MC Digital Edition 4.24.24

Highlighting a new University of Michigan report, Duggan shared some groundbreaking news: the added home value for Black residents has surged by 80% between 2014 and 2022, totaling an increase of $3.4 billion. This isn’t just a number; it’s a beacon of progress, showcasing the growing economic empowerment within Detroit’s Black community. As property values increase and more Black families become homeowners, there’s a tangible sense of progress and a strengthening of community ties. Homeownership is more than just acquiring property; it’s about securing a piece of the American Dream and building generational wealth. This progress is not just a marker of personal success but a testament to the resilience and growing economic power of the Black community in Detroit.

The recent study also shows an uplifting narrative of economic empowerment overall in Detroit. It reveals that the net value of owner-occupied homes in the city has soared, nearly doubling from $4.2 billion in 2014 to an impressive $8.1 billion in 2022.

However, this does not come without critics, “Although Mayor Duggan boasts about increasing home values, genuine progress is gauged by the overall well-being of all residents, not just the property values and profits of those who are already wealthy—especially considering Detroit’s shift from a city of homeowners to a city of renters,” shared Holiday. “Lingering social issues such as DTE utility hikes, flooding, population decline, and housing instability underscore the continued necessity for inclusive growth initiatives.”

Developments

Duggan highlighted several significant redevelopment projects that are transforming abandoned sites across Detroit into centers of industry and innovation. For instance, the east side of Detroit now boasts the Jeep plant, which opened in 2021, while the GM Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant has been revamped as Factory Zero, now employing 4,000 workers in the burgeoning electric vehicle sector.

He also announced the forthcoming demolition of the derelict Packard Plant, a relic that ceased car production in 1956, with plans to clear the site by year’s end. The city aims to replace it with another automotive manufacturing facility, continuing Detroit’s legacy as a hub for automotive innovation.

ed that year. Even then-police chief James Craig had a close call with a carjacking incident in an unmarked car.

Since those challenging days, Duggan emphasized that the city has taken decisive actions to enhance safety. Detroit has raised police officer salaries to be competitive with other cities and added 230 officers to the force in 2023 alone. These efforts have borne fruit: homicides have plummeted from 386 in 2012 to 252 in 2023, marking the lowest number since 1966.

Carjackings have also dramatically decreased, with just 27 incidents occurring so far this year. “That’s two per week compared to 15 per week in 2013,” Duggan highlighted.

Safety within the transportation department remains a concern, with a report indicating that city bus drivers averaged more than one collision per day in 2023. Moreover, Duggan addressed the issue of junk vehicles cluttering neighborhoods. A new initiative involves 20 municipal parking officers now ticketing inoperable or unlicensed cars on the street, giving owners 48 hours to act. On private property, Detroit police have deployed a new 12-person enforcement squad, giving owners two weeks to remove ticketed vehicles. Residents can report these vehicles via the Improve Detroit App. “I’m giving everyone a head start because enforcement is coming,” Duggan stated. So far, in 2024, they’ve ticketed over 5,200 vehicles, with 85% removed by the owners.

The improvements extend to emergency medical services as well. Back in 2013, Detroit had just eight operating ambulances, and it was not uncommon for 911 response times to exceed an hour. This year, the city brings 42 ambulances and 33 medically-staffed fire trucks, achieving an average response time of just 7 minutes, which surpasses the national average. Duggan unveiled his ShotStoppers initiative, tapping six activist groups to kickstart intensive community outreach this fall.

Transportation Enhancements

Duggan also announced significant investments in Detroit’s transportation infrastructure, including an additional $189 million allocated to support 627 bus drivers, up from 510. “For the thousands of residents waiting in the cold, you’ll soon wait inside the comfortable Jason Hargrove Transit Center, honoring a driver who died during COVID,” Duggan said. “We’re building a firstclass bus system.”

Amazon is set to occupy the former State Fairgrounds— abandoned since 2011—with 1,200 new jobs. This site is also undergoing a transformation into a $19 million transit center. Meanwhile, Midtown will soon see the new Henry Ford Cancer Institute on West Grand Boulevard and, later this year, a $3 billion expansion of the hospital, underscoring Detroit’s commitment to both economic and healthcare advancements.

Duggan spotlighted the transformation of Detroit’s downtown skyline with the introduction of new high-rise developments. He particularly noted that Hudson’s property, which has been vacant for over four decades, is being transformed into what will be Michigan’s second-tallest building. General Motors plans to relocate its headquarters there once it’s completed next year. Additionally, the area will soon welcome more development, including Gary Torgow’s Huntington Bank Headquarters and Water Square, which are set to be joined by a new convention hotel in the near future.

Mayor Duggan also highlighted several advancements in higher education during his address. Notable projects include the University of Michigan’s $200 million Center for Innovation under construction on Grand River, a $100 million upgrade at the University of Detroit Mercy enhancing nursing and engineering facilities, and the addition of a new performing arts center at Wayne State University. Furthermore, Pensole Lewis College recently inaugurated its design campus along the Riverfront, establishing Michigan’s only historically Black college.

However, some criticism remains. An activist group has charged Mayor Duggan with failing to sufficiently address the urgent housing and economic needs of low-income residents, accusing him of favoring affluent developers. “Channeling billions of dollars in abatements and corporate incentives does not ensure prosperity for all residents,” commented Scott Holiday, Political Director at Detroit Action, an organization committed to advocating for racial, housing, and economic justice for working-class Black and Brown Metro Detroiters. Safety and Transportation

He recalled 2013, a troubling time when Detroit had the nation’s highest homicide rate and was infamously dubbed “carjack city” due to the staggering 782 carjackings record-

NFL Draft

From page A-1

said earlier in the year at a Pre-Game Huddle convened by Visit Detroit with guests NBC sports commentator Mike Tirico and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “When I think about the Draft and what it means to our community, it’s one of the biggest opportunities in our lifetimes…to make sure that Black owners can get a taste of this and how to set themselves up long term.”

Wiley credits the partnership established with the NFL, Visit Detroit, the Detroit Sports Commission, the City of Detroit, and others two years ago as consistently positive as all the entities sought to produce a highly successful and memorable Draft and leave a legacy of empowerment for the ensuing years.

Despite these improvements, calls for further enhancement of city transit persist. Ned Staebler, CEO of TechTown, emphasized that neither Detroit nor Michigan will truly rebound without functional transit, likening it to “the roof on a house. Transit is Detroit’s leaky roof, and no one would buy a house with a leaky roof,” he stated, pointing out the need for more substantial investments in urban areas.

Advocacy and Acknowledgment

Moving forward, Duggan continues to advocate in Lansing for a Land Value Tax that would reduce property taxes for homeowners by 17% and increase them on parking lots and scrapyards, aiming to address non-compliance in these areas. Moreover, as property values and rents rise, Duggan is adamant about preventing Detroit from descending into the housing crises seen in other cities, displaying photos of tents and homelessness as a stark warning.

The mayor also highlighted the city’s commitment to celebrating Detroit’s Black history and honoring the contributions of Black communities in Detroit. He discussed the establishment of an Underground Railroad memorial at a site now dubbed Freedom Point, paying homage to Detroit’s pivotal role in the journey to liberation. Additionally, the mayor shed light on the restoration of the historic Brewster Rec Center, a cultural landmark where icons like Diana Ross once visited and where legendary boxer Joe Louis trained. The restoration will preserve the original training ring used by Louis, ensuring that this piece of Black heritage remains a source of inspiration and education for future generations.

Ending on a note of recognition and surprise, Duggan announced the renaming of the Dexter Elmhurst Recreation Center after Helen Moore, a dedicated community advocate and critic of the administration, who was present and visibly moved by the honor.

Mayor Duggan’s address was seemingly more than a look back at hard times; it was a powerful affirmation of his dedication to every corner of Detroit, heralding a new era for a city rising with determination and unity. This wasn’t just a speech; it was a rallying cry for all Detroiters, signaling a rebirth not just of places but of hope and collective spirit. Detroiters welcome the amazing changes that have happened and are happening downtown, but the devil is in the details. People desire to be seen, heard, and valued, but more importantly, they want to see and feel that impact. Just like anyone can come downtown and see a tangible change, our communities want and deserve it, too.

“We’ve got a chance to introduce ourselves again to America, and when we do, we hope to be just like the Lions and introduce America to a very different Detroit than they expected,” said the mayor.

invested one million dollars to support a living-legacy initiative that focuses on youth literacy and youth sports in the city.”

Wiley said the two non-profit organizations receiving the bulk of support from the legacy commitment are Beyond Basics, a non-profit organization working to eradicate illiteracy, and Project Play, a program created to empower communities through youth sports.

With upwards to a half-million people expected to experience the Draft, Detroit style, many believe this extravaganza stands out from other big events in the city’s 323-year history, including Super Bowl XL at Ford Field in 2006. The game “was super,” but it didn’t bring the same number of people to the city in the cold month of February compared to the 2024 Draft in April.

it’s here in the Detroit City Limits –and the nation and world have noticed.

“The NFL Draft is going to do more for our city in terms of economic activity and its national image than any single event in Detroit’s history,”

Mayor Mike Duggan has said numerous times since Detroit was awarded the three-day Draft 25 months ago.

“I agree,” said Wiley. “The Draft in the city will be bigger than the Super Bowl in 2006. It’s a really exciting moment to be in Detroit, and I’m so grateful that we all have an opportunity to be a part of it. The NFL chose Detroit because of the good work that all Detroiters have done to invest in and support our city. We have been through the tough times, and now let’s leverage this historic moment to make Detroit even better.”

After a stellar 13-year collegiate coaching career that included time at Michigan with the Fab Five, Perry’s illustrious 23-year front-office career began right here at home with the Detroit Pistons, where he honed his skills as a scout and talent evaluator, laying the groundwork for his ascent in the NBA. Hall of Fame Pistons President Joe Dumars hired Perry as a front-office executive in 2000, where he helped change the team’s dynamic and build up a roster that went to six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances (2003-2008), two Eastern Conference Championships (2004, 2005), and win the 2004 NBA championship.

In 2007, Perry joined the front office of the Seattle SuperSonics (later the Oklahoma City Thunder) as the assistant general manager, where he played an integral role in player personnel decisions and draft strategy, including the decision to draft the future Hall of Famer in Kevin Durant. His contributions helped shape the Thunder into a perennial playoff contender.

After one season with the OKC, he left to rejoin the Pistons as the vice president of basketball operations from 2008-2012. He was charged with helping the team’s rebuilding efforts after Dumars deconstructed the championship-contending team that had reached six consecutive conference finals.

From 2012-2017, Perry was the Orlando Magic’s vice president of basketball operations and assistant general manager. It was a time of reconstruction for the organization, where the owner had to make tough decisions about its coach, Stan Van Gundy, and its franchise player, Dwight Howard. Ultimately, the team fired Van Gundy and traded Howard in one of the biggest four-team trades of the decade. But Perry served as an anchor during the franchise’s reconstruction period. Ultimately, he endured the difficulties of a transitional period for the franchise and left them in a place to contend and compete in the future.

In April 2017, Perry’s journey led him to the Sacramento Kings, where he served as executive vice president of basketball operations. In just a few short months with the Kings, he was able to help the team sign key players including George Hill, Zach Randolph, and Vince Carter, and draft De’Aaron Fox. Perry played a key role in reshaping the team’s roster and culture, instilling a winning mindset among players and staff alike.

In 2017, Perry’s career reached new heights when he was named the general manager of the New York Knicks, a position he held for six tumultuous yet transformative years. He was the longest-tenured GM to serve under Knicks CEO James Dolan, who has run the team since 1999. Tasked to revitalize a franchise mired in mediocrity, Perry faced immense pressure from the passionate fan base of the Big Apple.

Undeterred by the weight of expectations, Perry approached his role with a blend of dynamic decision-making and a long-term vision for success. He prioritized building through the draft, strategically selecting promising young talent to lay the foundation for a brighter future.

During his tenure, Perry orchestrated pivotal moves and was a financial wizard when astutely managing the team’s salary cap. He was able to draft budding stars and make savvy trades to reshape the Knicks’ roster. His commitment to player development and fostering a winning culture earned him respect within the organization and across the league.

“Scott Perry brought a level of professionalism and passion to the Knicks that was truly inspiring,” said former Knicks head coach David Fizdale. “His vision for the team’s future was instrumental in laying the groundwork for sustained success.”

Perry’s unwavering commitment to excellence never wavered, and he played a key role in building the team that finished second in the East this season and is currently in contention for an NBA championship.

In 2023, Perry’s tenure with the Knicks ended, and since then, he’s continued showcasing his basketball expertise as an analyst for ESPN.

There have been Several other names have emerged as potential candidates for the Piston’s head of basketball operations. Former Pistons player Tayshaun Prince and Michigan native Shane Battier – who both hold current front-office positions in the NBA – are thought to be considerations. Dwane Casey, a current member of the Pistons’ front office, has also been talked about as a candidate. Jon Horst, the Milwaukee Bucks’ general manager and 2021 NBA Executive of the Year, is also believed to be in the running for the job.

As credible as I think those considerations are, I don’t think they stack up to Perry, who has shown that he can help rebuild a franchise even under the most critical conditions. He did it for Detroit and he did it for New York. And as the New York saying goes, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. Detroit fans want to see a resurgence for the Pistons in the same way that we saw a resurgence for the Detroit Lions this season.

So Gores calling the 2024 offseason “a pivotal summer” is an understatement. It’s a summer that will define the franchise’s foreseeable future.

Sitting courtside at Little Caesars Arena for most Pistons home games this season, I heard the boos every time head coach Monty Williams was announced during pregame introductions. I heard fans’ chants of “sell the team” near the end of every demoralizing loss. I saw players hang their heads low when they walked off the court. And I listened to staff members around the organization question whether the front office or players had their hearts immersed in the product.

“One of the big things that will come out of this is the legacy commitment made by the Detroit Sports Commission, Visit Detroit, and other local donors,” Wiley said. “They have

Hiring Scott Perry is the right move. He’s shown that he can fix what’s been broken, elevate what’s working, and bring his brand of winning basketball to the organization. It’s the right next step for Gores to repair his relationship with a frustrated fan base and to bring back the winning culture of true Deeetroooit Basketbaaaaall! job openings waiting to be filled. However, perhaps more impactful is his announcement of $1 billion in affordable housing investments since 2019, a direct response to the housing crisis affecting so many Detroiters.

In essence, the NFL Draft has become the biggest, best, and most profitable “off-season” event presented by any sport in the world. And now,

For additional information about the 2024 Draft in Detroit, log on to Visit Detroit at www.visitdetroit.com or Downtown Detroit Partnership at www.downtowndetroit.org and click on NFL Draft.

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happened off-screen,”

beautiful Detroit Film Theatre will help further share this history with a wide-ranging film series that ties together the exhibition and Detroit’s cinema history.”

The exhibition, originally organized by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, also includes a new, unique film series in partnership with the Detroit Film Theatre, presented free of charge to all visitors.

“The DTE Foundation has had a long partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts to support exhibitions like Regeneration, which is nothing less than compelling,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “The DIA’s mission to shine a light on revolutionary work that changes how we look at the world today is why they’re such a valued partner.” The DIA Exhibition Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971 is available for viewing at the DIA until

‘Nothing

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

about us, without us’: Q&A with Michigan Senator Sarah

What does resilience truly embody? How does it feel to snatch victory from the jaws of countless defeats? And what is the authentic sound of strength?

In the narrative of the Black community, these questions are answered with profound familiarity. We persistently rise, Whether shaped by our efforts or the unavoidable barriers of systemic issues. This is especially true for Black women, who consistently step up, regardless of the arena or adversity. The fortitude of Black women is neither subtle nor should it be underestimated—it’s a documented truth. Reflect on the lives of figures like Creola Katherine Johnson, Shirley Chisholm, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Ethel L. Payne; their stories illuminate this fact. And today, that legacy is still being written.

Particularly in the political sphere, and notably, right here in Michigan, this legacy is being carried forward by leaders like Senator Sarah Anthony, who serves as state senator for the 21st district and the Senate Appropriations Chair. The story of Black resilience and strength continues, as vibrant and determined as ever.

EMILY’s List, the foremost national resource for women in politics, has honored Michigan State Senator Sarah Anthony with the prestigious 2024 Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award. This accolade is bestowed annually to an extraordinary woman in state or local office who exemplifies commitment to community, dedication to women and families, and steadfast determination and civility—qualities that defined the career of the award’s namesake, Gabrielle Giffords.

Senator Anthony, celebrated as a trailblazer, is the first Black woman in Michigan elected to both chambers of the state legislature and the youngest Black woman to serve on a county commission in the United States. She also made history as the first Black woman to chair the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee. Her advocacy and legislative efforts focus on equity and opportunity for all Michiganders, making her a vital voice in the state’s political landscape.

Anthony is a Lansing native whose roots run deep in Michigan’s capital. She graduated from Lansing Public Schools and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from public Michigan universities. After college, she returned to Lansing, where she worked on progressive campaigns, served as a community organizer, and eventually became a legislative staffer in the Michigan Legislature.

Anthony has been a staunch advocate for women and girls throughout her political career. She led the charge on legislation to end child marriage in Michigan, codify rights for reproductive health care, and pass the Michigan CROWN Act, which prohibits hair discrimination, marking significant strides in social justice.

In a recent, revealing interview with the Michigan Chronicle, Senator Sarah Anthony delved into the intricacies of her journey as a prominent figure in politics and a beacon for women. Although she has recently been honored with the Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award, Anthony has been a luminous presence in the realms of leadership and advocacy for quite some time. There’s nothing “rising” about her star—it has long since ascended, firmly establishing its place in the firmament of political and social advocacy.

During this candid session with the Chronicle, she offered an insider’s look at the realities that underpin her public successes, emphasizing that what often appears effortless is backed by relentless struggle and unwavering perseverance.

Senator Sarah Anthony

Q&A

Q: With this Emily’s List award, the 2024 Gabriel Giffords Rising Star award, it is very evident that you are a star who has risen long ago, and you’re shining so effortlessly. how does it feel emotionally and personally to have this charge of being the first, being the youngest, and most importantly, being a black woman who holds this responsibility?

A: That’s a heavy question. I feel like over the past 15-20 years, I’ve been so busy that I don’t provide myself a lot of space to really celebrate or acknowledge all that we’ve been able to achieve because, you know, like most women, and particularly most Black women, we’re just too busy doing the work. We’re not padding our resume and thinking about, oh, I’m the first Black or I’m the first woman. I’m really interested in doing a good job and honestly making my community and my state proud not because of who I am, but because of what I’m able to achieve for people. I’m not in it for any of the accolades. I am resolved that if an award, this national award, can afford me the opportunity to get things done for people, things like payday lending reform, more housing options for people in Michigan, making student loan forgiveness or college affordability at the forefront of what we’re talking about that makes an award like this worth it for me. You mentioned that my rise has seemed effortless. And I think that particularly for Black women, in this mantra of, like, having Black girl magic, well, magic is something that is mysterious and just happens because you have it. This comes with a lot of bumps and bruises, hardship and sacrifice. And so, while often I think I make things look effortless and easy, it’s sometimes difficult for me to translate just how difficult these jobs can be. The strain on my personal life, the sacrifices of my family even, like, stress on my life, all those things have contributed to me now being someone that people at the national stage are looking at as someone who is just leading and a “rising star.” So, it does come with a lot of sacrifice, but it is still an honor to just be recognized.

Q: What are some of the challenges you faced? At what point in your life did you say, this is what I want to do?

A: I have been surrounded by strong women, women from all walks of life, all races, all ages, for my entire professional journey. And watching women work really hard to make their communities and their families better has inspired me to do the same thing. But in the public policy

Anthony

realm, what I have learned over the course of the time rather I was on the county commission or at the state level is there are some issues that do not get discussed, do not get fought for and do not have a champion unless someone like me is at the table. So, we mentioned earlier a little bit about the CROWN Act. To be very clear, when I first introduced that in 2019 people thought I was crazy and it’s an issue that disproportionately impacts Black women and children. And yet, without me and other sisters in the legislature providing the voice behind something like hair discrimination, we just would not have seen it being passed into law last year. I’m a former community organizer and I’ve always stood on the premise of, “Nothing about us, without us.” So, whether we’re talking about reproductive healthcare or we’re talking about educational opportunities, I feel like my voice as a woman, as a woman from Lansing, and as a Black woman provides a unique voice to spaces. As soon as I realized that many of the issues that our communities care about were not being elevated, I had to step up and say, yes, I’m not only going to be in the arena and fight for these issues, but I have to stay in it.

Q: What are your hopes and thoughts regarding the presidential race and all things here specifically geared towards Michigan and Detroit? Specifically, Black Detroiters?

A: My mom is from the show me state, she is from Missouri, and I look at what people do, I do not listen to what people say. You have to show me how you’re going to treat marginalized communities, women issues and people from our state. And the receipts under Donald Trump were a legacy of hate and divisiveness, like attacks on my health care as a woman, attacks on my economic opportunities as an African American and a middle-class Michigander. Then you have President Biden, who, first of all brought on a Black woman, my sorority sister, to be his vice president, and also has been on the right side of the issues related to reproductive health care for women, making sure that we are creating programs at the federal level with a racial equity lens. That’s important to me. The amount of resources that have been brought to Michigan because President Biden has been at the helm is just, extraordinary. And so, when I look at the contrast between the two candidates, there isn’t an option. There is no way on the planet that I would stand for another Donald Trump presidency, because he just never showed up for people like me. And I think that we cannot have short memories in Michigan. I think we have to really look at and compare the accomplishments and compare the policy priorities of who has shown up for us and I don’t think there’s even an inkling of the debate between the two candidates. I know that I’m going to be advocating for us to not turn back the clock, because anytime the clock turns back in this country, it disproportionately impacts people like me.

As we examine stories like Senator Anthony’s, we must ask ourselves: How does the resilience of Black women challenge and inspire us? How do their journeys redefine what it means to overcome adversity? Their stories are not just chapters in history books but ongoing lessons in courage, determination, and the power of lifting as one climbs.

The resilience of Black women is a profound narrative woven into the fabric of history. It is a story of overcoming systemic barriers through sheer will, indomitable spirit, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Black women have not only risen to the occasion time and time again, but they have also redefined what it means to be resilient. As society progresses, the strength and resilience of Black women remain a beacon of hope and a standard of strength that calls on all of us to rise, support, and celebrate their ongoing contributions and victories.

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By Jeremy Allen

issued a Co-Developer Request for Proposals (RFP) Wednesday, April 24. The Co-Developer Program is designed to create opportunities for Detroit-based, Detroit-headquartered, or

resident-owned development companies. Qualified companies will have the opportunity to pursue the development of up to three Olympia Development properties. “Our Co-Developer Program is at the core of our mission to help improve the lives of people who live and work in Detroit. These RFPs invite developers who share our community-minded development approach to partner with us to further enhance The District Detroit,” said Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit.

The announcement of the new RFPs comes just a month after Olympia announced a change to its development timeline and now aims for an early 2025 construction start for the first of the development’s 10 planned new buildings and building rehabs.

The three sites that will be offered with the upcoming

are: 81 W.

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration released its first draft of rules that propose to provide student debt relief for tens of millions of borrowers across the country. These plans were announced last week by President Biden in Madison, Wisconsin. If implemented as proposed, these plans, and others announced by the President, would bring the total number of borrowers getting relief under the Biden-Harris Administration to more than 30 million. To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken historic action to approve debt cancellation for nearly 4.3 million borrowers, totaling $153 billion in debt forgiveness through various actions.

“This announcement shows that the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to fulfill our promises to fix a broken higher education system,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Student loan forgiveness isn’t only about relief for today’s borrowers. It’s about social mobility, economic prosperity, and creating America that lives up to its highest ideals.” The rules will be formally published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, April 17, for a 30-day comment period. The U.S. Department of Education (Department) will carefully consider the comments received and aims to finalize these rules in time to start delivering relief this fall, including for borrowers who have been subject to runaway interest. The Department will publish a second draft rule focused on providing relief for borrowers experiencing hardship in the coming months.

The draft includes nine rules that permit separate and distinct types of waivers using the Secretary of Education’s longstanding authority under the Higher Education Act. Eight

originally comprised 19 apartments and a speakeasy. The building is four stories tall and contains 17,500 square feet.

475 Peterboro: Located between Cass Avenue and 2nd Avenue across from the popular Detroit Shipping Company collective, these three-story buildings were designed in the Beaux-Arts style by architec-

tural firm Pollmar & Ropes in 1914 as The Woodstock Apartments and originally comprised 71 apartments over two buildings. The buildings contain 47,500 square feet. 45 & 48 W. Adams: Located on Adams just West of Woodward overlooking Grand Circus Park, the site comprises two parcels containing a total of 0.523 acres. The south parcel also contains the historic seven-story decorative masonry façade of the former Fine Arts Building designed in the Spanish Gothic style by architect Louis Kamper in 1905. The parcels are historically designated within the Grand Circus Park Historic District.

“The Olympia Development Co-Developer Program is a significant example of the diversity and inclusion that is a result of The District Detroit Community Benefits Agreement. This program will provide immense opportunity to emerging and disadvantaged Detroit-based developers and bring new life to key properties in the City,” said Chris Jackson, Chair of The District Detroit Neighborhood Advisory Committee.

Debt Relief

From page A-5 to debt forgiveness, enrolling in various government programs can be a crucial step. Here’s how borrowers can ensure they’re positioned for potential forgiveness:

Identify Eligible Programs: Borrowers should start by identifying which government forgiveness programs they may qualify for, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, or Teacher Loan Forgiveness. Each program has specific eligibility requirements based on factors like employment type, repayment plan, and loan type.

Enroll in an Appropriate Repayment Plan: To qualify for most forgiveness programs, borrowers often need to be enrolled in an eligible repayment plan, particularly IDR plans. These plans adjust monthly payments based on income and family size, potentially leading to forgiveness of the remaining balance after 20-25 years of qualifying payments.

Certify Employment (if applicable): Programs like PSLF require borrowers to work in public service. Borrowers must submit employment certification forms regularly to confirm that they work for a qualifying employer. This documentation is crucial for tracking the duration of eligible employment toward forgiveness.

bility. Helping borrowers who enrolled in low-financial-value programs or institutions. Three additional rules would authorize ongoing relief for borrowers who took out debt to attend programs or institutions that failed to provide sufficient financial value. One provision could assist borrowers whose debt came from institutions or programs and who lost access to federal aid following a secretarial action. This includes institutions or programs that lost access due to high student loan default rates, producing graduates whose debt represents too large a share of their income, graduates whose earnings are no better than those of a high school graduate, or were subject to a final agency action to terminate aid for failing to provide sufficient financial value.

A second provision would authorize relief for borrowers whose schools or programs faced similar situations but closed before the action was finalized.

“Student loan forgiveness isn’t only about relief for today’s borrowers. It’s about social mobility, economic prosperity, and creating America that lives up to its highest ideals.”

Maintain Good Standing: It’s important for borrowers to stay current on their loan payments. Missing payments can delay forgiveness eligibility under programs like PSLF, which requires 120 qualifying monthly payments.

Annual Recertification: For IDR plans, borrowers must recertify their income and family size each year. This ensures that their payment plans are adjusted appropriately and remain in good standing for eventual forgiveness.

Keep Records and Documentation: Keeping detailed records of all communications, payments, and annual recertifications can help resolve any discrepancies that might arise with the loan servicer. This documentation can be vital in proving eligibility for forgiveness.

Regularly Check Program Updates:

Borrowers should stay informed of any changes to the rules or requirements of the forgiveness programs they are enrolled in. The Department of Education and loan servicers typically provide updates about any changes that could affect borrowers’ eligi-

Home Loans

A final provision could help borrowers whose programs closed, and the Department determines their graduates had high levels of debt relative to earnings or insufficient earnings compared to a high school graduate.

“These distinct forms of debt relief are designed for borrowers struggling with their loans – and that’s a lot of people,” said Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal. “There are 25 million borrowers whose interest is growing faster than they can pay it down. That fact alone shows how badly President Biden’s student loan relief is needed.”

The Department also proposes separate provisions to assist commercial FFEL borrowers who took out loans during the period associated with high default rates that resulted in their institution losing access to federal aid.

A forthcoming rule will be introduced to assist borrowers experiencing hardship in paying back their loans. The Department also remains hard at work on a separate proposal that would help many other borrowers experiencing hardship related to student loans that creates a barrier to them fully repaying their loans or the cost of collection is not justified. That rule will be released for comment in the coming months. It will include proposals to authorize the automatic forgiveness of loans for borrowers at a high risk of future default and those who show hardship due to other indicators, such as high medical and caregiving expenses. The regulatory text in this proposed rule will mirror the proposals that achieved consensus among negotiators in February.

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Detroit Spruces Up for the NFL Draft, But What About Its Unhoused Residents?

By Ebony JJ Curry Senior Reporter

Remember when, on the weekends, your mom would go all out cleaning the house if special guests were expected, or perhaps even bring out the expensive china for dinner? Well, think of Detroit doing the same thing. For decades, the city has grappled with an issue of excessive numbers of unhoused individuals, especially noticeable in the downtown area. Now, as Detroit prepares to host hundreds of thousands of visitors for the NFL Draft this week, a significant question arises: What will happen to Detroiters experiencing homelessness during this event?

As of the end of March, there were 52 people living unsheltered in the downtown area, according to estimates from street outreach teams provided by the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND). With the influx of crowds and the complications of road closures, the potential displacement of these individuals has become a pressing concern for homeless service providers.

The City of Detroit assures that there is a plan in place for those facing homelessness who may be impacted by the event. In the past year, the city has enhanced its safety net—featuring 24/7 street outreach and an increased number of shelter beds—efforts that will continue well beyond the NFL Draft, city officials and service providers have indicated.

The NFL Draft, taking place from April 25-27, is expected to be one of the city’s most significant sporting events in decades. Its footprint will stretch from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza, and road closures have already started. However, amid the excitement and economic influx, the reality remains that the unhoused population will continue to face their day-today challenges even after the event concludes and the city reaps millions in revenue.

In a bid to mitigate some of these challenges, the nonprofit Metro Food Rescue is actively seeking volunteers to help collect food for social service agencies as part of the NFL Draft in Detroit. This initiative will involve picking up prepared and unserved food, drinks, and snacks from vendors and catering services in the NFL Draft area until May 6. Metro Food Rescue anticipates collecting enough food to provide as many as 30,000 meals, making it the largest single event the organization has tackled. This rescued food will be distributed among local organizations that are experiencing an increased demand for food assistance.

Being unhoused in Detroit is not a new phenomenon—it’s a reality that has persisted for years and has become a familiar sight for the city’s residents. However, it’s critical to acknowledge that this issue should not only garner attention when the city is under the spotlight due to events like the NFL Draft. These moments serve as a crucial reminder to take inventory of our societal conditions and recognize homelessness as an enduring problem that demands consistent attention and action, not just when we have guests to impress. This is more than a matter of city image; it’s a test of our collective moral compass, urging us to address and alleviate these hardships as a community.

In Detroit, the presence of the unhoused is a long-standing issue that tends to be overshadowed until major events bring a surge of visitors to the city. This recurring visibility should not be what sparks our concern; rather, it should be the recognition that the crisis of homelessness is a persistent reality that needs more than temporary solutions. It is during these high-profile occasions that we must reflect on our moral responsibilities. This is not just about cleaning up the streets for the sake of appearances; it’s about fundamentally caring for our fellow citizens and implementing sustainable solutions that uphold the dignity of every individual in our community.

As the excitement of the NFL Draft fades and Detroit gears up for other major events like the Grand Prix, it’s crucial to ask: What does the future hold for those who need it most? With ongoing events drawing attention and resources, what are the provisions for food and shelter for the city’s unhoused population? Detroit, how are you planning to assist and ensure sustained support for these vulnerable individuals beyond the fleeting spotlight of big events?

Mama Akua’s Community House is a Place for Hope in Zone 8

By Cody Yarbrough CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Walking into Mama Akua’s Community House for the first time is jarring but in a good way.

On the outside, it doesn’t look like much. In fact, if it wasn’t for the large pan-African sign in the front, most people would assume that it was just another old building slowly decaying in Z8ne (a local nickname for the 48208-zip code pronounced “Zone 8”). But once you step through the front door into the gathering space, your vision is bombarded with images of Black power and intellectualism.

Everywhere your eyes can fall, there are depictions of Black leaders, thinkers, and culture. Yet, the home still finds a way to feel extremely inviting. Seats and tables are readily available throughout the home, Black music fills the place from open till close, and the smell of home-cooked meals invites all who visit to stay for a while. Even without ever hearing about the house or its founder, it’s automatically evident to anyone who walks in that this is a safe space for Black people and a resource for the surrounding community.

Dr. Yusef “Bunchy” Shakur is the founder of Mama Akua’s Community House. Born and raised in Z8ne, he found himself engulfed in street life during his teen years and ultimately was thrown in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. However, it was there in that prison where he would meet his father for the very first time and where he would slowly rewrite his mental, intellectual, and spiritual state of being. By the time he was finally released, Shakur had transformed into a full-blown Black revolutionary with a burning desire to help his people.

The idea of creating a space for his community wasn’t new to Shakur. He had done something similar with a cybercafe that he ran a decade prior. What was different about this project was that he planned to renovate an old house in the area and turn it into a small-scale community center. The house would then serve two purposes, as a resource to the people of Z8ne, and as a form of resistance against the gentrification sweeping the city.

The name is a kind of social rebellion as well. Inspired by the Ghanaian

culture of matriarchy and the philosophy of “giving people their flowers while they can still smell them,” Shakur decided to name the house after the still-living Detroit activist as opposed to naming it after some longgone Black thinker.

Shakur further explained this decision in an interview a few months before the house’s completion. “As a Black man that had been influenced and raised by Black women, and overstanding that relationship, and part of our struggle is against patriarchy and we tend to, whether we realize it or not, especially as a man, uphold patriarchy in many ways. So I’m doing my part in deconstructing that in naming it after a Black woman who exemplifies liberation and exemplifies the values that we want to have to achieve it through transformation.”

The mission of the house is simple: provide resources to the neighborhood and cultivate Afrocentric thought amongst its visitors. According to Shakur himself, the best way to accomplish this is by being whatever the community needs.

With the help of other like-minded individuals they call “community partners,” the house is able to offer things like free daycare on Thursdays, F.A.T (Fresh And Tasty) Burger Fridays, where they offer fast and healthy food at a low price, and free community dinners every last Saturday of the month. Wednesdays through Fridays, Mama Akua’s operates like a workspace where anyone can sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee or juice while getting some work done.

Mama Akua’s does much more than feed the hungry, however. In addition to their normal services, the house hosts several classes and seminars put on by community partners monthly. Everything from courses on personal finance to group talks about romantic relationships is hosted in their classroom. Small businesses can set up a table at their “Circulate the Black Dollar” pop-ups and sell they’re products. Several donation drives and giveaways are held throughout the year. Local artist can use their indoor

“[We fulfill our mission] by being a multi-purpose space. We have the Amy Jo’s Gathering Space for folks to come in interact and engage. he Abigail kitchen where we cook a meal once a month and distribute it to the community. We do movie nights. There’s an after-school program that runs out of here. There’s outdoor events. There’s just a multitude of things that we do. And keep in mind that we’re in a neighborhood that has been under siege by high-level gentrification that’s taken away from the quality of the community and we’re continuing to fight for the quality of the community.”

Don’t Believe People Who Say Development is Only Happening in Detroit’s Downtown

By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Driving southbound down Woodward Avenue and veering down any side street between I-75 and Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, it’s easy to see the that downtown has been booming with real estate development for the past 10 years.

Driving north of I-94 on Woodward Avenue, it’s easy to see that other parts of the city beyond the 7.2-square-mile downtown district haven’t had the same level of investment. But don’t let that fool you into believing the narrative that all other neighborhoods around Detroit are being neglected. There are literally millions of dollars of real estate development projects – commercial, residential, and mixed-used included – happening all around the city, and much of it is being done by Black Detroiters and Metro Detroit natives.

will

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make them affordable for Detroiters living in the area. Fourteen of the apartments will rent at or below 80% AMI, while four of the units will be available at or below 60% AMI.

Under the terms of the agreement, affordability of the apartments is guaranteed for the next 25 years. Additionally, the development will be home to a 6,000-square-foot ground-floor restaurant space, which can accommodate one or two new dining options. “I attended one of the Homecoming events. When I saw Cliff Brown presenting, I think he had a hoodie on, with a blazer and some Jordans. I said ‘Wow.’ I really, really appreciated the exposure to him indirectly through that event. But that expanded my horizons a bit and my thought of what I was

able to accomplish based off of seeing me and him,” Carrington said of how he first became interested in developing Detroit. “I was introduced to real estate when I was a banker. There were a lot of my clients who worked at the Big 3 (automotive manufacturers). They looked at real estate as their retirement – not their pension and not social security. Based off of what they were able to accomplish and their confidence in putting in place formats to invest

in real estate, looking at it as a long-term retirement plan, that was really my first real introduction, so I was introduced to real estate in many different formats. If it weren’t for those, I wouldn’t be here. I’m so happy that READ is doing what they’re doing because it gives you an opportunity to see (yourselves) in me. I’m not here to say ‘Oh, I’m just this great developer.’ I want you to look at me and say, ‘If that guy can do it, I can do it, too.’”

Carrington said he spent months talking to residents from Morningside, East English Village, and Cornerstone to find out what they wanted from the development located at 16530 E. Warren Ave., on the corner of Kensington and East Warren.

Also along the East Warren Corridor is The Deco. The development is the brainchild of partners Damon Dickerson and Brandon Hodges, and this project is more than a building restoration; it’s a manifestation of cultural pride and community resilience in a city where most neighborhoods are predominantly Black. Hodges emphasized its significance, saying, “It’s important to acknowledge that we are in a majority Black city. That comes with a level of cultural competency that developers should show. Most of our neighborhoods are majority Black, and I think

Mama Akua’s Community House

From page B-1

or outdoor stage for their performances.

In many ways, the community partners of Mama Akua’s are just as important as the building itself. The house may have been Shakur’s dream, but it fully belongs to the neighborhood. Not only do the residents of Z8ne benefit from the house, but they contribute to it. From the classes to the donations, Mama Akua’s is for the people, by the people. What they put in they get back both monetarily, and timewise.

“If there’s 10 programs operating out of here, seven of them are with our community partners, and three of them are in-house,” Shakur said. “We truly believe that circulating the dollar, particularly the Black dollar, is not about improving our bottom line. So if you come buy a burger here, there’s a percentage of those funds are going directly back into our community initiatives and our community programs.” Despite being small, Mama Akua’s Community House is having a big impact on the community it serves. As the threat of gentrification looms larger with every passing day, the house also grows stronger with every person who comes through

their doors looking to contribute.

In fact, Shakur and his collaborators are already working on creating a second community house right next to the first and are considering combining the two backyards so that they can host larger outdoor events. Only time will tell if Shakur’s plan to fight gentrification will succeed, and only he knows how many houses he plans to buy and repurpose. Whatever the case may be, two things are for certain: Dr. Yusef Shakur doesn’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon, and the people of Z8ne have his back.

Neighborhood Development

From page B-1

sometimes resources don’t always flow to those neighborhoods. We are trying to be good stewards of the opportunities that we’re given to get our vision off the ground and impact the community.”

Then there’s Charles Dickerson III and his new $7.3 million, all-electric, mixed-used development called The Beauton in Detroit’s North End neighborhood. The Beauton will provide 29 new affordable apartments: 10 micro-studio units, 15 studio units, two one-bedroom

and two two-bedroom

Many of the units are well below market rate to make them affordable to Detroiters living in the area. Units will have rents as low as 50% of the AMI, with over half of the units at or below 80%. Rents for the micro units will be as low as $700 per month. Dickerson III expects the property to be online by early fall this year, and said that he’s happy to see so many Black developers eager to spread the wealth beyond downtown.

“It can be a lot to take on projects like this, but there are so many resourc-

es available to developers. Every project doesn’t have to be a multimillion-dollar development, but there’s a lot that people can do in different pockets around the city that will lead to generational wealth for Detroiters and their families,” he said during a recent group tour with the Real Estate Association of Developers (READ).

During the tour, more than 100 current and aspiring Black developers toured currently-under-construction development sites that are being spearheaded by Black developers around the city. They saw that Black developers are forging ahead, leveraging their creativity, resourcefulness, and community connections to over-

come obstacles and carve out a place for themselves in the city’s evolving landscape.

As Detroit continues its journey of transformation, Black real estate developers are playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future. Their perseverance in the face of adversity – adversity that often comes in the form of finding funding sources or clearing through antiquated zoning laws –serves as a testament to the resilience of Detroit and its people, and their commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive Detroit. And while there is still a long way to go before the city’s neighborhoods reflect the recent changes of downtown, work is being done.

Tomorrow is loving more of the moments we love today.

Tomorrow is on.SM What we do today impacts tomorrow. Like how a silly moment with loved ones can create memories that last a lifetime. Or how Enbridge is investing in enough renewable energy projects to power more than one million homes. It’s part of how we’re fueling quality of life, so you can turn more moments into memories for years to come.

Learn more at tomorrowison.com

(StatePoint) Whether you’re

as amended. The total estimated budgets include the following programs: 5307 Formula ($41,910,203), 5307 LETC Governor’s Apportionment ($2,688,787), 5339 Formula ($4,632,121), 5339 LETC Governor’s Apportionment ($208,466), CMAQ & CRP ($3,512,756), 5310 SMART & Monroe ($4,065,482), 5310 NOTA ($956,266), 5311 Nonurban JARC ($1,052,522), Act 51 Operating ($44,189,860), 5311 LETC Operating ($704,350) and Other State Subsidized Services (Operating) ($1,325,980). SMART ensures that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with the Title

1. Be Box Smart: As you prepare for a move, you may be tempted to utilize old boxes rather than purchase new ones. While it may seem cost effective, it frequently results in ripped cardboard, damaged possessions and frustration.

Management letter KIPP Detroit Imani Academy requires that the auditors and selected board and staff members meet to discuss a draft version of the financial statements and that the auditors meet at least annually with the Board of Directors. All proposals must include:

a) Evidence of the firm’s qualifications to provide the above services;

b) Background and experience in auditing Michigan charter school clients;

c) The size and organizational structure of the auditor’s firm;

d) Statement of the firm’s understanding of work to be performed, including tax and non-audit services;

e) A proposed timeline for fieldwork and final reporting;

f) Proposed fee structure for the proposal period, including whatever guarantees can be given regarding increases in future years, and the maximum fee that would be charged;

g) Describe your billing rates and procedures for technical questions that may come up during the year, or whether these occasional services are covered in the proposed fee structure; and

h) References and contact information from at least 2 comparable audit clients Your proposal must be received by May 15, 2024. Send your proposal to mariah.schroeder@kippwholechildcenter.org. A recommendation regarding the choice of auditors will be presented to the full board of directors in June.

If you have any questions or would like further clarification of any aspect of this request for proposal, please contact Mariah Schroeder at mariah.schroeder@kippwholechildcenter.org.

Instead, invest in heavy-duty boxes to keep valuable items safe in transit. It’s best to have various sizes to accommodate an array of belongings – both large and small. This minor investment will pay off when things arrive at their destination neatly arranged, secure and ready to be placed in their new home.

2. Control Chaos with Labels: Maintain your personal inventory and reduce unpacking stress by labeling as you go. Write the area where each box goes on the outside or assign each room a different colored label. Not only will this action keep you organized while packing, but it will also streamline the unpacking process,

ensuring that all items are delivered directly to the space where they