While elite universities and accelerator programs continue to overlook grassroots founders, three local entrepreneurs have stepped up to create what mainstream institutions never prioritized: culturally grounded, community-owned business schools designed specifically for Detroiters. Racheal Allen, Ebony Cochran, and Jessie Hayes are not in the business of waiting on permission to educate, train, and empower. They’re building infrastructure—on their terms—for the entrepreneurs this city has long ignored. According to the...

While elite universities and accelerator programs continue to overlook grassroots founders, three local entrepreneurs have stepped up to create what mainstream institutions never prioritized: culturally grounded, community-owned business schools designed specifically for Detroiters. Racheal Allen, Ebony Cochran, and Jessie Hayes are not in the business of waiting on permission to educate, train, and empower. They’re building infrastructure—on their terms—for the entrepreneurs this city has long ignored. According to the...

The room wasn’t just filled — it was charged. On June 27, some of Southeast Michigan’s most visionary and accomplished Black men convened at Detroit's International Banquet and Conference Center, where the Michigan Chronicle’s 2025 Men of Excellence ceremony reminded residents of the city that greatness lives among us —working, building, and serving every single day. From the opening moment, it was clear this wasn’t a typical awards night....

From high school co-op to corner office, Joi Harris’ story isn’t just one of mere corporate ascent—it’s one of Detroit legacy, Black excellence, and community-rooted leadership that has been decades in the making. On September 8, Harris will officially take the reins as president and CEO of DTE Energy, becoming the first woman to lead the Detroit-based energy giant. Her appointment marks a historic milestone not only for the...

Taxing speculators more for sitting on unused land is a priority for Detroit mayoral candidate Fred Durhal, who wants to slash $500 off property tax bills for Detroit homeowners. Durhal told Michigan Chronicle in an interview last week the goal of the proposal is to ensure productive use of land across the city. He wants the city to get aggressive going after owners of blighted property. His plan is...

(photo cred to Lo Braden from the Detroit Creator Shoot in partnership with Micah Shumake) Amber M. Lewis, known online as Social N The City, is on a mission: bring the booming $250 billion creator economy to Detroit and keep it here. Tired of flying to New York and D.C. for influencer opportunities, Lewis decided to flip the script and turn Detroit into a destination, not a detour. Through...