Black Leadership Advisory Council
The Black Leadership Advisory Council will act in an advisory capacity to the governor and develop, review, and recommend policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan. To accomplish this goal, the Council is charged with: Identifying state laws, or gaps in state law, that create or perpetuate inequities, with the goal of promoting economic growth and wealth equity for the Black community. Collaborating with the governor’s office and the Black community to promote legislation and regulation that ensures equitable treatment of all Michiganders, and seeks to remedy structural inequities in this state. Serving as a resource for community groups on issues, programs, sources of funding, and compliance requirements within state government in order to benefit and advance the interests of the Black community. Promoting the cultural arts within the Black community through coordinated efforts, advocacy, and collaboration with state government. Providing other information or advice or taking other actions as requested by the governor.
Home page and meeting informationStatute
Executive Order No. 2020-163Current members
Seydi Sarr
Detroit
Term ends 12/31/2028
Seat represented
Black leadership in education, and a member who is an immigrant or individual with expertise in immigration policy
Andrew Robinson
SAINT JOSEPH
Term ends 12/31/2028
Seat represented
Black leadership in arts and culture
Terrence West
Detroit
Term ends 12/31/2028
Seat represented
Black leadership education
Kelli Ellsworth Etchison
East Lansing
Term ends 12/31/2026
Seat represented
Black leadership in economics
Michelle Sourie Robinson
West Bloomfield
Term ends 12/31/2026
Seat represented
Black leadership in economics
VACANT
Term ends 12/31/2027
Seat represented
Black leadership in law
Kevin Jones
Saginaw
Term ends 12/31/2027
Seat represented
Black leadership in media and communications, and arts and culture
Latrice McClendon
Detroit
Term ends 12/31/2027
Seat represented
Black leadership in health and wellness
Kathy Purnell
Kalamazoo
Term ends 12/31/2027
Seat represented
Black leadership in law, and a member who is an immigrant or individual with expertise in immigration policy
STEVE BLAND
DETROIT
Term ends 12/31/2028
Seat represented
Black Leadership in arts and culture
Marshall Collins
Traverse City
Term ends 12/31/2026
Seat represented
Black leadership in public policy
Justin Onwenu
Detroit
Term ends 12/31/2027
Seat represented
Black leadership in the environmental sector, and a member between the ages of 18-35
Brian White
Detroit
Term ends 12/31/2027
Seat represented
Black leadership in public policy
Byron Brooks
Ypslianti
Term ends 12/31/2027
Seat represented
Black leadership community safety and preparedness
Kim Trent
Seat represented
Designee of the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity