November/December 2023 Edition
The Detroit Association of Black Organizations Wins the 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize Award The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced Thursday, November 16, 2023 that Detroit is one of nine communities chosen to receive the 2023 RWJF Culture of Health Prize. The Prize celebrates communities across the country where people and organizations are collaborating to build positive solutions to barriers that have created unequal opportunities for health and wellbeing. "We are honored and thrilled to receive the 2023 RWJF Culture of Health Prize," said Horace Sheffield, III, CEO of The Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO), a proud partner in this effort to build a healthier community. "Through innovative collaborations and a shared commitment to tackling complex challenges, we have made significant strides in improving access to healthy food and physical activity, reducing violence, and increasing equity in healthcare. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to create a thriving, healthy Detroit for all." Mr. Ron Lockett, DABO President, said “DABO has long been addressing hyealth hisparities and will continue to.”
TeShayla Coates, DABO’s Communication Director, Ron Locket, DABO’s President, Bill Coleman, DABO’s CFO, and Dana Felton, Choose Healthy Life’s Great Grace Health Navigator accepting the RWJF Award in New Mexico.
Since partnership within communities is at the heart of the Prize, it is awarded to whole cities, towns, tribes, reservations, and counties. Detroit joins eight other 2023 Prize winners, including Austin, Texas; Baltimore, Maryland; Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles County, California; Ramsey County, Minnesota; Tacoma, Washington; and Zuni Pueblo.
The Detroit Association of Black Organizations Wins the 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize Award - Continued
TeShayla Coates, DABO’s Communication Director, Ron Locket, DABO’s President, Bill Coleman, DABO’s CFO, David Felton, DABO Vice President and Dana Felton, Choose Healthy Life’s Great Grace Health Navigator accepting the RWJF Award in New Mexico.
Demonstrating a deep commitment to address structural racism has inspired change in Detroit that cuts across race, ZIP codes, and age groups. Detroit’s work exemplifies the strength that comes from partnerships to create more comprehensive solutions to its community’s challenges. The Detroit Association of Black Organizations, a federation of more than 130 Black and non-Black organizations, has worked together with many partners across Detroit to build community unity that empowers residents with access to a wide As a Prize winner, Detroit will receive $250,000, range of resources, services, and education—including national and local promotion of our community’s stories high blood pressure screenings, after-school programs, to inspire others, and other opportunities to expand our and suicide prevention efforts—and advocates for networks and accelerate progress toward building a community needs through the media. healthy community. “The work of our current and past Prize winners highlights the real staying power of community-born solutions, and their success inspires greater collaboration across public and private sectors,” said Julie Morita, MD, RWJF executive vice president. “This year’s winners demonstrate what’s possible when we work in partnership and ensure that community members with lived experience take the lead to identify and dismantle barriers to health and wellbeing.”
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 2
The Detroit Association of Black Organization’s 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize Award Congratulatory Messages
Joi Harris, President & COO, DTE Energy
Honorable Mary Sheffield President, Detroit City Council
Karen Drew, WDIV Local 4 Anchor
DABO is extremely appreciative of the congratulatory messages, to view them, please visit DABO’s YouTube Channel.
Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Office, State of Michigan November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 3
DABO’s Gala Reception in Celebration of the 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize Award On Friday November 17, 2023 over three hundred people were at the Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield Bridge Center to celebrate the announcement of DABO being the recipient of the 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Prize Award which was announce the same day in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Choose Healthy Life Founder Debra Fraser Howze is serenated by one of the BlueNotes.
Dr. Christine McPhail, President, Saint Augustine’s University and Chloe Gurin-Sands, Program Officer, Healthy Communities, RWJF.
John Mason, 105.9 FM Radio Personality and Lauryn McKenzie Scruggs, Rev. Sheffield’s granddaughter.
DABO Board Members Sone Tramble and Irice Ellis-Crenshaw.
Attendees enjoying the performance of Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes. November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 4
The Detroit Association of Black Organizations Wins the 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize Award - Continued The Master of Ceremony for the Celebration was John Mason, noted Detroit Radio Personality, and also included on the program was Chloe Gurin-Sands, Program Officer, Healthy Communities, RWJF, Dr. Christine McPhail, President, Saint Augustine’s University (HBCU), Debra Fraser Howze, Founder and Chair of Choose Healthy Life, Bill Hardiman, Director of the Faith Based Office of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michael Floyd, Executive Director, Quest for Health Equity, Quest Diagnostics Foundation, Ameer Natson, Celebrity Chief on Chopped (The Food Network), David Etzwiler, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Foundation, and Dr. Phil Levy, Wayne Health.
Harold Melvin’s BlueNotes
Ron Ticho, Choose Healthy Life, Michael Floyd, Executive Director, Quest for Health Equity, Quest Diagnostics Foundation, Dr. Christine McPhail, President, Saint Augustine’s University, Rev. Horace Sheffield, Debra Fraser Howze, Founder, Choose Healthy Life, David Etzwiler, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Foundation, and Rev. Kimberly Williams, Executive Director, Choose Healthy Life.
Premiere Quality Health Center Staff, Quest Staff, and Cass Technical High School Classmates.
Program participants, Harold Melvin’s BlueNotes, and DABO Board Members and Staff. November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 5
Rap Star Baby Smoove, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Sororities Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Alpha Kappa Alpha, WDIV, and DABO Partner on Huge Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway Rap artist Baby Smoove and The Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO) partnered to host a turkey giveaway for the community on Friday, November 17 at noon. The event took place at Bridge Center, located at 9928 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48204.
In addition to Baby Smoove and DABO, the event was also supported by Choose Healthy Life, Grand Price Foodland, Trans4Life, and the Divine With over fifty volunteers the organizers were able to Nine. A large part of the success of the giveaway, in distribute more than 700 neighborhood residents and terms of people coming out to receive the turkeys was to several other community organizations like in large part due to the help we had in publicizing the Noble School, Pride Community Association, and the event on the WDIV Local 4 Morning Show. Mackenzie Noble Community Collaborative Drug Free Coalition.
Baby Smoove, Rev. Sheffield and Zeta Phi Beta volunteers.
Rapper Baby Smoove Distributing Turkeys.
Detroit Rapper Baby Smoove, Rev. Sheffield, Sophie, Baby Smoove’s Manager, and Mark Jones, Jr. distributing turkeys and DTE LED Light Bulbs to the Community.
Rev. Sheffield, DABO staff and volunteers helping the community by participating in the turkey giveaway.
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 6
Rev. Sheffield with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta volunteers.
Ken Dobson of the Ambassador Bridge Company donated turkeys for the giveaway to the community.
DON’T FALL VICTIM TO A FINANCIAL SCAM#1 DTE Energy wants to educate customers on the red flags of scammers so you don’t lose your money. Scammers look for new ways to trick customers into financial scams by improving their technology to impersonate companies like DTE. These scammers trick customers into sending money by threatening to disconnect service within a matter of hours or even minutes. Unfortunately, sometimes the threat of losing their energy service scares customers into paying large sums of money or sharing account and financial information. One popular scam at the moment involves scammer’s asking DTE customers to pay with unusual forms of payment, such as Green Dot pre-paid debit cards, Western Union, Bitcoin, Cash App or Zelle. Another popular scam comes through as a text message, where the scammers will send a bar code or URL that can be used at popular retailers to pay with cash. None of these methods are viable for payment to DTE. It’s critical for customers to recognize the red flags so they do not fall victim to energy scammers. Trust your gut if you receive a call, text, email or home visit that just doesn’t seem right. If you are unsure if someone at your door or on the phone is actually from DTE, call DTE customer service at 800.477.4747.
Here’s what DTE wants all customers to know: • Even if your Caller ID shows DTE Energy, it may still be an imposter. • DTE does not ask for unusual forms of payment such as Green Dot, Cash App, Western Union, Bitcoin, Zelle, or any type of gift card. • DTE representatives are never aggressive and do not threaten immediate shut off if a bill isn’t paid on the spot. • DTE does not visit homes to threaten shutoff or collect payment for a late bill. • DTE does not use aggressive tactics to get into a customer’s home. • DTE does not ask for your DTE account number. • DTE does not claim a customer is entitled to a refund or rebate and ask for bank account or credit card information to make the alleged refund. • DTE does not ask for your personal information for a government program that claims to reduce energy bills.
• In any case, if you are unsure of a potential DTE representative, please contact DTE at 800.477.4747 to verify the status of your account. Here’s what to do if you think you’ve been a victim of a scam: • Contact your local police immediately. Please also alert DTE afterwards by calling 800.477.4747 to speak with a customer service representative who can confirm the status of your account and make appropriate arrangements for payment, if needed. • If you think your identity may be compromised, call your local police, watch for new accounts opened in your name, and report any unusual activity to DTE immediately. • Scan the QR code below to learn more about the red flags of DTE impersonators.
Here are a few key things to ask or do if you think you are talking to a scammer: • If you’re unsure of an email or text message you receive, contact DTE to verify your account status. Never click on a link, scan a barcode or scan a QR code from a contact you are unsure of. • If you are visited at your home or business, ask the person claiming to be from DTE to show you their DTE badge. If they cannot show one, refuse entry and close your door. All DTE employees and contractors are required to have their badge on them at all times. Report the activity to your local police department and DTE. November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 7
Detroit Area Agency of Aging (DAAA) Funds DABO’s Sizzling Seniors On September 7, 2023 DABO’s Sizzling Seniors was awarded $75,000 by the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Mr. Ronald Taylor, President & Chief Executive Officer, to provide caregiver education, training, and support for the seniors in our Sizzling Seniors Program. If you are 55 years of age or older and would like to participate please call Ms. Juanita Bedell, Senior Program Director at 313-491-0003.
A few of our Sizzling Seniors with Ms. Ivy Mitchell, Zumba Instructor, and Ms. Juanita Bedell, Director, second from the right.
Minerva Education and Development Foundation
DABO was able to support the work of the Minerva Education and Development Foundation based on a request our board received from one of our regular supporters Corlyss Connors Jenkins. DABO was represented by Bill Coleman, CFO, and his wife, and DABO President Ronald Lockett at their annual event.
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 8
DABO’S Community Empowerment Speaker Series December 2023 We are pleased to close out the 2023 Community Empowerment Speakers Series on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 6 pm addressing the subject “Where Is The Church In All of This?” with the Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant as the speaker. Given the current political, domestic, and international crises and conflict should we expect the church, as was the case in the Civil Rights Movement, to provide leadership and direction? Come hear his answer. This particular session will be moderated by our DABO Board Member Sone Tramble.
DABO’S 2024 Speaker Series DABO is pleased to announce and to release a partial schedule for our 2024 Community Empowerment Speakers Series which is held in the Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield Bridge Center located at 9928 Grand River at Livernois. All of our speakers are notable and well accomplished contributor to their fields and to our community. Two notable speakers, among all of the other notables, are Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, who is cited with discovering the “fat gene”, and who has been on 60 Minutes and other prominent media program, and Detroit born national media personality Donnie Simpson.
September/October 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 9
DABO’S Community Empowerment Speaker Series
Dr. Cornel West provides an engaging conversation at the Bridge Center.
Dr. Cornel West, Hon. Mary Sheffield, President, Detroit City Council and Rev. Sheffield supporting the UAW Ford striking workers.
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 10
DABO’S Community Empowerment Speaker Series Erika Alexander, actress and movie producer discussed the business of film, television and he need to market our stories.
Rev. Sheffield’s granddaughter Lauryn McKenzie Scruggs with actress Erika Alexander at the Bridge Center.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison discussed the importance of community involvement and engagement. Keith Ellison speaking at WCCCD and meeting with Dr. Curtis Ivery and Dr. Brian Singleton.
Rev. Sheffield with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison at the Bridge Center.
Matt Allen, Priority Waste, DABO’s Speaker Series sponsor talking to Keith Ellison.
Atty. Keith Ellison book signing after the speaker series.
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 11
The 45th DABO Anniversary and State of The Race Observance The Detroit Association will celebrate its 45th Anniversary the weekend of Friday April 19-Sunday April 21, 2024. The 45th State of the Race theme is “Remembrance, Recognition, & Renewed Response.” The weekend will kick off Friday April 19th at 7pm with the Anniversary Awards Concert featuring Jazz Violinist Ezinma. On Saturday April 20th at 11 am there will be a community forum, and on Sunday April 21st the weekend will conclude with a Remembrance Concert at the Music Hall with the SOS Band, Atlantic Starr, and Evelyn Champagne King. For more information please call 313-491-0003.
DABO’s Annual Meeting Friday March 15, 2024 Please mark your calendar for DABO’s Annual Meeting to be held on Friday March 15, 2024 at 11 am in the Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield Bridge Center, located at 9928 Grand River near Livernois. DABO is celebrating 45 years in 2024 and our plans are to make this Annual Meeting one to remember. At this Annual Meeting we will also announce the Honorees for our 45th Annual State of the Race Address and Dinner Weekend.
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 12
DABO’s HBCU In Detroit - Partners in Education for Detroiter’s
DABO’s very own Rev. Horace Sheffield is now a professor at Saint Augustine’s University in the Religious Studies program. Don’t miss the opportunity to enroll and be in this first class. Scan the QR code to pre-register.
Spill the Honey Program
Dr. Carolyn Carter, Mark Carter, and DABO Board Members Sone Tramble and Irice Ellis-Crenshaw, Tiffany Jamerson-Stewart, Nancy Jamerson, DABO’s Executive Assistant to the CEO, and TeShayla Coates of Coates Communications and a DABO Board member attend the Spill The Honey program at the Atheneum Ballroom.
Once again, this year, DABO was pleased to support our dear friend Dr. Sherrie Rogers and her annual “Spill the Honey” A Celebration of Unity and Legacy. Dr. Rogers has worked long and hard to honor and continue the legacy of the Black Jewish Coalition which was foundational during the Civil Rights Movement and an indispensable alliance in fighting for the same in the City of Detroit. November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 13
DABO’S SAU SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT My names is Hydeia Linton, I am a native of Queen City, Charlotte, NC. I am a sophomore at the illustrious Saint Augustine’s University and a proud member of Saint Augustine’s Chamber Singer’s Choir. While here at the university, I am majoring in Mass Communication and broadcasting. Some ask what drives me; being a first-generation student inspires me daily to keep going and see everything through. Being able to learn and sing constantly will always be a passion of mine, and I’m thankful to do that everyday. With my education I plan to take advantage of whatever opportunities come my way. Currently, that is by accepting internships or a leadership role at my university. In my life, I will make my voice heard and my face known. And towards that end here is something I would like each of you to think about.
How Do African Americans Need to Improve Themselves? by Hydesia Linton
When thinking about improving AfricanAmerican society, we have to start with ourselves. Self-love is very important when talking about the improvement of black people. When self-hate is a problem, people tend to project their insecurities, which latches on to even more significant issues within our community. Another way to improve yourself as an African American is to set goals and reach high for the stars. Many people in the black community limit themselves to what they can do because we’ve always been told what we can’t do. But when you set and work towards those goals, African Americans will improve. November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 14
DABO’s Annual Hallo-Eve Community Event
DABO’s Hallo-Eve community volunteers prepared over 400 candy baskets for the children in DABO’s neighborhood who attended this year’s event.
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 15
DABO Gives Back and Gives Gratitude It’s that time of year again, and the holidays have arrived with a vengeance. Holidays always deliver cold weather, family, memories, great food, but most importantly– gratitude. The Detroit Association of Black Organizations demonstrated just that this weekend with a series of events to give back to and acknowledge the community. DABO hosted events such as a turkey giveaway with Baby Smoove, a non-profit event congratulating DABO for their win of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s ‘Culture of Health Prize’ Award, and much more. On Friday evening, DABO hosted a non-profit event at the Bridge honoring the win of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s ‘Culture of Health Prize’ Award of $250,000 towards health equity. The ceremony began with an opening from John Mason, 105.9 FM Radio Personality. Many gathered to share their appreciation and dedication to DABO and Rev. Horace L. Sheffield, III, CEO of DABO. Board members and fellow DABO community members gave moving speeches congratulating Rev. Sheffield and DABO’s work within Detroit. As everyone spoke on DABO’s importance, it was evident just how detrimental DABO has assisted and left their mark on both fellow organizations, schools, health services, and so much more. But, what was depicted most clearly is none of this would have been possible without the leadership of Rev. Horace Sheffield III. After Rev. Sheffield made his closing remarks thanking the many attendees, this event was finished with chilling performances by the legendary Leon Jones, and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes. Saturday morning brought in some great words of wisdom, encouragement, and essential resources to help Detroit on ‘the Wake-Up Call’ hosted by Rev. Horace Sheffield and friends. Free breakfast was served as the panel spoke on their impacts on health within the Black community. Here we heard from guest speakers such as Ameer Natson (celebrity chef) and Dr. Christine Johnson(President of Saint Augustine). The panelists provided insight and information to viewers on ways to better their health and/or obtain assistance with finding free to low-cost healthcare services. The floor then opened up to guests and they gave thanks to DABO’s panel. The room was quickly filled with nothing but admiration and thankfulness of this organization’s continued efforts despite a system designed to curb our people. Without a doubt, our people are in extreme need of extensive resources and opportunities we would not have access to or knowledge of, if not for organizations like the Detroit Association of Black Organizations. This board consists of dedicated community members, healthcare professionals and city council representation. This organization has consistently proved the work and commitment to assisting and protecting our legacies. Not only has DABO poured into Detroit, but Detroit has also shown reciprocation in pouring into DABO. by Justice J. Crawford National Correspondent for The National and the Detroit Association of Black Organizations, Inc.
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 16
Out and About with DABO’s CEO
Rev. Sheffield speaking at the United Nations addressing the Methol Cigarette Ban.
Rev. Sheffield, Chairman, Cornerstone Schools Lincoln Kind Adams Young Academy, at Verizons student notebook donation announcement
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Detroit Chapter, Michael Joseph President, honored DABO’s Founder Horace L. Sheffield.
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 17
DABO Spreads the Message of Community Engagement with a New Billboard at Wyoming and Grand River
Young Adult Committee Night of Entrepreneurial Engagement - Corporate Baddie November Mixer Over 50 young adults came out to network. Each participant received a free professional headshot from Taija Photography a small black owned business in Detroit. Below, Michael Cheatham from Comerica Bank talked about business banking. Join us for our Christmas Party, Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the Bridge Center 9928 Grand River, Detroit, MI 48204.
JOIN US ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12TH
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 18
DABO Partners with Walgrens offering FREE Covid & Flu Vaccinations
Participants completing paperwork with the assistance of Walgrens staff to get their vaccinations.
DABO is looking for those who have gone above and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on our city through media, health care, labor, civil rights, politics, or community. Nominate your chosen candidate today by completing the form below. If selected, their photo and bio will be placed with pride on the Shelves of Service inside the Bridge Center! To learn more, visit https://www.dabodetroitinc.net/shelves-of-service/
Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Beta Omicron Zeta Detroit Chapter were guests on The Wake-Up Call and also participated in the vaccinations offered by DABO and Walgrens.
Trust The Facts! l
Communities of color are at higher risk for a more severe impact if they contract COVID-19. l The vaccine is safe and effective at helping to prevent serious complications or death from COVID-19. l Getting vaccinated is the first step to reducing the risk of contracting a deadly case of COVID. For more information visit https://dabodetroitinc.com/trust-the-facts-get-the-vax/
November/December 2023 Edition of The Urban Voice - 19
12048 Grand River Avenue Detroit, MI 48204 313-491-0003 www.dabodetroitinc.com
Help us care, by donating to DABO www.dabodetroitinc.com/donate To Donate Text “helpuscare” to 44321