MC 9/6/23 Edition

Lt. Governor Gilchrist Addresses State Climate Actions on Flooding, Power Outages

By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

Summer storms are not a new phenomenon, but all too often, severe weather has inflicted significant impacts on Detroit. Flooding has posed major problems for both local freeways and the homes of Detroit residents, sparking concerns about climate change and infrastructure.

Intense rain, floods, and sewer backups have resulted in hundreds of thousands of residents across the state losing power. The state government is now taking action to position itself as a national clean energy leader with a focus on safeguarding the air and lakes for future generations.

“Water doesn’t belong in someone’s basement, it doesn’t belong in your yard, and it certainly doesn’t belong on the roads, causing freeway flooding,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist.

Millennials Don’t Worship Like Their Parents Do

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

In recent years, the Black Church, long a cornerstone of African-American communities, is contending with a decline in attendance, particularly among its younger constituents. Recent data from the Barna Group reveals that only about twothirds of Black millennials and Gen Z identify as Christian. This shows a 10-point decline compared to Black Gen Xers and a 20point decline when matched up against Black Boomers. While these numbers seem alarming, they offer more than just a grim outlook—they offer a lens through which to understand the evolving landscape of faith among the younger Black generation.

Gilchrist

“That means we must make sure we are making the investments in our infrastructure to prevent that from happening. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and I made historic investments in our water management infrastructure, water and sewage system to shore up these systems to make sure they don’t fail. This was all to make sure that our pumps have enough power on the freeways in Detroit and even though we have some areas from the latest storms, we’re still going to make these investments.”

He added, “Our goal is to ensure that our pumps have enough power to prevent freeway flooding in Detroit. Despite the recent storms, we remain committed to making these crucial investments.”

Lt. Governor Gilchrist noted that the state’s administration is leveraging federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act to provide more resources to households impacted by severe storms.

However, the administration also recognizes that, despite efforts to address climate change and infrastructure investments, there’s a need for candid discussions regarding widespread and persistent power outages.

“In our conversations with utility companies, the focus is on accountability,” stated Gilchrist. “People expect for their power to be on. We know that storms happen, but we also know that we can design and engineer for things. The governor and I have worked with these utility companies to ensure they are using the resources from the state and federal government as well as what they put in from their own private dollars to invest more in

WHAT’S INSIDE

The narrative that Black millennials and Gen Z are leaving the Church collectively is an oversimplification that overlooks a more nuanced reality. While formal religious adherence is dwindling, spirituality—a personal, individualized belief in a higher power or universal force—remains strong among these cohorts. A robust 72% of Black millennials maintain a firm belief in God, challenging the narrative of wholesale religious departure.

Many millennials argue they haven’t left the Church; rather, the Church has left them. Young Black adults are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be spiritual, often finding faith in places beyond the four walls of a church. This demographic frequently draws from a blend of spiritual traditions, incorporating elements of ancestral veneration, astrology, and even social justice into their belief systems.

Pastor K.C. Pierce of Hopewell Church echoes this sentiment as he himself is a millennial pastor.

“Pastoring a church that has many generations but, for sure, has a very large number of young people, I often have this conversation. I’ve found that millennials are leaving and have identified themselves as being religiously unaffiliated. They are leaving the Church as in the four walls for reasons such as hypocritical, judgmental, inauthentic, exclusive, or even political views,” Pierce said.

The Church, for all its merits, has been criticized by many for what they say is a slow adaptation to societal changes and an even slower response to addressing critical issues that affect younger congregants. Conversations surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, the role of women in leadership positions, and issues of racial justice in

wider society have often been avoided or openly rebuffed. The failure to engage in these dialogues, critics say, alienates young members who find themselves at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities.

For instance, the silence on Queer identity in many Black Churches forces LGBTQ+ youth to seek inclusion and understanding elsewhere. Similarly, young Black women are exploring spaces that validate their leadership abilities and embrace intersectional feminism.

“So now trying to pastor this generation I realize (we) millennials grew up in the era of social media at our fingertips,” said Pierce. “So, we now have unlimited access to information, and it has never been more readily available. The elders before us went to Church based on tradition and of course their love for God. So, yes, we believe in God as well, but this generation needs more than just a Sunday morning church experience. I believe this is the ‘beyond the walls’ generation.”

The advent of the internet and the necessity for online church services during the COVID-19 pandemic have also contributed to this shift. Virtual platforms not only offer an alternative for those who find traditional church environments stifling but also introduce a buffet of spiritual choices. The internet offers diverse theological perspectives and religious practices at the click of a button, allowing for a more curated spiritual experience. This ease of access to various philosophies and interpretations encourages young Black people to form a more personalized, composite understanding of spirituality.

Personal relationships, too, are increasingly viewed through a spiritual lens, further reinforcing the idea that this generation’s spirituality cannot be neatly boxed into organized religion. It’s not uncommon for Black millennials to find spiritual connections through community activism, viewing their fight for social justice as an act of faith. For many, God is not just found in scripture or hymn but in the act of uplifting their communities, protesting injustices, and working toward a more equitable society.

Spiritual Wellness Educator and Michigan Chronicle Managing Editor Miss AJ Williams is no stranger to the dynamics of faith and spirituality, particularly within the Black Church. Raised as a preacher’s kid in the Pentecostal denomination, her

Unsecured Weapons and the Alarming Rise in Child Fatalities in Detroit

Detroit’s Call for Responsible Ownership and Comprehensive Safety Measures

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

An alarming trend has emerged, and it’s casting a shadow over the lives of Detroit’s youngest residents. Amid its comeback season, the city is now grappling with a heart-wrenching crisis: a rise in child fatalities attributed to unsecured weapons. This unsettling issue not only raises questions about responsible gun ownership but also highlights the pressing need for comprehensive measures to safeguard the lives of children within our communities. Many are left wondering what law enforcement and city officials are doing to address the root causes and preventative measures to protect the well-being of Detroit’s future generations.

The numbers are stark and deeply troubling.

Over the past few years, Detroit has witnessed an increase in incidents where children gain access to unsecured firearms, leading to devastating consequences. Between the beginning of 2015 and the conclusion of 2022, there have been no

less than 2,802 accidental shootings by individuals aged 17 or below, resulting in 1,083 fatalities and 1,815 injuries, as reported by the non-profit organization Everytown for Gun Safety. In April, Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan enacted legislation mandating secure storage protocols for firearms. This law came into effect due to the documentation of over 110 domestic firearm-related incidents involving children in Michigan since 2015. During the bill signing, Whitmer stated, “Uni-

versal background checks and safe storage are long-overdue steps we are proud to take today that will save lives by keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and domestic abusers and children in the home.”

What were once avoidable accidents have now become heartbreakingly frequent stories of young lives cut short. The very tools meant to provide security and protection have turned into instruments of tragedy, leaving families shattered and communities traumatized.

One of the more recent heart-wrenching incidents involves the tragic passing of Shawntaze Moore, an 8-year-old boy who managed to gain access to a firearm belonging to his stepfather, Armani Robinson. The gun had been concealed in Moore’s brother’s backpack. The firearm had been reported as stolen prior to its unlawful purchase just one month prior.

Detroit Police Chief James White expressed concerns about the frequency of deaths due to unsecured guns. He stated, “How many times this summer have we talked about babies losing their lives? We’re always here talking about this, if you’re going to be a gun owner, you’re going

Lt. Governor Garlin

Big Sean Credits Fatherhood and Meditation as Inspirations for His New Music and Book

to have to be responsible and unfortunately we have yet another situation where one of Detroit’s children was killed because an adult made a horrible decision to leave the gun unsecured.”

This deeply concerning trend is a somber reminder of the critical significance of responsible gun ownership. While the Second Amendment affirms the right to bear arms, it also emphasizes the importance of a “well-regulated Militia.” This regulation extends to the safe storage and handling of firearms, especially in households with children. The responsibility falls on gun owners to ensure that their weapons are secured in a manner that prevents unauthorized access, particularly by curious and impressionable young minds.

“Does a child have to die in your home before this is taken seriously?” Prose-

Worship

cutor Kym Worthy asked.

“I am literally running out of things to say and write about this continuous stream of children shooting and killing themselves with unsecured guns. Once again, these deaths are 100% preventable and unnecessary.”

There is a multifaceted nature to the issue that cannot be ignored. Poverty, limited access to quality education, and lack of social services can create an environment where children are disproportionately vulnerable to the dangers posed by unsecured weapons. Many households struggle to make ends meet, leaving firearms poorly stored due to inadequate resources for secure storage solutions. Inadequate education about firearm safety and the potential risks associated with unsecured weapons further intensify the issue.

To combat this crisis, a comprehensive approach

upbringing instilled in her a foundational understanding of Christian teachings. However, even as a child, she found herself grappling with questions and curiosity about the religious environment she was in, particularly noting the emphasis on rules—or, as she put it, the “don’ts”—without adequate explanation as to how they aligned with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

For Williams, the journey didn’t end with her childhood; it was just the beginning of a continually evolving spiritual path. She underscores that her experience has been far from static. Over the years, she has allowed herself the freedom to question, to explore, and to grow in her understanding of spirituality. Today, she finds herself on an ever-changing spiritual path, one that she is keen to keep exploring and deepening as she moves forward in her spiritual journey.

“My transition between Christianity and coming into where I am now – I don’t adhere to a specific religion. I consider myself a deeply spiritual person and probably more so now than when I was in Church. I hold myself more accountable rather than God vs. the Devil,” she expressed. “I view myself as an extension of God.”

“Up until my early 30s, I felt a shift but was hesitant to act on it because I was so indoctrinated. I didn’t want to go to hell, which I thought was the inevitable outcome if I left the Church,” Williams recounts.

Her journey then took a transformative turn, leading her to what she now describes as “the dark night of the soul where I felt that the universe took me to truly be born again through a spiritual perspective in recognizing my higher self.”

This experience changed how she perceived her spirituality and her relationship with a higher power.

“Through that transition, I really recognize the Holy Ghost as my higher self, and I see God as myself—a part of a higher source,” Williams says. “I believe I have a definite soul contract, and I believe in karma and personal reincarnation. Oddly enough, these beliefs make me feel more Christ-like than actually attending Church.”

Astrology deserves particular mention for its resurgence among Black millennials. While many churchgoers dismiss astrology as a fad or even deviation, many young Black people find it enriches their spiritual lives. Astrology allows for a personalized in-

is essential. Firstly, educational initiatives that target both gun owners and children are critical. Promoting responsible gun ownership practices, including secure storage measures, can empower adults to take necessary precautions. Simultaneously, age-appropriate educational programs can impart crucial knowledge to children about the dangers of firearms and how to respond if they encounter an unsecured weapon.

Additionally, community engagement plays a pivotal role in tackling this problem. Local leaders, law enforcement agencies, schools, and non-profit organizations must collaborate to raise awareness, provide resources, and create safe spaces for open discussions.

The City of Detroit allocated $10 million towards ShotStoppers, a program centered on community violence intervention. This initiative is geared toward diminishing crime rates and

terpretation of one’s life events and personality, adding another layer to the complex mosaic of millennial spirituality.

“Interestingly enough, astrology is the reason why people are back into astrology. It’s an astrological energy that’s bringing this energy back,” said Williams. “An explanation that resonates with astrology is ‘there’s nothing new under the sun’ and Millennials and GenZ-ers are really showing up in that space. Is this the end-all of everything? No. But no religion or personal belief system is. At the end of the day it’s all faith.”

Many spiritual leaders remain steadfast in their approach to ministry, though, maintaining that God is unchanging in his word, so they will remain unchanging in the way they profess it. They acknowledge that Jesus Christ took the “meet people where they are” approach to ministry, but that does not mean that the things he professed changed; only the places where he taught and how he taught changed.

So, what do these shifts mean for the future of the Black Church? Far from a crisis, this could be viewed as an opportunity for reevaluation and growth. Millennials are not necessarily rejecting faith; they’re transforming it. What we may be seeing is the emergence of what could be termed “Black futured faith,” a more fluid, encompassing understanding of spirituality that doesn’t discard the Church but calls for its evolution.

“Young people love God, however instead of singing songs, they would rather go feed the hungry. Instead of shouting, they would rather clothe the naked,” expressed Pierce. “As a Pastor and a millennial, I try to remember that the message of God doesn’t change, however the methods in how we reach people have to change. We can’t catch hip-hop fish using gospel pearl bait.”

Overall, the perceived exodus from the Black Church by the younger Black generation is not an abandonment of faith. It’s a complex renegotiation and deviation, or expansion, of cultural norms. Young people’s spirituality is still strong, according to research, but spirituality manifests in forms that break from tradition. For the Black Church to bridge the widening generational gap, both the younger and the older folks might need, dare I say, a spiritual awakening, engaging openly with alternative modes of spiritual expression. Far from a crisis, this could well be the next necessary phase of the Church’s evolution, one that respects and incorporates the changing tapestry of what it means to be both Black and spiritual in the 21st century.

enhancing the sense of security in underserved neighborhoods through the provision of essential resources.

Mayor Mike Duggan unveiled the allocation of funds to six community groups intended to support the launch of innovative strategies for ensuring the safety of these underserved communities.

“Detroit families deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, and this program dramatically expands the City’s investment in violence prevention,” Duggan said. “We are giving community organizations already working to prevent violence new tools to be successful –and holding them accountable for results by measuring their performance and expanding funding for programs that work.”

Technological innovation can offer a modern solution to an age-old problem. Smart gun safes equipped with biometric locks or digital access codes can provide a secure yet quickly accessible method of firearm storage. By integrating technology with responsible gun ownership, we can drastically reduce the risk of child fatalities linked to unsecured weapons.

In confronting the distressing rise in child fatalities due to unsecured weapons, Detroit stands at a crossroads. The path forward requires a united effort from every corner of the community. By prioritizing education, awareness, legislative action, and technological advancements, the city can begin to reverse this tragic trend and protect its most vulnerable members. As we work collectively to safeguard our children’s future, Detroit can once again emerge as a beacon of strength, resilience, and hope.

Climate Actions

these resources.”

Metro Detroit has been particularly hard-hit by severe weather in recent weeks, following a decade marked by flooding, dam failures, high water levels, erosion causing damage to public and private property, and major crop failures resulting from unusual spring temperatures, plus three polar vortexes.

According to a recent report from the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, these actions, along with federal clean energy investments from the Inflation Reduction Act, are projected to save families $5.5 billion in household

energy costs by 2050, create 160,000 jobs, and bring $14.7 billion in federal funding to Michigan.

Despite a decade of unpredictable weather patterns, Michigan is positioning itself as a haven for those seeking access to safe and clean water and air.

The Whitmer/Gilchrist administration is actively pursuing efforts to confront climate change head-on while simultaneously nurturing economic growth. At present, the administration places a premium on crafting policies that safeguard the state’s natural resources, increase the availability of affordable and reliable energy, and promote cleaner energy sources.

Roots.

A3 | September 6-12, 2023

Rising Out of Grief and Into Gratitude

Grief is a superpower. This needs to be said. I’ll say it again, grief is a superpower. The power of grief is overwhelmingly mighty. In that grief is a personal experience meaning everyone grieves differently, grief is also universal. Think about it, how many tragedies have occurred in which the entire world has grieved together?

How is it possible that grief can bring you closer to people you have never met, do not know, and may not even speak the same language?

The answer? Grief is a superpower. Grief transcends race, culture, and socioeconomic status. Through this transcendence, grief holds the superpower of bonding people, families, and communities. Yet, with the same might, and adversely, grief can also destroy them. Grief is indeed a superpower!

The sooner we acknowledge and accept the power grief holds on us, the better we can rise out of it. Let’s face it, grief is a formidable foe and we cannot fight this superpower alone. We would be remiss if we first do not state that as humans, our strength is limited. The scripture that readily comes to mind is 1Peter 5:6-11. In part verse 10 says, “He will make you strong.” Verse 11 goes on to say, “To Him be the glory and might forever, Amen.” In other words, in that we acknowledge the strength of grief, we must also acknowledge that to rise out of it, cannot be done alone. Yet since we do have backing, there are things we can do to rise out of grief and into gratitude. Let’s consider the things we can humanly do to rise.

3 Steps to Rise From Grief and Into Gratitude

1. Acknowledgement will always remain first in all journeys of life. Here is no different. Acknowledge the magnitude grief may hold in preventing happiness from abounding in your life. Acknowledge you have lost an important part of your life and for the moment life feels and seems bleak. Acknowledge that in spite of being alive, you question if you even want to be. Acknowledge that there is nothing wrong with you if others seem to have gotten over it and you are still stuck, and if you haven’t already, acknowledge the fact that you are grieving. For how can you rise from the mire, if at first you do not recognize you are in it?

2. Acceptance is not the same as acknowledgment and should not be used interchangeably. Just because you acknowledge something doesn’t mean you accept it. So acceptance is key as the second step to rise from and through grief. Let’s accept the fact that things will never go back to normal. Let’s accept the fact that without your loved one, your life is forever changed. Let’s accept the fact that in spite of this tragedy, you must find a way to continue on. Accepting these minor things will greatly impact your major opportunity to rise into gratitude. The butterfly will never return to being a caterpillar, therefore it begins life anew. As such, your life will never be the same with the loss of your loved one. Regrettably, it’s time to begin life anew.

3. Adaptability is going to be your new best friend. As such, embrace it. This is the step that has the daunting task of catapulting you into gratitude. The reason adaptability will become your new friend is because it is the conduit that will allow you to make the necessary adjustments to rise into gratitude. Being able to shift mindsets and see things from alternative perspectives will only occur if you are agreeable to adaptability. When it is time to begin creating a new way of life, adaptability will be the reason you will achieve change. For if you do not learn to adapt, you will forever struggle with fitting a square peg into a triangular cavity. It will never fit leaving you drained, exhausted, and hopeless. Adaptability keeps us hopeful towards the ascension to gratitude.

During the grieving process it is important to not to isolate yourself. Always seek support by way of friends, family, spiritual advisor, or a professional therapist.

For additional support visit:

910 AM Silences Black Voices in Favor of White Conservative Programming

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

In 2015, when Kevin Adell acquired 910 AM Superstation, a notable shift in Detroit’s radio landscape began to unfold. This station, which identified itself as “910 AM Superstation,” became a topic of discussion due to its unconventional approach to radio hosting. Under Adell’s ownership, it became known for attracting local hosts, some of whom were embroiled in various scandals, and shockingly, many were not compensated for their on-air contributions.

In a candid statement made by Adell in 2016, he openly revealed his station’s unique strategy, saying, “If I just took a normal person and put them on the air, it would be boring. We’re the go-to station for controversy. And there’s no shortage of scandals.” This declaration shed light on the station’s penchant for provocative content, often straying far from the traditional radio format.

However, a recent announcement by the station marked a significant departure from its Detroit-themed programming. Adell presented the station’s new format as “an alternative to WJR, with a genuinely Conservative point of view,” pivoting from the Black-led programming that has powered the station for the past half-decade. This shift has left a palpable void in Detroit, a city known for its predominantly Black population.

Monica Conyers, former Detroit City Councilmember and host of several 910 AM shows in the past, said the change will definitely leave a void because the station served a predominantly Black audience and was used as a way to convey important issues to the community. Conyers said in an interview with Fox 2 that the station had about 2,000 active users, and that they were very active listeners across all the programs.

Conyers also highlighted the fact that she and all other 910 AM hosts were informed of Adell’s decision very abruptly and via a very impersonal email.

“Thank you for your time and contributions at WFDF 910 AM Superstation. We wish you the best of luck. We are doing a format change,” the email from station management to all employees read. “Your show will no longer air on WFDF 910AM Superstation. All access passes have been revoked and you are no longer allowed on the premises. The guard has been notified not to give you entry.”

Adell’s assertion that an average person on the airwaves would be dull underscored the station’s commitment to being a magnet for controversy and scandal. It represented a departure from the norms of traditional radio, attracting attention but also generating backlash.

The question that now looms large is whether this shift is another calculated move by Adell to stoke controversy, potentially sidelining the Black community’s voice.

This transformation invites introspection into Adell’s motives and implications within the Detroit Black community. The shift forces us to reflect on whether this change genuinely serves the best interests of the robust Black population that the station once passionately represented. The station will now head down a new programming path featuring the likes of Conservative media personalities including Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and Bill O’Reilly, all of whom have been often criticized by the Black community for their anti-Black rhetoric.

Black Detroiters deserve a media platform that not only respects its legacy but also actively engages with its present and future. This pivotal moment challenges us to ensure that the next chapter in Detroit’s media land-

scape reflects the richness and diversity of its Black residents, and that their voices are not relegated to the periphery but given the prominence they rightfully deserve.

In his public statement, Adell acknowledged the impact this change had on the Black community, stating that 910 AM had been “the only radio station where people in the largest Black populated city in America could get some community news.” This acknowledgment underscored the station’s unique role in providing a platform for community engagement and information dissemination.

In the wake of the recent news regarding 910 AM Superstation’s dramatic format change, the Detroit community, most specifically the Black community, has erupted in a resounding outcry. This abrupt shift from a station deeply connected to Detroit’s Black population to one seemingly embracing a predominantly conservative tone has sparked intense emotions and concerns. The station’s legacy as a platform that once amplified the voices and issues of the community now appears to be in jeopardy, leaving many feeling unheard and disenfranchised.

In response to the public outcry, Adell made a statement, suggesting that 910 AM was gearing up to play a role in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. He asserted that the station would be well-positioned to provide the community with essential news and updates on the latest hot topics and issues, emphasizing the importance of keeping the community informed, particularly during such critical moments. However, this announcement sparks important questions about the station’s future agenda. Will it primarily amplify conservative perspectives, including positions against affirmative action, abortion rights, African American studies, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and

Detroit Month of Design Creates Space Where Black Creativity Shines

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

The 13th iteration of the Detroit Month of Design Festival kicks off this September and runs all month long, uniting a diverse blend of creatives across the city. This wide-ranging series of events and celebration of design in all its facets – fashion, music, animation, architecture, infrastructure, food, landscape, and beyond – encapsulates the innovative spirit and talent that have earned Detroit the unique status of being America’s only UNESCO City of Design.

As we celebrate the 13th annual Detroit Month of Design, orchestrated by Design Core Detroit, it’s impossible to overlook the cen-

trality of Black creatives and artists who have contributed not only to the festival but to the very fabric of Detroit’s evolving identity.

Month of Design is a platform for both designers and the broader community to celebrate Detroit’s role as a global epicenter of creativity. Last year’s installment featured contributions from more than 175 creatives, hosted over 80 events, and drew the participation of 50,000 attendees across multiple neighborhoods in Detroit.

As a recognized UNESCO City of Design, Detroit joins a global network of 43 cities committed to utilizing design as a tool for improving the quality of life for their citizens. This acknowledgment enables Detroit to leverage its considerable design assets toward

fostering a future that is not only sustainable but also equitable for all residents of the city.

This year, the theme “United by Design” is not just a slogan but a clarion call. In a world often polarized, design has the power to unify communities, serving as a medium to explore social issues, preserve culture, and initiate change. And it’s a space where Black artists and designers in Detroit have taken the lead. With over 80 events slated throughout the month—from silent discos and pop-up shops to panels and art installations—the festival serves as a mirror reflecting the city’s diverse talents.

One such talent is Ken Walker of the K. Walker Collective clothing brand. As part of

See 910 AM page A4

Dr. Portia Lockett

Month Of Design

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this year’s festival, Walker’s work not only elevates the initiative but also amplifies the broader cultural conversation about community and individuality. The Collective exemplifies the tenacity and resourcefulness that is the signature of Detroit.

“Detroit Month of Design is a pivotal platform for the creative community here. I have admired their relentless passion for providing opportunities and unique experiences that shine a light on some of the best creatives that Detroit has to offer,” Walker said. “I feel empowered knowing that we have an outlet to show the world that Detroit is a place buzzing with undeniable talent.

“I draw inspiration from the vibrant energy, resilience, and creativity of Detroit’s Black community, translating these influences into garments that carry stories of heritage, innovation, and empowerment,” Walker expressed. “My designs serve as both a homage to my roots and a statement of individuality, capturing the essence of Detroit’s spirit while pushing the boundaries of fashion. Through my work, I aim to amplify not only my craft but also the narratives and voices that deserve to shine on a global stage.”

Likewise, Eradajere Oleita, through her Chip Bag Project, brings an innovative yet socially responsive angle to design. By turning discarded chip bags into sleeping bags for the homeless, Kennedy’s project tackles the converging issues of environmental waste and urban poverty, imbuing design with ethical and social responsibility.

Oleita is a compelling blend of creativity, purpose, and cultural integrity. She describes herself as “a human first whose Blackness is the driving force of my creativity.” Oleita is not just a creator but a storyteller, an environmentalist, and a historian who aims to reclaim space in Detroit through activation and creative practices. When asked what the Detroit Month of Design means to her, she identifies it as “a space to collaborate and also ask critical questions of new people in design spaces,” a place that enables the rethinking of design itself.

The city of Detroit serves as a crucible for Oleita’s work, pushing her to stretch her creative boundaries.

“To be Black in Detroit means you are constantly being asked to push your creative. This is a city of superstars, and that mentality makes it possible for you to push yourself and your creative past what is considered regular,” she enthuses. The city has been instrumental in supporting every venture she has had, affirming that she is on the right track.

Looking ahead, Oleita has ambitious goals, both near-term and long-term. “Short term is increasing the impact of our warm-

ing kits program and being able to sustain full-year production,” she explains, and long-term, she aims to open an upcycling facility both in Detroit and overseas. “We want when you talk about sustainability, you think Chip Bag Project,” she asserts.

Oleita embodies the dynamic synthesis of personal aspiration, community obligation, and unyielding creativity. Like a prism, she refracts the diverse aspects of her identity — as an individual, a Black Detroiter, and a creative — into a spectrum of endeavors aimed at enriching her community and the world at large.

Kiana Wenzell, the Co-Executive Director of Design Core Detroit, is more than an organizational leader; she is a linchpin connecting creative vision to social transformation.

As she reflects, “As a brand I am a person whose father worked at Ford Motor Company and whose mother was a Detroit public school teacher. Design and education have always played a role in my life and that is reflected in the work I do today. As an individual I am a spiritual being living a physical purpose-filled life. As a Black Detroiter who creates, I use my platforms to amplify the history, talent, and voices of Black creatives.”

Wenzell’s role extends beyond the administrative, echoing her commitment to inclusivity and representation through partnerships like Gucci Changemakers. Her advocacy doesn’t merely add Black artists to the Detroit design narrative; it positions them as foundational pillars, vital to the story and its future. This ethos merges with Design Core Detroit’s overarching mission: to support and promote design-driven businesses that fuel the city’s economic growth. Wenzell’s voice is a testament to the integral role that design and education have played in her life and how she, in turn, uses her platform to amplify the contributions of Black creatives in Detroit.

So, what’s her mission in this landscape?

“My mission is to continue to establish Detroit as a globally recognized and valued creative capital. In addition, my mission is to create opportunities for more people to embrace design as a tool to improve their communities and quality of life,” she declares. This philosophy unites with her deeper motivation, which she frames around the proverb, “To whom much is given, much more is required.”

Wenzell continued: “I have a responsibility to uplift and support creatives in Detroit because so many people have supported and mentored me. I am also driven by the fact that I see myself in the Black creatives that I interact and engage with.”

But it isn’t just abstract idealism; Wenzell’s engagement with Detroit Month of Design has tangibly amplified her own work. “I curated a walking tour of Lafayette

Park and told the history of Black Bottom as my first festival event. The experience was pivotal for me because it boosted my confidence as a design practitioner, creative storyteller, and I learned that people were interested in hearing what I had to say.”

As for what’s next, Wenzell’s answer is both practical and visionary. “The work continues. In the fall we will begin planning the 2024 festival and our Drinks x Design series. We will continue offering business coaching and support to designers. We will continue providing matchmaking services that connect local designers to buyers. We will continue to tell Detroit’s design story locally, nationally, and internationally through our programs and events.”

Her narrative serves as a testament to how deeply the threads of individual passion, communal benefit, and cultural heritage can be interwoven in the fabric of Detroit’s design community. It is a dynamic ecosystem that has both nurtured her and been enriched by her contributions—a symbiotic relationship that underscores the collective heartbeat of the Detroit Month of Design.

Then there’s Taylor Childs, who has collaborated with Woodward Throwback Home for “Shop and See.” The initiative serves as another testament to Detroit’s economic and cultural revival, which has been and continues to be, spearheaded by Black artists and entrepreneurs. Childs’ work contributes to the dynamic commercial and aesthetic landscape, highlighting how the city’s past and future are inextricably connected through design.

“Month of Designs theme for the last two years has been united by design, I think that theme is always appropriate for the Detroit community because without community, there would be no unity. We are each other’s keepers. It’s a celebration of the work we do here in all areas of design,” expressed Childs.

910 AM

other policies that some argue may hinder the progress of the Black community?

Notably, Adell’s recent business activities have also raised eyebrows within the Black community. In May, the Detroit Free Press reported that he had sold his local television station, WADL-TV, to Mission Broadcasting Inc., a Texas-based media group, for a staggering $75 million. This sale of a prominent local media outlet to an out-ofstate entity further fueled

“We use words such as hustle, endurance, and resilience to describe the people that come from Detroit. As a black creative we all share a similar story. I look at Detroit as the black story of perseverance. Most of our families were a part of the great migration. My great grandfather brought my family from the south, to work at Ford Motor company. In hopes to sustain a living.

So of course, those words are the words you think of to describe us. Our root in history has been that.”

Detroit’s unique status as the only UNESCO City of Design in the U.S. isn’t an isolated accolade but rather an outcome of a communal vision and a long history of innovation. It’s a recognition that comes with a responsibility to utilize design as a tool for sustainable and equitable community growth. Being part of a global network of 43 cities that use design to improve the lives of their residents, Detroit takes its role seriously. And given the substantial contributions of Black designers, artists, and creatives, it’s clear that any conversation about design as a catalyst for economic development and social change in Detroit is incomplete without acknowledging their pivotal role.

As Detroit transitions from its legacy as the automotive capital of the world to a hub for creative minds and social innovators, the Detroit Month of Design serves as an annual reminder of the city’s dynamic identity. This evolution is not merely a tribute to the city’s past but an investment in its future. And with Black artists and creatives continuing to trailblaze this renaissance, Detroit doesn’t just celebrate design; it embodies it. Therefore, the city and its people stand united by design, and that unity reverberates beyond the limits of a monthlong festival. It is etched in the very essence of Detroit—resilient, diverse, and infinitely creative.

concerns about the shifting media landscape in Detroit and the potential implications for the community’s access to diverse and locally relevant content. The move from Adell also could’ve been related to his own financial troubles. In April, the IRS said Adell owes $17.8 million in unpaid estate and gift taxes from his inheritance and that they are “seeking a court order to sell his $3.7 million home.”

According to Adell, the advertisers didn’t support 910 AM, and the community didn’t either. So, he decided to make a change. However, it’s worth noting that the Black community had

rallied behind 910 AM for years, and its abrupt shift to a solely conservative platform has understandably caused an uproar.

Is this all a part of a larger plan? The timing is indeed questionable, given the racial tensions currently gripping our society. But one thing remains certain: the money, talent, and audience are here. What’s needed is the vision and commitment to create platforms that truly serve and empower our community, whether it’s through radio or other forms of media. It’s time for us to take ownership of our narratives and build platforms that represent our voices accurately.

From page A-5

A5 | September 6-12, 2023

Money.

Property is Power! Homeownership Challenges Facing Minority and Underserved Borrowers

Homeownership is often considered a cornerstone of the American dream, providing stability, wealth accumulation, and a sense of belonging for families and individuals. However, achieving this dream has proven to be more challenging for minority and underserved borrowers. Despite efforts to promote fair lending practices and equal access to housing, these marginalized groups continue to face a range of barriers that hinder their path to homeownership. In this article, we will explore some of the key challenges faced by minority and underserved borrowers in their pursuit of the American Dream of homeownership.

Limited Access to Affordable Housing

One of the primary challenges for minority and underserved borrowers is the limited access to affordable housing. Housing prices have been steadily rising in many areas, outpacing income growth and making it increasingly difficult for low- and moderate-income families to afford homes. This disproportionately affects minority communities, as they are more likely to have lower average incomes due to historical and systemic factors.

Furthermore, the lack of affordable housing options can lead to overcrowding and substandard living conditions, perpetuating a cycle of housing instability that makes it even harder for these borrowers to save for a down payment and qualify for a mortgage.

Discriminatory Lending Practices

Discriminatory lending practices, although illegal, continue to persist in various forms. Minority borrowers often face higher interest rates, less favorable terms, and outright loan denials compared to their white counterparts with similar financial profiles. Remember the phenomenon, known as “predatory lending”, not only prevents minority borrowers from securing loans on fair terms but also contributes to the widening wealth gap between racial and ethnic groups.

Even when minority borrowers do qualify for loans, they may be pushed into loan products or high-risk mortgages, putting them at a higher risk of foreclosure, particularly during economic downturns.

Credit Access and Scoring Disparities

Access to credit and credit scoring disparities also play a significant role in the homeownership challenges faced by minority and underserved borrowers. Many minority communities have historically been underserved by mainstream financial institutions, leading to limited credit options. Without a strong credit history, these borrowers may struggle to qualify for favorable mortgage rates or even rental agreements.

Additionally, credit scoring models have faced criticism for potentially perpetuating biases. Factors such as income instability, medical debt, and rental payment history, which may disproportionately affect minority communities, minority are not always given appropriate weight in traditional credit scoring systems.

Lack of Financial Education and Resources

A lack of financial education and resources can further hinder minority and underserved borrowers. Many individuals in these communities may not have had access to quality

See HOMEOWNERSHIP CHALLENGES Page A-6

The Resilience of Solidarity: A Historical Overview of Strikes in the Black Community

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

An imminent historical moment is on the horizon as the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and its primary teachers’ union come to terms with a tentative agreement that includes a proposed six percent salary increase. While this raise may vary across different pay scales, the fact that progress is being made in the enduring struggle for equitable wages for educators serves as compelling evidence of the pivotal role strikes play in advocating for meaningful change within the Black community. The oneyear contract that the Detroit Federation of Teachers reached with Detroit Public Schools was a historic one, marking the largest salary increase for teachers in the past 35 years.

“We’re here for children, we’re here for educators, and we’re getting the deal done,” said Detroit Federation of Teachers President Lakia Wilson–Lumpkins.

Strikes are not just protests but powerful expressions of collective action aimed at challenging the status quo.

Throughout history, strikes have proven to be an effective means for union workers to assert their rights and demand fair treatment from their employers. Within this narrative of labor activism, the Black community’s utilization of strikes stands out as a testament to their resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of justice.

The Historical Context:

A Legacy of Struggle

From the early days of American history, the Black community faced rampant discrimination, economic exploitation, and social marginalization. In response, they rallied together to form unions and engaged in strikes to challenge these deeply entrenched injustices. One of the earliest examples dates back to the 18th

century when enslaved Black workers in the South engaged in work stoppages and slowdowns to resist their oppressors.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the emergence of organized labor movements. During this period, Black workers played a pivotal role in strikes across various industries despite facing double discrimination due to their race and labor status. One of the most notable instances was the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, led by A. Philip Randolph. This landmark union not only fought for better working conditions but also became a catalyst for the civil rights movement.

As August turned its pages in 1925, the American labor landscape witnessed a remarkable development – the election of A. Philip Randolph was the president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. This event etched itself into history as a defining moment in the struggle for workers’ rights, particularly within the African-American community. The BSCP, a union representing the interests of Black porters employed by the Pullman Company, became the first all-black labor union in the United States. The inception of this union was more than a mere organizational feat; it was a resounding affirmation of solidarity and a response to the dire need for equitable treatment and fair labor practices.

Strikes as a Tool for Change

The 20th century witnessed an increase in strikes within the Black community as a response to racial segregation, wage disparities, and unequal treatment. The Great Migration, which saw millions of Black individuals moving from the South to the North, led to the formation of lively urban communities where labor activism thrived.

According to the NAACP, on August 28, 1963, history bore witness to a pivotal moment as over a quarter million

What Defines ‘Affordable’ Housing?

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

In Detroit, a city marked by its storied resilience and complex socio-economic landscape, the concept of affordable housing has generated a robust conversation—one that straddles the fine line between progress and equity. The skyline of this industrious city is experiencing a facelift, burgeoning with new developments and luxury apartments. These visual markers of change seem to herald a renaissance, but they also pose a vital question: Is affordable housing truly affordable for all Detroiters, or is it tailored to suit the needs of a privileged few?

“Detroiters of all incomes seek housing that meets their needs in terms of affordability, quality, amenities, location, and more. Our focus is on preserving and creating housing that meets the needs of Detroiters of all incomes,” said a City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department spokesperson. “HRD’s housing investment activities primarily focus on creating affordable housing options for lower-income households to ensure long-time Detroiters and lower-income Detroiters have the ability to live and thrive in Detroit.”

According to HRD, since 2015, approximately 9,400 units have been preserved, meaning that affordable rents have been guaranteed for residents for decades to come. On top of that, about 2,500 affordable apartments are either completed or currently under construction. By the HRD’s standards, housing is deemed “affordable” when households allocate no more than

30% of their income to housing costs. These costs include rent and utilities for tenants and mortgage, insurance, taxes, and utilities for homeowners.

However, defining affordability purely by numbers can be misleading, particularly when it fails to consider the variegated fabric of the city’s demographics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Detroit, as of the latest data, stands at approximately $30,000, markedly below the national average. The scenario becomes even more nuanced when the lens is focused on Black Detroiters, who make up around 78% of the city’s population. The median income for Black households in Detroit is even lower than the city’s overall median income, and economic disparities within this community are glaringly evident.

So, when we discuss the preserved or newly constructed units that cater to households making up to 60% of the area’s median income, we’re still talking about a somewhat narrow demographic band within a city that’s marked by high levels of poverty and economic disenfranchisement. Furthermore, approximately one-third of these affordable units are earmarked for those making up to 30% of the area’s median income. The commendable efforts by the HRD prompt us to question who is actually reaping the benefits of this seemingly progressive housing policy.

The geographical location of these affordable housing units also calls for scrutiny. Many of them are situated in downtown Detroit, an area undergoing signif-

individuals gathered near the Lincoln Memorial for the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. With more than 3,000 press members in attendance, the march became a focal point for social change. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, resonating with a fervent call for racial harmony and equality.

Conceived by labor leader A. Phillip Randolph and Roy Wilkins of the NAACP, the march evolved into a collaborative effort involving major civil rights groups. It symbolized unity and an unwavering commitment to justice.

During the Civil Rights Movement, strikes were used strategically to draw attention to racial injustice. The 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, epitomized by the iconic “I AM A MAN” placards, highlighted the intersectionality of race and labor issues. This strike, tragically punctuated by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., demonstrated the determination of Black workers to combat both economic and racial inequality.

Strikes in Detroit

Detroit’s history is imbued with transformative strikes driven by social issues, reshaping perspectives and fostering change. Amid the diverse sectors affected by strikes, from media to education, the undeniable force propelling unionized change in the city is the auto industry.

Founded in 1935, the United Automobile Workers (UAW) initially concentrated on organizing workers in smaller factories. Yet, their aspirations expanded to confront the colossal figure in the industry, General Motors (GM). This audacious move led to the iconic GM sit-down strike, commencing on December 30, 1936, at a GM plant in Flint, Michigan.

Distinct from traditional strike methods involving picket lines, this strike ad-

See SOLIDARITY Page A-6

Anthony O. Kellum

Affordable Housing Solidarity

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opted a bold “sit-down” approach. Workers occupied the GM facility physically, barricading it against outsiders. Ignoring judicial injunctions, they remained unwavering, an embodiment of determination against all odds.

This episode in labor history underscores the potency of collective action and unwavering resolve. The GM sit-down strike of 1936-37 not only demonstrated the power of innovative strategies against industry giants but also illuminated the path towards securing workers’ rights. The resolute spirit displayed by those on the factory floor continues to inspire defiance and unity for generations to follow.

Currently, the union’s demands encompass a wide array of objectives, including a substantial 40% pay raise, the reinstatement of pensions for new employees, the removal of wage tiers, and various other items. Fain, consistently emphasizing the need for strategic action, has frequently advised workers that being prepared to strike is essential to secure concessions from the thriving automakers.

The contracts encompassing around 146,000 workers at Stellantis, General Motors, and Ford are set to expire on September 14 at 11:59 p.m. The United Auto Workers union expressed concern over the pace of negotiations with the companies, highlighting the need for swifter progress. While the approval for strike authorization is striking, it’s noteworthy that the likelihood of an actual strike is not considered inevitable, according to earlier statements.

“We look forward to working with the UAW on creative solutions during this time when our dramatically changing industry needs a skilled and competitive workforce more than ever,” Ford said in a statement.

Retired UAW coordinator Leatha Larde said that strikes are essential to force change for issues that fall on deaf ears.

“Well before I worked for UAW I fought in Alabama,” said Larde. “I marched to desegregate libraries and pools. It wasn’t easy being in the South during segregation, but I learned how to fight. I learned how to stand up for myself. Negotiating contracts came naturally to me because I have a sincere passion for equal rights and people being treated with dignity.”

Continuing the Legacy: Today’s Struggles in Detroit

Looking ahead, the impending Detroit Big 3 strikes serve as a reminder that the fight for workers’ rights, fair wages, and dignified working conditions persists. In a rapidly changing economic landscape, the Black community’s history of utilizing strikes as a tool for change remains a source of inspiration and guidance.

The history of strikes within the Black community is a testament to the indomitable spirit of solidarity and the pursuit of justice. From the early struggles against enslavement to the modern-day battles for fair labor practices, the Black community’s legacy of labor activism is a beacon of hope for all those fighting against systemic oppression. By understanding our history, we gain valuable insights into the ongoing fight for equality and justice in a world that continues to grapple with the consequences of its past. The resilience of solidarity displayed throughout these struggles continues to ignite a flame that lights the path toward a more just and equitable future.

icant revitalization and, subsequently, gentrification. While that’s convenient and attractive for those who work downtown, it can be exclusionary to Detroiters employed elsewhere or those who cannot afford the costs associated with living in a rapidly gentrifying area. What about seniors living on fixed incomes who’ve been lifelong residents of this city? What about the young families looking to set down roots but are economically disadvantaged?

“Broadly speaking, housing is ‘affordable’ to a household when they are spending no more than 30% of their income on housing costs,” said the HRD. “For tenants, this includes rent and basic utilities. For homeowners this includes mortgage, insurance, taxes, and basic utilities.”

The term “affordable” can also be subject to interpretation based on other life circumstances, such as credit history, criminal records, or other socio-economic factors that may influence eligibility. Often, rental applications inquire into these aspects, potentially barring those who don’t fit into the mold of an “ideal tenant,” a term that is itself laden with societal biases. When the HRD states that they focus on creating affordable housing options for lower-income households, it begs the question: What does “lower income” mean in the context of a city where the average income is already considerably lower than the national norm?

Therefore, while the term “affordable housing” is splashed generously across brochures of new residential developments, its application is less generous in scope. A single parent making less than the median income would find it a daunting, if not impossible, task to secure one of these socalled affordable units in a new downtown development. The term then becomes nothing more than a veneer that lends an air of inclusivity and social justice to an endeavor that may,

in fact, serve a more exclusive demographic.

The resurgence of downtown Detroit, while a sign of urban renewal, has also had unintended consequences that disproportionately affect some of the city’s most vulnerable populations, notably the elderly seniors who have spent decades, if not their entire lives, in the city. As new developments spring up and property values soar, landlords are increasingly inflating rents, often to make way for a younger, more affluent demographic.

For seniors on fixed incomes who already struggle to make ends meet, this inflation translates to an untenable living situation. They are faced with the agonizing choice of leaving their homes, communities, and, often, the only city they’ve ever known. This displacement not only erodes the social fabric of Detroit but also places undue stress and emotional burden on seniors, forcing them into unfamiliar environments where they must navigate new challenges in the twilight of their lives. The gentrification of Detroit, therefore, brings into question the true cost of progress, especially when it comes at the expense of pushing out lifelong residents who are least equipped to cope with such seismic shifts. Affordable housing shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for those who are better positioned within systemic imbalances; it should be a right for all citizens. Detroit’s strides in the domain of affordable housing are commendable but need to be continually assessed and critiqued to ensure that the city’s most economically vulnerable aren’t left behind in the dust of its revival.

As Detroit navigates its complex revival narrative, a comprehensive, nuanced approach to affordable housing is crucial. The city must create an inclusive environment that welcomes not just new money and fresh faces but also uplifts and secures the future of the Detroiters who have held the fabric of this community together for generations. Because, in the end, for true Detroiters—whether they are Black, white, rich, poor, old, or young—the question remains: Is affordable really affordable?

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financial education, leaving them ill-prepared to navigate the complexities of the homeownership process. This lack of knowledge can lead to poor financial decisions, inadequate mortgage shopping, and vulnerability to scams.

Gentrification and Displacement

Gentrification, a process in which more affluent individuals move into lower-income neighborhoods, can have adverse effects on minority and underserved communities. While gentrification can bring economic development and increased property values, it can also lead to the displacement of longtime residents who can no longer afford to live in their own neighborhoods due to rising costs.

This phenomenon not only disrupts established communities but also limits the ability of minority and underserved borrowers to build equity and generational wealth through homeownership.

In Summary

Addressing the homeownership challenges faced by minority and underserved borrowers requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policy changes, financial industry reforms, community outreach, and education. Efforts should be made to enforce fair lending practices, expand affordable housing options, and ensure that credit scoring models are equitable. Providing accessible financial education and resourc-

es to these communities can empower individuals to make informed decisions and navigate the path to homeownership successfully. By tackling these challenges head-on, society can work towards a more equitable housing landscape where the American Dream of homeownership is a possibility for everyone, regardless of their background or economic status.

The Rise and Fall of Detroit’s Dynamic Black Panther Party

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

In the history of America’s long struggle for racial equality, few organizations have evoked as much controversy, admiration, and misunderstanding as the Black Panther Party. Yet, the Detroit chapter of the Black Panther Party offers a unique lens into a city that has been both a fulcrum of industrial prowess and a crucible of social upheaval.

Founded in 1966 in Oakland, California, by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, the Black Panther Party aimed to challenge the systemic oppression of Black people. Visually, it rivaled the peaceful approach to the fight for equal justice that other Civil Rights leaders adopted at the time, but it resonated with Black people across the country. Its influence would soon travel over 2,300 miles to touch the city of Detroit—a place ripe for radical transformation.

The Detroit Chapter, founded in 1968 by dynamic leaders Ron Scott, Eric Bell, Jackie Spicer, George Gillis, and Victor Stewart, did more than just echo the sentiments from the Oakland headquarters; they contextualized them to the specific needs and challenges of Detroit.

This was a city where Black Americans, particularly from the South, sought prosperity in the automobile industry and other manufacturing jobs during the Great Migration. Detroit was both a promise and a paradox. On the one hand, it offered economic opportunities, but on the other, it was a microcosm of America’s racial disparities. By the 1960s, racial tensions boiled over into the Detroit Rebellion of 1967, laying bare systemic issues.

After serving in the Union Army, Black soldiers returned home to the Reconstruction period. During this era, the fight for economic and social rights did not abate. It intensified. Black communities advocated for safe working conditions and economic opportunities, setting a precedent for future civil rights struggles. This activism gained further traction during World War II when Black residents in Detroit used strikes as a tool to demand equal employment opportunities from companies. This era also saw a growing alliance between the multiracial Communist Party and the Black United Auto Workers.

Despite these efforts, the Black community in Detroit continued to grapple with significant challenges, including limited access to quality employment, housing, and education. The impact was more than just material; it affected the collective spirit and ambition of the community.

When Emmy award-winning journalist Lavonia Perryman was just a college freshman in Detroit, she volunteered with the city’s chapter of the Black Panther Party. Perryman expressed that her experience was deeply enlightening, not just for her as an individual but for the Black community in Detroit at large.

“The Black Panthers was a revolutionary, in your face, get it done, and take no prisoners organization,” she stated. Perryman went on to add, “So, when we were in college and all of the newspapers and articles came out about the Black Panthers around the world and saying that they should be shut down and the FBI is after them – I, quite frankly, did not see that part of the Black Panthers. But I now know as a journalist why, I now know as a political enthusiast why. I now know that it was structurally to the advantage of the FBI to shut down the Black Panther Party.”

In the 1960s, Detroit was not just the Motor City; it was a city motoring through racial tensions, socio-economic disparities, and an uptick in police brutality. The brutality against the Black community was executed by authority, often under the guise of maintaining law and order. Instances like the fatal shooting of Cynthia Scott by a Detroit police officer in 1963 and the Algiers Motel incident in 1967, where three Black teenagers were killed by police during the Detroit Rebellion gal, galvanized public sentiment against systemic police abuse. July 26, 1967, the Algiers Motel and Manor on Woodward at Virginia Park in Detroit became the setting for a devastating and grim event. Three young Black men—Carl Cooper, 17; Fred Temple, 18; and Auburey Pollard, 19—were found dead, fatally shot inside a motel just north of downtown. The question that loomed was: Why did this happen?

Three white police officers, later implicated in the young men’s deaths, would eventually be acquitted, leaving a cloud of unanswered questions surrounding the events at the Algiers Motel. This tragic incident only intensified the scrutiny and tension between law enforcement and the Black community in Detroit amidst a backdrop of racial unrest and societal upheaval.

As Perryman looks back on events that unfolded over five decades ago, she vividly recalls the moment she learned about the situation at the Algiers Motel. Although her mother supported her involvement with the Black Panther Party, there was a line that she wouldn’t allow her daughter to cross.

Perryman recounts, “If she saw me going towards anything that looked like I was going to be in harm’s way she would walk out of her house on Burlingame and snatch me up – this is a true story. I literally snuck out of the house one day with my instamatic Kodak camera. I was in my first year in college, I was not a journalist yet. I just knew that I wanted to report the story and I wanted to be in on it. I ran up to the corner and I saw so many army trucks and I wanted to take photos of these trucks, but my mother snatched me up and took me back home – I never made it to the Algiers, but I did try my best because I knew that this was a tragedy that was going to change the trajectory of Detroit and of Black people as we know it.”

These were not isolated incidents but rather part of a pattern that highlighted the uneasy relationship between the Detroit Police Department and the city’s Black residents.

This environment provided a backdrop for the rise of the Detroit chapter of the Black Panther Party, which explicitly targeted police brutality as one of its major issues. The Party organized “cop-watch” programs, where members would follow police patrols, armed with law books, cameras, and sometimes legally carried firearms, to monitor arrests and ensure that the rights of community members were not violated. The Party’s tactics were confrontational and designed to bring attention to the rampant police abuses, but they were also rooted in a profound understanding of the law and civil liberties. This was a direct-action form of community policing, which aimed not only to document abuses but also to educate the community about their constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement.

The Black Panther Party’s initiatives in Detroit should be seen in the context of a city grappling with a form of policing that often treated its Black residents as subjects to be controlled rather than citizens to be protected. While they faced considerable risks, including surveillance and harassment by law enforcement agencies, their stance against police brutality resonated deeply in a community frequently subjected to it. Though they couldn’t entirely curb the tide of police violence, their actions elevated the issue to a level that could no longer be ignored. The Black Panthers instilled a sense of empowerment within the community, challenging not just the police force but an entire system that perpetuated inequality and violence against Black Detroiters.

The complexity of Detroit’s social fabric and the tensions of the era made it fertile ground for the Black Panther Party’s ideology. The Party’s Ten-Point Program, which demanded everything from decent housing to an immediate end to police brutality, resonated deeply in Detroit. It was a city with a burgeoning Black middle class but also impoverished neighborhoods. Despite being the arsenal of democracy in World War II, Detroit was also a battleground of civil rights and social justice at home.

In establishing the Free Breakfast for School Children Program, the Black Panther Party did more than just address the immediate need for nourishment. They presented a radical and transformative model that questioned the priorities of a nation— confronting a federal government that was reticent to fund such essential programs. The Panthers were already deeply embedded in communities, ensuring that children wouldn’t go to school hungry.

Angela Davis, a renowned activist, and scholar with her own historical ties to the movement, encapsulated this sentiment perfectly when she said, “The idea of freedom is inspiring. But what does it mean? If you are free in a political sense but have no food, what’s that? The freedom to starve?” Davis and the Panthers both recognized that freedom is an empty promise without basic needs being met. The liberation they pursued was twofold: it was both political and physiological.

The Panther’s breakfast initiative was not an isolated act of kindness but a profound political statement, a critique of a system that had failed its citizens. It underscored the notion that you cannot be fully engaged in any social or political movement if you are concerned about basic survival. Hence, each meal served by the Panthers was not just nutrition for the body; it was fuel for the spirit and a catalyst for broader social change.

Moreover, the Party launched the People’s Free Medical Centers, recognizing that health disparities in Detroit were not just unfortunate circumstances but structural forms of violence against the Black community. At a time when healthcare was—and continues to be—a contentious issue, the Party took actionable steps, providing basic healthcare services to people who had been medically disenfranchised for generations.

However, one cannot discuss the Detroit chapter’s impact without acknowledging the challenges they faced. The chapter, like the Party at large, was under constant state surveillance. COINTELPRO, the FBI’s counter-intelligence program aimed at disrupting civil rights organizations, went to great lengths to infiltrate and destabilize the Party. This external pressure exacerbated internal fractures within the organization over ideological directions and strategies for community engagement.

Launched in 1956 and initially directed at the Communist Party USA, COINTELPRO quickly expanded its operations to include a wide array of civil rights organizations, among which the Black Panther Party was a significant target.

By the late 1960s, the Black Panther Party had established itself as a potent force advocating for the liberation and empowerment of Black communities. It wasn’t just their radical ideology that drew attention but also their effectiveness in organizing and mobilizing marginalized communities. These activities, which included educational, healthcare, and food programs, were considered threatening by the government and framed as a challenge to the status quo. Therefore, under the leadership of then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO deployed an array of tactics aimed at neutralizing the Black Panther Party and other similar groups.

Agents and informants were planted within the organization to sow discord and mistrust among its members. False communications were made between different chapters to create internal conflict. Leaders were unlawfully arrested on trumped-up charges aimed at disrupting their activities and demoralizing their followers. But perhaps one of the most chilling aspects was the psychological warfare waged to erode the Party’s leadership. One infamous exam-

ple is the attempt to deepen the rift between Black Panther leaders like Huey P. Newton and Eldridge Cleaver, which led to internal divisions that weakened the organization.

It wasn’t just an attack on individuals but an assault on the infrastructure and programs that the Party had created. The Free Breakfast for School Children Program, for instance, was discredited as a cynical ploy to indoctrinate children, ignoring its critical role in providing essential nourishment to impoverished children. Similarly, the community health clinics were framed as hubs of radicalization rather than essential services in medically underserved areas.

These tactics were successful in creating an environment of paranoia and mistrust within the Party, contributing to its eventual fragmentation and decline. While the Detroit chapter was not immune to these corrosive tactics, its leaders and members displayed remarkable resilience in continuing their community programs and outreach despite these challenges.

“It was never a discussion whether we were going to take over a city or burn it down,” Perryman expressed. “What we talked about was building a nation. What we talked about was improving the educational system in our community. What we talked about was saving lives. What we talked about was making sure our grandmothers and grandfathers were protected and safe.”

COINTELPRO’s activities were not only ethically questionable but also constitutionally troubling. When they were finally exposed in the early 1970s, the program was widely criticized for its infringement on the freedom of speech, association, and assembly, leading to its official termination. However, the damage was done, and the Black Panther Party, among other civil rights organizations, had been profoundly impacted.

The legacy of COINTELPRO serves as a cautionary tale about the lengths to which governmental agencies can go to suppress legitimate dissent and activism. It is a sobering reminder that the struggle for civil liberties and racial justice has often been met with covert and overt forms of suppression and that vigilance is necessary to safeguard the gains made and to protect the spaces where new progress can occur.

COUNTELPRO’s obsession with the Panthers came to a head in Detroit on Oct. 24-25, 1970, as mounting pressure by the Detroit Police Department against the Panthers instigated a shootout and siege near the West Side BPP headquarters on what is now Martin Luther King Boulevard. Several police began to harass young activists as they distributed newspapers on the sidewalk. Details of the shootout, according to police records, are questionable, but 23 Black Panthers were arrested after a ninehour standoff that saw dozens of shots exchanged between police and BPP members after the BPP were chased into the headquarters.

By the late 1970s, the Detroit chapter started to fade due to a combination of external pressures and internal dissensions. But the fall of the chapter didn’t mean the erasure of its impact. Even as the Party disbanded, its footprints remained embedded in the community. In fact, many of the federal social programs that were eventually introduced, like free breakfast in schools, bore a striking resemblance to the community programs initiated by the Panthers. This raises an important question: What does it mean for a radical organization to set the blueprint for institutional change?

The legacy of the Detroit chapter of the Black Panther Party transcends its time and geography. Today, as America grapples with many of the same issues that gave rise to the Panthers over half a century ago, the work of Detroit’s chapter should serve as both a blueprint and a cautionary tale. It provides a roadmap for community mobilization and self-empowerment but also warns us of the systemic obstacles that can undermine even the most formidable movements for change.

So, as new generations rise up to say that Black Lives Matter, to fight voter suppression, and to challenge systemic inequality, let them do so with an understanding of history that appreciates the contributions and sacrifices of those who came before them.

In this way, Detroit isn’t just a chapter in the story of the Black Panther Party; it’s a testament to the enduring quest for justice and equality that continues to resonate today, serving as a rallying cry for what we can and must become.

A New TV Series About Detroit’s Notorious, ‘6 Mile Road, is Preparing for Launch

By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

If you’re driving around the city, you’re not going to find Six Mile Road in Detroit. A little-known fact for some is that Six Mile actually stops at the Detroit border.

The road in reference becomes McNichols, named after John McNichols, the former president of the University of Detroit, who led the charge to move the institution from downtown to Six Mile on the city’s northwest side. The street name changed in his honor following McNichols’ death in 1932.

And, with mile roads that stretch east and west across the Metro Detroit Area, the mile roads have a belonging or attachment to people who live along or near the route lines in which they cross.

There is a certain connection to the mile road itself. This is true for Eight Mile, a borderline highway separating a predominantly

Black Detroit from white suburban communities. The name of the major roadway became the title of the 2002 movie 8 Mile, featuring rapper Eminem.

The movie chronicled elements of his life, a white rapper attempting to launch a music career in a Hip-Hop genre largely dominated by a Black audience. The title name of the movie became a reference for so many people nationally as they connected the title to the city of Detroit.

Just as much as the name of a street has become a movie, just two miles south, the name of the street became the name of a Detroit gang.

Earlier this spring, the leader of the “6 Mile Chedda Grove” was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Edwin Mills, aka “Edboy,” and ten other members of the “6 Mile Chedda Grove” gang were indicted in 2016 for racketeering offenses.

The “guns and drugs take the lives of far too many people in our communities, and Edwin Mills -

as a leader of the ‘6 Mile Chedda Grove’ gang - contributed to the devastating impact of both on Detroit’s Eastside,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office.

The city’s sometimes cold streets are the harsh reality for some people growing up with street culture as a way of life. Street life is so engrained in one much so to form a gang with the area street one resides near as the origin of one’s violent gang and territory.

Some of the realities of that life are what inspired the creators behind a new drama TV series, 6 MILE, a new project by Executive Producer Delano Glass and Filmmaker Big Willow. The series intertwines the city’s music scene with its gritty streets. A special premiere showing chronicled a brother’s ambition to seek revenge for the street perpetrators who murdered his sibling and choosing his “ride-or-die” friends from the block to make a move.

The new 6 MILE series is directed by Daris D. McKinney and led by a Black cast, as well as independent filmmakers who are passionate about showcasing an authentic reality of one of Detroit’s most infamous “miles.”

“In order for it to be authentic, it has to come from us,” Glass says. “A lot of the things that we write about or portray are the things we lived, seen, or know about. In order to make it genuine, it has to come from us.”

An interesting point coming from Glass since he and his business partner on this project, Big Willow, were both raised on 6 Mile. Glass recounts the rough realities mirrored in the film from his time growing up to present-day pockets of the notorious street and how things have evolved and changed over time.

“When I was growing up, it was a little on the rough side, but currently, 2023 Six Mile, there’s a lot of new construction, a lot of new development, which is a

god thing to see. Six Mile actually looks gorgeous now, especially in the Livernois/Six Mile area. I really like how the neighborhood has come up since then,” he said.

Again, you won’t find signage of Six Mile in Detroit, but he’s referring to the city of Detroit’s efforts to revive a particular corridor with a new investment dubbed the McNichols Streetscape Project. It’s a completed streetscape stretching from Greenlawn to Livernois. If you drive or take a strolling walk-by, you’ll find new sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, resurfaced street and pavement markings, and new signage.

The show doesn’t yet have a premiere date, but the evolution from a rough road to a bustling epicenter of commerce is what the producers and filmmakers set out to capture with this series, which will ultimately showcase the unbreakable connection to how people view and rep their territory, and, in this case particularly, 6 MILE.

C ity . L ife . Style .

Say Goodbye to the Summer Version of the Monroe Street Midway

By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

Over the past three years, the Monroe Street Midway has grown into an indispensable cultural hub in the heart of downtown Detroit, serving as a testament to the city’s vibrant spirit and resilience. This dynamic outdoor space, situated conveniently between the lively neighborhoods of Greektown and the iconic Campus Martius Park, has transcended its role as a mere recreational destination, becoming a vital part of Detroit’s social fabric.

The summer version of the Monroe Street Midway – complete with a mini golf course, roller skating, basketball courts, food trucks, backyard games, and live music and DJs – went away this weekend as the site prepares for its final winter installation before it permanently closes to make way for a hundreds-ofmillions-of-dollars mixed-use development.

From thrilling roller-skating escapades to electrifying basketball showdowns, mouthwatering snacks, and enchanting swings, the Midway has consistently brought out the child in all of us.

Originally slated to be the future home of the Monroe Blocks, a mixed-use development project that was unveiled in 2018, the site underwent a transformative shift during the tumultuous days of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and in the years thereafter.

In response to the unique challenges presented by these times, Bedrock, the visionary behind the Monroe Blocks, took a step to reimagine the once-vacant lot as a space for community gathering and recreation. This decision led to the birth of the Monroe Street Midway, a haven that has provided joy to people of all ages throughout the year. Earlier this year, Bedrock reaffirmed its commitment to the Monroe site, announcing the resumption of development plans under the new moniker, “The Development at Cadillac Square.”

One of the most captivating aspects of the Monroe Street Midway has been its ability to adapt and innovate, responding to the ever-evolving desires and interests of the Detroit community. This adaptability was on full display when the venue introduced outdoor roller-skating in downtown Detroit—a novel and exciting concept that brought a refreshing breeze of nostalgia and euphoria.

When Bedrock decided to embark on this roller-skating adventure, they partnered with none other than Kyle Black, the owner of Detroit’s Rollercade, the oldest continuously Black-owned roller skating rink in the nation. This strategic partnership with a local entrepreneur deeply rooted in the city’s cultural history and with a generational legacy in the roller-skating business added a unique and authentic touch to the project.

The Monroe Street Midway quickly emerged as the ultimate downtown hangout spot for Detroiters of all ages, transcending the boundaries of generational divides. It became a symbol of unity and a testament to the power of communal spaces in a rapidly evolving urban landscape. Date nights, family outings, and spontaneous gatherings all found a welcoming home within the Midway’s vibrant confines.

Over the years, the Monroe Street

See MIDWAY Page B-2

Big Sean Credits Fatherhood and Meditation as Inspirations for His New Music and Book

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

The closed-off area of the New Lab building is buzzing as the upbeat music from the DJ booth floods the space. It’s the opening night of Detroit’s on Now (DON) Weekend and a sneaker event is in full effect. Everyone is waiting in anticipation for the man behind the annual event to make his rounds. We are all waiting for Big Sean. He’s home, and he’s giving back, as usual.

Wearing a cream sleeveless shirt, creased slacks, and black boots, the Detroit native-turned-superstar sports a smile of excitement as he prepares for his interview. Greeting everyone with a hug or handshake, Big Sean makes sure his polite and comfortable demeanor infects everyone he encounters before he flops onto the big red couch with his legs stretched in front of him. He is right at home.

Although living in LA is his new normal, Big Sean ensures that he gives Detroit the love and support he felt as a creative youth navigating the intoxicating city not long ago. Now a successful musician and businessman, he is pushing a positive narrative to the youth in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club with his annual community event, DON Weekend.

“It always feels good to be home,” said Big Sean. “This is the fifth year we’ve been doing DON Weekend and I see the vision and the future of it and I’m excited to expand it more and more. It trickles down to our families, our neighborhoods, our communities, to the city and beyond throughout the world.”

DON Weekend is more than just a celebration; it’s a platform that addresses critical issues. It empowers youth, offering inspiration, enlightenment, and opportunities to engage with creative outlets, educational resources, and mental health support. Meditation pods, for instance, provide a space for the youth to practice mindfulness and meditation—a practice Big Sean champions.

However, meditation isn’t the sole aspect that aligns with and empowers him. Fatherhood has taken center stage. A new role he embraced late last year after welcoming a baby boy, Noah Hasani, with his partner, singer Jhene Aiko.

“It’s incredible,” Big Sean said before taking a pause to gather his words. “I don’t know how else to describe it. I feel like he’s the best part of me and the best part of his mom. It’s not just us giving him all these things. He gives us so much too. He gives us that energy and that untapped, raw, beautiful, love. It’s beautiful and it’s fun. It’s draining but also energizing at the same time. It’s definitely my purpose for sure now.”

And this newfound purpose has ignited a creative push to make new music laced with a fresh sound and even talks of a new book.

“I’m writing a book, finishing my album, I’m doing all these things. My son definitely motivates me. Whenever I’m making something, I just keep him in mind and that’s good.”

Big Sean described his new music as “fun,” stating those who have heard it compare it to his earlier work.

Big Sean, in this chapter of his life, encapsulates the essence of authenticity and evolution. He’s an artist who is unafraid to let life’s experiences shape his creative expression. Through the prism of fatherhood, he’s not just telling his own story; he’s reminding us all that inspiration can be found in the everyday moments that define us. As his music reverberates with this newfound energy and insight, it’s clear that Big Sean’s artistic journey is set to leave an indelible mark on both his legacy and the hearts of his listeners.

Just as captivated by the arrival of his precious bundle of joy, Myra Anderson, Big Sean’s mother, expressed how embracing the role of a new grandmother has profoundly enriched her life.

“It feels good because grandkids are all the fun without the responsibility. Less stressful,” Anderson said with a laugh. “I love it. He [Big Sean] is really such a good father and I think it makes him appreciate his parents even more.”

It’s evident that Big Sean is basking in a beaming glow, radiating happiness and motivation that’s unmistakable. This newfound joy is undoubtedly poised to resonate powerfully in his upcoming music and literary endeavors but also within his advocacy. As he channels the profound emotions of fatherhood into his art, fans can eagerly anticipate a musical journey that mirrors his personal growth and transformation.

Fall for Fun: Detroit’s ‘Way-Too-Early’ List of Must-Visit Autumn Escapes

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

As the summer heat wanes and the leaves prepare to paint the city in red, orange, and brown hues, it’s time to gear up for some enjoyable fall adventures around Detroit. Sure, we might be too eager, but who can blame us for getting excited about the impending cinnamon-everything season? Grab your flannels, scarves, and boots because we’ve compiled a “way-too-early” list of must-visit fall places that’ll have you falling for autumn and all there is to explore. Keep in mind a lot of these locations open in September.

1. Party at the Pumpkin Patch

Even if you’re not the most enthusiastic about pumpkins, autumn wouldn’t be complete without that perfect pumpkin you’ve personally chosen at a pumpkin patch. From towering sunflowers to tractor rides and stacks of hay bales, the pumpkin patch offers an ideal setting for a family adventure or an exhilarating date night. It’s the quintessential autumn outing. Here are a couple of options to kickstart your pumpkin-picking experience.

Bird’s Big Pumpkins - Address: 16750 Hannan Road, Romulus

DeBuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch - 4260 Gotfredson Road, Plymouth The Pumpkin Factory - 48651 Harris Road, Belleville

2. Apple Orchard Oasis: When life gives you apples, make apple cider, apple pie, apple crisp... You get the idea! Whether you’re a Granny

Smith enthusiast or a Honeycrisp connoisseur, there’s an apple tree with your name on it. And as for that apple cider, you know you need donuts. The question is, will you get cinnamon or plain?

Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill – Address: 10685 Warren Rd, Plymouth Detroit Farm and Cider – Address: 1600 Lawrence St, Detroit Franklin Cider Mill – Address: 7450 Franklin Rd, Bloomfield Hills Blake’s Farms – Address: 61475 Silver Lake Rd, South Lyon

3. Wine Down at a Vineyard: Fall isn’t just about pumpkins and apples; it’s also a great time to indulge in some delicious vino. The vineyards offer an ideal setting for exploration in the crisp fall breeze, where you can indulge in wine tasting while marveling at the breathtaking vistas of the vineyards.

Twine

Autumn Escape

From page B-1

Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery – Address: 3309 Blue Water Road, Traverse

4. Haunting Thrills:

For those who live for the thrill of a good scare, a haunted house is the ultimate destination. With jump scares and screams galore, it promises a bunch of fun right around the corner. A haunted house serves as a fantastic outing for a group of friends looking for laughs and forever memories. A haunted house is a great outing for a group of friends looking for laughs.

Eloise Asylum – Address: 30712 Michigan Ave, Westland

Erebus Haunted Attraction – Address: 18 S Perry St, Pontiac

Rotten Manor – Address: 13245 Dixie Hwy, Holly

Midway

From page B-1

Midway garnered national acclaim for its uniqueness as an all-encompassing playground nestled in the heart of a bustling metropolis. Its success didn’t just stop at the local level—it drew attention from far and wide, highlighting Detroit’s ability to innovate and adapt in the face of adversity.

One notable aspect of the Monroe Street Midway’s journey has been its evolution into a venue for hosting various events and attracting high-profile appearances. Notably, Jerk x Jollof, a popular Afro-Caribbean event group, has graced the Midway with its vibrant presence over the years. The pulsating beats of Afro-Caribbean music have

become synonymous with the Midway experience, as J x J has hosted events annually at the site.

Among other notable figures who have graced the venue with their presence is Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who celebrated Michigan’s resilience and unity at the Midway. Lil Nas X, the chart-topping artist known for pushing boundaries in the music industry, also made an appearance the morning after the first stop on his national tour. Flavor Flav, the iconic rap pioneer and member of the legendary group Public Enemy, laced up his skates at the Midway’s, and native Detroit rapper Big Sean did the same just last week.

As we bid farewell to the summer version of the Monroe Street Midway, it’s crucial to acknowledge its

impact on Detroit’s cultural landscape, even if it was just for three short summers. Its role as a unifying force, a center for recreation, and a stage for diverse events and high-profile appearances has left an indelible mark on the city’s collective memory. While the Midway will transition into a new phase of development, it will leave a void for summer fun in downtown Detroit, too. And it also leaves questions. Once the site is transformed into office spaces, penthouses, and high-priced retailers, will this space – a space created specifically for Black Detroiters – still be attractive to the city’s majority population? Here’s to hoping that the people developing The Development at Cadillac Square have the same considerations they did when they dreamed up

the Monroe Street Midway. Executive Editor Jeremy Allen contributed to this story.

Certainly, there are noteworthy mentions like late-summer carnivals and venturing across state borders to Cedar Point for Halloween weekends, not to mention a multitude of parties, from costume extravaganzas to spine-chilling movie nights. Regardless of your preferences, the key is to ensure a good time. Hopefully, this “way-too-early” guide doesn’t push out the last days of summer and helps you make the most of the fall season around Detroit. Whether you’re a pumpkin Picasso, an apple aficionado, a haunted house hero, or just someone who really loves the changing trees, these fall destinations have something for everyone.

September 8, 2023

PUBLIC

COMMENT

PERIOD FOR THE DRAFT MICHIGAN

CONSOLIDATED ACTION PLAN EVALUATION REPORT

Prior to submission of the Michigan Consolidated Action Plan Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Community Planning and Development, Michigan is required to publish the document for public review and comment. The Consolidated Plan proposes an action strategy by which those needs will be addressed and the CAPER reflects activities undertaken between July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023. The annual action plans are funded by six formula programs covered in the Michigan Consolidated Plan (HOME, Community Development Block Grant, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDs, the Emergency Solutions Grant, the Housing Trust Fund and the Recovery Housing Program). The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is responsible for preparing the Michigan CAPER and soliciting comments from the public regarding the outcomes tied to the plan on an annual basis.

The comment period will commence on September 8, 2023 and end on September 22, 2023.

The primary focus will be to receive comments regarding the draft CAPER report. Copies of the CAPER report may be downloaded free of charge from the MSHDA website at www.michigan.gov/mshda.

All interested parties are invited to submit written comments to the attention of Tonya Joy, 735 East Michigan Avenue, P.O. Box 30044, Lansing, MI 48909. Written comments must be received no later than September 22, 2023. Comments can also be submitted to the hidmailbox@michigan.gov attention MSHDA Consolidated Plan Coordinator.

Special Assistance: Feedback is encouraged from mobility-challenged individuals. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation should contact Housing Initiatives at 517.335.2524 to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

It’s

Virgo Season Horoscopes: A Guide to Precision and Playfulness

By Miss AJ Williams

Ah, Virgo season – that time of the year when the world takes on a slightly crisper edge as if someone turned up the focus knob on the universal camera lens. As the Sun dances through Virgo’s meticulous yet surprisingly whimsical sign (August 23 - September 22), we’re invited to step into the realm of precision, orderliness, efficiency, and discernment. It’s like the Universe decided it’s time to put on its glasses and start rearranging the cosmic sock drawer.

But wait, there’s more to this celestial tale. Just as we’re getting ready to dive into Virgo’s world of strategic to-do lists and carefully organized sock pairs, Mercury –Virgo’s ruling planet – raises an eyebrow and decides to enter its retrograde dance on August 23. Ah, Mercury retrograde is back for an encore performance. And it’s doing it in Virgo, no less. Brace yourselves, my friends, for the plot thickens.

When Mercury starts moonwalking across the sky in reverse, it’s like the Universe is handing us a magnifying glass and saying, “Hey, did you notice this tiny detail here?” Now, in Virgo’s meticulous realm, this can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, you might find yourself stumbling over overlooked intricacies, causing you to rethink your grand plans. On the other hand, it’s a golden opportunity to embrace the archetypal energy of Virgo – to fine-tune, recalibrate, and bring a touch of perfectionism to even the most mundane tasks.

But Virgo’s story doesn’t end there. As we navigate the twists and turns of Mercury retrograde, another cosmic player enters the retrograde stage: Uranus in Taurus. Now, Uranus is like that rebellious friend who always keeps you guessing. As it retrogrades in Taurus, the sign of stability and earthly pleasures, prepare for a rollercoaster of surprises in areas like finance, values, and the environment.

Here’s the cosmic wink: Virgo’s energy isn’t just about color-coding your bookshelf or alphabetizing your spice rack. It’s also about sacred service and health. Think of it as a cosmic reminder to take care of the intricate machinery that is your body and soul. But Virgo’s trick is that it often strays into the territory of the hypochondriacal or the hyper-critical. Unchecked, it can turn even the most balanced person into a nitpicking neurotic.

The essence of Virgo is seeing the potential for improvement. It’s like having an inner life coach constantly pushing you to be your best self. And once you’ve seen what’s possible, it’s pretty hard to settle for mediocrity. It’s like going from watching a movie in standard definition to suddenly seeing it in IMAX – you can’t unsee the vibrant details.

But fret not, for the cosmic dance of planets has a sense of humor. Just as Mercury plays its retrograde trickster game, it receives a little wink from Jupiter around September 4. This cosmic high-five doesn’t just boost our faith and helps us make sense of all the revelations that emerged during the Pisces Supermoon – a moon so super that it’s practically flexing its lunar biceps.

So, as we step into the harvest season of Virgo, don’t be surprised if you find yourself color-coding your closet, analyzing your life choices, or suddenly inspired to concoct the world’s most intricate cup of tea. Embrace the quirks, dance with the retrogrades, and remember, even in the cosmic chaos, there’s a method to the madness – and that method is precision wrapped in playfulness. Here’s your Virgo Season horoscopes for each zodiac sign:

Aries Rising + Sun

It’s time to clean the house and review how you’ve been functioning within your work routines. As a fire sign, you burn up the course with new visionary ideas, but now, it’s time to review where all your go-go has burned you out without sustainable systems set in place. This Virgo season with Mercury retrograding in Virgo will give you this space and opportunity if you slow down and let it.

Uranus retrograde bonus: Until Jan. 2024, it’s a great time to take intentional baby steps towards aligning your finances and self-worth. Remember, you are not your bank account. Let go of spending habits to keep up with Jones to make yourself feel worthy. Once you evaluate your view of self-worth, money flows easier because you know you’re worthy of it, and it doesn’t define you.

Taurus Rising + Sun

It’s time to review how you are creating. Is it from a pure state of ease, joy, and service, or are you starting to collect a check? If it’s the latter, this Virgo Season and Mercury retrograde will allow you to review why you wanted this job or to be creative in the first place. If the energies surrounding you are overly critical, it might be the Universe’s way of giving you a wake-up call to review if this is a fit anymore. Even as stubborn as you are, you can’t fit a square peg in a round hole.

Uranus retrograde bonus: Now until Jan. 2024 it’s a great time to take steps towards more self-care and revolutionize how you show up in the world. There may be a creative or tech-related project that brings people together. Now is the time to build a solid foundation to launch come the new year. Get a business plan together and be on the lookout for groups that may want to partner with you in a big way that comes out of the blue!

Gemini Rising + Sun

This Virgo season will bring a reconnection to home and a feeling at home within yourself. How you communicate to yourself, and your family could also be up for review. Mercury going retrograde will also give you space to review. If there are places that don’t feel comfortable in your emotional core of fulfillment, now is a time to review. It’s also a good time to spin the block on home repairs and make the home base more comfort-friendly, outsourcing some of your duties to make your home feel more like home.

Uranus retrograde bonus: Now until Jan. 2024 is a great time to review taking steps towards more spiritual alignment and well-being, review your belief systems, and how taking a more grounded, consistent approach in your daily spiritual practice will help you feel more centered to follow your soul’s calling.

Cancer Rising + Sun

This Virgo season will bring clarity, especially with how you communicate with friends and siblings. This Mercury retrograde will allow you to review how to have more healthy, less critical conversations with yourself and make amends with someone or a group so you can show up in your neighborhood more comfortably. Also, there is space here to review how you can be of service better within your community or review a community project that brings people of your peer group together.

Uranus retrograde bonus: Until Jan. 2024, you will find yourself reflecting through moments of out-of-blue situations and revelations about your social groups and how you connect with your friends. You may find yourself, after internal reflection, realizing your current social circles may no longer align with where you are growing. Remember TLC’s song, “What about your friends?” During this time, you will find out who is truly with you for you or what you can do.

Leo Rising + Sun

Virgo season can bring about more income by reviewing your spending habits. This is an excellent time to spend money on things that can better your health and be of service by being generous to others. Your over-the-top sign always loves to go big, but with Mercury in Retrograde, scale back on big purchases and invest in things that will better your higher self when it comes to spending this month. Sign up for that yoga class or buy a book on mindfulness. I recommend “Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen” for a universal feeling of alignment and value; gift a book to your bestie, and start a group chat to encourage each other. Uranus retrograde bonus: Now until Jan. 2024 is an excellent time to take small but intentional steps daily towards how you show up in your career. Are you hiding your light because you need to be more worthy of where you have arrived in your public-facing career? It’s time to let go of your imposter syndrome, you deserve the seat at the table you have, and take steps to make yourself feel more in alignment by going back to the basics of why you are doing what you’re doing and how you can solidify yourself more of an expert in your field, through practical actions. Maybe go back to school? Take some business classes or a refresher course.

Virgo Rising + Sun

Happy Birthday, Virgo! It’s your season and time to shine; although your sign can be quite private, it’s a great time to come out into the light and celebrate your unique gifts to the world. The energy of the season will feel like home for you; however, with your planetary ruler Mercury retrograding your sign, you may be fighting harder to keep up with your normal flow of quality assurance and problem-solving. The solution? Turn into the curve and slow down. It’s an excellent time to give your overanalyzing brain a mental break and some much-needed self-care; doing so will ease the self-criticism monster from rearing its ugly head on you and everyone around you.

Uranus Retrograde Bonus: Until Jan. 2024, it’s time to take baby steps toward your internal sense of freedom and exploration. This may come about through travel and self-study, giving you a sense of wandering all from the seat of your couch. It’s time to get in touch with how to level up your knowledge base. Reviewing an MBA program may also be the thing that gives you the edge in your career life.

Libra Rising + Sun

It’s time to take time out — your spirit is calling you during Virgo season. It’s a great time to put into practical application activities and projects that feel good within your soul. You may feel like being aloof and creative, giving way to whatever way the wind blows (and trees blow as well) — give into this energy. While Mercury is retrograding, you could review some of your past creative projects that were only stuck in fantasy land and find a path forward to make those dreams a reality.

Uranus Retrograde Bonus: Now until Jan. 2024, it will be time for you to review how you process emotions and intimacy internally. It’s a time to ask what you want about emotional closeness and fulfillment and where you are self-sabotaging and sticking your head in the sand to avoid joint responsibility. If you don’t address these areas, the Universal energy of Uranus’ upheaval will finally force your hand to decide on these areas.

Scorpio Rising + Sun

It’s a great time to shine bright like a diamond in your social groups and social activism. This is a great time to find where you can dive deeper into being in service to a higher cause or raising the energetic currency in the social collective. Opportunities to join a powerful networking group and new friend circle could push you into a new work area with a bigger platform to serve the world. However, don’t become a know-it and try to force where you feel you should fit in while Mercury is retrograding this house. It’s a great time to scout out your next peer group, but only hit send on applications after Mercury goes direct on September 15. Today’s Full Moon In Pisces completes a creative cycle — something you have been secretly dreaming about earlier in the year will come full circle around the new moon in Virgo on September 14.

Uranus Retrograde Bonus: Until Jan. 2024, it’s time to review your feeling of value with certain relationships and business partnerships. An internal review could lead you to let go of those partnerships that are no longer serving who you are. It’s a great time to realize if a business partnership has reached its end, to develop a gentle exit plan so bridges won’t be burned in the process.

Sagittarius Rising + Sun

It’s time to clean the house and focus on your career during this Virgo season. It’s a great time to review the processes that are working and NOT working in your career. Where are you offering services or doing things that no longer bring you joy? Just because it was working doesn’t mean it’s right. It is time to REVIEW and RELEASE what is no longer serving your higher calling just because you said you would do it. You may also feel a lot of start-stop energy with work while Mercury is retrograding all up in your career energy. Take your time, and then take your time some more. You could have the urge to do it all and revamp it all, but right now, do what you know: perfection is elusive, and review your game plan; it may be time to let some things go to open up a new avenue of a career that you least expected. Uranus retrograde bonus: Now until Jan. 2024, it’s a great time to take steps towards reviewing your lifestyle when it comes to your health. You may now finally feel the energy to take permanent steps in solidifying a healthier routine regarding your well-being and fitness. Hire a trainer, hit the gym with a fitness app, and pop into a weekly sound bath or yoga session. Try new ways to make your body your top priority. If you’ve been avoiding physicals or doctor check-ups, now is the time to tap in.

Capricorn Rising + Sun

You may need to depart, travel, and explore this Virgo season. The urge to get away could be heavy on you right now. You want to experience life more fully and deeply during this Virgo season. You also need to show up as the expert you are in a service-oriented way. However, travel plans and how you reach your target audience could be slightlyuring this Mercury retrograde. Rather than keep pushing forward, go with the flow, and if that flight gets canceled, chalk up that flight credit for a future trip that may be more aligned, and you have yet to learn it.

Uranus retrograde bonus: Now until Jan. 2024 is a great time to find the creator within you. As one of the most ambitious signs of the zodiac, you can focus so much on being the authority that you forget you are your most beautiful when you play and create, and then you are seen as the expert on your creation. Sometimes, your creativity could be blocked because you are blocking your sexuality. Trust me — a little hedonism is good for the soul.

Aquarius Rising + Sun

Virgo Season Brings a lot of emotional clean-ups, and it’s good for your somewhat emotionally detached sign. You can overanalyze your feelings to the point of avoidance. Still, this season is calling attention to all the detrimental ways not acknowledging your emotional needs can keep you stuck in a toxic cycle. Don’t be the ex that spins the block on their ex just because you need a place to sex the feelings off you during Mercury retrograde. This season allows you to take ownership of your emotional narrative – take the hint.

Uranus retrograde bonus: Now until Jan. 2024, it’s a great time to take steps to fix up your home, with minor home improvements here and there. It’s also an excellent time to start paying off a home loan or add more to your rainy day fund instead of emotional spending. Put the extra you have on your equity; you may need it for unexpected expenses or repairs.

Pisces Rising + Sun

Virgo Season enters your partnership energy; it’s time to clear the air and take practical action toward repairing (or letting go) relationships (or situation ships) that are no longer working for you. If you’re in a long-term relationship or marriage, now is the time to go to couples therapy; just be sure you don’t try to mediate the situation on your own while Mercury is retrograding through your relationship energies. If you want to sever a business partnership, take time to review the pros and cons, and then if it needs to end, do it after Mercury goes direct on September 15; until that time, you may not be seeing the complete picture of a situation that’s causing a riff.

Uranus retrograde bonus: Now, until Jan. 2024, your communication will begin to develop in a more intentional and heartfelt way. If you’ve considered authoring a book or becoming a poet or writer, now is an excellent time to review internally how to bring more of your unique, heartfelt, authentic self to the world. Opportunities to show and shine in a more service-oriented way in your neighborhood could also be up for you.

Senior Controls Engineer Detroit Diesel Corporation seeks Senior Controls Engineer in Detroit, Michigan.

This position will design and implement controls for new production lines and technologies, as well as, modify existing lines for continuous improvement and product changes, among other duties. Requires up to 10% domestic and international travel. To apply, email Donald Connelly at Donald.Connelly @daimlertruck.com. Reference job number DT-8870.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Wayne State University has an available position of Research Associate in Detroit, MI. Position requires a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Neurosciences. Position also requires: 1) Peer-reviewed journal publication or professional conference presentation in the field of brain injury. Job duties: Conduct research in mental health physiology emphasizing traumatic brain injury. Perform scientific screening and evaluation of research participants. Publish results of research in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national professional conferences. University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting to work. If you are offered employment, the University will inform you if a background check is required. Qualified candidates should apply through the WSU Online Hiring System for posting # (req1402) at https://jobs.wayne.edu.

tools, or related. Email resume to recruitingreply1@gm.com (Ref#740).

The Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program helps millions of households get and save on internet service

FAMILY FEATURES

High-speed internet service is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for everyone, everywhere. From doing homework to using telehealth, working remotely, connecting with family and friends and more, internet is needed for everyday life. High-speed internet has become an important part of how people live, communicate, work, learn and more, but the cost can make it hard for many to afford.

5 Tips to Set Your Kids Up for Back-to-School Success

(Family Features) Whether you’re dreading hectic school-day schedules or excited for kids to be back in the classroom, most parents agree the transition back to school can be a stressful time.

Change can be trying for kids and adults, but it doesn’t have to be if you tackle the season a little at a time –mentally, emotionally and logistically.

Consider these five school-readiness tips from KinderCare experts to help parents ease the jitters, prepare for school days and set goals to help ensure their children have great years. Ease into school-year routines. Many children thrive on routines. Prep for the transition to a school-day schedule as early as possible by slowly moving your children’s bedtimes up a little each evening. You should also establish school-year breakfast, lunch and dinner routines to help children adjust to regular mealtimes. Take a trial run and figure out what hiccups need addressing. Ask your children’s school if you can take an after-hours tour to increase familiarity and practice your routine. According to KinderCare’s Parent Confidence Report, 61% of parents believe being a parent means constantly thinking about child care gaps, so now is the time to make before- and after-school care arrangements and discuss them with your children. Help ease their nerves by making sure they practice the little things like opening and closing lunchboxes, water bottles and backpacks, and finding their drop off and pick up locations then adjust as needed to make sure they feel confident in each of the tasks.

Start back-to-school conversations at home. Children sometimes experience big feelings, and they may not know how to explain what they’re experiencing. Whether it’s excitement, jitters or anxiety around the unknown, having open conversations at home about school can give children a comfortable space to share what they feel and help quell their nerves. This is also a good time to gently remind your children about kindness and acceptance of others. During the school year, monitor your children’s behavior to better understand how they may be feeling. Build strong home and school partnerships. One of the best things you can do for your children is give them the resources they need for success then support them along the way. One way to do this is by building partnerships with your children’s teachers to create a strong foundation for the entire school year. Whether it’s joining the local parent group at school, downloading a classroom app, following your children’s school social media pages or sending an informal “getting to know you” email to your children’s teachers, consistent and effective communication is often beneficial when you face challenges or have questions down the road.

Set school-year goals. These don’t have to be formal; they can be impactful and fun, too. This may help your children understand what they’re working toward. Maybe they want to try a new sport or learn a musical instrument. Maybe they would like to increase their math competencies by a letter grade or demonstrate more patience while learning new things. Make a mental note to continuously revisit these goals throughout the year to celebrate progress and growth. Watch for ways you can help them accomplish these objectives with support from counselors, coaches and instructors as well as at home. For more tips to help ensure a smooth back-to-school transition, visit kindercare.com

To help ensure all Americans can share in and contribute to today’s internet-based society and economy, Congress created the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) under the 2021 bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Launched Dec. 31, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees the program to help eligible households gain access to affordable high-speed internet service.

“For many households, the cost of groceries, gas and rent can eat up the monthly budget, putting internet access out of reach,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said. “The ACP is the nation’s largest-ever broadband affordability effort, supporting internet connections in millions of households. That’s progress, but we want to do more to get out the word about this powerful program and reach families that may not know about this benefit.”

How the Program Works

The ACP provides eligible households a savings of $30 per month toward internet service or $75 per month for eligible households living on qualifying Tribal lands. Taking part in the ACP could make internet service free if the savings covers the entire price of the plan. Eligible participants will not receive additional money back if their bill is less than the discount. Participating providers apply the monthly savings directly to internet bills for households enrolled in the ACP.

Eligible households can also receive a one-time savings of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers. The program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household (a group of people who live together and share money even if they are not related).

As of June 2023, more than 18 million households have enrolled in the program and are connected to the high-speed internet services they need for work, school, health care and more.

How to Enroll

There are two steps to enroll in the ACP:

Step 1: Visit GetInternet.gov and submit your application or print out a mail-in application. Households with questions about eligibility or how to apply, or need to request a paper application, can call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575.

Step 2: If approved, contact your local internet provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your monthly bill. Use the Companies Near Me Tool at GetInternet.gov to find participating internet service providers in your area by city and state or zip code. Consumers can select the type and level of internet service that best suits their needs.

The ACP protects consumers by allowing households to choose an internet service plan that meets their family’s needs. Consumers also cannot be denied service because of their credit score or prior debt with a provider, and households enrolled in the ACP can switch providers and plans without incurring additional fees or penalties for early termination.

For a full list of eligibility requirements and more information, visit GetInternet.gov.

Ways households can qualify for the ACP include:

n Their household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, about $60,000 a year for a family of four or $29,000 a year for an individual

n Anyone in the household, including children or dependents, participates in certain government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Federal Housing Assistance or other programs

n Anyone in the household already receives a Lifeline benefit

A household may also qualify for the ACP through a participating provider’s existing low-income program.

Delicia Allen

Executive President of Early Childhood Development –

Elite School Management

Co-Owner – The Elite Group

Delicia Allen, is the Executive President of Early Childhood Development for Elite School Management & Co-Owner of the Elite Group. Allen joined Elite in 2014. She found her true passion in childcare through her 20+ year history in the support and development of various youth programs. She believes that every child deserves a voice, age-appropriate choices and unconditional love.

Before joining Elite, Allen worked with the YMCA for a decade, holding positions such as Youth and Family Coordinator and Assistant Day Camp Director. From there, she worked with The Learning Experience, starting as an Infant Teacher but was quickly promoted to Business Manager and eventually Acting Director over the entire center.

As the Executive President of Early Childhood Development, Allen establishes and manages high quality programs that reflect the culture and mission of the school’s Elite services. Programs, including, but not limited to, Great Start Readiness Programs, a CDF Freedom Schools literacy camp, and a successful new “playbased” kindergarten program within the Service Learning School District. Allen is a wife and mother, formerly played basketball & lacrosse and enjoys playing golf.

Jasmine Barmore

Journalist

Detroit Free Press

Jasmin Marie Barmore is a graduate of New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, where she studied Business and Economic Reporting—earning her Master of Arts in Journalism in 2020. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Mass Media and Communications from Rochester College in 2018. Prior to the completion of her undergraduate degree, Jasmin received a diploma for concluding a 1-year TV/Film program, at Specs Howard School of Media Arts. She joined The Detroit News staff in July 2020 after working as a freelancer. During this time, Jasmin broke the story of Skylar Herbert, a 5-year old who was the first child in Michigan to die of COVID-19. In 2021, Jasmin joined The Detroit Free Press as a community and neighborhoods reporter for Detroit Is. Jasmin, born and raised in Detroit, is a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists and spends her spare time designing custom children’s gift baskets that she donates to non-profit organizations, and local foster care agencies.

Anesha Birtchett-Moody

Grammy Award Winning Songwriter Universal Music Publishing

SheVox Media & Music, LLC

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Anesha is highly acclaimed throughout the music industry for her uniquely precise vocals, incredible songwriting, arranging and vocal production. Anesha’s vocal ability has remained nothing less then jaw-dropping! Progressing through her teenage years, she was inspired by many great artists such as Michael Jackson, Kim Burrell, Brandy and more

To date, her songwriting discography is filled with Household Named Artists Such As: Justin Bieber- Favorite Girl, Mary J Blige- In The Morning, Trinitee 5:7- Get Away, Mary Mary-Blind, Jennifer Lopez-One Love, Beyonce-Back Up And Many More.

Presently Anesha is signed to major publishing company, Universal Music Publishing where she has garnered much success as one of UMPG’s top songwriters. She even snagged her first grammy nomination for the participation of Mary Mary’s latest album, “Something Big” co-writing standout track “Blind”. While still writing for today’s hottest musicians and artists, Anesha has finally stepped out as a solo R&B/Soul artist.

The Michigan Chronicle, with a strong dedication to its community and its achievements, has continued to highlight the groundbreaking work of Detroiters.

Created to highlight professionals who have inspired others by their thorough vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and community service participation, the Michigan Chronicle

40 Under 40 Awards places a special focus on Detroit’s rising talent.

Awards

HONOREES

Brian Cook

Triple Crown Mortgage Banker

Rocket Mortgage

Brian Cook was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and a 2011 graduate of Wayne State University. He is a proud Prince Hall Freemason of Jimmie Lunceford Lodge #45 and a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc Alpha Gamma Omega Graduate Chapter here in Detroit. He has been married to my wife Andrea (2022 40 under 40 inductee) since 2015 and a father to a beautiful 6-year-old daughter, Alyssa.  Professionally, He has been in the mortgage industry since 2011 working at Rocket Mortgage (Formerly Quicken Loans). He is a former Director or Mortgage Banking (2015-2018), 3x Rock Partner (2020-2022) and currently holds the position of Triple Crown Mortgage Banker servicing our high-profile clients, friends and family of team members and internal team members. Throughout the years he has mentored over 100 bankers and leaders, participate and represent the company as a Brand Ambassador and in 2022, and has assisted 225 families purchase or refinance their homes totaling $53,836,820 in closed volume.

Eboni DeBerry

Mayor’s Office

Deputy Director – District 4

City of Detroit Department of Neighborhoods

Eboni DeBerry, a true Michigan native, has dedicated her life to uplifting and advocating for her community. With a passion for people and a heart for those facing unfortunate circumstances, she has become a shining example of compassion and determination.

After graduating from the esteemed HBCU, Grambling, she pursued her Master’s in Business Management w/ focus on Human Resources (Walsh College, Troy). Recently, Mayor Mike Duggan recognized Eboni’s dedication and appointed her as District 4 Deputy Manager, a position where she actively works towards improving the quality of life for all constituents. Previously worked at Department of Health and Human Services for 9 1/2 years.

Apart from her professional achievements, Eboni’s passion for music, arts, and stage production shines bright. most notable was serving as production manager for the Aretha Franklin Memorial Tribute concert hosted by Tyler Perry. Beyond her career and interest, Eboni cherishes her role as a wife and mother finding joy in traveling with her beautiful family. Eboni continues to be an inspiring force, using her passion, talents, and dedication to create a positive impact all.

David Gillespie

President/Owner

Detroit Environmental Solutions

Growing up on the west side of the city under the guidance of my mother, Crystal, and father, Eugene, I graduated from Mumford High School in 2007—the second of their three children. I have always had a strong work ethic and was determined to make something of myself. When it comes to formalized education, I have learned in a less traditional way, and I am proud of that. In 2015, I entered the DEEP program through Detroit at Work and received my Accreditation in Asbestos abatement. In 2019, I started Detroit Environmental Solutions, LLC in 2019 after realizing I could successfully work for myself. Through a lot of hard work and many lessons learned, I am proud of my company’s growth. I believe in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving to get results. The mission of my company is simple, “To remove unsafe barriers to make way for new opportunities.” I have learned the value of staying rooted in the community and standing up for my beliefs.

Tiffany Graydon

Director of Workforce Development and Education

Focus:HOPE

Tiffany Graydon is a visionary and solutionary, driven to find revolutionary answers to the many issues faced within the education and technology arenas. As a non-profit leader, currently Focus: HOPE’s Director of Workforce Development and Education, she has been committed to developing innovative social impact solutions and continuing the work of the division she leads; challenging systemic racism and gender bias within the workforce by developing diverse, technically skilled candidates for high demand career industries.

Graydon has held some even more important titles in her lifetime; wife, mother of three, daughter, sister, family member, teacher, mentor and community stakeholder. For over 15 years, she has worked toward increased employment equity, particularly in her field of expertise (Information Technology) and has advocated passionately for support to end the digital divide in Detroit. her life’s path met at the intersection of those fields and created an opportunity to make the greatest impact in the nonprofit sector.

The greatest motivating factor behind her work and drive to change the design and culture of the current workforce, is ensuring her two sons and daughter step into a landscape where opportunity and equity are common.

Kevin Heard

Board President and Founder

Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Kevin Heard is a legacy Detroiter, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, and received his MBA from Walsh College. Heard works for Gannett as the Manager of Inclusion & Engagement Programs overseeing their twelve Employee Resource Groups and Inclusion Diversity & Equity social campaigns. Heard founded the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce which hosts the largest LGBTQ+ Business Summit and Pride Awards Gala in Michigan. He has received recognition from Crain’s Detroit Business, Corp Magazine, Business Equality Magazine, Detroit Tigers, and Michigan Secretary of State, and is considered one of the Most Notable LGBTQ+ professionals in Michigan. Heard also serves on the board of the Citizen Research Council of Michigan, National Black MBA Association Detroit Chapter, Wayne State University President Advisory Council, and Community Board Member of The Gathering Spot Detroit and Midwest hub leader for Schusterman Family Philanthropies Reality Alumni Network. Heard lives by the quote, “Keep moving because success isn’t standing still.”

Aaron W. Jackson

Director of Michigan Good Food Fund

Fair Food Network

Aaron Jackson is passionate about the new civil rights issue for his generation, economic justice, also known as silver rights. He holds fourteen years of experience in community and economic development and currently serves as Director of Michigan Good Food Fund. In his role, he leads the statewide loan funds’ investments in food and farm entrepreneurs while creating access to affordable and healthy food.

Before joining Fair Food Network, Jackson was the Program Manager for the Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, where he led the national model for year-round university-based business support. In addition to university-level impact, Aaron served as Small Business Consultant for Michigan Rehabilitation Services. He provided business assistance to disabled adults and introduced the first entrepreneurial curriculum for disabled high school students in Oakland County.

Aaron remains active in his community on the Board of Oakland County’s Revolving Loan Fund and is an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated member. Aaron’s education includes a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration in International Business and a Jurist Doctor in Law.

Timothy Paul Jackson

Co-Founder

Detroit Hives

Timothy Paul Jackson is the co-founder/director of Detroit Hives, a nonprofit founded in 2017 whose mission is to transform vacant lots into urban bee farms for the conservation and education of honeybees. Timothy is focused on making Detroit a bee city by repurposing vacant land into pollinator habitats. The overarching goal is to improve the quality of life not only for native plants and insects, but for the surrounding community. As a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, an ambassador for the Ford Men of Courage, and a 2018 Detroit Emerging City Champion, Tim is dedicated to changing the narrative of black men.

Shantalea Johns, Ed.D, LMSW

Director of Continuing Education

Wayne State University School of Social Work

Shantalea Johns, Ed.D, LMSW, is a mental health educator, social worker, licensed therapist, and speaker. She is the director of continuing education and an assistant professor at the Wayne State University School of Social Work.

Dr. Johns is responsible for developing and administrating continuing education workshops and training sessions for social workers and other allied health professionals. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she works as a therapist to help people build better relationships and alleviate symptoms of traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Johns is a community-engaged researcher who studies risk reduction interventions in educational settings. She conducts workshops and seminars in the community to provide strategies to support those affected by trauma.

Erin Keith, Esq. Managing Policy Counsel Detroit Justice Center

Erin Keith, Esq. is a writer, social justice attorney, and fervent believer that Black lives and Black lawyers matter.

Erin currently serves as the Detroit Justice Center’s first Managing Policy Counsel, where she leads the organization’s advocacy and legislative strategies to transform the criminal legal system.

Erin has worked on critical issues, including pretrial fairness and cash bail reform, eliminating excessive fines and fees, traffic law reform, police accountability, and divesting from carceral structures to fund community reinvestment. Erin joined DJC during its founding year, serving as Youth Empowerment Attorney and spearheading Know Your Rights initiatives. She also served as a Staff Attorney in the Legal Services and Advocacy Practice, providing direct representation to indigent and/or formerly incarcerated clients. Erin has shared her political commentary and editorials on various outlets, including CNN, NPR, WDET, the Detroit Free Press and USA Today. Erin graduated summa cum laude from Howard University with her B.A. in Political Science and from Georgetown Law with her J.D. and LL.M. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the District of Columbia Bar.

Vincent Kirkwood

Executive Director

Playworks

Vincent Kirkwood is the Executive Director of Playworks. As Executive Director at Playworks. Vincent’s focus is on helping kids stay active and build valuable social and emotional skills through play.

Since being named Executive Director in October of 2023, Vincent has increased the partnership pipeline from 35 to 44 schools in SE and SW Michigan, as well as secured a $950,000.00 enhancement grant from the State of Michigan to increase physical activity to approximately 14,000 students in the state of Michigan.

In addition to the WB Parks and Rec Board Vincent is also Vice Chairman for the Michigan Sports Legacy Conservancy, Board Trustee for the Coleman A. Young Foundation, and founder of the West Bloomfield Diversity Taskforce.

Vincent was named a Ford “Man of Courage” in 2016 by the Ford Motor Company Foundation and in 2017 he was named “Marketing Wiz” by Black Enterprise Magazine. Most recently, Vincent won Oakland County Michigan 40 under 40 award.

Vincent resides in West Bloomfield with his wife Kelly, daughter Harper Rose, and son, Roman.

Donnah Laster Mathematician

Army

Donnah Laster has been a mathematician for the Army for 15 years. Donnah completed two special assignments at the Pentagon, earning a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Black Belt, and is currently the LSS lead for the Army’s Main Battle Tank Systems. In the last five years, Donnah led the completion of over 40 improvement projects, saving the Army $602M.

At the start of Donnah’s career, she co-founded the Sophisticated Ladies Dance Team at Cass Technical High School, volunteering as a coach for 10 years. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Director of Financial Operations for The Urban Bloom Foundation of Detroit, Donnah continuously finds avenues to invest in helping young women achieve personal and professional goals.

Donnah earned a bachelor’s in mathematics, a master’s in business, and is currently earning a Ph.D. in global leadership, studying common demographic denominators of American millennials with compulsive buying behaviors.

Donnah’s purpose is to use her passions as platforms to develop and strengthen products, services, opportunities, and relationships, supporting and motivating others to be the best versions of themselves.

Kenisha M. Lee

Business Efficiency Consultant, Subway Franchisee, Director of leasing & Development, Head of Human Resources

The Klee Brand

Kenisha Lee has been employed with the local corporate Subway office; a national QSR brand, for 12 years. She currently serves in a dual position. Her primary role is the Director of Leasing and Development, now managing 600+ restaurants across Michigan and Ohio. Although each role is equally important, her secondary role is Head of Human Resources for about 100 - 200 staff members. 12 years: ago, Kenisha started with Subway as a Store Manager and then quickly transitioned into a district manager overseeing 9 Subway locations. Fast forwarding to 2023, she has worked with and or managed every department within the company and currently co-owns the Subway inside of the First National Building in downtown Detroit. She recently started The Klee Brand: a consulting and mentoring firm: To provide direction, clarity, and the necessary tools to execute your vision and take your career and or business to the next level! The purpose of creating this company is to do her part in helping people evolve to the next level personally and professionally.

Dwayne J. Logwood

Pastor

First Missionary Baptist Church

From the world to the pulpit, Pastor Dwayne J. Logwood is a man of great integrity and inspiration and has served faithfully as the Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Belleville for the past 6 years. Having a ministry that is dedicated to prayer and truly believes in the miraculous, FMBC is known as the ministry of miracles, after seeing over 300 documented manifested miracles within the past 3 years. He began ministry under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Stephens at New Birth Baptist Church in Inkster, where he was ordained in 2015. Prior to his ordination he attended Birmingham Bible Institute and Grace Bible College and Seminary. Through his affiliation with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department where he serves as a Chaplain and through his nonprofit organization, Trinity Transformation Center, Pastor Logwood has made a major impact in Metro-Detroit. He is the proud father of Trinity and Heaven Logwood, and the soon to be husband of radio personality Sugarae Wilson. He stands firmly on Matthew 7:7 and is a true believer that with Christ all things are possible.

Meaghan G. Madison

Assistant Vice President

Community Financial Center Manager

Bank of America

Meaghan Madison is a graduate of Winans Academy of Performing arts and attended MaryGrove College. This year she celebrates a job tenure of 10 years with Bank of America. Currently, Meaghan is Assistant Vice President, Community Financial Center Manager. Meaghan’s impeccable community commitment has connected her to productive endeavors such as Detroit Community Better Money Habits Champion, Financial Literacy Board Member for DPS, Committee member of Bank of America Black Professional Group, Instructs Financial Literacy classes to Green Door Initiative, Detroit Public Schools, Community Home Supports, Cots.

Perpetually fueled by her faith and passion, Meaghan is a formidable merger. She is Youth Pastor of Higher Ground Church Ministries. Fondly and purposely known as Minister MAD (Making A Difference) She mentors, leads youth conferences, Teen Talks, Vacation Bible School, and outreach ministry. She is inspired and lifted in her music ministry of singing and playing the organ.... and her intimate early Sunday Morning talks with her 82 year old grandmother.

Carolyn Manasseh, BSN, RN

CEO

RN On A Mission Brand, LLC

“A natural born nurturer, Carolyn Manasseh became a Registered Nurse in 2011 after graduating Magna Cum Laude with an associate in nursing. In 2015, she obtained her bachelor of science in nursing from Eastern Michigan University with a Cum Laude distinction. In 2016, Carolyn founded RN on a Mission Brand, with a goal of inspiring health care workers to unite and motivating others to enter the medical field. She created a clothing line of jackets, scrubs, t-shirts, and accessories for those in the medical field to proudly display their role in healthcare and that they were “on a mission.” The brand encompasses not just healthcare, but also motherhood, beauty, travel and lifestyle blogging. Carolyn uses her social media influencer status to encourage everyone, not just those in the medical field, to be “on a mission” to be the best version of themselves.

Bertram Marks, II, M.A.

Senior Director of Community Outreach Franklin Wright Settlements, Inc.

Bertram Marks II was born and raised in the City of Detroit Michigan. He attended Shrine Catholic High School. Bertram is a graduate of Ohio Northern University where he played football and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Theology from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. Bertram is passionate about helping children develop into positive, productive adults. Bertram lives by the motto that people have the power to positively impact the lives of children by our words and actions. He is currently employed at Franklin Wright Settlements Inc., a human service agency, as the Director of Community Outreach and Engagement. Bertram is a committed mentor. Each year, he mentors 3-5 youth helping them to navigate life issues which can be complicated without guidance. Over the years, Bertram has traveled to several nations to engage and connect with youth. In 2016 he traveled to Greece and Italy to assist students seeking development through sports. In 2019 he traveled to South Africa to meet and mentor students living in the economically challenged township of Soweto. Bertram feels that children develop best when they are surrounded by positive adults nurturing and helping them to grow.

Dexter Mason

Managing Director, Change Collective

President, Founders Junior Council Detroit Institute of the Arts (DIA)

Dexter Mason is currently the Managing Director of the Change Collective, which was launched by President Obama and is a new, national leadership network for rising local leaders who are passionate about solving issues in their communities and combating social isolation, political polarization, and civic disengagement.

Prior to his role at Civic Nation, Dexter was the Head of Social Impact & DEI Strategy at Buzzer, a technology company that delivers personalized live moments in sports to fans. Before entering the startup world, Dexter was the Special Assistant to the President at the Kresge Foundation. Dexter also served in The White House during President Barack Obama’s Administration and he was a Staff Assistant in the Office of United States Senator Gary C. Peters (MI). In the community, Dexter is the President of the Founders Junior Council at the Detroit Institute of Arts and he is on the Board of Directors for the Detroit Opera. Dexter holds a master’s degree from Georgetown University and a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Michigan.

Trebecca McDonald

Michigan Real Estate Team Leader HNTB

Trebecca McDonald is a Civil Engineer and licensed Real Estate Agent working as the Real Estate Team Leader at HNTB Michigan. She built my career by developing effective business and community relationships, working as a liaison between engineering design and real estate to meet delivery commitments on accelerated construction projects. Currently, she is the lead property acquisition services in southeast Michigan for state and local projects, including the I-94 Modernization Project and the I-375 Reconstruction Project in Detroit. Alongside her journey, she is dedicated to being a peer and industry mentor. She is a native Michigander, growing up in Ypsilanti, MI. Trebeeca is a proud Wolverine, earning her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She remains engaged in her local Downriver community as an election chairperson and local volunteer outside of work, and is also a part of the COMTO Michigan Chapter, serving as communication chair and webmaster. She recently received the chapter’s COMTO Emerging Leader of the Year Award in 2019 in recognition of her leadership and commitment to the transportation field and community.

Dr. Tiffani McElrath General Dentist

Western Wayne Family Health Centers-Inkster

Dr. Tiffani McElrath is an Alumna of Michigan State University where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Physiology. Dr. McElrath continued her education at The University of Michigan School of Dentistry where she graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, in 2012.   In a quest to expand her knowledge and experience, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency serving patients in Washington D.C. through Howard University’s College of Dentistry where she developed a passion for serving the underrepresented and underserved population. Dr. McElrath returned to the Metro Detroit area and has served the community for 11 years. She is currently a General Dentist at Western Wayne Family Health Center located in Inkster, MI. She finds satisfaction in advocating, educating and serving her patients, while restoring their self-worth, and giving them reasons to smile again. In 2020, Dr. McElrath became a published author. Her book, Purposeful Imperfections, serves as a pledge to follow your dreams, while embracing your imperfections. Dr. McElrath is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and in her spare time enjoys traveling.

Gregory A. McPherson

Vice President of Foundations & Institutional Relations

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan

Gregory A. McPherson currently serves as the Vice President of Foundations & Institutional Relations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan where leads the development of all foundation and government sources. In 2023, Greg participated on a team that secured the single largest gift in BGCSM’s 97year history of $10,000,000.

Greg’s trajectory occurred at Matrix Human Services as a director from 2014 to 2021. There he shifted the strategic direction of his division and increased the annual budget from $500,000 to over $4,000,000. He led Matrix in becoming a United States HUD Certified Local Housing Counseling Agency. He also secured the largest workforce development grant at Matrix worth $2.5 million. He later joined the Detroit Urban League as their VP of Development.

Greg was selected to three fellowships since 2019, Aspen Institute’s Detroit Workforce Leadership Academy, ProInspire’s Catalyst Collective and Strategic Community Partner’s Kanada. He serves on the alumni board of Siena Heights University, is on the executive committee of the Grant Professionals Association - MI Chapter and is a mentor for Detroit Urban League’s College Club Program.

Derrick Meeking

Director of Workforce Development

Walker Miller Energy Services

Derrick Meeking holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University and is a native Detroiter with a professional background in nonprofit management, workforce development, local economic development, and social enterprise business models. His experience spans over 13 years which creates a unique professional profile rooted in a desire to improve the quality of life for historically disenfranchised people and marginalized communities through education, research, grassroots activism, and the promotion of innovative community economic development solutions. Though his passion to serve began while in high school at the University of Detroit Jesuit, his career in service began at City Year Detroit after gaining his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan. This initial role prepared and propelled him into other service positions with Focus: HOPE, the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Empowerment Plan and currently Walker-Miller Energy Services, where the mission is “Empowering People and Enriching Communities” and as the Director of Workforce Development, Derrick is leading the way!

Bradleigh Merrill

Team Leader, Public Engagement & Communications

HNTB

Bradleigh Merrill born and raised in Detroit, Michigan attended Lewis Cass Technical High School, and went on to graduate from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Bradleigh started her career with the Detroit City Council, working for Councilman Andre Spivey. Through her work with the City Council Bradleigh gained a broad knowledge of the inner workings of her city and was able to serve the community she passionately cares about. Through robust programming and specifically curated events, she connected with their constituency and exposed them to the resources that they needed. Bradleigh currently serves as a team lead for the Public Engagement and Communications Team for HNTB Corporation. In her role, Bradleigh works as a lead strategist for communications and engagement on the I-94 and I-375 Projects. Through this work, Bradleigh focuses on connecting Detroiters to the processes that influence the infrastructure in their city. When not at work, Bradleigh enjoys the outdoors and physical fitness. She is a certified personal trainer and spin instructor, and recently taught a spin class at Live Cycle Delight fitness studio.

David H. Milledge, II

Assistant Manager, Multicultural Marketing General Motors David is from Montgomery, AL. He is proud to be the son of David and Jacqueline, as well as the brother to Jeanenne and Cynthia.

Currently, David is an Assistant Manager of Multicultural Marketing. In this role, he supports initiatives from GM Brand, Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC that drive business results that amplify these brands within multicultural audiences. His 9 years with GM also include roles within Chevrolet and Cadillac.

Prior to GM, David worked in Sales with Liberty Mutual Insurance and Marketing with Caterpillar. He also earned his MBA at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business.

A second generation HBCU graduate, he holds a B.S. in Sales & Marketing from Tuskegee University. There, he was the President of the Student Government Association and joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He continues to support Tuskegee through the Gamma Epsilon Alumni Association. David also serves on Tuskegee’s Brimmer School of Business Advisory Board.

David, known within Multicultural Marketing as “The Man Who Never Met a Stranger,” is enthusiastic about mentorship, personal and professional connections, travel, and family.

John Neely

Co-Owner District Seventy8 Resto-Lounge

Co-Owner 29 Novi Nightclub

Co-Owner Elevated Ventures

Founder Hosted By J. Neely LLC

John Neely is an entrepreneur, nightlife connoisseur, and event coordinator. However, his success came from humble beginnings. Growing up on the west side of Detroit, MI, he was influenced to go to college and build a “normal” life for himself. However, early on in life, John knew that his calling was greater than what was expected of him.

Throughout his journey, John Neely has undoubtedly earned his title as one of the top event promoters and entrepreneurs in the city of Detroit.

John is a nightlife host specializing in party promotion, an event coordinator, graphic design artist, and has also worked in artist development. John previously was able to secure a residency in the city of Detroit with DJ Envy during his legendary Quiet Storm Tuesdays; an event that is not only unique to the city, but has seen massive success since its launch in 2017. His presence and professionalism is undeniable

John will continue to be one of the industry leaders in Detroit Hospitality and Nightlife by moving forward on franchising District Seventy8. This will be a large factor in his growth as an industry leader and an entrepreneur.

Cassandra Phipps, LPC, LLP, CAADC

Director of Children’s Initiatives

Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN)

Cassandra Phipps is the Director of Children’s Initiatives for the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) and has been with the organization since May 2021.  Phipps provides management and oversight for all activities within the Children’s department and is responsible for the overall design and ongoing implementation of DWIHN’s system transformation efforts for children with serious emotional disturbance and intellectual developmental disabilities.

Phipps is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP), and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drugs Counselor (CAADC) with a specialty in trauma therapy who is dedicated to working with children and families. She has provided comprehensive therapeutic services to some of the most vulnerable youth in Wayne and Oakland counties and has served in various leadership positions.

Phipps is also a Licensed Minister since 2008 and has engaged in various ministries over the years.  She currently serves at Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Curtis R. Grant.  Phipps is a student at The Heritage Center through Third New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.  In 2023 Phipps launched the nonprofit Fired Up Ministries and Clarity Counseling & Consulting, PLLC to further enhance the vision of helping others use spiritual and clinical practices in fulfilling a purpose filled life.  Lastly, Phipps has an energetic 9-year-old son named CJ who loves karate.

Pastor Kenneth C. Pierce

Pastor

1st VP NAACP Detroit

Hopewell Baptist Church

Pastor Pierce II is the older of two children. He is the father of 3 beautiful children. He is a graduate of Murray Wright High School and has furthered his education at Oakland Community College and is an alumni of Ashland Theological Seminary. He is also the college and career coach for W.A.Y. Academy Detroit.

He is the proud Pastor of the Hopewell Church, in Detroit, MI. He is also the founder of the Hopewell Community Development Corp, a non profit that is very active and a vital help to the community.

He proudly serves as 1st VP, Executive Committee Member and the Chair of Religious affairs of the NAACP, Detroit branch.. He also serves as the Chair of the advisory board of clergy for SEIU, Detroit, where he is actively on the front line advocating for the rights of city workers. He also serves as a Wayne County Sheriff Chaplin. Kenneth Pierce, II has a passion for people that enables him to build bridges, reach across generations, gender, race, culture and ethnicity, changing lives and building communities.

Paris Pritchard

Forensic Scientist

Michigan State Police

Paris Pritchard is a forensic scientist for the Michigan State Police. In this role, Paris is responsible for collecting and analyzing trace evidence. She also is a crime scene coordinator for the southeastern area of Michigan.

Prior to joining the Michigan State Police, Paris processed over 600 crime scenes and vehicles for the Detroit Police Department as a forensic technician. In this role she was awarded Civilian of the Quarter by the department.

This work was of interest to professors and administration of Lawrence Technical University who invited Paris to teach educators. Additionally, Paris has been sought after to teach law enforcement classes at Macomb Community College, Oakland County Community College, and the Law Enforcement Officers Regional Training Commission. Through these classes she has helped developed professional skills of dozens of forensic workers.  Paris holds a Bachelors of Science degree from Howard University and a post baccalaureate certificate in Forensic Science from Madonna University. She volunteers, runs a photography business, and spends time with family in her spare time.

Randy Vincent Ruffin, Jr.

City Director for DTW Operations

G2 Secure Staff Randy Vincent Ruffin, Jr. was born and raised in Detroit. Mr. Ruffin is well-traveled and highly qualified for any role –especially the most challenging ones. Mr. Ruffin embarked upon his career in aviation over a decade ago here at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), where he began as a Ramp Agent before working his way up to Ramp Duty Manager. In January 2022, Mr. Ruffin stepped out on faith and followed his heart. He decided to return home to Detroit, taking on one of the most challenging roles of his career at Unifi as the Below Wing General Manager – back at DTW, where it all started.

After 16 months with Unifi, Mr. Ruffin strategically moved into another challenging role – City Director for DTW Operations at G2 Secure Staff – where he oversees Delta Air Lines’ Entire Cabin Cleaning operation, which consists of approximately 300 departures a day.

Mr. Ruffin is highly skilled, driven, and motivated, and his ability to excel in positions that most people wouldn’t touch is unmatched! In his spare time, Randy enjoys reading, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with his two children, Randi (7) and Raymond (6).

Mark Russ

Chief Financial Officer

Detroit vs Everybody

Mark Russ is a versatile and accomplished business leader with a wealth of experience in various sectors. His journey began with co-founding Digital Goods Detroit in 2015, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen in the digital marketplace.

In 2019, Mark displayed his innovative skills by establishing M3 Transportation LLC, quickly becoming a reputable logistics company. His deep understanding of business operations played a significant role in the company’s early success. Currently M3, has partnered with UACL Logistics, a half a billion dollar logistics enterprise.

By 2022, Mark joined Triad Agency as a principal, directing strategy, managing client relations, and ensuring excellent results. His leadership helped position Triad Agency in the competitive marketing sector.

Currently, Mark serves as the CFO of Detroit Vs Everybody, managing the company’s financial strategies to ensure profitability. His accomplishments have led to his recognition as 2023’s Most Valuable Professional in CORP! Magazine. Mark’s leadership, expertise, and entrepreneurial drive continue to fuel his success.

When not working I’m enjoy spending time with his beautiful wife Tabetha, and his two children Ava and Amir.

Chef Ryan Eli Salter

Co-Founder - Breadless Restaurant

Owner - Salt + Ko

Renowned for his culinary expertise and a decade of experience within the culinary and hospitality industries, Chef Ryan Eli Salter is a visionary who thrives on creating extraordinary flavors that ignite the senses. Inspired by his immersive studies and travels in Japan and Australia, as well as his deep roots in Harlem, Chef Ryan’s culinary creations reflect a fusion of diverse influences, resulting in a truly remarkable dining experience.

Currently, Chef Ryan is also a Co-Founder of Breadless, an innovative counter-serve outfit renowned for its vibrant lettuce-wrapped sandwiches, delectable bowls, and refreshing salads.

In 2018, Chef Ryan embarked on a new endeavor, founding Salt + Ko, a boutique full-service catering company that has since blossomed into a sophisticated gastropub. At Salt + Ko, American classics are reinvented with intention, utilizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and a creative twist. Guests can revel in an upscale dining experience, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails and a vibrant ambiance, featuring live entertainment and a series of monthly brunch parties that truly set the tone for Salt + Ko.

Alexander Christopher Simpson

Regent and Attorney

Eastern Michigan University

Alexander Christopher Simpson (“Chris”) is on the Board of Regents at EMU, the board that has responsibility to provide supervision of the institution. Chris currently chairs the Audit and Athletic Affairs Committees.

Chris is also an attorney, advising clients on a broad range of commercial transactions, including those involving technology licensing, cloud services, and artificial intelligence. He serves as the Digital Transformation Advisor at Go with Canvas, a minority-owned firm serving athletes, entertainers and technology companies at all stages of growth.

During his legal career, Chris has served as in-house counsel for private and public corporations, including Microsoft, where he supported the business teams in the United States and Canada and Meijer, where he supported the pharmacy and retail operations. Prior to his in-house counsel roles, Chris was an attorney for several years the law firm Bodman PLC.

Chris is a past-president of the Wolverine Bar Association and currently serves on the State Bar of Michigan’s Character and Fitness Committee.

Chris received his BS from EMU, MSW from Michigan, MBA from Kellogg at Northwestern, and JD from Indiana University.

Jeremy Thomas

Senior Director

98Forward

Jeremy Thomas has more than 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, strategic planning, and project & event management. He fuses traditional strategies with new media to provide impactful solutions for clients and organizations.

Jeremy has worked across the public and private sector with experience in communicating large infrastructure projects, public health initiatives, and key mayoral priority projects. In addition, he is a trained and trusted public relations practitioner skilled at managing day-to-day media relations, crisis management, and social media. He holds a dual Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Business Administration from Tuskegee University. Jeremy also serves as a board advisor for the National Black Public Relations Society – Detroit Chapter.

Jeremy currently serves as a Senior Director with 98Forward where he is responsible for executing operations and structure improvements, executive & organizational positioning, media relations, and public affairs strategies, among other key service areas for clients.

He has previous experience with Ford Motor Company, Urban Organic Lifestyle Marketing, and Atlantic Records. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Pi Sigma Epsilon Sales and Marketing Fraternity.

Teia Wallington CEO

Love Publicity

For growing and thriving businesses public relations is not a garnish, it’s a necessity. Teia Wallington is the Founder and CEO of Love Publicity, a boutique public relations agency that creatively helps clients across many sectors including lifestyle, hospitality, retail and nonprofit.She is passionate about serving small businesses and nonprofits grow by producing and executing innovative campaigns getting their stories face-to-face with their target audiences. In addition to her extensive client work, Teia dedicates time giving back. She has been a board member and Head of Communications for High School Glam Suite, a nonprofit that focuses on helping high school students experiencing adversity get ready for prom at no-cost. She also serves on the board as the Program Director for National Black Public Relations Society - Detroit Chapter. Her volunteer work has earned her The Spirit of Detroit Award and Distinguished Service Award from the Detroit City Council. She has done it all with a passion and a genuine love that is palpable in every detail of her life.

Bre’Ann White

Bre’Ann White LLC

Since 2010, Bre’Ann White has curated stunning photographs and branding materials for organizations worldwide. The Detroit-Bred Fashion and Portrait Photographer is known for creating and cultivating striking images that draw you into the subjects world. Throughout White’s portfolio, there is a consistent layer of authenticity and imagination.

With confidence in her work and her vision, Bre’Ann’s career has allowed her to showcase her work and explore exhibition opportunities to connect to a boarder audience. Her work has been shot around the world including New York, Los Angeles, Africa, Southern Franks, Italy, and Australia. Bre’Ann White has exhibited work in the Detroit Institute of Art, The African American Museum of Phil, Arabic National Museum, Playground Detroit, UICA of Grand Rapids, Nnamdi Center for Contemporary Art, Norwest Gallery, and Saveartsspace and has been featured in National Publications such as Teen Vogue, Hour Magazine, Essence, Netflux and Harper Bazaar.

Christian J. Williams

Founder & Professional Development Consultant

CJW Consulting Group

Christian J. Williams was raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan and educated in the Farmington Public School System. Upon high school graduation, He pursued higher education and graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy where he earned a certificate in Spanish Language Studies, Bachelor Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration.

Throughout his career, Christian has acquired experience in supply chain management, global trade compliance, supplier diversity, and career /professional development coaching.

In October 2018, Christian decided to leverage his talents and expertise to launch CJW Consulting Group, an entrepreneurial endeavor and fullscale professional development business. He has always had passion for helping others and helping them to reach their maximum potential. Since then, CJW Consulting Group has helped 1,700+ individuals in 40+ states across a diverse range of careers including but not limited to healthcare, business, education, technology, human resources, media, and law.

In his free time, Christian enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, serving as a mentor, and participating in social and philanthropic events as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Jenise Williams

Manager, Network Strength

Teach For America | Detroit

Jenise Williams is a proud 3rd generation Detroiter and Detroit educator. Williams is a 2018 graduate of the University of Michigan’s (U of M) College of Literature Science and the Arts (LSA) from which she received her BA in Psychology. In 2021, she received her M.A. in Education Leadership and Policy from U of M’s School of Education and graduated as a Golden Key International Honor Society Inductee.

Jenise currently works as the Manager, Network Strength for Teach for America Detroit where she leads their Detroit Summer Impact fellowship connectine former and current educators with community impact organizations, serves as the staff sponsor for their three unique network affinity boards, and supports with the organization’s statewide expansion across eight new regions. As a 3’ generation Detroit educator Jenise is pleased to be making an impact in her home city and is eager to continue to develop her leadership and commitment to social justice in order to remain a servant leader for not only her students, but all youth.

Randon Romero Williams

Chief Executive Officer

The Romero Group

Born July 21st to Lady Patricia Williams and Bishop Raphael Williams, Sr. of Greater Faith Assembly. Romero is one of five siblings who were all raised in a Christian home with faith-based morals and values with the understanding of knowing at an early age the importance of giving back to those in need and the less fortunate, even though at times, the family fit into that very category. Romero is a product of Detroit Public Schools and gained a love for construction at an early age by watching and learning from his late father who transitioned in 2021. Romero made his first Million Dollars by the age of 29 by doing what he loved the most, perfecting his craft and hard work. Romero became the Minister of Music for his family church where he currently plays multiple roles such as Choir Director, Lead Bass Player for the first service, and Lead Drummer for the second service. Romero has three wonderful boys, River, Romero, and Ricco who he also raised with the same faith-based principles that were taught to him and his siblings.