Fred Durhal III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fred Durhal III
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Durhal III in 2024
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| Member of the Detroit City Council from the 7th District | |
| Assumed office 2021 |
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| 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 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Briaunna Buckner |
| Parents | Fred and Martha Durhal |
| Residences | Detroit, Michigan |
| Alma mater | Eastern Michigan University |
| Website | Detroit City Council |
Fred Durhal III was born on April 1, 1984. He is an American politician who works to help the city of Detroit. Currently, he is a member of the Detroit City Council. Before this, Durhal was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives for the 5th District from 2015 to 2019. He took over this role from his father, Fred Durhal, Jr..
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About Fred Durhal III
His Early Life and Education
Fred Durhal III grew up in Detroit, Michigan. His parents are Fred and Martha Durhal. He is the second oldest of six children in his family. Fred went to schools in Detroit, including Guyton Elementary and Spain Middle School. He then graduated from the Detroit School of Arts. After high school, he went to Eastern Michigan University. There, he studied political science and music education.
Helping His Community
Before becoming a politician, Fred Durhal III spent time helping people. He was a volunteer with AmeriCorps in Northwest Detroit. 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.
In 2011, Durhal joined other community leaders. They spoke out against a law in Michigan that allowed the state to take over cities' finances. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity. This group helps build and repair homes for families. In 2004, he traveled to Benton Harbor with Habitat for Humanity. He helped rebuild more than 50 homes in just one weekend.
Durhal has been a member of important groups. 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 was a former member of the Teamsters Local 377, a union for workers. He also served on the board of the Dexter Elmhurst Community Center. He was once the President of Wayne County Progress PAC.
His Political Journey
Fred Durhal III was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2014. He took office in January 2015. He quickly became a leader among the Democratic politicians. He was chosen to be on the House Appropriations Committee. This committee handles how the state's money is spent. He was also appointed Assistant Democratic Leader.
Durhal continued work started by his father. He brought back a bill that would stop employers from asking about past felony convictions on job applications. This is called "ban the box" legislation. It helps people with past mistakes find jobs.
In 2016, Durhal passed his first bill, HB 4187. Governor Rick Snyder signed it into law on May 10, 2016. This law makes it a crime to damage or destroy highway signs, traffic signs, or railroad property.
After being re-elected in 2016, Durhal was again chosen for important roles. He became the Minority Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. This made him the top Democrat on that committee. His fellow Detroit politicians also elected him to be the Secretary of the Detroit Caucus.
In 2021, Durhal was elected to the Detroit City Council. He represents the 7th District. He was appointed to fill a vacancy on December 1, 2021. He started his second term on January 1, 2022. Durhal was chosen to lead the Budget, Finance, and Audit Standing Committee. He also became Vice-Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee. He is also a member of the Eastern Market Partnership Board of Directors.
Personal Life
Fred Durhal III is a member of Unity Baptist Church in Detroit. He is engaged to Briaunna Buckner, who is an attorney.
