Michigan Chronicle Vol. 89 - No. 2

Detroit Month of Design

Michigan Chronicle

Michigan Chronicle

All Black Everything:

UAW Triple Strike Against Detroit Automakers

A Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th

By Samuel Robinson

SENIOR REPORTER

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Starting next summer, the city of Detroit will lead the prosecution of some misdemeanors, which will give the city more control over sentencing and should give the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office more time to handle violent crimes.

The Detroit City Council approved 8-1 an amendment to the city code through an ordinance on Tuesday, allowing its law department to prosecute misdemeanor crimes such as retail fraud, larceny, and domestic violence.

Members of the city’s law department, who will serve as prosecuting attorneys for such misdemeanor cases, called the move a historic change in the way crimes are prosecuted in Detroit.

By Ebony JJ Curry 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.

“This in my mind is a historic change we’re now bringing those prosecutions closer to the people of the city of Detroit, closer to oversight by Detroit officials,” said Douglas

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

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

Detroit Law Department speaks before Detroit City Council on Sept. 2, 2025.

State Data Shows Rise in Drug Related Fatal Crashes Across Michigan

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.

Photo: Samuel Robinson

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

“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 talented, 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 represents our city’s pride.”

Investment

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

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

ness district that had been the lifeblood of the community.

Baker, the chief of criminal enforcement at Detroit’s law department. “I think it will have an overall improvement in the sense that that kind of control will bring. It’ll be a win-win, for police law enforcement, for citizens it’ll be better for the city.”

“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.”

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.

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.

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-

Michigan’s roads claimed 1,099 lives in 2024. Of those, 272 deaths were tied to drug use—a number that now accounts for one in four of all traffic fatalities in the state. Ten years ago, drugs were linked to just 179 of 963 road deaths. The share has grown from 19 percent to 25 percent in less than a decade, and that climb is reshaping how safety officials, law enforcement, and families understand what it means to be in danger on Michigan’s roads.

“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-

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.

of 2019. The industry is now one of the most lucrative in the state. Retailers sold $274 million in cannabis products in July alone. Since legal sales began, total revenue has reached nearly $12.1 billion. For policymakers, those figures highlight economic growth. For highway safety leaders, they raise difficult questions about the unintended costs. Measuring impairment from cannabis is not as clear-cut as alcohol, and law enforcement officers say the gray area makes accountability complicated.

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.

City council president Mary Sheffield, the leading candidate for mayor, was the lone no vote, saying she had concerns with some of the financial changes that would be prompted by the switch. The city expects the change to cost approximately $700,000 to hire four attorneys and two paralegals. Some members, including Sheffield, questioned whether the policy would divert money away from other services. Law department funding has come largely from pandemic relief dollars that will dry up next year.

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.

All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness

By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

The ordinance was sponsored by councilman Scott Benson (District 3), who was also supported by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy and Detroit corporation counsel Conrad Mallett Jr.

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

Mallett said certain crimes are “quality of life issues.”

Worthy didn’t attend Tuesday’s meeting, but joined Mallett and Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison in July to support the proposal.

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.”

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.

“This will ensure that crime victims have access to the justice system, regardless of the severity of the offense,” Benson said. “It also aims to help the county prosecutor prioritize

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

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

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

The shift is especially visible in the story of impaired driving. Alcohol has long been the focus of public awareness campaigns and enforcement, but the state’s data shows nearly half of impaired-driver deaths last year were linked to drugs. In 2015, that figure was just over a third. While alcohol-related deaths have inched up by about four percent, drug involvement has surged ahead. From 2015 through 2019, Michigan averaged 229 drug-linked fatalities a year. Since 2020, the average is 264. That 15 percent jump cannot be separated from the changing legal and cultural landscape.

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.

Michigan voters approved recreational marijuana in 2018, with sales beginning at the end

Meagan DunnJulie Schneider

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

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-

The overall fatality picture has remained grim. The 1,099 deaths recorded last year were almost identical to 2023, when 1,095 people died, but the total represents a 14 percent increase compared to 2015. Alicia Sledge, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, said the data reflects changing realities. “The rise in crashes involving older drivers and drug impairment reflects shifting dynamics on our roads and streets,” she said. Her point lands in a year when crashes involving seniors 60 and older rose three percent, and teen crashes jumped 17 percent. Those two age groups, on opposite ends of the spectrum, are carrying a growing share of the state’s road risk.

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.

of the Detroit Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat off guard.

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.

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.”

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

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

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

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.”

Kids Expands to Hazel Park and Royal Oak Township

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.

“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

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.

“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.”

Rx Kids, the innovative cash aid program created in Flint, is quietly reshaping how Michigan thinks about supporting mothers and babies. What began as a localized effort is now present in 11 communities across the state, and lawmakers are weighing whether it should become a statewide guarantee. The program, designed by Flint pediatrician Dr. Mona Hanna, offers what she calls “cash prescriptions”—a lump sum of $1,500 during mid-pregnancy, followed by $500 per month through the baby’s first year of life. In places like Hazel Park and Royal Oak Township, where the program just launched, eligible families will receive $1,500 during pregnancy and then $500 monthly for the first six months after birth. Supporters of Rx Kids say the program addresses the most immediate forms of infant poverty. The idea is straightforward: if mothers have cash in hand, they can make choices that directly stabilize their

The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment involves pledging $500 million to support projects across Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives being a significant part of their contribution. Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadi ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unhoused and entered the City’s community response system. In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness.

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.

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 implemented various enforcement measures to manage the increased population. Notably, metal detectors have been strategically placed throughout Greektown to deter the illegal carrying of firearms.

households, whether that means paying rent, buying diapers, or simply giving themselves time to heal after birth. “The Rx Kids program is providing critical cash assistance that is already helping hundreds of families and newborns in Pontiac with the essentials that are allowing them to thrive. We’re thrilled to support and expand this program to even more families in Hazel Park and Royal Oak Township,” said Oakland County Exec-

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

utive David Coulter in a statement announcing the expansion. The Hazel Park and Royal Oak Township rollout comes through a partnership between Rx Kids, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan’s Poverty Solu-

“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

DPD Chief James White

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

ichigan Chronicle

Fatal Crashes

From page A-1

women been premoment of the final. a law1931 law effect, asked the affirm that constitucontain abortion. Our Planned Advocates of founding coalition

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

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

The pandemic years cannot be ignored. Before 2020, Michigan averaged 963 traffic deaths a year. Since then, the annual average has risen to 1,083. That’s a 12.4 percent increase. Nationwide, 2020 marked the moment when reckless driving surged, even as total miles traveled dropped during stay-at-home orders. With fewer cars on the road and less police presence, drivers pushed boundaries. Michigan’s numbers show those patterns did not vanish when the state reopened.

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

Some behaviors have shifted in the other direction. Distracted driving, long blamed for crashes caused by phones and devices, has declined. Between 2017 and 2019, Michigan averaged 73 distracted-driving deaths each year. Since 2020, that number has fallen to an average of 58. The state still counted 65 such deaths in 2024, up from 59 in 2023, but the overall trend is down. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a law in 2023 making it illegal to manually use a phone or other electronic device while driving. The law went into effect after the decline had already begun, suggesting that technology—hands-free systems and built-in safety features—was already influencing driver behavior.

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

Motorcyclists remain among the most at risk. In 2024, 168 riders died on Michigan roads. Two years earlier, 173 motorcyclist deaths marked the highest toll in a decade. Safety advocates point back to 2012, when Gov. Rick Snyder signed a law repealing the state’s universal helmet requirement. From 2000 to 2011, the average number of motorcyclist deaths was 112 a year. Since the repeal, the average has been 134. After the pandemic, that average rose again to 165. The decision to loosen helmet requirements continues to show up in lives lost.

islature adopts it.

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

Bicyclists are also in the mix. Twenty-nine riders were killed in 2024, compared to 24 in 2023 and 36 in

cine and healthcare, may be adversely impacted by the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. “What we are really concerned about is the impact on our patients.

2022. The average annual toll since 2020 is 31, up from 27 in the years before the pandemic. That 15 percent rise tracks with the broader pattern of more severe crashes, even as overall totals fall.

For pedestrians, there was a rare decline. Michigan recorded 156 pedestrian deaths in 2024, the lowest since 2019, when there were 149. Between 2015 and 2019, the state averaged 158 pedestrian deaths a year. From 2020 through 2023, the annual average jumped to 178 before falling last year. The national trend still shows pedestrian deaths rising, with experts citing larger vehicles and urban design as factors. Michigan’s one-year improvement offers a sliver of hope, though it remains fragile.

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.

deaths, the numbers highlight a hard truth: when accidents happen now, they are more likely to be deadly.

That reality reflects the push and pull of policy, culture, and technology. Anti-lock braking, automatic crash alerts, and lane-assist systems are saving lives. At the same time, drug impairment, riskier driving habits, and helmet-optional motorcycling are raising the stakes. Safety officials say the next phase of prevention must confront drug use on the road with the same urgency once reserved for alcohol. Families who have lost loved ones already know the consequences. Behind each data point is an empty chair at a dinner table, a call that never came, a community grieving.

ern-day America.

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.

The paradox is clear in the crash totals. In 2024, Michigan recorded 288,880 total crashes, down nearly three percent compared to 2015 and well below the 314,377 crashes recorded in 2019. Crash rates fell in 61 counties, including each of the state’s 16 most populous. In Kent County, the rate dropped 14 percent. In Oakland County, it fell eight percent. Kalamazoo County saw an 18 percent decline. With fewer crashes overall but more

“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.

Michigan’s 2024 crash statistics are a reminder that progress cannot be measured by fewer accidents alone. As long as fatalities hold above 1,000 a year, and as long as drug-linked deaths keep climbing, the state is losing ground. The numbers force a difficult conversation about what kind of balance Michigan is willing to accept between economic growth, individual freedom, and public safety. The answers will shape not only policy, but lives.

Detroit Law Department

From page A-1

resources for more serious crimes.”

Tony Guerroro, chief of legislation, grants, and community relations for Kym Worthy’s office, thanked Benson and Gabriela Santiago-Romero for holding a public hearing on the proposed ordinance.

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

“These lower level crimes should be handled by the city,” Guerroro said.

offenses to be prosecuted by the city starting July 2026:

 Offering false statements to a police officer

 Failure to identify oneself to an officer

Refusal to allow fingerprinting

Assault and battery

Domestic violence

Leaving a child unattended

Destroying trees, shrubs, or other property

Throwing objects at a train or vehicle

While the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office says it will focus on violent crimes, the city says the greater control it will get from prosecuting certain misdemeanors could offer programs that could keep people’s records.

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

The ordinance allows the following

Ensure equitable dis-

 Embezzlement

 Larceny

 Writing fraudulent checks

 Receiving or concealing stolen goods

 Retail fraud

 Theft by false pretenses  Carrying a firearm while intoxicated

Rx Kids

can create breathing room that standard policy does not provide.

carity? And if the Senate bill fails, how will communities sustain programs that rely heavily on philanthropic and temporary public funds? These are the questions that will shape whether Rx Kids remains a promising experiment or becomes a permanent fixture of Michigan’s social policy landscape.

The lived reality of participants offers the clearest window into the program’s impact. Consider the mothers who used the funds to buy cribs, car seats, or cover a bill during unpaid maternity leave. For them, Rx Kids represents more than a cash transfer—it’s a signal that their needs are recognized. At scale, that recognition could shift how Michigan addresses poverty: not as an unsolvable crisis but as a set of challenges responsive to direct, intentional investment.

The Game: What Black City Gets the National Guard

By April Ryan

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.

“I refuse to pretend that any of this is normal,” said Governor JB Pritzker (D-II) over the weekend, referring to President Trump’s threat to send National Guard Troops to Chicago under what Pritzker called the “fake guise of fighting crime.” Large-scale protests with scores of demonstrators took to the streets in cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago over the weekend in efforts to push back on Trump’s plans for National Guard troops in those cities.

President Trump is playing in an almost game-like fashion as he seems to determine which city deserves National Guard troops. While Baltimore and Chicago were on his lips earlier last week, New Orleans is his latest pick. New Orleans Black Mayor

The

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.

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.

Dr. Hanna, who serves as both director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine, framed the expansion as part of a larger vision. “This expansion reflects our commitment to ensuring every child in Michigan has a strong start in life,” she said. Her words carry weight not only because of her medical expertise but because Flint— where she first piloted the program—is a city where issues of poverty, health, and environmental justice intersect. It’s no coincidence that this experiment in reshaping maternal and infant health policy started there.

LaToya Cantrell was recently indicted by a Federal grand jury on charges including lying, conspiracy, and wire fraud. The Big Easy is located in the republican state of Louisiana. There have been growing concerns that the president has been racially bullying cities with Black mayors with diverse populations in democratic states. Los Angeles, California, was the first city to receive a convergence of National Guard troops when the president declared an immigration crisis. A Federal judge ruled that the administration’s actions were illegal. Needless to say, Los Angeles is a diverse city with a Black mayor in a blue state. That same judge ruled that the Trump administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act by using military personnel for domestic law enforcement functions, such as security patrols and

To learn more about BLAC and this upcoming event, visit www.michigan.gov/BLAC. embraces. transforleadership as a approach that change the syscircumstancoperating Ivory “Transformationdoesn’t just do certhem view of and exdrive that because what create everyentire because people believe that they need to for themselves and others to live better lives.”

By Stacy M. Brown

BLACK PRESS USA

SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

“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.”

Donald Trump continues to attack cities and jurisdictions heavily populated by minorities, often painting them as crime-ridden and unsafe despite evidence showing overall declines in many categories of crime. Nowhere is this tension clearer than in Washington, D.C., where residents face relentless scrutiny from Trump while Red States — many with far less diversity — quietly struggle with some of the highest murder rates in the nation.

The District of Columbia recorded the nation’s highest murder rate in 2023 at 39 per 100,000 residents, with 265 murders. Despite local efforts to address violence, Trump routinely depicts the city as unlivable. To many residents, the greater tragedy is not just the crime itself but the reality that the capital of the United States now looks like an occupied third-world country, with National Guard and fed-

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.

crowd control. Since the demobilization of most National Guard troops in L.A., a small contingent has remained deployed, and California’s governor continues to protest. Currently, Washington, DC, has troops, and more states are sending reinforcements as the city cooperates with federal efforts. Just thirty miles north, in a city President Trump calls a “Hellhole,” Baltimore’s former mayor Kurt L. Schmoke told this reporter, “There is not a crime emergency in Baltimore.” Schmoke, the President of the University of Baltimore, situated in the heart of Baltimore City, says that in the 1980s, when crime was worse, he had considered calling in the National Guard. However, the city’s 47th mayor decided against it, considering Baltimore would always carry that negative stigma if he did.

Violence Trump Claims to Fear Occurs Mostly in Red States

eral troops visibly stationed throughout the city. Washingtonians, who have already been denied full congressional representation, have become political pawns in Trump’s rhetoric. What Trump avoids mentioning is that several Republican-led states top the list of the deadliest places. Louisiana had a murder rate of 14.5 per 100,000, recording 663 killings in 2023. New Mexico, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas — all governed by Republicans in recent years — also posted murder rates higher than 9 per 100,000 residents. In Missouri, another GOP stronghold, the murder rate stood at 9.1 per 100,000 with 564 murders, disproportionately concentrated in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City. South Carolina, Alaska, and Georgia each ranked high, while Mississippi, often touted by conservatives as a bastion of “traditional values,” has at times led the nation in murder rates. Meanwhile, states with larger minority populations that Trump targets — including Illinois,

Pennsylvania, and Maryland — often have lower murder rates than many of these Red States. Illinois, home to Chicago, recorded a rate of 6.56 per 100,000, below Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

Critics argue this is no accident. Trump’s fixation on minority-heavy jurisdictions is part of a long-standing strategy of scapegoating urban areas with large Black and Latino populations, while sidestepping the systemic problems facing states where his support is strongest. “Murders were far more common in [Mississippi] than they were nationwide,” the World Population Review reported, with Louisiana, Alabama, Missouri, and Arkansas following close behind. The report’s numbers show that while Trump fixates on minority-heavy cities, the deadliest conditions are playing out in Red States that rarely draw his attention. “Murders are disproportionately concentrated in urban areas, especially in New Orleans and Baton Rouge,” the researchers concluded.

The architecture of Rx Kids is notable for its blend of academic research, public-private funding, and grassroots implementation.

Tens of millions of dollars in both public and private investment have flowed into the effort. More importantly, the program has gained bipartisan interest in Lansing, where a bill in the Michigan Senate seeks to scale Rx Kids across the state. That legislation, if passed, would embed cash prescriptions into Michigan’s policy framework, potentially making it the first state in the country to guarantee such a program for all new mothers. The fact that lawmakers from both parties are considering it reflects a recognition that maternal and infant health outcomes affect everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

For Oakland County, the addition of Hazel Park and Royal Oak Township builds on an earlier expansion in Pontiac. Coulter’s office emphasized that these communities, often overlooked in conversations about poverty and health inequities, are now at the center of a statewide conversation. Harding’s comments about healthier communities highlight another point: the benefits of Rx Kids may ripple outward, reducing strain on healthcare systems, stabilizing neighborhoods, and contributing to long-term educational and economic outcomes for children.

Still, questions remain. What happens once the baby turns one and the payments stop? Will families fall back into financial pre-

It is also worth noting that Rx Kids has launched in communities across geographic and cultural lines, from Flint to the Upper Peninsula. That breadth suggests the program is not confined to urban centers with high poverty rates but is adaptable to varied contexts. Lawmakers who support the Senate bill often point to this adaptability as evidence that a statewide model could work. Detractors, on the other hand, may question whether Michigan can afford such a program in perpetuity or whether it creates dependencies. Yet the data from the May survey push back on that skepticism, showing that families are using the aid to stabilize, not to disengage from work or community life.

The expansion into Hazel Park and Royal Oak Township adds to a growing momentum that is difficult to ignore. Eleven cities and counties now host Rx Kids. Families in Oakland County are enrolling. Lawmakers in Lansing are debating. Dr. Hanna continues to press her case. And behind the numbers, mothers are making choices they otherwise could not. In that sense, the story of Rx Kids is not just about policy, but about people—about women who deserve the resources to bring children into the world with dignity.

For families in Hazel Park and Royal Oak Township, the application process is straightforward. Pregnant mothers living in either community and infants born on or after September 1 are eligible. More information is available at rxkids.org.

A3 | September 10-16, 2025

Michigan Chronicle Opens Nominations for 2026 Women of Excellence Awards

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

The call for nominations has opened once again for one of Detroit’s most anticipated honors. The Michigan Chronicle has announced that its 2026 Women of Excellence nominations are now live, marking the 19th year of the program that has consistently uplifted and spotlighted the brilliance of Black women across Michigan. What began nearly two decades ago as a recognition effort has grown into a cultural institution, affirming that the leadership and impact of Black women are integral to the progress of Detroit and beyond.

Each year, the Chronicle honors women who lead not only in business and community service but also in shaping the cultural and civic life of the region. The nominations invite the public to put forward women who embody excellence, resilience, and service—those whose work ripples through neighborhoods, classrooms, churches, boardrooms, and organizing tables. These honorees are more than high achievers in their respective fields; they are women whose commitment to advancing equity and opportunity reflects a deep care for community.

The tradition of honoring Black women through the Women of Excellence program carries particular weight in a city like Detroit. For generations, Black women have been the backbone of civic life here, often carrying double burdens—leading in households and workplaces while advocating for broader social change. In many ways, the program doesn’t just highlight individual excellence; it calls attention to a collective legacy of survival, innovation, and leadership. Each class of honorees builds on that story, reminding the broader public that Detroit’s progress is tied directly to the vision and labor of Black women.

The Chronicle’s platform has long been dedicated to amplifying the stories that mainstream outlets overlook, and the Women of Excellence awards are a natural extension of that mission. Past honorees have included CEOs, educators, judges, nonprofit leaders, political trailblazers, and entrepreneurs. Together, they represent the breadth of what leadership looks like in the 21st century. Their inclusion underscores the idea that excellence is not confined to one lane; it exists wherever women stand tall for their communities.

Nominations are not simply about prestige but about ensuring that deserving women receive acknowledgment from their city. Recognition matters, particularly in times when systemic inequities continue to weigh on women of color. These awards validate sacrifices made, investments in neighborhoods that might otherwise go unseen, and the countless hours poured into building institutions and op-

See WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE Page A-4

Roots.

Historic Appointment, Historic R

Black Legacy on Mackinac Island Comes into Sharper Focus

By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Phillip Pierce doesn’t see his recent election as secretary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission as a moment to shine a spotlight on himself. Instead, he views it as an opportunity to continue to push forward a broader, overdue conversation about the role Black entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders have played in shaping Mackinac Island, one of Michigan’s most treasured tourist destinations.

Pierce, a longtime Grosse Pointe Shores resident and co-founder of Pierce, Monroe & Associates, was appointed to the commission by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2019. At that time, he became the first African American to serve on the commission since its creation in 1895. This May, his fellow commissioners unanimously voted him into the secretary’s seat, making him not only the first Black commissioner in the body’s 130-year history, but also its first Black officer.

The Mackinac Island State Park Commission is the seven-member board that oversees Mackinac State Historic Parks – a collection of parkland, 110 historic structures, and nearly 1.7 million artifacts that span across Mackinac Island and the mainland. Its charge is wide-reaching, but Pierce’s influence within the group has turned attention to something the island had long left unexamined: its Black history.

Shortly after joining the commission, Pierce began asking questions of staff about what research had been done on African Americans and Caribbean workers who had helped shape the island’s tourism and hospitality economy. The answer, he was told, was almost nothing.

“I posed a simple question: what about the contributions of Black people?” Pierce recalled. “And the staff came back to me and admitted they didn’t really have much on record. They went back and did the work, and that’s when the revelations started to come forward.”

Those revelations were stunning.

Researchers discovered that Jean and Jeanette Bonga, a Black couple and formerly enslaved people, opened the first-known hotel on the island in the 1780s. Their establishment, the Bonga Tavern, stood on Main Street near the site where Starbucks operates today. The discovery places Black entrepreneurship at the very foundation of Mackinac’s modern identity, which today is synonymous with its bustling hotel and restaurant scene.

“That’s incredibly significant,” Pierce said. “Given what hospitality means to the island today, to know that the first known hotel was opened and run by a Black couple – it changes the way people think about Mackinac.”

The state park has since placed a Michigan Historical Marker downtown, just off Main Street near Millie’s restaurant and a public park, commemorating the Bongas’ contribution. A dedication ceremony earlier this summer drew more than a hundred attendees, including the island’s mayor, local officials, and community members.

The discoveries didn’t stop there.

The only known portrait of Emma Ford was taken by William H. Gardiner in 1900. The image has been in the archives of Mackinac State Historic Parks for years, but only this year was staff able to identify “Mrs. Joseph Ford” as Emma Ford, a civil rights activist and women’s rights activist in Michigan. (Credit: Mackinac State Historic Parks photographs)

With the support of Pierce and his fellow commissioners, researcher Jack Swartzinski and historian M. Christine Byron dug deeper. They confirmed that Emma and Joseph Ford, a Black couple from Grand Rapids, operated a restaurant on Main Street from roughly 1890 to 1903, on the site where the Chippewa Hotel now stands.

Emma Ford wasn’t only a business owner, but she was a formidable Civil Rights leader, too. Born in Windsor, Ontario, she moved to Michigan as a child and became a prominent activist for both women’s rights and racial equality. She was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Women’s Christian

Housing Development in Harper Woods is the Community’s First in Decades

By Samuel Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

The first new housing development in Harper Woods will bring 71 units for sale to the Metro Detroit suburb.

Robertson Brothers Homes and Renovare Development, in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), invited stakeholders to a groundbreaking ceremony for Fraser Square on Wednesday morning on Lennon Street in Harper Woods.

Developers and state stakeholders said the goal of the project is to ensure those who serve the community have an attainable path to homeownership.

Michigan badly needs new homes. MSHDA estimates the state is approximately 119,000 units short of demand. Developers say it’s difficult to build homes that residents can afford to buy or rent without additional funding sources.

The project will create 71 homes, 48 duplexes, and 23 townhomes, priced below the cost of construction, targeting families earning 60-120% of the area median income. The developers described the project as “attainable housing,” with part of the funding coming from MSHDA’s Missing Middle Housing Program. Thirteen units will be sold at market rate, while the rest will be priced in the mid-$200Ks and reserved for families earning 60–120% of Area Median Income (AMI). A majority of the homes are being sold below the cost of construction and include downpayment assistance for qualified buyers.

The project, built at the former site of Poupard Elementary School, prioritizes teachers, first responders, and city employees through early access and targeted outreach.

See MACKINAC ISLAND

Phillip Pierce, Secretary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission

Mackinac Island

Temperance Union, and worked alongside nationally recognized leaders such as Lucy Thurman. She was selected by then-Governor Woodbridge Ferris to represent Michigan at the 50th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation ceremony in New York in 1913.

Her husband, Joseph Ford, born enslaved in Virginia around 1851, became a respected figure in both politics and civil rights in Grand Rapids. Known locally as “Senator Joe Ford” for his decades-long appointment as keeper of the cloakroom at the Michigan Senate, he also worked for more than 40 years with the Pennsylvania Railroad.

“These are stories that have been hiding in plain sight,” Pierce said. “The photographs of Emma Ford had been sitting in collections for decades, but without the context that she was a Civil Rights leader. It shows how history is always evolving, and how important it is to keep asking the right questions.”

The presence of the Bongas and Fords underscores a larger, ongoing truth: Black people have been deeply embedded in Mackinac Island’s hospitality economy since its earliest days. That continues to be the case in the 21st century, though in a different form.

Today, while year-round Black residents of Mackinac are few, hundreds of seasonal Black workers – many hailing from Jamaica and other Caribbean nations – travel to the island each year to staff hotels, restaurants, and shops during the May-to-October peak tourist season. They are the backbone of the island’s workforce, sustaining the same hospitality economy that the Bongas helped establish more than two centuries ago.

Still, when it comes to ownership, the island tells a different story. Currently, Kingston Kitchen at the Village Inn is believed to be the only Black-owned restaurant on Mackinac Island. Operated by Jamaican natives, the restaurant has earned a loyal following for its authentic island cuisine, blending the flavors of the Caribbean with Mackinac’s tourist appeal.

The gap between ownership and labor is a reality Pierce acknowledges. While his commission does not directly oversee business development (its jurisdiction is tied to parkland, preservation, and interpretation), he believes the recognition of Black contributions through historical markers and research is a first step toward creating more inclusive opportunities in the future.

“I don’t know of efforts specifically to support more Black ownership on the island,” Pierce said. “That may fall to the chamber of commerce or other bodies.

But what we can do as a commission is make sure the history is told honestly, that it reflects the real diversity of people who built this place.”

The move to commemorate the Bonga Tavern has already sparked conversation among residents and visitors. Many at the dedication expressed surprise at learning about the Bongas and the Fords for the first time.

“It was all very positive,” Pierce said. “People came up and thanked me, but really it was about the research and the recognition. History is shaped by whoever writes it. If you don’t ask these questions, things get left out. I think this will inspire others to keep digging.”

For Mackinac Island, the timing of this recognition matters. Tourism remains the island’s lifeblood, and the season is in full swing as September turns to October. Visitors still have several weeks left to ride bikes along the shoreline, wander the trails of Mackinac Island State Park, or enjoy the views from Fort Mackinac before the season officially winds down at the end of October. By November, the ferries slow, the streets grow quiet, and the island’s yearround population of roughly 500 people settles in for the winter.

For those who make the trip in the coming weeks, the new historical marker offers a fresh lens through which to view the island’s famed downtown strip. Just steps away from fudge shops and horsedrawn carriages, it reminds visitors that the story of Mackinac Island is not just one of Victorian cottages and summer resorts, but also a story of Black resilience, entrepreneurship, and activism.

“This story isn’t about me. I did what I was supposed to do and asked some questions,” he said. “It’s about the Bongas, the Fords, and everyone who came before us. If they could persevere and build something back then, think about what we can do today.”

For Michigan, the discoveries mark a chance to expand the way the state tells its own story. Mackinac Island, often marketed as a postcard-perfect escape, is now also home to a historical marker that highlights Black entrepreneurship in one of the nation’s oldest tourist economies. It’s a reminder, as Pierce put it, that history is ever-evolving, and that sometimes the most important stories are the ones we’ve overlooked the longest.

As the season winds down, visitors who stroll past the new marker on Main Street will have the opportunity to leave with more than just souvenirs and fudge. They’ll carry with them a fuller understanding of the people who helped build Mackinac Island into what it is today and, perhaps, a deeper appreciation for the unfinished work of expanding opportunity for Black entrepreneurs in one of Michigan’s crown jewels.

Harper Woods

Dr. Andrea Tuttle, Superintendent of Grosse Pointe Public School System, said the housing development marks a new chapter for Harper Woods and the continuation of the strong relationship between the city and the Grosse Pointe Public School System.

“As many of you know, closing Poupard Elementary was one of the most difficult decisions that the district has ever had to make,” Tuttle said. “Declining enrollment made that a reality that we couldn’t avoid any longer. But the heart of that school, the students, the families, has remained very much alive.”

Fraser Square is named after Carol Weaver, a beloved first-grade teacher at Poupard Elementary School, which was torn down in preparation for the housing development. The homes are located within the Grosse Pointe School District. Dr. Andrea Tuttle, Superintendent of Grosse Pointe Public School System, and representatives from Renovare also spoke

about how meaningful naming the development after Fraser was to the community.

“It is fitting that her name will grace a place where new families can plant roots and thrive,” Tuttle said.

Harper Woods Mayor Valerie J. Kindle thanked the state, private, and community partners who helped get the project off the ground.

Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, appointed by the governor to lead the state’s population effort, said investments like Fraser Square are a major piece of what the state needs to grow.

“And this makes homeownership even more of a reality for Michiganders in this community, especially for our essential workers,” Doe said.

Harper Woods has seen some change in recent years. The Eastland Commerce Center, at the site of the old Eastland Mall, has been cited by city leaders as a linchpin for new economic activity in the city.

You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com.

Women of Excellence Awards

portunities for others. The program continues to create a record of history—an archive of who carried the mantle of leadership during each era.

In its 19th year, the Women of Excellence awards remind us that nearly two decades of honorees have laid a foundation that inspires younger generations. For young women in Detroit, to see women who look like them, share their neighborhoods, and face similar challenges be publicly celebrated sends a powerful message about possibility. Representation here is not symbolic—it is instructive. It teaches that

leadership is within reach, that the work of transformation belongs to everyone, and that community is strongest when its leaders are lifted up, not left invisible.

The Chronicle’s commitment to sustaining this tradition year after year reflects both responsibility and foresight. At a time when national conversations about gender equity, racial justice, and economic opportunity continue to evolve, Detroit’s Women of Excellence program insists that local leadership deserves just as much recognition. By anchoring these awards in the lived experiences of Detroit women, the program

bridges the local with the global, showing that excellence nurtured in this city has ripple effects far beyond its borders.

The call for nominations invites community members to reflect deeply on who deserves recognition this year. The answers are rarely limited to those already in positions of influence. They often include the teacher who mentors after hours, the small business owner who reinvests in her neighborhood, the activist who organizes tirelessly without the spotlight, and the professional who breaks barriers for others to follow. That wide lens is part of what has made the Women of Excellence program so enduring.

From page A-3

From page A-3

A5 | September 10-16, 2025

Money.

Property is Power!

How the Housing Crisis is Affecting Black Homeownership

By Dr. Anthony O. Kellum

The current housing market is being called a crisis for good reason. Home prices remain historically high; interest rates are elevated compared to the past decade, and the number of available homes is near record lows. For the African American community, where the homeownership rate lags nearly 30 percentage points behind white households, this crisis carries a deeper and more urgent meaning. It not only makes it harder for Black families to buy homes, but it also threatens long-term wealth-building and generational stability. Understanding what’s happening and how to respond is critical.

The first challenge is affordability. In many cities, home prices have risen much faster than incomes. According to recent data, home values have gone up more than 40% since 2020 in some markets. At the same time, mortgage rates are averaging around 6.5–7%. For African American households, who on average earn less and have less generational wealth to draw from, this double burden means more families are being priced out of ownership altogether. Where past generations might have had a realistic chance at buying a starter home, many are now stuck renting indefinitely.

The second challenge is supply. The U.S. is short millions of homes, especially affordable ones. This shortage hits Black homebuyers hardest, since first-time buyers often rely on entry-level properties as their gateway to ownership. Instead of having multiple affordable options, many are competing against investors or higher-income buyers for the same limited homes. This pushes prices higher and keeps competition fierce.

The third challenge is credit and financing. While there have been positive innovations like the adoption of new credit scoring models that consider rent and utility payments, disparities remain. Black borrowers are still more likely to be denied mortgages than white borrowers with similar incomes and credit profiles. And even when approved, African American borrowers often face higher interest rates or fees, reducing the benefits of homeownership.

So, what does this mean? It means the housing crisis is not just about high prices and low inventory, it’s about widening inequality. For the Black community, where homeownership has historically been the primary way to build wealth, being locked out of ownership today means continuing cycles of renting, higher housing costs, and less ability to pass wealth to the next generation. It also means that without intentional action, the racial homeownership gap could grow wider, not narrower.

Yet there are strategies to push forward, even in this challenging market. One key step is preparation. Strengthening credit, reducing high-interest debt, and saving aggressively for a down payment can put buyers in a stronger position when opportunities arise. Another is flexibility, considering areas just outside of hot markets, or looking at smaller starter homes, condos, or multi-family properties as an entry point. Programs that offer down payment assistance, first-time buyer incentives,

See HOUSING CRISIS Page A-6

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus is sounding the alarm over House Bill 4706, the Republican-backed budget proposal they say threatens the very foundation of health, safety, and equity across the state. Introduced weeks past the deadline and pushed through the House chamber with no real chance for public input, the bill carries cuts that lawmakers and advocates argue would devastate already vulnerable communities.

The numbers alone tell a grim story. The budget slices $4.8 billion from Medicaid, guts more than $333 million from food assistance programs, and cuts the Department of Civil Rights budget by more than half. Funding for programs designed to improve birth outcomes for Black mothers and babies is eliminated. Millions set aside for water affordability are stripped, jeopardizing efforts to help residents pay overdue bills and avoid shutoffs. Even Secure Cities Partnerships — a program that supports law enforcement in Detroit and other areas in combating violent crime — is wiped out entirely.

Rep. Donavan McKinney of Detroit, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, did not hold back in his condemnation. “One thing I know for certain is that Michiganders can’t afford House Republicans’ political games,” McKinney said. “With rising costs across the board, students returning to schools, and harmful cuts to health care and food assistance coming out of Washington, it is unconscionable that Michigan Republicans steadfastly continue putting poli-

House GOP Budget Proposal Threatens Black Communities and Public Services Across Michigan

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

The budget fight playing out in Lansing is more than a dispute over fiscal numbers. It is a clash over the future of Michigan’s schools, hospitals, cultural institutions, and civil rights infrastructure. Weeks late and released just minutes before being rushed through, House Republicans unveiled a proposal that slashes deeply into the very programs millions of Michiganders rely on. With the new fiscal year beginning in weeks, the question becomes: whose values are reflected in this document, and whose lives are being written off?

The cuts are sweeping and deliberate. Public safety funding is gutted. Schools lose critical support. Health care, already strained by federal policy changes, takes another hit. Equity programs are stripped altogether. Sec. 228 bans the use of state funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion work as defined in recent federal executive orders. Sec. 244 deletes requirements tied to the Justice40 Initiative, an environmental justice program specifically designed to direct federal funds into Black and Brown communities. Sec. 621 removes accountability measures that encouraged audits by minority- and women-owned firms. And perhaps most tellingly, the Department of Civil Rights sees its funding slashed by 50 percent, hobbling the agency tasked with investigating discrimination in housing, employment, and education.

The cuts also target cultural preservation. House Republicans stripped $1.5

million in General Fund dollars that had been designated to support the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, and the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills. At $500,000 each, the amounts are symbolic compared to the size of Michigan’s overall budget. But their removal sends a message: these stories, these communities, are expendable.

Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony made plain the stakes. “At the eleventh hour, House Republicans passed budgets that in no way reflect the priorities I hear uplifted by residents across the state every single day,” she said. “Budgets are moral documents that should reflect our values, vision, and commitment to the people we serve. Instead, this budget leaves behind the people, families, and workers who rely on public services to survive—abandoning the progress we’ve made and the promises we intended to keep.”

Anthony went further, calling the proposal “fiscally reckless” and “an all-out assault on all Michiganders,” particularly in its treatment of diversity and programs aimed at marginalized communities. She pointed to the parallel with Donald Trump’s federal agenda. “It’s something that we have seen at the federal level,” she said. “A systemic unraveling of programs designed to just level the playing field for women, for people of color, for anyone who has not had an equal shot at the American dream. What we have seen is that these Republicans have just taken exactly what Donald Trump has done at

tics over people. There is no justification for gutting $4.8 billion for Medicaid funding, defunding SNAP by over $333 million, cutting 53.4% from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights budget or slashing more than $26 million — including $10 million specifically for water affordability efforts. Michiganders deserve better. We deserve leaders who put our communities, families and children first, not a partisan budget worked out behind closed doors ignoring the entire committee process.”

The scope of the cuts raises questions not only about priorities but about intent. Prohibiting any state spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, erasing

water affordability assistance, and eliminating the Office of Community Violence point to a reshaping of state government that retreats from equity and abandons preventive strategies. If the role of the budget is to safeguard stability, Republicans have instead advanced a plan that destabilizes communities from multiple angles — health care, housing, food security, and public safety.

Rep. Kristian Grant of Grand Rapids made clear what’s at stake: “The budget passed by House Republicans slashes fund-

the federal level and tried to enact the same irresponsible actions here in the state of Michigan.”

Her concern goes beyond fiscal prudence. One is led to wonder: Is this Project 2025 showing itself here in the state of Michigan? When asked, Anthony resisted speculating on motives, recalling her mother’s Missouri roots. “At the end of the day, when people show you, you have to take what they have done and discern their heart and their intentions,” she said. “Anytime they present a budget that prohibits DEI funding, that guts the Department of Civil Rights by 50 percent, that eliminates support for the Charles H. Wright Museum in Detroit—you can’t ignore what they’re showing you.”

The echoes are unmistakable. At the federal level, Trump has already sought to strip funding from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. In Lansing, Republicans are attempting the same with Michigan’s institutions. What does it mean when lawmakers target not just safety nets but the very spaces that preserve culture and history?

The context makes these choices all the more consequential. Trump’s socalled One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA), signed into law earlier this year, is expected to leave Michigan with a $1 billion budget shortfall by Fiscal Year 2026. The Citizens Research Council estimates an immediate $677 million revenue decline. Senate Democrats, anticipating the fall-

Black Communities

ing from housing, community investment and public safety — undermining the stability of communities all over the state, weakening essential services and putting vulnerable people at risk. The people of Michigan deserve so much better.”

For the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, this proposal is not just a fiscal matter — it is a rollback of decades of hard-won progress. Rep. Amos O’Neal of Saginaw, chair of the caucus, placed the moment in stark terms. “This budget plan represents a retreat from Michigan’s commitment to racial equity and public well-being,” O’Neal said. “By underfunding civil rights protections, cutting health and food security programs, destabilizing energy assistance and risking federal financing for hospitals and care providers, this budget disproportionately harms Black Michiganders. As the chair of the MLBC, I call on the Senate and the governor to maintain their commitments to restoring funding, safeguarding civil rights enforcement, and reinvesting in community health, food, and energy security to ensure a just and equitable state budget.”

The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus carries a responsibility that is both political and deeply moral. When they rise against House Bill 4706, they are not only challenging a reckless budget, they are defending the survival of communities that have been targeted, overlooked, and underfunded for generations. Their presence in Lansing is the direct result of decades of struggle to ensure that Black Michiganders have a seat at the

Anthony O. Kellum

Rep. Amos O’Neal of Saginaw

Michigan Legislative Black Caucus

House GOP Budget

table where decisions about their lives are made. That history makes their voice urgent in this moment. Cutting Medicaid, food assistance, water affordability, and maternal health is to cut into the lifelines that keep Black families alive. The caucus knows what it means when budgets erase equity: it means mothers burying their children too soon, elders going without medicine, and entire neighborhoods left without the resources to thrive.

Their condemnation of this bill is a demand that Michigan not repeat the cycle of writing budgets that balance the state’s books on the backs of Black communities.

The bill’s elimination of water affordability programs hits Detroit and other urban centers especially hard, where thousands of residents face water shutoffs each year. By cutting $10 million dedicated to keeping water affordable and accessible, lawmakers effectively undercut public health in a state still living with the memory of Flint’s water crisis. Similarly, removing millions for programs aimed at reducing disparities in maternal health outcomes strikes at Black women who already face some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. The symbolism is as striking as the substance: programs designed to protect those who have historically been left behind are among the first on the chopping block.

House Republicans have de-

Housing Crisis

From page A-5 From page A-5

or special financing for underserved communities are also worth exploring.

Education is just as important. Understanding how mortgage rates affect monthly payments, knowing the difference between fixed and adjustable-rate loans, and being able to compare lenders empowers buyers to make informed decisions. Working with professionals who are committed to advocating for Black homeownership, such as mortgage brokers, realtors, and community organizations, ensures that buyers are not just another number in the system.

scribed their approach as fiscal discipline. But Democrats argue it’s not discipline, it’s dismantling. The Secure Cities Partnership, once touted as a bipartisan strategy to address violent crime, has been eliminated with no replacement. The Office of Community Violence, which connected grassroots organizations to state support in addressing violence prevention, is gone. Both losses raise a question: what becomes of public safety when prevention and partnership are erased in the name of cost-cutting?

For communities of color, the proposed budget represents not just an economic threat but an existential one. To slash civil rights enforcement by more than half in a state where discrimination complaints remain widespread is to deliberately weaken protections. To ban DEI outright is to codify exclusion. To gut health care and food assistance is to gamble with lives. And to do so while rushing the process behind closed doors — without review, debate, or public input — is to bypass democracy itself.

The MLBC’s condemnation is clear and unambiguous: House Bill 4706 is not a roadmap for fiscal health, but a blueprint for inequity. Whether the Senate and the governor can hold the line and restore critical funding remains to be seen. What is certain is that the communities most impacted — Black, low-income, disabled, and elderly Michiganders — cannot afford the price of this budget if it becomes law.

The housing crisis is real, but so is the resilience of the African American community. By arming ourselves with knowledge, being strategic, and demanding fair access to financing, we can still find pathways to ownership even in difficult times. Property is Power, and while the current market makes the road harder, it does not make it impossible. The key is preparation, persistence, and protecting every opportunity to turn property into a 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.

From page A-5

out, convened testimony from health providers, educators, and advocates. Their warnings were stark: hundreds of thousands could lose health coverage, thousands of health care jobs are at risk, and cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will ripple through schools, farms, and households alike.

Monique Stanton of the Michigan League for Public Policy captured the human dimension: “Over half a million people in our state are projected to lose health coverage, and tens of thousands are at risk of losing SNAP benefits. It’s sometimes said that one loss is a tragedy while one million losses is a statistic, and in this case, it’s crucial to remind ourselves that we’re not just talking about statistics and data. We’re talking about real Michiganders. Real families who won’t have access to what makes them healthy. Real communities that are going to lose hospitals. Real farmers who are going to lose income because of cuts to SNAP. And real people all over the state who will pay the price of this federal catastrophe.”

The local impacts are painfully specific. Dr. Quintin Tyler of Michigan State University Extension testified that their 30-year SNAP-Ed food program stands to lose more than $10 million, forcing them to cut nearly 100 positions. “When you eliminate a program like SNAP-Ed, you don’t just cut an item in a budget—you erase lifelines at schools, neighborhoods, and communities that already carry the weight of health disparities and economic strain,” Tyler said. “You also lose a highly trained and deeply embedded professional workforce, people whose roots were firmly planted in Michigan’s counties they served, people who reinvested their salaries into other Michigan businesses, people who help children eat better and families stretch their food dollars further.”

Even retailers and farmers sounded the alarm. Jerry Griffin of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association warned, “Reducing or eliminating benefits to the elderly, working poor, and children served by SNAP will have a domino effect in cutting the sales and tax revenue generated in our stores and force us to make hard business decisions that might further reduce food security for these needy individuals.” The evidence is clear: for every dollar in SNAP, $1.50 stays in the local economy. Stripping those benefits starves families and weakens farmers’ markets and small grocers.

Sen. John Cherry of Flint cut to the heart of the House plan’s broader implications: “While our Senate budget proposal delivers investments toward

the people and places Michiganders care about, the House Republicans have chosen to do nothing more than slash and burn. Their sloppy excuse of a budget plan decimates funding for the first responders who keep us safe. It directs dollars away from our parks and natural resources, even cutting funds that safeguard our forests from the ever-increasing threat of wildfires. Their proposal undermines essential food quality and assurance programs that ensure the food we buy at the grocery store is safe to eat. And, on top of that, their plan robs local communities around the state of resources they depend on.”

The inquisitive question now becomes: what vision of Michigan is being advanced here? Is it a state where civil rights complaints go uninvestigated because the department lacks staff? Where DEI initiatives are outlawed by statute? Where are cultural institutions central to Black and Arab American identity being defunded? Where food programs that stretch dollars and nourish children are slashed in the name of austerity? Or is this simply about consolidating power by shrinking the spaces where equity can take root?

Anthony is clear-eyed about what comes next. She says the Senate and Governor Whitmer will hold the line, but the fight cannot rest solely in their hands. “Now is the time for people to start being engaged,” she urged. “If they are only relying on the Senate Democrats to fight this battle for them and we don’t have the people behind us, we can’t do it all. The people need to show up. They need to tell these Republican state representatives that they are not going to stand for these drastic cuts. If the people don’t lift up their voices, I’m nervous about what the future of the state looks like, particularly for children, senior citizens, and folks who are just trying to get by.”

Her call is not abstract. Anthony listed specific ways for residents to act: call their state representatives, contact members of the appropriations committees, send voicemails and emails, and reach out on social media. “Every way imaginable,” she said. “If the people are quiet, it will be a time for a lot of pain for our people, and we don’t want to see that.”

The anger in Lansing is real, but so is the danger of silence. The budget, in black and white, shows a vision that sidelines equity, starves communities, and erases cultural touchstones. The challenge for Michigan’s residents now is whether they will allow this vision to become reality, or whether they will insist that their voices and their values be reflected in the state’s most powerful moral document.

Ebony JJ Curry can be reached at ecurry@michronicle.com

What does public health do for communities across the state?

You care about your health and the health of your family. But how often do you think about the health of your community? That’s important, too. And it’s the responsibility of local and state public health workers to help protect the well-being of our communities.

Here are some of the ways they safeguard our communities:

They check food facilities for safety We all enjoy going out to eat. And that experience is made safer due to public health workers inspecting food facilities for safety.

They inspect body art facilities. Body art facilities are everywhere across our state and our public health team is keeping up with them, ensuring they are safe. They safeguard vital records. For important milestone moments, public health preserves those records forever. Next time you need a birth certificate or marriage certificate, you can thank a public health worker.

They prepare for emergencies. Disasters unfortunately happen. It could be a health emergency or a tornado or a flood. The public health team makes plans and strategies for these events, so Michigan can be prepared for whatever happens. They provide help in times of crisis. During the pandemic, we saw how public health rose to the occasion with education, vaccination clinics and mental health hotlines. When a health crisis happens, public health workers answer the call with supplies, information and solutions.

There is so much more public health does to help protect our community, environment and

connect with your local

Lisa Cook Sues Trump to Block Firing From Federal Reserve Board

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has taken President Donald Trump to court, filing a lawsuit that challenges his attempt to fire her as a violation of the law and a direct threat to the independence of the central bank. In her complaint, Cook frames the move as a power grab that would cause “irreparable harm” to the U.S. economy by undermining the credibility of the Federal Reserve at a critical moment.

The lawsuit disputes Trump’s justification for the removal, which centers on an allegation of mortgage fraud. Cook’s filing characterizes the claim as a pretext meant to justify what she describes as a broader campaign to seize control of the Fed. The complaint notes that Trump had already tried to force out Fed Chair Jerome Powell in an earlier clash over interest rate policy and has repeatedly pressured the institution to lower rates. Cook argues that her removal is part of the same pattern.

Her attorneys asked U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb in Washington, D.C., to issue an emergency order that would block Trump’s firing from taking effect while the case proceeds. Without that order, Cook warns, the damage to the Fed’s independence would be immediate. “The short-term political interests of a president often clash with sound monetary policy,” wrote Cook’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, in the filing. “A politically insulated Board of Governors can make appropriate, albeit unpopular, decisions — such as raising interest rates to combat inflation — that are crucial for the nation’s long-term financial health.”

Judge Cobb, who was appointed by President Biden, has scheduled a hearing for Friday morning to weigh the request.

Trump has defended his decision to remove Cook, pointing to allegations that she misrepresented information in mortgage applications years ago. “The President determined there was cause to remove a governor who was credibly accused of lying in financial documents from a highly sensitive position overseeing financial institutions,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said. “The removal of a governor for cause improves the Federal Reserve Board’s accountability and credibility for both the markets and American people.”

Cook’s lawsuit does not directly deny that discrepancies existed in mortgage paperwork but suggests that any irregularities may have been accidental. More importantly, the filing stresses that the alleged conduct predates her Senate confirmation, has never been proven in court, and does not rise to the legal standard of “cause” required to remove a Fed governor. Her attorneys argue that under the Federal Reserve Act, such unproven and unrelated claims cannot justify a president cutting short a 14-year term.

Cook’s appointment to the Board in 2022 marked a historic first. She became the first Black woman to serve as a governor, bringing a background as a Michigan State University professor and a researcher focused on international economics and innovation. Her nomination drew heavy scrutiny from Republican senators, who accused her of inflating aspects of her resume. She forcefully denied those claims, and after weeks of political stalemate, she was confirmed by a narrow margin, with then-Vice President Kamala Harris breaking a 50-50 tie in the Senate.

The lawsuit reflects the same tensions that have surrounded her career. Cook’s complaint calls Trump’s move “unprecedented and illegal,” stressing that if allowed to stand, it would mark “the first of its kind in the Board’s history” and “would jeopardize the independence of the Federal Reserve, and ultimately, the stability of our

Why Duggan Doesn’t Expect Trump To Send Troops To Detroit

By Samuel Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

President Donald Trump has not threatened the city of Detroit with federal agents to curb crime because of the longstanding partnerships with federal law enforcement agencies that already exist, according to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

In a recent interview on CNN, Mayor Mike Duggan said the Trump administration deserves credit for the increase in the number of federal prosecutors by a Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney.

“The federal government has been a huge partner in this (reduction of crime),” Duggan said when asked why Trump has not mentioned Detroit like other cities. “The president appointed Jerome Gorgon, the new U.S. Attorney, who was a career prosecutor himself, and he dramatically ramped up the federal support for gun violence. So, we’ve got the U.S. Attorney, the ATF, the DEA working hand in glove with the Detroit Police Department. It really has been a partnership with the federal government that’s producing these results.”

Duggan’s comments prompted some criticism on social media and in the Detroit Free Press after a headline from a statewide local news website summarized his comments in a headline, “Duggan credits Trump administration for city’s historic crime drop.”

“I did an interview on CNN, which everybody who saw it, saw it accurately, it was a misleading headline,” Duggan told a reporter last month who mentioned his answer to CNN. The Detroit Police Department’s relationships with federal partners have been long documented and celebrated by the city and the federal government.

Detroit has been a national leader in using federal investments for police work, Neera Tanden, the director of the domestic policy

nation’s financial system.” The filing makes clear that Cook intends to complete her full term, which does not expire until 2038.

The stakes extend far beyond her seat. The Federal Reserve’s ability to make decisions without fear of removal has been treated for decades as a safeguard of economic stability. Interest rate hikes are unpopular because they make loans, mortgages, and credit card debt more expensive. But the Fed argues that such steps are necessary to keep inflation in check and preserve longterm growth. If governors can be dismissed whenever a president disagrees with those decisions, critics warn, markets would lose confidence that monetary policy is being guided by economic data rather than politics.

Lowell’s filing emphasized that point. “A politically insulated Board of Governors can make appropriate, albeit unpopular, decisions,” he wrote. Without that insulation, the filing warns, the Fed’s ability to raise rates in the future could be compromised, exposing the country to runaway inflation or financial instability.

For Trump, the confrontation reflects a deeper battle with the central bank. During his time in office, he clashed openly with Powell and accused the Fed of slowing growth by refusing to lower interest rates.

He has long viewed rate cuts as essential to stimulating the economy, even if economists caution that such moves can fuel inflation. Removing Cook would give him another chance to bend the institution toward his agenda, shifting the balance of voices on the Board.

Cook’s legal team argues that such a move would erode the very structure of the Fed. Governors serve staggered 14-year terms so that no president can dominate the entire Board. Cook’s firing, they argue, would upend that system and embolden future presidents to purge governors who resist political pressure.

The broader constitutional stakes are also significant. Courts in recent years have leaned toward expanding presidential removal powers, striking down restrictions on firing certain agency leaders. But the Federal Reserve has long stood apart as an institution meant to be insulated from partisan swings. Cook’s lawsuit will test whether that insulation still holds.

Her fight is also symbolic. As the first Black woman on the Board, Cook’s presence itself carries weight. Her appointment represented a shift toward broader representation in economic policymaking. To have her tenure cut short under contested circumstances adds another layer to a struggle already shaped by race, gender, and questions of credibility.

For now, the case moves quickly. If Judge Cobb grants Cook’s request for a temporary restraining order, she will keep her seat as the lawsuit unfolds. If not, Trump’s decision could take immediate effect, potentially altering the course of the Fed’s decisions at a volatile moment for the economy. Inflation, borrowing costs, and global market uncertainty all hang in the balance.

Cook has vowed to see the fight through. Her lawsuit asks the court to block Trump’s effort and prevent the Federal Reserve itself from carrying out his order. She makes clear that she views her role as part of a larger defense of the Fed’s independence. Whether she succeeds will determine not just the outcome of her own career but the limits of presidential authority over one of the most critical institutions in American life.

council for former President Biden, said earlier this year, prior to Trump’s inauguration.

“With $4.2 million in ARP funding, DPD acquired a police helicopter, and upgraded two others. This new helicopter, equipped with a thermal camera, tracks suspects during high-speed pursuits, allowing police to respond effectively while minimizing risk.”

Public commenters at Detroit City Council’s first session back from summer recess Tuesday asked council members whether a plan exists should the military be deployed to the city, as has happened in Washington, DC.

Local and state officials have been preparing for the Pentagon to send troops to Chicago. The Pentagon has been planning a possible National Guard deployment in Chicago, according to national reports. The Washington Post reported last month that the Pentagon has been planning a military deployment in Chicago, in a model that could later be used for other cities.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, signed an executive order last week preventing police from cooperating with federal agents should they be deployed.

J.B. Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, over the holiday weekend, said he is making efforts to stop President Donald Trump “from using the military to invade states.”

“You must address and prepare for troops illegally occupying Detroit,” said public commenter Karen Hammer, who lives in the city’s Green Acres neighborhood.

“What’s your plan? You need to prepare the public and proper community police, law enforcement on how to resist. You should prepare for these attacks on the well being of Detroiters because they are surely planned to come.”

You can reach Sam at srobinson@ michronicle.com

C ity . L ife . Style .

BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival Returns to Detroit

By Miss AJ Williams

The BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival will return to Detroit for its biannual celebration of art, culture, and community, running Sept. 4–13. This year’s event will feature 10 new large-scale murals throughout downtown Detroit, as well as installations at Pensole Lewis College, the city’s HBCU, in support of the Black Footwear Forum.

City Walls Detroit is the festival’s Platinum Sponsor for 2025. Gold Sponsors include Pensole Lewis College, the Knight Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation. DAPCEP (Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program) joins as the Community Partner, continuing the festival’s mission to engage and educate youth.

The 2025 mural lineup includes 10 artists—five from Detroit and five from across the country—bringing a range of diverse voices and creative perspectives to the city’s visual landscape. In addition to live mural painting, a series of free, public artist talks will be held at Pensole Lewis College:

“The Future of Art” – Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

“Women on the Walls” – Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.

“The Art of Business” – Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.

The festival will culminate with the BLKOUT Walls Block Party on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Spirit Plaza. The event will include live music, food trucks, local vendors, and opportunities to meet the muralists.

“BLKOUT Walls is about more than murals—it’s about celebrating creativity, connecting communities and leaving a lasting mark on Detroit’s cultural landscape,” said Sydney G. James, co-founder of the festival.

“No other city in the world is more creative than Detroit,” said D’Wayne Edwards, president of Pensole Lewis College. “The mission and vision of BLKOUT Walls not only celebrates the creative culture, but is instrumental in defining it.”

The festival was founded by James of Detroit, Thomas “Detour” Evans of Denver, and Max Sansing of Chicago as a response to the lack of compensation and racial diversity often seen in mural festivals nationwide. The first BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival debuted in summer 2021 in Detroit’s North End and New Center areas and produced nearly 20 murals.

Unlike many festivals, BLKOUT Walls pays each participating artist a fee for their work, along with lodging, meals, and transportation. Seventy-five percent of the participating artists and event producers are Black and/or people of color, ensuring the event reflects the communities it serves and travels to. For more information, visit www.blkoutwalls.com or contact blkoutwallsfest@labeltheagency.com

Detroit Month of Design Brings Nearly 100 Events Across the City This September

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Detroit is marking a milestone that reflects both its past and its vision for the future. Ten years ago, UNESCO recognized Detroit as the nation’s only City of Design, a distinction that placed it in a global network of cities using creativity to solve civic challenges and fuel economic growth. This September, that designation is being celebrated in a big way. Nearly 100 events will spread across the city for the 15th annual Detroit Month of Design festival, a month-long exploration of how design is woven into the fabric of Detroit’s identity.

The celebration is not about appearances alone. It’s about showing how design touches industry, architecture, technology, and furniture, while also shaping culture, art, and music. Design Core Detroit, the organization that stewards the UNESCO designation, has tied this year’s programming to the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals, an international framework for tackling climate change, poverty, justice, and other global challenges. By linking these ambitious goals to Detroit’s own creative ecosystem, the festival makes design relevant and tangible for the everyday lives of Detroiters.

That connection between global aspirations and local realities is visible in the details of the festival calendar. On Monday, September 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 3 Inselruhe Avenue on Belle Isle, residents will be invited to explore a vision for a new commons on the island park. The interactive preview shows how public space can become more walkable, accessible, and community-focused. On Saturday, September 21, from 3 to 8 p.m. at 633 Plum Street, “From Our Side of the Street” will reimagine the front porch, honoring it as a site of Black Detroit history, community-building, and resistance. The installation pulls from the voices of generations who have made porches not just gathering places but stages for culture and conversation.

The festival is also asking residents to think about sustainability in unexpected ways. On Tuesday, September 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Urban Tech Xchange, 1520 Woodward Avenue, the “Waste to Wander” panel and exhibition will challenge attendees to see waste not as a burden but as a resource. A “City of Tomorrow” model will illustrate how technology and recycling can create urban spaces that are greener and more efficient. Then, on Friday, September 20, from 3 to 8 p.m. at a location still to be announced, Solar Party Detroit will celebrate its fifth anniversary by powering DJ sets with solar generators, turning music into a case study for renewable energy.

Of course, no Detroit Month of Design would be complete without its signature celebration. On Wednesday, September 18, from 6 to 11 p.m. in Eastern Market, Eastern Market After Dark will once again transform the historic district. Attendees

can wander through installations, sip drinks, sample food, and engage directly with businesses and artists. Parking fills fast, so getting there early is advised. The event embodies the festival’s spirit: design not as something locked away in museums, but as something alive in neighborhoods and community hubs. This year’s partnership with Bedrock has added a fresh retail dimension to the festival. The Shop & See program runs September 1–30, converting downtown storefronts into living art galleries. Windows along Woodward Avenue and Library Street will be transformed by designers like Quinn Faylor with Born in Detroit at 1275 Woodward Avenue, Patrick Ethen with Easy Peasy at 1456 Woodward Avenue, Amadeus Roy with Survived at 1220 Library Street, Elisabeth Priese with The Lip Bar at 1445 Woodward Avenue, and Andrew Wilson with Bedrock at 630 Woodward Avenue. Each storefront will show how creativity can turn even retail windows into reflections of Detroit’s bold aesthetic.

In tandem, a limited-edition “Designed by Detroit” water bottle collection by local designer KaceyKal will be available from September 1–30 at Create by Decked Out Detroit, 1413 Woodward Avenue, and Shinola, 1424 Woodward Avenue. Shoppers who spend at least $30 at participating retailers can claim a water bottle while scanning a QR code at displays, and enter them into a giveaway for a one-of-a-kind Shinola tote also designed by KaceyKal. Pickup times at Create are Thursdays from 4–8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12–4 p.m. Festivities continue with Shop & Sip tours on Thursday, September 11, and Saturday, September 20, where local influencers will lead participants through downtown shops offering drinks, sweets, and curated retail experiences. Attendees will leave with gift bags packed with goods and gift cards from local businesses. Later in the month, Parker’s Alley in Bloom returns September 25–28, bringing floral installations to Parker’s Alley and spilling into Woodward Avenue, Book Tower, and Capitol Park. Finally, Shop Downtown Detroit on Saturday, September 27, will turn the Central Business District into a one-day retail showcase with exclusive promotions and surprise giveaways, encouraging people to invest in local shops and makers.

Beyond shopping and exhibitions, there are interactive experiences that push the boundaries of how design is defined.

“HORSE: A Game for Everyone,” on view through October 5 at 1001 Woodward Avenue, transforms the basketball court into a site of creativity. Detroit artist Tyrell Winston has constructed a towering “hoop tree” of 21 basketball hoops, alongside a mural and sculptures made from found basketballs. The installation invites players and spectators alike to reflect on memory, play, and the cultural meaning of sport. Meanwhile, Create by

R&B Icon Maxwell graced the stage last weekend, giving Detroit a special two-night performance. After his ‘Serenade’ tour in 2024 made a stop at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, the 13-time nominated and 3-time

Maxwell

From page B-1

and CEO of The Right Productions, who manages the venue and is responsible for all the shows there. Mausi also gave thanks to the crowd, as well as Mayor Mike Duggan, for their continuous support to make the venue and shows a success. She also recognized and brought out City Council President Mary Sheffield, who is running for Mayor of the City, to greet the crowd.

Shortly thereafter, the lights went down and the band started playing, preparing the almost full house for the headliner. Maxwell then came out from behind the middle of the band, appearing from a cloud of fog and smoke, and walked to the mic stand at center stage. The Musical Legend wore an all-black, loose-fitting suit with black shades and black shoes that shone meticulously. The crowd was ecstatic, singing word for word, many of Maxwell’s hits from “Sumthin Sumthin” to “Bad Habits” to “Fortunate and “Asension”. His almost twenty-song set was soothing and energetic at the same time.

Maxwell thanked the audience and the city, closing out his eighty-minute set with “Pretty Wings”, a song that he released in 2009 that has always been a fan favorite. Without any doubt, music lovers at The Aretha enjoyed the performance on the beautiful 70-degree night, with their only wish being that it could have gone on longer. Marsha Ambrosius

Detroit Month of Design

From page B-1

Decked Out Detroit will host workshops through December 28 at 1413 Woodward Avenue, offering hands-on, instructor-led sessions where anyone can experiment with art and design, whether for a family outing or a solo creative escape. What ties these events together is more than their diversity. They embody Detroit’s understanding that design is not just about sleek buildings or polished products. It is about resilience, adaptation, and imagination. It is about reclaiming porches as cultural archives, reimagining waste as possibility, and reworking storefronts into public art. Each event offers Detroiters not only something to see but something to consider—how design can be lived, shared, and practiced. Ten years after UNESCO bestowed the City of Design title, Detroit is showing that the designation is not simply a badge of honor but a framework for action. Nearly 100 events in September mean nearly 100 opportunities for Detroiters to celebrate, critique, participate, and imagine together. This is not designed for design’s sake. It is designed in the service of community, justice, and sustainability. And that is what makes this year’s Detroit Month of Design both a milestone and a vision for the years to come.

to

Up for the

Top East Coast Boarding Schools Target Metro Detroit Students for Exclusive School Fair

Metro Detroit families now have a golden opportunity to connect with some of the nation’s most prestigious boarding schools at an exclusive event in Dearborn. On Monday, September 15, 2025, Opportunities Knock, LLC, led by education expert Julia Richie, will host a Mini School Fair featuring representatives from more than a dozen elite prep schools from the East Coast.

The event, which will run from 3–8 p.m. at the University of Michigan – Fairlane Center North, promises to be a game-changer for local students and their families. With admission slots rapidly filling up, this rare occasion allows parents and students to speak one-on-one with admissions officers from top-tier institutions, gaining firsthand insight into the rigorous application process and scholarship opportunities that could unlock pathways to academic and athletic excellence.

“Boarding schools offer a unique educational experience that opens doors for students, whether they’re looking for academic rigor, athletic development, or leadership opportunities,” said Julia Richie, Founder of Opportunities Knock. “We’re excited to bring these incredible schools to Detroit, giving families the chance to learn directly from the experts on how to navigate the admissions process and secure financial aid.”

Participating institutions include some of the most renowned names in private education, such as Choate Rosemary Hall (CT), Phillips Academy Andover (MA), and The Lawrenceville School (NJ). The fair caters to both middle and high school students, with admissions reps available to discuss pathways for students in grades 5 through 12.

Why You Should Attend:

Exclusive Access: Engage directly with admissions officers from prestigious East Coast boarding schools. Scholarship Insights: Learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities that could significantly reduce tuition costs.

Specialized Guidance: Get personalized advice on how to prepare a competitive application and boost your chances of acceptance.

Athletic Opportunities: For student-athletes, discover schools that emphasize both academics and sports.

Event Agenda:

3:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.: Student Interviews

6:00 p.m.: Presentations from Admissions Representatives

7:00 p.m.: Family School Visits

In addition to the school fair, a special book signing will take place with Gwen Thomas, Executive Director of Fresh Perspectives College & Career Readiness. Thomas, an expert in helping families access scholarship opportunities, will be signing copies of her best-selling book, The Parents’ Smart Guide to Sending Your Kids to College Without Going Broke. With over $30 million in scholarships secured for families, Thomas has become a trusted resource for navigating the complexities of college admissions.

Event Details:

What: Midwest Mini School Fair for East Coast Boarding Schools

When: Monday, September 15, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: University of Michigan, Fairlane Center North, Dining Room D, 19000 Hubbard Drive, Dearborn, MI

Registration: To register for interviews, visit Opportunities Knock or call 248-705-0120.

Families are encouraged to register early, as interview slots are expected to fill quickly. Complimentary refreshments and free parking will be available at the venue.

Whether you’re considering a top-tier boarding school for your child or seeking guidance on the admissions process, this event will offer invaluable resources to help you plan for your child’s educational future.

Report: Entertainment Tax Could Generate up to $47 Million for Detroit

By Samuel Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

A new tax on tickets sold in Detroit could generate $14 million to $47 million, according to a new report from the Michigan Citizens Research Council.

Researchers with the Michigan Citizens Research Council released a report Wednesday outlining the potential impacts of implementing a tax on local entertainment venues.

Tax revenue from concerts, shows, and sporting events may be able to help lower Detroit’s property tax, which city leaders cite as the biggest hurdle preventing businesses and families from setting up shop in the state’s largest city.

The City of Detroit’s Legislative Policy Division commissioned the Citizens Research Council to explore an admissions tax on sports and entertainment venues and a local-option sales tax.

Detroit stands out in the country as one of the few cities that host all four major sports, along with the pending addition of a WNBA team and the growing Detroit City Football Club, which is building a new stadium in Corktown. Not to mention all of the concert halls, theaters, and other venues that attract attendees from across the state.

“In serving this role, it brings added pressure on public infrastructure and services, such as policing, sanitation, and transportation, especially during major events,” the authors of the report wrote in the summary. “It also provides an opportunity for the city to benefit from an admissions tax.”

Researchers point out in the report that while large cities stand to benefit from people visiting their cities, they also bear the costs associated with their role as hosts. Depending on the nature of the event, they can impose costs on cities that exceed those incurred in the normal course of serving their local residents.

The biggest events typically happen during evenings and weekends, outside of normal business hours, in downtown areas, which may require public safety services to be moved from neighborhoods to provide services near sports and entertainment venues.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield has been a longtime supporter of adding a new tax to offset a property tax cut for residents. The mayoral hopeful says it’s imperative to increase city revenue to support neighborhoods, public safety, transit, and infrastructure. She’s acknowledged the hesitancy from business groups to support new taxes, saying continuing to grow Detroit’s population is the chief

responsibility of the next mayor.

Sheffield says she would consider a “half-penny” or 0.5% city sales tax as a potential revenue source for the city of Detroit.

Sheffield told Michigan Chronicle in July her tax proposal would be similar to a funding model in Columbus, Ohio, where a half-penny sales tax increase voters approved in 2024 will fund transportation improvements, sidewalks, and bike paths.

Implementing such a tax would require a number of steps to make it a reality. Detroit lawmakers would need authorization from state lawmakers, as Michigan law requires express authorization for any local taxes beyond property taxes. The city council would have to agree on an ordinance outlining the tax structure, and then a majority of local voters must approve the tax in a general election.

Modeling based on gate receipts at Detroit’s major sports venues and large theaters suggests that an admissions tax in the city could generate at least the following: At 3% tax rate $14.1 million annually; At 5% $23.4 million; At 7% $32.8 million; At 10% $46.9 million.

The report also outlined that it might contribute to the tax based on ticket sales. In the most recent seasons, an admissions tax would have generated: Lions (Ford Field): $0.99M at 3% to $3.3M at 10%; Tigers (Comerica Park): $1.95M at 3% to $6.5M at 10%; Red Wings (Little Caesars Arena): $2.31M at 3% to $7.7M at 10%; Pistons (Little Caesars Arena): $1.29M at 3% to $4.3M at 10%.

Researchers said cities such as Grand Rapids, Lansing, East Lansing, and Ann Arbor also show moderate revenue potential, particularly from university sporting events and regional arenas.

“We’re one of the only major cities that doesn’t have an entertainment tax,” Lupher told the Michigan Chronicle in July. “People are going for the entertainment and root for their teams. And often the amount that the owners of these teams are increasing ticket prices on a year-to-year basis is greater than what we’re talking about and the tax these other cities are doing somewhere between 3% and 10%.”

The exact percentage is up to legislators, Lupher said.

As the city faces an impending reduction in federal support as COVID-19 relief funds come to an end, elected officials will likely continue to search for new revenue streams.

You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com.

By Stacy M. Brown

BLACK PRESS USA

SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

Michael Jackson’s birthday isn’t just another date for fans. It’s a moment when the world collectively stops to remember a man whose music still draws tens of millions of listeners every month, whose humanitarian work reached into hospital wards and classrooms around the globe, and whose estate has become the most successful in entertainment history.

On August 29–30, Gary, Indiana—his hometown—honored him with the 2300 Jackson Street Block Party at Roosevelt High School, blocks from the house where the Jackson 5’s story began. Friday was all about Michael’s birthday, hosted by actor and comedian Chris Tucker, with DJs spinning the hits that shaped a generation. Grammy-winner Deniece Williams hosted a event that included special appearances and a tribute to Tito Jackson, who died in 2024.

But Gary’s tribute was just one of many. In Las Vegas, where Michael Jackson ONE fills the show’s Theater at Mandalay Bay year-round, the Michael Jackson Estate host ed its official annual birthday celebration on August 29, drawing fans from around the world for a special day of activities at and around the theater. On Broadway, MJ

The Musical keeps the music roaring at the Neil Simon Theatre, and the show’s first national touring company is in its third year, bringing the show to theaters across North America. In London, Hamburg and Sydney, the musical’s other companies will celebrate with thousands of fans. And in cities from

Buenos Aires to Tokyo, his birthday inspires concerts, charity drives, and public dance events. His music isn’t stuck in history—it’s thriving in the present.

That vitality mirrors the remarkable transformation of his estate since 2009. After the King of Pop died, the executors rebuilt his empire into a multibillion-dollar powerhouse. Forbes estimates his posthumous earnings at more than $3.3 billion, ensuring financial security for his three children.

It’s exactly what Jackson would have wanted. On at least three occasions, this reporter was privileged to see Michael with his young children in more private settings. His sons wore immaculate, Etonstyle suits with polished shoes; his daughter was equally well dressed. They were polite, respectful, and unfailingly gracious, “Yes, sir,” “no, sir,” “please,” and “thank you” came naturally. These weren’t rehearsed photo opportunities. They were moments of a present, loving father raising his children with care and discipline. The way his estate

now safeguards their future is a continuation of that same devotion.

And Michael’s care extended far beyond his own family. In 1999, in Johannesburg, he clasped Nelson Mandela’s hand and presented a check for one million rand to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. Mandela smiled warmly, praising him for his unwavering commitment to children everywhere. That same year, he boarded a flight to Budapest, where four-year-old Bela Farkas lay in a hospital bed, his small body failing without a liver transplant. Michael walked into the room, bent down to speak softly to the boy, and made a promise: help was coming. Weeks later, the surgery was performed— paid for in full by Michael. Years earlier, in London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, he sat cross-legged on the floor of a ward, surrounded by children. He told them a story, pausing to let them giggle, leaning in to hear their whispered secrets. Nurses had to usher him out so the children could rest finally.

These weren’t isolated gestures. They were part of a lifetime of giving—millions to the United Negro College Fund, hundreds of hospital visits, major global relief efforts like “We Are the World” that directed tens of millions to famine-stricken Africa, and countless smaller acts that went unpublicized.

That same spirit is now being introduced to new audiences through MJ The Musical. The Tony Award-winning production, directed by Christopher Wheeldon and written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage, takes audiences inside the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, exploring his

creativity, struggles, and genius. On Broadway, in London, Germany and Australia and throughout North America, the show is taking his story across the world. Here are the upcoming North American Dates.

Louisville, KY: Sep. 9–14, 2025

Toronto, Canada: Sep. 16–Nov. 2, 2025

Winnipeg, MB: Nov. 5–9, 2025

Edmonton, AB: Nov. 11–16, 2025

Calgary, AB: Nov. 18–23, 2025

Vancouver, BC: Nov. 25–30, 2025

Boise, ID: Dec. 2–7, 2025

Albuquerque, NM: Dec. 10–14, 2025

Syracuse, NY: Jan. 6–11, 2026

Indianapolis, IN: Jan. 13–18, 2026

Knoxville, TN: Jan. 20–25, 2026

Atlanta, GA: Jan. 27–Feb. 1, 2026

Sarasota, FL: Feb. 3–8, 2026

West Palm Beach, FL: Feb. 10–15, 2026

Birmingham, AL: Feb. 17–22, 2026

Little Rock, AR: Mar. 3–8, 2026

San Francisco, CA: Mar. 24–Apr. 5, 2026

Sacramento, CA: Apr. 8–19, 2026

Los Angeles, CA: Apr. 21–May 3, 2026

San Diego, CA: May 5–10, 2026

Denver, CO: May 13–17, 2026

St. Louis, MO: May 19–24, 2026

Whether it’s on a street in Gary, under the neon lights of Las Vegas, in a Broadway theater, or in a hospital bed where a frightened child finds comfort, Michael Jackson’s presence is still felt. His music continues to move the world, his philanthropy continues to change lives, and his family’s future remains secure because the empire he built in life has been expanded in his absence. “In a world filled with despair,” Michael once exclaimed. “We must still dare to dream.”

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, WAYNE

MICHIGAN IVES FIELD PARK RENOVATIONS

The City of Highland Park ("City") is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced contractors ("Contractor") that are able to provide the City with Ives Field Park Renovations in accordance with the RFP.

Sealed Bids must be received by 2:00 p.m. Local Time on Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Ms. Brenda Green

Office of the Clerk, City of Highland Park

12050 Woodward Ave

Highland Park, Ml 48203

Sealed Bids will be opened Monday, October 6, 2025, at the City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. (Local Time)

City of Highland Park City Hall Building

12050 Woodward Ave

Highland Park, Ml 48203

All qualified vendors are encouraged to bid on all City of Highland Park projects.

The City of Highland Park reserves the right to waive any irregularity, to accept or reject any or all bids, and to accept the Bids that, in the City's opinion, are in the best interest of and to the advantage of the City of Highland Park. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 60 calendar days after the date of bid opening.

Copies of the RFP are available on Bid Net or by e-mailing to: rburgess@highlandparkmi.gov

Sealed Bids will not be received unless complete information, as required in the RFP package, is delivered to the City Clerk's office on or before 2:00 p.m. Local Time on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

City of Highland Park Brenda Green, City Clerk

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CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN IVES FIELD PLAYGROUND

The City of Highland Park ("City") is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced play equipment companies ("Contractor'') that are able to provide the City with the design, purchase and installation of a playscape set and/or stand-alone features that are suited for the 5-12 age group with a minimum of two ADA accessible/inclusive play opportunities included in the play feature(s).

Sealed Bids must be received by 2:00 p.m. Local Time on Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Ms. Brenda Green Office of the Clerk, City of Highland Park

12050 Woodward Ave Highland Park, Ml 48203

Sealed Bids will be opened Monday, October 6, 2025, at the City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. (Local Time) City of Highland Park City Hall Building 12050 Woodward Ave Highland Park, Ml 48203 All qualified vendors are encouraged to bid on all City of Highland Park projects.

The City of Highland Park reserves the right to waive any irregularity, to accept or reject any or all bids, and to accept the Bids that, in the City's opinion, are in the best interest of and to the advantage of the City of Highland Park. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 90 calendar days after the date of bid opening. Copies of the RFP are available on BidNet or by e-mailing to: rburgess@highlandparkmi.gov

Sealed Bids will not be received unless complete information, as required in the RFP package, is delivered to the City Clerk's office on or before 2:00 p.m. Local Time on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. . City of Highland Park Brenda Green, City Clerk

Steps to Create a Budget That Empowers You

(StatePoint) According to personal finance experts, it may be time to rewrite your relationship with budgeting, particularly if your associations with the task are negative.

“Budgeting isn’t about having less—it’s about making more of what you have,” says David Chubak, principal, head of Wealth Management & Field Engagement at Edward Jones. “When executed effectively, it’s the roadmap that turns financial chaos into clarity.”

To help you align your finances with your goals and values, Edward Jones is sharing these budgeting steps: Track income and expenses: Discover what’s being earned and what’s being spent. To get a clear picture, consider delving into detailed spending categories, such as housing, groceries, childcare, entertainment, savings and debt. Be sure to factor in annual and semiannual expenses like insurance premiums. Whether you use a spreadsheet, a list or an app, remember that the most important thing is consistency, so find a tool that will make you stick with the habit.

Use the 50/30/20 rule as a guide: Not sure how to appropriate your money? Many financial advisors suggest the 50/30/20 rule as a guide. This means using 50% of your income for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings and debt repayment. Set your initial target budget: You may learn that your current spending exceeds your income, or that it’s not allowing you to achieve your financial goals. If this is the case, look for budget items that could be cut or swapped for less expensive alternatives. To make additional room in your budget, you could also generate more income by pursuing a side hustle, seeking out a higher paying position or asking for a raise. If you’re still not balancing your budget after these measures, it might be time to reprioritize your goals. Build an emergency fund: Even a solid budget can be derailed by unexpected circumstances. Be sure that your budget includes a line item for building an emergency fund to prepare you for everything from job loss and housing repairs to medical expenses. After you’ve amassed what you’d need to weather three to six months of a financial emergency, leave this rainyday fund untouched and concentrate on other budget items, such as paying down debt or investing.

Monitor your budget: Schedule periodic check-ins to ensure you’re staying on track and that your initial budget was accurate. For example, if you missed an annual subscription fee or miscalculated an expense, now’s the time to make adjustments. Review your budget: Every three to five years, review your budget to see if it still makes sense or whether a redo is necessary. You should also do a budgetary pause and reset after major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, birth or the loss of a loved one, or when there are big changes to your income and expenses. For example, you should complete a budget overhaul after events like a home purchase or big promotion.

For more budgeting tips, or to connect with a financial advisor who can work with you to review your finances and create a budgeting strategy that allows you to reach your goals, visit edwardjones.com.

“Budgeting can be hard work, so make it enjoyable. Whether you’re tackling the numbers solo or with a partner, pair budgeting with something you enjoy, like a nice meal at home or your favorite treat. And be sure your attention is focused not only on budget cuts, but also on what goals and priorities you’re working toward,” says Chubak.

DETROIT

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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS/PROPOSALS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 11499 CONNER STREET DETROIT MI 48213 FOR THE CITY OF DETROIT

COLEMAN A YOUNG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (DBA #04-0008/CPO #6007213/SPO #3084758)

Written responses are requested from interested respondents (“Respondents”) to this request for qualifications and proposals. The purpose of this request is to procure construction management services to coordinate and manage on behalf of the City of Detroit Building Authority (the “DBA”) the preconstruction, construction, and post construction start-up/commissioning of the New Administrative Offices for the Coleman A. Young International Airport, (CAYIA), located at 11499 Conner Street, Detroit, Michigan 48213, as more fully described in this Request for Qualification/Proposals (RFP/Q).

The DBA will receive the responses online through BidNet Direct (bidnetdirect.com). Qualifications shall be endorsed “Proposal for Construction Management Services, CAYIA New Administrative Office” and submitted not later than 3:00 P.M., Detroit time, on Monday, September 15, 2025 and will subsequently be evaluated to select a candidate for a construction management services agreement.

A mandatory pre-submittal meeting and site tour will take place at the New Administrative Office for CAYIA, located at 11499 Conner Street, Detroit, Michigan 48213, beginning at 11 A.M., Detroit time, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The Respondent may only submit one response to this Request for Qualifications/ Proposals. Participation in more than one submittal team will result in rejection of all responses by that Respondent.

Respondents submitting qualifications may be required to make an oral presentation(s) to designated City representatives. The issuing office, if required, will schedule such oral presentation(s). The Respondent must pay any travel costs incurred for such presentations.

The Respondent must agree to comply with the requirements of the City of Detroit’s Ordinances and Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department, (CRIO), executive orders.

No response to this Request for Qualifications/Proposals may be withdrawn for at least 120 days after the actual opening of the qualifications/proposals. The DBA reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any qualifications/proposals, and to reject any or all qualifications/proposals, should it be deemed in its best interest. If additional information is needed regarding this RFQ, please contact Marc Tirikian of the DBA at (313) 600-4876.

How Apartment Renters Can Cut Energy Costs and Save Big

(StatePoint) With economic uncertainty and soaring housing prices putting homeownership out of reach for many Americans, apartment living is on the rise. But if you’re a first-time renter, one often-overlooked aspect of apartment life may come as a surprise: the energy bill.

While you may expect to pay for electricity or gas usage inside your unit, you might not realize you could also be footing the bill for energy used elsewhere in the building.

“In apartment complexes, your energy costs may also include a share of the cost of heating and cooling common spaces, such as lobbies, hallways, fitness centers and recreational rooms,” said Timothy J. Harper, president and CEO of Nationwide Energy Partners, a Columbus-based company that specializes in energy management for multi-family communities. “You might not always be aware of it because it’s sometimes baked into your rent or utility bill and not called out separately.”

Harper advises that whether you’re apartment hunting or already settled in, it’s wise to ask a few

metered? Do you pay the energy provider directly or is it bundled into your rent? Does your

questions: Are

use a third-party service that also offers tools to monitor and reduce your usage?

“These details can help you understand what’s driving your energy costs,” Harper said. “Because after rent, utilities are typically your next biggest expense.”

While as a renter you may not have the authority to install new appliances or upgrade insulation, there are several simple strategies that can make a noticeable difference in monthly bills: Adjust the Thermostat: If your unit allows it, slightly adjusting your thermostat – lower in winter, higher in summer – can significantly cut energy use. Portable fans or space heaters can sometimes be more efficient than relying solely on central systems, as long as they’re used safely. Seal the Leaks: Older