Detroit’s Need for More Black People in Skilled Labor, Construction Industry Being Transformed by Black Women

It’s a booming time for construction in Detroit. The Motor City, which became an automotive powerhouse and put the world on wheels, is now finding itself channeling one construction site to another as cranes and buildings begin to change the face and skyline of Michigan’s largest city. & In just the downtown landscape alone, an emerging entertainment district will take shape with projects led by the City of Detroit, Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District Conservancy, Bedrock, and other important entrepreneurs who are heading up construction on revitalization and new development sites. & There are more than 4,000 construction workers in the downtown core and over 14 ongoing construction projects, according to the Michigan Building Trades Council. & From residential to large commercial projects, both on the move within downtown and dotted neighborhoods, there hasn’t always been the locally skilled and talented labor force for some of the area’s biggest development projects, particularly for Black Detroiters. & An intentional focus is now being turned to this issue, which began to gain traction as talks were underway for the Illitch’s District Detroit project. The project encompassed the development of Little Ceasars Arena, with promises to bring an adjourning...