Expanded access to voting is a promising development for Detroit residents. However, the threat of coronavirus still lingers, as does disbelief that elected officials will enact policy on behalf of Michigan’s Black and brown communities.
Olivia Lewis
Olivia Lewis is a former Gannett news reporter. She covered social justice and opportunity for the Battle Creek Enquirer before transitioning to the Indianapolis Star to cover Hamilton County. Her byline has appeared in the Houston Chronicle and the Daily Press in Newport News, Virginia, among other publications.
Lewis joins the BridgeDetroit team following a stint in the charitable sector. She has worked with Direct Relief International, the Kresge Foundation, and most recently the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF). While at CMF, Lewis created the first Policy Brief publication in partnership with the Office of Foundation Liaison.
Lewis is a graduate of Hampton University and received her master of public policy degree from the University of Michigan.
Though a North Carolina native, Lewis has strong family ties to the Great Lakes State and is proud to call Detroit her home.
Posted inExplainers, Health and Welfare
Help for Detroit tenants behind in rent or facing eviction
Nearly 43 percent of Detroiters are unemployed and a quarter of city residents have missed a mortgage or rent payment as a result of the pandemic, according to a recent BridgeDetroit report. Here is a list of free resources to help Detroit tenants whose job security and financial stability have been threatened during the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Detroit neighborhoods acknowledge Black death during city’s protests and coronavirus pandemic
Grandmont-Rosedale and Lafayette Park neighbors came together on Friday to host candlelight vigils as national protests continue. Neighbors say they wanted to acknowledge Breonna Taylor’s birthday and stand in solidarity for those protesting police brutality and George Floyd’s death.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
How to be an ally in Detroit protests against injustice, police brutality
Organizers of Detroit protests and longtime activists give newcomers and well-meaning allies advice. Listen, participate in protests, and advocate for policy change, say local leaders.
Posted inHealth and Welfare
Fight for access to clean water in Detroit continues in coronavirus pandemic
An executive order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requires water services be returned to occupied homes in Detroit without payment for reconnection. Now the issue is upgrading pipes for access to clean water and getting the word out, says Monica Lewis-Patrick of We the People of Detroit.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
Black women at forefront of Detroit union workers demanding protection, inclusive plan for reopening economy
Of the four essential workers who spoke during the meeting, all were Black women. Two said they were caregivers to other family members with underlying health issues. While one essential employee said her work hours decreased due to the spread of COVID-19, all four women said they have continued working throughout the pandemic with insufficient pay and lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Detroit’s registered voters have less than one week left to apply for redistricting commission
Local organizations, volunteers say education is key to getting applicants of color and Detroit youth to apply to sit on the redistricting commission.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
Detroit evictions expected to increase; rental housing market uncertain amid coronavirus outbreak
If you thought Detroit’s housing market was challenging at best, the spread of COVID-19 has made it that much more complex.