Detroit’s legacy of powerful community-centered journalism continues with Erin Perry’s appointment as Editor-in-Chief at Outlier Media. As a native Detroiter and experienced media leader, Perry stands ready to uphold the organization’s mission: delivering news that speaks to the heart of the community, the people of Detroit. This moment, both a reflection of the city’s deep-rooted media legacy and its future, comes as Sarah Alvarez, founder of Outlier Media, transitions out of the Editor-in-Chief role she has held since the organization’s inception. Perry’s journey to this leadership position began

Mayor Mike Duggan has appointed Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison as the Interim Chief of Police for the Detroit Police Department (DPD), following the announcement of Chief James E. White’s upcoming departure. White, who has served Detroit for three years as Chief, will leave the department to become the new CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. As Interim Chief, Bettison will step into a role where he brings extensive law enforcement experience and deep-rooted community relationships. Todd Bettison’s career with DPD spans over 27 years, beginning as

Photos by Monica Morgan Photography In a city that is nearly 80 percent Black, it shouldn’t be a surprise to hear that some of Detroit’s most hallowed institutions and organizations have Black leaders at the helm. But when reality sets in and the layers get peeled back, it’s easier to see that despite the demographic makeup of the residents, many of these institutions have been slow to call on Black women and men to lead. Certainly, there are Black leaders across all spectrums – business, law enforcement, nonprofit, education,

Garlin Gilchrist stands rooted in Detroit’s story, deeply connected to the lives of its residents. Born and raised in the city, Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor reflects the spirit of its people. As the upcoming election approaches, Gilchrist speaks directly to the communities that have often been left out of the political conversation. Detroiters, especially Black Detroiters, know that their vote has the power to shift the direction of this state and the policies that impact their neighborhoods. For Gilchrist, this election represents more than just political positioning—it’s about accountability.

The Michigan Chronicle is proud to announce the 2024 40 Under 40 honorees, a prestigious list of young professionals who have made significant strides in their careers and continue to contribute to their communities across the state. These honorees were selected from a competitive pool of over 200 nominees, each demonstrating exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective fields. This year's class of honorees includes leaders from various industries, ranging from healthcare and law to education, finance, and the arts. For example, Stormie Anderson, RN and CEO

Kwame Alexander’s new book, Black Star, is about to leave its mark on 1,700 middle school students and their teachers in Detroit. On September 24, Literacy for Kids will bring these young minds to Music Hall for an event that blends the power of storytelling with the energy of community. The renowned author will share excerpts from his latest work, inspiring students to dive into the world of literature and storytelling. The Metro Detroit-based nonprofit Literacy for Kids, founded in 2019, has made it its mission to not only

Portia Powell’s rise to the top started in a place familiar to many Detroiters – as a young woman fresh out of college, facing credit card debt and the need for a job. She didn’t plan on staying in banking long, just enough to get by. But what began as a temporary role soon turned into a career path she never expected. Now, Powell is about to make history as the first Black woman to become CEO of One Detroit Credit Union, a financial institution with deep

In a strategic effort to increase its impact and reinforce its management team, 98Forward, a prominent PR and communications agency in Michigan that is not only the largest Black-owned but also women-led, has made significant changes. The agency has appointed Ernest Wilkins, a content strategist with a strong national reputation, to the position of Senior Director while also recognizing the talent of Cydney Foster by promoting her to the role of Manager. These carefully selected appointments highlight the agency’s commitment to promoting creativity and equipping the next

Black entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of innovation and resilience within our communities, driving not just economic growth but also cultural and social progress. Their success is vital to creating a more equitable society where opportunities are accessible to all, not just a privileged few. Ensuring that Black entrepreneurs have a fair chance at receiving resources and funding isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s a necessity for the vibrant, diverse economy that truly reflects our collective potential. Loren Townes, Jr. stepping into the role of Director of Entrepreneurial