Detroit and Michigan officials understand the importance of racial equity in distribution of the COVID vaccine, but the state currently lacks the infrastructure to achieve it. Detroit, however, is one of the few places in the state to track vaccinations by race.
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 inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
Detroit expands coronavirus vaccine program but still lags behind suburbs
Frontline workers in food and beverage, security and janitorial services can now book appointments to receive the coronavirus vaccine, but the suburbs have vaccinated more than four times as many residents than Detroit.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
Vaccines arrive as COVID cases fall. Detroit officials: Don’t forget to mask up
The city of Detroit began vaccinating older adults and frontline workers for the coronavirus two weeks ago, but officials are asking Detroiters to continue following safety protocols.
Posted in2020 Election, Political and Public Policy Information
Detroit’s increased access to voting helped cement a Biden-Harris victory
After an extended election that included mobs, lawsuits and lies, Detroit officials managed through a pandemic, secured the city’s vote and played its part in the inauguration of Biden and Harris.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Youth & Kids in Coronavirus
Detroit students have great expectations for Biden-Harris administration
Even though most of them aren’t old enough to vote, high-schoolers in Detroit say they’re celebrating the many firsts Vice President Kamala Harris brings to the role, while maintaining great expectations for the new administration.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
More than a job: Construction industry could be pathway to equity in Detroit
Black women are creating jobs, building skills and passing on generational wealth through Detroit’s construction industry.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
Detroit encourages 75-year-olds to get coronavirus vaccine
The City of Detroit began vaccinating residents 75 and older on Wednesday at the TCF Center. Qualified residents can call 313-230-0505 to book an appointment.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Detroiters applaud new criminal justice laws, say more needs to be done
Detroiters applaud mass bipartisan efforts to reform the state’s criminal justice system, but want more support for education and workforce training.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
In 2020, Detroiters advocated for change, regardless of the consequences
BridgeDetroit reporter Olivia Lewis reflects on the tumultuous events of 2020 and her expectations for her city in the new year.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Youth & Kids in Coronavirus
As football resumes, King High takes a season of lessons to the field
Detroit’s Martin Luther King varsity football team has fumbled and stumbled its way to a winning year, amid a never-ending coronavirus pandemic. As always, their alumni coaching staff have been the constant that got them through.