ward. The administration has not delivered relief—it’s delivered regression.
The storm is showing up on Michigan campuses, too. At the University of Michigan, over 300 people marched last week to demand the reinstatement of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The university’s decision to dismantle DEI 2.0, shutter the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and cut the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion sparked immediate outrage. Protesters wore navy shirts that read “#WeAreDEI,” and carried signs that called out the institution’s abandonment of its stated values.
Robert Sellers, UM’s first diversity officer and a professor of psychology and education, minced no words. “I want to make sure that we understand that not only have we violated our values as an institution, perhaps even worse, is we’ve simply given up common decency.” He called the move a publicity stunt and criticized the administration’s lack of engagement with both the community and experts.
Statements from protest leaders were delivered to University President Santa Ono’s residence and the Ruthven Building. Faculty Senate passed four resolutions on April 17, calling for the reinstatement of DEI programs and rehiring of terminated staff. One resolution also urged the university to work with other Big
Ten schools to form a defense pact around academic freedom and institutional integrity.
Public Affairs Director Kay Jarvis confirmed the university is working with national groups like the Association of American Universities and the Big Ten Academic Alliance. She claimed the effort was meant to advocate for higher education broadly, though protesters said those words fell flat without visible action on campus.
During the protest, Black Student Union member Nicholas Love gave voice to what many felt. “Over time, I learned the difference between words and action, between mission statements and moral courage, between listening and truly understanding.” He called the dismantling of DEI “a betrayal.”
UM has yet to release the number of jobs cut as a result of the decision. Organizers say that doesn’t erase accountability. They’re not backing down. “Keep going, keep building and keep showing up,” Love urged. “We’re the ones we’ve been waiting on. We are the movement, and we’re just getting started.”
This moment in Michigan is about more than politics—it’s about people. When education, food access, healthcare, and economic stability are stripped, communities suffer. When institutions walk back their commitments to equity, they signal who they’re
Donavan McKinney
From page A-1
He helped secure more than $10 million for community violence intervention programs, building Michigan’s first statewide CVI network. He brought millions to rec centers and public schools and pushed $600 million toward replacing lead pipes poisoning Detroit’s children. His record is proof that leadership grounded in community experience can move mountains.
As McKinney’s campaign takes root, he’s already backed by a wave of local leaders and grassroots organizations who see the stakes of this election with clear eyes. His endorsements span the district’s diverse tapestry — from State Senators Darrin Camilleri, Stephanie Chang, Veronica Klinefelt, and Paul Wojno to Detroit Caucus Chair State Representative Stephanie Young, and a host of State Representatives including Erin Byrnes, Kimberly Edwards, Alabas Farhat, Peter Herzberg, Tullio Liberati, Tonya Myers-Phillips, and Veronica Paiz. Former Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash and former Representative Alberta Tinsley-Talabi have also joined the coalition, standing alongside Wayne County Commissioners Alex Garza and Allen Wilson, Wyandotte Mayor Pro Tempore Kelly Stec, Allen Park Councilman Gary Schlack, Wayne-Westland School Board Member Melandie Hines, and Pastor Sterling H. Brewer.
what
“Overturning
willing to leave behind. The polling, the protests, the policy cuts—they’re all connected.
The cultural heartbeat of Michigan’s Black communities cannot be separated from their political reality. Trump’s first 100 days have made clear that his priorities lie far from the survival and success of Black Michiganders. From stripped benefits to abandoned students, this administration has targeted the most vulnerable while rewarding the most powerful.
And yet, communities are not silent. From the streets of Ann Arbor to the steps of city halls across this state, resistance is building.
Ken Martin, DNC Chair, laid it out: “Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office have been a complete disaster for Michiganders. There’s a reason his approval rating continues to drop to record lows. Staring down the threat of a Trump recession, Michiganders are seeing costs rise, jobs dry up, Michigan projects shuttered, and hard-earned benefits and critical programs under attack. Across the board, Trump’s first 100 days in office have been devastating for Michigan. Democrats are organizing and fighting back, building power in Michigan community by community, block by block.”
This is the story of what happens when power is weaponized against the people who cannot afford to lose. It’s a reminder that every policy has a face, and too often that face looks like ours.
member of the U.S. House of Representatives in taxpayer-funded self-promotion, reimbursing himself nearly half a million dollars from House accounts while spending more than half his Congressional expenses on ads and printing. Most House members spend about 5% on these services.
Thanedar spent 50%.
That spending spree is not just about flashy marketing. It reflects a deeper failure in constituent services, where real issues faced by Detroiters have been replaced by billboards and photo shoots. Thanedar’s funding sources add another layer of concern. His campaign has taken contributions from corporate PACs tied to Big Pharma, defense contractors, and utility giants like DTE Energy — companies that profit while Detroit families pay soaring energy bills and face crumbling infrastructure.
McKinney does not mince words about the stakes. He frames Thanedar’s brand of politics as part of the larger TrumpMusk administration agenda that prioritizes billionaires over working families. In a district where environmental racism chokes communities and affordable housing remains a broken promise, the call for urgent, authentic leadership cuts deeper than ever.
shackled with the chronic health issues that scarred so many lives before them. He pledges to prioritize public education that works for every child, not just those in wealthy zip codes. He is committed to revitalizing public transit to reconnect isolated communities and to strengthening the rights of unions and workers who built this city from the ground up.
At his core, McKinney’s campaign is about lifting the voices that have too often been drowned out by money, influence, and political theater. His push to ban monopoly utilities and government contractors from making political donations speaks to a larger vision of government: one that serves people, not profit.
Tonight, McKinney’s supporters will gather at SAY Detroit Play at Lipke Community Center to celebrate the campaign launch. Friends, neighbors, activists, and elders who have fought too long and too hard for dignity in this city will be there, not as props, but as partners in a movement that demands better — not someday, but now.
So, as Trump’s administration marks 100 days of devastation, Michigan’s Black communities are taking notes, taking names, and taking action. Because survival is not passive, it is strategic. It is loud. It is a necessity – as it has always been for us.
And it will not be ignored.
Judge Noah Hood
and accountability, setting the foundation for his later judicial appointments.
In 2019, Governor Whitmer appointed Hood to the Third Circuit Court in Wayne County, where he presided over a broad range of civil and criminal cases. His reputation for thoughtfulness, integrity, and strong judicial temperament led to another appointment in 2022 to the Michigan Court of Appeals, First District.
Throughout his career, Hood maintained close ties to Detroit’s legal community. A longtime member of the Detroit Bar Association since 2011 and now a fellow of the association, he also serves on critical committees within the Michigan Court of Appeals, including the Rules Committee, Education Committee, and AI Working Group. His involvement in the Wolverine Bar Association and the Association of Black Judges of Michigan further underscores a professional journey grounded not just in personal achievement but in collective responsibility to uplift the profession and the communities it serves.
Governor Whitmer, reflecting on Hood’s path, said, “I am honored to appoint Judge Hood to the Michigan Supreme Court. He has served the people of Michigan on the bench since 2019, when I was honored to appoint him first to the Circuit Court and later, to the Court of Appeals. A proud Detroiter, graduate of Harvard Law, and active member of the legal community with both trial and appellate court experience, he will bring important perspectives to the highest court in our state. I want to thank him for his many years of public service and look forward to many more on the Supreme Court.”
In this historic moment, Detroit’s presence on the state’s highest court is stronger than ever. Judge Noah Hood joins Justice Kyra Harris Bolden—the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court
and another proud daughter of Detroit— creating a profound synergy. Two Black voices from Detroit, both deeply rooted in the city’s legacy, now sit where precedent is shaped and where futures are decided. It is not just symbolism; it is substance. It means that young Black Detroiters can look at Michigan’s highest court and see leadership that mirrors their potential. It means decisions impacting every corner of the state are informed by perspectives grounded in experience, resilience, and a deep understanding of the communities often left unheard.
Judge Hood’s commitment to even-handed justice echoes the spirit of Detroit—fierce, fair, and unshakable. His background, built from federal courtrooms to appellate arguments, reflects an understanding that law must work for the people it governs, not against them.
For Black Michiganders, this moment stands tall. It represents decades of work, advocacy, and breaking barriers so that leaders like Hood and Bolden could step fully into spaces once denied to those who looked like them. It reinforces that excellence from Detroit is not a rarity—it is a norm.
Judge Hood’s story reminds communities across Michigan that representation cannot stop at the voting booth or the council chamber. It must reach the courtrooms, the judicial opinions, and the final decisions that shape everyday lives. It must sit at the tables where the law is interpreted and made real.
As Judge Hood takes his seat on the Supreme Court, Michigan’s future looks stronger and more reflective of its true self. Leadership grounded in experience. Justice informed by humanity. Power shared with the people.
Detroit’s spirit now speaks with even greater authority across Michigan’s judicial landscape. And as history turns another page, the message is clear: when Detroit rises, Michigan rises.
Justice Democrats, the national movement that helped bring Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib to Congress, has also placed their weight behind McKinney. That endorsement signals more than national support. It signals a hunger for authentic, working-class leadership at a time when voters across the country are rejecting corporate politicians and demanding real representation. The contrast with the incumbent is stark. Shri Thanedar, a self-funded multimillionaire who once tried to buy Michigan’s governorship, has poured over million of his own fortune into his political ambitions since 2021. Last year, Thanedar topped every
McKinney’s platform builds directly from the community’s needs. He is calling for economic security measures that break the back of predatory corporations exploiting Detroiters through high utility bills and unaffordable insurance. He is fighting for clean air and water so that today’s children are not
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.
McKinney’s candidacy represents something deeper than just another name on a ballot. It is the fight for real representation in a district whose legacy is too powerful to be bought and sold. As this race unfolds, the question facing the 13th District is not whether it will be heard. The question is who will fight to carry its voice to Washington with the urgency, authenticity, and love it deserves.
Because Detroit has always been more than a city, it is a declaration. And come Election Day, the 13th District’s declaration will be heard loud and clear.
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Roots.
A3 | May 7-13, 2025
Yusef Bunchy Shakur Named First Black Executive Director of Michigan Roundtable
By Ebony JJ Curry
SENIOR REPORTER
The same neighborhood that once branded Yusef Bunchy Shakur a menace is now the place that calls him “doctor.” Because a community watched a man rebuild what disinvestment tried to erase.
From the streets of Zone 8 to the seat of executive leadership, Dr. Shakur’s journey defies every statistic meant to define Black boys from Detroit. The Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities—founded during a time when folks wouldn’t even sit across a table with someone who didn’t worship like them—has named him its new executive director. For the first time in its 84-year history, a Black man leads the institution. A man who was once incarcerated now holds the vision. This is a reflection of the reality that lived experience is expertise.
Shakur steps into this role following the retirement of longtime leader Steve Spreitzer, who first joined the organization in 2008. Their transition didn’t happen in isolation or ceremony. They co-led the Roundtable for a year, walking together through that baton pass.
“Yusef has had a profound impact on the Roundtable over the past 10 years, especially in shaping our future course,” Spreitzer shared. “The Roundtable is in very good hands with him at the helm, and he is surrounded by talented and dedicated staff who will help him lead the organization forward.”
That confidence wasn’t built on a resume alone. It was earned, decade by decade, through action rooted in Detroit’s trenches—not conference rooms.
Shakur was raised in Zone 8, a Detroit neighborhood marked by decades of structural disinvestment. By the age of 15, he had co-founded a gang. At 19, his life shifted behind prison walls—where he met his father for the first time. That moment, not marked by privilege or pretense, became a turning point. It didn’t end in bitterness. It began with accountability.
After release, he returned not to flee the pain but to confront it head-on. He planted seeds where there had once been hopelessness. That began with a backpack giveaway program in 2001—years before philanthropy buzzwords caught up to what he was already doing. The giveaway lives on, now in collaboration with the Roundtable. That’s what real impact looks like. It lasts longer than a press release.
Beyond that, Shakur is the co-director of Redemption Road, a documentary that isn’t about perfection but it is about process. His life is documented not as a performance, but as a real-time reckoning. The documentary gained international recognition, but its heartbeat stays right here in Detroit, grounded in the enduring power of Black maternal love.
That same love pulses through the Mama Akua Community House, named after his late mother. Once abandoned, that house now serves as the grassroots home for the Roundtable’s Detroit-based neighborhood work. Located on Ferry Park Street, it sits on the same block where
See MICHIGAN ROUNDTABLE Page A-4
Detroit Ranked Among Cleanest Cities, But Pollution Still Chokes the Air
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
Children still cough on their way to school. Seniors check the weather—not for rain, but for asthma alerts. The headlines may say Detroit is one of the cleanest cities in the country, but that’s not what many folks on the east and southwest sides feel when they step outside.
A new national study from Oxi Fresh, a cleaning company that analyzed 35 U.S. metro areas using federal public data, ranked Detroit as the fourth cleanest metro in the country. The study looked at seven different measures—population density, rodent and cockroach prevalence, vandalism, litter, air quality, and tap water quality. Each city received a grade from A to F. Detroit came in strong with a B+ overall.
It’s a recognition that may sound surprising, even disconnected, for those who live where smoke stacks mark the skyline and environmental neglect is inherited like redlined deeds. But the findings offer a complex picture of where Detroit stands—and where it’s still falling short.
Detroit beat out major metros like San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta, and Dallas. Only Portland, Seattle, and Rochester ranked higher. At the bottom of the list were New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Houston, and Washington, D.C.
The national ranking suggests that efforts by the city government to revitalize sanitation services and launch community-centered campaigns are showing up in the data. Initiatives like the “Keep Detroit Clean” program focus on neighborhood beautification and blight removal. The city’s ongoing investments into solid waste collection have improved citywide sanitation access, especially in communities that long felt forgotten. These changes are real. They’re visible. But they don’t tell the whole story.
One data point pulled Detroit back down to earth—air quality. Of all 35
metros analyzed, Detroit’s air quality ranked 11th worst. For many residents, that stat speaks louder than a B+.
Communities in ZIP codes like 48217, long documented as one of the most polluted in Michigan, are still battling environmental injustice every day. Many Black and Brown residents live near industrial corridors where factories release harmful emissions without nearby green buffers. The city’s asthma rates remain among the highest in the country. Children grow up with inhalers before they even learn how to ride bikes.
So, while the city may be receiving praise for its cleaner streets and improved water quality, Detroiters living with compromised lungs aren’t clapping just yet.
There is no denying that progress has been made. The city’s improved water quality stood out in the study as one of its strongest attributes. For a city in a state still scarred by the Flint water crisis, this matters. It’s a testament to community advocacy and increased infrastructure investment. But even there, vigilance remains necessary. Many Detroit residents remain skeptical after years of mistrust in public utilities and slow responses to concerns. Programs like “Keep Detroit Clean” are doing the hard work in real-time. You can see the difference when community members gather for block cleanups or when overgrown lots finally get the attention they deserve. These efforts matter. They help restore pride in places where systemic neglect tried to erase it. But you can’t plant flowers fast enough to mask a layer of smog, and you can’t sweep away the invisible particles that settle into lungs over time.
Detroit’s low population density may also have contributed to the high cleanliness ranking. With more space between homes and fewer high-rise buildings than in cities like New York or Los Angeles, litter and rodent visibility may be easier to manage. However, density alone
doesn’t address inequity in how resources are distributed. Certain areas benefit faster from cleanup programs, while others wait, report, and wait again.
Environmental racism doesn’t show up in national rankings. It shows up in ER visits. It shows up in missed school days. It shows up in neighborhoods surrounded by factories, where greenery is rare, and grocery stores even rarer.
The contradiction of Detroit being both a top-ranked clean city and a place with some of the dirtiest air isn’t new. Black Detroiters are used to being the footnote behind the headlines. It’s why community leaders have always done the work that systems ignored—organizing recycling events, fighting for zoning accountability, and testifying for environmental protection policies.
This moment offers an opportunity. It’s a chance to redefine what “clean” means—not just on the ground, but in the air, in the infrastructure, in the way we prioritize health outcomes for communities most affected. The report should not be taken as a gold star, but as a pivot point to ask deeper questions.
How are air quality metrics influencing the city’s public health strategy? Are asthma prevention resources being distributed equitably across ZIP codes? Are factory emissions being measured and mitigated in real-time, especially near residential neighborhoods?
The answers to these questions matter more than a national ranking.
Detroit’s strength in this report came not from perfection but from movement. From city workers collecting trash on time. From neighborhood associations doing monthly cleanups. From young organizers pushing environmental justice into city hall conversations. That’s the real data.
It’s also important to note who Detroit ranked ahead of. Cities with more wealth, more resources, and more cor-
See CLEANEST CITIES Page A-4
Where Are They Now: Detroit Basketball Standout Marcus Stout
By Darryl Jacobs
WRITER
CONTRIBUTING
Before Marcus Stout made his mark at Fordham University, he was already a proven winner at Detroit Renaissance High School, one of Michigan’s premier basketball programs. A dynamic and poised point guard, Stout played a pivotal role in leading the Phoenix to an unforgettable 2003–04 season.
That year, Renaissance stormed through its schedule, posting a perfect 27-0 record and capturing the Michigan Class B State Championship — the first in school history. Their dominance earned national recognition, finishing the year ranked No. 3 in the country by USA Today. Stout’s steady leadership and clutch performances were instrumental throughout the season, none bigger than his ten-point contribution in the state championship game against DeWitt, helping secure the historic title.
Stout’s senior campaign showcased his abilities, averaging 14.0 points and 6.0 assists per game. His talents were recognized locally and nationally, with Insiders.com ranking him the No. 4 point guard and No. 16 overall player in Michigan’s 2004 class. He was named First Team All-State for Class B by MichiganPreps.com and Third Team All-State by the Detroit News. Beyond the court, Stout’s academic and leadership achievements earned him a spot in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, a testament to the magnitude of his achievements.
Stout’s basketball IQ, quick first step, court vision, and unselfish style of play made him the heart of a Renaissance team that defined excellence in Michigan high school basketball. His leadership, toughness, and talent were instrumental in shaping the team’s success and his journey from high school to the collegiate level and beyond.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with this Detroit legend to discuss his incredible career journey—from his unforgettable high school days to his college and
professional (overseas and summer league stint with the Pistons) experiences—and catch up on what he’s doing today. Talk about some of your biggest influences growing up: My biggest influences growing up was my parents. They gave me a great foundation and exposed me to many different things in life.
Where were you born and raised? I was born and raised in Southfield, Michigan.
When did the love for basketball begin? My love for basketball began when I went to my first camp. I was 6 years old. It was the Chuck Daly basketball camp. .Let’s rewind to your high school days—in 2003-04, your senior year,
Yusef Bunchy Shakur
Cleanest Cities
porate investment didn’t rank as high. That says something. It points to grit and the refusal of Detroiters to accept blight as normal, pollution as inevitable, or divestment as permanent.
But this study should not be misunderstood as a declaration of victory. A B+ grade won’t fix the lung damage. It won’t uncloud the air. It won’t prevent another generation of Black children from learning early what it feels like to be short of breath. That kind of healing takes more than a cleanup crew. It takes policy, accountability, and sustained investment in neighborhoods that have been overlooked for far too long.
Detroit is a city of survivors, builders, and truth-tellers. The study confirms what many already knew—there is beauty and strength in this city that refuses to be buried beneath the narrative of decay. However, the fight for environmental justice is not over, and no national list can substitute for lived experience.
We can accept the recognition without ignoring the reality. We can take this ranking as affirmation that Detroit is rising—so long as we use it to press harder for what still needs to change.
Because clean water and swept streets should never come at the cost of clean air, and true cleanliness is not about how things look but about how they feel, how they breathe, and who gets to thrive.
schools recruited you?
Marcus Stout
Joe Carr, Marcus Bennet, and Lloyd Cowles. There were many great players during that time— too many to single out a few.
As a point guard back then, how did growing up in Detroit develop your leadership skills heading into the collegiate ranks?
It’s tough to win in the Detroit PSL. Competing against talented and tough players on championship stages prepared me to be comfortable in any environment, perform at a high level, and be an example for my teammates.
You decided to attend Fordham University (Atlantic 10 Conference) in the “Boogie Down” Bronx, NY. Why did you decide to go to Fordham, and what other
Michigan Roundtable
Shakur once walked as a gang member. Now, those same steps lead the community toward restoration.
His academic journey doesn’t follow a traditional script either. Shakur earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan in 2019. He completed his Ph.D. in Public Policy & Social Change at Union Institute & University in 2024. That degree didn’t dilute his edge. It sharpened his lens.
“I bring my lived experience to this role – not as a barrier, but as a bridge between pain, hope, and possibility,” he said.
The Michigan Roundtable’s mission aligns with that ethos. The organization exists to cultivate what it calls a just and beloved society. One that does more than acknowledge inequity—it confronts it. The focus? Eradicating racism, discrimination, and systemic barriers through relationship-building and collaborative transformation.
The work is strategic but also deeply spiritual. It centers people from the global majority—those who’ve historically been marginalized, yet continue to build, resist, and reimagine.
Shakur doesn’t shy away from the complexity of this moment. As federal DEI efforts are scaled back and political landscapes shift, his leadership calls for a deeper excavation of justice. Not diversity optics. Liberation practices.
“What’s coming out of the White House is challenging us to look at ourselves,” Shakur said. “Our work is beyond DEI. This is about racial and social justice –about building beloved communities rooted in equity, dignity and humanity.”
That framing refuses to shrink under policy rollback or culture war distractions. It widens the aperture. It shifts the frame from survival to sovereignty.
And while his appointment signals historical firsts, Shakur is clear—his leadership style won’t be performative.
“As Steve passes me the torch, the fire of my leadership is lit by his – born out of his commitment, sacrifice,
Fordham was the best of both worlds: academics and the opportunity to earn a role on the team as a freshman and build something special similar to what I was a part of in high school. It was also a chance for me to step into a bigger role and challenge myself to see what I could do with nightly expectations to produce at a high level. I also lived in New York.
You had a significant impact at Fordham right out of the gate— All-Rookie team, double-digit scoring as a freshman. What helped you adjust so quickly to the college level?
My youth coaches and basketball environments I was exposed too. I had great teachers of the game, such as David Harris & Durand Walker. My high school produced D1 talent every year. Competing
against them daily and the older guys passing on knowledge helped me be prepared when I got to campus.
At Fordham, you were a model of consistency for your whole career. You never missed a game and were a steady contributor in every statistical category: points, assists, steals, and 3s. Was that versatility something you prided yourself on?
Yes. My dad always made sure I knew how to play the game the right way and be a well-rounded, winning basketball player. Affecting winning was the most important thing, and being willing to do whatever it took to help the team win was very important.
By the time you left Fordham, you were one of the scorers and the top three-point shooters in Fordham history. What does it
and deep love for this organization,” he said. “Leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s about accountability, listening and selflessness. That’s what Steve modeled for me – and what I intend to carry forward.”
His words honor legacy while naming the cost of true leadership. Not just passion. Persistence. Not just visibility. Vision.
That vision now unfolds from the very neighborhood that tried to swallow him. Mama Akua Community House stands as both a monument and a movement. It’s where children gather backpacks and dreams. Where neighbors aren’t treated as projects—they’re respected as people. The Michigan Roundtable itself has roots that stretch back to 1941. Originally established as the Detroit Council of Catholics, Jews, and Protestants, it emerged during a time when religious and racial tensions threatened to splinter communities across the country. As a local chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews for the Advancement of Justice, Amity, and Peace, the organization was built to challenge hate with dialogue.
That mission evolved over decades to reflect a broader understanding of equity and justice. Today, the Roundtable centers race and systemic oppression as part of its core strategy. It builds capacity with individuals, institutions, and neighborhoods—not to assimilate—but to transform.
That’s why Shakur’s appointment marks more than a milestone. It signals a recalibration. One that says healing and justice must start with those closest to the wounds. One that trusts the leadership of someone who has walked through the fire and brought back light.
There’s no script for what comes next. But there is a framework. And that framework lives in Mama Akua’s kitchen. It breathes through backpack drives and community meetings. It echoes through the documentary screen and the graduate thesis.
Detroit knows reinvention. It knows what it means to be misrepresented and underestimated. It knows what it means to rebuild from ashes and still carry rhythm in its bones. Shakur’s story is Detroit’s story—a mirror and a map.
And in this moment, that alignment feels less like an announcement—and more like an arrival.
mean to leave behind that kind of legacy?
It’s a real blessing, mostly because those experiences help me to be a better coach for my players today and help them through certain situations on the court.
After college, you had a brief stint with Pistons in the NBA summer league and then went on to play professionally overseas.
Where did you play, and what was that transition from NCAA Division I basketball to the international game?
I played in Austria and England.
The transition was a good one.
With no class and only basketball, my development was great, and I became a better player very quickly.
When you look back at your entire career—from high school to Fordham to pro ball, what are
you most proud of?
I’m most proud that I fulfilled what my parents said was most important. I wanted to leave each situation better than I found it. What have you been doing since hanging up the sneakers? Are you still connected to the game today?
My playing career was cut short due to injury. I transitioned into building a business training basketball players, which led me to today, where I’m the Associate Head Coach for the Motor City Cruise/(G-League Team/Detroit Pistons). Training players led me to be involved in the community by using sports as a vehicle to expose and educate the youth on relevant topics in and out of sports. I love basketball and helping people accomplish their dreams. I’m blessed to live that reality daily.
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Hospice of Michigan’s signature fundraiser
performances, sizzling barbecues, and
By Amber Ogden STAFF WRITER
A smoky haze, the rhythm of Detroit blues, and the spirit of community filled Saint Andrew’s Hall on Friday evening as Hospice of Michigan’s Barley, BBQ & Beats made its much-anticipated return to the city. The April 25 event marked the final stop of the annual fundraiser, drawing hundreds of guests in support of the organization’s Open Access Program, which guarantees compassionate end-of-life care to anyone in need, regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial situation.
Guests arrived to the scent of slowsmoked meats and the sound of live music reverberating through the historic venue. This year’s headliners included none other than Detroit’s Queen of the Blues, Thornetta Davis, whose commanding vocals electrified the crowd, and Al Bettis, whose smooth, soulful storytelling captivated hearts as much as ears.
An Overdose of Hate, Not an Overdose of Fentanyl: The True Cause in the Death Of George Floyd
By Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony
As we approach the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, May 25, 2020, we must not fall victim of any attempt to rewrite history. Once again State Representative Josh Schriver (R-Oxford, Mich.), has overdosed in epic proportions on misinformation.
In a recent post on X, Schriver stated that George Floyd’s death was caused by an overdose of fentanyl and Officer Derek Chauvin was wrongly jailed. In reading the full 20-page autopsy report, released by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, June 30, 2020, it clearly states Mr. Floyd died from “cardiopulmonary arrest from law enforcement subdual restraint and neck compression,” not an overdose of fentanyl.
Schriver and the other conspiracy theorists cherry picked one page from the 20-page report stating that Floyd had traces of fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system. For those who do not remember that tragic day in May, Officer Derek Chauvin was captured on video placing his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes during that fatal arrest. Expert witnesses called by prosecutors during the trial concluded that Floyd did not die of an overdose or drug use. They reported that any underlying medical problems and drug use revealed in the autopsy report do not change the conclusion that Floyd’s death was a homicide.
the traumatic torch bearing gathering in Charlottesville where the marchers cried out, “You will not replace us.”
State Representative Noah Arbit (DWest Bloomfield) said at the time, “It was the same dangerous, hate-filled rhetoric that caused the terrorists on Jews in Pittsburgh/Poway, Black people in Buffalo, and Muslims in Christchurch.”
Former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate posted a statement indicating, “Schriver’s words were blatantly racist. Perhaps most disturbing is that his post uplifts a dangerous and tortured narrative that fosters violence and instability. His callus and reckless act is not within the spirit of what Michigan is and contributes to a hostile environment.”
During this racist diatribe of Representative Schriver, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “The abhorrent rhetoric pushed by a member of the Michigan House of Representatives goes against our state and national values. We have a moral obligation to speak out against hatred. It is a failure of leadership for this kind of action to take place unchecked by the leaders of Representative Schriver’s caucus and the longer there is no action taken, the more responsibility leadership bears. We will never let those who stoke racial fears divide us.”
The event lived up to its name with tokens for attendees to sample a trio of craft cocktails or mocktails and barbecue creations from Detroit’s best pit masters and restaurants. Alternative menu options ensured all guests, including those with dietary restrictions, were welcomed with a full plate and glass.
Beyond the food and music, the evening offered moments of reflection and connection. The Memorial Wall gave attendees a chance to honor the memory of loved ones by sharing names and photos, creating a moving visual tribute to lives cherished and remembered.
A favorite among guests were the lawn games, towering timbers and giant four-ina-row—that added a playful atmosphere to an event grounded in purpose. Throughout the night, donors were reminded that every dollar counted double, thanks to the “Make it a Double” matching gift from The Steve & Amy Van Andel Foundation. Contributions of $50 or more were met with a commemorative 2025 Barley, BBQ & Beats t-shirt, a wearable reminder of the impact of generosity.
Pat Adanti-Joy talked about the services Hospice of Michigan provides and why this event is important.
“We provide care all throughout the state,” Adanti-Joy said.
“This is one of five events around the state, two here in the spring and three in the fall. And what the money goes for this eve-
ning is Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Program. And what that means is that anybody who seeks care and receives care from Hospice of Michigan, we are not for profit, and so regardless of your age, your income or your specific diagnosis, we care for everybody.”
Executive leaders, including Krista Newman, vice president and COO, and Marcie Hillary, EVP and chief experience officer, mingled with attendees and expressed gratitude for the community’s enduring support.
Tickets sold in advance and at the door helped set the tone for what organizers hope will be a record-breaking fundraising season. With the blend of mission and music, Barley, BBQ & Beats once again proved to be more than a party; it was a celebration of life, legacy, and love.
Additionally, Barley, BBQ & Beats isn’t just a Detroit tradition; this impactful event continues across Michigan with four more stops scheduled throughout the year. The festivities will head to Grand Rapids on May 17, followed by Ann Arbor on September 11, Alpena on September 19, and concluding in Traverse City on October 3, giving communities across the state a chance to support Hospice of Michigan’s mission through music, food, and heartfelt connection.
For more information and to donate, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2025barleybbqbeats/
This is not the first blog of misinformation and intentional distortion to rewrite history by Representative Schriver. This is the same Schriver, a graduate of Michigan State University and a former teacher, who wrote to his own constituents on June 17, 2023, “Our founding fathers had a very different vision of what government is supposed to look like. Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln, Ben Franklin and other architects of the U.S. Constitution supported a government with checks and balances.”
We are calling a check on this rhetorical nonsense. Mr. Schriver is attempting to imbalance and distort history. In case he has forgotten, the U.S. Constitution was written in 1787. Abe Lincoln would not be born for another 22 years in 1809. For Lincoln to write the Constitution, it would really create an imbalance in our historical database. This is the same State Legislator who talked about his Christian beliefs yet at the same time wallows in the Great Replacement Theory.
This theory, linked to white supremacists, believes that Black and brown people are replacing white Americans and Europeans in our population. It is being done through immigration or interracial relations. This theory is similar to ideologies in Nazi, Germany, and was also espoused in the old racist apartheid regime of South Africa. It is uttered in white nationalists’ demonstrations like
Representative Stephanie Young is correct as she stood on the floor of the Michigan House and said, “We have an opportunity to stand up against those who try to rewrite history. There is no question as to what happened. Derek Chauvin held his knee on George Floyd for over nine minutes. This man called for his mother and said, ‘I can’t breathe.’ When I heard my colleague and what he said, it took my breath away. Shame on you. Get your facts straight. Know this, we are not going to ever be silent when lies like this and when opportunities arise in their minds to rewrite history. We are just not going to stand for it.”
As we witness the attacks to rewrite the history of African Americans, Latinos, women, and others in this nation, we must not stand for it. As they ban books, shut down libraries, intimidate universities, extort law firms, and attempt to divide us as a people, we must not stand for it. We must not allow the knee of American discrimination, racism, and bigotry to choke the very life out of American resistance, determination, and integrity.
Let us remember the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “There is little hope for us until we become tough-minded enough to break loose from the shackles of prejudice, half-truths, and downright ignorance. The shape of the world today does not permit us the luxury of soft mindedness. A nation or a civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on an installment plan. The time is always right to do what is right.”
By Alfred Williams PRESIDENT, AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
In a city as dynamic, diverse, and deeply rooted as Detroit, one mayoral forum is not enough.
I say it plainly: we don’t just need one or two or three mayoral forums — we need 50.
This election is historic — not just because of what’s at stake, but because of who’s running. For the first time since former Council President Erma Henderson’s groundbreaking run in 1989, Detroit could finally elect a woman as mayor. Both Current Council President Mary Sheffield and former Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins represent the opportunity to break a barrier that has lasted far too long.
We could also elect our first-ever pastor, with Rev. Solomon Kinloch offering a leadership style rooted in faith. And for the first time since 1957, a declared Republican — and former police chief — James Craig is in serious contention for the mayor’s seat.
must do the same. We must raise our level of civic engagement in every corner of our city. If we want a mayor who truly represents our needs, we must first show what those needs are — through organizing, turnout, and relentless conversation.
This election is too important for a 19% turnout. That’s why one forum isn’t enough.
We need 50 — in union halls, churches, community centers, and senior centers.
We need more environmental activists leading conversations on clean air, clean water, and ecological justice — especially around the rising cost of water and the urgent need for infrastructure to prevent flooding.
Add to that, attorney Todd Perkins’ legal background, Councilman Fred Durhal’s experience in legislative governance, and entrepreneurial vision from Jonathan Barlow and Joel Haashiim, and you’re presented with something Detroit hasn’t seen in decades: clear, contrasting choices. Each candidate brings something different, and each has the potential to lead Detroit in a vastly different direction.
On April 26th, the African American Leadership Institute, Supermajority, and the United Precinct Delegates hosted the first mayoral forum of the 2025 campaign. The candidates didn’t just share policy points — they shared stories. Stories about where they come from, who shaped them, and who they’re fighting for.
Watch the full forum here: on the African American Leadership Institute’s YouTube page.
While these candidates are working to make history, we, the people of Detroit,
We need more organizations like Transit Riders United bringing voters who care about safe, efficient public transit together to help candidates understand the urgency and the needs.
We need more youth leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and neighborhood activists to bring their voices and vision forward. From Mohican Regent to Delray, Grandmont to Gratiot, every neighborhood must be heard. Residents must organize forums, speak up, and ensure that we all understand what — and who — we are voting for.
We need more forums to build more interest, drive more awareness, and spark deeper engagement — because democracy isn’t a moment. It’s a movement. And movements don’t happen in silence.
The African American Leadership Institute believes in the power of informed, organized voters to make lasting change. When we come together, listen, and ask hard questions, we shape a future where no one is left behind.
Detroit’s legacy of Black leadership began in 1973 with Mayor Coleman Alexander Young, who opened the doors of power to the people. Now, in 2025, we stand ready to elect a new African American mayor — one who must honor that legacy, stand on those shoulders, and carry us forward. We don’t just need one mayoral forum — we need 50.
Courtesy of Hospice of Michigan
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony
C ity . L ife . Style .
Arts and Culture Round-Up at the DIA Celebrates
AAPI Heritage Month with Vibrant Lineup of Cultural Programs
By Amber Ogden STAFF WRITER
In a celebration of rich traditions, cultural storytelling, and creative expression, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is kicking off Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with an expansive slate of free events designed to engage all ages. From hands-on artmaking and gallery sketching to live performances and cultural ceremonies, the month-long series aims to honor the depth and diversity of AAPI communities while inviting Detroit families to connect with art in immersive and personal ways.
The celebration begins Friday, May 2, with the rhythmic chiming of The Rooster’s Crow, the museum’s historic automaton clock, marking the start of a day-long experience. Visitors will be treated to an artistic journey through galleries showcasing Indian, Southeast Asian, Japanese, and Korean art, along with musical performances and drop-in workshops designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
AAPI Heritage Month Opening Weekend
The first weekend in May is packed with interactive activities and community-centered programming:
Friday, May 2:
• Begin with a sketchbook in hand during Drawing in the Galleries, where guests can explore Indian, Southeast Asian, Japanese, and Korean works through observational drawing from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The museum’s Artmaking Studio will offer a Drop-in Workshop, Uchiwa, where families can create their own Japanese-style paddle fans inspired by traditional motifs and contemporary styles.
• Later in the evening, the Rivera Court hosts Friday Night Live! with Justin Snyder performing Canto Ostinato, blending minimalist piano with atmospheric energy.
Saturday, May 3:
• The museum opens early with Sensory Friendly Saturdays at 11 a.m., a quieter hour for families with sensory sensitivities. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a lively AAPI Cultural Display and Demonstrations event brings together visual art, crafts, and cultural presentations from across the AAPI diaspora.
• The celebration continues with the AAPI Heritage Month Opening Ceremony at 1 p.m., followed by a special Asian American Pacific Islander Celebration Show at 2 p.m. in Rivera Court, featuring live dance, music, and spoken word performances.
• Also, at 2 p.m., guests can attend the VCESDA Spring Lecture: Running the Gamut in the Lecture Hall, which is an insightful presentation weaving together themes of art, identity, and cultural memory.
Sunday, May 4: Drop-in workshops and drawing sessions continue throughout the day, giving visitors a chance to further engage with the artwork and create pieces of their own. Ongoing Workshops and Family-Friendly Activities
Throughout May, the DIA is hosting free weekend workshops that encourage artistic exploration for all skill levels:
• Drop-in Workshop: Uchiwa May 2–4
• Make traditional Japanese paddle fans in the Artmaking Studio.
40 Years of Motown: The Sound That Changed America And the Songwriters Who Made It Happen
ByAmber Ogden STAFF WRITER
Forty years ago, a young African American entrepreneur named Berry Gordy borrowed $800 from his family’s loan fund and changed the soundscape of American music forever. In a modest two-story house on Detroit’s West Grand Boulevard, now known as “Hitsville U.S.A.” Gordy launched Motown Records in 1959. What followed was not only a musical revolution but also a cultural transformation that helped break down racial barriers and defined a generation.
Motown, the label behind some of the 20th century’s most enduring artists from Stevie Wonder and The Supremes to The Temptations and Marvin Gaye, became synonymous with polished pop-soul, crossover success, and the inimitable “Motown Sound.” At the heart of that sound was a core team of unsung heroes: the songwriters. Among them was Melvin Moore, whose lyrical craftsmanship contributed to the label’s meteoric rise and musical legacy.
Motown’s origin story is often told with romantic reverence. Berry Gordy, a former assembly line worker at Ford Motor Company, applied the same disciplined process he observed on the factory floor to producing hit records. His “hit factory” approach would prove wildly successful. By the mid-1960s, Motown was not just a label. It was a phenomenon.
The Motown sound combined doo-wop harmonies, gospel energy, pop melodies, and a rhythmic drive rooted in soul and R&B. A tight-knit team of studio musicians, known as The Funk Brothers, laid down infectious instrumentals. Over these grooves, Gordy and his army of writers, including Smokey Robinson, Holland-Dozier-Holland, and talents like Melvin Moore, layered stories of love and heartbreak.
Though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Melvin Moore played a crucial role in Motown’s
Black People and Cinco de Mayo
By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Every year on May 5, Black people across the country come together to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an enthusiasm that often catches outsiders by surprise. From packed dance floors to taco-and-tequila-filled tables, the festivities seem to transcend cultural boundaries, with a particularly strong showing in cities like Detroit, New York, and Atlanta.
But why do so many Black Americans embrace a Mexican holiday that, at its core, marks the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla? While there are no easy answers, the popularity of Cinco de Mayo within the Black community can be understood through the shared experiences of joy, resilience, and solidarity, as well as the deeply rooted connections between the struggles of Black Americans and Mexicans in the U.S. But this celebration also brings into focus the ongoing cultural divides between the two communities. At the core, Black people just love to have a good time and celebrate.
But let’s dig deeper.
Cinco de Mayo is often misinterpreted as Mexico’s Independence Day. It’s not. (That’s September 16.) On the contrary, it’s a celebration of Mexican resistance and victory
against foreign imperialism. On that day in 1862, the Mexican army, though outnumbered and under-equipped, defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla, a moment that reverberated throughout Mexican history as a symbol of national pride. The day carries deep cultural meaning for Mexicans and, over time, has evolved into a festive occasion, especially in the U.S., where it has been transformed into a commercialized holiday celebrated by a diverse range of people.
For some Black Americans, Cinco de Mayo may have taken on an additional layer of significance. The day isn’t just about the celebration of a victory over a foreign power – it’s about embracing resistance and survival in the face of oppression. This resonates deeply with a community whose history has been defined by the struggle against colonialism, slavery, and segregation. While the histories of Black Americans and Mexicans in the U.S. differ in many ways, both groups have experienced systemic racism, marginalization, and the need to assert their cultural identities in a hostile environment.
For many, Cinco de Mayo serves as a symbol of defiance – a celebration of resistance, much like Juneteenth, which commemorates the liberation of enslaved African Americans. Both holidays are expressions of triumph and identity for com-
golden era. A Detroit native with roots in church music and jazz, Moore joined the label in the mid-1960s, a time when Motown was churning out top-ten hits with almost mechanical precision.
Moore’s strength was in his lyrical sensitivity and ability to write for the emotional tenor of the artists. Collaborating with producers and fellow songwriters, he penned tracks that captured the complexities of love and longing, always wrapped in the upbeat, radio-ready polish that was Motown’s signature.
One of his early successes was contributing to the lyrics of “When a Heart Breaks,” a soulful B-side for The Marvelettes that has since become a cult favorite among Motown collectors. While it never topped the charts, the song demonstrated Moore’s gift for weaving poetic melancholy into catchy refrains, which is a delicate balance that defined many of Motown’s best works.
Over the next few years, Moore co-wrote songs for acts like Martha Reeves & The Vandellas and Junior Walker & The All-Stars. His uncredited studio work and occasional vocal arrangements also helped shape the sound of records that would go on to define an era.
By the end of the 1960s, Motown was more than a hit-making machine; it was a symbol of Black excellence and economic empowerment. It produced America’s first Black-owned record label to reach such massive crossover success. At a time of civil unrest, Motown artists sang to integrated audiences and appeared on national television shows that previously excluded Black performers.
Motown’s music offered a vision of unity and optimism. Songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “My Girl,” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” became American anthems. Behind these songs were countless contributors like Moore, who ensured that each release struck the right emotional chord.
In 1972, Gordy moved Motown’s headquarters to Los
munities that have long had to fight for recognition, dignity, and equality.
Yet, while there is a sense of shared joy and cultural solidarity, there is also a complex tension that cannot be ignored. The celebration of Cinco de Mayo by Black Americans doesn’t necessarily erase the cultural divide between Black people and Mexicans. In fact, that divide became glaringly apparent during the 2024 presidential election when voting patterns revealed stark differences in political alignment between
the two groups. In key battleground states, many Latino voters, particularly those of Mexican descent, gravitated toward conservative candidates, while Black voters overwhelmingly supported Democratic candidates. This divide highlights the nuanced reality that, despite the shared experiences of marginalization, there are still clear cultural and political differences between the two communities – differences that showcase how one group can tend to lean away from generic white acceptance while the other group tends to lean toward it.
Courtesy of the DIA
Caption: courtesy of Motown Museum
When the body breaks, we break through.
Life is full of ups and downs. But together, we can overcome any obstacle. Rise to any challenge. And fight any battle.
Classifieds
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
American Montessori Academy will hold a public hearing May 19, 2025 at 6:30 pm at 30055 Joy Road, Westland, MI 48185 (734) 525-7100 to review the proposed 2025-2026 operating budget.
A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the above address.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP Control No. 25-4209 for Customer Service Training. RFP forms were available beginning May 2, 2025, from http://www.mitn.info. Bids are due by 3:00 PM ET, May 28, 2025.
Employment Opportunity CITY OF EASTPOINTE Police Officer (Full-Time)
Rental & Code Enforcement (Part-Time)
To review the minimum qualifications, details on the position and to apply, please visit our Employment Opportunities web page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/eastpointemi/
Ave Redford, Michigan 48240 (313)531 - 4739
Please visit fosteringleadershipacademy.org for more information.
2cols x 2.5 inches
WAY Academy, a tuition, free public-school Academy, serving students and their family announces 2025-2026 open for enrollment for grades 6 through 12. WAY Academy-Southwest Campus is located at 8701 W. Vernor Hwy Detroit, MI 48209. WAY Academy- West Campus is located at 19321 West Chicago, Detroit, MI 48228. Students and their families may enroll Starting April 1st until May 2nd, 2025. In addition, interested students and their families may contact the WAY Academies by calling 313-444-8082 or 313-444-9398. This school is a public-school academy authorized by Lake State University (LSSU) according to the Michigan Revise School Code. It has an open enrollment policy and does not discriminate based on intellectual or physical abilities, achievement, or aptitude, religion, race, or gender. Random selection drawing, In the event, students’ enrollments applications exceed the available space a random selection drawing will be Administered Monday May 5th, 2025, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM the following location 397 Main St., Belleville, MI 48111. The random selection drawing in accordance with a Michigan revise school code and chartering contract provisions with Lake State University will be conducted under the direction of a thirdparty administrator, not affiliated with the school. If required, the third-party administrators will be (TMD). Students and their parents, as well as interested community members are welcome to attend attendance, however, is not required for inclusion in the drawing.
MECHANICAL PROJECT ENGINEER (DETROIT, MI)
Provide and coordinate mechanical estimating engineering services on projects. Create cost estimates and define requirements necessary to engineer and construct mechanical parts for various construction projects. Prepare reports and modifications to reports, specifications, plans, and designs for projects. Prepare mechanical estimates for assigned bids. Provide engineering support for construction efforts including participation in construction planning and design, interpretation of design, application of mechanical construction methods, resolution and documentation of design conflicts, and constructability reviews. Review design options and recommend solutions based on cost, engineering quality or availability of material. Recommend redesign or advise regarding component reaction. Ensure project engineering activities comply with company and contract requirements. Develop, implement, and administer project engineering procedures and other work controlling documents. Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and coursework in engineering mechanics, proposal engineering design, mechanical engineering design, assessment and management of risk, mechanical vibration, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. Various unanticipated work locations within the U.S. may be required. Mail resumes to: Walbridge, Attn: Margaret Rivas, HR Director, 777 Woodward Ave, Ste. 300, Detroit, MI 48226. Ref 10540. 4 cols x 2.75 inches
American Axle & Manufacturing has openings for Senior Functional Safety Engineers - Powertrain, at its ATDC facility in Detroit, Michigan. Job duties include:
1. Perform and participate in planning and execution of functional safety activities throughout the product engineering development lifecycle of projects in the automotive electric powertrain market.
2. Conduct safety assessment and conformance support to product engineering teams participating in execution of AAM’s functional safety lifecycle.
3. Elicit and define functional safety requirements, technical safety requirements, software and electrical hardware safety requirements and safety mechanisms for safety-critical automotive systems.
4. Perform system and subsystem-level functional safety analysis of safety critical automotive systems such as electric drive units, electric motor inverters and high-power electronics in accordance with ISO 262624:2018 ASIL C or ASIL D.
5. Facilitate development of Electrical level safety analysis of automotive high power electric powertrain systems such as electric drive units, electric motor inverters, electrical /electronic products in accordance with ISO 26262-5:2018 ASIL C or ASIL D using methods including FTA, FMEDA, and FMEA.
6. Facilitate development of software safety analysis for the implementation of automotive electric powertrain products such as inverter software architectures in accordance with ISO 26262-6:2018 ASIL C or ASIL D. Using methods such as FTA, FMEDA, FMEA and ETA. Position requires: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronic engineering, computer engineering, or related field, or foreign equivalent education, and 5 years’ post baccalaureate progressive experience working as an IT Analyst, Functional Safety Engineer, or other Automotive Functional Safety Engineering positions. 5 years’ experience is required in each of the following:
1. Performing system-level, electrical and software safety analysis of safety-critical automotive systems using the methods including FTA, FMEA, and FMEDA.
2. Eliciting and defining of functional safety requirements, technical safety requirements, electrical and software safety requirements for safety-critical automotive systems.
St Ste # 400 Detroit, MI 48226
BID # 07-01-2022 REBID
3. Facilitating development of automotive high power electrical and electronic products and implementation of ISO 26262 standards to ASIL C or ASIL D. Experience may be obtained concurrently. Applicants should apply online at aam.com and
Global Process Deployment Manager BorgWarner PDS (USA), Inc. seeks a Global Process Deployment Manager in Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326. Note, this position requires international and/or domestic travel up to 10% of the time. Lead a team of Development Process Engineers in North America to ensure process and quality goals are met Apply to job reference number R2025-1700 at borgwarner.com/careers
Quality Engineer
PHINIA Delphi USA LLC: We seek a Quality Engineer based out of our office at 1624 Meijer Drive, Troy, MI 48084. Note, this position requires domestic travel, as needed, up to 10%. Perform root cause analysis on warranty returns and report internally and to the customer; among other duties. Apply to job reference number R2025-0064 at https://phinia.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/ PHINIA_Careers
Welding Engineering Coordinator Brose New Boston Plant New Boston, MI, Brose North America. Manage &coordinate laser &MIG welding technologies engrg &welding production, w/ subordinate Welding Engrg Team of 3Welding Specialists, to ensure high vol. production of mechatronic seat syss, base structures, backrests, loadthroughs, ¢er consoles. Direct &supvise engrg &technical Welding Shop personnel to set up &assure electropneumatic configs, &validate config, prgrmg &maint of laser &MIG welding mach. w/ 4D Weld Watcher &Tru-tops monitoring syss; Brose-Robot interfaces; Autodyne/AWL SW configs; prgrmg of laser light of disc lasers; laser optical configs; digital measures; metallurgical compositions; Blackbird laser on fly prgrmg w/ expanded envelope; &semi-fully synchronization of robotic syss. Monitor destructive testing methods, in compliance w/ internal, OEM, &American Welding Society standards. Bachelor, Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engrg, or related. 24 mos exp as Coord, Team Leader, Mgr, or related, directing/supvsg engrg &technical Welding Shop personnel to set up &assure electropneumatic configs, &validating prgrmg/maint of laser &MIG welding mach. w/ 4D Weld Watcher/Tru-tops monitoring sys; prgrmg of laser light of disc lasers; &semi-fully synchronization of robotic syss, or related. Email resume to Jobs@brose.com (Ref#1103).
The Detroit Transportation Corporation Office of Contracting and Procurement requests proposals from qualified firms to provide CCTV and network upgrades. This includes modernization efforts for the CCTV system, Public Address (PA) system, Variable Message Signs (VMS), and Wired Backbone Network system, at the MCF, at each DPM station, and at substations described herein. All bids must be received by the Detroit Transportation Corporation via Bidnet/MITN on or before 5:00 p.m. (EST) November 7, 2022. A pre-bid site visit will be determined at a later date, if necessary. Proposals can be accessed on the Bidnet Direct www.bidnetdirect.com//detroit-transportation-corporation Mike Anderson Procurement Manager mandersonjr@thepeoplemover.com
Tracy Betina Foster who brought a commitment to excellence and spirit of elegance to her successful career and personal pursuits, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at her home in Detroit. She was 59. Born Tracy Betina Caldwell in Detroit on February 19, 1966, she was the youngest of Al and Nellie Caldwell’s four children. After she spent her earliest years on Detroit’s east side, her family moved to a neighborhood in
especially enjoyed entertaining guests at their Palmer Woods home. Tracy Betina Foster was an enthusiastic traveler, who treasured memories of her journeys throughout the United States and to international locales such as Italy and Ethiopia. She was a lifelong avid reader, gourmet cook, and enjoyed running, skiing, bowling and walking and cycling with friends in her neighborhood and beyond. She was an active member of the Detroit Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and a past president of the Detroit Chapter of the National Black MBA Association and served as a deaconess at Plymouth United Church of Christ.
Left to cherish Tracy Betina Foster’s memory are her husband, Byron Tate Foster; son, Reed William Foster; siblings, Lynn Diane Caldwell, Gregory Caldwell and Steven Caldwell; fatherin-law, Rogers Foster; brother-in-law, Ryan Foster; six nieces; two nephews; a great nephew; her dearest friends, Janine Scott and Cheryl Benford Greer and many other beloved friends, relatives, and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her parents and mother-in-law, Barbara Jeanne Foster. Visitation for Tracy Betina Foster will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Kemp Funeral Home, 24585 Evergreen Road in Southfield. A family hour will be held at 10 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14 at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 600 E. Warren Avenue in Detroit. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit.
PUBLIC NOTICE: RTA OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN PROPOSED DBE GOALS
The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) has established a goal of Enterprises (DBE) Program for fiscal years 2023 through FY 2025. This goal will be attained through 5.31% from race neutral participation and 2.89% from race-conscious measures which reflects the relative availability of DBEs to participate in contracts and procurements projected by the RTA. The proposed goal and its methodology have been developed in accordance with the Federal Transit Administration’s regulations 49 CFR Part 26.
The goal and the methodology
(StatePoint) With a growing number of products lining grocery store shelves, feeding your household can often feel like solving a complicated puzzle. Fortunately, shopping doesn’t have to be complex. Guiding consumers to the best products in the market is Product of the Year, the largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. Product of the Year winners are backed by the votes of 40,000 consumers in a national representative study conducted by Kantar, and have demonstrated meaningful consumer innovation in one of the following areas: function, design, packaging or ingredients.
Detroit People Mover/Detroit Transportation Corporation 535 Griswold St Ste # 400 Detroit, MI 48226
“Seeking out Product of the Year’s red seal of approval is an easy shortcut for savvy shoppers in a hurry,” says Mike Nolan, global CEO of Product of the Year Management. “Knowing that the red seal means the product has been tested and approved by thousands of other shoppers can give you confidence that you’re spending your grocery dollars wisely.”
BID # 08-8-2022 REBID
The Detroit Transportation Corporation Office of Contracting and Procurement requests proposals from qualified Contractor/Firm(s)
To simplify your grocery shopping in the year ahead, consider these 17 Product of the Year food and beverage winners of 2025, listed by category:
existing detailed maintenance plan to ensure long term safety and availability to the riding public. All bids must be received by the Detroit Transportation Corporation via Bidnet/MITN on or before 5:00 p.m. (EST) November 7, 2022. A pre-bid site visit is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (EST). Proposals can be accessed on the Bidnet Direct www.bidnetdirect.com//detroit-transportation-corporation
• Dip Snack: Castello Whipped Dips
Mike Anderson Procurement Manager mandersonjr@thepeoplemover.com
