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All Black Everything:
Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023
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UAW ATriple NightStrike of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Against Detroit Automakers By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
Late Thursday night, Sept. 14, a historic moment unfolded in American labor relations as the United Auto Workers (UAW) union initiated a strike against Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. For the first time, the union took simultaneous action against all three major Detroit-based automakers. The action involves approximately 13,000 UAW members in assembly plants across Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri, who walked By Ebony JJ Curryoff their jobs after existing labor contracts exSENIOR REPORTER pired at 11:59 p.m. Shortly before midnight on of talent, determinan a breathtaking celebration Sept. 14, released a statement tion,GM and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, expressing disappointment with the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual the strike action,40despite 40 Under event offering Thursday evening. This year’s what termed anin“unprecedented soirée,it drenched the theme “All Black Everything with economic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essentialhistoric wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence
E choes of a T housand T ongues: I
PHOTOS: Monica Morgan
troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. their city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundoring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the creative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentof Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid knew that I would have a business, but I By Ebony JJ Curry The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we and I always it would be Detroit’s brand name business, SENIOR REPORTER celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks never knew DPD Chief James White Says Increased of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repPolice Presence Culled Violence pride.” “Death is swallowed up in vicsionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s O death, where is Excellence thy sting? Award was Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Takingtory. home the Corporate By Andre Ash O grave,Director where ofis Community thy victory? the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Engagement at DIGITAL ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the wounds inflicted on The sting of death is sin; and the troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified thein transformative impact By Ebony JJ CurryBarton Malow. also Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. strength of sin is the law. But thanks Black professionals 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 that wasinso callously torn away in be to the God,country, which giveth us the vicIt’s a history marred by pain, injus“Together we have created a social, environmental, leaders across many that are born here in immediately went into contingenGreektown in mid-April left the past. tory through our Lord Jesus Christ. For 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 cy mode to protect its operations. both visitors and residents of Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ofprimarily I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard Project is about more sey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents, Black, were I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side Detroit,’” The UAW has branded the inthis bustling downtown desye steadfast, unmovable, always 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. One of these abounding the generational work of the Lord, ing different parts oftothe city. To some, in it’s redefining the future. It will connect over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences within an industry that not many of wealth was obliterated, and a Strike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimedto surrounding neighborforasmuch as ye know that your mere convenience; to others, it’s an unre- of thriving downtown Detroit lion honeybees – humbly speaking oura movement has us, specifically women color, have the opportunity to community was torn asunder. The within each automaker. UAW the life of a popular and belabor is Hownot vain in the Lord.” by markable part of their daily in commute. inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage and I’ve beeninthe youngest person in the room, wounds inflicted I-375 run deep, tran- hoods, bridging the gap that was placed upon President Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard follow- 1 Corinthians 15:54-58. ever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling ally to take on similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, the andphysical the onlybarrier Sistah of ina freeway to the city decades ago. scending strategy will keep the companies ing a dispute with a patron. story founded beneath the of this seemingly On homage the room, and IFriday, really Detroit had to paid articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. Today, allegedly the resurgence of Paradise Valley DetroitItHives, a pioneering organization by surface guessing. will give our nationThe male suspect ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceto a legend, Rev. Dr. Charles of showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and stands as 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 beforea fleeing and theCity. lastingbeing impactpersistent.” onGilchrist Black DetroiAdams, life and As a trailblazing Black woman thrivspirit ofhis Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in ment, the Motor towhose the nation’s interstate highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, while female ters. issues like ing in a legacy reshaped male-dominated the landscape of predominantly industry, her humility and integrity never waIcon,” professed This Gov. historic Whitmer as legacy of Black excellence. disTheir initiative not only addresses critical of 1956—a program that aimed to companion connect if we need to go all out, we will. is accused of concivilcommitment rights and to community em- connections fortifying vered hisexpense towering achieveshe beganhub the for opening of the cerThe tale begins inunwavering what is now Lafayette trict, once a vibrant Black businessenvironmental but also provides valuable DPD Chief James White the country butthe often did amidst so at the Everything is onconservation the table.” Union cealing the weapon in her bra. powerment. Known for his elec- ments. businesses and Detroit’s communities is undeGathered to of bid farewell emony. “Rev. Adamsa renaissance was a great Park,toonce known Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing education andalso employment opportunities Black De- as between of marginalized communities. In the case leaders have indicated that These throughincidents unfolded during an days. unseasonably trifying oratory and deep commitwere prominent figures man who was also a good borhood rooted in African-American culture I-375, it meant carving a path through that harkens back to its glory Theman. deadditional plants could be targetthe spring, leadingof to increased pedestrian traffic and ment tofertile social justice, Rev. Adams out the state warm and nationwide. Too often that’s unique to be both, and history. Named after its dark, struction Black Bottom may have torn ed in future waves if negotiations heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregaheightened tensions insome the densely populated downtown stood the as mida beacon of hope and a Among those figures Michgreat men are good men soil, Black Bottom flourished during a thriving community, butnot the resolute remain stalled. tion, and perpetuating inequality. area. wereapart powerful voice for the Black com- igan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. and of notaall good men are known as 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination new generation of entreFain clarified the union’s stratFor and oneontotheaptlyGov. recognize the harm The Senate surge in crime and the influxisofreclaiming visitors tothat Demunity,Young, both in Detroit Garlin Gilchrist, cangreat men.” of prominent Detroiters like Coleman preneurs and visionaries egy: “I want to give a major shoutby labor such projects, it isHill vitalHarper, to note that troit’s downtown core garnered the attentioncalling of the Deglobal stage. that, his is didate Detroit Mayor Joe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leg-For caused lost legacy. ‘Hush! Somebody’s my out to the thousands of members and politicians behind Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat surely celebrated. Duggan, troit representative of ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of the plannersMike name. Soon one morning death will In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwho are on the picket lines right those Home projectsand built the them directly through off guard. Harvard School, Rev. businesses the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood wasFuneral Swanson come creeping in my Oh, my owned are not justroom. flourishing Housing Helpline in Divinity now fightingAsh for all of us. The By Andre the heartResource of vibrant, populated communiJeremiah Wright, and other promsystematically dismantled, erased from the response James White, ChiefLord ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Deowner Linda Swanson handled what should I do,’ Hartford but thriving, diverse services, prodto the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and the DIGITAL ANCHOR inent faith leaders across counmap, and replaced by a lifelessservices stretch of partment, said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed forastheresidents ceremony, as Rev. Memorial combined choirs was face in navigating the to replace ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the to striking. Instead of striking all sometimes as part of try. a direct effort They all remembered apast pastor phalt. right out the gate. Bythe design we way went into theceremospring Adams, who ledcomplex Hartford Memoribackdrop of for Friday’s while paving the a prosperous system of neighborhoods. housing serplants at once, selectcontinues locals will be or eliminate Black Homelessness to who left his mark not justfuture. in ourFrom deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployal Baptist Church for five decades, ny as they set the tone for Adam’s While the residential areas bore the brunt jazz clubs to soul food restauvices. The helpline provides a called to stand up and walkwith out plagueonurban communities, city, butof globally. Famous for his Butasnow, after decades enduring theand rants, ment, saw we an uptick violence that filled first was celebrated just a pastor, homegoing; dynamic and of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, not thesay Black Press, in and art galleries to single point of contact for people on strike. This is our generation’s families and individuals grappling sermons as the “Harvard scars offigure. I-375,His therepowerful is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” but as alargely transformative with power, a tone is that rejoiced its thriving business center, remained fashion boutiques, this revival breathing seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement that built with the challenges of making impact stretched on the PlansWhooper,” have been his unveiled to White impact went the horizon. pulpit and theofsanctuary infusing untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, andbeyond Chief attributes violence in Greektown to life into thethroughout verythe essence what once made connects them with the resources our sit-down strikescliof endsunion meet –inthe today’s economic far beyond the pulpit. He was also transform this once-divisive freeway into a into the hearts of the communities each pew from the lingering humbars—the very places that brought Detroit’s a combination of weather conditions and a surge in popthis neighborhood a vibrant cultural epicen1937. told the 3 that Sept. they need. mate. We Whether it’sBigstruggling to deeplythe involved thethe fightter. against aroundconcenthe world.vision that seeks to right wrongsin of vibrations of the eloquent Black community together—were ulation. It’s a ming resurgence that extends beyond 14 was the deadline and we meant Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments apartheid in South Africa. brick and stroke past while heralding a new era of inclusivity of the organ keys.thethat trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter The four-hour homegoing sermortar; it represents resurHe explained, “ We saw numbers downtown we it. We gave the companies our ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor coping with soaring rental costs andchurch community revitalization. “With a heavy heart today but of African-American culture invice the city. at his beloved on the gence of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. During his tribute, Dr.COVID Lawhave not seen, ever. People are emerging from nomic demands eight weeks ago tion, which has pledged $10 milin a housing market marked by with$100 also immense gratitude, Ifeeling am rence west Hastings side of DetroitFueled was as by spirmore than million Carter, Morehouse ColThen, in a cruel twist of fate, andfrom there’s a Detroit that in aofpost-COVID era… and it took more than a month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal overoffering three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety honored toand be here towith celebrate this itedyears as itlater, was lion solemn, a Investment the Infrastructure Jobs Act Street, too, was obliterated a few and the venues downtown and the reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern program. Wayne Metro Commu- leader and Michigan of factors contribute to the growSee LEGACYPage A-2 fitting man whose anda other partners, incredible this ambitious down project making way for the Julie construction of tribute I-375. to withMarket all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing for a comSchneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn aims to create jobs, remove barriers to ecoThis marked the final blow, sealing the fate hundreds of more people and, in particularly, young “It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This helpline, making it accessible to housed. 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 need can easily find assistance. after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself family. Shelters offer a place to rest one’s head and a warm “The city and its partners offer a lot of great services to address the situation. meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t The rise in visitors to the Greektown area is evident being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights By Lynzee Mychael and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, The causes of homelessness are as diverse and complex were alsomobile comingdevices. because From Black through geolocation-enabled MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right some stuff. May 1-Aug. 27, 2022,people there was weredoing 1.3 million visitsWhen and housing resource and a growing number of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Greathelp Mi- them.” “Providing services and high-quality housing to personsof Black inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration when thousands The 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 pledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs a betterDirector life, to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. they were doing in Detroit is they otal role they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has implebeing a significant part of their contribution. were the leaders in fightthe against “This means focusing on building pipeline of sup-heritage, culturaltheand musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage inslavery. 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 is the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiCare What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark city. However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal all of this Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroitprohas expeillegal carrying of firearms. Government Shutdown see coming later.” housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams. It also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Aretha Chief White explains. It Musical has been alegends deterrentlike for some, housing stability though comprehensive service of offerings the displacement long-standing Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a for Detroiters? available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a setting sound emerged Defiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the weapon and carrying Motown a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the See POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Detroiters are reclaiming their placeSee COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit in the city, despite the challenges ing generations. Motown Records, posed by gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not During the Great Migration, and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of Black excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black families from neighborhoods became centers of trification. “Black people were coming to Dethe South came to Detroit in search Black culture and entrepreneurship. However, as Detroit faced ecoAccording to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were nomic decline and population loss of jobs in the booming automobile industry. Despite facing discrimina- Jordon Black resilience in the city here, black schools were here, and in the late 20th century, many roots the that QR extend far before the Up its was BlackDigital businesses here,” said Code to Sign for the Daily Newsletter tion and segregation, they built vi- hasScan $1.00 brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course See LEGACY page A2 $1.00
Honoring the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams – Greektown Had 1.4 Million Visits ThisDevotion Summer and A Journey of Faith, Justice, and Unyielding 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
Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy
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