POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA
March 18-24, 2015
michiganchronicle.com
Volume 78 – Number 27
State scores F in civil rights class
Rep. Gay-Dagnogo pushes higher ed for Detroiters in March 21 town hall State Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a prominent advocate for education, is hosting a town hall on increasing Detroit’s pipeline to higher education. The forum, on March 21, 9-11 am at Wayne County C o m munity College District Northw e s t campus, Sherry Gay-Dagnogo 8200 W. O u t e r Drive is, open to the public and will have a diverse panel of leaders as well as participants from Michigan State and Eastern Michigan universities and the College for Creative Studies.
By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR
Think about Ferguson and the Justice Department’s recent report that condemned the Ferguson police department and court system for biased and discriminatory law enforcement against Blacks. Think about the 50th anniversary of the Selma march.
Hiram Jackson, publisher of the Michigan Chronicle and CEO of Real Times Media, speaks at Pancakes & Politics.
Michigan Chronicle’s
WHAT’S INSIDE New position for Shaun Wilson (Page A-2) Shaun Wilson, longtime public relations and marketing expert for PNC Financial Services Group, has joined Truscott Rossman. Wilson will head the firm’s expanding Detroit office.
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10 years and counting
Forum garners headlines, makes history By Carol Cain SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Java & Jazz celebrates 15 years (Page B-1) Comerica Bank and the Detroit Public Library recently kicked off the 15th year of Comerica Java & Jazz: A Coffee House Series, at Friends Auditorium at the Detroit Public Library Main Branch. The series concluded on July 21.
Native Detroiters come back home (Page C-1) As Detroit makes its much-noted comeback as it reinvents itself, a number of young professionals who found success elsewhere have made the decision to return. Five such individuals are profiled in this week’s edition.
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hat started as concern over the growing racial divide in the region led Hiram Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media, and the late Sam Logan, publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, to come up with an idea of a forum where people could really talk and exchange ideas. That forum was named the Michigan Chronicle’s “Pancakes & Politics” and the rest is history as the annual gathering of speakers held four times each spring enters its 10th season.
GEORGE JACKSON (left), president & CEO, GWJ Group LLC; Dan Gilbert, founder & chairman, Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures; and Sue Mosey, executive director, Midtown, Inc. The speakers forums have inspired many headlines and news stories along the way. There have been 36 forums featuring well known CEOs, political powerhouses, university presidents, community advocates, union leaders, healthcare leaders, the well known and not so well known.
The two larger-than-life politicos didn’t hold back.
“As long as people are talking and debating issues, there’s a chance you can find solutions,” Logan told that first ‘Pancakes’ audience. His words live on and
TOM CANEDO, vice president and general manager, CBS 62/CW 50, with Gov. Rick Snyder and Carol Cain. —Monica Morgan photo remain a mantra for the signature event that has grown into a must-attend gathering for those who care about our region.
See PANCAKES
Spotlight: Viola Davis (Page D-1) Viola Davis has had a long string of successes, but the Academy Award-nominated actress has reached new heights with the through-the-roof ratings of the complex television series “How to Get Away with Murder.”
“Rather than recognizing the profound national significance of the Civil Rights Movement, most states mistakenly see it as a regional matter, or a topic of interest mainly for Black students,” the report noted. “Nine of the 12 highest-scoring states are from the former Confederacy 4. They are joined by the states of Illinois, Mary- “For a state that land and New York. Gener- has been at the ally speaking, forefront of the Civil the farther Rights Movement, away from the South and the it is disappointing smaller the Af- and embarrassing rican American that Michigan population, the less attention continues to earn a is paid to the failing grade when it Civil Rights comes to teaching Movement.”
The event is just as known for the incredibly diverse audience it attracts. “We are proud that people from all walks across the region and even state continue to make ‘Pancakes’ a destination,” said Jackson, who is now publisher of the Michigan Chronicle as well as CEO of its parent c ompany.
& POLITICS page A-4
SPLC also indicated in the students about it in a report that it comprehensive and was concerned compelling way.” “that the move rthur Horwitz, ment, when it – A is given classchairman, room time, Michigan is reduced to Civil Rights lessons about Commission a handful of heroic figures and the four words, “I have a dream.” Students need to know that the movement existed independently of its most notable leaders, and that thousands of people mustered the courage to join the struggle, very often risking their lives. They need to know that the dream to which Dr. King gave voice was not realized simply by the election of a Black president in 2008. They need to know that as long as race is a barrier to access and opportunity, and as long as poverty is commonplace for people of color, the dream has not been achieved.” In the case of states like Michigan with the F grade, SPLC said it includes less than 20 percent or, in many cases, none of what the center recommended. “Sixteen of these states do not require students to learn about the Civil Rights Movement at all. Those that do require movement-related instruction
See CIVIL
RIGHTS page A-4
Violence and the city of Detroit By Zack Burgess EDITOR-AT-LARGE THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
Detroit is a city where officials say there are more guns than people, and crime influences almost every decision. It determines when people leave home, what routes they drive, where they walk. Crime is a conversational icebreaker, like the weather or sports. The conversation of crime, guns and shootings are so routine throughout the city that last weekend two women sat at the bar in Harmony Park and discussed handguns and how they can carry them unnoticed.
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The report said civil rights education is mostly seen as a subject important to only Black students.
our grade-school
During that first event -then-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson took to the “Pancakes” stage before a curious crowd of 400 at the Detroit Athletic Club.
Their frank talk about the Eight Mile divide and Cobo Center, which was huge news as the city and region battled over control of it, took center stage.
Then think about the Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) damning report that cites Michigan as one of the states failing on civil rights education in schools, and then wonder why that is the case. The report, “Teaching the Movement,” also lists in the F grade states like Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, North Bankole Carolina, Rhode Island, Thompson West Virginia, Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon and others. Surprisingly the only states that made the A grade are New York, Florida and Alabama. Georgia, Illinois and South Carolina got a B.
“Girl, I can carry mine…right here in my bra,” said the middleaged woman, who refused to be identified at the Cigar Bar La Casa Habana. “It just makes it easier just in case I need it. The only thing I have to worry about
with the Glock is the lack of a safety.”
al Judge, Terrence Berg, hits too close to home.
When did the discussion of owning a handgun become normal for everyday working women?
Year after year, Detroit tops the list of the Most Dangerous Cities, and this year is no different. However, what is encouraging is the violent crime rate actually declined last year, despite coming through a very public bankruptcy, the largest in U.S. history. Yet, Detroit still remains a very dangerous place.
On the average, someone is shot every day in the city of Detroit. However, residents have become numb to such violence — until a woman is shot and killed for refusing to give a stranger her phone number, a carjacking of a grandmother and her kids goes viral or the shooting of a Feder-
Given the circumstances, Detroit recorded its lowest number of homicides in 47 years. There
were 300 slayings in 2014, down from 333 in 2013, continuing a slow but stable decline. The total number of murders and the corresponding rate fell by about 9 percent from last year. This is due to a major effort by Detroit Police Chief James Craig, who has made it his mission to target crime in known hot spots throughout the city. He has also identified neighborhood watch groups and made it his duty to be more involved by providing outreach in Detroit Public Schools. All of these efforts helped the Detroit Police Department record its lowest number of killings since 1967, when 281 people were killed. Still, thanks in part to an ever-shrinking population, Detroit tops the nation when it comes to murder rate. At 43.4 murders per 100,000 residents, Detroit’s murder rate is 10 times that of New York City.
See DETROIT page A-4
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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
March 18 - 24, 2015
Page A-2
Northeast Guidance Center ProsperUS 2015 Partnership ProsperUS Detroit provides an outstanding program which helps budding entrepreneurs to develop business skills and connections that help them to be successful. NEGC (Northeast Guidance Center a premier organization and training center in the city of Detroit has partnered with ProsperUS to conduct the classes beginning March 25 at the 2900 Connor Street location.
vening celebration held at Focus Hope Conference Center. ProsperUS trainer Leah Vest stated “In less than one year’s time, Linda has taken her business concept coupled with her passion for interior design and made Monarch Azure a reality.” “NEGC (Northeast Guidance Center) is proud of the progress that Linda has made and anticipates continued progress in the future”.
“The ProsperUS program will help educate support and inspire low income minority and immigrant workers in Detroit” said Darolyn Smith, NEGC ProsperUS director.” “The exciting thing to watch is the evolution of an idea into an actual business that contributes to the economic development of a community, which benefits everyone” Ms. Smith concluded.
This year’s program will offer 12 class sessions, 10 hours of one on one coaching, ongoing support post graduation, access to technical assistance such as marketing, legal and accounting help and lending opportunities. The requirements to apply for ProsperUS classes are Detroit Residency and you must have a business idea or an existing business.
On February 26, 2015 Linda Newton an NEGC 2014 owner of Monarch Azure Home LLC received the ProsperUS Entrepreneurs Choice Award at the 2015 annual award con-
For more information on ProsperUS program contact Lynn Smith 313-308-1508 or dsmith1@neguidance.org. Classes will begin on March 25.
It’s where we work It’s where we play It’s where we grow
Block Grant & Neighborhood Opportunity Funds available The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD) and the Legislative Policy Division (LPD) invites community organizations to submit proposals for projects to be funded through the 2015-2016 Community Development Block Grant/Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (CDBG/NOF) program. Proposal forms are available at the CDBG/NOF workshops. Proposals are also available online in (non-fillable) PDF format. All proposals for the 2015-2016 CDBG/NOF Program must be submitted on a 2015-2016 CDBG/ NOF Proposal Form. Proposals may be mailed or delivered to the HRD offices until April 6, 2015. All proposals must be delivered by the submission deadline -- Monday, April 6, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. in the
Housing and Revitalization Department offices, located at 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 908. All non-profit community organizations, including business organizations, and human service organizations, that wish to participate in the development and implementation of either CDBG or NOF projects as advisors and/or as operating agencies may submit proposals. In order to assist those interested in applying for a grant, the Housing and Revitalization Department is offering the following proposal workshops, designed to help community groups prepare their CDBG/NOF proposals. Attendance at one of the workshops is MANDATORY to be considered eligible for funding. No more than 2
persons per group should attend a workshop. The workshops is Thursday, March 19, 2015 from 1:30 – 4 p.m. (Registration begins at 1 p.m.) at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave, 13th Floor Auditorium, Detroit, MI 48226 CDBG/NOF workshop proposals will be issued for the following four activities only • Public Service • Homeless Public Service • Public Facility Rehabilitation • Commercial Façade Improvements
QuickenLoans.org
/QuickenLoansInTheCommunity
To obtain workshop information and to register please call: (313) 224-6380 or (313) 224-6225
Shaun Wilson, PR pro, joins Truscott Rossman in Detroit
Shaun Wilson, who has led public relations and marketing efforts for PNC Financial Services Group and other Southeast Michigan companies, is the new senior vice president at Truscott Rossman.
publicity and event panning for high-profile Detroit North American International Auto Show events. He is a state-appointed board member of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Strategic Fund, and also a trustee/ board member for the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit Parent Network, Voices for Michigan’s Children, Mariner’s Inn, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and the Sphinx Organization.
Wilson will head the firm’s expanding Detroit office, which now includes five employees and serves a growing client list including DTE Energy, the Detroit Medical Center and the City of Detroit. “Truscott Rossman has gained a real foothold in Detroit and we want to make sure we continue to be a vital part of the city’s renaissance,” said Kelly Rossman-McKinney, CEO and principal of Truscott Rossman. “Shaun Wilson is a seasoned professional with exactly the experience we need to continue to grow in Detroit.” “Shaun’s reputation is impeccable and his contacts are very extensive. That’s a winning combination to help our clients,” said John Truscott, president and principal of Truscott Rossman. “Our mission is to ensure that our clients statewide and beyond benefit from the strong team we’ve assembled.” Wilson most recently was vice president, director of client and community relations, for PNC, where he managed marketing and branding initiatives. Previously he was vice president, marketing manager for National City Bank. He also was managing partner of Wilson PR, a joint-venture strategic public relations and marketing firm representing top Detroit-area companies and organizations. Before that he held the
Shaun Wilson positon of vice president at John Bailey & Associates Public Relations. Wilson also managed
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He has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Wayne State University and served eight years in the U.S. Marines.
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Prime Politics Michigan Chronicle’s ‘Pancakes & Politics’ gets applause from leaders across the state By Carol Cain SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
As the Michigan Chronicle’s “Pancakes & Politics” enters its 10th season, leaders from all walks took time to share their thoughts about the venerable speakers series which has grown into a signature community event. “This is a forum that I always look forward to. Great tradition that helps foster community conversation, engagement and collaboration on key topics important to Detroit ers and Michiganders. I am honored to participate and am counting on another 10 years of ‘Pancakes & Politics.’” — Michigan Governor Rick Snyder “Given the intensity and the struggles of the past 10 years, when I was governor it was particularly important to have a place where members of the community and leaders could thoughtfully come together, reflect, ask the tough questions and hear the plans for the future. I know I appreciated the opportunity to look people in the eye and directly respond to questions rather than through the filter of a TV camera. Congratulations to the Chronicle on 10 years of ‘Pancakes & Politics,’ an enduring tribute to the memory of Sam Logan.” — Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm “I have always looked forward to ‘Pancakes & Politics,’ both as an attendee and a panelist These events have become an important part of the community as they tackle vital issues that matter most to our city. Congratulations to Hiram Jackson, the late Sam Logan and the Michigan Chronicle family on 10 years of wonderful events.” — Dave Bing, former Detroit mayor “It’s great to see ‘Pancakes & Politics’ continue as the premier gathering for thought leaders focused on reinventing Detroit. The sustained effort by Real Times Media to keep Detroit front and center as a great location for talent, business investment and job growth is finally paying dividends. Congratulations on 10 years of outstanding leadership.” — Michael A. Finney, senior advisor, Economic Growth Office of Gov. Rick Snyder “‘Pancakes and Politics’ has been delivering intriguing dialog for a decade and is now considered an institution in Detroit. It is food for the mind in a distinct setting that encourages a diverse group of policy and decision-makers to produce the innovative and creative ideas needed to advance our entire region forward.” — Dan Gilbert, founder & chairman, Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures “Congratulations to ‘Pancakes & Politics’ on 10 years of bringing the pertinent topics of our region to the forefront. Thanks goes out to the Michigan Chronicle, its publisher, Hiram Jackson, CBS’ Carol Cain and all of those involved in putting together one of the best current events programs in the country.” — Charlie Beckham, group executive, Neighborhoods, Mayor’s Office. Chairman emeritus, Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce “Over the last 79 years, the Chronicle has played a pivotal role in bringing the African American community’s voice to political and community discussions, and it was rightly recognized as one of the best Black newspapers in the country. The ‘Pancakes & Politics’ forum is just another example of the Chronicle’s dedication to bringing together policymakers, business leaders and community leaders to address the most pressing issues facing Southeast Michigan. — U.S. Sen. Gary Peters
“Pancakes & politics is a wonderful tradition of community leaders coming together to openly discuss differences, celebrate common goals and thoughtfully strive toward real solutions.” — Dick DeVos, businessman “‘Pancakes & Politics,” which began as a dream of the late Sam Logan, is a distinctive forum for public dialogue on the issues that face Detroit, the region and the state of Michigan. From its beginning it has dealt with critical issues such as race relations in a thoughtful manner that has fostered meaningful dialogue by all involved. ‘Pancakes & Politics’ also underscores the important and distinctive role that the Michigan Chronicle continues to play in affecting public policy here and throughout the state. — Shirley Stancato, president & CEO, New Detroit
L. Brooks Patterson (left), Dave Bing, Carol Cain and Sam Logan.
“Thanks to the Michigan Chronicle, for 10 years ‘Pancakes & Politics’ has provided a very effective forum for important, relevant and timely discussion of major issues affecting Detroit and the region. Its format allows candid, tough and insightful questions and audience engagement, truly refreshing and vital in an era that requires transparency and accountability.” — Nancy Schlichting, CEO, Henry Ford Health System “‘Pancakes & Politics’ provides an interesting forum that is informative, frank and humorous. Great place to see community and business leaders in a setting that emphasizes significant interaction with the audience.” — George Jackson, president & CEO, GWJ Group LLC, former president/CEO, DEGC “‘Politics & Pancakes’ helps keep alive the spirit and tradition of open dialog and making leaders accessible that is so important to Michiganders.” — Sandy Baruah, president/CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber “The venerable Sam Logan, along with Hiram Jackson, came up with an idea that highlighted their Michigan Chronicle publication while, at the same time, bringing together a popular and lively panel discussion on a quarterly basis. Congratulations on 10 years.” — Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson “I try to make certain that my calendar is clear to attend each of the ‘Pancakes & Politics’ sessions. I believe that the perspectives shared from the stage, as well as those provided by the attendees, gives me information that helps to shape my understanding of issues. Additionally, the informal interactions with metro Detroit residents helps to broaden the ability for all of us to work together to improve our community. This series is both informational and thought provoking, thus serving as a valuable community service. I congratulate the Michigan Chronicle on the idea and continuing sponsorship of the series. I look forward to participating in this dialogue for years to come.” — Glenda D. Price, president, Detroit Public Schools Foundation “Sam Logan’s vision of bringing community leaders together for breakfast and dialogue on the critical issues of the day has become one of the don’t-miss events of the region. The panels over the years have addressed vital issues in thought provoking ways and I try not to miss them if at all possible. The discussion, the engagement of the group gathered and the reflections made during these breakfasts help generate new ideas and get everyone in the same boat, rowing in the same direction, so we can continue to move the region forward.” — Congresswoman Debbie Dingell
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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
March 18-24, 2015 Page A-4
Civil rights miss essential content in most of the key areas. These states should substantially revise their standards to ensure their students have a satisfactory understanding of the Civil Rights Movement.” The states with an A grade include at least 60 percent of the recommended content. “Even though these states can do more to ensure that students have a comprehensive understanding of the Civil Rights Movement, they set higher expectations than other states,” the report indicated. The states with a B grade “include at L.BROOKS PATTERSON, Oakland County Executive, holding a makeshift po- least 50 percent of the recommended litical campaign sign as a political satire urging then-Detroit Mayor Dave Bing to content. These states should do more run against former Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. Ficano and Bing are to ensure that students have a comprehensive picture of the Civil Rights seated next to Brooks. Movement, but did demonstrate a commitment to educating students about it. Standards were clear but limited.” From page A-1 In the foreword to the report, Julian Each “Pancakes” session has sold The audience broke out in applause. Bond, chairman emeritus of the NAACP, out within days of being announced. Two years ago, it was paper maché said, “An educated populace must be Thursday’s event, titled “The New heads of Gov. Rick Snyder worn by dem- taught basics about American history. Detroit? A Discussion on Detroit’s Prog- onstrators who chanted outside the One of these basics is the Civil Rights ress and How We Ensure all Detroiters DAC where the governor spoke. It was Movement, a nonviolent revolution as have access to Equal Opportunities,” is the same day the controversial Emer- important as the first American Revono exception a 400-plus attendees are gency Manager and Right To Work state lution. It is a history that continues to shape the America we all live in today. laws went in to effect. expected. Snyder also appeared and discussed The Southern Poverty Law Center That panel will include NAACP Desaid it is hoping the report will spark a troit Branch President Rev. Wendell An- his reinvention of the state, the city of national conversation about the imporDetroit and getting Michigan better thony, Detroit Economic Growth Corpotance of teaching students about the rate President and CEO Rodrick Miller, prepared for the 21st century’s talent modern-day civil rights movement. needs. Detroit Invest President & CEO David Blaszkiewicz, and Detroit Free Press Indeed, politics has been front and “We call for states to integrate a comprehensive approach to civil rights columnist Nancy Kaffer. center throughout the forums. education into their K-12 history and Peeling back the layers of In 2006, then-Gov. Jennifer Gran- social studies curricula. And we call for ‘Pancakes and Politics’ holm and GOP gubernatorial candidate a concerted effort among schools and I was honored to have been asked by Dick DeVos appeared in the early stages other organizations that train teachers Sam Logan and Hiram Jackson to emcee of t red-hot contest to make their case to to work to ensure that teachers are well the first “Pancakes & Politics” and have the audience. Granholm went on to win prepared to teach about the Civil Rights re-election. Movement,” SPLC stated. done so for each one since. And it was Patterson who brought Arthur Horwitz, chairman of the Michigan Chronicle Senior Editor Bankole Thompson has also been in- down the house during another gath- Michigan Civil Rights Commission, said volved and is known for his probing ering of the region’s Big Four with his it is time for the state to change course questions of panelists about issues that “Dave Bing for Wayne County Execu- in light of this unacceptable report. tive” poster he pulled out as a surprise. matter most to the community. “For a state that has been at the Bing, who was leaving as Detroit forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, CBS 62 has aired “Pancakes” as “Michigan Matters” programs for view- mayor, was considering his options and it is disappointing and embarrassing ers as the station has been a sponsor Robert Ficano, then Wayne County Ex- that Michigan continues to earn a failsince the beginning. Thursday’s panel ecutive, was under political duress with ing grade when it comes to teaching our grade school students about it in a will air as a “Michigan Matters” 11:30 investigations into county practices. a.m. Sunday on March 29, CBS 62. Ficano was later exonerated by the comprehensive and compelling way. The Michigan Civil Rights Commission’s De“With so many issues simmering federal authorities of any wrongdoing, partment of Civil Rights, in tandem with across our region, there’s greater need But he lost that election to Warren the Michigan Department of Education, than ever for “Pancakes & Politics,’” said Evans. Dave Bing went on to launch a is determined to find ways to elevate Tom Canedo, vice president and general wonderful mentoring program to guide civil rights knowledge in our schools,” manager at CBS 62/ CW50. “We’re hon- young African American males. Horwitz said. “Concurrent with these efored to be involved with Hiram Jackson It was last year when Henry Ford forts, it is very important for teachers, and the Michigan Chronicle family in CEO Nancy Schlichting talked about principals, school district superintenthis important endeavor.” being a gay executive in Detroit and how dents, parents and the students themThe Chronicle has worked with an the Motor City was far more welcoming selves to expect and demand our state “A” list group of sponsors who have than other places she had worked. to do better. They must educate, inform supported the forums. This year’s event Dr. David Cotton, cofounder of Me- and hold accountable those at the local is sponsored by PNC Bank, HAP, CBS ridian Health Plan, who was on that and state level who have the ability to 62, Henry Ford Health System, UHY same healthcare panel with Schlicht- provide the resources needed for curricLLP, Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care ing, cut to the chase when he added ulum development, teacher training and Network, St. John Providence Health it was people of baby boomer age who other tools necessary to teach the moveSystem, Comast, Quicken, Chrysler and were grappling with the gay marriage ment fairly, fully and effectively.” Chase Bank. WWJ Newsradio 950 and issue while the millennial generation Bond said little has changed. Crain’s Detroit Business are media part- had no issue with it. “The Civil Rights Movement is given ners. Dan Gilbert, whose picture should be short shrift in the educational stan“Pancakes & Politics has had an in- inserted in a dictionary under the word dards that guide what students learn. credibly supportive group of sponsors “catalyst” when it comes to helping De- Although southern states generally do a who have helped us continue to make troit’s downtown, has graced the “Pan- better job teaching the movement than it an event that impacts our community cakes” stage a few times. the rest of the country, they have little and made a difference,” Jackson added. to brag about. At the University of VirGilbert, founder and chairman of Dozens of Michigan’s most famous Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures, ginia, my students are often outraged to and influential political, business, ed- talked about his vision of making De- learn that they have never been taught ucational and community leaders troit a magnet that attracts more young about events in their own hometowns,” Bond said in the report. have taken to the stage to tackle tough people. He also has put his money where issues like race, the economy, workhis mouth is, buying up buildings by the Sheryl Jones, director of the Detroit force preparedness, healthcare, the role dozens and luring more businesses and Public Schools Office of Social Studies, of women, the status of minorities and said when the report was brought to her young people. the state of public education in Detroit. attention last April, she moved quickly Gilbert , who also owns the NBA’s to form a Civil Rights Education ComMemorable Moments Cleveland Cavaliers, threw down the mittee the following month to create gauntlet when he challenged fellow NBA material for the new African American Each panel has been unique. owner Tom Gores to move the Detroit history course and the Teaching the But in my book a few “Pancake” moPistons from the suburbs back to the Movement Civil Rights curriculum. ments stand out. Motor City. “I am sure all social studies educaLike the time former Mayor Kwame Pistons officials continue to say ev- tors across the state share my frustraKilpatrick grabbed a surprised Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patter- erything is still on the table regarding tion and disappointment that the state of Michigan received an F grade for civil son’s hand during the middle of the “Big the notion. rights education from the Southern No doubt, Thursday’s forum will Four” where the conversation turned tense with talk of President Barack touch on the theme of Detroit and race Poverty Law Center,” Jones said. “As a Obama’s one-time minister, the Rev. relations also heard in the first “Pan- district, DPS has always ensured African-centered education is embedded in cakes & Politics.” Jeremiah Wright. our social studies curriculum. However, And you can bet there will be more Holding his hand, Kilpatrick stood to support a statewide reform, I quickwith Patterson and announced to the interesting conversation and memora- ly formed a committee of social studcrowd, “The one thing we can all agree ble moments ahead as the 10th season ies teachers and key administrators to upon is that we are all against Osama of the Michigan Chronicle’s “Pancakes draft a specific civil rights curriculum Bin Laden!” & Politics” begins. for K-12 educators in Michigan titled,
Pancakes & Politics
Detroit
The latest research shows that targeted efforts focused on a small group of individuals who are high-risk or currently involved in crime have better results than generalized programs among the larger population. “The age group that causes the bulk of violence nationally is 14- to 24-year-olds,” said Chris Melde, an assistant professor in Michigan State University’s School of Criminal Justice. “This new chief is picking the right people, and they’re looking for outside help,” said Andrew Arena, retired former head of the Detroit FBI office who now runs the Detroit Crime Commission. “That has always been a problem for the Detroit Police Department in the past.” Last year, America’s big cities continued the slow but steady decline in murders. And while it was not at the pace many have wanted, the nation’s largest cities continued to wit-
From page A-1 ‘Teaching the Movement.’ We also created a syllabus for a new African American history course for middle and high school students.” Jones said she submitted both documents last October to James Cameron, social studies consultant for the Michigan Department of Education to be shared with state educators. The content has yet to be approved at the state level and Cameron said he needed more time to provide information to this writer on the status of the matter. But Jones is looking forward to the new curriculum being rolled out for the 2015-2016 school year district-wide. To underscore the long road ahead for public schools in Michigan and across the country, the SPLC report noted that, “The National Assessment of Educational Progress — commonly called “The Nation’s Report Card” — tells a dismal story: Only 2 percent of high school seniors in 2010 could answer a simple question about the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, and it’s no surprise. Across the country, state educational standards virtually ignore our civil rights history.” Another issue in the report is that there is no instructional timeline in civil rights education in schools. “Over the last decade, history and social studies have been crowded out of the classroom. Research shows an overall decline in classroom time devoted to social studies. The No Child Left Behind Act has increased the emphasis on testing in math and reading, subjects on which schools must show progress under the law. The overall result is that history education has been left behind, as social studies instructional time in our most challenged schools has fallen by more than a third,” SPLC wrote in the report. SPLC also stated that teachers are not well prepared to teach civil rights history. “More recent data shows that nearly 60 percent of those teaching history in grades 7-12 had neither a history major or minor. Although many have since received training from Teaching American History grants, the fact remains that even those teachers who majored in U.S. history may not have taken a single course in the Civil Rights Movement,” the report stated. Meanwhile on April 1 at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, students are convening a civil rights academy in conjunction with the Michigan Civil Rights Commission led by professor Barry Checkoway. “The Department of Civil Rights continues to play a significant role in the effective operation of ALPACTs across Michigan and is expanding them into additional communities in 2015. (ALPACT stands for Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust). These groups have helped to build bridges between communities and their respective law enforcement agencies. If they had an ALPACT in Ferguson, Missouri, the situation there could have been much different,” Horwitz said. “The Commission and its Department of Civil Rights continues at its core, to work to assure that ‘fair is fair’ and that Michiganders can enjoy full and equal civil rights protections. With that as a framework, the Commission’s primary policy initiatives focus on ongoing efforts to diminish racial inequality, to extend protections contained in the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to LGBT individuals, to provide equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities and to better educate Michiganders about their rights and ways they can report alleged acts of discrimination.” Bankole Thompson is the editor of the Michigan Chronicle. The author of “Obama and Black Loyalty,” his most recent book, “Obama and Christian Loyalty,” deals with the politics of the religious right, Black theology and the president’s faith posture across a myriad of issues. He is a senior political analyst at WDET-101.9FM (Detroit Public Radio). He is a member of the weekly “Obama Watch” Sunday roundtable on WLIB-1190AM New York. Email bthompson@michronicle.com or visit http://www.bankolethompson.com.
From page A-1 ness steady declines in both total murders and murder rates in 2014. Data provided by police departments in the 10 cities with the highest number of murders in 2013 shows that six out of 10 saw a significant drops in both total murders and murder rates in 2014. Baltimore and Detroit led the pack with the sharpest declines over last year, but a look at an impressive big picture shows that Los Angeles and New York have managed to cut murders in their city by roughly half. Not every mayor will be celebrating, however. Philadelphia couldn’t make a dent in its homicides this year, and both Indianapolis and Houston saw some significant increases. Detroit’s problems are not unusual to many of the cities that make the list of the most dangerous. While national crime statistics have fallen dramatically since the early 1990s
_ murder and violent crime rates are both down more than 50 percent — the rates in cities like Detroit; Oakland, Calif. ornia, and St. Louis remain stubbornly high. Cities like New York and Los Angeles have seen large influxes of immigrants, and have also enjoyed declining crime rates as those immigrants help to stabilize the neighborhoods they move into. They draw in opportunistic new residents who invest in housing and gentrify the area. Even in Washington, D.C., once considered a murder capital, killings have fallen by more than two-thirds since the year 2000 as the city’s immigrant population rose. Ultimately, until education and employment improves, many experts believe Detroit will continue to see its share of problems. Columbia University professor Dr. Irwin Redlener, cofounder with singer Paul Simon of New York City-based
Children’s Health Fund, which partners with Detroit’s Henry Ford Health System to provide mobile health clinics for Detroit Public schoolchildren, summed up his feelings about crime and the public health issue that plagues the city to the Detroit News earlier in the year. “You take a bad economy, cutbacks of services, cutbacks in police presence, corruption at the highest levels of government, and you have the impact of all that being an increasing malaise among the population,” Redlener said. “Communities feel abandoned and betrayed by leadership. You add that to a bad economy and people worrying about how they’re going to pay their rent, and then cutbacks in the social programs create a very demoralizing environment where one is not surprised that there has been increased violence and homicidal fatalities.” The Michigan Economic De-
velopment Corp. is one of those organizations working to address the overwhelming problem of unemployment. They are working diligently to help stabilize the skills gap with a $10 million state-funded program that subsidizes wages of workers in training. According to Mlive, thus far 63 companies have hired 1,076 people through the program, with 942 still in the positions. The average wage is $11.53 per hour. “It’s a story about segregation, integration and gentrification,” said John Roman, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute and lecturer in criminology at the University of Pennsylvania. “Crime is about cities. Crime is about dense clusters of low-skilled young men.” Zack Burgess is editor-at-large for the Michigan Chronicle and Real Times Media. His work can be seen at zackburgess.com. Twitter: @ zackburgess1
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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
March 18 - 24, 2015 Page A-5
Right to Work vs. fighting for workers’ rights By Jimmy Settles, Vice President, UAW-Ford
of that in Texas. He founded a group that led the Right to Work movement in Texas and other states.
Despite organized labor being the central force behind fighting for higher wages, better healthcare for American workers, enhanced workplace safety and countless other advancements, unionism nonetheless remains the target of so-called Right to Work proponents. The name “Right to Work,” first of all, is an inaccurate description. Its name implies that it gives American workers the right to work. Not so. Rather, it is an anti-union stance with a racist origin that says individuals can work in unionized facilities and have the OPTION of deciding to join the union. One component that they do NOT have to decide on is whether to accept the union benefits that were negotiated as part of the collective bargaining process. They don’t have to decide because they are automatically granted those perks by virtue of Right to Work legislation. So nonunion workers enjoy the same protection and benefits under Right to Work as their union counterparts, but without paying their share of the cost it took to negotiate those perks. Such a divide-and-conquer process not only promotes dissention at the workplace, but the larger issue is its potential to splinter and weaken unions—and by extension, weaken minority communities. African-Americans are especially vulnerable to the reduction in unionism. The percentage of African-American males in particular who are represented by a union stood at 15.8 percent in 2014.
Jimmy Settles That’s more than three percentage points higher than any other demographic. Organized labor has long been the door through which African-Americans have walked their way toward middle class status. Historically, there have always been a higher percentage of African Americans in unions than African Americans in the entire workforce as a whole. Consequently, the battles waged against organized labor disproportionately affect the middle class standing of the African-American community. Perhaps that’s not by accident. The origins of Right to Work can be traced back to the racially motivated premise of Vance Muse, an oil lobbyist from Texas who also happened to be a white supremacist and segregationist. He viewed organized labor as a communist front and ultimately led the anti-union fight in his state. Muse also looked at unions as a source of forced integration, and wanted no parts
That’s an interesting origin for a movement that now has supporters waving a dismissive hand at such a racial notion. They claim Right to Work is not, nor ever was, about discrimination; it is about choice, they say. It is about American workers having the individual right not to join a union — all the while never acknowledging the toxic and divisive grounds on which the movement began. There are now 24 states that recognize Right to Work, and Wisconsin is primed to become the 25th. The expansion of Right to Work can erode organized labor in this country, and that’s not a good thing. Michigan’s union membership fell more than seven percent in the year following its adoption of Right to Work. Considering union jobs traditionally pay upwards of 20 percent more than nonunion jobs and offer better and more cost-effective healthcare coverage, the importance of fighting Right to Work has become a concern to us all. Research shows that states with Right to Work laws have lower wages, lower rates of health coverage, higher poverty and infant mortality rates, less investment in education and higher workplace fatalities. That is not the America for which we in organized labor fought. We must — and will — remain unified and stand strong against this continued attack on middle class America.
A map for better health
By Paul Bridgewater
So, I enlisted the help of the Detroit Area Agency on Aging’s Diabetes Self-Management Training Program (DSMT) Manager Grace Deroacha, who guided me through a health coaching session and provided me with a SMART plan, a map for better health. To learn more about the DSMT program, call (313) 446-4444 or go to www. daaa1a.org. With this plan, my goals are specific, measurable, accountable and adjustable, recordable and within a certain time frame. I’m sharing my plan in hopes that others who want to better manage their diabetes or shed unwanted pounds will join me in getting SMART. S — My specific goal is to eat breakfast at least three times each week. Eating breakfast on a reg-
COMBINED NOTICE: NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS AND NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI) TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS, AND PERSONS: MSHDA 735 E. Michigan Avenue P.O. Box 30044 Lansing, MI 48909 517-335-4661 This Combined Notice is intended to meet two separate procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Anytime we set out on a journey, it’s important to know where we’re headed and have a roadmap. If you start out without a goal and a navigation system, any road can get you nowhere. As a person living with diabetes, I’m on a journey to achieve better health and properly manage my condition. I have rededicated myself to eating breakfast, avoiding fast food and making more nutritious choices. I haven’t done very well in the past and I’ve faced the reality that if I could actually do this on my own, I would’ve been able to stick to a plan long ago.
March 18, 2015
On or about April 2, 2015, MSHDA will submit a request to HUD for the release of funds for Detroit Land Bank Autority under the following program: CDBG under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 HOME under Title II (HOME Investment Partnership Act) of the CranstonGonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 X Other: NSP 2 PROGRAM INCOME
Paul Bridgewater ular basis will help jump start boost my metabolism and better control my blood sugar levels. Getting in a good breakfast also will help me feel less hungry throughout the day and crave fewer snacks. M — I want to measure how I’m doing. I’m starting with a goal for breakfast I believe I can sustain each week, and build from there. I never had any issues eating a big breakfast on Sundays, and I love cooking breakfast for my grandchildren that includes selections such as eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and waffles. However, one of my granddaughters recently has become vegetarian. I’ll modify my choices by following her lead. I’ll add spinach and tomatoes to my eggs and make an omelet with turkey bacon or turkey sausage. Instead of syrup, I plan to top pancakes and waffles with fruit, yogurt or peanut butter. A — Instead of doing this alone, I’ll continue
seeking support and be accountable to them. I am willing to adjust what’s not working. So far, my goal is to choose from five healthy breakfast items for weekdays. So I plan to choose a hard-boiled egg, a low-fat cheese, a piece of fruit or Greek yogurt, or a high-fiber cereal bar. R — I’ll review and record my progress using a phone app such as MyFitnessPal. I also will take pictures and post them on Facebook to prove I’m doing the work. See www.facebook.com/paul. bridgewater.779 T — My time frame for these goals is three to five days each week, and I plan to check in with my health coach on a weekly basis. I’ll also add in a fitness routine once I gain solid footing with my improved eating plan. Paul Bridgewater, president and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), hosts “The Senior Solution” on WCHB Newstalk 1200 am, Saturdays at 10 a.m.
AVOID PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURE TAXES DUE MARCH 31 EMAIL: TAXINFO@.CO.WAYNE.MI.US 313-224-5990 TREASURER.WAYNECOUNTY.COM
Raymond J. Wojtowicz, Wayne County Treasurer
Program funds will be used to undertake a project known as Detroit Land Bank Authority NSP2 Program Income Demolition Project for the purpose of using $4,300,000.00 dollars of federal NSP2 Program Income funds to demolish blighted residential and commerical structures within the HUD identified low moderate, middle income area (LMMA) with the HUD previously approved NSP2 census tracts, as permitted under the NSP2 Program and shall not demolish any public housing as defined by 42USC1437a. . NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT No serious environmental adverse impacts or hazards were identified in the course of the environmental review. Therefore, MSHDA has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment and an Environmental Impact Statement under NEPA is not required. For tiered review, additional environmental analyses will be addressed on project sites as they are identified; specifically: “This activity has undergone a Tier I Environmental Review. As specific locations become known, these sites will undergo site-specifc review to confirm the original finding. The Tier II environmental factors to be analyzed are Historic Properties,Toxic Chemical and Radioactive Materials and we will acquire any DEQ permits that me be requires”. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at MSHDA, 735 E. Michigan, Lansing, MI 48912. The record is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to MSHDA at the address listed above on or before April 2, 2015. All comments will be considered by MSHDA prior to requesting a release of funds from HUD. Comments should specify which Notice is being addressed. RELEASE OF FUNDS MSHDA certifies to HUD that MSHDA and its Certifying Officer consent to accepting the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows Detroit Land Bank Authority to use program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and MSHDA’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of MSHDA; (b) the environmental review record indicates an omission of a required step, decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to: CPD Representative for MSHDA Detroit Field Office US Department of Housing and Urban Development Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building 477 Michigan Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48226-2523 Objections to the release of funds on bases other than those stated above will not be considered by HUD. No objections received after April 17, 2015 will be considered by HUD. Rev 07.01.14
nd for working, g.doing, and Page A-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • March 18 - 24, 2015
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Comerica Bank celebrates 15 years of Java & Jazz at the Detroit Public Library Detroit-based jazz ensemble Straight Ahead headlined opening show
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omerica Bank and the Detroit Public Library recently kicked off the 15th consecutive year of Comerica Java & Jazz: A Coffee House Series at the Clara Stanton Jones Friends Auditorium. In what has become a tradition, Detroit-based, all-female jazz group Straight Ahead opened this year’s concert series with a superb performance. “We’re pleased to bring back Java & Jazz for the 15th year,” said Patricia McCann, vice president and national civic affairs manager, Comerica Bank. “We’re honored to be a part of a program that has entertained metro Detroiters for well over a decade.” At some point during the past 15 years Detroiters became accustomed to getting their jazz fix on the third Tuesday of every month in March through July and continue to consistently fill the seats on concert nights. “The success of Comerica’s longstanding partnership with The Detroit Public Library is a testament to the continuing popularity and longstanding tradition of Detroit’s unique jazz sound,” said McCann.
Java & Jazz concerts showcase talented jazz musicians for Detroit music fans to enjoy free of charge. This year’s remaining schedule includes:
The Jazz Cycle Tuesday, April 21 – 6 p.m. The Jazz Cycle showcases a different approach to making music by combining different styles of jazz to achieve the right blend of sound and feel of the tunes all the while having fun playing and creating music. Kathy Kosins Tuesday, May 19 – 6 p.m. An award-winning vocalist, Kathy Kosins is known for her eclectic musical palette that spans many eras throughout the rich history of jazz. Armond Jackson Tuesday, June 16 – 6 p.m. A gifted singer, Jackson has been delivering soulful performances on Detroit stages since childhood. Obed Succari Tuesday, July 21 – 6 p.m. Percussionist Obed Succari beautifully melds his Latin percussion training with his Motown- inspired musical stylings, creating a jazz sound all his own for concert goers to enjoy.
Straight Ahead returned to the Comerica Java & Jazz stage to once again kick-off this year’s free concert series.
“The Detroit Public Library is extremely grateful for the 15 years of support Comerica Bank has provided our Comerica Java & Jazz music series,” said A.J. Funchess, assistant marketing director, Detroit Public Library. “Comerica Bank has not only allowed us to present high quality, live music entertainment to the Detroit community, they have also given us a free and open platform to showcase the rich musical talent of Detroit.” Java & Jazz concerts are held on the third Tuesday of every month from March through July at the Detroit Public Library, Clara Stanton Jones Friends Auditorium located at 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202. For more information about this year’s concert series, please visit www.detroit.lib.mi.us.
The Jazz Cycle
Armond Jackson
Kathy Kosins
Obed Succari
community
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
EMU regents approve $8.9 million budget for health related programs and renovations The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents today (March 17, 2015) approved an $8.9 million capital budget for 2015-2016 that includes significant investment for supporting health-related programs, the Honors College and student housing renovations. The budget, approved at the board’s regular meeting, reflects the University’s continued emphasis on improving academic and student-related facilities, in upgrading classroom technology, and in continued enhancements in campus safety and security, with those areas accounting for more than 80 percent of the capital budget. The FY16 capital plan includes more than $2.8 million for funding of upgrades in academic facilities. Those improvements total nearly $1.8 million for continuing renovations in the historic Rackham Building, which houses the University’s Physician Assistant
Program along with other health and human services programs such as Orthotics and Prosthetics. Also included in the plan is more than $1 million to fund space for growth of the Honors College, which has nearly doubled in enrollment since 2011. This past year, the University admitted its largest honors freshman class ever, at about 500 students. The capital budget also focuses heavily on student housing and dining. Wise Hall, located on the eastern end of campus, is scheduled for a $2 million renovation, with the hall to close for a year at the end of this semester. The Wise upgrade maintains Eastern’s focus on improving the quality of student housing. Such enhancements have helped EMU average roughly 90 percent occupancy of its on-campus housing over the last three years, which is also an element in EMU’s long-
term strategy of improving student retention. In addition to the Wise improvements, the FirstYear Center, comprised of four residence halls – Putnam, Sellers, Phelps and Walton, will undergo $150,000 worth of upgrades. Planned capital expenses will also continue the University’s extensive safety enhancements, which now include more than 600 cameras around campus. The coming year will see further installation of cameras, various improvements related to The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the addition of more Automated External Defibrillators, at a combined cost of just over $1.4 million. The recommended budget also reflects Eastern Michigan’s focus on upgrading campus technology, both in classrooms and in other campus buildings, with a planned FY16 expense of $875,000. The Porter Building, which houses
the College of Education, will receive about $600,000 worth of enhancements. Other approved campus capital investments for FY16 include improvements at Rynearson Stadium ($100,000), the Rec/IM Swimming Pool ($175,000), development of the Ainsley Road Cul-de-sac ($400,000) and repairs to the Smith Lot ($235,000), located just west of King Hall and Marshall Hall near the center of campus. The new budget plan follows a period of unprecedented capital investment at Eastern. The five years from fiscal 2008-09 through 2013-14 included capital spending of more than $220 million. Approximately twothirds of the spending was invested in academic facility enhancements, including the Science Complex addition/renovation and the renovation of the Pray Harrold classroom building.
March 18-24, 2015
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Comerica Bank’s Michigan Index grows for second month Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index grew in December, increasing 0.4 percentage points to a level of 120.0. December’s reading is 46 points, or 62 percent, above the index cyclical low of 73.8. The index averaged 117.3 points for all of 2014, three and one-tenth points above the index average for 2013. November’s index reading was 119.6. “Our Michigan Economic Activity Index increased again in December, following a small increase in November. These two monthly gains put the Michigan Index back on an upward track after a one-month decline last October. Going forward we anticipate only limited gains from auto production driving the Michigan economy in 2015. However, we expect to see more improvement in housing markets, both in terms of Robert A.Dye residential construction and also in terms of house price gains in 2015,” said Robert A. Dye, chief economist at Comerica Bank. “Labor market conditions will continue to improve in 2015, providing a broadening base of support for the Michigan economy.”
Brain Day Detroit at the Michigan Science Center Learn how your brain impacts your senses, how it develops and changes as you age, how it works together with your eyes, and much more at Brain Day Detroit, held March 21, 2015, at the Michigan Science Center.
The Michigan Economic Activity Index consists of eight variables, as follows: nonfarm payrolls, exports, hotel occupancy rates, continuing claims for unemployment insurance, housing starts, sales tax revenues, home prices, and auto production. All data are seasonally adjusted, and indexed to a base year of 2008. Nominal values have been converted to constant dollar values. Index levels are expressed in terms of three-month moving averages.
Budding scientists will enjoy many interactive activities, including crafts and games that demonstrate the brain’s plasticity, anatomy, function and more. Guests will have the chance learn amazing brain facts, talk to real neuroscientists and even hold a human brain.
Comerica Bank, with 214 banking centers in Michigan, is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Michigan and Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, and Florida, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico.
The special event is hosted by neuroscientists at Wayne State University and the University of Detroit Mercy in partnership with the Michigan Science Center, the Society for Neuroscience and The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives. It will be held from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Michigan Science Center, located at 5020 John R in Detroit. Admission to the event is free with regular paid admission. The event is organized Wayne 1State CBP-5009 MI Chronicle by Ad-MM.pdf 3/11/15 University faculty and students.
To find Comerica on Facebook, please visit www.facebook.com/ComericaCares. Follow us on Twitter at @Comerica_Econ.
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Make a difference in our community. At Comerica Bank, we understand the greatest investment we can make is in our community. That’s why we actively support small and minority-owned businesses. Because we don’t just bank here, we live here.
®
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March 18 - May 17 ‘Photographs from the Detroit Walk-In Portrait Studio’ Detroit Institute of Arts 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit See “Photographs from the Detroit Walk-In Portrait Studio” by Dutch-born photographer Corine Vermeulen in this mixed media exhibition. Free with museum admission. For more information, call 313.833.7900.
March 18-24, 2015
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
March 19 Third Thursday with the Southfield Area Chamber 4:30 to 6:30 pm Are you looking to expand your business leads and grow your business opportunities? If so, join in on the third Thursday of each month for networking, food and fun. Hors d’oeuvres will be served with a cash bar. Location varies for each event. For more information call Tanya Markos-Vanno at 248.557.6661.
March 20 Wayne Shorter Quartet at Orchestra Hall 8:00 pm Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit Prepare yourself for a spellbinding evening of music from legendary jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter and his all-star band. Cost $18-$99
March 21
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March 28
Black Marriage Day 2015
Back to Basics”
11:00 am to 8:00 pm The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
6:00pm
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is partnering with the Marriage Resource Center to bring you Black Marriage Day 2015. This national initiative encourages African Americans to embrace an institution that has long been on the decline within this community by highlighting the deep-rooted historical role marriage has played among African Americans, as well as the reality that there are still Black men and women who meet, fall in love, get married and stay together. Black Marriage Day 2015 is open to married and engaged couples. Those who are in a serious relationship are also encouraged to come. This will be a day-long event full of love. $50 in advance, $55 the day of the event For more information, call 313.494.5800.
Inspiring musical concert featuring Rev. Dr. Twana A. Harris, pastor of Carter Metropolitan CME Church and Rev. Christopher A. Hale, pastor of Allen Temple CME will take place Saturday, March 28, 2015—6 PM at St. John CME Church, 8715 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. Rev. Dr. Claude Bass, pastor of St. John will serve as Master of Ceremony. There are vendor opportunities available. Tickets can be purchased by calling St. John CME Church at (313) 872-5663.
March 30 - April 17 Black I: Faces Exhibit at The Carr Center 6:00 pm The Carr Center 311 E. Grand River Ave. Detroit, Explore the emotionally moving photography of Andrew Evans in the Black I: Faces exhibit. For more information call 313-965-8430
For more information, call 313.576.5111.
March 18 - April 27 Noir Film Series 7 pm Michigan Theater 603 E. Liberty St. Ann Arbor The Michigan Theater and State Theatre in partnership with Nicola’s Books is pleased to present The Noir Film Series continues weekly through the end of April. Cost: $7-$10. For a full list of films and showings and more information, call 734.761.8667.
Black Marriage Day: March 21, 2015
Email Your Upcoming Events to events@michronicle.com
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The Michigan Chronicle is proud to present our 2014 fall school choice guide, ACHIEVE! Despite many changes over the past few years, too few tools exist to help parents easily navigate through today’s educational landscape. ACHIEVE! aims to identify the options, issues and performance of Metro Detroit schools, while exposing existing disparities between school types and districts. ACHIEVE! offers an unbiased view of public, magnet, private or charter school options worthy of exploration, in addition to high-quality after school, tutoring and other programs that support urban households. Our educational guide gives parents the tools not only to identify the “best” schools, but also to choose the best school for their child. Over 50,000 copies of ACHIEVE! have been distributed throughout metro Detroit via insertion in the Michigan Chronicle, direct drops at targeted schools, libraries, resource centers, local churches and retail chains.
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CATHY NEDD Chief Operating Officer BANKOLE THOMPSON Senior Editor RIAN BARNHILL Managing Editor SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011 JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997 LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989
The value of a government owned postal service By Bill Fletcher, Jr.
tle forms. As we can see from other experiments in privatization, in order to I remember reading a piece by a right- prepare the public for privatization it wing think-tank in 1990 calling for the is important to discredit the public deprivatization of the postal service. Their livery of a specific service. This is most argument was fairly simple: it would al- often done by financially strangling the legedly save money. Although there were institution, whether it is sanitation, wamany refutations of this sick ter, education or, in this case, argument at that time – and the postal service. So, in the since – the argument contincase of the postal service we ues to be raised. And, as with have witnessed the reduction any disease, if you do not stop in the workforce; the shortenit in its tracks, it continues to ing of hours in post offices, grow. the shuttering and threat to shutter mail processing facilThe U.S. Postal Service has ities; and the threat to reduce been under constant assault. the number of days for mail Despite the suggestions that delivery. The result of all such it is financially broke, the realactions is the demoralization ity is that it is making money of the customer base and an and at no cost to the taxpayer. opening to convince them What happened, however, was Bill Fletcher that privatization is the path that Congress mandated that the postal service pre-fund their retire- of deliverance. ment for 75 years. No organization is While it is true that first class mail is ever asked to do this, but in demanding and has been declining, packages, catathat the postal service make this com- logues, etc., have become a very signifimitment, Congress was putting a finan- cant component of the mail stream. Yes, cial albatross around the neck of the you can order almost anything online, postal service. And that albatross also but the products have to be delivered by became a means to make demands that someone and that usually comes down the USPS restructure itself. to the U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel We need a fully public postal service. Service or FedEx. In a December 2014 For one, it is mandated by the U.S. Con- study conducted by Consumer Reports, stitution, a fact that many people do not the USPS either tied for top rating (with realize. Second, a public postal service UPS and FedEx) or was at the top by itmeans that everyone within the U.S. is self in terms of overall satisfaction and subject to the same rate. A first class approval for its performance. Therefore, stamp will get your letter from D.C. to contrary to the myths that have been New York, but it will also get that letter propagated, the postal service is both to rural Michigan at no additional cost. efficient and competent. Should the postal service be privatized, We need to protect the U.S. Postal you can be guaranteed that that would Service and our right to a public postchange since the economics of the “mar- al system. Once it is lost to the private ket” would intervene, making postal de- sector, all bets are off in terms of what livery to isolated and relatively isolated we will be handed in return. areas far more costly than mail between Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the host of “The major metropolitan areas. Global African” on Telesur-English. He Efforts to privatize the postal ser- is a racial justice, labor and global jusvice are taking subtle and not-so-sub- tice writer and activist.
A male-exclusive framework for racial justice
By Stephany Rose
In the Christian faith, the Syrophoenician woman’s testimony is one of the most popular narratives in the Gospels. She was a woman who – because of her gender, ethnicity and nationality – was not marked as a disciple of Christ. She was also a mother whose daughter was haunted by an evil that could not be cast out by normal means. Her child “was grievously vexed by a devil” and she looked to Jesus for an intervention. Despite her stark marginalization and alienation as a non-Israelite, she was willing to ignore societal norms and Stephany to withstand ridicule to plead her case for her ill-fated daughter. Consequently, her dedication to her child’s liberation has resonated as an inspirational act of faith for generations of Christians. Many sermons on the unnamed Syrophoenician woman teach us about her faith and her yearning for the liberation of her child. Yet, as was revealed in Matthew’s gospel, religious leaders often ignored the collective disdain that Christ’s disciples had for this woman and her daughter. Too focused on their own comforts, the disciples – who had just witnessed salvation and should have been in tune with the values of freedom and justice – pleaded to have her sent away. They lacked the capacity for empathy and the ethical convictions necessary to fight for her rights and her daughter’s well-being even though, in some respects, they may have admired her mother’s strength. In this way, the plight of the Syrophoenician woman can be seen as a metaphor for the climate Black mothers face in the United States today as they struggle to liberate themselves and their daughters. As widespread support has been garnered for the White House’s “My Brother’s Keeper” Initiative (MBK) – designed to address the systemic racial inequities facing boys and young men of color – their female counterparts remain on the margins of our concerns. The MBK Task Force recently released its one-year progress report to the president on the effectiveness of the program. In a “triumphant” response, the White House lauded itself for MBK having so far raised $300 million in the private sector, and prompted more than 200 communities to sign on the for the MBK Community Challenge, where local municipalities create their own new programs for men and boys of color. In this way, popular discourse forwarded
by entities like the Obama administration suggests that boys and young men of color warrant drastic measures to address the inequities they encounter, implying by omission that girls of color are faring much better. Calls to address the systemic barriers that Black girls face are, more often than not, read as special interests that distract us from the presumably more urgent needs of boys in our communities. With its continued commitment to MBK, the White House has furthered the dominance of a male-exclusive framework for racial justice. Countering this framework is the African American Policy Forum’s recent report, “Black Girls Matter: Pushed Out, Overpoliced and Underprotected.” The groundbreaking report highlights the debilitating realities that Black girls confront in the public school system. Researchers analyzed Department of Education data and examined the impact of punitive disciplinary policies in the New York and Boston public schools.
Rose
While there is no doubt that Black boys face systemic racial barriers, the report reveals comparable challenges faced by their female counterparts that underscore why we cannot continue to relegate girls to the margins of concern. In some cases, the report found that “the relative magnitude of racial disparity between girls is greater than the disparity between boys.” For example, across the nation in the 2011-2012 academic year, Black girls were six times more likely to be suspended than their White counterparts, while Black boys were three times more likely to be suspended than White boys. In the same year, Black girls in New York City were 90 percent of girls expelled while not a single White girl was punished in similar fashion. In Boston, Black girls were 10 times more likely to be expelled than their White counterparts. Thus, while in absolute numbers Black boys face the highest rates of disciplinary action, attention to the discipline rates experienced by Black girls reveals a level of racial disparity that is deeply disturbing. Black Girls Matter also demonstrates that there are gendered barriers that Black girls face disproportionally, such as familial responsibilities, the stigma associated with teenage pregnancy, and sexual assault. Moreover, it notes that the lifelong income gap between girls who don’t graduate from high school and those who do is larger than the gap between boys.
Let members of Congress live like other people By Julianne Malveaux Congressman Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) couldn’t bring his French bulldog, Lily, on an Amtrak train. So when Amtrak funding came up for a vote, he inserted a provision that required one car on an Amtrak train to be designated a “pet car.” Pet owners will pay a fee to bring their furry companions on the train, and there are size restrictions to the pets that can travel. Still, this new provision is seen as a victory for pet owners who ride trains. Would this new provision have been proposed had Rep. Julianne Denham’s dog not been rejected from an Amtrak train? Republican members of Congress were warned by the Club for Growth and Heritage Action, fiscally conservative groups, that they should not vote to subsidize Amtrak. Would they have joined Democrats in voting $1.4 billion a year for the next four years had their Republican colleague made his pitch about pet travel? All too often, good legislation is only supported when someone with a personal agenda is able to add an amendment to further that agenda. Perhaps the pet cars make sense, but there might not be a pet car had not Rep. Denham pushed the agenda for his Lily. I’m not perturbed that he made the personal political. I’m just wondering what might happen if more members of Congress had to experience the same things as the rest of us. What if members of Congress were routinely rejected from receiving bank loans (unlikely given their average net worth of more than a million dollars and rising, compared to the $81,000 median wealth of a U.S. family)? Might they then not look at some of the rules that banks use to restrict access to capital? What if members of Congress were stopped and frisked occasionally? Might that not provoke examination of stop and frisk laws? What if members of Congress had to sleep on the street for just one night? Might they not consider the way our nation deals with the homeless? What if they had to travel hundreds of miles to obtain an essential medical service? Might they not, then, reconsider restrictions against abortion, a medical service many women consider essential? What if members of Congress had to survive on food stamps for even a week? Would that increase their empathy for those, some employed full time, who rely on food stamps in order to eat? Let’s not stop there. What if members of Congress were required to spend a week, without staff and handlers, in a strange community? Take House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and leave him in East Oakland,
Calif. wearing a hoodie and some jeans. Take Small Business Committee Chair Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) and leave him in Fifth Ward Houston with just a few dollars in his wallet. Let Financial Services Chair Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) hang with a homie as his BFF in Ferguson, Mo. Put Darrel Issa (R-Calif.) in a housing project in Los Angeles. Let Homeland Security Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) spend a little time in New York’s Riker’s where civilization sometimes takes a break. Let Budget Chair Tom Price (R-Ga.) stand in line for a couple of hours to learn about unemployMalveaux ment benefits. Will these legislators then be able to put their humanity on leave as they process their experiences? The provision to fund Amtrak passed 316-101, and it wasn’t a perfect piece of legislation. Members of Congress ride the high-revenue Northeast corridor (Washington to Boston), so despite the warning from their influential fiscal conservative groups, they choose to continue to support Amtrak. Still, they didn’t support using revenues from the heavily traveled Northeast corridor to subsidize less-traveled routes in cities that are distant from airports. This may mean that service in some smaller cities may be cut. Why not drop members of Congress into some of these cities and let them figure out how to get from one place to another? If we believe in the notion of a nation, we ought to have as strong an interest in the citizen in Washington as the citizen in a much smaller city. Those members of Congress who would privatize Amtrak have rejected the notion of national connections and equal access to transportation in favor of profligate profit seeking. Members of Congress live a privileged existence. Some say they deserve it because of the service they render to our nation. But if their health care access were the same as ours, if their access to transportation were the same as ours, if their access to financial services were the same as ours, might they behave differently? If they spent just a minute with a gun pointed at their head because they had the temerity to jaywalk, if they were beaten because they dared ask questions of a police officer, if their 5-year-old child was handcuffed because she had a tantrum, would our laws be different? Thanks to Congressman Jeff Denham, whose dog could not ride Amtrak, we know how personal inconvenience can turn into transformative legislation. If members of Congress spent a week living in a constituent’s shoes, how might our laws change? Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist based in Washington, D.C.
More needs to be done to protect authentic Detroit art By Nate Wallace
battled conscience of the community strong. A tremendous debt of gratitude is owed.
Art is often misunderstood. From the deciphering of the abstract in expresThe climate has changed. The world sionism to a simple line on canvas, it’s the viewer who must consume the me- still fascinated by a city presumed dead, now in the midst of penning dium and look through the it’s new narrative. Distant eyes of the creator. It exposfrom the trendy ruin porn doces us to the artist’s truth as umentaries, highlighting nothit delves into the controvering but the director’s naivety, sial, the radical, the extreme, under the guise of art form or the antithesis of our own and praised by Sundance, we reality. Detroit has always enter a new era. The MOCAD had a storied history full of sign changed to “Nothing Will the dramatic, with extreme Be Alright.” The White voice highs and lows. Her brand is on the Black experience is beguarded closely by its people ing lauded while the authentic who has embraced its tough image as a source of both Nathaniel Wallace voice on the Black experience in Detroit is relegated to the pride and hope. diversity spend. Our high art instituArtists, historically, have always had tions and our business leaders are not a role to play in the writing of Detroit’s doing enough to protect the authorship narrative. They have, by profession, the of this city. duty of conveying to us reality and truth, Those who have no ties to the comnot through the lens of optimism, but through the collective sensibility of the munity are now monetizing the Detroit community. Shout out to Charles McGee brand in the name of good will. As a beand Gilda Snowden. During Detroit’s re- liever in success within the construct cession, I was able to see the power of of inclusivity, any artistic programming Detroit artists, as they not only trans- with a “how do we get more Black peoformed pockets of depression and ruin ple here” problem is deeply flawed. The into reminders of who we are, but they non-progressive, artless, malicious exthemselves were transformed. I watched clusion of Black and Brown faces in the as artists morph into activist as they art game with regard to Black and brown told our story in bold artistic form with exhibitions, commissions, buyers and spectators are cause for deep concern. no shame and with no apologies. Detroit has remarkable artists, with “Everything Will Be Alright” stung amazing talent, with original voices and me as I rode down Woodward in 2008. yet they sit in the shadows. The neon sign any other time, an eyeInclusion must be deliberate. Honsore, but that day, it was the message we needed to hear from our art institutions. est introspection must be had. Our art Our artists and their work made the em- houses must be held accountable.
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East English Village Preparatory Academy
WEEK:
Welcome to the “The Ville!”
What does a future CEO, Ivy League graduate and youth mentor have in common? They all currently attend East English Village Preparatory Academy High School, and Principal Patricia Murray wants all to know that at The Ville, they are creating history!
“On FlyDay Friday, all students come to school in business attire,” said Coffey. “I also reach out to professionals in various fields to come to our school weekly and host a one-hour discussion to engage the students.”
Opening its doors in 2012, the $46.3 million facility, better known as “The Ville” amongst its students, was originally the merger of three former high school populations to create what is now a nearly 1,600 student building proudly representing the city’s eastside.
Coffey also coordinates with local organizations to donate suits to EEVPA. And he organizes the new items to distribute to teachers who then pass them out based on behavior and performance.
The school, which has a strong focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), has four academic wings including eight science laboratories, a high-tech media center, a performing arts wing, and an athletic complex with a community health clinic sponsored by St. John Health System. “We want every student to feel that they belong, not just attend,” Murray said. “Our students deserve a facility that is state-of-theart, beautiful and something to be proud of.” The students at The Ville aren’t only proud of their eye-catching headquarters, but many of them think of their school as a place of employment. Each day students come in prepared to do school work and pitch or launch their dream projects. With the help of The Future Project, students have been able to bring to reality their dreams and what they want to pursue in their futures. The Future Project is a non-profit organization that places Dream Directors (mentors) into schools to inspire students and help turn ideas into reality. “We do a little bit of everything here,” said EEVPA’s Dream Director Kayla Mason. “Future Project is about believing in young people’s dreams and helping them launch their projects.” President of the Dream Team, Gearramia Coffey, may be on his way out of EEVPA as a soon-to-begraduate, but he is on his way to becoming the next CEO with his project “FlyDay Friday” — even gaining the attention of Businessman Dan Gilbert.
FlyDay Friday is so well organized that Gilbert invited Coffey to present his business model in front of his 350 business CEOs and partners at a professional retreat. Needless to say, Coffey will have at least scored an internship with a fortune 500 company by the time he walks across the stage to accept his diploma. Coffey is not alone in his ambitiousness… CEO and second-in-command of the Dream Team, Darnell Obamwonyi, has successfully made a partnership with Toastmasters International, a world leader in communication and leadership focused on improving speaking and leadership skills, through his Future Project “Nursing Conversing.” Toastmasters representatives visit EEVPA every other Friday to educate students within the areas of public speaking and leadership skills. “I believe in bridging the gaps,” said Obamwonyi. “I love going to this school because we have the opportunity to create all of these different types of projects. And at the same time we are all treated equal.” “We envision a student who is a graduate that can go into the world and make a difference,” Murray expressed. Let’s not forget EEVPA has some of the top ranked athletes in the city! The Bulldogs hold a back-toback championship title in baseball. In 2014, in only its second year of operation, EEVPA made school history by winning its first Detroit Public Schools League boys’ golf championship. The school’s football stadium has a multi-seasonal, synthetic field for track, football, soccer and more. Senior basketball star and “Gates Millennium Scholarship” contender Fred Wright-Jones has maintained a 4.0 grade point average since middle school. Thanks to his academic ambition and poten-
tial scholarship dollars, all of his college expenses could be covered through graduate school! “Once my mom saw that I can receive a 4.0, that is what she expected,” said Jones. EEVPA has academics and it has athletics, but it also has another special aspect to its curriculum that has helped to create this dynamic population. The EEVPA Dignity Program, guided by Ray Winans, Community Organizer and Youth Mentor for the Keeping Them Alive Organization, was developed for young men and women who are facing hardship at home or at school. Winans develops relationships with many students due to behavioral situations and helps them grow into the best individuals they can possibly be. “It is my goal to instill the importance of leadership and accountability into these students,” explained Winans. “I’ve been to many locations, and this is the school that is home; we are a family here.” Senior David King, who has been deemed Winans’ successor, explained that his time within the Dignity Program was lifesaving. “The program is wonderful for students, especially if they have no one to look up to,” said King. “To me, it was lifesaving. Before I met them, my life was different, and they saved me. It’s a special program to be a part of.” With EEVPA being one of DPS’ 21 Community Schools, a neighborhood hub housing community-based programs and partnerships, students are able to participate in the Lear Corporation Tutoring Program. For three years, the Lear Corp. tutoring program allows junior and senior EEVPA students to tutor and mentor sixth-eighth grade students at J.E. Clark Preparatory Academy. Something you didn’t know… East English Village Preparatory Academy High School has the largest Future Project in the nation.
5020 Cadieux, Detroit 48224 Phone: (313) 922-5600 Principal: Patricia Murray
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COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY
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COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Monica J. Alexander May 12 will mark Monica J. Alexander’s 29th year with Comerica Bank. She began her career as a secretary in Corporate Planning and Development. In that position, she realized she possessed skills that would make her an influential leader at Comerica which motivated her to enroll in American Institute of Banking courses. After completing those courses, she enrolled in what was then the Detroit College of Business and earned an associate’s degree in 1998. She continued her schooling and earned her bachelor’s degree in 2000. During that time, she benefited both personally and professionally, assuming various management roles in different departments within the bank. In 2002, she earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Davenport University.
The chairs of the 59th and 60th Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner gathered recently to kick off this year’s dinner. Pictured from left are Hiram E. Jackson, CEO, Real Times Media and publisher, Michigan Chronicle; Donna Stallings, activist and entrepreneur; Michael T. Ritchie, president, Comerica Bank-Michigan; Gary Torgow, chairman, Talmer Bancorp, Inc.; Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, president, Detroit Branch NAACP; Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan; Vivian Pickard, president, General Motors Foundation; Eric Peterson, U.S. vice president, Diversity Dealer Relations, General Motors Company; Dr. William Pickard, CEO, Global Automotive Alliance, LLC; Charles Nolen, president, Michigan Black Bar Owners Association; and Donnell White, executive director, Detroit Branch NAACP.
PLANS FOR 60TH ANNUAL FIGHT FOR FREEDOM FUND DINNER UNDER WAY The Detroit Branch NAACP’s 60th Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner officially got under way at the chapter’s kick-off meeting, which featured a passing of the gavel ceremony. The chairs of the 2014 dinner passed the gavel to the chairs of this year’s dinner and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan got ticket sales under way by purchasing the first ceremonial ticket. The theme for this year’s dinner, which will be held May 3 at the Cobo Conference Center, is “Celebrating Freedom: Measured by Practice, Treasured by Sacrifice.”
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As a result of hard work and her determination to continue her education, Alexander is now vice president of trust operations. Trust Operations Monica J. Alexander serves as back-office support to Private Fiduciary Services and Institutional Trust, which provide trust and fiduciary services to high net-worth individuals and institutions. On a daily basis, Alexander tries to positively impact her colleagues’ career development and does so while sharing her personal experiences. She encourages her colleagues to make the difficult decisions necessary to achieve their professional goals. Not only does Alexander have a strong commitment to Comerica but to her community as well. As an active member of the Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit, she serves as the first vice president of the church’s Local Women’s Missionary Society. The society participates in many community programs but one that stands out is the church’s involvement with Detroit Public Schools. The society has adopted a classroom in which it conducts projects with the children and provides ongoing support throughout the school year. Alexander serves on the leadership council for the Comerica African American Network and co-chairs the United Negro College Fund’s annual walk, recruiting team captains and encouraging donations.
Donnell White (left), executive director, Detroit Branch NAACP, and Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony (right), president, Detroit Branch NAACP, present a plaque to Michael T. Ritchie, president, Comerica Bank-Michigan, in recognition of his support of the chapter’s 59th Annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner last year.
WWJ NEWSRADIO 950 WARMS UP WINTER WITH WINTER SURVIVAL RADIOTHON
omerica Bank’s team of volunteers r ecently gathered at WWJ Newsradio 950 for the annual Winter Survival Radiothon to help raise funds for THAW - The Heat and Warmth Fund and then joined the stars of “Hardcore Pawn” for a THAW fundraiser at American Jewelry and Loan.
Monica Alexander (second from left) was among the Comerica Cares volunteers who helped make lunches for metro Detroiters in need at The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Acres of Hope campus during the bank’s National Day of Service.
THAW provides assistance to Michigan residents who struggle to heat their homes in the winter due to energy costs. Last year, THAW distributed nearly $25 million in energy assistance to 26,000 Michigan households.
What is it about your job that has kept you with one company for 29 years? “I really value the way Comerica encourages and recognizes employee growth within the organization. Knowing that I work for a company that gives me the freedom to share my story and use it to help my colleagues reach goals they believed were unobtainable is an incredible feeling.” Through your mentoring what has been the most memorable experience? “Back when I was working in private banking, there was a young woman who was feeling discouraged and thought she lacked the skill set needed to grow professionally. Through our working relationship and numerous discussions, she was motivated to return to school which later guided her into the professional career path she had hoped for.” What is your biggest accomplishment? “Personally, that would have to be my three children ages, 23, 25 and 32, whom I raised as a single mother with the support of dear friends and family. They are strong, independent, motivated, caring individuals who have all found their own little place in the world and I couldn’t be more proud of them. I actually am a new grandmother to a baby girl and let me tell you, I am loving grandmotherhood!”
For more information on how Comerica volunteers
are giving back to our community, visit
www.facebook.com/ComericaCares. TRILLIUM ACADEMY STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON BANKING EXPERIENCE
Patricia McCann, national civic affairs manager for Comerica Bank, recently attended the kick-off meeting to begin planning the celebration for the commissioning of the USS Detroit (LSC 7). The weeklong celebration of the ship’s commissioning will take place at the Port of Detroit next spring.
Student bankers Patricia Vega and Mya Walker get ready to help their classmates at Trillium Academy in Taylor as part of Comerica’s Youth Savings Program. The program teaches children about the importance of saving and gives students an opportunity to serve as bankers at a simulated banking center in the school.
2015
Detroit has long been known as a great jazz town. Celebrating its 15th season, Comerica Java & Jazz continues the tradition of providing a monthly after work concert series that showcases some of Detroit’s finest creative talent.
Comerica Java & Jazz • April 21, 6:00 p.m. Detroit Public Library – Main Library 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202
The Jazz Cycle
Patricia Alexander – Woman of Excellence Comerica colleague Patricia Alexander has been recognized as a 2015 Woman of Excellence honoree. She has more than 30 years’ experience delivering a comprehensive array of financial services and products to small- and medium-sized businesses, with a special affinity towards businesses owned and operated by African Americans. She is also currently involved with numerous organizations including the Opportunity Fund (formerly known as the Michigan Interfaith Fund and the Housing Trust Fund), Gleaners Food Bank, Junior Achievement and the Metropolitan Growth and Development Corporation. In addition, she co-chairs Comerica’s African American Market Segmentation Initiative, which provides philanthropic giving and other professional support to organizations that promote educational advancement, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and career development. Patricia Alexander and her family worship at El Bethel Church in Redford.
The Jazz Cycle showcases a different approach to making music by combining different styles of jazz to achieve the right blend and feel of its music. They entertain audiences with some of the finest jazz musicians while having fun playing and creating their own unique sound.
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March 18-24, 2015
‘Watch the yield curve’ By Dennis A. Johnson, CFA After at least a year of debating back and forth about the probability of the U.S. Federal Reserve ending its “quantitative easing” program and then increasing short-term interest rates, the financial markets seem to be acknowledging that reality is setting in. The Federal Reserve ended its “quantitative easing” program and will begin to raise shortterm interest rates soon. In a recent survey by the National Association of Business Economists, 71 percent of 293 responDennis A. Johnson dents said they expect the Federal Reserve to increase interest rates this year. What are the implications of rising short-term interest rates? I am expecting to see interest rates increase across the yield curve, meaning both short-term interest rates and long-term rates should rise in tandem. Long-term interest rates may even increase at a faster rate than short-term rates. This is called a “steepening” of the yield curve when long-term interest rates increase faster than the short-term. The change in the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy to increase or “normalize” short-term interest rates is in response to a continuation of reports showing strong economic growth in the U.S. A continuation of this positive economic data should support rising interest rates across the yield curve. I will become concerned if interest rates do not rise across the yield curve. If short-term interest rates increase without a corresponding increase in long-term rates, this is called a “flattening” of the yield curve. This implies investors are expecting a modest increase in interest rates in the future from current levels. This expectation could be the result of investors expecting economic growth and inflation expectations to become more modest as a result of rising interest rates. Add to this scenario continued strength in the value of the U.S. dollar and all of a sudden this scenario begins to look quite plausible. A flattening of the yield curve will not be good for investors. Interest rates will remain low which will cause bonds to continue to provide income to investors at near historically low levels. Future total returns from bonds will remain low relative to long-term historical performance. Finally, let’s hope the yield curve does not become inverted, where short-term interest rates are higher than long-term rates. This condition is usually a prelude to a significant decline in the stock market. In addition, these conditions generally precede a recession in the U.S. We have always been forward looking and consistently stood by our view that the Federal Reserve will first end quantitative easing and then increase short-term interest rates. Now, we are looking beyond the debate of when and by how much the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates. We’re looking ahead at the steepness of the yield curve and expecting to see interest rates rise across the board. This is the best scenario for investors, in my opinion. Dennis A. Johnson, CFA, is chief investment officer for Comerica Asset Management Group. Comerica’s Wealth Management team consists of various divisions of Comerica Bank, Comerica Bank and Trust, National Association, and also subsidiaries of Comerica Bank. The views expressed are those of the author at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice. We do not assume any liability for losses that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions. This material has been distributed for general educational/ informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation for any particular security, strategy or investment product or as personalized investment advice.
Native Detroiters bring professional talents
back home
By Donald James
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
In 1950, Detroit had a population of almost two million. However, over the past 65 years, many Detroiters have migrated to nearby suburbs, or left for perceived opportunities in major cities such as Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and even smaller locales in the nation’s Sunbelt. Sparked by the severe downsizing of its once mighty automobile industry, as well as other major manufacturing and service industries, Detroit saw many of its people take their professional talents elsewhere. Yet, despite the coming and going of an emergency manager that ushered the city into a history-making bankruptcy, Detroit is on the rise, even as its population has now dropped to just under 700,000. Today, despite what has happened in and to the Motor City, good and bad, for sixplus decades, entrepreneurs and businesses are now streaming into the downtown and Midtown areas of Detroit, construction projects are widespread, neighborhoods are earmarked for reconfiguration, retail shopping is developing in ways not seen in decades, foreign investors are eyeing opportunities at an unprecedented rate, and yes, the population hemorrhaging has drastically slowed, and is in the process of a reversal, as people — Black, White, and other ethnicities — are moving into the Motor City. Thus, many of Detroit’s native sons and daughters have come home from across the United States. The following individuals are five entrepreneurs and represent other professionals that once again are calling Detroit home.
Shannon Cason, 39, professional storyteller/spoken word artist, returned from Chicago in 2014. Cason moved from Detroit to Chicago in 2006, where he blossomed into one of the Windy City’s best storytellers and spoken word artists. He was also a host, main stage storyteller and grand slam champion with The Moth, a prominent New York-based organization dedicated to promoting the art of storytelling on national and international levels. Cason was so good in Chicago that he was a regular guest on National Public Radio’s “Snap Judgment,” a weekly radio program that mixes storytelling with music to create funny, dramatic and compelling presentations. While Cason was doing very well in Chicago, his move back to Detroit was inevitable. “Moving back to Detroit was a very cool experience, because a lot of my stories are about Detroit,” said Cason, who grew up in Detroit and Ecorse. “So being back home allows me to tell my best stories to Detroiters.” A product of the Detroit’s hip-hop and underground rap movement of the early 1990s, Cason, along with his 31st Century Crew had a major impact on the scene, which he said helped him to become a better storyteller and spoken word artist. He is proud of what Detroit stands for artistically. “Detroit has always been top quality as far as the arts;
Jelani Karamoko
Shannon Cason Tanisha R. Strong
Michael Anthony Page Quinn Hamilton we stand for no nonsense,” Cason said. “People don’t mess with this city because we are leaders in so many art forms.” Cason message to other native Detroiters who are artists, and other professionals, living elsewhere. “Come home and totally invest in the good things that are going on in Detroit,” he said. “Connect with the movement and bring back what you’ve learned in other cities that will help make Detroit even stronger.”
Quinn Hamilton, 31, founder and owner, Firebrand Candle Company, returned from Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2011. After graduating in 2005 from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, Hamilton, armed with a bachelor’s degree in women and gender studies, with a minor in premed, was unable to find a job in her field after returning to Detroit. She moved to Ann Arbor to accept employment as a research assistant at the University of Michigan’s Department of OBGYN. She ultimately moved up the ranks to become a clinical research coordinator. While, Hamilton was very well paid, and working in the field that she loved, she wasn’t totally happy. “I wasn’t using my creative and innovative sides,” said Hamilton, who grew up in the Davidson/Livenois and Rosedale Park areas of Detroit. “I was following strict guidelines. I felt that I was withering away in my cubicle. I wanted more…and I wanted to move back to Detroit.” In 2011, Hamilton followed her heart back to Detroit, but carpooled five-days a week to her job in Ann Arbor. The commute became tiresome,
which motivated her to resign from U of M. In 2013, Hamilton founded Firebrand Candle Company, a candle-making entity that designs and makes candles named for and inspired by Detroit streets. The company operates online, but it will be housed in a brick and mortar facility before the end of the year. On her move back home: “I am a hometown girl, through and through,” said Hamilton, who lives within Detroit city limits. “Things are changing for the good and at a rapid pace. I see great innovation happening. I saw this great movement in Detroit while I was living in Ann Arbor. I knew I had to get back home to live and work, and I thank God for His favor and blessings to be able to do so.”
Jelani Karamoko, 30, principal attorney, Detroit Land Bank Authority, returned from Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2013, after living in New York and Atlanta respectively for four years. In September, 2013, Karamoko returned to his hometown of Detroit. He was gone for more than a decade. A graduate of Renaissance High School, Karamoko went on to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta where he received a bachelor’s in economics and, subsequently attended Harvard University Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts to earn a law degree. After graduating from Morehouse in 2006, Karamoko headed to New York to work as a bonds trader for Bank of America on Wall Street. In 2009, in the midst of the well-publicized financial crisis, Karamoko enrolled in the Harvard Law School. He
graduated in 2013 and could have gone almost anywhere in world, but moved back to Detroit. Karamoko currently serves as principal attorney for the Detroit Land Bank Authority. In this capacity, he oversees a team of nine attorneys, whose mission is to handle legal issues and civil court litigations as they pertain to the acquisition, management and disposition of the tens of thousands vacant homes and commercial structures in Detroit that have been reverted and acquired due to severe tax circumstances. Karamoko’s message to others contemplating a move back to the Motor City is, “Come on home and be a part of the history that’s being made. There are other cities that have a lot going on, but they can’t offer a chance to build an American city. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Chef Michael M (Michael Anthony Page), 42, owner, Grandma Told Me So Eatery, returned from New York in 2014. Page moved from Detroit to New York in 2005. IHis his desire to become a professional chef bloomed once he got to New York. “I never knew that I wanted to cook professionally until the God of my understanding told me who I was, what I was supposed to be doing and what I was passionate at,” said Page. “I knew that I always cooked, but I didn’t know that I really loved cooking until I got to New York and realized that this is what I should be doing.” In the Big Apple, Page de-
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Back home veloped his cooking skills by training and working at some of the New York’s most elite restaurants. He also owned and operated a catering company, Comfort Zone Cooking Service. Thus, he became Chef Michael M. Although his Detroit hometown was going through tough economic times, Chef Michael M decided to move back. “I came back because I wanted to open my own restaurant in Detroit,” he said. “So, I felt it was time to come home. Plus, this is where I have family and friends.” Chef Michael M is eying a couple of locations around Detroit for his soon-toopen restaurant, Grandma Told Me So Eatery, which will be established based on the inspiration of his grandmother who showed him the many secret recipes that made her famous in Greenwood, Mississippi. As a youth, Page visited his grandmother every summer. The new eatery will feature an eclectic menu of cuisine, including Creole, West Indian, Italian and Southern dishes. His company presently caters for corporate and private events throughout metro Detroit. Chef Michael M is currently involved with Gofundme.com, where he is raising money to move into the place that is ideal for his vision, which is a 150-seat restaurant that will include a stage for live entertainment. He is hoping that others will catch his vision and invest.
Tanisha R. Strong, 28, associate director of strategy & insights, Carat (Detroit), returned from San Francisco in 2014. Strong had not lived in Detroit for
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From page C-1 10 years, before moving back home in 2014. After graduating from Southfield High School, Strong, who lived in Detroit, attended Ohio State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She immediately took a job at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati for six years, before moving to San Francisco, where she worked four years as a senior manager, global marketplace insights, as well as a manager, marketplace insights, for Levi Strauss & Co. “In 2013, I had my first inkling that I wanted to move back to Detroit,” Strong said. “But it took me a year to actually move because my career was going, really, really well. I also loved my friends out there and I loved San Francisco. However, I began to follow what was happening in Detroit more proactively. I finally made the decision that moving back was something that I really, really wanted to do.” Strong said she has no regrets about moving back to the Motor City. She currently works as an associate director of strategy & insights for Carat, a global media planning and buying firm with a downtown Detroit presence. “I love being around my family again, and I love being a part of the revitalization of the city,” said Strong, who just closed on a house in the city. “I want to help with the city’s comeback because I have so much love for Detroit.” Strong’s message to native Detroiters who currently live elsewhere: “Detroit has become a great dimension for young, Black professionals. I hope that they will also come back home to help revitalize Detroit.”
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Meijer Announces Job Openings for Second Detroit Supercenter
Retailer seeking to complete hiring for 270 positions Meijer, a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 200 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. Meijer has begun accepting online applications for more than 270 positions at its new Detroit store, which is scheduled to open early this summer. Open positions include clerks and cake decorators to customer service, cashiers, receiving and meat cutters. Starting pay
will be based on experience level and specific skills. Potential candidates are required to begin the hiring process by applying online at http://jobs.meijer.com/newstore. Enter “Detroit” in the location search field at top of page and click “Search.” Hourly candidates will find positions by clicking the NEW STORE MEIJER Opening Soon in Detroit posting. Descriptions for the available positions will be outlined within the posting.
New Report Finds Michigan Ranks 6th in ID theft Complaints for 2014 AARP Fraud Watch Network Offers Tips to Safeguard Against Top 10 Scams [LANSING, MI] – On the heels of a new report showing Michigan ranks 6th in the nation in the number of reported identity theft complaints, the AARP Fraud Watch Network offers tips so people can learn how to protect themselves from the top ten scams reported by Michiganders in 2014. For the 15th consecutive year, identity theft was the top complaint in the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, accounting for 13 percent of the total 2.5 million filed complaints. Identity theft complaints in Michigan totaled 10,338, or 104 per 100,000 population. Scams involving debt collection and telephone and mobile services were even more prevalent in Michigan.
President of AARP Michigan. “The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a go-to resource for information about how people can safeguard their identity and learn to spot and avoid scams so they can outsmart con artists before they strike.” The AARP Fraud Watch Network arms Michiganders, and all Americans, with the tools they need to spot and avoid scams. A free resource for people of all ages, the Fraud Watch Network offers real-time alerts about the latest scams in your state, a scam tracking map where people can report on scams so their friends and neighbors know what to watch out for, a guide to outsmarting con artists, and a helpline where Michigan residents can talk to a trained volunteer for advice if they or someone they love has been scammed. The top scams for Michigan include: • Debt collection [14,284]
Nationally, people in their 40s and 50s filed the most complaints – 19 percent – while 18 percent of complaints were made by those in both their 20s and 30s. People age 60 and older filed 13 percent of complaints and people age 70 and older only filed 7 percent of complaints.
• Telephone and mobile services [10,357]
Social Security, Medicare and other government benefits fraud accounted for more than one in three reports of identity theft, followed by fraudulent use of credit cards (17 percent) and phone or utilities fraud (13 percent). Stealing money from bank accounts accounted for 8 percent of complaints.
• Auto-related complaints [1,637]
“Every 2 seconds someone’s identity is stolen and a con artist takes over their life,” said Thomas Kimble, State
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• Identity theft [10,338] • Imposter scams [5,538] • Banks and lenders [3,566] • Sweepstakes and lotteries [2,510] • Shop-at-home and catalog sales [1,612] • TV and electronic media [1,547] • Internet services [1,056] The agency’s Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book is based on consumer complaints filed with the FTC, and is available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement.
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE business Low dose CT scan, a life-saving tool
March 18-24, 2015 Page C-3
Optima CT660 According to the American College of Radiology, diagnostic exams save millions of lives each year. At St. John Providence, we believe the responsible use of radiation is essential in providing the highest quality of patient care. St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Mich. now offers low dose computed tomography (CT) on all its scanners with advanced technology to deliver diagnostic image quality at an even lower dose of radiation exposure. The low dose scans provides a significant benefit to patients who need a CT every six months. CT is an imaging procedure that uses special X-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside the body. Scans are commonly used to diagnose muscle and bone disorders, determine the location
of tumors and infections, guide procedures, such as surgery and radiation therapies, identify diseases and conditions, such as cancer and heart disease, and detect internal bleeding and injuries. CT scans are widely used across the medical field to perform diagnostic exams. The benefits of diagnostic imaging studies are great and important to a patient’s care plan. Patients who have had a stroke, head injury, or kidney stones often need multiple CT scans and those with pulmonary nodules often need repetitive scans for two to three years. St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital’s CT scanners with low dose technology yield equivalent image excellence at a 30 to 40 percent reduction in radiation exposure.
be obtained to verify that benefits from the scan outweigh the risk of radiation exposure. Radiation exposure is cumulative, so patients need to be aware of lifetime exposures. However, one lowdose CT scan gives you one-eighth the radiation of a regular CT, almost equal to the radiation exposure received during a mammogram, and with the potential to be just as lifesaving. People considering a CT should talk with their doctor about whether the procedure is necessary for them and about its risks and benefits. To schedule a CT scan at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital or diagnostic services at a St. John Providence facility, visit stjohnprovidence.org/locationfinder or call 866501-DOCS (3627).
A physician’s order for a low-dose CT scan must
Educating the kids nobody wants By Kevin P. Chavous After giving a recent education reform speech in Georgia, a thirty-something man approached me to discuss my views on the increasing school expulsion rate for kids, particularly boys of color. He told me that his wife was a special education teacher; that she worked with troubled kids and she had developed a close relationship with a young boy who had been expelled several times from his school. The man’s wife said that she had been asked to work with the boy because his classroom teacher suspected that the boy had Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Apparently, the boy had been having fits and would, on occasion, throw chairs around the classroom. The teacher reportedly was fearful for her safety and the safety of the other kids in the class. The man then told me that his wife found out that the boy was consistently abused at home and had no outlet to get the counseling help that he needed. As she began to work with the boy, his behavior improved and his attitude towards school improved. When I asked the man about the boy’s grade, he smiled and said, “Mr. Chavous that is why I wanted to talk with you. The boy is only 4 years old, and he did not have ADD. My wife can’t believe that she keeps getting more and more of these intervention calls from preschools. What can be done about this?”
Good question.
In 2005, Yale professor Walter Gilliam shocked the nation with the first research showing that preschoolers are expelled at three times the rate of children in kindergarten through 12th grade. He showed that young African-American boys like the boy referenced above are most vulnerable to what he calls “the capital punishment of schools.” And while preschooler’s expulsion rates continue to outpace their K-12 school counterparts, the fact is that all
471,899 354,832 122,576 15,536 6,089 3,200 2,000 125 15 Inpatient Days
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Kevin P. Chavous school expulsion rates are growing along with the high school dropout rate. All of which begs another question, “Who will educate the kids that nobody wants?” In answering both questions, we must be honest about who will not educate these kids: most local school districts. It is increasingly clear that the vast majority of local school districts — especially in urban America — are either unwilling or unable to educate the growing number of kids coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. And since our teaching core has begun to feel the pressure of having their students do well on standardized tests, they do not have the energy or often the skill set to address the needs of our most challenged school population group. As a result, the average local school district resorts to easy special needs labels as a way to get these troubled kids out of the classroom so they won’t affect the other students. As the saying goes, ‘one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch’. So, they kick these kids out of school. Fortunately, around the country, there are a number of schools who take pride in educating the kids that nobody wants. Schools like the Hope Academy Charter School in Kansas City, Maya Angelou Charter School in D.C. and the Legacy Charter School in Greenville, S.C. Each of these schools, and several others like them, make it their mission to value all of the kids they serve and they refuse to write kids off based on their background, home
life or previous school experience. Knowing that schools like these exist, wouldn’t it make sense for our most challenged school districts to eagerly embrace these alternative programs?
Apparently not.
Recently, charter school authorizers in Philadelphia rejected the application of Ligouri Academy, who made that city the same offer that Hope Academy, Maya Angelou and Legacy made to their cities: let us teach the kids who are the kids toughest to educate. Ligouri, through its founders Mike Marrone and Pat Wright, planned on using a model that included a Personalized and individualized curriculum, which has been proven as an effective strategy for all students, but especially critical for disengaged learners. The proposed Liquori model has yielded impressive results for the most challenged students in places like Fresno, CA, Buffalo, NY and Chester, PA. Still, the authorizers in Philadelphia denied Liquori’s application - even though, according to research conducted by the National Center for Dropout Prevention Network, 5000 9th grade students within the School District of Philadelphia, have a less than 1% chance of graduating high school. At some point, our education elite will wake up to the fact that one size does not fit all. And that having a menu of education offerings available to educate kids with different needs helps not just those kids, but all kids.
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Ford marks production milestone as 5-millionth ecoboost-equipped vehicle rolls off assembly line Ford has hit a new production milestone with its fuel-efficient EcoBoost® engine technology. Late last week, the 5-millionth vehicle with a Ford EcoBoost engine rolled off the assembly line at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. It was just less than three years ago that Ford celebrated production of its 500,000th EcoBoost-equipped vehicle. Now, a Ford Focus equipped with 1.0-liter turbocharged engine represents the 5-millionth Ford EcoBoost engine produced. EcoBoost was launched in 2009 on Ford Taurus SHO with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. That year, 14,439 EcoBoost engines were manufactured. In 2010, the first full year of EcoBoost production, 62,704 vehicles with the technology were built. The 2-millionth EcoBoost engine rolled off the line at Louisville in October
2013. Production of the 5-millionth EcoBoost-equipped vehicle coincides with the first full year in which customers can choose EcoBoost-equipped engines on 100 percent of Ford’s passenger vehicles sold in the United States. The fuel-saving technology is now available in every region the company serves. This most recent production milestone constitutes another step forward in the One Ford plan to drive innovation across the company’s global product portfolio, and continues to deliver on Ford’s commitment in its Blueprint for Sustainability. Award-winning EcoBoost engine technology The 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost is a multiple award-winning engine, earning Engine Technology International’s International Engine of the Year honors three years in a row. No other automaker has won the award three
straight years. The 1.0-liter EcoBoost has also earned a Ward’s 10 Best Engines nod two years running. Other members of Ford’s global EcoBoost family include the 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter four-cylinder engines, and the powerful 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V6 engines. Ford Focus, a model for EcoBoost adaptability, adoption The new 2015 Ford Focus exemplifies the frugal yet rewarding choice EcoBoost engine technology provides new car shoppers. In its most efficient configuration, the 2015 Focus SFE with 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 42 mpg highway. The new Focus offers a remarkable combination of features in its class, including lane-keeping system, active park assist and standard rearview camera. Focus ST, with its 252-horsepower 2.0-liter
EcoBoost, has a top speed of 154 mph, yet still returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 32 mpg highway. Earlier this month, Ford debuted its newest EcoBoost overachiever at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The 2016 Ford Focus RS, a global
all-wheel-drive performance car equipped with 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine technology, is projected to produce more than 315 horsepower from only four cylinders. This high-performance hatch promises thrilling performance and unbridled driving enjoyment for en-
thusiasts worldwide, including North American customers for the first time. Production of Focus RS with 2.3-liter EcoBoost is planned to begin later this year.
National Society of Black Engineers Convention showcases community impact The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), an organization that seeks to increase the number of black engineering professionals, will hold its annual convention in Anaheim, Calif., March 25-29. The 41st Annual Convention, to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center and neighboring facilities, is expected to draw more than 8,000 attendees. NSBE’s largest event, the Annual Convention has been a turning point in the lives of countless black college and pre-college students over the past four decades. The convention showcases
black students and professionals who have a passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), who are high-achievers in these fields and who are channeling their passion to advance their communities and society at large. Interview a random sample of NSBE members about their first experience at the Annual Convention, and one will invariably hear words like these from the majority: “I had never seen so many brilliant black professionals....” Like many people, these first-time attendees found NSBE’s convention to be a stark contrast
to the negative images they’d seen in media, and a shattering of the “glass ceiling” created by falsely low expectations of black youth. Here, high-achieving NSBE collegiate, pre-collegiate and professional members are the masters of their domain. Here, they set a course for the future of black engineers coming up the ranks, and plan policies and procedures that will impact the futures of thousands of young people like them. Here, they are viewed by their peers as cutting-edge new talent. And they are regarded
as innovators in STEM fields by sponsors such as The Boeing Company and Google, Inc., who support their efforts. NSBE’s members will be joined by local leaders and celebrities alike, in activities and events spotlighting the next phase of engineering and centered on the conference theme: “Innovation & Excellence: Reimagining Your Future.” As the convention prepares to get underway, the Society’s executive director says NSBE’s chief focus is achieving one goal of its new strategic plan: to graduate 10,000 black engineers with bachelor’s
degrees, annually, by the year 2025. “We view our Annual Convention as a time to show the world what excellence in engineering looks like,” says Karl W. Reid, Ed.D. “As we continue to advance NSBE’s mission to increase the number of black engineers, we are also focusing on making engineering the career of choice for many more black children around the world. We are committed to reimagining our children’s futures.” Sossena Wood, a Ph.D. student in bioengineering at the University of Pitts-
burgh, is NSBE’s national chair, the organization’s top-ranking officer. “NSBE’s Annual Convention has been a big part of my personal development,” she says. “Six years ago, in Las Vegas, as a first-time member of the NSBE Senate, I was actively involved in deciding what path the Society would take in the coming year. Now, as we prepare for our convention in Anaheim, I have come full circle, as I share with the Senate the path the Society should take until 2025.” For more information, visit www.nsbe.org.
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Learn more today. Call us at (888) 988-2798 or visit HAPmedigap.com. HAP Senior Plus (hmo), HAP Senior Plus (hmo-pos), Alliance Medicare PPO and Alliance Medicare Rx (pdp) are plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in the plans depends on contract renewals. Alliance Medicare PPO and Alliance Medicare Rx are products of Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of HAP. Alliance Medicare Supplement plan is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of Alliance Medicare Supplement insurance and you may be contacted by a licensed, authorized HAP Medicare Sales Person. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact HAP. Limitations, copayment and restrictions may apply. Benefits, copayments/coinsurance may change January 1 of each year.
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Northeast Guidance Center receives CARF International reaccreditation
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International announced the reaccreditation of Northeast Guidance Center for a period of three years for its Outpatient (Adults and Children’s), Case Management, Community Integration and Psychosocial Rehabilitation, and Assertive Community Treatment programs. In the accreditation letter to Northeast Guidance Center, CARF views the agency as a provider that conclusively demonstrates its conformance to CARF standards and commitment to improving the quality of life of persons served. The latest accreditation marks the highest level of accreditation and the fourth consecutive threeyear accreditation that
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11-12-24-33-34-3 CARF International has awarded NEGC. NEGC’s Board of Directors, executive and management teams work continuously to maintain program integrity and quality of care. Sherry E. McRill, president and CEO of NEGC, states, “This accreditation would not be
possible without the outstanding dedication and commitment of our board of directors, clinical and management teams. I also thank the community partners and funders who support the evidenced-based behavioral and medical services we deliver to our most fragile
and vulnerable mentally ill population. By receiving CARF International accreditation, we will continue to be encouraged to embrace and use their standards as the basis for our organizational development and performance improvement.”
Kimberly Burton named Red Cross Michigan Region chief executive officer
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the private and non-profit sectors in strategic framework development and implementation, and foundation relations.
“It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Kimberly Burton as the new chief executive officer, Michigan Region,” said Sue Richter, vice president, Crossroads Division. “Her wealth of experience in executive leadership, strategic grant making, fund development and innovative program design will be instrumental in the Michigan Region.”
Burton said she is excited about the opportunity to join the Red Cross. “I look forward to working with dedicated colleagues committed to the Red Cross mission,” Burton said. “This is an opportunity to impact the state I call home and work with the team to continue to provide humanitarian services to communities throughout Michigan.” Burton received both her Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Michigan. She has served on numerous community boards throughout Southeast Michigan during her career.
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Kimberly Burton has been named chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Michigan Region.
Burton served as the vice president of Corporate Services and director of Diversity and Inclusive Practices for the Council of Michigan Foundations prior to forming a consulting service in 2014. As a consultant, Burton provided services for both
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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide open for business AARP Foundation this year is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the TaxAide program.
without our dedicated volunteers, who make an indelible mark on the communities they help,” said Thomas Kimble, State President of AARP Michigan.
In Michigan, more than 1,000 Tax-Aide volunteers help more than 70,000 people each year at over 150 sites across the state.
Nationwide, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide’s 36,000 volunteers at more than 5,000 sites provided 2.6 million people with free tax help in 2014. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure their knowledge of revisions to the U.S. tax code. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $257 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).
AARP Foundation TaxAide, in its 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service. “We could not provide this valuable service
Page C-5
Last year in Michigan,
1,034 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers at 164 sites helped 70,712 people file their federal, state and local tax returns. Taxpayers served by the program received refunds totaling $26.5 million and nearly $3.8 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. The program is offered at local senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations. Preparation of tax returns under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules will require additional documentation from taxpayers this year. The good news is that for taxpayers on Medicare or Medicare Advantage for the full year, no further information is required. Otherwise,
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taxpayers need to bring along their family’s health insurance coverage information including information about Marketplace/ Exchange purchases, and health care exemptions.
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For more information on documentation that is required or to locate an AARP Foundation TaxAide site near you, visit www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp Share Your Good News with Detroit or call 1-888-AARPNOWShare Your Good News with Detroit (1-888-227-7669). AARP Share Your Good News with Detroit Foundation Tax-Aide is ofShare Your Good News with Detroit fered in conjunction with Business Section the IRS. Promotions
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For a closer look at the Tax-Aide program in Michigan, see the story on the AARP Michigan web page at: http://states.aarp.org/ mi-taxaide/
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qualities – such as improved access to care, proactive identification of patients’ health needs, team-based care management and self-management support – enable patients to receive care that meets their needs more reliably.”
The three-year longitudinal study reviewed breast, cervical and colon cancer screening rates of 2,218 practices across the state. These practices provided care for a wide variety of socioeconomic groups. Researchers set out to find whether improved cancer screening occurred within the PCMH model, and whether the improvement was dependent on the socioeconomic context in which the physician practiced.
In the patient-centered medical home model, physician-led care teams coordinate and track patients’ health care, including non-clinical factors that may influence a person’s health status, such as emotional, behavioral and social needs. The study found cancer screening rates improved across all socioeconomic contexts, and the disparity in cancer screening rates among patients in high and low socioeconomic groups significantly narrowed in practices where the PCMH model was fully implemented.
“We see from this study that Blue Cross’ medical home program is improving access to care as well as the quality of care, assuring patients’ individual needs are met,” said David Share, M.D., MPH, BCBSM senior vice president for Value Partnerships. “Medical home
“When a physician practice fully implements the attributes of a medical home model, their patients will likely have higher rates of cancer screenings,” Share said.
“In addition, this study finds that patients who are lower-income or live in communities where health care disparities exist have higher rates of cancer screenings with medical home practices. This is good news as Blue Cross works within economically distressed communities to enable more people to access ca re.” In July 2014, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced it designated 1,422 practices, comprised of more than 4,020 physicians, as patient-centered medical homes. These practices had made the most progress toward implementing the various capabilities of a patient-centered medical home model. BCBSM’s Patient-Centered Medical Home program is the largest of its kind in the nation, and has shown to improve patient health and outcomes. The program achieved certified savings of $155 million in prevented ER and hospital claims from the first three years
of the PCMH designation program. Data from 2013-2014 shows adult patients in Blue-designated PCMH practices had a 27.5 percent lower rate of hospital stays for certain conditions than non-designated practices, and a 9.9 percent lower rate of ER visits over non-PCMH doctors. To search online for a Blue Cross PCMH-designated physician, go to bcbsm.com and click on “Find a Doctor.” Then, click on “Dental, Vision and other Directories” toward the bottom of the page, for a list of PCMH-designated physicians. The PCMH initiative is part of Value Partnerships, a collection of collaborative initiatives among physicians, hospitals and the Michigan Blues, all aimed at improving quality in medical care. To learn more about this comprehensive effort, visit valuepartnerships. com.
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Page C-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • March 18 - 24, 2015
Desiree Rogers
CEO, Johnson Publishing Company
March 27, 2015 Mini-conference 1 PM Reception 3 PM Program 4 PM
MGM Grand Casino and Hotel 1777 Third St. • Detroit, MI 48226
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HONOREES Linda Joyce Alexander Chief Clinical Officer Total Health Care
Patricia Lynne Alexander
Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer Comerica Bank
Genelle M. Allen
Assistant County Executive Wayne County
Tonya Allen
Judge Vonda Evans
Wayne County Third Circuit Court
Judge Wanda Evans
36th District Court of Michigan
Sherrie Farrell, Esq.
Office Managing Member, Dykema Gossett PLLC
Renée Fluker
Founder & President, Midnight Golf
The Honorable Sherry Gay-Dagnogo
President and Chief Executive Officer Skillman Foundation
State Representative, Michigan Legislature
Earlene Baggett-Hayes
First Black Miss USA/Fitness & Wellness Professional Royal Physique Fitness
Attorney/Arbitrator/Mediator/Trainer The Law & Mediation Center, PLLC
Edna Bell
Chief Executive Officer and President Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit
Brenda Joyce Carter Vice President Pontiac School District
Dr. Christina Clark Family Medicine Alsan Medical Clinic
Carrie J. Clark
Director IT & Project Management Office Henry Ford Health Systems
Nadine Cook
Community Relations Consultant St. John Providence Health
Michelle Crockett
Principal and Director of Professional Development Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.
Gwendolyn A. de Jongh
Chief Human Resources & Labor Relations Officer Detroit Public Schools
LaNesha DeBardelaben
Vice President of Assessment & Community Engagement Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Dr. Shawny DeBerry
Deputy Chief Operating Officer Wayne County Department of Public Service
Mawine Diggs
Campus President/ Chief Academic Officer Wayne County Community College District – Eastern Campus
Dr. Peggy Richardson
Donna Givens
Deputy Chief U. Renee’ Hall
Chief Executive Officer Elan Anti-Aging & Longevity
President Youth Development Commission
SVP of Human Resources & Organizational Development Presbyterian Villages of Michigan
Nursing Practice Director Detroit Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
Janet Patterson
President & Chief Executive Officer Pathways to Self Determination
Director of Human Resources and Operations Detroit Area Agency on Aging
Frances D. Blanks Dr. Maria L. Bobo
Chief Legal Counsel Transactional & Economic Development, City of Detroit
Medical Director Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries
Deputy Chief, Detroit Police Department
President Insurance Services of Michigan
Pamela Parrish
Carole Gist
Denise Boone Bennett
Vice President Consumer Market Manager, Bank of America
Dr. Cheryl C. Munday
Associate Professor/Director of Psychology Clinic University of Detroit-Mercy
Charisse Ross
Dr. Cynthia Shelby-Lane Ayanna Smith
LaDonna Holley
Chief Financial Officer Detroit Jazz Festival
Dr. Sabrina Jackson
Director of Community Development & Governmental Affairs Walker-Miller Energy Services
Founder & Chief Executive Officer Sabrina Jackson Enterprises
Donna Stallings Patricia Stewart
Dr. Deborah K. Jenkins
President and Founder Brooke Personal Development Center & Parent Network
LaTrice V. Jordan
Chairman – Board of Trustees Motown Historical Museum
The Honorable Sylvia Jordan
Executive Director, General Retirement System Police & Fire Retirement System, City of Detroit
Principal Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School – DPS
Robin R. Terry
VP, Marketing and Development Matrix Human Services Council President City of Southfield
Cynthia A. Thomas Vickie Thomas
Deidre Lambert-Bounds
City Beat Reporter CBS Radio/WWJ 950
Chief Operating Officer Ignite Social Media
Lyn Lewis, Ph.D
Chief Executive Officer and President Lyn Lewis & Associates, Inc.
Lisa Lunsford
Chief Executive Officer and Founder Global Strategic Supply Solutions (GS3)
Shirley Mann Gray
Administrative Director Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Dr. Carmen McIntyre
Camille Walker Banks
Executive Director Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses/ Wayne State University Office of Economic Development
Felicia Wasson
Director of Public Affairs & Communications The Coca-Cola Company
Ayanna C. Weber
Director of Human Resources Operations Detroit Medical Center
Deneen Whitaker
Chief Medical Officer Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority
Assistant Director UAW-Ford Benefits Department
Dannis Mitchell Diversity Manager Barton Malow
Jessica Care Moore
Jacqueline Wilson
First Lady and Director of The HIGH Program Wayne State University
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March 18-24, 2015
SPOTLIGHT Reflections By Steve Holsey
Family turmoil I am not one of those people who believe in “family curses,” but looking at families like the DeBarges, the Kennedys and the Jacksons, I sometimes wonder. And then there’s the Houstons and the Browns, who provide unlimited material for the tabloid media. Bobbi Kristina Brown’s boyfriend, Nick Gordon, is in drug and alcohol rehab, is hated by the Brown and Houston families, and the feeling is mutual. Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown had a long and well-documented history of drug abuse and a tempestuous marriage.
Bobby Brown
Nick Gordon
Whitney Houston
Bobbi Kristina Brown
Whitney was turned on to drugs by one of her two brothers, both of whom were strung out. He continues to understandably be remorseful. Poor Bobbi Kristina (we wish her the best) seemingly never had a chance. Only God and her parents know what she heard and saw growing up in that household and what psychological damage it has done. I’m sure Whitney’s mother, Cissy Houston, veteran gospel and R&B singer, must wonder if there is a reason for the ongoing turmoil in her family. The word “cursed” might even cross her mind every now and then. PHILADELPHIA is a city with a great history — including American monuments and documents — and no doubt it’s a great place now. And let’s not forget Philly being the city that gave birth to Philadelphia International Records and “American Bandstand.” The multitalented Jill Scott is on a long list of stars from Philadelphia, including Will Smith, Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott Kevin Hart, Lee Daniels, Bill Cosby and Marian Anderson, but could Philadelphia be the warm melting pot she described? Scott acknowledged that Philadelphia is very divided by ethnicities, but added that “everybody is welcome in every neighborhood.” That is more than a little hard to believe. CHARLIE WILSON, who is back in shape following surgery for a herniated disk, knows much about how certain female fans can go way overboard in getting into the music and, more than that, the artist.
Charlie Wilson her body shaking.
Wilson told EURWeb, “I was in South Carolina recently and this lady threw her panties at me, ran onstage and grabbed me. I told the guards not to hurt her. She was crying and squeezing so light I could feel
“So I had to sing most of the song while she was holding me. We let her do that until I felt her release the pressure a bit. Then the guards pulled her away from me.” With a chuckle, Wilson added, “That’s the first time in a long, long time I’d had panties thrown at me. I didn’t think that would ever happen again!” JUSSIE SMOLLETT surprised a lot of people when he publicly acknowledged that he, like his character Jamal Lyon on “Empire,” is gay. Smollett said he was never in the closet anyway and quipped, “I don’t own a closet. I have a dresser, but I don’t have Jussie Smollett a closet.” But on a completely serious note, he stated that he would never deny or attempt to
See Reflections Page D-2
V
IOLA DAVIS
By Steve Holsey In life, for the more fortunate, everything comes together at just the right time. Connections are made, opportunity knocks, seeds planted early on experience a growth spurt, the value of preparation becomes even more clear…and careers soar. Viola Davis knows a thing or two about that. Although she had previously received a substantial amount of recognition — including three Academy Award nominations — it wasn’t until the introduction of the ABC series “How to Get Away with Murder” that Davis’ career shifted into high gear. Interestingly, the situation is the same for “Empire’s” Taraji P. Henson and ironically, the two ladies, who are friends, were in competition for the 2008 Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress category. Davis’ was for her work in “Doubt,” the intense, riveting film starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep. On “How to Get Away With Murder,” Davis is Annalise Keating, a tough-as-nails criminal defense professor for whom the ambitious law students have maximum respect. Their feelings range from wanting to be like her to feeling intimidated. THERE IS nothing simplistic about “How to Get Away with Murder,” and some find it difficult to follow or fully grasp. Prof. Keating, despite her toughness and full command of what she is doing, has plenty of complex personal issues. When asked by Essence magazine how she prepares each day, Davis said with typical candor, “I just do it. I did all of my work beforehand and I think that served me well…Then I just step into it…I just
feel very dedicated to her mess…The reason I’m holding onto the mess is because I just feel in TV that the characters that sometimes people connect to are characters that…are complicated. “I think people are complicated and I don’t think you know who they are until they’re faced with a situation…And that really is human behavior and that to me as an actor is very exciting. It’s more exciting than playing the prototype.” VIOLA DAVIS was born in St. Matthews, South Carolina, although the family moved to Central Falls, Rhode Island, when she was not yet a year old. She has noted that her childhood was “lived in abject poverty and dysfunction.” But Davis managed to rise above it, developing her long-existing de-
sire to become an actress while in high school. She subsequently majored in theater at Rhode Island College, graduating in 1988. She also spent four years at the Julliard School. There, she was a member of the Drama Division’s Group 22. Julliard, the famous performing arts conservatory in New York City, was particularly beneficial for Davis. “It’s like any great medicine that works,” she said. “It tastes absolutely lousy going down, but ultimately helps and heals you. They don’t really want to focus on what you do well — that’s what got you into the school. They train you to do other things well, which may not come easily to you.” THE SCREEN Actors Guild
See Viola Davis Page D-2
entertainment
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
MOTOR CITY ENTERTAINMENT
CALENDAR
GEORGE BENSON, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, May 8. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.
CHRIS BOTTI, June 12, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, April 17. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. DARYL HALL and John Oates, Fox Theatre, May 8. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. DR. PROF. LEONARD KING Orchestra, Bert’s Entertainment Complex, May 13, June 10. For more information call 313.729.6919 or visit www. lymonorganization.org. RACHELLE FERRELL, Thursday, March 19, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino. com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. FOURPLAY, Maysa, Hiroshima, Detroit Opera House, April 4. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. WHOOPI GOLDBERG, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, April 17. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. “I FEEL GOOD: The James Brown Story,” Music Hall, May 7-10. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. LONI LOVE, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, June 20. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. “MADEA on the Run,” Fox Theatre, April 3. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. MADONNA, Joe Louis Arena, Oct. 1. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.
NEW KIDS on the Block, the Palace of Auburn Hills, May 29. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.
O’JAYS, Stephanie Mills, the Dramatics, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Fox Theatre, May 10. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. “RAGS & RHYTHMS” Marti Gras Celebration,part of Palmer Woods Music in Homes: Jannina Norpoth and Marie Meirelles, March 28; Michéle Ramo World Jazz Festival with Heidi Hepler, April 25; Orquesta La Inspiracion, May 30; Luther “Badman” Keith Blues Band, June 26, Ralphe Armstrong Quintet, June 27. For tickets and more information call 313.891.2514 or visit palmerwoods.org. KEITH SWEAT, El DeBarge, Mint Condition, Masonic Temple, April 26. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.
March 18-24, 2015 Page D-2
Viola Davis
Reflections hide who God made him. Smart, man.
JAMES TATUM Keith Sweat Foundation for the Arts Classical & Jazz Benefit Concert, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall, Sunday, March 22. Tickets may be purchased by calling 313.255.9015. El DeBarge KATT WILLIAMS, Joe Louis Arena, April 4, Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. WENDY WILLIAMS, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, April 24. Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.
From page D-1
(SAG) is an American labor union representing over 100,000 film and television performers worldwide. Its focus is essentially the same as that of any other union — to protect workers who might otherwise be vulnerable to employers that are structured to put profits before people. In 1996, Davis received her Screen Actors Guild card in conjunction with the very small part she had in an unremembered film titled “The Substance of Fire” starring Timothy Hutton. But $528 is “a nice piece of change” for one day’s work. From there she progressed rapidly and gained a reputation as an actress who could be counted on to deliver a solid performance, every time. “Sometimes you take a job for the script, sometimes you take it for the location, and ultimately what you see is the whole landscape of it,” Davis said, and was honest enough to admit that, “Sometimes you take a job for the money.” IN THE case of a sterling actress
courageous
Diana Ross’ oldest son, Ross Naess, has always been a mystery. Tracee Ellis Ross is an actress. Chudney Ross owns a children’s bookstore. Evan Ross is an actor. Rhonda Ross Kendrick is a real estate agent, singer and actress. And now it has been revealed that Ross owns a club in Los Angeles. The last release by Frankie Beverly & Maze — not counting compilations and live albums — came out 21 years ago! But now Beverly says he “might” do some recording this year. Which brings to mind the great Bill Withers, who stopped recording and performing more than two decades ago and has no desire to return. He jokes, “I wouldn’t know a pop chart from a Pop-Tart.” Jada Pinkett Smith leaves the hit TV series “Gotham” at the end of this season. Her charac-
such as Viola Davis, it’s usually about the script, and she will not accept a part if it is not a character that she can sink her teeth into, get inside of, make the audience feel what she is feeling. Davis has been nominated for an Academy Award on three occasions; won three Screen Actors Guild Awards; was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards; won two Tony Awards; won a People’s Choice Award; won two Critics’ Choice Awards; and that is just a small part of her awards history. The films of Viola Davis include “Traffic” (2001), “The Shrink is In” (2001), “Kate & Leopold” (2001), “Antwone Fisher” (2002), “World Trade Center” (2006), “The Architect” (2006), “Doubt” (2008), “Law Abiding Citizen” (2009), “The Help” (2011), “Won’t Back Down” (2012) and “Get on Up” (2014). In post-production is Lila & Eve,” and in pre-production is “Suicide Squad.” Regarding what parts she accepts, Davis stated, “If I can’t move people, then I would prefer not to do it.”
From page D-1 ter is Fish Mooney. “I did my year and I had a good time,” she said.
Make Love to You” (the O’Jays), “Low Rider” (War).
As much as I love Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” a song that has generated in excess of $16 million, the judge was right to rule in favor of the family of Marvin Gaye and award them a huge settlement.
BLESSINGS to Henry Fambrough, Dave Finley, Marva Stafford, Craig Monroe, Mary Evans, April Edwards, J. Michael McKay, Greg Dunmore, Jackie Hicks and Aretha Watkins.
Thicke’s smash is the essentially the same song as Marvin Gaye’s classic and still exciting “Got to Give it Up,” but with different words. BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that Al Green used to go with Detroit singer Laura Lee. MEMORIES: “Oh No Not My Baby” (Maxine Brown), “Sweet Sensation” (Stephanie Mills), “Let’s Pretend We’re Married” (Prince), “Jive Talkin’” (the Bee Gees), “Tighten Up” (Archie Bell & the Drells), “Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love” (Love Unlimited), “Finally” (Ce Ce Peniston), “You Are My Starship” (Norman Connors, featuring Michael Henderson), “Flowers” (the Emotions), “Let Me
WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Tyler Perry: “It’s not an easy journey to get to a place where you forgive people, but it frees you.” Let the music play! Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol. com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.
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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
March 18 - 24, 2015 Page D-3
Obituaries Geraldine Gray
‘Community Highlights’ celebrates Hattie B. Humphrey
A going home celebration for Geraldine Gray was held on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014 at Word of Faith International Christian Center with Senior Pastor Andre Butler officiating. Mrs. Gray made her transition on Nov. 17, 2014. Geraldine Gray was born on Nov. 6, 1946 in Detroit to the late Chester and Lila Gray. She was educated in the Detroit Public Schools and worked for General Motors for over 25 years, retiring in May 2003.
children and was known for being an outstanding cook. She was also a devout Christian. Left to cherish the memory of Geraldine Gray are her daughters, Alwanda Gray and Angela Gray; a son, Lafayette Horton Jr.; sisters, Lorraine Gray, Miranda Gray and Nita Gray; three grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Mrs. Gray, a woman of warmth and wit, loved spending time with her
O.H. Pye III arrangements.
handled
Interment took place at Acacia Park Cemetery.
Emma Belle Taylor Standing from left: Honorable David Robinson Jr., Honorable Wanda A. Evans, Honorable B. Pennie Millender, Honorable Donald Coleman, Honorable Katherine L. Hansen, Honorable David A. Perkins. Sitting from left: Honorable Demetria Brue, Honorable David Braxton (chair), Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey, First Lady Monique Marks and Honorable Alicia Jones-Coleman (co-chair). “A God of Justice,” an event honoring Detroit’s spiritual ambassador, Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Detroit-Downtown Riverfront Hotel, 2 Washington Blvd., Saturday, March 21, starting at 6:30 pm.
The number for more information is (313) 965-4557. For ticket information please contact Monique Marks at (313) 363-1707 or Michael Van Tull at (313) 283-2572.
Services for Emma Belle Taylor were held on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at Alpha and Omega Spiritual Church of Christ with Bishop James E. Curry, Jr. officiating. She made her transition on Feb. 16.
Mrs. Taylor was active at Alpha and Omega church where she served as a trustee for 64 years. She also did a great amount of volunteer work and work for various charities.
Mrs. Taylor was born on Nov. 5, 1912 in Fulton County, Atlanta, Georgia to Nellie Belle Almond and Aaron Sims. In 1932 she moved to Cleveland where she married Elmer Cox and had three sons, Kenneth Richard, Elmer Louis and Leonard Harvey.
Mrs. Taylor was a grandmother of 12, great-grandmother of 14 and a great-great grandmother of two. She leaves many relatives and friends behind to cherish her memory.
Later she moved to Detroit where she married Willis Edward Taylor and
gave birth to two daughters, Annetta Regina and Iris Alice. Both husbands ceded her in death.
pre-
Swanson Funeral Home handled arrangements. Interment took place at Westlawn Cemetery.
Velma Hampton Services for Velma Hampton were held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Hampton Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. She made her transition peacefully at her home on March 2, 2015 with her family by her side.
Honorable David Braxton and Honorable Alicia Jones-Coleman (co-chair) with Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey.
scribe Mrs. Velma Hampton as “a phenomenal woman with many remarkable attributes and accomplishments. She found joy in serving humanity and exuded elegance, style and grace in everything she did. She was a role model exhibiting strength, courage and wisdom. She will truly be missed.”
Mrs. Hampton was the widow of Rev. Dr. Sidney L. Hampton, Sr., who pastored Second Baptist Church in Inkster, Michigan.
Arrangements were handled by Swanson Funeral Home.
Family members de-
The Carter Metropolitan CME Church MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESENTS The Seven Last Words of Christ (A Sacred Cantata by Theodore DuBois} Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. 1512 West Grand Boulevard (Corner of West Warren ) Detroit, Michigan 48208
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Featuring Guest Vocalists and Musicians Muriel Vaughn, Music Director Rev. Dr. Twana A. Harris, Pastor For more information, call (313) 895-‐6744.
Classified
March 18-24, 2015
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
PERSONAL SERVICES
Page D-4
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MRS. LINN
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AMENDED NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Housing Rehabilitation and Development Program MARCH 18, 2015 City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 908 Detroit, Michigan, 48226
No Mail Answered 2742 Monroe St., Toledo, Ohio 1-419-248-2145
WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Weston Preparatory Academy A Tuition-Free Public School Academy, announces its Open Enrollment period for the 2015-16 school year for grades K-8. Applications may be picked up at the school, 22930 Chippewa, Detroit, MI 48219, www.westondetroit.com (313)-387-6038, during Open Enrollment period April 2, 2015 through April 16, 2015 during school hours as well as April 2 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. If enrollment applications exceed the number of available spaces, a random selection drawing will be held at Weston Preparatory Academy on May 2, 2015 at 2:00 p. m.
HELP WANTED Agrisight, Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI) seeks qualified individuals for F/T Lead Engineer. Resp for dev, desgn, improve proprietary product offerings in big data. Job reqs Master’s or equiv & 2 years exp + spec skills. Visit farmlogs.com or email resume to jobs@farmlogs.com. Principals only. EOE CABLE TELEVISION PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Canton Township is now accepting applications for the Cable Television Production Assistant position. Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 2015. To view the complete job posting and hiring process and to submit an application online visit the Canton Township Career Page at canton.applicantpro.com Deadline date to apply: March 25, 2015 (EOE)
CITY OF RIVER ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENT The City of River Rouge is currently seeking applications for Part-Time Police Officers to create an eligibility list. Applicants must be 21 yrs of age, a high school diploma, or GED and Associate Degree. Must have proof of valid MCOLES certification as a Certified Officer. Applications may be obtained Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., March 10th-31st at: River Rouge Police Department 10600 West Jefferson Avenue River Rouge, Michigan 48218 (313)842-0069 Seeking
ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Athletics Department
Provide business management direction and oversight in all fiscal matters pertaining to budgetary control, accounting policies and procedures, economic analyses, billing and special project for the department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Provide direction and oversight of athletics program as a member of department’s executive leadership team. Provide sports oversight. Minimum qualifications require a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Five years serving in an administrative role within a NCAA Division I Intercollegiate Athletics program. This is a full time position with some evenings and weekends required. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. Compensation up to the mid $80s annually, commensurate with education and experience. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 24, 2015. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu.
Michael E. Duggan, Mayor Arthur Jemison, Director This Amended Notice of Funding Availability has been provided to extend the deadlines to the NOFA originally published on February 18, 2015. Please be advised of the following extensions in deadlines and/or important dates: • Applicants responding to this RFP must submit all required documentation to the City of Detroit no later than 5:00 P.M. on Monday, April 6, 2015. • The City will expedite the review and consideration of complete applications that are received from February 27th through March 24th, 2015 (See Fast Track Review). • The City of Detroit will accept questions regarding this RFP until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24th, 2015 (See Regular Review). • The City will continue to consider that applications not awarded during Fast Track review along with those that are received during the “regular” submission period from March 25th through April 6th, 2015. • The City will conduct an additional (informal) pre-submission meeting to discuss program requirements and answer questions on Friday, March 20, 2015, 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 65 Cadillac Square, 23rd Floor Conference Room, Detroit, Michigan 48226. PROGRAM OVERVIEW The City of Detroit will utilize Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support the rehabilitation or development of quality housing units for rent or for purchase by eligible households. The Housing Rehabilitation and Development Program aims to strengthen public-private partnerships in order to achieve the following goals: • Produce mixed-use, mixed-income multifamily housing developments in the city’s neighborhoods through both new construction and adaptive reuse of existing structures. • Preserve current affordable housing stock in both public and private sector control and thereby reduce loss of existing well located affordable housing • Develop permanent supportive housing for homeless families, individuals and veterans. • Produce infrastructure supporting housing, including entitlement-eligible public improvements such as open space landscaped areas and related infrastructure near areas of concentrated housing. • Create a reliable pipeline of these projects for future funding rounds. In each of these efforts, proposals that create “place” and support walkability, building on areas of current residential and commercial strength will be the most successful applications. A map of the Federal Hardest Hit Funds (HHF) areas will be attached to the NOFA. This map will be used as a guide for the City in making funding allocation decisions. Where proposals may diverge from these plans, proposers will be asked to identify market support for their developments. Renewed focus in the evaluations will be placed on 1) the quality of property management; 2) the long-term environmental and financial sustainability in design; and 3) the ability of the project to attract state and private capital to the project. AVAILABLE FUNDS The City of Detroit may utilize the following funding sources to support the Housing Rehabilitation and Development Program: • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program • HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program • Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) I • Unexpended City Bond Funds In total, the City of Detroit may award up to twelve million dollars ($12,000,000) to support selected projects. The additional awards are designed to 1) support “shovel-ready” developments and 2) create a reliable pipeline of multifamily housing for the City. This total includes: • An allocation of $4,200,000 to the City of Detroit under the HOME Program in FY 2014; • A projected allocation of $4,200,000 to the City of Detroit under the HOME Program in FY 2015; • This total may also include approximately $1,500,000 in project–related program income from the HOME Program and/or the NSP I program; • Unexpended City Bond Funds to support infrastructure and public improvements around the associated housing project • Finally, this allocation may include reprogrammed funds from the CDBG Program. The City will set aside at least fifteen (15%) percent of the HOME Program allocation for projects sponsored by Community Housing Development Organizations (“CHDOs”). A project supported by any of the funding programs listed above must comply with the associated statutory and regulatory requirements for each funding program. The City of Detroit strongly encourages interested parties to review the authorizing legislation and the implementing regulations or alternative requirements for each funding program before applying for assistance. See the following references and links: The CDBG Program was authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-383), and the implementing regulations are found in Title 24, Part 570, of the Code of Federal Regulations. The HOME Program was authorized under Title II of the Cranston–Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, as amended, and the implementing regulations are found in Title 24, Part 92, of the Code of Federal Regulations. The NSP I was authorized under Section 2301(b) of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–289), and the alternative requirements are found in the Federal Register (Volume 75, No. 201) of October 19, 2010. PREFERRED PROJECTS The City of Detroit will prioritize projects that are located in the target areas identified in the Request for Proposals. The City will use Federal funds to support the rehabilitation or construction of housing units that are available to moderate–income (80% of Area Median Income, AMI) and low–income (60% of AMI) households. The City encourages proposals for mixed–use, mixed–income projects. However, these proposals must fund the non–residential uses and “market rate” residential units (for households with incomes above 80% AMI) from other sources. The City of Detroit prefers rental housing projects. However, the City will consider homebuyer housing projects that meet the following criteria: • Meet the city’s goals described above; • Projects which have transformational elements (scale, design, environmental) which enable follow-on collateral mixed-income development; • Have strong financial commitments from other sources and minimal need for gap financing from the City; • Are located in select neighborhoods with demonstrable market demand. AVAILABILITY OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The City of Detroit will issue the Request for Proposals (RFP) for this Program on Monday, February 23rd, 2015. Interested parties may download an electronic copy of the RFP and related documentation from the Planning and Development Department website at: http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/PlanningDevelopmentDepartment/RequestforProposalsQualifications.aspx Interested parties may obtain a paper copy of the RFP and related documentation from the Housing and Revitalization Department at: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 908 Detroit, Michigan, 48226 QUESTIONS REGARDING THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Interested applicants may submit questions electronically to dheard@detroitmi.gov. The City of Detroit will accept questions regarding this RFP until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24th, 2015. The City will respond through e-mail to each question individually as each question is received. APPLICATION SUBMISSION Applicants responding to this RFP must submit all required documentation to the City of Detroit no later than 5:00 P.M. on Monday, April 6, 2015. Applicants must submit all documentation, by mail or in person, to: City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department Attention: Darwin Heard Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 908 Detroit, Michigan, 48226 The City will accept complete applications during regular business days and office hours. The offices of the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department are open on Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. The City will begin to accept complete applications on Friday, February 27th, 2015, at 9:00 A.M. Applicants must submit one (1) electronic copy of the application on a USB flash drive and three (3) paper copies of the application. One copy must contain original signatures. Applicants should place each paper copy in a separate, three-ring binder with a clearly labeled cover sheet on the outside of the binder. The cover sheet must identify the name of the project and the name and address of the developer/applicant. The applicant must place the word “Original” in the top left corner of the cover sheet for the application that contains the original signatures. Applicants must submit the electronic copy and the paper copies of the application at the same time. FAST TRACK REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION The City will expedite the review and consideration of complete applications that are received from February 27th through March 24th, 2015. The City will begin to review and consider these applications on a rolling basis as the City receives the applications, and the City of Detroit may issue an award letter to the projects after the “fast track” review period. In the aggregate, the City may award up to forty (40%) percent or four million ($4,000,000) dollars of the total allocation, whichever is greater, to projects that submitted complete applications during this “fast track” submission period. If the City does not award funds to a project with an application that was submitted during the “fast track” review period, then the City will continue to consider that application along with all other applications that were received during the “regular” submission period from March 25th through April 6th, 2015. Submission Period
Submission Dates
Review Begins on
Determination May Be Made by
Fast Track Review
February 27 – March 24th, 2015
Rolling, as received
April 6th, 2015
Up to 40% of total allocation or $4 Million, Whichever is Greater
Regular Review
February 27 – March 24th, 2015
March 25th, 2015
June 8th, 2015
Balance of Funds
Seeking
CUSTODIAN I/ FACILITIES at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
Campus Cleaning Department
Minimum Qualifications: Will perform cleaning activities and maintain assigned areas in various campus classroom and office buildings and on an emergency basis, perform Grounds related tasks. High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience, ability to use and/or mix various cleaning chemicals, perform physically active work, requires frequent lifting of up to 60 lbs., may work in various weather conditions with extremes heat & cold, also may require a MI driver’s license acceptable to the University’s insurance carrier. Salary is $10.46 per hour probationary, $10.71 per hour after 90 days. This is a full time position – third shift: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. See online posting for additional position requirements. Must apply on line to: https:// jobs.oakland.edu.
Aggregate Award Amount
CHDO APPLICATIONS A non-profit organization that qualifies for certification as a Community Housing Development Organization (“CHDO”), but has not received certification as a CHDO, may receive funding under the HOME CHDO set–aside. An organization that seeks funding from this set–aside must submit an application for CHDO certification along with the response to this Request for Proposals. Applicants may find the requirements for CHDO certification and the CHDO certification application in Appendix G. Certified CHDOs may compete for set–aside funds or general HOME funds. Non-CHDO applicants may only compete for general HOME funds. RIGHTS/DISCLAIMERS The City reserves the right to take any of the following actions: • request additional information or documentation at any stage during this process; • request an applicant to change or modify a proposal; • fund portions of any given proposal and/or choose not to fund any or all proposals; • at its sole discretion and prior to closing, change or modify the funding amount awarded to a selected project; • issue a subsequent Request for Proposals for HOME CHDO projects if the City does not meet its HOME CHDO set–aside requirements under this RFP. The City expects applicants to respond to and comply with any and all requests in a timely manner. Failure to respond to or comply with any and all requests may result in a determination of ineligibility. NOTICE OF NON–DISCRIMINATION The City of Detroit does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, handicap, national origin, race, sex or sexual orientation. Persons or groups with discrimination complaints may file those complaints with the City of Detroit Human Rights Department, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1240, Detroit, Michigan, 48226.
Classified
March 18-24, 2015
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ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
DIGITAL DAILY
Starr Detroit Academy is accepting applications for the 2015-16 academic year starting 3/16/2015 and ending 04/01/2015. Starr Detroit Academy will serve kindergarten - eighth grade students in the 2015-16 academic year. Applications are available at Starr Detroit Academy, located at 19360 Harper Avenue, Harper Woods, MI 48225 from 8AM - 6PM, Monday - Friday and 9AM - 12PM on Saturday. Applications are also available on the academy website at www. starracademy.org.
WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM
A random selection drawing will be held, if needed on April 29th, 2015 @ 6PM at Starr Detroit Academy.
DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE FOR WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT FY16 DRINKING WATER REVOLVING FUND (DWRF) PROJECT The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) announces a Public Hearing regarding its Project Plan for the proposed Water Main Replacement in the City of Detroit. DWSD will be seeking low interest Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) loan assistance for FY16. The project is comprised of replacing aging water mains in three areas located in the north and west sides of the City of Detroit. Construction will include excavation of the existing water mains, installation of new pipes, pressure testing, backfill and road restoration. Any disturbed areas adjacent to the pipes will be restored to pre-project conditions. The impact of the project will be improved customer satisfaction and reliable service delivery of potable water to customers. The temporary impact of construction activities will be minimized through mitigation measures specified in the contract documents. Adverse impacts on historical, archeological, geographic or cultural areas are not expected. This project is necessary to ensure that DWSD will consistently and reliably provide high quality potable water to the residents. The total cost of this project is currently estimated at $31,000,000, which is being sought through the DWRF program. The Water Main Replacement project is eligible for participation under the State of Michigan low interest DWRF loan program. The Public Hearing will present a description of the recommended project, estimated costs, as well as the cost per household impact for customers. The typical residential customer bill in the City of Detroit is expected to increase by approximately $8.0 per year (3.0% increase) assuming that low interest loans can be obtained through the DWRF loan program. The purpose of the hearing is not only to inform, but to seek and gather input from people that will be affected. Comments and viewpoints from the public are requested.
Dr. Emmalee Shaw Services for Dr. Emmalee Shaw were held on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Greater Burnette Baptist Church, where she had been a member since the early 1960s, with Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Caldwell officiating. Dr. Shaw made her transition on March 5, 2015. Emmalee Shaw was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Feb. 9. 1921 to Rev. Leroy Barber and Emma Boseman Barber. After graduating from high school, she continued her education at Friendship College. It was there that she met her husband of 75 years, Lomas Raymond Shaw. After moving to Detroit, Dr. Shaw earned a nursing degree and received a Doctor of Humanities degree from Detroit Bible College. She retired after working as a licensed psychiatric nurse for Wayne County. “A mind is a wonderful thing to cultivate” is a phrase she coined and believed in. At a young age, Emmalee accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and lived her entire life in obedience to His Word. She often described Jesus as the One she trusted to order her steps and depended on to direct her path. Jesus was indeed her “best friend” and she was known to encourage others to sample Psalm 34:8. She would often say, “O taste and see that the Lord is good!” In addition to her many functions in the church, Dr. Shaw was, among other positions she held, president and president emeritus of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Fellowship District Association; executive board member of the Fellowship District at Large; president and president emeritus of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Baptist Missionary & Educational (B.M.&E.) State Convention; and instructor and lecturer for the B.M.&E. State Congress. But nothing surpassed being a wife and mother of seven children, one of whom, John Thomas Shaw, Sr., preceded her in death. Dr. Emmalee Shaw leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Deacon Lomas Shaw; six children, Josephus Wade, Dr. Emmalee Barham, Lomas, Jr., Barbara Moore, Dr. Fleda Fleming and Antoine, Sr.; 22 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Dr. Shaw lived by Proverbs 3:5-6 and will be remembered by her motto, “To God be the glory!”
System Validation Engineer
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
PLACE:
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Water Board Building 735 Randolph 5th Floor, Board Room Detroit, Michigan 48226
TIME:
1:00 p.m.
Information on the Project Plan will be available for review after March 20, 2015 at the following locations: DWSD Website: www.dwsd.org or Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Water Board Building 735 Randolph, Room 1504, 15th Floor Detroit, Michigan 48226 Mr. Daniel Edwards Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Contracts and Grants Section 735 Randolph, 15th Floor Detroit, Michigan 48226 (313) 964-9471 City of Detroit Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Sue F. McCormick Director
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AND NOTICE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FISCAL YEAR 2014- 2015 CITY OF DETROIT MICHAEL DUGGAN, MAYOR
Seeking
FINANCIAL AID ADVISER at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
Data Messaging Middleware Specialist
In accordance with Consolidated Plan requirements at 24 CFR Part 91 Subpart B and the City’s Citizen Participation Plan, the Housing & Revitalization Department (HRD) has posted the changes to Action Plans through a Substantial Amendment in order to provide opportunity for public comment. A summary of the proposed changes are as follows: Line Items to be reprogrammed
General Motors seeks a Data Messaging Middleware Specialist at its location in Warren, MI, to manage the day-to-day monitoring, implementing responsive actions, and reporting on the messaging system; performing the initial troubleshooting of messaging system errors and alerts and managing the escalation to Support Engineering, if required; executing the Incident Management Process, Leading technical incident calls, and Providing updates to IT Senior Leadership, among other duties. Min. BS & 7 yrs. exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. # 5653660, 300 Renaissance Center, Mail Code 482-C32-D44, Detroit, MI 482653000.
Will provide counseling and advice to students and parents about financial services, financial aid, financial literacy, student account and billing, payment plans and student employment. Process financial aid applications, including budgeting, packaging of awards, revising award, verification, and resolving conflicting information. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree and superior customer service skills. One year experience in higher education financial services advising and aid processing. This is a full time position, Monday-Friday, occasional evening and weekend hours are necessary. Salary is up to the high $30’s annually. Refer to online posting for additional requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 23, 2015. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu
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Notice is hereby given that the City of Detroit proposes to amend its Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 20142015 to reprogram unused Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the accounts below to be used in FY 2014-2015. The funds targeted for reprogramming consist of unused funds, balances for programs that no longer exist, or are funds unlikely to be used in a timely manner. If these funds are not expended, the City’s federal grant allocations will be at risk of recapture by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Funds will be allocated for activities that will allow for timely expenditures.
General Motors seeks a Senior Researcher at its location in Warren, MI, to define and evaluate innovative electrical architectures for vehicle control systems through prototype implementation and simulation environments assessing robustness and tolerance to faults through testing and fault injection; assess new generation automotive serial communication protocols (FlexRay, AVB Ethernet, CAN-FD, etc.) through prototype implementations and/or simulation environments and evaluate capabilities to cope with specific application requirements, among other duties. Min. BS & 5 yrs. exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. # 5658274, 300 Renaissance Center, Mail Code 482-C32D44, Detroit, MI 48265-3000.
Financial Aid Department
Written comments will be accepted at the above address if received prior to 5:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, April 22, 2015.
• Public Service: • Public Service Homeless: • Housing Rehab: • Public Facility Rehab: • Demolition Boarding: • Economic Development: • Section 108 Loan payments: • Admin/Planning:
Senior Researcher
General Motors seeks a System Validation Engineer at its location in Warren, MI, to execute security test on embedded controls system, such as OnStar telematics communication system and GM vehicle infotainment system; perform embedded control system level security validation, such as system authentication, finding system vulnerability; develop and update test procedures, among other duties. Min. BS & 1 yr exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. #5666082, 300 Renaissance Center, Mail Code 482-C32D44, Detroit, MI 48265-3000.
If you have questions or would like to submit written statements for the Public Hearing Record call or write:
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD ON: DATE:
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Line Items for Funding Additions • Section 108 Workouts: $ 400,000.00 • Section 108 Loan defeasement: $ 3,862,398.74 Total $ 4,262,398.74 Hard copies of the detailed accounts are available and anyone wishing to comment on these proposed changes may transmit such comments in writing to HRD at the address below: City of Detroit Housing & Revitalization Department 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 908 Detroit, MI 48226 E-mail address: reprogram2014@detroitmi.gov In addition, questions may be directed to Warren Duncan, Principal Accountant with the Planning and Development Department at (313) 224-0315. Public comments will be received for a minimum of 30 days from the date of this publication. The Substantial Amendment is subject to approval by the Detroit City Council. Implementation of activities is proposed to occur shortly after completion of the 30 day public comment period. Notice of Non-Discrimination: The City of Detroit does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, handicap, sex or sexual orientation. Complaints may be filed with the Detroit Human Rights Department, 1230 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Detroit MI 48226 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), THIS NOTICE AND DOCUMENTS LISTED CAN BE REQUESTED IN ALTERNATE FORMAT. AUXILIARY AIDS OR SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST, WITH AT LEAST THREE DAYS’ NOTICE (CONTACT P&DD AT (313) 224-0315.
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Carl is t Will Smith good jobs, wn Satur eye were in the chosen leade e, including Garrett.divides it into three Norris class familig sure there is growth like small since of in the truest inday Night on a co-sta attendance. starred rs of power a ladder businesses, es and parts — “Unde the world cal that Bill Cosby rring. The 1974 ” with GARY PETE , we protec those aspiring of success for he has The 50 ry Belafo , Sidney and original What Motiva rstanding middle so that style. of the newes RS, Democratic nte. Poitier represente men and wome folks who t the promise to get there. It and Haris critiof the Ameri nomin find good “Challenge tes You,” work hard Tony Vulaj. t restaurants WHICH erbrokers d a cross section honored And befor can Dream and in Midtownee for U.S. Senat brings to dignity. jobs to suppo — Andre “Keep Your Yourself” and going doubl n of powrt their play by the rules e, inside and shake who are not mind Holly e going owned by Smith photos any furth Cool.” families Tony V’s, only move rs thems longtime A-list older e standard wood and retire can unique er, MC: What one ven as Detroit entrep elves, regarding ’s onrs actor skills with has chang ington, his Repub be note it should your run their goals ets to help but have the reneur nent, Terri Samuel s such as Denz gender. ed lican oppod that for this others . Freeman L. Jacks el Wash office? for you since you it is reach ry-picking Lynn Land, Ed rathe work all on GP: Welb annou r diffic The memb is cherand Morga The media urn, Jason the time, nced to, on defeat amount of money Young. ers of the n in such but it’s the Demo Congressma outlets to talk Tinsley grasp that ult to ing me indus a tough Powe er road and Robe Source: has grown the right wing is makin cratic nominee n Gary Peters for ThomsonReut rt C. tive, religion, tries/sectors as r 50 are expon has , who first Glover, no matte the ladies, g for his spent U.S. entially. ers case to ness, financ media, hospi automolisten. In Durin came anyone Senate, ed and r how talentcan oppon My Republitality, e, educa to the on-one this interview, who will py and accomplishe interest g the period of ent and tion, philan busiwith more. Peters public’s special her d. of the Michig Bankole Thom goes onethrointerest percent rates increased1964-1981, The iconic attention “I feel like like the allies to 14.6 issues both an Chronicle, pson, editor Diahann Maxine Carroll Koch several percent. from 4.1 I have the world,” Beatty and have attack Brothers on a policy and child perfoas a periods There were (“Clau ing why best said “Eve’s when intere during Vivian R. personal range of Real Times Hiram Jacks job in the more than ed me with Bayou,” dine,” this time ator fromhe should be the explainPickard. er, will be rmnasty,” on, CEO siderably. st rates declin Media, Michigan in negati $12 million etc.) says “Dyof publis Carl Levin.Michigan, replacnext U.S. senDurin ed conve advert would period November.41 in she lying about fender, Chronicle, the her of the ing the ising like interest g the 1970iconic the Pittsb Chicago much more to work 7.8 perce rates declin 1971 MICHIGAN My oppon my record. the Atlan Deurgh nt to 6.1 often ed from doesn’t CHRONICLE the most rates declin One of outside ent and her perce Who’s Whota Daily World Courier and get asked but special : What , as well senator pressing issues the that what 6.8 perce ed from 8.3 nt. Interest things public est group . Is interal mark Diahann from Michig for the next are that have as most young ets. “We ations in 26 nation allies like Carroll holds for the future versely, nt during 1975- percent to always the an? U.S. that GARY Koch set have in enter celebrate tion he ble Angel the incrediyear bull the early part1976. ConGlover apartSavion have attack Brothers the powerthe vehicles building PETERS: I am has for tainers is the ments Here is Rev. Wend a Basse market of skilled of ed me an Ameri a very from committed rates increa cause I tt? the uniqu in bonds the 30ing to work dancers those who camerespect and admir beand help African Amer ful achieveell Antho intere ca where took to Vann. Bill “Boja such as them to ican peopl ny and before anyone billionaires on the oil 1984 from sed to 13.8 , interest hard and Annie Lenne and often sting quote from can find ries Choll ngles” him. Highlatell Bishop willpercent play by 10.3 perce Bunny that were ox, a true beautifully Robinson, y Atkins, contam Edgar manyof contributio their many sto-e the rules to qualit a good-paying in Briggs, nt in 1983. inatin Honi Colesy quirky ns to empo artist: Savion Glove To obser job, y, the others.” “We live bles and Harol neighborho g safe neighbaffordable health have access our , ve wer so Bill Bailey d “Sandman”Nicholas Broth tern in in a celebrity-fixa extraordinair r, tap dancer orhood, care, live The Powe our Great ods market the historical . and a good schoo Sims, John ers, send their in IN FACT volatility, Chicago patr 50 and we ted culture ries are outstanding e and also an I will continLakes, and l, and at Bubchildren a making uation of , Glover likes as follow selected by categ the (CBOE) Board Optio we use the to Michig ue to them. But live through s: to stop to be thoug pher and choreogran Excha Volatility es and ensur an a trade, end of the day, o- Marvin Beatt not all of the legacy of these new tax fight AUTOMOTI instructor, as “VIX.” nge travel and retire with Index also ht of as following? what are we y and Greg breaks for big ing they ishes the jobs; and a conti VE: Alicia vis, senio above. whom have name and many dignity. oil compa long-term Exhibit 2 illust known words of cherpromoting have access logistics hub; Jackson. sometimes My name Almost r vice s as famili other dance nsupporting I am focused he receiv praise to the capita trend in rates the quality certainty everythingnies. president,Boler Da on ed from one the celeb gets put in ar as those rs, & custo VIX. specia negati small in l “I Exhibi they the the do ve l busin federal tax his heroe eral Motor interests mer need globa t2 rity categ of cited and it ing Land voted for attack ads is false, s sponsiblewhat I do to backcode and to grow and esss; Felici experience, Gen-l ory freak vice presid represent the great and menors, say the Afford incentivizing create a J. I’ve never s me out. tor throu for my journ Gregory the tap able Careexcept for the in these growth. and corpo ent, huma Fields, group ey in Hines. gh dance “Savion is fact that dancers Ac, and that way seen myself ,” he said. this world as I reI am proud Company; rate services,n resources One of best tap possibly the a contr diminishinand I find it See GARY of ibudancer that president, Rodney O’Nea Ford Motor Gregory Glover’s speci PETERS page g. What lived,” said ever am is a Vivian R. Delphi Automl, CEO and A-4 I together Hines. The two al heroes is music redefined Hines. “He has By Bankole the late, communica ian and a in the 1989 had the Tyrone Motors Pickard, presid otive PLC; Thompson tap dancin other danci great oppor CHRON Davenport and it can about the tor. It isn’t Annie Foundation, ICLE SENIO ent, Gener g ng great, film “Tap” that tunity to work tions direct and Kevin tsunami R EDITO Lennox al also featur Sammy same again.never be the Gregory R Sweeney. or, Gener corporate relaof usele Davis Jr. ed anLAUR Despite Hines and ss stuff. ” al Motor admiration a recent ” s; Leon that the the worstENCE FISHBURN Savion See POW poll showi society, praise of race for Glover E says ng ER 50 page ney genera daughter, periods of his had a mutu Michigan young Savioand Hines one of life was l attorbetwe Mont Source: C-2 n. Republican lavish with al movies. ana, began came when en incum ThomsonReut troit Police Suzanne Porn has his bent Bill Schue his “Sav ers Democrat Office ested, but Shank its place making porn proudly Similar tte and ion is poss endorses rs Association the Detroi Mark Totten to my comm envisions it’s not exact , for those interintere eral ibly is Attorn t Police Bill Schue tight, lived. He ly the path st rates, the for his ey Genciation best tte to market ents about “little girl.” the attorn meas (DPOA), Officers Assoa father uredtap And to danc move, is ey genera continue as in a surpri by VIX never be has redefined er volati state.” a straig backing as does that lity l of our her real make matte taphtdanc ever Schuette. sing the same Exhib great line either not move rs The DPOA ing .and actressesname, something worse, she used As show in agai Schue 2, the trend , which “Savion n.”it — Detroit it can since n in represents with the tte could not be has been appointed virtually never porn actors Gregory is possi police, in lived,” support, happier and is backin bly the witho the last reces do. So a releas and emba he Hinedown croachment ut some sion, seen as e said it best tap can never said. “He has rrassed. he was disfought to g Schuette becau an enupward dancermeaningful butsnot overwhelmi given that Detroi be the same redefi protect se he along the that ever spike ned tap Critics their pensio t is againmark also comes ngly Demo dancing way. Again s This comin of .” et volati ns. cratic and have indicathe Republican lity , even a straig g from the histo Democrats at a time when . it ticket ht line. does notittrend one ministrationted that the are questi other with the ry of tap, whos of the finest Detroit in GOP adhas cut Mayor Mike oning when e nameOur pointperformers seniors. pensions begin to solo artistdance form. Hines is almos is not Bill Schue Duggan ers about in of pound t synon to tte and, will alarm readreached intere the pavem Democratic Hines, ymou “As Detroi st rates s Hines & before that,volati to protec lity. the heigh t Police as part date Mark gubernatori ent for fight to $1.00 Dad. ts as or Reginald Mark Totten by al candiof We protected t our constitution a market Schauer. the concl the contin TO SAY famed ue ney Generprotect our city,Officers Turner, benefits. ally the least, trioto stand vious articl usions noted and M. Roy Trudy Stoke “These al Bill Schue Attor- defender of Gloveto men es that the constiAs a true true advocate Wilson. work a s, Chuc tte fough r was our great highflatte See Savio include in prehard job and wome k Stokes, for the tution of women t divide red looking n ndby in a hard men and and faced n Glov Bill Schuestate, Attorney sourc who Jacqueline yield Hines e of incom er Page General of the state keep the losing their stock town tte ’ has P. throug s citizens Wilson ently aboutD-2 e, think as a proven h pensions Laurence to be a said Mark of Michigan James Jenki Schuette no fault of their Fishburne year declin bonds after ing differsaid. ns, Maxin dent. “And Diaz, DPOA safe,” own,” Montana L. Malle e Beatty, our const e in intere a 30-plus presitt. that’s why is out of Montana Fishb E-mai is worki st Marvin Beatt urne porn the De- cle.co l bthompson@ ng for the ructive long-t rates and George N’Na son stays as a stripper! now and instea y and Conra global stock m. erm outlo michroniok d mdi tapp d market. “a sucky in porn they She says if a Given percan end gallery will ed to select the mentary the recent mark words!) life.” (That was up havin Inspired g 35 et coma bad choic be home clining about intere by night from aroun st this year e of to an insta international and THE OTHE time volatility and the rates delocal artis llation for once again d the world art and light festiv R night dillac Recor I was watch I think in the financ absence of ts; illuminate , DLECTRICI the even als ial mark yoncé Know ds,” the movie it is impor ing t Detroit TY will readers Midtown ets, George N’Na this fall. in which “CaI also recen les portra about the tant to remin Detroit, ys with BeEtta mdi’s d risks assoc Inc. (MDI) tly watch the James. Blues” Top 5 Things to ed “Lady iated with Diana commentarshort-term conve And announced DTE Energ see Sings y. Ross as ntional sponsor y as presenting 2014 DLEC at the Billie Holid the The views of this free ay. TRICITY nated urban illum presented of the autho expressed I love both spectacle iare those turing 35 by DTE Energ of these r at the ladies and are featime but 1. The Light and emergworld-renowned y: acterization the charnotice. subject to chang of writing day, Septem Bike Parade Come s outdoor ing artists. The almost - Saturany liabil rica does e without were ber 27, off from ruine not assum will be arts celebration ity for the corner at 8 p.m. Kicks same reaso d for the result e Warren Avenu of Secon from the losses that in Midto held Sept. 26-27 n — yoncé d and may person es. wn sounded Beupon anyreliance by midnight. from 7 p.m. 2. “P.O.V solutely tion or any to such inform opinio nothing abhibition that.” by Mindfield Etta Jame been distri ns. This mater like a“DTE – An will exbe feature Energy facades just Beyon s. It was cational/infbuted for gener ial has mend d on the is of the Detroit Beyoncé George cé sound and the Detroit al eduN’Namdi ner toous corporate a treing like Public Library only, and ormational partour comm herself And there Institute purposes shoul to ing ered have singwe of d unity 3. Hyper Arts. not as inves are them and in Diana wasn’t a traceEtta James songs DLECTRICI as our preseincredibly gratef ommendati tment advicbe considCarnival Interactive Hip TY,” said nting singing Ross’ singing. of Billie Holid . ul Hop of MDI. security, on for any e or a recBillie Hollid and Saturd- Performances on It was ay Sue Mose sponsor for “DTE Energ from all ay songs Diana Ross product, strategy or particular Usher the Charle ay, 8 p.m. and 10 Friday of our sponsy along with y, president this . inves or as perso s. H. Wright p.m. nity to married says he hopes ment advic spect the suppo ors gives African Americ nalized tment create a Museum at rt light to acular night e. us the investhigh calibe world will discoagain that his that if he of an History time festiv our comm gets r artists -class event opportu- vice presid . 4. Time al of Detroit unity mond). ntinue using ex-wife, Tame , attrac and show as an intern his last ka, ting and presid ent of public ,” said Faye art and Golden | Change – Video name (Rayberg featuri ational casing Midto Nelson, by affairs ent of the Halle “DTE wn art destin dancer Stringz ng Detroit Oren DTE Energfor DTE Energ -based ation.” deal withBerry has signe TRICITY Energy is proud “We are (Haleem y y Found as the prese d a produ Rasheed). CBS to suppo neighborho committed formed ation. 5. “Video Cente rt DLEC to the nting spons ction company, by way of her ods r” by Micha 606 Films or, bring - Detroiters and and it will be vibrancy of our Mosher – An exhibit recently ela One of ing featuri . thrilling visito ion was the the big name to see the ng over 20 Detroit of video art, See DLEC rs explore an illum s of flamboyant artists, at TRICITY inated Art. N’Namdi Center ly gay the disco era Contemporary page Sylve See Refle C-2 ster. One
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10th SEASON FORUM ONE
David Blaszkiewicz
President & CEO, Invest Detroit
David Blaszkiewicz
David Blaszkiewicz serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Invest Detroit, an organization driving catalytic change through financing for commercial businesses and real estate projects. He is responsible for Invest Detroit’s development and implementation of collaborative economic growth strategies designed for the creation of density and jobs. In addition, Mr. Blaszkiewicz leads the organization’s efforts to strengthen relationships with the public, private philanthropic sectors to promote economic Rodrick Miller Rev. Wendelland Anthony Nancy Kaffer renewal and sustainability.
The New Detroit?
Mr. Blaszkiewicz manages the activities of Invest Detroit’s programs representing over $200 million in funds and tax credit allocations. He coordinates a number of “A Discussion on Detroit’s Progress and How We Ensure All audiences to support and accelerate residential, commercial, retail, entertainment Detroiters HaveinAccess to Economic and place-making activity Detroit’s Greater Opportunities” Downtown and targeted neighborhoods. Since 2001, the organization has transitioned to facilitate Thursday, March 19, 2015 • 7:30 a.m. additional funding tools with assets that have leveraged over $1 billion in total Detroit Club investment, primarily in Detroit. Mr.Athletic Blaszkiewicz has more than 25 years of Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 leadership experience in 241 the Madison Detroit business community. PANELISTS
DaviD Blaszkiewicz
President & CEO, Invest Detroit
Rev. wenDell anthony President, NAACP Detroit Branch
Nancy Kaffer
Columnist, Detroit Free Press
Rodrick Miller
President & CEO, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
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