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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.
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.
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:
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. Karen Carter, Midland
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
Christopher Burtley, Flint
Jerry L. Clayton, Sr., Ypsilanti
Marshall Collins, Traverse City
Kelli A. Ellsworth Etchison, East Lansing
Kevin T. Jones, Saginaw
Bryan Lewis, Southfield
Latrice M. McClendon, Detroit
John Myers III, Sterling Heights
Kelsey Perdue, Grand Rapids
Kathy Purnell, Ph.D., Kalamazoo
Andrew Robinson, St. Joseph
Michele Samuels, Farmington Hills
Seydi Sarr, Detroit
Michelle Sourie Robinson, West Bloomfield
Kim Trent, Designee of the Director of LEO
Deirdre Waterman, M.D., Pontiac
Updates
Opinion: Move Michigan from laggard to leader in protecting kids from harms of tobacco
Etchison: Cap interest rates on payday loans to protect Black community
BLAC statement on legislation that would cap interest on payday loans
Governor Whitmer Advisory Council Members Appointments
Press Release 4/26/2022: Governor Whitmer Appoints Advisory Council Members