Building a Stronger Michigan: Black Leadership Advisory Council’s 2024 Recommendations for Equity and Inclusion

Flint’s leaders and members of the Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) gathered for an important roundtable discussion, focused on advancing policy recommendations that could transform the lives of Black Michiganders. The conversation was rooted in a deep understanding of the barriers that have long hindered Black communities and was driven by a commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Michigan. The topic at hand wasn’t new, but the stakes were as high as ever—how to dismantle the systemic barriers that continue to hold back Black communities in Michigan. BLAC, convened by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in late 2020, was formed with a clear mission: to identify and dismantle the barriers that Black Michiganders face in education, community safety, health, and business leadership. Over the past year, BLAC members have met with subject matter experts, conducted research, and engaged in community analysis to develop a set of policy recommendations that reflect the most pressing needs of Black communities across the state. “Ensuring we have a diverse group of voices at the table to inform state government is key to creating a more inclusive, equitable state,” said Kim Trent, Deputy Director of Prosperity for Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and lead...