For decades, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus (MDPBC), founded by the late Michigan state lawmaker and political pioneer David S. Holmes Jr., has been on a mission to endorse and support African Americans running for political office while educating Black communities across the state on empowering issues, policies, and platforms. In essence, MDPBC has been a beacon of light consistently shining on political, cultural, social, and economic endeavors to strengthen Black families and communities throughout the state.
However, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, just like the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) as a whole, is at a historic crossroad following the seismic shift in the political world in the wake of the 2024 election that returned Donald J. Trump to the White House. In the first few days of the new Trump Administration, the President has signed numerous Executive Orders while revoking others that will significantly impact the forward movement of African Americans and other minorities.
While there will be no shortage of issues facing African American lawmakers and Black communities in Michigan – including how to address the recent reversal of DEI across broad sectors, it’s evident that desperate times call for desperate measures. To be effective in such measures, many Black political stakeholders in the state believe the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus will have to supersize its purpose, mission, agenda, messaging, and how to deliver for the people to meet the moment at hand as the Republican Party – nationally and statewide – continue to flex its political muscles.
The leadership of MDPBC will be severely tested in the coming months as the 2026 elections take shape in the face of a Republican serge determined to win many political races in Michigan, including capturing the offices of the Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State.
On Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, the Michigan Democratic Party will convene its Spring State Democratic Convention in downtown Detroit, where it will elect a Party Chair and two Vice-Chairs. Al “BJ” Williams and Curtis Hertel are the leading candidates running for MDP Chair. At the same Convention, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus will elect its next top leader and Vice-Chairs. Incumbent leader Keith Williams and challenger Brandon Jessup are the candidates vying for MDPBC Chair.
“I believe my work as Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus speaks for itself,” Williams told the Michigan Chronicle. “During my tenure as Chair, I’ve led MDPBC to historic victories, including leading the charge to pass Detroit’s Proposal R, the first reparations ballot initiative in the city’s history, which won with an overwhelming 80% of the vote.”
Among his other accomplishments as Chair, Williams, a former Vice Chair of the Wayne County Commission and current Director of recruiting for the Wayne County Sheriff Department, points to spearheading initiatives such as the development of Hope Zones, a comprehensive strategy to rebuild Black communities through economic development, job creation, and revitalization. Williams believes that launching tax incentives for small businesses and establishing farmers markets and senior support programs are viable pathways to laying the foundation for sustainable progress and empowerment in Black communities.
“I keep my eyes on the prize, which is lifting Black communities and fighting for progress,” said Williams, the founder of Black Men’s Awareness Day, created to honor African American males in Michigan for their vast – but sometimes overlooked – contributions of empowerment. “And for me, leadership isn’t about popularity – it’s about impact. My commitment to MDPBC is to serve, empower, uplift, and keep moving forward, especially in this political atmosphere where we find ourselves.”
Brandon Jessup believes he has a better plan and platform than Williams to lead MDPBC in the quickly changing political climate for African Americans.
“I have been a successful organizer in the state for the last 20-plus years,” Jessup said in an interview with the Chronicle, adding that he believes there is a lack of transparency in MDPBC. “The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus is currently very centered on Detroit. Because of that, it has put too much pressure on this community to carry the state when you have growing Black communities in Macomb County, Oakland County, Kalamazoo County, Genesee County, and Washtenaw County.”
Jessup, who was raised in Detroit but lives in Macomb County, said he believes MDPBC is capable of doing far more to mobilize Black Democrat voters across the state.
“There are over a million Black folks who are eligible to vote in Michigan,” Jessup said. “When you think about it, look at the Black voter turnout over the last few elections. Black folks are consistently checking out. It’s clear that many Black people believe the Democratic process isn’t giving us the return on our efforts.”
Jessup, currently the Deputy Director of Data Analytics and Movement Technology at State Voices — a nonpartisan infrastructure of permanent state-based affiliates called “State Tables,” which advocates, and organizers across the country — said it’s time for new leadership at MDPBC and a more defined direction to address the political shift that has tilted in favor of the Republican Party after the 2024 presidential election. He believes data analytics and technology can be better structured and impactfully reach, educate, and mobilize Black Democrats to vote across the state with better messaging about pertinent issues.
Numerous national political polls show that Black Democrats in many areas of the country are disenchanted with the Democratic Party, which has often been portrayed as taking Black voters for granted.
“We believe in the Democratic process, but we don’t have a political home,” Jessup said. “We see a lot of value in the Democratic Party, but we aren’t saying it’s a place where we can see ourselves getting positive and sustained political transactions. I want to change that in Michigan.”
Williams and Jessup fully understand what’s at stake for MDPBC in an evolving political universe that doesn’t appear conducive to advancing African American issues and agendas.
“MDPBC, as it is now, offers a lot of room for growth, and there are a lot of skills that I have that I want to bring to MDPBC as its next Chair,” Jessup said. “I have the support of Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw County Black Caucus leaders who are saying that it’s time for a transition in leadership at the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus. I feel that there is a good opportunity to make some positive things happen from the top leadership position of MDPBC.”
“I look forward to being re-elected Chair, to continue the legacy of progress the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus has made under my leadership,” Williams said. “Together, with the many members we have across the state, we can continue to build a movement rooted in justice, equity, and opportunity. The mission of MDPBC is still to promote the interests and concerns of African Americans and elect African Americans to office. As Chair of MDPBC, I know I’ve done that – and much more.”
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