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Michigan Chronicle
Michigan Chronicle
Michigan Chronicle
Detroit’s ‘Affordable Housing’ Isn’t Affordable for the Average Detroiter
UAW Triple Strike Against Detroit Automakers
Night of Elegance and Excellence
Price Hike Hits Metro Detroit as Great Lakes Water Authority Announces Increased Water Rates Roots. A3 Money. A5
All Black Everything: A
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Last week, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, City Council President Mary Sheffield, and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist were joined by community leaders and developers to celebrate the grand opening of two 100% affordable housing developments near downtown Detroit.
By Ebony JJ Curry
Late Thursday night, Sept. 14, a historic moment unfolded in American labor relations as the United Auto Workers (UAW) union initiated a strike against Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. For the first time, the union took simultaneous action against all three major Detroit-based automakers. The action involves approximately 13,000 UAW members in assembly plants across Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri, who walked off their jobs after existing labor contracts expired at 11:59 p.m.
SENIOR REPORTER
Brush Park Apartments, a $19-million development, features 53 affordable units and about 3,800 square feet of commercial space. A mile away is MLK on 2nd: a 33-unit, $11.5-million project that will also feature groundfloor commercial space, which officials said will be “bringing more amenities to not just residents of the building, but all Detroiters who call these neighborhoods home.” Out of the combined 86 units across both developments, 63 are considered “deeply affordable,” for those earning 60 percent area median income (AMI) or below, with the remainder being “affordable,” and available for households earning 80 percent AMI or below.
ingenuity of our community.
n a breathtaking celebration of talent, determination, and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual 40 Under 40 event Thursday evening. This year’s soirée, drenched in the theme “All Black Everything with Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essentially illuminated the golden gems within the true essence of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chronicle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city of Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black professionals.
In recent years, Detroit has seen an explosion in the construction of new multifamily housing developments, many of which claim to offer “affordable housing.” Developers and city officials tout these projects as crucial steps toward revitalizing the city and addressing a long-standing housing shortage. However, while these new developments are being marketed as affordable, the reality is far from what most Detroit residents can afford.
The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and visionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in Detroit but also exemplified the transformative impact Black professionals can have on their communities.
Shortly before midnight on Sept. 14, GM released a statement expressing disappointment with the strike action, despite offering what it termed an “unprecedented economic package” that included historic wage increases. Stellantis also expressed disappointment in a statement, saying the company immediately went into contingency mode to protect its operations.
As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of honoring other outstanding individuals, each carving their own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the creative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark.
Black Detroiters?
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
“Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talented, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid and I always knew that I would have a business, but I never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business represents our city’s pride.”
MTaking home the Corporate Excellence Award was Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at Barton Malow.
ichigan families are facing high costs, job insecurity, and an uncertain economic future.
Greektown Had 1.4 Million Visits This Summer
Can Reparative Investment Finally
DPD Chief James White Says Increased Police Presence Culled Violence By Andre Ash
ness district that had been the lifeblood of the community.
DIGITAL ANCHOR
The term “affordable housing” is defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s income. But for many Detroiters, the new so-called affordable units simply aren’t accessible. The city’s average and mean household income, as of 2024, paints a stark picture of why these developments aren’t as affordable as they are made out to be. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Detroit is approximately $35,000, while the mean income is $44,000. This stands in sharp contrast to the actual prices of the “affordable” units being developed in the city.
“Together we have created a social, environmental, and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. Lindsey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local partnerships and collaborative efforts that we exist in over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 million honeybees – humbly speaking our movement has inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationally to take on similar missions.”
The UAW has branded the industrial action as the “Stand-Up Strike,” focusing on specific plants within each automaker. UAW President Shawn Fain stated, “This strategy will keep the companies guessing. It will give our national negotiators maximum leverage and flexibility in bargaining. And if we need to go all out, we will. Everything is on the table.” Union leaders have also indicated that additional plants could be targeted in future waves if negotiations remain stalled.
For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or I-375, has long been just another stretch of urban highway, a concrete artery connecting different parts of the city. To some, it’s a mere convenience; to others, it’s an unremarkable part of their daily commute. However, there’s a deeper, far more troubling story beneath the surface of this seemingly ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displacement, and the lasting impact on Black Detroiters.
Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization founded by Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beekeeping to revitalize neighborhoods in the Motor City. Their initiative not only addresses critical issues like environmental conservation but also provides valuable education and employment opportunities to Black De-
Since 2019, 77 multifamily housing sites have
The question remains: how much of the policy talk translates into tangible change for Black communities? Governor Gretchen Whitmer took the stage at the 2025 State of the State Address, delivering her seventh speech; she covered housing, jobs, and economic relief. But what does that mean for Black Detroiters, who have historically been left out of economic booms and disproportionately impacted by downturns?
“It is so important to recognize that there are young leaders across the country, many that are born here in Detroit. I represent our city nationally and I tell people, ‘Yea I’m a D-girl I’m from the west-side of Detroit,’” Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able to have experiences within an industry that not many of us, specifically women of color, have the opportunity to engage in and I’ve been the youngest person in the room, the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in the room, and I really had to articulate the importance of showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and being persistent.” As a trailblazing Black woman thriving in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections between businesses and Detroit’s communities is unde-
It’s a history marred by pain, injustice, and economic devastation. More than 130,000 residents, primarily Black, were forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, generational wealth was obliterated, and a thriving community was torn asunder. The wounds inflicted by I-375 run deep, transcending the physical barrier of a freeway to penetrate the very soul of Black Detroiters.
economic disparities have persisted for generations. Housing affordability is a pressing issue. Since taking office, the Whitmer administration has supported housing initiatives, but for Detroiters facing gentrification and displacement, the concern isn’t just about building more homes— it’s about who can afford them. “This year, let’s invest $2 billion to build, buy, or fix nearly 11,000 homes...the largest housing investment in Michigan history,” Whitmer said. Will these homes be affordable for Black families who continue to face discriminatory lending practices and rising property taxes?
This painful legacy can be traced back to the nation’s interstate highway program of 1956—a program that aimed to connect the country but often did so at the expense of marginalized communities. In the case of I-375, it meant carving a path through the heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregation, and perpetuating inequality.
towards mending the wounds inflicted on Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of belonging that was so callously torn away in the past.
The I-375 Boulevard Project is about more than just correcting historical injustices; it’s about redefining the future. It will connect downtown Detroit to surrounding neighborhoods, bridging the gap that was placed upon the city decades ago.
crisis disproportionately impacting Black households. Nearly 700,000 Michiganders carry medical debt. “This year, let’s work across the aisle to reduce medical debt so being sick or getting hurt doesn’t also mean being broke for the rest of your life.” Wayne County Executive Warren Evans highlighted the success of local programs in addressing this issue. “Easing debt ensures that people can keep more money in their pockets, which helps keep the lights on and put food on the table.” If these relief efforts expand, they could provide critical financial stability for families trapped in cycles of medical debt.
ing issue of people becoming un housed.
The tale begins in what is now Lafayette Park, once known as Black Bottom—a neighborhood rooted in African-American culture and history. Named after its dark, fertile soil, Black Bottom flourished during the mid1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations of prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, Joe Louis, and numerous other Detroit legends. But in the name of urban renewal in the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was systematically dismantled, erased from the map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as-
A string of shootings in Greektown in mid-April left both visitors and residents of this bustling downtown destination in awe. One of these shootings tragically claimed the life of a popular and beloved security guard following a dispute with a patron. The male suspect allegedly shot the guard before fleeing the scene, while his female companion is accused of concealing the weapon in her bra.
All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness
A Holistic Approach to Providing Shelter and Support for Detroit’s Unhoused People
“Right now, families and businesses are facing high costs and uncertainty from tariffs and our national politics are divided. Michiganders are tired of the games and want strong, bipartisan leadership. Let’s lead by example and show the rest of the country how to get things done,” Whitmer stated. For Detroiters, where job opportunities remain uneven, and the rising cost of living continues to push families out of stable housing, what bipartisan solutions will shift the economic landscape?
While the residential areas bore the brunt of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, its thriving business center, remained largely untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s Black community together—were concentrated around Hastings Street, the epicenter of African-American culture in the city.
Housing Resource Helpline in response to the challenges that residents face in navigating the complex system of housing services. The helpline provides a single point of contact for people seeking housing assistance and connects them with the resources they need.
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II spoke about the importance of inclusive economic growth. “Governor Whitmer and I are committed to building a Michigan where every person can be their best selves and access health and wealth. When we took our oaths, we promised a responsive government that would listen to every Michigander.” The impact of those commitments must be measured in Black communities where
Meagan Dunn Julie Schneider
Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, making way for the construction of I-375. This marked the final blow, sealing the fate of Black Bottom and signaling the beginning of the end for Paradise Valley, the Black busi-
Historically, shelters have provided a temporary respite for those in need, often serving as the first or second option after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or family. Shelters offer a place to rest one’s head and a warm meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor
For one to aptly recognize the harm caused by such projects, it is vital to note that some of the planners and politicians behind those projects built them directly through the heart of vibrant, populated communities—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and sometimes as part of a direct effort to replace or eliminate Black neighborhoods.
“Governor Whitmer’s State of the State speech addressed critical issues, but it fell short of the bold action needed to tackle the deepening housing crisis, rising economic inequality, and ongoing attacks on the working class,” said Scott Holiday, Executive Director of Detroit Action. “We applaud Whitmer’s efforts to relieve our communities of medical debt and her push to strengthen our schools so all children receive a quality education. However, while Whitmer touts Michigan’s economic momentum, the reality is stark: Black, Brown and low-income communities have been left behind, and lifelong residents face growing displacement. With federal cuts looming, the state must step up. Whitmer must make historic, people-centered investments to keep Michigan strong— but that means prioritizing working families over corporate profits.”
Support for the helpline comes from the Gilbert Family Foundation, which has pledged $10 million over three years to fund the program. Wayne Metro Community Action Agency manages the helpline, making it accessible to all Detroit residents. This initiative simplifies access to the City’s various housing services, ensuring that residents in need can easily find assistance.
But now, after decades of enduring the scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to transform this once-divisive freeway into a vision that seeks to right the wrongs of the past while heralding a new era of inclusivity and community revitalization.
Alvin Ailey
American Dance Theater Returns to Detroit
Black
By Donald James SENIOR WRITER
By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
The causes of homelessness are as diverse and complex as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue.
“Providing services and high-quality housing to persons at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key priority of the City of Detroit, said Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department.
Saturday, Feb. 22, was an eventfully long day for the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP), as thousands of Democrats convened at the downtown Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center for the 2025 MDP Spring State Convention. With the stakes now heightened by significant Republican victories last November – nationally and statewide - Michigan Democrats turned out with the focus to reboot, move forward, and win future political races beginning in 2026.
Dancer Jacqueline Harris
Celebrating Family and Performance Roots
Today, the resurgence of Paradise Valley stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Black Detroiters and the enduring legacy of Black excellence. This historic district, once a vibrant hub for Black businesses and culture, is experiencing a renaissance that harkens back to its glory days. The destruction of Black Bottom may have torn apart a thriving community, but the resolute determination of a new generation of entrepreneurs and visionaries is reclaiming that lost legacy.
These incidents unfolded during an unseasonably warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic and heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown area.
The surge in crime and the influx of visitors to Detroit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the Detroit Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat off guard.
Energy costs are also a major burden. Detroiters already pay some of the highest utility rates in the state, with many Black households facing shut-offs during the coldest months. Whitmer’s expansion of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program could help. “Everyone’s eyebrows raise when that first winter utility bill hits...Republicans and Democrats came together to do something about it...I was proud to sign this expansion, which could save 335,000 more Michigan families hundreds on their energy bills.” How soon will this assistance reach families before they experience shut-offs?
James White, Chief of Police for the Detroit Police Department, said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed right out the gate. By design we went into the spring deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployment, and saw we say an uptick in violence that first warm weekend.”
Medical debt is another financial
Fueled by more than $100 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other partners, this ambitious project aims to create jobs, remove barriers to economic growth, and reconnect the neighborhood with the rest of Detroit. It is a step
“The city and its partners offer a lot of great services to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right housing resource and a growing number of programs to help them.”
The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment involves pledging $500 million to support projects across Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives being a significant part of their contribution.
Chief White attributes the violence in Greektown to a combination of weather conditions and a surge in population.
In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackowned businesses are not just flourishing but thriving, offering diverse services, products, and experiences that pay homage to the past while paving the way for a prosperous future. From jazz clubs to soul food restaurants, the Black Press, and art galleries to fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing life into the very essence of what once made this neighborhood a vibrant cultural epicenter. It’s a resurgence that extends beyond brick and mortar; it represents the resurgence of a spirit that refuses to be subdued.
Jobs and education are critical to economic stability, yet young Black men continue to lag in access to skilled job opportunities. Whitmer addressed this, announcing an executive directive to boost their enrollment in tuition-free education and technical training programs.
Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III, representing District 7, where Eastern Market resides, told the Michigan Chronicle, “It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is
Michigan Democratic Party Elects Curtis Hertel Party Chair
“This means focusing on building the pipeline of supportive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of Care on the delivery of critical resources such as emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion and prevention programs. It also means preserving and expanding affordable housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving housing stability though comprehensive service offerings available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.”
He explained, “ We saw numbers downtown that we have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID and there’s a feeling that we’re in a post-COVID era… and with the venues downtown and the reasons to come down with all the activities that are going on, we saw hundreds of more people and, in particularly, young folks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.”
Responding swiftly to the surge in violence, DPD adjusted its deployment plans. Rather than waiting for mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself to address the situation.
on the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. “We have had time to lick our wounds and in some ways, point fingers to whose fault it was in last year’s elections. However, now it’s time to get back to the work at hand, meaning how Democrats can do better and address the issues caused by this current administration.”
However, to move forward, Democrats at the Convention had to first elect a new leadership team. Lavora Barnes, Michigan Democratic Party Chair since 2019, chose not to run for re-election following last November’s election. Barnes was the first African American elected to chair the MDP.
In May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit
From the days of the Great Migration when thousands of Black families flocked to Detroit in search of jobs and a better life, to the pivotal role they played in the city’s cultural and musical heritage, Black Detroiters have left an indelible mark on the city. However, in recent years, Detroit has experienced significant gentrification, which has raised concerns about the displacement of long-standing Black residents. Similar to a setting sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black Detroiters are reclaiming their place in the city, despite the challenges posed by gentrification.
Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadi ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unhoused and entered the City’s community response system. In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness.
According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the fiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the
Former State Sen. Curtis Hertel, who later served as director of Legislative Affairs for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, was successful in his Feb. 22 bid to chair the Michigan Democratic Party moving forward.
The rise in visitors to the Greektown area is evident in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company specializing in visit trends and demographic insights through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according to Placer.ai. In the same period this year, these numbers increased to 1.4 million visits and 670,000 visitors.
As Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract both residents and visitors, the police department has implemented various enforcement measures to manage the increased population. Notably, metal detectors have been strategically placed throughout Greektown to deter the illegal carrying of firearms.
What a Federal Government Shutdown Could Mean for Detroiters? Comerica Celebrates 35 Years of Supporting the Nation’s Largest UNCF Walk for Education Scholarship Fundraiser
of our democracy in our lifetime, Michigan Democrats are stepping up to fight back and protect our communities all across the state. We are going to hold Republicans accountable for each and every time they’ve sold out middle-class Michiganders to pad the pockets of billionaires.” Hertel will lead a multiracial leadership team that includes African American Portia L. Roberson (First-Vice Chair) and Bangladeshi American Dr. Shahin Nazmul Hassan (Second-Vice Chair).
and west sides. Over time, these neighborhoods became centers of Black culture and entrepreneurship.
“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves to ensure Democrats can deliver at every level of the ballot in Michigan,” Hertel said after securing the victory as Party Chair. “As we face the fiercest test
During the Great Migration, thousands of Black families from the South came to Detroit in search of jobs in the booming automobile industry. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, they built vibrant communities on the city’s east
According to Historian Jamon Jordon Black resilience in the city has roots that extend far before the Great Migration and will persist
Roberson said the Hertel-led team will be doing a lot of listening to Democrats statewide, adding that it will be critical for the Party to present better and more effective messaging on broad issues impacting Michiganders, including civil and human/women rights, inflation, employment and workforce growth, and other kitchen table issues that matter to everyone.
because of discrimination, but they were also coming because Black people was doing some stuff. When did Black people start doing things in the city? They started doing things in this area in the 1800’s. In the 1800’s the major thing that they were doing in Detroit is they were the leaders in the fight against slavery. The Underground Railroad is the root in the city of Detroit to all of this Black innovation that you see coming later.”
“We have strategically placed them at key points, “ Chief White explains. It has been a deterrent for some, and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a weapon and carrying a CPL, have a great day. If you’re
Hertel’s pathway to victory took an interesting turn, as his opponent, Al Williams, despite campaigning vigorously for MDP Chair for months, chose to step aside on the day of the election after discussions with Hertel and key Democratic leaders.
long after our current phase of gentrification.
“The day was long, but at the end of the day, we came out with people energized and eager to get to work on what’s going to happen in 2026 and then again in 2028,” said Roberson, the CEO of Focus: HOPE, and one of eight commissioners
“Black people were coming to Detroit because Black churches were here, black schools were here, and its was Black businesses here,” said Jordon. “They were coming of course
“I wanted to step aside and promote unity for the Democratic Party,” Williams later told the Michigan Chronicle, adding that despite reports to the contrary, he met all requirements necessary to have remained in the voting process if he chose. “This was not about me dropping out or quitting; it really was about unifying, build-
Musical legends like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the Motown sound emerged from Detroit, providing a soundtrack for the civil rights movement and inspiring generations. Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not just a record label but a symbol of Black excellence and empowerment. However, as Detroit faced economic decline and population loss in the late 20th century, many
DPD Chief James White
cased the diversity of talent within our community. From Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundaries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who
Jeremy Allen