By Alfred Williams
President, African American Leadership Institute
In a city as dynamic, diverse, and deeply rooted as Detroit, one mayoral forum is not enough.
I say it plainly: we don’t just need one or two or three mayoral forums — we need 50.
This election is historic — not just because of what’s at stake, but because of who’s running. For the first time since former Council President Erma Henderson’s groundbreaking run in 1989, Detroit could finally elect a woman as mayor. Both Current Council President Mary Sheffield and former Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins represent the opportunity to break a barrier that has lasted far too long.
We could also elect our first-ever pastor, with Rev. Solomon Kinloch offering a leadership style rooted in faith. And for the first time since 1957, a declared Republican — and former police chief — James Craig is in serious contention for the mayor’s seat.
Add to that, attorney Todd Perkins’ legal background, Councilman Fred Durhal’s experience in legislative governance, and entrepreneurial vision from Jonathan Barlow and Joel Haashiim, and you’re presented with something Detroit hasn’t seen in decades: clear, contrasting choices. Each candidate brings something different, and each has the potential to lead Detroit in a vastly different direction.
On April 26th, the African American Leadership Institute, Supermajority, and the United Precinct Delegates hosted the first mayoral forum of the 2025 campaign. The candidates didn’t just share policy points — they shared stories. Stories about where they come from, who shaped them, and who they’re fighting for.
Watch the full forum here: on the African American Leadership Institute’s YouTube page.
While these candidates are working to make history, we, the people of Detroit, must do the same. We must raise our level of civic engagement in every corner of our city. If we want a mayor who truly represents our needs, we must first show what those needs are — through organizing, turnout, and relentless conversation.
This election is too important for a 19% turnout. That’s why one forum isn’t enough.
We need 50 — in union halls, churches, community centers, and senior centers.
We need more environmental activists leading conversations on clean air, clean water, and ecological justice — especially around the rising cost of water and the urgent need for infrastructure to prevent flooding.
We need more organizations like Transit Riders United bringing voters who care about safe, efficient public transit together to help candidates understand the urgency and the needs.
We need more youth leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and neighborhood activists to bring their voices and vision forward. From Mohican Regent to Delray, Grandmont to Gratiot, every neighborhood must be heard. Residents must organize forums, speak up, and ensure that we all understand what — and who — we are voting for.
We need more forums to build more interest, drive more awareness, and spark deeper engagement — because democracy isn’t a moment. It’s a movement. And movements don’t happen in silence.
The African American Leadership Institute believes in the power of informed, organized voters to make lasting change. When we come together, listen, and ask hard questions, we shape a future where no one is left behind.
Detroit’s legacy of Black leadership began in 1973 with Mayor Coleman Alexander Young, who opened the doors of power to the people. Now, in 2025, we stand ready to elect a new African American mayor — one who must honor that legacy, stand on those shoulders, and carry us forward.
We don’t just need one mayoral forum — we need 50.
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