BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (WSBT) — Leaders from across Michigan gathered in Benton Harbor Friday morning to kick off the third Michigan Black Summit, where key issues impacting Black communities are being discussed.
The focus on this annual event is on empowering Black communities through economic development, voting rights, and leadership, with attendees working on solutions to create lasting change.
This year’s theme, “The Black Dollar, The Black Vote, and Black Leadership,” brings together leaders, activists, and experts all working towards solutions for Michigan’s Black communities.
“We are at a very critical time in our state’s history where leadership is so critically important,” said Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad.
Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist shared his commitment to creating opportunities for youth.
He stressed the importance of equitable access for all, sharing strategies for empowering Black entrepreneurs and attracting investment to local businesses.
“We created a $10 million fund that creates micro-bones and grants to these businesses that says the bank won’t be your partner, but the state will. We will enable entrepreneurial opportunity here so you can feel like it’s possible for you to take a chance to bet on yourself in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II (D).
The summit also addresses the importance of protecting justice, democracy, and the Black vote.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson discussed the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair and accessible elections for all.
Benson also advocated for diverse leadership representing all communities and calling for efforts to prevent voter suppression and attacks on marginalized groups.
“Where democracy thrives, where justice prevails, where criminal justice is a centerpiece of the work that we do and everything builds on making sure every resident in this state has a government that works for them and schools of quality and an economy that flourishes and that everyone has access to that opportunity to have a fair shot,” said Benson.
The summit continues Saturday at Lake Michigan College, with more discussions on shaping a more equitable future for Michigan’s Black communities.
