Here’s a step-by-step guide for Detroiters interested in obtaining a business license to sell recreational marijuana in the city.
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 inHealth and Welfare, Youth & Kids in Coronavirus
Black, Hispanic Detroiters hesitant to take coronavirus vaccine
In a study from the University of Michigan, 60 percent of Detroiters surveyed say it’s unlikely they’ll get a government-approved coronavirus vaccination when it becomes available. Experts say it’s because of distrust and ‘cultural incompetence’ in health care systems.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Gov. Whitmer picks five Detroiters for Black Leadership Advisory Council
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed five Detroiters to the new Black Leadership Advisory Council. Three will have leadership positions. Their work is expected to address racial inequality and help eradicate discrimination in Michigan.
Posted in2020 Election, Civic and Community Information
Inside Detroit’s election: Black women’s stories of the count and the mayhem
Hear firsthand accounts from the battlefield as told by five Detroit election workers who sought to protect the city’s vote and clapped back at pro-Trump activists who cried fraud and tried to derail the count.
Posted in2020 Election, Civic and Community Information
A mob tried to stop Detroit’s vote count. She made sure democracy prevailed.
Sommer Woods was hired by Detroit election officials to run logistics at the TCF Center where ballots were being processed. On the third day, her team faced a mob of conservative challengers. She recounts what happened with BridgeDetroit.
Posted in2020 Election, Civic and Community Information
In Detroit, Obama stumps for Joe Biden in the final stretch (SLIDESHOW)
Presidential nominee Joe Biden stopped in Flint and Detroit this past weekend to mobilize Michigan voters. Former President Barack Obama joined Biden with vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate incumbent Gary Peters.
Posted in2020 Election, Civic and Community Information
Voting absentee in Detroit? Don’t mail your ballot.
With less than a week before the election, the Michigan Secretary of State’s office is encouraging absentee voters to take their ballots straight to their city clerk, voting centers or drop boxes instead of the mailbox.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Detroit plan would create marijuana entrepreneurs. Cannabis convictions OK.
City councilman James Tate and Mayor Mike Duggan introduce an amendment to city code that will allow recreational marijuana sales. If approved, longtime Detroiters with previous cannabis convictions will be favored. Half of the licenses will be reserved for residents.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development, Youth & Kids in Coronavirus
What does equity look like? Start with housing, income, Detroiters say.
Detroit Future City released a shared vision for an economically equitable Detroit on Tuesday. The nonprofit think tank is using the shared vision as a call to action to get local organizations and institutions to work with residents to increase access and opportunity.
Posted inEducation, Youth & Kids in Coronavirus
Detroit schools hustle to count thousands of students. Some students sit out.
Detroit Public Schools Community District and Superintendent Nikolai Vitti put out a call to action on Oct. 2 asking Detroiters to leave friendly phone messages and to knock on household doors of the thousands of students who have been disengaged since the first day of school. The campaign helped the district reach more than 3,000 students before the biannual Count Day.