Several individuals recently embarked on a year-long program for emerging and experienced leaders committed to racial equity.
The Detroit Equity Action Lab (DEAL) recently announced its 2025 cohort of Racial Equity Fellows (DEAL 9), who are joining its multiracial and multigenerational network of leaders. The 20 diverse fellows come from many areas of expertise, including advocacy/public policy, education, arts, public health and human services.
Founded in 2014, DEAL is an initiative of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University Law School designed to equip leaders with tools to disrupt racism and create equitable alternatives.
DEAL focuses on racial equity from a personal to structural lens, emphasizing that co-liberation toward racial equity is as much about personal journeys as it is about addressing oppressive systems. During January’s cohort orientation, the fellows shared stories with themes of safety, home and connection through cultural objects, quotes, photos, artwork and books.
“The start of a new cohort brings excitement and anticipation for the year ahead,” said DEAL Director Asandi Conner. “It is a privilege to facilitate and witness the fellows' unique leadership journey and personal growth. DEAL 9, like past fellowship cohorts, will expand their hearts and minds and form meaningful relationships.”
The cohort orientation sets the groundwork for a year-long experience where fellows will build a shared understanding of racial equity, develop skills and tools needed to disrupt racism and create equitable alternatives, and co-create a space to deepen relationships within a multiracial and multigenerational network of racial equity leaders.
DEAL’s ultimate impact is to shift fellows’ baseline understanding of racial equity and support their journey toward co-liberation. Fellows will discover more about themselves, Detroit and the deep history of structural racism. To learn more about DEAL and to meet the 2025 Racial Equity Fellows, visit detroitequity.org.
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About the Detroit Equity Action Lab (DEAL)
Founded in 2014, DEAL is an initiative of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University Law School. Powered by more than $5 million in grants from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Ford Foundation, DEAL is developing a national blueprint in Detroit designed to empower local communities to fight structural racism from the ground up.