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Gaps in Healthcare
From page A-1 care of her gynecologist and surgeon. Williams had spent months reporting extreme pelvic pain and bleeding. She says her doctors brushed off her concerns, chalking her symptoms up to uterine fibroids—common benign growths that affect up to 80% of Black women by age 50.
tential to drive both foster and adoption numbers upward, a ban on abortions could leave many women to choose a less safe route restoring ‘back alley’ and illegal abortion practices, including self-abortions. Moreover, African American women and women of color, who already have a long-storied history with access and inclusion in medi-
islature adopts it.
But after the surgery, it was discovered that she had also been suffering from endometriosis, a painful and sometimes debilitating condition that had gone undiagnosed. The surgery that changed her life forever may never have been necessary if her doctors had taken her pain more seriously.
tral to building and living a healthy, happy life,” said Vasquez Giroux.
exploitation of enslaved women in the name of medical advancement to the forced sterilizations of Black women in the 20th century, distrust of the healthcare system is both earned and generational. Today, those legacies persist in the disproportionate maternal mortality rates, in higher rates of chronic illness, and in cases like Kimbrough’s, Williams’s, and Hackworth’s.
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
“This case is a red flag for every newsroom, every medical board, and every woman who’s been told her pain is normal,” said Thomas. “We can’t allow these stories to remain buried in medical files. The silencing of Black women must end.”
Hackworth’s blindness has not only robbed her of independence but has also stripped away her livelihood and her daily joys. She can no longer work, drive, or live alone. The burden of her care now falls on her family, who are also grappling with the emotional toll of knowing that her suffering could have been avoided.
Black Judges
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).
“I kept telling them how much pain I was in,” Williams said. “I trusted the doctors to help me, but it felt like my voice never really mattered. If they had just listened, maybe I wouldn’t have lost something I can never get back.”
Her attorney agrees. “Ms. Williams placed her trust in a system that failed her—not only medically, but fundamentally as a woman and as a Black patient,” said Webster-Cox. “This was not just a case of medical oversight; it was a denial of dignity, and we are demanding accountability. Far too often, Black women’s pain is dismissed until it’s too late. We intend to hold all responsible parties accountable under the full extent of the law.”
The health committee recommends reviewing state licensure policies to address the barriers that Black psychologists face in obtaining licensure in Michigan.
But perhaps the most devastating of these three cases is that of Levetta Hackworth. In early 2024, Hackworth began experiencing severe headaches, blurred vision, and optic nerve swelling – symptoms consistent with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, a rare but treatable condition that can cause permanent blindness if ignored.
These three cases stand as harrowing examples of what Black women in Detroit and across the nation experience in healthcare settings every day. Whether in elder care, reproductive health, or specialized treatment for complex neurological conditions, the stories echo one another: pain ignored, conditions dismissed, and consequences borne disproportionately by Black women and their families.
The consequences go far beyond individual households. Black women in America are less likely to receive adequate treatment for chronic pain and more likely to face life-altering health outcomes when doctors dismiss their concerns.
School—represents a fusion of intellectual training and spiritual calling. His words upon appointment were brief but powerful: “I am humbled to be appointed to the bench and ready to serve Detroit.” For those who have long argued that justice must be about more than statutes, his grounding in both law and ministry is not incidental—it is essential. He takes the seat left open by the passing of Judge Donna Robinson Millhouse, carrying forward a legacy of service in one of the court’s most consequential roles.
local jurists who carried the mantle through decades of change in the city. These new appointments stand in that lineage, not as outliers but as evidence that the struggle for representation has borne fruit. At the same time, they enter their roles at a moment when institutional trust is fragile. Nationally, the courts are seen as more partisan than ever. Locally, residents have called for a system that prioritizes fairness over expedience.
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.
Ensure equitable distribution of state health funds: Ensure all Michigan communities with a significant Black population receive adequate funds to address mental health issues.
The silencing of Black women’s pain is not a new phenomenon. Studies from institutions like Boston Medical Center show that implicit bias regularly shapes medical decisions, leaving Black women’s symptoms minimized, diagnoses delayed, and care options limited. For gynecological issues in particular, those biases have life-changing consequences.
The consequences go far beyond individual households. Black women in America are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are less likely to receive adequate treatment for chronic pain and more likely to face life-altering health outcomes when doctors dismiss their concerns.
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.
The roots of these disparities are not simply medical. They are social, historical, and economic. From the
people believe that they
Protecting Black voting rights: Urge state officials to remain vigilant in the fight against schemes to disenfranchise Michiganders of color.
Over the next nine months, she cycled through leading medical institutions around the state. Specialists documented urgent symptoms such as optic disc edema and retinal hemorrhaging. Yet her treatment was repeatedly delayed. Recommendations for a lumbar puncture were postponed. Medication failed to halt the progression of her condition. Insurance delays obstructed her path to surgery. And all the while, her vision slipped further away. By the time Hackworth finally underwent optic nerve sheath fenestration surgery on November 18, 2024, the damage was permanent. One month later, she was admitted to the hospital completely blind.
Locally, the stories of Kimbrough, Williams, and Hackworth are sparking new calls for accountability and systemic reform. Advocates argue that stronger oversight, cultural competency training, and patient-centered care must become the standard if Detroit is to protect its Black women and families.
What unites the voices of these women and their advocates is a shared demand that these stories not be allowed to fade into the background. Each case serves as a reminder that the fight for health equity is far from over, and that justice for Detroit’s Black women requires real action and not just sympathy.
The reality is that all three judges will face the same challenge: translating lofty pledges into day-today courtroom decisions that build trust. They will preside over cases where livelihoods hang in the balance, where small fines can spiral into cycles of debt, and where the perception of fairness can mean the difference between community trust and disillusionment. And because these are appointments to partial terms that expire in January 2027, they will soon face Detroit’s voters. That democratic test will measure not just their performance but whether they truly embody the empathy and fairness they promised.
“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.
The symbolism of three Black judges taking their place on the same court cannot be ignored. Detroit, a city that is over 77% Black, has often seen its legal institutions fail to reflect its demographics. Courtrooms filled with Black defendants and litigants have not always been balanced by judges who understood their lived realities. This moment does not erase systemic inequities, but it does mark progress. It represents a generation of Black professionals stepping into leadership within the very institutions that once marginalized their communities.
“I went from blurry mornings to not being able to see at all,” Hackworth said. “I trusted that someone would do something to stop it. But the help came too late. And now, my world is dark, permanently.”
“We are calling on Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services, elder advocacy organizations, and the media to investigate patterns of neglect that too often go unreported,” Thomas said. “We can’t keep allowing Black women to be silenced. Their lives depend on it.”
Her attorney says her case represents one of the most avoidable medical tragedies she has seen. “There were multiple, clear opportunities to intervene,” Webster-Cox said. “This isn’t just about missed appointments. It’s about systemic failures to coordinate care, communicate urgency, and act on life-altering symptoms. The result is tragic and entirely preventable.”
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 audi-
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For Kimbrough, Williams, and Hackworth, the damage has already been done. But their families and attorneys are determined to turn their pain into a warning – and a rallying cry –for a healthcare system that has for too long failed to treat Black women’s health with the urgency, dignity, and seriousness it deserves.
innovation and preparing
The 36th District Court itself has long been a flashpoint in Detroit’s civic life. During the city’s financial crisis, when services were gutted and neighborhoods destabilized, the court became the battleground for housing insecurity. Landlord-tenant disputes soared, and the court was often criticized for moving cases through at a pace that left residents feeling unheard.
The appointment of judges who pledge empathy, fairness, and humility could mark a shift in how these cases are handled. For many Detroiters, the test will be whether their words translate into decisions that reflect the lived realities of those struggling with poverty, displacement, or systemic bias.
There is also a historical through-line to consider. Detroit has produced trailblazing Black judges for generations, from Damon J. Keith, who became a civil rights giant on the U.S. Court of Appeals, to the
Still, the significance of this moment should not be understated. Detroit’s 36th District Court is now home to three new judges who are not just qualified but deeply tied to the city’s community fabric. Youngblood brings prosecutorial expertise and a pledge of empathy. Clay carries a life of military and civic service rooted in integrity and compassion. Griffin merges law and ministry, reflecting a holistic understanding of justice. Together, they represent a turning of the page in Detroit’s judicial story, one where the bench begins to mirror the people it serves more fully than ever before.
Detroit has always been a city where representation matters because it is tied directly to survival and dignity. These appointments signal progress, but also responsibility. The community will be watching—not just to see who they are, but to witness what justice looks like when it wears a face that feels familiar. Ebony JJ Curry can be reached at ecurry@michronicle.com
Where You Can See
Attorney Todd Perkins and former police chief James Craig got the next highest votes, taking around 5%. City councilman Fred Durhal took 3% of the votes. Todd Perkins finished 144 votes ahead of James Craig, earning 5.3%, proving the polls wrong.
Sheffield was endorsed by outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan on Aug. 20, who is running for governor as an independent.
Kinloch criticized the endorsement, saying the city doesn’t do coronations.
“While the establishment plots coronations and coordinated endorsements, Detroiters are stuck with curfews and crime. Endorsements don’t fix schools or address poverty,” Kinloch said. “They don’t make housing affordable. They don’t save lives. Detroit needs courage, not recycled politics.” You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com
Roots.
Trump Targets Fed’s First Black Woman Governor, Triggering Legal and Economic Showdown
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
President Donald Trump’s attempt to fire Lisa Cook, one of the seven governors of the Federal Reserve, is the kind of constitutional clash that feels less like a personnel dispute and more like a test of American democracy. It forces us to confront a question we rarely have to ask so bluntly: where does presidential authority end, and where must institutional independence begin?
Cook, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, is no stranger to breaking barriers. A daughter of Georgia, a Spelman graduate, former Michigan State University economics professor, and the first Black woman to serve as a Fed governor, she has spent her career bridging worlds of economics, policy, and justice. Her rise to the nation’s central bank carried symbolic weight, a signal to young Black scholars and to women long excluded from the highest echelons of economic decision-making that the doors of power can be pried open. Now, she finds herself at the center of an unprecedented showdown. Trump insists he can remove her, citing allegations of mortgage fraud. She insists the law affords him no such authority. What lies ahead is a collision of law, politics, and history that will almost certainly end up in the courts.
The Federal Reserve’s independence has always been fragile, though fiercely guarded. Created in 1913 to shield monetary policy from political manipulation, the Fed’s ability to raise or lower interest rates without regard to short-term electoral consequences is considered a cornerstone of economic stability. When presidents clash with the Fed, the consequences ripple far beyond Washington. Think of Lyndon Johnson dragging Fed Chair William McChesney Martin to his Texas ranch to pressure him over rates in the 1960s, or Richard Nixon leaning hard on Arthur Burns ahead of the 1972 election. These episodes loom large in economic memory because they remind us what happens when political convenience overshadows economic discipline: inflation soars, trust in institutions erodes, and ordinary families shoulder the cost in higher prices and stagnant wages.
Trump’s move against Cook feels even weightier because of its legal novelty. Unlike cabinet secretaries, who serve at the pleasure of the president, Fed governors are given fourteen-year terms precisely to insulate them from partisan swings. Legal scholars point out that never in modern history has a president attempted to fire a Fed governor. According to AP News, Lev Menand, a Columbia University law professor who has written extensively about the central bank, underscored the strangeness of the moment. “It’s an illegal firing, but the president’s going to argue, ‘The Constitution lets me do it,’” he explained, adding that in recent months, that very argument “has worked in a few other cases.” For Menand, the stakes extend far beyond Cook herself: “The Supreme Court construes the Constitution’s mean-
Emerald Alert Used for First Time in Detroit, Helps Locate Missing
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
Detroiters woke up Tuesday to see the city’s new Emerald Alert system in action for the very first time. Within an hour of its launch, the program proved its value. It helped locate 74-year-old Marjorie Louise Brown Kilpatrick, a Black elder who had gone missing the day before. By late afternoon, it was deployed again, this time to find three missing Black girls—Mariah Johnson, 13, her sister Saniya Johnson, 15, and their friend Aaliyah Hamilton, 16. They, too, were safely found. For a city where families have long carried the weight of unanswered questions when loved ones disappear, the speed and responsiveness of Tuesday’s alerts carried real significance.
The Emerald Alert system is Detroit’s answer to a longstanding gap. Amber Alerts—used nationwide for missing children—do not apply to every case. Silver Alerts, which exist in some states for missing elders, are not standard in Michigan. For years, families whose loved ones disappeared often felt forced to mount their own searches while waiting for law enforcement to act. Council President Mary Sheffield said she could no longer ignore that gap, especially after the devastating disappearance of 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris in 2024. Harris was never found. A man, Jarvis Butts, was later charged with sexually assaulting and murdering her.
Sheffield said, “Too many families have endured the nightmare of missing a loved one. We know that every single second matters when someone goes missing, yet not every case receives the criteria for an Amber Alert, which is why that gap has
Elder and Three Black Girls
always weighed heavily on my own heart.”
The rollout of the Emerald Alert reflects both innovation and urgency. It is tied directly into Detroit’s 365 Alerts system, the same network residents already use for weather and public safety notifications. Alerts will be triggered in cases that fall outside the Amber criteria but still pose high risk: missing children, persons reported missing that have special needs, non-domestic kidnapping of an adult, and cases where foul play is suspected.
On Tuesday, residents received text notifications and push alerts detailing the
descriptions of Kilpatrick and the three teenagers, along with instructions to call the Emerald Tipline at (313) 833-7297 if they had any information. It is a system designed to harness the eyes and ears of the community in real time, an acknowledgment that police alone cannot cover every block. Police Chief Todd Bettison described the system as one that is meant “to help cast a wider net to find vulnerable missing people.”
The symbolism of Tuesday’s events cannot be overstated. For Kilpatrick’s family, the swift recovery meant a crisis resolved before it turned tragic. For the families of the three teenagers, it meant the city moved quickly and publicly, showing their daughters mattered. For Detroit’s Black community, which has too often felt its missing loved ones do not trigger the same urgency as others, it meant a promise kept. The system’s very first uses involved one Black woman and three Black girls. That fact, intentional or not, speaks volumes in a city where racial disparities have long shaped public trust in policing and media coverage. Too many cases of missing Black girls have gone underreported. Too many families have organized their own searches without ever seeing their child’s face on a statewide alert.
Bettison reinforced the idea that Emerald Alerts were built out of necessity, emphasizing the role of this system in mobilizing Detroiters beyond the limitations of Amber Alert criteria.
The City Council anticipated challenges to sustaining that urgency when it added $80,000 in surplus funds to Detroit’s 202526 budget. That funding is earmarked for a personal alert program specifically for dis-
Michigan Laborers Endorse Jocelyn Benson for Governor
By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER
Democratic candidate for governor, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, announced an endorsement from a statewide labor group Thursday as candidates in the race for governor are touting key backers. The labor group, Michigan Laborers’ District Council (LiUNA), represents over 15,000 members who build the state’s roads, bridges, transit, and energy sources. LiUNA leaders in Michigan credited Benson with improving service at Secretary of State branches across the state and championing policies that benefit workers.
“Secretary Benson’s track record of getting things done speaks for itself. You can’t mention the Secretary of State’s office without someone saying how
much better it runs and how thankful they are to have a leader who cares about their time and money,” Michigan District Council Business Manager Brent Pilarski said in a statement. “She’ll be a governor who gives workers a real seat at the table, and she’ll fight to bring the high-paying jobs my members need to live and succeed in Michigan.”
Pilarski criticized President Donald Trump’s tariffs and “chaotic and corrupt policies,” in his statement, saying Benson would work with labor groups to bring projects “that lift working people up, preserve prevailing wage.”
Arlander Washington, a business manager at Local 355, said Benson is the leader Michigan needs to continue the pro-worker progress it’s seen during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration.
Whitmer’s tenure as governor will end next year due to term limits.
“I’m so grateful to have the support of LiUNA and their 15,000 members across Michi-
gan,” Benson said. “I share their grit, determination and dedication to building a state where everyone can thrive – and they know that in me they will have a Governor who sees them, hears them, and fights for them every day. Together we are building a coalition that will be poised to win next November, and then we will work to ensure every Michigander, no matter their zip code, has access to high paying jobs, affordable health care, world class public schools and safe workplaces. We will make Michigan the best place to be a kid, raise a kid, and call home – for everyone.” Local 499 business manager Dan Minton said his support for Benson’s campaign comes from her commitment to expanding workforce training and union apprenticeship opportunities.
“For the kids who choose not to, or can’t afford to go to college,
strong support from our next governor on these programs will help the next generation start off strong on their feet with a living wage and real-world skills, so they stay and live in Michigan,” Minton said in a statement. “We need that kind of leadership. Someone who can look past the partisan divide, focus on solutions, and bring people together to do what’s right for the state. That’s the kind of governor she’ll be.” LiUNA is the latest labor union to support Benson’s campaign for governor, including UFCW Local 951 and 876, West Michigan Plumbers, PipeFitters, and HVAC Service UA Local 174, and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. Also running as Democrats
See LISA COOK Page A-4
See EMERALD ALERT Page A-4
Council President Mary Sheffield
Police Chief Todd Bettison
Lisa Cook
Jocelyn Benson
Lisa Cook
From page A-3
ing, and it can make new constitutional law in this case.”
If the Court does side with Trump, the Fed’s political independence could collapse, leaving investors skeptical that monetary policy decisions are based on economics rather than political loyalty. That skepticism would carry a cost. When investors lose confidence, they demand higher interest rates to offset the risk of inflation. That translates into higher borrowing costs for families taking out mortgages, for students seeking loans, and for small businesses trying to expand. A Fed reshaped into a political arm of the White House would reach far into the pockets of everyday Americans.
The allegations Trump used to justify his move only deepen the sense of political maneuvering. In a letter posted on his Truth Social platform, he declared that he was removing Cook “effective immediately because of allegations she committed mortgage fraud.” Those allegations came from Bill Pulte, a Trump appointee to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, who accused Cook of improperly claiming two primary residences — one in Ann Arbor, another in Atlanta — in 2021. Mortgage lenders often charge higher rates on secondary homes, meaning Cook allegedly sought more favorable terms by claiming both as primary.
Cook flatly rejected that nar-
Jocelyn Benson
From page A-3
are Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who has also received endorsements from a number of labor groups, is running for governor as an independent after announcing last year he wouldn’t seek reelection.
Duggan has been endorsed by the Detroit Plumbers Local 98, Detroit Fire Fighters Association Local 344, Detroit Stage Employees Union, Detroit Police Lieutenants and Sergeants, and Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com
rative. “President Trump purported to fire me ‘for cause’ when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so,” she said in an emailed statement. “I will not resign.” For her, the fight is not about reputational defense alone but about constitutional principle: whether presidents can sidestep laws protecting the independence of financial governance whenever it suits them.
Her attorney, the seasoned Washington litigator Abbe Lowell, sharpened the point. “Trump’s reflex to bully is flawed and his demands lack any proper process, basis or legal authority,” Lowell said, promising that his team would “take whatever actions are needed to prevent his attempted illegal action.” The phrasing here matters — “reflex to bully” casts Trump’s move not as a legitimate legal dispute but as a broader pattern of disregarding established rules when they constrain him.
Even inside the Fed, there is unease. Menand noted that the central bank has its own obliga-
tions beyond following the president’s orders. “They have their own legal obligation to follow the law,” he said. “And that does not mean do whatever the president says. … The Fed is under an independent duty to reach its own conclusions about the legality of Lisa Cook’s removal.” In other words, the Fed’s credibility now depends on whether it will defend its independence or allow itself to be treated like another partisan agency.
The broader question is what this clash reveals about American governance. The Court has already opened the door to greater presidential power in its rulings on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, striking down protections that limited removals.
If the justices extend that logic to the Fed, it could mean an era where monetary policy — the tool that decides how much we pay for credit cards, cars, and mortgages — becomes an electoral weapon. Do Americans want a central bank
Emerald Alert
From page A-3
abled residents prone to going missing. Sheffield emphasized that this was about filling a void left by the state and federal gap, pointing to Na’Ziyah Harris’s case as the painful reminder of what happens when time is lost.
The creation of Emerald Alerts also raises deeper questions about how communities measure safety. For decades, Detroiters have known the ache of unanswered doors and silent phones when a child or elder disappeared. Parents papered poles with flyers. Volunteers organized flashlight searches. Families pleaded for news while cases languished outside Amber Alert criteria. These gaps are not accidental; they reflect the hierarchy of urgency built into national systems. Whose lives are deemed “at risk” enough to merit immediate, mass notification? Whose are not? The Emerald system disrupts that framework by creating local criteria that acknowledge the city’s realities.
In that acknowledgment lies another hard truth. Too often, it takes tragedy to force systemic change. But how many lives could have been saved if such a system had existed years earlier? What might have been different for families who still have no answers? Even now, how can the city ensure that Emerald Alerts do not become reactive, but instead proactive, tools in preventing loss?
There is also the question of scale. Emerald Alerts currently operate within Detroit, tied to its 365 system. But disappearance does not stop at the city line. Children, elders, and vulnerable adults can move across county or state boundaries in hours. Will neighboring cities join? Will the state expand this pilot into something
that shifts policy based on political winds? Or one that makes decisions, however unpopular, for long-term stability?
For Black communities, the stakes are even higher. Detroiters remember what happened during the foreclosure crisis, when credit costs skyrocketed and Black wealth collapsed in waves of foreclosure. If political interference leads to higher borrowing costs again, the impact will not be evenly spread. Families already burdened by systemic barriers in housing and finance will face the steepest climb. Cook’s presence on the Fed’s board has represented the possibility of policymaking that recognizes those inequities. Her removal could represent the opposite: a return to a narrower vision of whose voices matter when shaping the economy.
That’s why the question looming over this fight is not just whether Trump can fire Cook. It is whether Americans believe in institutions strong enough to withstand politics. Is Fed independence
broader, as Michigan once expanded regional 911 systems? Or will Emerald remain unique to Detroit, a local fix to a national blind spot?
For now, what matters is that Detroit families saw something different this week. They saw their city act quickly. They saw alerts spread through phones and across neighborhoods. They saw the elders and teens found alive. It is only a start, but in a city where so many know the trauma of waiting in silence, it is a powerful one.
The Emerald Alert system is not a cure-all. No notification can erase the fear of a missing loved one, or the systemic inequities that mean some cases garner national attention while others barely make the local news. But Tuesday marked a pivot point. Detroit has built its
a technical detail, relevant only to economists, or is it a safeguard for democracy itself — one that protects households, businesses, and communities from the volatility of unchecked power?
Lisa Cook has vowed to stay put. “I will not resign,” she said plainly. Those words are more than defiance. They are a reminder that institutional independence only survives when those inside refuse to surrender and those outside recognize what is at stake. Trump’s firing attempt, Lowell’s legal battle, Menand’s warnings, Cook’s refusal — together, they have turned a question of governance into a defining test of whether American democracy can hold its institutions intact. If Trump succeeds, history may remember this not as a dispute over one economist’s career but as the moment we learned just how fragile independence can be when confronted with raw political power.
Ebony JJ Curry can be reached at ecurry@michronicle.com
own tool, tailored to its own people, born from both tragedy and determination. It will take vigilance to keep it strong, accountability to keep it equitable, and community participation to make it effective.
Every alert will carry the weight of history. Every ping on a phone will remind residents of the families who once waited in vain. And every safe return will reinforce the truth behind Sheffield’s words—that “We know that every single second matters when someone goes missing.” The hope is that Detroit has found a way to honor that truth not just once, but again and again, until the nightmare of waiting becomes far less common.
Ebony JJ Curry can be reached at ecurry@ michronicle.com
A5 | September 3-9, 2025
Money.
Property is Power!
Understanding Credit Innovations and What They Mean for Black Homebuyers
By Dr. Anthony O. Kellum
In today’s mortgage market, one of the biggest changes shaping access to homeownership is the shift in how credit is evaluated. For decades, the traditional credit scoring system has created barriers for Black families, especially those who have historically been locked out of mainstream banking or who rely more heavily on alternative financial tools. But with recent credit innovations, doors are beginning to open wider if we know how to interpret the changes and use them strategically.
The New Floor for Credit Scores
Traditionally, lenders required a minimum FICO score of 620 or higher for most conventional loans, with government-backed programs like FHA offering more flexibility at 550. Today, some lenders are now recognizing a wider picture of financial responsibility such as consistent rent, utility, or even streaming service payments. This innovation is significant for African American borrowers, many of whom have strong payment histories outside of traditional credit cards but were penalized in the old system.
This doesn’t mean credit scores are irrelevant. A 740+ score still unlocks the best rates and lowest fees. But the growing use of “alternative credit data” means someone with a 600 or even 580 score may now have more viable pathways to homeownership without being automatically disqualified.
The Cost Difference of Credit Scores
What does this mean in dollars and cents?
A borrower with a 620 score may pay significantly more in rate and fees than someone with a 740 score. For example, on a $250,000 loan, the difference in interest over the life of the loan can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Lender fees, known as “loan level pricing adjustments,” are often tied directly to your credit score. A higher score reduces these costs. For Black families already facing the racial wealth gap, this makes building and protecting credit one of the most powerful financial tools available.
Lender Overlays The Hidden Rules
Even with federal programs like FHA or VA that allow lower credit scores, many lenders apply what are called lender overlays. These are additional rules or restrictions a lender places on top of the basic program requirements. For instance, FHA might approve a loan at 580 with 3.5% down, but a lender may set their internal minimum at 620. This creates confusion and often discourages first-time buyers.
Understanding overlays is crucial: being denied by one lender doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t qualify elsewhere. The key is working with a mortgage professional who understands these nuances and has access to multiple lenders, rather than giving up after one “no.”
What This Means for Black Homebuyers
For the African American community, these changes present both opportunity and
See BLACK HOMEBUYERS Page A-6
Michigan’s Top Earners Would Pay More Under Contested School Funding Proposal
By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER
A proposed constitutional amendment to boost school funding by taxing wealthy residents more is gathering signatures despite its petition language being held up by a state panel.
The Board of State Canvassers approved the group’s petition language at its June 27 meeting, but members cited procedural issues when it rescinded the approval, forcing the group to go back to fight for the language’s approval. Both Democratic board members approved the language, while Republicans, Board Chair Richard Houskamp and Canvasser Paul Cordes, argued the petition language should be changed.
“There were people in the room who are scared to see this happen because it will impact them,” says Imani Foster, one of the leaders of 482 Forward, the nonprofit behind the effort. “Approval was rescinded apparently due to the Board of Canvassers not letting someone from the opposition speak.”
The group went back to the state panel on July 31, where board members were deadlocked on the approval of the petition language following concerns over whether the proposal could ensure funds were used specifically for schools.
The ballot effort’s language is as follows: A constitutional amendment to add, beginning in 2027, an additional 5% tax on annual taxable income, over $1 million for joint filers and over $500,000 for single filers. The tax is in addition to existing state income taxes and is to be deposited into the state school aid fund and required to be used exclusively on local school district classrooms, career and technical education, reducing class sizes, and recruiting and retaining teachers, and is subject to annual audits.
The Detroit Regional Chamber and other statewide business groups showed up to the meetings to oppose the effort.
“This proposal represents a significant tax hike that would more than double the income tax rate for many job creators, including tens of thousands of small businesses that pay business taxes through individual income tax returns,” the cham-
Ballot Proposal to Ban Corporate
By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER
ber said in a statement. “The Chamber is deeply concerned that this measure would rewrite Michigan’s tax code in a way that damages the state’s economic competitiveness.”
Foster refutes the claim from opposition groups that their proposal would hurt small businesses, saying the average small business owner makes around $212,000, well below the $500,000 threshold.
This month, attorneys for the Coalition to Stop the Business and Family Tax Hike sent a cease and desist to attorneys for Invest in MI Kids, claiming the board’s walk back of the petition language meant the petition signatures gathered are invalid.
“Their choice to proceed with circulation anyway is unfair to those who sign the petition, but that unfairness is knowing and willful by the circulators and may not be weaponized later to curry favor with the Board or the courts,” attorneys wrote in the letter. “TO BE ABUNDANTLY CLEAR: please be advised now, before your client has gathered those signatures, and while there’s still more than ample time to bring the petition into compliance with the law, that (a) the 100 word summary now in the field remains subject to challenge before the Board because it lacks approval.”
Foster says the group is confident that the approval language currently being circulated by petitioners will be approved by the state board, and if not, the Michigan Supreme Court.
She says voters have been eager to sign.
“People see my shirt that says, ‘Fund schools, tax the rich,’ and sign just based off my shirt,” she said.
482 Forward volunteers have been collecting signatures in Detroit, Ferndale, and Southfield.
“Our first day collecting signatures was at the Ribs and Soul Fest,” Foster said. “That was so much fun because there were people there from Flint, and all kinds of school districts who can align with Detroit because their districts and a lot of their resources have also been starved.”
You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com
Anthony O. Kellum
Corporate Political Spending
Business leaders at the Michigan Chamber who oppose the initiative call the effort “selective censorship.”
“This egregious proposal appears to silence the voices of job providers and limit free speech for some while giving others, like labor unions, a free pass,” the Chamber said of MMOP in a statement last month. “That’s not just bad policy – it’s fundamentally unfair and harmful to Michigan’s future. “Efforts to restrict free speech have repeatedly been deemed unacceptable – and this is no different. Michiganders deserve fair, open debate on issues that impact every community, every business, and every worker in our state, not selective censorship that shuts out the voices of those who create jobs, drive economic growth, and invest in our communities.”
Hawaii, New Jersey, and Georgia, and federal agencies such as the Securities Exchange Commission that have also banned political spending by utility companies and corporations seeking government contracts.
Black Homebuyers
responsibility. The opportunity lies in the fact that new credit innovations are finally considering real-life financial behaviors that many in our community already excel in like paying rent faithfully for years. The responsibility is making sure we are building, protecting, and monitoring our credit so that when the time comes, we qualify not just for a loan but for the best loan possible.
Steps You Can Take Now
1. Check Your Credit – Don’t assume you know your score; pull a full credit report and understand what’s being reported.
2. Leverage Alternative Data – If your lender offers programs that factor in rent and utility payments, make sure those histories are included.
3. Shop Around – Don’t let one denial stop you; overlays vary from lender to lender.
In a statement, Consumers Energy said the ballot proposal would seek over 200 state contractors and pick “winners and losers” in who gets to participate in the political process.
You can reach Sam at srobinson@ michronicle.com
4. Focus on the Long Game – Even if you qualify today with a 600 score, work to raise it post-purchase so you can refinance into a lower-cost loan later.
5. Protect Your Score – Avoid late payments, minimize new debt, and resolve errors quickly.
The Bottom Line
Property is Power, but access begins with knowledge. Credit innovations are reshaping the landscape of mortgage lending, offering new ways for Black families to enter the market. At the same time, the difference between an average score and a strong one can mean thousands of dollars saved over a lifetime. Understanding credit floors, overlays, and costs isn’t just about numbers, it’s about creating wealth, stability, and legacy.
Property is Power! is a movement to promote home and community ownership. Studies indicate homeownership leads to higher graduation rates, family wealth, and community involvement.
DTE Energy, Detroit PAL Host Summer STEAM Fair for Detroit Youth
By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR
More than 140 Detroit children and their families gathered at Beacon Park on Aug. 14 for the Summer STEAM Fair, a free event designed to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
The fair, hosted by DTE Energy Corporate Citizenship and Detroit PAL, featured interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and more than $5,000 in school donations tied to student participation. Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences received $3,000, while Detroit Waldorf School and Chandler Park Middle School each received $1,000.
“This event was a labor of love for our team,” said Frank D’Angelo, community outreach manager with DTE Corporate Citizenship. “We put our hearts into creating a space where kids could explore, imagine and just be joyful. Watching their faces light up as they interacted with robots, painted their faces, or stepped into the planetarium—that’s the reward. These moments remind us why we do this work and how powerful community partnerships can be.”
Students explored robot battles, Lego building, a mobile planetarium, financial literacy games, creative arts projects, and free book giveaways. Partners included the Michigan Science Center, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, FIRST Robotics, Junior Achieve-
ment, and The Robot Garage.
Organizers said the event’s goal was to make learning fun while exposing young people to career pathways in STEAM fields.
“We’re proud to partner with DTE to bring STEAM learning directly to the community,” said David Greenwood, program director for Detroit PAL. “Events like this show kids that learning can be fun and that their curiosity matters. It’s about planting seeds for future careers and building confidence through exploration.”
Parents said the fair gave their children opportunities to learn outside the classroom in a setting that encouraged both education and play.
The event is part of DTE’s broader commitment to community engagement and educational equity. The company has invested in programming that aims to expand access to STEAM education in Detroit schools and neighborhoods, particularly for students who may not otherwise have opportunities to explore those fields.
“The Summer STEAM Fair reflects our commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences,” D’Angelo said. “Every child deserves the chance to discover their potential.”
The fair at Beacon Park was the latest in a series of collaborations between DTE and Detroit PAL to engage Detroit youth through mentorship, sports, and education programs.
C ity . L ife .
ALO Becomes First Retailer to Open at Bedrock’s Hudson’s Detroit on Woodward
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
Bedrock’s vision for downtown Detroit entered its most anticipated phase this August with the opening of ALO Hudson’s Detroit, the first retail tenant inside the long-awaited Hudson’s development on Woodward Avenue. On Friday, August 22, the wellness-focused brand opened its doors, giving Detroiters and visitors another reason to pause and explore a corridor that has been steadily rebuilding its rhythm. This stretch of Woodward has seen a resurgence over the past few years, with names like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty adding national shine, Detroit’s own The Lip Bar growing into a celebrated homegrown success, and new bars and restaurants like Easy Peasy turning the avenue into a lively mix of food, fashion, and culture. ALO’s debut is the latest piece of a larger story that has been years in the making.
For Detroiters, the Hudson’s site has always meant more than square footage. It was once home to the iconic J.L. Hudson’s department store, a symbol of Detroit’s mid-century vitality and community life. For decades, Hudson’s wasn’t just a place to shop; it was where families met for holidays, parades passed by, and the
pulse of downtown was measured. That heartbeat stopped in 1983 when the store closed. Fifteen years later, in 1998, the building was demolished, leaving an empty block on one of the city’s most important streets. For nearly two decades, the lot stood as a reminder of both loss and possibility.
That changed when Bedrock, the real estate firm led by Dan Gilbert, announced its plans to redevelop the site. The groundbreaking in December 2017 drew crowds and coverage. Detroiters were promised not just a building but a statement—that downtown would once again be a place where commerce, culture, and community converged. Over the years, designs shifted, timelines were extended, and the pandemic slowed progress. Still, the cranes kept moving, and the skyline evolved. Now, nearly eight years later, the first retail doors have opened.
“The opening of ALO, our inaugural retail tenant at Hudson’s Detroit, is a significant milestone,” said Naumann Idrees, Bedrock’s senior vice president of leasing. “ALO embodies wellness, community and human connection— values that complement Detroit’s energy today.” For Idrees and Bedrock, the goal was never just to fill space but to create a place. ALO’s brand, rooted in fitness, mindfulness, and lifestyle, felt like a natural first step for a downtown looking to show its breadth.
ALO’s flagship location at 1272 Woodward
By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER
ine Down and Read:
Detroit Welcomes Sip N Read Book Bar
By Miss AJ Williams
Sip N Read Book Bar is opening its doors in Detroit’s Corktown at a time when the neighborhood, and the city, is rewriting its narrative. Located just blocks from the newly reopened Michigan Central Station and the soon-to-debut AlumniFi Field, the 2,400-squarefoot space offers more than a place to browse books or sip Michigan-made wines. It’s a full-sensory experience built for connection, conversation, and cultural renaissance.
Founded by Tamela Todd, Sip N Read is part bookstore, part wine bar, and entirely a love letter to Detroit’s creative and resilient spirit. “Detroit has always been a city of resilience and reinvention,” Todd said.
“I wanted this space to mirror that energy, a place where stories, ideas, and community can thrive.” Todd’s vision aligns closely with Corktown’s transformation, positioning the venue as a polished, intentional addition to the neighborhood’s growing list of cultural landmarks.
While bookstores are often synonymous with hushed tones and solo browsing, Sip N Read invites guests to slow down and stay a while. “We’re always rushing, always on the go,” Todd said. “I wanted Sip N Read to be a place where people can slow down, sip a glass of wine, and reconnect with themselves.”
From plush seating to custom shelves, the design signals one clear message: this is not your grandma’s bookstore.
Sip N Read Book Bar is opening its doors in Detroit’s Corktown at a time when the neighborhood, and the city, is rewriting its narrative. Located just blocks from the newly reopened Michigan Central Station
See SIP N READ BOOK BAR Page B-2
has described his mission as deeply personal. He has said he wants to tell Detroit stories through music—stories rooted in neighborhoods, in
Detroit has always been a city that composes its story through sound. The pulse of Motown, the insistence of techno, the grit of its neighborhoods, the echo of jazz pouring out of underground clubs—all of it belongs to Detroit’s living archive. This September, that archive takes a historic turn as the city prepares to debut its first official City Symphony, composed by Detroit’s inaugural Composer Laureate Patrick Prouty. The piece, titled 313: Six Vignettes for Orchestra, will be performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) at Greater Grace Temple on September 19 as part of the DTE Energy Foundation’s free Community Concert series. The evening will stand as the embodiment of a city recognizing its music as not just history, but civic identity. For decades, Detroit’s sound has been exported, sampled, and celebrated, but rarely has it been presented as a unified, symphonic portrait of the city. Prouty, a Detroit native who has built his career across jazz, orchestral, and avant-garde traditions, was named the city’s first Composer Laureate last year. That appointment, backed by the Ford Foundation and stewarded by Detroit’s Office of Arts, Culture & Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE), put him alongside Jamon Jordan, Detroit’s official historian, and jessica Care moore, the city’s poet laureate. Together, they represent a deliberate move to ensure that Detroit’s story is told in multiple registers—through words, through history, and now through music.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra to Debut City’s First-Ever Symphony by Composer Laureate
Katrina at 20: Race, Wealth, and Recovery
By Anissa Durham
“Katrina: 20 Years Later” is Word In Black’s series on Hurricane Katrina’s enduring impact on New Orleans, and how Black folks from the Big Easy navigate recovery, resilience, and justice.
August 29, 2025, marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina tore through the northern Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm. It killed nearly 1,400 people, displaced more than a million across Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and caused more than $200 billion in damages — making it the costliest natural disaster in United States history.
Nowhere was the devastation more visible than in New Orleans. When the levees broke in the city, so too did the illusion that race and class no longer determined who survives and who rebuilds. In 2000, a few years before Katrina, New Orleans had the highest rate of Black poverty of any major city in the nation, at 35%. Majority-Black neighborhoods like the Lower Ninth Ward vanished underwater, and many of those families never returned.
Two decades after the storm, data reveals how Katrina reshaped the city — a city remade, but not yet healed. New Orleans now has fewer Black residents, a wider racial wealth gap, and — at last — broader access to health care.
1. A City With Fewer Black Residents New Orleans rebuilt much of what was lost, but the city isn’t the same. Before Katrina, New Orleans was about 67% Black. Today, that number is closer to 57%. The result is a reshaped city: whiter, wealthier, and more gentrified.
In 2000, U.S. Census Bureau data showed that before Katrina, there were about 325,000 Black residents in the Big Easy — making up one-third of the population. After the storm, however, thousands of residents were displaced. Some left and later returned, while others never came back. As a result, in 2024, census data showed the Black population in the city decreased to roughly 204,000 — a loss of
Sip
N Read Book Bar
and the soon-to-debut AlumniFi Field, the 2,400-square-foot space offers more than a place to browse books or sip Michigan-made wines. It’s a full-sensory experience built for connection, conversation, and cultural renaissance.
Founded by Tamela Todd, Sip N Read is part bookstore, part wine bar, and entirely a love letter to Detroit’s creative and resilient spirit. “Detroit has always been a city of resilience and reinvention,” Todd said. “I wanted this space to mirror that energy, a place where stories, ideas, and community can thrive.” Todd’s vision aligns closely with Corktown’s transformation, positioning the venue as a polished, intentional addition to the neighborhood’s growing list of cultural landmarks.
While bookstores are often synonymous with hushed tones and solo browsing, Sip N Read invites guests to slow down and stay a while. “We’re always rushing, always on the go,” Todd said. “I wanted Sip N Read
more than 120,000 people.
In comparison, the city saw a much smaller loss of white residents, going from approximately 136,000 white residents in 2000 to 113,000 in 2024, a loss of around 23,000 people.
2. The Racial Wealth Gap in New Orleans
In the U.S., white households typically have about six times and five times the wealth of Black and Hispanic households, respectively. There are a number of factors contributing to this wealth divide, but it can largely be attributed to systemic racism — by way of redlining, the criminal justice system, and the long-term impacts of slavery.
In New Orleans, the racial wealth gap between white and Black families is staggering. The median net worth of white households is about $181,000, compared with just $18,000 for Black households. That means the typical white household holds 10 times the wealth of the typical Black household.
That means the typical white household holds 10 times the wealth of the typical Black household. Research shows that post-Katrina, white families and those with greater resources were more likely to be able to navigate insurance payouts, secure loans, and access federal aid. Black renters and low-income homeowners often faced roadblocks or were excluded altogether.
3. More Working Adults Have Health Care Coverage
On the bright side, the share of working-age adults in New Orleans without health insurance has been cut by more than half. In 2013, nearly one in four adults lacked coverage; by 2023, the rate had fallen to 10% — roughly in line with the national average.
In a city where the storm once destroyed its main public hospital and left thousands stranded without care, expanded access to doctors, clinics, and medication represents real progress.
This story was originally published in Word In Black.
to be a place where people can slow down, sip a glass of wine, and reconnect with themselves.” From plush seating to custom shelves, the design signals one clear message: this is not your grandma’s bookstore.
More than just a place to unwind, Sip N Read was created as a sanctuary for creatives, entrepreneurs, and individuals who appreciate intentional spaces. “The curated book selections reflect voices and stories that spark conversation and imagination,” Todd explained. “Our events are designed to bring people together in meaningful ways.” Whether you’re there for the book, the wine, or the vibe, the space promises something rare: an adult-friendly, wellness-centered experience rooted in culture and community.
Sip N Read is located at 1620 Michigan Ave., Suite 122. Doors are open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Sundays reserved for private events.
As Corktown evolves, Todd hopes Sip N Read will serve as both witness and participant in Detroit’s latest chapter. “It is more than a business,” she said. “It is a home for creativity, conversation, and community.”
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
From page B-1
a shorthand that Detroiters everywhere recognize as both a symbol of pride and resilience.
The debut will be conducted by Ingrid Martin, the DSO’s new Assistant Conductor and Phillip & Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador, marking her first performance in the role. The program, built around the idea of a single day unfolding, moves from a dawn filled with joy to a moonlit finale. That thematic framing, alongside Prouty’s new work, reflects a vision of Detroit as a city that is constantly in motion— struggling, rebuilding, and reimagining itself over the course of a single day and over generations.
Mayor Mike Duggan has called Prouty’s appointment an inspiration, framing it as part of Detroit’s legacy of musical excellence. He noted that the city has always been rich in talent, but having an official City Symphony allows Detroiters to experience their own story reflected back through an orchestra that belongs to them. That sentiment matters in a place where residents have often felt that their culture is consumed more than it is celebrated within their own communities. This symphony, in its free community presentation, reclaims space for Detroiters to hear themselves in a setting too often reserved for elite audiences.
The performances are part of the DTE Foundation’s long-standing commitment to the DSO and to community access. For over half a century, the Foundation has supported efforts to bring orchestral music beyond Orchestra Hall, into neighborhoods where cost and geography often create barriers. This year’s concert at Greater Grace Temple will be followed by a second free performance at The Hawk in Farmington Hills on September 20. Both events will include family-friendly activities
ALO
From page B-1
Avenue greets a downtown that has become an attraction again. For residents, it’s another local stop; for visitors, it’s an invitation to see a city that continues to rewrite its story. And Bedrock is just getting started. Hudson’s Detroit will add more retail and dining options over the coming months, including Tecovas, a Western bootmaker, and a lineup of curated experiences meant to make the building a daily draw.
The development is more than shopping. It already houses The Department at Hudson’s, a 56,000-squarefoot event venue open to the public, designed to host everything from galas to conferences. Office space is filled by major tenants like General Motors’ global headquarters, Accenture, and Ven Johnson Law. Nick Gilbert Way, the new public plaza named for Gilbert’s late son, offers an accessible gathering space. Plans for a
before the music begins, underscoring the idea that symphonic music is not just for those trained in its traditions but for every generation of Detroiters. Reservations are required, but the commitment to free access is significant in a time when arts institutions across the country struggle to reach working-class communities.
DSO President Erik Rönmark has said the orchestra is proud to celebrate Prouty’s premiere while also marking the debut of Ingrid Martin. For the DSO, these concerts are more than routine outreach—they are a chance to show that the orchestra belongs to the city, not apart from it. The DSO has a history of breaking boundaries, dating back to 1922 when it became the first orchestra in the world to broadcast a concert live on radio. This year’s City Symphony marks another boundary crossed, situating Detroit’s identity not just in global influence but in formal civic recognition.
Prouty himself embodies Detroit’s eclecticism. His music has appeared on mainstream television shows like Brooklyn NineNine and Breaking Bad, but his roots remain local and communal. He is an educator as much as a performer, and his compositional range—jazz, salsa, orchestral works—mirrors Detroit’s own cultural intersections. Appointing him as Composer Laureate was an intentional move to ensure that the position would reflect the city’s pluralism rather than a singular, sanitized narrative of what Detroit music should be. His selection signals that symphonies, like stories, do not belong only to one genre or one class. They can and should carry the weight of a city’s multiple voices.
Detroit ACE Director Rochelle Riley has long championed the need for such cultural appointments. By placing composers, poets, and historians on civic payrolls, Detroit is investing in
rooftop bar signal that the building will be as much about social energy as it is about commerce.
Beside the main structure rises a 45-story tower, one of the tallest additions to Detroit’s skyline in decades. When completed, it will feature The Detroit EDITION hotel and The Residences at The Detroit EDITION, offering high-end living and hospitality steps away from Woodward. Together, the two buildings are redefining what the Hudson block means to Detroit.
The significance of this first retail opening is hard to overstate. For years, Woodward Avenue was marked by loss, punctuated by vacant lots and shuttered storefronts. Today, it is layered with energy. Detroiters can shop at Fenty Beauty, grab lipstick from The Lip Bar, meet friends for drinks at Easy Peasy, and now step into ALO’s wellness-centered space—all within a few blocks. The Hudson’s site was once an empty reminder of what was gone;
its creative infrastructure in the same way it invests in roads or public safety. The implication is clear: culture is not an afterthought; it is a cornerstone of civic life. And in a city that has endured disinvestment, bankruptcy, and population loss, elevating artists to official positions restores a sense of pride and permanence.
The DTE Energy Foundation’s support for this effort is part philanthropy, part corporate citizenship. Last year alone, it distributed $16 million in grants to nearly 300 nonprofits, with a stated focus on equity and human needs. Aligning with the DSO and Detroit ACE on this project reinforces the role of institutions in shaping not just the city’s economic future but its cultural fabric. For Detroit, where questions of equity are inseparable from questions of art, such partnerships hold weight. They remind us that access to beauty and creativity is as essential as access to infrastructure.
As Detroit prepares for this premiere, it is worth reflecting on what it means to call something a City Symphony. Cities across the world have their musical homages, but Detroit’s is arriving at a moment when the city is still negotiating its identity in the wake of revival narratives and persistent inequality. The music, like the city, will hold contradictions—hope alongside struggle, memory alongside reinvention. For Detroiters, the concert will be more than notes on a page; it will be an echo of their lived experience. When the lights dim at Greater Grace Temple on September 19, the audience will not only hear Patrick Prouty’s vignettes, they will hear themselves. In every brass swell, every string section rising together, there will be something familiar: the sound of a city that has always composed itself, and that now, finally, has a symphony carrying its name. Ebony JJ Curry can be reached at ecurry@michronicle.com
today it’s becoming an active part of what’s next.
The anticipation for this moment has been long. Each construction update, every crane movement, every steel beam drew attention because the Hudson’s site represents something larger: Detroit’s resilience and its refusal to settle for decline. It is a reminder that downtown belongs to the people who stuck with it and to those returning to see it anew.
ALO may just be one store, but its presence signals a shift. It tells Detroiters that the wait was not in vain, that the promises made at the groundbreaking are starting to materialize. For longtime Detroiters, this first retail tenant feels like more than a store—it’s a sign that a long-vacant site has come back to life. For newer residents and visitors, it’s a chance to see downtown not as a memory, but as a destination. Ebony JJ Curry can be reached at ecurry@michronicle.com
Join us in celebrating the legacy of The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Together, we honor the past, and
From page B-1
Black residents in New Orleans were severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Twenty years on, here’s what the data shows.
As the cost of living continues to rise, many Americans are being forced to make difficult financial decisions – weighing whether to pay rent, get groceries or fill prescriptions. Skipping medications might seem like a quick way to save money, but this can lead to serious health risks and even higher costs down the road.
In fact, research shows 27% of Americans skip prescriptions each month due to cost. More than half of Americans who filled a prescription this year said the cost felt like a financial burden, with 1 in 3 people cutting back on essentials like food or clothing to afford their medications.
These trade-offs highlight just how important it is to find practical, affordable ways to stay on treatment. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to help individuals stay current with their medications without breaking the bank. Cindy George, MPH, a senior personal finance editor at GoodRx and nationally recognized health journalist, shared expert advice to help consumers and their families improve their health care cost literacy, reduce expenses and stay healthy without overspending.
Understand the True Cost of Medications Many people assume the pharmacy counter price is non-negotiable, but in reality, the cost of the same medication can vary significantly depending on the pharmacy or use of available savings tools.
“Many people don’t realize there is no single price for a prescription,” George said. “Costs can vary by upwards of $100 from one pharmacy to the next, even in the same ZIP code. Understanding how to compare prices and find the most affordable option is incredibly valuable. Just like travel sites show you different options for airlines or hotels and their associated expenses, prescription price comparison sites show how much your medication costs at each pharmacy and provide you with available savings.”
By entering the medication name, along with dosage and ZIP code, individuals can quickly compare prices in their area using GoodRx. Using the website or app, you can explore alternative forms of a medication and get suggestions to help you talk with your doctor or pharmacist about more affordable options.
When Insurance Falls Short, You Still Have Options
Today, only about half of all prescriptions are fully covered by insurance without restrictions. Many have conditions, such as step therapy, quantity limits or prior authorizations, that can lead to delays or higher costs at the pharmacy counter.
“Even insured individuals are struggling to keep up with health care costs,” George said. “More and more are finding themselves underinsured, and that’s making basic health care harder to afford – and harder to access – for millions of families.”
That’s why comparison shopping is increasingly important for people in the U.S. Even those with Medicare or Medicaid may benefit from cost comparisons. For that reason, George said it’s smart to look at all your options, including price comparisons at different pharmacies.
“Cost comparison tools can help people find lower prices on both generic and brand-name medications, regardless of their coverage status,” she said.
While these resources are not a full replacement for health insurance, they can be a helpful way to reduce medication costs and avoid unexpected surprises at the pharmacy.
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
Build Confidence Through Cost Literacy
Cost literacy is about more than just looking up prices. It involves understanding how insurance works, what’s included in a plan’s formulary, how to interpret billing documents and how to challenge costs that seem too high. According to George, “health care cost literacy” is one of the best investments you can make in your overall financial well-being.
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.
CAE, DFM/A, DFMEA, DRBTR, processes to design &validate points for multi-branch harnesses, size, &thermal resistance specs
Electrical or Automotive Engineering, mos exp as Engineer, engineering, production, &continuously improving psngr vehicle &BEV electrical &packaging syss, &multi-branch using Tc VisMockup tool, or related. Ref#3882, GM Global Mobility, Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit,
Senior Design Release
Fuel Systems (FS)
important to compare prices upfront to ensure you’re taking the most affordable option.”
n Uncover brand-name savings programs. Many pharmaceutical companies offer copay cards or patient assistance programs that can dramatically reduce your costs for brand-name or specialty medications.
Vehicle Validation Engineer
“Improving your health care cost literacy starts with being aware of your options and asking the right questions,” she said. “Learn the basics, like what a premium, deductible or copay means, and review your insurance plan’s benefits and covered medications.”
George recommends starting with trusted toolsthat break down health care costs and terminology.
“Tools like the GoodRx Guide to Drug Costs, Coverage and Savings, cost estimators from hospitals and insurance plans and State Health Insurance Assistance Programs – known as SHIPs – for Medicare can help you better understand and manage costs,” she said. “If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your provider, pharmacist or insurance representative to walk you through your bills or Explanation of Benefits.”
Simple Strategies Can Add Up
Small adjustments in how medications are filled can make a major difference over time. George recommends a few consistent strategies that can reduce out-of-pocket costs:
n Always compare prices, including your insurance copay. “People assume their insurance copay is the best deal for accessing a medication at the lowest cost, but that’s not always true,” George said. “It’s
Warren, MI, General Motors. Perform &execute electrical validation of BEVs in GVDP for Vehicle Motion Embedded Controls (VMEC), Body Electronics, Active Safety (AS), telematics, &infotainment. Review, analyze &coordinate the testing &modification of BEV system &cmpnt level SW for electrical validation of VMEC &AS syss incl. Long/Short Range Radars, Rear Vision/360/Driver monitoring cameras, antennas, Body & Vehicle Integration Control Modules, &features incl. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Driving Features, Emergency Braking, Collision Mitigation, Alerts, &related module &feature validation status plans for vehicle prgrms, using PQMS, NX, vSpy, Teamcenter (Tc), &ECM tools. Perform on time SW &HW validation of embedded module ECUs, thru design/production/SW iteration validations. Bachelor, Electrical, Computer, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, testing or verifying embedded telematics &infotainment embedded ECUs, using Tc &vSpy tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#407-1175, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
Emission Control Warren, MI, General Motors. &develop FS &EEC syss, incl. transfer lines, emission control for psgr vehicles incl. Premium &Large psgr &Cargo Vans, &Incomplete prgrms, according to vehicle program from concept to production, &aligned performance, safety (U.S. FMVSS), ®ional rqrmnts &standards, Vismockup, ETAS INCA, &ECM design, validate &release engine cmpnts to meet SSTS of propulsion Benchmark critical emission control &recommend fuel injection HW &UNECE regs. Master, Mechanical Engrg. 36 mos exp as Engineer, &releasing evaporative emission prgrms, from concept to production, performance, safety (incl. U.S. technical ®ional rqrmnts &standards, Tc, &Tc Vismockup tools, or related. Ref#201, GM Global Mobility, Center, MC:482-C32-C66,
n Explore generic medications, if available. Generic medications typically cost less than their brand-name counterparts. Check with a health care professional before opting for a generic, because there might be specific reasons the brand-name version was prescribed.
n Consider a 90-day supply. For chronic conditions, ask a health care professional whether you can switch from a 30-day supply of medication to a 90-day supply, since this is often cheaper per dose.
n Try delivery. Ordering through a mail-order pharmacy can add convenience and, in many cases, offer lower prices, particularly for ongoing prescriptions.
Stay Grounded in Your Health – and Your Finances
Rising health care costs can feel overwhelming, but knowledge and planning go a long way. By building confidence through cost literacy, comparing prices and using tools to explore savings opportunities, consumers can remain in control of both their care and their budgets.
Visit GoodRx.com to explore options, compare prices and take more control over your medication costs.
WCCCD Students Complete Study Abroad Journey to Panama, South America!
By David C. Butty
“We gained a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the country and culture.” ~Muqarrabah Miyzaan
Twenty two students from the six campuses of Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD), completed a week-long study abroad experience to learn firsthand about the country’s economic importance to the global supply chain and the culture of South America. For the students, it was immersive learning when you combined education and culture with the learning opportunities that exist. Best of all, the students had the chance to hone their Spanish speaking fluency through intensive classroom learning at the Casco Antiguo Spanish School.
The journey to Panama City, Panama, was one of many covering six of the seven continents that WCCCD’s Study Abroad Program has taken over its 22 years of existence. The visit to Panama was in partnership with the Casco Antiguo Spanish School and the University of Panama. It provided students with quality academic experiences, cultural immersion, lifelong service learning, and character development. It exposed students to the Spanish language, its traditions and social and cultural understanding of the world.
At the Panama Canal, the students were enthralled by the global supply chain process and economic impact transpiring daily through the Canal. They got an understanding of the Panama Canal’s strategic importance to the world economy – not only for the country, but global trade and commerce.
For Muqarrabah Miyzaan, 75, who is studying Early Childhood Education, the trip gave her a home away from home. She traces her bloodline to the Native American Blackfeet Indians. “We were in the tropical rainforest and my excitement came from watching an eagle fly and making "yo-yo" circle quilts at the Museo Afroanti Ilano de Panama, a small authentic church-house museum, where original furniture "of the day" was kept. I saw an original scrub boat like the one my great-grandmother had. I feel enriched by the learning experience provided by Wayne County Community College District. We gained a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the country and culture,” she said. She encourages other students to take advantage of the District’s program providing an opportunity to "Study Abroad."
“Our teacher was wonderful… showed me that communication is more than just a language, it’s about effort, respect, and connection.” ~ Anya Lewis
“It was a life-changing journey. I feel so lucky and proud to have been part of this amazing adventure with WCCCD.”
~Mehran Nice
Mehran Nice said she will forever cherish the certificate of completion she received following her intensive Spanish language session. “As I write this essay, I honestly feel like crying. I miss the whole trip, every moment, every person, every place. It was more than just a trip, it was a life-changing journey. I will never forget this experience.”
Anya Lewis said the Spanish class taught her to be humble. “Our teacher was wonderful. One day we went to the local vendors and asked for the prices of different items in Spanish. While we were speaking with them, some of the locals began telling us about the history of Panama and the meaning behind certain art pieces being sold. The locals could tell our Spanish wasn’t perfect, but they didn’t laugh at us or brush us off. Instead, they listened patiently, helped us when we got stuck, and genuinely appreciated that we were trying. That moment showed me that communication is more than just language, it’s about effort, respect, and connection.”
Keara Adams sums up the visit to the Embera Indigenous community as life changing. “It left a lasting imprint
on my heart. The community is so rooted in tradition, simplicity, and authenticity, it was both humbling and inspiring. Being in the Embera Village reminded me of the importance of slowing down, listening, and respecting those who came before us. I learned that connection, whether to people, nature, or culture is what truly makes travel meaningful. Reflecting on my time in Panama City, I realize that travel is not just about seeing new places, but about being transformed by them. The Embera people showed me what it means to live with intention, pride, and harmony.”
David Gold, Founder and Managing Director of the Casco Antiguo Spanish School, and the professional curator for the trip, praised the students for their eagerness to learn about Panama. “Casco Antiguo Spanish School was honored to host the group from WCCCD. The students participated in various educational and cultural activities, including a 12-hour hands-on Spanish immersion course in Panama City’s historic old town, where they gained firsthand experience of the Panama Canal’s operations.”
“The Embera people showed me what it means to live with intention, pride, and harmony. Their community was not just a destination it was a lesson in humanity.” ~Keara
