Earlier this month, hundreds of young people from all over the city attended the Detroit Branch NAACP’s 2023 Career Day and Youth Summit, which allowed students to explore potential post-high school pathways. The free learning and networking event, sponsored by the DTE Foundation and Freedom Institute, featured industry experts and an on-site college and career resource fair.

Hosted at Fellowship Chapel, where Detroit Branch NAACP President Dr. Wendell Anthony is pastor, students from various Detroit Public Schools Community District high schools rotated through daylong sessions about careers from STEM and the arts, to branches of the military and entrepreneurship. Little Caesars pizza was donated for attendees to enjoy during refreshment breaks.

“Events like this are important because they teach young people about the multitude of routes they have after graduating from high school,” said Kamilia Landrum, Executive Director of the Detroit Branch NAACP. “We want students to know that there isn’t just one option. There are Black colleges across the country, as well as local colleges where students can stay in Detroit and work to make our city a better place. Here, we’re allowing them the chance to network and find those opportunities.”

For over a century, the Detroit Branch NAACP has been one of the most active and influential branches in the country. The organization is involved in numerous initiatives, including voter registration drives, educational programs, community outreach, as well as their Youth Initiative, which seeks to engage young people and empower them to become leaders in their communities.

The Ilitch Companies have, for decades, supported the Detroit Branch NAACP in community efforts, in creating opportunities for Detroit residents and in fundraising for the NAACP Youth Council. One of the Detroit Branch NAACP’s most important fundraising events is the annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner, and this year, Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch is serving as the event’s Senior Corporate Chair.

To see more about the Youth Summit, watch here.

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The tradition of “Pink Out the Park” continued as the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the Detroit Tigers and McLaren Health Care – the official health care system of the Tigers – hosted a special event during a game, earlier this month. This annual event has been instrumental in promoting breast health awareness for the past 11 years. The game kicked off with a heartfelt pre-game ceremony on the field, dedicated to honoring breast cancer survivors.

Comerica Landing embraced the Pink Out the Park theme for the “Party in the Park,” offering attendees an atmosphere complete with a specialty cocktail, $5 food and drink specials, and a DJ.

Throughout the game and on the concourse, fans had the opportunity to participate in various initiatives, including a ceremonial first pitch and an on-field recognition ceremony that paid tribute to the dedicated members of the Karmanos Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) across the cancer center’s network throughout the state.

“Pink Out the Park is a powerful way to unite our community and honor the strength of those battling breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference and support the fight against this disease,” said Kevin Brown, Director of Community Impact for Ilitch Sports and Entertainment. “We are honored to join forces with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and McLaren Health Care in raising awareness and funds in an annual demonstration of solidarity and support for breast cancer patients and survivors.”

During the fourth inning, Tigers fans were encouraged to hold up “Pink Out the Park” cheer cards featuring the names of loved ones who had bravely faced breast cancer. This touching tribute offered a moment of reflection and remembrance. Both teams joined in this meaningful annual recognition. As the game concluded, attendees were treated to a spectacular display of Friday Night Fireworks, a first-time feature at Pink Out the Park events, captivating the crowd from the outfield.

Dr. Eric Brown, co-leader of the Breast Cancer MDT at Karmanos, expressed his admiration for the spirit and perseverance displayed by those undergoing breast cancer treatment, saying, “I draw inspiration from the unwavering strength and determination of the women and men fighting breast cancer. Cancer does not discriminate based on age, religion, skin color, or income level, but neither does resilience and toughness. Pink Out the Park provides a wonderful platform to honor and celebrate these patients, their incredible strength, and their victories. It is a true privilege to be entrusted by patients to be part of their journey. They are my heroes.”

To commemorate the event, the first 15,000 fans received a special Pink Out the Park pullover. Additionally, exclusive Pink Out the Park ticket packages were made available, with each package including tickets for the game, a stylish pink Tigers bucket hat, and a $5 donation to the Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Opportunities for further contributions to breast cancer awareness were readily accessible throughout the event. Fans could make donations by scanning QR codes available at the Karmanos tables strategically placed around the Comerica Park concourse. Moreover, a portion of the 50/50 raffle sales was designated for donations to the Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer, excluding skin cancer, remains the most prevalent cancer among American women, as noted by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Patient referrals are not needed to receive a screening mammography at Karmanos or McLaren locations. To request a mammogram appointment or learn more, visit karmanos.org/cancerscreening or call 1-800-KARMANOS.

Watch highlights from the event, here.

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• Tigers home and road jerseys will feature Meijer branding on sleeves beginning May 25

• Meijer and Tigers will contribute $100 for every opponent strikeout to the Meijer Simply Give program each season as part of “Striking Out Hunger” initiative

• Tigers, Meijer and Detroit Red Wings will continue teaming up for Hometown Holiday Assist program, supporting Detroit families and local non-profits in need during holiday

The Detroit Tigers and Meijer are broadening their longstanding partnership, and their commitment to serving communities across Michigan.

The Tigers and Meijer announced on Thursday, May 25 that the Michigan-based grocer will serve as the club’s first Jersey Patch Partner. As part of a multi-year extended partnership, Meijer will have its brand marks featured on the sleeves of Detroit’s home and away jerseys.

Tigers players and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment leadership joined Meijer executives and store team members at the Meijer supercenter at 1301 W. Eight Mile Road – the retailer’s first store location in the city of Detroit – to make the announcement.“

The Detroit Tigers and Meijer are synonymous with the state of Michigan, and we’re thrilled to extend our partnership with an organization that has a common vision about community engagement,” said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “These are two of the most iconic brands in the state, creating millions of memories for fans and families each year. We appreciate Meijer’s support and partnership, and look forward to working together serving our great fans and customers for years to come.”

As part of the new “Striking Out Hunger” initiative, Meijer and the Tigers will contribute $100 every time a Tigers pitcher strikes out an opposing batter, or $100,000 per season during the partnership, to the Meijer Simply Give hunger relief program. Simply Give has helped feed families across the Midwest by helping local food pantries keep their shelves stocked since November 2008. The program has generated more than $80 million in donations to food pantries thanks to the continued generosity and support of Meijer customers, team members and food pantry partners, who are committed to helping those experiencing food insecurity.

“When you think about Michigan, Meijer and the Detroit Tigers are quintessential brands. Both organizations are rich with history and a genuine commitment to community, which spans generations,” said Rick Keyes, Meijer President & CEO. “The creation of the Striking Out Hunger initiative enhances this relationship, while supporting families in need throughout our state. This partnership really sums that up perfectly. We’re so pleased to strengthen our longstanding partnership with the Tigers and the Detroit community.

”The Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Meijer will also continue teaming up for the Hometown Holiday Assist program, supporting Detroit families and local non-profit organizations in need during the holiday season. The Tigers, Red Wings and Meijer have hosted the Hometown Holiday Assist event for the past nine years, including a festive experience at Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park for more than 100 children from Detroit’s Downtown Boxing Gym in 2022.

Elevate Sports Ventures advised Ilitch Sports + Entertainment throughout the process, contributing to the expanded partnership between the Tigers and Meijer.

As part of their ongoing Game Changers series, the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings recognized four Game Changers honorees – presented by Comerica Bank – for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Comerica Park prior to the Tigers hosting the Chicago White Sox on May 25.

The latest four individuals celebrated for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, have made significant contributions in their respective fields, creating an impact on young community members, businesspeople, and others throughout their careers. Each Game Changer received a $1,000 donation to their charity of choice, thanks to generous support from Comerica Bank.

Director of Community Impact for Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, Kevin Brown, remarked, “These Game Changers have truly made a difference in our community. Their dedication and achievements serve as an inspiration to us all.”

Among the honorees was Lisa Gray, the Founder and Executive Producer of Dragon Eagle TV (DETV), an Asian Pacific Islander American News Network in Detroit. Gray has demonstrated her dedication and results-oriented approach as a cross-cultural ambassador between China and the US. She focuses on building bridges between the AAPI community and the Detroit community at large, fostering social, cultural, business, educational, and political connections.

The next Game Changer recognized was Roland Hwang, former Assistant Attorney General for the state of Michigan. Hwang, born and raised in Detroit, initiated his activism journey as a volunteer attorney in the Vincent Chin murder case. In addition his career in law, Hwang is also a lecturer at the University of Michigan on Asian Pacific American history. Hwang’s significant contributions extend to co-founding the American Citizens for Justice, where he served as the organization’s first treasurer and now acts as the Board’s President. Additionally, he has held prominent positions such as the Civil Rights Hearing Referee for the state of Michigan and as a member of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission.

Dr. Su McKeithen-Polish, a Bilingual Education Program Director/Title III Consultant, was also honored as a Game Changer. In her role as President of the Thai-American Association of Michigan, she provides support and leadership to the Thai and other Southeast Asian communities. Dr. McKeithen-Polish’s involvement extends to her position as an Adjunct Professor at Wayne State University and her board positions with the Council of Asian Pacific Americans and the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce.

Soh Suzuki, the Co-Founder and former Coordinator of the Detroit Asian Youth Project (DAY), was also recognized. The DAY Project was aimed at empowering Asian American youth in Detroit by cultivating their leadership skills and promoting social justice through community projects that fostered greater appreciation for Detroit’s Asian American community. Today, Suzuki is the Operations Manager for Allied Media Projects, currently serves on the Board of Education for the James & Grace Lee Boggs School and supports local political candidates with campaign finance compliance and reporting.

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• Hip-Hop Star Kash Doll to Walk Shields to the Ring & Motown Legends the Four Tops to Sing National Anthem Marking Big-Time Boxing’s Return to The Motor City
• Undisputed World Champion Shields Defends Against Top-Ranked Contender Maricela Cornejo Saturday, June 3 from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit & Streamed Live on DAZN

Boxing superstar and Michigan’s own Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields brings big-time boxing back to Detroit on Saturday, June 3 and will do so alongside two seminal music acts from The Motor City as Detroit hip-hop superstar Kash Doll and Motown legends the Four Tops are set to play key roles in festivities at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

The Four Tops will perform the National Anthem prior to the night’s main event, while Kash Doll will rap Shields to the ring as she makes the walk to defend her undisputed middleweight crown against top-rated contender Maricela Cornejo in action streamed live on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada.

“I have been looking forward to fighting at Little Caesars Arena for so long, and to have Kash Doll and the Four Tops as part of the event will make it even more special,” said Shields. “The Masters of Motown and the Queen of Detroit joining the Queen of Flint…I can’t wait for June 3rd!”

Citing poignant words from her hit song, Kash Doll said, “Run me my money. All bets are on Shields!”

The Four Tops, expressing their excitement for June 3, stated: “We The Four Tops are so proud to be singing the national anthem and representing the city of Detroit at Claressa Shields vs. Maricela Cornejo at Little Caesars Arena.  We wish both the fighters the best of luck in this great matchup between two of the finest women boxers in the business.”

“Detroit has been a center of sports and culture for decades. June 3 is the return of championship boxing to Detroit and we want to highlight the city in all its glory,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions, the event’s promoter. “June 3 live on DAZN at Little Caesars Arena is the place to be, with championship action inside the ring and a legendary atmosphere to give fans in Detroit and beyond a 2023 flavor of Motown.  Detroit is America’s greatest comeback city.”

The Detroit-native Kash Doll has become a gold-certified award-winning rapper, sought-after actress, and proven entrepreneur. Throughout her career, she’s been personally invited to open for Drake, and joined DJ Khaled’s set during Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s OTRII Tour, in addition to joining Meek Mill on the Motivation Tour. Her debut album “Stacked” reached top of the Billboard Top Rap Albums Chart and reeled in over 100 million streams, in addition to appearing on soundtracks for blockbuster film franchises such as “Charlie’s Angels”. On top of that, she stole scenes on the STARZ smash “BMF” and the cultural phenomenon “Empire”. Simultaneously, she consistently distinguishes herself as a dynamic businesswoman, presiding over her own Kash Doll Enterprises and charities such as her B.A.D. (Black American Doll) Girls.

The Four Tops made their first single in 1956 before Motown’s Berry Gordy signed them without audition to be the marquee action for the company’s Workshop Jazz label. Indelible hit after hit soon followed, with iconic songs including “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There”. The group later combined with The Supremes to make a series of  albums as The Magnificent Seven, and added another number one hit in 1980, making them one of the few groups to have hits in three consecutive decades. In 1990, with 24 Top 40 pop hits to their credit, the Four Tops were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Duke Fakir, an original founding member, continues to lead the group, joined by Lawrence Payton Jr., son of original member Lawrence Payton, Ronnie McNeir and Alex Morris.

• Results of Hanna Gabriels VADA Test Causes Change in Opponent

Boxing superstar and two-division undisputed world champion Claressa Shields has raised the stakes substantially and will now face no. 1 ranked middleweight contender Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo in the main event of action on Saturday, June 3 from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit and streamed live on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada. Hanna Gabriels was originally slated to rematch Shields. However, based on the results of a May 2, 2023 VADA test done as part of the WBC Clean Boxer Program, promoter Salita Promotions made the change.

Boxing’s G.W.O.A.T. and Michigan’s own Shields will live up to her promise to bring big-time boxing back to Detroit by stepping up to face the WBC, WBO and IBF no. 1 ranked contender Cornejo in the first-ever boxing event at Little Caesars Arena. The two highly-competitive combatants had strong statements about their June 3 showdown.

“I told my team to get me the best,’ said Undisputed Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields. “Cornejo is a tall, tough Mexican full of pride who’s in great shape and wants to beat me. She’s ranked number one. That’s exactly what I want for my Detroit homecoming and for my fans around the world. I’m looking forward to a great performance on June 3.”

“When Shields faced a Mexican in the cage, she lost. Now she will lose to a Mexican in the boxing ring,” said Cornejo. “I just finished an amazing fight camp and am in the best, strongest physical and mental shape of my life. My team in Vegas has sharpened me like a knife for this moment. On June 3, I will become Undisputed Champion!”

A two-time Olympic gold medalist throughout her storied amateur career, the 28-year-old Shields (13-0, 2 KOs) avenged her only amateur defeat last October when she traveled to the U.K. to win the WBO Middleweight Title from Savannah Marshall via unanimous decision. The Flint-native’s last fight in her home state of Michigan came in March 2021 as she bested Marie Eve Dicaire to become undisputed super welterweight world champion, her second undisputed distinction after originally unifying all the middleweight titles with a 2019 victory over then unbeaten Christina Hammer.

A native of Washington who now trains in Las Vegas under the tutelage of renowned trainer Ismael Salas, Cornejo (16-5, 6 KOs) enters this fight having won three-straight contests. She most recently fought in March as she stopped Sheila Cunha in the first round. The 36-year-old has previously challenged for world titles at middleweight and super middleweight, including a pair of close decision losses to undisputed super middleweight champion Franchon Crews Dezurn in 2018 and 2019. Cornejo’s first world title opportunity came in just her sixth professional outing, as she dropped a razor thin split-decision to Kali Reis in April 2016.

“Claressa’s goal has always been to fight the best, and we left no stone unturned in making sure we deliver the highest available contender in the undisputed multi organization no. 1 world-rated middleweight Marcelo Cornejo,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Fans watching the fight live on DAZN and those present for the comeback of big-time boxing in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena will witness the highest level of professional boxing between two hungry fighters fighting for the Undisputed Middleweight World Crown.”

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased through www.313Presents.com, www.Ticketmaster.com and the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena. The event is promoted by Salita Promotions and 313 Presents.

• Former Second-Round Pick Ranked Seventh Among NHL Rookies With 15 Goals

Detroit Red Wings right wing Jonatan Berggren has been named the 2022-23 Red Wings Rookie of the Year by the Detroit Sports Media Association.

Berggren, 22, skated in 67 games with the Red Wings during the 2022-23 season and ranked among the NHL’s rookie leaders with 15 goals (7th), 28 points (14th), five power play goals (T3rd), nine power play points (T7th) and a 15.3 shooting percentage (3rd). The 5-foot-11, 197-pound forward recorded the highest shooting percentage of any Red Wings rookie (minimum one shot per team game) since Henrik Zetterberg finished at a 16.3% clip in 2002-03. Berggren picked up an assist in his NHL debut on Nov. 10 against the New York Rangers and scored his first career NHL goal on Nov. 15 at Anaheim. He tallied six points (2-4-6) through his first nine NHL games, becoming the eighth Red Wings rookie in the last 30 years to record at least six points through their first nine contests, joining Lucas Raymond (4-5-9 in 2021-22), Moritz Seider (0-8-8 in 2021-22), Filip Zadina (1-5-6 in 2019-20), Taro Hirose (1-6-7 in 2018-19), Dennis Cholowski (2-4-6 in 2018-19), Dylan Larkin (2-5-7 in 2015-16) and Zetterberg (3-3-6 in 2002-03).

Originally selected by the Red Wings in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Berggren logged seven points (4-3-7) in seven appearances with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins to begin the 2022-23 campaign. The Uppsala, Sweden, native made his North American professional debut with the Griffins in 2021-22 and set franchise records for a rookie in assists (43), points (64), game-winning goals (7) and overtime goals (3) in 70 games. Berggren was named the AHL Rookie of the Month for April after totaling 20 points (6-14-20) in 14 contests. He finished the season with 26 points (7-19-26) in his last 18 games, including a season-high 11-game point streak (6-13-19 in 11 GP) to close out the year.
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Berggren will be honored by the DSMA prior to a Red Wings home game during the 2023-24 season. The DSMA Red Wings Rookie of the Year Award dates back to the 1948-49 NHL season. Previous recipients of the award include Larkin and four Calder Memorial Trophy winners in Seider, Roger Crozier, Glenn Hall and Terry Sawchuk.

313 Presents has announced on sale details for the return of professional soccer at Comerica Park. Tickets for the world-class pre-season match between English Premier League Club, Crystal Palace F.C., and LaLiga’s Sevilla F.C. will go on sale this Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com.

The match scheduled for Sunday, July 30 at 7 p.m. will mark international football’s return to Comerica Park for the first time in six years. Comerica Park hosted its first-ever soccer match between AS Roma of the Italian Serie A League against Paris Saint-Germain of France’s Ligue 1 in the 2017 International Champions Cup tournament.

About Crystal Palace F.C.

Competing in what is widely regarded as the best league in the world, London-based Crystal Palace F.C. is currently placed 12th in the English Premier League and the Eagles will enter their 11th consecutive season in the top-flight of English football next season.

The club is currently managed by former England Men’s National Team manager Roy Hodgson and their squad is packed full of international stars such as US Men’s National Team player Chris Richards, England international Marc Guehi, Ghana’s Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp, and Denmark’s Joachim Andersen. Palace also have some of the most exciting, young attacking talent in the Premier League in Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.

About Sevilla F.C.

Sevilla F.C. is one of Spain’s big 6 LaLiga clubs and the second oldest club (1890). It has a team full of international stars, such as captain Jesús Navas, Croatian Ivan Rakitić and three players from Argentina’s FIFA World Cup winning team, Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuña and Papu Gómez. The club has won every possible domestic title (Copa Andalucía, LaLiga, Copa de España and Supercopa de España) and holds the record number of UEFA Europa League trophies (6). This season they eliminated Manchester United in the quarter finals, Juventus FC in the semifinals and now face Italian Serie A side AS Roma in the final in Budapest on 31st May.

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The Detroit Tigers, in collaboration with social media influencer Zachery Dereniowski (@mdmotivator), orchestrated a surprise for Linita Edge, a Detroit traffic controller and mother of two who recently lost her husband. The Tigers and Dereniowski, inspired by Edge’s unwavering commitment and the joy she brings to the community, joined forces to create a special experience for her.

Edge was gifted tickets to a Tigers game and a postgame fireworks experience from the field. After her story went viral, the Tigers invited Edge back with an even bigger surprise: $50,000 raised through the generosity of fans around the world; and her son – who she didn’t know was coming – came on field for the check presentation. She also received Little Caesars pizza for a year, a spa day at MotorCity Casino Hotel, and a suite night at the Fox Theatre.

Edge, known for her positivity and commitment to keeping Detroit’s traffic flowing smoothly, had captured the attention and admiration of Detroiters for years. Her uplifting spirit and creative dance moves at busy intersections brought smiles to countless faces and transformed the daily commute into a moment of delight.

More on the experience can be found on the Tigers Twitter account, Dereniowski’s Instagram, and on a segment from Good Morning America.

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