For the first time ever, one of Detroit’s most iconic public forums is taking center stage at one of the city’s most iconic events. The Michigan Chronicle and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) announced today that the 21st season of the Chronicle’s award-winning Pancakes & Politics speakers’ series will launch with a special live forum at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show on Thursday, January 15, 2026, inside Huntington Place in downtown Detroit.

For more than two decades, Pancakes & Politics has been the region’s premier platform for candid, solutions-driven conversations with top leaders across government, business, and civic life. Now, with the Detroit Auto Show partnership, the forum extends its influence on the global stage of the auto show, at the very heart of Detroit’s signature industry.

“The Detroit Auto Show is about more than cars – it’s about community, innovation, and charting the future,” said Sam Klemet, Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Show. “Partnering with the Michigan Chronicle on Pancakes & Politics allows us to bring important conversations to the forefront during one of the city’s most high-profile events.”

Hiram E. Jackson, Publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, emphasized the legacy and impact of the Pancakes series: “For 20 years, Pancakes & Politics has built a reputation as the space where leaders come to exchange bold, unfiltered ideas that ultimately shape policy and move communities forward. To have the Detroit Auto Show recognize the value of this platform and invite us onto such a prominent stage is an honor. This partnership underscores the weight of these conversations, not just for Detroit, but for the entire nation.”

The historic event will integrate the urgent challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving auto industry with deep civic and policy dialogues that define Pancakes & Politics. Together, the Michigan Chronicle and the Detroit Auto Show are setting the tone on conversations that will guide industry, government, and community leaders for years to come.

Full event details, including the program agenda and speakers, will be announced in the coming weeks.

About the Detroit Auto Show

The Detroit Auto Show is one of the most influential annual automotive events in the world, showcasing the latest mobility innovations, cutting-edge technology, and community-focused programming. The 2026 show runs January 14-25, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit. For more information, visit www.detroitautoshow.com.

About the Michigan Chronicle

Founded in 1936, the Michigan Chronicle is Detroit’s leading African American newspaper and media company, dedicated to providing trusted news and amplifying the voices of the community. Its Pancakes & Politics speaker series has become a signature civic event in the region.

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For the first time ever, one of Detroit’s most iconic public forums is taking center stage at one of the city’s most iconic events.