Michigan Chronicle Vol 89 - No. 15 by Real Times Media

Is Detroit’s $400 Investment City.Life.Style. PageMillion B3

in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Brandy, Monica Light Up LCA During Accessible for Black Detroiters?

Comerica Celebrates New Generation O of M Black E R Tennis I C A Stars 35 Years of Supporting

‘TheMoney. BoyA5Is Mine’ TourHOMEFRONT in Detroit

the Nation’s Largest City.Life.Style. B1 UNCF Walk for Education Scholarship Roots. A3 Fundraiser

M ichigan C hronicle Michigan Chronicle

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

Vol. 89 – No. 15 | December 10-16, 2025 Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

All Black Everything:

COMMUNITY VOICES:

UAW Trump Removes Triple A Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 MLKStrike Day & Against Detroit Juneteenth as Automakers Free Park By EbonyNational JJ Curry Dates, Adds His Birthday SENIOR REPORTER

Late Thursday night, Sept. 14, a historic moment unfolded in American labor relations as the United Auto Workers (UAW) By Hodari Brown union initiated a strike against CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. For the first time, November 25, 2025, the National theOnunion took simultaneous Park (NPS), under the direction actionService against all three major Deof the U.S. automakers. Department The of the Interior troit-based action overseen by Donald Trump, announced involves approximately 13,000 its 2026 “fee-free” days. Gone from the UAW members in assembly plants list: Martin Luther King Jr. Day across Michigan, Ohio, and Mis- and Photos by Monica Morgan Photography Juneteenth. instead: souri, who Added walked off theirJune jobs14 — troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By birthday Ebony JJ Curry the of Donald Trump, which is after existing labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER also Flag Day. piredobserved at 11:59asp.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From Those free-entry were never Shortly before days midnight on just As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundnconvenience. a breathtaking celebration of talent, determinaabout They acknowledged Sept. 14, GM released a statement 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, the nation’s ongoexpressing disappointment with own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crethe Michigan Chronicle marked ing reckoning with its 10th Annual the strike action, despite offering ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, 40 Under 40 event Thursday evening. This year’s See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 racism, the legacy what termed anin“unprecedented received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. soirée,it drenched the theme “All Black Everything with of slavery, and the economic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through struggle for civil historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. rights. MLK Day of Black excellence.honored Hosted by duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said a the mancharismatic By Ebony JJ Curry Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s whose vision from cen- Michigan SENIOR REPORTER cle’s Finally Friday,tered the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talenton equality of Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. and justice. JuneA powerful mix Detroit’sI most respectfessionals. I’mofgeeked. started making and selling clothes as a kid teenth commemoed voices gathered at Ithe historic Harmonie and always knew that I would have a business, but I The evening sparkled withdelayed a golden promise as we rated the Club on Wednesday night, Dec. 3, for the celebrated remarkable individuals of from various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, DPD Chief James White Says Increased enforcement Michigan Chronicle’s Power 50 dinner, creof life. Among the emancipation honorees wereand the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repa rare moment where stratPolice Presence Culled Violence resents ourinfluence, city’s pride.” sionary of Detroit Hives, Nicoleating Lindsey and the longco-founders road to freedom. Removing egy, and community responsibility metCorporate at Timothy has not only changed Taking home the Excellence Award was them fromPaul theJackson. calendarTheir is notwork simply one table. By Andre Ash the landscape tinkering of beekeeping farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at administrative — it and is a urban deDIGITAL It brought together a constellation of ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the wounds inflicted on troit but also exemplified the transformative impact Barton Malow. liberate reshaping of national acknowlBy Ebony JJ Curry also expressed disappointment in Black leadership rarely seen in a single Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. edgment, a rewriting of priorities, and “It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying the company A stringlonging of shootings space, convened by Michigan Chronicle Pub- many that wasinso callously torn away in aimmediately loud signal went about whose history matIt’s a history marred by pain, injus“Together we have created a social, environmental, leaders across the country, that are born here in into contingenGreektown in mid-April left lisher and Real Times Media CEO Hiram E. the past. ters. For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through bees,” said 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 Jackson with a specific charge: to reckon I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard Project is about more seyAnd followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents,ofprimarily I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side Detroit,’”Black, were in their place? Athe birthday. The UAW has branded inthis bustling downtown deswith the forces shaping Detroit’s future 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, Trump’s birthday. dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. One of these commit to the that real change de-generational ing to different parts oftowork the city. To some, it’s redefining the future. It will connect over plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences within an industrywealth that not many of was obliterated, and a The28substitution is not only toneStrike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimedto surrounding neighbormands. a mere convenience; to others, it’s an unredowntown Detroit lion honeybees – humbly speaking our movement has us, specifically women of color, have the opportunity to thriving community was torn asunder. The deaf; it iseach deeplyautomaker. cynical. It suggests within UAW that the life of a popular and bemarkable partis of daily commute. “This a their really special opportunity inspired others nationally, and even internationengage in and I’veHowbeenfor thewounds youngest personby in the room, inflicted I-375 run deep, tran- hoods, bridging the gap that was placed upon public lands andlocally, national heritage President Shawn Fain stated, “This are loved security guard followa deeper, far50more troubling bringing together of Southeastern ally toused taketoonelevate similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, the andphysical the onlybarrier Sistah of ina freeway to the city decades ago. scending being ego of one in- ever,us,there’s strategy will keep thethecompanies ing a dispute with a patron. story beneath the surface of this seemingly Michigan’s mostthe powerful Black leaders,” room, and I really had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. Today, allegedly the resurgence of Paradise Valley Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization founded by dividual atItthe expense of holidays that guessing. will give our nationThe male suspect ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displacesaid Jackson. “It’s not often that this many of showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and stands as testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the of power of urban beecarry profound meaning for millions This painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum leverage shot the guardSylvester beforea fleeing ( L-R: Hon. William McConico, Greg Jackson, Hester, Dimitrius Hutcherson, and theCity. lasting impact on Black being As abut trailblazing Black woman thrivleaders are inpersistent.” the same Detroiroom, spirit ofhis Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to Calling revitalize neighborhoods theinfluential Motor Americans. it anything less thanin ment, to the nation’s interstate highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, while female Christopher Jackson, & Hiram E. Jackson. The Jacksons are of no relation.) ters. ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her Michigan Chronicle and Real Times Media legacy of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative not only addresses critical issues like discriminatory is to ignore the power of 1956—a program that aimed to connect if we need to go all out, we will. companion is accused of contophilanthropic fortifying connections are tale all about highlighting Americanthe The begins inunwavering what is African nowcommitment Lafayette once vibrant hub Black businessenvironmental but also provides valuable politics at work. DPDfor Chief James White country butthe often did so at the expense Everything is onconservation the table.” Union institutions. Political strategy condition ofbra. Detroit’s education systems cealing the trict, weapon in aher between businesses and50Detroit’s communities is unde- the case of es and culture, is experiencing a renaissance excellence. Ourascelebration of the Power Park, known Black Bottom—a neigheducation and employment opportunities toonce Black Deof marginalized communities. leaders have also that also had a seat at the table In through These Melvinincidents What Was Lost andindicated Who’s Excluded and theunfolded sustainedduring work required to support an days. unseasonably grouprooted is onein ofAfrican-American the many ways weculture continueI-375, borhood that harkens back to its glory The deadditional plants could be targetit meant carving a path through the “Butch” Hollowell, Chief of the Mayor-Elect young people. They discussed youth success •A ccess for Black Americans and mar- and building warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic and that legacy.” history. on Named after its dark, fertile struction ofslogan Blackbut Bottom may have shaped torn ed in futurecommunities. waves if negotiations of Black Detroit, reinforcing Mary Sheffield “Rise Higher” segregatransition not as a as a continuum ginalized Free admis- soil, Black Bottom flourished during the mid- heart heightenedapart tensions in the densely populated downtown a thriving community, but the resolute dinner drew leaders whose worktion, remain and perpetuating inequality. team. The room held far more names by schools, safety, mentorship, and opporsion onstalled. MLK Day and Juneteenth cre- 1900s, The area. than determination nurturing the dreams and aspirations of a new generation of entreshapes the political, economic, and social tunity. Intergenerational poverty, oneDe-of the list suggests, representing every sector Fain clarifiedand thepractical union’s stratated symbolic inclusion. of prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, For one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime and the influx of visitors to preneurs and visionaries isstructural reclaiming that of Southeast Michigan. Denniscaused enduring egy: want to give a major thatby touches the daily of the city’s For “Imany families, these shoutwere rare Joe landscape such projects, it islived vitalexperiences to note that troit’s downtown core most garnered the attention of barriers, the DeLouis, and numerous other Detroit leglost legacy. Archer Jr. represented the city’s busiprompted (DPD), discussion of policy, out to the thousands membersparks opportunities to visitof national Detroiters. of the planners and politicianstroit behind Police Department catching them investment, somewhat ends. Butleadership in the name urban renewal in La-some ness andofcivic engagement. In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwho are on the picket lines Removing right and community-led solutions. without financial barriers. those projects built them directly through “The city is in a pivotal transition period off guard. the trice 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing Resource Helpline in owned businesses are not just flourishing McLendon of the Knight Foundation now fighting for allthat of access. us. The those days weakens By Andre Ash thewith hearta new of vibrant, populated communiThese have Detroit mayor being elected, andJames this isWhite, systematically dismantled, erased from the on Chief ofissues Police for theshadowed Detroit Police Debut thriving, offering diverse services, prodbrought a philanthropic lens focused response to the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is a new approach to reinforce segregation and ANCHOR •DIGITAL R ecognition of Black history as cen- map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as- ties—oftentimes across administrations, funding cycles, and the perfect time for the Power 50 to come partment, said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the informed communities and equitable investresidents face in navigating the to replace totral striking. Insteadstory. of striking allMLK sometimes asand part of a direct effort to America’s Keeping decades ofdesign reinvention. The difference on together figure out how this amazing phalt. right out the gate. By we went into the spring past while paving the way for a prosperous ment. Chief Todd Bettison joined the concomplex system of neighborhoods. housing serplants at once, selectcontinues locals will be or eliminate Black Day and Juneteenth on a national Homelessness to calWednesday night wasmid-summer the composition of group of lawyers, doctors, philanthropic deployment, which is less than the deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt future. From jazz clubs to soul food restauversation from Detroit’s public safety leadvices. The helpline provides a called to stand up and walk out and endaronurban affirmed that civil rights plague communities, with the room: Black leaders with the authority But now, after decades of enduring the leaders, supreme court justices, and other ment, and saw we say an uptick in violence that first of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, rants, the Black Press, and art galleries to ership. Michigan Supreme Court Justices single point of contact for people on strike.and This is emancipation areour notgeneration’s side notes. Re- its thriving families individuals grappling to act, the expertise to shape policy, and the scars of I-375, therea is a glimmer of hope leaders can have collective impact,” Jackwarm weekend.” business center, remained largely fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing Kyra Bolden and Noah Hood added judicial seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement that built placing with Trump’s birthday untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and on son with thethem challenges of making lived understanding of why challenges the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to said. Chief White attributes violence inthese Greektown to life into the verythe essence of what once made perspectives shaped by Detroit’s legal and connects them with the resources our union –inthe sit-down strikes of sends a clear message about thecliadmin- bars—the ends meet today’s economic persist. transform this once-divisive freeway into a very legacy. places that brought Detroit’s they need. weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popThe evening functioned less asa combination a dinner this of neighborhood a vibrant civil rights 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. istration’s priorities. mate. Whether it’s struggling to vision seeks to right the wrongsulation. of the ter. It’s Jackson has madethat it clear thatbeyond convenBlack State-level communityleadership together—were concena resurgence extends andthat more as diagnostic. 14 was the deadline and we meant was also presentpast Support for thea helpline comes mortgage •meet F aithmonthly in fairness andpayments respect for trated around while heralding a new era of inclusivity ings like this are not ceremonial. They funcHastings Street, the epicenter brick and mortar; it represents the resurHe explained, “ We saw numbers downtown that we it. We gave the soaring companies ourcosts ecoConversations turned to the tension bethrough Michigan State Police Director from the Gilbert Family Foundaor coping with rental national memory. This move is not a of African-American and community revitalization. tion asa spirit checkpoints in antoongoing process culture in the city. gence of that refuses be subdued. have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago tween real estate development and economJames Grady, offering insight on statewide tion, which has pledged $10 milinneutral a housing market marked by “adjustment.” It is a political accountability. The Fueled by more than $100that million from Then, a cruel twistWendy of fate,Jackson Hastings anddefined there’s aof feeling that in aMichigan post-COVID era… and it took more than a month to Detroit City we’re Councilman Fred Chronicle Durhal development, publicin safety systems. of the lion ic over three years atodebate fund the has shockingly high prices, a variety has longdowntown held space forthe Detroit’s Black leadthe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, and with the venues and reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern Detroit for decades as projects rise while Kresge Foundation, long known for neighprogram. Wayne Metro CommuofSee factors contribute PARK to the growNATIONAL DATES making ership to confront the forces that shape the other partners, this ambitious project way and for arts the Julie construction of I-375. andquestions down withMarket all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, of ownership and opportunity union is pushing for a cominvestments, contributed Dunn Schneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meaganborhood Page A-2 aims to create jobs, remove barriers to ecoThis marked the final blow, sealing the fate hundreds of more people and, in particularly, young very POWER early in the MDOT is 50process, Page A-4 prehensive list of demands. This remain unresolved. Leaders a view from one of Detroit’s most active helpline, making it accessible to examined the “It’s still See 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 we also have a responsibility to all By Sam Robinson The rise in visitorscustomers to the Greektown area is evident to ensure payment for being unhoused means living in SENIOR cars orREPORTER makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics service is received, so thatcompany costs are settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners because of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends and demographic insights Mychael not unfairly shifted to others.” and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, The causes of homelessness By areLynzee as diverse and Residents of acomplex historic downwere alsomobile comingdevices. because From Black through geolocation-enabled MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right DTEwas saiddoing service as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of building town Detroit apartment people someinterruptions stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and resource and a growing number of programs to are “an absolute last resort” and are Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue.out housing may not after did Black people start things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according todoing Placer.ai. From thehave daystoofmove the Greathelp Mi- them.” onlythe implemented after every effort being told the power at Leland “Providing services and high-quality housing to persons in city? They started doing In the same period this year, these numbers increased to gration when thousands of Black has been made to reach an1800’s. agreeThe Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment House would to be Detroit shut down this at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key this area in the 1.4 million visits and things 670,000invisitors. families flocked in search ment or1800’s createthe a payment plan. that involves pledging $500 million to support projects across week. priority of the City of Detroit, said Julie Schneider, Director In the major thing of jobs and a better life, to the pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract both Detroit The utility company said itisspent of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization trucks lined the city’s valet over the next ten years, with housing initiatives were doing in Detroit they otal UHaul roleDepartment. they played in the residents and visitors,they the police department has implethis week working with the against city of being a significant part of their contribution. parking outside the 22-story Leland were the leaders in fight “This means focusing on building pipeline of sup-heritage, culturaltheand musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage the inDetroit to alternative housHouse atthe400 Bagley St. slavery. Thesecure Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive and coordinating with Continuum of at Black Detroiters have left an Cass increased population. Notably, metal detectors have been DARhousing of Michigan ingthe forroot affected residents before serAvenue Monday, Dec. asrecent resi- years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiis in the city to of deter Detroit Care What on the a delivery of critical resources such as the emergency delible mark on city. 1, However, strategically placed throughout Greektown theto Federal celebrates vice interruptions took place. dents moved out of a building they all 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. Government Shutdown 70thItanniversary of thought would affordable be without power residents see Still, coming later.” at the Leland housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams. also means preserving and expanding rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ by end of theimproving week. House, who legends are mostly Black seIn 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of allthe incomes and Could Mean which has raised concerns about Aretha Chief White explains. It Musical has been a deterrentlike for some, niors, say they are feeling pressured housing stability though comprehensive serviceNov. offerings On Friday, 28, managethe displacement of long-standing Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have testedFranklin, it. If youMarvin are legally carrying a for Detroiters? to move out. available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine mentresidents. told residents totoleave their year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the Black Similar a setting sound emerged Defiscal weapon and carrying Motown a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” apartment Dec. spirit, 3 ahead ofBlack a DTE sun, there’s aby rising and One man in ahis 50s who for asked troit, providing soundtrack the See POLICEcivil PRESENCE Pagetold A-2 shutoff. Detroiters are reclaiming their placeSee COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 not to be named Michigan rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit in the city, despite the filing challenges Chronicle insideMotown the building ing generations. Records, However, a court gave posed by of gentrification. Thursday, that he byDec. Berry4,Gordy Jr., planned was not owners the building until Thurs- $50,000 to DTE as part of its Chap- “As with all customers who own founded west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just to move out despite a court allowa record label but a symbol of day to pay.the The plan involves a $1.2 and During Great Migration, ter 11 bankruptcy case. multi-unit dwellings, in compliance ing tenants to stay. Black excellence and empowerment. million high-interest-rate loanfrom to be neighborhoods became centers of trification. thousands of Black families regulatory requirements, we “Our team has been proactively with “Black people were coming to Depaid off upon sale of in thesearch build- Black culture and entrepreneurship. the South came the to Detroit “What’s the staying? However, as point Detroitoffaced ecoprovided a 30-day public notice on working with the landlord to find According to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were nomic bankruptcy Maria ofing. jobsU.S. in the booming Judge automobile The writing on population the wall, once declineisand loss all entrances and exits of the builda way to continue servicing the black schools were here, and in the late 20th century, many Oxholm Despite approved the order. industry. facing discrimina- Jordon Black resilience in the city here, ing to inform tenants of potential needs ofthat its extend residents,” DTE said See LELAND HOUSE roots far before the Up its was BlackDigital businesses here,” said the QR Code to week. Sign for the Daily Newsletter tion The and segregation, theymore builtthan vi- hasScan building owes disconnect… As a regulated utility, in a statement earlier this $2.00 Page A-4 brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course See LEGACY page A2 $1.00

Power 50 Convenes to Discuss Business, Politics, & Community

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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

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