Michigan Chronicle Vol. 89 - No. 10

Michigan Chronicle

Michigan Chronicle

All Black Everything:

Detroit Election Results: City Council Incumbents Fight Off Challengers

UAW Triple Strike Against Detroit Automakers

A Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

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

Three competitive Detroit City Council

races will determine the direction of the council under the city’s next mayor.

Voters in Detroit City Council District 5, District 6 and 7 could elect Democratic Socialists. Candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America say they want to use council to bring investment to neighborhoods and create a political environment where politicians are beholden to represent those who vote for them, not corporations who boost their campaigns.

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

IBoard of police commissioner Willie Burton (D5) incumbent Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero (D6) and former city charter commissioner Denzel McCampbell (D7) are all DSA Detroit members.

troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing their city is a powerful testament to the resilience and ingenuity of our community.

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

Whether one, two or all three make it to council could influence the next mayor’s agenda. Critics of the progressive movement say the city, under greater financial scrutiny without federal pandemic relief dollars, should be mindful not to take on more spending.

District 1: James Tate

Shortly before midnight on Sept. 14, GM released a statement expressing disappointment with the strike action, despite offering what it termed an “unprecedented economic package” that included historic wage increases. Stellantis also expressed disappointment in a statement, saying the company immediately went into contingency mode to protect its operations.

Here are the unofficial results as of early Tuesday night, an hour after polls closed.

Incumbent councilman Pro-Tem James Tate, who has represented the district for more than a decade, is the only candidate on the ballot. His district covers the city’s northwest side.

Mary Sheffield Becomes the Youngest Black Woman Ever

As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of honoring other outstanding individuals, each carving their own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the creative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark.

Elected to Lead a Major U.S. City

By Ebony JJ Curry Senior Reporter

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

Mary Sheffield is Detroit’s new mayor-elect.

“Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talent ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid and I always knew that I would have a business, but I never knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business rep resents our city’s pride.”

Her mother grounded her in a different language of service — care.

Can Reparative Investment Finally

James Chamder and Tashawna Rushin were running as write-in candidates.

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

For the first time in 12 years, Detroiters elected a mayor not named Mike Duggan, who announced earlier this year that he would forego a bid for a fourth term as mayor and instead run for governor of Michigan in 2026.

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

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

DIGITAL ANCHOR

ness district that had been the lifeblood of the community.

District 2: Angela Whitfield Calloway vs. Roy McCalister

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

In District 2, Angela Whitfield Calloway faces Roy McCallister, a former council member who represented the northwest part of the city prior to Calloway’s term.

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

Early unofficial results show Calloway with a 63-46 percentage point lead Tuesday night as of 9pm. During the August primary, Calloway received 7,425 votes (44%) compared to McCallister’s 4,983 (29%).

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

Sheffield’s opponent in the race, Triumph Church pastor Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., was unable to make up his 30-point deficit from the August 2025 mayoral primary and was defeated soundly, with the race being called in Sheffield’s favor just after 9 p.m. on Nov. 4.

This election was historic for several reasons. For the first time in the city’s history, a woman – and a Black woman –will be its mayor. In a broader history-making moment, Sheffield became the youngest Black woman in U.S. history elected to lead a major U.S. city – one with a population of more than 250,000.

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

Calloway rallied supporters with a megaphone outside of a polling location inside the Northwest Activities Center Tuesday, where she promised not to be a rubber stamp for billionaire developers.

Calloway touted her independence on council, often being the lone member to vote

By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

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

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

Now, as the youngest Black woman ever to lead a major U.S. city, Sheffield carries both a title and a lineage. Detroit has known every version of recovery from corporate, political, and developmental — but this moment reaches deeper.

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

“On my mother’s side, everyone was a nurse,” she said. “She taught nursing for years at Wayne County Community College, and she showed me what compassion looks like—how to care for people when they’re at their most vulnerable. That balance of advocacy and empathy shaped everything about how I see leadership.” That mix of protest and patience, the fight from her father and the tenderness from her mother, became her way of governing.

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

A string of shootings in Greektown in mid-April left both visitors and residents of this bustling downtown destination in awe. One of these shootings tragically claimed the life of a popular and beloved security guard following a dispute with a patron.

This painful legacy can be traced back to the nation’s interstate highway program of 1956—a program that aimed to connect the country but often did so at the expense of marginalized communities. In the case of I-375, it meant carving a path through the heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregation, and perpetuating inequality.

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

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

The male suspect allegedly shot the guard before fleeing the scene, while his female companion is accused of concealing the weapon in her bra.

All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness

The roots of her leadership trace back generations. For her family, service was the work expected of anyone who loved this city. And for Sheffield, that inheritance has become her blueprint for power.

The Weight of a Name

In Detroit, the name Sheffield is less a legacy than a living record. It runs through church pulpits and picket lines, through kitchens where neighbors gathered when policy failed them. Long before Mary Sheffield held a title, her family had already been doing the work that governments often forgot.

Continuing a Legacy of Detroit’s Leading Ladies Long before Mary Sheffield won an election, Detroit was being held together by women who led because the city needed them to. Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson turned sermons into strategy, using faith as a blueprint for policy. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick carried Detroit’s urgency to Congress, making sure working families were heard in Washington. Erma Henderson, once called “Detroit’s most powerful woman of her time,” broke the council’s color line in 1972 and spent 16 years shaping city policy — twelve of them as its president. Maryann Mahaffey fought for women’s rights from the same chambers, creating Detroit’s first rape crisis center and pushing through an ordinance against workplace sexual harassment. And Brenda Lawrence, who rose from the mayor’s office in Southfield to the halls of Congress, continued the work of expanding representation for a region still finding its balance between progress and equity.

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

prehensive list of demands. This

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

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

Housing Resource Helpline in response to the challenges that residents face in navigating the complex system of housing services. The helpline provides a single point of contact for people seeking housing assistance and connects them with the resources they need.

For one to aptly recognize the harm caused by such projects, it is vital to note that some of the planners and politicians behind those projects built them directly through the heart of vibrant, populated communities—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and sometimes as part of a direct effort to replace or eliminate Black neighborhoods.

Her grandfather, Horace Sheffield Jr., fought for Black workers when labor unions treated them like outsiders. Her father, Rev. Horace Sheffield III, carried that fight into the pulpit, turning sermons into organizing blueprints and ministry into social infrastructure.

Mary Sheffield was raised in those rooms. She grew up on stories of strikes and prayer circles, of city budgets discussed alongside Sunday dinners.

“I like to believe this work is something I was born into,” she said. “On both sides of my family, service has always been the standard.”

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

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

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

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

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

Janice M. Winfrey has once again secured her seat as Detroit City Clerk following the November 4, 2025, general election, marking another chapter in her long-standing legacy of public service to the city.

What a Federal Government Shutdown

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

In May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit

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

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

The surge in crime and the influx of visitors to Detroit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the Detroit Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat off guard.

Their names mark a lineage of service that shaped how Sheffield understands power.

“I really do see myself as part of that line of bold, compassionate women who kept this city going,” she said. “They didn’t wait for someone to give them the green light — they just showed up and made things happen. I’m here because of them, and I just want to make sure what they built keeps growing.”

But now, after decades of enduring the scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to transform this once-divisive freeway into a vision that seeks to right the wrongs of the past while heralding a new era of inclusivity and community revitalization.

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

From the days of the Great Migration when thousands of Black families flocked to Detroit in search of jobs and a better life, to the pivotal role they played in the city’s cultural and musical heritage, Black Detroiters have left an indelible mark on the city. However, in recent years, Detroit has experienced significant gentrification, which has raised concerns about the displacement of long-standing Black residents. Similar to a setting sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black Detroiters are reclaiming their place in the city, despite the challenges posed by gentrification.

For nearly two decades, Winfrey has been the steady hand behind Detroit’s elections, ensuring order, accessibility, and accountability in one of the nation’s most closely watched political landscapes.

First elected in 2005, Winfrey has held the position through some of the city’s most defining moments from Detroit’s bankruptcy and rebirth to record-breaking voter turnouts in national elections.

of Detroit’s most essential roles in local governance. The office of the City Clerk is responsible for overseeing all city elections, maintaining the official records of the City Council, and serving as the keeper of the city’s corporate seal. In her capacity as the chief elections officer, Winfrey manages the logistics of every election cycle, from training poll workers and managing absentee ballots to certifying results and ensuring compliance with state and federal election laws.

Her grandmother’s story is the bridge between those women and her own work.

James White, Chief of Police for the Detroit Police Department, said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed right out the gate. By design we went into the spring deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployment, and saw we say an uptick in violence that first warm weekend.”

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

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

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

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

“My grandmother was born at home in a two-family flat right here in Detroit,” Sheffield said. “She remembers when the Jeffries Projects were being built, because at that time there was a major housing shortage. Developments like the Brewster Homes were a big deal — yet even then, there was never enough for the families who needed it most.”

Chief White attributes the violence in Greektown to a combination of weather conditions and a surge in population.

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

Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III, representing District 7, where Eastern Market resides, told the Michigan Chronicle, “It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is

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

trust in Detroit’s election infrastructure.

The rise in visitors to the Greektown area is evident in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company specializing in visit trends and demographic insights through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according to Placer.ai. In the same period this year, these numbers increased to 1.4 million visits and 670,000 visitors.

As Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract both residents and visitors, the police department has imple mented various enforcement measures to manage the increased population. Notably, metal detectors have been strategically placed throughout Greektown to deter the illegal carrying of firearms.

Winfrey’s leadership was particularly tested during the 2020 presidential election, when Detroit became a national focal point for election integrity. She guided the city through the intense scrutiny with professionalism, transparency, and resilience. Since then, her office has continued implementing stronger safeguards and enhanced training for election inspectors to ensure security and confidence in every election held within Detroit’s 139 precincts.

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

Her re-election underscores the trust Detroiters continue to place in her ability to safeguard the city’s electoral process.

As City Clerk, Winfrey holds one

During the Great Migration, thousands of Black families from the South came to Detroit in search of jobs in the booming automobile industry. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, they built vibrant communities on the city’s

Throughout her tenure, Winfrey has modernized Detroit’s election systems to meet the demands of a growing absentee voting base and a changing technological landscape. Under her leadership, the city expanded early voting accessibility, improved ballot tabulation systems, and introduced transparent measures for vote-counting processes. Her office has consistently worked to increase voter education, particularly among young and first-time voters, and to strengthen public

“We have strategically placed them at key points, “ Chief White explains. It has been a deterrent for some, and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a weapon and carrying a CPL, have a great day. If you’re

Beyond election oversight, Winfrey’s role as clerk extends to legislative administration. She serves as secretary to the City Council, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and maintaining Detroit’s public record. These responsibilities make the City Clerk’s Office one of the city’s most pivotal departments— connecting government transparency with civic engagement.

Winfrey’s continued leadership

DPD Chief James White

Meagan DunnJulie Schneider

niably commendable.

Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showcased the diversity of talent within our community. From Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundaries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who

A Detroit Man Turned His Second Chance into a Bustling West Side Diner

Janice Winfrey Wins City Clerk Election

to ensure our patients can access the care they need.”

Elected officials are also working to keep Roe v. Wade intact thus holding off Michigan’s nor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement

turned’ are no longer theoretical. I want every no matter what happens in D.C., I’m going to fight like hell to protect access to safe, legal abortion in cations, overturning Roe eral systems across the tential to drive both foster and adoption numbers tions could leave many women to choose a less safe route restoring ‘back tion practices, including self-abortions. Moreover, African American women and women of color, who ried history with access and inclusion in medi-

Mary Sheffield

islature adopts it.

and for the women who came before me,” she said.

Her grandmother taught her resilience. Her mother taught her empathy. Those lessons now shape every policy Sheffield writes, while understanding that leadership isn’t just boiled down to being first – it’s about honoring those who never had the chance to be seen and widening the path for those who will follow.

corporate boards to have more diverse representation and pass the legislation.

Better collection and analysis of criminal justice data: BLAC recommends data collection and professional analysis be initiated with the assistance of our Attorney General, Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES), Association of Michigan Prosecutors and other stakeholders to collaborate, collect and analyze data strategically.

The women who governed this city long before it ever gave them a title are the reason she can.

A First Who Refuses to Be the Last Now that she is officially elected, Sheffield has stepped into a history that has denied women — and especially Black women — a seat at the city’s highest table. She understands what that symbol means, but she’s careful not to let it stop there.

Ban no-knock warrants: Urging the House Government Operations Committee to hold hearings on HB 5013 and other legislation that would ban or limit the use of noknock or quick knock warrants, and urging the state legislature to pass meaningful reform and advise Gov. Whitmer to sign the bill after the leg-

“Being the first woman — and the first Black woman — to lead this city is not just about breaking a barrier; it’s about holding the door open for those who will come after me,” she said. “For every young girl who’s been told her voice is too soft or her dreams too big, I want her to see that leadership can look like her too.” That sentiment carries the weight of her family’s sacrifices.

the chancellor embraces.

“I lead with them in mind,” she said. “My job is not just to make history, but to make change — to ensure that the women and girls watching don’t have to be the ‘first’ again but can simply be the next.” Love, Fight, and Faith

When Sheffield talks about this campaign, she returns again to three words: love, fight, and faith. They read less like slogans and more like survival tools.

“When the next generation of Detroit women looks back at this moment, I want them to understand that everything I’ve done has come from a place of deep love — for our city, for our people,

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).

“The fight has never been easy, but it’s always been fueled by faith — the kind that believes in Detroit even when it’s been counted out.”

She hopes her legacy will prove that leadership can be both firm and tender — that power, in a city built by working people, can still look like service.

“I hope history will say that I didn’t seek power for its own sake, but to shift power — to give voice, visibility, and dignity to those left out of the story,” she said. “That I governed with heart and conviction, that I fought for equity not as a slogan but as a standard.”

Other Women Have Walked Similar Paths

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.

In Alexandria, Virginia, Mayor Alyia Gaskin knows something about firsts and the weight they carry. Last year, at just 35, she became the first Black woman ever elected mayor of the historic port city.

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.

She took office in January 2025, stepping into the same halls where enslaved people were once bought and sold. That proximity to history, she says, shapes how she governs and how she watches leaders like Mary Sheffield rise.

ing — who’s actually changing the systems that make that struggle inevitable?”

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

That question, she said, drives her still, and it’s what she recognizes in Sheffield’s approach to governance: a determination to make structural change, not just temporary relief.

“When I see her (Sheffield) rising, I’m filled with joy,” Gaskin said. “We are the ones the world has been waiting for. We bring an experience, an energy, and a passion but also a record of results. I hope all of us in this new generation of mayors show that leadership doesn’t have to look like business as usual.”

“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.

Their cities are hundreds of miles apart, but the parallels are unmistakable: both women leading places marked by Black labor and loss, both determined to redefine what progress looks like for the people who built those cities from the ground up.

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

“She knows her city best,” she said. “Lean on those stories, those relationships, those people. Use whatever the moment calls for — grit, grace, or something else. Just lean into that and activate it when it’s needed.”

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

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

As someone in a similar seat as a Black woman leading a blue city in a red state, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell detailed what it meant to govern when she came to Detroit to be a part of Michigan Chronicle’s May 2025 Pancakes & Politics forum of mayors. The panel included three mayors from across the U.S.

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

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

“[My administration was] about doing the job. A part of my…method is just staying laser-focused and making sure that my people see that because I’ve been under fire since day one,” she said. “They clapped about me being the first woman mayor, and I’m a Black woman, too, so it’s celebration one day and its crucifixion the next day. So, my whole focus has just been staying focus – do not be distracted – because that’s been a part of the orchestration to distract and make you believe you’re not getting anything done.”

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.

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.

The Measure of History Detroit has birthed movements and broken myths. It has been counted out and risen anyway. Sheffield is asking to write its next chapter with the same tools that built its past — work, care, and an unshakable belief in people.

She will be remembered as the first. She will also be remembered as the youngest. But if she has her way, she will be remembered most as the daughter of a city that finally saw itself reflected in its own leadership — not as a comeback, but as a continuation.

“Progress isn’t born out of perfection,” she said. “It’s born out of persistence.”

And Detroit, like Mary Sheffield, has never lacked for that.

“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.

City Council

council and running for it, including Gabriela Santiago-Romero and candidate Denzel McCampbell.

District 6: Gabriela Santiago: Romero vs. State Rep. Tyrone Carter

against proposals brought to council by Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration.

District 3: Scott Benson vs. Cranstana Anderson

Incumbent council member Scott Benson is poised to defeat Anderson, according to unofficial results.

Benson, the chair of the city’s Green Task Force, has advocated for more sustainable, cleaner residential neighborhoods. His office has collaborated with the city’s blight reduction program to get rid of trash and clean up derelict properties across the northeast side district.

The district is made up of Conant Gardens, Krainz Woods, Regent Park and Banglatown.

District 4: Latisha Johnson

Incumbent Latisha Johnson will serve a second term after running for the east side district unopposed.

District 5: Renata Miller vs. Willie Burton

Detroit City Council’s District 5 race features a matchup between UAW-backed Renata Miller, and Burton, who says he would form coalitions among progressives if elected to council.

As of the latest update to the city’s unofficial results webpage at 9 p.m.Tuesday evening, Miller held a 53-vote lead over Burton.

Both candidates would assume the office with a group of vocal critics opposing them.

Across the council district that stretches across Southwest Detroit through, voters will choose between a younger, more progressive incumbent Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero, or state Rep. Tyrone Carter, who has touted his roots in the area and his work defending immigrant communities representing Southwest Detroit in the state Legislature.

Early unofficial results show Santiago-Romero 67-32 percentage point lead over Carter as of 9 p.m. Tuesday.

The Southwest Detroit District didn’t have a primary election because Detroit election law skips it entirely when there are only two candidates on the ballot.

A legal challenge reversed a Detroit Elections Department decision earlier this year to remove Santiago-Romero from the November ballot after the Wayne County Clerk alleged her campaign hadn’t submitted a required form. She will appear on the ballot along with Carter.

District 7: Denzel McCampbell vs. Karen Whitsett

The tightest race may be on the city’s west side, in District 7, where controversial state Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, and Democratic Socialist Denzel McCampbell, square off to replace outgoing council member Fred Durhal III.

Durhal ran for mayor instead of running for reelection.

Miller, who is endorsed by a number of unions, former city council candidates and faces allegations of mismanaging funds during her tenure as president of the Historic Indian Village Neighborhood Association. The group is currently in a legal fight to gain control of its bank account, P.O. Box, taxes and email newsletter. Miller has defended her actions and rejected the claims from the group’s current leadership, which she says has no legal standing.

Whitsett has faced sharp criticism for walking out during last year’s legislative session that left number of Democratic priorities that affected Detroiters sidelined. But Durhal told Michigan Chronicle that he wouldn’t endorse a candidate in the race, saying both would bring different talents to council. McCampbell has said his vision for Detroit includes everyone, not just the billionaire class.

“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 innovation and preparing our students professionally and personally to do great things in the world.”

“When I first found out I won, all I could think about was the joy — but also the pressure and responsibility,” Gaskin said. “My office looks out on a market where slaves were once sold, and so I feel a deep sense of duty to deliver for long-term Black residents who built and shaped our city.”

“I think of transformational leadership as a thoughtful approach that causes people to change but also causes the systems and circumstances they are operating in to change too,” Ivory said. “Transformational change doesn’t just ask people to do certain things; it asks them to change their view of what’s possible and excites them to drive that change together because they believe that what they’re doing will create positive change for everyone. That’s how entire systems change because people believe that they need to for themselves and others to live better lives.”

Before her election, Gaskin served on the Alexandria City Council, bringing her background in public health and urban planning to issues of housing, safety, and community infrastructure. Her path into leadership came through proximity to struggle.

“No matter how hard my mom worked,” she said, “we still struggled to make ends meet. And so I started think-

Cantrell reminded the crowd that when Black women lead with conviction, it’s too often labeled as aggression rather than passion. Her words didn’t just land—they settled deep, especially among Black women in the audience who knew that dual reality all too well.

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.

To learn more about BLAC and this upcoming event, visit www.michigan.gov/BLAC.

“It does appear that the future is going to be female in Detroit. But what I have to say is – and it’s not so much to the mayor-elect as it is to the community – support her; have her back. It’s important. The presence of a Black man is important, too, when you’re in these roles. And when you don’t have that advocacy, it’s like you’re giving permission to everybody to come and slap her and disrespect her. So, when I say you go from celebration on one day to crucifixion, that was my experience in not having that presence. It’s not that I didn’t have support, but it shows up differently when you’re the first and when you’re a Black woman.”

She has also been criticized for Facebook posts describing homosexuality as a sin. Miller told Michigan Chronicle last month the posts, still visible on her profile, do not represent her current views on samesex marriage. She suggested the opposition against her from white Indian Village residents is racially motivated.

She has advocated for community-led development and boosting small businesses through grants and opportunities to access capital.

Burton has been criticized by his opponents for a personal protection order filed against him in a Wayne County Circuit Court, alleging he continued to make contact with a woman he says was his ex-fiance in February 2016 when he was 35.

He told Michigan Chronicle last week in an interview downtown he would form a coalition among other progressives on

In an interview Tuesday outside of Cody High School, McCampbell told Michigan Chronicle that the district has the second most children across all seven council districts. He says it’s essential council works to expand opportunities for families looking to access youth programming.

“What’s at stake is making sure we’re actually providing for those families,” McCampbell said.

At-large

Voters can choose to elect new Detroit City Council at-large members in former councilwoman Janee Ayers and community relations fire chief James Harris.

Early unofficial results show voters are mostly sticking with incumbents Mary Waters and Coleman A. Young II. Both incumbents won by significant margins in the August primary election. For full results, visit MichiganChronicle.com.

ATTENTION: WAYNE COUNTY RESIDENTS

Would you benefit from affordable, high quality rental housing?

MSHDA’s Project-Based Voucher (PBV) may be able to help. The PBV program is a federally funded rental subsidy program that may assist people living at The Preserve on Ash I with paying their rent.

MSHDA’s Housing Choice Voucher/PBV Program is partnered with The Preserve on Ash I, LDHA LLC, The Community Builders Inc. and Salyers LLC. to make affordable housing units with rental subsidies for 22 apartments located at the boundaries of MLK Blvd. (North) Butternut Street (South), 14th Street (East) and 16th (West), Detroit, MI. (17/1BR, 4/2BR and 1/3BR apartments).

The PBV waiting list will be established by MSHDA beginning Wednesday, November 5, 2025, and will remain open indefinitely. You may qualify for assistance if •Your family income falls at or below 50% percent of area median income for Wayne County.

Staff at The Community Builders will be accepting inquiries beginning Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Please call 313-635-4473 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, to receive information regarding the PBV waiting list application process for this property.

NOTE: Proof of legal identity (birth) and proof of a valid Social Security number will be required for all members of the household.

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From page A-1

A3 | November 5-11, 2025

Roots.

Detroit Council Passes Police Body Cam Ordinance Amid Scrutiny

By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

Police accountability activists are questioning whether a new law passed by the Detroit City Council requiring Detroit police to release body cam footage during an officer-involved shooting will bring true transparency.

Council approved the ordinance in an 8-1 vote. It requires the Detroit Police Department to publicly release footage online within 30 days, with certain exceptions, police say, that are vital to ensuring the footage won’t jeopardize criminal investigations.

Gabriela Santiago-Romero, the lone no vote, cited the ability for police to use those loopholes to block the release of footage in her opposition.

Several public commenters joined the council session on Tuesday to express their opposition to the proposal.

Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway defended the ordinance, saying that the law was a good start and could be strengthened later on. She said that, like the U.S. Constitution, all laws are meant to be amended.

The law comes into play when an officer “discharges their firearm in a manner that strikes, or that potentially could strike, another individual” and when an officer’s force results in “death or great bodily harm.”

District 5 city council candidate Willie Burton, a member of the board of police commissioners, told Michigan Chronicle in an interview on Wednesday that he would have voted with Santiago-Romero.

“Police can hold individuals for 72 hours. Why wouldn’t they be able to provide footage of an incident in the same amount of time?” Burton said. “You lose community trust when you drag it out for weeks.”

Burton says 7-10 days is an appropriate window of time to allow police to investigate an officer-involved shooting before releasing body cam footage.

The law, as written, allows Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office or the city’s corporation counsel to block the release of the footage until a charging decision has been made. Footage recorded during federal and state task force operations is excluded from the requirement.

Detroit police can release edited footage that provides a comprehensive view of the incident, and must attempt to notify anyone involved or members of the family and allow them to review it.

The city’s corporation counsel has the ability to block footage it deems would create a disadvantage or unfair bias to a party in the case.

Just this week, Detroit Police Department Chief Todd Bettison acknowledged an officer violated department policies while shooting a woman six times during a traffic stop on Sunday, Oct. 26. The woman was hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries and was later released to the Detroit Detention Center.

In a press conference on Monday, Oct. 27, Bettison said he is asking police commissioners to suspend the officer without pay, promising he will be held accountable.

Bettison said after reviewing the video footage of the incident, he ordered the woman’s release from jail. She won’t be charged with a crime, Bettison said.

You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com.

East Warren Corridor Revival Continues

with Redevelopment and Expansion of Long-Vacant Arthur Murray Building

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

East Warren has carried Detroit’s contradictions for decades — community pride and neighborhood neglect, side by side. On one block, you’ll find long-standing homeowners tending to their lawns, and on the next, a row of boarded storefronts waiting for someone to believe in them again.

This stretch, known as the East Warren–Cadieux corridor, has been a living record of what happens when investment stops just short of the neighborhoods that need it most.

That’s why the redevelopment of the long-vacant Arthur Murray building goes beyond just another construction project. For some, it’s an answer to what residents have been asking for: proof that reinvestment doesn’t have to skip Detroit’s East Side.

Real Estate Interests, LLC has broken ground on The Arthur Murray at 16621–16653 E. Warren Avenue, converting the midcentury building that has been empty for over five years into 32 new apartments and community space. The development, part of the city’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund initiative, will include affordable housing for Detroit families and commercial space for local entrepreneurship.

This is a visible sign of the city’s promise that revitalization will reach beyond downtown, a concern Detroiters have raised for years.

“The Strategic Neighborhood Fund is about bringing investment and opportunity into Detroit’s neighborhoods, not just downtown,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “The Arthur Murray project shows exactly what can happen when public and private

partners work together. This historic building will be restored, families will have access to quality, affordable housing, and new neighborhood businesses will grow — all right here on East Warren.”

For the residents who have stayed, this kind of progress has been long overdue.

Originally built in the early 1950s, the Arthur Murray building carries deep history in Detroit. It once housed the first Arthur Murray Dance franchise run by Doris Eaton Travis, one of the earliest women to lead a business of its kind.

Now, decades later, it is being revived as a cornerstone for housing, entrepreneurship, and community life.

Six of the new apartments will be reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income, thirteen for those earning between 61 and 80 percent, and the remaining

units for families earning up to 100 percent. The layered affordability approach is designed to keep current residents in place while still welcoming growth.

The redevelopment will also feature 8,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, to be occupied by Activate Detroit, a neighborhood-focused organization committed to building local ownership.

“Activate Detroit is thrilled to be part of this project and to make our home on the first floor of The Arthur Murray,” said principal Terence Thomas. “We believe in the power of community-driven development, and being located in this historic building gives us the opportunity to serve residents and contribute to the growth of East Warren in a meaningful way.”

The East Warren–Cadieux corridor is one of ten neighborhoods designated under the Strategic Neighborhood

Detroit, DTE Breaks Ground on First Solar Neighborhood

By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

With fall sun beaming down over the east side, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, community members, and DTE leadership celebrated the groundbreaking of a sprawling solar array project near the city airport on Monday afternoon.

In total, DTE and Boston-based Lightstar Renewables will build 165 acres of solar fields on large swaths of vacant and blighted land. The city says the field will generate enough clean energy to power 127 city municipal buildings.

More than fifty people were in attendance for Monday’s press event featuring DTE Energy president and CEO Joi Harris, Duggan, and pre-selected members of the community who said the vacant and blighted land was lying empty until the solar farm project.

In total, the project will transform fields in ten neighborhoods where there was widespread community support.

Community members and nearby neighbors who spoke at the press conference ahead of the construction for the Van Dyke/ Lynch neighborhood project said they welcome the type of investment. Activation of the solar field is expected in summer 2026. Van Dyke/Lynch resident Dorothy Gladney, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, told Michigan Chronicle that when she moved in, the community was beautiful.

“I mean, the houses, the community, the people — all of a sudden I look around and houses are falling down, nobody wants to

cut the lawn or do anything,” Gladney said.

“I said, ‘I’m going back to Alabama.’”

Gladney said she is glad she waited to see what would happen to her neighborhood, which she says has been cleaned up in preparation for the incoming solar field.

Sandra Turner Handy, who lives on Flanders off Houston Whittier, says her backyard is about to transform into a solar park.

“I’m so excited about it, it starts right in the back of my house,” Handy told Michigan Chronicle.

The Gratiot, Findlay, and State Fair neighborhood is another part of the first phase of construction slated to begin early next year by Lightstar Renewables. There are five neighborhood solar parks planned as part of the project, including Gratiot Findlay, State Fair, Greenfield Park, Houston Whittier, and Van Dyke Lynch.

Resident Haley Henley said the solar project saved her. She says she didn’t have electricity running into her kitchen until receiving help from the city and DTE as part

of the project. She’s staying in her home nearby as the project gets started.

Tammy Black, a solar instructor and the owner of the Communities Power Solar Training Academy, credits DTE for helping fund her school aimed toward inclusive solar training for students and people with disabilities.

Black told Michigan Chronicle she’s helping teach community members how to do home assessments, work as a ground crew, and have an awareness of how solar energy works.

Once up and running, the solar field will deliver around 10 megawatts of solar energy onto the city’s electrical grid, Harris said. The energy output will help offset the energy that is required to power city buildings, fire, and police stations.

The solar arrays will also feature beautiful new landscaping selected by neighbors. Some neighbors reached agreements with the city for their homes or property to be included in the solar parks, while others received eminent domain lawsuits. The city justified filing nearly 100 lawsuits, saying in a statement to the Detroit Free Press last year, the eminent domain suits represented less than 10% of the parcels acquired for the project.

The city said that owners of 21 occupied houses signed an agreement to sell their homes and move in exchange for $90,000.

“People who did get bought out, a lot of them are staying in the city of Detroit while changing their quality of life, people’s whole

Solar Neighborhoods, Sandra Turner Handy and Tammy Black

East Warren Corridor

Fund, which pools philanthropic, public, and private dollars to invest in housing, small businesses, and public infrastructure. The initiative has already leveraged more than $262 million across Detroit, with visible progress along East Warren: new sidewalks, improved lighting, protected bike lanes, and an $8.8 million streetscape overhaul between Three Mile Drive and Cadieux.

Emery Matthews, CEO of Real Estate Interests, said the project represents a partnership between residents and developers who see Detroit’s future as inclusive and attainable.

“This project is about creating opportunities for residents and businesses to thrive,” Matthews said. “We are grateful to our partners, lenders and the residents of this community who have worked alongside us to make this vision a reality. By restoring the historic Arthur Murray building and expanding its purpose, we’re honor-

ing Detroit’s history while building for its future.”

The project’s financial backing reflects that philosophy.

It received a $2.2 million Revitalization and Placemaking grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, alongside support from Michigan Community Capital, Invest Detroit, LISC Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, and the EBIARA Fund.

Rod Hardamon, CEO of the EBIARA Fund, said this is the model for sustainable, Black-led development.

“EBIARA exists as a fund of Developers building Developers, to support talented emerging developers who are building transformative projects in Detroit’s neighborhoods,” Hardamon said.

“The Arthur Murray is a perfect example of how trust and investment in local leadership can create affordable housing, spur entrepreneurship, and generate wealth that stays in the community.”

Solar Neighborhood

trajectories,” District 3 Councilman Scott Benson told Michigan Chronicle at the press conference Monday. “Some of those houses were not worth how much homeowners received.”

Owner-occupied homes in each solar neighborhood were eligible to receive between $15,000 and $25,000 per house for energy efficiency upgrades with the help of DTE, with the amount depending on how many acres of solar their neighborhood generates. These improvements include roof repairs, windows, furnaces, hot water heaters, and more.

The city says nearly 250 households have taken advantage of the program, including 65 in Van Dyke Lynch.

“Everything has to come with controversy, but when we selected DTE as one of the two finalists, there was some skepticism that DTE was completely committed to solar energy,” Duggan said. “What we have seen here is remarkable. They work with great speed.”

Byron Osbern of IBEW Local 58 told Michigan Chronicle that he understands the opposition to DTE’s involvement. Osbern and members of the electrical workers union —who were tapped to install the solar panels for the project — were invited to speak at the podium by Duggan.

“I get the pushback, because ultimately what you would like to see is some relief from energy bills,” Osbern said. “I’ve heard some people say they want it to directly affect their bill, but it’s going to the city… But the key is jobs this project is creating — it’s huge.”

You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com.

The Arthur Murray building sat empty for years because investment rarely reached this side of the city. Families who held on through decay, foreclosures, and rising costs kept these blocks alive without the support they were promised.

The new construction on East Warren isn’t a cure-all, but it’s tangible progress, a project that

merges memory with momentum.

“The Arthur Murray project reflects exactly what our affordable housing strategy is all about,” said Julie Schneider, Director of Detroit’s Housing & Revitalization Department. “Through partnerships like the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, we’re creating high-quality, affordable housing and vibrant community spaces that allow Detroiters to stay in the neighborhoods they love while

welcoming new investment and opportunity.”

Detroit’s growth story has often been told through its skyline. East Warren tells it through its survival — through residents who stayed, storefronts that reopened, and now a building once left to decay being rebuilt into homes and opportunity.

You can reach Ebony at ecurry@ michronicle.com.

 And so much more!

organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Trinity Health Plan of Michigan depends on contract renewal. Benefits vary by county. To file a grievance, call 1-800-MEDICARE to file a complaint with Medicare. Not all plans have $0 Premium, Cash Back ($1,785.60 per calendar

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A5 | November 5-11, 2025

Money.

Pancakes & Politics Overdrive Tackles Michigan’s K–12 Crisis

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

The Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics: Overdrive series turned its focus toward one of the state’s most urgent challenges—education.

The discussion, moderated by Michigan Chronicle Executive Editor Jeremy Allen, featured Angelique Power, President & CEO of The Skillman Foundation; Ronald E. Hall, Jr., President & CEO of Bridgewater Interiors; and Dr. Jennifer

Green, Superintendent of Southfield Public Schools.

Together, they examined Michigan’s K–12 education system and the path forward for students, families, and communities.

Despite years of new investments, Michigan ranks 44th in the nation for overall education outcomes, including graduation rates and reading and math proficiency. Hall pointed to inconsistent policymaking as a key barrier to progress.

“One of the big issues here in Michigan is that we don’t stick to

Michigan Governor’s Race: Benson Holds Fundraising Lead Over Dem Field

By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has the lead in the fundraising battle among Michigan gubernatorial candidates seeking to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Candidates for governor are gearing up ahead of the turn of the new year, when a new governor, attorney general, and secretary of state will be elected.

Benson’s campaign brought in over $1.2 million in the most recent fundraising period from July 21 through Oct. 20. She ended with almost $3 million cash on hand.

“Jocelyn Benson has built her campaign with the steadfast support of teachers, nurses, service workers, and many others who are tired of politicians ignoring the most pressing issues facing working families,” Benson Campaign Manager Nikki Goldschein said in a statement.

The Republican with the biggest haul is former Attorney General Mike Cox, the first major GOP candidate to enter the race, who has raised over $4.5 million for his campaign, lending his campaign over $3.5 million in total.

Cox ended the fundraising period with nearly $3.8 million in cash on hand.

“We’re building the team, we’re doing the work, we have the resources — and we’re going to win this campaign,” said Cox in a statement.

Cox has called for eliminating the state income tax and restoring the state’s recently repealed rightto-work laws, allowing workers to opt out of paying union dues.

Behind Cox is U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, who posted nearly $1.4 million during the latest reporting period. He’s collected more than $3.6 million in total, with almost $2.3 million left in his war chest.

“While we are encouraged by

the early and sustained grassroots support of our campaign, indicated by our consistently strong fundraising and poll numbers, I learned in combat and in business that complacency kills,” James said in a press statement.

James announced he would be absent from the first of three debates among the 2026 Republican candidates for Michigan governor.

The first, taking place on Wednesday at Apple Valley Events in Sparta, will take place without him, according to organizers.

Ralph Rebandt, a pastor who ran for governor in 2022, secured over $900,000 after lending himself more than $800,000, campaign finance records show. He has more than $880,000 in cash on hand.

Senate Minority Leader Aric

Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, brought in more than $420,000 during the most recent reporting period, with $2.1 million cash on hand.

Former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, raised over $290,000 during the most recent fundraising period, raising more than $930,000. He’s got more than $700,000 in his war chest.

Democrat Lt. Gov. Garlin

Gilchrist II, who began his campaign later than his opponents, raised over $350,000 during the latest fundraising period. He’s raised more than $1.1 million and ended the reporting period with over $370,000 cash on hand.

Gilchrist recently received the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson brought in over $290,000 during the most recent fundraising period. So far during his campaign, he has raised over $1.3 million. He ended the period with over $380,000 cash on hand.

Independent candidate for Governor Mike Duggan raised more than $1.17 million in the third quarter of 2025, “a clear sign of growing support for his independent run,” his campaign spokesperson Andrea Bitely said.

Duggan ends the year with more than $2.46 million in cash on hand.

“The numbers tell the story,” said Duggan. “I’m running for Governor of Michigan — and that’s where my support is coming from.

While the other candidates are flying around the country chasing

national donors, we’re building a campaign powered by people right here in Michigan.”

This week, Duggan is doubling down on his promise to punish poor-performing school districts in his education plan, saying he would invest $4.5 billion to “transform our schools—without raising taxes—by cutting state spending by 2%.”

Duggan’s campaign says it would force failing schools to develop a credible and comprehensive improvement plan that explains how they’re going to improve student outcomes. If there isn’t improvement, their principals or superintendents would be fired.

You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com.

Detroit Homeowners Have Until November 7 to Apply for HOPE Property Tax Assistance

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Detroit homeowners facing financial hardship have until November 7 at 4:30 p.m. to apply for the City’s Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program, which helps residents reduce or eliminate their current year property taxes and avoid the risk of foreclosure.

The HOPE program, an income-based initiative, offers qualified homeowners property tax reductions of 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%, depending on their income. Last year, more than 10,000 Detroit homeowners received relief through the program—an essential protection in a city that has long battled one of the nation’s highest rates of property tax foreclosures.

According to the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office, tens of thousands of Detroit properties entered tax foreclosure between

2010 and 2019, disproportionately impacting Black homeowners.

In response, the City has worked to expand outreach for programs like HOPE to keep residents in their homes and stabilize neighborhoods.

“Over the summer we held several HOPE events to reach as many homeowners as possible to make them aware of the help that’s available. We are making every effort to help Detroit homeowners stay in their homes,” said Willie Donwell, Director of the Board of Review, City Council.

“For years, the HOPE program has provided tax relief to thousands of homeowners, making their payments affordable and protecting them from the threat of foreclosure. We urge anyone who is eligible or facing financial hardship to apply for this vital support before the November 7 deadline.”

The application deadline was moved up from early December to early November to allow the City

HOPE Property Tax Assistance

or Hardship Program, HOPE is an annual application, meaning homeowners must reapply each year to remain eligible.

Residents can apply online or schedule an in-person appointment by visiting www.detroitmi.gov/ HOPE or calling (313) 244-0274. Walk-ins are welcome between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. during designated assistance hours.

Pancakes & Politics Overdrive

policy,” said Hall. “That’s one of the things that holds us back and its been a collective inability to have all key parties working together so Launch Michigan is an organization that has stood up to combat that. We like to help to advance the ball by providing policies that can speak to the concerns of various stakeholder communities.”

Hall highlighted the work of Launch Michigan, a coalition uniting business leaders, philanthropists, and educators to address the state’s systemic shortcomings.

“Launch Michigan is a threelegged stool,” he explained. “The Skillman Foundation led for the philanthropic sector, Business Leaders for Michigan led for the business sector, and the professional education community is at the table. They’ve been at it for over a decade.”

carrying a lot of things inside those classrooms,” said Power. “We absolutely need for students who have disabilities, who are coming from poverty, who are English language learners, we need to have a lot more money than we currently have.”

Dr. Green underscored the necessity of collaboration across sectors.

Watch the full discussion at Michiganchronicle.com/ pancakesandpolitics presented in partnership with WDIV Local 4, or scan the QR Code.

Power, whose foundation has long advocated for equity in education, emphasized the need for funding models that meet the realities of students’ lives.

“Schools are repositories of students who are

“One of the keys to success is that collective responsibility,” she said. “It takes both the business sector, as well as our community organizations, our parents, our educators to come together to ensure that every scholar that walks through our door receives a high quality education and all of the other wrap around support services that are necessary to ensure that they are able receive that high quality education so we engage with our business partners and our philanthropic organizations on a daily basis.”

The conversation made clear that solving Michigan’s education crisis will require collective accountability across classrooms, boardrooms, and communities. You can reach Ebony at ecurry@michronicle. com.

When the Safety Net Disappears: Detroit’s Response to the SNAP Pause

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

The first of the month has always carried weight in Detroit. It’s the day bills get paid, groceries fill the refrigerator again, and mothers finally exhale.

This November, that day arrives with more uncertainty than relief.

The federal government’s decision to pause SNAP benefits beginning November 1 has left thousands of Michigan households bracing for empty cupboards. It is a policy failure with human consequences, and in Wayne County, those consequences have names, addresses, and children to feed.

Roughly 430,000 people here depend on food assistance to eat. Most are women raising children on their own. In a county where one in five residents already lives below the poverty line, SNAP has not been a luxury. For families across Detroit, it has been survival.

Adrian Lewis, who leads Forgotten Harvest, said his team has already felt the tremors. His organization rescues food that would otherwise be wasted and delivers it through a network of more than 200 local partners.

Each week, they deliver food to churches, shelters, and community centers, places where the number of families waiting for groceries says more about the state of the economy than any report ever could.

“This problem of hunger and food insecurity has existed for quite some time,” Lewis said. “We’re going to remain committed to making sure that all of our resources are allocated to those partners, knowing that demand has already begun to creep up and it’s going to be higher.”

Forgotten Harvest was prepared early. The organization dipped into its reserves this summer to purchase two million pounds of protein, anticipating inflation and instability. Only a fraction of that stock remains.

“We alone were not built to replace SNAP,” Lewis said. “This is technically significant and unprecedented in what we’re dealing with.”

Food prices in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area have risen about 2.6 percent over the past year. Michigan’s unemployment rate remains above the national average. Lewis said those numbers carry real consequences.

“We stand beside the community, those that are in need,” he said. “We want to be a collaborative partner with other organizations and corporations to make sure we can get through this.”

On Detroit’s east and west sides, smaller nonprofits are stepping forward with the same urgency. SHARE Detroit, which connects residents to volunteer work and mutual-aid organizations, is giving the public a way to respond.

“It’s definitely been challenging for a lot of nonprofits across Metro Detroit,” said Karly Moore of SHARE Detroit. “We’re really trying to listen to our nonprofit partners, especially our grassroots organizations that struggle to get the visibility they need to be sustainable.”

The organization has created an online directory of more than fifty food pantries and twenty volunteer opportunities across four counties.

“People want to support our community members who are facing the end of their SNAP benefits,” Moore said. “We created this space where you can donate to a food pantry, volunteer in person or remotely, and give nonprofits the support they need facing this shutdown.”

Fair Food Network is facing the crisis from another angle: where policy meets practice.

Chief Strategy and Program Officer Holly Parker said the federal pause will reverberate beyond households. SNAP dollars also sustain local grocers, corner markets, and family farmers. When those benefits stop, so do the purchases that keep small economies alive.

“Families who rely on SNAP to buy their groceries are going to be without critical food support, right as we’re entering the colder months and the holiday season,” Parker said. “This disruption doesn’t only impact individuals and families. It sets retailers and the local food economy back and sends shockwaves through the food access system.”

To help bridge the gap, Fair Food Network is expanding its Double Up Food Bucks program, which allows residents to match Bridge Card spending on fruits and vegetables. The organization has removed its daily earning cap, added frozen produce to the eligible list, and extended benefits through the end of the year. Beginning November 1, families will also receive $40 in additional credits through a temporary Double Up Bonus Bucks program.

“Programs like Double Up and the work of Fair Food Network are built for moments like this,” Parker said. “We’re meeting immediate needs while building long-term re-

Michigan Democrats Move Legislation to Prevent Food Assistance Delay

By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

The federal government’s delay of SNAP benefits is prompting state lawmakers to strategize ways to ensure Michigan’s most vulnerable can continue being fed.

After Senate Democrats on Thursday passed a $71 million supplemental spending bill to bolster food assistance programs, Michigan House Democrats unveiled a plan to allocate around $600 million to pay for SNAP benefits through December.

The appropriations bill, SB 182, would provide $71 to make up for lost federal dollars in order to pay for SNAP benefits.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the program that helps feed millions of Michiganders will be paused as of Nov. 1 during the federal government shutdown.

The bill passed 27-4.

Under the bill, $50 million would go toward the state’s Department of Health and Human Services for emergency food assistance, $20 million would fund an agricultural surplus system and emergency food bank grants. The state’s Double Up Food Bucks Program would receive another $1 million under the legislation.

It’s unclear whether the House, controlled by Republicans, will take up the legislation or if House Democrats will attempt to push through their own separate legislation. The bill approved in the Senate can’t be brought up in the House for a vote for five days.

“As state lawmakers, we must quickly collaborate with our constituents, nonprofit and faith-based food providers, and retailers to ensure Michiganders have access to adequate food, especially as we approach the winter season and the holidays, while food prices continue to rise,” state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips, D-Detroit, said in a statement. “This is why I am introducing legislation to provide food to vulnerable people and support food banks and pantries in this time of crisis.”

The federal government’s delay of SNAP benefits is placing low-income Michiganders at risk of food insecurity.

SNAP, a critical program for families and individuals across Michigan to access food, is the nation’s largest food assistance program and one of the most effective tools to reduce food insecurity. Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits. About 43% are families with children, and 36% are families with members who are older adults or disabled.

“The impact of households losing SNAP benefits will be felt around the state,” MDDHS director Elizabeth Hertel said in a statement. “SNAP is more than a food assis-

tance program; it’s a lifeline for many Michigan families. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. We are strongly disappointed by the USDA’s decision to delay this assistance, and in Michigan we will do what we can to help blunt this impact.”

USDA, in a statement, blamed Congressional Democrats for the pending delay to its SNAP program.

Members of the Detroit Caucus called SNAP a lifeline for seniors, veterans, and Michiganders on fixed incomes who rely on the benefits.’

“Food security is a fundamental human right, and it should be a priority even in the face of political chaos and economic challenges,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young, who chairs the Detroit Caucus. “The news of pausing the SNAP benefits will undoubtedly cause food insecurity in households across Michigan.”

Senate Republicans in the Michigan Legislature opposed a resolution introduced by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, urging the USDA to release funding, citing what they said was partisan language. They blame Democrats for repeatedly voting against government funding bills over the extension of health insurance tax credits set to expire this year. The end of the tax credits will increase premiums for individuals under certain insurance plans.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced she is leading a coalition of Democratic governors in a plea to the White House to prevent the disruption of the SNAP food assistance program.

silience for families and local economies.”

Just a few months ago, parents and school districts across Michigan were waiting anxiously for the state budget to pass, fearing needed programs would be cut.

School leaders warned that if the budget failed, funding for free lunch and breakfast programs could be lost. For many Detroit families, those meals are the most consistent source of nutrition their children receive. The SNAP pause adds new pressure as schools and community centers brace for families seeking support outside the classroom.

When one program stops, the weight shifts to the rest. That’s why local nonprofits, community partners, and our state elected officials say their response has to be collective.

“I and other Democratic House members are deeply concerned about the imminent risk of 1.4 million Michiganders facing hunger,” said state Representative Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit). “The Trump Administration and Washington Republicans are jeopardizing the food security and well-being of people — families, seniors and those with disabilities — who rely on SNAP benefits. This is not just unacceptable, it’s inhumane. The provision of food should not be a political issue.”

Myers Phillips said her “Securing Fresh Food Access” bill creates a $900 million emergency supplement to keep the program temporarily operational using state reserves. The bill is part of a five-bill package introduced by Michigan Democrats that includes additional funding for food banks, pantries, and meal programs.

Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) said the legislation is designed to fill the federal gap and protect those who cannot wait for politics to resolve itself.

“When a single mom is already working three jobs and still can’t afford groceries, or a senior citizen is on such a fixed income they have to ration their food, something in our society is profoundly broken,” Coffia said. “The SNAP program is a critical lifeline for the most vulnerable in our state, bridging the gap between what those who are

struggling can afford and what they need to live.”

Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) echoed the urgency. “For millions of Michiganders, the SNAP program provides the small amount of relief needed to take one financial worry off their plate and put food on it instead,” she said. “Taking access to it away from 1.4 million Michiganders is unconscionable. We have an obligation to try every option available to stop this from happening.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer also took action, joining a coalition of governors urging the Trump administration to prevent disruption to SNAP during the shutdown. In a letter to federal leaders, the governors warned that halting benefits would leave millions of Americans — including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 4 million people with disabilities — at risk of hunger.

“Halting SNAP benefits will put millions of Americans at risk of hunger and poverty,” said Governor Whitmer. “SNAP is a lifeline. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. The USDA’s decision to delay SNAP assistance is unacceptable, and we urge the White House to provide the necessary funding to feed vulnerable Americans — our neighbors, family, and friends — in need.”

Families who receive assistance are more likely to afford doctor visits and prescriptions and less likely to skip meals to cover rent or medical costs. Nationally, SNAP supports nearly 388,000 jobs and generates over $4.5 billion in state and federal tax revenue each year.

Whitmer directed state departments to create a coordinated food response plan, including a list of regional programs where residents can find help. Her administration is continuing Double Up Food Bucks, supporting Hunters Feeding Families to provide venison and other local meat sources to families in need, and ensuring all 1.4 million Michigan public school students continue to receive free breakfast and lunch.

The governor has a long record of defending SNAP access. In 2023, she signed bipartisan legislation to eliminate the asset test for SNAP eligibility, making it easier for struggling families to qualify. Earlier this year, she joined 23 governors in calling on Congress to reject a $300 billion federal cut to the program.

This month, Michigan joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s suspension of benefits.

Detroit’s network of care is not new. When formal support falls short, the city’s residents create their own. Churches open their kitchens. Neighbors share food. Volunteers deliver boxes to porches.

Each act becomes a reminder that Detroit’s greatest strength is still its people.

State officials directed SNAP participants across Michigan to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding their SNAP benefits or check MI Bridges for updates. Resources across Michigan for food security: SNAP participants should reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding their SNAP benefits or check MI Bridges for updates.

Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.

Visit FBCMich.org to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.

Pantrynet.org is an interactive map that has information about soup kitchens, food pantries, and mobile delivery units in and around Wayne County and the Detroit metro area. Some locations may require you to sign up for free with Gleaners’ Link2Feed program. You can reach Sam at srobinson@ michronicle.com.

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Detroit’s Sati Smith Named to African American Credit Union Hall of Fame

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Sati Smith, CEO of Diversified Members Credit Union (DMCU), will be inducted into the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame, making her the first credit union CEO from Michigan to receive this prestigious national honor.

The recognition, presented by the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), celebrates African Americans and allies whose leadership, innovation, and advocacy have significantly advanced the credit union movement and expanded access to financial opportunity.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by AACUC and to stand among such inspiring leaders,” Smith said. “At DMCU, we believe everyone deserves access to tools that build financial stability and generational wealth and I’m truly proud to represent Michigan in that mission.”

Smith’s journey is one of determination and impact. She joined DMCU more than two decades ago, beginning as a teller before ascending to the role of CEO in 2023, becoming the first African American to lead the 96-yearold Detroit-based financial institution. Her story of perseverance, from a single mother earning her GED to completing a Bachelor of Social Work from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts from Ashland Theological Seminary, has inspired many in the community and across the credit union industry.

“Sati’s induction into the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame is not only a remarkable and well-deserved honor, but also a celebration of what she’s inspired in others,” said Anthony Lamerato, Chairperson of Diversified Members Credit Union. “From her first day as a teller to leading DMCU as its first African American woman CEO, she has shown what it means to lift others while climbing. We are thrilled to call her our leader and proud to see her make history yet again, this time as Michigan’s first AACUC inductee.”

Under Smith’s leadership, DMCU, which serves nearly 30,000 members, employs nearly 100 team members, and manages $500 million in assets across its Detroit, Clawson, and Novi locations, continues to expand its reach and commitment to the community. The credit union offers a comprehensive range of financial products, services, and financial coaching programs that reflect Smith’s vision for inclusion and generational empowerment.

Beyond her role as CEO, Smith is deeply engaged in community leadership. She serves on the boards of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation and the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan and is an ambassador for the Voices of Black Women cancer research study.

Patty Corkery, President and CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League, praised Smith’s induction as a milestone moment for Michigan. “Sati’s recognition from the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame is an extraordinary achievement and a proud moment for Michigan’s entire credit union community,” Corkery said. “She leads with compassion, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping people build brighter financial futures. This honor reflects not only her accomplishments, but also the heart of what credit unions stand for.”

Smith will be formally honored during the AACUC’s networking event on March 3, 2026, at the Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

A Detroit Man Turned His Second Chance into a Bustling West Side Diner

By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

On a brisk fall afternoon on Detroit’s west side, the smell of sizzling beef and grilled onions drifts from a freshly painted brick building on West Chicago Street. Inside, Darryl Young is moving fast — greeting customers, calling out orders, and keeping an eye on the flat-top grill where his now-famous smash burgers sear to perfection. For the Barton-McFarland neighborhood, the opening of Moma G’s isn’t just another restaurant ribbon-cutting. It’s a story of comeback, community, and the kind of second chance that Motor City Match was built to support.

Just a few years ago, Young was sitting in a prison cell, not a kitchen. Today, he’s standing behind the counter of his own restaurant, the first business to open through the city’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) grant program, and the 197th Motor City Match business to launch in Detroit.

to bring him there when he was little, and she had once dreamed of opening a pantry and restaurant to feed the neighborhood. She passed away in 2008, long before Young could make that dream a reality. Three years later, he was sentenced to serve seven years in prison, which served as a catalyst for him to pivot and a time that he now describes as both punishment and a turning point.

“I didn’t get the opportunity to let her see me become the man I was going to be,” Young said quietly. “I wanted to honor my mother’s name. I did what she wanted me to do and turned my life around.”

Inside, Moma G’s — named after his late mother — is bright and bustling. The walls are painted in warm, vibrant colors, with family photos and community art decorating the dining area. The menu reflects a Detroit-style mix of comfort and creativity: the Smash Burger with two beef patties, grilled onions, American cheese, pickles, and Moma G’s secret sauce; crispy wing dings; and a lineup of daily specials priced under $5. The prices are intentional. For Young, it’s not just about turning a profit. It’s about serving his neighborhood — people who, like him, know what it means to struggle but still keep going. “My goal is to show others that it’s never too late to rewrite your story,” he said. “I want my kids and my community to know that if I can do it, they can too.”

Young received $100,000 from Motor City Match — $75,000 from the program’s Cash track and an additional $25,000 from the CVI initiative, which was designed to reduce violence by creating pathways to entrepreneurship for Detroiters who have turned their lives around. Banks had denied his loan applications, citing his criminal record. But where traditional lenders saw risk, Motor City Match saw resilience.

“This is why we created the CVI track,” said Deputy Mayor Melia Howard. “When someone like Darryl commits to turning their life around and gives back to their community, we need to meet them halfway. He’s showing young people in his neighborhood that your past doesn’t have to be your future.”

The journey to that grand opening was anything but simple. In 2021, Young purchased a small, shuttered Coney Island on West Chicago, a spot filled with childhood memories. His mother used

That message carries weight in Barton-McFarland, a neighborhood that’s seen decades of disinvestment but continues to push for renewal. Moma G’s has quickly become more than a restaurant — it’s a symbol of what can happen when Detroiters are given the tools to rebuild their lives on their own terms. Young’s transformation began behind bars. During his incarceration, he earned his GED, a culinary arts certificate, and multiple hospitality and food safety certifications. When he was released in 2018, he came home determined to put those skills to use. He started volunteering with The People’s Action Detroit, a local organization led by Negus Vu that partners with the city to mentor youth and prevent violence. His volunteer work and leadership caught the attention of Motor City Match’s CVI partners, who encouraged him to apply for funding.

The $100,000 investment from Motor City Match — combined with technical assistance in business planning, design, and financial management — allowed Young to transform the long-abandoned building into a thriving local eatery. “Motor City Match often bets on Detroiters when nobody else will,” said Sean Gray,

Detroit Launches Tech Founder Residency Fellowship to Boost Local Startup Ecosystem

By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

The City of Detroit took another step to strengthen its innovation economy and retain local entrepreneurial talent with the launch of the Detroit Tech Founder Residency Fellowship, a new initiative designed to help startup founders live, work, and grow their companies in the city. Announced on October 28, the year-long fellowship offers $2,000 monthly stipends for living expenses and free coworking space at three of Detroit’s leading innovation hubs—TechTown, Bamboo, and Newlab at Michigan Central. The goal is to make Detroit a more accessible and appealing home for Michigan’s emerging startup founders, especially recent graduates looking to stay in the state and build the next generation of high-growth companies. Funding for the initiative comes from a $210,000 Make MI Home grant awarded in May 2025 by the Michigan Growth Office, a statewide agency focused on business retention and talent attraction. Administered by the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the fellowship is targeted toward early-stage, venture-backable startup founders who graduated from a Michigan college or university after May 2022 and who commit to living in Detroit for 12 consecutive months. Applications are now open on

MOMA G’S

Sati Smith

Tech Founder Residency Fellowship

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MakeMyMove.com, a national relocation platform that connects professionals with opportunities in cities seeking to grow their talent base. The deadline to apply is December 1, and selected fellows will begin their residency in early 2026. The inaugural cohort will include up to eight founders.

“The City of Detroit is committed to keeping young innovators in Detroit and attracting new talent,” Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement. “Michigan already produces top-level startup talent, and we want founders to know that they have a home in Detroit.”

The fellowship reflects a growing recognition across Michigan that talent retention is central to the state’s economic future. Over the past several years, state leaders have emphasized the need to keep young graduates from leaving for other tech hubs by creating local opportunities that make staying in Michigan more attractive. The Michigan Growth Office’s Make MI Home program is part of that effort, supporting communities that create environments where skilled professionals can thrive.

In Detroit, that means connecting founders not only to financial support but to a

Moma G’s

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vice president of small business services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, which manages the program. “Darryl got turned down by every bank because of his record, but we saw what the banks didn’t — a man with a solid plan, real skills and deep roots in his community. Now he’s employing his family, feeding his neighbors, and proving that second chances work.”

Since opening in June, Moma G’s viral smash burger has drawn customers from across the state and a few out-of-towners, as the turnaround story of Young is as savory as the food. The restaurant will now be open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Young plans to launch a drive-thru soon to keep up with demand.

Still, the heart of the business remains close to home. Young’s son works alongside him in the kitchen, and other family members help with operations. On any given day, you’ll find neighbors stopping in not just for food, but for conversation, advice, or just to say they’re proud. The atmosphere feels less like a fast-food joint and more like an anchor for the block.

Motor City Match, launched in 2015, has awarded more than $21 million in cash grants to Detroit entrepreneurs. Of its winners, 85% are minority-owned, 73% are women-owned, and 69% are operated by Detroit residents. But what makes the CVI

broader ecosystem of innovation that includes established industry leaders, startup investors, and a growing network of coworking and maker spaces.

“Detroit is where great ideas create jobs and change the world, and we are deeply appreciative to the State Growth Office for providing these grant funds,” said Justin Onwenu, Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity for the City of Detroit. “With this fellowship, we’re helping ensure that Michiganders and expats across the country choose Detroit to launch and scale startups that solve tough challenges and create jobs for generations to come.”

Detroit’s effort builds on years of public and private investment in its startup ecosystem. Initiatives such as Motor City Match, the Detroit Startup Fund, the Detroit Legacy Business Program, and the Detroit Capital Hub have all contributed to building an environment where small businesses and tech companies can grow. The addition of the Tech Founder Residency Fellowship now adds a new layer of targeted support focused on tech-based founders who are often at the earliest and most vulnerable stage of company building.

“Strong startup ecosystems run on

track especially significant is its focus on providing opportunity as a form of prevention — reducing violence by creating access to legitimate income, stability, and purpose.

For city leaders, Moma G’s represents a proof of concept. “When we talk about violence prevention, people often think about policing or enforcement,” Deputy Mayor Howard said. “But this is prevention, too — investing in people who’ve made mistakes but want to give back. Darryl’s story shows what happens when we lead with opportunity.”

That sense of opportunity is what fuels Young every morning when he unlocks the doors at 7 a.m. The neighborhood wakes up slowly — school buses rumbling past, residents stopping in for breakfast sandwiches and coffee before work. For Young, each customer is a reminder that the vision his mother once had for the community didn’t die with her. It just waited for him to catch up.

“I know she’s watching,” he said, looking around the restaurant during a quiet moment. “Every time somebody walks in here, I feel like I’m doing what she wanted. Feeding people. Giving them something good – something made with love.”

In many ways, the story of Young and Moma G’s is Detroit’s story – one of resilience and overcoming odds and proving that transformation is possible. And because of that, a man who once sat behind bars now stands behind a grill, serving food that tastes like hope — seasoned with hustle, faith, and the flavor of Detroit itself.

talent,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of the DEGC. “We’re removing the housing and workspace barriers so Michigan’s next generation of founders can build innovative companies right here in Detroit.”

The program also connects with community-driven initiatives that have gained national attention, including Black Tech Saturdays, a movement that began in Detroit and has expanded across the country as a model for building inclusive tech ecosystems.

Founded by local entrepreneurs Johnnie and Alexa Turnage to create space for Black tech professionals, founders, and investors to connect and collaborate, Black Tech Saturdays have become a cornerstone of Detroit’s innovation culture. By aligning with that community and others centered at TechTown, Bamboo, and Newlab, the new fellowship aims to give founders not only financial assistance but a sense of belonging in a collaborative network that values inclusivity and shared growth.

“The Detroit Tech Residency Fellowship gives startup founders more than funding— it gives them community,” said City Council President Mary Sheffield. “We’re proud to continue making Detroit one of the best cities in America to start and grow a business, including the high-tech startups of tomorrow.”

City and state leaders alike view programs like the fellowship as part of a larger strategy to position Michigan as a destina-

tion for innovation rather than a stepping stone to other regions. With major investments in areas like mobility technology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing, the state has been working to link its universities, industries, and startup communities more closely. Detroit, in particular, has emerged as a focal point for that effort, anchored by developments at Michigan Central and the growth of spaces like Newlab that provide founders with access to labs, prototyping equipment, and mentorship. By offering both the physical and financial means for founders to stay in Detroit, the fellowship reduces the cost barriers that often force early-stage entrepreneurs to relocate elsewhere. It also ties into Detroit’s broader economic inclusion goals, ensuring that local talent—especially graduates from Michigan’s colleges and universities—can find meaningful opportunities to build the future here at home.

“Programs like this are how we make sure Detroit continues to lead in innovation, not just in Michigan but across the country,” Onwenu said. “We’re not just supporting startups—we’re building the foundation for the next generation of Detroit’s economy.”

As Detroit continues its resurgence as a hub for creativity, mobility, and technology, initiatives like the Detroit Tech Founder Residency Fellowship demonstrate how targeted investments in people can shape a city’s economic trajectory.

Debate Deepens Over Proposed Cigar Lounge at DTW Airport

By Jeremy Allen

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Almost a year after the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) first introduced the idea of opening a cigar lounge inside Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), the proposal continues to stir spirited debate. This time, it’s with renewed opposition from the Wayne County Commission and members of the Michigan House of Representatives.

At the heart of the issue is a fundamental question: how should one of the nation’s busiest airports balance economic opportunity and customer experience with public health and worker safety?

Last week, the Wayne County Commission passed a resolution formally opposing the cigar lounge proposal, citing concerns about the potential rollback of Michigan’s long-standing smoke-free air protections and the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. The commission’s move followed a public hearing where dozens of residents, advocates, and health experts testified against the plan.

The vote aligns with a separate resolution introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives — House Resolution No. 200 — sponsored by Reps. Young, Rheingans, MacDonell, Morgan, and Weiss. That resolution also urges the WCAA to halt its plans, arguing that the cigar bar would undermine 15 years of progress under Michigan’s smoke-free air law, which has prohibited indoor smoking in DTW since 2010.

“Wayne County Commissioners made it clear that public health and worker safety must come first, and we urge the Michigan House to signal their disapproval as well by passing its resolution,” said Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR). “No community group, employee organization, or public health expert has asked for a cigar lounge. Airport employees should not have to choose between their health and their paycheck, and travelers should not be forced to walk past clouds of toxic smoke on their way to their gates. The Wayne County Airport Authority should align itself with public sentiment and public health guidelines and maintain a 100% smokefree DTW.”

According to data cited in the House resolution, 77 percent of Michigan voters oppose adding a cigar lounge at DTW. The poll, conducted by EPIC-MRA in June 2025, suggests broad public resistance — a factor that lawmakers say reflects both evolving attitudes toward smoking and a desire to keep public spaces fully smoke-free.

The resolution also underscores the disproportionate health risks associated with cigars. Cigar smoke contains

A new chapter begins at Oakland Thrive as the organization proudly announces Camille Walker Banks as its new Chief Executive Officer. A visionary leader and respected voice in economic and community development, Banks brings more than two decades of experience driving equitable growth and strengthening ecosystems for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Banks joins Oakland Thrive with an impressive record of transformational leadership. Most recently serving as Interim CEO of BUILD Institute, she led a strategic realignment to bolster the organization’s impact and sustainability—securing over $1.4 million in new funding in just one quarter to expand resources for small-business growth.

many of the same carcinogens as cigarettes, and one large cigar can hold as much tobacco as an entire pack of cigarettes. State data show that over 1,700 nonsmokers die each year in Michigan as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. The resolution also highlights the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ position that no ventilation system can eliminate the health risks posed by tobacco smoke indoors.

Public health organizations, including ANR, the Center for Black Health and Equity, and the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, have spoken out forcefully against the proposal, warning that it could open the door for the tobacco industry to further target Black consumers and workers. In a joint letter to the WCAA, the groups argued that permitting a cigar lounge at the airport “gives the tobacco industry another opportunity to exploit the Black community and harm public health.”

Nearly 100 written comments have been submitted to the WCAA, the majority urging the airport to maintain its smoke-free policy. Many of those comments have come from airport employees, travelers, and community health leaders who say that allowing indoor smoking in any capacity would set back Michigan’s progress in protecting workers from secondhand smoke exposure.

However, the WCAA has defended its process, stating that the idea emerged from “interest from the community and local businesses,” particularly given DTW’s role as an international travel hub. In a written statement, the authority said:

“We developed the Cigar Lounge and Restaurant Concessions Opportunity in response to interest from the community and local businesses, especially as it relates to the international nature of the airport. The Wayne County Airport Authority prioritizes the health and safety of all employees, customers, and visitors at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Bidders will be required to provide a state-of-theart air handling and ventilation system and facility design to reduce smoke exposure to the fullest extent possible. We value all community input as we prepare to begin the solicitation process for this Concessions Opportunity.”

Proponents of the cigar lounge, including some members of the business community, argue that the space could attract international travelers who come from regions where cigar lounges are considered part of luxury travel culture. They point out that several global airports — including those in Dubai, Frankfurt, and Zurich — offer upscale cigar bars or smoking lounges equipped with advanced ventilation systems.

Supporters also argue that the development could generate new revenue for the airport, create construction and hospitality jobs, and enhance the travel

nance Professional, and Harvard-certified Leadership and Executive Coach, Banks has earned recognition as an award-winning changemaker and global speaker.

“Camille Walker Banks is a true visionary, committed to empowering individuals and delivering measurable results,” said Oakland Thrive in its announcement. “She brings devotion, experience, and heart to our mission of helping Oakland County businesses and communities thrive in a dynamic and evolving economy.”

Prior to that, as Executive Director of LISC Detroit, Banks guided multi-million-dollar fundraising and investment initiatives that fueled equitable neighborhood revitalization efforts across the city. Her career also includes key roles with NPower, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where she built powerful partnerships connecting entrepreneurs, employers, and communities to opportunity.

A Wayne State University alumna, Certified Economic Development Fi-

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter also praised the appointment, noting Banks’s exceptional experience and the seamless transition in leadership. “The visionary and non-profit veteran comes to the #OaklandCounty organization with decades of experience leading high-impact companies,” Coulter said in a Facebook post. “She’s taking the helm from founding CEO Vicki Selva, who now leads the Detroit Regional Defense Coalition, which we launched with our partners in August.”

As she steps into her new role, Banks expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead Oakland Thrive into its next phase of impact, and with her at the helm, Oakland Thrive looks ahead to a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and shared success.

experience for passengers with long layovers. Some suggest that if proper air-handling systems are installed, the lounge could operate safely without affecting nonsmokers.

Critics remain skeptical. They note that 32 of the nation’s 35 largest airports already prohibit indoor smoking entirely and warn that reopening the door to smoking indoors could send the wrong message at a time when Michigan and other states are working to reduce tobacco-related deaths and disparities.

“Detroit Metro has an opportunity to lead — not step back,” Hallett said. “Airports should be spaces that promote health and safety for everyone who passes through them.”

DTW employs more than 18,000 workers and serves tens of millions of travelers each year. For many in the region, that makes the airport a highly visible symbol of the community’s values. Advocates of a smoke-free DTW say maintaining that standard demonstrates a commitment to equity, worker protection, and public health.

Still, others believe there is room for compromise — for example, locating a cigar lounge in a separate, enclosed space accessible only to consenting adults. While public health experts remain opposed, some local business groups have asked the WCAA to consider such middle-ground solutions before making a final decision.

For now, the issue remains unresolved. The airport authority is expected to review public input as it moves forward with its solicitation process. No final decision has been made.

What is clear, however, is that the debate has grown beyond a question of convenience for cigar aficionados. It has become a larger conversation about who and what Detroit Metropolitan Airport represents — a crossroads between commerce and culture, health and hospitality, and the competing visions of what a modern airport experience should be.

Whether or not the proposed cigar lounge ever takes flight, the legacy of the decision will likely shape how the region thinks about the balance between business innovation and the immediate feedback from some of its most interested parties.

Have Come Too Far to Turn Back Now

By Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The recent police incident on Sunday, October 26, in the 8 Mile/Van Dyke area was a tragedy that should never have occurred.

It presents an opportunity to test the strength and the trust between the Detroit Police Department and the community-at-large. Detroit has come a long way in its relations between the community and the Police Department. We must not go back to the days when there was no trust, no relationship, and a lack of transparency of most questionable incidents. Chief Todd Bettison is to be commended for the swift and transparent manner in which the incident involving the shooting of a woman over a traffic stop has been held.

It is clear from just a community observation that specific policies of the police department were systematically violated. Among those policies:

1. No vehicle pursuits for traffic violations, which can result in loss of life and injury for both police and community members.

2. This is not the wild wild west so police should not be shooting at vehicles fleeing a scene unless their lives or others are specifically in danger.

3. Boxing in vehicles so that they are not able to move is not policy.

4. At the request of a citizen for a supervisor, it is expected to be granted. This can assure the integrity and respect of both officer and citizen. Policies are put in place for a reason. Officers are expected to follow them. It is clear that policies were not followed. Firing six shots at a woman –unarmed, non-threatening, who did present license, registration, and proof of insurance upon request – cannot be tolerated. Shooting pepper spray in the face when she poses no real threat is clearly out of order. Transferring her from the hospital to jail is just plain cruel. After six shots, this woman, by the grace of God, is still alive, suffering what appears to be only a few injuries. It does not excuse this situation, nor does it forgive any policy violations. This case can be used in the training of officers to demonstrate what should not be done as well as what should be done to protect themselves and members of the community.

The Detroit Police Department, working with the Board of Police Commissioners, Crime Prevention Intervention unit, aligning itself with churches, non-profits, and other organizations, goes a long way to prevent this sort of behavior from occurring. Crime is down in the city. This is no time to drive it back up. Working together with community activists, non-profits, and other leaders, Detroit will continue to be an example that other cities might follow. We urge the Detroit Police Department and the Wayne County Prosecutors office to deal with this matter fairly, legally, and transparently, in a manner that demonstrates to all that justice will be served and everyone will be held accountable.

Detroit is better than this.

Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony

Camille Walker Banks Named CEO of Oakland Thrive, Ushering in a New Era of Inclusive Growth

Camille Walker Banks

When ‘Life Is Life-ing’, This Newsletter Helps Black Women Be Free

(THIS STORY ORIGINALLY APPEARED ON WORDINBLACK.COM)

By Aaron Foley

Every Friday, Joanne Griffith tries to get the world a little more unstuck.

Her newsletter, “The Get Free Guide,” implores its readers — who are increasingly becoming evangelists, but more on that shortly — to do just that. The methods, like the one she dropped in the September newsletter, can be a little unconventional.

“Wherever you are right now, I need you to start clapping,” she wrote. “Don’t worry, you might look a little unhinged for a moment but you’re getting free. Three, two, one … GO!” A GIF of a clapping claymation penguin follows, setting the mood.

Then the real lesson hits: “Congratulations! You finally took a few seconds to clap for yourself!”

It’s clever, bite-sized wisdom — celebrating ourselves is easy yet often dismissed, but it is a good way to boost mood and selfworth — and Griffith’s upbeat, joyous tone helps it go down easy. It’s also a big reason her Get Free Guide newsletter is a source of inspiration as well as a tool of racial healing for its Black readers, who are often hit harder when “life is life-ing.”

A Space for Getting Unstuck

“We are all stuck with all kinds of things,” from too many emails in the inbox

to negative thoughts or self-image, says Griffith, a veteran multimedia journalist from the United Kingdom who is a public radio executive in the U.S. The goal of the Get Free Guide, she says, is to create “a space for how we get unstuck from the things we think are hard or difficult.”

Although she doesn’t write for a target demographic, Griffith finds herself, more often than not, talking to and hearing from Black women like herself. Anyone is welcome in the space, she says, to “take what you need and leave the rest.”

Clocking in at more than 200 subscribers and counting, the topics of Griffith’s newsletter — drawn from her own experiences, as well as conversations around her — tackles a range of experiences, situations, and emotions that keep people feeling “stuck.”

Recent subjects include “Is Being Selfish Really So Bad?,” “Make DELETE Your BFF,”

“The Layoff Is Not Your Fault,” and “Let’s Retire Resilience.”

“I start from a place of ‘What are the resources that people will find helpful, what is the support people might need, and what is the conversation that we can open up?’” she says.

Small Changes That Add Up

Many of the methods she recommends center on altering readers’ mindsets from negative to positive. She also urges them to follow her in making smaller, more immediate changes and healthy mental habits that add up over time, rather than fixating on solutions to major problems that could take years to resolve.

While Griffith’s approach is confident and optimistic, she wasn’t sure her newsletter would succeed when she launched it this June. Like anyone starting a new venture, she had doubts — “I questioned if anyone is going to like this,” she says — but took the plunge anyway.

“It’s global, it’s connection, it’s resources,” Joanne Griffith says.

Griffith chose a newsletter — free to subscribers — as the format for “Get Free” because of the inherent nature of digesting an email at one’s own pace. “There’s something about writing and just receiving an email,” she says. “People can choose to engage with it when they want to.”

You Are Not Your Numbers

One post in particular struck a chord with several readers, so much so that they

A Study in Blue with Rackham Choir

Just in time to kick off the holiday season, An Evening with Alvin Waddles & Friends VII: A Study in Bluewith Rackham Choir,  features George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Will Todd’s Mass in Blue along with a collage of musical selections.

The popular and often sold-out Alvin Waddles & Friends is returning to the stage on Friday, November 21 after six years. Perfect for fans of Too Hot To Handel, the genre bending version of Handel’s Messiah, the evening’s curator and headliner is Too Hot’s beloved pianist, Alvin Waddles. Waddles will perform George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with orchestra under the baton of Too Hot’s conductor, Suzanne Mallare Acton. He is also the pianist for the Mass in Blue.

Ashe, tenor, and Testimony Sings Gospel Quintet. Pianist & composer, Brendan Davis will perform a world premiere.

passed it around a few times, and it made its way back to Griffith, over and over again.

The discussion centered on numbers attached to women’s bodies — information such as body mass index, weight, and blood pressure. It evolved into an acknowledgement that the bodies of Black women are unfairly rated or judged on such metrics, reinforcing ugly stereotypes and driving down their self-esteem.

Griffith took the topic head-on, and unapologetically: “Your numbers are not reflective of who you are as a human being.” The advice was resonant, and readers reached out to acknowledge it.

As sure as the sun will shine and the moon will come out at night, life will always life.

“I had someone say, ‘This gave me the words to help my daughter understand that there isn’t anything wrong with her and her physicality, this is who she is, and numbers are just numbers,’” Griffith says.

Though the Get Free Guide is less than a year old, Griffith has her eye on going deeper into specific topics — particularly bodies and technology — with in-depth, longer-form dispatches and guides. Until then, she continues to add to the growing community.

“It’s global, it’s connection, it’s resources,” she says. “It’s ‘how do we get unstuck when life is life-ing,’ because as sure as the sun will shine and the moon will come out at night, life will always life.”

Rackham Choir will perform Will Todd’s Mass in Blue under the baton of Artistic Director, Julian Goods with Nicole Joseph, soprano. Rackham has previously performed selections from the Mass to audience acclaim and is excited about an opportunity to present the entire work.

Among Friends on the program are Alaina Brown, soprano, Gregory

Like Too Hot To Handel, the evening features a collage of musical selections spanning three hundred years of genres including classical, jazz, gospel, and soul.

The concert takes place on Friday, November 21 at 7:00 PM, at the Auditorium, Groves High School, located at 20500 W. 13 Mile Road. Beverly Hills, MI 48025. Tickets are available now at www. rackhamchoir.org at $50 for VIP seating, $25 for general admission, and $15 for students.

Rackham Choir

Rackham Choir is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kresge Foundation and The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan as well as many generous individual donors. For interviews and assets, please contact Melissa Bunker, (586) 219-0094.

Discover Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village is back! Stroll lantern-lit streets, hear carolers sing, ride in a horse-drawn wagon, and end the night with fireworks in the winter sky. It’s a tradition you won’t want to miss — but tickets sell quickly. Add extra magical memories with tickets to a Dinner with Santa, Holiday Nights in Eagle Tavern and more. And become a member today to save on tickets to Michigan’s favorite holiday tradition.

Joanne Griffith

October 2022

at the public opening scheduled for 12:00 pm, November 13, 2025 at the Academy of Warren.

Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is seeking proposals for a qualified consultant to work with Detroit LISC to create, distribute and analyze customer service surveys to gather information about the services of the Detroit at Work One Stop System. The findings from the surveys will be analyzed and put into interim and final reports to be submitted to LISC. Specifically, Detroit LISC is seeking those with proven experience in the following areas:

All bids shall be accompanied by a sworn and notarized statement disclosing any familial relationship that exists between the owner or any employee of the bidder and any member of the board of directors or the chief executive officer of the public-school academy.

✓ Evaluation

✓ Survey Creation, Distribution and Collection

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP Control No. 26-4159 for Website Redesign. RFP forms will be available beginning November 5, 2025, from http://www.mitn.info. Proposals are due by 3:00 PM ET, December 10, 2025.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP Control No. 26-4321 for Leadership Training. RFP forms will be available beginning November 6, 2025, from http://www.mitn.info.  Proposals are due by 3:00 PM ET, December 4, 2025.

Detroit People Mover/Detroit Transportation Corporation 535 Griswold St Ste # 400 Detroit, MI 48226

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

BID # 07-01-2022 REBID

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQ Control No. 26-4276A for Flooring and Trim Replacement Services. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning November 5, 2025, from http://www.mitn.info. Bids are due by 3:00 PM ET, Friday, November 28, 2025.

3 Things Every Older Adult Should Do for Their Health This Fall

The Detroit Transportation Corporation Office of Contracting and Procurement requests proposals from qualified firms to provide CCTV and network upgrades. This includes modernization efforts for the CCTV system, Public Address (PA) system, Variable Message Signs (VMS), and Wired Backbone Network system, at the MCF, at each DPM station, and at substations described herein.

(StatePoint) For older adults, fall is an important time to focus on health and wellness.

✓ Analysis

Visit https://www.lisc.org/detroit/about-us/careers/ to download full RFP. Responses to this RFP are due Friday, October 21 and should be emailed to 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.

These days, wellness information is practically everywhere you turn. Do this; don’t do that. Eat more of this; eat less of that.

This is good for you; that is bad.

It can be hard to cut through all the noise, but the reality is, when it comes to something as serious as your heart health and LDL cholesterol – the “bad” cholesterol – ignoring it can be downright dangerous for your health.

According to the American Heart Association, about every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack, and strokes occur at about the same frequency.

Senior Digital Sculptor

High LDL cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol, significantly increases your risk of heart disease.

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.

Data Scientist –Supply Chain Analytics

All bids must be received by the Detroit Transportation Corporation via Bidnet/MITN on or before 5:00 p.m. (EST) November 7, 2022.

Positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a purely telecommuting/workfrom-home position whereby the employee may reside anywhere within the U.S. Design analytical solutions that harness internal and external data, and leverage visualizations, predictive analytics, and prescriptive methods. EOE. Apply online: corporate.ford.com/careers

A pre-bid site visit will be determined at a later date, if necessary. Proposals can be accessed on the Bidnet Direct www.bidnetdirect.com//detroit-transportation-corporation

According to Ryan Kocher, who leads Medicare growth for HealthSpring, the new brand for Health Care Service Corporation’s Medicare business, formerly owned by the Cigna Group, the following three tasks are essential for seniors to complete as cool weather sets in.

Get a Flu Shot

Mike Anderson

Procurement Manager mandersonjr@thepeoplemover.com

Engineering Systems Modeling, Simulation and Analysis Engineer II Detroit Diesel Corp. seeks Engineering Systems Modeling, Simulation and Analysis Engineer II (hybrid position: remote + office located at 13400 Outer Drive West, Detroit, MI 48239; must live within commuting distance of office). International and domestic travel, as needed up to 5%/yr. Duties: Application of engineering principles to test and validate complex powertrain controls software, functions and features that set the industry benchmark for performance, energy efficiency, cost, reliability and safety, among other duties. To apply, email resume to Donald.Connelly@daimlertruck.com Reference job # DT-15740.

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast has established a goal of 8.20% for its Disadvantaged Enterprises (DBE) Program for fiscal years 2025. This goal will be attained through neutral participation and 2.89% from race-conscious which reflects the relative availability of DBEs contracts and procurements projected by the The proposed goal and its methodology have in accordance with the Federal Transit regulations 49 CFR Part 26.

An influenza vaccine can help prevent serious illness due to flu. As immune defense diminishes with age, older adults are increasingly susceptible to flu complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of higher dose flu vaccines for people 65 years and older. This fall, in advance of flu season, visit your healthcare provider or pharmacist to get the right vaccine for you. This is also a good time to catch up on any other immunizations that your provider recommends.

Review Medicare Coverage

Detroit People Mover/Detroit Transportation Corporation 535 Griswold St Ste # 400 Detroit, MI 48226

BID # 08-8-2022 REBID

The goal and the methodology used to develop for inspection from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at RTA’s offices located at 1001 Woodward 1400, Detroit, Michigan. These materials will be days following the date of this notice. The RTA will accept comments on the goal for date of this notice. Inquiries may be directed RTA of Southeast Michigan 1001 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1400 Detroit, Michigan 48226 Or e-mail to: info@rtamichigan.org

Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and others who qualify. Many Medicare beneficiaries choose or change their plans during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which takes place between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. HealthSpring is offering a host of Medicare options for 2026. The company provides these tips for selecting a plan:

PUBLIC NOTICE ACCURACY TEST OF VOTING EQUIPMENT

• Check for plan changes: Review your plan every AEP, especially if you’ve experienced changes to your health, lifestyle or finances. It’s especially important to read your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter – delivered every September – to find out about any modifications to your current plan.

The Detroit Transportation Corporation Office of Contracting and Procurement requests proposals from qualified Contractor/Firm(s) to provide annual geometry measurements of the LIM rail height, power rail tolerances, running rail height and track gauge.

• Dig into the details: A good plan is one that includes your favorite providers and specialists and covers the medications you currently take. When reviewing plans, take these factors into consideration.

Embedded Software Engineer –Body Module

Positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a purely telecommuting/workfrom-home position whereby the employee may reside anywhere within the U.S. Design and develop AUTOSAR-based (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture) embedded software components. EOE. Apply online: corporate.ford.com/careers

The initial information and subsequent trending information on the rate of change of the measured parameters of the Detroit People Mover (DPM) track will be reviewed and utilized as part of the existing detailed maintenance plan to ensure long term safety and availability to the riding public.

• Consider all your options: Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare does, so do your research to see if these plans will work for you.

All bids must be received by the Detroit Transportation Corporation via Bidnet/MITN on or before 5:00 p.m. (EST) November 7, 2022.

A pre-bid site visit is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (EST).

• Learn more: Before enrolling in a particular plan, be sure you understand the details. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or, visit the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. For local assistance, refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program website at www.shiptacenter. org. You can also visit individual Medicare plans’ websites for more information. For example, HealthSpring’s website is www.healthspring.com.

Use Your Health Care Benefits

Senior Software Developer

Proposals can be accessed on the Bidnet Direct www.bidnetdirect.com//detroit-transportation-corporation

Positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a purely telecommuting/work-from-home position whereby the employee may reside anywhere within the U.S. Perform FrontEnd development of new features and enhancements for core applications. EOE. Apply online: corporate.ford.com/careers

Mike Anderson Procurement Manager mandersonjr@thepeoplemover.com

device drivers in new ECU’s for electrified drivetrain systems; Develop software requirements specification (SRS) and design verification plans; among other duties. Bachelor s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, or Computer Engineering and seven years of experience in the job offered or related Apply to job reference number 220000KW at: meritor.jobs.net/search Staff Design Release Engineer - Wiring Warren, MI, General Motors. Engineer, design, develop, &release conventional ICE, BEV &AV psngr vehicles electrical wire routing &packaging syss, &multi-branch wiring harnesses, incl. wire, terminals, connectors, coverings &attachments, using Tc Vismockup, ECM, ECR, &Auros tools. Design &release electrical wire routing &packaging syss to ensure proper functioning of electrical modules such as OnStar, LRR, cybersecurity syss, &other required vehicle electrical syss for AV. Ensure that electrical harness routings meet U.S. FMVSS. Apply GD&T, CAE, DFM/A, DFMEA, DRBTR, Red X, DFSS processes to design &validate wiring harness branch points for multi-branch harnesses, pin level, cavities, size, &thermal resistance specs &rqrmnts. Bachelor, Electrical or Automotive Engineering, or related. 60 mos exp as Engineer, engineering, releasing for production, &continuously improving conventional psngr vehicle &BEV electrical wire routing &packaging syss, &multi-branch wiring harnesses, using Tc VisMockup tool, or related. Mail resume to Ref#3882, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

A poll conducted by The Harris Poll for the American Heart Association revealed 75% of heart attack and stroke survivors reported having high cholesterol. Yet nearly half (47%) of heart attack and stroke survivors are unaware of their LDL cholesterol number. This lack of awareness shows more knowledge is needed to help survivors proactively manage their health. In fact, knowledge is key to reducing your risk of heart disease. Understanding the impact of LDL cholesterol and knowing your LDL number can help you make informed decisions.

To the qualified electors of the City of Wayne County, State of Michigan: Notice that a Public Accuracy Test for the electronic that will be used for the General Election Tuesday, November 8, 2022 is scheduled October 25, 2022, at 2:00 p.n. in the City room (lower level) located: Robert B. Blackwell Municipal 12050 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203 The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to that the computer program used to tabulate cast at the election meets the requirements Michigan election law.

Annual enrollment also serves as a good reminder to take advantage of all your Medicare benefits. Preventive care and a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your independence and vitality as you age. Tap into what your plan offers so you can actively engage in your health and well-being.

BRENDA GREEN CITY CLERK CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK

By checking a few important items off your to-do list during autumn, you can ensure you’re well-positioned for a healthy winter and 2026.

EXPERIENCED

HAIR STYLIST NEEDED Part-time position

People who have had a heart attack or stroke are at higher risk of future cardiovascular problems, which is why it’s important to monitor your cholesterol regularly to help prevent future events.

It’s also important to know high LDL cholesterol can be genetic, meaning someone who eats a healthy diet and exercises regularly can still have high cholesterol. Additionally, the risk of high LDL cholesterol increases with age.

That’s why the American Heart Association’s “Lower Your LDL Cholesterol Now” initiative, nationally sponsored by Amgen, emphasizes the importance of regular cholesterol checks regardless of your weight, diet and physical activity levels. Knowing your LDL cholesterol number – and understanding the target levels based on your health history – gives you the opportunity to manage your health proactively. This enables you to make informed decisions to prevent future heart issues.

Must be able to style all hair textures but, preferably Black Hair textures. Rania’s Hair Salon inside Royal Oak Manor Co-op Apts., A Senior apartment building located at 606 Williams St., Royal Oak, MI 48067. Applications are available in the Royal Oak Manor office Mon-Fri from 9:00-12:00 pm. Call (586) 610-9203 with questions and to schedule interview. Please bring examples of your work. We are hoping to fill the position soon.

Know Your Number

Senior Design Release Engineer –Fuel Systems (FS) & Evaporative Emission Control (EEC) System Warren, MI, General Motors. Engineer, design, &develop FS &EEC syss, incl. fuel tanks/lines/ vapor transfer lines, emission control canisters, &filler pipes for psgr vehicles incl. Premium Luxury/Mid-Size Cars &Large psgr &Cargo Vans, &Incomplete truck) prgrms,

Cholesterol: The Good and The Bad Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance your body needs to build cells and produce hormones. However, not all cholesterol is created equal:

n LDL (low-density lipoprotein) Cholesterol: This is the “bad” cholesterol. When too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain, forming plaque that can narrow and eventually block these arteries, leading to heart attack or stroke.

PROCLAMATION DECLARATION OF NON-CITIZEN NATIONALITY

You can reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke by knowing and addressing your LDL cholesterol number. Working closely with your doctor allows you to actively manage high LDL cholesterol – often a key risk factor you can help control – and together, you can develop a personalized treatment plan. Ask your doctor or health care provider for a cholesterol test to know your LDL number. Understanding your cholesterol number is the first step toward managing it effectively. If necessary, appropriate management of your LDL cholesterol can help reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

ETAS INCA, &ECM tools. Conceptualize, design, validate &release engine FS &EEC sys cmpnts to meet SSTS of propulsion system projects. Benchmark critical emission control technologies &recommend fuel injection HW to meet emission EPA &UNECE regs. Master, Mechanical or Automotive Engrg. 36 mos exp as Engineer, developing &releasing evaporative emission canisters for OEM prgrms, from concept to production, &aligned to meet performance, safety (incl. U.S. FMVSS), &strict technical &regional rqrmnts &standards, using NX, Tc, &Tc Vismockup tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#201, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

n HDL (high-density lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Known as the “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove the “bad” cholesterol from the arteries, protecting against heart attack and stroke.

A Silent Threat

Many people think high cholesterol has obvious signs, but that’s not always the case. In fact, about half of U.S. adults and 42% of heart attack and stroke survivors mistakenly believe high cholesterol has clear symptoms. However, high LDL cholesterol typically doesn’t show any signs, which is why it’s known as a silent threat to your heart.

Section 302 of Public Law 94-241 I DeIamond Carpre Henson, being duly affirmed [sworn], hereby declare my intention to be a national but not a citizen of the United States.

Your doctor may also talk with you about your personal and family medical history; previous heart-related medical events such as a heart attack or stroke; lifestyle habits such as tobacco use, obesity, unhealthy living or aging; racial and ethnic backgrounds; and reproductive health.

Lower is Better

When it comes to your cholesterol, guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend “lower is better” to reduce your risk. Studies show that an LDL number or below 100 mg/dL is ideal for healthy adults.

If you have a history of heart attack or stroke and are already on a cholesterol-lowering medication, your doctor may aim for your LDL to be 70 mg/dL or lower.

Notice: all executive and judicial officers both of the United States and of the several States Section 1091 of Title 18, United States Code, prohibits genocide whether committed in time of peace or time of war. Genocide is defined in section 1091 and includes violent attacks with the specific intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. There is Federal jurisdiction if the offense is committed within the United States. There is also Federal extraterritorial jurisdiction when the offender is a national of the United States FORM: LPN #RE345528665US

Talk to your doctor about the right treatment plan for you. Positive lifestyle habits, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet, may also help.

However, if you’ve had a heart attack or stroke before, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to lower your risk of another event. Your doctor may recommend cholesterol-lowering medications to protect your heart health.

Learn more about LDL (bad) cholesterol by visiting heart.org/LDL.

How Technology Help

new also have the potential to help solve the problems

According to experts, Artificial Intelligence chine Learning (ML) are already among the of new technologies providing improved quality those who want to continue living independently

“While AI and ML have transformed other adaptation has been slow in the care industry, working to change that,” explains Chia-Lin executive officer of LogicMark, (NASDAQ: manufactures personal emergency response (PERS), health communications devices and and activity monitoring technologies to create ed Care Platform, and recently incorporated communication technology into its medical

To help you live safely and comfortably the years to come, Simmons offers a few strategies the newest technology to your advantage: PERS, also known as Medical Emergency tems, allow you to call for

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) JLco - Julia Amaral / iStock via Getty Images Plus

This year marks a major milestone for the DTW Golf Classic. Since 2022, this event has raised $1 million for nonprofits in Southeast Michigan. The generosity of our sponsors is unmatched. Our Wayne County Airport Authority team, including our Board of Directors, is truly grateful for all the support we’ve received.

Phenomenal organizations have benefited from the DTW Golf Classic including Alternatives For Girls, Davis Aerospace Technical High School/Detroit Public Schools Foundation, and LAHC: Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities.