Michigan Chronicle Vol. 88 - No. 40

Detroit Candidates on Black Business Equity

Michigan Chronicle

Michigan Chronicle

Michigan Chronicle

All Black Everything: A

UAW

Triple Strike Against Detroit Automakers

Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan

What the Mackinac Policy Conference Got Right –

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Late Thursday night, Sept.

A Michigan court just cleared the path for broader reproductive access by permanently blocking three of the state’s lingering abortion restrictions: the 24-hour mandatory waiting period, the state-required informed consent paperwork, and the physician-only rule that barred advanced practice clinicians from performing abortions. Judge Sima G. Patel of the Michigan Court of Claims ruled that all three violate the state’s Reproductive Freedom for All amendment—an amendment approved by voters in 2022 that now serves as Michigan’s strongest legal safeguard for reproductive care.

and Where It Missed the Mark for Black Leaders

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

14, a historic moment unfolded in American labor relations as the United Auto Workers (UAW) union initiated a strike against Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. For the first time, the union took simultaneous action against all three major Detroit-based automakers. The action involves approximately 13,000 UAW members in assembly plants across Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri, who walked off their jobs after existing labor contracts expired at 11:59 p.m.

IShortly before midnight on Sept. 14, GM released a statement expressing disappointment with the strike action, despite offering what it termed an “unprecedented economic package” that included

These weren’t minor rules. These restrictions have caused women to lose access to care, pushed patients beyond safe procedural windows, and blocked providers who are medically qualified but legally restricted.

n a breathtaking celebration of talent, determination, and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual 40 Under 40 event Thursday evening. This year’s soirée, drenched in the theme “All Black Everything with Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city of Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro-

The evening sparkled with a golden promise as we celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and visionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in Detroit but also exemplified the transformative impact Black professionals can have on their communities.

By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EI’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid and I always knew that I would have a business, but I never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business represents our city’s pride.”

No Shootings

also expressed disappointment in a statement, saying the company immediately went into contingency mode to protect its operations.

That includes nurse practitioners and physician assistants, many of whom are the only consistent providers in rural and under-resourced areas. For hundreds each month, the issue wasn’t medical—it was bureaucracy. And bureaucracy became the barrier to care.

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

“Together we have created a social, environmental, and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. Lindsey followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local partnerships and collaborative efforts that we exist in over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 million honeybees – humbly speaking our movement has inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationally to take on similar missions.”

ach spring, the Detroit Regional Chamber convenes the state’s most influential political and business minds for the Mackinac Policy Conference – a marquee event meant to shape Michigan’s future. In 2025, the Chamber doubled down on themes like talent retention, economic growth, and infrastructure, wrapping it all under the banner of “Michigan’s Equation for Impact.” And while the high-level conversations were relevant, smart, and often hopeful, one thing was clear to many: the equation for real impact is incomplete without more diverse voices at the table.

Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at Barton Malow.

For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or I-375, has long been just another stretch of urban highway, a concrete artery connecting different parts of the city. To some, it’s a mere convenience; to others, it’s an unremarkable part of their daily commute. However, there’s a deeper, far more troubling story beneath the surface of this seemingly ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displacement, and the lasting impact on Black Detroiters.

headlines with a bold $4.5 billion K–12 education funding proposal, and the first official debate between Detroit’s five leading mayoral hopefuls – James Craig, Fred Durhall III, Saunteel Jenkins, Solomon Kinloch Jr., and Mary Sheffield –added an undeniable energy to the event.

DPD Chief James White Says Increased Police Presence Culled Violence By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

ness district that had been the lifeblood of the community.

From a content and logistics standpoint, the Detroit Regional Chamber should be commended. The flow of programming was tight. The issues discussed – K-12 education, innovation, public safety, housing – are central to Michigan’s competitiveness. And the Chamber continues to prove it can bring together cross-sector leaders for high-level, solutions-focused dialogue.

towards mending the wounds inflicted on Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of belonging that was so callously torn away in the past.

The UAW has branded the industrial action as the “Stand-Up Strike,” focusing on specific plants within each automaker. UAW President Shawn Fain stated, “This strategy will keep the companies guessing. It will give our national negotiators maximum leverage and flexibility in bargaining. And if we need to go all out, we will. Everything is on the table.” Union leaders have also indicated that additional plants could be targeted in future waves if negotiations remain stalled.

At its best, the conference lived up to its billing. Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered a strong address, focusing on bipartisan unity and forward-looking goals such as improving literacy, supporting military infrastructure, and attracting advanced manufacturing. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan made

Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization founded by Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beekeeping to revitalize neighborhoods in the Motor City. Their initiative not only addresses critical issues like environmental conservation but also provides valuable education and employment opportunities to Black De

The 24-hour waiting period, tied directly to a mandated informed consent form, forced patients to navigate a tightly regulated window where the state—not the doctor, not the patient-controlled when care could happen. That consent form wasn’t just a signature—it had to be accessed from a state-run website, completed no more than two weeks but no less than 24 hours before the appointment, printed out, and brought in hand. Miss one of those steps? No abortion.

“It is so important to recognize that there are young leaders across the country, many that are born here in Detroit. I represent our city nationally and I tell people, ‘Yea I’m a D-girl I’m from the west-side of Detroit,’” Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able to have experiences within an industry that not many of us, specifically women of color, have the opportunity to engage in and I’ve been the youngest person in the room, the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in the room, and I really had to articulate the importance of showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and being persistent.” As a trailblazing Black woman thriving in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her

It’s a history marred by pain, injustice, and economic devastation. More than 130,000 residents, primarily Black, were forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, generational wealth was obliterated, and a thriving community was torn asunder. The wounds inflicted by I-375 run deep, transcending the physical barrier of a freeway to penetrate the very soul of Black Detroiters.

This painful legacy can be traced back to the nation’s interstate highway program of 1956—a program that aimed to connect

A string of shootings in Greektown in mid-April left both visitors and residents of this bustling downtown destination in awe. One of these shootings tragically claimed the life of a popular and beloved security guard following a dispute with a patron. The male suspect allegedly shot the guard before fleeing the scene, while his female

The I-375 Boulevard Project is about more than just correcting historical injustices; it’s about redefining the future. It will connect downtown Detroit to surrounding neighborhoods, bridging the gap that was placed upon the city decades ago.

The conference also provided an opportunity for top newsmakers to sit in front of the state’s top news media outlets, including the Michigan Chronicle. Michigan Chronicle talked to Gov. Whitmer about the importance of meeting with President Donald Trump to keep resources like the F-15EX jet fa-

All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness

By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

Renee Chelian, executive director of Northland Family Planning Centers, brought this reality into the courtroom. Her organization, alongside Medical Students for Choice and the Center for Reproductive Rights, filed the lawsuit that led to this ruling. Chelian estimated that at least 150 people a month missed appointments due to consent form errors or timing issues. Ten of those, each month, were outright turned away. One patient, Chelian testified, came in at 23.6 weeks pregnant—just under Michigan’s legal limit—but was denied care because she hadn’t printed the required paperwork. By the next day, it was too late. That patient had

Fain clarified the union’s strategy: “I want to give a major shoutout to the thousands of members who are on the picket lines right now fighting for all of us. The Stand-Up Strike is a new approach to striking. Instead of striking all plants at once, select locals will be called on to stand up and walk out on strike. This is our generation’s answer to the movement that built our union – the sit-down strikes of 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. 14 was the deadline and we meant it. We gave the companies our economic demands eight weeks ago and it took more than a month to get to the table.”

The tale begins in what is now Lafayette Park, once known as Black Bottom—a neighborhood rooted in African-American culture and history. Named after its dark, fertile soil, Black Bottom flourished during the mid1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations of prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, Joe Louis, and numerous other Detroit legends. But in the name of urban renewal in the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was systematically dismantled, erased from the map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of asphalt.

A Holistic Approach to Providing Shelter and Support for Detroit’s Unhoused People

Homelessness continues to plague urban communities, with families and individuals grappling with the challenges of making ends meet in today’s economic climate. Whether it’s struggling to meet monthly mortgage payments or coping with soaring rental costs in a housing market marked by shockingly high prices, a variety of factors contribute to the growing issue of people becoming un-

While the residential areas bore the brunt of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, its thriving business center, remained largely untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s Black community together—were concentrated around Hastings Street, the epicenter of African-American culture in the city.

The union is pushing for a comprehensive list of demands. This

Today, the resurgence of Paradise Valley stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Black Detroiters and the enduring legacy of Black excellence. This historic district, once a vibrant hub for Black businesses and culture, is experiencing a renaissance that harkens back to its glory days. The destruction of Black Bottom may have torn apart a thriving community, but the resolute determination of a new generation of entrepreneurs and visionaries is reclaiming that

These incidents unfolded during an unseasonably warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic and heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown

troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the Detroit Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat

Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, making way for the construction of I-375. This marked the final blow, sealing the fate of Black Bottom and signaling the beginning of the end for Paradise Valley, the Black busi-

Historically, shelters have provided a temporary respite for those in need, often serving as the first or second option after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or family. Shelters offer a place to rest one’s head and a warm meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor

Support for the helpline comes from the Gilbert Family Foundation, which has pledged $10 million over three years to fund the program. Wayne Metro Community Action Agency manages the helpline, making it accessible to all Detroit residents. This initiative simplifies access to the City’s various housing services, ensuring that residents in need can easily find assistance.

vision that seeks to right the wrongs of the past while heralding a new era of inclusivity and community revitalization.

James White, Chief of Police for the Detroit Police Department, said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed right out the gate. By design we went into the springment, and saw we say an uptick in violence that first Chief White attributes the violence in Greektown toulation.

Fueled by more than $100 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other partners, this ambitious project aims to create jobs, remove barriers to economic growth, and reconnect the neighborhood with the rest of Detroit. It is a step

In the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackowned businesses are not just flourishing but thriving, offering diverse services, products, and experiences that pay homage to the past while paving the way for a prosperous future. From jazz clubs to soul food restaurants, the Black Press, and art galleries to fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing life into the very essence of what once made this neighborhood a vibrant cultural epicenter. It’s a resurgence that extends beyond brick and mortar; it represents the resurgence of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III, representing District 7, where Eastern Market resides, told the Michigan Chronicle, “It’s

He explained, “ We saw numbers downtown that we have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID and there’s a feeling that we’re in a post-COVID era… and with the venues downtown and the reasons to come down with all the activities that are going on, we saw hundreds of more people and, in particularly, young folks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.”

Responding swiftly to the surge in violence, DPD adjusted its deployment plans. Rather than waiting for mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

The causes of homelessness are as diverse and complex as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue.

What a Federal Government Shutdown Could Mean for Detroiters?

Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification:

“Providing services and high-quality housing to persons at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key priority of the City of Detroit, said Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department.

“This means focusing on building the pipeline of supportive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of Care on the delivery of critical resources such as emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion and prevention programs. It also means preserving and expanding affordable housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving housing stability though comprehensive service offerings available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.”

In May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit

Imagine having to teach yourself how to navigate FAFSA before sunrise, then rushing to class with an empty stomach, all while caring for younger siblings because your parent works a double shift. That isn’t a hypothetical for many Detroit students—that’s reality. And despite every barrier, these students are graduating, applying to college, and excelling with GPAs that challenge every statistic ever thrown at them. They carry more than books in their backpacks. They carry resilience, brilliance, and quiet hope. That’s what the SWAG Scholarship exists to honor. SWAG—Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness—is not a title handed out for participation. It is earned, often against all odds. For the past nine years, Huntington Bank and the Michigan Chronicle have linked arms to reward students who define what it means to push forward, no matter how heavy the load. At Marygrove on Sunday after-

“The city and its partners offer a lot of great services to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right housing resource and a growing number of programs to help them.”

The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment involves pledging $500 million to support projects across Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives being a significant part of their contribution.

Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadi ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unhoused and entered the City’s community response system. In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness.

According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the fiscal year 2019 to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the

DPD Chief James White

Meagan DunnJulie Schneider

cased the diversity of talent within our community. From aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who

Photos by: Monica Morgan Photography

Detroit Mayoral candidates James Craig, Fred Durhall III, Saunteel Jenkins, Solomon Kinloch Jr., and Mary Sheffield participate in a debate during the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.

ichigan Chronicle

cine and healthcare, may be adversely impacted by the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Mackinac Policy Conference

cility at the Selfridge Base and expanding Medicaid under a Republican administration, and how crucial it is for Michigan to land a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Michigan within the next five years.

Elected officials are also working to keep Roe v. Wade intact thus holding off Michigan’s 1931 trigger ban. Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement saying, in part:

lineup that reflected Michigan's diverse voices and perspectives, aiming to create a platform that showcased the state’s most pressing issues through the lens of underrepresented communities.

“The words ‘Roe overturned’ are no longer theoretical. I want every Michigander to know— no matter what happens in D.C., I’m going to fight like hell to protect access to safe, legal abortion in Michigan…”

ReproducAll, a affirm abortion and freedom in constitution,” Giroux. is that everything in aborMichigan, makes we will we can patients care they

Sylvester Hester, President and CEO of LM Manufacturing, chatted with the Chronicle about the importance of training programs that will prepare the youth for jobs as the state enters its next big manufacturing boom. And Adrian Lewis, the CEO Forgotten Harvest, talked about food insecurities and how a potential $2 million cut in federal funding will result in hundreds of thousands of meals that won’t reach the mouths of Michigan’s most at-risk youth.

The Chamber gets it right when it comes to bringing the most influential leaders together from across the state to converge for the last week in May each year.

But Something Was Missing

Despite the conference’s strengths, 2025 seemed to mark a noticeable drop in Black representation among both speakers and attendees. (Although there was no definitive data showcasing a decline, the conference, for lack of a better phrase, felt less Black.) For a state where Detroit plays such a critical economic and cultural role, this absence was not just an oversight; it was a missed opportunity.

More than legal implications, overturning Roe v. Wade would impact several systems across the spectrum. With the potential to drive both foster and adoption numbers upward, a ban on abortions could leave many women to choose a less safe route restoring ‘back alley’ and illegal abortion practices, including self-abortions. Moreover, African American women and women of color, who already have a long-storied history with access and inclusion in medi-

islature adopts it.

One glaring omission from the 2025 conference was the lack of panels featuring Black leaders addressing the deeply disproportionate impact that federal funding cuts and stalled support for nonprofits have had on Black communities. These are not abstract policy matters. These are urgent issues with real consequences – affecting childcare centers, mental health programs, housing initiatives, job training programs, and grassroots organizations that are often the lifelines in underserved neighborhoods. Many of these nonprofits and small businesses are led by Black Michiganders who are solving problems government alone cannot fix.

“What we are really concerned about is the impact on our patients. Access to abortion is already out of reach for far too many Michiganders, especially Black people and people of color who face additional barriers to care as a result of systemic inequalities and institutional racism. Losing access to legal abortion will impact those communities most, forcing people to become parents or expand their families against their will. Being able to decide and control if, when and how to become a parent is central to building and living a healthy, happy life,” said Vasquez Giroux.

send a national signal that Michigan is not retreating from inclusive progress, but leaning into it with intention and clarity.

what the Supreme Court will rule in the upcoming days. Despite the decision, advocates on both sides of the argument are willing to continue their pursuits.

Such a declaration from one of the country’s most influential regional chambers – on one of its most prestigious stages – could have sparked a wave of renewed support for DEI across the state, despite a national push to rid us of a system that strives for more equitable outcomes. It could have inspired other chambers, cities, and states to recommit to the at least having discussions about systems and policies that have consistently delivered better outcomes for everyone, not just some.

That message wasn’t delivered. And the silence echoed.

“Overturning Roe v. Wade would be a terrible break with nearly 50 years of judicial precedent and – more importantly – a blow against individual freedom. It is my hope that the majority of justices will reject the findings of this draft. If that is not the case, we need to stand with Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Gov. Whitmer in support of their efforts to preserve the right to reproductive freedom,” said Chair Alisha Bell, on behalf of the Wayne County Commission.

A Call for 2026

Beyond the scope of pro-choice versus prolife, the fight for reproductive choice is one of freedom. As Michigan officials work to ensure each woman who finds herself in the position to choose has access to care without the threat of legal action, many wonder

Equally concerning was the conference’s silence around the ongoing rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the public and private sectors. There is overwhelming data showing that DEI is not only morally necessary, but also that it’s economically smart. Companies and communities that embrace inclusive leadership and equitable hiring practices perform better, innovate faster, and build more resilient systems.

Increase school funding: Statutory changes to increase the School Aid Fund revenue by at least $3.6 billion and establish a permanent weighted funding formula based on student and community needs and universal preschool (0-3).

In 2024, Suzanne Shank, President and CEO of Siebert Williams Shank, made history as the first Black woman to chair the conference. Under her leadership, the 2024 conference featured a record number of women speakers, including influential Black women leaders. Shank was intentional in curating a speaker

Reject censorship in history instruction: Encouraging Gov. Whitmer to ensure the goal for Michigan schools should be history instruction that is presented by pro fessionals with the sub ject matter expertise, pedagogical skills, and judgment necessary to present complex infor mation to students that are grounded in prov able facts and add to the understanding of modern-day America.

This conference could have – and should have – been a platform for the Detroit Regional Chamber and its partners to declare, unapologetically but apolitically, that Black leadership is central to Michigan’s success. This was a moment to say that equity is not a buzzword, but a business imperative. It was a chance to

The Detroit Regional Chamber should be proud of the platform it continues to build. But if it wants the Mackinac Policy Conference to truly reflect Michigan’s full talent and potential, it must recalibrate.

The health committee recommends reviewing state licensure policies to address the barriers that Black psychologists face in obtaining licensure in Michigan.

Ensure equitable distribution of state health funds: Ensure all Michigan communities with a significant Black population receive adequate funds to address mental health issues.

Increase mental health supports for the Black Recommending Michigan set a goal increasing the number of Black mental health service providers by 20%

That means recommitting to diversity in programming, not just for optics, but because diverse perspectives lead to better policy. It means centering Detroit’s priorities more deliberately, recognizing that the city is both a barometer for statewide equity and an engine of economic power. It means creating intentional spaces for underrepresented voices on the main stage and not just at the margins. The truth is, Black Michiganders have always been central to the state’s story. From Motown to manufacturing, from municipal leadership to entrepreneurial innovation, Black voices have driven culture, commerce, and community. Ignoring them now doesn’t just overlook a demographic. It

Protecting Black voting rights: Urge state officials to remain vigilant in the fight against schemes to disenfranchise Michigan ders of color.

“BLAC members have worked hard to identify the needs of the Black community and we feel these recommendations will provide a solid first step towards breaking down barriers in educa tion, community safety, health and business,” said BLAC Co-Chair Donna L. Bell.

BLAC will hold a vir embraces. transforleadership as a approach that change the syscircumstancoperating Ivory

“Transformationdoesn’t just do certhem view of and exdrive that because what create everyentire because women been premoment of the final. a law1931 law effect, asked the affirm that constitucontain abortion. Our Planned Advocates of founding coalition

overlooks decades of proven leadership and future potential, and the ability to buck national trends and stay the course with these proven successes leading the way. As planning for the 2026, the hope is to see a Mackinac Policy Conference where Black voices are not only present, but central, shaping the policies and narratives that will define Michigan’s next chapter.

Because Black leaders aren’t just guests in these spaces. They’re co-architects of the future that all attendees are working toward creating. And when Black communities are not represented in rooms of power, policy misses the mark. Budgets get written without understanding local needs. Talent leaves. Opportunities dry up. And the entire state suffers – not just morally, but structurally and economically.

From page A-1

to leave the state.

Judge Patel’s ruling confirmed that these restrictions were not neutral. They added cost, stress, and risk—especially for patients traveling from out of state, who had limited time and resources to begin with. The 24-hour delay alone forced some into more invasive procedures, stripping them of the option for a medication abortion, which is only available during the first 11 weeks. Forcing patients into a later-stage procedure simply because of red tape is not care—it’s harm.

The court also took issue with the materials patients were required to read, which included state-selected information on contraception, fetal development, and abortion procedures. The judge called the content “coercive and stigmatizing.” This ruling didn’t just remove a delay; it addressed the emotional manipulation embedded in the process.

The ban on advanced practice clinicians performing abortions also fell under scrutiny. The state had required that only licensed physicians could provide abortion services, even though nurse practitioners and physician assistants are already trained to do so. Judge Patel found the rule “arbitrarily limits abortion providers to physicians only” and contributes to provider shortages across Michigan. That’s not just a logistical concern. It’s an access issue—especially for areas outside major cities, where OB-GYNs aren’t always available, but NPs and PAs are often the backbone of care.

On that point, this decision has a broader implication: it affirms that reproductive freedom is not theoretical—it must be functional. Laws that technically allow abortion but make it harder to get violate the very amendment voters passed to expand those rights.

This amendment, the Reproductive Freedom for All (RFFA), changed Michigan’s constitution to enshrine reproductive rights. However, as this case showed, having constitutional protection and being able to use it are two different things. Efforts to repeal these restrictions through legislation had stalled, even with Democrats holding the Governor’s office and majorities in both chambers. The courts became the necessary route—and now, the precedent is set.

Not every law challenged in the case was overturned. The court upheld Michigan’s law requiring abortion providers to screen patients for coercion. Clinics also must continue posting signs stating that coercing someone into an abortion is illegal. However, the judge made clear that this requirement does not burden a patient’s access to care. There’s no specific script and no

mandatory checklist—providers can engage in conversation organically and protect patients without violating their rights.

This balance—the elimination of burdensome barriers, while maintaining space for patient safety—is what the court found consistent with the RFFA amendment. It’s also where advocates say the future of reproductive justice is heading: real access, real options, without judgment or unnecessary hoops.

Not everyone agrees. Genevieve Marnon of Right to Life of Michigan said in a statement that the ruling is “bad news for women.” She argued that the removal of standardized consent information strips away patient protections and called the decision “radical.” She also pointed to a rise in reported abortion complications. In 2023, state data showed 5.1 immediate complications for every 10,000 abortions performed. Between 2020 and 2022, that number was lower— 1.6 per 10,000. But even the higher rate is significantly lower than complications from childbirth. As of 2024, Michigan no longer requires abortion providers to report complication data to the state, so future transparency may be limited.

That doesn’t change the fact that these rules caused real harm. Chelian’s clinic didn’t just see the numbers. They saw the people. And for her, the ruling is long overdue. “Our patients no longer have to worry that they may not be able to get the time-sensitive care they need,” she said. “These restrictions are an insult to our patients, who know what’s best for themselves.”

The court’s ruling speaks to a deeper reality—what does it mean for a right to be real?

A right that you have to print off a government website, within a precise timeframe, and physically bring to a provider, isn’t about your health. It’s about control. Michigan voters said no to that control when they passed the RFFA amendment. But implementation required more than a ballot—it required testimony, lawsuits, organizing, and judges willing to interpret the law with the fullness of its promise.

This moment lands heavy for Detroit and Black communities across the state, where access to healthcare already lives on uneven ground. The barriers these laws created weren’t felt equally. They hit hardest where time, money, and access are already in short supply. Striking them down is more than a policy change—it’s a step toward equity.

As other states move through similar battles, Michigan’s ruling adds momentum. It’s a message to lawmakers and judges alike: rights must be accessible, not just aspirational. Reproductive care can’t exist behind digital hurdles, outdated consent forms, or unnecessary provider restrictions.

Raise Your Voice to Protect Detroit PBS

By:

The Black Church in Detroit Initiative:

There is trouble brewing in Washington, D.C., that could have serious and long-lasting consequences for our community. Locally owned and accessible to all, the ability of Detroit PBS to provide programs and services that Detroit and all Southeast Michigan have come to rely on is now under threat.

The current administration issued an Executive Order aimed at eliminating federal funding of public television and radio across the nation, along with a proposal to take back previous allocated funding for the essential services and programming these stations provide, which make us a stronger and more united community.

As church and community leaders, we know the value of Detroit PBS to Detroit and the surrounding area. We are members of the station’s Black Church in Detroit Advisory Committee, which meets every month to discuss the issues that matter most to our congregations and the communities in which we live.

These lively and inspiring conversations have real results, helping to guide and shape the content on Detroit PBS local shows, including “American Black Journal,” now entering its 58th year, the nation’s longest-running program of its kind.

This is just one example of the station’s sustained commitment to our city. The PBS system is universally recognized as the unsurpassed provider of educational television, which is delivered both on air and online. But Detroit PBS goes far beyond that. Its Education team works tirelessly to bring time-tested and teacher-approved workshops and events to neighborhoods throughout the community.

Detroit PBS is also the leader of the Michigan Learning Channel, a 24/7 broadcast and online educational service, available to every household in the state, reaching more than 400,000 students, educators and caregivers annually. It bridges learning gaps, especially for students with limited internet access. For parents in our city, who are striving to enhance the learning opportunities for their children, this channel is a difference-maker.

Just as important is the cultural programming that is another Detroit PBS hallmark. Each day, the station brings into our homes the very best in the arts, showcasing both local and national talent. Detroit PBS also manages 90.9 WRCJ, the only classical and jazz station in the city. All this entertainment comes to us free of charge.

Protecting Detroit PBS is a commonsense, not a political issue. Over the years, the PBS system has enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support. It has been ranked as the most trusted media institution in America for 22 consecutive years. Detroit PBS, like other public television stations, is staunchly nonpartisan. Its guiding principle in news coverage is to present in-depth, factbased reporting, which seeks to tell the authentic stories of the many diverse communities that make up Metro Detroit.

Detroit PBS is the only locally owned television station in Michigan. It is also licensed to the community.

It belongs to us, and it is ours to protect.

The average American pays just $1.60 per year to support a public media system that accomplishes what it set out to do decades ago.

That is why we are asking you to join us by raising your voice and joining people across this country to ensure the continued funding and vitality of our American system of public media.

We urge you to let your Congressional representatives know that Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ matter to you, our city, and the future we are building together. Please sign the petition of support at protectmypublicmedia.org

Thank you.

Signed,

Neil Barclay

Pastor Paula Lee-Barnes

Rev. Dr. Steve Bland Jr.

Rev, Torion J. Bridges

Rev. Dr. Remonia Chapman

Bishop Mbiyu Chui

Bishop Charles H. Ellis III

Rev. Ralph L. Godbee Jr.

Pastor Georgia A. Hill

Pastor Aramis D. Hinds

Pastor Velman Jean Overman

Pastor K.C. Pierce II

Rev. QuanTez Pressley

Pastor Barry Randolph

Pastor Carnel Richardson

Rev. Lawrence W. Rodgers

Rev. Cindy Rudolph

Freda G. Sampson

Rev. Larry L. Simmons Sr.

Rev. Dr. Constance Simon

Bishop Herman Starks

Pastor Semmeal J. Thomas

Rev. Dr. Theodore T. Turman

Bishop Edgar Vann

Rev. Charles Williams II

VOAMI Launches Pilot Program to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Among Veterans

By Amber Ogden STAFF WRITER

Confronting a crisis that claims the well-being and sometimes the lives of those who once served, Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAMI) has launched a groundbreaking pilot program to dismantle the stigma silencing veterans battling mental health and substance use disorders.

Announced Tuesday at the organization’s Detroit Veterans Housing Program (DVHP), the “Breaking the Stigma” initiative embeds a therapist and case manager directly into the transitional housing facility to provide on-site care and build trust with veterans who often view treatment with skepticism or fear.

VOAMI President and CEO Aubrey Macfarlane emphasized veterans often come to get help at their lowest point, and what they need most is someone who will meet them with compassion and real solutions.

“This program is designed to provide a safe space where healing can begin without judgment,” Macfarlane said.

The trauma-informed, veteran-centered initiative was developed after a year of strategic planning and is backed by funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. It is designed to address long-standing barriers to care, such as shame, fear of being seen as weak, and previous negative experiences with healthcare systems that frequently prevent veterans from accessing critical support.

The Breaking the Stigma pilot program introduces a new model of care at Volunteers of America Mich-

igan’s Detroit Veterans Housing Program, embedding both a therapist and a case manager on-site for the first time. This direct integration of mental health professionals aims to break through long-standing barriers that prevent veterans from seeking help, barriers often rooted in fear, shame, and previous negative experiences with institutional care. By meeting veterans in a familiar and trusted environment, the program seeks to foster connection and trust, providing a safe space for healing to begin.

Participants in the program will have access to a full spectrum of support services, including both group and individual therapy, case management, and 12-step meetings through Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Treatment is tailored to individual needs using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Treatment, Relapse Prevention, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

Veterans will receive healthcare navigation assistance to help them access benefits and services available through the VA, Medicaid, or Medicare. A core focus of the initiative is to challenge stigma, particularly the perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness, and to rebuild trust in mental health and substance use treatment systems.

A key element of the approach is stigma reduction. By normalizing help-seeking behavior and placing support within the familiar environment of DVHP, organizers hope to shift the cultural perception that seeking mental health care is a sign of weakness.

According to VOAMI, roughly 70% of veterans in its transitional housing program are struggling with substance use challenges. Around 40% of those served through VOAMI’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) also face substance-related issues. Mental health concerns are similarly widespread; more than a third of VOAMI’s social service clients have a diagnosed mental health condition, and the organization estimates that up to 70% of others may have undiagnosed mental health needs.

National data paints a similarly dire picture. Nearly half of homeless veterans experience substance use disorders, and one in 10 veterans nationally meets the criteria for a substance use disorder. Alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance among veterans, with usage rates nearly double that of the general population. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among veterans under the age of 45.

United States Army veteran Kyle shared his need for services during the pandemic with VOAMI. As a veteran of the United States Army, it can be easily said that he is sometimes a forgotten class and group in American life.

“We’re often and easily disregarded, discarded, and most times, taken advantage of. But with VOA, I was made to feel as I mattered. As if my service was worth something. That feeling is one that will never leave me,” Kyle said.

“But I, only just one man, know and understand that in a world where hope and faith can be hard to find sometimes, Volunteers of

See VETERANS Page A-4

Michigan Expands Path to Special Education Classrooms, Removing Barriers for Future Teachers

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

The classroom has always been a battlefield for equity. Ask any Black parent who’s fought to get their child an Individualized Education Program. Ask any educator in Detroit who’s watched students fall through bureaucratic cracks because the system didn’t bend for their needs. For decades, special education in Michigan has come with barriers that kept good teachers out and left vulnerable students waiting. That wait may finally shift.

Beginning next year, aspiring educators in Michigan will be able to pursue a standalone special education endorsement without first obtaining certification in a specific subject area. This change—approved this week by the State Board—removes a requirement that many educators and administrators say has contributed to a shortage of qualified special education teachers. The previous model demanded that special education teachers also hold content-specific credentials, often creating more red tape than results.

The new standards, set to be implemented in teacher preparation programs starting fall 2026, aim to give future educators the tools to serve a broader range of students.

Michigan Department of Education consultant Gina Garner said the change offers flexibility and expands the ability of teachers to support students across multiple special education programs. According to Garner, “The new special education teacher endorsement would have the flexibility of being assigned across several special education

programs meeting a wider range of student needs.” That reach matters in classrooms where the support gap often falls along lines of race and income and where Black students are disproportionately placed in special education without the necessary

cultural responsiveness or resources to help them thrive.

The update also opens the door for teachers to work more actively in general education settings, particularly around core subjects like math and reading. Garner explained that this means more students will be able to receive support within inclusive classrooms, rather than being pulled out or siloed in separate environments. In districts where teachers juggle multiple responsibilities without consistent staffing, this flexibility could mean more sustainable workloads and, more importantly, better outcomes for students.

This structural shift is not about lowering the bar but rethinking how we prepare and place educators. Aspiring teachers who wish to pursue more specialized certifications—for example, to support students on the autism spectrum—will still have access to those tracks. Garner made it clear that certain disability-specific endorsements will remain necessary in cases where targeted expertise is critical. The difference now is that the door to the profession will no longer be locked to those who are called to this work but blocked by narrow certification requirements.

United States Army veteran, Kyle, courtesy of Volunteers of America Michigan

S.W.A.G. Awards

From page A-1

This isn’t corporate philanthropy dressed up for applause. Huntington has invested nearly $2 million into the SWAG program since 2015, supporting students whose stories often never make the headlines. This partnership affirms what community means when banks, Black media, and educators come together not for optics, but for outcome.

The educators honored at this year’s ceremony were not selected lightly. They were nominated by students, parents, and school leaders who described them with words like compassionate, consistent, and transformative. These aren’t just instructors. They are mentors, dream nurturers, and sometimes the only stable adult figure a student might encounter that day.

Torrie Anderson-Lloyd from John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy stood among the honorees, known for reimagining her classroom space with bean bag chairs and wobble stools, creating an atmosphere where students feel safe and seen. Her goal is simple: empowerment through environment.

Adam Harris, Director of the Trio Upward Bound Program at Grand Valley State University-University Prep Academy High School in Detroit, uses his role to provide access. From college resources to senior breakfasts and Kente stoles, Adam makes sure his students are not just seen but celebrated.

At Cesar Chavez Academy, Isabella Mahuad has been the heartbeat for English language learners for almost two decades. With her grant, she’ll bring her National Honor Society students to Camp Tamarack for team-building and leadership development.

Ms. Andrella Muffy Gaynor of Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences helps her students discover themselves through art. Her classroom is a place where making

mistakes is part of the lesson plan. With the SWAG grant, she will provide hands-on pottery experiences and host student art contests.

Dayna Peoples, Reading Specialist at Voyageur Academy, is tackling the literacy gap head-on. With books, flexible seating, and parent engagement sessions, her work is helping shape the next generation of readers in Detroit. She is building more than a library. She is building legacy.

For students, the scholarships make dreams tangible. From six $2,500 awards, five $5,000 awards, two $10,000 awards, one $15,000 award, and the top prize of a $25,000 award, the financial support reaches far beyond the check. It symbolizes validation. It tells students, “You matter.”

Ahauna Reed, the $25,000 scholarship recipient, couldn’t hold back her tears as she accepted the award. A graduate of Northwestern High School, Ahauna will attend Ohio Technical College to study welding. Her path has not been easy. Passionate about art from a young age, she struggled with setbacks but refused to quit. She saw beauty in welding and carved a future with her own hands. “This is basically a full ride for me. I am extremely grateful. To anybody looking to apply for this next year. Please do. Be proud of yourselves. You’ve made it this far,” she shared. That kind of humility and power anchored the

City Council President Mary Sheffield spoke directly to what SWAG represents. “This partnership has made things possible for our Detroit youth. As the youngest elected to the city council at 26, I will be the first to say that if you align with your purpose, doors will open that no man can close. Education equips you with the knowledge to challenge the injustices that we see. Never forget about Detroit. The places that raised you. In Detroit, we need you.” Huntington Bank’s Gary Torgow framed the idea of heroism in a new light. “Super power isn’t super strength or laser vision. What each of you have is much more powerful.” He encouraged students to understand kindness and compassion as essential lifelines. “Being kind heals. And that’s how it heals the world. So we call you our superheroes. Be kind every step of the way. That’s what real heroes do. That’s what SWAG recipients do.”

Michigan Chronicle publisher and Real Times Media CEO Hiram E. Jackson grounded the energy with a powerful reminder from Omega Psi Phi: “Friendship is essential to the soul.”

And Rev. Wendell Anthony made sure the celebration honored everyone who made it possible. Parents, counselors, teachers—those who invested in these young lives. “Thank you parents for serving as a role model,” he said. “It’s an ROI—seeing how your sacrifices have paid off.” Then he lifted the veil on the broader stakes. “Don’t stop. These are critical times. They want to rewrite your story. Which is why they want to shut down the Department of Education. Now we have a guy that wants to shut down public education and HBCUs. But you can’t stop. Don’t let nobody discourage you. Don’t let today’s circumstances determine your ultimate destination. You got SWAG. So when you step out and step up, act like you belong. Act like you’re the one. When you walk into the room, don’t hold your head down. You are the one. In an affirmative sense. You’re here on purpose. More important than being successful is being significant. The world is calling you.”

Special Education Classrooms

From page A-3

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Rice emphasized that Michigan must act quickly to address the broader challenge of uncertified individuals teaching students across various disciplines. He stated, “This is an effort to get beyond the non-certified teaching our young people, not simply in this space, but in other spaces as well.” His remarks reflect a deeper urgency. Too many students—particularly those in predominantly Black and low-income districts—are assigned teachers without full credentials. That reality compounds educational inequity and signals a lack of systemic investment in their futures.

Educators working in Detroit, Flint, Muskegon Heights, and other high-need districts have long pointed to the mismatch between certification requirements and classroom needs. When schools are unable to hire special education teachers who meet every content-specific requirement, students suffer. The new endorsement structure is a response to that ongoing disconnect between policy and practice.

Removing those barriers also sends a message to the next generation of Black educators. It affirms that their presence in special

education classrooms is not only welcomed but needed. It invites culturally grounded educators— those who understand their students beyond test scores—to step into roles that were once inaccessible due to outdated credentialing models. The new endorsement structure provides a more accessible route while maintaining a standard of preparation and professional support.

This change represents an intentional policy shift that considers both the systemic staffing challenges Michigan districts face and the need for more inclusive, equitable education models. It is an acknowledgment that the current system has failed to adequately support students with disabilities—especially those in underfunded communities—and that flexibility in teacher certification can be part of a larger solution.

The new standards also signal to teacher training institutions that curricula must reflect the realities of modern classrooms. Programs preparing future educators will need to equip them not just with pedagogical tools but with the cultural awareness and adaptive strategies required to serve diverse learners. The weight of special education work cannot fall solely on compliance. It must be rooted in compassion, knowl-

edge, and a framework that values every student’s potential.

This policy decision did not come from nowhere. It follows years of advocacy, data collection, and a growing acknowledgment that teacher shortages in Michigan have reached crisis levels, especially in specialized areas. It also reflects lessons learned during the pandemic, when the gaps in access and instruction widened, exposing just how fragile our education infrastructure can be—particularly for students already marginalized by race, income, or disability.

The burden of delayed or inadequate special education services often lands on families who must navigate an opaque and unforgiving system. These families, many of whom are Black and live in historically redlined or under-resourced neighborhoods, have for years been expected to do more with less: more advocacy, more documentation, more patience, and more sacrifice. A more inclusive certification pathway for special education teachers has the potential to make that burden lighter—not by shortcutting the process, but by making it more responsive and realistic.

It is now the responsibility of school districts to embrace this new model with intention. That includes hiring, retaining, and supporting teachers who come through these updated pipelines. It also includes investing in professional development that allows

To close, he invoked Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise,” a poem that mirrors the truth of what this moment represented.

The SWAG Awards don’t just tell students they have potential. They tell them that we see it, honor it, and will continue to invest in it. That we believe in them enough to put dollars behind their dreams and show up in real ways. That is what community looks like. That is what Detroit does.

And this is only the beginning.

these educators to continue growing in the field and stay rooted in the communities they serve. The measure of success will not be in how many teachers are newly certified—it will be in how many students gain consistent, quality, and culturally relevant instruction because of it. For Black students with disabilities who have long been underserved, mislabeled, or dismissed, this moment holds real potential. Their success cannot be defined by compliance checklists or deficit-based models. It must be cultivated by teachers who are equipped, empowered, and embedded in their learning journey from the start.

This endorsement change alone

Veterans

America Michigan and their staff showed me that hope in your fellow man and faith in promises can truly be worth more than just what you hear on the television and radio.” VOAMI, which provides services including housing, shelter, and support for veterans, seniors, and families across Michigan, sees the pilot program as an essential part of the mental health and housing continuum. Leaders say the model aims to intervene before veterans reach crisis points that

will not fix Michigan’s education disparities. But it is a move toward removing obstacles that never needed to be there in the first place. It’s an affirmation that equity in education requires structural change, not just symbolic gestures. It’s a reminder that policies must serve the people they’re meant to protect—and when they don’t, they must be reimagined. As implementation begins in 2026, the focus must remain on outcomes, not optics. This decision marks a shift in how we define who gets to teach and how we honor the students who need them most. And in classrooms that have waited far too long for systems to catch up, that shift is not just welcome—it is overdue.

lead to hospitalization, long-term instability, or worse.

The program’s success could serve as a template for future efforts statewide as VOAMI looks to expand the model if outcomes are strong.

“Too many of our nation’s heroes are suffering in silence,” Macfarlane said.

“This program creates a bridge from stigma and isolation to support, treatment, and lasting recovery.”

For more information about the Breaking the Stigma pilot program or other VOAMI services, visit voami.org.

From page A-3

event. Diop Russell, a proud 2018 SWAG alumni and Spelman College graduate, hosted the ceremony. Jordan Alexander, a 2022 alumni and Western graduate, spoke about how attending a SWAG alumni event led to a job opportunity with Spencer Ford. These are the full-circle moments that redefine impact.

A5 | June 4-10, 2025

Make America Great Again

By Dr. Anthony O. Kellum CEO OF KELLUM MORTGAGE, LLC

Money.

If we are serious about making America great… not just in slogans, but in substance then we must understand that greatness requires shared prosperity. And that prosperity must be built with and within our own communities. Economic power must be distributed equitably, and to achieve that, Black Americans must become intentional about where and how we spend, invest, and own. We must turn our attention to a critical pillar of wealth: homeownership. Because when we talk about power real power and equity we’re talking about owning land, securing equity, and having financial leverage that passes from one generation to the next. That’s how communities grow strong. That’s how respect is earned. And that’s how we rise.

Why We Must Do Business With Each Other

Other communities already understand this fundamental truth: money that stays close, builds close. Their dollars circulate 5, 10, sometimes 15 times before they leave their communities. That intentionality fuels a cycle of growth funding schools, launching businesses, and preserving cultural identity.

In our community, a dollar often leaves in less than six hours. That is not sustainable. That is not how we close wealth gaps or fund our future. It’s time to flip that script. And it starts by doing business with those who know your walk and speak your language literally and culturally.

When you work with a Black mortgage broker, a Black-owned bank, or a Black appraiser, you’re working with someone who sees you. Not just your credit score or your W-2, but the story behind those numbers. Someone who knows what it’s like to be denied not because of income, but because of ignorance or indifference. Someone who knows how to pick up the phone and advocate for you in the underwriting room not just because it’s their job, but because it’s their mission.

They know the products and the process, yes but more importantly, they know how to apply those tools to the unique realities we face, like multiple family members on title, inherited property from Big Mama, or having a thin credit file despite paying everything in cash.

This isn’t just about who signs the paperwork. It’s about trust, transparency, and cultural alignment, all of which increase your chances of not just buying a home but keeping it and building on it.

It’s not just business. It’s personal. Homeownership Is Power

Let’s be clear when I say “power,” I’m not talking about domination or arrogance. I’m talking about the kind of power that frees you from dependence and puts your destiny back in your own hands. The kind of power that allows you to say “yes” to your dreams and “no” to bad deals. The kind of power that rewrites your family’s story for the next 50 years.

HOMEOWNERSHIP Page A-6

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

The Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) is challenging every candidate for Detroit mayor and city council to release a comprehensive agenda for supporting Black-owned businesses. With more than half of Detroit’s workforce employed by small businesses and a city economy that relies heavily on Black entrepreneurship, MBBA insists that this election season cannot ignore the community that has long sustained Detroit.

Over the last four years, MBBA has moved beyond rhetoric. They’ve put over $12 million in funding directly into the hands of Black-owned businesses and helped create or retain nearly 5,000 jobs.

Through policy advocacy, statewide partnerships, and direct programming, the organization has worked to shift not just access to capital but also access to decision-making power.

In a conversation with the Michigan Chronicle, MBBA President and CEO Charity Dean reflected on the Alliance’s founding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There were no systems built to support Black-owned businesses at that time,” she recalled. “That’s why we created what was then the Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance. The pandemic devastated businesses everywhere, but Black businesses were hit on both sides—health and economy. We were already operating from a deficit because of the racial wealth gap.”

Dean explained that entrepreneurship is one of the few tools available to build generational wealth, yet Black entrepreneurs are often set up to operate without the same financial cushion or support as their white counterparts. “White families with the same education and income have nearly nine times the wealth of Black families. That difference shapes every aspect of entrepreneurship. It affects who gets to take risks, who gets funded, who can weather setbacks.”

MBBA’s 2025 Detroit Policy Survey gathered responses from over 200 Blackowned businesses. The results painted a

picture of structural neglect:

• 69% of respondents reported significant barriers to accessing funding.

• 66% identified the lack of affordable commercial space as a primary challenge.

• 89% said the city is not doing enough to support access to capital.

• 31% reported operating cashless despite an ordinance that criminalizes this model.

• Only 13% believe Black businesses are fairly represented in public contracting. Dean cited the cashless ordinance as an example of how policy decisions often reflect limited vision. “Two years ago, the City Council passed a law that makes it a misdemeanor for retail businesses to operate without cash,” she said. “We opposed it. One council member said she couldn’t pay cash at a market, so she introduced legislation. But our members go cashless for safety, efficiency, and innovation. One of our members was building a tech platform that could’ve expanded Detroit’s digital economy, but that kind of leadership gets punished while downtown parking lots owned by billionaires get exceptions.”

MBBA has played a central role in pushing for meaningful policy change. In 2023, their advocacy led to the establishment of a Director of Entrepreneurship within the Mayor’s Office. They were instrumental in shaping the Small Business Concierge proposal, which is now under consideration by the City Council. However, as Dean pointed out, none of this is permanent without a policy to back it up.

“Much of the COVID-era funding was one-time. Those dollars are gone. Clawbacks are happening across the country. We need bold leadership that won’t just preserve these programs, but expand them,” Dean said. “Otherwise, we’re moving backwards.”

For 2025, MBBA’s platform includes:

• Making the Director of Entrepreneurship and the Small Business Concierge Service permanent, with dedicated funding.

• Reforming the cashless ordinance to reflect the needs of modern businesses.

• Establishing a Small Business Capital Council to address inequities in lending.

• Creating a City-run capital leverage fund to cover costs for microbusiness contractors awaiting reimbursement.

• Ensuring City contractors are paid within 15 days.

• Prioritizing commercial space for Blackowned businesses and reforming zoning laws to support equitable access.

• Publishing procurement data by race, geography, and size to increase accountability.

• Removing certification fees for minority- and women-owned businesses.

• Embedding small businesses in neighborhood development planning.

• Developing workforce strategies tailored for small businesses, including pooled staffing and shared training programs. What does it reveal about Detroit’s priorities when Black-owned businesses—responsible for more than half the city’s employment base—remain largely unsupported in how policy is written, implemented, and enforced? As candidates step forward seeking to lead the city, how many have engaged directly with the entrepreneurs anchoring commercial corridors across Dexter, Grand River, and Seven Mile? The disparities outlined in MBBA’s survey aren’t new. What remains missing is urgency and political will. How will those seeking office address a regulatory landscape that penalizes tech-forward Black businesses for going cashless while allowing exemptions for downtown corporate parking structures? Who is prepared to dismantle ordinances that criminalize innovation and build mechanisms to ensure future legislation doesn’t repeat this bias? What structural changes will be introduced to prevent a Black-owned business from closing its doors over a delayed city payment or unattainable zoning requirement? What are candidates proposing to

First Merchants Opens Its Doors in Detroit’s Fitzgerald Neighborhood

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Fitzgerald has long been more than a name on a city map. It’s a neighborhood shaped by Black resilience, where families raise generations in homes passed down with pride and where reinvestment isn’t measured by developers’ blueprints but by community impact. At 7525 West McNichols Road, that investment now has a new anchor—First Merchants Bank. The Fitzgerald Banking Center is a 3,000-square-foot development built through neighborhood insight, community partnerships, and a clear understanding that banking access is foundational to Black economic stability. First Merchants has a history of community-based banking, but this move into Northwest Detroit speaks directly to the urgency of financial inclusion in a city shaped by divestment and systemic barriers. Corporate guesswork didn’t select the location. It came after months of assessments in collaboration with neighborhood organizations. Residents, local businesses, and grassroots leaders helped identify this stretch of McNichols as a place where financial services

could make a direct and measurable impact. Scott McKee, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at First Merchants, explained the approach clearly: engagement starts before any site is chosen. The process included conversations with small business owners, community advocates, and residents who’ve lived through the loss of banking institutions. That groundwork made it clear—Fitzgerald needed more than a branch. It needed a partner. The new center serves Fitzger-

ald, Bagley, University District, Marygrove, and Martin Park. It’s situated just blocks from the Livernois-McNichols corridor, an area that holds deep significance for Detroit’s Black middle class. This is a space where small businesses have survived despite decades of policy decisions that made growth harder than it needed to be. A full-service banking facility here isn’t an upgrade—it’s a restoration.

The construction was led by local teams and developed with a $3 million investment. The prop-

erty spans more than 15,000 square feet and includes a drive-up service lane, ATM, night drop, and landscaped parking. More importantly, it includes a financial wellness team and community lending advisors based on the site. People in the neighborhood don’t need to travel across town to access a loan or ask about home ownership. The services are present and reachable. Artina Packnett leads the branch with deep knowledge of both banking and community needs. Her work has always reflected a commitment to showing

up for people, not just managing numbers. She brings a directness that residents appreciate, with clear communication and an understanding that economic conversations often require cultural context.

Councilwoman Angela Calloway has been one of the most consistent advocates for equitable development in District 2. Her work is grounded in direct accountability to the residents she serves, many of whom have gone decades without access to quality financial institutions in their own neighborhoods, from pushing for improved infrastructure along McNichols to demanding that new developments center long-term residents rather than outside investors, Calloway’s leadership has been marked by an insistence that Fitzgerald and the surrounding communities deserve more than surface-level progress. She has remained engaged at every stage—challenging policy decisions, ensuring community voices are respected, and making it clear that development must be measured by how it serves the people who have called this district home through disinvestment, economic shifts, and broken promises. Her

Anthony O. Kellum

First Merchants

role in advancing this banking center is part of a broader effort to bring real resources back to communities that have been systematically denied them.

What makes this investment different is the infrastructure behind it.

First Merchants isn’t showing up with temporary promises. Their Detroit commitment includes over $24.8 million in community development loans, $205,000 in down payment assistance for local families, and over $361,000 in community contributions for the next year. Beyond dollars, they’ve logged over 1,100 hours of volunteer time and participated in more than 30 local initiatives, workshops, and school programs. It’s a full strategy, not a single campaign.

The work is also being guided by a community advisory board made up of local leaders: Turkessa Baldridge from the Marygrove Conservancy, Dr. Sonja L. Beasley-Hall of Wellspring Detroit, and La’Shonta Smith from Brilliant Detroit. Their role is more than ceremonial. They’re positioned to hold the bank accountable to the residents it serves, ensuring the services remain aligned with neighborhood needs.

This branch is part of the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF), a city-supported initiative focused on development without displacement. For a neighborhood like Fitzgerald, where families have worked hard to maintain ownership and stability despite outside pressures, that mission is essential. Banking equity is often overlooked in revitalization efforts. But without it,

Homeownership

Homeownership does that. It gives you equity real equity not just in the house, but in life. It’s the difference between scrambling to pay rent and watching your assets grow in value while you sleep. It’s the ability to refinance and pull out capital to start a business, pay off debt, or send your kids to college. It’s the key to stability when the economy shifts and rents rise out of reach.

And it’s not just about you. It’s about your children watching you sign that closing document. It’s about them knowing what’s possible. It’s about breaking the cycle of renting, struggling, and starting over. When we own, we anchor our families. We build neighborhoods, not just houses. We plant roots, and those roots become legacy. Don’t Believe the Lie That “Money Doesn’t Matter”

the rest becomes fragile.

Deputy Mayor Melia Howard, speaking on behalf of the city at the ribbon cutting, emphasized that the bank’s slogan, “Helping You Prosper,” holds weight in a city like Detroit. It’s not marketing—it’s an expectation. Howard’s presence signaled alignment with the city’s vision of inclusive growth, and her words pointed to the responsibility that comes with opening in a neighborhood with long memories and limited patience for failed efforts.

This is not the first time a bank has opened a location in Detroit. But too often, those institutions have looked past Black residents, favoring newer transplants or high-yield accounts. What makes this branch distinct is the way it centers on long-term residents and the systems that are being built to support them. This is an opportunity to correct patterns—starting with where and how banking happens.

The Fitzgerald Banking Center is not a symbol of gentrification. It is a tool for mobility—designed to meet Detroi-

We’ve all heard it: “Money isn’t everything.” But in America, money is access. It’s mobility. It’s options. It’s the difference between surviving and thriving.

We’ve been told not to chase money, not to talk about wealth, not to think about legacy. But let’s be honest what has that silence gotten us?

Here’s the truth: economic power is how you get respect. Not because it makes you better than anyone else, but because it gives you the freedom to stand on your own terms. We Don’t Want Handouts We Want Ownership

I was raised to believe in work, in integrity, and in finding a way forward no matter what. I don’t want anyone handing me anything. I want to build. I want to earn. I want to empower others to do the same. That’s in my blood. And after more than 30 years in the mortgage business, I can tell you firsthand: we don’t have to wait for anyone

Men of xcellence

ters where they are and help them build on what they already own and know. The focus is on sustainable growth. That means helping people buy homes, fund businesses, repair credit, and access capital without hidden costs or excessive risk. It also means placing decision-making power closer to the community. That’s why the leadership structure includes both internal experts and external voices. The strategy behind this branch assumes that trust is earned. Not once, but daily. And it’s earned by showing up, following through, and remaining transparent.

For Detroiters in Fitzgerald and beyond, financial institutions can either widen the wealth gap or help close it. First Merchants is choosing the latter. And while no single branch can solve every problem, this one offers real tools, grounded support, and a promise to stay present.

That’s the kind of investment that neighborhoods remember—and build on.

to give us permission to own. What we need is intention, action, and unity. Let’s Balance the Economic Scales

The mission of Property is Power is simple: to close the racial homeownership gap, to circulate dollars within our communities, and to build the kind of economic power that commands respect across America.

We love this country. We contribute to it every day. But loving it also means demanding what’s rightfully ours: access, ownership, and opportunity.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Find a way to do business with someone Black this week. Whether it’s your lender, your realtor, your contractor, or your insurance agent make the conscious choice. Your decision will ripple far beyond that transaction. Together, we build. Together, we rise.

Property is Power! is a movement to promote home and community ownership. Studies indicate homeownership leads to higher graduation rates, family wealth, and community involvement.

Black Business Equity

correct the persistent imbalance in city contracts— where Black business participation remains disproportionately low in an overwhelmingly Black city? Public officials have long claimed that small businesses are the backbone of Detroit’s recovery. This election will test whether that claim is reflected in real policy reform or if it continues to be a slogan detached from practice. Candidates must answer, in specific terms, how they plan to protect and expand access to capital, space, contracts, and workforce infrastructure for Detroit’s Black-owned businesses. Anything less should be recognized for what it is—politics without a plan. MBBA’s push is not only about what’s missing—it’s about what’s possible. Dean explained that regulatory frameworks often treat small Black-owned businesses the same as multinational corporations. “My coffee shop has to meet the same city code as Starbucks,” she said. “That doesn’t make sense. It’s the same for retail—small apparel businesses face the same requirements as major chains. Without infrastructure and capital, that kind of one-size-fits-all regulation pushes us out.”

She also called on large corporations with Detroit headquarters to examine their spending. “Detroit is over 80% Black. If your procurement spending doesn’t reflect that, you’re not aligned with the city you’re in. A few years ago, companies were releasing statements calling racism a public health crisis. Where are those commitments now?”

Dean pointed to the importance of designing policy with equity in mind. “When you fix systems for the people furthest from power, you end up helping everyone. Look at curb cuts on sidewalks. They were created because of advocacy from the disability community. Now, parents with strollers, people with carts, cyclists—all benefit. The same logic applies to policy. If Detroit’s process works for a Black business on Dexter, it’ll work for developers too.”

She warned that many Black businesses still lack room to fail. “White entrepreneurs are often funded through multiple stages of trial and error. Black businesses are expected to get it right on the first try. That’s not how business works. That’s not how innovation happens.”

Dean said she wants financial institutions to publish data on who receives loans, how many Black businesses get funded, and what the terms are. “You can’t fix what you don’t measure,” she said. “You can’t claim to care if you’re not tracking your impact.”

MBBA will spend the rest of the year hosting a series of public forums and releasing a report card evaluating candidates’ plans. The goal is not to endorse personalities but to elevate policy. The community deserves to know who has done the work—and who has only claimed the title.

Dean closed the conversation by reminding Detroit’s elected leaders and those seeking office that Black businesses are not a side conversation. “This is the economy,” she said. “The work is already being done. Now it’s up to the city to decide if it’s going to meet that work with the investment and respect it deserves.”

As MBBA continues to build, advocate, and inform, their mission remains the same: ensure Detroit’s economy is one where Black entrepreneurs are not only surviving but shaping the future of the city they’ve always called home.

Honorees

Michael Aaron Business Manager Chief Executive Officer, Local 1191

Charles Bailey President General Manager Lake Star Construction Services

Neil A. Barclay, President CEO The Wright Museum of African American History

Jody A. Connally, Vice President of Human Resources, Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network

Dwan Dandridge, CEO Founder Black Leaders Detoit

Ma adou Diallo, CEO Piston Grou

Andre Ebron Chief of Staff City Year

Lazar Favors CEO Detroit Black Film Festival and Black S irits Legacy

De ond Fernandez Anchor/Re orter WDIV Local 4 Detroit

Cedric Flowers VP of Gas O erations DTE Gas

Ricky Fountain Executive Director Community Education Commission

Darryl Gardner Ph.D., Vice Provost of Student Success, Su ort Engagement

Wayne State University

Rev. Ralph L. Godbee, Jr Chief of Staff Trium h Church

Col. Ja es F. Grady, II Director Michigan State Police

Saul Green Former US Attorney, Eastern District of Michigan/Owner CEO, Michigan Bar er School

Antonio Green Director

James H. Cole Funeral Home

Michael Everett Hall, Es Attorney/Engineer Ford Motor Com any

Ja es Harris Chief City of Detroit Fire De artment

Derrick Headd, Sr VP, Pu lic Policy O erations Detroit Economic Growth Cor oration

Gregory Hines, Co-Founder Co-Owner Amada Senior Care

Michael Jackson, II, Es ., Sr. VP of Planning Construction, Economic Develo ment Environmental Srvs, Wayne County Air ort Authority

Labrit Jackson, PEM, Chief of Police DPSCD De artment of Pu lic Safety

Jerlando F.L. Jackson, PhD Dean of Education and MSU Research Foundation Professor, Michigan State

Rod Liggons Director, Government Relations Detroit Regional Cham er

Derrick Jones Lopez, Ph.D., JD Assistant

Su erintendent for High School Trans ortation, DPSCD

Jay Love Vice President, Facilities MGM Grand Detroit

Razzaa McConner Chief Purchasing Officer Adient

Jason McGuire CEO Riverside Marina

Ray Moulden CEO Moulden Allstate Agency

Tanathan Nelson Restaurant O erations Director/Consultant, TLN Consulting

Phares A. Noel, II President CEO Diversified Engineering Conce ts Hon. Byron Nolen Mayor City of Inkster, Michigan

Gerald Parker President CEO Ex uise Fire Safety

Financial

Dr. Michael Pieh Physician Sierra Medical Clinic

Dr. Norris Polk, Physician PEDS Urgent Care

Rodney Prater, CEO Prater Commercial

Clarence Rose, Senior Sales Executive Arrow Strategies

Ray ond A. Scott, MPH, De uty Director, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental, City of Detroit

Andre S ith Photo ournalist/Professor Wayne County Community College District

Diallo Robert S ith President CEO Life Remodeled

David L. Stone President Co-Founder Trion Solutions

Everett Stone CFO and Senior Vice President Vanguard CDC

Lorenzo Suter President CEO McLaren Oakland

Khali Sweeny Founder CEO Detroit Boxing Gym

Edwin Tate , P.E Senior Vice President WSP Engineering

Calvin Toone Vice President of Business Develo ment, MCL Jasco

Alphonso Wallace CEO Vestco Management Com any

Boyd White, III Mem er/Partner Dykema

Ed Siaje President,

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Journalist Roland Martin Among Headliners for Detroit NAACP’s 70th Annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Detroit’s legacy of freedom fighting stretches through every block, pulpit, and ballot box. The NAACP Detroit Branch’s 70th Annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner is rooted in that same tradition—an intentional gathering that brings power, policy, and people into alignment. Held on June 29 at Huntington Place, this year’s event carries weight at a time when the nation’s direction feels increasingly uncertain.

Detroit NAACP President Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony delivered the announcement with clarity. “This is a most critical time in our nation’s history,” he said. “We all stand at the crossroads of whether we will go forward as Americans together or fall victims to anarchy and demagoguery at the highest levels individually.”

The program reflects that urgency. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland will take the stage as this year’s keynote speaker. As the first African American elected to that office in Maryland and only the third in U.S. history, Moore represents the kind of leadership that rises from lived experience. He brings the perspective of a military veteran, nonprofit leader, and elected official who has made equity a part of his public mandate.

The program continues with a roster of awardees whose work has shaped generations. Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright Jr., Pastor Emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, will receive the James Weldon Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award. Wright has been a foundational voice in Black theology and civic leadership, known for his unapologetic commitment to Black liberation. His decades of service have informed public discourse and deepened the moral backbone of activism across the nation.

Media strategist and journalist Roland Martin will be recognized with the William Monroe Trotter Freedom and Justice Award. As host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered, Martin has led with consistency in covering issues that traditional media often sideline. His advocacy for truth, civic engagement, and political accountability continues to reach audiences that rely on culturally grounded reporting to stay informed and empowered.

The Ida B. Wells Freedom and Justice Award will go to Alice G. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of BFDI Educational Services, Inc. Thompson has spent her career uplifting young people, creating opportunities in education and development that address both immediate needs and long-term equity. Her work reflects a legacy of institution-building that speaks to the heart of Detroit’s commitment to its children and families.

This year’s Great Expectations Award will highlight two leaders who are pushing forward against structural odds to create new possibilities. Courtney Smith, Founder and CEO of the Detroit Phoenix Center, will be honored for her efforts to support youth facing homelessness, trauma, and systemic neglect. Smith’s leadership centers dignity, access, and opportunity—core values that speak to the future Detroit youth deserve.

Yousef Almadrahi, Chief Executive Officer of Specialty Medical Center Inc., will also receive the Great Expectations Award for advancing inclusive medical care in underserved communities. Almadrahi’s work bridges gaps that too often leave

Satori Shakoor Turns Menopause Into a Mic Drop Moment With Bold, Comedic Concert Film

By Amber Ogden STAFF WRITER

When Satori Shakoor takes the stage, expect more than just laughs; you get the truth, music, raw humanity, and, now, a fearless deep dive into the hot flashes, identity shifts, and unexpected liberation of menopause.

The former Parliament-Funkadelic singer and host of PBS’s Detroit Performs LIVE is flipping the script on aging with her new concert film, Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale. Part standup, part storytelling, part soul-bearing performance art, the 101-minute film premieres on demand on June 12 on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and Google Play, with iTunes pre-orders launching on June 1.

At a time when menopause is finally finding space in the national spotlight, thanks in part to Oprah Winfrey’s The Menopause Revolution, Shakoor’s voice rises as both urgent and utterly refreshing. Known for her fearless presence and masterful storytelling, Shakoor dives headfirst into what she calls the “12-year rollercoaster” of her own menopausal journey.

Filmed live at the Detroit Public Theater, Con-

fessions is as intimate as it is unfiltered. Set against the backdrop of a return trip to Hawaii, where she lived nearly four decades ago, the film opens with a panic attack that becomes the unlikely portal to a cascade of revelations. What unfolds is not just a meditation on menopause but a cinematic memoir that traverses addiction, postpartum depression, loss, joy, and creative rebirth.

Shakoor transforms her personal history into a shared cultural reckoning. Her performance is an invitation not just to witness but to relate, reflect, and laugh. Her command of the stage is grounded in decades of experience spanning music, theater, and activism. As one of the original “Brides of Funkenstein,” Shakoor toured the world with George Clinton’s P-Funk collective. Today, she’s a storytelling sage whose body of work centers on transformation and truth.

“As public figures like Oprah, Halle Berry, and Maria Shriver open the dialogue on menopause, Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale brings this conversation home through humor, authenticity, and cultural resonance,” Shakoor said.

By Amber Ogden, STAFF WRITER

A once-vacant lot in Detroit’s North End is on the brink of a creative transformation into a vibrant community space that blends accessibility, global culture, and neighborhood pride. The project, dubbed Abby’s Art Park, is the latest initiative from the Hope and Imagination Foundation, and it’s counting on community support to become a reality. Through a new crowdfunding campaign launched in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), organizers aim to raise $75,000 by August 31. If successful, the project will receive a matching grant from MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program, plus an additional $25,000 made possible through the program’s Universal Design and Accessibility Funding Extension. MEDC

See SATORI SHAKOOR Page B-2

Courtesy of Satori Shakoor

Gov. Wes Moore

Satori Shakoor Freedom Fund Dinner

From page B-1

That resonance is no accident. Shakoor has built a career on drawing out the power of personal narrative. In 2012, she founded The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers®, a Detroit-based storytelling platform that has since gained international recognition for promoting healing and connection through true stories. She has also facilitated storytelling workshops for institutions such as Duke University, the University of Michigan, and the United Nations, helping people around the world transform pain into purpose.

Her most recent high-profile moment came in 2024, when she emceed the Kresge Foundation’s Centennial Celebration, introducing keynote speaker President Barack Obama. However, despite these accolades, Shakoor remains rooted in the community and driven by a mission: to utilize the story as a tool for visibility, validation, and liberation.

That mission is especially urgent when it comes to menopause, a topic still shrouded in stigma, silence, and societal discomfort. Backed by a growing community of more than 5,000 women committed to smashing those stigmas, Confessions positions menopause not as a crisis but as a crucible, one that forges deeper understanding and radical self-acceptance.

Framed by humor and laced with Shakoor’s signature blend of wit and warmth, the film does more than demystify the physical realities of menopause; it reclaims the narrative. Whether she’s riffing on mood swings, sex after 50, or the spiritual aftermath of night sweats, Shakoor offers a perspective that is rarely seen and sorely needed: menopause as a portal, not a prison.

She doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, either. Beneath the laughs are candid confessions about self-doubt, past trauma, and the internal work of reinventing one’s identity in midlife. Her honesty is both gutting and galvanizing, delivered in a voice that blends the theatricality of a performer with the vulnerability of a trusted friend.

The result is a film that feels like a gathering, a celebration, and a revolution rolled into one.

With Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale, Satori Shakoor joins a new wave of artists, advocates, and truth-tellers helping to reshape the public discourse around women’s health and aging. But unlike many clinical or celebrity-driven treatments of the subject, Shakoor’s offering feels deeply personal and rooted in lived Black womanhood, layered with cultural nuance and soul.

Whether you’re in the throes of menopause or decades away, her message lands: Aging is not an end; it’s an evolution. And in Shakoor’s world, that evolution comes with laughter, a soundtrack, and a whole lot of truth.

“With this film, I’m not just sharing my journey, I’m creating space for all women to embrace their power, laugh at the chaos, and reject the silence that’s too often imposed on us.”

Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale streams June 12 on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and Google Play. Pre-orders begin June 1 on iTunes for Apple TV+.

From page B-1

marginalized families behind when it comes to quality, affordable healthcare.

Each name on this program was selected with intention. Rev. Anthony affirmed that in his remarks: “Our Keynote Speaker and Awardees are befitting of being a part of the lineup for our 70th Annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner.” He added, “Everyone must get in this battle to preserve freedoms that we have fought for over 200 years to maintain. This is why we want to remind everyone according to our theme, ‘The Power Is Within The People.’”

The dinner’s theme calls people back to the very foundation of collective struggle and community strength. This event continues to be a vital space for reflection, recommitment, and recognition. Its impact is woven into the political, economic, and cultural fabric of Detroit.

The Detroit Branch is also placing emphasis on inclusion and legacy with added details for this milestone year. Attendees who are turning 70 in 2025 are invited to be recognized during the event, highlighting the importance of honoring the elders whose lives have shaped the NAACP’s work across generations. These acknowledgments serve as a reminder that our stories and our sacri-

fices must be documented and uplifted—not forgotten.

The organization is also extending its platform to youth and young adult voices. The deadline for artists ages 14 to 25 to submit legacy table sign designs has been extended to Friday, June 6. That call to participate through creativity signals the Branch’s long-standing commitment to cultural expression as a tool for education and resistance.

The NAACP has also issued an open invitation for youth and young adult dancers between ages 14 and 25 to perform at the dinner. The call reflects the role of movement, music, and presence in Black traditions of gathering and truth-telling. That inclusion reflects a Detroit truth: artistry, advocacy, and activism have always moved together.

can contribute to a shared vision that supports equity through both celebration and action.

The Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner began as a grassroots response to fund civil rights litigation and support the organizational strength needed to challenge racism in courts and communities.

From that foundation, it has grown into one of the largest sitdown events of its kind, drawing thousands of participants and national attention every year. That scale reflects the organizing muscle Detroit has always possessed.

Small business and platinum sponsorships are still available. The organization encourages community stakeholders to step into this moment as co-builders and supporters. For those who understand the economic significance of visibility and partnership, this opportunity is more than symbolic—it’s strategic. Local entrepreneurs and institutional allies alike

Abby’s Art Park

From page B-1

members of the community.

In keeping with the park’s commitment to universal design, a range of accessible and inclusive features will define the layout and experience of the space. A wooden patio built for universal access will serve as a central gathering point, while solar panels and a rainwater collection system will promote sustainable operations.

Detroit-based designer Surukotoga (Vivian Sanders) will create bespoke furniture that accommodates diverse body types and mobility needs through flexible heights, wide clearances, and zero-step entries.

Custom-designed outdoor furniture,

Even as the headlines shift and new challenges emerge, the core remains the same. The NAACP’s mission continues to be about access, justice, and power in the hands of the people. It’s about staying rooted while building forward. This dinner is a reflection of that balance—elevating legacy and inviting new leaders into the arena.

Governor Wes Moore’s participation reinforces how much representation matters at every level. His trajectory represents what happens when systems are challenged and when communities support leaders who reflect their values and their vision. His voice will bring national context to Detroit’s deeply local

including seating and picnic tables, will accommodate individuals with mobility devices and varying physical needs. Tactile art installations and carefully selected lighting will help make the space inviting and navigable for those with sensory sensitivities. Altogether, Abby’s Art Park is being built with the vision of creating a welcoming, culturally rich space that’s open to everyone regardless of age, background, or ability.

Programming for the space will be as inclusive and dynamic as its design. Organizers envision weekly woodworking workshops, open mic nights, creative writing classes, and neighborhood block parties.

Since its launch in 2014, the PSCP initiative has helped fund over 400 community-led projects across Michigan. It uses a unique model where local residents donate through the crowdfunding plat-

fight, connecting our struggles to a broader movement. That same connection runs through the work of Jeremiah Wright, Roland Martin, Alice Thompson, Courtney Smith, and Yousef Almadrahi. Their contributions are not abstract achievements—they’re examples of what it means to show up, build, serve, and advocate even when the stakes are high and the paths forward feel heavy. Their work reflects that justice is a long fight, and Detroit has never backed down from it. This year’s event is not just a look back. It’s a declaration of where we must go. From the music and movement of the youth performers to the seasoned wisdom of the honorees, every part of the evening will hold meaning. This is what it looks like when a community centers its people, affirms its leaders, and refuses to be erased.

The 70th Annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner takes place on Sunday, June 29, at 5 p.m. at Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. Tickets, tables, and sponsorships can be purchased by visiting detroitnaacp.org or calling (313) 871-2087. Attendees turning 70 this year are invited to contact the Branch for recognition.

This is Detroit’s charge— clear, uncompromising, and rooted in purpose. Every name, every dance, every speech, every sponsor adds to the collective blueprint of what comes next.

form Patronicity, unlocking matching support from MEDC when goals are met.

According to the MEDC, the program has funneled more than $14 million in matching grants to date, with a 97% project success rate.

For Laura Kraftowitz, Founding Co-Director of The Hope and Imagination Foundation, the campaign represents more than a funding milestone.

“The MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places matching grant is transformational for the Hope and Imagination Foundation as we prepare to create Abby’s Art Park,” Kraftowitz said.

“This partnership with MEDC embodies our belief that communities flourish when we build bridges across differences.”

To learn more about the project or to contribute, visit patronicity.com/hopeandimagination.

Roland Martin

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

When it comes to sickle cell disease, too many Black families already know what it means to navigate a healthcare system that overlooks their pain, delays their treatment, or fails to see their lives as a priority. In Michigan, where thousands of residents live with this inherited blood disorder, there has finally been a coordinated effort to track their experiences, connect the dots, and fight for better care. That fight now faces a new threat—one not caused by a virus but by politics.

The Trump administration has gutted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Blood Disorders, a move that has thrown the future of Michigan’s sickle cell disease registry into uncertainty. This is not just a matter of bureaucracy. This is about lives. This is about a system that already gives Black pain the short end of the stethoscope, which is now potentially pulling the plug on the very data needed to hold it accountable.

Since 2020, the Michigan Sickle Cell Data Collection Program—born from a collaboration between the University of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services—has served as a lifeline for understanding how the disease affects an estimated 4,000 Michigan residents. Led by University of Michigan professor Sarah Reeves, the team has worked to map out the who, where, and how of sickle cell care in the state. Their goal is clear: gather the data to close the care gap, inform intervention, and improve the quality of life for people long pushed to the margins of public health conversations.

Reeves explained. “And that goes all the way from lifesaving antibiotics to the new gene therapies.”

To understand the impact of this decision, you have to understand what sickle cell disease actually is. It’s a painful, chronic, and life-altering condition that distorts red blood cells into a sickle shape, blocking blood flow and causing severe pain, strokes, and organ damage. It’s also a disease that overwhelmingly affects Black people in the U.S. According to the CDC, about 1 in 365 Black babies are born with it. Yet, for decades, sickle cell disease received only a fraction of the funding and attention directed toward other genetic diseases.

This isn’t just medical neglect. It’s racialized neglect. And the CDC’s recent decision compounds that legacy.

Reeves and her team continue to work, but she admits the climate has changed. Morale is under pressure. Uncertainty looms. “We’re so worried about what this means in terms of being able to continue to lay the infrastructure to improve the lives of people with sickle cell disease. That’s really what is at the core of this.”

What does it say that just as gene therapy is making new treatment options possible— treatment that could transform lives—data collection is being derailed? How do we move forward when the very programs designed to track and address inequities are being stripped away?

From Grand Rapids

to the Big Apple:

8th Grader Heads to NYC for the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship

By Amber Ogden STAFF WRITER

While most middle schoolers are kicking off their summer break with trips to the pool or video games, 12-year-old Kyler Jackson of Grand Rapids has something much bigger on the horizon: the bright lights of New York City and a seat at the NBA’s headquarters for the 2025 NBA Math Hoops Global Championship.

Kyler, a standout student and athlete, has been selected from a competitive pool of thousands across the United States and beyond to represent Michigan in the prestigious tournament. Hosted by Learn Fresh in partnership with the NBA and NBA Cares, the championship will take place June 24–27 during NBA Draft week, a fitting backdrop for a rising star with a mind as sharp as his jump shot.

“The STEM program hasn’t only helped me with my math science, but it’s also helped me socially,” Kyler said.

“The STEM program has helped me figure out who I am on the inside. I know I love to help people out.”

NBA Math Hoops isn’t your typical classroom assignment. The nationwide education initiative transforms learning into a fast-paced, basketball-themed board game, blending math, sportsmanship, and teamwork into a curriculum that’s as engaging as it is educational.

“He’s ( Kyler) always the first kids there, and he’s always the last to leave, always wants to clean up, always wants to help,” Levi-Alford said.

“He’s the type of student that would take a loss on a round in order to make another student feel confident.”

Now, Kyler will bring that game sense to one of the most exciting stages a young student can dream of. He’ll join 23 other students, representing cities from Los Angeles to Little Rock and even as far as South Australia, for three days of spirited competition and educational exploration.

Kyler’s mother emphasized she prayed about this opportunity.

“When I found out that he was selected, I was ecstatic,” Nikole said.

“His (Kyler) grades have gone up significantly since he’s been in the STEM program with the after-school program. He loves helping children around the school like he’s very acclimated within the school.”

But the championship experience isn’t just about math problems and buzzer-beaters. The trip to New York City includes behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on STEM workshops, and even a visit to the NBA Draft, an unforgettable opportunity for young fans to witness the future of professional basketball unfold.

“Our overall objective is to use data to identify ways to improve the lives of people living with sickle cell disease,” Reeves said. “We’re one of 16 states that are funded to do this sickle cell data collection effort by the CDC.” Reeves and her team have been doing the unglamorous but necessary work. They’ve tracked where patients live, how often they end up in hospitals, and what treatments they’re accessing—or being denied. This registry isn’t just about numbers. It’s about what the numbers say when the country finally decides to look at them. It’s the kind of groundwork that brings policy into the exam room, forces equity into clinical care, and holds power accountable through facts.

And now, it might stop.

Reeves said the silence came like a punch. “On April 1, our team received some dismaying news—the CDC’s Division of Blood Disorders, which supported our work, had been ‘essentially eliminated,’ leaving the project in a state of limbo.”

That division had been responsible for funding 16 states, including Michigan, to build out data collection specific to sickle cell disease. This wasn’t charity. This was infrastructure. This was public health doing what it’s supposed to do—finally recognizing that some communities need more because they’ve historically received less.

“This has led to significant confusion on our part,” Reeves said. “Across all 16 states, we have not received communication from the CDC about what this means in terms of our funding, [and] what this means in terms of our program. We are 18 months into a five-year cooperative agreement, and we have no idea what happens at the end of September of this year.”

The silence from the federal level is deafening. No roadmap. No plan. No explanation. For Reeves and her team, that kind of limbo feels like sabotage. For the Black families depending on this data to shape future care, it feels like abandonment.

This registry is not an academic exercise. It is a tool. It’s how Michigan identifies where access to care is breaking down. It’s how the state tracks who’s getting antibiotics and who isn’t, who has access to gene therapies, and who’s being left behind. It’s the kind of data that shifts outcomes, shapes budgets, and informs legislation.

“One of our biggest goals is to identify areas to increase access to care, and ways that we can help people with sickle-cell disease get the high-quality care that they need and deserve,”

This isn’t just about science. It’s about power. It’s about whether Black health remains a priority after the press conferences end. Whether the state will step up where the federal government steps back. Whether community-driven care will get the support it needs to thrive.

Michigan’s sickle cell community deserves more than spreadsheets sitting in storage. They deserve systems that work, data that drives action, and leaders who won’t flinch when federal support disappears.

This moment calls for a response grounded in truth and fueled by urgency. Reeves and her team have built the structure. They’ve made the case. Now the question becomes: Who is listening?

If the state fails to act and this registry disappears, so does a critical tool for health equity. So does a chance to fix a system that’s been broken longer than many of these patients have been alive. These decisions ripple. They always do. One cut at the CDC has the power to silence entire communities’ stories, erase their data, and stop progress in its tracks.

The story of sickle cell disease in Michigan has always been one of resilience. Black families have advocated, organized, and cared for each other when systems looked the other way. This program has finally given those stories a place to be seen. It gave them structure, legitimacy, and a path forward.

To lose it now—just when the research is hitting its stride— would be more than disappointing. It would be a failure.

And that failure would not be on the people living with sickle cell disease. It would be on every institution that watched the floor fall out and chose not to build a bridge.

There is still time for leadership to show up. For the state to find a way to fund what the federal government will not. For universities, hospitals, health departments, and communities to rally around what this data truly represents.

Because this isn’t just about records, it’s about rights. It’s about ensuring that those who have been historically underserved are not chronically unseen.

The registry may be in limbo, but the lives it represents are not. They are very much here. They are raising children, working jobs, advocating for themselves, and surviving in spite of a system that keeps asking them to prove their worth. Michigan has an opportunity to act. The question is whether it will.

Because communities living with sickle cell disease already know what it’s like to be left out of the conversation. They’re waiting to see who will fight to keep them in it.

The program, which has reached more than a million students since its launch in 2012, requires players like Kyler to log at least 25 games and complete 10 in-depth lessons before even becoming eligible for nomination.

But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Championship participants are also selected based on their academic growth, perseverance, and character, qualities Kyler’s educators say he exemplifies both in and out of the classroom.

For instance, the Director of the STEM Scholars Program at STEM Greenhouse, Jhay Levi-Alford, wears many hats throughout the school year and sees the students through to the finish line but highlights that after-school programming is just as important because education shouldn’t stop at 3:00 p.m.

“We start out with a warm-up. So the warm-up is normally either social, emotional learning, leadership, college exploration, growth mindset, something to improve them just as a person,” Levi-Alford said.

“Then we go into science, which is a hands-on science activity, which could range from anything from Earth science to life science to nutrition.”

Kyler’s journey to the championship began last fall when his school introduced NBA Math Hoops through the Pistons’ regional program, which is the first year. What started as a fun way to boost math skills quickly turned into a passion project. Kyler committed to studying, solving complex equations, and honing his gameplay strategies, skills that are as critical on the Math Hoops board as they are on a basketball court.

Kyler says he’s excited to compete but even more thrilled to meet other students who share his love for learning and basketball and possibly see his favorite NBA player, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

“I hope to see some of the players, take a few pictures, get a few things signed,” Kyler said.

“I really look forward to seeing Curry right now; everybody likes LeBron, but Curry is the guy.”

As Kyler prepares to board a plane for his first-ever trip to New York, his community in Grand Rapids is rallying behind him. Teachers, classmates, and neighbors are sending notes of encouragement, and the local Pistons Math Hoops program is celebrating his achievement as a shining example of how sports and education can intersect to open doors.

“Having an outlet that’s not of violence but that’s educational, and that’s fun, and that’s enriching to not only the students but the parents we work with, the schools we work with. It’s critical to students development,” Levi-Alford said.

“I want to show them that there is more out there than Grand Rapids, Michigan.

With a backpack full of pencils, stats, and Pistons pride, Kyler Jackson is ready to represent Grand Rapids on a global stage and maybe, just maybe, bring home the win.

“I would tell any student interested, even if they aren’t thinking about it, to try your hardest on what you do because you can succeed if you put your mind to it,” Kyler said.

“I’m very grateful for what this program has given me and what it can give me in the future.”

Walking Toward Wellness:

Another

By Amber Ogden STAFF WRITER

As the sun rises over the Detroit River, the city’s beloved Riverwalk becomes more than just a scenic destination; it transforms into a pathway to better health for hundreds of local seniors.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Riverwalkers program is back for the 2025 season, launching on Tuesday, June 10, with Henry Ford Health once again returning as the presenting sponsor. The free, twice-weekly wellness program is designed for adults 50 and older, encouraging participants to embrace movement, community, and self-care against the backdrop of one of America’s most celebrated riverwalks.

Held every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. through August 21, Riverwalkers gathers at Cullen Plaza (1340 Atwater Street), where participants walk at their own pace and take part in an array of fitness and health-focused activities.

Heather Geisler, Henry Ford Health’s executive vice president and chief brand and experience officer, is thrilled to spend another summer along the Detroit Riverfront, supporting the health and well-being of the community.

“We can’t imagine a more beautiful place to walk beside Detroiters on their health journeys,” Geisler said.

Research consistently shows that just 30 minutes of walking a day can lead to significant health benefits, especially for older adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular walking can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 35% and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30%. These numbers are especially impactful for adults over 50, who may be more vulnerable to chronic health conditions. Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that doesn’t require special equipment or a gym membership, making it one of the most accessible and sustainable ways to stay active and healthy.

In addition to improving physical health, walking has proven mental health benefits. Regular walkers often report lower levels of anxiety and depres-

sion, and studies have shown that physical activity like walking can improve overall mood and mental well-being. Walking also enhances balance, coordination, and joint mobility, key factors in preventing falls and maintaining independence as people age.

These benefits make programs like Riverwalkers not just enjoyable social gatherings but vital tools for long-term health. Whether someone is new to exercise or looking to stay active in their later years, walking offers a simple, effective way to improve both body and mind.

For older adults, walking is also linked to lower fall risk, greater independence, and even enhanced cognitive function. A 2019 study published in the journal Neurology found that seniors who walked more regularly experienced slower cognitive decline compared to those who were sedentary.

Tuesdays feature a robust lineup of health education, including talks on stroke prevention, eye health, Medicare, and cancer awareness, led by Henry Ford Health experts. Participants can also access blood pressure screenings, free giveaways, and fitness classes tailored for older adults. Returning partner AARP will host their popular “Best Kept Secrets” presentations and resource tables, offering guidance on aging, caregiving, and financial security.

Thursdays keep the momentum going with an 8 a.m. group walk, followed by a 9 a.m. Hustle Fitness class is led by local instructors who blend movement and music to motivate every step.

First launched in 2008, Riverwalkers has welcomed thousands of participants over the years, many of whom credit the program with helping them build consistency in their wellness routines.

The program is part of the Conservancy’s mission to make the Detroit Riverwalk, named USA Today’s Best Riverwalk in America, a place for all ages and abilities to gather, connect, and thrive.

Renee Rodriguez, program manager at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, highlighted being honored and pleased to partner with Henry Ford Health once again on the Detroit Riverwalkers program.

“This program means a great deal to many people throughout our community and every year it’s very rewarding to see so many returning participants and make so many new friends who are experiencing this program for the first time,” Rodriguez said.

Registration is now open for the 2025 season. Seniors can sign up at https://detroitriverfront. org/2025DetroitRiverwalkers

Courtesy of Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR FOR DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS (MANDATED BY MCL 141.434)

The Board of Education of Detroit Public Schools Community District will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for Detroit Public Schools Community District for the 2025-2026 school year beginning at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Martin Luther King Jr. High School. The meeting will also be available on-line at the information provided below. Copies of the proposed budget will be available for public inspection at the Office of Management and Budget located in the Fisher building, 11th Floor, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025.

The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. Join on your computer or mobile app https://www.detroitk12.org/boardmeeting

Public Notice of Budget Hearing

Pursuant of Michigan Open Meetings Act, Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976, being Sections 15.261 to 15.375 of the Michigan Compiles Laws. of the Board of Directors Of SER YouthBuild Learning Academy 9215 Michigan Avenue Detroit MI 48210 313-945-5200

Date of Meeting: June 9, 2025

Time of Meeting: 5:30 pm

Location: 9215 Michigan Avenue, Detroit MI 48210

Purpose: Budget Hearing

The meeting minutes are available for public inspection at the Academy within 8 business days for proposed minutes and 5 business days for approved

The Academy shall comply with subtitle A of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336, 42 USC 12101 et seq. or any successor law. Should you require specific accommodation(s) please contact Rocio Campos at (313) 945-5200 prior to the meeting.

Bathrooms are among the most common spaces for home renovations, whether you’re updating outdated fixtures and decor or reim aging features to better suit your lifestyle. In a world where every dollar matters, transforming your bathroom into a personal haven that blends your style with functional purpose makes it a smart investment you’ll appreciate long after the renovation is complete. For a renovation that not only represents a worthwhile investment for today and tomorrow but also delivers emotional ROI, consider these ideas from the experts at Bath Fitter, a leader in stressfree custom bath and shower remodels.

Quality

Of all the rooms in the house, the bathroom may be where quality materials and workmanship matter most. Because it’s a confined space that sees a great deal of moisture and humidity, it’s essential that you use quality materials that stand up to the task and enlist professionals who know how to incorporate effective measures to prevent mold, mildew and other water-related damage.

Paying attention to quality throughout your renovation is also likely to bring you greater functional benefits, as well as increased home value and an overall more pleasing result.

Durability

Especially if you’re planning to be in your home well into the future, it’s a good idea to plan for durable features that can stand the test of time. Be sure to select premium materials and consider their durability and maintenance requirements. Some of the latest design options offered by Bath Fitter deliver the perfect blend of beauty and functionality, ensuring long-lasting durability. For example, the Lucca wall, a sophisticated textured and seamless Chevron tile pattern, offers the ideal combination of modern design and classic charm.

Another design-forward selection is the Sorrento wall, a large-scale 12-by24 grout-free tile pattern featuring a textured design and a durable, easy-toclean surface. Unlike tiles and grout, these walls combine on-trend beauty and innovative materials so homeowners can enjoy their bathrooms rather than stress about maintenance. Perfect for minimalist designs and traditional bathrooms alike, Ovation is a

Boggs School BUDGET HEARING

The Boggs School’s budget hearing will take place Wed. 6/18/25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Boggs School, 7600 Goethe St., Detroit, MI 48214.

The draft budget will be available for public inspection at the school on Mon. 6/16.

The Boggs School’s authorizer is Eastern Michigan University, and its ESP is AxiosHR.

Notice of Public Hearing

Barack Obama Leadership Academy will hold a Public Hearing to discuss the proposed 2025 – 2026 Budget on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at 10800 E. Canfield Detroit, MI 48214. A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the above address.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP Control No. 25-4134 for Security for Royal Oak Transit Center (ROTC). RFP forms will be available beginning June 5, 2025, from  http://www.mitn.info.  Proposals are due by 3:00 PM ET, June 26, 2025.

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQ Control No. 25-4230 for Hydraulic Tool Repair. RFQ forms were available beginning June 2, 2025, from http://www.mitn.info. Bids are due by 3:00 PM ET, June 18, 2025.

American Axle & Manufacturing has openings for Lead Embedded Software Engineers at its ADTC facility in Detroit, Michigan. Job duties include:

1. Delegation/oversight of software design and development work to junior engineers.

2. Implementation and testing of embedded C coded software according to ASPICE/ISO 26262 / ISO 14229 / CAN communication protocol.

3. Design, implementation, and configuration of software architecture according to AUTOSAR BSW, MCAL, ASW and CDD using Vector or Etas Tools.

4. Testing of integrated software utilizing tools such as canoe, canape, etc.

5. Lead software issue debugging and resolution.

6. Participate in technical discussion with customers.

7. Perform requirement analysis, design, and test of automotive software.

Position requires: Bachelor’s degree in Electronic, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, or foreign equivalent education, and 5 years post baccalaureate’s progressive experience working in the automotive embedded software field in the position of Embedded Software Engineer, Engineer, Senior Engineer, Specialist or other embedded software engineering positions. 5 years of experience is required in each of the following:

1. Implementing ASPICE based embedded software in embedded C code.

2. Performing requirement analysis, design, and test of automotive software.

3. Testing software using Canoe.

4. Software issue debugging and resolution

5. Implementation, and configuration of AUTOSAR BSW, MCAL, ASW and CDD using Vector or Etas Tools.

6. Implementation and testing of embedded software according to ISO 14229 (UDS) and CAN communication protocol.

7. Interfacing with the customer on technical topics.

Experience may be obtained concurrently. Applicants should apply online at aam.com and reference JobReq-216508.

and grab bars, can add a sense of warmth to your space.

Aging in Place

The wet and slippery surfaces in bathrooms can lead to injuries. While the risk can affect anyone at any age, bathroom safety is especially important for older adults with reduced mobility. Planning ahead for your retirement years, or considering the needs of a future buyer, can help create a safe environment and reduce the risk of serious injuries. Some potential problems can be fixed with simple adjustments like rearranging the shelving, installing grab bars, adding seating or increasing lighting levels. In addition, a bathtub’s edge can be hard to navigate, but walk-in showers have a narrower edge, or can even be edge-less, making it easy for wheelchairs to roll in and out the shower.

Ease of Installation

Another important consideration is how the installation process will be carried out in your home. Installing a beautiful tub or shower doesn’t have to be complicated. A custom solution designed to fit your space and requirements may be more attainable than you expect. For example, with an option like Bath Fitter, you can have a premium-quality tub installed right over your existing one so there’s no demolition or mess involved in the remodel whatsoever. It’s the perfect blend of beauty and functionality without the stress and disruption of a traditional bath or shower remodel.

Because a local expert is with you every step of the way – from dreaming up the concept and selecting finishes to measuring, manufacturing and installation – there are no surprises. The result is a tub or shower with a seamless, grout-free watertight wall system that’s easy to keep looking great for years to come. All backed by a transferable lifetime warranty to provide peace of mind.

“As a renovator, I’ve seen firsthand how a bath or shower upgrade can completely

transform not just a space but the way people feel about their homes,” said Scott McGillivray, HGTV star and home renovation expert. “That’s why Bath Fitter has been my go-to. Their installers provide high-quality workmanship while homeowners are left with the consistency, reliability and durability of beautiful products with lifetime warranties.”

Safety

A well-placed grab bar can mean the differ ence between a confident step and a dangerous slip in the bathroom for those aging in place, young children and everyone in between. Knowing where to place grab bars in the shower and around the tub creates a safer, more accessible space for everyone. Proper placement reduces the risk of falls and can bring added peace of mind and confidence to you and your family. Professionals can guide you through selecting the best grab bars for your bathroom by considering the layout, your needs and design preferences, as well as ensuring your grab bars are installed at the correct height and securely anchored for maximum safety and convenience.

Discover more inspiration and design ideas to boost the long-term value and enjoyment of your bathroom renovation at bathfitter.com.

RECESS25

Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit

Presented by:

Driving Health & Wealth Through the Clean Energy Transition

The clean energy revolution is offering careers, business growth, and ownership opportunities. RECESS25 is your gateway to breaking barriers and accessing the resources, partnerships, and education needed to thrive in this evolving industry.

Join us in shaping an inclusive clean energy future where diverse voices lead. Participating in RECESS25 means that you are part of the movement to champion innovation, and opportunity for everyone.

Empower All Communities; facilitate access to the clean energy sector

Champion Environmental Justice; support advocates, students and small businesses

Boost Brand Visibility; increase your presence in clean energy and climate action

Showcase Your Commitment; demonstrate environmental and social governance (ESG)