"We are all about family and building a stronger community by sharing information and guidance and education through experiences with the next generation that's coming up behind us," says Dion Chapman, owner of A Cut Above the Rest Barbershop, based in River Rouge.

The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan is addressing the demand for affordable housing across the state. It’s real estate development boot camp provides tools and training for developers and community members within their neighborhoods.   

“The academy also instilled in me a solid work ethic by having to learn fundamentals and skills by repetition, practice, and training, as well as focusing on my goals,” says Cordell Clyburn, a proud Silverback Academy alumni. "The overall lesson is 'don't let nobody beat you by outworking you, it’s your life'.”

"I decided to take my own flower class from a very prominent designer that's well known throughout the US, and I fell in love with flowers," says LaWanda Hines, co-owner of Now and Forever Flower Boutique. 

Owning a home is a huge part of the American Dream for those that call Michigan home. It is also one of the keys to building wealth, which many Black families have learned and now strive for.