This publication represents the events that occurred in District 1 in 2020. This includes initiatives and legislation from the Office of Detroit City Councilman James Tate, D1 Neighbor Stories (short written pieces chronicling the year from several District 1 neighbor’s perspectives), and the D1 In Memoriam, where we pause to reflect on those who we lost this year.

20. DeAndree R.M. WatsonMay 24, 1990 - July 05, 2020
In July of this year, we lost a very special young man who had so much promise and touched the hearts of so
many. This was apparent by the dozens of words of condolences that are constantly offered by members of
every segment of our community. Whether we’re talking about political figures, activists, business owners, or
general community members; each have expressed how much DeAndree meant to them. It was not uncommon
for someone to say after just one interaction DeAndree that they believed that he would have been a great fit for
public office or holding some other role of authority that helped positively impact the lives of others.
That’s the type of first and lasting impression he left with you. It wasn’t his pure desire to be in power positions,
but the people around him recognized his leadership abilities and wisely elevated him. He was intelligent,
compassionate, creative, hard-working… just an all-around great person who always put the community before
his own interests. Public service was very important to DeAndree. He believed very strongly in criminal justice
reform and often mentioned how it would play a role in his future career. He meticulously prepared policy
briefings for me and was someone I sought advice from despite his youth.
Our office sponsored the adult use marijuana ordinance and DeAndree was assigned the task of steering the
process through ordinance approval by the Detroit City Council. As always, he hunkered down and studied the
state law. He convened workgroup meetings with industry insiders and community members to help develop an
ordinance that provided equity for Detroiters in an industry that has been resistant to including our residents.
Tragically, DeAndree was not here to see the fruit of his tireless labor as the Detroit City Council unanimously
approved the ordinance in November but his fingerprints are all over the document. Despite his physical absence
as the law was ratified, it no doubt stands out as maybe his greatest professional contributions in public policy.
DeAndree was a dedicated member of our team and never sought praise or attention. He was just content to do the best job he could and
he always succeeded. There is a hole here in our office without DeAndree’s presence and work ethic. DeAndree really wanted to make the
world a better place, one person at a time, one organization at a time, one community at a time. And he used every skill he had acquired
over his tender years to help accomplish that. For those of us that had the privilege of calling him "friend" outside of work, we were
humbled by his thoughtfulness and compassion toward everyone around him. To my dear friend, DeAndree, please know that I miss you
and the warm spirit you embodied everywhere you went. May you rest in the PEACE and POWER you so richly deserve.
- Councilman James Tate

21. When I first joined the team, I
remember meeting DeAndree
and always being told to ask
him questions about things
around the office or the city in
general. He always felt like a
source of knowledge for me
and I truly admired his work
ethicand reputation. Whether he
knew it or not, I wanted to be like him in so many
ways. He is and will always be truly missed.
IESHA
PAUL
"Now that's what you call a man about
his business", was literally my first
impression of you at City Council eight
years ago. Always pensive, quiet, smart
as a whip and sharply dressed, you
possessed a maturity and wisdom that
exceeded your age. Circumstance
brought us together as members of
Team Tate and I'm so glad thatit did)! Over the course of the years, I
hadthe pleasure to work alongside you as you did your part to
shape Detroit's future on the 13th oor and in NLC Detroit.
D, you were a king among kings yet never lost the common
touch. You were my brother in every sense of the word and
I'm so honored to have known you in this life. Your smile,
infectious laugh, brilliant mind, compassionate nature,
famous yams, and overall presence will be sorely missed.
Sleep well my dear "lil" brother and know that I love you in
this life and the next.
edwina king
DeAndree Watson had the
perfect spirit and
countenance for life as a
public servant. Hewas a civically engaged
citizen with an impeccable
work ethic. He was reliable,
dedicated and always in
search of the greater good
that would make lifebetter for the “least of these”
among us. A rarity, his kind doesn’t come along
often and he will truly be missed.
reginald alexander
DeAndree, you left us too
soon, I miss you so much.
It's so hard knowing that
you're not here anymore.
You made our team
complete. You will never
be forgotten. Love you
little Bro, see you later.
lisa jennings
DeAndree was
not only a
colleague but
also a friend. He
taught me the
value of empathy
and compassion.
I am thankful for
the time spenthere on earth
withhim and though he is no longer
physically present. I will continue to
honor his spirit and legacy.
aaron hall
DeAndree was a quiet soul who
had so much to offer our society.
As a co-worker, I admired his
work ethic, his attention to detail
and his impeccable style and
grace. He was a quiet warrior,
fighting for the good of others.
He will be missed.
yelena ramaUtar

22. DECEMBER
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WISHING YOU A
NEW YEAR
FILLED WITH
PEACE, JOY &
GOOD HEALTH