Louis Aguilar

Detroit’s newest mural, “Power to the People,” is born out of the Black Lives Matter movement. It has roots in 1960s- and ’70s-era activism that sparked big change. And the Detroit artist behind it has links to the famed muralist Diego Rivera.

Black Americans are noticing a new trend: Their white peers are starting to reach out as allies against racism. Checking in on a friend will probably be appreciated, but asking Black people for resources to learn about systemic racism demands an emotional toll from someone who is still likely processing trauma.

Detroiters are experiencing the highest unemployment rates of the century. Millenials and Gen Z, hit hardest by massive unemployment, have looped economic relief into their demands against police brutality as protests in support of George Floyd continue.

The killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white policeman in Minneapolis is the catalyst for nationwide protests in at least 150 cities, suburbs and small towns. Police brutality is only part of what draws Detroit protesters. There are signs and speeches calling out institutional racism and widening income inequality. Gen Z and Millennial organizers are advocating for something new.

Mayor Mike Duggan, DPD Chief James Craig, Rev. Wendell Anthony and civil rights leaders believe Detroit is not seeing the kind of violence disrupting other cities because of strong community leadership.