Over the weekend, the Quicken Loans family of companies, Bedrock Detroit placed an ad on the storefront windows of the Vinton Building in downtown Detroit showcasing a group of individuals with the headline stating “See Detroit Like We Do.” As many of us know by now, that ad featured a rather large crowd of young, affluent whites having a mighty ole good time. However, in a city that is 83% African American, Bedrock felt it wasn’t necessary to showcase any African Americans amidst the hustle and bustle of excitement occurring in downtown, Midtown, Corktown, and other areas of the city.

This does not help the stigmatization that many blacks through out the city are feeling currently as the term “New Detroit” is only catered to a certain group of people. Yes, I know Dan Gilbert apologize a couple days later about how bad they “screwed up” and how it in no way represent the views Bedrock has of the city.

Unfortunately, the damage has been done. This ad was disrespectful and tasteless. For all of the African Americans who remained in this city through our darkest moments and continued to fight for our city at a time not all that long ago when the only time you saw a large group of whites gathering in downtown Detroit were either attending a Tigers or Lions game. As soon as those respective games ended, many would turn right back around and head to the burbs because their eyes the city wasn’t safe.

Yes, we all make mistakes, but certain things can, and should be avoided. Whoever approved this ad to be displayed should be thrown to fire. See, you gotta understand, Detroit is experiencing a time unlike any other in its history. You can’t go a week and not hear of some new swanky development taking place in the city. Do not get me wrong, I’m for any new development that is going to improve the quality of life for my city and its people, but when you see an ad of all whites Seeing Detroit the way they do, its down right offensive.

These are some very sensitive times we are living in right now. For many Blacks in Detroit, they are feeling pushed out slowly by the day. They feel they are not included or welcomed to take part in this transformation, or rejuvenation of our city, and with that ad does not help change the perspective that many people in my community are feeling.

Dan Gilbert, you have some serious work to do in repairing the relationship with the African American community in Detroit with this ill-timed catastrophe. Buying another building and setting aside 20% for affordable housing will not do it.