Thursday, the Michigan Chronicle held its first Pancakes & Politics of the season. Now in its 16th season, the virtual event was hosted live from Studio 1452 in downtown Detroit. Hosted by Dennis Archer Jr, Vickie Thomas of WWJ Newsradio 950, and the Michigan Chronicle’s Andre Ash, Pancakes & Politics brought a special guest to speak to Detroiters and discuss a wide range of topics.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer was on hand at this season’s opening to address a plethora of issues, including the state’s rise in COVID-19 cases, government relationships, and the nefarious plan to harm her and potentially her family.
One year ago, COVID-19 plagued the county, and citizens are still reeling from its effects. With over a million lives lost to the virus worldwide, reports show a rise in cases nationally. Detroit is starting to see an uptick in cases, despite the Governor’s efforts to contain the virus. The Governor has been working closely with city officials and the health department; the fight to contain and stop the virus’s spread is her top priority.
“Trying to strike a balance is important. We have made the expertise of our health experts the North Star of the work that we have done,” says Gov. Whitmer. “We have learned an incredible amount about this virus. We’ve been able to take a more nuanced attack on keeping people safe and engaging sectors of our economy.”
Despite the rise in cases, Michiganders are taking action against the virus. With the introduction of the Pfizer, Moderna, and now the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the number of Michiganders vaccinated is beginning to rise. Reports show over three million residents across the state have been vaccinated with at least one shot, the highest demographic being the 65 and older population. Over 16 percent of Michiganders are fully vaccinated.
As the Governor has lifted some social restrictions, including in-person learning and sports, high schools are beginning to increase in cases amongst young people.
“I think this is a stark reminder that the virus is still very real, and it can come roaring back if we drop our guard,” Gov. Whitmer says. “We have re-engaged some things like high school sports and we’re seeing some outbreaks in high school sports. We’ve re-engaged restaurants to 50 percent capacity. We know every action that we bring back online creates the risk inherent that we are going to see our numbers go up.”
Additionally, the Governor is spending time addressing the mistrust in the African American community regarding vaccinations. Historically, Black people have developed a strong distrust in the government and medicine. As COVID sweeps through the country, it is hitting Black communities at an alarming rate.
“We know that there is a legitimate hesitancy in communities of color around getting the vaccine. We’re working hard to educate and to make sure that vaccines are easy to access once people have had the chance to ask questions and get the answers they need to feel confident,” said Gov. Whitmer.
During the Pancakes & Politics forum, the Governor also discussed her plan for Michigan’s bridges and roads and the plan to safely get children back in school.
Detroiters have long since embraced the Governor and her time in office. In 2020, Detroit rapper Gmac Cash nicknamed the governor “Big Gretch,” and the city has since adopted the nickname as a term of affection towards Gov. Whitmer. Furthering her name, former President Donald Trump referred to her as “that woman from Michigan.” Never wavering, Gov. Whitmer has taken the love and criticism and used them as a driving force to move in Michiganders’ best interest.
“Of all the things we’ve had to navigate this year, there have been some awful heartbreaks, loss of loved ones and friends and lots of tough stuff; businesses that are struggling. But when the Big Gretch song came out, the moniker came out and it was a term of endearment, I thought it was so kind and I’m proud of it,” says Gov. Whitmer.
Pancakes & Politics, throughout the season, will work to bring viewers more guests who will be able to address and expand on issues crucial to not just Detroiters but Michigan at large. The next Pancakes & Politics event is set to run in April.