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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023
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All Black Everything:
Vol. 90 87 –– No. September9-15, 20-26, 2023 Vol. No. 3 2 || September 2026
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UAW Michigan Chronicle Will Strike Honor ATriple Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Black Veterans Against Detroitwith Automakers ‘The Color of Liberty’
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
Late Thursday night, Sept.
By Allen 14, Jeremy a historic moment unfolded
in American labor relations as EXECUTIVE EDITOR
the United Auto Workers (UAW) union initiated a strike against Around Detroit, you can find miliFord,pictures Generalin Motors tary plenty of(GM), familyand homes. Stellantis. Fora picture the first time, Maybe it’s of dad in his the union simultaneous dress uniform,took standing proud. Maybe action againstyoung all three major Deit’s grandma, and serious, posing troit-based automakers. The actionoverfor a photograph before heading involves approximately 13,000 seas. Maybe there’s an uncle whose UAW members in assembly plantsin a medals are still tucked away across Michigan, Ohio, and Misdrawer, or a grandfather whose stories souri, who walked their were jobs told troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. about his time in theoff service By Ebony JJ Curry afterwhen existing labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and only somebody asked. Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER pired at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From Those pictures tell a story, and this Shortly before midnight on of talent, determinaAs the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundVeterans the Michigan Chronicle n a Day, breathtaking celebration Sept. 14, GM released aofstatement wants to help tell more them. spirit of Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who tion, and the unyielding expressing disappointment with Michigan Chronicle marked Thethe Color of Liberty is our tribute to its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crethe strike action,40despite offering 40 Under event Thursday evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 Black veterans in Southeastern Michiwhat it termed anin“unprecedented soirée, “All Black Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. gan anddrenched throughoutthe ourtheme communities. economic package” that included Goldwant Accents,” expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through We to heartranscended from the people who historic wage increases. Stellantiswithin the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. ly illuminated the golden know these veterans best: gems their famof Black Hosted by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said ilies, theirexcellence. friends and the veterans Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s themselves. cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentof Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we and I always knew that I would have a business, but I celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, DPD Chief James White Says Increased of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repPresence CulledJudge Violence happened in the South, comparing itPolice to When U.S. District Damon Keith sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and JJ resents By Ebony Curry our city’s pride.” what was going to happen or what was examined the school district, he found 29 Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was SENIOR REPORTER By Andre Ash happening at the time.” at elementary schools. Seventeen were practithe landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement DIGITAL cally all white. Six all Black. Onlyonsix ness district had beenrequired the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the were wounds inflicted troit but alsoveteran exemplified impact Thosethat comparisons little imagBarton When people try to Malow. minimize racism and Who is the in yourthe family? By Ebony JJ Curry also expressed disappointment in transformative were integrated. Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. ination. the systematic effect it continues to have What did they sacrifice? What makes “It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying the company A stringlonging of shootings thatKeith wasin so callously torn awayalone in And found that geography on Black people and in Black communities, them a hero to you? We want you to It’s a history marred by pain, injus“Together we have created a social, environmental, The Supreme Court had declared racialleaders across the country, many that are born here in immediately went into contingenGreektown in mid-April left the past. did not explain it. they often try to do it through the context For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or tell us. tice,nationally andsegregated economic devastation. More than and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. Lind- Detroit. I represent our city ly schools unconstituand I public tell people, cy mode to protect its operations. both visitors and residents of antiquation. I-375, of has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from I-375 Boulevard Project is about seySend followed thatemail sentiment with, “It is through our local tional in Brown v. Board of Education 1955 and 1963, ninemore new 130,000 residents, Black, were in TheBetween I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side ofprimarily Detroit,’” us an at newsdesk@ The UAW has branded the inthis bustling downtown deshighway, concrete artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; it’s partnerships and Be collaborative efforts urban that we exist inaended 1954, but the ruling did not instantly inteschools had been constructed without Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, “Slavery 160 years ago,” they say. michronicle.com. sure to include dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. One of these ing different parts oftothe city. To some, it’s redefining the future. It will over 28 plus and locations managing of 4.5 American schools. Across the racial integration being used asconnect a factor have experiences withingenerational an grate industry that not many of wealth was obliterated, andSouth, a Or “No milone alive today worked in fields.” photographs story about the health Strike,” focusing onaspecific plants shootings tragically claimedto surrounding neighbormere convenience; to others, it’s an unredowntown Detroit lion honeybees – us humbly speaking oura movement has white resistance stretched for years. Black in deciding where they should go. Attenus, specifically women of color, have the opportunity to thriving community was torn asunder. The veteran you want to know. Tell us But racism and the reality of its impact within each automaker. UAW the life of hoods, a popular and the be- gap that was placed upon markable part of their daily commute. Howbridging inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationdance boundaries had been engage in and I’ve been the youngest person in the room, wounds inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranwhere they served. Tell us about their is so much more than the President Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard followdeeper, far ally to take on similar missions.” changed over the years withthe only Black person in the room, the andphysical the onlybarrier Sistah of ina freeway to the city decades ago. scending personality, their work ever, there’s enslaveda Africans whomore were troubling strategy willtheir keep family, the companies ing a dispute with a patron. beneath the surface of we’re this seemingly out beingof used to break the room, and I really had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. and the life they afternationputting on story founded Today, allegedly the resurgence Paradise Valleyup Detroit a pioneering organization by labor. forced into But guessing. ItHives, will built give our The male suspect ordinary freeway—a story of pain, racial isolation. of showing up, giving chances others won’t, the uniform. Tell us harnesses theleverage things the that stands as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, power of not urban beevery far removed – not displaceThiswhen painful legacy can and be traced back al negotiators maximum shot the guard before fleeing ment, even and the lasting impactpersistent.” Black Detroibeing As a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivmake youtosmile you think Black Detroiters and17, the1970, enduring keeping revitalize neighborhoods On Feb. Keith a City. full generation –onfrom to the nation’s highway program and flexibility inwhen bargaining. Andabout in the Motor the scene, spirit whileofhis female ters. ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her them. Most of all, tell us why you are legacy of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative not only addresses critical issues like put his conclusion in writone of the most heinous acts of 1956—a program that aimed to connect if we need to go all out, we will. companion is accused of conto country fortifying connections Theoftale begins that inunwavering what nowcommitment Lafayette the proud of them. once vibrant Black businessenvironmental but also provides valuable ing.hub racism hasistaken DPDfor Chief James White butthe often did so at the expense Everything is onconservation the table.” Union cealing the trict, weapon in aher bra. businesses and Detroit’s communities is undeknown as between Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing renaissance education employment opportunities Black place inDeSoutheastern MichTherehave is and a long history behind those Park,toonce In hisan aunseasonably memorandum of marginalized communities. In the case of incidents leaders also indicated that unfolded during borhood rooted in African-American culture I-375, it meant carving a path throughThese that harkens backopinion to its glory days. v. The deigan. uniforms. in Davis additional plants could be targetthe warm spring, leadingof to increased pedestrian trafficSchool and Named itsAug. dark, fertile heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregastruction Black Bottom may have District of the City oftorn Poned Black in future waves if have negotiations Just 55 years after ago, on Americans served this and history. heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown flourishedripped during the mid- tion, and perpetuating inequality. apart a thriving community, butSupp. the resolute tiac, 309 F. 734, at remain stalled. 30, Bottom 1971, dynamite country in every major American war, soil, Black area. nurturinga the dreamsSchool and aspirations determination of pages a new741–742, generation of entreKeith found Pontiac answering the callthe even when stratthis coun- 1900s,through Fain clarified union’s For one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime and the influxisofreclaiming visitors tothat Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries that the Pontiac Board of District bus yard, destroying try still to struggling to live up to its egy:was “I want give a major shoutcaused by such projects, it is vital to note that troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the DeJoe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leglost legacy. Education had intentionally 10 empty school buses just own promises of freedom and equality. out to the thousands of members behind Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat the name of urban of renewal in some of the planners and politicianstroit In the heart of Paradise Valley, used decisions aboutBlackschool daysin before thousands Black service members served in seg- ends. But who are on the picket lines right those projects built them directly through off guard. the 1950s, thiswere vibrant neighborhood was Housing are not just and flourishing attendance children expected back Resource Helpline in communi- owned businesseslocations regated unitsAsh and now fighting for faced all ofdiscrimination us. The By Andre the heart of vibrant, populated dismantled, James White, Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police De-as boundaries “in such a prodway but thriving, diverse services, in classrooms under a erased federal from the response to the challenges within military. Many came home systematically Stand-Up Strike is a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforcethat segregation and said: DIGITAL the ANCHOR map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of aspartment, “We were caught somewhat flat-footed to perpetuate the pattern of ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the desegregation order. residents face in navigating the to replace and continued to face discrimination to striking. Instead of striking all sometimes as part of a direct effort phalt. right out the gate. Bypaving design we way wentfor into thethe spring segregation within City.” past while the a prosperous in their neighborhoods, workplaces, complex system of housing serplants at once, selectcontinues locals will be Deborah Findley was 12. or eliminate Black neighborhoods. deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployHomelessness to While the residential areas bore the brunt vices. The helpline provides a future. From jazz clubs to soul food restauschools and He went further. called to communities. stand up and walkwith out “I remember being nervous,” she said. plagueon urban communities, students in Little Rock entered Central But now, after decades of enduring theand rants, ment, saw we an uptick in violence that first the heart of Black Bottom, single thesay Black Press,such and art galleries point of contact for people on strike. This is our generation’s For Black veterans, the fight for of this demolition, “The fact that came slowly to and families and individuals grappling Schoolthere under military protecFindley wascenter, preparing to start seventh scarsHigh of I-375, is federal a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business remained largely boutiques, rather this revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and County shutfashion answer tonever the movement builtcame freedom ended when they surreptitiously than by legislative with the challenges ofthat making tion. Virginia’s Prince Edward grade at Jefferson Junior High School on on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects Chief attributes violence in Greektown to life into the verythe essence of what once made them theschools resources our sit-down strikescliof home. makes the situation no endsunion meet –inthe today’s economic down itswith public rather athan Pontiac’s south that side.brought She remembers sittransform this once-divisive freeway into intea thispronouncement bars—the very places Detroit’s they combination of weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popneighborhood a vibrant 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. need. less evil,” Keith wrote in that same federal The Whether G.I. Bill isit’s an struggling important part mate. to of Black ting grate them. with hertogether—were family as television reports vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. of the ter. It’s a resurgence that extends beyond community concen14 was the deadline and we meant court opinion. Support for the helpline that history. meet monthly mortgage payments carried images andStreet, arguments surrounding Pontiac was not thecomes Jim Crow South, butbrick past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings the epicenter and it represents thethat resurHe explained, “ Wemortar; saw numbers downtown we it. gave the soaring companies ourcosts ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor We coping with rental That was Pontiac’s distinction. the court-ordered busing plan. Passed in 1944, the GI Bill opened of African-American Black children there were still attending agenceever. and community revitalization. culture in the city. of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight weeks ago tion, which has pledged school $10 milin a housing market homeownership marked by doors to education, deeplyby segregated No Michigan law a Fred sign over one raising her and Fueled more than $100system. million Then, Her in agrandmother cruel twist ofwas fate, Hastings andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in had a post-COVID era… and it took more than a month to City we’re Councilman Durhal lion over three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety and other opportunities for millions of Street,her school saying District Black and another saying siblings while Findley’s mother worked. At the time, about 30% Pontiac’s the Infrastructure Investment and of Jobs Act the too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with venues downtown and the reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing 7, where Eastern Wayne83,000 Metro Commuof factors Black contribute to the growveterans. veterans were legally making way Keith told found being residents were Black. and roughly other partners, this ambitious project “I dofor remember her talking the Julie construction of about I-375.stuff down withMarket allwhite. the resides, activities that are going on, we mainsaw thesegregation Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing for a comSchneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn aims to create jobs, remove barriers to ecothat happened in the South,” Findley said, This marked the final blow, sealing the fate hundreds of more people and, in particularly, young “It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This helpline, making it accessible to housed. See BLACK VETERANS Page A-2 of Black “and making events that nomic growth, and reconnect the neighborBottom and comparisons signaling the to beginning folks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.” See PONTIAC SCHOOL BUSES BOMBING Page A-2 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 The rise in visitors to the Greektown area is evident being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners They are where we go can continue their vital about our that neitherbut canthey tell By Lynzee Scott Benson because ofpast discrimination, specializing in visit trends and demographic insights Mychael generous the Gilbert Family Foundation, work. learn support of the of past, alone. Founded 61 years ago,Black the The causes of homelessness By are as diverse and complex and the to DETROIT CITY COUNCILMAN were also coming because through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From JOURNALIST have a simple on the process present,to guide residents to the right It has been a long Wright was among the first muas the individuals experiencingMULTIMEDIA it. In response, the City of we now reflect some stuff. 1-Aug. 27, 2022,people there was weredoing 1.3 million visitsWhen and housing resource andthat a growing number of programs to and May and ensure our seums in America dedicated to AfDetroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat thisaissue. winding visitors road toto Greektown, Our region boasts vibrant, irredid Black people start things 655,000 according todoing Placer.ai. From the days of the Greathelp Mi- them.” children and grandrican history, and today makeInsure the region’s “Providing services and high-quality housing to persons placeablewhen history filled with inyear, theAmerican city?numbers They started doing the same period this these increased to gration thousands of stories Black children know the stois the second largest museum of its The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment two 1.4 premier history at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key of resilience, triumph, and some of this area in the 1800’s. million visits and things 670,000invisitors. families flocked to Detroit in search ries of how our state, in1800’s the U.S.the The Detroit Historpledging $500 million to support projects across museums can continue kind thejobs most iconic historic priority of the City of Detroit, said Julie Schneider, Director In the major thing that of and a better life,institutions to theinvolves piv- counties, As Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract both and cities ical Society, at 105 years old, tells Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives the work of telling our in the To ensure these of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. they were doing in Detroit is they otal rolecountry. they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the300-year police department hasour implecame to be. However, history of city, stories. We fought to the being part of their contribution. proud institutions and con- a significant were the leaders in the fight against “This means focusing on building theand pipeline of legacies sup-heritage, cultural musical mented various enforcement measures tothe manage the intwo of our most vital and also operates Dossin Great legislation passed slavery. The Underground Railroad tinue to inspire and educate future Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in get creased portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an Black Detroiters have left inpopulation. Notably, metal detectors have been historical institutions but a cler- Lakes generations, we must secure them is the Museum. rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadi- in Lansing, Care What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark city. However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal are under threat of cloical error held it in asks voters to financially to ensure that we keep all This of thiscampaign Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroitprohas expe- sure, and we must supillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown a 0.2 mill increase in propthem Voting YES on thehoused up- and entered the City’s community response system. limbo. The federal gov- support see coming later.” grams. It also means preserving and alive. expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, strategically placed which them atiskey points, port a ballot question Scott Benson ernment“We thenhave stripped ertyMusical taxes, about $30 “ a coming Museum millage in Wayne In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about legends like Aretha Chief White explains. It has been a deterrent for some, to ensure their doors remain open. away funding from the arts and culyear for the owner of a $300,000 and displacement Oakland counties provides the housing stability though comprehensive service offerings the of long-standing Franklin, Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some testedhouse, it. If for youMarvin areyears legally aa for Detroiters? The Say Yes to Our Story cam- tural institutions. But our have county 10 tocarrying generate essential financial stability our available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to 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 source of afunding for the localthere’s museums, historical exhibits, and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, a rising spirit, and Black paign has launched, and voters in partners understand the impor- stable troit, providing soundtrack fortwo the Oakland and HOMELESSNESS Wayne counties will page tanceA2 of the region’s history and institutions. InPage the first year, this and cultural institutions need to See COMBAT See POLICE PRESENCE A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their place civil rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit generate approximately $25 flourish. in the city, despite the challenges be asked in November to support placed this millage on the ballot in would ing generations. Motown Records, million. measure would also not reBy by investing in our heritage, we a small tax increase to ensure the 2026. posed gentrification. founded The by Berry Gordy Jr., was Charles H. Wright Museum of Afquire that for 10 years, the funding These very special places forcelebrate west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of During the thediverse Greatachievements Migration, and rican American History, Detroit publicly audited ensure transmalized a partnership in 2019. To- be of our Oakland and Wayne became the centers of trification. Black excellence andtoempowerment. thousands of Black familiesCounty from neighborhoods Historical Museum, the Dossin parency. In addition, 15% of the they holdwere about 300,000 arpasts, while guaranteeing our Black culture and entrepreneurship. gether, “Black people coming to Dethe South came to Detroit inthat search However, as Detroit faced ecoGreat Lakes Museum, as well tifacts related to the history of our revenue collected by each county community’s landmarks remain to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were nomic decline and population loss of jobs in the booming automobile as According history museums around the will go to support the many public regionblack and tell one continuous strong, stable, and opendiscriminato all for Jordon Black resilience in the city here, schools were here,story and in the late 20th century, many industry. Despite facing region, like the Plymouth Historical yearsand to segregation, come. Museums more roots the that QR extend far before the Up its was BlackDigital businesses here,” said Scan Code to Sign for the Daily Newsletter tion they are built vi- has Museum and the Old Mill Museum, $2.00 See SUPPORT THE MUSEUM See MILLAGE Pagepage A-2 A2 than communities just repositories forcity’s artifacts. brant on the east Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course LEGACY $1.00
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All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness A Holistic Approach to Providing Shelter and Support for Detroit’s Unhoused People
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Say Yes to Our Story – Support the Museum Millage Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy
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