MI Chronicle Vol. 89 - No. 52

Is Detroit’s $400 Million Investment in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab HOME Accessible for Black Detroiters?

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All Black Everything:

Vol. 89 87 –– No. 20-26, 2023 Vol. No. 3 52| |September Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026

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UAW Building a ATriple NightStrike of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Against Detroit Stronger Automakers

Future for Michigan Students

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Detroiters Weigh In on

$1.6B RenCen

Late Thursday night, Sept. 14, a historic moment unfolded in American labor relations as the United Auto Workers (UAW) union initiated a strike against Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. For the first time, By Governor Whitmer the union took simultaneous action against all three major DeBack-to-school season is here. troit-based automakers. The action Across our state, teachers are preinvolves approximately 13,000 paring their classrooms, parents UAW members in assembly plants Sam Robinson are checking off school supply lists, across Michigan, Ohio, and MisSENIOR REPORTER and students are getting ready to see souri, who walked off their jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By Ebony Curry their friends JJand start a new year. after existing labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst and glamour, the event Detroit’s also showSENIOR REPORTER As teachers, edrock and General Motorsthe areglitz pitching a plan to transform pired at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity talent within ourinto community. From families, and Renaissance Center, formerly the of GM headquarters, Michigan’s Shortly before students midnight on As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of honParis T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundget of talent, determinan a breathtaking celebration finest family entertainment destination. Sept. 14, released a statement their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who ready, I want tion,GM and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving Employees with the development company are calling the plan the expressing disappointment the creyou to with know the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, largest redevelopment project in the United States. Bedrock says it the strike action,40despite offering Brand Name, that have evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s 40 Under event we Thursday See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 wants to capitalize on being on the water. what termed anin“unprecedented been soirée,it drenched the themework“All Black Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. “I like to look at it too — looks great. But at some point, you want to be on the economic package” that included ing to make Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through water to take advantage historic wage increases. Stellantis fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. of it as a resource,” Brian Watkins, Bedrock’s governly illuminated the sure goldenMichigan gems within the true essence ment affairs director, told Michigan Chronicle during a tour of the developer’s schools of Black excellence. Hosted byare the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said new office space where the public can share feedback. ready, too. Last Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s The public had a chance to share concerns with I signed cle’s Finally Friday,month, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentthe development company owned by billionaire my eighth and of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. of Detroit and its vibrant community Dan Gilbert at the community benefits meeting Governor final balanced, fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid held at the Coleman A. Young MuniciWhitmer bipartisan eduand I always knew that I would have a business, but I The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we pal Building, on Tuesday, Aug. 18. cation budget into law. This budget from various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, celebrated remarkable individuals DPD Chief James White Says Increased Some who came to the meeting makes historic investments in of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repPolice Presence were vocallyCulled opposedViolence to the plan to Michigan students, educators sionary co-founders of Detroit and Hives, Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” tear down two of the structures that schools, builds on the progress Timothyand Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was By Andre Ashsurround the Marriott hotel, the cywe made over the past seven the have landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at DIGITAL lindrical centerpiece of the Renais-on years. ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the wounds inflicted troit but also exemplified the transformative impact Barton Malow. By Ebony JJ Curry also expressed disappointment in sance Center. Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. We professionals know that a child’s education Black can have on their communities. “It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying the company A stringlonging of shootings Bedrock that wasinsoDetroit callouslyand torn General away in starts long before the first day aofsocial, environmental, leaders across the country, many It’s a history marred by pain, injus“Together we have created that are born here in immediately went into contingenGreektown in mid-April leftto redevelop the RenaisMotors want kindergarten. That’s why we’re conFor manyLindDetroiters, Interstate 375, our or city tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. Detroit. I represent and I devastation. tell people, More than the past. cy mode to protect its operations. both visitors and residents ofand the sance Center surrounding tinuing to expand free pre-K,with, help-“It is through I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard Project is about east more sey followed that sentiment our local 130,000 residents,ofprimarily I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side Detroit,’”Black, were The UAW has get branded the start inthis bustling downtown desriverfront. The plan includes tearing ing more children a strong highway, artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; it’s partnerships and collaborative efforts urban that we exist ina concrete Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. down One oftwo these of center’s towers to and families $14,000 a year. the health ing different parts oftothe city. To some, it’s redefining thethe future. It will connect oversaving 28 plus locations managing of 4.5 milhave experiences withingenerational an industrywealth that not many of was obliterated, and a Strike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimed make Detroit use of underutilized The We’re also continuing our mission mere convenience; to others, it’s an unre- of thriving to surroundingland. neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking oura movement has us, specifically women color, have the opportunity community was torntoasunder. The downtown within each the life of hoods, a popular and the bedevelopers say more than 40 acres to provide free automaker. breakfast andUAW lunch and even markable part of their daily commute. Howbridging gap that was placed upon inspired others locally, nationally, internationengage in and I’ve been thewounds youngest personby in the room, inflicted I-375 run deep, tranPresident Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard followof decades underutilized for million public school stuever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling the city ago. land will become a allyall to1.4 take on similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in scending the physical barrier of a freeway to strategy keep the worry companies ing a dispute with a patron. mixed-use neighborhood that better dents. Nowill child should about story founded beneath the of this seemingly the room, and I really had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. Today, the resurgence of Paradise Valley Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization by surface guessing. It will give our nationThe male suspect allegedly connects the city to the Detroit River. where their next meal is coming ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceof showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and stands as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beeThis painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum leverage shot the guard before fleeing from while trying to learn. in ment, and theCity. lastingbeing impactpersistent.” on Black DetroiThe total cost of the is apAs a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivBlack Detroiters andproject the enduring keeping to they’re revitalize neighborhoods the Motor to the nation’s highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, spirit whileofhis female So, we took care of that – saving ters. ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her legacy of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative not only addresses critical issues like of 1956—a program that aimed to connect if we need to go$1,000 all out,a we will. companion is accused of confamilies around year, peralso provides to country fortifying the connections See RENCEN TRANSFORMATION The tale begins inunwavering what is nowcommitment Lafayette the trict, once aher vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental conservation but valuable DPD Chief James White but often did so at the expense Everything is on the table.” Union cealing the weapon in bra. child, and time each morning. opportunities businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark,toonce known Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education andalso employment Black De- as between Page A-2 of marginalized communities. In the case of incidents leaders have indicated that unfolded during an days. unseasonably When our kids are in the classborhood rooted in African-American culture I-375, it meant carving a path throughThese that harkens back to its glory The deadditional plants could be targetthe warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffictorn and room, we want to make sure they and history. Named after its dark, fertile heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segrega- struction of Black Bottom may have ed in future waves if negotiations heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown have the tools they need to sucsoil, Black Bottom flourished during the mid- tion, and perpetuating inequality. apart a thriving community, but the resolute remain stalled. area. ceed. This budget delivers a historic 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination of a new generation of entreFain clarified the union’s For one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime and the influxisofreclaiming visitors tothat De$502 million investment in stratliteraof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries egy:through “I wantMichigan’s to give a major shoutthat troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the Decy Every Child Joe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leg- caused by such projects, it is vital to note lost legacy. out to plan, the thousands members behind Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat Reads fulfilling ofmy promise ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of the planners and politicianstroit In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwho are on the picket lines right those projects built them directly through off guard. from my State of the State address the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing Resource Helpline in communi- owned businesses are not just flourishing now fighting for all of us. The By Andre Ash the heart of vibrant, populated earlier this year. It invests in what systematically dismantled, erased from the response to the challenges that James White, Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Debut thriving, diverse services, prodStand-Up Strike a newmethods approachto ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: DIGITALand ANCHOR works gets is proven map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of as- residents partment, “We were caught somewhat flat-footed ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the face in navigating the to replace to striking. Instead of striking all sometimes as part of a direct effort teach reading into every classroom. phalt. right out the Bypaving designthe we way wentforinto the spring pastgate. while a prosperous complex system of neighborhoods. housing serplants once, teachers selectcontinues locals will be or eliminate Black Homelessness to We areatgiving more traindeployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt future. From jazz clubs to soul food restauvices. The helpline provides a called to science stand upofand walkwith out plague urban communities, ing in on the reading, exBut now, after decades of enduring theand rants, ment, saw we say an uptick in violence that first of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, the Black Press, and art galleries to single point of contact for people on strike.and This is generation’s families individuals grappling panding access toour literacy coaches, scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business center, remained largely fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement that built with the proven challenges of making adopting curriculums, and 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 with the resources our –inthe sit-down strikes of endsunion meetin today’s economic investing more tutoring forclithe transform this once-divisive freewaya combination into a this of bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s they weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popneighborhood a vibrant 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. need. mate. Whether it’s struggling to students who need it most. With of the ter. It’s a resurgence that extends beyond Black community together—were concen- vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. 14 was the deadline andmaking we meant Support for the helpline comes this budget, we’re also sure meet monthly mortgage payments past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and it represents thethat resurHe explained, “ Wemortar; saw numbers downtown we it. gave the companies our ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundathe teachers who make this allcosts possior We coping with soaring rental and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. genceever. 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 $10 milble supported as wellmarked by continuin are a housing market by by more than $100 million Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it took more thanand a month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal over three years to fund the ing educator bonuses shockingly high prices, a investing variety the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with downtown and the to come get to the table.” III,venues representing District 7, reasons where Eastern Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the growproject making way for the Julie construction of I-375. and other partners, this ambitious down withMarket all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, The union is pushing for a comSee MICHIGAN STUDENTS Schneider nity Action Agency manages the ing issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn aims to create jobs, remove barriers to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the 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 of Black Bottom and signaling the beginning nomic growth, and reconnect the neighborfolks, 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 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 inJames data last fromweek Placer.ai, a location analytics company knew that if I wanted to see things U.S. Rep. John settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks the efforts of our partners Sam Robinson becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in demographic insights By Mychael I couldn’t wait someone state Rep. Jay DeBoyer visit as trends generous support of thefor Gilbert Familynamed Foundation, The causes of homelessnessSENIOR areLynzee as REPORTER diverse and complex and thechange, were alsomobile comingdevices. because From Black through geolocation-enabled else to do it,” Brinks said. MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST his pick for lieutenant governor. as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and housing resource and campaign a growinghosted number programsoftoSt. Clair County, chairs Democratic gubernatorial The Benson an of DeBoyer, Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. nomidid Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Great Mithe Michigan House Oversight Comhelp them.” nee Jocelyn Bensontohas chosen state event at a brewery in Grand Rapids “Providing services and high-quality housing persons inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration when thousands of Black Sen. Winnie Brinks, the leader of Wednesday, where Brinks is mittee. The on Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and things 670,000invisitors. families flocked to Detroit in search the Julie chamber, to be her lieutenant from. “Jayacross embodies the West Point pledging $500 million to support projects priority of the City of Detroit, said Schneider, In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs and a betterDirector life, to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s area continues to attract governor. Honor Code principles I expectdowntown in “As Lieutenant Governor, Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization they were doing in Detroit is they otal roleDepartment. they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has impleBrinks brings moreofthan a decade willpart draw hercontribution. wealth of my administration: restoring integ- were the leaders in the fight against being a Winnie significant of on their “This means focusing on building pipeline culturaltheand musicalsup-heritage, various enforcement measures to manage the inrity, competence, mented and trust in state of legislative experience to the Demlegislative knowledge to help impleslavery. metal The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an inBlack Detroiters have left creased population. Notably, detectors have been government,” James said in a post ocratic ticket. She was first elected ment with our plans to lower costs andresidents steadiis the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, the number of unhoused Care What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark city. However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal announcing his pick. to the Michigan House ofproRepresenraise In wages Michigan families. all of this Black innovation that you ly declining. 2019,for approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroit has expeillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown tatives in 2012, serving three terms the right to help leadresponse DeBoyer House Over- see coming later.” housed She’s and entered thepartner City’s community system.has led the grams. It also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at keymate points, “ before being elected to the Michigan Michigan forward and I’m proud to sight Committee through hearings James and his running as beIn 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about like Aretha Chief White explains.holden It Musical has to been alegends deterrent forTrump. some, Senate. have her join me in the fight for a over Benson’s handling of election President Donald Opensstability New Location housing though comprehensive service of offerings the displacement long-standing Gaye, and the According to more the City of Detroit, since therecords, start ofher therollout and have testedFranklin, it. If youMarvin are legally carrying a for Detroiters? brighter, affordable future.” of some the new camSheresidents. won a write-in “Time and time again, James has available through Detroit the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black Similar tocampaign a setting Motown sound emerged from Dein Downtown fiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying a CPL, have a great day. If you’re paign finance system, among other before serving three terms the Benson, the day before she made it clear that he is not fighting and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, andinBlack troit, providing a soundtrack for the controversies surrounding DemoCOMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 House andarebeing elected toplace theSeenamed her pick, said there were for the people of Michigan he’s See POLICE PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters reclaiming their civil rights movement and — inspirIn May 2023, the City launched the Detroit City.Life.Style. B1of Detroit cratic statewide office holders. Senate in 2018. Shetheis challenges the first many options. fighting for Donald Trump,”Records, Brinks in the city, despite ing generations. Motown female Senate majority leader. DeBoyer also has years of mu- said. “That’s not leadership and not it’s “What I’m looking for is someposed by gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was experience, Michigan and who westcansides. time, these long aftergovernment our current phase of gen- not “Fourteen yearsGreat ago, when Dem- one bringOver perspectives that nicipal justwhat a record label needs.” but a symbol of During the Migration, for 12 years as the St. Clair Black neighborhoods becameat centers of serving trification. ocrats needed fieldfamilies a last-minute aren’t already the table,” excellence and empowerment. State Sen. Sarah Anthony was thousands of to Black from perhaps County Clerk andwere Register of Deeds, Black culture and entrepreneurship. candidate for my state represenBenson told Michigan Chronicle. first nameasfloated politicos “Black people coming to De- the However, the South came to Detroit in search Detroitbyfaced ecoserving as the were Clay in the past months, but Anthony is tative many of myautomobile neighbors “Someone who’stogotHistorian great governing According Jamon and troitpreviously because Black churches of jobsseat, in the booming nomic decline and population loss urged me Despite to run as a write-in can- and legislative experience Jordon Black resilience in as thewell. city Township here, blacksupervisor. schools were here, and in the late 20th century, many industry. facing discriminaSee RUNNING MATE didate. while I could of There are the a lotQR of great out the event in Grand Rapids hasScan roots that extend faroptions before the Up its At was Black businesses here,” said Code to Sign for the Digital Daily Newsletter tion andAnd segregation, they think built vi$2.00 a million reasons not to run, I there.” Tuesday, Benson and Brinks cast Page A-2 brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course See LEGACY page A2 $1.00

I

Transformation B

Greektown Had 1.4 Million Visits This Summer and No Shootings

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

Benson Taps Winnie Brinks as Running Mate Detroit’s Legacy Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen Money. A5

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To Choose

Elected officials are also working to keep women Roe v. Wade intact thus holding off Michigan’s n pre- 1931 trigger ban. Goveroment nor Gretchen Whitmer of the released a statement final. saying, in part: a law“The words ‘Roe over31 law turned’ are no longer effect, theoretical. I want every ed the Michigander to know— m that no matter what happens nstituin D.C., I’m going to fight ontain like hell to protect access n. Our to safe, legal abortion in anned Michigan…” ates of More than legal impliunding cations, overturning Roe alition v. Wade would impact sevroduceral systems across the All, a affirm spectrum. With the poon and tential to drive both foster om in and adoption numbers ution,” upward, a ban on aborGiroux. tions could leave many to page choose s that womenFrom A-1 a less ing in safe route restoring ‘back in programs that helps us recruit, alley’ and illegal aborabor- train, and retain great teachers across tion practices, including higan, Michigan. self-abortions. Moreover, makes For high school students thinking African American what comes next – andwomen for adults we will about looking to learn a new skill or who start a and women of color, e can new career – we’re making sure more already have a long-stoatients e they ried history with access and inclusion in medi-

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528 149 717 934 638 513830 754 526 960 705 621 374 26481 482 5190 0278 6285 220123 540 1744 87132414 4040 562324 1331 18 35 24 37

cine and healthcare, may what the Supreme Court be adversely impacted by will rule in the upcoming the decision to overturn days. Despite the deciRoe v. Wade. sion, advocates on both “What we are really sides of the argument are concerned about is the willing to continue their impact on our patients. pursuits. Access to abortion is al“Overturning Roe v. ready out of reach for far Wade would be a terrible THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE PUBLISHING COMPANY too many Michiganders, break with nearly 50 years 1452 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226 • Phone: (313) 963-8100 especially Black people of judicial precedent and USPS• 344-820 1452 Randolph • Publication Detroit, MINo.: 48226 Phone: (313) 963-8100 and people of color who – more importantly – a OFFICE HOURS: Publication No.: USPS 344-820 face additional barriers blow against individual Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Closed Sat. and Sun. OFFICETheHOURS: DEADLINE Michigan Chronicle is publishedADVERTISING every Wednesday. to care as a result of sys- freedom. It is my hope Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Periodical Postage, paid at Detroit, MI. Price $1.00 and other post office. Classified: 3 p.m Friday temic inequalities and in- that the majority of jusCopy, and cancellations, OF AUDIT BUREAU OFcorrections CIRCULATION Closed Sat.MEMBER and Sun. stitutional racism. Losing tices will reject the findpreceding the Wednesday publication. The Michigan Chronicle is access to legal abortion ings of this draft. If that is ADVERTISING DEADLINE Display: 12 p.m. Friday published every Wednesday. will impact those com- not the case, we need to Classified: 3 preceding p.m Friday the Wednesday publication. Periodical Postage, Copy, corrections and cancellations, preceding thenews Wed­n esday publication. For all and calendar items: munities most, forcing stand with Senate Majorpaid at Detroit, MI. Deadline is two weeks prior to event. Display: 12 p.m. Friday people to become parents ity Leader Schumer and Price $1.00 and otherpreceding post office. the Wednesday pub­ lication.that contain Weeks or expand their families Gov. Whitmer in support MEMBER OFnews AUDIT For all andBUREAU calendar items: Deadline is two weeks prior event. holidays, dead line is to Thursday prior OF CIRCULATION against their will. Being of their efforts to preserve to prior publication date. Weeks that contain holidays, dead­line is Thursday to publication date. able to decide and con- the right to reproductrol if, when and how to tive freedom,” said Chair become a parent is cen- Alisha Bell, on behalf of tral to building and living the Wayne County ComPOSTMASTER POSTMASTER — Send address changes to: Send address changes to: a healthy, happy life,” mission. MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • 1452 Randolph • DETROIT, MI 48226 Michigan Achievement Scholarship MICHIGAN CHRONICLE | 1452 Randolph • DETROIT, MI 48226 said Vasquez Giroux. offers up to $27,500 toward your degree. These scholarships help more Beyond the scope of than 154,000 Michiganders get the pro-choice versus propeople can get the education and train- education and skills they need to land life, the ing they needfight at lowfor or noreprocost. Mich- good-paying jobs and build a future ductive choice is igan offers two years ofone free of tuition right here at home. We’ve made a lot of progress over freedom. As Michigan at your local community college for recent high work school grads. And through the last several years, and this budget officials to ensure Michigan Reconnect, Michiganders each woman who finds 21 keeps our work moving forward. So, and older can earn an associate degree as you prepare for the new school herself in the position to or skills certification tuition-free. For year, know that Michigan is investing choose access to care the in you and your family. students has earning a four-degree, without the threat of legal action, many wonder

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Michigan Students

Running Mate islature adopts it. From page A-1

Increase school fund-

scheduled to hold a “2026 kickoff” for Statutory changes toin hering: reelection campaign on Aug. 27 1 increase the School Aid Lansing, the Detroit News reported. o have Sources with her say Fundfamiliar revenue by decision at least senta- at $3.6 one point there and was interest from billion establish and Anthony. egisla- both a Benson permanent weighted Former Michigan Senate Minority funding formula based on

Leader Jim Ananich of Flint has also been considered, sources say. He’s curThe health rently the leader ofcommittee the Greater Flint Health Coalition. recommends reviewing

in 1940 by Governor Luren Dickinson to fill a vacancy, becoming the first female lieutenant governor in Michigan, and one of the first in the United States. Connie Binsfeld was elected alongside Governor John Engler in 1991, serving two full four-year terms as Michigan’s 60th lieutenant governor. You can reach Sam at srobinson@ michronicle.com

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Thelicensure candidates policies are running state to for governor tothe replace term-limited address barriers thatGov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat. Black psychologists face could licensure become Michigan’s in Brinks obtaining in Scan the QR Code to Sign Up for third female lieutenant governor. Michigan. the Digital Daily Newsletter Matilda Dodge Wilson was appointed Ensure equitable disn and student and community tribution of state health al jus- needs and universal pre- funds: Ensure all Michirecom- school (0-3). gan communities with a ection Reject censorship in significant Black popuanaly- history instruction: En- lation receive adequate th the couraging Gov. Whitmer funds to address mental Attor- to ensure the goal for health issues. chigan Michigan schools should Protecting Black voting Law be history instruction rights: Urge state officials ndards that is presented by proto remain vigilant in the ciation fessionals with the subfight against schemes to cutors ject matter expertise, disenfranchise Michiganolders pedagogical skills, and ders of color. ct and judgment necessary to “BLAC members have gically. present complex inforworked hard to identify war- mation to students that the needs of the Black House are grounded in provations able facts and add to the community and we feel hear- understanding of mod- these recommendations will provide a solid first d other ern-day America. step towards breaking ld ban Increase mental health down barriers in educaof no- supports for the Black knock community: Recommend- tion, community safety, ng the ing Michigan set a goal health and business,” o pass of increasing the number said BLAC Co-Chair Dr. m and of Black mental health Donna L. Bell. BLAC will hold a virmer to service providers by 20% he leg- each year over five years. tual town hall meeting to discuss its policy recon ThursPhoto credit: A rendering of proposed ommendations changes to the Renaissance Center and the east riverfront. Rendering Courtesy Bedrock. day, May 12 at 4 p.m. Join struction will be to disconnect each tower to the neighborhoods and say, ‘Guess what? BLAC and a virtual audifrom that podium, so they can sit inde- This is what we’re doing downtown. This is people believe that they 1 ence in discussing the pendently with their own mechanical, elec- what we want you to know, to understand need to for themselves races. and talk about. This is what we want your trical, and plumbing. recommendations to supand others to live better feedback on.’” active year-round waterfront destination “That gives each tower its independence, port the Black communiansfor- lives.” From page A-1 that supports new housing, jobs, recreation, Inside the community hub on Atwater, which is the way that we create these pathty. p as a proximately “Chancellor is say. tourism, water access, and long-term eco- ways,” Watkins said. “Which is the way we there are examples of entertainment dis$1.6 billion,Ivery developers h that Bedrock housed in the nomic is growth. create ground floor commercial, an abili- tricts from other cities to draw inspiration says ittransformational will spend $1 billion; Gen- BLAC a true change eralleader ty to be able to get in and around because from best practices around the country for Motors says it will spend $250 million. Michigan Department of The developers say the goal is to see the and an outstanddevelopers say they will receive about Detroit City Council and requisite com- right now they’re connected. You can’t pass active waterfronts. Officials have pointed e sys- Theing Labor and Economic OpCEO, is more million from who the Downtown Developmunity benefits board repapprove the project through there at all — we’ve created a way to Chicago’s Navy Pier or Baltimore’s Inner stanc- $75than portunity. Members worthy the CEOThey of also Harbor as references. ment Authority forofthe project. prior to the end of the fourth quarter of to open it up.” erating want many thetoYear Award he just million re- resent take advantage of $250 in 2026, with aprofessional goal to begin the first phase of Community benefits process At the first meeting of the community backgrounds, including Ivory public financing available the project in 2027. ceived, “ said Prof.through Jamesa state benefits ordinance, members of the public The Community Benefits process will development publicChronicle Tuesmation- economic voiced their frustration with the plan, many Watkins law, told Michigan C. Mays, whoprogram. teaches economics, determine what public benefit the develThe goal is to build 934 newand mixed-inday the entire redevelopment safety, health and well- process will opment is required to follow through on. A arguing against tearing down the towers. t just entrepreneurship residential units, more than 470,000 take 5-10 years, with the full build-out of nine-member neighborhood advisory counEric Dueweke, the Detroit community ness, arts and culture and o cer- come supply chain manage-dining, square feet of retail, entertainment, the whole 35+ acre vision extending beyond cil made up of volunteer residents who live organizer and educator with CDAD, said his media. They leverage their s them andment at WCCCD’s community recreationCorpospace, in ad- that. Key milestones that affect that time- within the project’s impact area will lead problem with the plan is that it’s rushed. experiences iew of dition rateto College. “In his 27 a renewed 858-room hotel with line includeand the expertise community benefits ordi- the process and vote to approve the benefit “Construction of this isn’t going to start to make recommendarooms, event facilities, and an obnd ex- meeting nance process and city approval. years at WCCCD, Dr. Ivery until after the Final Four and then ramming package. deck at theWCCCD top of the to Marriott tionsRenCen to the governor on e that servation has elevated tower “deconstruction” While the impact area includes down- this through the summertime doesn’t seem critical issues affecting ecause hotel. become nationally recogAnother piece of the timeline will depend town and the east riverfront area near the right,” Dueweke said. “It seems like a way Approximately 17 acres of new civic the Black community. on permitting, specifically for the selective Renaissance Center, developers on Tuesday to minimize community involvement in the what space, nized for excellence including parks, plazas, and waterfront deconstruction process to rid the site of encouraged Detroit residents from each process.” create greens, innovation andconstructed preparing and a newly marina, To learn more about Detroit Board of Police Commissioners the towers. Watkins said the demolition of council district to participate in the process. every- “will our students professionstrengthen public access to the river BLAC thiswon’t upcoming Scotty Bowman said he supports keeping theand building include explosives that There’s a map of the entire city at East new destinations for resientire while allycreating and personally to do event, createvisit a dustwww.michistorm like what happened Riverfront Community Hub, the office near the entire Renaissance Center and encouragand things visitors,”in developers say. great the world.” ecause dents during the demo of the old Hudson’s build- the riverfront where Bedrock is inviting ing new tenants to enter the building after gan.gov/BLAC.

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Other amenities include 675,000 square feet of modernized office space, over 3,700 parking spaces to support future growth, and improved pedestrian connections to the Detroit Riverwalk. The towers that will be preserved could become office space and mixed-income housing and retail, officials said. 5–10-year timeline During a tour of the new East Riverfront Community Hub at Beaubien Place, 521 Atwater Street, representatives from Bedrock said the underutilized Renaissance Center and vacant surface lots will turn into an

ing. “I was actually working downtown during the Hudson’s implosion,” Watkins said. “I was at work that day. And it was the weirdest thing. There was an incredible dust storm that lasted a week. This will be nothing like that. This will be what we call selective deconstruction, meaning they’re going to start inward to the two towers and start to slowly deconstruct from the inside out, so that these towers are deconstructed, not imploded, not a wrecking ball.” Currently, all five towers are connected by a podium. The first piece of the decon-

the public to share concerns and feedback. Sticker dots meant to mark where residents live so far include Sherwood Forest, Palmer Woods, Midtown, Brush Park and downtown. But the developers say soon they hope to see the map filled with stickers from across the city. “We’ve reach out citywide,” Watkins said. “We’ve got roadshows scheduled for every single council district. We’re not just sticking right here in the impact area. We’ve got a schedule that will allow us to take this

losing its signature tenant, GM. “Stop incentivizing competing buildings until the Renaissance Center is occupied,” Bowman said. Jennifer Stallings Dewey, senior counsel for community engagement for GM, said reimagining the space around the building is the only path forward. “We’ve sort of done all that we can,” Stallings Dewey said. “We have to shift to ‘What can we do from here?’” You can reach Sam at srobinson@ michronicle.com

A3 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026

Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

From left: Robert Thompson from Levey Middle School, Dr. LaKeita Geter from The School at Marygrove and Erica Lee from Thompson K-8 International Academy, are among the 450 Michigan educators participating in Huntington’s 2026 Ignite the Classroom cohort

Investing in Educators Helps Ignite

Stronger Classrooms HOME FRONT

Every student’s academic journey is shaped by educators who believe in them, challenge them and help them see what is possible. That is why investing in educators can have an impact far beyond a single classroom. When teachers are supported with new strategies, that investment shows up in classrooms where students are more engaged, parents feel better connected and school communities build the climate and culture students need to thrive. Through Ignite the Classroom, Huntington is helping make that impact possible for educators across its footprint, including

metro Detroit. This year-long cohort experience includes local celebrations, scholarship-based professional development at the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) in Atlanta, follow-up learning and peer support. As part of Huntington’s commitment to strengthening communities, the program invests in educators whose influence extends far beyond the classroom and contributes to stronger schools, stronger neighborhoods and greater opportunity for future generations. Since launching in Detroit in 2024, Ignite the Classroom has reached nearly 5,000 educators – including more than 1,000 from

metro Detroit – across more than 40 school districts. Through Huntington, its funding partners and scholarship support, the program has awarded more than 2,400 scholarships and invested nearly $15 million in educators and school communities. Educators surveyed after their professional learning experience reported meaningful gains: 95% said their standards for a positive school climate and culture changed, 90% said their academic expectations improved and 79% said parent interaction improved. At Levey Middle School in Southfield, Community School Coordinator Robert Thompson saw Ignite the

Classroom’s impact early. When he arrived in September 2025, several Levey educators had already completed RCA training and returned with a plan to bring the Academy’s House System to the school. The system’s school-wide framework is designed to build character, strengthen morale and support positive student behavior. By the time Thompson joined the 2026 cohort, he had already seen how the approach was shaping Levey’s culture. “I had big dreams for what I was walking into, and those expectations were certainly met,” said Thompson. “When companies make the deliberate choice to invest in education, they are consciously investing in improving people and cultivating our future generation of leaders.” This year, from July 20-24, Huntington hosted more than 1,600 educators at RCA for two waves of professional instruction, including more than 450 from Michigan. During their two-day experience, educators observed classrooms in action, saw engagement strategies modeled in real time and participated in hands-on workshops. They returned with practical ideas for their students, including music and movement, relationship-building, accountability systems and positive school culture practices.

See STRONGER CLASSROOMS page A-4

Health and Wellness at the Center of Summer Activities for Huntington Colleagues Huntington representatives connect with entrepreneurs and small business owners during Seeds for Growth Photo: Austin G. Photography

Seeds for Growth Event Connects Detroit Entrepreneurs to Resources and Opportunity

For many Detroit entrepreneurs, building a business starts with more than a good idea. It requires access to guidance, capital and a network of people who can help turn that idea into something sustainable. That was the focus of the Seeds for Growth event at Jefferson HUB in Midtown Detroit on July 23, where entrepreneurs, small business owners and community partners came together to explore resources designed to help Detroit businesses start, grow and thrive. The event also reflected the energy behind Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with business owners sharing new ideas, creative approaches and a clear commitment to building for the future. Hosted in partnership between ProsperUs Detroit and Huntington Bank, the event provided attendees access to business support services, educational resources, financial guidance and connections to organizations committed to strengthening Detroit’s

small business ecosystem. Attendees participated in educational sessions on lending readiness, business resiliency, taxes and compliance, and strategies for accessing capital and managing growth. Huntington Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio Regional President Mike Land highlighted the important role small businesses play in strengthening communities, driving economic growth and building long-term financial stability and wealth. He also emphasized the optimism felt throughout the event, pointing to Detroit entrepreneurs as builders, creators and problem-solvers shaping the ideas for this city, their neighborhoods and the broader local economy. “Detroit entrepreneurs and small business owners are the people creating jobs and defining the culture of our neighborhoods, and when they succeed, it strengthens the entire community,” said Land.

See SEEDS FOR GROWTH EVENT page A-4

From neighborhood celebrations and cultural gatherings to community wellness events, Huntington colleagues spent the summer connecting with residents across Detroit through activities that promoted health, well-being and opportunity. Among the highlights were two community walks that brought colleagues together around shared causes while encouraging healthy lifestyles and stronger community connections.

Detroit Heart & Stroke Walk

Huntington team members joined thousands of participants at the Detroit Heart & Stroke Walk on Belle Isle, supporting the American Heart Association’s mission to advance heart and brain health. The event raised awareness around prevention, research and lifesaving education while creating an opportunity for colleagues, community members and More than 25 Huntington colleagues, along with family and friends, came together to support the cause local organizations to come together in support of healthier futures. The 2026 Detroit Heart & Stroke Walk & 5K raised more than $1 million, demonstrating the community’s collective commitment to improving health outcomes across the region.

See CENTER OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES page A-4

Page A-4 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

Stronger Classrooms

From page A-3 Dr. LaKeita Geter, an academic interventionist at The School at Marygrove in Detroit, saw the RCA experience as a vivid example of what happens when accountability, engagement and encouragement work together. For Geter, the training brought to life what is possible when students feel supported, teachers are equipped and families become a part of the journey. “What stood out to me most was how intentional everything was — from the way students were engaged in the classroom to the way they were encouraged to take accountability for their learning,” said Geter. “It showed me what is possible when stu-

dents, teachers and parents are all working together as one community.” For Erica Lee, an autism spectrum disorder teacher at Thompson K-8 International Academy in Southfield, Ignite the Classroom delivered more than new strategies — it renewed her sense of purpose. After 28 years of e­ ducation, Lee said the experience “reignites a passion for teaching, education and learning,” while reminding educators that their work matters and they are not alone. “Educators can walk into experiences like Ignite the Classroom feeling tired or unsure, but they leave reminded that they can continue to make a significant im-

pact,” added Lee. For her students, many of whom are nonverbal autistic children, that renewed energy means finding creative ways to help every child succeed and encouraging others to see the able and not the label. Thompson, Geter and Lee are just three of the thousands of educators who have participated in Ignite the Classroom since 2024. Their stories reflect what is possible when teachers are ­supported, equipped and inspired to bring new ideas back to their schools. By investing in the people who shape young minds every day, Huntington is helping strengthen classrooms, support student success and create lasting impact in the communities it serves.

Center of Summer Activities From page A-3

UNCF Walk for Education

Huntington colleagues also participated in the annual United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Walk for Education, an event that combined wellness, community engagement and support for educational opportunity. Walking alongside students, families, educators and advocates, Huntington employees helped champion UNCF’s mission of providing scholarships, student support and investments in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This year’s walk raised more than $600,000, helping expand access to educational resources and opportunities for future generations. From left: Paul Jones, CEO of ProsperUs Detroit; Nancy Spencer, Huntington business engagement director; Matthew Bihun, ProsperUs Detroit radical growth strategist; Robyn Childers, Welcome Home Yoga co-founder; and Drusilla Fanning, Huntington banking office manager. Photo: Austin G. Photography

Seeds for Growth Event

Huntington colleagues walk 3.1 miles to support education and the UNCF

Together, the walks reflect how wellness, service and community partnership can reinforce one another. Beyond the funds raised, both events provided meaningful opportunities for Huntington colleagues to connect with one another while supporting causes that matter. Side by side, colleagues strengthened relationships, celebrated shared values and demonstrated Huntington’s commitment to showing up for the communities it serves. “These events are about more than participation. They’re about being present, building relationships and creating opportunities to serve alongside the communities we care about,” said Ericka Milton, business banking risk manager. “Whether we’re participating in a wellness walk, supporting an educational initiative or joining a community celebration, these moments allow us to make a positive impact t­ ogether.”

From page A-3 The event also featured a panel discussion bringing together Huntington representatives, ProsperUs Detroit leaders and local entrepreneurs for an open conversation about real-world business challenges and opportunities. The conversation reflected both the realities of running a business today and the excitement around the new products, services and communityminded ventures entrepreneurs are bringing to market. That spirit of possibility came through as entrepreneurs and small business owners spoke candidly about what it takes to keep building, adapting and finding support.

“Building a resilient business takes more than passion. It takes community, access to resources and a willingness to keep learning,” said Robyn Childers, co-founder of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness and a participating panelist. “Seeds for Growth brought together local business owners, community partners and lending professionals for the kind of conversation that helps entrepreneurs keep growing.”

"Financial empowerment starts with access to knowledge, resources and relationships," said Paul Jones, CEO of ProsperUs Detroit. "Seeds for Growth is about meeting people where they are and providing tools they can use immediately, whether they're building a business, improving their financial health or planning for future opportunities." As Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to grow, Seeds for Growth captured the energy of business owners who are bringing new ideas to life, supporting one another and looking for the next right step. The event offered Detroit entrepreneurs not just information, but relationships and encouragement to keep moving forward.

Attendees connect with entrepreneurs, community partners and resource providers during the networking portion of the event. Photo: Austin G. Photography

A5 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026 | MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

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M ICHIGAN C HRONICLE

UNDER

FORTY

H O N O R E E S

he Michigan Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 has recognized the next generation of changemakers shaping Southeast Michigan. Each year, we honor 40 exceptional young professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders whose vision, leadership, and commitment to service are transforming industries and strengthening our communities. This year’s class reflects the range of talent shaping Metro Detroit and beyond. The honorees include an artificial intelligence leader at Google, a Black history curator at The Henry Ford, attorneys, physicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, educators, labor leaders and professionals working directly with Detroit’s young people, families and neighborhoods

Micah Aaron

LaTrell Bell

Assistant Professor-Tenure Track

Major Gifts Officer

Micah Aaron, PhD, MPH is an Assistant Professor on the tenure track in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor. As a Harvardtrained public health professional, she recognizes that the access and quality of care issues that plague the U.S. healthcare system result from a combination of interrelated actions of various institutions, organizations and regulatory bodies (both governmental and nongovernmental) in addition to patient lifestyle choices. Her research aims to elucidate how to best leverage provider consolidation within our healthcare markets and physician and hospital payment to achieve high-value cancer care for all U.S. patients. Her multi-disciplinary research has been funded by grants (totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars) from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Cancer Institute, and published in health services research journals, including Health Services Research and JAMA.

LaTrell Bell is a fundraising leader and community advocate dedicated to advancing philanthropy, developing leaders, and creating lasting impact. As a Major Gift Officer at Michigan Humane, he cultivates transformational partnerships that strengthen communities and expand access to life-changing programs. Drawing on leadership experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, LaTrell is recognized for building meaningful relationships, mentoring emerging professionals, and helping organizations grow with purpose. His commitment to service is reflected through leadership on numerous nonprofit boards, including serving as Treasurer of Hope Shelters, and through his involvement with organizations such as Veterans Build and Embassy Community Development Corporation. An active member and committee chair within the Association of Fundraising Professionals, LaTrell believes the greatest measure of success is not simply what you achieve, but who you empower.

Myles Baker

Monique Hutcherson Benoit

Senior Attorney - Labor & Employment

Director of Strategic Initiatives & New Brand Partnerships

Myles Baker is a Senior Attorney of Labor & Employment at DTE Energy, a Fortune 500 company, where he advises business leaders and human resources professionals on risk management, labor strategy, employment compliance, workplace investigations, and litigation matters within one of the nation’s largest regulated utility environments. Known for his practical, business-minded approach, Myles works at the intersection of law, operations, and leadership, helping organizations navigate complex workplace and regulatory challenges with clarity and strategic insight. Prior to joining DTE Energy, Myles built his legal career at Dickinson Wright PLLC, where he began as a summer associate and ultimately became a Partner. During his time in private practice, he represented clients across a broad range of commercial litigation, labor and employment, and regulatory matters, developing a reputation as a thoughtful advocate, trusted advisor, and well rounded litigator.

Monique Hutcherson Benoit is a consumer products leader and advocate for innovation, equity, and inclusive brand growth. Her career includes merchandising roles at Target Corporation, Anthropologie, and The Emerson Group, where she developed expertise in retail strategy, consumer insights, and beauty partnerships. She founded a retail go-to-market consulting practice, helping emerging beauty brands refine positioning and engage retail partners. Monique launched and hosted the Scaling Emerging Beauty podcast, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, retail, and brand growth. She joined Ulta Beauty in June 2024 as a Senior Merchant supporting emerging brands. Today, she leads strategic initiatives, new brand partnerships, and programs designed to develop the next generation of brands. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Monique is a mother of four daughters, ages 15, 11, 9, and 7.

Joique Bell II

Jaren Brown, M.A.

Founder, Parlay Detroit, U Charge Up and Joique Bell Charity Joique Bell is an award-winning entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former NFL running back, serving as the founder of the Joique Bell Charity and the owner of Parlay Detroit, Hidden Speakeasy, and U Charge Up in Detroit, Michigan. With a relentless drive to expand opportunity and strengthen communities, Bell has transformed his professional athletic success into meaningful business and civic impact. A recipient of the prestigious Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year, and a Wayne State University Hall of Fame inductee, Bell bridges the gap between professional athletics and business leadership-demonstrating excellence both on and off the field. The Joique Bell Charity empowers youth in under-served communities through education, literacy, wellness, mentorship, and free long-term programming.

David M. Bowser, MPH, is a public health leader and urban policy strategist serving as Chief of Staff to Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. As the Mayor’s senior operational leader, he oversees city departments, policy implementation, communications, budgets, and strategic priorities. Previously, Bowser held senior roles under Mayor Mike Duggan, including Director of Human Services and Deputy Director within Housing and Revitalization and the Community Health Corps. He helped create award-winning programs addressing tenant displacement, housing access, public health, and COVID-19 response. His work centers on housing stability, homelessness, immigrant affairs, economic inclusion, water access, and health equity. A North Carolina native, Bowser made Detroit home in 2017. He holds an MPH from Creighton University School of Medicine and a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University.

Assistant VP, Marketing & Communications Jaren (Roberts) Brown is a strategic marketing and communications leader with more than 12 years of experience spanning transit, education, healthcare, nonprofits, and entertainment. As Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications at SMART, she serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO, leading integrated marketing, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs strategies that strengthen brand awareness, increase ridership, and deepen community connections. Known for translating complex challenges into compelling narratives, Jaren has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, managing multi-milliondollar budgets, and delivering measurable results across mission-driven organizations. Jaren is a Full Sail University valedictorian who is passionate about mentoring young girls through Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Evette Hollins is Vice President & Chief Customer Officer at DTE Energy, where she leads customer billing and financial operations, community engagement, corporate citizenship, and the DTE Energy Foundation. She guides customer outreach and community engagement strategies, advances community transformation efforts, supports employee volunteerism, and oversees philanthropic investments providing more than $14 million in annual grants. Hollins also modernizes billing and payment practices while helping connect vulnerable customers to more than $125 million in energy assistance annually. She joined DTE in 2015 after experience in telecommunications, financial services, and economic development. Hollins holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and serves on the boards of the Belle Isle Conservancy and Charles H. Wright Museum.

Donavan McKinney is a lifelong Detroiter, devoted husband and father, and dedicated public servant. Raised by his mother and grandmother in northeast Detroit, he experienced firsthand the challenges facing working families, including housing instability and poverty wages. A proud graduate of Detroit Public Schools, Donavan became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his degree from the University of Michigan. He previously served as a leader with SEIU Healthcare Michigan, advocating for workers and stronger communities. Today, Donavan serves as a Michigan State Representative, championing policies focused on economic opportunity, environmental justice, clean water, affordability, and working families. Inspired by the community that invested in him, he remains committed to creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for Michigan residents.

Page A-6 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

Keith Butler District 5 Manager Mayor’s Office/ CEO The Detroit Boys Mentoring Club Keith D. Butler II is a lifelong Detroiter, public servant, and community leader advancing stronger neighborhoods and brighter futures. As District 5 Manager for the City of Detroit’s Department of Neighborhoods under Mayor Mary Sheffield, he leads community engagement surrounding some of Detroit’s most significant and historic new developments, ensuring residents help shape the city’s continued growth. Keith is also Founder and President of The Detroit Boys Mentoring Club, which serves 500 boys through mentorship, leadership development, financial literacy, career exposure, and transformative experiences. Grounded in faith and driven by purpose, Keith believes leadership is measured by impact, access, and service. His greatest roles are husband to Robyn and father to Karsten and Parker, whose love strengthens his leadership and fuels his commitment to Detroit.

Jonaz Byrd Impact Director Born and raised in Detroit, Jonaz is an educator, nonprofit leader, and adjunct professor dedicated to transforming lives through the magic of education. A proud Detroit Public Schools graduate, she credits her passion for learning to the teachers and mentors who inspired her to serve others. After earning degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership, she taught in both Chicago Public Schools and our beloved DPSCD before pivoting to leadership at City Year Detroit, where she has demonstrated a proven ability to develop leaders, strengthen school partnerships, and cultivate community collaborations, including an annual Detroit Lions literacy initiative serving hundreds of students each year. She also teaches English at Arizona College of Nursing.

Anthony Chambers North America Lead- AI Infrastructure Strategy and Partnerships Detroit native Anthony “Tony” Chambers is a tech executive, community builder, and small business owner. As Google’s Head of AI Infrastructure Strategy, Partners, and Programs for North America, Tony builds the strategic partnerships and workforce programs that connect community businesses, talent, and infrastructure needs directly with Google’s AI Data Center strategy and operational model. By establishing robust partnerships, responsible operational processes, and pipelines, he empowers diverse job seekers to acquire highly technical, high-wage roles within our next-generation data centers. His work creates a sustainable, community-first workforce model that drives local economic mobility while securing Google’s long-term operational resilience. Tony is responsible for architecting high-impact community and workforce programs across the Fortune 50.

Brandon Davis President/Owner Brandon Davis is the owner and president of Davis Insurance, where he has built a thriving business focused on integrity, exceptional service, and protecting the individuals, families, and businesses he serves. Through his entrepreneurial vision and commitment to excellence, he has successfully grown Davis Insurance to include multiple agency locations. A devoted husband and proud father of three, Brandon believes that faith, family, and service are the foundation of a meaningful life. His passion for helping others extends well beyond his business. He is deeply committed to mentoring youth, encouraging young people to pursue their goals, develop strong character, and realize their full potential. Whether through one-on-one mentorship or community involvement, Brandon is dedicated to creating opportunities that inspire the next generation to lead with.

Briaunna Durhal Associate, Jones Day Bri Durhal has represented Fortune 100 companies in high-stakes litigation from inception through appeal. She has represented a range of clients in major investigations, trials, and appeals throughout the country, including clients in the health care, consumer products, pharmaceutical, information technology, automotive, e-commerce, beverage, and entertainment industries. Bri draws on her appellate experience to develop winning trial and appellate briefs, and she was recently involved in the briefing and oral argument preparation for a case that obtained an en banc Sixth Circuit vacatur of the certification of an 800,000-member class in a product defect case. Bri brings extensive experience across all phases of litigation.

Rhonda Evans Marketing Director Rhonda Evans is a Detroit native and marketing professional with over a decade of experience in brand strategy, creative leadership, and nonprofit communications. A graduate of Detroit Public Schools Community District and College for Creative Studies, she specializes in brand management, digital marketing, social media, podcast production, and environmental branding. Rhonda is passionate about using creativity to engage audiences and strengthen communities. Deeply rooted in her faith, she mentors emerging leaders and serves through faith-based outreach. Known for her collaborative spirit and strategic vision, she helps organizations build meaningful connections, amplify their impact, and inspire lasting change, all while proudly representing the city that shaped her.

Erica George Deputy Director Erica George is a transformational nonprofit executive, community leader, and public servant whose career has been dedicated to creating innovative solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness while strengthening the communities she serves. As Deputy Director of Cass Community Social Services, she has helped lead some of the organization’s most significant accomplishments, combining strategic leadership with a passion for service and systems change. A graduate of Renaissance High School, Erica earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Wayne State University, where she developed the foundation for her lifelong commitment to empowering others through advocacy, leadership, and opportunity. During her tenure at Cass Community Social Services, Erica played a pivotal leadership role in guiding the organization through two successful CARF accreditations, achieving the highest level of.

Joaquin Gouch Financial Advisor Joaquin Gouch is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he specializes in helping business owners, retirement plan sponsors, and high-net-worth individuals navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. His practice focuses on delivering comprehensive, strategy-driven solutions that integrate investment management, retirement planning, and long-term wealth preservation. Joaquin holds multiple advanced industry designations, including Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC™), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA™). These credentials reflect his commitment to providing specialized guidance across key areas such as business succession, fiduciary retirement plan oversight, and tailored wealth strategies. A core area of Joaquin’s work involves advising business owners on exit planning and value optimization, helping them prepare for.

Bianca Hardy Project Manager, Office of Communications Bianca Hardy is a communications specialist, project management professional, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to creating meaningful connections that strengthen organizations and empower people. With extensive experience in strategic communications, project management, stakeholder engagement, and event execution, she has built a career centered on collaboration, leadership, and delivering results that make a lasting impact. As Project Manager for the Office of Communications at Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), Bianca leads districtwide communications initiatives, executive events, and cross-functional projects that support one of Michigan’s largest public school districts. Known for her ability to transform ideas into action, she is recognized for developing strategic solutions, building partnerships, and managing complex initiatives with professionalism and purpose.

Antwuan Markel Hawkins Attorney | Owner & Broker, Five Star Luxury Realty Antwuan Hawkins is an attorney, business owner, and advocate whose work expands access to financial stability through disability law, homeownership, and public education. As a Social Security Disability Attorney with Levine Benjamin Law Firm, he represents individuals navigating disability claims, administrative hearings, and appeals to secure benefits that are often essential to their independence and economic security. Antwuan is also the Owner and Broker of Five Star Luxury Realty, where he guides families through the home-buying and selling process while recruiting, mentoring, and developing real estate professionals. His work allows him to address financial security in two distinct ways: protecting the income of individuals unable to work and helping families build wealth through property ownership. His leadership extends beyond his professional practices.

Brianna Eccleston

Chris Jackson

Director of Public Health

City Councilman

Brianna Eccleston is the Director of Public Health for Wayne County, Michigan, where she leads initiatives dedicated to improving the health and well-being of one of the state’s largest and most diverse communities. A collaborative and visionary leader, she is committed to strengthening public health systems, advancing health equity, and ensuring residents have access to high-quality programs and services that improve quality of life. Throughout her career, Brianna has championed innovation, operational excellence, and cross-sector partnerships to address complex public health challenges. She is passionate about developing high-performing teams, mentoring emerging leaders, and creating sustainable solutions that benefit communities for generations to come. Beyond her professional role, Brianna is deeply committed to serving others through leadership, mentorship, and community engagement.

Chris is a dedicated public servant and policy leader committed to advancing equity, innovation, and opportunity across Michigan. As a Pontiac City Councilman and Director of Policy & Innovation at Honor Community Health, he leads initiatives focused on addressing health inequities and improving outcomes for underserved communities. Previously, Chris served as Executive Director of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, where he worked alongside legislators, advocates, and communities across the state to advance policies that expand access to resources and create more equity. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the National Cannabis Industry Association, helping shape national conversations around cannabis policy and industry development. Throughout his career, Chris has built a reputation for collaborative leadership, strategic advocacy, and a deep commitment to public service.

michiganchronicle.com | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026 | Page A-7

Lynda S. Jackson

Amber N. Mitchell

Recording Secretary

Curator of Black History

Lynda S. Jackson is a dedicated labor leader, educator, and community advocate committed to empowering working families through education, transparency, and servant leadership. She proudly serves as the elected three-term Recording Secretary of UAW Local 7 and is a certified Labor Studies instructor through the UAW International Education Department, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. With more than 16 years at Stellantis’ Detroit Assembly Complex–Jefferson, Lynda has built a reputation for integrity, effective communication, and member engagement. She also served as the former District 7 Manager for the City of Detroit, appointed by Mayor Mary Sheffield, where she strengthened relationships between residents and city government.

Amber N. Mitchell is a public historian and educator currently serving as the founding Curator of Black History at The Henry Ford. Amber’s work is rooted in her upbringing in Detroit, where the stories of people of African descent and their impact on the United States have always been central. As a community-rooted public historian, Amber strives to empower communities of color to tell our own stories in cultural institutions and beyond, while transforming nonprofit structures into accessible reflections of our communities. She serves her professional and local communities as a board member of the Slave Dwelling Project, The Heidelberg Project, and Wayne State University’s Masters in Public History Program.

Dr. Victoria King Founder & CEO Victoria King is a Detroit-born entrepreneur, real estate investor, and financial empowerment advocate whose journey is rooted in resilience, vision, and creating opportunities for others. As the Founder and CEO of The Tax Gurus and Easy Tax Solutions, Victoria has built a thriving tax and financial services enterprise, helping aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow successful tax businesses while serving thousands of taxpayers. Beyond the tax industry, Victoria has built a growing real estate portfolio throughout Metro Detroit, expanding from single-family investments into multifamily properties. Her passion for ownership, wealth building, and financial literacy extends beyond her own success. She is committed to helping women and entrepreneurs understand the importance of investing, retirement planning, generational wealth, and creating sustainable income.

Belvin Liles III Principal Belvin is an investor at ID Ventures, and early stage VC fund based in Detroit. Before IDV Belvin was employee #2 at what is now known as Bridge Marketplace, a fintech responsible for connecting small-tomedium-sized businesses with community banks, regional banks, CDFIs, and other lending partners. At Bridge Belvin managed relationships with different lenders, primarily minority-owned financial institutions, helped with product development, strategic partnerships, and marketing. Prior to Bridge Belvin was a technology banker at Citibank providing large technology companies with large debt facilities and other bank products. Belvin is a born and raised Detroiter who earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from Indiana University.

Ashley Nicole McCullough Master of Urban Planning (MUP), Development Manager Ashley McCullough is a Development Manager at Bedrock, where she leads mixed-use projects, including City Modern in Brush Park, a historic Detroit neighborhood. In her role, she manages development schedules and budgets, while mitigating risks throughout the project cycle. Prior to joining Bedrock in 2018, Ashley started her career as an intern at Rocket Companies and was recognized as an outstanding team member in 2021 and 2023. In 2022, she obtained her LEED Green Associate Certification and continually advocates for sustainable urban environments by serving on the Board of Directors for the Detroit District 2030. Deeply committed to shaping the next generation of industry talent, Ashley has dedicated more than three years as a volunteer mentor with the ACE Mentorship Program of Southeast Michigan.

Mesh McFerrin Operations Manager Mesh McFerrin is an Operations Manager recognized for her ability to build teams, lead through change, and deliver results in complex manufacturing environments. Born in Detroit, she has built her career on the belief that meaningful success is achieved through hard work, collaboration, and investing in people. As the first employee hired for LM Manufacturing’s facility, Mesh joined the organization as the Launch Manager and was instrumental in building the operation from the ground up. She led the onboarding and training of more than 500 hourly and salaried team members, many of whom had never worked in a manufacturing environment. Through that effort, she helped establish the workforce, processes, expectations, and culture needed to successfully launch the operation.

Randall McPherson MD Family Medicine Physician/Center Medical Director Dr. Randall McPherson is a board-certified Family Medicine physician, healthcare leader, and military officer dedicated to advancing patient care and improving community health. A Kalamazoo, Michigan, native, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine before completing his Family Medicine Residency through the Detroit Medical Center/Michigan State University Family Medicine Residency Program. Dedicated to improving the health of underserved communities, Dr. McPherson chose to build his career in Detroit, where he now serves as Center Medical Director at Oak Street Health. He also proudly serves as a Major in the United States Army Reserve, supporting the health and medical readiness of America’s Soldiers.

Tracey Lynn Pearson Communications Officer Tracey Lynn Pearson is an executive communications strategist and public affairs leader whose career has been animated by a deceptively simple proposition: Complex work matters only if people can understand why it matters. Over more than 15 years, Tracey has built a distinctive ability to translate intricate strategies, institutional priorities and public policy issues into clear, compelling stories. She brings to that work the instincts of a journalist, the discipline of a strategist and a deep appreciation for the role communications can play in strengthening institutions, informing public understanding and advancing meaningful change. As a Communications Officer in External Affairs and Communications at The Kresge Foundation, Tracey serves as a strategic partner to colleagues across the organization.

Jermaine Peguese Special Projects Manager Jermaine Peguese was born to build. For seven years he has carried that discipline into the NAACP Detroit Branch, one of the city’s most storied institutions, as Special Projects Manager leading the logistics behind its Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner, a 70+ year tradition whose keynote stage has featured a sitting U.S. President. He founded Pathworth Consulting & Solutions and runs it on an AI workforce he has designed, built, and trained since 2022. He teaches others to put AI to work, not fear it. He helped build a nationally recognized entrepreneurship nonprofit with no outside funding. A Detroit-born Wayne State graduate who returned in his thirties to finish his construction degree, Jermaine puts people in position to win.

Kayla D. Perry Marketing & Communications Manager Kayla D. Perry is an emerging leader in marketing, strategic communications, and public relations whose work reflects both strategic rigor and a deep commitment to public service. As Marketing and Communications Manager for the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, alongside a talented team, she helps shape the organization’s brand, strengthen its public voice, and connect older adults, caregivers, and families to essential services. Her work spans media relations, executive communications, integrated campaigns, digital strategy, website content, and stakeholder engagement. Her previous experience at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan further strengthened her expertise in healthcare communications and communicating complex information with clarity and care. Perry holds a Master of Arts in Communication from Wayne State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from the.

Tamarah Riley Engineering Director, Consultant | Founder, Investor Tamarah Riley is an engineering director and executive coach with over 15 years of expertise in manufacturing, focused in operations excellence. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded large-scale launch teams and managed regional standards for industry titans such as Whirlpool Corporation, Stellantis, General Motors, and Johnson Controls. Riley is a Detroit native, The Ohio State University graduate, and is pursuing her MBA at University of Michigan. As a four-time Big 10 Champion and former professional basketball player, Tamarah channels her elite athletic drive, competitiveness, and resilience into both business operations and community transformation. As an emerging local investor and founder of Riley Real Estate, Tamarah is committed to revitalizing neighborhoods for local Detroiters.

Victor D. Robinson Senior Director of External Partnerships and Community Engagement Victor D. Robinson is a nonprofit executive, community builder, and civic leader dedicated to expanding opportunity for young people. As Senior Director of External Partnerships and Community Engagement at Urban Alliance Detroit, he leads partnerships connecting students with career opportunities. His earlier work with PeacePlayers Detroit helped cultivate transformational partnerships that generated more than $1 million for young people across the region. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Victor chaired the Cass Technical High School Class of 2006’s 20th Reunion, leading efforts that raised more than $20,000 in scholarship support for the Class of 2026. Victor leads with the belief that every young person deserves someone willing to invest in their potential.

Page A-8 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

Stevon Scott Jr. Director of Corporate and Community Affairs & Youth Pastor Stevon Scott Jr. is a Detroit native, husband, minister, community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for youth and families. He serves as Director of Corporate and Community Affairs for River Rouge School District and Youth Pastor at Love Life Family Christian Center. In his district role, Stevon leads initiatives in student recruitment and retention, branding, communications, corporate and community partnerships, events, and programs supporting students and families. His ministry journey began at age 15, and for more than four years he has helped youth strengthen their faith, discover their identity, and develop as leaders. An entrepreneur, Stevon owns SS&S Catering and The Chef Steve Experience. Guided by faith, family, time, service, and peace, he is committed to developing the next generation and serving his Detroit community.

Marcel Smith Owner, Chick-fil-A Lincoln Park Marcel Smith is a Detroit native, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to developing people and creating impact through business. As the Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Lincoln Park, Smith leads with a people-first philosophy, building a culture rooted in excellence, service, and leadership development while serving the Downriver community. Born and raised in Detroit, Smith is a proud graduate of Detroit Public Schools Community District. He graduated as Valedictorian from the Academy of Business & Technology in Melvindale, where he also helped lead his team to a Class C State Basketball Championship. He continued his athletic and academic journey at Houston Christian University, earning a degree in International Business while competing as a collegiate athlete. After college, Smith returned home to invest in the next generation.

Evangerline Trice Athletic Director Evangerline Trice is a dynamic athletic administrator, educator, and community leader who serves as an Athletic Operations Coordinator/Athletic Director with Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Office of Athletics. In her role, she leads strategic initiatives that strengthen and modernize athletic programming for thousands of student-athletes across Detroit while helping shape the future of the historic Detroit Public School League (PSL). Known for her innovative approach to leadership, Evangerline oversees the PSL’s volleyball, swimming, lacrosse, tennis, and golf programs while spearheading efforts in branding, coach and student development, recognition, and operational excellence. Her work has transformed how athletics are experienced across the district by elevating the visibility of student-athletes, creating systems that support coaches, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing opportunities for students to be celebrated.

Christina Ware Founder & Chief Ecosystem Architect Christina Ware is the Founder and Chief Ecosystem Architect of GapBridge Strategies, an ecosystem innovation firm dedicated to strengthening the relationships, systems, and structures that help communities thrive. A Detroit‑rooted civic leader, Christina specializes in cross‑sector collaboration, aligning employers, public agencies, and community partners to close gaps and accelerate outcomes. After a 15‑year career in staffing and workforce leadership, she launched GapBridge to build the collaborative infrastructure Michigan needs to expand access and opportunity. Christina serves as Vice Chair of the Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce, and sits on the Boards of Directors for Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, Athletech Academy, and Detroit ToolBank. She is committed to designing ecosystems where people and cities can flourish.

Dorothy “Dee” Smith

Kyra R Watts

Director of Strategy & Partnerships

Principal Management E, Henry Ford Health/Pour It Up Detroit/ RSVP Event Studio/My Sister Circle

Dorothy “Dee” Smith is a nonprofit executive and social impact strategist with nearly two decades of experience building cross-sector partnerships, mobilizing investments, and advancing community impact. As Director of Strategy & Partnerships at Teen HYPE Youth Development Program, she helps shape strategies that strengthen Detroit’s youth development ecosystem and expand opportunities for young people. Her leadership advances programs and partnerships reaching more than 3,000 young people, families, and community members annually. Beyond Teen HYPE, Dee is the Founder and President of The Well Initiative Women’s Association, Inc., which is reimagining how communities recognize, invest in, and support the women whose everyday contributions sustain them. Dee is most energized by bold ideas, untapped opportunities, and collaborations with people who can help bring them to life.

Damiana Sorrell Chief Program Officer Damiana Sorrell is a youth development executive, educator, and doctoral candidate dedicated to expanding opportunities for the next generation of leaders. As Chief Program Officer for Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, she drives a strategic vision that expands access to transformative programs equipping girls with the confidence, skills, and experiences to thrive. Her work focuses on leadership, STEAM, career readiness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills. Beyond her executive leadership, Damiana’s doctoral research explores educational equity and school choice, bridging research with real-world impact. Whether shaping organizational strategy or advancing scholarship, she is committed to empowering young people, strengthening communities, and creating pathways for lifelong success.

Dr. Kimberly Stokes-Mason Counseling Psychologist, PhD Dr. Kimberly Stokes-Mason is a counseling psychologist, certified educator, researcher, and speaker dedicated to advancing culturally grounded mental health care. She serves as a staff psychologist at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, providing counseling, outreach, and clinical supervision. Her clinical and research interests focus on promoting the mental health experiences of Black women and mothers through wellness practices and intergenerational legacies of care. Her scholarship has been published in the Harvard Educational Review and The Journal of Black Psychology. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Wayne State University, is a proud Howard University alumna, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Association of Black Psychologists.

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Detroit born and raised, Kyra Watts is a master’s-prepared engineer, entrepreneur, and community leader committed to creating lasting impact through innovation, leadership, and service. She drives transformational improvements within one of Metro Detroit’s largest healthcare systems while leading successful businesses as the owner of Pour it Up Detroit and co-owner of RSVP Event Studio, delivering exceptional hospitality and event experiences. Beyond her professional achievements, Kyra empowers young women through her nonprofit, My Sister Circle, and proudly serves as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Guided by faith, and supported by family, she is building a legacy rooted in excellence, opportunity, and service while inspiring others to uplift their communities and create meaningful change for future generations.

Tyrone Williams Plant Manager, Rawsonville Components Plant Ford Motor Tyrone Williams is Plant Manager at Ford Motor Company’s Rawsonville Components Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He brings 19 years of hands-on experience in automotive manufacturing, with a career built on operational excellence, transformational leadership, and continuous improvement. Tyrone has led cross-functional teams, overseen full P&L accountability, and helped drive sustainable change in fast-paced production environments. His expertise includes lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, cost-saving initiatives, and large-scale operational transformation. Known for his transparent, empowering leadership style, he focuses on building strong teams, developing talent, and improving performance at every level. Tyrone is passionate about creating resilient operations that deliver results and support long-term success for both the company and the community.

Tyrone (T.J.) Winfrey Co-Founder, CIVIC Education: University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, BA University of Michigan, School of Kinesiology, BA L’Abbaye de Pontlevoy, Pontlevoy, France (study abroad) Columbia Business School, MBA Bio: Tyrone (T.J.) Winfrey, Jr. is partnerships executive and strategic leader with over 15+ years of national, cross-functional experience across sports, media, technology, venture capital, retail, consumer product goods and innovation. T.J. is a proven operator, executive advisor and leader of people, trusted by large and upstart organizations to drive clarity, execution, and alignment on high-impact initiatives. Currently, T.J. is the Co-Founder of CIVIC, digital infrastructure that partners with municipalities to reach the most unengaged voters. CIVIC has partnered with several foundations to raise grant dollars aimed at building a more informed electorate.

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City ity.. Life ife.. Style. B1 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

The Inner Architecture:

Soul Connection, Trauma Bond, and the Discernment Between Them

By Miss AJ Williams Many women know what it’s like to be in a relationship that doesn’t have a clear ending, or one that never really begins, even if it’s hard to explain to others. Over time, friends may stop asking about it because your answers never seem to make sense. Deep down, you might know he isn’t right for you, but it’s one thing to know that and another to live with it. Sometimes, there’s an Miss AJ Williams attraction that logic can’t touch, a sense that this person is connected to you in a way that goes beyond compatibility, timing, or even desire. You might call it spiritual, because that word gives your feelings a place to belong. It helps you make sense of what you can’t explain and gives your pain some meaning. Sometimes, the relationship you keep returning to over the years feels less like a choice and more like a recognition. You didn’t pick this person the way you choose other things in life—you just knew them. This feeling can seem like proof that some connections exist before we even experience them. No matter what, the intensity is real. The attraction isn’t made up. There’s something unique happening in these relationships that doesn’t happen in ordinary ones, and it’s important to acknowledge that first. What isn’t often talked about in spiritual circles is that a true soul connection and a trauma bond can feel exactly the same from the inside. In both cases, the experience seems to go around logic and rational thought. There’s a strong sense of recognition, as if this person matters in a way no one else does. Both types of connection create a pull that’s hard to explain, even to friends or therapists. You’re not being irrational; you’re just responding to something real in your body. The difference isn’t in how you feel, but in what causes those feelings. A soul connection is rare and usually brings a sense of growth. A trauma bond forms differently. It happens when your nervous system recognizes an old emotional pattern—not because it’s true, but because it’s familiar. Your body learned this pattern early on and came to see it as safe, even if it was actually painful. The nervous system doesn’t judge if the relationship is good for you; it just reacts to what it knows. Whatever your body learned to see as love, home, or belonging will feel real, even if the relationship doesn’t actually provide those things. This is what makes it so unsettling. The intensity you think is spiritual might just be a language your body learned to survive long before you had words for it, and now it shows up in your adult relationships, making it feel like destiny. But not every intense relationship means there are hidden wounds. Intensity alone doesn’t prove anything, and there’s a difference between having a purpose and repeating a pattern. Your nervous system will eventually show you the truth, even if it’s still on high alert right now. You can’t force clarity by trying harder. Instead, let your feelings unfold at their own pace, not just as fast as your emotions want. This isn’t about testing the other person or seeing how the relationship reacts if you step back. It’s about giving yourself space to feel without acting right away, so your understanding can grow. You’re not pulling away from him; you’re

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen Opens New Location in Downtown Detroit

See SOUL CONNECTION, TRAUMA BOND Page B-2

Mathew Knowles Reintroduces the Music of Destiny’s Child in Unique Orchestral Concert Few figures have played as influential a role in shaping the modern music industry as Matthew Knowles, the music executive, entrepreneur, educator, and longtime manager whose career became closely associated with the rise of Destiny’s Child. As the group’s manager and father of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Solange Knowles, Knowles helped guide Destiny’s Child from its early beginnings in Houston, Texas, to international superstardom. See MATHEW KNOWLES Page B-2

By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

On Woodward Avenue, where Detroit’s past and present meet in the middle of a rapidly changing downtown, Joe Louis is once again being introduced to a new generation. This time, there is no boxing ring. There is a restaurant – a third location, but the first downtown. Joe Louis Southern Kitchen, the family-owned Detroit restaurant inspired by the life and legacy of the heavyweight champion, has opened its newest location at 1528 Woodward Ave., just blocks away from Comerica Park, Ford Field, and Little Caesars Arena. The approximately 4,000-square-foot space, which began its soft opening Aug. 13 ahead of an Aug. 27 grand opening, is the brand’s first location with a full bar and open-air patio. For Joe Louis Barrow II, the champion’s son and co-owner of the restaurant, the downtown location represents something larger than another step in a growing restaurant business. It is an opportunity to reconnect Detroit with a man whose name still appears throughout the city – on streets, landmarks, and buildings – but whose story, Barrow believes, has not been fully told. “When Johnny and I met in 2018, I told him that I had a vision for reintroducing my father to a lot of people,” Barrow said. “Every person I talked to basically said, ‘Your father is a great American, but he’s irrelevant.’” The response was painful, but Barrow didn’t accept it. “Sometimes it felt so crushing,” he said. “But I just knew that wasn’t the case. I knew there was a lane to build the brands around what I wanted to do.” The person who eventually helped him find that lane was Johnny Cannon, a longtime restaurant operator and now Barrow’s business partner. Cannon knew Joe Louis as a name. He knew the boxer, the arena that once bore his name, and the mythology surrounding one of the most celebrated athletes in American history. But he did not yet know the breadth of the man’s life. Barrow asked him to watch a documentary. “I went home to watch the documentary, and it gave me a different perspective and helped me understand who Joe Louis really was,” Cannon said. “I saw the value in the brand and the opportunity to really tell the story.” What struck Cannon was how much of Joe Louis’ life existed outside the ring. “I knew the story hadn’t been told in my lifetime – what this man had accomplished, being the first to do a lot of the things he did, from golf to the Army to integration,” Cannon said. “He was doing it so quietly.” The next day, Cannon returned with an answer. “Let’s do it,” he told Barrow. The first Joe Louis Southern Kitchen opened in Detroit in 2021 at 6549 Woodward Ave. in Midtown, built around an

See JOE LOUIS SOUTHERN KITCHEN Page B-2

Page B-2 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

Mathew Knowles From page B-1

Knowles entered the entertainment business after establishing a career in corporate sales and marketing, eventually bringing his business expertise to the music industry. In the 1990s, he became deeply involved in managing Destiny’s Child, helping develop the group’s professional image, business strategy, and career trajectory. Under his management, Destiny’s Child evolved from a promising young R&B group into one of the best-selling female groups in music history. Knowles’ influence extended beyond management. He became an entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, and professor, using his experiences in entertainment to educate aspiring artists and business professionals. He has also remained a prominent voice on artist development, branding, entrepreneurship, and the changing dynamics of the music industry. While his association with Destiny’s Child is central to his public legacy, Matthew Knowles’ career represents a broader story about the business of entertainment: the importance of vision, strategic planning, perseverance, and recognizing talent before the rest of the world does. His journey offers a unique perspective on the transformation of young performers into global cultural icons—and on the business decisions behind the music that defined a generation. Michigan Chronicle: Why is a candlelight concert the right way to celebrate Destiny’s Child’s music? Mathew Knowles: The Destiny’s Child Iconic Reimagined Tribute is a celebration of the incredible legacy of Destiny’s Child and its members. A candlelight concert creates a unique and intimate atmosphere that allows fans to experience the music in a completely new way while honoring the timeless songs that have become part of the soundtrack of so many lives. This tribute is, above all, for the fans. It’s an opportunity to relive the memories, emotions, and unforgettable moments that Destiny’s Child has created over the past three decades, reimagined through the beauty of live strings in an elegant candlelit setting. I encourage everyone to visit DestinysChild.com, where we’ve recently shared previously unreleased materials that offer fans an even deeper look into the group’s remarkable journey and legacy. Michigan Chronicle: Have Beyoncé, Kelly, or Michelle seen or shared any thoughts about the candlelight concept? Mathew Knowles: The ladies are very appreciative of the incredible support fans have shown for the Destiny’s Child Iconic Reimagined Tribute. It’s been wonderful to see the excitement surrounding this unique celebration of their music and legacy. Each of the members has also shown support by sharing and acknowledging the tribute across their social media platforms, and we’re grateful for their encouragement as fans continue to celebrate Destiny’s Child’s enduring impact. Michigan Chronicle: What stories were important for you to include between the performances? Mathew Knowles: It was important to share the stories behind the songs—how they came to life, what inspired them, and the real-life experiences that shaped their creation. Giving audiences that context allows them to connect with the music on a deeper level and appreciate not only the songs themselves but also the journey behind them. These stories offer fans a unique perspective on Destiny’s Child’s legacy and make the performance feel even more personal and meaningful. Michigan Chronicle: Has your perspective on any of these songs changed with time? Mathew Knowles: Yes. From my own personal life journey, the song “Survivor” has taken on an even deeper meaning for me. After my cancer diagnosis, the message of resilience, strength, and overcoming challenges became much more personal. The song has always represented empowerment, but experiencing my own journey gave me a new appreciation for the words and the impact they can have on people who are facing difficult moments in their lives. Michigan Chronicle: Looking back, was there a moment in Houston when you realized Destiny’s Child could become something much bigger than a local group? Mathew Knowles: Looking back, there were several moments and local performances in Houston that revealed their potential and showed that they had something truly special. What stood out most was their determination, discipline, and commitment to constantly improving. They never settled. They continued to work harder, grow as artists, and push themselves toward greater heights. That dedication and passion helped shape them into the global stars they are today. Michigan Chronicle: I would be remiss if I didn’t ask: how did you know that your daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, had the ability to become the stars that they are? Mathew Knowles: Well, I’m grateful. First of all, my former wife and I, as parents, allowed our kids to experience a lot of unique things in life. We lived in Houston. We would take them to NASA. We would take them to the library to see if they love reading books. We would take them to a symphony to see if they love that type of music. We would take them to just a concert, a black music concert. We would take them skating. We got them in a dance troupe. So, we surrounded them with a lot of different things, and we kind of sat back and were quiet and paid attention to what they gravitated toward, and it was music for both of them. And then we began to support them, knowing that was their passion, because we wanted to make sure it was a passion and not a hobby. I never had to ask Beyoncé or Solange about rehearsal tomorrow. They were always, ‘Daddy, we have rehearsal tomorrow. We can’t be late.’ And this is all they wanted to be all their lives. Nothing else. They have never changed one inch from wanting to be, and they don’t use the word singers. They just wanted to be entertainers.

Soul Connection, Trauma Bond From page B-1 learning to feel intensity without seeing it as a sign, and to let longing exist without treating it like a command. Even with all the space you give it, a trauma bond often still feels urgent and unsettled. A real soul connection, though, stays steady and calm, because it was never about reacting quickly. A sustained practice of feeling fully while pacing deliberately will eventually show you which one you have been standing inside. Not because you thought your way to the answer, but because you finally gave yourself enough time to stop confusing the two. AJ Williams is a Spiritual Wellness Architect, Educator, and the Managing Editor of the Michigan Chronicle. She is known for her work at the intersection of spirituality, astrology, psychology, and identity. She founded Sunday Communion, a quarterly live transformation event in Detroit, and writes a column called The Inner Architecture, where she explores personal growth.

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen From page B-1

all-day Southern breakfast concept and the food traditions associated with the champion’s Detroit story. A second location opened in Southfield in 2025. Now, the brand has returned to the center of Detroit. For Cannon, who has been in the restaurant business since 2003, the downtown opening is another chapter in a career that has grown alongside Detroit’s evolving food culture. “To still be in it and to be a part of the development of what’s happening, and to see the culture of the restaurants developing in the downtown area alone, is prime time,” he said. “I’m proud. I feel privileged.” The Woodward location also gives the restaurant a new role. Its patio and full bar are intended to make it a destination not only for breakfast and Southern comfort food, but for people heading to games, concerts, or just out enjoying the town. “When the stadiums were being built down here and we started seeing so much foot traffic, it was night and day,” Cannon said. “For me, now it’s truly just to be a part of the scene and to be a part of something beyond the food – to have a place for people to come, enjoy themselves, and safely have a good time. It’s priceless.” But the restaurant’s significance, Barrow said, can’t be measured by foot traffic alone. He thinks about the people who supported his father when he was still a young boxer, long before Joe Louis became a national symbol. “I walk into the restaurants every day and I get to see the people who mattered most to my father,” Barrow said. “The guy who struggled every day to put food on the table, never committed a crime, and continued to do it with dignity. To be able to serve them the way they served him, it’s just a privilege.” That idea of service extends to the restaurant’s employees.

Barrow said many of the staff members are single parents, and he wanted the business to provide more than a paycheck, which is why the business is open daily from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. “I wanted to be able to provide people an opportunity to make a good living, but to get home and have dinner with the most important people in their lives,” he said. “People should have jobs so they can have a life.” He doesn’t describe his relationship with employees in traditional terms. “I don’t want to be that kind of employer,” Barrow said. “For me, they’re really partners. We’re less employers and more partners than we are anything else. I can’t win unless they win, and Johnny has that same philosophy.” That philosophy also shapes how Barrow sees the restaurant’s place in a downtown that has changed dramatically in recent years. He is particularly conscious of representation. “Detroit is changing right in front of all of our eyes,” he said. “It is critical, in my estimation, that every Detroiter sees themselves in this context.” The issue is personal for the family. Barrow remembers watching people who had remained in Detroit through its most difficult years struggle to participate in the city’s resurgence. “When Detroit was falling apart, when everyone was moving out of the city and into the suburbs, there was a core group of people that were stuck here, and they weathered all of it,” he said. “So for us not to think about them when we reinvent Detroit, it’s really not only unfortunate. It’s incredibly unfortunate.” His father, he said, belonged to all of those people. “My father was a man of the people – not just African American people, but all people,” Barrow said. Inside the new restaurant, that idea is visible in another way. Archival photographs and milestones from Joe Louis’ boxing career are part of the

space, allowing diners to encounter the man behind the name while eating the food inspired by his legacy. “For so many people, Black excellence is a catchphrase,” Barrow said. “We have an opportunity to meet and reach a whole new segment of the population that hasn’t had an experience like this since Joe’s Southern Kitchen. And I think it’s important for them, and it’s important for us.” Cannon sees the restaurant as the beginning of a much larger enterprise. The immediate goal is more Joe Louis Southern Kitchen locations, followed by a franchise model that could include both corporate and franchise restaurants. The partners are also developing apparel, including a Brown Bomber collection and a higher-end Joe Louis Collection, as well as a cookbook and consumer products tied to the restaurant. A film project is also in development with Detroit-connected production company Storyboard Entertainment. The ambition goes beyond simply putting the Joe Louis name on more products. Cannon sees the brand’s possibilities in the same way he came to see Joe Louis himself: as a story that has already been written, but has not stopped evolving. “Once the story has already been written, you just have to come back and re-shine it and tell it in today’s time,” Cannon said. Barrow’s ambitions extend even further. He envisions a hotel in Detroit built around the legacy of the Brown Bomber – a phrase that became synonymous with his father and with a generation. “You mark my words – you hear it coming from my mouth first – there will be a Brown Bomber hotel in Detroit,” Barrow said. “It’s not about paying homage to my father as much as it is paying homage to an entire generation,” he added. He points to Detroit’s history of industrial innovation and the women who entered factories during World War II, building bombers, and challenging assumptions about who could work in American industry. “I think that we really need to start paying attention to our past so our future can be bigger and brighter,” Barrow said. “If we don’t know where we’ve been, we don’t know where we’re going.” That may be the central idea behind the restaurant itself. Joe Louis Southern Kitchen is selling breakfast, Southern comfort food, and, now, drinks on a Woodward Avenue patio. But Barrow sees the business as something more enduring: a way to keep a Detroit story in circulation. His father died more than four decades ago. He has not entered a boxing ring in more than 70 years. Yet the name remains. “The idea that they’re still building monuments to him or the accolades are still coming, I think that has more to do with who he was as a human being than anything he ever did in the ring,” Barrow said. For a son who once worried that his father had become irrelevant, the restaurant offers a different answer. The story is still being told. And in downtown Detroit, there’s a table, a stack of key lime pancakes, and a turkey leg smothered in gumbo rice just waiting for people to sit down and hear it.

michiganchronicle.com | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026 | Page B-3

Foreclosure Prevention Programs Continue for Detroit Homeowners Wayne County and the City of Detroit are continuing a foreclosure prevention partnership that has already helped more than 17,000 Detroit property owners avoid losing their homes. Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree and Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced Thursday that the renewal of a state law will allow the county’s Pay As You Stay program, or PAYS, to continue working alongside Detroit’s Homeowner Property Exemption program, known as HOPE. Together, the programs offer relief to qualifying homeowners who have fallen behind on property taxes. Detroit homeowners with delinquent taxes who qualify for HOPE can also automatically qualify for reductions through PAYS. The Wayne County Treasurer’s Office determines the reduced amount and notifies eligible property owners. Homeowners then have two options: pay the balance in full and receive an additional 10% reduction or spread the reduced amount over a three-year, zero-interest payment plan. “The PAYS and HOPE property tax partnership has made it possible for thousands of families in Detroit and Wayne County to avoid foreclosure,” Sabree said. He said the program is especially important for homeowners who fall behind be-

cause of job or economic changes, illness or other circumstances outside their control. Sheffield said keeping homeowners in their properties also helps protect the stability of Detroit neighborhoods. “Pay As You Stay has been a godsend for Detroiters at risk of losing their homes to tax foreclosure and has helped to stabilize neighborhoods by keeping homeowners in their homes,” Sheffield said. She encouraged Detroiters who are struggling with property taxes to contact the HOPE program and find out whether they qualify for PAYS. This year’s deadline to enroll in HOPE is Nov. 6. The city will hold its next HOPE information and enrollment fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere. Sabree urged homeowners not to wait until they are facing foreclosure to look into available assistance. Wayne County property owners can learn more about PAYS and other tax assistance programs, including the Interest Reduction Stipulated Payment Agreement and Distressed Owner Occupied Extension, by calling the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office at 313-224-5990. Detroit residents can find information about HOPE at detroitmi.gov/HOPE.

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Get ahead of

lead.

Follow these tips to reduce the risk of lead in your drinking water.

Use a lead-reducing water filter if you have (or are uncertain if you have) lead or galvanized plumbing.

Keep water moving with everyday activities, like doing laundry, dishes, showering and flushing toilets.

Replace faucets older than 2014.

Get a lead inspection and replace needed plumbing.

Clean aerators every six months.

Find more ways to improve your drinking water at

Michigan.gov/GetAheadofLead

Page B-4 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

Use Michigan’s Eat Safe Fish Guides. Eating fish has great health benefits. But some fish may have high levels of chemicals in them that can build up in our bodies and cause health problems when we eat the fish. The Eat Safe Fish Guides can help you find fish lower in chemicals across Michigan. Follow the Eat Safe Fish Guides at Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish.

Classifieds

michiganchronicle.com | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026 | Page B-5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Legal Notice Academy of Warren Attention:

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

Warehouse Renovation Architectural Services 2026 The Academy of Warren is requesting proposals for the renovation and build-out of the existing 34,200 SF warehouse area of building A. The renovation will result 13 new classrooms, a new restroom area, a warming kitchen, additional storage and a multi-purpose room. Vendors and/or their representatives may submit proposals to: Academy of Warren 13943 E. 8 Mile Rd Warren, MI 48089 Attn: Oronde Kearney A copy of the RFP will be available by email at dblackmar@charterschoolpartners.com by August 19, 2026. A mandatory walk-thru inspection is scheduled for August 27, 2026, at 10:00 am at the School. All proposals must be submitted no later than 12:00 pm, September 2, 2026. All proposals should be emailed or delivered in a sealed envelope to CS Partners and are clearly marked: “Warehouse Renovation Architectural Services 2026”.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking qualified contractors for roof replacement services at several District locations under RFP 27-0001 Facility Master Plan Series 6 Roof Replacements. There will be a pre-bid meeting for this RFP hosted virtually on August 31, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. The conference can be viewed using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/5dh4by9m Call-In: +1 (313) 462-2305 Conference ID: 999 927 876# There will be non-mandatory walkthroughs for each location that will take place on September 1, 2026. • Golightly Educational Center, at 8:30 a.m., located at 5536 St. Antoine St., Detroit, MI 48202. • Davison Elementary, at 10:00 a.m., located at 2800 E. Davison St, Detroit, MI 48212. • Wayne Elementary, at 11:30 a.m., located at 10633 Courville St., Detroit, MI 48224 • Burton International Academy, at 1:00 p.m., located at 2001 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Detroit, MI 48208 Pasteur Elementary, at 2:30 p.m., located at • 19811 Stoepel St., Detroit, MI 48221 Proposals are due electronically by 12:00 p.m. on September 15, 2026. Late bids will not be accepted. A virtual Public Opening will occur at 12:00 p.m. on September 15, 2026, and can be viewed using the below link: https://tinyurl.com/ycy6uc6u Call-In: +1 (313) 462-2305 Conference ID: 364 294 917# This project is subject to Michigan State Prevailing Wage Laws (Michigan Public Act 10 of 2023) and the contractor must pay prevailing wages and fringe benefits to all its contractors, subcontractors, and construction mechanics working on the project in accordance with Michigan Public Act 10 of 2023. All bids must be accompanied by a sworn and notarized statement disclosing any familial relationship that exists between the submitting company and any employee of DPSCD. DPSCD shall not accept a bid that does not include this sworn and notarized disclosure statement. If you have questions, please contact the Procurement Department at (313) 873-6531.

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQ Control No. 27-4352 – for a two (2) year contract with three (3) 1-year options for Roof Inspection and Condition Assessment Services. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning August 26, 2026, from http://www.mitn.info. Quotes are due by 3:00 PM ET, October 01, 2026.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking proposals for Architecture and Engineering Services for Facility Master Plan Series 1 under RFP 23-0111.

Please visit Please visit our website our website for more classified ads.

A virtual Pre-Proposal Conference will occur at 10:00 a.m. October 21, 2022. Call-In#: 1 313-462-2305 Conference ID: 944 369 237# https://tinyurl.com/yfm35pw5

for more classified ads.

M P m

The due date for Proposals is November 10, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. If you have questions, please contact the Procurement Department at (313) 873-6531.

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Survey: Credit isn’t a backup plan. For millions of Americans, it’s how they buy groceries. PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED BSW Engineering Manager

(Sheeka Sanahori) Sixty-six percent of Americans carrying at least $10,000 in unsecured debt used a credit card to buy groceries in the last year, more than any other essential expense, according to a new survey. Credit cards were once reserved for expensive purchases or for added security in buying online. For households managing debt, they have become a way to cover everyday purchases like groceries. Accredited Debt Relief, a company specializing in debt relief, commissioned Atomik Research in May 2026 to survey 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt. Along with groceries, 47% say they’ve used credit for gas or transportation, 45% for utilities and 33% for rent or housing costs. For people struggling with cost-of-living pressures, using unsecured debt can begin as a quick solution to cover household needs for the moment. At first, it’s just milk and eggs. But then an unexpected expense happens: a flat tire, an unusually high electricity bill, a medical cost that was not in the budget. The balance adds up and, according to the survey data, this also creates stress for consumers. This isn’t discretionary spending. The data reflects a growing reliance on consumer debt to cover basic cost-ofliving needs. However, relying on borrowed money without an executable plan for repaying it could mean that one day, the runway for taking care of such expenses runs out.

A significant share of respondents report relying on credit as a routine part of managing their personal finances. This routine could become a long-term debt cycle for many households. Nearly three in ten say that they rely on credit or borrowing to get through a typical month. This reliance appears to be growing, with a third saying they depend on credit more than they did a year ago. For those consumers, what may have once been a stopgap has become an increasingly common and ongoing financial strategy. The growing debt cycle by unsecured borrowing is taking an emotional toll on these consumers, too. A quarter of respondents are concerned about their financial future and

Meritor Electric Vehicles LLC seeks a BSW Engineering Manager in Troy, Michigan. Note, this position does not require travel. Duties include: Lead a team of SW engineers to develop base software; MCAL, service layers, AUTOSAR interfaces, and complex device drivers in new ECU’s for electrified drivetrain systems; Develop software requirements specification (SRS) and design verification plans; among other duties. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, or Computer Engineering and seven years of experience in the job offered or related. Apply to job reference number 220000KW at: meritor.jobs.net/search

Senior Digital Sculptor

PROFESSIONAL HE

Staff Design Release Eng

Warren, MI, General Motors. Eng develop, &release conventional I vehicles electrical wire routing &p &multi-branch wiring harnesses, connectors, coverings &attachme Vismockup, ECM, ECR, &Auros &release electrical wire routing & ensure proper functioning of elec as OnStar, LRR, cybersecurity sy vehicle electrical syss for AV. En harness routings meet U.S. FMV CAE, DFM/A, DFMEA, DRBTR, R processes to design &validate wi points for multi-branch harnesses size, &thermal resistance specs & Electrical or Automotive Enginee mos exp as Engineer, engineerin production, &continuously improv psngr vehicle &BEV electrical wir &packaging syss, &multi-branch using Tc VisMockup tool, or relat Ref#3882, GM Global Mobility, 3 Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroi

Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan &perform advanced surfacing concepts &development of Class A surface Photodesign courtesy of Shutterstock of full vehicle exterior syss. Interpret &define intent of designer while collaborating w/ engineering, Senior Design Release 12% feelhuman a stronger concern thatDesign they’re at risk of long-term packaging, factors, &tooling teams. Fuel Systems (FS) & E &develop 3Dinstability. Class A surfaces of ICE, diesel, BEV financial Emission Control (EE &AV full vehicle psgr car, truck &SUV exterior cmpnts A lack savings the cycle harder to break. Only incl. front &rearof fascias, grills,makes head/taillamps, doors, Warren, MI, General 28% of respondents say they cantruck both cover expenses and Motors. Eng fenders, ABCD pillars, skid plates, liftgates, &develop FS &EEC syss, incl. fue save. Whenexterior there is little incl. room between expenses, beds &detailed cmpnts door handles, income and transfer lines, emission control ca mirrors, internalsbecomes &exhaust tips, using to Autodesk everylamp disruption harder absorb. for psgr vehicles incl. Premium Lu Alias AutoStudio, Autodesk Maya, NX &VRED tools, &Large psgr &Cargo Vans, &Inco Unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs, for U.S., global &emerging markets. Interpret, define, prgrms, according to vehicle prog lead 19% of respondents to take on additional debt every conceptualize &execute unique solutions to technical from concept to production, &alig challenges &provide creative to capture time, and 27% most ofproposals the time. These are the kinds of costs performance, safety (U.S. FMVSS design intent fromare initialoften concepttold thru mass productionfor, but &regional rqrmnts &standards, us households to prepare preparation achieved in various stages according to GVDP, while Vismockup, ETAS INCA, &ECM t requires room. For many consumers, that room does not exist. collaborating with engrg, packaging, human factors, design, validate &release engine Debt builds overminimum time when credittooling becomes part of monthly &tooling teams to assure radii/draft, cmpnts to meet SSTS of propulsi Benchmark critical emission cont &safety reqrmntsSome in compliance w/ U.S., European say they operations. of these consumers don’t earn &recommend fuel injection HW to &China standards. Bachelor, Transportation or to their current enough to make meaningful changes financial &UNECE regs. Master, Mechanic Industrial Design. 60 mos exp as Digital Sculptor, situation. Among those surveyed, 45% report that their income Engrg. 36 mos exp as Engineer, Digital Modeler, or related, designing or developing isClass enough to getofby notpsgr getvehicle ahead. Many report that evaporative their &releasing emission 3D A surfaces full but vehicle prgrms, from concept to productio financial situation has grills, caused them to put off taking a vacation exterior cmpnts incl. fascias, head/taillamps, performance, safety (incl. U.S. FM doors, fenders, ABCD pillars, &liftgates, using Alias or begin building savings. technical &regional rqrmnts &stan AutoStudio, NX &VRED tools, for U.S., global When asked about the biggest barrier to reducing debt, tools, or relat Tc, &Tc Vismockup &emerging markets, or related. Mail resume to Ref#201, GM Global 29% of respondents listed300 the same obstacle: the cost of Mobility, 300 Ref#1827-201, GM Global Mobility, Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroi everyday expenses.Detroit, That number Center, MC:482-C32-C66, MI 48265. connects how debt builds

with why it persists. When everyday expenses become part of ongoing credit card debt, the balance can grow without notice.michiganchronicle Even when a Vehicle Validation Engineer consumer gets their next paycheck, if it’s already accounted Warren, MI, General Motors. Perform &execute for, they may not be able to for make much progress in paying electrical validation of BEVs in GVDP Vehicle downEmbedded their debts. few recurring costs, spread across Motion ControlsA(VMEC), Body Electronics, Safety (AS),a telematics, months, Active can become greater financial weight. The result &infotainment. &coordinate is debt thatReview, builds,analyze because it’s tiedthe to the basic cost of living. testing &modification of BEV system &cmpnt level SW more than three in It also can create a stressful way to live; for electrical validation of VMEC &AS syss incl. ten people sayRadars, their Rear current debt situation has affected their Long/Short Range Vision/360/Driver mental well-being. monitoring cameras, antennas, Body & Vehicle Integration Control Modules, &features incl. whether Adaptive through increased Without meaningful changes, Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous income, debt relief or other financial support, these households Driving Features, Emergency Braking, Collision may continue to rely module on consumer debt and unsecured credit Mitigation, Alerts, &related &feature validation as aplans dailyfornecessity rather a NX, strategic financial tool or status vehicle prgrms, usingthan PQMS, vSpy, Teamcenter (Tc), &ECM tools. Perform on time occasional supplement. The risk is that life’s most basic needs SW &HW validation thru become harderoftoembedded maintainmodule in theECUs, long run. design/production/SW iteration validations. Bachelor, Methodology Electrical, Computer, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, testing or verifying Accredited Debt Relief commissioned Atomik Research embedded telematics &infotainment to conduct an online surveyembedded of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least ECUs, using Tc &vSpy tools, or related. Mail resume in unsecured debt. 300 The margin of error is plus or to$10,000 Ref#407-1175, GM Global Mobility, minus 2 percentage points at aDetroit, 95 percent confidence level. Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, MI Fieldwork was conducted between May 11-14, 2026. Atomik 48265. Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency. Senior Design Sculptor

Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan &perform advanced surfacing concepts &development of Class A surfaces of full vehicle exterior sys. Interpret &define design intent of designer while directly collaborating w/ engineering, packaging, human factors, &tooling teams. Design &develop 3D Class A surfaces of conventional ICE, diesel, BEV &AV full vehicle psngr car, truck &SUV exterior cmpnts incl. front &rear fascias, grills, headlamps, taillamps, doors, fenders, A,B,C &D pillars, skid plates, liftgates, truck beds &detailed exterior cmpnts incl. door handles, mirrors, lamp internals &exhaust tips, using Alias AutoStudio, Maya, NX &VRED tools, for U.S., global &emerging markets. Interpret, develop, &perform physical sculptures, &evaluate physical surfaces &digital sculptures in Alias (surfaces to mill), interpret sketches &drawings, &develop interior &exterior clay models of full vehicles (full-sized models) &cmpnts (and cmpnts in steel, carbon fiber, wax, low density foam (Renboard), rubber &wood) &scale models, working on 1-3 new concept psngr vehicles, facelifts &show cars at any one time. 36 mos exp as Sculptor or Designer, designing &developing 3D Class A surfaces of conventional &BEV full vehicle psngr vehicle exterior cmpnts incl. fascias, grills, lamps, doors, fenders, pillars, &liftgates, using AutoStudio, Maya, &VRED tools, for U.S., global &emerging markets, or related. Mail resume to Ref#455, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Why Exterior Upgrades are a Smart Investment for Homeowners

O

FEATURE IMPACT

wning a home brings a strong sense of pride, responsibility and value, leading many homeowners to constantly look for the best ways to protect and enhance their investments. While some improvements simply look good, others deliver real long-term value. Projects that enhance curb appeal do both, boosting pride of ownership today and perceived value tomorrow. Exterior upgrades rank among the highest-return improvements in the latest Zonda 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, underscoring why investing in a house’s facade is one of the smartest decisions a homeowner can make. That impact goes beyond mere appearance. Strong curb appeal signals quality, care and proper maintenance. Flat, uniform exteriors tend to blend in while a well-designed exterior suggests a well-maintained interior, helping increase buyer confidence and reinforcing the home’s market value. “Today’s homeowners and buyers are placing greater emphasis on exterior design that feels intentional and well-crafted,” said Sarah Lograsso, director of marketing and product management, roofing and stone at Westlake Royal Building Products. “Incorporating materials that add depth and visual interest can make a meaningful difference in both curb appeal and perceived value.” With National Homeowners Month serving as the perfect time to evaluate your property, these exterior upgrades can help enhance curb appeal while delivering a strong return on investment:

Pleas webs class

www.mich

Install a New Garage Door Often taking up a large portion of a home’s exterior footprint, a modern garage door can drastically change the overall look. It’s one of the highest-return exterior upgrades, delivering a 267.7% ROI while also improving energy efficiency, enhancing security and supporting modern technology integration.

Add Stone Veneer

Manufactured stone veneer is one of the most effective ways to elevate curb appeal, adding texture, depth and a high-end architectural feel. Applied to entryways, columns or lower facades, it can help break up flat exterior surfaces and create visual interest, which are details that stand out in any neighborhood. This upgrade delivers a strong return with a 207.9% ROI. Engineered to withstand weather while maintaining its appearance, options from Westlake Royal Stone Solutions, including Eldorado Stone, Cultured Stone and Dutch Quality Stone, make it easy to achieve a natural, upscale look across a range of home styles.

Replace the Front Door

A steel entry door upgrade is a small change that delivers outsized returns with a 216.4% ROI. This focal point improvement enhances security and improves insulation, helping reduce overall energy costs for the household.

Refresh the Siding

Siding plays a major role in defining a home’s overall look and perceived value, making it one of the most impactful exterior upgrades. Beyond improving durability and energy efficiency, updated siding introduces

new color, texture and dimension that can completely transform a facade. Fiber cement and vinyl siding replacements both rank among the top exterior improvements for ROI, offering strong returns alongside longterm performance benefits. Options like the V-Groove profile from Celect Siding provide a refined finish while delivering added resistance against water, dirt and mildew. Available in a range of colors and styles, it’s designed to complement both modern and traditional homes.

Upgrade Entertaining Space

Outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity, and a refreshed porch or deck can significantly boost a home’s appeal. While returns vary, wood and composite deck replacements remain strong investments, adding functional square footage for entertaining and relaxing, perfect for celebrating homeownership during the summer months. Creating strong curb appeal comes down to choosing exterior elements that work together to enhance both design and value. When these details are considered holistically, they can meaningfully elevate a home’s overall presence and long-term appeal. For more inspiration on how to bring those ideas to life, visit westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com.

Page B-6 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

WARRIOR STRONG OPENS DOORS

Wayne State University is committed to providing an accessible, affordable education to all Warriors. Programs like the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge and the Wayne State Guarantee break down financial barriers that too often prevent people from pursuing a degree. From orientation to graduation, we deliver tailored support that helps students succeed in their studies and thrive in their careers. That’s Warrior Strong — support that meets students where they are and turns potential into progress. Experience campus for yourself. Attend Wayne State’s Fall Open House on Saturday, Oct. 3, and see all the excitement up close. Learn more at wayne.edu/admissions/openhouse.