detroit news

Vincent Chin, a Chinese American who was beaten to death in 1982 by auto workers in a racially motivated hate crime, was honored on Monday with a street sign on Peterboro Street in Detroit. Local lawmakers and Asian American leaders gathered for the unveiling ceremony, acknowledging how Chin's death sparked an Asian American civil rights movement. The City Council had to amend its symbolic street name ordinance to allow Chin, who lived in Highland Park, to be recognized in this way. The ceremony highlighted the historical significance of the area as Detroit's second Chinatown and coincides with upcoming revitalization efforts for the block.

Detroit's 67th annual Ford Fireworks show was marred by a shooting incident that injured two people near Spirit Plaza and Hart Plaza. Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison reported that the non-life-threatening injuries to a juvenile male and female in their 20s resulted from a fight that broke out about a block away from the festivities. The city's policy of closing riverfront parks during the fireworks for safety reasons has sparked debate among residents about whether these closures effectively enhance public safety. Despite the incident, police reported no other serious injuries during the event, and many attendees enjoyed viewing the fireworks from alternative locations including the Detroit People Mover.

Virgil Clark Smith, a 79-year-old former Michigan lawmaker and judge, died on June 23, 2024, from kidney failure after a long battle with COPD. During his distinguished career spanning over two decades in the Michigan legislature, Smith made history as the first Black minority floor leader in the Michigan Senate while spearheading significant court reforms and the reorganization of Detroit Public Schools. Following his legislative service, he worked as chief of staff for Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Duggan before being appointed to the 3rd Circuit Court by Governor Jennifer Granholm, where he became the first Black chief judge during his 14-year tenure. Outside his professional accomplishments, Smith enjoyed recreational activities including riding motor scooters and kayaking on the Detroit River.

The Morehouse Alumni Association Detroit Chapter hosted its inaugural president's reception to honor outgoing president Dr. David Thomas and welcome incoming president Dr. F. DuBois Bowman. The event served as a fundraiser for the historically Black college and included the presentation of a $12,000 Michigan Morehouse scholarship in honor of William "Bill" McGill. During Thomas's seven-year tenure, Morehouse transitioned from a $5 million structural deficit to raising $350 million of a declared $500 million capital campaign, funding significant campus renovations and new construction projects. Bowman, who previously served as dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health, expressed enthusiasm about Detroit's talent pipeline to Morehouse and acknowledged the responsibility of carrying on the institution's 150-year tradition.

Detroit City Council District 5 candidates gathered at a BridgeDetroit-hosted forum to discuss their visions for reforming the Detroit Land Bank, which has faced criticism for its property management practices. Candidates including Esther Haugabook, Michael Ri'chard, Renata Miller, and others proposed various solutions ranging from restructuring the land bank to filing lawsuits against it or increasing city council control over its board appointments. The discussion highlighted concerns about favoritism toward developers, lack of transparency, and inequitable land distribution, with several candidates citing personal experiences with the land bank. This election marks the first new council person for District 5 since 2013, in an area experiencing more development than any other council district in Detroit.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas that enslaved people were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II have officially proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day in Michigan, with government offices closing for the holiday. The proclamation emphasizes both celebrating Black resilience and recommitting to ongoing justice work, acknowledging that freedom requires not just recognition but policy protections. Communities across Michigan, particularly in Detroit, will mark the occasion with various cultural events including concerts, block parties, and educational programs highlighting Black history and achievement.

The City of Detroit is taking proactive measures against a dangerous heatwave by opening cooling centers across the city as temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 90s with an even higher heat index. Three recreation centers—Patton, Heilmann, and Northwest Activities Center—will extend their hours through Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., while other recreation centers and Detroit Public Library branches will also serve as heat relief locations during their regular hours. City officials are particularly concerned about vulnerable populations such as elderly residents, infants, those with chronic conditions, and people without air conditioning. The Detroit Health Department is urging residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours, drink water frequently, wear light clothing, and monitor for signs of heat-related illness as the heatwave is expected to continue into early next week.

Detroit has implemented new security measures at the Rosa Parks and Jason Hargrove Transit Centers, including metal detectors and increased security presence since late May. Transportation advocates report some riders are being denied access to wait inside the facilities, though officials maintain centers remain open to anyone actively waiting for buses. DDOT Director Robert Cramer acknowledges these concerns while noting positive feedback about enhanced safety perceptions, and is working to improve training and communication for security personnel. The City Council's Public Health and Safety Committee has scheduled a discussion for next Monday to address these issues, which are particularly concerning as Detroit faces excessive heat with temperatures expected to reach 96 degrees.

The Henry Ford is hosting "Celebrate Juneteenth: Liberation and Legacy," a comprehensive day-long event on June 19, 2025, at Greenfield Village to honor Black American history, culture, and resilience. The celebration commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of freedom to the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Visitors can experience live music performances, historical reenactments, cooking demonstrations featuring traditional African American recipes, and shop from over 25 Black-owned businesses at the Detroit Central Market. The event also offers family activities including collaborative mural creation, music education, and culinary demonstrations, with admission being free for members or included with Greenfield Village tickets.

The Detroit Tigers and Comerica Bank are hosting Black in Baseball Weekend from June 13-15 at Comerica Park, featuring a comprehensive celebration of Black culture and contributions to baseball. The three-day event includes concerts, ceremonies, youth clinics, a step show, and food from Black-owned vendors during the Tigers' series against the Cincinnati Reds. Activities range from the exclusive Black Diamond Dinner honoring community changemakers to public events like the Black in Baseball Block Party and a Ludacris concert. The weekend will also pay tribute to Negro Leagues players with special ceremonies and provide career development opportunities through the Black in Baseball Career Mixer, all while supporting organizations like Wayne State University's National Panhellenic Council and the Black Sports Business Academy.

Highland Park, Michigan hosted an Economic Strategy and Branding Open House on June 10, 2025, to gather community feedback for updating the city's Economic Development Strategy, Master Plan, and Zoning Ordinance. Led by Principal Planner Donavan Smith, this event marked the third public engagement effort in a series designed to revitalize the former industrial hub. The initiative comes at a critical time as Highland Park works to establish a new identity focused on innovation, culture, and sustainability, with key developments including the Joe Louis Greenway project supported by $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds and a $10.5 million federal grant. Mayor Glenda McDonald's "The City in Motion" plan aims to rebuild the tax base and address infrastructure concerns frequently raised by residents like Ken Chambers.

Detroit City Council president and mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield has received an endorsement from EMILY's List, a national PAC supporting pro-choice women candidates. The organization emphasized the importance of electing Democratic, pro-choice mayors during the current Trump administration, with Sheffield specifically recognized for her advocacy work in Detroit. EMILY's List president Jessica Mackler praised Sheffield's efforts against workplace discrimination, support for affordable housing, and her stance on reproductive rights. Sheffield's campaign reports that additional national and local labor endorsements are anticipated in the coming week, adding to her growing list of supporters that already includes attorney Ben Crump, Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison, and several major local unions.

The Michigan Chronicle has hired Sam Robinson as a senior reporter to strengthen their political coverage during a pivotal time in Detroit's governance. Robinson, who brings over five years of experience covering politics and culture from outlets including Axios, MLive, and the Detroit Free Press, joins the publication as Mayor Mike Duggan's 12-year tenure ends and multiple City Council seats become available. His focus will be on the 2025 Detroit mayoral race, city council elections, and civic trends, with an emphasis on making political journalism accessible and relevant to Detroit residents. Robinson values the Chronicle's legacy of documenting Detroit's political history from Black perspectives and appreciates that the publication doesn't use a paywall, allowing his reporting to reach a wider audience.

Detroit City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero has expressed concerns about a proposed resolution opposing President Trump's immigration enforcement policies, stating it could be ineffective and potentially endanger vulnerable communities. Activists urged the council to declare Detroit a sanctuary city and reject cooperation with federal law enforcement following Trump's deployment of military forces to Los Angeles to counter protests. Santiago-Romero, who represents immigrant communities in Southwest Detroit, emphasized that the city already has policies preventing police from enforcing immigration laws and questioned the efficacy of fighting fascism through resolutions. Assistant Police Chief Franklin Hayes confirmed that despite Trump's April executive order aimed at "unleashing" law enforcement with federal support, Detroit's policies regarding immigration enforcement remain unchanged.

Michigan's 340B Drug Pricing Program is at a critical juncture with Senate Bills 94 and 95 awaiting House approval, which would prevent manufacturers from obstructing access to discounted medications and link hospital debt collection to transparency requirements. Healthcare organizations like Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Michigan Medicine, Trinity Health Michigan, and Henry Ford Health strongly support the program, emphasizing how 340B savings fund vital community services including mobile clinics, mental health programs, and medication access for underserved populations. However, pharmaceutical manufacturers and business groups like PhRMA and Michigan Health Purchasers Coalition oppose aspects of the legislation, arguing that savings don't always reach patients directly and may increase costs for employers. The debate centers on transparency and accountability in how 340B savings are utilized to benefit vulnerable communities.

Dream Studio Detroit is hosting its second annual Father's Day Brunch on June 14, 2024, at Wayne County Community College District Northwest Campus to honor Black fathers and father figures in the community. This free public event is part of their Black Male Achievement Initiative (BMAI), designed to provide a space where Black men can be celebrated for their presence and contributions to families and the community. Led by CEO Danielle North and her husband Eugene North Sr., Dream Studio Detroit aims to support Black families in achieving economic mobility through various programs, with the Father's Day Brunch serving as a cultural celebration that affirms the value and importance of Black fatherhood.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) is mobilizing its members to support Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr.'s campaign for Detroit mayor, with members and leaders rallying outside the UAW Solidarity House. The union, representing 120,000 members in Detroit, has pledged its full resources to help Kinloch's campaign through door-knocking and phone calls. Both UAW President Fain and Kinloch emphasized their shared commitment to supporting the working class, with Fain noting that their missions align in "lifting people up." Kinloch, a former UAW Local 235 member who worked at the Chevrolet Gear and Axle Plant, has positioned himself as a representative for working-class interests in Detroit.