Imagine an opportunity to bring people together from across a diverse city — people from different cultures and communities with differing perspectives on challenges and solutions. This forum offers open dialogue, learning from subject-matter experts and a chance to network and implement solutions. That’s what Hiram Jackson built for the city of Detroit and surrounding counties — an event he branded “Pancakes & Politics.”
Jackson is the CEO of Real Times Media and publisher of The Michigan Chronicle — a news and events company covering the interests of metropolitan Detroit’s Black communities.
“We started Pancakes & Politics with an observation that in southeastern Michigan — even though we have a diverse community, with Detroit 85% African American, and a large Arab American population, pretty diverse — we felt these audiences were polarized. … There was a significant African American population not always at the table when big public policy issues were being discussed. So, we felt that we had the platform to execute a forum and have big discussions about big issues with big people,” Jackson said.
Partnering with other media businesses, the Michigan Chronicle hosts four live events each year, with audiences as large as 350 attendees. The events are typically held at the Detroit Athletic Club, but last year, while the club was being renovated, they relocated to Rocket Mortgage’s headquarters.
“Detroit has gone through such an amazing renaissance lately, so we’ve had the forum to discuss issues like gentrification and economic opportunities for African American and Latino entrepreneurs,” Jackson said.
This year, The Michigan Chronicle joined forces with WDIV Local 4, the local NBC affiliate, to produce the speaker series and share content across their digital platforms, including ClickOnDetroit.com.
WDIV’s Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis spoke with E&P about the partnership: “What I hope we bring to the table is the chance to amplify this important work.” He lauded Jackson for his vision and leadership.
“One of the things that Michigan is really focused on is retaining and attracting talent to come and live and work in Michigan,” Ellis said.
Ellis offered an impact example of the series and the broader collaboration between the news organizations. The partners spent 24 hours intensively studying Detroit’s Highland Park. Many years ago, the street lights stopped working and were removed.
“This partnership is going to get street lights put back, and that’s because leaders from DTE Energy here in Detroit are attendees at Pancakes & Politics,” Ellis said.
“A lot of people who are normally on opposite sides of the issues — people who see the world differently — are all under one roof,” Jackson said.
Ellis agreed that’s the power of the program. “The more you understand what’s happening affects all pockets and all people in Detroit — we’re better for it. The adage, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats,’ is really appropriate for here,” Ellis said.
Last year, the collaborators organized a trip for community and corporate leaders to visit historic Civil Rights sites and HBCUs throughout the South. It was a transformative experience, especially for those who’d never been to these historically hallowed places. “We came back and talked about it at Pancakes & Politics,” Jackson said.
Every year, the event is a smashing success in terms of attendance and sponsor support. Many of the sponsors have been involved since the beginning.
“We’ve never had a Pancakes & Politics that wasn’t sold out,” Jackson said.
“This will be our 20th year,” he proudly stated.
Gretchen A. Peck is a contributing editor to Editor & Publisher. She's reported for E&P since 2010 and welcomes comments at gretchenapeck@gmail.com.
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