Black Leadership Advisory Council

The Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) has been charged with identifying barriers in the Black community in education, community safety, health, and business leadership. BLAC will act in an advisory capacity to the governor to develop, review and recommend policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.

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2024 BLAC Recommendations

Over the past year, subject experts have presented to BLAC on various issues. Based on those presentations and other forms of research and analysis, the council released its second report with eight policy recommendations to Gov. Whitmer to remove barriers for Black families and communities and build a stronger, more inclusive Michigan. The report is centered on investments and policy recommendations to advance education, community safety, pay equity, talent retention and health, among other key priorities.

View the 2024 BLAC Recommendations

Our Vision

There are over 1.4 Million Black Michiganders, and the state recognizes gaps and barriers that affect the Black community. BLAC is charged with accomplishing several goals to help eliminate racial inequities in Michigan:

Identifying state laws, or gaps in state law, that create or perpetuate inequities, with the goal of promoting economic growth and wealth equity for the Black community.

Collaborating with the governor's office and the Black community to promote legislation and regulation that ensures equitable treatment of all Michiganders and seeks to remedy structural inequities in this state.

Serving as a resource for community groups on issues, programs, sources of funding, and compliance requirements within state government to benefit and advance the interests of the Black community.

Promoting the cultural arts within the Black community through coordinated efforts, advocacy, and collaboration with state government.

Providing other information or advice or taking other actions as requested by the governor.

Advisory Council Chairs

The BLAC represents individuals from various backgrounds in economics, law, public safety, health and wellness, arts and culture, and media to guide the governor in critical issues affecting the Black community.

Council Co-Chairs

Dr. Donna L. Bell, Southfield
Christopher Burtley, Flint

Committee Chairs

African Diaspora Committee: Ms. Sophia Chue, Garden City
Arts, Culture and Communications Committee: Mr. Gary Anderson, Southfield
Business Leaders Committee: Ms. Kelli A. Ellsworth Etchison, East Lansing
Community Safety Committee: Mr. Teferi Brent, Detroit
Education Committee: Mr. Terry Whitfield, Detroit
Health Committee: Ms. Tammy McCrory, Farmington Hills

Advisory Council Members

Donna L. Bell, Ph.D., Southfield
Byron Brooks, Detroit
Christopher Burtley, Flint
Marshall Collins, Traverse City
Kelli A. Ellsworth Etchison, East Lansing
Kevin T. Jones, Saginaw
Latrice M. McClendon, Detroit
John Myers III, Sterling Heights
Justin Onwenu, Detroit
Kelsey Perdue, Grand Rapids
Kathy Purnell, Ph.D., Kalamazoo
Andrew Robinson, St. Joseph
Seydi Sarr, Detroit
Michelle Sourie Robinson, West Bloomfield
Kim Trent, Designee of the Director of LEO
Brian White, Detroit