Black lawmakers and policy advocates in Michigan have voiced frustration with the Democratic leadership in the state Legislature and the governor’s office. Their concerns were aired during a press conference at Detroit’s Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.
Advocates underscored that the Black community was instrumental in securing a Democratic legislative majority in 2022 but felt little progress has been made on their priorities. They warned of a potential erosion of support for Democrats if these issues remain unresolved, particularly in light of Republican Donald Trump’s notable gains among Black voters in Detroit during the last presidential election.
“We’ve seen people walking away from the party already. Certainly, those of us who have been in there, have been loyal to a fault almost will not continue to carry their water,” said Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a former state representative and current Detroit school board member. “We will speak out for those who have not stood with us. We will not forget that they did not address the systemic barriers and issues that impact our community. We will not forget.”
The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus highlighted key policy areas, including utility affordability, justice reform, and economic advancement, while also advocating for the repeal of the state’s emergency manager law and changes to the auto no-fault law.
