Detroit City Council
From page A-1
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cine and healthcare, may be adversely impacted by the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
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:
early support was critical to McCampbell’s campaign.
“We have gotten a lot of people scared,” Newman said. “I very firmly believe socialism is what beats facism. Voters want people they can believe in.”
“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…”
The independent, dues-based organization was able to give the level of support it did to his campaign, which raised $123,000 without corporate PACs, the most of any council candidate this cycle.
“The campaign DNA is built on the model of the Zorhan Mamdani win in New York, where a candidate can run on a Democratic Socialist platform and engage wide corners of the electorate,” Snyder said.
McCampbell would join Santiago-Romero as the second Democratic Socialist on the Detroit City Council.
“Detroit Action is committed to supporting the candidates who will best serve the needs of working class Detroiters,” said Scott Holiday, Executive Director of Detroit Action. “Denzel McCampbell and Gabriela Santiago-Romero have both shown, through platform and action, that they will lead Detroit into a future that centers the growth and well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. Not only have they built meaningful relationships with voters across their respective districts, but they’ve engaged Detroiters on the issues that matter most: housing, community, and neighborhood investment.”
islature adopts it.
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-
Their platform includes ensuring basic living conditions for every city resident, including affordable housing, equitable public transportation, and clean air and water.
“Together with WFP-endorsed candidate Gabriela Santiago-Romero, he can be a bold leader on the Detroit City Council to make housing accessible and affordable, protect Detroit’s
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).
immigrant residents, create climate resiliency, and advocate for investing in communities as the centerpiece of the City’s budget priorities,” a Working Families Party spokesperson said.
Working Families Party staff, member groups, and members joined the Metro-Detroit Democratic Socialists of America in anchoring weekly community canvases, knocking more than 9,000 doors, engaging in more than 120 volunteer shifts, and making over 10,000 phone calls and texts, covering District 7 several times over.
“A separate independent expenditure effort included a Working Families Party IE sending two rounds of Denzel McCampbell mailers to likely primary voters, while the larger IE effort delivered McCampbell ads to over 16,000 Facebook and Instagram users and 21,000 impressions in English and Spanish for Santiago-Romero,” the organization said. “This unprecedented coalition of independent expenditure organizations also worked together to coordinate doors, phones, and community events, reaching thousands of voters.”
“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.
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.
“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.
“He is running against State Rep. Karen Whitsett, who currently represents the 4th House District and whose tenure has been marked by her votes against paid family leave, increasing the minimum wage during the 2024 lame duck session, and public school funding, while failing to protect women’s reproductive rights,” the group said.
Whitsett is well-liked by her supporters and touts the money she’s brought back to the district as the reason why she deserves to be elected to the Detroit City Council.
“I’ll bring the work I do there back to the city and to my residents,” she told Michigan Chronicle in an interview Tuesday night.
Whitsett says she’s never met McCampbell or seen him at the community events she frequents.
Whitsett told Michigan Chronicle that of the conversations her staff had while phone banking, 61% said they are voting for her.
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
Democratic groups have largely opposed her candidacy for the city council. She blamed Democrats for not doing enough while holding control of all three branches of state government for two years.
Coalition partners went all out to boost McCampbell, a former Detroit City Charter Commissioner and director of Progress Michigan, in his run for the open seat in District 7.
The formerly incarcerated members of Michigan Liberation canvassed District 7 and connected with voters on issues of affordability, access to mental healthcare, and public safety. Detroit Action and 482Forward Action’s high school committees contacted 18-year-old voters in District 7 neighborhoods. Leaders at Emgage, 482Forward Action, Detroit Action, and the newly formed organizing group Arab Americans for Progress (AAP) engaged often forgotten Bengali, Yemeni, and Iraqi voters and community groups to inform them about the race and the stakes for their neighborhoods.
She broke with her party on abortion, voting against key provisions in legislation to codify reproductive rights into state law, angering her Democratic colleagues. She went to the White House to champion alternative COVID-19 treatments. Criticized former President Joe Biden on Fox News and refused to show up to work with former House Speaker Joe Tate during last winter’s lame duck session.
The health committee recommends reviewing state licensure policies to address the barriers that Black psychologists face in obtaining licensure in Michigan.
Detroit’s Next Mayor
Whitsett has said her decision-making is motivated by her constituents, who she says have not been turned off by her independent streak.
“My records speaks for itself and who I put first,” Whitsett told Michigan Chronicle. “God and community.” You can reach Sam at srobinson@ michronicle.com.
Reject censorship in history instruction: Encouraging Gov. Whitmer to ensure the goal for Michigan schools should be history instruction that is presented by professionals with the subject matter expertise, pedagogical skills, and judgment necessary to present complex information to students that are grounded in provable facts and add to the understanding of modern-day America.
rooted in unity, faith, and economic resilience, Kinloch has garnered support from voters who see traditional politics as disconnected from daily struggles. His influence extends across a broad base, including small business owners, elders, and families tied into Detroit’s church networks. The strength of that support will now be tested beyond the pulpit and into the polling place.
As both campaigns pivot toward November, the task ahead is less about name recognition and more about turnout. The field has narrowed, but the issues remain. Residents continue to call for cleaner neighborhoods, improved public transportation, affordable housing access, and transparent city spending.
Increase mental health supports for the Black community: Recommending Michigan set a goal of increasing the number of Black mental health service providers by 20% each year over five years.
“Chancellor Ivery is a true transformational leader and an outstanding CEO, who is more than worthy of the CEO of the Year Award he just received, “ said Prof. James C. Mays, who teaches entrepreneurship and supply chain management at WCCCD’s Corporate College. “In his 27 years at WCCCD, Dr. Ivery has elevated WCCCD to become nationally recognized for excellence and women been premoment of the final. a law1931 law effect, asked the affirm that constitucontain abortion. Our Planned Advocates of founding coalition ReproducAll, a affirm abortion and freedom in constitution,” Giroux. is that everything in aborMichigan, makes we will we can patients care they
But without significant voter engagement, those demands risk being left unanswered.
Detroit has long struggled with low voter turnout, even in high-stakes elections. In the 2021 mayoral primary, only 14% of registered voters cast ballots. In 2017, turnout was just 21% in the general election. The numbers drop even lower in off-cycle local elections and primaries, despite Detroit
people believe that they need to for themselves and others to live better lives.”
having the highest concentration of Black voters in the state.
Ensure equitable distribution of state health funds: Ensure all Michigan communities with a significant Black population receive adequate funds to address mental health issues.
Protecting Black voting rights: Urge state officials to remain vigilant in the fight against schemes to disenfranchise Michiganders of color.
Anticipated turnout for the ongoing 2025 mayoral primary: Turnout for the current (2025) Detroit mayoral primary was anticipated to be between 13% and 18% of registered voters, and wound up coming in just below 17%, according to Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey. The city has more than 518,000 registered voters, yet less than a quarter have participated in recent mayoral contests. The trend reflects more than disinterest—it reflects a deep disconnection rooted in mistrust, systemic barriers, and a long history of broken promises.
“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 education, community safety, health and business,” said BLAC Co-Chair Dr. Donna L. Bell.
That apathy becomes a decisive factor in November. Sheffield’s campaign will need to motivate a broader swath of voters beyond her established base. Kinloch’s team must find a way to translate community visibility into ballots cast. Both face the challenge of mobilizing residents who often feel the outcomes of elections rarely change material conditions in their neighborhoods.
Each will be expected to speak clearly on Detroit’s most pressing concerns, including how they plan to manage development pressures, address blight and illegal dumping, invest in youth employment, and ensure the city’s budget reflects community needs — not just investor priorities.
The final tally will come down to who can meet Detroiters where they are, and who can turn promises into a plan.
The general election will take place on Nov. 4. Voter registration for the general election is still open, and Detroit residents are encouraged to make sure their information is up to date ahead of the deadline. Absentee ballots will be available for early voting, and the city is expected to host additional debates and community forums featuring both candidates in the weeks ahead.
Attorney Todd Perkins and former police chief James Craig got the next highest votes, taking around 5%. City councilman Fred Durhal took 3% of the votes. Todd Perkins finished 144 votes ahead of James Craig, earning 5.3%, proving the polls wrong.
Perkins had criticized the Detroit Regional Chamber and other groups for inviting debate participants based on polling, which included Craig and kept him out.
sioner Jonathan Kinloch, who chairs the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party. His campaign is also supported by political heavyweights, including Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and former U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence. The 13th spent more than $200,000 on an issue advertisement promoting Kinloch, who said in the ad, “Direct action is my life’s work.”
He’s expected to continue talking about the disparity between the “two Detroit’s” that separate the city’s haves and have-nots. There hasn’t been a primary runner-up to defeat the winner of the primary dating back to the 2009 elections.
BLAC will hold a virtual town hall meeting to discuss its policy recommendations on Thursday, May 12 at 4 p.m. Join BLAC and a virtual audience in discussing the recommendations to support the Black community.
The stakes of this election reach beyond any one personality or campaign. Detroit stands to either elect its first Black woman mayor or hand the office to a faith leader stepping into public service for the first time. The choice speaks to legacy, representation, and the many ways leadership shows up in this city.
What separates Sheffield and Kinloch now is not background — both are native Detroiters — but how they’ve shown up for the city.
BLAC is housed in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Members represent many professional backgrounds, including economics, law, public safety, health and wellness, arts and culture and media. They leverage their experiences and expertise to make recommendations to the governor on critical issues affecting the Black community. 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
Detroit voters now have until November to decide what kind of mayor this next chapter demands. With the field set, the race is officially on.
There was talk in the lead-up to Aug. 5 that Jenkins could overtake Kinloch’s lead for the second spot, but city resident members at Triumph Church made the difference, proving the power of the Black church.
While Mary Sheffield emerged as the clear favorite for Detroit mayor, Triumph Church got its way last night despite the efforts against their pastor, Solomon Kinloch. What remains unclear is whether the resurfacing of Kinloch’s 33-year-old domestic violence case affected his finish in the primary, and whether it will impact voters in the general election.
“I say to every Detroiter that is watching tonight, whether you voted for me or not, I am here to serve you, to fight for you, to listen to you,” Sheffield said at her party at the Cambria Hotel rooftop Tuesday night. “No matter our background, our language, our zip code, one thing is very clear: We are one Detroit. We may come from different walks of life, but at the end of the day, we all want the same things: safe neighborhoods, affordable homes, good paying jobs and a future that we all can believe in.” Don’t count out Kinloch, supporters say
Former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick lost the August 2005 primary to Freman Hendrix 45%-34% after news reports about controversies that happened during his first term, prior to Kilpatrick’s text message scandal that ended his political career.
But Kilpatrick was reelected later that year to a second term, 53%-47% defeating Hendrix by outpacing his ground game, campaigning on a generational shift and vision for the future.
In 2001, city council president Gil Hil had a commanding lead in polls, with Kilpatrick far behind in an EPIC/MRA poll in May of that year. The poll had Hill at around 50% and Kilpatrick at 16%. In June 2001, another poll showed Hill around 37% to Kilpatrick’s 22%. By the Sept. 11 primary, Kilpatrick gained momentum and finished first: 51% to Hill’s 34%.
While Sheffield earned 43,572 votes to Kinloch’s 14,900, there were 42,399 voters who didn’t vote for the council president.
Kinloch’s campaign will shift toward courting Jenkins, Perkins, and Durhal supporters who may still be reluctant to vote for Sheffield.
While Kinloch is a political newcomer, he is flanked by a longtime Democratic official in his brother, Wayne County Commis-
Sheffield holds a huge cash advantage over Kinloch, according to campaign finance reports from the latest reporting period. While the 13th District poured money into Kinloch’s campaign during the primary, it’s unclear where Kinloch will pull new money from to compete on the airwaves.
The other organization to back Kinloch is the United Auto Workers. The labor union also backed New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic nomination for the seat. Sam can be reached at srobinson@michronicle.com.
A
Message to Our Next Mayor: Economic Justice Is Good for Growth
By Margrit Allen GUEST COLUMNIST
Detroit has long been a city of invention and reinvention. It’s a tradition that has attracted talent to our city, birthed businesses and entrepreneurs, and given us the hallowed reputation as gritty innovators. From auto capital to bankruptcy survivor to tech and design hub, we know what it means to build, attract, and innovate.
Right now, Detroit cannot afford to leave any worker behind. And the data tell us that we are. Detroit’s unemployment rate continues to outpace the state and national average. Many jobs that are available are low-wage, unstable, or inaccessible due to unreliable transit, training gaps, or discrimination. In Detroit, the median household income is $31,000 less than households in the region, and almost $45,000 less than a family of four needs to survive. Fewer dollars in the pockets of workers means less economic output.
Estimates suggest that Detroit is leaving money on the table. The persistent inequities we face cost the region an estimated $28 billion in lost economic activity per year.
Charting a future where we continue to build and thrive as a city means advancing practical local solutions that ensure that we are harnessing local talent and modernizing our local workforce system. It also means that we must remove barriers that lock out local talent from accessing good jobs.
Across Michigan, blanket exclusion policies still prevent people with prior convictions—often decades old—from even being considered for entire swaths of the labor market. These laws are economically shortsighted. They cut off motivated, trained, and vetted individuals from accessing growing job sectors every day. Meanwhile, too many community colleges and job training programs invest in certifying Detroiters for roles they still can’t legally take. And because the workforce system is underfunded and uncoordinated Detroit workers who are accessing services fail to get what they need.
I’ve seen the power of updating blanket exclusion policies for the benefit of an entire sector. Under my leadership, we have completely revised hiring policies across 27 states to be more inclusive for people who have had convictions and are building conviction-informed career pathways so that fewer people are screened out of employment in healthcare settings due to legal restrictions. Additionally, I’ve seen the power of aligning workforce programs with the needs of Detroiters facing barriers to employment to transition people to employment and good jobs.
This is not just a moral issue. It’s a workforce issue. And it’s a business issue.
When we limit who can be hired and disinvest in our workforce systems, we shrink the talent pool. We strain existing businesses and limit their growth.
That’s inefficient, expensive, and unsustainable.
What We Can Do
The Detroit Economic Justice Coalition (DEJC) isn’t just calling for the next Mayor
Roots.
Detroit City Council Results:
Incumbents Edge Challengers in District 2, At-Large Races
By Samuel Robinson SENIOR REPORTER
Detroit voters went to the polls Tuesday to choose not only for their next mayor but also at least two new council members.
Council reps in District 5 and District 7 did not seek reelection as they are running for mayor.
District 2 featured a race between the incumbent, the former council member before her, and a state representative whose state district overlaps with the district boundary.
Wide open was the race in District 5 to replace outgoing council president Mary Sheffield.
And in District 7, a polarizing state representative who has sided with Republican state House leaders over the leaders of her own party will face an up-and-coming Democratic Socialist.
The primary race for at-large narrows the field to four candidates in the Nov. 4 general election. That race will feature incumbents Mary Waters and Coleman Young, former councilwoman Janee Ayers, and fire chief James Harris.
Waters and Young both received over 30% of the total vote, with Ayers at 13.5% and Harris slightly above 7%, according to unofficial results.
The unofficial results on the city of Detroit’s website can be viewed here.
District 2: Former councilman to face incumbent in general election
Former council member Roy McCalister Jr. will challenge incumbent Councilwoman Angela Whitfield Calloway for the District 2 seat in November.
Whitfield Calloway received 44% of the vote after the city of Detroit updated its election results webpage shortly after mid-
night. McCalister Jr. received 30%, while state Rep. Helena Scott received 25%. The results webpage shows 14,134 total votes in the race.
District 2 is known as the city’s highest taxpaying district and one of the highest voting districts, as its boundary stretches from part of the city’s northwest side to the Highland Park city limit.
The district includes Gateway Marketplace, the 350,000-square-foot shopping center home to the Meijer on 8 Mile, the new transit center at the former Michigan State Fairgrounds at Woodward and 8 Mile, the Avenue of Fashion on Livernois and 7 Mile, Palmer Park, Palmer Woods, Sherwood Forest, and University District.
City planners estimated redistricting changes would decrease District 2 by about 7,000 residents. Reapportioned City Council District boundaries will officially take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Whitfield Calloway was the only council member last year who voted for a different redistricting map option to minimize the impact on her district.
Whitfield Calloway often stands alone on council, whether it’s opposing contracts with out-of-town businesses or Bedrock’s plan to redevelop the Renaissance Center. She often stands in the way of the mayor’s agenda on large projects and small contracts, council members are tasked with approving or denying.
She is an advocate for restitution over the estimated $600 million overtaxation of city homeowners.
In 2021, she defeated MCalister, the incumbent at the time, taking 55% of the vote.
Roy McCalister Jr. said what separates him is his experience and dedication to finding solutions to the complex issues.
“I was there before, people know what I’m about and that’s why people are calling me to run again,” McCalister said earlier this year.
McCalister is a retired police officer who left the Detroit Police Department in 2006. Before joining the city council in 2017, he was an investigator for the Federal Defenders Office of the Eastern District of Michigan.
He said he wants to continue his work addressing the root causes of crime on the city council.
“We have a lot of people that have mental health challenges since COVID, I used to have mental health seminars and workshops as council member, that is not happening now,” McCalister said.
McCalister defeated the incumbent, Scott, and former state Sen. Virgil Smith in 2017.
State Rep. Helena Scott, D-Detroit, said she ran because her constituents, who share the city council district representing the area in the state House, are asking for change.
“This seat was my first choice in 2017 before I ran for state House — this is my passion,” Scott said.
District 5: Race narrows to replace Sheffield’s District 5 seat
The race to replace outgoing council president Mary Sheffield’s seat representing District 5 will feature UAW retiree Renata Miller and board of police commissioners Willie Burton in the Nov. 4 general election.
Miller appears to have won the primary with more than 23% of the total votes, with Burton behind her at 19%, according
Joe Tate Drops Out of U.S. Senate Race
By Samuel Robinson SENIOR REPORTER
Former Michigan House Speaker Rep. Joe Tate, D-Detroit, has dropped out of the race for Michigan’s opening U.S. Senate seat, according to a report from the Associated Press.
The seat being left open by U.S. Sen Gary Peters will bring nationwide attention to Michigan, as Republicans are trying to hold onto their Senate majority.
In a race where the premier candidates are raising millions of dollars, Tate raised just over $120,000 in the most recent campaign finance reporting period.
“The past three months have been wonderful, just to touch base with Michiganders,” Tate told AP.
“Over the last three months, I traveled across Michigan. … I listened. I asked questions. I shared in their frustration,” Tate said in a statement. “They told me the truth. People aren’t getting ahead like
they used to. Our nation is struggling to find its way. I entered this race to fight for those voices. And I’m proud of what we accomplished together in the Legislature for Michigan.”
Tate touted the passage of gun safety laws, the expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect LGBTQ+ Michiganders, the repeal of the state’s 1930s-era abortion ban, and a pension tax repeal.
“After reflection, I’ve decided to leave the race for U.S. Senate,” he said. “I’m not stepping back. I’m shifting how I serve.”
Tate said he will do everything he can to support Democrats up and down the ballot.
He leaves the race as State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, and former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed are actively campaigning. Healthcare professional Rachel Howard is also a Democratic candidate. McMorrow raised more money than all candidates, reporting a $2.1 million
fundraising quarter in the latest campaign finance reporting period. El-Sayed raised $1.8 million, and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens brought in $2.8 million, including a $1.5 million transfer from her House committee. Stevens has the most cash on hand, records show.
Tate, who entered the race two months after the above-mentioned candidates, raised $193,000. Prior to that, in November 2024, Tate formed an exploratory committee for a potential mayoral campaign in Detroit, but decided against running for the seat.
On the Republican side, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers raised $1.5 million, including funds from a joint fundraising committee. He is the only Republican to have announced a campaign for the seat. Michigan hasn’t elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since the 1990s. You can reach Sam at srobinson@ michronicle.com.
Top left to right: Roy McCalister Jr., Renata Miller, Denzel McCampbell, Coleman Young, and Mary Waters. Photos: Sam Robinson
Margrit Allen
Detroit City Council
From page A-3
to unofficial results updated shortly after midnight Wednesday morning. More than 11,200 votes were cast across District 5.
The primary race there came and went without clear frontrunners. Sheffield represented the district for more than a decade.
Miller was backed by the UAW and had the strongest door-knocking game of any campaign. She’s been all over the district courting voters, she told the Michigan Chronicle.
District 5 crosses both the east and west sides of the city. The district covers Belle Isle to Dexter-Linwood, spanning across West Village, Indian Village, downtown, Brush Park, Boston Edison, New Center, and the North End. There are new district boundaries as a result of a city charter-mandated redistricting process last year.
Candidates included Burton, Miller, HUD employee Esther Haugabook, Ardent Park president Tatjana Jackson, developer George Adams, Michael Hartt, and legislative aide Michael Ri’chard.
Haugabook received 17% of the vote, while Jackson, the youngest candidate in the District 5 race, won 16% of the vote. In social media posts, Jackson pointed to lagging salaries and increasing rent as top issues.
But Burton’s campaign won thanks to name ID, having appeared on the ballot before, and targeting individuals within grassroots organizing circles.
He has been a fierce opponent of surveillance technology as a police commissioner. District 7: Democratic Socialist to face ‘independent’ state rep. for west side seat Detroit City Council could add another Democratic Socialist to the nine-member body.
Unofficial results show Denzel McCampbell defeated local activist Bobbi Johnson and educator Regina Ross, who nearly defeated Durhal in 2021.
Unofficial results show McCampbell defeated Whitsett with 34%. Whitsett held a lead of a few dozen votes shortly after midnight. Ross received 25% of the vote, around 2,400 votes.
McCampbell, a former aide to U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, could become Detroit’s second Democratic Socialist city council member. District 6 council member, Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who will face state Rep. Tyrone Carter in the general election, is a dues-paying DSA member, she told Michigan Chronicle last month.
The Working Families Party says over 16,000 Facebook and Instagram users have seen McCampbell ads. Members knocked over 9,000 doors, the group said.
“Many of our members have had the benefit of seeing Denzel McCampbell over the years really be deeply engaged in the community,” Kandia Milton, president of
the Black Slate, said in an interview with Michigan Chronicle.
“With The Black Slate being a grassroots born political action group that dates back to the 1950s, a person in community in the way that Mr. McCampbell has been in community is really a throwback. He’s taken the modern day practices and applied it to grassroots organizing without abandoning the traditional organizing efforts. Since the 1950s, community outreach has been central to who we are.”
McCampbell told Michigan Chronicle his campaign centered on neighborhoods and the well-being of every family.
“I’m proud that we achieved that goal and even more honored that neighbors across District 7 agreed with their votes to advance us to the general election,” McCampbell said. “Every resident deserves a city council member and city government who will show up day in and day out for them, and fight for their interests and needs. I look forward to continuing our momentum in the next 90 days. Thank you to my neighbors in District 7 for your belief in our campaign!”
Whitsett told Michigan Chronicle that of the conversations her staff had while phone banking, 61% said they are voting for Whitsett.
Democratic groups have largely opposed her candidacy for the city council. She blamed Democrats for not doing enough while holding control of all three branches of state government for two years.
She broke with her party on abortion, voting against key provisions in legislation to codify reproductive rights into state law, angering her Democratic colleagues. She went to the White House to champion alternative COVID-19 treatments. Criticized former President Joe Biden on Fox News and refused to show up to work with former House Speaker Joe Tate during last winter’s lame duck session.
Whitsett has said her decision-making is motivated by her constituents, who she says have not been turned off by her independent streak.
“My records speaks for itself and who I put first,” Whitsett told Michigan Chronicle. “God and community.”
You can reach Sam at srobinson@ michronicle.com
Next Mayor
of Detroit to advance fairness; they are calling for smart policy that drives growth from the ground up. Their 2025 platform makes an undeniable case: economic justice is good for business.
If the next Mayor is serious about fair growth, they will:
• Redesign the workforce system to include wrap-around services: mental health supports, childcare access, transportation, and coaching. These aren’t just add-ons— they’re essential to keeping people working and well. By investing in a more coordinated, human-centered system, we’re not just improving job readiness—we’re boosting resilience. That matters in every job sector.
• Expand transitional jobs programs. I’ve seen firsthand how transitional jobs programs benefit workers, employers, families, and entire neighborhoods. It’s time for a sustainable strategy that expands transitional jobs so that everyone can benefit.
• Implement fair-chance hiring policies across city and county.
• Provide incentives for employers who adopt inclusive hiring policies and partner with reentry and transitional jobs programs.
DEJC’s platform aligns with that
By
in
and
that align, we’re building a Detroit that attracts and retains talent and business — because it’s a city where people can live well.
Margrit Allen is the Director of Workforce Innovation at a large multi-state health care system.
Karen Whitsett
A5 | August 13-19, 2025
Money.
Forgotten Harvest Awards $4.5M in Grants to Strengthen Metro Detroit’s Emergency Food Network
By Jeremy Allen
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Forgotten Harvest, Metro Detroit’s leading food rescue nonprofit, has concluded its three-year Agency Capacity Grant Program with a final round of 33 grants ranging from $2,100 to $30,000. Funded by a portion of a landmark donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the initiative has empowered local food pantry partners to make vital infrastructure and equipment upgrades. Oftentimes, these investments are out of reach for grassroots agencies on the front lines of hunger relief.
Over the life of the program, Forgotten Harvest has awarded 139 grants totaling $4,524,223 to food distribution partners across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. These funds have helped local agencies modernize kitchens, secure cold storage, improve client dignity and safety, and build capacity to meet the rising needs of Metro Detroiters facing food insecurity.
Covenant House Michigan chef Lashawn Lee shows off new commercial convection oven and gas range purchased with a Forgotten Harvest Agency Capacity Grant.
“This program wasn’t just about providing food—it was about building longterm capacity for organizations embedded in their communities,” said Adrian Lewis, President and CEO at Forgotten Harvest. “Thanks to the generosity of MacKenzie Scott, our partners are now better equipped to serve more people, more efficiently and more compassionately.”
The grants supported a wide array of projects, including refrigerated delivery vehicles, expanded food storage space, new technology to streamline client services, and shelters to protect clients and volunteers from Michigan’s harsh weather. Many agencies also received funding for structural improvements such as roof repairs, pest control, and kitchen upgrades, all of which are crucial for the health, safety, and dignity of clients.
Final Round Grant Recipients
In this sixth and final round, Forgotten Harvest awarded grants to 33 organizations across Metro Detroit: Macomb County Bethesda Christian Church – Equipment, supplies, and technology to improve food distribution.
See FORGOTTEN HARVEST Page A-6
New Baru Restaurant
Infuses Latin, Caribbean Flavors into Historic Paradise Valley
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
Baru has opened in the heart of Paradise Valley, adding Latin and Caribbean flavors to one of Detroit’s most historic neighborhoods. The restaurant is co-owned by Melissa Thrower, a Puerto Rican and Caribbean Latina from Miami, and business partner Andre Blair. It features a menu led by former Adachi head chef Lloyd Roberts and a basement speakeasy called Por, programmed for live entertainment and burlesque shows.
Its arrival comes during a period of continued investment in Paradise Valley, joining Fixin’s, Enomah, Vinyl, the updated park, and the expanded outdoor lounge at La Casa Cigars & Lounge. Together, these businesses are shaping the district’s revitalization while maintaining its cultural significance.
The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, and signature dishes from Baru’s menu. Guests moved between the dining room and the speakeasy, sampling plates that were as vibrant as the décor — chicken tacos layered with perfectly seasoned meat, fresh toppings, and citrus, sliders that disappeared from trays as soon as they were set down, and signature cocktails that balanced tropical flavor with Detroit flair. From the color palette on the walls to the pulse of the music, Baru delivered a space that felt both upscale and welcoming, the kind of place where people could linger for hours.
Reverend Wendell Anthony opened the event with a blessing. “This is an exciting, blessed occasion. Welcome to the Isla de Baru. Baru means new, fresh, never happened before. And that’s what they have done. That’s what Andre and Melissa and all the way down — that’s what they have done. When you think about it and you look at its history, it’s very significant.
I certainly like the name that you chose, because it has historic context. Baru is an island off Cartagena near Colombia. It was also a place where there was a fort in which our ancestors were enslaved as they made their way to the Americas. And so this new facility in Paradise Valley is exemplary of the paradise that we’re going to experience — eating, drinking, fellowshipping, and socializing and taking in the beauty of our city of Detroit. We salute you and thank you for what you’re doing, and I want to personally thank the Throwers, who are still throwing touchdowns in the city of Detroit.”
Paradise Valley’s revival is more than a real estate story. It’s about restoring an economic and cultural hub that was once home to Black-owned businesses, entertainment venues, and gathering spaces before urban renewal policies in the 1960s displaced much of the community. The name still carries weight across Detroit, and in recent years, a wave of new investment has been driven by Black and Brown entrepreneurs determined to see it thrive again. Restaurants, music venues, and retail spaces are bringing foot traffic back, and with it, the recognition that Paradise Valley deserves as a thriving business district.
Deputy Mayor Melia Howard spoke about what the opening means for the city. “I am so excited for Melissa and Andre. This is a special, special day. We get to partake in not just the restaurant… ooh, I’m not even going to give away the secrets. I’m going to let y’all tour this building. So I had the pleasure two weeks ago of being able to come through here, to tour the building, and to see all the possibility and the greatness of this space. And through Melissa and Andre’s innovation, dedication, and service, we are able to now be able to come into Baru and enjoy ourselves.”
Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree tied Baru’s opening to the Thrower fami-
ly’s long-standing business legacy. “I want to congratulate Melissa and her husband Jamar. This is a brand new business, and as Deputy Mayor Howard said, we need to support this business. But we are talking about people who are not new to business. They are continuing a legacy of excellent restaurant operations taught by Jamar’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thrower, and his siblings, Joanie and Marissa Thrower. They have been doing this for a long time. This is a continuation of that legacy, taking it to another level. This is bringing jobs and taxes to the city and the county. So I want to congratulate you. God bless you.”
When Thrower addressed the crowd, she made clear that Baru is more than a business venture. “It means so much to stand here today. Not just as the owner of a restaurant in the heart of Paradise Valley, but as a proud Puerto Rican, Latina woman stepping into a space where so many dreams have been built, and mine is about to become a reality. To be welcomed to a historic and growing part of Detroit is an incredible honor. This moment is more than opening a restaurant. It’s a result of many years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. I wasn’t born in the restaurant world. I didn’t go to culinary school. I was born in the Bronx. I was raised in Miami and wore many hats for many years. I worked closely alongside my wonderful husband, learning the ins and outs of running a business, managing people, building a team, and keeping a place alive and thriving. But I wanted something of my own — to create something with my culture, my values, my vision, to create a lane for others just like me.
“It took a long time to get there, and I didn’t know if I would have made it without God’s grace and favor shining on me, and I’m forever grateful. Nothing about opening a restaurant is easy. We find
Matters of Life and Death – Oh, What Tangled Titles We Weave
By Jehan Crump-Gibson
COLUMNIST
For many families, the major asset that gets passed down to future generations is a home. Can you guess what asset most commonly winds up in probate court? You probably got it right: a HOME. Often, it is because people do not know the rule of thumb. The rule of thumb is: if there is property in your name alone with no living beneficiary or joint owner at the time you pass away, it must go through the probate process before it can LEGALLY pass to anyone else. If there is a joint owner, that person must have full rights of survivorship to avoid the probate process. Full rights of survivorship allow the property to pass to the surviving owner automatically upon the death of the deceased owner.
When it comes to real property, “title” is the concept of ownership, and a deed is the document that is used to transfer it. It is common for family members to live for gen-
erations in a home and not have legal title to it. This is because it is still sitting in grandmother’s name. It is typically business as usual until someone wants to get a loan to get some work done or qualify for a home repair or tax assistance program. Once they find out they cannot qualify for loans or programming, they scramble. They eventually find out that the only way they can get the title to the home in their name is through the probate process. Probate generally refers to the process through which a deceased person’s property is distributed. Probate Court is the court that handles the probate process. Sometimes, this process is straightforward. More times than often, it is not. The most complicated situations arise when people have unwittingly taken action that can impact generations to come. By way of example, we have Hattie. Hattie owns a home on the west side of town. It has been paid off for years. She heard from someone in her bridge club that if
she adds one of her children to her “deed,” she does not have to worry about them having to go to court if something happens to her. Hattie has four children but trusts her son Bobby the most. She fills out a quit claim deed she had Bobby print off the internet, gets it notarized and takes it downtown to file it. The deed transfers the prop-
erty from “Hattie Doe” to “Hattie Doe and Bobby Doe.” She feels accomplished. In 2015, Bobby unexpectedly dies, leaving behind the wife he recently separated from and three children from his first marriage. Hattie dies a short six months after her son. Neither of them had a Will or any other estate planning documents. This is key because state law will determine who their heirs are — and those people are legally entitled to receive their property.
Bobby’s oldest son Jimmy moves into the home with his children. He pays the taxes and insurance on the home and keeps it in good repair. Years later, Jimmy notices that the roof needs repair. He visits his credit union to start the process to get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to pay for the work. During the credit union’s typical process, they note that title to the property is in the name of “Hattie Doe” and “Bobby Doe.” Jimmy shares that his father and grandmother have passed but his grandmother “left the home to his father.” He is then told that he will need to go to probate court to get the home in his name. He contacts an attorney who does some additional digging. This is going to be a bit messier than Jimmy expected. Hattie’s quit claim deed did not explicitly give her and Bobby full rights of survivorship. This means that when Bobby died first, Hattie owned half of the home with Bobby’s legal heirs. His heirs include the estranged wife and his children. Hattie then died, leaving her interest in the home to her legal heirs. Hattie’s legal heirs include Bobby’s children and three surviving children. What does all this mean? The “title” to the home essentially sits in two different estates: Bobby’s Estate and Hattie’s Estate. This means the probate process must be started for both estates to deal with the property. Simply put, there are seven people who now have a claim to this home
Jehan Crump-Gibson
Baru Restaurant
page A-5
that out the hard way. Every detail, every setback, every delay taught us something about perseverance, patience, and faith. I wanted to make sure that this restaurant was here to serve more than just food. It was here to serve the community. To bring jobs, culture, and pride to the neighborhood. It’s a celebration of Latin and Caribbean heritage, a declaration that women of color belong in positions of leadership, creativity, and ownership. To every woman who dreams of starting her own thing, her own place, her being a wonderful entrepreneur — I was you. You don’t have all the answers right away. Just stay focused, keep your eyes on God, work hard, and never stop believing in that dream.
“I want to thank the city of Detroit, the mayor, the deputy mayor, city council, Wayne County, Dennis Archer Jr. and the Summit Commercial Group, Bia,
Jerome, Ben. I want to thank Reverend Wendell Anthony for the blessing. I want to thank my parents, my aunt, my uncle, cousin, friends that have flown in from many miles — I thank you for being here with me. I want to thank my beautiful sons, my absolutely amazing husband, my amazing staff — thank you so much. I do appreciate each and every one of you. Welcome to something that is built with love, patience, and purpose. Welcome to Baru.”
Guests stayed late, moving between conversations, food, and the music that carried through both floors. The main dining room’s vibrant colors and textures reflected the cultures represented in the menu, while downstairs, Por hinted at the intimate shows to come. Baru’s opening felt like a natural fit for Paradise Valley’s next chapter — a space rooted in heritage, owned and led by people of color, and part of a broader push to ensure this neighborhood’s economic future reflects the diversity and creativity that built it.
Ebony JJ Curry can be reached at ecurry@michronicle.com.
Full Rights Of Survivorship
From page A-5
that Jimmy thought was his. And they are not going away without a fight. What a tangled title! Such a simple action by Hattie, without the benefit of legal counsel, caused an unnecessary probate war.
Forgotten Harvest
page A-5
Oakland County Chaldean American Ladies (United Community Family Services) – Foundation waterproofing and pest prevention upgrades.
First Baptist Church of Holly – Roof replacement over food distribution area. Haven – Sanitation and allergy-safe storage improvements.
Hospitality House Food Pantry – Commercial freezer, ramp installation, staff training, and technology upgrades.
Lighthouse Michigan / South Oakland Shelter – Vehicle purchase to enhance food pick-up logistics.
Oakland Church of Christ Mobile Pantry – Parking expansion to reduce congestion.
Temple Israel – Garden of Mitzvot – Expansion of the garden-to-pantry program with packaging and education initiatives.
Wayne County Bethlehem Temple of Praise –Food vehicle repairs, packaging supplies, and pest control.
Body of Christ International –Kitchen renovation for improved food outreach.
Cass Community Social Services – Freezer compressor replacement and food storage upgrades.
Christ Church of Redford – New food storage garage and equipment purchase.
Church of God Belleville – New signage, doors, and storage equipment.
City Covenant Church – Enhanced shipping and receiving area.
Communities First, Inc. – Outdoor eating area
This is why estate planning is so important. Legal experts exist so that these types of costly and stressful battles can be avoided. Do not leave things to chance. At minimum, consult with an experienced attorney before signing or filing any legal documents!
Attorney Jehan Crump-Gibson is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Great Lakes Legal Group PLLC, where she concentrates her practice in probate and estate planning, business and real estate
matters. Great Lakes Legal Group is a growing black-owned law firm serving clients throughout the state of Michigan and in federal courts across the country. Jehan has served as Faculty for the National Business Institute and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education concerning business, probate and estate planning matters. She is a legal analyst with Fox2 Detroit’s The Noon and the author of the book A Matter of Life and Death.
“We’re proud of what our partners have accomplished with these grants,” said Lewis. “This has been a powerful investment in the future of hunger relief in our region.”
For more information about Forgotten Harvest and its partner agencies, visit www.forgottenharvest.org.
Public Notice of Upcoming Accreditation Review Visit by the ACEN
Detroit Michigan: Wayne County Community College District will host a site visit for continuing accreditation of its Associate of Applied Science Nursing Program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the 8200 West Outer Drive, Detroit, Michigan 48219. Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted to the ACEN via email at public-comments@acenursing.org or to the ACEN office:
Attn: Accreditation Services
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
The ACEN should receive all written comments by August 26, 2025 For information, contact Unbreen Amir at uamir1@wcccd.edu
From
From
Greenfield Village Celebrates 60 Years of the
Voting Rights Act
with Civil Rights Leaders at
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
August 6, 2025, marks 60 years since the Voting Rights Act became law. It arrives not as a quiet anniversary, but as a living reminder. In Detroit, the timing is charged. Local elections are underway. Mayoral candidates are vying for the city’s top seat. For the first time in 12 years, the race will not include an incumbent. Voters could elect Detroit’s first Black woman mayor or bring back a Black male mayor for the first time since 2013.
The weight of this moment sits squarely on the shoulders of a city shaped by political resistance. Detroit has always known what it means to push against the grain, to use the vote as both a right and a responsibility. The 60th anniversary lands inside a civic cycle with real consequences. Residents are navigating campaign pledges, redrawn district lines, and a field of candidates pledging to transform neighborhoods, schools, housing, and safety. These choices carry a legacy.
To honor this anniversary, the Detroit Public Library’s Main Branch hosted a public program on August 6, featuring Amber Mitchell, Curator of Black History at The Henry Ford. Mitchell presented her work surrounding the Jackson Home, a historic Selma, Alabama, residence relocated to The Henry Ford campus in 2024. The home once belonged to Dr.
Sullivan and Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson. It served as a critical meeting place for civil rights leaders in the tense days before the Selma to Montgomery marches. The site will open to the public at Greenfield Village in June 2026.
Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony, president of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP, talked about the significance of the house during a site dedication ceremony at Greenfield Village last year.
“It’s a house where the freedom movement was discussed and strategized with Dr. King and many of his allies,” Anthony said. “They watched an observed Lyndon Banks Johnson sign into law the Voting Rights Act [of 1965]. It’s a place where Ralph Bunche and Dr. King, two Nobel Laureates…talked about the struggle for freedom.”
This presentation was not a one-day affair. It contributes to a broader reckoning. Detroit is a city shaped by the Civil Rights Movement’s northern heartbeat.
From labor strikes to police uprisings, its fight has always lived at the intersection of race, policy, and power. What the Jacksons did in Alabama reflects what many Detroit families have done for decades—turn private space into public action.
Their home carried risk. It also carried a strategy. Leaders gathered there to plan, recover, and reframe next steps. That type of quiet leadership often goes un-
the Jackson Home
recognized. What Mitchell’s work makes clear is that spaces like the Jackson Home are more than buildings. They become records of risk, care, and survival.
The Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965, after years of organizing, marches, and state violence. The Selma to Montgomery campaign drew national outrage, particularly after the televised beatings of peaceful protestors on “Bloody Sunday.” What followed was federal intervention. The law outlawed literacy tests and poll taxes, among other tactics used to disenfranchise Black voters.
Those victories were hardwon. They remain under attack. In recent years, states have passed restrictive laws that reduce early voting, purge voter rolls, and limit access to absentee ballots. Disinformation has grown more sophisticated. Black voters are targeted online, and polling locations are consolidated in neighborhoods where transit access is limited.
Detroit knows these tactics well. Black voters here have long faced structural barriers. Whether through underfunded elections, long lines, or unclear ballot language, obstacles still appear— just with different tools. What remains consistent is the need to show up.
This election cycle holds urgency. City Council seats are on the ballot. Seven members of the
Board of Police Commissioners will be chosen. The city clerk’s office is up for a vote. Each of these roles impacts how power moves through Detroit. Each controls pieces of infrastructure that affect everyday life.
The possibility of electing Mary Sheffield, who would become the first Black woman mayor, reflects decades of organizing. Her background in city governance and her current role as City Council President signal a shift. She is not alone in this moment. Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., leader of one of the largest churches in Detroit, is also running. His candidacy brings faith, community, and leadership experience into the political arena. Both candidates represent different arms of the same legacy: Detroit’s ongoing relationship with Black leadership.
That legacy traces back to movements that mirror Selma. Detroit was not just influenced by the Civil Rights Movement— it helped build it. The 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom drew over 125,000 people and featured a major address from Dr. King at Cobo Hall. That address included early passages from what would become the “I Have a Dream” speech. Detroit offered the stage. It also offered the people.
The Jackson Home’s relocation brings a Southern narrative into Detroit’s living archive. Its preservation at The Henry Ford is part of a long-term effort to spotlight homes that housed movement
work. Mitchell’s presentation on August 6 will walk through the historical significance of the Jacksons’ choices and how they shaped national policy.
Her research moves beyond timelines. It asks how memory is preserved and who decides what stories are worth saving. In placing the home within Greenfield Village, the institution commits to showing Black history as essential. Not supplemental. Not seasonal. Essential.
The home will open to the public in June 2026. Visitors will be able to walk through the space where decisions about America’s future were made under threat of death. There is something sobering about that. It offers a chance for intergenerational learning. School groups will enter that space. Elders will remember. Parents will teach. Historians will reflect.
The structure itself becomes a new site for political education. That is the power of preservation done with intention. It creates access to stories not always told in textbooks. It introduces young minds to names not yet carved into public memory. It invites reflection and responsibility.
Detroit’s choice to engage this anniversary with both historical education and civic activation is telling. It signals a belief that democracy does not protect itself. It must be practiced, studied, and defended.
Mitchell’s work will also lift up the words of Congressman John Lewis, one of the movement’s fiercest defenders. “The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have,” he once said. Lewis was among those attacked on “Bloody Sunday,” and his legacy runs through every conversation about voting access, civic engagement, and political representation.
August 6 should not pass unnoticed. The 60th anniversary is not just a milestone—it is a checkpoint. It asks whether the Black political voice is being expanded or restricted. It challenges assumptions that the battles have already been won. It demands vigilance.
The Jackson Home stands as proof that ordinary people made extraordinary decisions. Not for recognition, but for justice. They understood that who you feed, who you shelter, and who you strategize with can change the direction of a nation.
Detroit’s political crossroads reflect that same truth. Every precinct, every district, every ballot is a continuation of the work the Jacksons helped protect. Every Detroit resident is part of that continuation as they are preparing to vote this fall.
This anniversary reminds us that laws may change, but the fight remains. The tools evolve, but the aim remains the same— freedom, access, truth. Detroit understands that better than most.
And now, a new generation is being asked to carry the baton. Not by walking across bridges. But by walking into voting booths, community meetings, and classrooms, armed with knowledge, courage, and the memory of what came before.
By Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony
Sixty years ago, March 15, 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson, during a Joint Session of Congress said, “At times history and fate meet at a single time, in a single place, to shape a turning point in a man’s unyielding search for freedom. So it was at Lexington and Concord. So it was century ago at Appomattox, so it was last week in Selma, Alabama.”
This came shortly after “Bloody Sunday,” March 7, where civil rights activists peacefully marching for the right to vote were beaten and bloodied attempting to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. This march helped to build an unstoppable determination, leading to the passage of the Voting Rights Act by the U.S. Senate August 4, and signed into law by President Lyndon Baines Johnson August 6, 1965.
Just a few days ago in the state of Texas, history and fate met once again. Only this time it is not about the right to vote. It is really about the right to choke the very life out of one person one vote to have true representation, the choice of the people, not that of a president or political party. Bigger than the state of Texas, it is really about the state of America.
Demetria McCain, Director of Policy at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, “Let’s be clear. Our democracy is only about to turn 60 when the Voting Rights Act anniversary gets here. I say that because there are so many attacks on voting rights, particularly as it relates to Black communities and communities of color.” Will we go forward as a
democratic nation, or will we succumb to the whims and demands of an authoritarian seeking to rule the nation?
Sixty years ago, we witnessed the “Great Society” which truly made America great. Out of that summer was born Medicaid, Medicare, War On Poverty was moving forward, the Higher Education Act, Immigration and Nationality Act, Project Head Start, to name only a few advancements for our nation. Today, all these programs are being eliminated, reduced, or ignored by the intentional actions of an administration that would take us back, rather than move us forward.
We must not underestimate or miscalculate the danger we face as a people. Maps are targeting Austin, Dallas, Houston, and South Texas with sizable Black and Latino populations. They are not designed to include them in the process, rather exclude them from the process. Reducing the capacity of the people to vote their choice, placing them in districts that dilute their numbers, drawing lines that look more like a pre-assembled camel than a close-knit community should give us all great concern.
While it may be true that both parties
have participated in the process of gerrymandering, never has there been such a blatant demand from any President of the United States calling for five seats to be delivered to him by any means necessary. Oh, my bad! Lest we forget the 2020 election where on January 2, 2021, this same president in a phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, “I just want to find 11,780 votes which is one more than we have.”
Now a similar request has been made to Texas Governor Greg Abbott to just find five seats saying, “We are entitled.” It didn’t work then; it should not work now. Article 1 Section 2 of the United States Constitution mandates that an “apportionment of representatives among the states be carried out every ten years.” The apportionment results will be the first data published from the 2020 census, and those results will determine the amount of representation each state will have for the next ten years, not five years. Why are we leap frogging the constitution in Texas? Why is this same slick move being proposed in other states? Is the current administration trying to consolidate and hold on to power due to its failed policies and a Big Bad Ugly Bill? The bill is now law but according to Politico, 61 % of Americans oppose it and only 39% say they support it.
The Voting Rights Act substantially increased voter turnout and voter registration among Blacks in particular and people of color in general. The gutting of part of the Act Section 4(b) of Section 5 by the United States Supreme Court in 2013 struck down the pre-clearance mandate for states to get permission before making sweeping changes to voting districts. All political hell has continued to be unleashed. Democrats from Texas who champion the cause to protect democracy and represent their people fairly are doing their job representing openly their constituents. Others in the United States Congress shut it down and went home early. They are also doing a job to openly stifle dissent by their constituents.
The Texans are not running away like the Republican House led by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump. You can run but you can’t hide the fact of not wanting to vote to release the Jeffrey Epstein files on this high-profile criminal sexual scandal. It is hypocrisy of the highest order to deflect and distract while at the same time releasing 243,496 pages, 6,301 pdf files, and 1 MP3 audio file of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., assassination. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. This is an American issue. It is for this reason that the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 should be passed and signed into law. It strengthens and restores part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
If we really want to ban gerrymandering in all its forms, then pass and sign into law the “Freedom To Vote” Act introduced by John Sarbanes in 2019, originally called “For The People Act” introduced as H.R.1. designed to expand voting rights, change campaign finance laws, reduce the influence of money into politics, bans gerrymandering, and creates new ethics rules for federal office. After passing the House, it was blocked in the Senate by then Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. This disease of redistricting can be stopped in its tracks. There is an effective vaccine. Its only cost is the vote of the people. This is the “good trouble” Congressman John Lewis spoke of. This is why Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stated, “I cannot make up my mind. It is made up for me. I cannot live as a democratic citizen, observing the laws I have helped to impact. I can only submit to the edict of others.” Now in 2025 we will not submit. Americans cannot standby hoping and praying that this disease simply goes away. It requires our hard faith and hard work to eliminate it from the body of our nation. We can do this. Let us remember the words of President Lyndon B. Johnson, “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” Let us choose to win.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony
C ity . L ife .
B1 | August 13-19, 2025
11 Detroit-Area Teens Earn Their Wings Through Tuskegee Airmen Museum Flight Academy
By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Before even reaching the age where most teenagers can parallel park with proficiency, 11 high school students from metro Detroit can now legally fly solo through the skies.
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum recently honored the remarkable accomplishment of these young aviators during its Flight Academy Scholarship Night at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Friday, Aug. 8. These students have successfully completed their private pilot training, a feat that museum officials say is as rare as it is inspiring.
“We are so proud of these young people for having the courage and the tenacity to make it through our program and get their private pilot’s license,” said Brian Smith, President and CEO of the Tuskegee Airmen Historical Museum. “At an age where many high school students are just getting their driver’s license, these kids reached a goal that is a challenge for adults with college degrees to achieve. They are simply remarkable.”
The event featured a reception, a keynote address from Lt. Col. Aaron Jones, and a formal awards ceremony recognizing the students’ achievements.
The honored students include Cameron Hall, Johan George, Angel Araus, Oscar Martinez, Daniel Dordevic, Sam Logsdon, and Cameron Marshall, each of whom successfully earned their private pilot certificates between January and July of this year.
They are part of a broader cohort of 20 high schoolers enrolled in the museum’s Flight Academy program. Nine others are currently on track to complete their flight training, and four additional students will begin their journey soon.
For the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, this initiative represents a storied legacy that is still in motion. The program is rooted in the enduring story of the original Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneering group of Black military pilots who broke racial barriers during World War II.
“This program does more than teach students how to fly,” Smith said. “It teaches discipline, accountability, self-confidence, and vision. These are traits the Tuskegee Airmen embodied, and we’re proud to see the next generation carrying that torch.”
See TEENS EARN THEIR WINGS Page B-2
Detroit’s Own
Johnathon
Banks Returns to Kronk to Empower Next Generation of Champions
By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR
On August 1, the hallowed red and gold walls of the Kronk Boxing Community Center echoed with the sounds of gloves snapping, shoes sliding, and laughter rising. But beyond the flurry of jabs and footwork, something deeper was unfolding.
World-renowned boxing trainer and former heavyweight contender Johnathon Banks, a proud son of Detroit and product of the legendary Kronk gym, returned home to host a free, one-day youth boxing camp that combined athletic instruction with powerful life lessons. Dozens of local boys and girls, many stepping into the ring for the first time, were trained in boxing techniques, and simultaneously, they were mentored, seen, and inspired.
“I came up through Kronk. I know what this gym gave to me and I’m just trying to give that back,” said Banks. “As long as I’m breathing, I’ll keep giving back to this city.”
Held at ESCOT (Emanuel Steward’s Champions of Tomorrow) inside the historic Kronk facility, the event was a collaboration between Banks and Tunnel Vision Network (TVN), a Detroit-based media platform that trains young professionals in journalism, podcasting, and
sports production. The camp was centered on boxing, but it also included concepts of building champions in and out of the ring.
Campers, ages 8 to 18, rotated through stations focused on shadowboxing, pad work, and footwork drills. But between the punches came lessons in discipline, respect, and leadership – values that have shaped Detroit’s boxing culture for generations.
“This wasn’t just a camp,” said a representative from TVN. “It was a reminder that the legacy of Kronk isn’t just history – it’s still alive, still fighting, still building champions.”
Banks, who rose to international prominence under the guidance of the late, great Emanuel Steward, is now considered one of the top trainers in the sport. But despite his global accolades, his mission remains deeply local. He says his return to Kronk is not a homecoming, but a responsibility. He also announced that he’ll be launching a fall youth boxing series, expanding the impact even further.
And he made sure that every young person had the chance to participate at no cost. Thanks to private donors and community sponsors like Alliance Prints, every camper received free boxing gloves, meals, and a custom T-shirt, along with a certificate of completion to mark their achievement.
Detroit Native Linda Hannah Named 2025 National Career Mastered
Top Entrepreneurial Woman to Watch
By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR
DETROIT — Linda Hannah, a Detroit-born speaker, author, and mindset mentor, has been named one of Career Mastered Magazine’s 2025 National Top Entrepreneurial Women to Watch.
The recognition, announced this week, honors 35 women across the country who are leading change through business innovation, industry leadership, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Hannah, founder of Linda Hannah Speaks, was selected for her commitment to empowering women through storytelling, mindset development, and personal transformation.
Career Mastered CEO and Publisher Dr. Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker described the honorees as catalysts for progress in a shifting economic landscape.
“These women have not only navigated uncertainty; they’ve emerged as leaders redefining success,” Wicker said. “Their contributions are fueling innovation and economic growth at a time when women are launching businesses in record numbers.”
Hannah’s professional journey spans more than
two decades in the corporate world, alongside a successful career as a hat designer. Her transition into public speaking began with presentations on the cultural history of hats, which eventually evolved into a deeper mission to help women recognize and walk in their life’s purpose.
Her signature “Walk in Your H.A.T.” framework, an acronym for Heaven’s Assignment Tailored, uses hats as a metaphor to inspire mindset shifts and encourage women to embrace their personal and spiritual calling.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful,” Hannah said. “It confirms the mission behind my work and the women I serve. To be recognized alongside such accomplished leaders is both humbling and energizing.”
Hannah will be profiled in the fall edition of Career Mastered Magazine, where her story and unique approach to mentorship will be featured.
A graduate of Henry Ford College and the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Hannah has become a trusted voice in women’s empowerment circles. She frequently speaks at conferences, women’s ministries, and professional development events, See LINDA HANNAH Page B-2
“This gave my son so much confidence,” said one parent. “You could see it in all the kids –they felt like they mattered, like someone believed in them.”
The impact was immediate. For some, it was their first time wearing gloves. For others, it was their first time feeling like they belonged. And Banks isn’t stopping here.
At the close of the event, he announced plans for a fall youth boxing series, promising to continue the momentum and expand access to quality training, mentorship, and community support for Detroit youth.
“It’s easy to feel forgotten in this city,” one mentor shared. “But today, these kids knew someone came back for them. That matters.”
For the organizers, the day was about more than nostalgia or even boxing. It was about transformation. It was about proving that when community leaders invest in the next generation, entire neighborhoods begin to rise.
Moments like these serve as a powerful reminder that the city relies heavily on its past to build upon its future, both inside the ring and out of it.
To see photos and coverage from the camp, visit thetvn.com.
Teens Earn Their Wings
From page B-1
In a city like Detroit, where access to aviation careers can seem far removed from daily life, the success of these students is a symbol of what is possible when opportunity meets ambition and opportunity. Quite literally, the sky is the limit. And for many, the program has been life-changing, offering them a first glimpse into a future among the clouds.
“These aren’t just kids with pilot licenses,” said one instructor. “They’re future aerospace engineers, commercial airline captains, Air Force officers. They’re future leaders.”
As the students took the stage at the Wright Museum, each one received both a scholarship and a moment of recognition for rewriting the narrative of who gets to fly, and why it matters.
For more information about the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum and its youth aviation programs, visit the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum.
Linda Hannah
From page B-1
weaving personal narratives with practical tools for personal growth.
Raised in Detroit and now based in Farmington Hills, Hannah’s work remains rooted in her hometown. Her message resonates particularly with women navigating life transitions, career pivots, and the search for purpose in uncertain times.
Career Mastered, a national platform that highlights women’s leadership and professional excellence, established the “Top Entrepreneurial Women to Watch” list to spotlight women whose business ventures reflect both impact and innovation.
“This award is not just about a title,” Hannah said. “It is about building legacy, lifting others, and using my voice to help women recognize they are already equipped to lead.”
For more on the honorees and to follow the celebration, visit @careermastered or search #TopWomenToWatch on social media.
Detroit City Football Club Reveals New Stadium, AlumniFi Field
By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER
AlumniFi Field is the name of the new Detroit City Football Club stadium coming to the former site of the Southwest Hospital.
Hundreds of people, including fans, politicians and neighborhood food vendors came to Mexican Town Mercado Monday night for the unveiling of the naming rights sponsor and renderings of the new stadium. Officials say the stadium will open for the 2027 USL Championship season.
DCFC CEO Sean Mann emphasized during his remarks that the stadium is a massive investment for the city. The soccer stadium will seat up to 15,000 people and serve as a permanent home for soccer in Detroit. Construction on AlumniFi Field is scheduled to begin in late 2025.
“As longtime residents of the city, the leaders and founders of the club view this stadium not only as an opportunity for our organization and sport, but as a civic endeavor to give back to the city we love,” Mann said. “Through our partnership, AlumniFi has been working with us on a shared vision for a stronger, more connected Detroit, creating an environment where everyone from youth to adults can thrive.”
Mann received a huge applause when he announced the stadium would be the city’s only privately financed stadium.
It came off as a snub to the Ilitch’s Olympia Development, which convinced Detroit City Council to approve more than $300 million in public tax money to finance the construction of Little Caesars Arena. The $324-million public subsidy to build the arena came from taxes captured by the Detroit Downtown Development Authority.
A decade later, the Ilitch family once again sent Olympia Development in front of city council in 2023 to ask for more than $800 million in public tax dollars to build the University of Michigan’s Center for Innovation.
Council members approved both times, despite the Ilitch’s Little Caesars Pizza
generating more than $5 billion in annual sales, according to Forbes.
Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who represents the area on city council, said the announcement is personal to her, as someone who grew up playing soccer at Patton Park and Fort Wayne.
“I eventually joined the neighborhood leagues playing with Mexicantown — I wholeheartedly love the game of soccer… This is going to be a huge investment for the city and I’m looking forward to it.”
Santiago-Romero mentioned the required community benefits process related to the stadium’s construction, which will begin Aug. 21.
The project impact area contains all of Census Tracts 5214, 5211, 5215, 9853, and part of 5228.
This area is bounded by Martin Luther King Blvd. to the north, the Lodge (M-10) Fwy, 6th Steet, Trumbull St., 8th St., and Rosa Parks Blvd. to the east, the Detroit River and W. Jefferson Ave. to the south, and W. Grand Blvd. to the west. The impact area includes all or parts of the following neighborhoods: Corktown, Hubbard Richard, Mexicantown, North Corktown, Chadsey Condon, Central Southwest and West Side Industrial.
In addition to being the club’s exclusive financial partner and front-of-kit sponsor,
the multi-year agreement between DCFC and AlumniFi, a Michigan based credit union, includes the naming rights for the club’s new stadium.
AlumniFi Field will replace the site of the the five-story, 250 bed hospital that was located in Corktown on Michigan and 20th St. Detroit City Council in May approved reimbursing the club for the demolition of the hospital.
The credit union sponsor says it will provide fan experience, discounts for members and showed off a DCFC branded credit card available for members.
“Like Detroit City Football Club, we believe in the power of community,” said April Clobes, AlumniFi President and CEO. “This partnership is about more than a stadium — it’s a commitment toward a brighter, stronger Detroit. Through financial education, local initiatives, and community-driven programs, AlumniFi is here to support Detroit’s continued growth and success.”
Also shared at the event were two renderings showing views from the northwest corner and an aerial from the south, developed by HOK, a global design firm. HOK is responsible for Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and a number of hotels across the world.
Ticket deposits for the 2027 season will open Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.
‘Kaleidoscopic Home’ Offers an Immersive New Art Experience Inside Michigan Central
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
Michigan Central, once a symbol of abandonment and disrepair, now stands revived and repurposed, bringing world-class creative experiences right into the heart of the community. Now open, the historic station is home to the Midwest premiere of Kaleidoscopic Home and Life Forces by internationally acclaimed artists Tin & Ed.
The installations span the West Mezzanine level of the station, overlooking the South Concourse and the rail tracks of Southwest Detroit. Kaleidoscopic Home was first conceived in Copenhagen for SPACE10 and is now making its Midwest debut inside one of Detroit’s most iconic buildings. The work reimagines home as a place that moves, breathes, and allows people to play, rest, and connect.
Inside the space, visitors will encounter oversized soft sculptures and an inflatable centerpiece. Digital animations, powered by augmented reality, fill the room with layered motion. Visitors can climb, stretch, sit, and discover new ways to experience the building and connect with others. It is designed to be touched, walked through, and explored at every angle. Movement becomes part of the experience.
“We’re so excited to share our work in Detroit for the first time,” said Tin & Ed. “Michigan Central is such an historic icon of the city, and we hope our installation creates moments of play, curiosity, and wonder for everyone who visits.”
Just beyond Kaleidoscopic Home, a second experience unfolds. Life Forces uses interactive motion technology and a large LED screen to invite visitors into digital landscapes that respond to their movements. As people walk past, their bodies animate mossy rocks, twigs, fungi, trees, and flowers. The technology allows people to drift like spores, grow like mushrooms, or shift like stones. Each step becomes a part of the story.
Originally commissioned by Rockefeller Center, Life Forces offers a new kind of participation. The environment on screen becomes more than a backdrop. Visitors change it by being present.
For families with children, this is also a learning opportunity. Throughout the exhibition run, the Michigan Science Center is leading weekend programming inside Kaleidoscopic Home. These drop-in activities are designed by Mi-Sci educators to engage children and young learners in the exploration of nature, design, and technology. Participants can build structures inspired by natural forms, experiment with color and light, and explore movement through STEM-based discovery.
The activities offer access to hands-on creative education at no cost. There is no ticket to purchase. Parents don’t have to drive across counties or rely on school field trips. The workshops are set inside a space
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
For more than a century, James H. Cole Home for Funerals has been a pillar in Detroit, guiding families through some of life’s most difficult moments with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering sense of dignity. Now, the 106-year-old family-owned business is stepping into an entirely new space — the digital airwaves — with a project designed to open doors, answer questions, and change how people think about life’s final chapter.
On Thursday, August 7, 2025, “The Repast Podcast” will make its debut across major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. The series offers listeners an unfiltered, informative, and deeply human look at the funeral industry, a subject many shy away from discussing until they are forced to. It will be hosted by Antonio and Brice Green, fourth-generation funeral home directors who, alongside their mother, Karla Cole-Green, carry forward the legacy of one of Michigan’s most historic Black-owned businesses.
The James H. Cole Home for Funerals has stood since 1919, surviving through the Great Depression, segregation, the Civil Rights era, and Detroit’s decades of economic shifts. In each generation, the family has adapted to meet the needs of its community. This podcast is the latest evolution — a way to reach people before loss happens, with resources, guidance, and transparency.
Antonio Green says the podcast was born from a simple but powerful truth: most people don’t know how the funeral process works until they’re grieving. “The Repast Podcast gives people a closer look at what happens behind the scenes, while also helping us understand the traditions, facts, and emotions around death in a more approachable way,” he explained. “It’s informative, honest, and deeply human.”
The format blends behind-the-scenes insights from funeral professionals with the lived experience of families and guests who have walked through loss. Episodes will also feature expert interviews — from psychology and law to faith and forensic science — that shed light on the many layers of endof-life planning. Guests for the first season include psychologist Dr. Rose Moten, estate planning attorney Jehan Crump-Gibson, and spiritual leader Pastor Jake Gaines. The topics are not limited to the ceremonial aspects of funerals. In the first slate of
that already invites curiosity. Art becomes the entry point for science, and movement becomes a method for learning.
Michigan Central Art is emerging as more than a gallery program. It has become a cultural platform for the city. In the last year, installations like me + you by Suchi Reddy, Solstice by Iregular, and MobilityTown by Carla Diana and Motomichi Nakamura have drawn visitors into new experiences inside the station. Public events have featured Ash Arder, Ruha Benjamin, and Kevin Beasley— highlighting the relationship between art, design, policy, and community.
“At Michigan Central, we’re creating a place where creative energy and public imagination can thrive,” said Kelly Kivland, Director and Lead Curator of Michigan Central Art. “Kaleidoscopic Home taps into that spirit. It invites people to move, connect, and experience this historic space — and each other — in completely new ways.”
That intention meets the moment. Public art access continues to matter across Detroit, especially for those who often go overlooked in large redevelopment plans. Families deserve free opportunities to experience innovation. Children need moments that spark joy, build confidence, and plant seeds for future careers in design or technology.
This exhibition creates that space.
The building itself matters too. For years, Michigan Central sat still. Now it lives again, and not only through renovations or corporate investment. It is becoming a place where the community shows up to experience something they may never have seen before. When local children walk into a space that once felt closed off and are met with animated color, sound, and movement—something shifts. They don’t have to imagine a future they’ve never seen. They get to see it unfold in front of them.
Tin & Ed’s presence in Detroit also signals a growing recognition of the city as a creative capital. Their work has appeared at the Museum of Modern Art, the Getty Museum, the Barbican Centre, and the ArtScience Museum. It now fills a station in Southwest Detroit, a neighborhood still navigating questions of investment, preservation, and belonging.
The duo is known for research-driven practice that blends life, nature, and technology into environments that extend beyond human perception. Their installations challenge the idea of what an exhibition can be. They don’t just present art. They create experiences that reshape how people understand the world around them—and
episodes, listeners will hear discussions on:
• The science of the body and forensics in funeral preparation
• Financial planning before death
• Common funeral myths and the truths behind them
This range of subjects reflects the team’s belief that preparing for death is about more than making burial arrangements. It’s about understanding the cultural traditions, legal requirements, and emotional needs that surround loss — and doing so in a way that equips people to make informed decisions.
Funeral homes, particularly in Black communities, have long been more than service providers. They have been safe spaces, gathering points, and cultural anchors. For decades, James H. Cole Home for Funerals has held that role in Detroit. By launching “The Repast Podcast,” the Green family is creating a bridge between that legacy and the realities of how people connect with information today.
The choice of the name “The Repast” is deliberate. In Black funeral traditions, the repast is the gathering that follows the service, often filled with food, conversation,
and shared memories. It’s where people tell stories, laugh, cry, and find comfort. The podcast seeks to recreate that atmosphere — candid, familiar, and healing — in digital form.
Brice Green says the intent is to make the subject matter accessible, even to those who might avoid talking about death altogether. “We want to have conversations that people can take something from whether they’re planning ahead or they’ve just experienced loss. There’s a lot people don’t realize — from the science of what happens to the body, to how to protect your family financially, to understanding the difference between traditions and requirements.”
For a city like Detroit, where the funeral home is an institution as familiar as the church, this type of public education could shift how generations approach the inevitable. Many of the myths around funerals — including what services cost, what the law requires, and how families can personalize ceremonies — persist because the information is scattered or shrouded in discomfort. “The Repast Podcast” aims to centralize those conversations.
The production style is intentionally warm and personal. Listeners will hear real
their place in it.
Admission to Kaleidoscopic Home and Life Forces is free and open to the public. The installations run from August 6 through September 21. Public hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with closures on September 14, 17, and 18. Weekend workshops led by the Michigan Science Center will take place throughout the exhibition. A full programming schedule will be released soon.
Reservations are recommended and can be made at michigancentral.com/events. This is not just about viewing art. It’s about expanding what art can do. It’s about making sure Detroiters are not left out of the creative opportunities that often exist behind paywalls or outside city limits. The installation doesn’t travel through Detroit—it stays here. And for a few weeks, it belongs to the community that surrounds it. Whether people come for movement, learning, reflection, or discovery, the invitation stands. Detroit residents are being asked to engage, to step inside, and to take up space. That kind of access matters. Especially when it’s free. Especially when it’s home.
stories from families, insight from professionals who have dedicated their lives to this work, and discussions that honor the cultural and spiritual diversity of Detroit. The Greens hope that by demystifying their field, they can also lessen the anxiety that often comes with end-of-life planning.
This is not the first time James H. Cole Home for Funerals has innovated while honoring its roots. Since its founding by James H. Cole Sr. in 1919, the business has expanded to two flagship locations in Detroit, survived the shifting economic tides of the city, and stayed entirely family-owned. In an era when many funeral homes have been acquired by national corporations, the Green family’s decision to remain independent has allowed them to keep their service personal and community-centered.
Launching a podcast might seem worlds away from the solemn halls of a funeral chapel, but for the Greens, it’s simply another form of service. “We’re here for families before, during, and after loss,” Antonio Green said. “This is just another way to be present and give people tools they can use.”
The debut episode will introduce listeners to the family, the history of the funeral home, and why the podcast exists. Future episodes will take listeners into the embalming room, into legal consultations on wills and trusts, and into conversations about grief that go beyond platitudes.
The podcast is also designed to be a resource for younger generations who may not yet have faced the loss of a close loved one. By addressing topics like financial planning before death and debunking myths, “The Repast Podcast” hopes to equip people with the knowledge to make informed, thoughtful decisions when the time comes.
Listeners can follow the show on Instagram at @repastpodcast for behind-thescenes content, guest previews, and updates on upcoming episodes.
In a city that has always marked life’s milestones in community — from christenings to weddings to homegoings — James H. Cole Home for Funerals is adding a new way for Detroiters to connect around one of the most universal human experiences. For the Greens, it’s an extension of a promise made more than a century ago: to serve with integrity, educate with honesty, and stand with Detroit families in moments that matter most.
Ebony JJ Curry can be reached at ecurry@ michronicle.com
Michigan’s Oldest Black-Owned Funeral Home Launches “The Repast Podcast”
Commission REI, MiBSP Uplift Black Students through Innovation, Literacy, and Community Power
By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Across Michigan, Black students embody brilliance, resilience, and untapped potential. Yet, from early literacy struggles to the school-to-prison pipeline, public education systems too often fall short in meeting their needs. A shift is underway, though, led by institutions, by communities, by scholars, and by organizers determined to rewrite the future.
This summer, Fox News highlighted one such effort: a financial literacy program housed within Commission REI, a dynamic initiative that’s part of a much broader and deeper undertaking called the MI Black Student Project’s Pipeline 2 Prosperity Initiative (MiBSP). Launched by educators, parents, students, and grassroots advocates, MiBSP is driven by the unified mission of eliminating barriers to academic success and by building the foundations for a more equitable, economically thriving Michigan.
MiBSP takes a comprehensive approach to support Black student achievement, connecting data, policy, lived experience, and visionary interventions. From literacy and numeracy to entrepreneurship and civic engagement, the initiative recognizes that Black student success isn’t just about better test scores; it’s about economic justice, social healing, and building a stronger future for all Michiganders.
This summer’s MiBSP pilot included support for the Commission REI program, which uniquely uses real estate and financial education as vehicles for literacy and numeracy growth.
“The Commission REI space is more than a classroom – it’s an entrepreneurial launchpad where students dream together, build together, and contribute to the revitalization of their communities,” says program director Darrell Dorsey. Students in the program not only sharpened academic skills, but also launched LLCs and developed business acumen, emerging as architects of their own futures.
Commission REI is not alone. LIT Summer, a program under Hip Hop 4 Change and also supported by MiBSP, is working with students in Detroit and Southfield.
Site Director Mark Yancy Jr. sees firsthand the deep impact of this work.
“Feelings of empowerment. One of the students shared that this program has given her a newfound sense of confidence,” he said, reflecting on a student’s journey to overcome a challenging academic year. “She now feels empowered and ready to take on the upcoming school year with renewed strength and confidence.”
Yancy also relayed parental
feedback, saying: “It was amazing to see and hear children engaging so actively throughout the program. Due to limited finances and resources, there hadn’t been many activities planned for the summer. This program not only provided a much-needed outlet for engagement, but also offered valuable educational enrichment opportunities that made a significant impact.”
The MiBSP ecosystem is also rooted in academic research that aims to bridge the gap between community needs and scholarly solutions. Dr. Erica Edwards, an Associate Professor at Wayne State University, leads a MiBSP-funded initiative focused on community-responsive education justice.
“Research scholars have a responsibility to bridge the divide between what we study and who it impacts. Understanding com-
munity needs and using research to meet and transform them plays a vital role in addressing racial disparities,” says Dr. Edwards.
Her colleague, Dr. Rema Vassar, a Full Professor at Wayne State and member of the Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees, echoes that urgency. “In this political moment, to engage in a bold initiative that centers Black children is revolutionary. I am so proud of the Michigan Education Justice Coalition for demonstrating a brave resolve to serve the most vulnerable children in our state. They are a light, a beacon of hope and possibility. I am grateful to come alongside them and realize our collective dreams for Black school communities to thrive.”
MiBSP is also actively engaged in supporting youth-led work through programs like Students Leading Well, a summer initiative that equips middle and high
school students in Detroit with tools to explore justice, equity, and wellness through critical literacy and policy analysis. Students emerge as learners and advocates who have firsthand experience in civic engagement and educational reform.
To ensure this transformation is measurable, Dr. Aaron Johnson of Archetype Consulting is conducting an extensive statewide data analysis on literacy proficiency and growth among Black students. His team is examining data from 120 Michigan districts with significant Black student populations, cross-referencing MSTEP scores, benchmark assessments, and qualitative research. Their study aims to shed light on which instructional strategies are producing results and which ones aren’t.
Also at the helm of MiBSP’s academic engine is Dr. L.E. Johnson,
founder of Hip Hop 4 Change and a native of Battle Creek. His doctoral work at Fielding Graduate University laid the foundation for what he describes as an essential next step in educational justice. “This project extends my dissertation to students and families that will reap the residual benefits of fully benefiting from a quality education in Michigan,” says Dr. Johnson. He believes MiBSP’s ethnographic study will challenge long-held assumptions. “While most academicians attribute low academic achievement among Blacks to poverty and community violence, this is an erroneous claim. Nigerians, Ghanaians and other African subgroups experience higher levels of poverty and governmental violence... However, these groups outperform American students of all ethnicities.”
Dr. Johnson sees MEJC’s investment in this work as “catalytic” and a game-changer for how Black student achievement is understood, nurtured, and celebrated in Michigan.
Much of MiBSP’s momentum has been spotlighted by Centering Black Children in Education (CBCE), an annual conference led by Dr. Vassar. While CBCE’s reach is international, its heart is in Detroit. A recent session devoted to MiBSP grantees demonstrated the transformative power of this initiative. As Dr. Vassar emphasized, this effort is about the future workforce, but perhaps more importantly, it’s about “Black Michiganders’ ability to collectively thrive.”
For more information about MiBSP, or to get involved, contact Rachelle Crow-Hercher, Executive Director of the Michigan Education Justice Coalition (MEJC).
Classifieds
COURT ADMINISTRATION SPECIALIST
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan – Court Administration Specialist Announcement at https://www.mied.uscourts.gov/ PDFFIles/25-18_Court_Administration_ Specialist_CL27.pdf Be a part of a great team located in Detroit, MI. Position performs a variety of administrative, technical, and professional work related to multiple administrative functions. EOE
load full RFP. Responses to this RFP are due Friday, October 21 and should be emailed to kgallick@lisc.org. LISC is committed to working with Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs). LISC encourages submissions from SBEs, MBEs, and WBEs.
REQUEST FOR QUOTES
The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQs for Pre-Employment, Drug, and Alcohol Screenings Control No. 23-3659. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning October 19, 2022, from http://www.mitn.info. RFQs are due by 3:00 PM ET, November 11, 2022
from http://www.mitn.info. Proposals are due by 3:00 PM ET, September 10, 2025.
REQUEST FOR QUOTES
The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQ Control No. 26-4207 for Strut, Spring and Suspension Repair. RFQ forms will be available beginning August 14, 2025, from http://www.mitn.info. Bids are due by 3:00 PM ET, September 5, 2025.
The Detroit Transportation Corporation is seeking Door & Gate Maintenance & Repair RFP 08.13.2025. Mandatory walkthrough August 27, 2025, at 10:00am. Responses due on September 12, 2025 at 5:00pm. RFP can be downloaded from Bidnet Direct http://www.bidnetdirect.com /detroit-transportation-corporation
Project Manager BorgWarner Inc. seeks a Project Manager based out of our office at 3850 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326. Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the aforementioned office address. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the aforementioned office address. Note, this position requires international and/or domestic travel up to 25% of the time. Provide release and deployment management, including rollout of new processes, functionality, solutions through change management, and / or project delivery, among other
The Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking proposals for Architecture and Engineering Services for Facility Master Plan Series 1 under RFP 23-0111.
A virtual Pre-Proposal Conference will occur at 10:00 a.m. October 21, 2022. Call-In#: 1 313-462-2305 Conference ID: 944 369 237# https://tinyurl.com/yfm35pw5
The due date for Proposals is November 10, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. If you have questions, please contact the Procurement Department at (313) 873-6531.
(StatePoint) It’s back to school time and there is so much for families to do to get ready for the school year ahead, from getting school supplies to signing up for after school programs. Making sure kids have health care needs covered should be a part of those preparations.
Free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can help children be prepared for the school year. When enrolled, kids up to age 19 have access to a comprehensive range of health services, including well-child and sick visits, emergency visits, dental and vision care, behavioral health care and more.
If a kid needs a physical for afterschool activities, it’s covered. If a child has a fever, the doctor’s visit and prescriptions to get them back to school are covered. If a child has an accident, the emergency care they need to get back on their feet is covered.
When kids have health insurance, they are less likely to miss school due to sick days, less likely to be distracted by pain or vision problems, and more likely to be able to focus on learning. This leads to more participation in the classroom and a better chance of finishing high school. Medicaid and CHIP Support Students
BSW Engineering Manager
Meritor Electric Vehicles LLC seeks a BSW Engineering Manager in Troy, Michigan. Note, this position does not requ include: base software; MCAL, service layers, AUTOSAR interfaces, and complex device drivers in new ECU’s for electrified drivetrain systems; Develop software requirements specification (SRS) and design verification plans; Bachelor Computer Science, Embedded Computer Engineering experience in the job offered or related Apply to job reference number meritor
Whether a child is learning their ABCs or getting ready to earn their high school diploma, access to health care services at any stage of schooling keeps them healthy. Having health insurance can help connect families with a consistent health care provider, which means having a doctor or practice to call for preventive treatment, annual physicals or sick visits. It can also reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Medicaid and CHIP cover more than 37 million children and teens across the United States. The ABCs of Getting Insured with Medicaid and CHIP
Enrollment is open year-round, meaning families don’t have to wait for a special time of the year to get covered. Medicaid and CHIP eligibility varies by state, depending on family income and household size. In most states, children up to age 19 with a family income of up to $80,000 per year (for a family of four) may qualify. Families can apply online, over
in-person with their state’s Medicaid office or visit the “Find
on InsureKidsNow.gov. Coverage must be renewed each
and it’s important for families to make sure their address, email, and phone number stay up to date with their state Medicaid
(StatePoint) A student loan can
“Smart borrowing starts with knowing the basics. The more you understand, the more confident you’ll feel,” says Dan Kennedy, chief marketing officer, College
Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan &perform advanced surfacing concepts &development of Class A surface of full vehicle exterior syss. Interpret &define design intent of designer while collaborating w/ engineering, packaging, human factors, &tooling teams. Design &develop 3D Class A surfaces of ICE, diesel, BEV &AV full vehicle psgr car, truck &SUV exterior cmpnts incl. front &rear fascias, grills, head/taillamps, doors, fenders, ABCD pillars, skid plates, liftgates, truck beds &detailed exterior cmpnts incl. door handles, mirrors, lamp internals &exhaust tips, using Autodesk Alias AutoStudio, Autodesk Maya, NX &VRED tools, for U.S., global &emerging markets. Interpret, define, conceptualize &execute unique solutions to technical challenges &provide creative proposals to capture design intent from initial concept thru mass production achieved in various stages according to GVDP, while collaborating with engrg, packaging, human factors, &tooling teams to assure minimum radii/draft, tooling &safety reqrmnts in compliance w/ U.S., European &China standards. Bachelor, Transportation or Industrial Design. 60 mos exp as Digital Sculptor, Digital Modeler, or related, designing or developing 3D Class A surfaces of full vehicle psgr vehicle exterior cmpnts incl. fascias, grills, head/taillamps, doors, fenders, ABCD pillars, &liftgates, using Alias AutoStudio, NX &VRED tools, for U.S., global &emerging markets, or related. Mail resume to Ref#1827-201, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
Vehicle Validation Engineer
Warren, MI, General Motors. Perform &execute electrical validation of BEVs in GVDP for Vehicle Motion Embedded Controls (VMEC), Body Electronics, Active Safety (AS), telematics, &infotainment. Review, analyze &coordinate the testing &modification of BEV system &cmpnt level SW for electrical validation of VMEC &AS syss incl. Long/Short Range Radars, Rear Vision/360/Driver monitoring cameras, antennas, Body & Vehicle Integration Control Modules, &features incl. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Driving Features, Emergency Braking, Collision
Staff Design Release Warren, MI, General Motors. develop, &release conventional vehicles electrical wire routing &multi-branch wiring harnesses, connectors, coverings &attachments, Vismockup, ECM, ECR, &Auros &release electrical wire routing ensure proper functioning of as OnStar, LRR, cybersecurity vehicle electrical syss for AV. harness routings meet U.S. FMVSS. CAE, DFM/A, DFMEA, DRBTR, processes to design &validate points for multi-branch harnesses, size, &thermal resistance specs Electrical or Automotive Engineering, mos exp as Engineer, engineering, production, &continuously improving psngr vehicle &BEV electrical &packaging syss, &multi-branch using Tc VisMockup tool, or Ref#3882, GM Global Mobility, Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit,
Senior Design Release Fuel Systems (FS) Emission Control
Warren, MI, General Motors. &develop FS &EEC syss, incl. transfer lines, emission control for psgr vehicles incl. Premium &Large psgr &Cargo Vans, &Incomplete prgrms, according to vehicle from concept to production, &aligned performance, safety (U.S. FMVSS), ®ional rqrmnts &standards, Vismockup, ETAS INCA, &ECM design, validate &release engine cmpnts to meet SSTS of propulsion Benchmark critical emission &recommend fuel injection HW &UNECE regs. Master, Mechanical Engrg. 36 mos exp as Engineer, &releasing evaporative emission prgrms, from concept to production, performance, safety (incl. U.S. technical ®ional rqrmnts &standards, Tc, &Tc Vismockup tools, or Ref#201, GM Global Mobility, Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit,
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) jacoblund / iStock via Getty Images Plus
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) JLco - Julia Amaral / iStock via Getty Images Plus
