The year 2024 has come and gone. Yet, over the past 12 months, thousands of news stories have impacted Detroit, the region, state, nation, and beyond. Nevertheless, as has been the case since 1936, the Michigan Chronicle, the state’s oldest Black newspaper, has stood at the vanguard to publish stories affecting African Americans and others in the African Diaspora across multiple sectors, including politics, business, entrepreneurship, philanthropic, social, civil, human rights, faith-based, sports, education, and community and civic. Here are 10 “headline stories” from the Michigan Chronicle that helped define a truly remarkable year for the Motor City and beyond.
April 8, 2024
NFL Draft in Detroit attracted more than 700,000 to downtown Detroit
Whether you are a football fan or not, it was impossible to ignore the tremendous impact of the 2024 NFL Draft on Detroit and the entire Metro Detroit area. The Chronicle reported that more than 700,000 people converged on the Motor City to experience the first-ever three-day NFL Draft (April 25 to April 27) to be held in downtown Detroit. And if it’s all about the money, Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission released a third-party report in July of this year stating the NFL Draft generated $213.6 million in economic impact to the City of Detroit. A substantial number of Black businesses and vendors prospered from the “biggest and most famous event” ever to be held in Detroit’s 323-year history – Yes, it was even bigger than Super Bowl XL played at Ford Field on February 5, 2006. According to another Chronicle story published on May 8, 2024, “Several members of the Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance earned contracts with the NFL Draft and the Downtown Detroit Partnership, and other organizers prioritized highlighting Black-owned businesses across the city.”
June 12, 2024
Real Times Media Co-Owner, Legendary Businessman, and Philanthropist Dr. William “Bill” Pickard Passes Away at Age 83
Dr. William F. Pickard – an entrepreneur, philanthropist, education advocate, business titan, author, mentor, and visionary – passed away on Wednesday, June 12, in West Palm Beach, Florida. His funeral was held on Saturday, June 28, at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in northwest Detroit.
While Pickard was born in the small town of LaGrange, Georgia, he migrated to Flint, Michigan, where he earned an associate’s degree from Mott College in 1962.
Pickard was perhaps best known as the Chairman of Detroit-based Global Automotive Alliance (GAA) Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, where it was reported that he generated more than $5 billion in sales for his corporation. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Pickard was deeply invested in finding ways to serve and empower Black communities. Realizing the power of the Black Press, Pickard co-owned Real Times Media, publisher of historic Black American newspapers, including the Michigan Chronicle, Chicago Defender, Pittsburgh Courier, and Atlanta Daily World.
March 12, 2024
Detroit’s Violence Decline: Community-Led Initiatives Pave the Way for Change
In a city that has been called “The Murder Capital of America” for multiple decades, it was excellent news that at the end of 2023, Detroit had its lowest drop in shootings, carjackings, and other violent crimes in 57 years. For Detroit, the news came about a month before the NFL Draft and validated Time Magazine’s 2022 naming of Detroit “One of the World’s Greatest Places.” The story and the decline in violence across the Motor City are not window dressing to attract visitors. The story is also incredible news for Detroiters and their respective communities. Detroit’s trajectory in violent crime is due in great part to the support of local government, public, and community violence intervention programs.
May 13, 2024
Brown v. Board of Education and the Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision 70 years ago
While news stories are born every day in Detroit and beyond, it’s imperative that historic events and movements that helped empower African Americans are remembered. In essence, if individuals don’t know their history, they may be forced to repeat it. In the case of Brown v. Board of Education, the Michigan Chronicle remembered the Supreme Court’s landmark decision 70 years ago, which was the Brown v. Board of Education victory. The High Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The case was a watershed moment in the Civil Rights Movement when Chief Justice Warren wrote, “We conclude that the doctrine of ‘separate but equal” has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.”
June 3, 2024
24 Hours in Highland Park: The City of Highland Park: A History to Cherish…a Future Worth Fighting For
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Michigan Chronicle and WDIV Local 4 Television teamed to spotlight the City of Highland Park, Michigan, for 24 hours. Led by Karen Drew, Local 4 anchor and reporter; Hiram Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media’s Michigan Chronicle; and Jeremy Allen, the Chronicle’s executive editor, the two media platforms spent an unprecedented 24 hours in Highland Park telling stories about the people, place, businesses, organizations while gauging the city’s future. Highland Park has a rich history that will forever be tied to the development of the automobile industry. The city is known as “the birthplace of mass production.” Tens of thousands of people worldwide migrated to Highland Park in the early 1900s to work at the Henry Ford Assembly Plant, which produced the iconic Model T automobile. The city was also where Chrysler Corporation once had its World Headquarters. Chrysler and Ford eventually left the city, causing Highland Park to freefall into a state of financial despair due to the loss of the city’s substantial tax base funds. The collaboration of the Michigan Chronicle and WDIV Local 4 spotlighted what was, but more importantly, how the city can revitalize itself.
November 14, 2024
Mike Duggan Steps Aside: Detroit’s Future Hinges on Leadership Rooted in Equity and Progress
On Wednesday, November 13, Mayor Duggan announced that he would not seek a 4th term as Detroit’s mayor in 2025. Speaking to a group of staffers, family members, citizens, and representatives of community groups, along with civic and business organizations, Duggan called his time as mayor “the honor of his life.” First elected in 2013, Duggan also said, “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together – from emerging out of bankruptcy to become a vibrant, healthy city that is a model of resilience and transformation.” While Duggan didn’t speak on his next move, several days later, he announced that he would run for the Governor of Michigan as an independent candidate. Michigan Governor Gretchen Witmer will be moving on when her term ends on January 1, 2027. Duggan’s decision not to seek a fourth term as mayor set off a series of other Detroiters eyeing the office. Candidates who will be vying to become Detroit’s next mayor include Mary Sheffield (Council President), Fred Duhal III (city councilmember), and Saunteel Jenkins (former councilmember). Others expected to run could include Joe Tate (first Black House Speaker) and Coleman A. Young II (City Councilmember At-Large) and Businessman Joel Haashiim. And there will be others expected to “throw their hat into the mayoral ring,” especially since the deadline to file is April 22, 2025.
November 6, 2024
How Democrats, Black Voters, and America’s Division Shaped the 2024 Presidential Election
What happened to Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ bid to become president of the United States? After all, despite a late start to head the Democratic Ticket, she appeared to have broad support across many demographics. And she raised an unprecedented $1 billion war chest. Michigan Chronicle’s Executive Editor, Jeremy Allen, believes he knows why Harris lost and has written about what helped to determine the action.
“Admittedly, I didn’t suspect the outcome we got, but here we are with Donald Trump as the president-elect,” Allen wrote. “The campaign process and ultimately the election of Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race has once again brought to the forefront a stark divide in our nation, one that we cannot afford to ignore. The results of the 2024 election paint a picture of a country deeply divided along racial, political, and cultural lines, and the thing we praise: the country being a melting pot of different views, different priorities, and different values. While it is a moment of reflection for us as a nation, it is also a call to action – particularly for those of us who stand for the values of justice, equality, and democracy. The numbers speak volumes about where we stand, and the challenges ahead are clear. But even in the face of these challenges, we must remain hopeful, focused, and determined.”
October 4, 2024
New Warren Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins Will Be City’s First Black Top Cop
The City of Warren has come a long way since the early 1970s, when it was called “a sundown town,” meaning a community that didn’t particularly want people of color in its city limits after sunset. Over the ensuing decades, African Americans have moved to Warren and, in many cases, have been elected or appointed to city positions. However, history was made in October of this year when the City of Warren hired Eric Hawkins as police commissioner and first Black top cop.
“Eric Hawkins has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to public safety, innovation, and community collaboration throughout his distinguished career,” said Warren Mayor Lori Stone. “We are excited to welcome him as the leader of our police department as we continue to focus on building a safer and stronger community.”
Hawkins is no stranger to Southeast Michigan. He is a Michigan native and the former Chief of Police in Southfield before taking the job of Albany, New York’s Chief of Police. According to all press releases and available statements, Hawkins will start his new top cop role in Warren in December 2024.
September 16, 2024
Nicole Sherard-Freeman’s Leadership Marks a New Era for Black Philanthropy in Detroit
“Nicole Sherard-Freeman’s appointment as the incoming President of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a significant moment for both Black leadership and philanthropy in the region,” Michigan Chronicle’s senior reporter Ebony JJ Curry wrote.
“The Community Foundation’s footprint is a seven-county region in Southeast Michigan,” Sherard-Freeman shared. “So, it is the opportunity for greater impact around a broader region that sets this particular opportunity apart.”
According to the Chronicle’s story, Sherard-Freeman’s new role means she will direct the Community Foundation’s significant resources toward communities that need them most. Southeast Michigan, particularly Detroit, has been long underserved by philanthropic efforts. Her rise to head the philanthropic foundation is unique for African American women. However, Sherard-Freeman is up to the task.
“I am honored to assume the role that will provide greater support for the community where I’m from,” Sherard-Freeman said in a statement. “…I am encouraged by the board of trustees’ confidence in my ability to lead this organization and advance its good work.”
The native Detroiter will start her new position of leadership in January 2025.
August 12, 2024
Michigan Chronicle Celebrates Southeastern Michigan’s 50 Most Powerful Black People
Earlier this year, The Michigan Chronicle’s Power 50 honored 50 influential Black leaders shaping Southeast Michigan, recognizing their contributions across various sectors, including business, politics, faith, and community advocacy. The list highlights individuals such as financial executive Sonya Mays, Detroit businessman and community leader Dennis Archer Jr., and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, showcasing those who have made significant strides in advancing the region. Criteria for selection include leadership, fiscal responsibility, and impact on public policy, particularly benefiting Detroit and surrounding areas.
The Power 50 reflects the long-standing role of Black communities in Detroit’s resilience and innovation despite challenges like economic downturns and systemic inequalities. The recognition is important for younger generations, offering role models who reflect their identities and demonstrate that success is achievable. It underscores the ongoing influence of Black leaders, from politicians to business owners, in driving economic growth and community empowerment.
In addition to celebrating individual success, the list highlights the importance of collaboration across sectors, with honorees often working together to create networks of influence for collective advancement. This recognition affirms the power of Black leadership in shaping Southeast Michigan’s future and provides inspiration for continued growth and progress. The Power 50 is not just a list but a statement of the Black community’s vital role in the region’s development, emphasizing that their leadership is essential for a prosperous, equitable future.
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