Fred Durhal III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fred Durhal III
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Durhal in 2024
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| Member of the Detroit City Council from the 7th district |
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| Assumed office January 1, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Gabe Leland |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 5th district |
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| In office January 1, 2015 – January 1, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Fred Durhal, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Cynthia A. Johnson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 1, 1984 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Briaunna Buckner |
| Relatives | Fred (father) |
| Education | Eastern Michigan University (BA) |
Frederick Durhal III (born April 1, 1984) is an American politician. He has been a member of the Detroit City Council since 2021. Before that, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. He is part of the Democratic Party. His father, Fred Durhal, Jr., also held the same seat in the Michigan House of Representatives before him.
Early Life and Community Work
Fred Durhal III was born in Detroit, Michigan. His parents are Fred and Martha Durhal. He is one of six children. Fred went to public schools in Detroit, including Guyton Elementary and Spain Middle School. He graduated from the Detroit School of Arts. Later, he studied political science and music education at Eastern Michigan University.
Before becoming a politician, Fred helped his community in many ways. He was an AmeriCorps volunteer in Northwest Detroit. There, he directed a program that helped young children learn to read. He also worked with groups like Village Builders of Northwest Detroit and Motor City Blight Busters. These groups help make neighborhoods in Detroit better and safer.
In 2011, Fred joined other community leaders. They spoke out against a law in Michigan that allowed the state to take over local finances. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity. This organization helps build and repair homes for people in need. In 2004, he helped rebuild over 50 homes in one weekend in Benton Harbor.
Fred has been a member of several important organizations. These include the Detroit Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP works for equal rights for all people. He was also part of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. He used to be a member of the Teamsters Local 377, which is a labor union. He also served on the board of the Dexter Elmhurst Community Center.
Political Career and Public Service
Fred Durhal III was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2014. He took over the seat from his father. When he started in January 2015, he quickly became a leader for the Democratic Party in the House. He was chosen to be on the House Appropriations Committee. This committee decides how the state's money is spent. He was also named Assistant Democratic Leader.
Fred continued some of his father's work. He supported a law called "ban the box" legislation. This law would stop employers from asking about past felony convictions on job applications. The idea is to give people a better chance to get a job.
In 2016, Fred passed his first bill. A bill is a proposed law. This bill became law on May 10, 2016. It made it a minor crime to damage or destroy highway signs, traffic signs, or railroad property in Michigan.
After being re-elected in 2016, Fred continued to hold important roles. He was chosen to be the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. His fellow Detroit politicians also elected him to be the Secretary of the Detroit Caucus. A caucus is a group of people with similar interests, in this case, politicians from Detroit.
In 2021, Fred Durhal III was elected to the Detroit City Council. He represents the 7th District. The City Council makes decisions for the city of Detroit. He was sworn in for his second term on January 1, 2022. He was chosen to lead the Budget, Finance, and Audit Standing Committee. He also became the Vice-Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee. These committees help manage the city's money and plan for its future. Fred also serves on the board of directors for the Eastern Market Partnership.
Personal Life
Fred Durhal III is married to Briaunna Buckner Durhal. She is an attorney, which means she is a lawyer. They have two children together.
