Black business and government leaders across Metro Detroit were honored Thursday night as part of Michigan Chronicle’s 2026 Young Gifted & Black celebration.
The annual event honors a generation of leaders shaping the future of Southeast Michigan.
Real Times Media President Cathy Nedd and WDIV host Jay Scott Smith served as the hosts Thursday evening at the Harmony Club in Paradise Valley downtown Detroit. The area has returned as a hotspot of Black business.
The event celebrated the honorees achievements and inducted the group into a network of alumni.
Special recognitions included Evette Hollis, the vice president and chief customer officer at DTE received the “corporate excellence” award. She’s the youngest executive to be named a corporate officer at DTE Energy, steering the company’s community facing initiatives, including employee volunteerism, community transformation efforts and philanthropic investments through the DTE Energy Foundation.
David Bowser, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield’s chief of staff, received the “community impact” award.
“For me, it’s never been about a title,” Bowser said. “It’s never been about a position because those things are finite, those things are limited. But when you know your why, when you know what impact that you want to have on a community the possibilities become absolutely endless.”
Bowser’s background in public health has helped shaped his work for the city focusing on building partnerships, improving program efficiency and developing equitable policies.
State Rep. Donavan McKinney, D-Detroit, took home the “trailblazer” award.
“Each and every one of us are called to do something great,” McKinney said. “The question is, are we ready to tap into what God has put for us? Because sometimes our own worst enemy is ourselves. And every day I wake up, you’re going to get some issues. You’re going to go through trails and tribulations. We all do. You’re going to second guess yourself along the way. I have to literally have you understand this: God Almighty is in control.”
McKinney, a product of Detroit’s eastside, recalled growing up poor, when his mother would tell him to count his blessings.
“There’s somebody who isn’t able-bodied, who doesn’t have their health, or a roof over their head, a car to drive, or food on the table, clothes on their back,” McKinney said.
McKinney will be the first Black Congressperson from Detroit since U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar ended the city’s 70-year stretch of Black representation in 2022. He was able to unite progressive and moderate factions within the Democratic Party in his successful primary campaign.
“I hope tonight is not the culmination of what we have achieved. I hope it’s the beginning of what we can build together,” said Jaren Brown, assistant VP, marketing & communications at SMART. Brown was selected as the president of the 2026 class.
Honorees said they were glad to be recognized, but more important was the work. Honorees ranged from executives, staffers and lawmakers representing the next generation of Black professional leaders.
“I think sometimes you can do what you do for accolades, the accolades are good, but when you do it from your heart and you feel like it’s a purpose of yours, having that reward or award is just an extra boost to get you to keep doing what you’re doing,” said Rhonda Evans, the marketing director at nonprofit Life Remodeled.
The nonprofit is behind Durfee Innovation Center and is currently working to bring life to the former Dominican High School on Whittier Avenue. The organization is behind community-driven neighborhood redevelopment projects.
You can see the full list of honorees here
