Detroiters will elect their next mayor later this year, and the stakes are high. The government should reflect the communities in which it plans to represent, and race is expected to play a role in the election.  Throughout most of the city’s history, Detroit had white mayors. 

Coleman A. Young became Detroit's first Black mayor,which changed the trajectory of the city. Current mayor Mike Duggan, the first white mayor of Detroit since Roman Gribbs 1970-74, inherited a city with bankruptcy and significant leadership instability, being the fourth mayor in five years. During his tenure, Detroit has witnessed noteworthy economic growth, a slight population increase after years of decline, and a reduction in crime rates. 

However, Duggan's leadership also raises concerns about reinforcing the misleading notion that white leadership results in economic prosperity, while Black leadership is associated with turmoil.

Today on The Metro, we want to explore how the race of Detroit’s mayor impacts its citizens and how their efforts could continue to shape the city’s  perception as a whole. 

Guests: 

We also asked listeners: Should Detroit’s next mayor be Black? And how vital is the race for Detroit’s next mayor?

Listener Mama Jo said: “We should want somebody, I don't care if they are purple, with gold and green stripes, we should want somebody that's going to finish the job that Mike Duggan started.”

More headlines from The Metro on Feb. 25, 2025: 

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