Inclusion

Rich in diversity, the Great Lakes State is a welcoming home to 1.5 million Black residents and a total of 334,300 Asian Americans. Michigan cities demonstrate the state’s range of ethnicities and cultures, with Black people representing nearly 80% of Detroit’s population and Grand Rapids neighborhoods like Millbrook receiving an A+ in diversity ratings. And just to the west of Detroit, the city of Dearborn has the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the U.S., accounting for nearly 42% of the population.

The prioritization of efforts that promote equity are high across the state of Michigan, with the Michigan Department of Equal Opportunity and Diversity playing a crucial role in advancing these efforts. Additionally, the state of Michigan, as well as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) actively support projects that lead to the creation of high wage jobs in innovative industries such as electric vehicles and semiconductor chips and new opportunities for small manufacturers and entrepreneurs. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also announced a $21.55 million Blight Elimination Grant Program in 2022 to contribute to neighborhood revitalization projects, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for communities throughout the state.

Michigan is welcoming to all and is actively committed to promoting inclusivity and advancing DEI efforts. Organizations like the Michigan Diversity Council and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights play crucial roles in driving these initiatives forward. Recent strides have been made in the state, with the Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signing of legislation that prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender and gender expression — further solidifying Michigan’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all its residents.