About E.J.

E.J. Burney is a father, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for the people of Detroit. Raised on the city’s west side, E.J. understands the realities Detroiters face—not from a distance, but from lived experience. He’s walked the same streets, stood in the same lines, and fought through the same storms. His story is not about politics. It’s about purpose.

In 2010, E.J. made history by launching Indie Xxclusive, the first independent hip-hop magazine in Detroit—a bold move that gave voice to local artists long before social media platforms became the norm. Two years later, he founded Media Empowerment, a nonprofit dedicated to training inner-city youth in digital media. His vision was simple but revolutionary: give young people the tools to tell their own stories and control their narrative.

In 2014, E.J. penned the authorized autobiography of Jamal "J. Diggs" Diggs, a legendary figure in Bay Area hip-hop and one of the few men alive who can speak firsthand about the life and legacy of Mac Dre. The book caught national attention and is currently being adapted into a documentary produced by Marshawn Lynch and Steph Curry—a testament to E.J.’s storytelling ability and cultural reach.

E.J.’s love for the youth extends beyond media and into the heart of community development. In 2017, he formed his own youth football team, partnering with a local foster care home to ensure that boys in the system had access to competitive sports and mentorship—free of charge. For many, it was their first opportunity to feel part of something bigger.

But E.J. hasn’t just worked in the light. He’s also fought in the shadows. Most notably, he played a critical role in exposing a $100 million real estate scam led by UK investor Steven Wright—an operation that preyed on Detroit land and displaced vulnerable residents. While others remained silent, E.J. spoke up, dug deep, and protected the city when no one else would.

Through it all, he’s remained grounded—guided by faith, fatherhood, and an unshakable belief that Detroit’s best days are ahead. His campaign is not built on ego or empty slogans. It’s built on action, sacrifice, and lived truth.

As the architect of Motown 2.0, E.J. envisions a Detroit that merges culture with commerce, justice with opportunity, and creativity with economic power. He believes real change doesn’t begin in boardrooms—it begins at kitchen tables, bus stops, and corner stores. It begins with leaders who listen.

E.J. Burney is not running to be in power. He’s running to empower. 

Of the people. 

For the people. 

With the people—every step of the way.