Detroit’s first Black-owned grocery co-op opens
Detroit celebrated a milestone with the grand opening of the Detroit People’s Food Co-op on Woodward Avenue. It’s a community-driven initiative led by Malik Yakini. This new grocery store has been in the planning for 14 years. So, it stands out as the first Black-owned and operated co-op in Detroit. The grocery store is designed to provide healthy food options and promote local empowerment.
The opening day saw a massive turnout. It’s reminiscent of a large family reunion, with emotions running high among the patrons. The store is a $22 million project. Also, it is owned by over 2,600 primarily Black residents from Michigan. Its funding mix includes $6 million from grants. One is a notable donation from a Detroit athlete. Also, loans facilitated by new market tax credits.
Yakini’s vision for the co-op is rooted in bolstering Black economic empowerment and community solidarity. “By working together, we can galvanize our power and wealth,” he remarked at the event. This ethos is reflected in the co-op’s operation and its broader community impacts.
The store offers member-ownership for a one-time fee of $200. As a result, granting buyers voting rights in co-op matters and potential profit shares. It’s a model that resonates deeply with customers like Terian Morrow and her daughter. Both appreciate the store’s role in enhancing food security and community involvement.
Housed in the same building, Detroit Food Commons provides additional community resources, including commercial kitchens and event spaces, further supporting local entrepreneurship. This venture not only caters to the community’s nutritional needs but also fosters a sustainable economic ecosystem, enhancing local food sovereignty and security.
Detroit’s first Black-owned grocery co-op opens
