACY page A2 $1.00

Greektown Had 1.4 Million Visits This Summer and No Shootings

Can Reparative Investment Finally Sheffield Administration Retains Heal the Wounds Left by I-375? Bettison as Detroit Police Chief

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

Flint Residents Set to See Movement on Long-Delayed Settlement Payments Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy

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