As she campaigns to become Detroit’s first woman mayor, Mary Sheffield reflects on her 80-year family legacy of civil rights and social justice—a foundation she is determined to build upon. “I grew up being exposed to the fight for the betterment of our communities and the importance of servant leadership,” Sheffield told EBONY in a recent interview. “From a young age, I knew I was called to serve.” She credits her father’s lineage and her mother, a nurse, for instilling a commitment to lead with compassion and empathy.
Sheffield’s political journey began at 26 when she became the youngest council member in Detroit’s history. Since then, she has stood on business with initiatives that have reshaped neighborhoods and empowered residents. Now, as she gets ready to embark on the journey to break glass ceilings, Sheffield calls for greater civic engagement, urging residents to recognize the power of local government in driving real change.
“Local government affects your day-to-day life more than anything else,” Sheffield explained. “Your housing, schools, public safety—it all starts here. If we don’t stay engaged, we risk losing the chance to shape the future of our communities.”
Image: Dante Rionda/Mary Sheffield for Mayor.
Her platform addresses Detroit’s most pressing challenges: revitalizing neighborhoods, creating affordable housing and reversing decades of population decline. Once home to two million residents, Detroit’s population now hovers around 700,000. “We need to make Detroit a place where people want to live—not just work and play,” she said. “That starts with ensuring every family has access to safe, quality, affordable housing.”
Sheffield’s housing initiatives include a law mandating affordable units in publicly funded housing developments and grants to help long-time residents repair and maintain their homes. “At one point, Detroit led the nation in homeownership,” Sheffield noted. “We can get back there by investing in our neighborhoods and making it easier for families to stay and thrive.”
The data sheds light on the need for urgency regarding Sheffield’s vision for housing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Detroit’s median household income is just $34,762, well below the national median of $70,784. Meanwhile, nearly 30 percent of Detroit residents live below the poverty line. These disparities drive Sheffield’s commitment to equity.
Image: Dante Rionda/Mary Sheffield for Mayor.
“The heartbeat of Detroit is in our neighborhoods,” she said. “Programs like block club beautification grants and investments in small businesses are how we ensure that every Detroiter—not just a select few—benefits from the city’s growth.”
Navigating political challenges is another priority for Sheffield, especially as majority-Black cities like Detroit face shifting dynamics at the state and national levels. “We’ve done it before, and we’ll do it again,” she said when it comes to bipartisan support. “It’s about relationships and finding common ground. Detroit has seen unprecedented support through initiatives like the $800 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, and I’ll fight to ensure we continue to get the resources we need.”
Sheffield’s leadership has already left a mark, creating a “Right to Counsel” ordinance that provides free legal representation for families facing eviction. She also launched a legacy business program for companies with over 30 years in Detroit, proving her commitment to the residents who stayed motivated and participated in rebuilding the city.
“Intentionality is key,” she said. “We can’t attract new residents and businesses while neglecting the people who’ve stayed through it all. It’s about balancing growth with preservation and ensuring every Detroiter feels supported.”
For Sheffield, this election is about redefining what leadership looks like and inspiring greater involvement in local government. “You can’t just vote as a citizen and walk away,” she said. “Engage with your block club, attend city council meetings, organize with your neighbors. Communities that speak up and act together get results. That’s how we build a city that works for everyone.”
“I want to be remembered as someone who cared for every Detroiter, regardless of age, income, or zip code,” she said. “Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about purpose. And I hope this journey inspires others to step up and lead where they are.”
