The home I live in today was purchased by my great-grandparents nearly a century ago. My grandparents, like so many others, came north during the Great Migration, escaping the Jim Crow South to build a better life in our city. I grew up in the North End with my five brothers, raised by parents who instilled in us the values of hard work, education, faith, and integrity. My mom worked at Duffield Library on West Grand Boulevard.  My dad worked at Hills Barbershop on Hastings.   

I am a proud graduate of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School.  My education at the University of Detroit Jesuit instilled in me the mission of being “a man for others.”  Following High School, I attended Dartmouth College where I played football throughout my tenure, graduating with my B.A in History.   I returned home to attend the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law for my J.D.   Before starting my legal career, I channeled my passion for education by teaching French at Peace Lutheran School in Detroit.  After receiving my law license in November 1996, the late Coleman A. Young added me as one of his partners in the Paradise Valley Casino project.  Although this project was not supported by the city’s administration, it was an honor to be identified as the “up and coming” by Coleman A. Young.

Like so many Detroiters, I’ve faced personal loss. The sudden passing of my first wife, Jetuan, in front of me and our children, was devastating. Through faith, prayer, and therapy, my family found healing. As a single father, I found a new level of respect and appreciation for all that single moms and dads manage.   

Years later, I was blessed to marry Michelle, a remarkable woman who has brought love and strength to our home. Michelle holds a MBA from Wayne State University.  She’s an accomplished professional with over 24 years as the National Operations Leader for Deloitte & Touche, US firm.   Most notably, Michelle is a stepmother dedicated to our children. My son, Todd Jr., is a college sophomore, and my daughter, Kennedy, is a high school junior.

As the founder and owner of one of Detroit’s largest Black-owned law firms, The Perkins Law Group, I’ve dedicated my career—spanning three decades—to serving our city. I’ve represented clients from all walks of life: high-profile cases that dominate the headlines, municipalities and multimillion-dollar companies that serve our communities and drive our economy, and individuals who couldn’t afford legal representation but deserved justice, nonetheless.

I am only as successful as the people around me.  For decades, Perkins Law Group has served as a catalyst for sitting judges, corporate counselors, law professors and small business owners.  In over three decades of operation, I have 20 years of professional relationships with current staff and have never missed payroll, even if that meant sacrificing my own pay.

In addition to my law firm, I founded and have continued to operate a sports management company, Kilimanjaro Sports Management.  Our company represents young athletes from their high school years up to and through their professional careers. We do our best to ensure that they are represented legally, financially and mentally in their future endeavors.

Beyond my legal expertise, I lead a nonprofit organization, The People’s Voice, dedicated to giving back to Detroiters.  Without cameras, a stage, or pulpit, I’ve fed those who need it most: numerous families, homeless people, and thousands of men every year during our North End Father’s Day Picnic.  Every year I dedicate many hours to providing free legal assistance, seminars, education and free pamphlets – The Perkins Rules – to inform all Detroiters of their rights when faced with legal issues.  In addition, mentoring and providing meaningful opportunities for our City’s youth is the primary focus of our nonprofit.  When time hasn’t allowed for my personal involvement, I have never hesitated to donate financially to many non-profit initiatives across Detroit. I live by God’s words: “to whom much is given, much is required.”

As Muhammad Ali famously said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” This is my guiding principle: Detroit has given me so much, and now it’s my turn to give back.