A Landmark ‘Year of Firsts’ for Black Leaders in Detroit

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, arts and culture, and beyond – but in 2024, leaders have emerged to the highest levels of rank across many institutions that haven’t had Black people in these positions until now. Take Kyra Harris Bolden, for starters. No Black woman had ever occupied the seat of Michigan Supreme Court justice until she came along 186 years after it was established. And not only is she the first Black woman to be a Michigan Supreme Court justice, but she’s also the youngest justice. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden “There are challenges that come with being the first anything and I’m just going to be honest about that. But the outpouring...