In a defining moment for Detroit’s future, national civil rights leader Attorney Ben Crump officially endorsed Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield for Mayor at a high-impact reception Tuesday night, emphasizing her lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and advocacy for marginalized communities.
Speaking before a packed audience of community leaders, legal professionals, and social justice advocates, Crump made it clear: Mary Sheffield is the leader Detroit needs to champion the fight for economic opportunity, education, equity and the people’s voice.
“Mary Sheffield has dedicated her life to standing up for those who have been ignored, oppressed, and left behind. That’s why I am proud to endorse her as the next Mayor of Detroit,” said Ben Crump. “She has shown through action—not just words—that she is a fighter for justice, housing, economic opportunity, and civil rights. The same way I advocate in the courtroom, she fights in the policy room. Detroit needs a mayor with a plan who will not just lead but uplift the people—and that leader is Mary Sheffield.”
Sheffield, who has long been recognized as a bold advocate for social and economic justice, called Crump’s endorsement a powerful affirmation of her vision for a more equitable Detroit.
“Having Attorney Ben Crump stand with me is not just an endorsement—it’s a testament to the movement we are building together for real transformational growth in Detroit,” said Mary Sheffield. “Ben has been a relentless voice for justice, standing up for those who have been failed by the system. That is the same fight I have carried throughout my career—ensuring that the people of Detroit, particularly those who have been left out and left behind, have a voice, a champion, and a government that works for them.”
The reception, held at The Bridge Center in Detroit, was a gathering of national significance, drawing legal experts, community activists, and political leaders who recognized the event as a critical moment in the intersection of civil rights and municipal leadership.
Sheffield’s campaign continues to surge, fueled by a grassroots movement dedicated to growth, economic development, justice, equity, and making Detroit a national model for people-first governance.
About Mary Sheffield
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield made history as the youngest council member elected in 2013 representing District 5. For the past 11 years, Sheffield has served as chair of the Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee, and as a member of the Planning, Economic Development, Budget Finance, and Audit Standing Committees for the Council. Additionally, Council President has been instrumental in passing 23 significant legislations during her tenure on the Detroit City Council some of which include: Inclusionary Housing, Property Tax Reform, Home Repair Grant Funding, Neighborhood Improvement Fund, Neighborhood Beautification Program, Homeowner Property Tax Exemption (HOPE) and Right to Counsel.
Sheffield’s public awards and recognitions include being named to Crain’s Detroit Business’s ‘Twenty in their 20s’ honorees in 2014, and Crain’s ‘40 Under 40’ honorees in 2022; Michigan Chronicle’s 2022 Class of ‘Women of Excellence’ and ‘Power 50 Leaders’ in 2024; Detroit Branch NAACP’s Great Expectations Award in 2016; the Black United Fund’s 2024 Black Excellence Award; the 2023 JoAnn Watson Soul Day Soul Sister Award, and the 2021 Maryann Mahaffey/Erma Henderson Elected Official of the Year Award.
Visit marysheffield.com for more information.
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