Dan Gilbert and Mayor Mike Duggan are not the only men making an impact on Detroit’s resurgence. In a city that is just over 80 percent black, there is an abundance of black men doing their part to restore the city’s glory. The Michigan Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 class of 2018 highlights 19 of those Detroiters, which includes a state senator, entrepreneurs, a judge, educational leaders, and more.
“Being a 40 Under 40 honoree is rewarding,” said Wyatt Jones III, principal at Loyola High School and founder of Dream Chasers Mentoring Group. “Often times, we put in work without looking for accolades or thanks. When people see the work you put in, you feel appreciated. Detroit is on the rise and I am simply doing my part to give back to the universe. I know 40 other people personally who could’ve received this award, so there are great days ahead for Detroit.”
Detroit’s revitalization has been focused on the return and creation of new businesses in the city, specifically those owned and operated by minorities. Jabs Gym is one of those businesses, with its new location opening in the historic Eastern Market November of 2015. Willie Fortune and Armond Rashad are co-owners of that location and 40 Under 40 recipients. Getting in-shape has seen a resurgence as well in Detroit and Jabs has become the hot spot gym in the city because of its unique offerings.
“Building a boxing/fitness gym has a significant magnitude in the resurgence of Detroit,” said Fortune. “We take pride in building not just a ring of champions, but a life of champions, with the education of health, fitness, style, and boxing. We lead a fun, interactive way to jump-start a healthy lifestyle for Detroiters. We are doing our part by not only helping Detroiters look good but feel good as well.”
Education in Detroit, or lack thereof, has also been a huge topic of discussion when it comes to Detroit’s resurgence. You cannot have a thriving city if you do not have a thriving educational system. Jahquan Hawkins is the Dean of Students Services at Oakland Community College, where he oversees student frontline services. He is a 1996 graduate of Detroit King and a proud product of Detroit Public Schools. He knows first-hand what is going on in the educational community in the city and sees himself as ambassador, providing educational opportunities and awareness to students from Detroit, through OCC.
“It is a little known fact about OCC but Detroit is our biggest feeder, in terms of institutions or school districts,” Hawkins said. “I like having that ability to impact students with a positive idea of community college because often times, community colleges get a bad reputation, in terms of the rigor and quality of education and instruction they will receive. I look to change that narrative on what the community college experience is all about.”
The black man has always played a vital role in Detroit’s development, politics, educational system, business, and government. And not just the Coleman A. Youngs, Damon Keiths, and Rainy Hamiltons of the city. It is also the leaders we do not hear about in the mainstream, which is the purpose of the 40 Under 40, to celebrate local black individuals who inspire others through visions and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in the community.
“I think it’s critically important that those who are truly the foot soldiers in the city become recognized,” Hawkins added. “Our students and our young people need to understand that, the true heroes in the community are not necessarily the people you see on television and social media. It’s the people who take time out of their schedules and take their talents to edify the community around them, through education, public health, civic engagement, and more.”
Tickets to the event can be purchased online at: https://shoprealtimesmedia.com/shop/michigan-chronicle-shop/michigan-chronicle-40-under-40-2018/
About Post Author
