MC Digital Edition 2.28.24

cine and healthcare, may be adversely impacted by the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

the rights of all women are continued.

Reproductive Freedoms

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The state’s Democratic leadership isn’t stopping there; they’re dismantling harmful Targeted Regulations of Abortion Providers and TRAP laws, aiming to extend reproductive freedoms far and wide, especially to those in rural communities. This legislative momentum underscores a resolute Michigan, standing tall for “reproductive freedom for all,” a mandate voiced by voters in 2022.

Elected officials are also working to keep Roe v. Wade intact thus holding off Michigan’s 1931 trigger ban. Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement saying, in part: “The words ‘Roe overturned’ are no longer theoretical. I want every Michigander to know— no matter what happens in D.C., I’m going to fight like hell to protect access to safe, legal abortion in Michigan…”

When you take a deep look at the struggles of reproductive health through the Black lens, the truth is alarming, to say the least. The legacy of controlling Black women’s bodies is a dark and enduring chapter in America’s story, a narrative starkly highlighted by the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which rolled back the clock on Roe v. Wade. From the days of bondage, where Black women’s bodies were commodified to fuel the growth of an emerging economy, to modern instances where poverty becomes a barrier to abortion access, the struggle has been relentless. Black children are taken from their mothers at rates that speak volumes of systemic bias.

“PPMI has been preparing for this moment since the results of the 2016 election were final. We recently filed a lawsuit to stop the 1931 law from going into effect, and we’ve also asked the state courts to affirm that the Michigan constitution does already contain a right to abortion. Our advocacy arm, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, is a founding member of the coalition that launched Reproductive Freedom for All, a ballot initiative to affirm the right to abortion and reproductive freedom in the state constitution,” said Vasquez Giroux. “The bottom line is that we will do everything in our power to keep abortion legal in Michigan, and if SCOTUS makes that impossible, we will do everything we can to ensure our patients can access the care they need.”

in a makeshift hospital at his Alabama residence, have led to widespread condemnation of Sims within the scientific community for his egregious ethical violations.

The courage of Black women in the aftermath of the Memphis Riot of May 1866 marked a pivotal moment in breaking the silence around sexual violence. In the wake of this devastating three-day conflict, which saw the loss of lives and the destruction of Black property, five Black women came forward with accounts of rape. Their testimonies before Congress, alongside those of other survivors, catalyzed the passage of the 14th Amendment, making their voices some of the first to publicly confront sexual assault.

More than legal implications, overturning Roe v. Wade would impact several systems across the spectrum. With the potential to drive both foster and adoption numbers upward, a ban on abortions could leave many women to choose a less safe route restoring ‘back alley’ and illegal abortion practices, including self-abortions. Moreover, African American women and women of color, who already have a long-storied history with access and inclusion in medi-

The fight for bodily autonomy has been a long-standing one, with women at the forefront long before this nation was formally constituted. For Black women and other women of color, this fight has been steeped in a history of grave injustices that echo through time.

islature adopts it. Increase school funding: Statutory changes to increase the School Aid Fund revenue by at least $3.6 billion and establish a permanent weighted funding formula based on student and community needs and universal preschool (0-3).

The era of slavery stripped Black women of any semblance of control over their bodies, reducing them to mere property valued for their ability to be sexually exploited or to produce more enslaved individuals. The dehumanization was so complete that women were advertised and traded with the explicit intent of generating more laborers, an appalling practice reminiscent of livestock trading.

Consider the harrowing legacy of J. Marion Sims, hailed as the “Father of Gynecology,” who conducted experiments on enslaved Black women without anesthesia between 1845 and 1849. These heinous acts, performed

STEM Careers

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use of noknock or quick knock warrants, and urging the state legislature to pass meaningful reform and advise Gov. Whitmer to sign the bill after the leg-

“What we are really concerned about is the impact on our patients. Access to abortion is already out of reach for far too many Michiganders, especially Black people and people of color who face additional barriers to care as a result of systemic inequalities and institutional racism. Losing access to legal abortion will impact those communities most, forcing people to become parents or expand their families against their will. Being able to decide and control if, when and how to become a parent is central to building and living a healthy, happy life,” said Vasquez Giroux.

The story of Fannie Lou Hamer is a testament to the systemic assault on Black women’s reproductive rights. After being subjected to an unwanted hysterectomy under the guise of a fibroid surgery, Hamer discovered this practice was alarmingly common among Black women in her community, leading her to coin the term “Mississippi Appendectomy.” Her advocacy underscored the grim reality that a Black woman’s body has historically been subjected to control and manipulation. Today, Black women remain at a higher risk for fibroids, which unsurprisingly leads to a higher prevalence of recommended hysterectomies among them compared to their counterparts. This raises an important question: why is the extreme measure of removing the reproductive organs more commonly proposed for Black women?

Reject censorship in history instruction: Encouraging Gov. Whitmer to ensure the goal for Michigan schools should be history instruction that is presented by professionals with the subject matter expertise, pedagogical skills, and judgment necessary to present complex information to students that are grounded in provable facts and add to the understanding of modern-day America.

what the Supreme Court will rule in the upcoming days. Despite the decision, advocates on both sides of the argument are willing to continue their pursuits.

first introduced the term, setting the foundation for a broader movement that transcends race and class. Yet, as this concept becomes central to the nationwide struggle for reproductive rights, one can’t help but question why the original architects—the 12 pioneering women who boldly articulated this framework—are seldom acknowledged. Why is it that their groundbreaking contribution is often overlooked in the larger narrative of the fight for reproductive freedoms?

“Overturning Roe v. Wade would be a terrible break with nearly 50 years of judicial precedent and – more importantly – a blow against individual freedom. It is my hope that the majority of justices will reject the findings of this draft. If that is not the case, we need to stand with Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Gov. Whitmer in support of their efforts to preserve the right to reproductive freedom,” said Chair Alisha Bell, on behalf of the Wayne County Commission.

This framework, rooted in the understanding that reproductive health is intertwined with social, economic, and political factors, asserts that reproductive rights are indeed human rights. It champions the cause of the marginalized, including people of color, low-income individuals, and the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for comprehensive access to sexual education, birth control, abortion, and maternal healthcare.

Beyond the scope of pro-choice versus prolife, the fight for reproductive choice is one of freedom. As Michigan officials work to ensure each woman who finds herself in the position to choose has access to care without the threat of legal action, many wonder

“So many young women in America now have fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers,” Harris noted. “This is a very real issue.”

In the ongoing quest for reproductive justice, Black women have been at the helm, leveraging their voices and lived experiences to shine a light on the systemic barriers that impede their reproductive freedom, a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

The health committee recommends reviewing state licensure policies to address the barriers that Black psychologists face in obtaining licensure in Michigan.

The term “reproductive justice” was birthed in 1994 by twelve visionary Black women who sought to redefine the narrative around reproductive rights. This collective, known as the Women of African Descent for Reproductive Justice (WADRJ), emerged in response to healthcare reforms that failed to address critical issues, laying the groundwork for a movement that would transcend their community. Nearly three decades have passed since this group of Black women

er and CEO of the newsletter The Identity Jedi. Previously, Lee came from a software engineering background but has since become an advocate for change and diversity in the technology sector. As an individual who’s been pushing for change for years, Lee has found media coverage to be lacking in the representation of people of color.

the chancellor embraces.

Ensure equitable distribution of state health funds: Ensure all Michigan communities with a significant Black population receive adequate funds to address mental health issues.

As the nation watches, the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming deliberation on March 26 over mifepristone, a cornerstone in abortion care, looms large. And with the Alabama Supreme Court’s recent ruling equating frozen embryos to children, causing a standstill in IVF treatments, the landscape of reproductive rights faces yet another precarious juncture.

Protecting Black voting rights: Urge state officials to remain vigilant in the fight against schemes to disenfranchise Michiganders of color.

“On the one hand, the proponents are saying that an individual doesn’t have a right to end an unwanted pregnancy and on the other hand, the individual does not have the right to start a family,” Harris said. Harris’s journey, her words, and Michigan’s bold strides serve as a clarion call in these tumultuous times, reminding us all of the relentless fight for autonomy, dignity, and justice.

Partnership

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“We are thrilled to partner with the Michigan Chronicle in amplifying the reach of the Pancakes & Politics speaker series,” said Ellis. “Through our collaboration, we are dedicated to ensuring that these critical conversations resonate with a wider audience, contributing to a more informed and engaged community.”

As the media landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like this underscore the vital role of collaboration in sustaining local journalism and enriching community dialogue.

Politics will take on a new flavor, but will still carry on a tradition of engaging, informative, and entertaining conversations, as the venue shifts from the Detroit Athletic Club to the new 16th-floor event space at the Rocket headquarters at One Campus Martius in downtown Detroit at 7:30 a.m. The move comes as the DAC embarks on a series of extensive renovations. The new location reflects the series’ commitment to innovation and community engagement, providing attendees with a unique backdrop to connect, collaborate, and converse about issues that matter to Detroiters, and the city’s civic and business leaders.

Kicking off the 19th season of Pancakes & Politics, Rocket Companies Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert will headline the first of four monthly in-person events starting Thursday, March 21, and setting the stage for a series of thought-provoking conversations over breakfast.

This year, Pancakes &

Jackson added: “Pancakes and Politics is just the starting point of what will be a really dynamic partnership between our organizations. Real Times Media and WDIV TV 4 are both committed to bringing impactful coverage to the people who trust us with informing them about important issues.”

are also more prone to taking out loans to pay for college while also graduating further in debt than their white counterparts.

Increase mental health supports for the Black community: Recommending Michigan set a goal of increasing the number of Black mental health service providers by 20% each year over five years.

“I don’t feel there is enough coverage of this in the media, but we also can’t count on mainstream media to do that job for us. The new media age is here, and it’s through that medium that we need to reach young Black students. There is also a responsibility for those of us in the field to connect and give back,” Lee says. He recommends Davin Jackson of the metro Atlanta area, who started an e-sports and technology hub, as someone to discover. Connecting to young Black talent in STEM fields is an avenue in which diversity can occur.

“I think of transformational leadership as a thoughtful approach that causes people to change but also causes the systems and circumstances they are operating in to change too,” Ivory said. “Transformational change doesn’t just ask people to do certain things; it asks them to change their view of what’s possible and excites them to drive that change together because they believe that what they’re doing will create positive change for everyone. That’s how entire systems change because

people believe that they need to for themselves and others to live better lives.”

“Chancellor Ivery is a true transformational leader and an outstanding CEO, who is more than worthy of the CEO of the Year Award he just received, “ said Prof. James C. Mays, who teaches entrepreneurship and supply chain management at WCCCD’s Corporate College. “In his 27 years at WCCCD, Dr. Ivery has elevated WCCCD to become nationally recognized for excellence and innovation and preparing our students professionally and personally to do great things in the world.”

There are currently 107 HBCUs in the U.S., and 25 percent of Black graduates who earned STEM degrees come from HBCUs, the UNCF reports. While these institutions offer good academic programs and cultural resources for students, more can be done in the desire to find Black talent in the tech sector. According to the above research, it appears that HBCUs have graduating talent, but those numbers aren’t necessarily translating to employment. This is a huge problem that needs to be addressed. Lee has observed this as well.

“I’m satisfied with the academic programs. However, I’m not satisfied with the connection between the tech companies and HBCUs. I challenge tech companies to get more involved with HBCUs to tap into the massive amount of talent there,” Lee says. While there are scholarships, grants, and other opportunities out there, it can often be a challenge to find them. While minority attendance in college may have increased, paying for college hasn’t gotten any easier or cheaper, creating financial strain for many students alike. Many reports suggest that it is harder for minority students to find and receive scholarships and grants. Research has shown that minority students

“BLAC members have worked hard to identify the needs of the Black community and we feel these recommendations will provide a solid first step towards breaking down barriers in education, community safety, health and business,” said BLAC Co-Chair Dr. Donna L. Bell.

BLAC will hold a virtual town hall meeting to discuss its policy recommendations on Thursday, May 12 at 4 p.m. Join BLAC and a virtual audience in discussing the recommendations to support the Black community.

However, there are still plenty of available financial aid options for students in STEM fields. For instance, The Gates Scholarship is a popular resource for minority students in STEM and is designed to help high school seniors from low-income households that identify as Black, American Indian/Native American, AAPI, or Hispanic and Latino. Started by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship is distributed to about 300 students annually and is a last-dollar award. David Lee suggests utilizing resources like the Federal Cyber Corps Scholarship for Service program offered by his alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University.

Actionable Steps for Change

With all of the numbers reported above, there are still ways to take actionable steps to increase the enrollment of Black talent in the science and tech industries. STEM professionals can attend career days at high schools to educate students on the possibilities of a science and technology-based career. Employers can attend campuses where Black students are present, particularly places like HBCUs, and invite students to find and connect with recruiters while also building a helpful network.

BLAC is housed in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Members represent many professional backgrounds, including economics, law, public safety, health and wellness, arts and culture and media. They leverage their experiences and expertise to make recommendations to the governor on critical issues affecting the Black community.

“Be intentional about wanting to make a difference in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This can’t be a check the box activity but something that companies are willing to invest time in to change. Make measurable goals and consequences for not meeting those goals. It’s easy to say we want to increase the percentage of minorities by a certain date. But what happens when you don’t? Be willing to put your money where your mouth is. Tie leadership bonuses to DEI goals,” Lee adds.

To learn more about BLAC and this upcoming event, visit www.michigan.gov/BLAC.

Adding diversity to tech companies should be an ongoing act, ensuring that representation is in many aspects of the field, including employees at every level of the hierarchy. Companies can demand that diversity is a requirement, and conversations should be encouraged among employees to show the need and benefits that result from having fair and open DEI policies. Diversity in the classroom or the workplace must be a priority, not a trend.

How cold weather is impacting bills

2.

bill that covers as many as 35 days of service, making your total larger even if your usage patterns didn’t change. Billing cycles can run between 26 and 35 days.

If your bill going up and down is making it difficult to budget, DTE offers several programs that can help you manage your monthly charges.

3. Household changes

Did you have more people in your home in the last month? Typically, more people inside your home will increase the energy you use. Additionally, less sunlight and more time indoors due to the cold weather mean increased lighting and appliance use, so make sure to turn off unused appliances or unplug them from outlets. It’s also important to make sure rugs and furniture are not blocking vents in your home. This could be preventing proper air circulation from your furnace.

4. Increased usage

The main reason for a higher bill is usually higher energy use. Consider:

• Did you raise your thermostat setting? Your furnace will work harder, increasing your energy use.

• Were you home more often? This requires more heat to keep you comfortable, and you are likely using appliances more often.

• Did you go in and out of the house more frequently? This potentially lowers the temperature inside and make your furnace turn on more often.

These are just a few of the potential reasons you may have used more energy, and increased usage will increase your bill.

To keep a handle on your usage, install a programmable thermostat and set it at 68 degrees Fahrenheit to stay warm while saving energy. With proper use throughout the year, programmable thermostats can save you about $180 annually in energy costs. You can also reduce the temperature at night when everyone is asleep. To stay comfortable around the house, put on an extra layer of clothes or use a blanket to stay warm so you won’t need to raise the thermostat.

For more tips on how to stay warm and manage your heating costs, visit dteenergy.com/staywarm.

DTE is working to provide customers with the power they need and reliability they deserve. That’s why the company has been modernizing and updating the grid extensively in Detroit since 2018.

But what does the phrase “modernizing and updating the grid” really mean?

“It’s a good question,” said Kelli Ellison, DTE Capital Projects manager and lead on the Detroit program. “It means we are making significant improvements to the equipment that currently operates in many areas of the city, including utility poles, wires and more. This work will help customers have less outages and, when there are power interruptions, they don’t last as long.”

In addition, the modernized equipment provides a much higher level of safety for customers, with fewer power lines down. It also makes working conditions safer for DTE line workers handling the electrical equipment.

Since 2018, DTE has invested $500 million to modernize nearly 1,500 miles of infrastructure throughout the city, with special emphasis in many of its residential neighborhoods.

Here’s how it works:

• First, we trim trees along power lines. Trees contacting DTE equipment account for half the time our customers spend without power.

• Then, we test all utility poles that have DTE equipment attached and either replace or reinforce those poles, as needed.

• Next, we remove the old, unused Detroit Public Lighting wires. This addresses a major safety factor.

• Lastly, we replace older wooden crossarms — which help hold pole equipment, like powerlines, in place — with new and stronger fiberglass crossarms and new pole top hardware.

“Our Detroit program has already proven highly effective at improving both safety and reliability, and, importantly, it’s

also cost effective for our customers,” said Ellison. But why not just upgrade and rebuild the entire city to a more modern grid system now?

“Conversion of the older system is part of the long-term plan for both Detroit and in other communities we serve,” said Ellison. “But rebuilding all at once is costly and can take many years to complete. In contrast, we can harden all the power delivery equipment tied to one substation in under 12 months and still deliver a huge

reliability benefit to our customers now — at a more affordable price.”

“For me, as a native Detroiter, it’s important that DTE is taking these steps, transitional steps to be sure, to deliver power more safely and reliably across this city — and I am incredibly proud to be a part of this effort.”

To learn more about the many projects and improvements DTE is making in Detroit, visit our new city and neighborhood blog page at empoweringmichigan. com/reliability-improvements/city-ofdetroit/.

Honoring our Trailblazers

Every year during Black History Month, DTE’s REACH (Respecting Ethnic & Cultural Heritage) employee resource group gathers to honor employees for their exceptional leadership and mentorship, acknowledging them as trailblazers for establishing pathways of success for others to follow.

This year, we’re honoring Henry Sapp, gas distribution investigator; Rodney Cole, President, DTE Foundation and Corporate Citizenship; and Doris Seabrook, General Supervisor, Distribution Operations.

Sapp was born, raised and resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s worked with DTE for 23 years out of our Wealthy Station. But his work here is only a part of a much bigger life and mission.

In addition to DTE, Sapp is a Christian comedian, CEO of the non-profit Better, Wiser, Stronger Inc., a Kellogg Foundation Fellow, and a We Matter Now Initiative partner. It’s a lot of hats to wear, but Sapp says, “Where there is true passion, there will be results.”

The organization started by housing kids who had aged out of the foster care system. Many of these foster kids had lived in the system all their lives, with nowhere else to go. It soon transitioned into a homeless shelter to fill the need during “warming season,” the period from April through September when government-supported shelters close due to lack of funding.

“Our goal is to expand as much as possible and continue providing services that aren’t available at other shelters,” said Walker. “We put our residents in a variety of mandatory classes that will help prepare them for life on their own. Even after they move out of the shelter, we transition them to their own place and into a two-year program to ensure they will live a better life and never be homeless again.”

classes and more.

Elite Focus is currently self-funded and looking for sponsors, but the organization has still made a significant impact in its short life. It can currently house 165 individuals in its facilities; has transitioned more than 60 kids and young adults from homelessness to earning their high school diploma or GED and living on their own; and has even founded a landscaping company to provide job opportunities for shelter residents. “I want our residents to find their purpose in life,” said Walker. “If we can work together to help them succeed, that’s everything. There are a lot of people that can make it out there but they’re waiting on somebody or something. That’s us.”

The organization also recently enrolled in DTE’s MIGreenPower program, enabling Elite Focus to attribute a percentage of its electricity use to Michigan-made wind and solar energy. MIGreenPower, currently available to any DTE Electric customer at no additional cost, is helping Elite Focus expand their impact beyond Detroit and create a more sustainable future for all Michiganders by putting more clean energy on the grid. The organization joins more than 1,500 businesses and nearly 100,000 residential customers who are using MIGreenPower to reduce their environmental impact.

“MIGreenPower makes it easy for everyone to benefit from renewable energy and create a cleaner Michigan for all residents,” said Walker. “Here at Elite Focus we are proud to be a part of the program and know that we are making a difference for future generations.”

Learn more about Elite Focus at www.youtube.com/@Elitefocus2024.

Learn

Rodney Cole has worked in various roles with DTE for 19 years, starting in human resources, where he learned about the depth of the organization’s priorities and efforts. He served as director of our state government affairs, managing relationships with Michigan leaders. He then moved into public affairs, where he led our Community Engagement teams and served as vice president of the DTE Foundation before being promoted to his current role as President of the Foundation. He’s also involved with numerous community organizations around Detroit.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a number of people in

Kelli Ellison, DTE Capital Projects manager

JP Morgan Chase Reaffirms its Dedication to Detroit Black

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

As we stand on the precipice of Black History Month, Chase Bank has once again stepped forward to reaffirm its enduring commitment to the economic empowerment and growth of Detroit’s Black business community. With a storied presence that spans nine decades in the city, Chase has become more than just a financial institution; it’s a cornerstone of hope and progress in what is proudly known as America’s Blackest city.

Detroit, a city where Black culture and resilience echoes through the streets, houses a community that comprises over 80% of its population as Black people. It’s a city rich in history, struggle, and triumph, embodying the essence of what it means to rise, united and strong. In recognizing this, JP Morgan Chase, over the last 10 years, has taken significant strides to not only understand but also actively contribute to the upliftment of this mighty community.

“I am Detroit,” said Byna Elliott Managing Director, JP Morgan Chase & Co. “I tell people all the time that I wear my old English ‘D’ under everything because that’s my superpower. JP Morgan’s commitment to Detroit goes back over 10 years ago and when you think about that it set the groundwork for how we look at and work in communities.”

Chase’s commitment transcends mere words; it’s etched in the tangible impacts and initiatives that have been rolled out in neighborhoods across Detroit. From fostering small businesses and supporting financial literacy programs to investing in affordable housing and creating job opportunities, Chase has been at the forefront of driving meaningful change. Their approach is not just about providing financial services but nurturing a thriving ecosystem where the Black community can prosper.

“The things that we learned and understood through our engagement in Detroit has set us up for how we engage,” shared Elliott. “Not just in the U.S., but across the globe.”

As Black History Month comes to a close, Chase’s reaffirmation of its commitment to Detroit’s Black community is a powerful reminder of the role corporations can play in societal progress. It’s about building a legacy that transcends generations, ensuring that the future is bright and filled with endless possibilities for everyone in this great city we call home.

“When we think about the racial equity commitment that we launched in 2020, it was focused on an anchor of our organization

to say, we want to be part of the solution to drive and create more economic mobility and opportunity, and to help close the racial wealth gap,” Elliott said. “We believe that when we do that, and we center our work around those communities that don’t have the opportunity; it actually helps everybody.”

JPMorgan Chase has laid down a new marker in the city’s ongoing story of renewal and rebirth.

Sealing the deal with a $10 million low-cost loan to the Invest Detroit Fund—a partnership that’s been flourishing since 2013—Chase is not just putting its money where its mouth is; it’s planting seeds of growth in the fertile ground of Detroit’s neighborhoods. This isn’t just about financial investment; it’s about fueling a vision for a reimagined Detroit, where business development, housing, and

As we take time this month to celebrate and reflect on the tremendous contributions that African American and other Black diasporic communities have made to the United States and the world, I find myself fortunate to have the opportunity to both reflect on the past and look ahead to the opportunities offered by this important celebration.

Certainly, it is no secret to many of us that Wayne State University — where I have the honor of serving as president — enjoys a strong and enduring legacy of Black history trailblazers. Even a short list of noted Warriors reads like a Who’s Who of historic change agents, be it Congressman John Conyers, chemist Bettye Washington Greene, poet Robert Hayden, jurist Damon Keith, firebrand attorneys Kenneth Cockrell and Edward Littlejohn or former Detroit City Council president Erma Henderson.

As inspiring as it is to look back on the remarkable accomplishments of these and others monumental Black leaders from WSU, the legacies of these great women and men demand that we focus just as intently on the future. To honor and celebrate Black History Month means that, rather than just noting how far we’ve come, we never lose sight of how much farther we have to go — and how committed we must remain to get there.

At Wayne State, that commitment to advancing inclusion is always a priority. It drives our vision. It helps shape our path forward. And it is yielding tangible results.

Consider, for instance, that Wayne State University in 2023 was named the state’s top Carnegie R1 research university for the social mobility of its students, many of them identify as Black or African American. This is no coincidence. In a world where economically under-resourced students who experience many social challenges are less likely than others to finish college, Wayne State has worked diligently to remove impediments to access and success in higher education. We have been pioneers in developing programs such as the Wayne State Guarantee that provides financial assistance for eligible students so they attend tuition-free; the Heart of Detroit tuition pledge that

offers free tuition for students of Detroit high schools or Detroit residents earning a high school diploma; and the Warrior Way Back program that offers debt forgiveness to returning students with an outstanding balance of $4,000 or less so that they can continue to pursue their education. The results so far? This year, among our incoming undergraduate class, more than 20 percent identified as Black or African American and 54% attend Wayne State without paying tuition or academic fees.

transportation aren’t just words, but the building blocks of thriving communities. With this new loan, Chase has committed $15 million in philanthropic support and over $40 million in lending to Invest Detroit.

“When you see a bank and where you see businesses thriving, you see communities thriving,” shared Elliott. “So, we wanted to make sure that we placed the anchor around providing access to capital and capital formation, and providing the technical tools to those small businesses so that they can scale, employ others, and grow.”

This fresh infusion of capital is set to ignite a wave of high-quality residential, commercial, and retail development in neighborhoods that have long awaited their turn in the spotlight. More than that,

Moreover, students are graduating and earning their degrees at record rates. For instance, our six-year graduation rate for Black and African American students has more than tripled over the last decade. Among the top-tier 146 universities of the 4000+ nationwide (classified as Carnegie R1, Very High Research Activity Doctoral Universities), Wayne State now ranks 14th in the percentage of students identifying as Black or African American who earn degrees. This achievement is due in no small part to programs such as Warrior 360, a graduation-focused framework that fully engages students through professional success coaching, peer partners and high-touch, care-driven performance monitoring and intervention. To build upon this success, we recently launched our College to Career initiative, a sweeping effort designed to enhance and expand opportunities for students to deepen learning through career-ready application in and beyond the classroom through experiences such as industry internships, community service-learning projects, entrepreneurial teaming and professional mentoring. We believe College to Career and other efforts will help us add to the rich legacy of African American and Black alumni who’ve made such a difference in our lives and our history.

As part of our commitment to foster-

it’s a lifeline for the small-to-medium-sized businesses that are the heart and hustle of Detroit, providing them with the much-needed capital to expand, innovate, and contribute to the city’s growing scene. With this move, Chase is doubling down on its belief in Detroit’s potential, betting big on the spirit and resilience of its people, and reinforcing its role as a key player in the city’s narrative of revival and relentlessness.

“So, when you think about the work of our racial equity commitment, it is driven around those premises of what keeps individuals, companies and communities from accessing wealth opportunities.” Elliott said. “And then what is our opportunity as a financial institution to help develop the solutions. And then how do we lead from the front and bring others along to help drive better

ing a diverse and inclusive campus community, we also kicked off a cluster hiring program, supported in part by a $6 million Mellon Foundation grant, to attract and engage new faculty members in disciplines across the university whose research is centered on the Black experience. Thus far, we’ve hired 18 new faculty and pathway to faculty members in the Colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the College of Education, the School of Social Work, the College of Fine and Performing Arts, the College of Engineering, and the School of Medicine, and continue to conduct national searches for other diverse hires to further bolster our academic community. With the Mellon grant support, Wayne State also will serve as home to a new Detroit Center for Black Studies, a multidisciplinary hub that promises to connect Black Studies faculty across the university with our surrounding communities, as well as with peers in institutions throughout Michigan.

Our commitment goes well beyond campus, too. We invest heavily in Detroit and its people, delivering health services, broadening business opportunities and providing social support for some of the most vulnerable in our communities. For instance, we are attacking the health disparities that too often affect Black families and hamper the quality of life of countless Detroiters. Our Taylor Street Clinic and Wayne Health Center at 400 Mack Ave. provide critical primary care to under resourced communities where access to health care is often limited. Meanwhile, our Wayne Health Mobile Units deliver health care screenings that can save lives to communities that often lack consistent access to medical care. Programs such as the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child & Family Development apply modern research to facilitate the development and improve

outcomes.”

As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans this February, let’s also acknowledge and support those who are committed to making a difference in the lives of the Black community here in Detroit. After all, it’s in unity, understanding, and relentless pursuit of equality that we can all thrive.

JP Morgan Chase dedication to Detroit’s Black community is more than a chapter in the city’s history; it’s a beacon of hope for a future where economic empowerment and equality are within reach for all. As Detroit continues to evolve and grow, the unwavering support of institutions like Chase will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a city that embodies the strength, resilience, and spirit of its people.

the welfare of children in neighborhoods throughout Detroit. WSU professor Hayley Thompson has brought together Wayne State, the Karmanos Cancer Institute and the Faith Based Genetic Research Institute in a partnership that supports a network of metro Detroit churches that collaborate to boost the health and well-being of the area’s residents, and participation in clinical trials to better understand the basis of disparities in health outcomes in underserved communities. These are but a few examples.

As with health disparities, we’re also committed to taking on the racial wealth gap. One significant case in point: TechTown Detroit, Wayne State’s business support and entrepreneurial hub, last year worked with more than 1,000 entrepreneurs — 63 percent of them who identify as Black or African American — to start 26 new businesses. Those efforts raised more than $23.3 million in startup and growth capital. This work has made a real-world difference, too. For example, TechTown’s resources have gone to support visionaries like Darren Riley, co-founder and CEO of JustAir, a blossoming startup that uses innovative technologies to help communities identify and mitigate sources that pollute breathing environments. In a Detroit where asthma sickens people at rates higher than anywhere else in Michigan, Riley’s entrepreneurship is critical.

Despite our most well-intentioned efforts and our most successful outcomes, however, we recognize that the road to opportunity for all still stretches far ahead. Whatever our advancements, too much of life in our city, our region and our nation remains marred by disparity and discrimination. It is important that we take time this February — and all year ‘round — to acknowledge the bravery, perseverance, genius and determination of the African American men and women who fundamentally shaped our history. And it is just as critical that we use the lessons learned to lift those who will lead us and forge an even brighter future. As president of Wayne State University, I am committed to do just that.

WSU

Byna

A5 | Feb. 28 - March 5, 2024

Michigan Central Station Prepares for Grand Return

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Money.

Within the pages of Detroit’s storied past, there are few structures as symbolic of Detroit’s rise, fall, and current resurgence as the Michigan Central Station. After standing silent for 36 long years, this architectural marvel is set to reclaim its place in the heart of the Motor City’s Corktown neighborhood as it announces its long-awaited reopening date: June 6, 2024.

The announcement sent ripples of excitement across the city, marking not just the return of a transportation hub but a beacon of hope for Detroit’s future. Once a bustling epicenter of activity, Michigan Central Station’s towering presence has loomed over the Detroit skyline since its completion in 1912. Its grandeur knew no bounds, boasting an 18-story tower, ten train gates, and a bustling array of more than 500 offices, restaurants, barbershops, and florists within its walls.

For over a century, the station served as a vital artery connecting Detroit to the rest of the nation, witnessing countless tales of adventure, reunion, and opportunity. From the inaugural departure in 1913 to destinations as far-flung as Saginaw and Bay City to the heyday of the roaring twenties when Detroit stood as a beacon of industrial might, Michigan Central Station stood as a testament to the city’s boundless ambition.

However, like many relics of the past, the station’s fortunes took a turn as the winds of change swept through Detroit. The decline in rail travel, coupled with broader economic shifts, led to its closure in January 1988, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful shell that stood as a stark reminder of better days gone by.

Nearly six years have passed since Ford Motor Co. made headlines with its bold acquisition of the Michigan Central Station for a staggering $90 million back in June 2018. The purchase marked the beginning of an ambitious journey to breathe new life into the 110-year-old Beaux-Arts depot, nestled in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood. Alongside the station, Ford set its sights on transforming other nearby structures, including the former Book Depository building, now rebranded as NewLab, into a cutting-edge mobility tech campus.

The momentum gained traction swiftly, with the renovated NewLab opening its doors to the public in April 2023. However, the journey to restoration was not without its challenges. In 2018, Ford tantalized the public with tours of the station’s 20-story tower, drawing crowds willing to endure hours-long wait times

See MICHIGAN CENTRAL STATION

Page A-6

‘The Detroit Renaissance is Real’: White House Official Visits Newlab with Detroit Black Tech Saturday Founder

By Ebony JJ Curry

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves arrived in Detroit with one mission in mind: to explore the minds of Detroit’s Black entrepreneurs with a highlight on the city’s rising advancement in Black tech. Graves toured Michigan Central Station, a 30-acre campus that symbolizes Detroit’s renaissance and aims to spur the next generation of economic development. Side by side with Johnnie Turnage, CEO of EvenScore and co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays, the group saw firsthand how Michigan Central Station is realizing its goal centered on organizing investments in new technologies. Graves’ trip was more than just a routine check-in. It was a profound exploration of the potential that Detroit holds in shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship in the United States.

“The work that Johnnie and his entire team here in Detroit is doing to help create opportunities and pathways for entrepreneurs who haven’t had that in the past is fantastic,” Graves shared with the Michigan Chronicle. “It’s exactly the thing that we need to replicate around the country.”

Turnage was proud to be a guest of Graves during his tour, citing the fact that his young company was already buzzing across the country thanks to the massive support and reception from the community.

“We’re under a year old at Black Tech Saturdays, but it’s a dream to see entrepreneurs get that spotlight and get that curiosity and figure out how we can not only get that fostered, but how we can grow it, Turnage said. “Around the country, we all just need to learn from each other.”

Turnage’s involvement in the tour em-

phasized the importance of local leadership and community-driven initiatives in Detroit’s tech evolution.

As the landscape of technology continues to evolve with the advent of AI and other breakthroughs, it’s crucial that the pursuit of racial equity remains a focal point.

A revealing study by McKinsey’s Digital Practice and the Institute for Black Economic Mobility highlights a concerning trend: the initiatives aimed at bridging the racial divide in the tech workforce are not meeting their goals. The data shows that a mere eight percent of tech roles and only three percent of tech leadership positions are occupied by Black professionals. This disparity not only jeopardizes substantial income opportunities for Black individuals and

their communities, but it also underscores a critical equity gap in the sector.

According to McKinsey’s findings, this disparity is set to increase in the coming years. While tech roles across various sectors are projected to see a 14 percent increase by 2032, the representation of Black professionals in these fields is expected to rise by just eight percent in the same timeframe.

In Detroit, Turnage and his wife and co-founder, Alexa Turnage, are making significant strides to change this narrative with Black Tech Saturdays. BTS is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within

See BLACK TECH SATURDAYS Page A-6

Black C-Suite Execs Are Persisting Despite Corporate DEI Rollbacks

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Historically marginalized in top-tier executive roles, Black individuals are now making significant strides, breaking through barriers and reshaping the narrative of corporate America. While there are only a handful of Black CEOs at Fortune 500 companies, there has been a marked increase in other C-level positions within these organizations. This surge in Black C-suite leadership not only reflects progress toward diversity and inclusion but also underscores the immense talent and potential within the Black community.

The killing of George Floyd and the subsequent social justice movement served as a pivotal moment for many across the nation, including top companies. The tragedy sparked heightened awareness and spurred positive change in corporate America. A 2023 survey of Black executives conducted by CNBC, in partnership with the Executive Leadership Council, found that 74% of Black executives observed a positive change in the hiring, retention, and promotion of Black employees since Floyd’s death in May 2020. Moreover, 80% reported that their companies have increased support and attention to employee resource groups. These findings suggested a promising shift towards greater inclusivity within corporate structures.

One of the most remarkable figures in this movement is Rosalind Brewer, whose appointment as CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance in 2021 marked a historic moment as the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Brewer’s ascent shattered glass ceilings and served as a powerful symbol of empowerment for Black women

nationwide. In September of 2023, Brewer announced she would be departing from Walgreens, stirring many speculations, but the impact of her legacy remained positive.

Similarly, the tenure of Kenneth Frazier, former CEO of Merck, exemplifies groundbreaking leadership. Frazier, who helmed Merck for nearly a decade, is esteemed for his leadership and advocacy on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. His tenure at the helm of a global healthcare powerhouse serves as an inspiration to aspiring Black executives and could be categorized as the early positive effects of Black leadership.

Beyond symbolism, the rise of Black leaders holds tangible benefits for business

performance and innovation. Studies consistently demonstrate that diverse leadership teams are more adept at problem-solving, driving innovation, and outperforming homogeneous counterparts. By bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront, Black executives not only enhance bottom-line results but also cultivate inclusive cultures that benefit employees, customers, and shareholders alike.

Bozoma “Boz” Saint John reshaped perceptions of Black C-suite leadership with her distinctive approach and impactful leadership style. Renowned as an accomplished American businessperson and marketing executive, Saint John’s career has been

marked by influential roles in several prominent companies. Notably, she made significant contributions as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Netflix, where her innovative strategies played a crucial role in the streaming giant’s ongoing success. Before her tenure at Netflix, Saint John held pivotal positions at Endeavor and Uber, serving as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Chief Brand Officer (CBO), respectively, leaving a lasting impression on each organization she touched.

Before her roles at Endeavor and Uber, Saint John made significant contributions to Apple Music, having joined the company through its acquisition of Beats Music. Her tenure at Apple was marked by groundbreaking marketing initiatives that helped solidify Apple Music’s position as a leading player in the streaming industry. Saint John’s illustrious career also includes a notable stint at PepsiCo.

Despite notable progress in the representation of Black leaders, recent findings from a survey of Black executives underscore the ongoing challenges within organizations. A substantial proportion of Black executives (43%) express concern that the treatment of Black employees within their companies has either remained stagnant or deteriorated since 2020, with only 48% reporting improvements. Additionally, an alarming 50% of respondents highlight disparities in opportunities, indicating that Black employees continue to face obstacles compared to their counterparts within the organization. These results highlight the imperative for continued efforts to address systemic inequities and foster a more inclusive work environment.

Black Tech Saturdays co-founders Alexa and Johnnie Turnage

Black Tech Saturdays

From page A-5

the tech industry, specifically by supporting Black professionals and entrepreneurs. The organization offers a space for skill enhancement, networking, and community engagement, with regular events, workshops, and programs aimed at advancing technical and professional skills.

“It’s really gratifying for me having spent so much time trying to get this city back up off of its knees and onto its feet again,” said Graves. “Investing in rebuilding the infrastructure, rebuilding the connective tissues that allows entrepreneurs to take their talents and turn them into real opportunities.”

The challenge of promoting diversity in tech extends beyond traditional diversity efforts, largely due to the specific technical and interpersonal skills required in the field. Our findings suggest that a fragmented approach is currently being taken by various entities, including nonprofits, corporations, government bodies, and educational institutions. There’s a growing need to create a cohesive ecosystem that offers comprehensive support across these different sectors.

Addressing this issue requires a thorough examination of the entire career pipeline for Black tech talent, identifying and addressing the “leak points” from education to executive levels. These gaps often stem from a lack of awareness, support, and mentorship opportunities, which are crucial for career advancement.

Beyond technical abilities, the development of soft skills is equally important for climbing the corporate ladder, yet STEM majors often lack this training. Informal mentorship networks, which play a key role in skill development and understanding of business operations, are less accessible to Black professionals. Enhancing access to these networks could significantly impact the career trajectories of Black individuals in the tech industry.

Understanding that the success of Detroit’s tech renaissance hinges on the active participation of its entrepreneurs, Deputy Secretary Graves hosted a series of roundtables aimed at fostering open dialogue with the local tech community. These discussions were not just about acknowledging the achievements of Detroit’s Black entrepreneurs but also about addressing the real challenges they face in scaling their businesses and making a mark on the national and global stages.

The roundtables served as a platform for entrepreneurs to voice their experiences, aspirations, and the obstacles that hinder their progress. Topics ranged from access to capital and resources to the need for more inclusive policies that recognize and support the unique contributions of Black entrepreneurs to the tech industry.

Graves’ mission during this visit was to align the aspirations of Detroit’s tech community with the broader objectives of the President’s Investing in America Agenda. This agenda, with its focus on revitalizing America’s infrastructure, fostering innovation, and ensuring equitable growth, offers a framework within which Detroit’s tech initiatives can flourish.

Graves emphasized the Department of Commerce’s commitment to supporting Detroit’s economic development through targeted investments, policy support, and the creation of an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship. The message was clear: the federal government recognizes the potential of cities like Detroit to contribute significantly to America’s tech-led future and is ready to support their journey.

“This city has just grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade and economic inclusion is a critical part of the recipe for Detroit,” Graves said. “It’s why I think the Detroit renaissance is real because of the recognition that there are Black entrepreneurs who have great ideas but haven’t had the support systems that they’ve needed to be able to activate those ideas and turn them into great successful companies but that

is exactly what they’re doing here at Black Tech Saturdays to be a model that we can take to other communities across the country.”

The visit of Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves to Detroit is a powerful reminder of the critical role that diversity and inclusion play in driving economic development and innovation. By focusing on the Black tech entrepreneurs of Detroit, Graves’ mission goes beyond mere economic policy; it is about recognizing and empowering the voices and visions that are often marginalized in the tech industry.

As Detroit continues to transform its economic landscape, support from federal entities like the Department of Commerce will be instrumental in ensuring that this growth is sustainable, inclusive, and reflective of the rich diversity that defines the city. The journey of Detroit’s Black tech entrepreneurs is not just their own; it is a vital chapter in the broader story of American innovation and resilience.

“Blach tech is on the rise,” shared Johnnie Turnage. “So, whatever we can do to speed up the success of Black tech is going to be a game changer.

Michigan Central Station

From page A-5

for a glimpse into the past. These tours served as a prelude to the monumental task ahead: a comprehensive renovation that promised to restore the station to its former glory.

Initially, Ford estimated the cost of the renovation project, inclusive of the train station and surrounding Corktown buildings, to be a staggering $740 million. Yet, as with many ambitious endeavors, the actual expenditure remains shrouded in mystery, leaving onlookers curious about the true extent of the investment.

“We know Detroit and the world are eager to see how we’ve brought Michigan

Central Station back to life,” declared a statement from Michigan Central. “We are excited to show the first glimpse of the station on June 6, 2024, as we open its doors once again.”

Indeed, the reopening of Michigan Central Station is more than just the resurrection of a historic landmark; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of Detroit. As the city continues its journey of revitalization and renewal, Michigan Central Station stands as a symbol of what’s possible when vision, determination, and community come together.

The countdown to June 6, 2024, has begun, and the world is watching as Detroit prepares to shine once again.

DEI Rollbacks

From page A-5

It’s crucial to acknowledge the persistent challenges faced by Black executives in the corporate sphere. Systemic racism, unconscious bias, and limited access to networks and opportunities continue to hinder progress. The path to the C-suite remains strewn with obstacles, necessitating concerted efforts from both corporations and society to dismantle these barriers and create a level playing field.

Despite bold declarations and promises of commitment to DEI and anti-racism, recent developments suggest a troubling regression rather than advancement. Chief diversity officers are being let go, DEI budgets and staff are being slashed, and workplaces are pivoting towards raceless, all-lives-matter-style initiatives. Black employees have been rightfully skeptical of the sudden surge in organizational commitments to DEI post-George Floyd. Past experiences of tokenism and performative gestures within these workplace contexts left them doubtful of the sincerity of these newfound commitments. It appeared more like a reactionary move to avoid being labeled as racist rather than a genuine dedication to long-term change.

In May 2023 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning DEI initiatives in public colleges. Resistance against DEI initiatives has emerged swiftly and persistently. Elon Musk’s assertion characterizing DEI as “another word for racism” and Bill Ackman’s perplexing interpretation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision have sparked heated debates and enticing responses from Black Leaders.

“When you see elected leaders demonizing educators and weaponizing education, it’s a five-alarm fire for democracy,” said Irene Mulvey, president of The American Association of University Professors. “It important to understand that when governors attack DEI efforts, they completely mischaracterize them to create a straw-man demon that they now have to do away with.”

Genuine progress towards DEI requires a commitment to representation at all organizational levels, not solely in executive suites. This necessitates building diverse talent pipelines, promoting equity in hiring and promotion practices, and nurturing a culture where all voices are heard and valued.

As we celebrate the rise of Black CEOs in corporate America, it’s imperative to recognize that the journey toward true diversity and inclusion is ongoing. By championing DEI efforts, we can build a future where opportunities are accessible to all, irrespective of race or background. The success of Black leaders isn’t just a win for diversity; it’s a win for business, innovation, and in society.

Black Entrepreneur Roundtable

Will Voting Rights for Detroit Require Another Bloody Sunday?

By Sherry Gay-Dagnogo

The first Census of the United States was taken in 1792; the basis by which our State Legislature, U.S. House of Representatives and Senate districts are drawn based on population. African Americans had not yet received the right to vote until the passage of the 15th Amendment on February 26, 1869, 155 years ago to date. However, it still took 5 African American votes to equal 3 votes of our white counterparts, and discriminatory practices limiting access to the ballot box persisted.

As African Americans many of our rights had to be gained through the power of legal battles that took time, tenacity, and a will to fight back against injustice. Jim Crow laws forced segregation, and the doctrine of Separate but Equal, birthed through the historic Plessy vs. Ferguson Supreme Court ruling, and later Brown vs. Education, both became the bedrock of separate but equal policies. It took the audaciousness Frederick Douglass, a man born into slavery, to become a spokesperson and abolitionist against the oppressive grips of bondage, traveling the U.S. and abroad forcing a national discussion. It also took the diligence of leaders like Educator and Writer Ida B. Wells, and countless others which fought amidst lynchings, cross burnings, and church bombings, through protests and riots which helped to usher in the Civil Rights Movement.

Social Justice Advocates continued to fight for the right to vote, and many protests were led by the late Congressman John Lewis, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Reverend Hosea Williams of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). They marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and found themselves facing attacks from state and county officers, being callously and brutally beaten until they bled. Dr. King made it clear that “An unjust law is no law at all.” Organizing and leading boycotts in Montgomery, Alabama, willing to endure the pain and trauma of a selfless act to empower others, led to the unparalleled passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The cost of freedom for fair voting rights was paid for by blood which drenched the streets of our nation, and the equal protections of the 14th Amendment provided the constitutional right to elect candidates from our communities to represent us in the halls of the U.S. Congress, Senate, and our State Legislative Assemblies throughout the United States.

Nearly 60 years later, Agee V. Benson is no different! This case

brought by 20 African American plaintiffs fighting for fair and equal representation and the ability to elect their preferred candidate as outlined by Section 2. of the Voting Rights Act “ Thornburg v. Gingles, 478 U.S. 30, 47 (1986). Voting rights and fair representation are crucial to a people who have had to endure inhumane and social injustices. What’s needed are advocates who have shared experiences, more evolved and sophisticated perspectives, and a willingness to champion change for fair policies.

The aforementioned protections are important as there are a vast number of barriers that have impeded the advancement of true equity for African American residents in the state of Michigan. The Kerner Commission released its report on the correlation of racial disparities and violence in 1968, and it’s primary finding was that the uprising of 1967 was the lack of economic opportunity, and the way blacks were treated by white society. The predominant blame for the urban crisis was attributed to white institutions and white racism. Fifty-five years later, poverty and institutional racism persist and this history of discrimination against African Americans that are systemically woven through policies stunt economic development, and equal access to enterprise and procurement for black businesses.

The first African American to join Michigan’s Legislature in 1876 was William Webb Ferguson, a Detroit Public Schools Graduate, and later graduate of Detroit College of Law. Ferguson experienced discrimination firsthand in a local restaurant and won his case before the Michigan Supreme Court which served as a catalyst for his advocacy. While he can be considered the father of the De-

troit Caucus, the Detroit Caucus, wasn’t officially founded until Judge William McConnico’s tenure in Michigan’s legislature. However, justice had been championed years prior by Former Legislator and Congressman Charles Diggs, the late Mayor Coleman A. Young, Teola P. Hunter, Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, Morris Hood Sr., Retired Judge Virgil Smith, Alma G. Stallworth, Senator Marth Scott, and many others. They were able to vote as a block to bring resources home to Detroit.

As the first Woman and Former Chair of the Detroit Caucus, I know that the Hickory Map diluted that longstanding power, cracking Detroit into 22 pieces, which crossed several municipalities and multiple county lines, with only 7 Detroit representatives from Detroit had to be fought.

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC), established by a 2018 state referendum created a body of 13 Commissioners statewide tasked with drawing new legislative districts. Through discovery, it was revealed that these individuals, regardless of well intentioned, were grossly misguided by their consulting expert Bruce Addleson and the Commission’s General Counsel Julianne Pastula, creating districts for which the Black Voting Age Population (BVAPs), fell woefully below the federal voting rights guidelines utilizing inaccurate election data; Presidential Elections, in lieu of August Primary Election Data.

The Three Panel Judges ruled in favor of the 20 plaintiffs that 7 State House Districts, and 6 State Senate districts violated the Equal Protections of the 14th Amendment, as the Hickory Maps were drawn based on race, and must be redrawn.

This lawsuit filed in March of 2022, took two years to ensure justice and many have remained silent or dismissed its findings as their priorities are more congruent with the partisan victory, and Democratic control to which our plaintiffs find shameful. The subversion of inequality, constraining the will that causes the aftermath of Detroiters as second-class citizens aren’t deserving of the protections of the U.S Constitution, and should be satisfied with a 20% reduction in Black Caucus representation, voter dilution in Detroit, and no African American Congressman for the first time in 55 years is unfathomable.

The evidence in this case, the secret meetings, and the testimony of two former Detroit Caucus Members Former Senator Virgil K. Smith, and Former Representative Lamar Lemmons, made it clear to the Judges who returned a ruling December 21, 2023, after a 6-Day trial that Detroit deserved better. The MICRC Commission voted to file a stay in the U.S. Supreme Court January 2024, to halt the redrawing of the Hickory Map, and shamefully Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, of which campaigned on Voting Rights, enjoined in their lawsuit to delay justice for Detroit Voters.

The U.S. Supreme Court rendered a unanimous ruling in favor of the 20 African American Agee v. Benson plaintiffs, which upheld The Three Panel Judges ruling that the maps violated the U.S. Constitution and must be redrawn and submitted to the 6th District Court, by March 1st. Plaintiffs will have the final opportunity to object to any map that does not align with federal redistricting guidelines, thus denying preferred Black Representation one day after the Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, March 7. 1965.

I share this history as a former Michigan Legislator serving six years in the House of Representatives, as I realized one of the most significant aspects of advocating for justice for Detroit must be gained through education, and educating my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the systemic racism which exists in our state’s history through policies which perpetuate egregious inequalities; and as such, the inclusion of African American History in our K-12 schools is necessary.

I introduced legislation each term to ensure that a body of African American Studies experts, and organizations would become a part of a 2 year commission to establish the framework for which content and benchmarks would be established to ensure the education of all Michigan citizens as there is critical historical context that will provide insight and understanding to both the struggle, resilience, and contributions, made to our country by African Americans, and hence our story “African American History” is rightfully named, American History. I am grateful that my bill has been taken up by Representative Helena Scott and a companion bill with Representative Jason Hoskins. I am hopeful that they will receive the hearing this bill deserves given a Democratic majority continues to be celebrated.

Given our history in the State of Michigan, given our commitment to the Democratic Party, I am disheartened that it had to come to these extremes to ensure that African American receive a measure of justice. We’re on the eve of a Presidential Primary Election that will require the votes of African Americans to save the candidacy of President Joe Biden, and we should make it a priority to participate in this process. However, it is my sincere hope that it doesn’t take another Bloody Sunday to ensure adequate representation for citizens in the city of Detroit, and predominately African American cities and communities throughout our state. I call on the leaders of the Michigan Democratic Party and our allies to stand with our plaintiffs to ensure that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is upheld, and our priorities as African Americans become visible in our beloved party of choice. We know that the work is not yet done, as The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 remains. My refrain remains the same unequivocally: Black Leadership Matters!

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, M.Ed. Agee v. Benson

Plaintiff Agent & Spokesperson

Former State Representative Detroit School Board Member

FORCE Detroit is Taking Aim at a New Kind of Community Reform

By Biba Adams

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When moderate Americans advocate for common sense gun laws, the conservative argument is often “What about Chicago?” In the 80s, the city in question was Detroit. While the name of the city changes, the idea is the same. It is rooted in racist tropes that Black people are more violent, and that “Black on Black crime” is an issue that goes unaddressed in U.S. major cities.

FORCE Detroit knows how false this argument is.

For almost a decade, FORCE Detroit has advanced community-led strategies that interrupt, prevent, and reduce violence in our communities, especially as it relates to gun violence. The organization leverages advocacy, organizing, and narrative building to create safer, freer communities that support impacted families and prevent future incidents through education and outreach.

In this 10-part series, Michigan Chronicle will examine the efforts of FORCE Detroit and its work in conjunction with other community leaders who have been instrumental in the successful decrease of violent crime rates in Detroit. While the credit for these decreases are often lauded on police departments and prosecutors, these entities aren’t alone in their work, nor would their efforts be as successful without the hard work of organizations like FORCE, who work on a more grassroots level to impact their neighborhoods and, more importantly, their neighbors – the people who occupy the same blocks as they do.

FORCE Detroit’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) initiatives approach firearm-related crime as a public health epidemic, curable with data-informed, evidence-based, customizable, stakeholder-driven solutions that minimize legal system involvement.

They are independent in their CVI efforts, though, nor are they the first to do it.

One of the earliest violence intervention programs in the city was SOSAD (Save Our Sons and Daughters) which existed from 1987 to 1992. The group was formed as “The Group Without a Name,” by Clementine Barfield, who called together several parents of children killed in Detroit during 1986. Her son Derick Barfield was killed in July 1986 and another son critically wounded. The parents and concerned citizens met at the Church of the New Covenant-Baptist to organize a support group and to fight for gun control, according to the archived records at The University of Michigan.

A city-wide prayer service was attended by more than 1,400 people and the organization went on to conduct programs aimed at reducing youth homicides in Detroit and addressing the problem of teen violence.

Additionally, Detroit 300 is another predecessor of FORCE Detroit. The group of armed citizens who took to the street to track down violent criminals – particularly sex offenders – and make citizen’s arrest particularly at a time when the city was not afforded the resources to respond in

the most efficient way to its backlog of rape kits.

FORCE Detroit is one of the city’s most visible organizations in the current generation of community-led violence interventionist programs.

Since its founding by well-known community advocate Alia Harvey-Quinn, FORCE has been a powerful voice in advocacy and organizing, coalition building, capacity building, and ensuring community voices are heard. The name stands for Faithfully Organizing Resources for Community Empowerment.

Additionally, FORCE is working to create an infrastructure for building peace by establishing new CVI sites to confirm proof of concept and expand their reach. They will provide grant funds, training, and mentorship to bolster partner organizations and support the field.

“The concept of CVI connected to that in a way that deeply spoke to me and spoke to the vision that I have for our community. And that vision is one where community shows up as experts ourselves,” Harvey-Quinn explains. “And then we lead powerful initiatives that allow us to create systems for transformation that speak to us culturally, right that don’t prop up outsiders as experts.”

These initiatives would also “employment opportunities for folks that otherwise wouldn’t be deemed as valuable in our community.”

One of the people who has been employed as a Community Violence Interventionist for FORCE as the leader of a team of violence intervention specialists is Terence “C-MO” Hampton.

“I understand. I understand the people in the neighborhood on a different, deeper level. When I deal with my participants, I look at them in the eyes, and it was once me,”

Hampton says, when asked about why he does the work that he does. He adds, “I’m deep rooted in this,” again adding, “This work has given me a chance to change the whole dynamic of my whole outlook on my life.”

Much of the energy at FORCE is about atonement. Being able to change an environment of violence that one has either being on the giving or receiving end of--but where all have been affected.

Karisha Vanzant, a Program Coordinator for FORCE explains, “The work we do is so personal to me because throughout my life, I have experienced violence on many different levels. And being a part of this organization has made me find solutions to all of those different levels of violence. And how we tackle decreasing violence within the city is very important.”

FORCE is clear that Community Violence Interventionists are not police – they are deeply embedded community leaders who are able to influence and be the voice of communities that are hurting.

“One of the major changes that I’ve seen within the community is,” Vanzant says, “allowing communities to be leaders in their own in their own trajectory of their lives. A lot of times, we as a people, different organizations, or just as a collective, don’t allow people to solve their own issues. It’s always ‘what we want or how we see things’ from policymakers. And the community has expressed at a high level that being able to do that for themselves and lead that work – they understand that they are closest to the problem, so they are closest to the solution.”

This is the first of a 10-part series that will dive deeply into FORCE’s mission, the impact of CVI groups’ work, the challenges they face, and the solutions to overarching problems of violence in communities including Detroit.

FORCE Detroit Founder Alia Harvey-Quinn stands with her team of violence intervention specialists outside of the organization’s headquarters in Detroit.

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo

Making history since 1868. Recognizing Black excellence every day.

In celebration of Black History Month, we salute some of our many alumni who have made and are making a difference, and students blazing their own trails. Learn how you can become a Warrior at wayne.edu

Black History in Detroit Made Every Day in Many Ways

By Donald James SENIOR WRITER, REAL TIMES MEDIA

As Black History Month 2024, comes to an end, it should be a stark reminder that celebrating the accomplishments, contributions, history, and vast stories of Black people in America should be every day, not just every February. And in Detroit, often called America’s Blackest “major city,” Black people have a history of significant contributions and accomplishments spanning well over a century.

While it’s important to remember and learn from the past, it’s also imperative that Detroiters realize Black history is not just a series of events, accomplishments, and contributions of yesteryear but is being made every day in every way throughout the Motor City. The contributions made by African Americans in Detroit have often propelled other Black people to rise as history-makers across broad sectors.

The Michigan Chronicle sat down earlier this month to talk with Detroiter Ken Coleman, one of the foremost historians on everything Black in Detroit. Coleman is a former senior editor, reporter, and writer with the Michigan Chronicle and continues to capture the Black experience in Detroit through other print and electronic platforms. Having chronicled Black life in Detroit since 1991, Coleman has authored four books on African American history in the city. He consistently posts stories – past and present – on Facebook and X about the journeys and experiences of Black people in Michigan, especially in Detroit.

MC – What is compelling about Black History in Detroit that has motivated you to write about Black people and their experiences in the Motor City for decades?

KC – It’s everything. As a former writer for the Chronicle and other publications, I got a chance to meet Black people, which inspired me to do deep dives into the history of Paradise Valley and Black Bottom, or deep dives into the Motown Sound. What has really driven me are all the great stories and experiences of Black life in Detroit in the 1920s, ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s connected to the music, culture, businesses and entrepreneurship, business leaders, Black theater productions, the Civil Rights Movement, and much more.

MC – Black history is not always about what happened 50, 100, or 150 years ago in this city; sometimes it is about what happened yesterday or today. With that said…Who are the Black History Makers making history today in Detroit?

KC – It’s hard to name all the Black people who are making Black history each and every day in Detroit because there are so many committed to the city and doing strong things. When you start naming people you are going to miss folks. However, native Detroiter Garlin Gilchrist II, the first African American to serve as Michigan’s Lt. Governor, continues to work tirelessly as the second in command at the state’s executive level. There is Jamon Jordan, an educator, writer, researcher, and historian who founded the Black Scroll Network, History and Tours in Detroit. He is the first official historian for the city of Detroit. Sonya Mays, a real estate developer in Detroit, is doing incredible work, especially in the Detroit North End to provide affordable new housing. She also sits on DPSCD’s school board making contributions to the education of Detroit children. Gail Perry-Mason is someone else who is making history as an author, financial planner, and civic leader. She teaches financial literacy to young people in the city and is one of Detroit’s greatest ambassadors. I like what rapper, recording artist, and native Detroiter Big Sean is doing to constantly educate, inform, celebrate, and encourage young people in Detroit to become future history makers.

MC – From your perspective, what are a couple of Detroit businesses making history daily in the city?

KC – I would say Real Times Media led by Hiram Jackson is doing an incredible job of making and chronicling Black history every day. Real Times Media publishes the Michigan Chronicle and other historic Black newspapers nationwide. The company Detroit vs Everybody, created and operated by Detroiter Tommey Walker, is making Black entrepreneurial history in the city and has taken its brand nationally and internationally. There are many others.

MC – What are some civil rights organizations making history advocating for Black people daily in Detroit?

KC – I see the important work that the Detroit Branch NAACP is still doing that’s making history. It has been led for 30 years by Rev. Anthony who continues to do incredible work. However, Kamilia Landrum, the Detroit Branch NAACP’s executive director, now in her fifth year in the position, is doing incredible work as the youngest person ever appointed as executive director of the Detroit Branch. She is a Millennial who I’ve watched from afar on various projects, and I’m proud of her work. Rev. Charles Williams, who heads the National Action Network in Michigan, is another person making daily contributions to Black people through the organization. He does work for what he calls, “The Least of These,” meaning underrepresented folks trying to make it in Detroit and throughout the state.

MC – Making Black history is important but chronicling and preserving it is critical now because of the attempts by some factions of society to erase or trivialize it. How can Black history and contributions be preserved?

KC – That’s what I’ve been committed to do. I get up at 4:00 a.m. every day and post on Facebook and X notable facts carried out by African Americans or involving African Americans in Detroit. It’s little things like that which reach a larger populist. I try to find ways to reach people where they are, but it’s not just me. It’s huge that the brother Jamon Jordan, the city of Detroit’s first historian, has spent his whole adult life reaching, better understanding, and preserving the history of Black people in Detroit. The work that he’s doing, and has done over the years, has pushed back against that whitewashing of our Black history.

MC – You left yourself out as someone Black in Detroit protecting Black History.

KC – Presenting Black life and history in Detroit is my passion! There is tremendous pressure on all of us to continue to present Black history because of the forces out there to silence us and the history that we offer.

Dr. Ikenna Okereke speaks to students enrolled in the surgical mentorship program.

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Throughout the bustling corridors of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, a remarkable initiative is quietly changing the trajectories of young lives. Dr. Ikenna Okereke, a distinguished thoracic surgeon and the Vice Chairman of the Department of Surgery, is spearheading a mentorship program aimed at igniting the spark of interest in the medical field among high school students, particularly those of color.

The program, which Dr. Okereke initiated eight years ago in Texas and three years ago in Detroit, is more than just a series of lectures or workshops. It’s a transformative journey that provides students with hands-on experiences, invaluable insights, and, most importantly, the belief in their own potential.

For many students, the mentorship program has been nothing short of a revelation. “You get to actually put gloves on, put a gown on and you’re right next to a surgeon,” Maxwell, a 10th grader in the program, said. “I think I want to do surgery, and this program really helped me see that.”

What sets Dr. Okereke’s program apart is its multifaceted approach, which is divided into three phases.

It begins with medical professionals visiting high schools, sparking curiosity and laying the groundwork for future exploration. Then comes the pivotal phase, where students step into the hallowed halls of Henry Ford Hospital, engaging in handson activities and shadowing surgeons, demystifying the once seemingly unattainable path to medicine.

Dr. Okereke emphasizes that the aim isn’t just to introduce students to surgery but to instill in them the confidence and passion to pursue their dreams relentlessly. “My main goal is to show students that they have the ability to succeed in whatever field they want,” said Dr. Okereke. “My saying is that ‘if you can see it, you can be it.’ I simply want to provide the students with role models and expose them to life as a professional.”

The impact of Dr. Okereke’s program extends far beyond the operating theater. Through data collected from his previous program in Texas, he discovered a significant shift in students’ attitudes toward their academic and career aspirations. More students expressed interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or medicine. They felt better prepared for college and more confident in their ability to achieve their career goals.

The success stories emerging from Dr. Okereke’s mentorship program are a testament to its effectiveness. Students who once harbored doubts about their abilities now stand poised to embark on remarkable journeys in the medical field. Dr. Okereke’s vision extends beyond merely producing future surgeons; he aims to empower a generation to defy the odds and chart their own paths to success.

Dr. Okereke says success in the program is proven, and he is excited about the future impact. “75% of students who enter the program are still on a track to

Students enrolled in Dr. Ikenna Okereke’s surgical mentorship program get hands-on experience during a surgical session. be in medicine, whether it’s undergrad, medical schools, in residency. I think it’s very humbling. I remember when I was in their shoes.”

For those intrigued by the prospect of joining Dr. Okereke’s mentorship program, the opportunity awaits. Detroit-area high school students who are passionate about medicine or eager to explore various career paths are encouraged to apply. The program, conducted throughout the academic year, offers participants a chance to immerse themselves in the world of medicine through hospital visits, skill-building ses-

sions, and interactions with healthcare professionals.

Additionally, ten selected students have the opportunity to participate in a paid summer internship, delving deeper into their desired careers and gaining invaluable insights into the next steps toward success.

To embark on this transformative journey, interested students can reach out to Dr. Okereke via email at iokerek1@hfhs.org or by phone at 313-916-2698.

More information about the program and its application process can be found on the Henry Ford Health website.

Dr. Ikenna Okereke’s

mentorship program isn’t just about inspiring future surgeons; it’s about nurturing dreams, fostering confidence, and empowering individuals to reach for the stars. In a world brimming with possibilities, Dr. Okereke is lighting the way for the surgeons, scientists, and leaders of tomorrow.

“There are not a lot of underrepresented people in most aspects of medicine, especially surgery and so beginning back then, one of my goals was to try to introduce as a pipeline program underrepresented high school students to surgery,” Okereke said.

Ken Coleman

Dudley Randall’s Enduring Influence:

Exploring His Words and Legacy

By Amber Ogden

“A poet is not a jukebox, so don’t tell me what to write” - Dudley Randall.

Tucked away are 12 boxes of the thinnest, most delicate paper full of history and language from a previous time. The words are lifelines that trace back to a transitional period of pain, friendships, and forever love that will linger on. Housed at the University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library are old ledgers, international travel itineraries from Africa and Europe, supply receipts, and love letters that belonged to the late Dudley Randall. Born in Washington, DC, but raised on the west side of Detroit, Randall is the definition of Detroit Hustle. In 1965, he founded and independently funded the Broadside Press, today known as Broadside Lotus Press, with only $12 to his name. Detroit is a proud and innovative city, and Randall’s creation of Broadside Press can be viewed through the same lens; he saw a void of uplifting Black voices, including his own, and filled it.

Randall was able to share with people worldwide the great poetic giants of our time today, from “the Godmother of African American Poetry,” Naomi Long Madgett, Nikki Giovanni, Robert Hayden, Sonia Sanchez, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Audre Lorde, to name a few. There are countless others. Randall’s scope was more significant than he had imagined, as the original plan was for Broadside Press to publish his own poetry, specifically his poem, in response to the 1963 church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, called “The Ballad of Birmingham.”

Ballad of Birmingham,

written by Dudely Randall

(On the bombing of a church in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963)

“Mother dear, may I go downtown

Instead of out to play,

And march the streets of Birmingham

In a Freedom March today?”

“No, baby, no, you may not go,

For the dogs are fierce and wild, And clubs and hoses, guns and jails

Aren’t good for a little child.”

“But, mother, I won’t be alone.

Other children will go with me, And march the streets of Birmingham

To make our country free.”

“No, baby, no, you may not go, For I fear those guns will fire.

But you may go to church instead

And sing in the children’s choir.”

She has combed and brushed her night-dark hair, And bathed rose petal sweet,

And drawn white gloves on her small brown hands, And white shoes on her feet.

The mother smiled to know her child Was in the sacred place,

But that smile was the last smile

To come upon her face.

For when she heard the explosion, Her eyes grew wet and wild. She raced through the streets of Birmingham Calling for her child.

She clawed through bits of glass and brick, Then lifted out a shoe.

“O, here’s the shoe my baby wore,

But, baby, where are you?”

Source: Cities Burning (Broadside Press, 1968)

Beginning to write and string words together at age 4, Randall published his first poem on the “Young Poets” page with the Detroit Free

Where City Meets

Celebrating

Four Decades of Grace:

The Story of Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy and Debra White-Hunt

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Taking up space and continuing to make history within the authentic scene of Detroit’s New Center, Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy emerges not merely as a dance studio but as a sanctuary of art and community spirit, meticulously woven over four decades. At the helm of this artistic odyssey is Debra White-Hunt, a figure synonymous with nurturing and excellence in the realm of dance. Through the years, White-Hunt has assumed the role of a guiding matriarch, shaping the destinies of countless dancers whose grace has adorned stages far and wide.

The academy’s walls, spanning 10,000 square feet, serve as a canvas to the chronicles of its past, with photographs of pirouetting ballerinas and vibrant jazz ensembles capturing moments that stretch back to the early 2000s. These images, more than mere decorations, are testaments to a legacy of dance that has flourished under White-Hunt’s stewardship.

2024 marks a milestone year for the academy, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a flourish of activities that pay homage to its rich history. The centerpiece of this jubilation is the annual Black History Month concert that took place Thursday, aptly named “More Precious Than Rubies,” a nod to both the significance of the ruby anniversary and WhiteHunt’s personal reflections on the value of her life’s work. “The title draws from the deep well of my birthstone, the ruby, and the sacred words of Proverbs 3:15, which resonate with the journey of this academy,” White-Hunt explains.

The Detroit School of Arts was the host to this grand celebration, featuring an eclectic showcase of dance forms that mirror the academy’s diverse curriculum. From the fluid narratives of contemporary dance to the rhythmic tales told through tap and samba, the event promises an immersive cultural experience. The evening also unveiled the artistic contributions of seven local visual artists, further enriching the academy’s tradition of celebrating art in its myriad forms.

The academy’s story began in 1984, rooted in White-Hunt’s vision and her partnership with her husband, Bruce Hunt. From a modest beginning in Harmonie Park, the academy has evolved into a beacon of artistic excellence, with its current abode in the New Center One building on West Grand Boulevard serv-

ing as a testament to its growth and enduring impact. White-Hunt’s journey with dance has been both a personal and professional crusade, marked by accolades and acknowledgments, including the prestigious 2020 Kresge Artist Fellow. Yet, her reflections often circle back to a pivotal conversation with Alvin Ailey in New York, which sowed the seeds for what would become one of Detroit’s most revered cultural institutions.

As the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy commemorates its 40th year, it stands as a monument to the transformative power of dance, having touched the lives of over 15,000 dancers. This anniversary is not just a celebration of past achievements but a beacon of hope and inspiration for the art of dance in Detroit, continuing to illuminate the path for future generations.

Today, the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy (DWDA) thrives at 3031 W. Grand Blvd. Echoing the nurturing atmosphere of the Detroit recreation centers from White-Hunt’s own youth, the academy has become a cornerstone of the community. Since its inception, it has imparted dance and invaluable life lessons to tens of thousands of students, their ages spanning from toddlers at 2 to seniors at 95.

“Our oldest student was 95 and that was my dad actually,” said White-Hunt. “He was in the daddy-daughter class, and he danced until he passed on. Dance was just in his blood and that’s how I have it.

We love teaching various age groups because each age group brings a new energy and a new opportunity to the dance floor.”

Throughout her extensive journey in dance, spanning over six decades, WhiteHunt has garnered numerous honors for her profound impact on the community, including her 2021 induction into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. Yet, from her home in northwest Detroit, White-Hunt shared on January 16th that her ascent to becoming a beacon of inspiration and a community leader was never her initial aim.

White-Hunt’s repertoire extends across a broad spectrum of roles, including artist, dancer, choreographer, writer, artistic director, and, notably, educator. It’s this last role that has seen her go above and beyond. The drive to educate propelled White-Hunt and her husband to establish the DWDA back in 1984 within a quaint studio in the Harmonie Park neighborhood, fueled by a commitment to her students who yearned for continuity in their dance education during the summer months.

“Dance means everything,” WhiteHunt shared. “It’s who we are. It’s part of our culture and it makes us shine. It’s part of being alive. To move our bodies and to move our bodies in rhythm, it’s nothing like it.”

Speaking with a gentle yet fervent tone, White-Hunt reflects on the transformative journey of the DWDA and its profound effect on both the lives it has touched and her own life, enriched by the

The Heart Work of Equity, A Look at Emotional Intelligence Through the Black Lens

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

From early on, Black individuals often learn to adjust how they show their feelings due to societal

what’s

“acceptable”

expression. This adaptation points to a larger issue: society’s failure to recognize the full emotional depth of Black people. The need to fit emotions into a narrow societal framework starts at home and impacts all areas of life, widening the gap between true feelings and how they’re shown. This gap not only affects personal emotional growth but also continues a cycle where societal misunderstandings and stigmas about emotions are reinforced, especially towards the Black community.

“Growing up we didn’t talk a lot about emotions, we didn’t really have the opportunity to and emotions can be very strong,” said Cathy Mott, an experienced leadership coach and CEO of CWC Leadership Development. “Most people repress or suppress emotions so, when I think about our people and our community, we need the education, and we need the resources

around emotional intelligence.”

In the context of Black history, marked by both suffering and resilience, the discourse on emotional intelligence and racial justice gains immense importance. This conversation merges the enduring impact of systemic racism with the enduring strength of the Black community. As we dissect societal standards and cultural prejudices, the gap in emotional comprehension between Black individuals and others becomes not only clear but also a call for urgent action—a demand for the deep, transformative work of achieving true equity.

This transformative work, deeply ingrained in Black cultural heritage and lived experiences, calls for active engagement rather than mere recognition. It necessitates a fundamental change in our interactions based on the firm belief that equity enriches society for everyone. Emotional intelligence—the art of being attuned to our own emotions and those of the people around us—emerges as a vital skill in this journey. Yet, the challenge remains: how to fully embrace emotional intelligence in a society clouded by racial prejudices?

Adopting mindfulness and improving communication can greatly enhance our ability to understand emotions within ourselves and others, leading to stronger connections and increased productivity in any setting. Achieving success is closely linked with this deeper awareness, making it crucial to start developing emotional intelligence immediately.

Mott supports individuals in navigating this path of emotional awareness and growth with her resources, including the workbook and app “My Journey Within.”

“The reason why I’m interested in helping the Black community with emotional intelligence because I coach a lot of executives and c-suite leaders and I asked myself during a very profound coaching session with an executive, why is this not available to the mases?” Mott shared. “So, I’ve taken a coaching conversation that I’ve had with tons of executives and put it into an app called, ‘My Journey Within.’ It’s like having an emotional intelligence coaching companion in your pocket that you can visit as many times throughout the day.” Mott cuts to the heart of emotional intelligence. She simplifies it: recognize your emotion in the moment, name it, validate it, and decide what to do with it. Mott points out a common oversight: people experience hundreds of emotions daily but only recognize a few. “We go through over 400 emotions a day, but most can only identify four to six,” she notes. Mott encourages a thoughtful approach to emotions, urging people to reflect on their feelings and their options for responding. This self-awareness is crucial, she argues, as many don’t realize the

extent of control they have over their emotional reactions. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in improving all types of relationships, from personal to professional, and argues it’s a skill everyone should develop, not just the Black community, for overall human betterment.

The struggle for racial equity is deeply rooted in a history of injustice, marked by stories of pain and resilience. For Black people, this means constantly balancing genuine emotional expression with societal pressures that try to box them in. Cultural stereotypes often filter and reduce the depth of Black emotional experiences. Despite these obstacles, the Black community leverages emotional intelligence as a means of resilience and strength, a heritage of endurance. This journey towards understanding and equality isn’t just for the Black community; it requires allies ready to tackle their prejudices and engage in hard conversations about race, privilege, and fairness.

The concept of Black emotional

Debra White-Hunt

Cathy Mott

Dudley Randall

My Journey Within

From page B-1

intelligence emphasizes the importance of leaders within the Black community having the adeptness to both perceive and navigate their own emotions, along with those of their colleagues. This skill set is pivotal in recognizing and valuing the diverse experiences, viewpoints, and necessities intrinsic to each member of a team or organization. The significance of emotional intelligence for Black leaders cannot be overstated, as it serves as a cornerstone for fostering a dynamic and successful business atmosphere.

“A lot of people don’t have a healthy relationship with themselves and then they become leaders,” shared Mott. “It’s kind of like, love others as your love yourself and when people don’t have a healthy relationship and they’re not thriving under their own leadership it’s kind of difficult for them to be great leaders so that emotional intelligence piece is very important.”

Emotional intelligence involves understanding how emotions influence personal beliefs and behaviors, as well as those of others. It encompasses self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, including the ability to influence and lead. The stigmatization of Black identity over more than 400 years necessitates the use of emotional intelligence as a survival mechanism within a dominant culture.

These emotional skills, often heralded as essential for leadership success in the modern business world, have been integral to the survival strategies of Black people in America since the era of enslavement.

A 2019 report from the Center for Talent Innovation revealed that Black professionals face prejudice nearly four times more frequently than their white counterparts and experience a significantly higher rate of 14 distinct microaggressions compared to all other racial groups surveyed. The report highlights the stark differences in how Black individuals are perceived by their supervisors.

Furthermore, a Harvard Business Review

survey found that Black employees who felt they had achieved a sense of belonging and career success within their companies often engaged in code-switching. However, this adaptation was linked to a higher likelihood of burnout, likely due to the exhausting and disheartening nature of constant masking efforts.

According to a 2000 Cornell Law article, “Working Identity,” women and minorities often feel compelled to engage in extensive ‘extra’ identity work to challenge negative stereotypes about their capabilities, only to find themselves still constrained by those very stereotypes when attempting to defy them.

Society’s collective emotional intelligence, or the lack thereof, significantly impacts how emotions are perceived and expressed across different communities, with the Black community often bearing the brunt of these shortcomings. This deficiency in societal emotional literacy leads to a narrow, stereotypical interpretation of emotional expressions, particularly those of Black individuals. The broader societal inability to navigate and understand the full spectrum of human emotions fosters environments where expressing feelings, especially by Black people, is often misinterpreted as anger or hostility. This mischaracterization is not just a matter of personal misunderstanding but reflects deeper systemic biases embedded within cultural and institutional norms. The consequence is a perpetuation of stereotypes that not only stigmatize emotional expression but also contribute to a cycle of miscommunication and marginalization.

One must wonder why it is that when Black colleagues call attention to microaggressions or outright discriminatory behaviors, their white counterparts often respond by adopting a victim stance. This phenomenon raises critical questions about the dynamics of accountability and privilege in the workplace and beyond. It seems there’s an ingrained defensiveness, a quickness to deflect blame rather than confront the uncomfortable truths about racial biases and their

Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy

From page B-1

support of family, friends, and a community that rallied around her vision. Despite her deep connection to the academy and its mission, White-Hunt hints at a future where new leadership takes the helm. This transition, she insists, must be to individuals who uphold the academy’s foundational values and integrity, ensuring the legacy of an institution that has weathered Michigan’s harshest winters—a resilience symbolized by an anecdote involving Bruce during the academy’s beginning stages.

As White-Hunt outlined the academy’s ambitious agenda for 2024, including the Black History Month Concert, a Crystal

Dudley Randall

From page B-1

Press by age 13. Soon after that, he published works with the Detroit News as well. After graduating from high school at 16, he began working in the furnace unit for Ford Motor Company, Rouge Plant. From there, he transitioned to working with the United States Post Office. He also served in the US Army in 1941 during World War II. After returning home, Randall continued to write and publish his poetry. All while working, he enrolled at Wayne State University, obtaining his Bachelor’s in English and Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan, where all his original works still reside.

Randall’s first book of poetry, Poem CountercPoem, which he co-authored with Margaret Danner, was published on the Broadside Press in 1966, setting the tone for Black voices to be heard. Moved by traumatic historical events, many of his poems were created in response to the racial moments that are seared in our American history and helped to elevate the Black Arts Movement. Randall’s influence was ahead of its time as this is the same book of poetry referenced in the hit award-winning show “This is Us.” Actor Sterling Brown’s character, Randall Pearson, was named after Dudley Randall because it was his birth father, William, played by the late Ron Cephas Jones’s favorite book of poems.

From 1965 through 1977, Randall ran Broadside solely on the dedication of Black poets and their commitments to the art form. He never once accepted loans, priding himself on “self-determination and independence” while continuing as a press editor. “Broadside Press began without capital,

Ball in April, the Annual Concert in June, collaborations with local artists, and even a spelling bee to augment the academy’s diverse dance curriculum, the undercurrent of passing on the leadership baton was palpable. Yet, for such a handover to occur, White-Hunt emphasizes the imperative that DWDA’s future stewards embody the core principles that have been its bedrock through four decades of growth and challenges.

“It’s been a journey of love and it’s been a passion,” said White-Hunt. “It’s had its ups and downs, its triumphs and tribulations, its joys and sorrows but faith was always in the background knowing that I’ve been on the path of the calling over my life.”

Actor Sterling Brown’s characterin the hit award-winning show “This is Us.” Randall Pearson, was named after Dudley Randall because it was his birth father, William, played by the late Ron Cephas Jones’s favorite book of poems.

from the 12 dollars I took out of my paycheck to pay for the first Broadside, and has grown by hunches, intuitions, trial, and error,” Dudley Randall wrote in his book Broadside Memories: Poets I Have Known.

Randall eventually sold the Broadside Press, but it has retained its integrity and mission of a safe haven for Black voices to be amplified in Detroit. Over 400 poets have been published, and over 100 books, including his own works, have been published. Today, the Broadside Press, known as the Broadside Lotus Press, is still up and running in Detroit. Offering annual poetry awards in Naomi Long Madgett’s honor, poetry workshops, and an online bookstore.

Randall passed away on August 5, 2000, in Southfield, MI. However, his legacy is still alive in his words, activism, and Black Voices of so many poets of today, such as Melba Joyce Boyd, Jessica Care Moore, Joel ‘Fluent’ Greene, Michigan Poet Laureate Nadi Comer, and LaShaun Phoenix Kotaran; this list continues on and on and on.

impacts. This defensive posture not only silences valid concerns but also perpetuates a cycle where Black individuals feel compelled to moderate their expressions and responses to maintain harmony or, at the very least, to avoid exacerbating tensions. The question then arises: why isn’t the cultivation of emotional intelligence, with its emphasis on empathy and self-awareness, seen as equally crucial for all, irrespective of race?

The expectation for Black people to constantly modulate their behavior and expressions to ‘fit in’ or to avoid being labeled as aggressive or confrontational underscores a deeper issue of unequal emotional labor. This imbalance begs the question of why the burden of developing and applying emotional intelligence seems disproportionately placed on Black individuals. Shouldn’t a genuine understanding and application of emotional intelligence be a universal requirement, especially for those in positions of relative social and institutional power? This disparity not only highlights a significant gap in mutual understanding and respect but also points to a longstanding issue: the failure to recognize and address the root causes of racial tensions and misunderstandings, which continues to hinder true progress toward equality and understanding.

The pervasive nature of racism, often cloaked in the insidious veil of “color blindness,” seeks to undermine the realities of racial injustice. To proclaim one does not see color is to deny the very fabric of Black identity and experience. It is a refusal to acknowledge the systemic barriers that continue to perpetuate inequality and a dismissal of the urgent need for change.

In this critical moment of our shared history, the call for emotional intelligence intertwined with racial equity is louder than ever. It beckons us to move beyond superficial gestures and engage in the deep, transformative work of understanding and empathy. For Black individuals, this means reclaiming the narrative of emotional intelligence, defining it on their own terms, and using it as a tool for healing and empowerment.

For allies, it requires a willingness to listen, to learn, and to act. It demands a recognition of the unique challenges faced by Black people and a commitment to support the fight for justice and equity. The heart work of equity is more than a concept; it is a living, breathing movement. It is found in the stories of Black joy and pain, in the songs of freedom and resilience, and in the unbreakable bond of community.

WHAT CAN I BE? I CAN BE ANYTHING

What Can I Be? is the first published children’s book by Maurice E. Jones.

He wrote this book to inspire all children of all ages and backgrounds.

There is a rich, unique history of contributions from African Americans in this country, and it should never be ignored nor neglected. Children are eager to learn and be fed positive information, knowledge, and their history, as well as the history of others. This book is to inspire and teach all children to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams. It also pays respect to all who have helped us succeed, from our teachers to our neighbors. I know the importance of teaching and allowing our kids to read and write, and I hope this book gives children that same support and enthusiasm. Children are our future leaders, and they need to know where they come from, and to believe they can achieve anything they put their young minds to. This is a great book for K-12, as well as some important and positive information for adults.

Maurice started writing poetry as a teenager followed by short stories and children’s stories after high school. His poem “Gratitude” dedicated to his son Maurice, was published in Collected Whispers by the International Library of Poetry, and he was recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry in 2008. He was featured in Hour Magazine in June 2000, Gourmet Magazine in July 2000, the National Restaurant Educational Foundation in 2007, Foundations of Leadership Program in 2000, and Developing Dynamic Leadership Program in 2013. Maurice was invited by the National Council of Teachers of English for the African American Read-In by African American authors in 2024.

This book can be purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.

DWDA Crystal Ball Honorary Chair Barry Sanders with Detroit-Windsor Dance Company.

An Agenda for Black America

By Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

President Joe Biden will make his State of the Union address on March 7. As a veteran civil rights leader committed to improving public safety and unlocking economic prosperity in our communities, there are few policies I hope the president will address.

There also is one I hope he will leave — permanently — on the cutting room floor.

That policy is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed prohibition on the sale of menthol cigarettes. Local law enforcement would be in charge of executing this banand because Black Americans who smoke are more likely to choose menthol cigarettes, the Biden administration’s proposed rule will result in more, potentially violent encounters between cops and people of color.

In other words: the FDA’s proposal runs directly counter to President Biden’s attempts to address crime and reform law enforcement practices to better protect Black Americans and other communities of color. Crime is rising especially in many urban centers. The proposed FDA rule change will lead to underground and illicit transactions that will only contribute to more crime and more negative interactions between law enforcement and communities of color.

We cannot leave our communities unprotected. At the same time I recognize that Black and Brown

people in prison and 44% of the people killed by police in the United States.

To reduce these numbers, we need to change the culture and premise of policing.

It is estimated that, in several cities, less than 5% of an officer’s time is spent actually fighting violent crime. Police are still expected to respond to 911 calls, even if these calls have nothing to do with a crime. That requirement is part of the problem. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, people with mental illness are more than 10 times as likely to experience use of force in interactions with law enforcement than those without mental illnesses. Calling 911 when a person is having a manic episode should not be a matter of life and death, but, too often, it is.

Instead of issuing regulations that will require law enforcement to tackle yet another public health matter, President Biden should make it clear how he intends to help communities take the burden for nonviolent public safety matters off law enforcement’s shoulders. Enhancing funding for substance abuse, mental health, and housing counselors, for example, will keep more people out of jail and prevent police violence.

To further improve outcomes for people of color, President Biden should issue a bold plan to increase Black homeownership. Last year, the  National Association of Realtors  reported that while 72.7% of white

44% of Black Americans do. Black homeownership has only increased 0.4% in the past decade.

An effective strategy to overcome poverty in Black America is to increase homeownership and prevent racial hyper segregation. President Biden has pursued some regulatory actions to address housing discrimination, but improving access to homeownership will require greater efforts to reduce inflation so Black Americans can save and get out from under the burden of high interest rates.

Finally, President Biden should continue to request additional federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The gap in funding between predominantly white institutions and HBCUs is not the result of smaller endowments. It is the result of systemic underfunding by state lawmakers. According to an  Inside Higher Ed report, the country’s historically Black land-grant universities have been underfunded by their states by a total of $13 billion. HBCUs are a springboard toward success. They constitute only 3% of four-year U.S. colleges, but their graduates account for 80% of all Black judges, 50% of Black lawyers, and 50% of Black doctors.

National polls indicate African American do not want their votes to be taken for granted in 2024. President Biden now has a strategic opportunity to engender trust, promote more inclusive public policies, and to commit to helping our communities to

Diallo Smith

Named President and COO at Life Remodeled

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Life Remodeled, a Detroit-based nonprofit focused on transforming vacant schools into vibrant community centers, is pleased to announce the elevation of Diallo Smith from Chief Operating Officer to the dual role of President and COO.

In the heart of Detroit, where talk often overshadows action, Life Remodeled stands out by turning vacant educational facilities into comprehensive hubs for opportunity, supporting entire families. These hubs are home to leading nonprofit entities offering youth programs, workforce development, and essential services, impacting tens of thousands of individuals annually. Life Remodeled’s collaborative approach amplifies the transformative power of these nonprofits, aiming to ensure Detroit’s youth excel academically, families access vital services, and community members secure better jobs for financial independence.

Smith will be responsible for managing the organization’s interactions with government entities and will also act as the point of contact for key donors. He will continue to handle his COO duties, steering the expanding operations of Life Remodeled. The organization has seen a significant increase in its team size over the last two years and is currently in the stages of establishing a second community center, Anchor Detroit, on the east side of the city. Smith’s leadership will be crucial in collaborating with local partners to introduce inclusive and equitable technology initiatives at this new location.

Chris Lambert, the Founder & CEO of Life Remodeled, praised Smith’s unwavering commitment to the organization’s objectives and to fostering opportunities within Detroit.

“Diallo’s determination to ensure Life Remodeled meets and achieves our goals relating to growth and impact is matched by his absolute dedication to the city of Detroit and providing opportunity to its residents.,” said Lambert. “He is an inspiring leader as well as a great partner to me as we lead this organization together into a new era with the opening of Anchor Detroit.”

Smith, born and raised in Detroit, is an alumnus of Cass Tech High School and Wilberforce University. His diverse professional background spans corporate finance positions at ExxonMobil and IBM, roles in nonprofit management, and entrepreneurship in downtown Detroit. He lives in Detroit with his wife.

The significance of Black male leadership in positions of influence cannot be overstressed, particularly in communities where role models who reflect the local demographic can inspire and drive transformative change.

Leaders like Diallo Smith embody the potential and power of this leadership, bringing not only their professional expertise but also a profound understanding of the cultural and social dynamics of their communities. Smith’s ascent to a pivotal role at Life Remodeled underscores the critical impact that Black leaders can have in steering initiatives that directly affect the lives and futures of individuals in predominantly Black cities like Detroit. His leadership serves as a beacon of possibility and progress, highlighting the essential nature of diverse leadership in fostering inclusive and equitable community development.

Diallo Smith’s roots in Detroit’s public school system and his education at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) equips him with an invaluable perspective on the challenges and opportunities within his community. This background offers him a unique lens through which to view and address the needs of Detroit’s residents, ensuring that initiatives like Life Remodeled’s community hubs are not only relevant but also resonate deeply with the people they aim to serve. Smith’s journey from a local high school to a prominent leadership role exemplifies the profound impact of investing in individuals who have lived experiences within the communities they serve. His deep-rooted understanding of Detroit, shaped by personal experience and education, positions him as an exemplary leader whose actions are informed by empathy, insight, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting his community.

By Ebony JJ Curry Senior Reporter

Michigan is set to significantly enhance its mental health care infrastructure, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s latest budget proposal targeting the expansion of a program that could transform the way behavioral health services are provided across the state. At the heart of this initiative is an ambitious plan to inject $193.3 million into the development of new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), a move aimed at broadening a successful model that Michigan embarked on in 2022.

This financial boost is designed to transition 12 to 15 mental health clinics, currently funded by precarious federal grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, into a more stable funding environment under the state’s Medicaid program. This transition is not just about securing funding; it’s about inclusivity, ensuring that these clinics can serve all patients, regardless of their insurance status. Elizabeth Hertel, a key figure in the initiative, noted that Michigan currently boasts about 30 certified clinics, with plans to expand that number significantly, though the specific clinics set to join the program have yet to be disclosed.

The CCBHC model addresses a critical void in Michigan’s mental health services landscape, which has been marked by a fragmented system that often leaves individuals with varying degrees of mental health issues navigating between disjointed services. The state’s existing structure

relies on ten prepaid inpatient health plans (PIHPs) funded by taxpayers, which in turn contract with community health organizations to serve those with severe mental health disorders. Meanwhile, those with milder conditions are left to the mercies of private insurers that manage Medicaid coverage, leading to potential gaps in care and confusion for patients.

No Michigander should have to go without mental health care, Robert Sheehan, CEO of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA), said in a statement.

“With strong investments to boost access to mental healthcare for all Michiganders, especially underserved communities, and providing the financial support needed to grow the number of Michiganders entering the behavioral health field, Governor Whitmer is building on her record of ensuring that Michiganders have what they need to live full, healthy and productive lives,” Sheehan said.

CCBHCs aim to dismantle these barriers by offering a comprehensive suite of services, including around-the-clock crisis care, seamless care coordination with primary healthcare providers, and an integrated approach to mental and physical health care. The impact of such clinics is already evident nationally, with the 2022 CCBHC Impact Report from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing highlighting their effectiveness. Notably, the report found that the average wait time for mental health and substance abuse care plummeted from 49 days to less than a week in areas served by CCBHCs. More-

over, these clinics have been instrumental in expanding access to medication-assisted treatments for substance abuse and significantly reducing hospitalization and incarceration rates among mental health patients.

As Michigan gears up to expand this proven model, the focus will initially be on regions with a dearth of mental health facilities, signaling a transformative period ahead for the state’s mental health care landscape and a beacon of hope for those in need of such services.

The expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in Michigan presents a pivotal opportunity to address disparities in mental health care, particularly within the Black community. Historically, systemic barriers and stigma have limited access to quality mental health services for many Black individuals, exacerbating the mental health crisis in these communities. By ensuring that CCBHCs provide inclusive, culturally competent care that recognizes and addresses the unique challenges faced by the Black community, Michigan can make significant strides toward equity in mental health care. This approach not only has the potential to improve outcomes but also to build trust in mental health systems that have often been perceived as inaccessible or insensitive to the needs of Black individuals. As the state moves forward with this expansion, a critical question arises: Will there be any expense for those in need, particularly in marginalized communities? Ensuring affordability and removing financial barriers is essential for truly equitable access to these enhanced mental health services.

By Ebony JJ Curry

SENIOR REPORTER

Detroit is set to pay homage to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with its own version of the famous hillside sign. The city plans to erect a 10-foot-tall “DETROIT” sign, poised between Wyoming and Central avenues along eastbound Interstate 94. This initiative forms part of a series of enhancements aligned with the city’s preparations for the 2024 NFL draft, scheduled to occur from April 25-27 in downtown Detroit.

Mirroring the iconic Hollywood sign but on a smaller scale, the Detroit sign aims to add a unique visual landmark to the cityscape. According to city officials, the design will feature the letters set against a lush green backdrop, giving the illusion of them floating. Additionally, the sign will incorporate lighting elements in green and white, reflecting Detroit’s vibrant colors.

While the Hollywood counterpart stands at a towering 45 feet, Detroit’s rendition will be more modest at 10 feet in height. The project took a significant step forward after a bidding process concluded last October, resulting in the selection of the Detroit-based Fairmount Sign Company for the job. With a budget allocation of $400,000 from city funds, the company is tasked with bringing this vision to life.

Fairmount Sign Company is no stranger to prominent projects within the city, having previously worked on the Fox Theatre and Wayne State University signs along Woodward Avenue. Their familiarity with Detroit’s landscape and heritage positions them well for this high-profile assignment. Fabrication of the large letters is already underway, with installation expected to commence in early April, ensuring readiness well ahead of the NFL draft festivities.

In addition to the “DETROIT” sign, the city’s beautification efforts include the installation of new “Welcome to Detroit” gateway signs crafted from aluminum. These welcoming markers will be strategically placed at key entry points to the city, including I-75 and 8 Mile, I-96 and

Telegraph, I-94 at Moross Road, and along Southfield Road at both 8 Mile and Ford Road.

As Detroit prepares to unveil its Hollywood-inspired landmark, the city anticipates a renewed sense of pride and identity, further cementing its status as a key player in the Midwest and beyond. This new sign is not just a nod to the glitz of Hollywood but a declaration of Detroit’s enduring spirit and its aspirations for the future.

The unveiling of Detroit’s Hollywood-inspired sign, while a visually appealing addition to the city’s landscape, raises important questions about fiscal priorities in a city still grappling with significant urban challenges. One might ask, in the face of pressing needs within Detroit’s public schools, where students and teachers alike call for better resources and support, is a nearly half-million-dollar expenditure on a sign justified? Further, with inner-city neighborhoods yearning for comprehensive revitalization and essential services like highway and street maintenance demanding attention, the allocation of such substantial funds towards a decorative project invites scrutiny. While the sign’s funding comes from a separate budget, it prompts a broader discussion on the allocation of city resources: Is it equitable to channel these funds into a landmark when they might be used to address more immediate social and infrastructural needs?

Moreover, as the NFL draft approaches, the city’s decision to prioritize the sign as a means to enhance Detroit’s appeal to visitors underscores a strategic choice. It begs the question: Is this the most effective way to present Detroit as a welcoming and vibrant city, or could these funds have been deployed towards projects with more direct benefits to the city’s residents and infrastructure? The sign, intended to boost civic pride and tourism, also serves as a metaphor for the city’s aspirations and challenges, highlighting the delicate balance between investing in aesthetic improvements and addressing deeper, systemic issues.

In layman’s terms, the sign is not just an aesthetic addition but a symbol of Detroit’s ongoing transformation and resilience, representing the city’s efforts to blend its rich heritage with a forward-looking vision.

Engaging in this dialogue is essential as it reflects the broader context of urban development, where cities like Detroit are continually striving to find the right balance between beautification projects and essential services and improvements. This conversation is a testament to the dynamic nature of urban planning and the diverse perspectives on what constitutes progress and development. It highlights the importance of considering a wide range of investments that can collectively enhance the city’s quality of life, both in terms of its physical appearance and the well-being of its communities.

Diallo Smith