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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023 Vol. 89 – No. 42 | June 17-23, 2026

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All Black Everything:

Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023

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We Cannot UAW Romanticize Grit Triple Strike A Night of Elegance While Ignoring Pain and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Against Detroit

By Honorable James Tate Automakers Detroit City Council President

has carried us through generByDetroit’s Ebonygrit JJ Curry ations. grit alone cannot heal us.

SENIOR But REPORTER We can be proud of our resilience while night, Sept. grief, anxstillLate beingThursday honest about the stress, 14, aand historic moment unfolded iety, trauma too many residents carry in American labor relations every day. A stronger Detroit is as not one that the United ignores pain.Auto It isWorkers one that (UAW) creates pathways union initiated a strike against to healing.

Ford, General (GM), Detroit is a Motors city known forand grit. We are Stellantis. the first proud of ourFor toughness, ourtime, resilience, and the union took our simultaneous ability to keep going action against all three De- hard. But whenmajor life gets troit-based automakers.

The action we must be careful not involves approximately 13,000 struggle to romanticize UAW members in assembly so much plants that people feel across Michigan, Ohio, and to Misthey have suffer in sisouri, who walked off their jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. lence.

By Ebony JJ Curry after existing labor contracts ex- Mental their city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showJune is Men’s SENIOR REPORTER pired at 11:59 p.m.Health Month, and I beingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From James Tate before midnight on Shortly As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundlieve this is the right time determinan a breathtaking celebration of talent, Sept.

14, GM released a statement to saytion, clearly: mental health is spirit health.ofItBlack af- excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who and the unyielding expressing with fects how wedisappointment show up for our families, the Michigan Chronicle marked our its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crethe strike action,40despite offering work, ourUnder communities, and ourselves.evening.

When This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, 40 event Thursday See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 what it drenched termed anin “unprecedented our mental health is nottheme in the “All rightBlack place,Everything it soirée, the with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. economic package” that included becomes harder to be in the right place forand essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through Gold Accents,” transcended expectations historic wage increases.

Stellantis anyone else. ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. of This Black excellence.

Hosted byI the duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said work is personal for me. havecharismatic been Andre Ash my andown Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s open about experience with anxiety years Dr. Martin Luther King Bycity Jeremy Allen cle’s Finally Friday, always a blessing to be in a room fullwhen of so Rev. many talentbecause I know whattheit night feels was like atotriumph carry for the Jr. moved and like out of the house as the EXECUTIVE EDITOR of Detroit and its vibrant community young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people thatinlook me. something internally while the worldofonly civil rights movement pressed toward fessionals.

I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid sees your title, your role, or your responsibilwhat would becomebut theI Voting Rights The Jackson Home is now open to and I always knew that I would have a business, ities.

As evening a Black man, I also understand The sparkled with a goldenthe promise as we publicnever at Greenfield part of Act. knew it Village, would be Detroit’s brand name business, many men feel to always be from strong,various the pressure celebrated remarkable individuals walks DPD Chief James White Says Increased During the official the larger campus of The Henry Ford, our business rep- ribbon-cutting care, and reconstruction, and a historic always endure, were and never let of life. provide, Among always the honorees the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that Police Presence Violence andand it arrived from resents ourSelma, city’s Alabama, pride.” in ceremony for the Jackson Home at The anyone the weightofthey are carrying. sionarysee co-founders Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey relocation effortCulled that brought the house Ford on June 12, 2026, as Jawana the way memories – carefully Timothy Pauldoes Jackson.

Their Takingoften homedothe Corporate Henry Excellence Award was But silence not heal us.work has not only changed more than 1,000 miles north.

Jackson joined hundreds Andre Ash but impossible to fully theToo landscape of beekeeping urban farming reconstructed, in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at ofByhistory many men are walkingand around with She also marked its significance plainbuffs, civil rights advocates, elected DIGITAL ANCHOR contain. ness district that had been the lifeblood ofoftowards the wounds on troit but also exemplified the transformative impact Barton Malow.

By Ebony JJ Curry stress, grief, anxiety, depression, in trauma, and ly: this mending is the first home addedinflicted to Greenalso expressed disappointment ficials, and her personal friends, the hisBlack Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community.

The home itself is historically signifBlack professionals can have on their communities.

“It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR REPORTER pain that hassaying simplythe become part of their Village in 40 years. a statement, company tory was spoken of as something A stillstring in field of shootings that wasinso callously torn away in icant because it served a private res-many It’s motion. a that history marred “Together we have created social, environmental, leaders acrossasthe country, are born herebyin pain, injus- longing normal day. went They adjust to it. aThey work immediately into contingenBut Mooradian’s Greektown in mid-April left remarks were about the past. idence that became a key strategic and For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through they bees,”aresaid and I devastation. tell people, More than around it.toThey tellits themselves justJackson. Lind- Detroit. I represent our city cy mode protect operations. rare it is for the intention, not about both visitors and residents of how The morning opened with Amber gathering space during the Civil I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of Rights The I-375 Boulevard Project is about more sey followed that just sentiment “It is through our local 130,000 residents,ofprimarily I’m a D-girl I’m from the west-side Detroit,’”Black, were tired or UAW that they havethe towith, keep institution to add such a historic monuThe has branded in- moving. bustling downtown des- historical Mitchell, founding curator this of Black of the artery early and mid-1960s.

Movement urban highway, connectthan just correcting injustices; it’s partnerships and collaborative efforts that we exist ina concrete Mitchell expressed.

“But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced.

Families were uprooted, But sometimes, we have to become active parment.

The Henry Ford, she suggested, dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination One of these history at The Henry Ford, setting thein awe.

Inside home, civil met ing different partsthe ofto the city.

Torights some,leaders it’s redefining the future.history; It will it connect over 28 in plus managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences within an industrywealth that not many of generational was obliterated, and a about ticipants ourlocations own transformation. does not simply preserve actiStrike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically Detroit claimedto surrounding neighborOn behalf of the cross-departmenwith organizers andan strategists to tone. a movement mere convenience; to others, it’s unre- of thriving lion honeybees –I humbly haslocalus, specifically women color, have the opportunity community was torntoasunder. The downtown That is why launchedspeaking Protect our Your it. The Home is not meant within each automaker.

UAW the life of hoods, a vates popular andJackson be- gap that tal team that spent years restoring and planofefforts that contributed to the Selmarkable part their daily commute.

Howbridging the wasbut placed upon inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage in and I’ve been thewounds youngest personby in the room, inflicted I-375 run deep, tranCrown. to be observed from a distance entered President Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard followinterpreting the home, she spoke with a ma-to-Montgomery marches and the naever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling the city decades ago. ally to take on similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in scending the physical barrier of a freeway to and intellectually as a space strategy keep the companies Protectwill Your Crown is about recognizing a disputephysically with a patron. kind of grounded urgency thating matched tional ledthis to the story founded beneath the surface of seemingly thethat room, and IVoting really Rights had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very of Black Detroiters.

Today,history the resurgence Paradise Valley Detroit ais pioneering organization bypush where insists on of engagement. guessing.

ItHives, will give our nationthat mental health connected to the whole The male suspect allegedly the weight of what was being unveiled.

Actbeeof 1965. ordinary freeway—a story of pain, of showing up,displacegiving chances others won’t, and stands as a testament to the Lindsey and harnesses power of urban Thiswhen painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum leveragethe person.

It is Jackson, emotional health, behavioral Michigan State Jocetheofguard For before fleeing Secretary of indomitable she turned to the shot words Then and theCity. lastingbeing impactpersistent.” on Black Detroimakes the Jackson Home What As a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivspirit of Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in ment, the Motor toes-the Richie nation’s highway program and flexibility inhealth, bargaining.

And physical rest, nutrition, movehealth, lyn Benson, that responsibility was inthe scene, while his female Jean Sherrod Jackson, reading ters. pecially important is that it was not a ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her legacy of Black excellence.

This historic disTheir initiative not onlyweaddresses of 1956—a program that“Iaimed to companion connect if we need to goand all out, will. It iscritical ment, support, community. also issues like separable from the fragility of democracy is accused of confrom her memoir: can walk through formal headquarters or public instiunwavering to country fortifying connections begins in what is nowcommitment Lafayette once vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental but keeps also provides valuable DPD Chief James White the butthe often so house,” at the expense Everything is onconservation the table.” about removing stigmaUnion that tooThe tale itself.

She traced own path through cealing the trict, weapon in aher bra. her anycommunities room withdid this Mitchell tution.

It between was aBottom—a working family home, businesses and Detroit’s is undePark, once known as Black neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education and employment opportunities to Black Deof marginalized communities.

In the case of leaderspeople havefrom also getting indicated many help.that Montgomery, Alabama, where she spoke These incidents unfolded during an unseasonably wherein ordinary daily life overlapped read, “and in my mind’s eye, remember that harkens back to its glory days. The deborhood rooted African-American culture additional be targetI-375, it meant carving a path through the about her early career of investigating Over theplants last could two years, Protect Your warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffictorn and with extraordinary historical events. and see activity.” and history.

Named after its dark, fertile struction of Black Bottom may have ed in future waves us if negotiations heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregagroups, and described standing on hate to bring mental health Crown has allowed heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown According to family members, includThe line lingered because it resoil, Black Bottom flourished during the mid- tion, and perpetuating inequality. apart thrivingPettus community, resolute remain stalled. directly to Detroiters. Last the aEdmund Bridge,but thethe site synconversations area.It de- determination ing Jawana Jackson, the daughter of fused to treat the house as static.

1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations of the a new generation of entreonymous with Selma to Montgomery Fain the union’s stratyear, weclarified held conversations in coffee shops For one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime and the influx of visitors to DeJean Sherrod Jackson, conversaRichie scribed something still moving through of prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs marches.and visionaries is reclaiming that egy: “I want to give aand major shout-adults. This with older residents working by such projects, it is vital note that troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the Detionsnumerous about organizing, strategy, the memory, still alive in torecollection.

Joe Louis, and other Detroit leg-and caused lost legacy. out towe thevisited thousands members year, eight of Detroit Public Schools “I just want to be used, however I can,” some of the planners and continued politicianstroit behind Police (DPD), catching them somewhat future of democracy placeinaround reading into a re- Department Mitchell’s ends. But in the name of urbantook renewal In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwho are on District the picket lines rightwhere stuCommunity high schools, those projects builtfelt them directly off guard. she said, recalling her prayer at the foot tables where family flection that almost like athrough warning the 1950s,the thissame vibrant neighborhood was meals are notBridge just flourishing Housing Resource Helpline in communi- owned now fighting for all of us. The in honest dents volunteered to participate of thebusinesses Edmund Pettus some 30

By Andre Ash the heart vibrant, populated weredismantled, shared. and of a charge at once: “We cannot all beWhite, systematically erased from the response James Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Debut thriving, diverse services, prodto the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is a new approach conversations about stress, anxiety, sadness, years ago. ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and DIGITAL ANCHOR a Martin Luther King Jr. but each and map, and replaced by a lifeless stretchbyofits as-former partment, said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed The home is described ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the residents face in of navigating the a positive to striking.

Instead of striking all anger, and feeling overwhelmed. sometimes asone part ofusa direct effort toright replace “Now millions here in Michigan and can make dif- the gate. phalt. out Bypaving designthe we went the spring owner, Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson, in every past while way forinto a prosperous complex system ofthe housing serplants attaught once, select locals will be or eliminate Black neighborhoods.

We breathing techniques.

WeWhile the can comethe here, walk through Homelessness continues to ference in lives of our families and beyond deployment, which is less than mid-summer deploymemoir, areas The House bybrunt the Side of herresidential bore the future. From jazz clubs to soul food restauvices. The helpline provides a called to tools stand up and out shared free and apps.walk Wewith brought partthiswe house, see uptick the table where thethat voting plagueon urban communities, people wedecades meet each the dream the now, after of day… enduring theand rants, ment, saw an violence first the Road, whichofreflects on howsingle theBut of this demolition, the heart Black Bottom, thesay Black Press, in and art galleries to point of contact for people on strike.

This is generation’s ners, including theour Detroit Wayne Integratrights act was begun to be drafted,” she families and individuals grappling is still alive.” scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” house functioned as a space of refuge, its thriving business center, remained largely fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement that built ed Health Network and mental and said, connecting the domestic space diwith the challenges of other making onofthe horizon.

Plans have unveiled to White andtheaters, reflection during That idea that thebeen dream is not conuntouched.planning, Restaurants, clubs, andone Chief attributes violence in Greektown to life into the verythe essence of what once made connects them with the resources our the sit-down strikescliofto connect behavioral health organizations, rectly to legislative history and civic endsunion meet –in today’s economic transform this once-divisive freeway into a the most consequential movements in cluded was carried through every voice bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s they need. a combination weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popthis of neighborhood a vibrant 1937.

We told the Big 3 that Sept. students with resources and explain what struggle. mate. Whether it’s struggling to Americantogether—were history. Today,concenit’s a living vision that that followed. seeks to right the wrongsulation. of the ter.

Black community It’s a resurgence that extends beyond 14 was the meant Support for the helpline comes support candeadline look like.and we meet monthly mortgage payments And while Benson spoke in the the resurlanhistorical site meant to connect past past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter Patricia Mooradian, president and brick and it represents He explained, “ Wemortar; saw numbers downtown that we it. gave the soaring companies our ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor We coping with What stayed with merental mostcosts was that many guage of systems, Jawana Jackson spoke civil rights work intothe ongoing questions and community revitalization. of African-American culture city.

CEO of The Henry Ford, framed the genceever. of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago which has pledged $10 milin a housing stayedmarket after themarked sessionsby ended. TheyThen, inabout students the language of inheritance. democracy, voting rights, tion, andFueled opening in than institutional terms, but ainDetroit by more $100 million a cruel twist of fate, Hastings andfrom there’s feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it took more than a month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal lion overnever threedetached years to fund the shockingly high They prices, a variety asked questions. opened up. Some said civic responsibility today.

As the last living the Jackson it from and meaning.

Shethe the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with downtown andheir the reasons to come get to the table.”

III,venues representing District 7, of where Eastern Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute the they grow-planned to they felt better.

Sometosaid Nowtheatconstruction Greenfield Village, of other welcomed guests Greenfield Village partners, thistoambitious project making way for of I-375.partand withMarket all theSee activities that going on, we saw resides, theare Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing for a comSchneider THEtold JACKSON HOME nity Action Agency manages theit tookdown ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn the largerJulie campus of Thethe Henry Ford, and acknowledged what to ecoget to of aims to create jobs, remove barriers to This marked the final blow, sealing fate hundreds more people and,inin particularly, young “It’s still very early the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands.

This helpline, making it accessible to housed.

Page A-2 its meaning still points and to nomic the this moment: years of See DETROIT’S GRIT Page A-2 of Black Bottom growth, and four reconnect thecoordination, neighborand signaling the south, beginning folks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.” all Detroit residents. This initiative simplifies access to the See INVESTMENT Page A-2 Historically, shelterspage have provided a temporary respite of the end for Paradise Valley, the Black busi- hood with the rest of Detroit. It is a Responding step See UAW STRIKE A2 swiftly to the surge in violence, DPD for those in need, often serving as the first or second option City’s various housing services, ensuring that residents in adjusted its deployment plans. Rather than waiting for after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or need can easily find assistance. mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself family. Shelters offer a place to rest one’s head and a warm “The city and its partners offer a lot of great services to address the situation. meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t public safety issue,” McDonald area said.is“It’s huge tors and the goverThe rise in visitors to the Greektown evident By Jeremy Allen being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said for Highland Park that we get these buildings nor’s office – was in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company EXECUTIVE EDITOR settings.

Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners down beenand standing for years.” the water infrabecause of discrimination, but they specializing inthat visithave trends demographic insights Mychael The causes of homelessness By areLynzee as diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, The demolitions of a devices. broader strategy structure project,” were are alsopart coming because Black through geolocation-enabled mobile From MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST When Mayor Glenda McDonald talks about the right as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of we now have a simple process to guide residents toshe that McDonald believes could reshape Highland people was doing some stuff.

When said.

“A hunMay 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and Highlandto combat Park’s future, she housing talks less about and a growing number of programs to resource Detroit has adopted a holistic approach this issue.

Park’s future.

According to the mayor, roughly did Black people start doing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according to Placer.ai. dred million dollars From the days of the Great Micampaign slogans and more about help construction them.”

“Providing services and high-quality housing to personsof Black twoperiod dozenthis developers have expressed interest inyear, the these city?

They started doing the same numbers increased to is unheard of,Inbut gration when thousands projects, demolition sites, and water pipes buried The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key in building inthings the city once more properties are in this area in the 1800’s.

1.4 million visits and 670,000 visitors. we were able to get families flocked to Detroit in search beneath city streets.Director involves pledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, cleareddowntown and ready for1800’s redevelopment.

In the the major thingboth that that done.” of jobs a better life, to the pivAs Detroit’s area continues to attract As sheDepartment. seeks another term in Detroit office, McDonald over the next ten years, with housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization were doing Detroit iswaitthey “We have they approximately 20indevelopers otal role they played the city’s and visitors, the police department has impleMcDonald, the project is about moreresidents than is making the case thatinafter years of financial part For being a significant of their contribution. werebuy the leaders the fightwe against ing to come and up this in land that have “This means focusing on building theand pipeline of sup-heritage, cultural musical mented various enforcement measures to manage the ininfrastructure. struggles, political turnover, and stalled develslavery. metal The Underground Railroad and start developing housing projects, mixedNotably, Detroit has“They’re witnessed a consistent decrease in in creased portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an inBlack Detroiters have left population.

Notably, detectors have been going right now putting these opment, Highland Park is finally starting to gain is the root in the citywe ofneed Detroit to use projects, different things that inthe the recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiCare What on the a delivery suchon as the emergency delible mark city.

However, strategically placed throughout Greektown to deter Federal Detroit Boxerof critical resources traction.

The challenge now, she says, is making lines, which children no longer have to worry all of this Black innovation that you city,” she said. ly declining. In 2019,about approximately 7,847 people were un-to leadillegal shelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroitprohas expecarrying of firearms. having lead pipes that can lead poisure the city doesn’t lose momentum.

Government Shutdown LanceIt‘Boogie’ Smith see coming later.”

But getting development hasn’t housed and entered the City’sshe community response grams. also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them atmoving key points, “ soning,” said. “Securing thatsystem. funding for that “There’s a lot on in Highland Park these always been easy.

McDonald acknowledged that Honors HisDetroiters ofdays,” In 2021, about 5,687ispeople experienced homelessness. housing options for all incomes andgoing improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Musical legends like Aretha Chief White explains. It has been a deterrent for some, monumental.”

McDonald said during a recent interview. some have delays, including housing though comprehensive service of offerings the displacement long-standing Gaye, and disthe According to the City ofmayor Detroit, since thetostart of the haveprojects testedFranklin, it.

If faced youMarvin are legally carrying a Father’s Legacy for stability Detroiters?

The also points visible changesand hap-some she considers the At the top of her list istowhat agreements over property sales. available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents.

Similar a setting Motown sound emerged from Defiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying a CPL, have a great day.

If you’re pening around the city. biggest accomplishment her administration: through “We’ve had some small setbacks where and DetroitFaith, HousingFight, Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit,of and Black troit, providing a soundtrack forCity the The recreation center is being renovated. See securing $100 million from the state to overSee COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 POLICE PRESENCE Page A-2 Council did not want to sell the properties,” she Detroiters are reclaiming their place civil rights movement and inspir& Focus In May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit haul Highland Park’s the aging water infrastructure New playground equipment is coming. Pickle- said. “Developers get frustratedMotown with that.” in the city, despite challenges ing generations.

Records, ball courts are being added. Baseball diamonds City.Life.Style. B1 system. posed by gentrification. founded Berry Gordy Jr., was not Still, she argues thebycity isn’t creating unnecare being Meanwhile, crews con-phase The project replacing lead andservice west sides.

Over upgraded. time, these long after our are current of genjust a record label but a symbol of essary obstacles.

During the includes Great Migration, to tear down of vacant structures that have lines, installing new meters, modernizing a tinuing neighborhoods became centers trification.

Black and empowerment.

“As long as theexcellence developers have everything thousands of Black familiesand from been abandoned for decades.

Black culture and entrepreneurship. system that McDonald says residents have strugthey’re supposed to have,asstarting “Black people were coming to Dethe South came to Detroit in search However, Detroit with facedtheir ecothe biggest targets is Highland Towers, gled with According toAmong Historian Jamon planswere and making they go the Plantroit because Black churches of jobs infor theyears. booming automobile nomicsure decline andthrough population loss long-vacant hasblack become one were of ning “One ofDespite the biggest accomplishments – and Black it a resilience in high-rise the city that for late approval, should not here, schools here,Commission and in the industry. facing discrimina- Jordon 20th there century, many the city’s most recognizable wasn’t just me. I give they creditbuilt to the whothe hasScan roots that extend far before the Up itseyesores. was BlackDigital businesses here,” said QR Code to Sign for the Daily Newsletter tion and segregation, vi-citizens See HIGHLAND PARK Page A-2 $2.00 “That an eyesore, it’swere beencoming a went helped uson with Senate legislaGreat Migration and has willbeen persist Jordon.and “They of course brant and communities the the city’s east and See LEGACY page A2 $1.00

Selma From

I

to

Dearborn:

The Jackson Home Opens at Greektown Had 1.4 Million The Henry Ford as Visits aThis Summer and Living Landmark No Shootings of Civil Rights

Can Reparative Investment Finally Heal the Wounds Left by I-375?

All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness A Holistic Approach to Providing Shelter and Support for Detroit’s Unhoused People

WHAT’S INSIDE WHAT’S INSIDE

Mayor Glenda McDonald: ‘Highland Park Can Be the Best Place Ever’ Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy

Money. A5

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From page A-1

use the techniques in their daily lives. That told me our young people are not unwilling to talk about mental health. They are waiting for trusted spaces where the conversation feels real.

Local government has a responsibility in this work.

If we are serious about addressing the challenges facing our city, we have to be willing to look beyond judgment and seek understanding. It is easy to penalize people. It is harder to ask what happened, what went untreated, and what resources were missing.

One important resource is the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, Wayne County’s public behavioral health authority.

DWIHN exists to make sure every resident has access to mental health and substance use services, regardless of ability to pay. Detroiters can learn more at www. dwihn.org.

This summer, I am also honored to serve as honorary chair for Black Men’s Wellness Day Detroit on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 7 a.m. to noon at Renaissance High School. The event will include a 5K run/ walk, free health screenings, wellness resources, community engagement, and access to valuable health and support services. We are encouraging volunteers, walking teams, vendors, and community partners to get involved because wellness has to be both visible and accessible.

A mentally healthier

Detroit is one where every resident can access quality mental health care regardless of income or neighborhood. It is a city that treats mental health with the same urgency and importance as physical health while investing in prevention, early intervention, and community-based support. Most importantly, it is a city where people feel connected to one another, supported during difficult times, and hopeful about what lies ahead.

If you are struggling, you are not alone. Do not just sit and hope things will change. Be an active player in your own transformation. For mental health and substance use resources, visit www.dwihn.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal crisis, emotional distress, or needs immediate support, call or

Jawana Jackson

The Jackson Home From page A-1

meaning of what had been moved.

Mayor Abdullah Hammoud of Dearborn spoke of responsibility as something passed down and actively practiced. He described walking through the house and encountering its final interpretive question: What will you do when you leave here?

He spoke as a father imagining how he would explain the home to his daughters. “We will respect this home,” he said, “and we will teach them to speak out, to organize and to continually fighting side by side with each and every single one of us.”

From Selma, Mayor Johnny Moss brought a kind of reflection shaped by distance and familiarity at once.

“Peace by peace, board by board,” he said, describing how the home had been dismantled in Alabama and rebuilt in Michigan.

Then came his framing of what that process represented: “Rights are really not lost all at once. They are often weakened piece by piece. Decision by decision.”

The implication hung over the ceremony without needing to be restated: preservation is not neutral. Neither is erosion.

The origin of the project itself was rooted in a moment of personal urgency. Mooradian recalled a phone call in February 2022 from Jawana Jackson. The question was direct: “Can you help save my family home?”

That call, they said, set in motion a four-year effort to relocate and interpret the house. When Mooradian first traveled to Selma, she met Jackson in person and received a handkerchief that belonged to her mother, Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson. It became a symbolic object carried into the opening as a reminder that

37

the story being told is also a story being entrusted.

When Jawana Jackson spoke again near the end of the ceremony, she returned to a memory that seemed to collapse time entirely.

“When I was only 4 years old, my Uncle Martin asked me to make him a promise,” she said. “I said okay, I promise. I was 4. I just wanted the cookies he was going to give me. But his words never left me.”

The promise was to touch someone with the work she would do, and to not forget the gravity of the things going on around her, just as the weight of the plans made at her mother’s dining room table still touches people more than 60 years later.

Then came the line that tied childhood instruction to public responsibility: “As you grow, you will touch others.”

Her final reflection turned toward the visitors about to enter the home.

“The people that will walk through its door will come back and touch others,” she said. “And the light will continue to shine. In our darkest moments, the light always shines over hate.

And peace will always win over war.”

What the Jackson Home carries into Michigan goes well beyond a physical structure of a house once central to the civil rights movement, but it’s the accumulated insistence that history is not finished with those who inherit it.

In Selma, it was a home where decisions were made that shaped national policy and protest alike. In Dearborn, it is a space asking what those decisions require now.

The house may be rebuilt, but the question it carries has not changed.

What will you do with what you learn inside it?

The Jackson Home at Henry Ford is open to the public. More details are available at thehenryford. org.

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Highland Park From page A-1

be any problems,” she said.

One issue residents continue to raise is street lighting. For many Highland Park residents, dark streets remain one of the most visible reminders of the city’s long-running financial struggles. McDonald said she understands the frustration.

“The citizens deserve to have their lights back on in the city of Highland Park,” she said. But she also argues that restoring every light at once would be financially irresponsible.

“We have to gradually increase what we can and do what we can to make sure that we’re not going back into those financial disparities,” McDonald said. “We don’t want to have to come to the citizens and ask them for tax increases for lighting because we know that they can’t afford it.”

Instead, she says the city is pursuing a combination of solar and traditional LED lighting while working to grow its tax base.

That tax base, McDonald argues, is the key to almost everything else.

“As long as we own half of the city, that means we’re losing half the taxes,” she said of the fact that the city owns nearly half of the 2.9-square-mile city.

Her vision is straightforward: sell vacant city-owned land to qualified developers, create new housing and business opportunities, generate additional tax revenue, and use that revenue to improve city services.

“The key is to make sure that we get rid of these lots that we own to developers who are willing to build and provide housing, provide different mixed-use facilities so that we can get increases in our taxes,” she said.

The election itself presents another challenge. McDonald is facing three opponents, including community activist Mama Shu, whose work through Avalon Village has earned recognition far beyond Highland Park’s borders. Asked whether Mama Shu’s popularity presents a political obstacle, McDonald didn’t sound concerned.

“I don’t see any obstacles. All I see is progress,” she said. “All I see is the future of Highland Park.”

Instead, she framed the race as a choice between continuing projects already underway and starting over.

“In order to continue the progress, we have to continue the status quo, and that has been a problem in Highland Park over the years — the constant turnover of elected officials,” she said. “When you’re on a roll, you keep rolling.”

McDonald believes one of her biggest hurdles with voters isn’t her opponents but explaining how local government actually works.

“People think we’re supposed to just instantly be able to do something. That’s not how it works,” she said. “Everything is checks and balances. Everything has to either have approval, or it has to be a part of the process.”

As she reflects on her first term, McDonald says the job has changed her perspective on city government. She came to the mayor’s office after serving on City Council, but she quickly learned the executive role carries a different set of responsibilities.

“I’ve learned a lot about the finance of a city,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot about legalities and making sure that you’re staying within the guidelines of those legalities.

I’ve learned a lot about our city charter and the things that’s good and the things that’s bad.”

Most of all, she says she’s learned patience. “What I have learned is that slow and steady wins the race,” McDonald said.

“There’s nothing that can be done in four years to build a city that’s been down for 25 year.”

Whether voters agree may be one of the biggest questions facing Highland Park this election season. McDonald argues the city is finally beginning to move in the right direction. Her opponents will undoubtedly argue that progress isn’t happening fast enough.

For her part, the mayor says she hopes residents focus on what has already been accomplished — and what she believes is still possible.

“I really want the citizens to know that Highland Park can be the best place ever. It was. It can, and it will be again if we work together as a people,” she said. “There’s nothing that can stop us from building this city back from where it is.”

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Detroit’s Grit

family and daughter of Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson, she did not describe the home as a monument but as a living witness. Her voice returned again and again to the same question: “If the walls of the Jackson house could talk, what would they say?”

Her answers came from specificity born of memory.

“They would tell a story of our family,” she said. “A family that was committed to community. A family that was committed to education. A family that was committed to healthcare.

All of the things that we hold dear as a society.”

Then she grounded the abstraction in lived experience.

“They would tell a story when I lived in this house with my parents, and they helped plan the Selma to Montgomery march. I stand here today, over 50 years later. And we are still on that journey.”

That journey, in her telling, never fully left the house. It simply expanded outward.

“We are still trying to protect democracy,” she said plainly.

And when she spoke about what visitors should take with them, her language shifted from memory to instruction. “When you leave this house and go back SAMUEL LOGAN to your selected communi1933-2011 ties, Publisher try to make the world a better place. Touch others.

JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Talk to people that are difChairman-Emeritus 1912-1997 aper ferent, but that are alike.”

LONGWORTH M. QUINN in One line, repeated Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989 slightly different form throughout her remarks, il: newsdesk@michronicle.com became the center of gravity her entire message: “It is e, may for what the Supreme Court about the I. It is about ted by not will rule in the upcoming we.” erturn the days. Despite the deciThatadvocates philosophyonextendsion, both intoofhow she described really ed sides the argument are s the the house’s presencetheir in willing to continue tients. Michigan. pursuits. When people ask is al- why the Jackson Home “Overturning Roe bev. for far longs the Midwest, she Wade in would be a terrible nders, pointed notnearly to geography break with 50 years people but Greenfield to mission. of judicial precedent and r who Village, noted, was –cre-a – moreshe importantly arriers ated Henry Ford in 1929 blowbyagainst individual of sys- to tell the story America. freedom.

It isofmy hope nd in- “Now this majority Jackson House is that the of jusLosing part thatreject story.”the findticesofwill ortion ings of this draft. If that is home, she said, now com- notThe the need– to on case, “greatwesoil” a orcing rests stand with Senateboth Majorphrase that carried litarents ity Leader Schumer and and symbolic weight. It milies eral Gov. Whitmer in support is rooted in Michigan, but Being of their efforts tounmistakpreserve its origins remain d con- the right to reproducin Selma. ow to ably tive freedom,” said Chair s cen- Alisha Between those Bell, on behalftwo of living points – origin and the Wayne County arrival Comlife,” –mission. other voices filled in the x. pe of prorepro-

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SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

A3 | June 17-23, 2026

Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

Simplify summer comfort with a programmable thermostat Summer brings longer days, warmer weather and a shift in household routines. With kids home more often, changing work schedules and everyone coming and going throughout the day, keeping your home comfortable can be a challenge. A programmable thermostat is a simple upgrade that delivers comfort, convenience and longterm savings. By learning your family’s habits and adjusting automatically, it helps reduce energy waste, keeps every room feeling just right and gives you one less thing to worry about during the busy summer months. It’s a small change that brings big value to your home’s efficiency and everyday convenience.

Set your thermostat to cool your house before everyone wakes up, ease off when the family is out for the afternoon and keep things comfortable when you’re settling in for the evening. By avoiding unnecessary cooling when no one’s home, you can reduce energy waste and keep your summer bills in check — all without constant adjustments.

With instant discounts available on energy-efficient models at the DTE Marketplace, you can easily find the right thermostat for your home, making it easier to stay comfortable and in control all summer long.

Find smart thermostat deals at dtemarketplace.com.

Sweet Potato Sensations:

Where the power of community meets the power of clean energy In 1976, Cassandra Thomas made a sweet potato cookie to satisfy her new husband Jeffery’s sweet tooth, and in doing so, she created a legacy.

In 1987, the Thomases debuted Cassandra’s sweet potato cookies at the Rosedale Park 30 Block Yard Sale. Within just three hours, they were out of cookies and onto something big.

Today, you can find the famous sweet potato cookie – along with an entire menu of pies, cakes, sandwiches, croquettes, soups, and more – at their bakery: Sweet Potato Sensations.

Though you’ll find plenty of comforting and familiar recipes here, owner Espy Thomas is determined to be a part of the future as well—one reason she decided to enroll her business in DTE’s MIGreenPower program.

Stay back, stay safe: What to do if you see a downed power line

E

very summer, strong storms and high winds move through Detroit – and when they do, downed or low-hanging power lines can pose a safety risk.

While these situations are not common, knowing what to do can help protect you, your family and your neighbors.

The most important rule is simple: always assume a downed power line is energized. Even if a wire isn’t sparking, smoking or making noise, it can still carry electricity. That energy can travel through the ground or nearby objects, meaning anything touching the line – like a fence, vehicle, tree or even standing water – could also be dangerous.

If you come across a downed or damaged line, keep these key safety tips in mind: ■ Stay at least 25 feet away – about the length of a school bus – from the line and anything nearby.

■ Avoid anything in contact with the line, including objects and the surrounding ground.

■ Keep children and pets away from the area. Here are some electric safety tips every parent should share with their kids. (https://empoweringmichigan.com/teaching-your-children-about-electric-safety) ■ Look up and scan your surroundings, especially after storms, as lines can be hidden in trees or debris.

■ Call 911 and report it to DTE Energy – don’t assume someone else already has.

■ Never cross yellow caution tape, which marks a hazardous area.

In rare cases, a power line may fall on a vehicle.

If this happens and you are inside the car, stay there unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire or smoke. Call 911 and wait for emergency responders to let you know when it is safe to exit. If you must leave the vehicle, avoid touching the car and the ground at the same time. Instead, jump clear with your feet together and shuffle away until you are a safe distance from the area.

Whether you’re in Corktown, on the east side or anywhere across the city, DTE crews work around the clock to respond to downed lines and restore power. But your awareness matters too. Storms can strike fast, and a few simple precautions can make a big difference. By staying alert, keeping your distance and reporting hazards quickly, you can stay safe.

Anytime is the right time to discuss electric safety with your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Visit dteenergy.com/wiresafety for more information on how to be safe around electricity.

“I want to be part of the revolution,” she says. “Change is a good thing!”

After enrolling for just $1 per month in 2025, Thomas remarked that other small businesses should consider joining the program. “If everyone has a small piece of the pie, we can lift it easier.”

DTE couldn’t agree more.

DTE’s MIGreenPower business partners make a massive impact; not just for themselves, but for the entire state. Every enrollment creates more clean energy developments, which means more local jobs, environmental benefits, and community improvements.

Sweet Potato Sensations is a perfect example of how to move forward together, without forgetting our roots. “We value tradition, family, community, culture and our neighborhood,” says Thomas.

And it shows!

As Sweet Potato Sensations continues to pair tradition and legacy with meaningful change, be sure to visit them Thursday through Sunday to experience community programs like ballroom dancing on Thursdays, indulge in Free Ice Cream Fridays, sample products from other local, Black-owned businesses, and of course...

To try the sweet potato cookie that started it all.

Check out sweetpotatosensations.com to see their latest offerings and visit www.migreenpower.com to learn more about the MIGreenPower program today!

DTE Energy REACHs out to Michigan Youth DTE Energy’s REACH (Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage) employee resource group hosted its annual Trailblazer and Scholarship Fundraiser Gala on June 12 at The Garden Theater in Detroit.

This was the Gala’s 10th year recognizing DTE employees for their exceptional leadership and mentorship in creating pathways to success for others, and had the theme of, “A Decade of Impact, A Lifetime of Opportunity.”

In 2025, REACH members created the Skilled Trades & College Scholarship Fund, designed to help students of all backgrounds overcome barriers to higher education, whether they are high school seniors, current college students, adult learners or individuals pursuing skilled trades.

Since its inception, REACH has awarded $50,000 in scholarships

to 13 deserving students – five in 2025 and eight awarded this year.

“Calling each student to share the news was an emotional highlight,” said Denise Sampson, Manager of Electric Field Operations and REACH co-chair. “Their excitement and gratitude were overwhelming, and it brought tears to my eyes as I know how challenging it can be to worry about funding your education, and this scholarship is a meaningful step toward easing that burden.”

REACH has been able to create this opportunity through partnerships with the DTE Foundation and generous donors.

Every dollar donated goes toward scholarships supporting STEM-centric pursuits, which, for those striving to become an engineer, scientist, mathematician, technician or skilled trades professional, makes a real difference.

Page A-4 | June 17-23, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

Dr. Karl Gregory Lived a Life of Vision, Courage, and Legacy

By Dr. Sheila Gregory GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

Dr. Karl Dwight Gregory – distinguished economist, educator, civil rights strategist, and institution builder – passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Michigan after a remarkable life dedicated to advancing economic justice, intellectual rigor, and community empowerment.

His legacy reflects not only personal excellence but a profound and lasting contribution to the shaping of modern Detroit, national public policy, and global economic thought.

Born on March 26, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Bertram Vincent Gregory and Sybil Wynter Gregory, Karl and his brother, Victor Gregory, were raised within the vibrant Black communities of Hastings Street and Black Bottom in Detroit – centers of culture, entrepreneurship, and resilience in an era defined by segregation.

His parents, immigrants from Kingston, Jamaica, instilled in him a deep respect for discipline, education, faith, and global awareness – values that would guide him throughout his life.

As a child, Gregory spent formative years in Kingston, Jamaica, under the guidance of his uncle, Dr. Oswald Anderson, then Mayor of Kingston. There, he developed an early understanding of governance and global systems. These perspectives would later inform his work as an economist and public intellectual.

Upon returning to Detroit, he confronted the stark realities of racial segregation, experiences that deeply shaped his lifelong commitment to equity and systemic reform.

A gifted student, Gregory entered Wayne State University at the age of 15. After early academic challenges, he found his calling in economics. This discipline allowed him to analyze inequality not as a personal failing, but as a structural condition requiring thoughtful intervention.

He earned both his Bachelor’s (1952) and Master’s (1957) degrees from Wayne State University, working multiple jobs to support himself, before going on to receive his Ph.D. in Economics and Finance from the University of Michigan in 1962.

Dr. Gregory served with distinction for his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956 before embarking on a prolific professional career. Stationed in Germany, he observed postwar reconstruction and gained a broader global economic perspective.

These experiences reinforced his belief in the power of public policy and institutional design to shape more equitable societies.

His professional career spanned academia, government, finance, and international development.

He served as a Fiscal Economist in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations from 1961 to 1964 and later as a visiting scholar with the U.S. Congressional Budget Office. Under Presidents Ford, Carter, and Reagan, he helped shape federal budget policy while confronting racial discrimination firsthand.

His response was not resignation, but action. Through leadership in the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), he challenged discriminatory housing practices and worked toward meaningful civil rights reform.

Following the 1967 Detroit uprising, Dr. Gregory returned to his hometown determined to help rebuild – not through symbolic change, but through the creation of enduring institutions.

He became a central figure in advancing Black economic empowerment, founding and leading organizations such as ACCORD, Inc., and helping to establish the Inner-City Business Improvement Forum.

Dr. Gregory was an early president of the National Economic Association. After being denied the opportunity to purchase a home in an upscale neighborhood in Bowie, Maryland, in 1962 because of his race, he organized extensive, long-running protests that helped contribute to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

He was also instrumental in the founding and leadership of First Independence National Bank, one of the nation’s most prominent Black-owned financial institutions, where he served as chairman and interim president.

Later, as Chairman and CEO of Greater Detroit BIDCO, he worked to expand access to capital for minority-owned businesses, reflecting his unwavering belief that economic equity requires ownership, access, and institutional strength.

As an educator, Dr. Gregory taught at Wayne State University, SUNY Buffalo, and Oakland University, where he served from 1968 until his retirement in 1996 as Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

He was widely admired for his intellectual rigor, clarity of thought, and dedication to mentoring students who would go on to leadership roles in business, government, and public service.

Dr. Gregory’s influence extended far beyond Detroit. He served as a senior economic advisor to China through the United Nations in 1991, participated in global dialogues on economic systems, and engaged with leaders across continents, including involvement in a historic televised dialogue with Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin.

His global reach was matched by his deep local commitment.

Throughout his life, Dr. Gregory received numerous honors, including the NAACP Detroit Research Award, the U.S. Small Business Administration Minority Business Advocate Award, and the Detroit Urban League’s Distinguished Warrior Award for Lifetime Service to Social Justice and Civil Rights.

These recognitions reflect a life lived at the intersection of scholarship, service, and moral courage.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Gregory was a devoted family man.

He shared a lifelong partnership with his beloved wife, Tenicia Ann Banks Gregory, who preceded him in death.

Together, they built a family grounded in love, strength, and excellence.

He is survived by his children, Karin Diane Gregory, Sheila Therese Gregory (Stephen Lee Brown), and Kurt David Gregory; and by his grandchildren, Courtney Gregory Jones and Anthony Gregory Jones.

Dr. Gregory’s legacy is also carried forward through the Dr. Karl D. Gregory Endowed Scholarship at Oakland University and the cooperative house at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, that bears his name – the Dr. Karl D. Gregory House, located at 1617 Washtenaw Ave. After making a significant down payment that enabled students to purchase the 21-bedroom home, Dr. Gregory helped create a lasting resource for future generations.

The Dr. Karl D. Gregory House stands as a living testament to his commitment to education, access, diversity, collaboration, equality, equity, and collective advancement.

Dr. Karl Dwight Gregory lived a life of uncommon purpose.

He believed that justice must be built, not merely declared, and he dedicated his life to constructing the intellectual, institutional, and moral foundations necessary for a more equitable world.

He will be remembered not only for what he achieved but for what he made possible for others.

Celebration of Life The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 2- 4 p.m. at Oakland University, 2200 N. Squirrel Rd. in Rochester, Mich., where Dr. Karl D. Gregory was Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Economics.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Karl D. Gregory Endowed Scholarship Fund at Oakland University. Donors may visit the university giving page and enter Fund No. 61664 in support of the scholarship honoring Dr. Gregory’s commitment to education and opportunity.

His life was a blueprint for courage, intellect, and enduring impact. His legacy will continue to guide generations to come.

COMMUNITY VOICES

What Justin Onwenu vs. Abraham Aiyash Means for Black Detroiters Aiyash’s relationship with Senate District 1 raises serious questions. He previously represented Hamtramck in the state 2026 will be a defining year for Michi- House, which is located in Senate District gan Democrats. Donald Trump is back in 3. He later moved to Detroit last summer power, and we must fight Republican at- after expressing concerns about his ability tacks on workers, voting rights, civil rights, to connect with and win support from Black immigrants, public education, and health voters on Detroit’s east side (whose district care. But we also have to decide what type has a greater number of Black voters). of party we want to be and what records, When he was in the state House, a Hamvalues, and experiences we tramck councilman said elevate.

Aiyash “neglected us.”

Black Democrats have a Moving is not the issue crucial role to play in shapby itself. But when a caning Michigan’s future. We didate expresses concern need leaders who underabout connecting with Black stand our communities, can voters, is not trusted by leadpass tangible legislation that ers from his own communiimproves the economic conty, supports crazy policies dition of Black families, and like defunding the police, can deliver priorities like and then asks voters in anHope Zones, which can serve other district to trust him, as an engine for direct neighskepticism is warranted. borhood investment.

Third, Democrats have No race captures this to decide whether we want choice more clearly than the rhetoric or results.

State Senate District 1 pri- Keith Williams As House Majority Floor mary in Detroit and DownLeader, Aiyash had power river, where Justin Onwenu is facing Abra- and responsibility, yet more than 200 Demham Aiyash. ocratic bills died at the end of session that Onwenu is a fourth-generation Detroiter, would’ve improved our lives considerably. organizer, attorney, Detroit’s first Direc- Now he is seeking a promotion by promistor of Small Business Affairs under Mayor ing policies he did not deliver while in the Mary Sheffield, and an appointee to Gov. House.

Whitmer’s Black Leadership Advisory CounHe also led House Democrats in missed cil. Aiyash is a former state representative roll-call votes in 2023, voted yes on a bill to who represented Hamtramck and Detroit’s give tax breaks for data centers (House Bill east side. Their records and backgrounds are 4905), and accepted thousands of dollars very different. in corporate lobbyist-funded food, flights, Voters should consider the following: drinks, hotels, and travel (according to a First, in the face of Trump’s attacks on Michigan Transparency Network Lobby Exour economy, civil rights, voting rights, and penditure analysis). the Constitution, we need leaders who will That record does not match his rhetoric. oppose Trump’s agenda, not help create the I believe in markets, entrepreneurship, conditions for it. and direct investment in Black communities Justin Onwenu supported Vice President so our people can build generational wealth Harris and Democrats against Trump. Abra- and thrive. But voters should be skeptical ham Aiyash did not. Aiyash discouraged of a politician who campaigns as a socialist support for Vice President Harris and then ready to take on billionaires, corporations, refused to support her in the 2024 election. and lobbyists while quietly accepting thouThose choices mattered. Many voters sat sands in free gifts from the lobbying firms out or cast ballots for third-party candidates for health insurers, banks, and utilities that or Trump, and now we are living with the he claims to oppose. consequences: attacks on our rights, rising This race is about more than personaliinstability, and policies that hurt Black ty. It is about whether Black Michiganders workers and families. send someone to Lansing who is rooted, reliIf we cannot trust Aiyash to stand clearly able, and ready to deliver. against Trump, we cannot trust him to proJustin Onwenu has the background, relatect our civil rights, defend voting rights, tionships, and record to fight for Black comclose the wealth gap, or make life more af- munities and move our priorities forward. fordable.

Abraham Aiyash does not.

Second, this race is about commitment to Keith Williams is the Chair of the Michiour communities. gan Democratic Party Black Caucus.

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Chair, Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus

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Page A5 | June 17 - 23, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

Dr. Gavin Beckford, Phd

Economic and Downtown Development Manager Canton Township Dr. Gavin Beckford is a dedicated public servant and community leader who currently serves as Economic Development and DDA Manager for Canton Township.

Guided by a service-first philosophy, he is committed to creating opportunities for residents, businesses, and future generations through strategic partnerships, economic growth initiatives, and community engagement. Known for his willingness to mentor others and share his expertise, Dr. Beckford has earned the respect of colleagues and community stakeholders throughout the region.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, his educational journey took him to Howard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree, followed by an MBA from Babson College and a Ph.D. from Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he serves on numerous regional and state organizations and actively supports charitable efforts benefiting families in need. Dr. Beckford enjoys photography, travel, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two children.

Barry Blackwell

Director of Community Relations Henry Ford Health Barry Blackwell is Director of Community Engagement for Henry Ford Health, where he leads strategic initiatives that connect organizational priorities with the needs of Detroit residents. He played a key role in the community engagement process for the Future of Health Project, a historic $3 billion investment and the largest project in Detroit Community Benefits Ordinance history, helping ensure community voices were central to the effort.

Prior to joining Henry Ford Health, Barry served on the staff of Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, advancing community-focused policy and partnership initiatives. A lifelong advocate for civic engagement, he made history as the youngest candidate to run for Detroit City Council at age 19.

Barry holds degrees from Wayne State University and Central Michigan University and has more than a decade of public service experience.

Arnold Boyd

Founder and CEO Student Transportation Services Arnold Boyd is a Detroit entrepreneur, community advocate, and founder of Student Transportation Services, a Michigan-based company that has provided safe, reliable transportation for students and families for more than 15 years. Through perseverance, determination, and a commitment to service, he has built a successful business while becoming a respected leader in the Metro Detroit community.

As a business owner, Boyd has created employment opportunities for countless individuals and remains dedicated to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking second chances. His leadership is guided by a belief in accountability, empowerment, and creating pathways to success for others.

He is also the founder of The Arnold Boyd Foundation, which supports underserved communities through youth mentorship, workforce development, reentry support, housing initiatives, and community revitalization programs. A passionate advocate for education and economic empowerment, Boyd continues to inspire others through his personal journey of resilience, transformation, and service to the community.

Darnell Boynton, Esq.

Chief Corporate Compliance Officer & General Counsel CNS Healthcare Darnell T. Boynton, Esq., serves as Chief Corporate Compliance Officer and General Counsel for CNS Healthcare, where he provides strategic legal leadership and oversight for one of Michigan’s leading behavioral health organizations. During his tenure, he successfully guided CNS Healthcare’s transition from a leased facilities model to a real estate portfolio valued at more than $50 million and played a key role in the successful merger of CNS Healthcare and Northeast Integrated Health.

A native Detroiter, Boynton serves on the boards of NAMI and Trix Academy. He holds degrees in Japanese Language and Finance from the University of Notre Dame, a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University, and an Executive Leadership Certification from Harvard Kennedy School. A deacon at Citadel of Praise Church, Boynton is a devoted husband, proud father of two daughters, world traveler, and passionate advocate for underserved communities.

Honorees

The Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Awards recognizes local African American men who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are men who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise, and integrity who continue to break the mold and affect change in their professions and community. These men influence those around them to go beyond the norm and strive for greatness.

They are champions of our economic empowerment and diversity, the backbone of our business, religious and educational organizations, and driving forces in politics and service. Help us welcome our new Men of Excellence class.”

ME Teferi Brent

Tyrone Carter

State Representative Detroit 1st District State Representative Tyrone Carter is serving his fourth term in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 1st House District, which includes portions of Detroit, Ecorse, and River Rouge. A lifelong resident of the district, Carter is a proud graduate of Southwestern High School and Central Michigan University who has dedicated his career to public service and community empowerment.

Before his election to the Legislature, Carter served 25 years with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, rising to the rank of Executive Lieutenant. He is a graduate of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Police Academy, the FBI National Academy, and the Michigan Political Leadership Program.

His professional experience also includes serving as Assistant Director of Campus Police for Wayne County Community College District and Community Involvement Specialist at Southwestern High School.

A small business owner and committed community leader, Carter has spent more than a decade mentoring youth, leading neighborhood initiatives, and serving on nonprofit boards focused on improving the quality of life for residents throughout his community.

Director - Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety City of Detroit

William C. Childs, II, DO

Teferi Brent is a lifelong Detroiter, respected community leader, and advocate whose commitment to justice, public safety, and community empowerment has spanned more than 35 years. A graduate of Highland Park High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from Baker College. He also pursued advanced theological studies at Ecumenical Theological Seminary.

Following a distinguished 30-year career in manufacturing leadership, Brent dedicated himself full-time to community service, prisoner reentry, violence prevention, and youth development. He currently serves as Senior Director of the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety for Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. A founder and leader of several impactful organizations, Brent serves on numerous boards and commissions and was appointed to the Governor’s Black Leadership Advisory Council, where he chairs the Community Safety & Justice Committee. An award-winning advocate and mentor, he remains deeply committed to serving God, family, and community while helping build safer, stronger neighborhoods throughout Detroit.

Dr. William Childs is a proud ­Detroit native and dedicated Family Medicine physician committed to improving the health and well-being of the community that helped shape his life. He provides comprehensive, evidence-based primary care with a special focus on underserved and historically marginalized populations throughout Detroit. Guided by the principles of compassion, equity, and advocacy, Dr. Childs is passionate about building meaningful relationships with patients and families while addressing the social and structural factors that influence health outcomes.

Beyond clinical practice, he is a strong advocate for health equity, community empowerment, and mentorship. Through culturally responsive care and community engagement, Dr. Childs strives to inspire future generations and help Detroit families achieve healthier, stronger, and more vibrant lives. He considers serving his community both a privilege and a lifelong responsibility.

Dr. Harold Cadwell, Jr.

Hon. Ponce’ D. Clay

President and CEO Transformation Development Corporation Dr. Harold H. Cadwell, Jr. is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Transformation Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities throughout metropolitan Detroit.

A respected pastor, educator, leadership coach, and community advocate, Dr. Cadwell has devoted his career to helping people discover and maximize their potential.

He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree and is recognized for his commitment to personal development, leadership training, and community transformation. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and faith-centered principles, he leads initiatives that promote social, economic, and emotional well-being. A sought-after speaker and mentor, Dr. Cadwell inspires individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, embrace resilience, and create meaningful, lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

Dr. Andre Camp

Sergeant | Detroit Police Department Professor | Cleary University & Walsh College Dr. Andre M. Camp embodies mentorship, leadership, and service through a lifelong commitment to uplifting others. From an early age, he has guided peers with empathy and wisdom, qualities that have grown into impactful mentorship of youth through his fraternity, community policing efforts, and academic roles. His influence extends beyond guidance; he creates meaningful opportunities that expand perspectives and ignite purpose.

A 27-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, Dr. Camp has served with distinction across multiple units, advancing to leadership roles including Sergeant and contributing to Human Resources and Equal Employment Opportunity efforts. His excellence has been recognized through honors such as the Spirit of Detroit Award and Board Member of the Year from Project Dream, Inc. Beyond his professional career, Dr. Camp remains deeply engaged in service through organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and NOBLE. As a Project Dream board member, he continues to shape transformative youth programming. His legacy reflects integrity, compassion, and a lasting impact on his community.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Henry Ford Health

Judge | 36th District Court Judge Poncé D. Clay is a Judge of the 36th District Court in Detroit, Michigan, a retired United States Navy Lieutenant Commander, and a dedicated public servant whose career spans military service, law, government, and community leadership. A Detroit native and graduate of Morehouse College, he earned both his Juris Doctor and MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy.

During more than 20 years of military service, Judge Clay served as a Combat Systems Officer and Navigator, leading complex operations while holding Top Secret/SCI security clearance. Following his naval career, he founded Clay Law PLC and built a successful practice focused on probate, real estate, and veteran advocacy. He also served as Wayne County’s Division Director of Veteran Services, helping thousands of veterans access critical benefits and resources.

Judge Clay’s distinguished career reflects an unwavering commitment to service, justice, accountability, and the advancement of the Detroit community.

Walter Davis

Deputy Chief, Security and Integrity Group Great Lakes Water Authority Walter E. Davis III is a respected faith leader, public servant, veteran, and security executive whose career has been defined by service to others. He founded and pastored Saints Tabernacle Christian Church in Detroit for more than 20 years and currently serves as Assistant Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac.

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Walter was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1986 before embarking on a distinguished 25-year career with the Michigan State Police, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. He later served with the City of Detroit’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management before joining the Great Lakes Water Authority. Today, he serves as Deputy Chief of Security and Integrity, where he established the Office of Emergency Preparedness.

Walter holds a Master of Business Administration degree, is a published author, and is the proud father of three children.

Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com • June 17 - 23, 2026

Jason Dixon

Gary Ganaway Commercial Director Randoncorp

Director of Membership Detroit Regional Chamber

Jason Dixon is the Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Alliance Community Development Corporation (SACDC), a Detroit-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing smart city innovation, workforce development, renewable energy, and digital equity.

Under his leadership, SACDC’s Route to a Smart City initiative is expanding broadband access, workforce training, and community infrastructure throughout Detroit and Inkster. He is also leading the redevelopment of a former municipal facility into a Smart Infrastructure and Workforce Development Hub that will provide training in cybersecurity, fiber optics, renewable energy, and skilled trades.

Dixon has successfully overseen a $1.2 million solar energy project and directs NCCER-accredited workforce programs that connect residents to high-demand careers. He also serves as Director of Economic Development for the Detroit Realtors Association and Greater Metro Detroit Realtists, while chairing the Economic Development Committee for the Wayne County Democratic Black Caucus.

Gary Ganaway is a seasoned automotive executive with extensive global leadership experience in sales, marketing, engineering, and strategic business development.

He currently serves as an executive with Randoncorp, a Brazil-based multinational company with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia, where he leads Sales, Marketing, and Engineering for AXN Automotive Systems.

Prior to joining Randoncorp, ­Ganaway held several senior leadership positions within the automotive industry, including Vice President of Ram Commercial Vehicle Operations at Stellantis, Vice President of Global Sales at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, and Director of Global Product Strategy at Meritor Automotive.

Committed to community service and leadership development, Ganaway is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and serves on the boards of the Kappa Detroit Foundation and the Gary Education Development Foundation in his hometown of Gary, Indiana.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.

Huey S. Gray III serves as Director of Membership for the Detroit Regional Chamber, bringing more than 20 years of experience in enterprise sales, workforce development, and strategic leadership.

Throughout his career, he has achieved record-breaking sales performance and earned the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Bronze, Silver, Gold, and upcoming Platinum Dana Ketterling Awards, positioning him for membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Circle.

A proud Detroit native and graduate of Southern University, Gray is passionate about developing future leaders and expanding economic opportunities. He has dedicated significant efforts to workforce development through mentorship and the cultivation of employer partnerships that create pathways to success for young adults. He also mentors professionals nationwide through ACCE. His community leadership includes service on the Joint Employment & Procurement Advisory Board, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. High School Pathways Board, and various leadership roles at Allen Temple CME Church. Gray is also host of The Oh Yeah™ Podcast, where he spotlights leaders making a positive impact throughout Detroit.

CEO Strategic Alliance CDC

Charles Dulin

Director of IT & Facilities Centers for Family Development, Inc. | DBA Black Family Development Charles Dulin serves as Director of Information Technology and Director of Facilities for the Centers for Family Development, where he has provided leadership since 2001.

With more than two decades of experience, he oversees the organization’s technology infrastructure, ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient systems that support the delivery of critical mental health and juvenile services. His responsibilities include network administration, cybersecurity, cloud services, technical support, and strategic technology planning.

Beyond his professional role, Dulin is deeply committed to community engagement, actively participating in neighborhood meetings and initiatives in the Osborn and Cody Rouge communities for more than 15 years. He also supports community service efforts through Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Dulin holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Michigan State University and a Master of Finance degree from Wayne State University.

Dr. Rashid Faisal

Department Chairman for the College of Urban Education Davenport University Dr. Rashid Faisal is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Urban Education at Davenport University, where he is dedicated to developing a diverse and highly qualified pipeline of future educators. A proud graduate of Cass Technical High School, Dr. Faisal is recognized for his leadership in culturally responsive teaching, inclusive pedagogy, and urban education reform. He holds degrees from Madonna University, Teachers College at Columbia University, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Deeply committed to advancing educational equity, access, and student success, Dr. Faisal draws inspiration from his family’s legacy as descendants of Black families who migrated to Detroit’s Black Bottom and Paradise Valley during the Great Migration. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Delta Lambda Chapter, and St. Thomas African Episcopal Church. Dr. Faisal is the devoted husband of Christy Dolar-Faisal and proud father of Gabrielle Faisal.

Jonathan Feild, Esq. Partner Secrest Wardle

Jonathan “J.R.” Feild, Esq., accepted an offer to join Secrest Wardle as a C-Partner beginning in June 2026. He is a seasoned attorney and legal executive with more than 12 years of experience in litigation, compliance, risk management, and organizational leadership across both the public and private sectors.

Prior to joining Secrest Wardle, J.R. served clients at Ven Johnson Law, PLC, where he participated in multi-million-dollar settlements and advocated on behalf of individuals in complex personal injury matters. Before relocating to Michigan, he served as General Counsel for the Shelby County Attorney’s Office, advising executive leadership on legal strategy, governance, compliance, and risk management.

J.R. is deeply committed to community service and mentorship.

He volunteered at the DMC Community Baby Shower in 2025 and supported the Community Baby Shower Drive in 2025 and 2026. He also served as a panelist for Black Fathers during Black Maternal Health Week 2025 and regularly mentors aspiring attorneys and students pursuing careers in the legal profession.

David Felton

Deputy Wayne County Sheriff’s Office David Felton is a seasoned law enforcement professional, trainer, and community leader with more than 15 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Wayne County, Michigan. As a Sheriff’s Deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, he is recognized for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Beyond his law enforcement responsibilities, Felton is an accomplished facilitator and mentor who has led training programs in leadership development, diversity and inclusion, conflict resolution, behavioral change, and personal growth. His passion for public service has enabled him to build meaningful partnerships with youth, residents, faithbased organizations, and community stakeholders.

Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration, his research focuses on servant leadership and employee empowerment within law enforcement organizations. David and his wife, Dana, have been married for 34 years and are proud parents of three children and grandparents to one granddaughter.

John Gardner

HR Manager, Veterans Initiatives/Diversity/Career Tech Work Based Learning Programs | Roush Industries John Gardner is a veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to service, leadership, and creating opportunities for others.

Appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board, he helps oversee programs that support veterans and their families across the state.

He also serves on the Board of Directors for Oakland Thrive, advancing economic development and workforce initiatives throughout Oakland County.

As Social Action Chair for the Detroit Nu Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Gardner leads efforts focused on mentorship, civic engagement, and community service. Through Precision Housing Inc., he is pursuing innovative housing solutions for veterans and senior citizens. Gardner is widely respected for his integrity, servant leadership, and commitment to strengthening communities.

Bishop Lambert Gates, Sr.

Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith Inc and Sr. Pastor | Kingdom Apostolic Ministries Bishop Lambert W. Gates, Sr. is the Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith International and Senior Pastor of the multi-campus Kingdom Apostolic Ministries. A dynamic preacher, gifted teacher, and internationally sought-after speaker, Bishop Gates is recognized for his impactful ministry and visionary leadership. He serves as President of L.W. Gates Ministries, which provides oversight for the churches, ministries, and outreach programs under his leadership.

Bishop Gates holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Michigan. Before entering full-time ministry, he taught English at Detroit’s Osborn High School. He is the author of several influential books and is devoted to faith, family, and service. He and his wife, Nancy Franklin Gates, are the proud parents of two sons and grandparents of two.

Dr. Herman J. Glass,II Chiropractor Glass Chiropractic Health Plaza

Dr. Herman Glass is a respected chiropractor, holistic wellness practitioner, and healthcare leader who has served the Detroit community for nearly 40 years. As owner and director of Glass Chiropractic Health Plaza since 1985, he specializes in whole-body wellness, natural weight management, and patient-centered care.

A pioneer in his profession, Dr. Glass was the first chiropractor appointed to the Michigan Cancer Foundation Board and served on the Michigan State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He is a past president of the American Black Chiropractic Association and was named the organization’s Chiropractor of the Year in 1992.

Known for his commitment to holistic health, mentorship, and community service, Dr. Glass continues to help patients achieve lasting wellness while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Sean Gray

Senior Vice President of Small Business Detroit Economic Growth Corporation Sean Gray serves as Senior Vice President of Small Business Services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), where he leads a portfolio of initiatives designed to support entrepreneurship and strengthen Detroit’s small business ecosystem, including the nationally recognized Motor City Match program and the Detroit Legacy Business Project. He also serves on the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents.

A passionate advocate for economic opportunity, Gray draws inspiration from his family’s legacy of small business ownership and has spent more than two decades advancing entrepreneurship as a pathway to community prosperity. His professional experience includes leadership roles with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. A fellow of the German Marshall Fund, Gray has represented Detroit’s economic development successes on the global stage and remains committed to empowering residents through education, innovation, and business ownership.

Huey S. Gray, III

Aaron Hall Vice President, Detroit Market CHN Housing Partners / Detroit Housing Network Aaron Hall serves as Vice President of the Detroit Market for CHN Housing Partners, where he leads initiatives focused on affordable housing development, housing preservation, property management, residential mortgage lending, and the Detroit Housing Network. A lifelong Detroiter and graduate of Renaissance High School, Hall is recognized for his ability to bring together public, private, and community stakeholders to create meaningful opportunities for residents.

Under his leadership, CHN has expanded access to homeownership resources, housing counseling, and neighborhood investment initiatives, while advancing impactful developments that strengthen Detroit communities. Prior to joining CHN, Hall held leadership positions with BorgWarner and Compass Strategies and served as Community Liaison to Detroit City Council President James E. Tate Jr. Hall’s commitment to civic engagement and community advancement has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 honoree and recipient of the City of Detroit Spirit of Detroit Award. He is a graduate of Ohio Northern University.

Dr. Nelson Henry

Chief Innovation Officer | Center for Strategic Leadership & Organizational Coherence Dr. Nelson Anthony Henry is an internationally respected leadership strategist, executive coach, and organizational development expert with more than 25 years of experience driving transformational change across educational, corporate, and community sectors.

As Chief Innovation Officer for the Center for Strategic Leadership & Organizational Coherence, he develops innovative leadership solutions and directs the Initiative for School Transformation, advancing educator effectiveness in high-need schools. In Michigan, Dr. Henry successfully led the turnaround of a struggling school and secured a $750,000 state grant to support sustainable improvement efforts.

He is also the Founder and CEO of Charisma Circle, LLC, where he provides executive coaching, leadership consulting, and team development services. His work is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations discover purpose, maximize potential, and achieve lasting impact.

Lawrence Hood

Chief Executive Officer Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences Lawrence Hood is a visionary education leader and the Chief Executive Officer of Academy Management Company, as well as Superintendent of Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS).

Throughout his distinguished career, he has remained committed to expanding educational opportunities and improving outcomes for underserved students and families.

A former principal of a boys preparatory school and Vice President at Achievement Network, Hood helped drive academic improvement initiatives impacting more than 900 schools nationwide. He is also the founder of Detroit Early Middle College High School, where he is advancing an innovative birth-to-career educational model. Under his leadership, DAAS has become a recognized center of excellence and innovation, featuring a Birth-to-5 learning center and strong academic growth. Hood is passionate about creating equitable pathways to education, workforce development, and economic mobility for future generations.

Bruce Hunt

Executive Director Detroit Windsor Dance Academy As Executive Director of the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy ­ (DWDA), a nonprofit organization serving the Detroit-Windsor international community, he has dedicated more than four decades to enriching lives through the art of dance. Since 1984, he has led the academy with a passion for excellence, developing generations of dancers through comprehensive, multi-level training programs that emphasize discipline, creativity, confidence, and artistic expression.

Under his leadership, DWDA has become a respected cultural institution, celebrating nearly four decades of providing high-quality dance education and performance opportunities. Known for its talented and spirit-driven dancers, the academy has touched the hearts of audiences of all ages through performances that showcase skill, strength, elegance, and passion. His commitment to youth development, arts education, and community engagement continues to leave a lasting impact throughout the Detroit-Windsor region.

michiganchronicle.com • June 17 - 23, 2026 • Page A-7

Kevelin B. Jones, II

Dr. Cleamon Moorer, Jr. Founding Executive Director Eye Care for Detroit

Deputy Mayor / Director of Information Technology | City of Pontiac

Kevelin B. Jones II is an accomplished educator, pastor, and community leader who has served as Superintendent of Flint Community Schools since 2021. During his tenure, he has led transformative initiatives that include the renovation of four school buildings, the successful administration of more than $154 million in federal ARPA relief funding, and the development of Flint’s first new school construction project in more than 50 years. The CUBE @ BrownellHolmes, which opened in September 2025, serves as a model for educational innovation and community partnership.

With 25 years of experience in education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Jones has served as a dean, principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Academics. A Flint native and Pastor of Bountiful Love Church, he is committed to fostering academic excellence, collaborative leadership, and community engagement. His vision is guided by the principles: “Reenergize the Pride, Renovate the Plans, Rebuild the Possibilities, and Repurpose for a Brighter Future.”

Dr. Cleamon Moorer Jr. is an accomplished healthcare entrepreneur, educator, author, innovator, and media host whose work is transforming healthcare access and advancing health equity throughout Michigan. As the founder and leader of multiple healthcare enterprises, he has helped thousands of patients receive quality care, including through his pioneering mobile vision care services designed to reach underserved communities. He also leads American Advantage Home Care, expanding access to compassionate in-home healthcare services across the state.

With more than 25 years in higher education, Dr. Moorer serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at Central Michigan University and has previously served as dean of business schools at three institutions. A two-time TEDx speaker and bestselling author, he is also host of The Home Health Care Today Show on TV-20 Detroit. Dr. Moorer holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree and continues to innovate through emerging healthcare technologies. He and his wife, Nicole, are the proud parents of four sons and reside in metropolitan Detroit.

Richard T. Seay, MBA, is a respected public-sector leader with extensive experience in municipal operations, technology, budget management, and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving government efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and fostering sustainable community growth. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Seay works effectively with residents, elected officials, legal professionals, and community stakeholders to develop practical solutions to complex challenges. His approach emphasizes accountability, transparency, and measurable results while maintaining a strong focus on equitable opportunities for all citizens.

Deeply connected to the communities he serves, Seay is recognized for his accessibility, responsiveness, and dedication to creating lasting civic impact through strategic planning, operational excellence, and forward-thinking leadership.

Superintendent Flint Community Schools

Rashaan Josey President - Automotive Bose Corporation

Rashaan Josey is Senior Vice President and leader of the automotive business for Bose Corporation, where he oversees a global organization that delivers premium audio systems and advanced in-cabin technologies for the Bose, McIntosh, and Sonus faber brands. Under his leadership, the company partners with more than 20 automotive manufacturers worldwide, creating exceptional listening experiences for millions of consumers each year.

Prior to being named Senior Vice President in 2023, Josey served as Global Head of Sales and Marketing for Bose Automotive and held several leadership positions since joining the company in 2015. His diverse career spans product management, software development, sales, and business leadership across both the automotive and consumer electronics industries.

Josey holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and executive education credentials from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Jerry Lawrence, Jr.

Principal/Director University Prep Science and Math High School Jerry Lawrence Jr. is an accomplished educational leader dedicated to advancing academic excellence and fostering student success. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes, cultivating inclusive learning environments, and supporting the holistic development of scholars. His leadership experience spans multiple roles where he has successfully implemented innovative strategies to enhance student achievement, strengthen school culture, and promote continuous improvement.

As Principal of University Prep Science and Math High School, Mr. Lawrence champions a vision centered on high expectations, data-driven decision-making, teacher development, and meaningful community engagement. He is passionate about preparing scholars to excel academically, lead with confidence, and thrive in college, careers, and life. His commitment to educational excellence continues to positively impact students, families, and the broader community.

Kevin Manuel Owner | Amada Senior Care Kevin Manuel is the Owner and Operator of Amada Senior Care, where he has provided strategic leadership and operational oversight for more than a decade.

Responsible for all aspects of the organization, including strategic planning, marketing, human resources, and business development, he has built a reputation for delivering exceptional care and support to seniors and their families.

An accomplished entrepreneur and healthcare professional, Kevin brings extensive expertise in customer service, sales, strategic planning, and marketing strategy, with a specialized focus on the senior care industry. Under his leadership, Amada Senior Care has become a trusted resource for families seeking quality in-home care solutions and senior support services.

Kevin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public and Environmental Affairs from Indiana University Bloomington. He remains committed to improving the quality of life for older adults while helping families navigate the complexities of aging with compassion, dignity, and excellence.

Myron Montgomery Principal East English High School

Myron Montgomery is a lifelong Detroiter, proud graduate of Detroit Public Schools, and an accomplished educational leader dedicated to student success. A graduate of Northern High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in History and Michigan Secondary Teaching Certification from Eastern Michigan University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Marygrove College.

Montgomery devoted 15 years to teaching within Detroit Public Schools Community District before transitioning into administration in 2015. He currently serves as Principal of East English Village Preparatory Academy at Finney, where he continues to champion academic excellence and student achievement. With 27 years of service to Detroit students and families, he remains deeply committed to educational equity and community impact.

Montgomery is a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Prince Hall Masons Lodge #24. He and his wife, an assistant principal in Detroit Public Schools Community District, are the proud parents of two children.

Quantez Pressley Pastor | Third New Hope Pastor QuanTez Pressley has served as Lead Pastor of Third New Hope Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, since January 2020. A visionary leader with a passion for faith, service, and community empowerment, Pastor Pressley is committed to advancing the church’s mission of glorifying God, transforming lives, and making a lasting impact throughout the community.

A graduate of Morehouse College, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and later received a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Leadership, Spirituality, and Justice at Union Theological Seminary.

Pastor Pressley leads with compassion, excellence, and a servant’s heart. His ministry is grounded in Colossians 3:23–24, inspiring others to serve God wholeheartedly through every aspect of life and leadership.

Tyron Releford

Business Unit Leader/ Senior People Leader in Global Supply Chain | General Motors Corporation Ty Releford is a seasoned operations and supply chain executive whose distinguished career at General Motors spans more than four decades. Throughout his tenure, he has held leadership roles in manufacturing, logistics, global supply chain management, and other key operational areas, consistently delivering results while fostering collaboration and excellence.

Known for his steady leadership, strategic problem-solving, and people-first approach, Ty has earned a reputation as a trusted leader who brings clarity to complex challenges and inspires teams to achieve their highest potential. His ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and mentor others has made a lasting impact on colleagues and organizations alike.

Ty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management after attending both Western Michigan University and the University of Phoenix. A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he is also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life exemplifies leadership, integrity, and service.

Dan Ringo

Vice President Operations and Compliance SEEL, LLC Dan Ringo, Esq. serves as Vice President of Operations & Compliance for SEEL, LLC, where he leverages more than 25 years of executive leadership experience to drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and strategic growth.

A seasoned attorney, business executive, and U.S. Air Force veteran, Ringo has held senior leadership positions including Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, and Executive Director, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and high-impact business and energy efficiency programs nationwide.

Known for his expertise in strategic planning, organizational transformation, process optimization, and compliance management, Ringo has successfully led complex initiatives that generated millions in savings while enhancing operational performance. He is also an accomplished entrepreneur, having founded a facilities management company that achieved $6 million in revenue within its first three years. A graduate of Wayne State University Law School, Ringo is a Forbes contributor and respected thought leader on skilled trades, workforce development, and business leadership, helping shape conversations around innovation, talent development, and organizational success.

Dr. Teronto Robinson, MD CEO and founder TMD Healthcare Consulting, PLLC

Dr. Teronto Robinson, MD, MHA, is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of TMD Healthcare Consulting, PLLC, a physician-led healthcare consulting firm based in Southfield, Michigan. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University and holds a Master of Health Administration from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. Dr. Robinson has further distinguished himself with a certification in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare from Johns Hopkins University.

A proud native of Ecorse, Michigan, and graduate of Ecorse High School, he remains deeply committed to serving the Detroit and Downriver communities. Passionate about developing the next generation of healthcare leaders, Dr. Robinson actively mentors medical students while advancing innovative solutions that improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Richard T. Seay

Bruce Simpson

Assistant Wayne County Executive Wayne County Bruce Simpson is a dedicated public servant and respected government leader currently serving as Assistant Wayne County Executive under the leadership of Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.

In this role, he helps oversee critical county operations and initiatives that impact the lives of more than 1.8 million Wayne County residents.

Prior to joining Wayne County, Simpson served for a decade (2015–2025) as the City of Detroit’s Ombudsman, becoming the youngest person to hold the position at age 32. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to improve government accountability and responsiveness while helping shape public policy, including legislative recommendations that contributed to the passage of key state legislation.

A graduate of Bowling Green State University with a degree in History and a minor in Political Science, Simpson credits his strong work ethic and commitment to service to the influence of his father, Bruce Simpson Sr., and his grandmother, former Congresswoman Barbara-Rose Collins. Above all, he considers his greatest accomplishment to be raising his three children—Cameron, Caiden, and Cayla.

Shawn Smith

Manager/Labor Relations, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | Referee/ NFL Game Official Shawn is a Detroit native and graduate of Detroit Public Schools. Following high school, he attended Ferris State University, where he excelled as a student-athlete, participating in both football and track and field. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A respected professional, Shawn is both a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). He currently serves as a manager in the healthcare industry, where he is recognized for his leadership, analytical expertise, and commitment to excellence.

In addition to his corporate career, Shawn has distinguished himself in the National Football League as a game official and was recently selected to serve as the Referee for Super Bowl LX. A devoted husband and father of four, Shawn attributes his personal and professional success to his ability to perform under pressure, collaborate effectively, maintain the highest standards of integrity, and remain objective in all endeavors.

Chris Taylor

Community Engagement & Outreach Director United Way of Southeastern Michigan Christopher Taylor is a dedicated nonprofit leader and community advocate serving as Director of Community Engagement and Outreach for United Way for Southeastern Michigan. With more than 13 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has built a reputation for developing innovative programs that address critical community needs and create lasting impact.

A graduate of Michigan’s public education system, Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Computer Science, providing a strong foundation for strategic leadership and operational excellence. During his tenure with United Way, he played a key role in developing the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and later launched the United Way Community Fulfillment Center. Under his leadership, the initiative has distributed more than $14.6 million in resources to families, nonprofits, schools, faithbased organizations, minority-owned businesses, and community groups throughout southeastern Michigan. His commitment to service continues to strengthen communities and improve lives across the region.

Damon Thompson

Senior Director, National Housing Local Initiatives Support Corporation LISC Damon Duncan is a nationally recognized community development leader dedicated to expanding equitable housing opportunities and strengthening neighborhoods across the country. Since joining LISC Detroit in 2015, he has led transformative housing initiatives, including the groundbreaking 0% Interest Home Repair Loan Program, a $32 million partnership with the City of Detroit that has become a flagship housing preservation model within the LISC network.

As Deputy Director, Damon oversaw major initiatives including the Delray Home Improvement Program and the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund, a $65 million private housing investment fund. Today, in his national leadership role with LISC, Damon guides the expansion of innovative programs focused on home repair, developer training and capacity building, faith-based and mission-driven affordable housing, and pathways to sustainable homeownership in communities nationwide.

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com • June 17 - 23, 2026

Dwayne Walker

Glenn Wilson

Darryl Woods

UAW Local 900 President UAW Ford

President & CEO Communities First, Inc.

Vice President | Public Affairs Detroit Pistons

Dwayne Walker is a dedicated labor leader, veteran, and community advocate whose commitment to service spans more than three decades. A Detroit native and former U.S. Marine, Walker served his country for 12 years, including during Operation Desert Storm.

Since joining Ford Motor Company’s Wayne Assembly Plant in 1990, he has risen through the ranks of union leadership and currently serves as President of UAW Local 900.

A three-term UAW National Negotiator and Recording Secretary for the UAW National Negotiation Committee, he played a key role in supporting members during the historic 41-day UAW strike. Walker is actively involved with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), the NAACP, and UAW CAP. His leadership and service earned him the 2024 African American Labor Leader of the Year Award. He also serves as a deacon at Pure Word Missionary Baptist Church.

Glenn Wilson is the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Communities First, Inc. (CFI), an award-winning organization dedicated to economic development, quality housing, and community revitalization. Since co-founding CFI in 2010, he has led the organization’s strategic growth, resulting in more than $100 million in real estate development, the creation of over 2,000 jobs, and significant investment in small businesses and local communities.

Under Wilson’s leadership, CFI has developed or preserved nearly 1,000 housing units and built a portfolio exceeding 3 million square feet of commercial space, impacting approximately 45,000 individuals annually through innovative programs and strategic partnerships.

A visionary entrepreneur and respected thought leader, Wilson works at the intersection of the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, advancing initiatives in economic development, equity, climate resilience, and public policy. He advises corporations, financial institutions, and foundations representing more than $160 billion in collective assets, helping align capital with meaningful community outcomes. He is also a devoted husband, father, mentor, and trusted community convener.

Darryl Woods Sr. is a nationally recognized advocate, speaker, mentor, and community leader whose work is transforming lives across Michigan. As Founder and CEO of Fighting the Good Fight, LLC, Woods is dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and creating pathways to success for youth and returning citizens.

He currently leads the Credible Messengers Mentoring Initiative at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility, where he and his team provide guidance, mentorship, and life skills development to young people, helping them envision and pursue brighter futures. Woods also serves as Community Liaison for Growth Works, Director of S.A.Y. Detroit Better Together, Chaplain for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, and a member of the Detroit Branch NAACP Criminal Justice Committee.

A respected voice on public safety, youth development, and criminal justice reform, Woods has served as Chair of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners and currently serves as a Commissioner for the State Appellate Defender Commission (SADO). Through his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to service, Darryl Woods Sr. continues to inspire hope, foster positive change, and build stronger communities throughout Michigan and beyond.

Maurice Wallace Owner/Executive Chef LoneStar Catering

Chef Maurice Wallace is the Owner and Executive Chef of LoneStar Catering and a respected culinary professional with more than 35 years of experience in the food service industry. A graduate of the renowned culinary program at Breithaupt Vocational Technical Center, he further honed his craft at Johnson & Wales University, earning an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chef Wallace has built a successful catering business, traveled across the country, and prepared meals for notable figures including Beyoncé, Rosa Parks, and Faith Evans. His culinary expertise has been featured on numerous local television news programs.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Wallace is deeply committed to community service. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Waterford Lodge No. 31 PHA, and 100 Black Men. He also serves as a ministry leader at The Winners Circle and is dedicated to feeding the homeless and mentoring youth throughout the community.

Stefen J. Welch

Vice President | Public Affairs Detroit Pistons Stefen J. Welch is a strategic and solutions-oriented executive with extensive experience in public affairs, corporate relations, civic engagement, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As Vice President of Public Affairs for the Detroit Pistons, he leads transformative community and business initiatives, including efforts to bring a WNBA franchise back to Detroit. Welch also played an instrumental role in securing approval for the $3.5 billion Future of Health development, a landmark project designed to expand access to housing, healthcare, education, and research opportunities throughout the region.

A proud graduate of Oakland University and the University of Detroit Mercy, Welch further enhanced his leadership expertise through executive studies at Howard University. He serves on numerous boards, including Oakland University, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. He resides in Detroit with his wife and daughters.

Rev. Darryl Williams Pastor | St. Stevens AME Reverend Dr. Darryl R. Williams is a distinguished pastor, author, and community leader whose ministry spans nearly four decades. A native of Chicago, Illinois, he is a graduate of Wilberforce University, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, and United Theological Seminary, where he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on preparing churches for effective community outreach.

A third-generation African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) minister, Dr. Williams has successfully led congregations in Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Detroit, transforming ministries through strategic growth, community engagement, and innovative development initiatives. Since 2017, he has served as Pastor of St. Stephen A.M.E. Church in Detroit, strengthening partnerships between the church and surrounding communities.

An accomplished author, Dr. Williams has written two devotional books focused on Christian stewardship and spiritual growth. He and his wife, Laurelyn, an educator of more than 30 years, have been married since 1987 and are proud parents of their daughter, Christina.

Dr. Warren Woodruff, DDS Owner/Dentist Caring Smiles Family Dentistry

Dr. Warren Woodruff is a dedicated dentist, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner whose career reflects a unique blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and service. From an early age, he was drawn to design, problem-solving, and technology, interests that evolved alongside the rapidly changing digital landscape. While studying at the University of Michigan, Dr. Woodruff initially pursued engineering before discovering his true calling in dentistry—a profession that perfectly combined his passion for working with his hands, creative design, and helping others.

After earning his undergraduate degree, he completed his dental education at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

Along the way, he met his wife, Dr. Amira Woodruff, who shared both his educational journey and professional aspirations. Together, they founded Caring Smiles Family Dentistry in 2016, providing compassionate, high-quality dental care to patients of all ages in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact, Dr. Woodruff continues to embrace new opportunities to educate, serve, and improve the lives of others both inside and outside the dental profession.

Dejuan Woods

Director of Marketing and Community Relations | First Independence Bank DeJuan Woods is Director of Marketing and Community Relations for First Independence Bank, where he leads strategic marketing, community engagement, and financial wellness initiatives that help expand access to economic opportunity and generational wealth. With more than 25 years of experience, he has built a distinguished career spanning corporate relations, philanthropy, higher education, and community development.

His professional leadership includes roles with Wayne State University, the Skillman Foundation, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, and other organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and creating pathways to success. A committed civic leader, DeJuan actively supports youth development, mentorship, and economic empowerment through board service and community partnerships. His work reflects a passion for advancing economic inclusion and ensuring opportunity is accessible to individuals and families throughout Southeast Michigan.

M E

Michigan Chronicle

In a time when honor, morale, and dignity have seemingly become lost virtues, there remains a remnant of men who stand as beacons of light.

It is in honor of this sentiment that the Michigan Chronicle salutes Men of Excellence. The African American male has always been looked upon to provide for his family, protect and serve his country, and lead in times of uncertainty. He is called upon to train boys to be men, while setting the bar for our young women as to where their standards should be.

The essence of a man is never defined by gender alone, but by the content of his character. Men of Excellence are those who exemplify strength by standing firm in the face of adversity, leadership in periods of struggle, compassion in times of peril, and integrity in the midst of opposition. Through proven success and selfless dedication to the community, these exemplary men are lauded as role models for the next generation of excellence.

They are our community and business leaders, husbands, fathers, and protectors.

The Michigan Chronicle salutes each and every one of the

2026 Men of Excellence Honorees.

ME Michigan Chronicle

Lifetime Achievement Award County Executive Warren C. Evans Wayne County

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

B1 | June 17-23, 2026

The Inner Architecture:

michiganchronicle.com

Detroit Boxer

What Mercury Retrograde Is Actually Trying to Tell You

Lance ‘Boogie’ Smith

By Miss AJ Williams We have a story that we repeat every few months, like clockwork.

Technology glitches. A conversation takes a strange turn, and you can’t figure out why. An ex pops up in your notifications at the worst possible moment. A plan you felt sure about starts to fall apart in ways you never expected. In the middle of all this, someone always says it, “Mercury is retrograde.”

This story always follows the same pattern.

Something goes wrong, and we blame something outside ourselves. Suddenly, it’s nobody’s fault.

You were just caught off guard by a planet.

You’re a reasonable person dealing with an unreasonable cosmic problem. You just have to wait it out, and in three weeks, things will be back to normal.

This story sticks around not because it’s wrong about the planet.

Miss AJ Williams Mercury really does go retrograde three or four times a year, each time for about three weeks.

That’s true. The mistake is in the order of events.

The story says Mercury retrograde starts the trouble, but that’s not actually the case.

Mercury is linked to communication, thinking, and how information moves between people and between our inner and outer worlds. When Mercury moves forward, its energy goes outward— conversations start, decisions get made, and plans progress. But when Mercury goes retrograde, that outward flow stops, and its energy turns inward.

This is a time for reviewing, revising, reflecting, and finishing what’s been left undone. It’s not about sabotage. It’s about making corrections.

This is where the story begins to shift.

The miscommunication that comes up during Mercury retrograde wasn’t caused by the planet moving backward. It was already there, just under the surface of a relationship that had quietly lost its honesty. The technology that broke was already weak, held together by neglected systems because we kept moving forward and didn’t stop to fix it. The plan that falls apart was based on an assumption everyone thought they understood, but no one really talked about. When an ex shows up, it’s not just fate. That connection had something unresolved, and the retrograde gave enough space for it to show up.

Mercury retrograde didn’t cause these problems. It just brought them to light.

This difference might seem small, but it matters. If Mercury retrograde reveals rather than creates, then the things that come up during this time were already there before it started. The miscommunication was already happening. The weak systems were already breaking down. The unfinished business was still unfinished. The retrograde didn’t bring new problems. It just turned on the light in a room where those problems had been hiding in the dark.

So the story we keep telling isn’t really about Mercury. It’s about what we haven’t wanted to face.

The areas that retrograde brings to light aren’t random. There’s a pattern, and it’s worth noticing. It’s the agreements, with others or yourself, that no longer fit who you are now. It’s the conversations that got cut short because they were

Honors His Father’s Legacy through Faith, Fight, & Focus

By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Punches don’t sneak up on Lance “Boogie” Smith the way that memories do.

Sometimes the memories are tucked inside a workout; sometimes they’re hidden in a decision that requires patience instead of emotion; and sometimes they arrive as a familiar phrase he heard so many times growing up that he stopped paying attention to it until life gave it meaning.

His father, Stephan Smith, had a way of doing that.

“I remember one time I had a conversation with my dad and I was like, ‘Man, Pops, you’re dropping a lot of gems on me. How am I gonna be able to remember all this?’”

Boogie said. “[My dad] said, ‘When it’s time, it’ll come to you.’”

These days, it comes to him often.

Stephan Smith died on Sept. 1, 2022, before he could see his son, Lance “Boogie” Smith – one of the city’s most dominant upand-coming boxers – fight professionally. He saw only about half of the more than 80 amateur bouts Boogie would eventually compile.

He wasn’t there to watch him graduate from Wayne State University earlier this year in May, and he won’t be there for the world-title fights Lance believes are ahead.

But Father’s Day isn’t especially difficult for Smith because of what his father missed. It’s meaningful because of what his father left behind.

Long before Boogie became one of Detroit’s rising stars in the sport, he was a quiet kid who loved sports. He played football and basketball, and he loved competition. But as he prepared to enter Detroit Edison High School, Stephan Smith nudged Boogie toward something different.

Stephan Smith had experienced profound loss himself after the death of his own father, and he also battled serious heart issues that eventually limited what he could do physically. As Boogie’s athletic future began to take shape, Stephan Smith suggested boxing – a combat sport that would allow Boogie to push himself physically and be smart in and out of the ring.

“He was like, ‘Man, you know you’re going to high school,

See LANCE ‘BOOGIE’ SMITH Page B-2

See MERCURY RETROGRADE Page B-2

How Michigan Made Juneteenth a State Holiday

By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

The annual celebration of Juneteenth on June 19, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans across the United States, is an observed holiday for Michigan courts, banks, and most public government functions.

The recognition of Juneteenth

by American institutions is a recent tradition.

The push to celebrate Juneteenth as a “day-off” holiday happened after the racial justice movement in 2020. In 2021, President Joe Biden in 2021 signed legislation marking Juneteenth (June 19) as the 12th federal holiday.

It was America’s first new federal holiday created since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

In Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation three years ago, Act 215 of 2023, officially placing Juneteenth on the state’s list of holidays.

“Michigan’s story is incomplete without the legacy of Black Michiganders,” Whitmer said earlier this month on social media. “As we gear up to celebrate Juneteenth later this month, let’s all take time

to recognize and honor the countless contributions of Black Michiganders who have made our state what it is today.”

In 2023, when she signed the legislation into law, Whitmer said Juneteenth is a moment of celebration and reflection, “but it’s also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to action.”

The city of Detroit, the largest majority Black city in the U.S., has for years offered Juneteenth as a paid city holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates the June 19 order from Union Major General Gordon Granger, who told African American slaves in Texas that the Confederate Army had surrendered and that President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

The legislation to create a judicial and bank holiday in Michigan was comprised of Senate Bill 50 and House Bill 4722. Detroit state Sen. Sylvia Santana introduced the Senate bill, while Detroit state Rep. Helena Scott introduced the House version of the bill.

“This is another major milestone as we work in our state and our nation to tackle our history head on and better acknowledge, recognize, and in this case, cele-

brate the diverse experiences of all cultures and races,” Santana said in 2023. “I appreciate the widespread, bipartisan support of this bill and the progress and awareness of Juneteenth that it illustrates, and I will keep looking for ways to find common ground to make a Michigan a more inclusive state for all.”

Whitmer’s administration has touted its efforts to address the racial gaps in health care and education. They also have championed Sen. Sarah Anthony’s (D-Lansing) Senate Bill 90, also known as the CROWN (Creating a Respect-

ful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act. protects Michigan residents from discrimination in the workplace based on wearing their natural hair. Whitmer signed that bill into law in June 2023.

Democratic leaders in the state have been able to increase the number of students eligible for free community college, require implicit bias training as part of the knowledge and skills necessary for the renewal of licenses and registrations of health professionals in Michigan, and have banned discrimination based on natural hairstyles.

However, prison reform advocates and police accountability activists say state leaders must do more. The failure to pass meaningful police accountability bills under a Democratic controlled government was disappointing to progressive advocates in Detroit.

Bipartisan proposals have been stalled in legislative committees.

Under a Republican controlled House, those measures won’t pass.

“Second Look” reforms that would allow courts to re-evaluate sentencing after inmates serve a certain amount of time in prison are also stalled under Republican control.

Page B-2 | June 17-23, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

Lance “Boogie” Smith From page B-1 and you have to learn how to fight, especially around Detroit,’” Boogie said. “And then I just to build that confidence within myself.”

The confidence part mattered because Boogie had never considered himself timid, but he was reserved. Boxing offered something football and basketball never did, because there was nowhere to hide, no teammates, and no excuses. It was the ultimate combat sport that pitted man versus man.

From the beginning, he felt something special when he put on the gloves.

“Pretty much day one, I was like, this is what I’m doing,” he said. “I felt that love. I felt like I could do it.”

What started as his father’s suggestion became his own pursuit. And that’s important for Boogie. In the years since Stephan Smith’s death, plenty of people have encouraged him to keep fighting for his father. He understands the sentiment, but it no longer captures how he views their father-son relationship.

“My dad would be happy and proud of me being the best me that I can be,” Boogie said. “It wasn’t about making my dad proud.

The more I tried to hold on to making my pops proud, the more I kind of felt chained to his death,” he said.

What finally brought peace was a different realization.

“Now I was just like, well, I’m just trying to do it for me,” Boogie said.

“Because at the end of the day, when I become a father, I want my kid to be like, ‘My dad worked hard.’ If I fail and I try and I fail and I try and I fail and I try, the fact that I kept trying is what’s important. But if I fail and I just tuck my tail, I just couldn’t live with that.”

That doesn’t mean Stephan Smith is absent from Boogie’s journey. He’s always with him, Boogie said.

The last conversation that truly sticks with Smith happened only days before his father’s death. After a disappointing loss at the National Golden Gloves tournament to the eventual champion of the tournament, Smith was putting Boogie through a workout, and Smith, like he often did, gave Boogie another one of his gems.

“I remember him saying, ‘Man, you’ve got everything you need. You just need to be more tenacious.’”

At the time, Boogie laughed it off.

“I was like, ‘What are you talking about?

I’m just running sprints.’”

Looking back, he understands his father wasn’t talking about boxing. “He was talking about life. Like I said, I was never timid, but I was reserved. His words were like, that’s not who you truly are inside. “ A few days later, Stephan Smith was gone, but his last words to Boogie and his presence has never left. Boogie doesn’t hesitate to acknowledge that.

“That first fight after he died was crazy.

It was in October, only a few weeks later, and when I was in the ring, I felt like he was right there in the back of my ear.”

Boogie often speaks about faith when discussing difficult moments in his life.

He watched his mother and grandmother endure tragedy and continue moving forward. He saw how they leaned on their faith and their values when circumstances offered every reason to quit.

“You see them lean on their faith,” he said. “And then to see this supernatural power that the Lord was able to bring them through.”

When his father died, Boogie turned to those same foundations.

“Man, it was definitely something that the Lord had done through me,” he said. “I knew that He didn’t leave me. I knew that He didn’t forsake me.”

Boxing became many things at once – an

Mercury Retrograde From page B-1 uncomfortable. It’s the decisions made by a version of you that you’ve already moved on from. It’s the relationships where talking has replaced real understanding. It’s the plans you started when you were someone you’ve since outgrown.

These are the spots where Mercury retrograde always catches up with you. It’s not that the planet is looking for your weak points, but these are the places where things don’t line up, and if you ignore them, they build up over time. Eventually, a three-week pause makes it impossible to keep running from them.

This is the part of the story that changes how you move forward.

If you see Mercury retrograde as something that just happens to you, you might think you should just wait it out. Don’t sign contracts, back up your files, and deal with the hassle until things go back to normal.

But if you see it as something that reveals what’s going on inside you, waiting it out isn’t the answer. Instead, pay attention to what’s coming up, because you won’t always get this kind of clarity. What conversations have been harder than they should be? Is the problem with the words, or with what you’re trying to say? What keeps getting misunderstood, and what does that pattern tell you? What agreement are you still keeping even though you stopped believing in it?

These questions aren’t easy, and that’s not by accident. Discomfort shows you where something real needs your attention.

outlet, a distraction, a source of structure during a period when life suddenly felt chaotic.

“It was an escape, a distractor, everything,” Boogie said. “The more I loved it, the more it loved me back.” Funny enough, another world-class fighter mentioned spoke on boxing the exact same way during a post-fight press conference earlier this year.

It was the GWOAT Claressa Shields. Boogie was on the undercard of the February 2026 fight at Little Caesars Arena, too.

“It makes sense that that’s something she feels, too. Boxing is the kind of sport where you get out what you put into it. Like I said, there’s no teammates to rely on and nowhere to hide. It’s all you, and the harder you work, the better off you tend to be.”

For years, part of the joy of boxing for Boogie came from seeing how much the sport meant to his father. Stephan Smith had always wanted to fight himself. Watching his son succeed brought him happiness.

But eventually the motivation evolved.

“My motivation to be great eventually went from making my dad happy to, man, I actually like this because of what it done for me,” Smith said.

That realization allowed him to separate grief from purpose.

“Yeah, my dad was smiling. My dad would be happy and proud of me being the best me that I can be,” Boogie said. “But at a point, it wasn’t about making my dad proud.”

What brought peace was understanding that Stephan Smith’s legacy wasn’t dependent on boxing results. It lived in character, habits, and the choices Boogie makes every day. “’Lazy man works the hardest,’” Boogie said, quoting one of his father’s favorite motivational one-liners. “Whatever you have to do, go hard and do it right the first time.

You’ll probably have to do it over four or five times if you don’t do it right the first time, and now you’ve worked harder than the man who put his all into it the first time.

The phrase still catches Boogie when he starts looking for shortcuts.

“All them sayings and stuff, they just come back to me,” he said.

Those lessons have followed him outside the ring as well. This spring, Smith graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in sports management, an accomplishment he approached with the same discipline he brings to boxing. He viewed education as another opportunity to maximize his potential and another way to avoid wasting the gifts and opportunities in front of him.

As his professional career continues, his ambitions remain high. He talks openly about winning world titles, becoming undisputed champion, and one day reaching the Hall of Fame. But even those goals are secondary to the larger mission.

“It’s about my last name,” he said. That understanding became especially clear at Stephan Smith’s funeral.

“When people spend their money or time or energy, that’s what matters the most,” Boogie said. “That tells you what they think about you.”

The people who showed up told him everything he needed to know about the life his father had lived. There was respect and admiration, evidence of a man who had impacted people.

Now Boogie wants to build something similar, not rooted in being perfect or without flaws. He wants respect and legacy.

“My goal is to be the best at what I can do as the Lord allows me to,” he said. That’s what Father’s Day has become for him. It’s a reminder of the lessons, the values, and the voice that still shows up at the right time.

“I’m making my dad happy by making his son be the best version of his son that he can be.”

Blaming a planet for that discomfort, instead of looking at what inside you created it, is just a clever way to avoid doing the real work.

We’re good at blaming things outside ourselves. It’s understandable—external reasons are simpler and don’t ask much from us. They let us avoid facing the fact that the problems in our relationships, plans, and communication didn’t come from outside. They were built up inside us, one avoided conversation, one unexamined agreement, one outdated decision at a time.

Mercury retrograde doesn’t build those patterns. It just won’t let you ignore them anymore.

The next time Mercury goes retrograde and things get messy, don’t ask what the planet is doing to you. Ask what the disruption is doing for you. What’s coming into view that you’ve been avoiding? What unfinished business has been chasing you while you kept moving forward? What’s been out of sync for so long that you now see it as normal?

You already know the answer. You’ve known it longer than Mercury has been retrograde. The planet just made it harder to ignore.

AJ Williams is a Spiritual Wellness Architect and Educator and the Managing Editor of the Michigan Chronicle. A thought leader at the intersection of spirituality, astrology, psychology, and identity evolution, she is the founder of Sunday Communion, a quarterly live transformation experience held in Detroit. The Inner Architecture is her editorial column on the work of becoming.

All. Better.

We’ll never stop pursuing better health for everyone in our communities. corewellhealth.org/ community

michiganchronicle.com | June 17-23, 2026 | Page B-3

If you lost your property to tax foreclosure in 2026: You may be entitled to claim remaining proceeds from the sale associated with the parcel that exceeds the amount owed for taxes, interest and fees.

DEADLINE TO FILE A CLAIM: JULY 1, 2026 FILL OUT THE NOTICE OF INTENT FORM WITH THE FOLLOWING INFO: APPLICATION INFORMATION, PROPERTY INFORMATION, AND INTEREST IN PROPERTY (E.G. MORTGAGE AND LIEN HOLDERS).

NOTARIZE THE NOTICE OF INTENT FORM SUBMIT THE NOTICE OF INTENT FORM TO THE WAYNE COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE VIA CERTIFIED MAIL OR IN PERSON: 400 MONROE ST, DETROIT, MI 48226

You can reach out to the Michigan Legal Services for assitance to file a claim. Call 313-964-4130 or visit milegalservices.org for more information.

CLAIMS FORM

Your completed, notarized form must be hand-delivered or sent through certified mail to the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office located at 400 Monroe, Detroit MI 48226 on the 5th floor no later than July 1, 2026.

Visit WayneCountyMI.gov/Treasurer and click on “Claims & Auctions” to download the form.

You can also contact the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office by calling 313-224-5990 or by emailing TaxInfo@WayneCountyMI.gov 6 cols x 10.5 inches

Page B-4 | June 17-23, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

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VISIT YOUR LOCAL MICHIGAN TOYOTA DEALER TODAY! FOR ALL TOYOTA OFFERS AND TO FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU 1. Based on manufacturers’ sales data from CY 2005-2025. 2. New 2026 Tacoma SR5 Double Cab 4x4 Model 7540. Lease based on net cap cost of $38,294. Lease end purchase option $31,375* 3. New 2026 Tacoma (includes Hybrid, but excludes TRD Pro & Trailhunter) and all-new, all-hybrid 2026 RAV4 (excludes GR Sport). 4.99% APR financing for 60 months with $18.87 per $1,000 Borrowed.** 4. $500 TFS Standard APR Cash on new 2026 Tacoma SR5 Models only & $1,000 TFS Standard APR Cash on new 2026 Tacoma Hybrid Models Only (excludes Trailhunter & TRD Pro.), and new 2026 Tundra (excludes TRD Pro). $1,500 TFS Standard APR Cash on new 2026 bZ and 2026 bZ Woodland. Subject to approved credit when financed through Toyota Financial Services. APR Cash must be applied to deal. Not all customers will qualify – see dealer for details. 5. Based on manufacturer estimates, CY 2025 sales. 6. All-new, all-hybrid 2026 RAV4 LE AWD Model #4435. Lease based on net cap cost of $31,802. Lease end purchase option $25,966.* 7. Toyota vehicles and components are built using U.S. and globally sourced parts. 8. Based on manufacturers’ sales data from CY 2002-2025. 9. New 2026 Camry LE FWD Model 2559. Lease based on net cap cost of $26,819. Lease end purchase option $20,444.* 10. New 2026 Camry, and new 2026 Corolla Gas & Hybrid (excludes Corolla Cross & GR Corolla). 4.99% APR financing for 60 months with $18.87 per $1,000 OR 6.49% APR for 72 months with $16.81 per $1,000 borrowed.** 11. Full-Size Pickup Class. Vehicle’s projected resale value is specific to the 2026 model year. For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. 12. New 2026 Tundra CrewMax SR5 4x4 Model 8361. Lease based on net cap cost of $48,929. Lease end purchase option $36,049.* 13. New 2026 Tundra (excludes TRD Pro). 2.99% APR financing for 72 months with $15.19 per $1,000 borrowed.** 14. New 2026 Tundra (excludes TRD Pro) $1,000 Customer Cash. Customer Cash direct from Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. May not be combined with APR or lease offers. 15. Based on manufacturer estimates. Source: Toyota.com. 16. New 2026 Corolla LE FWD Model 1852. Lease based on net cap cost of $21,411. Lease end purchase option $16,255.* 17. New 2026 Corolla Cross L FWD Gas Model 6301. Lease based on net cap cost of $24,048. Lease end purchase option $17,684.* 18. New 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD Model 6722. Lease based on net cap cost of $43,738. Lease end purchase option $35,901.* 19. New 2026 Prius LE FWD Model 1223. Lease based on net cap cost of $26,877. Lease end purchase option $20,467.* 20. New 2026 4Runner SR5 4WD Model 8664. Lease based on net cap cost of $42,057. Lease end purchase option $34,214.* 21. New 2026 bZ, bZ Woodland and C-HR. 0% APR Financing for 72 months with $13.89 per $1,000 borrowed.** 22. TCUV Gold Camry Gas/Hybrid, Corolla Family includes Corolla Gas/Hybrid, Hatchback, iM and Corolla Cross Gas/Hybrid (excludes GR Corolla), RAV4 Family includes Gas/Hybrid/Prime/Plug-in Hybrid/PHEV. 5.19% APR financing for 72 months with $16.91 per $1,000 borrowed. TCUV Gold bZ4x, bZ, bZ Woodland, and C-HR BEV. 2.99% APR financing for 72 months with 15.19 per $1,000 borrowed. You must take retail delivery from TCUV Gold dealer stock between 6/2/26 and 6/30/26. TCUV Gold models must be current year used vehicles through 6-year-old with 85,000 miles or less.

Subject to approved credit thru TFS. Tier 1+ & 1 only. See participating dealer for details. Visit toyotacertified.com for additional information. 23. Qualified current, active-duty U. S. Military personnel, inactive reserves, veterans honorably discharged within two calendar years of their service discharge date, retired U. S. Military veteran regardless of date of separation from active service, and a spouse/surviving spouse and dependents of an eligible U. S. military personal (including Gold Star Family Members) are eligible for rebates in addition to all other incentives, depending on model, through Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc., when leased or financed through Toyota Financial Services. Must take retail delivery from select new dealer stock (TCUV not eligible). The Toyota Military Rebate Program is not compatible with the Toyota College Rebate Program or LeaseEnd Refinancing Program. See participating dealer or visit toyota.com for complete details. 24. The Toyota College Rebate Program is not compatible with the Military Rebate Program. See participating dealer or visit toyota.com for complete details. 25. Based on manufacturer’s data.

Source: Toyota.com. * Contract cost of $16,203/Tacoma SR5 Double Cab 4x4, $15,843/RAV4 LE AWD, $15,123/Camry LE, $20,833/Tundra SR5 CrewMax, $12,243/Corolla LE Gas, $14,403/Corolla Cross L, $21,243/Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD, $17,283/Prius LE & $18,723/4Runner SR5 4WD excludes all applicable taxes and government fees. Due at signing includes down payment of $2,011/Tacoma SR5 Double Cab 4x4, $2,021/RAV4 LE AWD, $2,041/Camry LE, $1,881/Tundra SR5 CrewMax, $2,121/Corolla LE, $2,061/Corolla Cross L, $1,871/Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE, $2,051/Prius LE & $1,941/4Runner SR5 4WD; $750 acquisition fee & documentary service fee of up to $899 (documentary fees vary by state but MI, OH, KY & TN will not exceed $899). Price will vary based on accessories chosen. NO SECURITY DEPOSIT. Subject to approved credit through Toyota Financial Services. Not all customers will qualify – Tier I PLUS customers ONLY. Your payment may vary depending on final price. Lessee may be charged for excessive wear based on Toyota Financial Services standards for normal use and for mileage in excess of 30,000 miles at the rate of $0.15 per mile (10K low mileage leases). A $350 Disposition Fee is due at lease termination. ** Subject to approved credit thru Toyota Financial Services. Tier 1+ & 1 only. See participating dealer for details. 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23 & 24: Must take retail delivery from new 2026 models in dealer stock while supply lasts between 6/2/26 and 6/30/26. Offers may vary by region. Delays in new vehicle shipments not in the control of dealer may impact customer delivery date and offer eligibility. Supply limited. See participating dealer for complete details. Individual dealer prices and document fees may vary. VEHICLE IMAGES USED FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. Expiration for these offers is 6/30/26.

Classifieds

michiganchronicle.com | June 17-23, 2026 | Page B-5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Notice of Public Hearing

The Detroit Transportation Corporation, Detroit People Mover is solicitating bids for Water Square Station Rehabilitations.

Scope includes, painting, lighting, chip & patch concrete/ masonry, one cctv camera, pedestrian ramps drain, decorative vinyl facade & other minor furnishings. RFP 6.22.26 will be available for download via Bidnet Direct, www.bidnetdirect.com//detroit-transportation-corporation on Monday, June 22nd. If you are interested in providing a response, there will be a walk-through June 26, 2026; 1:00pm EST. Questions will be de July 1st. Proposals must be received via Bidnet Direct on or before 5:00pm ET, July 13, 2026.

Detroit Community Schools will hold a public hearing June 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm at 12675 Burt Rd Detroit, MI 48223, detcomschools.org (313)-537-3570, to review the proposed 2025-2026 operating budget. A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the above address.

REQUEST FOR QUOTES The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQ Control No. 26-4175 for Mini Hybrid Thermal Fan Kits.

RFQ forms will be available beginning June 17, 2026, from http://www.mitn.info. Proposals are due by 3:00 PM ET, July 1, 2026.

assifieds

Budget Hearing Notice

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pathways Academy Charter School will be holding its Annual Public Budget Hearing on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 9:45 AM to review and comment on the Academy’s 2026-2027 School Year REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Budget. The location for the hearing is CONSULTANT – CUSTOMER SERVICE ANDDetroit, 11340 East Jefferson Avenue, SECRET SHOPPER Michigan 48214 –SURVEY Multi-Purpose Room.

DEVELOPMENT, ANDforANALYSIS The DISTRIBUTION budget is available public inspectionOctober at 11340 East Jefferson Avenue, 2022 Detroit, Michigan 48214.

Local Initiatives (LISC) inis accorseeking TheSupport meetingCorporation will be conducted ls for a qualified consultant to workMeetings with Detroit dance with the Open Act. LISC to distribute and analyze customer service surveys to gather ion about the services of the Detroit at Work One Stop The findings from the surveys will beinches analyzed and put 2 cols x 2.25 rim and final reports to be submitted to LISC. ally, Detroit LISC is seeking those with proven experience llowing areas:

Budget Hearing Notice

HELP WANTED 3 cols x 1.75 inches Detroit People Mover/Detroit Transportation Corporation 535 Griswold St Ste # 400 Detroit, MI 48226 BID # 07-01-2022 REBID The Detroit Transportation Corporation Office of Contracting and Procurement requests proposals from qualified firms to provide CCTV and network upgrades. This includes modernization efforts for the CCTV system, Public Address (PA) system, Variable Message Signs (VMS), and Wired Backbone Network system, at the MCF, at each DPM station, and at substations described herein.

✓ Analysis ✓ Report Development ✓ Program Design

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BSW Engineering Manager

ectric Vehicles LLC seeks a BSW ng Manager in Troy, Michigan. Note, on does not require travel. Duties ead a team of SW engineers to develop ware; MCAL, service layers, AUTOSAR , and complex device drivers in new electrified drivetrain systems; Develop equirements specification (SRS) and rification plans; among other duties. s degree in Electrical Engineering, Science, Embedded Systems, or Engineering and seven years of e in the job offered or related. ob reference number 220000KW at: bs.net/search

Senior Digital Sculptor

Staff Design Release Engineer - Wiring

Warren, MI, General Motors. Engineer, design, develop, &release conventional ICE, BEV &AV psngr vehicles electrical wire routing &packaging syss, &multi-branch wiring harnesses, incl. wire, terminals, connectors, coverings &attachments, using Tc Vismockup, ECM, ECR, &Auros tools. Design &release electrical wire routing &packaging syss to ensure proper functioning of electrical modules such as OnStar, LRR, cybersecurity syss, &other required vehicle electrical syss for AV. Ensure that electrical harness routings meet U.S. FMVSS. Apply GD&T, CAE, DFM/A, DFMEA, DRBTR, Red X, DFSS processes to design &validate wiring harness branch points for multi-branch harnesses, pin level, cavities, size, &thermal resistance specs &rqrmnts. Bachelor, Electrical or Automotive Engineering, or related. 60 mos exp as Engineer, engineering, releasing for production, &continuously improving conventional psngr vehicle &BEV electrical wire routing &packaging syss, &multi-branch wiring harnesses, using Tc VisMockup tool, or related. Mail resume to Ref#3882, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

EXPERIENCED HAIR STYLIST NEEDED Part-time position

Must be able to style all hair textures but, preferably Black Hair textures.

Rania’s Hair Salon

inside Royal Oak Manor Co-op Apts., A Senior apartment building located at 606 Williams St., Royal Oak, MI 48067.

Applications are available in the Royal Oak Manor office Mon-Fri from 9:00-12:00 pm.

Call (586) 610-9203 with questions and to schedule interview.

Please bring examples of your work.

We are hoping to fill the position soon.

PROCLAMATION

General Motors. Plan &perform advanced PROCLAMATION oncepts &development of Class A surface e exterior syss. Interpret &define design DECLARATION OF NON-CITIZEN signer while collaborating w/ engineering, Senior Design Release Engineer – NATIONALITY human factors, &tooling teams. Design Fuel Systems (FS) & Evaporative D Class A surfaces of ICE, diesel, BEV Section 302 of Public Law 94-241 Emission Control (EEC) System hicle psgr car, truck &SUV exterior cmpnts rear fascias, grills, head/taillamps, doors, I DeIamond Carpre Henson, being duly Warren, MI, General Motors. Engineer, design, CD pillars, skid plates, liftgates, truck affirmed [sworn], hereby declare my &develop FS &EEC syss, incl. fuel tanks/lines/ vapor iled exterior cmpnts incl. door handles, transfer lines, emission control canisters, &filler pipes intention to be a national but not a citizen mp internals &exhaust tips, using Autodesk for psgr vehicles incl. Premium Luxury/Mid-Size Cars of the United States. tudio, Autodesk Maya, NX &VRED tools, &Large psgr &Cargo Vans, &Incomplete truck) obal &emerging markets. Interpret, define, prgrms, according to vehicle program timing rqrmnts, PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Miljan Živkovićall / iStock via Getty Imagesofficers Plus Notice: executive and judicial ze &execute unique solutions to technical from concept to production, &aligned to meet both of the United States and of the several &provide creative proposals to capture performance, safety (U.S. FMVSS), &strict technical nt from initial concept thru mass production &regional rqrmnts &standards, using NX, Tc, Tc States various stages according to GVDP, while Vismockup, ETAS INCA, &ECM tools. Conceptualize, Section 1091 of Title 18, United States g with engrg, packaging, human factors, design, validate &release engine FS &EEC sys ams to assure minimum radii/draft, tooling cmpnts to meet SSTS of propulsion system projects.

Code, prohibits genocide whether Benchmark critical emission control technologies rmnts in compliance w/ U.S., European committed in time of peace or time of &recommend fuel injection HW to meet emission EPA ndards. Bachelor, Transportation or war. Genocide is defined in sectionthat 1091 regs. Master, Mechanical mounting pressure, it’s especially important If you’re an&UNECE entrepreneur, you may beor Automotive esign. 60 mos exp(StatePoint) as Digital Sculptor, Engrg. 36 mos exp as Engineer, developing eler, or related, designing or developing and use includes violent attacks with the the software you to stay financially organized feeling the pinch.

New data from Xero suggests &releasing evaporative emission canisters for OEM surfaces of full vehicle psgr vehicle specific intent destroy, whole or in prgrms, from to production, &aligned to meet is approachable.

That’s whytoXero now in offers Xero increased cash flow pressure for concept small businesses pnts incl. fascias, grills, head/taillamps, part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious performance, safety (incl. U.S. FMVSS), &strict ers, ABCD pillars,in &liftgates, using Alias Coaches, onboarding specialists who work one2026. technical &regional rqrmnts &standards, using NX, group. There is Federal jurisdiction if the NX &VRED tools, for U.S., global &Tc Vismockup tools, or related. Mail resume to with small businesses during their first 90 on-one markets, or related.

Mail latest resume to The Xero Small Tc, Business Insights (XSBI) offense is committed within the United Ref#201, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance 01, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance days on Xero States. to helpThere themisget up and use the alsoset Federal extraterritorial Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265. dataMIshows :482-C32-C66, Detroit, 48265. while sales grew in the early months

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effectively. scheduled jurisdiction whenThrough the offender is a national of the year, the rise was much smaller than the platform more sessions, you can get support with setting up of the United States historical average, amounting to gains that could account and save timeLPN from the start. “Taking FORM: #RE345528665US Vehicle Validation Engineer be swallowed potentially up by inflation and rising your michiganchronicle.com DQE advantage of this training can help you complete prices. , General Motors. gas Perform &execute everyday tasks with ease, and sets the stage for alidation of BEVs in GVDP for Vehicle So how can your small business overcome cash strong ongoing relationships with accountants bedded Controls (VMEC), Body , Active Safety (AS), telematics, flow challenges in today’s economy? Here are and bookkeepers by enabling you to show up with ent. Review, analyze &coordinate the you can take: odification of BEV three system practical &cmpnt levelsteps SW cleaner data and clearer questions,” says Matan al validation of VMEC &AS syss incl.

1.

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Tools your business by seeking professional help. It is duction/SW iteration validations. Bachelor, accounting to serve as a one-stop shop where you as critical to work with accountants as a financial Computer, Mechatronics, or Mechanical mos exp as Engineer, or verifying cantesting automate everyday tasks, pay your vendors advisor. They can help you not only with cash flow telematics &infotainment embedded and employees, send invoices to get paid faster, management to ensure you continue to grow, but g Tc &vSpy tools, or related. Mail resume unlock real-time cash flow insights. Syncing also with other important tasks like tax planning, -1175, GM Globaland Mobility, 300 ce Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI these functions on one platform can help you developing subscription models and setting up take control of your business finances and create invoicing reminder schedules. time for work that’s professionally and financially With smart strategies and a good handle on the Senior Designrewarding.

Sculptor best technological tools, your small business 2. Making the most of your financial tools: will be better prepared to overcome cash flow General Motors. Plan &perform advanced oncepts &development At aof Class timeA surfaces when small businesses are feeling challenges, even in today’s economy. e exterior sys. Interpret &define design

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ADAS Software Architect Positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the aforementioned worksite. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance from the worksite.

Design, develop, and integrate the embedded software platform for nextgeneration ADAS systems, utilizing both high-performance C++ and Classic AUTOSAR architectures. Domestic and/or international travel may be required up to 5%. EOE. Apply online: careers.ford.com

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Global Supply Manager Positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a purely telecommuting/workfrom-home position whereby the employee may reside anywhere within the U.S. Develop first principles cost tools and collaborating with other engineers to provide grounds up physics based minimum system or part cost.

Domestic and International Travel Required up to 30%. EOE. Apply online: careers.ford.com

George Washington Carver Academy will be holding its Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) annual budget hearing on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5 p.m.

ADAS Systems Engineer Electrical/Electronics Engineer to review and comment on the Academy’s 2026/2027 Positions offered by Ford Motor Company school budget.

Positions offered by Ford Motor (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a hybrid The hearing will take place in person at George Washington position whereby the employee will work both Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Design Carver Academy – 14510 Second Avenue, Highland Park michiganchronicle.com 19-25, 2022and| develop Page battery B-5 HIL simulator from home and | from October the aforementioned worksite. Hence, the employee must live MI 48203. hardware functions, requirements, within a reasonable commuting distance from The budget will be available for public inspection on the schematics, and layouts by working with the worksite. Lead the ANNOUNCEMENTS development of feature Academy’s website.ANNOUNCEMENTS BMS Controls/Software Engineers,

All bids must be received by the Detroit Transportation Corporation via Bidnet/MITN on or before 5:00 p.m. (EST) November 7, 2022.

The University has at ana later available of A pre-bid site visitofwillMichigan be determined date, ifposition necessary. ey Creation, Product Manager in Ann Arbor, MI. Position requires a Master’s bution and Collection can be accessed on the Bidnet degree inProposals Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Direct or Product www.bidnetdirect.com//detroit-transportation-corporation Management or Information & 36 months experience as a ps://www.lisc.org/detroit/about-us/careers/ to downProduct Designer. Position also requires: Exp. must include: 1) RFP. Responses to this RFP are due Friday, October 21 36Mike mos.Anderson exp. facilitating design sprints, collaborative ideation, uld be emailed to kgallick@lisc.org. LISC is committed to & feature prioritization workshops; 2) 36 mos. exp. working on Procurement Manager with Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), Minority-Owned Agile software development teams made up of engineers, mandersonjr@thepeoplemover.com s Enterprises (MBEs), and Women-Owned Business designers, & subject matter experts; 3) 36 mos. exp. partnering ses (WBEs). LISC encourages submissions from SBEs, with engineering, design, data, & operations teams to align nd WBEs. priorities, improve workflows, & ensure smooth requirementsto-delivery handoffs within Agile software development teams; & 4) 12 mos. exp. designing artificial intelligence (AI)QUEST FOR QUOTES enabled products. Exp. reqs. may be met concurrently during Detroit People Mover/Detroit Transportation Corporation uburban Mobility Authority for the same time period. Job duties: Lead end-to-end product 535 Griswold St nal Transportation (SMART) is lifecycle. Catalyze the product from concept through design, Ste # 400 ing RFQs for Pre-Employment, development, launch, & continuous improvement. Define and Alcohol Screenings Control Detroit, MI 48226 product vision & strategy.

Establish long-term product vision, 23-3659. RFQ forms may be roadmap, & success metrics that align with University’s mission ed beginning October 19, 2022, & user Translate strategy into action. Use insights, data, BID #needs.

08-8-2022 REBID tp://www.mitn.info. RFQs are & feedback to inform prioritization and decision in Agile The Detroit Transportation Corporation Officemaking of Contracting 3:00 PM ET, November 11, 2022 environments.

Planrequests & leadproposals user research, stakeholder and Procurement from qualified Contracinterviews, discovery activities to define user needs, value tor/Firm(s)& to provide annual geometry measurements of the propositions, & design opportunities workshops.

LIM rail height, power rail tolerances, including running rail height and Partner with engineering, design, & operations teams to align track gauge. priorities, improve workflows, & ensure smooth design-toThe initial information and subsequent trending information on development handoffs. Advance AI-enabled product designs. the rate of change of the measured of the Detroit Collaborate with teams exploring parameters AI-led technologies, People Mover (DPM) track will be reviewed and utilized asThe part ensuring responsible & user-centered integration. of the for existing maintenance to ensure long term Institute Socialdetailed Research (ISR) at theplan University of Michigan roit Public Schools Community safety to andcreate availability to the riding public. seeks a community of respect & authentic seeking proposals for Architecture collaboration by recruiting & retaining individuals that All bids must be received by the Detroit Transportation Corporation neering Services for Facility Master represent a varietyon ofor voices a reflection of November our commitment via Bidnet/MITN beforeas5:00 p.m. (EST) 7, 2022. es 1 under RFP 23-0111. toAserve the site people maintain the excellence pre-bid visitofisMichigan, scheduledtofor Wednesday, October of 25, Pre-Proposal Conference will occur the university, &a.m. to ground our research in varied disciplines, 2022 at 10:00 (EST). a.m. October 21, 2022. perspectives, & ways knowing & learning.

The University of Proposals canofbe accessed on the Bidnet Direct -In#: 1 313-462-2305 Michigan is an equal opportunity employer. The University of www.bidnetdirect.com//detroit-transportation-corporation nference ID: 944 369 237# Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates s://tinyurl.com/yfm35pw5 upon acceptance of a contingent offer & may use a third-party Mike Anderson administrator to conduct background checks. Background he due date for Proposals is Procurement Manager in compliance with the Fair Credit ember 10, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. checks are performed mandersonjr@thepeoplemover.com Reporting Act. Qualified candidates should e-mail resume & ave questions, please contact the www.michiganchronicle.com verification of reqs. to Jon Brode, Associate Director of CNS, at ment Department at (313) 873-6531. cns-resumes@icpsr.umich.edu. Please attach a cover letter as the first page of your resume. It should your specific ESSIONAL HELP WANTED PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED HELPaddress WANTED interest in the position & outline your skills & related exp. www.michiganchronicle.com

ation

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

engineering deliverables including Concept, Logical and Technology requirements, Boundary diagrams, design analysis, Failure Mode Avoidance, robustness fields and test procedures. Domestic Travel Required up to 10%. EOE. Apply online: careers.ford.com

Vehicle System Engineers, and battery HIL Software Engineers. EOE. Apply online: careers.ford.com In Vehicle Network Architect

Positions offered by Ford Motor BI Consultant Company (Allen Park, Michigan). Note, PUBLIC NOTICE: RTA OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN Positions offered by Ford Motor DBE GOALS this is a hybrid position whereby the PROPOSED Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, employee will work both from home and For whereby FY 2023the – FY2025 from the aforementioned worksite. this is a hybrid position employee will work both from home and Hence, the employee must live within a Thethe Regional Transit Authority Michigan (RTA) from aforementioned worksite.of Southeast reasonable commuting distance from has established a goal of 8.20% for its Disadvantaged Business Hence, the employee must live within a the worksite. Create, maintain and Enterprisescommuting (DBE) Program for from fiscal years 2023 through FY reasonable distance release in vehicle communication 2025.

ThisDesign goal will attained through 5.31% from race the worksite. andbedevelop new Network description in standard format neutral participation and 2.89% from race-conscious measures models on MDM SaaS, a modernized such as Autosar. EOE. Apply online: which Data reflects the relative (MDM) availability of DBEs to participate in Master Management careers.ford.com contracts and Apply procurements platform.

EOE. online: projected by the RTA. careers.ford.com The proposed goal and its methodology have been developed Manufacturing Architecture & in accordance with the Federal Transit Administration’s Program Feasibility Engineer regulationsBusiness 49 CFR Part 26.

Analyst

Positions offered by Ford Motor Company

The goal and the methodology used to develop it are available

(Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a hybrid BorgWarner Transmission Products, LLC for inspection 8:30 a.m.out to of4:30 throughthe employee will work both position whereby seeks a Business from Analyst based our p.m. Monday Friday at RTA’s offices located at Auburn 1001 Woodward Suite fromAvenue, home and from the aforementioned office at 3800 Automation Avenue, 1400, materials will be available for 30the employee must live worksite.

Hence, Hills, MI Detroit, 48326. Michigan.

Note, this isThese a hybrid within a reasonable commuting distance from days following of thiswill notice. position whereby the the date employee work the worksite. Manage key areas of upfront both from home and from the The RTA will accept comments on the goal for Body 45 days from the feasibility process for Construction aforementioned office address. Hence, the date of this notice. Inquiries may be directed tovehicle the following: programs. Domestic Travel Required employee must live within a reasonable up to 10%. EOE. Apply online: commuting distance of the aforementioned RTAaddress. of Southeast Michigan careers.ford.com office Note, this position does not 1001 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1400 require travel. Manage and analyze Detroit, data Michigan 48226with the DMS business by working Mechanical Staff Engineer Business Unit Analytics team, the Or e-mail to:Data info@rtamichigan.org Center of Excellence team and external BorgWarner PDS (USA) Inc. seeks a developers; among other duties. Apply to Mechanical Staff Engineer based out of our job reference number R2026-2231 at office at 3800 Automation Ave, Auburn borgwarner.com/careersPUBLIC NOTICE Hills, MI 48326. Note, this is a hybrid ACCURACY TEST OF VOTING EQUIPMENT position whereby the employee will work from home and from the Data Engineer To the qualified electors of the City of both Highland Park, aforementioned office address. Hence, the Wayne County, State of Michigan: Notice is hereby given, Positions offered by Ford Motor Company employee must live within a reasonable that a Public Accuracy Testis for the electronic equipment (Dearborn, Michigan).

Note, this a hybrid commuting distance of the aforementioned that will be used for the General Election being held on position whereby the employee will work office address. Note, this position does not both from home and from the anticipated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 is scheduled for travel.

Tuesday, require Design mechanical worksite.

Hence, the employee October 25, 2022, at 2:00must p.n. live in the City components Clerk’s training in compliance with the within a reasonable commuting distance room (lower level) located: BorgWarner Lessons Learned and Best from the anticipated worksite. Develop and Practices; among other duties. Apply to job maintainRobert applications Data Municipal Complex B. using Blackwell reference number R2026-2232 at warehousing, ETL, Informatica IICS with Ave.borgwarner.com/careers 12050 Woodward Teradata, Oracle SQL/PLSQL or MS SQL Highland Park, MI 48203 Server. EOE. Apply online: NVH CAE Engineer careers.ford.com

The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate Positions offered by Ford Motor Company that the computer program used to tabulate the votes (Allen Park, Michigan). Note, this is a hybrid Data cast at theScientist election meets the requirements of position whereby the employee will work both Michigan election law. from home and from the aforementioned Positions offered by Ford Motor worksite. Hence, the employee must live

Company (Dearborn, Michigan).

BRENDA Note, GREEN within a reasonable commuting distance from this is a purely telecommuting/workthe worksite. Perform NVH CAE analysis of CITY CLERK from-home position whereby the CITY OF HIGHLAND PARKnext generation Model e products, in one or employee may reside anywhere within more of the following areas: Body, Interiors, Closures, Seats and Frames. Coordinate with the U.S. Develop and deploy Natural D&R engineers to drive design resolutions Language Processing (NLP) models to using linear CAE analysis. EOE. extract insights from unstructured Apply online: careers.ford.com textual data. EOE. Apply online: careers.ford.com Embedded ADAS Software Engineer Positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the aforementioned worksite. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance from the aforementioned worksite. Design and develop embedded C++ software for Ford's next-generation ADAS systems, including software which supports automated parking, hands-free driving, trailering features and other autonomy level 1-3 technology. EOE. Apply online: careers.ford.com

Product Line Program Manager

Positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the anticipated worksite.

Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance from the anticipated worksite. Responsible for guiding the strategy, development, implementation, and optimization of data-centric products – both data products and software products (Platform Capabilities) – within the Data Product Engineering (DPE) organization.

EOE. Apply online: careers.ford.com

Senior Software Engineer Positions offered by Ford Motor Positions offered by Ford Motor Company Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a hybrid this is a purely telecommuting/workposition whereby the employee will work from-home position whereby the both from home and from the employee may reside anywhere within aforementioned worksite. Hence, the the U.S. Work on a Balanced Product employee must live within a reasonable Team and collaborate with the Product commuting distance from the worksite.

(StatePoint) By 2030, almost a quarter ofManager, the American Product Designer, and other Design, develop, and implement vehicle population will be over thepowertrain age of 65, up fromSoftware 16% in 2020, Engineers to deliver analytic control software related to the solutions. for the creating a situation driveline, that’s going demandResponsible and (engine, transmission, andto drive greater development and ongoing support and greater pressure on theassist care interfaces industry. In addition to a larger electric motors) and driver maintenance of the analytic solutions. with electrification adhering to workforce and functions, more financial resources, new technologies EOE. Apply online: careers.ford.com Ford’s Apply alsosoftware have thestandards. potential EOE. to help solve the problems created Engine Controls Software Engineer

How Technology Can Help You Age in Place

online: careers.ford.com by this seismic demographic shift.

Software Development Engineer According to experts, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and MaPositions offered by Ford Motor Company Full Stack Data Engineer chine Learning (ML) are already among the key components (Dearborn, Michigan).

Note, this is a hybrid of new technologies providing improved quality of life for Positions offered by Ford Motor Company position whereby the employee will work those who want to continue independently at home.

(Dearborn, Michigan).

Note, this living is a hybrid both from home and from the position whereby the employee will work aforementioned “While AI and ML have transformed other industries,worksite. Hence, the both from home and from the employee adaptation has been slow in the care industry, but must we’relive within a reasonable aforementioned worksite. Hence, the commuting distance working to change that,” explains Chia-Lin Simmons, chief from the employee must live within a reasonable aforementioned worksite. Design, develop executive officer of LogicMark, (NASDAQ: LGMK), which commuting distance from the worksite. and maintain cloud data integration manufactures personal emergency response systems Spearhead the design, development, and processes using the appropriate data load (PERS), health communications remoteincluding care Push-Down maintenance of scalable data ingestiondevices and technique, and curation pipelines from diverse and activity monitoring technologies to create a ConnectOptimization for performance optimization. sources.

EOE. Apply online: Applyvoice online: careers.ford.com ed Care Platform, and recently incorporatedEOE. two-way careers.ford.com communication technology into its medical alert pendant.

To help you live safely and comfortably in your home in Vehicle Program Director the years to come, Simmons offers a few strategies for using Full Stack Software Engineer – offered by Ford Motor Company the newest technology to your advantage: Positions Teradata/ETL/DataStage (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a hybrid

position whereby the employee will work both

• PERS, also known Medical Emergency Response SysPositions offered

by Fordas Motor Company from home and from the aforementioned tems, allow you to callthis for help in an emergency by push(Dearborn, Michigan).

Note, is a hybrid worksite. Hence, the employee must live ing whereby a button.theWearable witha water-reposition employeependants will work – along within reasonable commuting distance from wall-mounted devices and mobile the solutions – can worksite. Provide a both sistant from home and from the aforementioned aforementioned worksite. Hence, for the target customers’ wants keep you protected in everytheroom of yourvisceral home feel by helpwhileemergency championing cross-functional employee must live within a reasonable ing you instantly connect with loved ones and workstreams with Marketing, Planning, Basic commuting distance from the worksite. personnel.

Those offered

by LogicMark use AI and ML for cross-functional Design, etc.

Lead Lead the design, development, and pattern recognition and fall detection, for development an added layer of cycle life plans/segment deployment of robust, scalable, and highstrategies for existing products that meet of security. learn more, visitEOE. logicmark.com. performance dataTo pipelines on GCP. business needs. Domestic Travel Required up Apply online: careers.ford.com • Automatic pill dispensers can help ensure you never miss to 20%. EOE. Apply online: careers.ford.com

a dose or take too much medication. Depending on your needs, you may need to look for a solution offering both visual and audio notifications, or one suited for those with limited dexterity.

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MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

• Motion-sensing lighting can make nocturnal trips to the bathroom – common in one’s golden years – much safer, helping to reduce the risk of dangerous trips and falls.

Many lighting options plug directly into outlets, while others are battery-operated and can be installed anywhere.

Be sure to include these fixtures in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms.

313 963-8100

Release: 03/18/26

Language: English

Emma Manola

Traci Filut

EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE COMPLETE AND ACCURATE INFORMATION; BUT ERRORS MAY OCCUR. PLEASE CHECK THIS FILE CAREFULLY. NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL.

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