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Michigan Black Summit Expected to Be Economic Force in Southwest Michigan
The annual event will feature Senate candidate forums and discussions on Black education, healthcare, and economic development.
Published on Feb. 3, 2026
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The Michigan Black Summit is slated for this weekend at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor and is expected to attract hundreds of people to Southwest Michigan. The summit will feature a forum with two of the three Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate race, as well as discussions on topics like Black education, healthcare, and economic development.
Why it matters
The Michigan Black Summit is growing into a major economic force for the region, with attendees booking hotel rooms, dining at local restaurants, and promoting Lake Michigan College and Southwest Michigan. The event also provides a platform for political candidates to engage with the Black community ahead of the Senate election.
The details
Summit Chair Trenton Bowens said the summit will feature a forum where Democratic Senate candidates Mallory McMorrow and Abdul El-Sayed can interact with the audience, though the third candidate, Haley Stevens, may have a scheduling conflict. In addition to the Senate candidates, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who will deliver the keynote address, will also be in attendance. The summit will cover topics like Black education, healthcare, and economic development, and will include a town hall and a gala on Saturday night.
- The Michigan Black Summit is slated for this weekend (February 3-4, 2026).
- The Senate candidate forum will take place during the summit.
The players
Trenton Bowens
The chair of the Michigan Black Summit.
Mallory McMorrow
One of the three Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate race in Michigan.
Abdul El-Sayed
One of the three Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate race in Michigan.
Haley Stevens
One of the three Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate race in Michigan.
Garlin Gilchrist
The Lieutenant Governor of Michigan.
Keith Ellison
The Attorney General of Minnesota, who will deliver the keynote address at the summit.
What they’re saying
“It will not be like a debate. 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.”
— Trenton Bowens, Summit Chair (moodyonthemarket.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The Michigan Black Summit is growing into a major economic force for Southwest Michigan, attracting hundreds of attendees and providing a platform for political candidates to engage with the Black community. The event's focus on Black education, healthcare, and economic development highlights the importance of supporting and uplifting the Black community in the region.
