The Morang District Business Council serves as a vital catalyst for area businesses and property owners, delivering essential resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy to elevate the local business landscape.
The Morang District Business Council serves as a vital catalyst for area businesses and property owners, delivering essential resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy to elevate the local business landscape.
Boundary Selected:
Cadieux to Kelly/94 to Kelly
*There are no upcoming events or announcements at this time.
Morang District Business Council
Ebony Cochran, President
Ebony Cochran, serial entrepreneur and financial empowerment expert, serves as association president. A Detroit native with degrees from Eastern Michigan University, she sold a tax business to H&R Block, owns a Little Caesars franchise, and eliminated $59 million in client debt via Blackwood Credit Services. Her leadership drives economic resilience in Metro Detroit. Ebony Cochran serves as the president of the association.
Curtis Blackwell, Vice President
Curtis Blackwell, founder and president of Sound Mind Sound Body Foundation, leads efforts to mentor Metro Detroit youth through sports, impacting over 30,000 students with holistic programs that reduce dropouts and secure college opportunities. As association vice president, he advances community upliftment in District 4 and beyond. His vision has expanded services nationwide.
Elected Board Members:
+ Ebony Cochran-President
+ Curtis Blackwell-Vice President
+ Charita Butler-Secretary
+ Ebony Cochran-Treasurer
Detroit Wealth Club
Ebony Cochran’s Detroit Wealth Club, a nonprofit, equips underserved District 4 residents with credit repair, business startup guidance, and generational wealth strategies. Mentoring thousands through transparent consulting, it fosters entrepreneurship and financial independence.
Sound Mind Sound Body Foundation
Sound Mind Sound Body Foundation empowers Detroit youth in underserved communities through athletics-driven programs that emphasize academics, life skills, and character development. Serving over 8,000 students annually through various out-of-school time initiatives, and a new community engagement center, it boosts high school graduation, college readiness, and scholarships using the STUDENT + ATHLETE + SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY + SOUND DECISION MAKING = SUCCESS formula. Curtis Blackwell, founder, serves as vice president of the association.
Yorkshire Block Club – Mose Primus
Led by Mose Primus, the Yorkshire Block Club (Yorkshire Woods Community Organization) drives neighborhood revitalization in northeast Detroit through cleanups, community gardens, and volunteer events. This active group fosters pride and unity in the area bounded by Kelly Road, Morang Drive, I-94, and Whittier.
Butler Funeral Home
Butler Funeral Home at 12140 Morang Dr, Detroit, offers compassionate funeral, cremation, and memorial services tailored to families’ needs. With a focus on personalized care and pre-planning options, they support Metro Detroit communities during difficult times.
DESC – Aftan Malone
Aftan Malone serves as District 4 Business Liaison for DESC through Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), helping Metro Detroit entrepreneurs access permits, grants, and city resources. Her work bridges businesses with essential support for growth and compliance.
Metropolitan Church – Mr. Washington
Under the legacy of Rev. Jerome J. Washington, Metropolitan Baptist Church at 13110 Fourteenth Street, Detroit, emphasizes evangelism, community outreach, and prison ministry. This historic congregation continues uplifting Metro Detroit through faith-based programs.
Core Focus Areas
Championing policy changes and tackling shared challenges collaboratively.
Forming a cohesive network to distribute key city resources effectively.
Linking business owners across diverse sectors for mutual growth.
Mission & Vision
- Our mission is to strengthen the Morang business corridor by uniting local entrepreneurs, improving the economic vitality of the district, and creating a safe, vibrant, and thriving commercial community. We work together to increase visibility, expand resources, attract investment, and support the long-term growth of businesses along Morang.
- Our vision is a vibrant and thriving Morang business corridor where local entrepreneurs flourish, storefronts are active and welcoming, and the community has access to high-quality goods, services, and opportunities.
Reasons to Join:
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1. Increased Visibility, Traffic, and Marketing PowerWhen businesses unite, the entire corridor becomes stronger. Members benefit from shared marketing, district-wide promotions, beautification efforts, and events that attract more customers to Morang. A coordinated presence makes each business more visible and increases foot traffic and sales.
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2. Advocacy, Resources, and Access to FundingThe association gives businesses a collective voice. Members receive support with city permits, safety concerns, corridor improvements, and access to grants, incentives, and partnerships that individual businesses cannot secure alone. Together, the corridor gains priority for city, state, and philanthropic investment.
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3. Collaboration, Community, and Shared GrowthJoining the Morang Corridor connects entrepreneurs with other local business owners for networking, referrals, joint events, and shared solutions. Members build relationships, solve common challenges, and create a unified environment where every business can grow and succeed.