Michigan Chronicle Vol. 89 - No. 18

Is Detroit’s $400 Million Investment in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Accessible for Black Detroiters?

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New Generation RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS: C O of M Black E R Tennis I C A Stars 35 Years of Supporting Comerica Celebrates

the Nation’s Largest Stabilizing Detroit’s Neighborhoods, HOMEFRONT City.Life.Style. B1 UNCF Walk for One House, OneA3 Family at a Time Education Scholarship Roots.

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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023

Fundraiser

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All Black Everything:

Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023 Vol. 89 – No. 18 | Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 6, 2026

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UAWon Sale Tickets ATriple Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 forStrike Jan. 15 Against Detroit Pancakes & Politics:

Automakers Detroit Auto Show Edition

By Jeremy Ebony JJAllen Curry By SENIOR REPORTER EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Detroit’s Top 10 News Stories of

2025

Late Thursday night, Michigan Chronicle’s 21st Sept. season of Pan14, a &historic unfolded cakes Politicsmoment will return in 2026 earlier in American than its normallabor springrelations kickoff. as theThis United Auto Workers (UAW) coming year, Pancakes & Politics will union a strike kick offinitiated with a special Autoagainst Show Edition on Ford, General Motors Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026,(GM), at 7:30and a.m. at HunBy Ebony JJ Curry, Senior Reporter Stellantis. firstbringing time, together tington PlaceForin the Detroit, the unionvoices took simultaneous influential from the automotive indusAs 2025 comes to an end, here are some of Detroit’s most memoaction against all three major Detry, policy circles, and the community for a rable moments and storylines. It was a year defined by change and troit-based The action morning of automakers. meaningful discussion. growth – a city that truly is reflective of its people. From the election involves approximately 13,000 of a new mayor to the continued boom of downtown development, Tickets for the are now on sale, and UAW members inevent assembly plants here are the top 10 storylines that shaped the year. seats are expected to fill up quickly. Individuacross Michigan, Ohio, and Misal tickets and table reservations are available 1. Mary Sheffield Elected as Detroit’s First Female Mayor souri, who walked off their jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. Bythose Ebony Curry for whoJJwant be part ofexthis importWhy It Mattered: after existing labortocontracts their city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER ant conversation. pired at 11:59 p.m. Mary Sheffield’s election as Detroit’s first female marked a his-From ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent withinmayor our community. one ofbefore the most highlyonanticipated As toricofshift in theParis city’s T. political landscape. As a young, progressive leader, Shortly midnight As the night unfolded, we had the privilege honPrichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundnsurrounding a breathtaking celebration talent, determinaevents thea statement Detroit AutoofShow, Sheffield brought new energy and a vision to tackle Detroit’s most pressing Sept. 14, GM released oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who tion, and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence, Pancakes & Politics promises with to be an event issues, expressing disappointment the such cre-as crime, economic development, and racial equity. Her victory the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, where attendees can engage with influential also symbolized progress in breaking the gender barrier in a city that had the strike action,40despite offering Name, 40and Under event 40office. UNDER 40 page A2 figures be part of the Thursday discussionevening. about This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand never elected a woman to itsSee highest what it termed an “unprecedented received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. soirée, drenched in the theme “All Black Everything with Michigan’s future in the industry. Sheffield’s win was seen as a bold new chapter for Detroit, with the poeconomic package” thatauto included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through tential to change how the city approached its challenges. She represented historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. the changing demographics of Detroit’s electorate, with her leadership of Black excellence. Hosted by the charismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” focusingsaid on community engagement, youth empowerment, and tackling Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s systemic inequality. cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentWhat the City Reported: of Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. Local media covered the historic nature of Sheffield’s victory, focusing fessionals. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid on how her leadership was expected to transform the city’s policies. ReThe evening sparkled with a golden promise as we and I always knew that I would have a business, but I ports emphasized her platform’s focus on public safety, economic oppornever knew it would be Detroit’s brand name business, celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks DPD Chief James White Says Increased tunities repfor all, and her dedication to fighting poverty and environmental of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business injustice. Police Presence Culled Violence sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” Sheffield’s Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was victory also sparked discussions about the future of Detroit politics. Even she had been By Andre Asha 12-year politician in the city, her electhe landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at though tion seemed like aDIGITAL breakoffrom the moremending traditionalthe political establishments ANCHOR ness district that had been the lifeblood towards wounds inflicted on troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified thein transformative impact By Ebony JJ CurryBarton Malow. also that had ruled the city for decades because of her promise to involve comBlack Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. “It is so important to recognize that there munity are young The event, asaying staple the on Detroit’s SENIOR REPORTER a statement, companycivic caleninto her decision making.of shootings in A string longing that was so callously torn away in It’s a history marred by pain, injus“Together we have created a social, environmental, leaders across the country, many that are born here in dar, sets the stage for one of the city’s most immediately went into contingen2. Crime Drops Significantly Greektown in mid-April left For manyLindDetroiters, Interstate 375, our or city tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through Detroit. I represent and I devastation. tell people, More than the past. important of thebees,” year.said TheJackson. cy mode to conversations protect its operations. both visitors and residents of Why It Mattered: I-375, has long been‘Yea just another stretch of from The I-375 Boulevard Project is about more sey followed that sentiment with, “It is will through our local 130,000 residents, primarily Black, were I’m a D-girl I’m the west-side of Detroit,’” Pancakes & Politics Auto Show Edition The UAW has branded the inthis bustling downtown desA significant drop in crime,than particularly in homicides, shootings, and car-it’s highway, artery connectjust correcting historical injustices; partnerships and impacting collaborative efforts urban that we exist ina concrete Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able focus on key issues the automotive forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination inabout awe. One ofefforts these jackings, was a major victory for Detroit’s to make neighborhoods ing different parts oftothe city. To some, it’s redefining the future. It will connect over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milhave experiences within an industry that not many of industry and Michigan’s economic future. generational wealth was obliterated, and a Strike,” focusing on specific plants shootings downtown tragicallythat claimed safer. Thisto development community policing strategies, a movement mere convenience; to others, it’s an unre- of thriving Detroit to surrounding neighborlion honeybees – humbly speaking has us, specifically women color, have the opportunity From in electric vehicleour techcommunity was torn asunder. Thedemonstrated withinadvancements each automaker. UAW the life of a popular and the be- were public safety investments, and youth programs having tangible markable part of their daily in commute. Howhoods, bridging gap that wasaplaced upon inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage and I’ve been the youngest person in the room, nology to the region’s role in global manufacwounds inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranPresident Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard followimpact. far more ally to the take on similar missions.” the only Blacktroubling person in the room, the andphysical the only Sistah of ina freeway to the city decades ago. turing, event willthe offer critical insightsever, on there’s a deeper, scending barrier strategy will keep companies a dispute with a patron. Reductions in ing violent crime contributed a growing of sense of security story founded beneath the of this seemingly the room, and I really had to articulate thesoul importance the future Itof mobility, manufacturing, and penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. Today, allegedly thetoresurgence Paradise Valley Detroit Hives, a pioneering organization by surface guessing. will give our nationThe male suspect among residents and businesses and were critical for making Deordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceof showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and economic growth. stands as a testament to the indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beeThis painful legacy can be traced back al negotiators maximum leverage shot the guard before fleeing to visitors, investors, troit more attractive ment, and the lasting impact on Black Detroibeing persistent.” As a trailblazing Black woman thrivofhis Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods the Motor City. “The Detroit Show isAnd about in more to the nation’s interstate highway program and flexibility inAuto bargaining. the scene, spirit while female and new residents. Detroit’s ters. issues like ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her of Black excellence. ThisCommunity historic disTheir initiative onlyweaddresses critical than – it’s innovation, of 1956—a program that aimed to companion connect legacy if wecars need to about go not all community, out, will. isViolence accused of conIntervention work was not framed unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections The tale begins in what is now Lafayette the country but often did so at the expense trict, once a vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental but provides valuable and chartingis the future,” Samalso Klemet, DPD Chief White Everything onconservation the table.”said Union cealing the weapon her program bra. as in a side in 2025. It James sat closer businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark,toonce known Black Bottom—a neighes and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education andalso employment opportunities Black De- as between Executive Director ofindicated the Detroit Auto Show. of marginalized communities. In the case of leaders have that to the center of the city’s stratincidents unfolded during an safety unseasonably rooted in African-American culture I-375, it meant carving a path throughThese that harkens back to its glory days. The de“Partnering with the Michigan Chronicle borhood on additional plants could be targetthe egy.to Detroit’s “ShotStoppers” CVIand warm spring, leading increased pedestrian traffic and history. Named after its dark, fertile struction of Black Bottom may have torn Pancakes & Politics allows us to bring imported in future waves if negotiations heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregaprogram namedpopulated the organizations heightened tensions in the densely downtown soil, Black Bottom flourished during the midapart a thriving community, but the resolute ant conversations to the forefront during one remain stalled. tion, and perpetuating inequality. area. doing street-level interruption 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination of a new generation of entreof the city’s most the high-profile events.” andandoutreach, including FORCE Fain clarified union’s stratFor one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime the influx visitors tothat Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries isof reclaiming As“Ithe auto continues Detroit, Detroit 300, New Era egy: want to industry give a major shout- to evolve, that troit’s downtown core garnered the attention ofComthe DeJoe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leg- caused by such projects, it is vital to note lost legacy. Michigan is working to maintain its leadermunity Connection, Friends out to the thousands of members behind Police Department (DPD), catchingDetroit them somewhat ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of the planners and politicianstroit In the&heart Paradise Valley, Blackship manufacturing Family,ofDetroit People’s Commuwho in areautomotive on the picket lines right and innothose projects built them directly through off guard. vation. The panel Pancakesthe & 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Housing Resource Helpline in communi- owned businesses are not just flourishing now fighting for discussions all of us. at The By Andre Ash the heart of vibrant, populated systematically dismantled, erased from the response to the challenges that James White, Chief ofSee Police for theTOP Detroit De2025: 10Police but thriving, offering diverse services, prodPolitics will diveisinto topics such as smart Stand-Up Strike a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: DIGITAL ANCHOR map, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of aspartment, “We were caught somewhat flat-footed NEWS STORIES city technology, electric vehicleallinfrastrucresidents face in navigating the to replace ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the to striking. Instead of striking sometimes as part of a direct effort right out the Bypaving designPage we way went the spring pastgate. while the forinto a prosperous ture, and workforce development, all phalt. of A-2 complex system of housing serplants at once, select locals will be or eliminate Black neighborhoods. Homelessness continues to deployment, whichFrom is lessjazz than the mid-summer deployfuture. clubs to soul food restauwhich aretocrucial toand ensuring the region’sWhile the residential areas bore the brunt vices. The helpline provides a called on stand up walk out plague urban communities, with But now, after decades of enduring theand rants, ment, saw we say an uptick in violence that first of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, the Black Press, and art galleries to continued success. Panelists, who will be ansingle point of contact for people on strike.and This is our generation’s families individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business center, remained largely nounced soon, will include experts from the fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement built with the challenges ofthat making on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects Chief attributes violence in Greektown to automotive sector, policymakers, life into the verythe essence of what once made them with the resources our sit-down strikescliof and comendsunion meet –inthe today’s economic transform this once-divisive freewaya combination into a this of bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s weather conditions and a surge in popmunity leaders. neighborhood a vibrant cultural epicen1937. told the 3 that Sept. they need. mate. We Whether it’sBigstruggling to of the ter. It’s a resurgence that extends beyond Black community together—were concen- vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. For Hiram E. Jackson, Publisher of the 14 was the deadline and we meant Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and it represents thethat resurHe explained, “ Wemortar; saw numbers downtown we Michigan Chronicle, the event is an opporit. gave the soaring companies ourcosts ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor We coping with rental and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. genceever. of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, People are emerging from COVID tunity to bring together diverse perspectives nomic demands eight weeks ago tion, which has pledged $10 milin a housing market marked by by more than $100 million andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… in a setting dialogue on theThen, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled and it took that more than areal month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal over three years to fund the shockingly high fosters prices, a variety the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, and with venues downtown and the reasons to come issues that will define the future of Detroit get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern program. Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the growproject making way for the Julie construction of I-375. and other partners, this ambitious down withMarket all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing for a comSchneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn See PANCAKES & POLITICS to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate aims to create jobs, remove barriershundreds more people and, in particularly, young “It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This helpline, making it accessible to housed. of Black Bottom and signaling the beginning nomic growth, and reconnect the neighborPage A-2 folks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.” all Detroit residents. This initiative simplifies access to the See INVESTMENT Page A-2 Historically, shelterspage have provided a temporary respite of the end for Paradise Valley, the Black busi- hood with the rest of Detroit. It is a Responding step See UAW STRIKE A2 swiftly to the surge in violence, DPD for those in need, often serving as the first or second option City’s various housing services, ensuring that residents in adjusted its deployment plans. Rather than waiting for after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or need can easily find assistance. mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself family. Shelters offer a place to rest one’s head and a warm “The city and its partners offer a lot of great services to address the situation. meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t The rise in visitors to the Greektown area is evident being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights By Lynzee Mychael and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, The causes of homelessness are as diverse and complex were also coming because Black through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From JOURNALIST will beprocess the people’s Her now have a simple to guideadministration.” residents to the right as the individuals experiencingMULTIMEDIA it. In response, the City Sam of we By Senior Reporter Robinson people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and words reflect her deep commitment to inhousing resource and a growing number of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat Editor this issue. did Black people start doing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according to Placer.ai. &From Executive Jeremy Allen the days of the Great Mivolving the public in her leadership and enhelp them.” “Providing services and high-quality housing to personsof Black inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration when thousands suring that her administration represents The Gilbert at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key Detroit’s Mayor-elect, Mary Sheffield, Family Foundation’s broader commitment things in this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and 670,000 visitors. families flocked to Detroit in search the voice of the people. involves pledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julie Schneider, has announced thatDirector she to will In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs and a better life, thehost piv-a public As Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract The swearing-in ceremony willinitiatives not only Detroit over ten years, with housing of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. swearing-in ceremony on Friday, Jan. 9, the next they were doing in Detroit is they otal role they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has implefeature Sheffield taking her oath but will being aOpera significant part of their contribution. at 10 a.m. at the renowned Detroit were the leaders in fightthe against “This means focusing on building theand pipeline of sup-heritage, cultural musical mented various enforcement measures to the manage inalso has include various city officials such as Cathedral Church House. The event is set to be a major mileslavery. metal The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an inBlack Detroiters have left creased population. Notably, detectors have been Detroit’s council members,residents police commisstone in the history, as Sheffield will with is the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, the number of unhoused steadiCare What on the of critical resources suchcity’s as the emergency delible mark on city. However, strategically placed throughout theto adelivery Federal of St. Paul’s sioners, and City Clerk Janice Winfrey. It become the first woman to serve as Deall of this Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroitprohas expeillegal carrying of firearms. is important to note that while the swearGovernment Shutdown troit’s mayor. Theaffordable celebration, open toand all,entered see coming later.” FirstItBlack Priest housed the City’s community response system. grams. also means preserving and expanding rienced significant gentrification, “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ ing-in of council members occurred earliis free of charge and will offer a chance for In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Aretha Chief White explains. It Musical has been alegends deterrentlike for some, Wants to Grow in the month, this ceremony will mark residents to witness along-standing historic moment in toerthe housing stability though comprehensive service offerings the displacement of Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a for Detroiters? the official beginning of Sheffield’s tenure person. availableHistoric through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a setting sound emerged Defiscal year 2019as tomayor. 2021, Detroit saw a 28% in imthe weapon and carrying Motown a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re The investiture is decrease seen as an who has longand been a key figure and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun,Sheffield, there’s a rising spirit, Black troit, providing a soundtrack for the portant event for the city, symbolizing Midtown Church See COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2both See POLICE PRESENCE Page A-2 in Detroit politics, the imporDetroiters are reclaiming their place civil rights movement and inspirIn May 2023, the City of Detroit launched the emphasized Detroit continuity and change as it marks the end tance of making thisthe moment accessible to in the city, despite challenges ing generations. Motown Records, City.Life.Style. B1 posed of one administration and the start of anthe public. “I am honored and humbled to by gentrification. founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not other. and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of soon take the as Detroit’s next mayor,” During theoathGreat Migration, The ceremony will have probecame centers ofan exciting trification. she remarked. “It wasfamilies important to meneighborhoods that Black excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black from gram,and with performances from prominent Black culture entrepreneurship. we host the investiture in a space that al“Black people were coming to Dethe South came to Detroit in search However, as Detroit faced ecofigurestoinHistorian the Detroit arts and cultural lowed public to attend. The people of According Jamon troit because Black churches were nomic decline and population loss of jobs the in the booming automobile this city Despite have been with me every step of Black resilience in the city here, black schools were here, and in the late 20th century, many Jordon industry. facing discriminathe way. This isn’t just my moment—this isroots See CEREMONY has that SWEARING-IN extend far before the its was BlackDigital businesses here,” said Scan the QR Code to Sign Up for the Daily Newsletter tion and segregation, they built vi$2.00 Detroit’s moment, on and administration A-4 Jordon. “They were will persist coming of course Mary Detroit’s Mayor-elect, Sheffield brant communities themy city’s east Great Migration and Page $1.00 See LEGACY page A2

I

Greektown Had 1.4 Million Visits This Summer and No Shootings

Can Reparative Investment Finally Heal the Wounds Left by I-375?

All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness A Holistic Approach to Providing Shelter and Support for Detroit’s Unhoused People

WHAT’S INSIDE WHAT’S INSIDE

Sheffield Invites Public to Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy Watch Swearing-in Ceremony

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what the Supreme Court be adversely impacted by will rule in the upcoming benefits were paused, with increased community efforts the decision tofederal overturn days. Despite decito support those in need. Stories focusedthe on how Detroit resiElected officials are Roe v. Wade. 1 dents, local organizations, and activists were working together sion, advocates on both From page A-1 to address these growing inequalities. also working to keep “What we are really sides of the argument are women nity, and av.Wayne Metro-led coalition on area/conDetroit’s responsewilling became to an emergency Roe Wade intact thusdepending concerned about is the continueoperations their story. tracting. authorized $1.75 million in city emergency food aid and holding off Michigan’s impact on our Duggan patients. pursuits. announced plans for an emergency distribution network (the n pre- What the City Reported: 1931 trigger ban. Gover- Access to abortion is alcity described it as a 100-site effort) to backfillRoe pantry supply “Overturning v. and oment Coverage highlighted the double-digit reduction in crime, with nor Gretchen Whitmer ready out of reach for far as SNAP stabilize access payments stalled. The city said the fundWade would be a terrible emphasizing how partnerships between the police and THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE PUBLISHING COMPANY of the stories released ahelped statement too many City Michiganders, ing would support Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners Food Bank, and community groups lead to safer neighborhoods. break with nearly 50 years 1452 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226 • Phone: (313) 963-8100 final. saying, in part: Food Rescue, while also pushing a volunteer mobilization people leaders attributed the success to community especially outreach, police Black re- Metro USPS• 344-820 of judicial and spiked. 1452 Randolph • Publication Detroit, MINo.: 48226 Phone: (313) 963-8100 a law- forms, and a focus on mental health and socialand so distribution operate atprecedent scale when demand services. people of color who sites–could “The words ‘Roe overOFFICE HOURS: more importantly – a Publication No.: USPS 344-820 31 law The city showed major reductions of violentface DEI Rollback crimes in targeted 7. The additional barriers Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Closed Sat. and Sun. turned’ are no longer blow against individual OFFICETheHOURS: effect, areas DEADLINE (FORCE Detroit 67% reduction, New Era 53%, Detroit 300 Why It Mattered: Michigan Chronicle is publishedADVERTISING every Wednesday. to care as a result of sys- freedom. It is my hope theoretical. I want every reports). Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ed the 42%, Detroit Friends & Family 33%, all year-over-year Periodical Postage, paid at Detroit, MI. Price $1.00 and other post office. Classified: 3 p.m Friday The impact of the thinly veiled Project 2025 mandates had mastemic inequalities and in- that the majority of jusMichigander to inknow— Copy, and cancellations, OF AUDIT BUREAU OFcorrections CIRCULATION Closed Sat.MEMBER and Sun. dropped to 203 2024, the city’s lowest since 1965, sive impacts on issues m that Homicides of diversity, equity, and inclusion. There stitutional racism. Losing preceding the Wednesday publication. matter what happens nonfatal shootings fell from 804 (2023) to 606 (2024), ac- were layoffs acrosstices will private, rejectand the find- sectors; The Michigan Chronicle is in corporate, nonprofit nstitu- andno access to The legalfederal abortion ADVERTISING DEADLINE cording to city I’m figures cited bytonational and local reporting. in D.C., going fight Display: 12 p.m. Friday funding cuts to organizations; and If eliminations ings of this draft. that is of pro-published every Wednesday. ontain declines extended across other violent-crimewill impact com-at equalizing categories as well. those Classified: 3 p.m Friday preceding the Wednesday publication. grams aimed the playing field for historically disenlike hell to protect access not the case, we need to Periodical Postage, n. Our Residents felt the difference in some corridors; Copy, corrections and cancellations, preceding thenews Wed­n esday publication. For all and calendar items: other blocks munities most, forcing franchised groups. to safe, legal abortion in paid at Detroit, MI. stand with Senate MajorDeadline is two weeks prior to event. anned stayed Display: 12 p.m. Friday on edge. The point Detroit kept wrestling with was suspeople to become parents In higher education, the University of Michigan closed its cenMichigan…” Price $1.00 and otherpreceding post office. Leader Schumer and the Wednesday pub­ lication.that contain Weeks whether safer streets would hold once ARPA-era tral DEI office and ity ates of tainability: ended its DEI 2.0 initiative, a major shift after MEMBER or expand their families OFnews AUDIT For all andBUREAU calendar items: Deadline is two weeks prior event. holidays, dead line is to Thursday prior Gov. Whitmer in support dollars fade and whether violence prevention remains neighborMore than legal impliunding years of investment and national attention citing Trump executive OF CIRCULATION against their will. Being to prior publication date. Weeks that contain holidays, dead­line is Thursday to publication date. hood-led rather than purely enforcement-led. of their efforts to preserve and a federal funding warning. The university acknowlalition cations, overturning Roe able to decide orders and itsconedged prior investment—more million—while outthe right than to $250 reproducDevelopment Booms v. Wade would impact sevroduc- 3. Downtown trol if, when and how lining a shiftto of student-facing support into other units. Why It Mattered: All, a eral systems across the become a parent is cen- tive freedom,” said Chair Michigan State University also moved away from diDetroit shifted “under construction” to an operAlisha Bell, on behalfrequiring of spectrum. Withfromthe poaffirm Hudson’s versityliving statements in hiring and promotion, part of a broader tral to Bedrock’s building and POSTMASTER — Send address changes to: POSTMASTER ating destination in 2025 through phased openings. the Wayne County Comtential to drive both foster on and development higher-ed reset that rippled into staffing, student support, and Send • address changes •to:DETROIT, MI 48226 MICHIGAN CHRONICLE 1452 Randolph a healthy, life,” totals more than 1.5 million square feet across twohappy mission. and aadoption MICHIGAN CHRONICLE | 1452 Randolph • DETROIT, MI 48226 campus climate debates. om in buildings: 12-story office numbers building and a 685-foot tower, con- Giroux. said Vasquez upward, a ban Detroit families felt this through pipeline programs, scholarships, ution,” nected by a walkable plaza.on aborBeyond the scopeservices, of and the broader question of who institutions tions could leave many Giroux. Bedrock confirmed completion of the 12-story office building at student choose to protect when politics get loud. pro-choice versus proWoodward October, with 400,000-plus square feet of women to inchoose a less s that 1240 life,amenities, the fight repro- Hits Detroit’s Conscience A office space and supporting retail and with for 8. Homelessness safe route restoring ‘back ing in Class office operations slated to open in 2026. The project also put a Aiscold From page A-1 ductive choice one of a casino parking structure became the headline van inside alley’ and illegal aborabor- major events engine online: The Department at Hudson’s opened scene. Detroit’s own poet laureate, Jessica Care Moore, freedom. As Detroit Michigan did not deserve, yet the headline Detroit needed to face. tionas practices, including higan, in April a 56,000-square-foot venue spanning multiple floors will perform, bringing her powerful words to the occaTwo children, ages 9 and 2, were found dead Feb. 10 after their Moreover, marketed for events up to 2,000 guests.officials The broaderwork tower to ensure makes andself-abortions. sion. family had been sleeping in the vehicle while unhoused. woman is positioned to bring a luxury hospitalityeach component down- who finds American women we will planAfrican The Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences, known for Early reports town, with industry coverage describing a Marriott EDITION herself in the position tofocused on freezing temperatures; autopsies later and women of color, who e can hotel its talented students, will showcase some of the city’s confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning. City officials acknowl(210 rooms) and residential units planned for later delivery. to gaps carein follow-up after the family sought help months have a long-sto- choose has access young artists. Gospel star Kierra Sheard, renowned for edged atients Thealready historic Paradise Valley neighborhood within downtown Dewithout the threat of legal her uplifting and inspiring music, will bring a powerful earlier, then rolled out new promises around a 24-hour housing history with access e they troitried also saw several new restaurants (Enomah Detroit, Baru, Javispiritual element to the celebration. Additionally, Dehotline and more aggressive outreach. action, many wonder inclusion in medier’sand Downtown), an event space (Harmonie Club), a park renova-

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Swearing-in Ceremony

tion, and several other upgrades, giving the block a rejuvenation. Nothing “illustrated” the crisis. It exposed it. The children’s mother had contacted city resources earlier about What the City Reported: The health committee islature adopts it. raising urgent questions about follow-through, triage, Local media celebrated the arrival of new hotels, restaurants, and housing, recommends reviewing schoolDetroit’s fund-transition culturalIncrease venues, showcasing from a post-in- and how families fall through gaps even when they ask for help. statealso licensure policies to ing:city Statutory toJournalists dustrial to a modernchanges urban center. reported Cass Community Social Services described capacity pressure as 1 address the barriers thatsought shelter and meals. more people on increase how the booming downtown had a ripple effect, benefiting the School Aid neighborhoods and creating new job opportunities. o have surrounding Black psychologists face Why It Mattered: Fund revenue by at least momentum Woodward: Timberland opened itslicensure senta- Retail in obtaining This forced in a public accounting of how limited shelter placement $3.6 billionaround and establish store on Nov. 14, 2025, reported at 1217 Wood- can be for families, how quickly a “temporary” car arrangement egisla- firstaDetroit Michigan. permanent weighted ward Avenue (Traver Building), with coverage describing a becomes deadly, and how the city measures responsiveness funding formula based on Ensure equitable dis-are asking for help before tragedy. 1,400-square-foot standalone shop carrying footwear, apparel, when people outerwear. and community n and andstudent tribution of state health City documents show Detroit increased shelter beds available needs and universal public-space buildoutprealso added a major west-side al jus- Downtown’s through the Coordinated Assessment Model from 924 to 1,202 funds: Ensure all MichiThe Detroit opened Ralph C. and doubled school (0-3). Riverfront Conservancygan recom- anchor. communities with acity homelessness/housing support funding from Jr. Centennial Park in October 2025 as a 22-acre riverfront $5.7 million to $12 million. ection Wilson Black popuReject censorship in significant park, with the public grand opening weekend set for Oct. 25–26. Contaminated Fill-Dirt Used in Vacant Land analy- Reporting lation receive described the project as an $80 million build with mul- 9.adequate history instruction: EnSome contractors for the City of Detroit found themselves emth the tiple programmed areas (play garden, water garden, fundsevent to green address mental couraging Gov. Whitmer broiled in a serious controversy involving the use of contaminatsports facility), expanding public access and activity on Attor- space, to ensure the goal for health issues. ed dirt to fill vacant properties across the city. This issue raised west riverfront. chigan theMichigan schools should alarmsvoting about the environmental safety of redevelopment practicProtecting Black Growth Law 4. Population es in Detroit, a city already burdened with decades of disinvestbe history instruction rights: Urge state officials It Mattered: ndards Why ment, blight, and pollution. that is presented by pro- to remain vigilant in the Detroit saw two straight years of population growth after de- Reports ciation fessionals surfaced that the contractors had used fill material from with the subfight against schemes to of decline. U.S. Census Bureau estimates for 2024 put various construction sites, demolition projects, and urban cleancutors cades jectat 645,705 matter expertise, Detroit residents, up from 638,914 in 2023—a gain up disenfranchise Michiganefforts to fill vacant lots, but some of this material was later olders of about pedagogical and 6,791 peopleskills, (roughly 1%). Local reporting noted found to contain hazardous substances, including lead, asbestos, ders ofalso color. ct and thejudgment Census revised necessary earlier estimates after to changing methodolo- and other industrial contaminants. “BLAC members have to better account for renovated homes occupied, gically. gy present complex infor- becoming The practice of using contaminated fill-dirt is particularly concernwhich mattered in a city where rehab has been a major pathway worked hard toing identify because many of these lots are located in residential areas or mation tostabilization. students that war- to neighborhood the needs of the Blackand community centers. Residents and environmennear schools are agrounded in provHouse It marked significant turning point in the city’s long recovery.andtal groups voiced their outrage, arguing that the use of contamcommunity we factsmoved and toadd to attracted the by affordable hous- inated dirtfeel ations As able more people Detroit, could expose vulnerable populations (especially chilthese recommendations improved services, andof a burgeoning mod- cultural scene, the city dren) to dangerous chemicals, exacerbating the city's ongoing hear- ing,understanding first to showAmerica. signs of urban revitalization. will provide a solid ern-day d other began public health challenges. Environmental activists pointed out that step towards breaking Population growth was seen as a key indicator of Detroit’s onthe practice violates both state and federal regulations concernld ban Increasewith mental health going comeback, new residents contributing stronger in downto abarriers educa- waste disposal and soil safety standards. ing hazardous of no- economy, supports for the Blackand tion, higher demand for services, more investment in The city community safety, had been under increasing pressure to address these knock infrastructure. community: Recommend- health and business,” issues, but this revelation heightened calls for more stringent ng the What City Reported: ingtheMichigan set a goal said BLAC Co-Chair oversight Dr. of its activities. o pass Local outlets highlighted the record-setting population The controversy escalated when it was revealed that some of the of news increasing the number Donnaartists, L. Bell. with special focus on health young professionals, and contaminated fill dirt came from city demolition projects, where m and growth, of Black mental families moving to Detroit. The city also emphasized this hold the debris had not been properly tested or separated for hazardBLACthatwill a virmer to service providers by 20% growth was closely linked to improved economic opportunities ous materials. This prompted further scrutiny of the city's overall he leg- andeach tual town hall meeting year overoptions five for years. affordable housing residents. environmental handling of demolition waste and prompted calls to discuss its policy recfor independent audits of past land reclamation efforts. City offi5. Southwest Detroit Watermain Break ommendations on Thurscials were forced to issue a public apology and commit to immeWhy It Mattered: day, May 12 at 4diate p.m.action, Joinincluding removing contaminated soil from affected The watermain break in Southwest Detroit exposed critical vulareas and reassessing how fill-dirt was sourced for future redevelBLAC and a virtual audinerabilities the city’s aging underscoring the peoplein believe thatinfrastructure, they 1 opment projects. ence in discussing the need for significant investment in water systems and public utilneed to for themselves scandal cast a shadow over Detroit's ongoing efforts to reraces. ities. The break disrupted water service forrecommendations thousands of resi- This to supand toraising liveconcerns betterabout the city’s ability to vitalize its neighborhoods, and the misuse of fill-dirt threatened dents andothers businesses, port the Black communiansfor- manage to undermine these goals, creating distrust among residents and lives.” its aging infrastructure. ty. environmental watchdogs. p as a The incident sparked wider discussions about the underfunding “Chancellor Ivery is In response to the backlash, the city promised to conduct thorh that of public works and the need for Detroit to investBLAC in modernizing is housed in the a true transformational ough environmental assessments of all properties in its portfolio its water and sewer systems to avoid future disasters. change leader and an outstand- Michigan Department of and called for a review of the agency's practices, including its What the City Reported: e sys- ing CEO, who is more Labor and Economic sourcing Opof fill materials. Some community members, however, media covered the response efforts to the watermain break stanc- Local portunity. Members rep- arguing that the damage had already been remain skeptical, than worthy of the CEO of reported on the exposure of infrastructure gaps that many done, and that meaningful accountability and transparency were erating and Yearhad Award heworried just recitythe residents long been about. resent many professional needed to restore faith in the city's management of Detroit’s backgrounds, including Ivory Coverage ceived, “ said Prof. James highlighted the city’s plan to repair and modernize land. This will be an ongoing issue in 2026. mation- aging with leaders calling foreconomics, more funding andlaw, public C. infrastructure, Mays, who teaches 10. Tariffs Impact Detroit’s Auto Industry from both local and federaland governments. safety, health and wellt just support entrepreneurship Why It Mattered: and o cer- 6. SNAP on Pause supply chain manage- ness, arts and culture The imposition of tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other key mamedia. They leverage their s them Why It Mattered: ment at WCCCD’s Corpoterials impacted Detroit’s auto manufacturing sector, which had experiences andlong expertise 43-dayCollege. federal government shutdown began Oct. 1 creiew of Therate “In his 27 that been the backbone of the city’s economy. Rising production immediate fallout in Michigan because SNAP became a legal to make recommendacosts led to concerns over job cuts and delays in production, as nd ex- ated years at WCCCD, Dr. Ivery and funding fight instead of a guaranteed monthly benefit. automakers like General Motors and Ford faced higher expenses. tions to the governor on e that has elevated WCCCD to MDHHS announced it was directed by USDA to pause issuance of These tariffs also affected Detroit’s international trade relations, critical issues affecting ecause November become nationally recog-Oct. 23, then a broader SNAP benefits (first warning particularly with Canada and Mexico, which could have broader the Black community. what pause nized for Nov. excellence and Supreme confirmed 8 after a nationwide Court emerimplications for cross-border supply chains and the local econoorder). USDAand later preparing told states they had to “immediately create gency innovation To learn more my. about anystudents steps taken toprofessionissue full SNAP benefits for November every- undo our BLAC and this upcoming 2025” and instead issue only partial benefits, citing the Supreme The Anderson Economic Group predicted a combined $5 billion drop in profits for Detroit automakers, translating to $1,000entire Court ally andThepersonally to dofoodevent, order. disruption threatened access for visit roughly www.michiin the ecause 1.4great million things Michiganders who world.” rely on SNAP — about 13% of the $4,000 less in profit-sharing for UAW workers gan.gov/BLAC. state — and the state spends about $255 million per month on What the City Reported: food assistance on average. One Michigan report pegged the av- Detroit news outlets covered the economic strain caused by tarerage monthly SNAP benefit at $335 per household. iffs, particularly how they affected auto production and local jobs. The pause was underscored by a broader federal government Coverage included business leaders’ concerns over the longshutdown, where Reuters reported the Black unemployment term effects on manufacturing and Detroit’s competitive position rate hit 8.3% in November (highest since Aug. 2021), while teen in the global market. Local officials called for solutions to mitigate unemployment also surged—signals economists treat as early in- the tariffs’ impact on Detroit’s industries. dicators when the job market weakens. And the “300,000 Black The U.S.’s tariff increase has led to a 12% drop in Canadian paswomen” headline circulated through 2025’s economic cover- senger vehicle entries into Michigan and a 7% decrease in truck age, reflecting a broader pattern of labor market instability that crossings, affecting tourism and trade activity. becomes most visible when food benefits, rent, and childcare Michigan’s exports of passenger vehicles to Canada have fallen costs collide. by $533 million, contributing to a 21.5% decline in overall vehicle What the City Reported: exports in 2025, primarily due to higher tariffs on motor vehicles Local news outlets reported on the struggles faced by families as and parts.

t

Curtis Ivery

troit Opera House soloist Brianna J. Robinson will provide a performance that is sure to captivate attendees and further elevate the event’s grandeur. For those who cannot attend in person, the swearing-in ceremony will be broadcast live. The event will stream on both the city’s cable channel and its various social media platforms, ensuring that Detroiters from all walks of life can tune in and be part of the celebration, no matter where they are. Tickets for the event are available through the Detroit Opera House website and are being offered on a first-come, firstserved basis. While there is no cost to attend, the limited availability of tickets means that those interested in attending are encouraged to secure theirs as soon as possible. For more information on how to register for tickets or to learn more about the event, the public can visit the official website: www.risehigherdetroit.com/investiture. The Rise Higher website is part of Sheffield’s broader transition plan, which also includes efforts to engage the community and gather input ahead of her first 100 days in office. In addition to planning for the ceremonial events, Sheffield has been taking proactive steps in preparing for her new role as mayor. As part of her “Rise Higher” transition initiative, she has been holding meetings with various members of the public to gather feedback and suggestions on key issues that matter most to Detroit residents. Her transition team has been working since the election to lay the groundwork for her administration, and this process includes hiring individuals for key roles in her upcoming administration. Already, the transition team has received an impressive 1,200 resumes from individuals eager to work in Sheffield’s administration, a clear indication of the enthusiasm surrounding her leadership. The team is currently in the process of interviewing candidates to fill these positions and is expected to make announcements soon regarding appointments to major roles in city government. This early preparation underscores Sheffield’s commitment to building a strong, capable team to support her efforts as she takes on the responsibilities of leading the city. The choice of the Detroit Opera House as the venue for the swearing-in ceremony is symbolic in itself. The Opera House has long been an iconic location in the city, representing both Detroit’s rich cultural history and its ongoing evolution as a center of arts and creativity. The building itself serves as a testament to the city’s resilience, making it the perfect place to host a ceremony that marks a new chapter in Detroit’s history. As the first woman to be elected mayor, Sheffield’s inauguration in such a prestigious venue sends a message of inclusion and progress. Looking ahead, Sheffield’s team has expressed confidence in her ability to lead the city through a time of renewal and growth. “We’re focused on building an administration that is both diverse and skilled,” said a member of Sheffield’s transition team. “Detroit deserves leaders who understand the challenges of the community and who can act with integrity, compassion, and vision.” As Sheffield prepares to take office, there is a sense of optimism throughout the city. The swearing-in ceremony is about the collective future of Detroit and its residents, the team said. Sheffield’s leadership is seen as an opportunity for positive change, and her administration is expected to prioritize the needs and voices of the people who call Detroit home. In the coming weeks and months, many will be watching closely as Sheffield begins her term. The public’s enthusiasm for her leadership and her commitment to inclusivity suggests that her time in office could be marked by exciting developments for Detroit. The swearing-in ceremony is just the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative era for the city. You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com.

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A3 | Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 2026 COMMUNITY VOICES

Detroit Cannot Ignore These Injustices Any Longer

Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

By James Chandler Detroit is at a crossroads, and silence is no longer an option. For too long, residents have been asked to accept systems that are inefficient, inequitable, and, in many cases, unconstitutional. As a Detroit community activist and a 2025 write-in political candidate, I am speaking out because justice, fairness, and truth are being denied to the people of this city. I have submitted public statements and formal letters to the Detroit City Council, the City Clerk, and state officials because these issues James Chandler demand attention now— not years from now, not after another study, and not after more residents are harmed. Housing Inequity Is a Moral Failure Detroit’s housing system has drifted far from the principle of equal protection. Today, many renters who pay full market rent out of their own pockets live in worse conditions than tenants in subsidized housing. That reality should trouble anyone who believes in fairness. Equality should not disappear simply because one resident receives assistance and another does not. Taxpaying renters deserve dignity, safety, and habitable housing just as much as anyone else. That is why I am calling for real reform: equal maintenance and inspection standards for all rental properties, constitutional alignment with the 14th Amendment, and the adoption of a Tenant Protection Threshold Law—a safeguard that would prohibit eviction unless a tenant owes at least six months of unpaid rent. Housing should be stable, not a revolving door of displacement. Detroit’s Voting System Limits Accountability Detroit’s City Council members vote on citywide issues, yet voters are restricted to district-only ballots. This contradiction undermines accountability and discourages civic engagement. I believe Detroit should move to an atlarge voting system, allowing every voter to vote for every council member. When leaders know they are accountable to the entire city, not just a slice of it, transparency and responsiveness improve. At the same time, Community Advisory Councils—once intended to empower residents—have become largely nonfunctional and disconnected from the people they are meant to serve. One-Year State IDs Are an Unnecessary Burden Michigan’s shift to one-year state ID renewals for some residents is more than inconvenient—it is punitive. Repeated fees and bureaucratic hurdles place unnecessary strain on low-income citizens and seniors. This policy raises serious constitutional concerns. Case law such as Murdock v. Pennsylvania and Shuttlesworth v. Alabama makes clear that governments cannot condition basic rights on repeated licensing schemes. If this change is tied to federal Real ID surveillance policies, then residents deserve full transparency and a serious public debate. The Car Tag Tax Makes No Sense Here is another example of policy failure: driver’s licenses historically last four to five years, yet car registration tags must be

See SILENCE NOT AN OPTION Page A-4

Lynne and Johnnie Williams outside their home in the Gratiot-Woods neighborhood. PHOTO: Steve Koss

RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS:

Stabilizing Detroit’s Neighborhoods, One House, One Family at a Time For Detroiters who cannot qualify for a traditional mortgage, community development organizations use creative means to help individuals and families finance their first home.

By Amy Kuras

To see the beautiful house on McClellan Ave., impeccably kept with colorful flowerbeds in front and a charming gazebo in the back, you’d never imagine it was once just another abandoned Detroit house awaiting a wrecking ball. Thanks to a dedicated nonprofit, Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance, and a hardworking couple, Lynne and Johnnie Williams, the house that could have been fated to be a cloud of dust and an empty lot is a thriving asset in a stable neighborhood – and its owners, once in the grip of substance abuse, are assets to their community as well. Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance has been buying and renovating single-family homes and apartments in Detroit’s Gratiot Woods neighborhood for nearly 20 years. Founded in the wake of the 1967 uprising, the alliance has worked to engage community members in the social, moral, and political issues of the day and to actively work against racism. Housing connects to that in many ways – a lack of access to homeownership, for example, means Black families have exponentially less generational wealth available to them than white families. For DCPA, creating safe, affordable, well-maintained housing means stabilizing a neighborhood that serves as an important gateway to the city. DCPA renovated its first home, donated by a parish member in 2006, and has since built or renovated five multi-family projects in the neighborhood and several more single-family homes.

Redeeming homes, redeeming people One of those homes went to the Williams family, owners of the caringly maintained home on McClellan. Their own story parallels that of their home. “We’ve always said this was the house God had for us all along because, just like us, it was on the demolition list, and, just like us, it was completely restored,” says Lynne Williams. She and her husband Johnnie were both struggling with drug addiction, but were able to get clean and sober 15 years ago. Once they were out of treatment and trying to create a new and positive life for themselves, they wanted to leave the neighborhood they had been in and move away from bad influences. One day, Williams was driving down Gratiot and saw one of the apartment projects DCPA had renovated. She called, and they landed the last apartment available in the building. A few years later, they decided they wanted to move into homeownership. Because their experience renting from DCPA was so positive, they reached out to the organization to see what else was available. The house on McClellan was under renovation, and Williams admits she was very skeptical at first. “I didn’t know how they were going to renovate it!” she said. After extensive work on the house, they moved in during 2017 and have been making it their own ever since. They now have three rescue dogs and two cats, have put extensive efforts into beautifying the home, and they even hosted a wedding for Lynne Williams’ best friend in early September. Williams is also a community representative on the board at DCPA. Due to the Williams’ history, they would not have qualified for a traditional mortgage. DCPA worked with them on a

land contract to allow them to buy their home. DCPA also frequently uses what is called a “soft second mortgage,” where the organization is in second position in financing the house and will reap some of its investment when it sells. Stabilizing a neighborhood Because the nonprofit’s goal is neighborhood stabilization, it also requires that homeowners not sell the home for a designated period of time. This avoids issues with someone flipping the home quickly instead of investing in the neighborhood, as intended. “The way that we’re looking at it now is mostly as a way to be able to complete these projects without a subsidy and to bring up property values in the neighborhood and also to encourage home ownership,” says Cleophus Bradley, executive director of the Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance. “We don’t want them leaving and cashing out any type of equity they may have in the home. You want them to have a stake in the community for at least five years.” DCPA accomplishes its mission through a variety of financing methods, including taking advantage of available subsidies through the City of Detroit and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. A bequest from a priest at the Church of the Nativity in the neighborhood means they can currently complete most projects without a subsidy. This is advantageous, as subsidies create more red tape and can slow down development. Previous building projects also help fund the work, either through profits from homes sold or from rental income at one of the apartment projects DCPA has renovated. ”We’ve survived throughout the years

See RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS Page A-4

COMMUNITY VOICES

Why Transit Equity Matters in Metro Detroit By Daniel Whitehouse VP OF PARATRANSIT AND ON-DEMAND SERVICES

Transit equity isn’t an abstract policy goal. It’s about whether a senior in Clinton Township can get to a medical appointment, whether a parent in Dearborn can access jobs beyond their neighborhood, whether someone in Southfield with a disability can participate in community life instead of facing isolation. When someone lacks reliable transportation, their world shrinks. Job options become limited to walking distance or what’s affordable using ride-sharing. A $40 Uber ride means $40 less for medical needs or groceries. For paratransit riders, limited service can mean complete isolation from employment, healthcare, and social connections. Transportation deserts perpetuate economic inequality in a vicious cycle: limited transit restricts job opportunities, which means lower income, which makes overcoming transportation barriers even harder. Closing the Gaps SMART is actively addressing equity gaps through the SMARTer Mobility

study. Our micro transit expansion from five to eleven zones will extend first-mile and last-mile connections, as well as increasing transportation options within each zone, bringing meaningful transit access to 1.9 million Metro Detroit residents, an increase from 1.2 million. Where 40-foot buses can’t navigate or density doesn’t support fixed routes, we’re deploying smaller vehicles to reach previously underserved areas. Paratransit services provide curb-to-curb and

door-to-door transportation for residents who can’t access fixed routes due to disabilities, opening up employment, healthcare, education, and social opportunities. Many residents don’t know what services exist or how to access them. We can reach students easily, but connecting with parents and seniors is harder. Parents need to understand transit is safe and reliable. Seniors may not know services designed for their needs exist. That’s why SMART partners exten-

sively with community organizations, veteran workshops, schools, and career development programs. When we’re engaging with residents, we’re learning whether we’re truly meeting their needs. Also, new scheduling software will revolutionize paratransit access through push notifications, real-time tracking, and appbased trip management. Riders comfortable with technology gain independence, while those preferring phone service get better

See TRANSIT EQUITY Page A-4

Page A-4 | Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 6, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

Silence Not An Option From page A-3

Lisa Johanon, Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation

Resilient Neighborhoods From page A-3 because we haven’t relied on one particular source of income the whole time. And even as it relates to income from our real estate portfolio, we have a good mix of commercial and residential,“ says Christopher Bray, DCPA director of housing and finance. “We’ve got something special going on in the neighborhood, in terms of the different types of housing available and the kind of investment that we put in, both in terms of actual bricks and mortar, repaving alleys and neighborhood beautification, and then also community organizing and things of that nature,” Bray says. Meeting the need for affordable homes DCPA is one of several organizations in the city attempting to address the affordable housing crisis in a city that’s rapidly changing and with an uncertain federal funding environment. Lisa Johanon, executive director and housing director of Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation, says it’s unclear what the future might hold for affordable housing. “We don’t know what the final outcome of the federal government’s funding is, as it relates to CDBG [Community Development Block Grant

Program] and HOME [HOME Investment Partnerships Program] funds,” she says, noting that at one point this year those funds were entirely gone from the federal government and then were restored. “That’s going to have severe implications on affordable housing going forward,” she says, “I’m not being optimistic, that’s for sure.” Another issue is the rapidly rising home prices in the North End, where Central Detroit CDC is located. Johanon says it’s not as simple as pointing fingers at gentrifiers coming in and making neighborhoods unaffordable. A $200,000 house that would have sold for half that a few years ago may be out of the price range of a traditional resident of the neighborhood, but it also means the longtime resident whose home may have been worth considerably less several years ago is now able to see a return on the financial and emotional investment they have made in the neighborhood over decades. Central Detroit Christian CDC is focused on children, and housing is an outgrowth of that mission to educate and care for children. That’s because once a family finds stable housing, all sorts of other potential issues are headed off. A stable home means children are

not moving schools constantly, the family’s stress is lessened, and the parents can plan a future because they know what their housing costs will be and that their investment will most likely appreciate in value, allowing them to build wealth. To that end, Central Detroit Christian CDC offers training and counseling for potential homebuyers, ensuring they understand the costs of homeownership, how financing works, and how to avoid foreclosure or eviction. The organization also provides other services, such as child care and after-school programs for children, that ease families’ overall financial burden. “If we put you in a house and you’re paying 50% of your income, which so many Detroiters are, something catches up so that you can’t pay this bill or that bill. And eventually it becomes your rent,” she says. “We want to have enough services for you, if that’s what you need. We’d rather work with folks that way.” Resilient Neighborhoods is a reporting and engagement series that examines how Detroit residents and community development organizations are working together to strengthen local neighborhoods. This story was originally produced and published by Model D Media and is reprinted in New Michigan Media newspapers through a partnership supported by the Kresge Foundation.

renewed every year. This creates a constant financial and administrative burden that serves the system more than the people. The solution is simple. Synchronize car tag validity with driver’s license terms—ideally four years. This reform would reduce red tape, ease financial pressure, and modernize how Michigan manages basic transportation compliance. Accountability, Not Labels Too often, citizens who question government or judicial conduct are dismissed with stigmatizing labels rather than answered with facts. This is unacceptable. Transparency is not extremism, and accountability is not a threat. I am calling for meaningful oversight of courts and agencies accused of bias or corruption, including judicial commissions that are supposed to protect the public. I am also advocating for transit reforms along the 8 Mile corridor, action against predatory auto and insurance practices through a proposed Car Credit Recall Law, banking reforms that return a fair share of interest profits to depositors,

Transit Equity From page A-3 access to our customer service team. This technology will be shared with community partners at no cost, creating a unified passenger database that eliminates duplication and frees resources for expanded service within the region. A Regional Responsibility If Wayne County fully opts into regional coordination, connections between communities could multiply. Changes to one service area create ripple effects throughout the region. Through SMARTer Mobility, we’re listening to riders, advocacy groups

and honest discussions about reparations for African Americans whose labor built Detroit. On the national level, I have proposed Historic Prices Day, a federal holiday that would temporarily roll back the cost of essential goods to 1920s-equivalent prices, subsidized by the federal government. The goal is economic relief, transparency, and a reminder that today’s prices are policy choices—not inevitabilities. The Choice Before Us Detroit can continue to normalize inequality, bureaucracy, and unaccountable power—or it can choose dignity, fairness, and reform. How long will justice be delayed? How long will fairness be treated as optional? Detroit deserves better. America deserves accountability. And the people deserve leaders who listen— before the damage becomes irreversible. James Chandler is a Detroit-based community activist, writer, and public advocate focused on housing justice, constitutional rights, government transparency, and community empowerment. and staff while examining every detail of our operations. We’re asking why people aren’t using our services, what barriers exist, and what solutions are possible. But SMART can’t achieve transit equity alone. What we need is a collective will to make it happen, because accessible transportation is the foundation for economic opportunity and quality of life. Our region can do more. Our region should do more. Every day someone lacks reliable transit access is a day of lost opportunity we can’t recover. And we believe every Metro Detroit resident deserves the chance to reach their full potential.

Money.

A5 | Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 6, 2026

michiganchronicle.com

First Flint Settlement Payments Begin as Legal Process Moves Forward

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Flint’s water crisis settlement has started paying out claims. Administrators have approved nearly 26,000 claims for a share of the fund. The payment portal opened Dec. 12 for the first wave of about 7,000 residential property damage claims. The settlement website reported 2,854 payments issued as of the evening of Dec. 23. This first round covers property damage only. Award Notices for that batch were mailed the week of Dec. 8. Claimants use the notice and a unique ID to select a payment method through the portal. The settlement site lists payment options that include direct deposit and transfers through Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. People who choose a check must pick it up in person at the distribution center on Clio Road in Flint. Property damage awards are capped at $1,000 per parcel. The settlement rules also require splitting the payment when more than one approved claimant is tied to the same property. Payments for health claims have not started yet. Those future payments are expected to cover eligible injuries for adults and children, which make up most of the settlement’s categories and dollars. The official settlement site lists these allocations: 64.5% for children who were 6 and under during the crisis, 10% for children ages 7–11, 5% for children ages 12–17, 15% for adults with eligible injury, 3% for residential property damage claims, and 0.5% for business loss claims. Public health guidance helps explain that math. CDC materials state no safe blood lead level has been identified for children, and lead exposure is linked to developmental delays and learning and behavioral issues. A full understanding of these payments requires a hard look back at how Flint got here. The water crisis began after a decision to change the city’s drinking water source in April 2014, moving from Great Lakes water supplied through Detroit to the Flint River without necessary corrosion control treatment, according to peer-reviewed public health research. Corrosive water can strip protective scaling from aging pipes and plumbing. Lead can then leach into water that families use for drinking, cooking, and mixing formula. Another peer-reviewed analysis described the absence of a corrosion-control plan and operational failures tied to the system during this period. A governor-appointed task force later put responsibility and clarity into plain language. The Flint Water Advisory Task Force’s final report stated “there was and remains no justification” for Michigan’s environmental agency not requiring corrosion control treatment for the switch to the Flint River. The same report also labeled the crisis a “clear case of environmental injustice.” Flint reconnected to Detroit’s water system on Oct. 16, 2015, after residents’ complaints and independent testing intensified public pressure. Damage did not disappear the

See FLINT SETTLEMENT PAYMENTS Page A-6

30 Years Ago, Clinton’s Administration Blocked $1 Billion in Federal Aid to Black Americans By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

In January 1996, an unexpected geopolitical drama unfolded that would place the Clinton administration at the crossroads of race, international relations, and U.S. foreign policy. Muammar Gaddafi, the controversial Libyan leader, made an extraordinary offer: a $1 billion gift to Louis Farrakhan’s Nation of Islam. The money was intended to advance the cause of Black Americans, at a time when the country was grappling with deeply entrenched racial inequalities. For Farrakhan, whose relationship with both the U.S. government and mainstream African American leaders had long been contentious, this was an opportunity to change the tide and power structure in America – so much more than the “financial boon” it was painted out to be. For the Clinton administration, it was a political nightmare. If he allowed for the acceptance of the gift, it would be seen as compromising with an enemy of the state, but if he denied the gift to Farrakhan on the grounds of politics, it would be seen by Black Americans as a denial of the American dream. The response came swiftly: the Treasury Department blocked both the $1 billion gift and a separate $250,000 humanitarian award from Gaddafi, marking the beginning of a complex and nuanced controversy that would spark a fierce debate about race, foreign policy, and the U.S. government’s response to domestic inequality. The backdrop to this dramatic moment in history cannot be ignored. The mid-1990s were a period of growing frustration in the African American community, where disparities in wealth, education, and political power were glar-

ing. The promise of a $1 billion donation from Gaddafi, much of which was earmarked for investment in Black-owned businesses and programs targeting minority empowerment, seemed to offer an unprecedented opportunity. Beyond the immediate financial benefit, it was about a real chance to shift the balance of power, to create avenues for economic mobility, and to directly challenge the structural inequalities that had long hindered Black Americans. At a time when the country was still reeling from the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots and debates about affirmative action were escalating, Farrakhan saw Gaddafi’s offer as a potential game-changer. For Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam, the $1 billion was the much-needed financial boost to grow his platform and help ensure a brighter future for the NOI and for Black people. Farrakhan’s vision was clear: the money would be used to build a robust financial infrastructure within Black communities, encouraging the growth of Black-owned banks, promoting corporate diversity, and supporting voter registration efforts. It was a pragmatic approach to addressing systemic issues facing Black Americans, one that recognized the limitations of traditional governmental solutions. Farrakhan’s request to accept the funds, however, was far from simple. It was an open challenge to U.S. foreign policy and to the longstanding political narrative that tied Black advancement to American institutional structures. Farrakhan was no stranger to controversy, having cultivated a reputation as a fierce critic of both U.S. domestic policies and Western imperialism. His international relationships – particularly his visits to countries like Iran, Nigeria, and Sudan – had already drawn sharp rebukes from

the U.S. government. But in making the request to accept Gaddafi’s gift, Farrakhan wasn’t just looking for financial support. He was placing a mirror to American hypocrisy, questioning why a country that professed to care about racial equality would turn down an opportunity to make meaningful investments in its most marginalized communities. The U.S. government’s response to Farrakhan’s request was a swift, resounding, and unambiguous “NO!” In a letter from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the administration made it clear that accepting the money was “inconsistent with current U.S. foreign policy.” The rationale for this denial was grounded in the broader context of U.S.-Libya relations: Libya had been labeled a state sponsor of terrorism since 1979, and the U.S. had imposed strict sanctions in response to Gaddafi’s support for international terrorist organizations. There was a deep-seated concern that Gaddafi’s overtures to Farrakhan were not entirely selfless and that they could be part of a larger geopolitical strategy to gain influence in the U.S. through a domestic African American movement. But beyond this, there was a racial nuance to the decision that cannot be ignored. The denial of Farrakhan’s request was, in part, a statement about who had the right to determine the future of Black Americans. Despite the promises of investment and empowerment, the U.S. government refused to entertain the notion that a foreign power could play a significant role in shaping the economic and political futures of its Black citizens. The message was that

See FEDERAL AID Page A-6

New Members Sworn In at Detroit City Council By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

Detroit City Council will be made up of two new members once the nine-member body returns in the new year. Detroit Clerk Janice Winfrey posted to social media earlier this month that members were sworn in during a Dec. 9 orientation. City council session returns Tuesday, Jan. 6. New members include Renata Miller, who replaces Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield in the District 5 office, and Denzel McCampbell, who takes over for councilman Fred Durhal III. “To the people of District 5— thank you for trusting me with your hopes, your voices and your future. I do not take this responsibility lightly,” Miller said in an Instagram post highlighting her inauguration at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. McCampbell tells Michigan Chronicle he is hosting a public community event next month to celebrate his inauguration. Members will also take part in a public swearing-in event at the Detroit Opera House Jan. 9 at 10 a.m., which includes mayor-elect Sheffield. Council members posted photos attending a city council holiday party last week.

“There’s something special about coming together to celebrate not just the season, but an amazing year of working side by side to make Detroit great,” council Pro Tem James Tate of District 1 said in a post to Facebook. “Grateful for every moment and person who makes this city strong. Here’s to carrying that momentum into 2026.”

There are a number of key questions facing the council, most apparent being who will become the next council president. Sheffield was elected president back in 2021, when she became the youngest council president in city history. She succeeded Brenda Jones. During the former body’s final meeting

in November, Durhal thanked his council colleagues for challenging him and working through their differences with respect. He told Angela Whitfield Calloway he respected her professionalism despite not always agreeing. She told Durhal his legislative background helped her stay up with what’s

See CITY COUNCIL Page A-6

Page A-6 | Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 6, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

City Council From page A-5 going on in Lansing and how it affects policy discussions in Detroit. Durhal, viewed as a moderate Democrat, told District 6 councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero that she influenced him to be more progressive. At-large member Coleman Young told Durhal he taught him how to “disagree without being disagreeable.” Durhal called Tate, who is the longest serving member, the “ranking member and dean of the council.” Durhal, who left his city council seat to ru for mayor, will serve as director of state government affairs under the Sheffield administration. The news was announced Tuesday at Mayor Mike Duggan’s final press conference. The three-term mayor decided last year against running for mayor again to run for governor as an independent. Duggan said Tuesday he leaves with a $105 million budget surplus. Tate, who is the second

ranking member as Pro Tem, has expressed a desire to become the council’s next president. “It’s got a nice ring to it,” Tate joked with reporters after being referred to as “President Tate” during the final session day as he took over the body in Sheffield’s absence. The city council selects its president and president pro tempore from among its members by majority vote of the members serving at its first regular session in January. The terms for president and president pro tempore are four years. The council president serves as the chair of the body and appoints committee assignments. The duties of the City Council President Pro Tempore include exercising administrative responsibilities of the president during an extended absence of the president. If a vacancy occurs in the office of mayor, the city council president shall succeed to the office until a new mayor is elected. You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com.

Flint Settlement Payments From page A-5 moment the source changed back. Distrust continued. Residents kept asking a basic question: who pays for what happened, and when. Court timelines stretched that wait. Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services states a federal judge granted final approval of a partial settlement on March 3, 2022, with a deadline of June 30, 2022 for submitting claim forms and documentation. MDHHS also notes the settlement covers exposure and use of water from the Flint Water Treatment Plant during a time period that includes April 25, 2014 through Nov. 16, 2020. Race and place remain central to why this story stays raw.

U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts lists Flint’s population as 56.7% Black alone. That reality sits next to the political structure that shaped the crisis, including emergency management and cost-cutting choices that residents did not control. The settlement’s next phase matters for health claims, especially for families raising children who lived through the crisis during their earliest years. Flint has never been only about pipes. Flint is about governance and the cost of treating a majority-Black city as expendable. The checks starting to move at the end of 2025 do not rewrite that history. They sit inside it. You can reach Ebony at ecurry@michronicle.com.

Federal Aid From page A-5

even if the money could benefit African Americans, the U.S. government was unwilling to allow foreign influence in a racial struggle it viewed as internal – a struggle that, in its eyes, could only be addressed by domestic means. The denial of the $250,000 humanitarian award to Farrakhan further underscored the racial dynamics at play. Gaddafi had established the award in 1989 to recognize individuals who contributed to humanitarian causes. Previous recipients included South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, yet the U.S. government blocked Farrakhan’s acceptance of the award, citing his contentious relationship with U.S. policies. This decision, pundits say, was about more than money. It was about controlling the narrative surrounding racial progress in America. By blocking both the financial gift and the award, the Clinton administration sent a message that Black advance-

ment, even in the form of international assistance, had to fit within the framework of U.S. political and racial norms. The refusal illustrated the deep-seated tension between American ideals of racial justice and the reality of U.S. foreign policy, where issues of race were often subordinated to broader geopolitical concerns. The refusal to allow Farrakhan to accept Gaddafi’s offer ignited intense public debate. Farrakhan, never one to shy away from confrontation, framed the government’s actions as a denial of Black Americans’ rights and a reflection of the country’s unwillingness to address the systemic issues of racism and inequality that still plagued African American communities. Farrakhan argued that the $1 billion could have been used to build economic power in Black neighborhoods, revitalize Black businesses, and increase political representation, all goals that the federal government had, at best, only partially addressed. In his eyes, the U.S. government’s decision was a tacit admission that it had no real interest in solving the problems facing Black Americans.

His response echoed a broader frustration that had been simmering in the Black community for decades: that true empowerment would never come from a system that had historically kept Black people at the margins of American society. From the U.S. government’s perspective, however, the blocking of the gift was a necessary step to maintain control over the political dynamics of race in America. The concern wasn’t just about the potential political ramifications of accepting foreign funds, but also about the broader implications for American sovereignty. To allow Gaddafi to provide such a substantial gift, even under the guise of humanitarian aid, would have opened the door for other foreign powers to attempt to influence U.S. domestic affairs – particularly around issues as contentious as race. The government feared that such gestures could embolden extremist groups and challenge the traditional political and social order. Looking back on this episode, the ramifications of the U.S. government’s decision are still felt today. While the $1 billion gift never materialized, the controversy underscored the deep-rooted contradictions in the U.S. approach to race and foreign policy. It revealed how race, politics, and international relations can collide in unexpected ways, and how the U.S. government’s refusal to address the real economic needs of Black Americans could be seen as a form of political control. The decision also foreshadowed future debates about foreign influence in domestic racial issues, and discussions that continue to evolve even today as the country grapples with its legacy of inequality. In the end, the rejection of Gaddafi’s offer was more than just a denial of financial support. It was a statement about the ways in which power, race, and politics intersect in the American experience, and how that American experience can look different to every American – especially Black ones.

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michiganchronicle.com | Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 6, 2026 | Page A-7

Sheffield Cabinet: David Bowser Named Chief of Staff, Senior Advisor

Pamela Pugh Launches Campaign for Michigan’s 35th Senate District

By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield has named David Bowser, who served on her mayoral campaign and is one of the leaders of Sheffield’s transition effort. Sheffield’s cabinet is coming together after the announcement of her deputy mayor last week, her longtime city council chief of staff Brian White. Bowser was a mainstay at Sheffield’s mayoral events and press announcements throughout the race, serving as senior policy advisor. He is the transition team’s director of transition operations. Sheffield says he will “operationalize her vision” as chief of staff and as a senior advisor. Bowser worked under Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in a number of roles where he helped shape policy and advance health equity initiaDavid Bowser tives. Bowser served as the deputy director of the Housing and Revitalization Department, deputy director of the Community Health Corps and director of Human Services. “Bowser brings deep operational and structural knowledge and relationships, and a track record of advancing community-driven solutions to help build a government that listens to residents and delivers results for Detroiters,” Sheffield’s Rise Higher transition team wrote in a release. The position is a key leadership role that will support the incoming administration, according to a press release from Sheffield’s transition effort. “David Bowser’s deep understanding of Detroit’s communities and the challenges our residents face makes him uniquely prepared for this role,” Mayor-elect Sheffield said in a statement. “He brings a forward-thinking commitment to equity that our administration is being built upon. As Chief of Staff, he will help to guide a government that listens, puts Detroiters first and continues to rise higher.” Bowser was part of the effort to establish the city’s Code Blue tenant displacement support program and the Detroit Housing Services Office, providing case management to families who are at risk of homelessness. That office was funded with $20 million in ARPA money. Bowser also helped create the Detroit Housing Resource Helpline, which offers emergency assistance to residents searching for housing resources or in need of emergency shelter. As chief of staff, he will oversee citywide communications functions, internal mayor’s office administrative functions and high-priority projects delegated by the mayor. He will also serve as a senior advisor to Sheffield. “I have always known Mayor-elect Sheffield to be a highly pragmatic, people-driven leader with a unique ability to bring broad coalitions together around tangible benefits for Detroit residents,” Bowser said. “Her priorities of equity and collaboration are seen through her track record of impactful programs and legislation and speak volumes about her ability to not just speak about change, but to actively facilitate it.” Bowser is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and of the Creighton University School of Medicine, where he earned his master’s degree in public health. You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle. com.

By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Pamela Pugh is setting the stage for a major push in Michigan’s 35th Senate District, launching an aggressive advertising campaign ahead of the upcoming special election. As absentee ballots begin to reach voters, Pugh, a seasoned public servant and leader, is hoping to secure the seat that has been vacant since January. The election, set for Feb. 3, 2026, will not only fill the vacant position but will also be a key contest in determining the balance of power in Michigan’s Senate. Pugh, who has already made waves as a prominent advocate for public health, education, and working families, has launched a multi-platform ad campaign designed to reach voters across the district. The 30-second “Champion” ads are being aired on radio and television stations throughout mid-Michigan, as well as across targeted digital and social media platforms. According to Pugh, this election offers voters a chance to make a real difference in the direction of the state. “Even during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, voters have the opportunity to give the most important gift of all — their vote,” she said. “This election will help determine the direction of our state and who controls the Michigan Senate. I’m running to move Michigan forward and deliver real results for working families.” Pugh’s campaign highlights her extensive experience and qualifications. As the President of the Michigan State Board of Education, Pugh has gained recognition for her work in education and public health. Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Florida A&M University, as well as both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Public Health degree from the University of Michigan. She served for 14 years at the Saginaw County Department of Public Health and was appointed Chief Public Health Advisor during the Flint Water Crisis, a role that further cemented her reputation as a leader in public health advocacy. Pugh’s platform focuses on issues that directly impact working families. She is committed to expanding access to healthcare and childcare, lowering utility costs, and protecting public infrastructure. One of her primary goals is supporting MiCare, Michigan’s pathway to universal healthcare, as well as advocating for universal childcare to ease the burden on working parents. Additionally, Pugh is a staunch opponent of MAGA extremism, emphasizing the need for leaders who prioritize the well-being of all Michiganders over partisan politics. The race for Michigan’s 35th Senate District has attracted a field of 10 candidates, including six Democrats and four Republicans. The seat was vacated by Kristen McDonald Rivet, who left to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called a special election for the seat in August, with the primary scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026, and the general election to follow on May 5, 2026. The winner will serve out the remainder of the term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2026. While Pugh is one of the front-runners in the race, she faces significant competition. Other Democrats, including Chedrick Greene, a Marine Corps veteran and Saginaw fire captain, are vying for the same seat. Greene has earned endorsements from several local leaders, including McDonald Rivet, State Rep. Amos O’Neal, and Bay City Mayor Christopher Girard. Greene has also garnered support from labor unions, such as the AFL-CIO, Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, and Laborers’ International Union of North America. On the Republican side, candidates like Christian Velasquez are looking to make inroads in what is traditionally a Democratic-leaning district. Velasquez has already received endorsements from several former state senators and local leaders in Bay and Midland counties. Pugh’s campaign has also received widespread backing from prominent organizations and local figures. She boasts endorsements from over 70 leaders across Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties, including State Senator Sylvia Santana and State Rep. Emily Dievendorf. Additionally, Pugh has earned the support of several local school board members, Saginaw City Council members, and Bay City Commissioners. Her campaign has also been endorsed by national groups like 314 Action, Climate Cabinet, the Michigan Democratic Party Progressive Caucus, and MI List, the Michigan affiliate of EMILY’s List. One of the key issues for Pugh is building an economy that works for all families in the district. In addition to her focus on healthcare and childcare, Pugh is advocating for policies that will lower utility bills and protect publicly owned infrastructure. Her campaign emphasizes the need for investments in good-paying jobs across mid-Michigan, a region that has long faced economic challenges. The political landscape for this special election is dynamic, with each candidate offering a different vision for Michigan’s future. Pugh, with her extensive public service experience and focus on pragmatic solutions, is positioning herself as the most qualified candidate to represent the 35th District in the Michigan Senate. As the campaign ramps up in the coming weeks, Pugh’s message of unity, progress, and action stands in stark contrast to the divisive politics of her opponents. With absentee ballots already out the door, voters will soon have the chance to weigh in on who they believe is best suited to fill the vacant Senate seat. For Pugh, it’s an opportunity to build on her record of public service and lead the charge toward a better future for all Michiganders.

Why Tracking Racial Disparities in Special Education Still Matters By Hal Smith, Jenny Muniz and Nicole Fuller This story originally appeared on WordInBlack.com. Classrooms should be places of opportunity, not obstacles. But for many students with disabilities, especially students of color and English learners, school often reinforces the inequities it’s supposed to erase. Black students, for example, have been overrepresented in special education since 1968, when the U.S. Office for Civil Rights first began tracking school district data. The starkest disparities appear in categories that depend on perception, such as learning disabilities and emotional disturbances, where bias too often determines outcomes. We know that students of color, with the exception of Asian students, are identified for special education at a higher rate than their white peers. Black students are 40% more likely to be identified with a disability and are three times more likely than white students to be suspended or expelled. Disparities are also observed for Hispanic students in school districts across the country. For example, the Santa Barbara Unified School District was flagged for significant disproportionality for three consecutive school years, given that Hispanic students were found to be three times more likely to be identified as having learning disabilities. When socioeconomic differences of Black and Hispanic students are accounted for, disparities still exist. What “Significant Disproportionality” Really Means The term “significant disproportionality” may sound technical, but its consequences are deeply human. This perspective, grounded in the work of civil rights organizations, underscores that this is not solely an educational issue, but a civil rights issue. Significant disproportionality describes the over- or under-representation of a certain racial or ethnic group in identification for special education services, placement in inclusive or restrictive settings, and discipline actions that exclude students.

Misidentified — Or Missed Entirely In addition to the disparities students of color face, English learners are often both over- and under-identified as needing special education. Language learning behaviors can resemble those associated with learning differences, making it challenging to distinguish them. As a result, educators may misinterpret typical challenges of learning English — such as delayed responses, reading or spelling errors, or difficulty following directions — as signs of a disability. Conversely, they may dismiss signs of a disability, believing it’s due to language development. English learners can also easily be misidentified as needing special education services if they are only evaluated in English, rather than determining the appropriate language based on their unique needs and language abilities. Race, Ethnicity, and More Restrictive Settings A student with a disability’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) contains information about their placement, such as in general education classes with their peers for most or all of the school day, a self-contained classroom, or a hybrid. In the 202223 school year, 16% of Black students and 14% of Hispanic students with disabilities were in a more restrictive classroom environment (i.e., in the general education setting for

less than 40% of the school day) compared to 9% of white students. Inclusion and enabling learning alongside nondisabled peers is critical for academic and social success. These data show that disabled students of color experience fewer benefits of being educated in inclusive ways, which is deeply concerning. Discipline, Pushout, and the School-to-Prison Pipeline When a student is suspended or expelled, valuable learning time is missed. These disciplinary measures also contribute to school pushout, where students leave school before graduation or become involved in the juvenile justice system. Although students with disabilities represented only 17% of K-12 student enrollment, 24% of students confined in justice facilities were students with disabilities. Racial disparities in school disciplinary practices are very real, and there is a strong imperative not to ignore them. Federal Oversight Was Meant to Address Inequities Recognizing these disparities is not a new phenomenon. In fact, when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was last updated in 2004, Congress required that school districts take specific actions to address inequities. Districts that had been identified with “significant disproportionality” were required to employ resources for interventions and services. (The final vote for this update to IDEA in 2004 was 397-3

in the House and unanimous in the Senate). A little under a decade later, the Government Accountability Office recommended that a consistent approach for defining significant disproportionality was needed. The Danger of New Federal Rollbacks Late this summer, the U.S. Department of Education issued a notice with a 60-day window for comments on a proposal to remove the required notice that a state is changing its methodology and eliminate the public notification period. Make no mistake: this is an explicit rollback and will exacerbate inequalities for students of color. Having accurate and transparent data is essential to understanding the scope of the significant disproportionality problem, as well as where and how it is affecting students the most. Decisions like this may not reveal their consequences immediately, but their impact is certain—and in the long run, will be profound. These consequences include misidentification of students for special education, restricted access to inclusive classrooms, and higher rates of exclusionary discipline. Harsh school discipline and exclusion practices increase the likelihood of involvement in the juvenile justice system. Continuing to Advocate for Equity Civil rights organizations, such as the National Urban League, UnidosUS, and the National Center for Learning Disabilities, have been advocating for equal opportunity for decades and are concerned about the absence of federal leadership and the weakening of data collection requirements. We urge the federal government to maintain robust oversight and continue the current data collection, including promoting transparency for families. States and districts must not resist this work; they should embrace it as essential to addressing disparities and supporting all students, particularly the most vulnerable among them. Nicole Fuller is associate director of policy and advocacy at the National Center for Learning Disabilities; Jenny Muñiz is director of the Education Policy Project at UnidosUS; and Hal Smith is senior vice president for education, youth development, and health at the National Urban League.

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City ity.. Life ife.. Style. B1 | Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 6, 2026

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

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I Came of Age at College. I Fear for My Grandchildren There By Dr. Frances Murphy Draper This story originally appeared on WordInBlack.com. I remember college as a place of possibility. We protested — yes — but we did so with sit-ins, with leaflets, with raised voices and locked arms. We marched and we sang “We Shall Overcome Someday.” We believed, perhaps naively, that collective courage and moral clarity could bend institutions toward justice, and that the struggle for change did not require the threat of death. I never once feared that going to class might cost me my life. Today, I watch a very different reality unfold — most Dr. Frances recently at Brown Murphy Draper University, and at campuses across this country — from the vantage point of someone who has lived long enough to see what has been lost. I write not only as a former college student, but as a grandparent of three current college students and one high school senior preparing to step onto a campus next year. A Generation Raised on Lockdowns The violence at Brown is not an isolated incident. It is part of a pattern that now follows students from kindergarten through college. Lockdown drills. Emergency alerts. Text messages from parents that say, “Please answer.” Calls that begin with, “Are you safe?” This generation is already carrying more than any before it. Many are hyperaware of exits and escape routes. They are still reckoning with the aftereffects of COVID-19 — years of isolation, disrupted learning, loss, and uncertainty at precisely the stage of life meant for formation. What is particularly sobering are reports that two of the Brown students who survived this latest incident had already lived through other school attacks. That kind of repetition reshapes a person’s sense of safety and expectation. It alters how young people — and young adults — move through the world. The loss of life at Brown stands on its own. Two students were killed. Nine others were wounded. Nothing contextualizes that pain. Nothing competes with it. The Burden Black Families Carry Alongside that shared horror, many Black families carry an additional, familiar burden — one that does not replace this grief, but sits beside it. Long before our children step onto a college campus — long before move-in day and freshman orientation — Black parents and grandparents are having the talks. Not one conversation, but many. How to comport yourself. How to de-escalate. How to survive encounters that others never have to anticipate. How to navigate a society that too often reads threat where there is none. Those conversations now also include how to navigate racism that does not announce itself loudly. This summer, during a college visit,

See COLLEGE CAMPUS FEAR Page B-2

Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s First Black Priest Wants to Grow Historic Midtown Church

By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

The doors were open walking into Michigan’s oldest Episcopal church on a Thursday morning in late December. Two staff members, Marshall and Brandon, were hanging up a Christmas wreath on one of the entrances when they noticed a Michigan Chronicle reporter walking up to greet them. Instead of probing a stranger as to their purpose inside the Cathedral Church of St. Paul on Woodward and East Hancock Street, the men opened the doors with smiles. “This Cathedral, it needs to be a welcoming place,” the Rev. Joseph C. Alsay, the first Black dean in the church’s history, told Michigan Chronicle. Alsay sat in a chair in his office recounting staff member’s reactions to their first look inside his newly decorated office. “We talk about the Cathedral is made up of part of our logo, our motto: diverse people, daily relevance, and inspiring space. It’s fine to have an inspiring space, but what good is it if it doesn’t do anything for you?” Alsay said. The friendly greeting from staff members outside of the church is also part of Alsay’s vision to create a more inviting space for residents looking for a place of worship. The church has around 130 members, but Alsay says his goal is to increase the number of people who the church can benefit. He’s got experience doing just that as the priest who transformed his former church, St. Augustine of Canterbury in Oklahoma.

St. Augustine is in an area of Oklahoma City home to large churches popular with prominent politicians. Alsay’s members at the church — local Republican and Democratic officials — were the subject of a feature from the Oklahoman that highlights Alsay’s efforts to bring people of different backgrounds together. But he has offered his opinions on hot-button issues affecting his community. In 2017, Alsay wrote an opinion editorial arguing politicians of all stripes have a moral obligation to protect children brought to the United States as undocumented from deportation. “I believe Republicans and Democrats alike must come together to provide these young people the certainty that they need and deserve,” Alsay wrote.

Alsay takes over as the eleventh dean for the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, succeeding Dean Scott Hunter, who retired from the position last year after 17 years in the position. Formed in 1824, the congregation was the first Episcopal and first Protestant church in Michigan. Members have held service inside the cathedral, located at 4800 Woodward Ave. in Midtown Detroit, since 1911. The funeral service for Henry Ford, was held there in 1947. The demonstration was reported as one of the highest attended events in the city’s history at the time. Today, the church has an active community of about 130 members. Alsay’s official start at the Detroit cathedral was Sunday, Nov. 30, the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of a new liturgical year.

See CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PAUL Page B-2

Detroit Artist J.R. Strozier is Never Late on His Rent By Jermaine Lytle CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Over the last decade, Detroit natives have had a front row seat to economic development that has transformed everything from pockets of real estate in the area to its buzzing art community. Among its natives are creative movers and shakers who are committed to playing an integral role in Detroit’s continued development, understanding the need for reciprocity and service to a place that has given so much to them. JeRon “J.R.” Strozier is one of those creatives. The Detroit-born father of four has built a multi-faceted career as an artist who paints, sculpts, and continues to push the limits of his artistic expression. On first impression, Strozier immediately comes across as a humble, laidback, yet self-actualized man. At 45 years old, he admits that even as early as kindergarten he was more focused on artwork than schoolwork, and was often scolded for drawing inside his books. “I never had a moment where I wasn’t connected to art in some way,” Strozier said. “I thank God to have that clarity and purpose. I always knew who I was

and I only had one dream and it came true”. With future plans of doing live, immersive art experiences, Strozier sees his community involvement as the vehicle for fulfilling a promise – one he believes Detroit offers all its residents: community. He was one of the esteemed honorees of the city council’s Spirit of Detroit award in 2025 – an accomplishment that he acknowledges with immense gratitude. He admits that he has a “hard time putting it into words because it’s beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined…I love Detroit with all my heart, and I felt like in that moment Detroit said, ‘I love you’ back.” Strozier’s portraits are impactful, emotive, and vulnerable. They have a way of speaking to the artist behind the piece, as well as enticing observers to feel for a subject they have not met. This is the work of an artist who does not see his subjects as just a subject or simply an outlet for his artistic ability, but rather as something more personal and open to interpretation. Strozier would call this “the bless you effect” – the gift of recognizing something about yourself through art. For Strozier “it’s more important to tell the

See DETROIT ARTIST J.R. STROZIER Page B-2

Page B-2 | Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 6, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

College Campus Fear

A new dean “ represents a new

From page B-1

chapter in the life of this congregation. People can pick up on a person’s energy in a space. People can feel it’s different.” Rev. Joseph C. Alsay

Cathedral Church of St. Paul From page B-1

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan Bishop Bonnie A. Perry in a statement praised the church’s selection of Alsay. “Electing Joseph Alsay to lead the Cathedral Church of St. Paul is a bold, historic choice, and the perfect next step for this community of faith to become the soul of the city and heartbeat of our diocese,” Perry said in a statement. “I could not be more delighted.” Perry, like Alsay, has not shied away from sharing her political opinions. Earlier this year, she called on Michigan lawmakers to enact stricter gun laws after a mass shooting at a Ladder Day Saints Church in Grand Blanc. “We look forward to welcoming Dean Elect Alsay into our cathedral family and to the ways his gifts and vision will help guide us in this new season to come,” said John LaDuke, senior warden, Cathedral Church of St. Paul. Alsay received his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Oklahoma Baptist University and his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. In Oklahoma, Alsay was known for his passion, positive energy and leadership. During his time at St. Augustine of Canterbury, he developed new programs, increased membership and moved the congregation from mission to parish status. Alsay says he wants to do the same thing for his new church in Midtown. “A new dean represents a new chapter in the life of this congregation. People can pick up on a person’s energy in a space.” Alsay said. “People can feel it’s different.” It wasn’t an easy decision to leave behind his former congregation, which he had grown over the years.

“I needed time to say goodbye to the folks in Oklahoma — I had been there for 15 years, before that I was at Trinity Episcopal Church Downtown Tulsa, which was my first call.” Alsay was also the first African American leader at Trinity. He says there are similarities between Detroit and Tulsa, two cities with rich Black American history. “In Tulsa, of course there were race riots somewhat like in Detroit in the 1960s, and of course urban renewal also,” Alsay said. “My barber in Tulsa was in the historic Greenwood area and so I would take my kids there and show them the plaques that are on the sidewalk and would say, ‘Understand that it wasn’t just Chicago or New York that had these bustling, vibrant African American communities.’” Alsay’s children – Zoe, Zipporah, and Caleb – were all born in Tulsa. Alsay, who is from Chicago, received his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Oklahoma Baptist University and his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He said his mother-in-law graduated from Wayne State University decades ago. “If you would’ve been able to whisper into my mother-inlaw’s ear, ‘Turn right there look towards that Cathedral — one day your daughter, your little girl will end up marrying a priest who will be the dean,” Alsay said of his wife’s late mother. His wife’s family is from Philadelphia but moved to Detroit when she was just a year old, returning back to Pennsylvania when she was six. “Either God has a great sense of humor, or there is truly a plan,” Alsay said. You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com.

my high school senior encountered what she later described — accurately — as a microaggression. She named it without drama, as a fact to be noted and managed. The fact that a 17-year-old already has language for this, and knows it will be necessary, says a great deal about the environment young people are preparing to enter. This does not diminish what happened at Brown. It underscores how many layers of vigilance students are now expected to carry at once. So in addition to preparing our children for physical danger, we are preparing them to navigate subtle slights, coded language, lowered expectations, and moments of isolation — often simultaneously. These pressures do not disappear when students arrive on campus. They shape how students and young adults experience college, wherever they enroll. Are HBCUs Safer? Historically Black colleges and universities, for example, are not more dangerous places to learn. But they have been deliberately targeted. HBCU campuses — created as sanctuaries of affirmation, culture, and excellence — have faced bomb threats, lockdowns, and harassment intended to disrupt and intimidate. Students have been evacuated. Classes interrupted. Fear imposed on institutions built to nurture and protect. These acts say nothing about the institutions themselves. They speak instead to a willingness to unsettle Black spaces wherever they exist. For some families, the violence unfolding on campuses represents a rupture. For others, it confirms long-held concerns. This Cannot Be Allowed to Become Normal In moments like these, “thoughts and prayers” are often offered sincerely. Too often, however, the shock fades before conditions change. The headlines move on. Students and young adults return to classrooms carrying fear they did not choose.

College campuses were once defined primarily by intellectual risk. Increasingly, they are shaped by security briefings, emergency alerts, and contingency plans. I question why repeated violence still fails to trigger sustained prevention. I question why campuses are expected to manage the consequences of decisions made far beyond their control. I question why students are asked to adapt to fear rather than being protected from it. Students are not asking for perfection. They are asking for protection. For honesty. For adults willing to move beyond condolences toward solutions—even when those solutions are difficult. Prevention must matter as much as response. Early-warning systems, threat-assessment teams, and sustained mental-health resources should be standard, not optional. Federal leadership must do more than react; it must set clear, enforceable safety expectations and help institutions meet them. And when campuses are targeted because of who they serve, those acts must be named plainly. Silence and euphemism only embolden intimidation. College should still be a place where ideas collide — not bullets. Where protest is loud but nonviolent. Where disagreement sharpens the mind, not endangers the body. Where parents and grandparents can send their children off without rehearsing worst-case scenarios. As this is written, families at Brown University are grieving the loss of two students, and the campus is struggling to absorb what should never have happened. They deserve more than our attention in the moment. They deserve change. So do the students and young adults who were wounded. So do the classmates who will return to lecture halls altered by what they witnessed. So do families across this country who now measure each school year in terms of risk. This is not inevitable. It is not acceptable. And it cannot be normalized. This has to stop. Dr. Frances Murphy Draper is CEO and publisher of The ­AFRO-American Newspapers.

Detroit Artist J.R. Strozier From page B-1

story than show the image.” Service and giving back to the community is important to Strozier, who volunteers with the Detroit Boys Mentoring Club, where he teaches young men how to explore various art forms. His desire to be of service to the community is just one example of how Strozier uses his strengths to pay it forward to a new generation of potential artists. Whether Strozier is spending 80 hours sculpting the ballet phenom Misty Copeland or lending his services to the youth of Detroit, the one thing that remains constant is that he uses his artistic talent to progress and bring awareness to the Detroit community. As the great Muhammad Ali once said: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Isn’t it refreshing that one of Detroit’s finest feels like the rent is always due?

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D.E.Irony:

The Toll of Untreated Mental Illness The American Psychiatric Association estimates that only one in three Black adults with mental illness receives treatment. They are less likely to receive consistent care, less likely to be included in research, and more likely to rely on emergency rooms or primary care providers instead of mental health specialists. Alarming data point to rising suicide rates among Black youth and young adults ages 10 to 24, particularly Black males. Some data show rates rising over 50% in Black youth, marking the first time the increase has surpassed white youth rates. While the overall suicide rate has trended downward, a Pew Research Center study found that between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10 to 17 rose by 144%.

Fewer White Men in College Keeps MAGA in Power By Rann Miller This story originally appeared on WordInBlack.com. Maybe Donald Trump wants to make it harder for white men to get into college. Perhaps it is not an accident that affirmative action has come to an end in higher education institutions. Maybe none of this is the irony some people think it is. The Trump Administration’s rollback of DEI policies has an unintended consequence: white men, the Trump Administration’s core demographic, are being excluded from college admissions. And that could be playing into the hands of white conservative elites who depend on white men and their grievances to Rann Miller stay in power. End of Benefits for White Men The prospect of fewer white men attending school is part of a larger trend. Since 2018, enrollment among white students has dropped by 19% across all sectors: public, private, two-year, four-year, selective, and non-selective. Since the Supreme Court banned race as a consideration for college admissions, enrollment among college freshmen who self-reported as white dropped to 31% in 2025 from 40% in 2023. Generally, in sheer numbers, more women attend colleges and universities than men. Therefore, in an attempt to secure gender balance, higher education institutions will admit more white men with lower test scores or other qualifications than women. In that sense, white men benefited from affirmative action. .. However, the Trump Administration — bolstered by a 2023 Supreme Court decision banning race as a factor in college admissions — issued an executive order along similar lines. Under the order, colleges and universities that receive federal funding are prohibited from considering gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, or political views in admissions or hiring. That means the admissions office’s balancing act, which seeks diversity but actually benefits white men, will come to a halt. But maybe that’s the point. Addition through Subtraction Consider Trump’s electoral base. According to a CNN exit poll from the 2024 election, Trump won 60% of the white male vote, and 69% of white men without college degrees — his most supportive demographic. In 2020, Trump received 70% of the vote from white men without a college degree. In 2016, it was 71%. In all three elections, white male voters represented a third of the total electorate. For perspective, voters of color represent slightly less than a third. Securing voters for the Trump Administration is more than just splintering voters of color from the Democratic candidate. It is also keeping white men ignorant so that they can be appealed to with racism, sexism, and capitalism wrapped in a neat package of toxic masculinity. Why? Because it works. Conservative elites can then manipulate those men into voting against their interests, helping secure political power for white people in a society that is becoming more diverse. White men without college degrees love Trump, and MAGA conservatives believe colleges are bastions of liberal brainwashing. In reality, though, higher education writ large is designed to cultivate critical thinking skills in a racially and ideologically diverse setting. That reality doesn’t develop a prospective white male Trump voter; keeping white men out does. Besides reducing opportunities for exposure to new people and different ideas, reducing the number of white men who attend college feeds the conspiracy among them that the country — and perhaps the world — is against them, and that white men are being intentionally left behind. Conservative elites can then manipulate those men into voting against their interests, helping secure political power for white people in a society that is becoming more diverse. ‘Picking The Pockets’ It’s a playbook the white power structure has followed for centuries: picking the pockets of uninformed white people. From the racial bribe to the Southern Strategy, conservative power brokers have always put up ideological barriers between white workers and their political and economic interests, helping white elites maintain political and economic power over everyone. By “inadvertently” restricting college for white men, conservatives are working their sustainability plan as constructed. White people have tacitly agreed to such strategies, in large part, because of false hope: unable to defeat the powerful, they lean on white privilege, hoping to convert it to power, influence, and wealth. It certainly defeats the alternative: living as a member of the oppressed, among Black people and other people of color. Voter disenfranchisement, police brutality, and de facto housing segregation that facilitates concentrated poverty, impacting schools, employment opportunities, and safety, isn’t the American dream white folks signed up for. Neither did Black people nor anyone else, for that matter, but those of us with brown skin can’t opt into racial privilege to survive. As long as white people continue to depend on that privilege, conservatives will continue to entrap them. Eventually, Trump will be gone, but the desire to strip power from the people and undermine a multiracial/multicultural democracy will continue without him. Other MAGA standard bearers will emerge, promoting the same racist rhetoric and public policies that hurt everyone. Radical Hope Perhaps anti-DEI hysteria won’t backfire, but the actual policies that eliminate it will, starting with the drop in white men attending college. Maybe white men will see that it’s not immigrants from the global south, or Black Americans, or women that keep them down, but the power structure that has consistently asked for their trust, only to betray them. Maybe, just maybe, this could signal a shift in political thinking amongst this group. Sadly, it feels like hope rather than possibility. But hope is a radical mindset. It is action-oriented, courageous, and the fuel behind efforts to change the world. Indeed, others, like Trump and his acolytes, have a different kind of hope. But it is possible to see this irony and consider what it would mean for white men — and white people in general — to recognize the real enemy. Still, it can take a lot to reverse the benefit of the doubt white men have received for generations. Unfortunately for Black and brown folk, there’s not enough of that to go around. Unfortunately for white men, there aren’t enough college acceptance letters to go around. Rann Miller is an educator, opinion columnist and author or Resistance Stories from Black History for Kids. You can follow him on twitter @UrbanEdDJ and on Instagram @urbanedmixtape.

Piercing the Pain of Mental Illness:

Donnita Hathaway’s Call for Healing By Gwen McKinney This story was originally published ion WordInBlack.com. Donnita Hathaway has only a vague remembrance of her father, who died when she was 2. But the one thing that has endured over the decades is his abiding love, which she cherishes today. “Over the short time he was in my life, I know he showered me with love,” reflects Hathaway, remembering the legendary artist Donny Hathaway, who died by suicide at age 33. “While he didn’t have the capacity to behave as a typical dad, I know he prayed for me, cared about me, and extended unconditional love.”

in 2023, where her father was reared. She says she is moving ever closer to an embrace and celebration of his life and contributions. “Once I began to know my Dad as a young woman, I learned he was a trailblazer. When I was old enough to understand — connecting with this person and that person — it was clear he inspired everyone he touched.” Transforming memory into action, Hathaway has launched the Donnie Hathaway Legacy Project. She says the nonprofit organization will create a space where culture, holistic healing, and community meet mental health. Calling the project a love letter to her dad, she noted that he would have turned 80 this past October.

Donny Hathaway’s Brilliance — and His Struggles Donny Hathaway — multitalented vocalist, arranger, lyricist, and keyboardist – is revered for music that touches the pain, passions, joy, struggle, and vulnerability of the human spirit. He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in his 20s, reportedly experiencing depression, hallucinations, and persistent delusions. In January 1979, he plunged from the 15th Floor of a New York City hotel to his death. While reportedly prescribed many drugs and enduring several hospitalizations, he never received adequate care from a health system that lacked the capacity and cultural competency to address the needs of a Black man afflicted with mental health crises. Donnita, 49, migrated to St. Louis

A Mental Health Crisis in Black Families “We will focus on healing trauma-informed heartbreak with conscious care – especially targeting musicians and creators, Black men, boys, and young people,” says Hathaway. “We’re coming to the end of the year, and as we begin 2026, many folks are depleted. There’s missing seats at the table of loved ones who have passed on. Add to that sadness, the political attacks being visited upon our community.” In nearly every Black family, someone is navigating the weight of mental health challenges. The magnitude of these struggles is often cloaked in stigma and shame, and the crisis confronting Black families is hardly matched by the interventions for cures.

Stigma, Barriers, and Systemic Failure In 2019, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) released a report on the national crisis, with recommendations and the establishment of the CBC Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health. While studies conclude that the rates of depressive disorder affecting Black Americans are similar to those of the general population, other factors create wide disparities in treatment, including the trauma of racism, limited access to culturally competent health providers, and cost and access to treatment. Cultural barriers include distrust in the health system and an over-reliance on religion as a cure. Stigma associated with early and sustained intervention also stems from an unspoken racial code to tough it out — no matter how profound or intractable the problems. Black Women and the Responsibility for Care Unmet needs often spill over into family and community level violence, homelessness, and confrontations with police and the criminal legal system. Mental health crises affect entire families, but the responsibility to respond often falls on the matriarchs — mothers, aunties, grandmothers, sisters — who have limited capacity to process action plans, access resources, or seek support for their family and themselves. Unerased | Black Women Speak, dedicated to creating narrative, content, and public engagement that elevate the cross-generational voices and challenges of Black women, will forge partnerships with organizations that share the vision of empowering Black women. Building Spaces for Healing “Piercing the Pain: Confronting Mental Health, Stigma & Shame” will be launched in the first quarter of 2026, forging an alliance with Black women mental health professionals, civic leaders, and communications specialists steeped in storytelling and content creation. Activities, focused on giving Black women their voice and power, will include engagement in trusted “care circles,” testimonials, storytelling, and resource guides that impart information and open pathways to healthier lives for Black families. “There’s a healing balm in all of us. Whenever we can, there must be a push for awareness, resources — to address trauma and heartbreak,” Hathaway notes. Gwen McKinney is campaign director of Unerased | Black Women Speak and a communications strategist based in Washington, D.C.

Council of Baptist Pastors Names Orville K. Littlejohn President-Elect Starting Jan. 1, 2026 By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Leadership matters in Detroit’s faith community because churches keep showing up when budgets fall short, when families need food, when violence interrupts a block, when schools need partners, when the city needs moral clarity rooted in action. A change at the top of a major pastors’ council carries weight because the people watching are not only clergy. Residents pay attention, too. The Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity, Inc. announced Pastor Orville K. Littlejohn as its president-elect, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Littlejohn will succeed Pastor Richard White III, who has led the Council for the past three years. Littlejohn currently serves as First Vice President during White’s tenure. The Council described its ongoing work as developing, nurturing, training, networking, and educating in areas tied to social justice and spiritual support for pastors, ministers, and the broader community. The nomination process ended with Littlejohn selected without opposition. The announcement notes that the body recognized him as a leader expected to continue advancing the Council’s mission. Littlejohn leads Messiah Baptist Church in Detroit. His current service extends across several roles and institutions. He serves as Moderator of the Michigan District Baptist Association. He holds the role of Vice-President at

Orville K. Littlejohn Large of the Baptist Missionary Educational Convention of Michigan. He also serves as a board member of the Heritage Center for Religious Studies. The release further notes his service as chaplain for the Detroit Police Department’s 12th Precinct. The formal transition will take place later in the month. White is scheduled to pass the gavel to Littlejohn at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at Messiah Baptist Church, 8100 W.

Seven Mile Road in Detroit. Detroit’s Black church ecosystem carries a public responsibility that reaches past Sunday mornings. Pastors often serve as first responders for grief, conflict, and crisis, while also acting as conveners who can bring together residents, advocates, elected leaders, and agencies. That role becomes even more visible during moments that demand organized response and sustained care. Littlejohn’s slate of leadership posts signals a profile shaped by both ministry and institutional governance. The Council’s description of its work points to a continued focus on training and education alongside community-facing social justice engagement. The Jan. 25 gavel-passing will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the organization and a new leadership season for how Detroit-area Baptist clergy choose to coordinate, advocate, and serve. You can reach Ebony at ecurry@ michronicle.com.

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Classifieds

load full RFP. Responses to this RFP are due Friday, October 21 and should be emailed to kgallick@lisc.org. LISC is committed to working with Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), and Women-Owned Business (WBEs). LISC -encourages submissions from SBEs, michiganchronicle.com Enterprises | Dec. 31, 2025 Jan. 6, 2026 | Page B-5 MBEs, and WBEs.

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is solicitating bids for ITS services & PM to include CCTV system, kiosks, digital signs, emergency phones, voice monitoring, PA system, video wall and other ancillary equipment. There’s a Mandatory Walk-thru on January 14, 2026, at 10:30am ET at 360 State Street, Detroit, MI 48226. RSVP email gwallace@ thepeoplemover.com. RFP 12.30.25 can be accessed on Bidnet Direct, www.bidnetdirect.com//detroit-transportation-corporation. Proposals must be received electronically by Bidnet Direct on or before 5:00pm ET, February 9, 2026.

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Senior Power Electronics Engineer BorgWarner Inc. seeks a Senior Power Electronics Engineer based out of our office at 3800 Automation Avenue, Auburn Hills, Michigan, 48326. Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the aforementioned office address. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the aforementioned office address. Note, this position requires domestic and international travel up to 5%, as needed. Lead technology development and demonstration in the power electronics and adjacent spaces, supporting corporate initiatives and managing trends and technology roadmaps; among other duties. Apply to job reference number R2025-4777 at borgwarner.com/careers

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking proposals for Architecture and Engineering Services for Facility Master Plan Series 1 under RFP 23-0111. A virtual Pre-Proposal Conference will occur at 10:00 a.m. October 21, 2022. Call-In#: 1 313-462-2305 Conference ID: 944 369 237# https://tinyurl.com/yfm35pw5

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Are You Financially Prepared for the New Year? BSW Engineering Manager

(StatePoint) A new year is a chance to embrace a wallet-friendly mindset and make a fresh financial start. But what changes will make the most impact? CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals are sharing their favorite resolutions for 2026: Calculate spending: Before any other money planning in 2026, you need to calculate your spending. Did you end 2025 with more money than you had at the beginning of the year? If so, your budget is likely in good shape and you can thoughtfully leverage excess funds to pay down debt or save for a specific goal. If you’re facing a net deficit, it’s time to cut spending where you can or identify ways to increase your income. Build savings: Make 2026 the year you automate savings, increase your contributions to your retirement accounts and adopt a “pay yourself first” approach to building your nest egg. The sooner you take these steps, the longer you’ll have to watch your savings grow. Your finan-

Meritor Electric Vehicles LLC seeks a BSW Engineering Manager in Troy, Michigan. Note, this position does not require travel. Duties include: Lead a team of SW engineers to develop base software; MCAL, service layers, AUTOSAR interfaces, and complex device drivers in new ECU’s for electrified drivetrain systems; Develop software requirements specification (SRS) and design verification plans; among other duties. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, or Computer Engineering and seven years of experience in the job offered or related. Apply to job reference number 220000KW at: meritor.jobs.net/search

cial advisor can help you determine how much you’ll need for the future you want — whether that involves becoming a homeowner, paying for your children’s college education or taking an early retirement. They can also provide strategies for reaching these goals. Adopt tax planning strategies: Learn how new tax rules ushered in by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” could impact your taxes. A CFP® professional and your tax advisor can help you understand the changes and strategize accordingly so you can maximize benefits and minimize missteps. Review your insurance coverage: One unexpected event can have devastating financial consequences without the right insurance. Review your policies to determine whether they meet your current needs and add coverage where necessary. This is also a good opportunity to comparison shop among providers to ensure you’re not spending more than you need to. Seek expert guidance: Varied factors

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Staff Design Release Engin

Warren, MI, General Motors. Engin develop, &release conventional ICE vehicles electrical wire routing &pac &multi-branch wiring harnesses, inc connectors, coverings &attachment Vismockup, ECM, ECR, &Auros too &release electrical wire routing &pa ensure proper functioning of electric as OnStar, LRR, cybersecurity syss vehicle electrical syss for AV. Ensu harness routings meet U.S. FMVSS CAE, DFM/A, DFMEA, DRBTR, Re processes to design &validate wirin points for multi-branch harnesses, p size, &thermal resistance specs &rq Electrical or Automotive Engineerin mos exp as Engineer, engineering, production, &continuously improvin psngr vehicle &BEV electrical wire r &packaging syss, &multi-branch wir using Tc VisMockup tool, or related Ref#3882, GM Global Mobility, 300 Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, M

Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan &perform advanced surfacing concepts &development of Class A surface of full vehicle exterior syss. Interpret &define design intent of designer while collaborating w/ engineering, Senior Design Release E packaging, human factors, &tooling teams. Design Fuel Systems (FS) & Eva &develop 3D Class A surfaces of ICE, diesel, BEV Emission Control (EEC) &AV full vehicle psgr car, truck &SUV exterior cmpnts incl. front &rear fascias, grills, head/taillamps, doors, Warren, MI, General Motors. Engine fenders, ABCD pillars, skid plates, liftgates, truck &develop FSPlus &EEC syss, incl. fuel t PHOTObeds SOURCE: (c)exterior Jacobcmpnts Wackerhausen / iStock via Getty Images &detailed incl. door handles, transfer lines, emission control canis mirrors, lamp internals &exhaust tips, using Autodesk for psgr vehicles incl. Premium Luxu Alias AutoStudio, Autodesk Maya, NX &VRED tools, &Large psgr &Cargo Vans, &Incom for U.S., global &emerging markets. Interpret, define, prgrms, according to vehicle progra conceptualize &execute unique solutions to technical from concept to production, &aligne challenges &provide creative proposals to capture performance, safety (U.S. FMVSS), design intent from initial concept thru mass production &regional rqrmnts &standards, usin achieved in various stages according to GVDP, while Vismockup, ETAS INCA, &ECM too collaborating with engrg, packaging, human factors, design, validate &release engine FS &tooling teams to assure minimum radii/draft, tooling cmpnts to meet SSTS of propulsion Benchmark critical emission control &safety reqrmnts in compliance w/ U.S., European &recommend fuel injection HW to m &China standards. Bachelor, Transportation or &UNECE regs. Master, Mechanical Industrial Design. 60 mos exp as Digital Sculptor, Engrg. 36 mos exp as Engineer, de Digital Modeler, or related, designing or developing &releasing evaporative emission ca 3D Class A surfaces of full vehicle psgr vehicle prgrms, from concept to production, exterior cmpnts incl. fascias, grills, head/taillamps, performance, safety (incl. U.S. FMV doors, fenders, ABCD pillars, &liftgates, using Alias technical &regional rqrmnts &standa AutoStudio, NX &VRED tools, for U.S., global Tc, &Tc Vismockup tools, or related &emerging markets, or related. Mail resume to Ref#201, GM Global Mobility, 300 R Ref#1827-201, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, M Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

such as insurance, investments, taxes and credit work together to form your complete financial picture. Make working with a CFP® professional a New Year’s resolution. They are specially trained to holistically evaluate all these components when offering financial advice. Visit LetsMakeAPlan.

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Vehicle Validation Engineer

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Warren, MI, General Motors. Perform &execute electrical validation of BEVs in GVDP for Vehicle Motion Embedded Controls (VMEC), Body Electronics, Active Safety (AS), telematics, &infotainment. Review, analyze &coordinate the testing &modification of BEV system &cmpnt level SW for electrical validation of VMEC &AS syss incl. Long/Short Range Radars, Rear Vision/360/Driver monitoring cameras, antennas, Body & Vehicle Integration Control Modules, &features incl. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Driving Features, Emergency Braking, Collision Mitigation, Alerts, &related module &feature validation status plans for vehicle prgrms, using PQMS, NX, vSpy, Teamcenter (Tc), &ECM tools. Perform on time SW &HW validation of embedded module ECUs, thru design/production/SW iteration validations. Bachelor, Electrical, Computer, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, testing or verifying embedded telematics &infotainment embedded ECUs, using Tc &vSpy tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#407-1175, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

New Year, New Better-for-You Breakfast FAMILY FEATURES

10 Doctor-Recommended Health Resolutions for 2026 (StatePoint) With a new year ahead, the American Medical Association (AMA) is offering Americans 10 evidence-based tips for staying healthy in 2026 and beyond: • Get health screenings: Schedule preventive visits, tests and screenings so your physician can catch conditions before they become more serious. • Manage stress: Mental health is part of overall health. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga can help reduce stress. Ask for help from a mental health professional when you need it. • Be physically active: Start the year off by prioritizing physical activity. Strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week. If you have a sedentary lifestyle or primarily sit for long stretches at work, build in frequent breaks to stretch and move throughout your day. • Follow a healthy diet: Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages and eat nutritious, whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins. Avoid unhealthy ultra-processed foods, especially those with high levels of added sodium, saturated fats and sugar. Drinking sugary beverages, even 100% fruit juice, is associated with a higher mortality risk, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or other beverages composed mostly of water, such as milk or herbal tea, to avoid dehydration and to keep your body functioning properly. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. Adult men should get about 15.5 cups of fluids a day and women should get 11.5 cups, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. • Get plenty of good sleep: To maintain your

health and emotional well-being, most adults need 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep. Rest helps boost immunity and improve mental clarity. • Update vaccinations: Vaccinations remain the best defense against flu and other serious respiratory viruses. Since significant flu activity can stretch into May, it’s not too late to get a flu shot. The AMA recommends vaccination as long as the threat of flu remains. Talk with your physician or other health care professional to determine which vaccines are right for you. To cut through vaccine confusion and have open, honest conversations with your physician, first go to the AMA website for evidence-based information. For help finding a flu vaccine in your area, visit GetMyFluShot.org. • Drink in moderation: If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines: up to one drink per day for women and two drinks for men, and only for adults of legal drinking age. • Quit tobacco, nicotine and e-cigarettes: Ask your doctor or health care professional for resources and guidance to help quit smoking, vaping or using other nicotine products. Make your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure. • Follow medication directions: When taking prescriptions, store them safely to prevent diversion or misuse, and properly dispose of any leftover medication. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course to prevent antibiotic resistance. For more health tips and resources visit ama-assn.org. “With the holiday cookies eaten and those missed workouts officially last year’s worry, the new year is a great chance to refocus on the healthy choices you want to make in 2026,” said AMA president Dr. Bobby Mukkamala. “Even tiny changes now can snowball into major gains for your long-term health.”

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hether you’re preparing to power through workouts or recharging for a day of play, a filling, satisfying breakfast is a fitting way to start the Senior Design Sculptor morning. Shaking offMI,the sleepiness begin with the meal of your Warren, General Motors. Plan can &perform advanced concepts &development of Class A surfaces dreams, one that’s loadedsurfacing with complex carbohydrates, electrolytes, antioxidants of full vehicle exterior sys. Interpret &define design and protein. intent of designer while directly collaborating w/ engineering, packaging, human factors, &tooling For a healthier form of “carb loading,” turn toA Sweetpotato Blueberry Baked teams. Design &develop 3D Class surfaces of conventional ICE, diesel, BEV &AV full vehicle psngr Oatmeal for a quick, nutritious, better way to kickstart the day. It offers complex car, truck &SUV exterior cmpnts incl. front &rear grills, headlamps, taillamps, doors, fenders, a perfect base for carbohydrates through fascias, oats and sweetpotatoes, providing A,B,C &D pillars, skid plates, liftgates, truck beds adding yogurt, peanut butter or pairing with eggs for a &detailed exterior cmpnts incl. door handles,protein mirrors, boost. Plus, antholamp internals &exhaust tips, using Alias AutoStudio, cyanins found in blueberries pack an antioxidant punch to take breakfast to the Maya, NX &VRED tools, for U.S., global &emerging next level. markets. Interpret, develop, &perform physical sculptures, &evaluate physical surfaces &digital Don’t let their sweet nature fool you - sweetpotatoes sculptures in Alias (surfaces to mill), interpret are a wholesome option sketches &drawings, &develop interior &exterior clay for children, adults and anyone interesting in a nutritional boost. They’re used in models of full vehicles (full-sized models) &cmpnts (and in steel, carbon wax, low density cuisines all over the world ascmpnts a satisfying andfiber, versatile vegetable, with many sur(Renboard), rubber &wood) &scale models, prised to learn a medium foam sweetpotato contains about 100 calories when baked in working on 1-3 new concept psngr vehicles, facelifts &show cars at any one time. 36grams mos exp of as Sculptor the skin, along with 2 grams of protein and 25 carbohydrates. or Designer, designing &developing 3D Class A conventional &BEV vehicle psngr Their carbs may havesurfaces a badofreputation, butfullthey’re made up of complex carvehicle exterior cmpnts incl. fascias, grills, lamps, bohydrates (which provide energy) that&liftgates, are released at a steady pace. Furtherdoors, fenders, pillars, using AutoStudio, Maya, &VRED tools, for U.S., global &emerging more, they include a myriad of health-promoting antioxidants - like vitamins A and markets, or related. Mail resume to Ref#455, GM Global Mobility, Renaissance MC:482- Plus, sweetpotatoes C - that play a role in immunity, skin300 health and Center, eye health. C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265. are a good source of fiber, which helps you feel “full” and can aid in digestion, and potassium. To learn more and discover better-for-you recipes for the new year, visit ncsweetpotatoes.com.

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Sweetpotato Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe courtesy of Sarah Schlichter on behalf of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 Butter, oil or nonstick cooking spray 2 cups uncooked rolled or old-fashioned oats 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 cups 1% milk 2 large eggs 1 cup mashed sweetpotato 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/3 cup maple syrup, plus more for drizzling 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2/3 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat inside of 2-quart baking dish with butter, oil or nonstick cooking spray. Mix oats, cinnamon, salt and baking powder. Beat in milk, eggs, sweetpotato, butter, 1/3 cup maple syrup and vanilla extract. Mix together, saving blueberries for last to prevent staining or crushing, and spread inside dish. Bake 30-35 minutes until oats are tender and moisture has been absorbed. Drizzle with maple syrup, to taste. Source: North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

Page B-6 | Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 6, 2026 | michiganchronicle.com

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