The Michigan Black Summit is slated for this weekend at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, and it’s expected to attract hundreds of people to Southwest Michigan.
Summit Chair Trenton Bowens told us last month us the summit will also be a factor in the U.S. Senate race here in Michigan as two of the three Democratic candidates have committed to attend and take part in a forum for the race. He said Mallory McMorrow and Abdul El-Sayed will be able to pitch themselves to voters.
“It will not be like a debate,” Bowens said. “It will be a question and answer, and they’ll be able to interact with the audience. And it’s probably going to be the first time Benton Harbor is at center stage and having this event with the Senate candidates.”
The third Democratic candidate, Haley Stevens, has been invited but may have a scheduling conflict.
Bowens says in addition to the Senate candidates, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist will once again be on hand, as will Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who will deliver the keynote address at critical time to his state.
Bowens says the Michigan Black Summit is growing into a major economic force.
“People are booking hotel rooms, they’re going out to local restaurants, and it’s promoting Lake Michigan College. It’s promoting the area of Southwest Michigan is the place to be.”
The summit on Friday and Saturday will feature several discussions with state and local leaders. Topics will include Black Education, Black Healthcare, and Black Economic Development.
Bowens says the event will also include a town hall hosted by the chair of the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee and a gala on Saturday night. He’s expecting 200 to 250 people to attend.
You can learn more about the 2026 Michigan Black Summit right here.
