James Carter Senior News Editor

After a quarter-century of dedicated service to the city of Detroit, journalist and arts advocate Rochelle Riley is embarking on a new chapter. Riley will assume the role of Director of Cultural Affairs for Charleston, South Carolina, beginning March 16, bringing with her a wealth of experience cultivated through decades of impactful work in Michigan. This move marks the finish of an era for Detroit, which has benefited immensely from Riley’s passionate commitment to its cultural landscape.

Riley’s career has been defined by a dedication to amplifying voices and fostering community through the arts. Widely recognized for her long tenure as a columnist at the Detroit Free Press, she tackled critical issues such as education, equity, and government accountability, shaping public discourse and earning national acclaim. Her transition in 2019 to the newly created Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (ACE) within the City of Detroit demonstrated a commitment to translating journalistic insight into tangible civic leadership.

“I’m so excited about this new adventure,” Riley told the Detroit Free Press from Charleston, “but it’s also bittersweet, due to the fact that I didn’t move to Detroit to stay in Detroit, but Detroit grows on you. Detroit grabs you and doesn’t let you go. What we have is the longest I’ve lived anywhere, including as a child. It’s the longest I’ve contributed anywhere, and I’m very proud of the work.”

Riley’s work at the Detroit Free Press laid the foundation for her success in city government. She explained that her experience as a columnist uniquely positioned her to connect with people and advocate for the arts. “I could not have done this job as well as I did,” she said, “had I not been a columnist when I started. I think that Mayor (Mike) Duggan was really smart to pick somebody who was already positioned to grasp people. And it wasn’t just about making sure I could beg for money – which I did – but it was to make sure that somebody credible was saying we are one of the best cities for creative arts in America.”

Detroit’s Cultural Renaissance

Riley’s tenure as Director of ACE was marked by a concerted effort to expand Detroit’s cultural footprint and ensure accessibility to the arts for all residents. Her initiatives focused on supporting youth creativity, promoting public art installations, preserving cultural heritage, and solidifying Detroit’s identity as a global arts hub. She emphasized the vital role of the arts in the city’s revitalization, noting that “Detroit is at the heart of American art in every way possible: fine arts, performing arts, music, dance, theater. We help create so much of what is American culture. Detroit is in the DNA of most culture.”

Riley envisions a future where Detroit fully embraces its potential as an entertainment capital, drawing parallels to cities like New York, Atlanta, Seattle, and Austin. She believes that investing in the creative arts industry can generate significant revenue for the city. “This battle for creative arts funding is real, and if you treat your creative workforce the way they should be, you can turn that into something that can elevate not just your reputation as an arts city, but can raise revenue for your bottom line.”

Rochelle Riley holds the Ida B. Wells bust, named for the journalist, civil right activist and anti-lynching crusader whose iconic career empowered others. Riley received the award at the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists for excellence in journalism and mentoring hundreds of young journalists.

A Continued Connection to Detroit

Despite her move to Charleston, Riley intends to maintain a strong connection to Detroit. She plans to continue returning to the city for previously scheduled commitments and expressed gratitude for the understanding of Charleston officials. “I’ll be coming back and forth to Detroit,” she said. “I have things that were planned that I’m not going to cancel, and the mayor’s team here (in Charleston) absolutely understands that I plan to keep my commitments.” Riley has maintained a residence in Charleston since 2021.

As a final gesture of appreciation, Riley will revive her annual luncheon fundraiser on Friday, March 13 – also known as 313 Day – to support the ACE Honors initiative, which recognizes artists who have dedicated 25 years or more to Detroit’s fine and performing arts. Carmen Harlan and Huel Perkins will host the event, details of which will be announced soon.

Riley emphasized the importance of continued support for Detroit’s artists, both from the city government and philanthropic organizations. She highlighted the recent Black History Month lecture hosted by City Historian Jamon Jordan as an example of ACE’s ongoing commitment to cultural preservation. The 2026 ACE Honors celebration is already in the planning stages, spearheaded by ACE project manager Lacey Holmes, who has worked closely with Riley throughout her tenure.

“I just want people to know,” Riley concluded, “when I got to Detroit, people swore Detroit would never rise. They understand it now. They acquire it now. I don’t care where I’ve been around the world – 29 countries, 34 states – people are excited about Detroit, and I hope that excitement continues. I hope that it continues to rise and continues to grow. Detroit no longer needs saving. Detroit saved itself, and now It’s glorious.”

As Riley prepares to lead cultural affairs in Charleston, her legacy in Detroit will undoubtedly endure, inspiring continued investment in the arts and a celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural identity. Share your thoughts on Riley’s impact on Detroit in the comments below.