View source for Detroit's Champions: Leaders Who Stood for the People


While much of this site documents the shadow side of Detroit politics - the corruption scandals, ethical lapses, and leadership failures that have plagued the city - this section stands as a deliberate counterpoint. These profiles showcase elected leaders throughout Detroit's history who maintained their integrity, championed marginalized communities, and genuinely served the public interest despite powerful pressures to do otherwise.

Their stories remind us that corruption is not inevitable in public service. These leaders demonstrate that it is possible to govern ethically, to prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens over powerful interests, and to leave a legacy of positive change even in challenging circumstances.

By highlighting these ethical champions, we hope to inspire a new generation of Detroiters to pursue public service with similar courage and conviction. The path these leaders forged shows what's possible when elected officials truly stand for the people they represent - especially those most vulnerable and overlooked.

As you explore these profiles, consider how their examples might inform Detroit's political future. The city deserves leadership that honors these legacies of integrity, compassion, and genuine public service.

[[Raquel Castañeda-López]]

[[Ken Cockrel Sr.]]

[[Kwame Kenyatta]]

[[Maryann Mahaffey]]

[[Hazen S. Pingree]]

[[Mel Ravitz]]