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Black Leadership Group Hosts Unique Detroit Mayoral Forum in Paradise Valley

June 27, 2025

The Michigan Chronicle and "A Small Group of Local Leaders" hosted a unique mayoral candidate forum at Detroit's Harmonie Club, where candidates Mary Sheffield, Saunteel Jenkins, James Craig, and Fred Durhal III each received 30 minutes to present their visions for Detroit's future. Unlike traditional debates, this format allowed for in-depth discussions on critical issues including neighborhood development, public safety, business growth, and housing policy. The forum emphasized accountability and substantive dialogue rather than soundbites, with candidates addressing how they would transform Detroit's potential into tangible progress for long-term residents.

Who is affected

  • Detroit residents, particularly long-term residents
  • Black Detroiters and Black-owned businesses
  • Detroit neighborhoods outside downtown
  • Small business owners
  • Youth and families concerned about education and safety
  • Homeowners and potential homeowners
  • Seniors and low-income residents needing housing options

What action is being taken

  • The Michigan Chronicle and "A Small Group of Local Leaders" are hosting substantive candidate forums
  • Candidates are presenting detailed plans for neighborhood development beyond downtown
  • Community leaders are creating spaces for accountability in the mayoral race
  • The Harmonie Club (donated by Roger Bashasiim) is providing a venue for political dialogue
  • Influential Black civic leaders are engaging with candidates to assess their visions for Detroit

Why it matters

  • Detroit's leadership impacts the entire state of Michigan
  • The forum addresses the disconnect between downtown development and neighborhood prosperity
  • 39% of Detroiters cite crime as their biggest concern despite improved statistics
  • The election could shift priorities between downtown development and neighborhood investment
  • The format allowed for deeper policy discussions than typical debate formats
  • The candidates' plans directly address homeownership, which affects generational wealth in Detroit
  • The forum created direct accountability between candidates and influential Black community leaders

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle