MC Digital Edition 10.31.19

Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 83 – No. 8 | Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

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Rest in Power Congressman Conyers A Statesmen, Leader and Civil Rights Icon

By Branden Hunter

O

n Sunday, October 27, 2019, The Honorable John James Conyers Jr., the longest-serving African American member of Congress in U.S. history, passed away in his sleep at his home in Detroit. He was 90 years old.

Conyers represented parts of Detroit for more than 50 years before his resignation in 2017.

He was the third-longest-serving House member in U.S. history and the first African American to hold the title of dean.

“One of my most special memories was spending time with him at Gordon Park on 12th Street and Clairmount on the 50th anniversary of the violence of 1967 as he recounted the story of his courageous efforts to calm the angry crowds,” Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement. “He has fought for a better Detroit for more than half a century. From co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus, to leading the fight in Congress, to enshrine Martin Luther King’s birthday as a national holiday, John Conyers’ impact on our city and nation will never be forgotten.”

During his 53 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Conyers built a reputation as a champion for civil and human rights. He was a political giant, and strong advocate for the African American community.

He was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1969, which promotes the legislative concerns of black and minority communities. During the infamous 1967 Detroit Riots, Conyers took to the streets on the first day of the riots, using a bullhorn in an attempt to encourage African Americans to go home. His district office in Detroit was gutted by fire the next day, but the plight of the nation’s inner cities would remain his cause.

“Congressman John Conyers was a lifelong Detroiter who was deeply committed to the city and to those he represented,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “His impact on our state, whether by spearheading reforms in criminal justice and voting rights in Congress or through his lifetime of civil rights activism, will not be forgotten.”

John James Conyers Jr. was born May 16, 1929, in Highland Park, Mich., to John Conyers Sr. and Lucille Simpson-Conyers. He was the eldest of four boys – John,

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Never Forget: A Look at the Legacy and Work of

Congressman John Conyers, Jr. a Political Legend

By Trevor W. Coleman

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

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NOVEMBER 3RD

When the legendary actor, playwright, and producer Ossie Davis delivered the eulogy for Malcolm X on a cold February day 54 years ago, he spoke movingly of Malcolm’s commitment to the uplift of the race.

Davis lauded the Black Muslim leader’s uncompromising demand that black men and women; “Afro-Americans” as he demanded to be called, be respected and treated fairly and with dignity on our terms, not anyone else’s.

“Malcolm was our manhood, our living, black manhood! This was his meaning to his people.

And, in honoring him, we honor the best in ourselves,” Davis exclaimed.

Now, nearly six decades later, another legendary African American leader, Detroiter, and contemporary of Malcolm X has departed. And like Malcolm, the late Congressman John Conyers Jr., was uncompromising in his blackness and demand for fairness, equity, and respect within the political process.

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And by recognizing his importance to the ad-

vancement of people of color in the United States and all over the world; including South Africa where he played a critically important role in dismantling apartheid and freeing the late South African freedom fighter, Nobel-Prize winner and President, Nelson Mandela, we also honor ourselves.

The fact is, other than former President Barack Obama, John Conyers Jr. was arguably the most influential African American politician of the late 20thcentury. Having won office in 1964, he was the longest-serving African American congressperson in the history of the United States and was consistently among the most progressive politicians in Washington, D.C. According to The New York Times: Worked with Senators Edward M. Kennedy and Howard H. Baker in the 1960s and defeated legislation to undo Supreme Court decisions requiring congressional districts in any state to have roughly equal populations.

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Political legend

From page A-1

Black Americans to vote.

In 1968 days after the the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began a long and ultimately successful effort to make Dr. King’s birthday a national holiday, which was declared in 1983.

These people came to be known as Reagan Democrats and were slavishly catered to by Republicans and many Democrats, often at the expense of their most loyal voters, African Americans. They were so influential, that many of the hardest fought civil rights victories became imperiled as these white voters mobilized to vote for far-right politicians on a state and federal level and who subsequently have viciously gone after minority voting rights, affirmative action in education and the workforce, and even efforts at equal access to healthcare.

In 1970 began a long campaign for a government-run, single-payer system of national health insurance and he proposed banning private ownership of handguns after assassination attempts against President Gerald R. Ford.

In the 1980s Mr. Conyers opposed the Reagan administration’s missile defense plans and its policy of “constructive engagement” with the apartheid regime in South Africa. He criticized the death penalty and began a series of hearings on police the brutality that angered New York’s mayors, Ed Koch in 1983 and Rudolph W. Giuliani in 1997. But he also worked to create and enlarge federal death benefits for police officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty.

The newspaper also noted that throughout his 53 years in Congress, Conyers had more than a 90 percent lifetime rating from the liberal watchdog group American for Democratic Action.

Distilled to its essence, that simply meant Conyers remained consistent in his strong support for social, economic and racial justice, regardless of who was president.

Unlike many of his fellow Democrats, he never felt the need tone down such basic demands for equality even as many white Americans grew weary of African American demands for equal rights and justice.

Indeed, right in his backyard, in Macomb County, an the entire population of white voters came to symbolize white voter backlash and resentment to the gains of African Americans during the height of the civil rights movement. They began demanding white politicians oppose such fundamental rights as integration, Black voting rights, affirmative action, criminal justice reform, and even labor rights although though many of these same voters were working-class and union members themselves.

By 1972 enough white voters in the Michigan Democratic Primary in Michigan voted for arch-segregationist and racist George Wallace that he won the primary. Eight years later they voted for Republican Ronald Reagan – whose views on race were only marginally more moderate – and who deliberately opened his 1980 presidential campaign in Philadelphia, Mississippi calling for “state’s rights” where three civil rights worker were murdered in cold blood for registering

Thus, to understand John Conyers Jr. is to understand that he came into Congress fighting for the most basic rights of African Americans in Detroit, Michigan, and the entire country. And for years was one of only a small handful of Black congresspeople battling racism on all fronts. He even co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus to help those few Black congresspeople to leverage their power.

As the racial backlash to Black progress metastasized and spread throughout Congress and the federal courts, Conyers remained committed to the cause of social and racial justice; even as he grew elderly, would become harassed by allegations of personal improprieties and eventually feel betrayed by many of those he thought were allies.

“John Conyers was much bigger, much larger than the CBC that he founded which subsequently has fallen into political disrepair, said Sam Riddle a close family friend and consultant to the congressman. “For decades he was not just the Black congressman for Detroit, he was forced to be the congressman for Black America because we only had a handful of black congresspeople anywhere.”

He ended leaving Congress in 2017 under a cloud following several accusations of his sexually harassing female subordinates.

Conyers adamantly rejected such allegations but lost the confidence of the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives.

Riddle, who is also the host of the popular Detroit radio talk show Riddle at Random on 910 am said during his tenure, Conyers was able to get more things done with a simple phone call than most politicians today with all their social media platforms and press people.

“John Conyers believed in the law of the land while understanding the importance of civil disobedience,” Riddle said. “He introduced Jesse Jackson to Dr. Martin Luther King. We have to look at his serving for over a half

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786 165 720 269 273 518 302 2097 1407 206 27 43 47 51 57 12 a century and as a Korean War vet. You can’t just dismiss that over spurious allegations.”

Regardless of where you come down on Conyers personal behavior, one thing can never be denied, John Conyers Jr., for all of his career carried the torch of justice for Black folks in the United States and all over the world.

He never gave up on the

John Conyers From page A-1 Carl, Nathan, and William.

His father was a union organizer in the automotive industry and an international representative with the UAW. Conyers attended Detroit Northwestern High School, graduating in 1947. He studied music in high school, but was told by his father to not become a musician.

In 1970, Conyers and his brother, Nathan, founded Conyers Ford (later Conyers Riverside Ford) in Detroit on the corner of West Grand Boulevard and 14th Street.

After high school, Conyers served in the Michigan National Guard from 1948-1950; the U.S. Army from 1950-1954; and the U.S. Army Reserves from 1954-1957. He served for a year in Korea during the Korean War as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Conyers returned home to pursue a career in education at Wayne State University, earning his BA, in 1957 and his LL.B in 1958, . His political aspirations were honed while working as a legislative assistant from 1958-1961 to the late U.S. Rep. John Dingell.

In 1964, Conyers set his eyes on Congress, running for an open seat in what was then the 1st District, defeating Republican Robert Blackwell with 84 percent of the vote. He took office January 3, 1965, serving for the next five decades, before resigning on December 5, 2017. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib was voted in as his successor.

“When I was elected to succeed Congressman Conyers, I knew that I would be following a legacy of a man who fought for the people, fought for his district, and never wavered in the fight for jobs, justice, and peace, “ Congresswoman Tlaib said. “Congressman Conyers was a fighter and he now joins the ancestors. May he rest in peace as we continue

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struggle even in the face of white backlash and personal turmoil.

If the meaning of Malcolm X was to recognize that he represented our manhood to the nation. Then John Conyers Jr. represented our citizenship to this nation. And he fought every single day of his life, to ensure it was valued by this nation.

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the fight he fought for so long.”

A congressional pioneer, Conyers fervently supported such liberal causes as gun control, anti-poverty programs, and universal health care.

He held hearings to spotlight police misconduct and also supported legislation urging a study of the possibility of offering reparations to the descendants of slaves. Conyers fought for issues of civil rights and social justice, including modifying the mandatory sentences for those convicted of non-violent drug crimes, defending assaults on the Voting Rights Act, reforming laws that put juvenile offenders in prison for life, and calling for investigations into police brutality of African American men.

He went on to chair the House Judiciary Committee from 2007 to 2011 and led the powerful House Oversight Committee as chairman from 1989 to1995.

In 1974, he sat on a panel that investigated Presi-

dent Richard Nixon and later voted to submit articles of impeachment.

Nixon resigned shortly after.

Four days after the April 4, 1968, assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Conyers introduced a resolution calling for a national holiday in his name. It took 15 years for that legislative battle to be won, but Conyers persisted. He even got Stevie Wonder to dedicate his song “Happy Birthday” to MLK. “He single-handedly fought for a King holiday,” Rev. Jesse Jackson tweeted. “He led the ground work. He is the reason for the Dr. King holiday.“ In 1965, Conyers hired Rosa Parks who had moved to Detroit as a secretary and receptionist for his congressional office in Detroit. She held this position until she retired in 1988.

Conyers ran for mayor of Detroit in 1989 and 1993 but could not defeat Mayor Coleman A. Young.

The two had a war of words during the 1989 election.

“I’m surprised that John got in. Now that he is in, I’ll shoot at him like he’s a rabbit,” Mayor Young said during the 1989 election.

Conyers is survived by his wife, Monica Conyers (Esters), and two sons, John III, and Carl.

Conyers will be forever remembered as a man who cared deeply about his city and the people he represented. Conyers was presented with the NAACP Spingarn Medal in 2007, and in 2012 Washington Boulevard was renamed John Conyers Jr. Boulevard in his honor.

Funeral arrangements for former U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr. are being handled by Swanson Funeral Home. The service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2019 at Greater Grace Temple located at 23500 W. Seven Mile Rd in Detroit.

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Congressman John Conyers, Jr. Alumni:

Congressional Staff Reflections on the Dean Janis D. Hazel, Washington, DC Office, 1983, 1989 – 1991 and beyond When I received a letter informing me that I had been selected to be Congressman Conyers’ Intern towards the end of my sophomore year at the University of Michigan, I didn’t know was that although I had applied for this prestigious and competitive internship, I had also applied for a lifetime inextricably linked to this great man. Throughout my career, like my shadow, he was always a force behind me. A mentor who became a friend, he guided my path on Capitol Hill for over thirty years as a staffer and as a lobbyist for several industries. During the countless congressional statements, speeches, talking points, and scripts that I wrote for him, he never complimented my work. Never a pat on the back or a “good job.” Only markups in that dreaded purple felt-tipped pen of his, outlining his revisions. I only learned hours after his death from former Congressman Hansen Clark and fellow staff alumni of Conyers who served as his district office director while I served as his Washington office director of special projects and senior legislative assistant of any praise the Dean ever had for me. Hansen told me: “John held you in high regard, he always praised your work.” While he never said it to me, it didn’t matter.

Mother always said, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” And like an uncle, he was there at the services for both of my parents when they died and calling to console me. Indeed, working for the Congressman was never easy; he was a perfectionist and was tough on all his Cong. Conyers, Janis D. Hazel, George Clinton staff, extracting the best we had inside of us. When we didn’t think we could accomplish a task he had assigned us, we researched, we negotiated with other congressional offices, we did everything necessary to bring him what he asked for because failure was not an option. You see, we all embraced his philosophy of public service. We were there to serve the people. I was privileged to sit beside him in Committee in 1983 with his Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday bill was passed; worked late hours on Veterans Day 1989 to finalize H.R. 40 Reparations for African Americans legislation; whispered in his ear as I sat behind him when The House Appropriations Chair asked if he wanted $50,000 to fund the Smithsonian Institution Jazz Orchestra as he leaned back in his chair to get my advice and I said “$250,000” knowing the limits of the budget and we got it; sat next to him as we discussed how to legislate artist royalties with record labels and numerous artists including George Clinton, Ruth Brown, Isaac Hayes, Stevie Wonder, and Bonnie Raitt; marched with him during the 20th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s March on Washington; and took his advice when he told me I should accept the job as executive director of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation to further assist recording artists that did not receive royalties for their intellectual property and so many other occasions too numerous to write. While he never gave me a compliment personally, I knew he valued my work, and I will always cherish the day that he called me in his office in 1990 to go over the briefing book. As he read over my speech and said to himself but loud enough that I could hear: “Yes, I like the way I said that.” No purple felt tip markup that day. It was that day that I knew I had captured his voice and wrote from his perspective so much so that he agreed with every word I wrote for him to speak on the House floor. Rest in peace Chairman Conyers. I will miss you.

Cedric R. Hendricks, Esq. Counsel Washington, DC Office 1983 – 1989 John Hasse took this photo of me, SJMO Conductor Dr. David Baker and Congressman Conyers at the CBCF ALC Jazz Concert in 2010. We celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the SJMO and presented David the Jazz Legacy Award.

I worked for Congressman Conyers from 1983 to 1989, serving on his congressional office staff, Judiciary Committee staff and Government Operations Committee staff. I joined the Congressman’s staff in 1983 just before final passage of his MLK Holiday bill. This accomplishment was the beginning of my work with him on peace, jobs and justice. We also worked to establish Jazz as a National Treasure. He was a great leader, mentor and friend that I will miss. Rest in peace Congressman John Conyers, Jr. Thank you for your 50 years of service to the nation and Detroit. Thank you for fighting for jobs, peace and Left to Right Congressman Conyers, Smithsojustice. Thank you for the MLK Holiday. nian Jazz Music Orchestra (SJMO) Conductor Thank you for making Jazz a National Dr David Baker and Cedric R Hendricks at the Treasure. I will miss you.

CBCF ALC Jazz Concert in 2010.

Ray Plowden, District Chief of Staff 1990-1993, 1993-2003. Washington, DC Office Chief of Staff 2016 - 2017.

I could recount stories and events from close to 30 years of being involved with Congressman John Conyers, Jr. but I will limit my statement to two events.

1. He told me that when he first met Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, he asked Powell how he could stay in Congress for 20 years. Powell replied he loved the work. Conyers replied, “There is no way I could stay in this place, the House of Representative, that long.”

As you know he ended up staying 52 years.

2. After Congressman John Dingell retired from Congress, Congressman Conyers became the most senior member of the House of Representatives. One morning I walked into the DC Congressional office and Mr. Conyers greeted me with his usual “Good Morning Attorney Plowden.”

I looked at him and jokingly said, “I don’t know whether to address you as Congressman, Chairman or Dean.”

He replied, “It does not matter to me.” I said, “Which do you prefer?”

He thought for a while and then said, “There are 435 members of the House, 26 Chairman/chairwomen of the various committees, and many Subcommittee Chairmen/Chairwomen.” He paused and smiled as he Ray Plowden looked at me and said” But there is only one Dean of the House. I like the title of Dean the best.”

He was a great man who always fought for the poor and voiceless citizens. He was always motived by his motto ‘JOBS, JUSTICE AND PEACE.”

Bennie Barnes-Williams, Washington Office Staff 1980 - 1995 I was his chief legislative clerk and office manager of the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice on House Judiciary; and The Subcommittee on Legislation and National Security of House Government Operations Committee.

He was a fierce leader. No issue was ever too great or small. He challenged you to become your best and to always believe in yourself;that the world is in your hands and let no other man take it away from you. He paved the way for most people who’d ever crossed his path. A man of integrity. A legend in his own right. I must add that between working for Congressman Rangel, Congressman Conyers and Congressman Dellums(and they each gave me my great challenges),I was with Conyers the longest Bennie Barnes-Williams and he constantly challenged me on everything. He didn’t miss a beat. I had to keep my game ready for ‘hot off the press’ time sensitive matters by any means necessary.

Ben Williams, Grammy Award Winning Bassist A fatherly figure to say the least as my mother Bennie Barnes-Williams worked for him all of my childhood, Congressman Conyers had a strong influence on me and my decision to become a professional bassist. I recall being intrigued by the bass that sat in his office when I was a little boy. He gave freely of himself to all mankind. As a result, by age 27 I had become a GRAMMY award-winning bassist. He gave me my first big stage at his Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Jazz Concert when I was 12. I went on to graduate from Michigan State University. The Congressman allowed me to perform twice more until his very last concert in 2017, when he not only allowed me to present my music, but he presented me with a Lifetime Achievement award for my work as a professional bassist. My recent hope was to interview him for my upcoming project, ‘I am a Man’ inspired by the 1968 Memphis Sani-

tation Workers’ Strike of the Civil Rights Movement that is slated for release during Black History Month. Throughthis new project I hope to help keep Congressman Conyers’ legacy alive as well as others who’ve paved the way for me to have this platform.

Rep. John Conyers was a true giant and pioneer. His devotion to justice and equality has made a resounding impact in this country for decades. Politics, often being such a divisive world, Conyers always prioritized fairness and always fought for what was right, not just what was politically convenient. Aside from his enormous contributions to civil rights in this country he was also devoted to the advancement and preservation of the arts. I was fortunate to have formed a personal relationship with Rep. Conyers through my mother. His love and support of jazz allowed me to form a bond with him later in life as a professional musician (was even honored to receive a Congressional Award from Conyers himself). The jazz community and the arts community as a whole are especially thankful for the contributions of this great man and I’m honored to say he has impacted my life personally as well.

Derrick A. Humphries, Humphries & Partners, PLLC My family has had a long relationship with Congressman Conyers. For his first campaign in 1964, I distributed “Get Out the Vote” leaflets with my parents. Later while attending Wayne State University Law School, I clerked for Atty. Robert Millender, who was Conyers’ campaign manager in his first run for Congress and thereafter. I also clerked for Federal Judge Damon Keith, who was a former law partner with Conyers. In the late 1970’s I served as the media director for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and legal counsel to the CBC chair, Congressman Parren Mitchell, and worked very closely with Congressman Conyers on a variety of local, national, and international issues. Key issues that we worked on included bringing justice to the Derrick Humphries and Cong. Conyers at family of Ronald Madison who was slain by New Orleans police officers during the 2005 the U.S. Capitol.

Hurricane Katrina. Congressman Conyers and Dr. Dorothy I. Height were leaders in the nationwide push to increase the nation’s seatbelt use, particularly among young people, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans, despite racial profiling and problems with the police. General Motors executives Rod Gillum, Mel Bazemore, NAACP leader Rev. Wendell Anthony, and national leader Joann Watson provided critical local and national leadership. I worked closely with the Congressman on various other issues, including regulations, which impacted all the major cities.

Talib I. Karim, Esq. As a child of Muslim activists in Detroit and Highland Park, Congressman John Conyers was a household name.

I first met this legend as a high school junior. During a trip to Washington DC for a for national youth leadership conference, I stopped by the office. I was allowed to meet the Congressman and I asked him to nominate me for an appointment to the US Air Force Academy so I could pursue my dream to become an astronaut.

The next fall, after applying to the Academy, I paid another visit to Mr. Conyers’ office while participating in the Closeup program in Washington, DC for high school students. I reminded him and his team of my desire to attend the Air Force Academy.

A couple months later, in December of 1986, right after my 17th birthday, I got a package in the mail that changed my life. It was a letter from the White House informing me that upon the nomination of Congressman Conyers, I had been appointed as a cadet at the US Air Force Academy.

Since the age of 13, I had dreamed of attending Talib I. Karim the Academy located in Colorado Springs, CO. Congressman Conyers opened the door to this opportunity.

While at the Academy, I experienced discrimination as the only African American Muslim cadet.

Ultimately, I left the Academy and transferred to Howard University. Yet, I had a two-year service commitment in exchange for my two years stay at the Academy. With the help of Congressman Conyers and his team, I was released from my service commitment during a time of the military’s downsizing.

Over the course of the next 25 years, Mr. Conyers and his staff mentored and aided me. Through the completion of college, law school and into my professional career, the Congressman’s doors were always open to me.

The capstone of our relationship came when I had a chance to serve as a chief counsel to one of his deputies, Congresswoman Shiela Jackson Lee. This was during his tenure as the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

In that post, I witnessed and assisted the Committee with several historic inquiries and bills. Highlights of this time were the work on the Affordable Care Act and Mr. Conyers’ campaign to pass Medicare for All (from what I recall, Conyers was the first champion even before Senator Bernie Sanders); the examination of head injuries of NFL and youth football players captured in the film Concussion starring Will Smith; and the land mark bill to reduce the unfair penalties between people who were charged with crack versus powder cocaine crimes.

Another great legislative initiative I assisted Mr. Conyers and the Committee in advancing was his bill to study the impact of slavery. This study was seen as the vehicle to pave the way for reparations for the descendants of slaves. During hearings on this bill, we helped Congresswoman Jackson Lee to add to the record evidence of the enslavement of millions of Caucasians. This history had largely been forgotten as a way of creating and perpetuating the caste system that grips our nation till today.

Long live the memory of Congressman John Conyers and may the Almighty permit us to finish his work at hacking racism and poverty in our nation.

Ted Kalo, General Counsel House Judiciary Committee 1999 - 2011 I first met Chairman Conyers in January of 1997 when I worked for a member of the House Judiciary Committee. Mr. Conyers hired me as a counsel for the Committee in 1999, I became its general counsel in 2001 and served in that role until January of 2011. I worked closely with Mr. Conyers.

He cared deeply about his staff, not just as employees but also as people. I am grateful for the many kindnesses he showed me and my family. Since I learned of his passing yesterday, I’ve posted some fond memories on Facebook and twitter. Here are a few: My wedding was in May of 2001 in DC. Mr. Conyers surprised me by honoring us with his presence at our wedding, flying from Detroit to DC and back the same day. I’d only worked for him for two years.

He was well known for his love and encyclopedic knowledge of jazz. But few knew he was an impressive jazz musician himself.

His nearly two decades long effort to establish the MLK Day Holiday has been noted. He cited it constantly to us as an Ted Kalo example of how progress is slow, but if you never give up, you succeed. His work with Stevie Wonder on that effort has also been chronicled, but his private jam session with Stevie is known to fewer people.

One I haven’t posted yet: In 2007, under his leadership, the House Judiciary Committee commenced an investigation into whether the Bush Administration’s firing of seven U.S. Attorneys was politically motivated – motivated because they would not initiate spurious “voter fraud” prosecutions of groups that register voters. Chairman Conyers subpoenaed documents, the White House Counsel who was a fact witness, Harriet Miers, and Karl Rove, thought to be the mastermind of the firings. The Bush Administration refused to comply with any of the subpoenas and the witnesses did not show up. Conyers took them to Court and won, a decision I predict will be cited against the Trump Administration’s current stonewalling. I received a call on July 31, 2008 that the Committee and Conyers had won the case. Chairman Conyers was in a Committee hearing. I went in and sat next to him and, as he often did, he said “What’s up?” I said: “The Court decided the Harriet Miers and Karl Rove case. You won.” He smiled and was speechless for a minute and then said, “Oh boy” and reached out and shook my hand, joyful that justice had prevailed, and checks and balances were intact.

I will miss him, but I will always be grateful for having the privilege of knowing him.

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CONTACT US 1452 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226 • (313) 963-8100 e-mail: newsdesk@michronicle.com “I was deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman John Conyers today.

One of my most special memories was spending time with him at Gordon Park on 12th Street and Clairmount on the 50th anniversary of the violence of 1967 as he recounted the story of his courageous efforts to calm the angry crowds. He has fought for a better Detroit for more than half a century.

CONGRESSMAN

JOHN CONYERS JR.

From co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus to leading the fight in Congress to enshrine Martin Luther King’s birthday as a national holiday, John Conyers’ impact on our city and nation will never be forgotten.

My sympathies go out to the entire Conyers family.” -Mayor Mike Duggan “My heart is with the family of John Conyers, Jr., Monica, Carl & John Conyers, III. Detroit, the 13th district, the state of Michigan and our country have lost a political legend. Throughout his 53 years in the U.S. House, “The Dean” worked to ensure the people of his district received federal resources to improve their quality of life. However, his best achievement was to work tirelessly to ensure civil, judicial and human rights for all. It was my honor to succeed him in office. We all must work to achieve the legacy begun by Congressman Conyers. -Council President Brenda Jones

1929 – 2019

‘The Dean’ Congressman

John Conyers Jr. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Today, we have lost a giant who helped to bend the inevitable arc towards justice for all. Congressman John Conyers Jr., who will always be known as ‘The Dean’ has gone on to glory. He has served 27 terms as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. One of the original founders of the Congressional Black Caucus, he will be laid to rest. For many it is the passing of an illustrious and defining political era. The nation has just celebrated the life of Congressman Elijah Cummings.

We must now turn another page reflecting upon the life of an icon who stood in the gap for freedom and justice.

John Conyers was more than just a Congressman. He was the ‘Go to Guy.’ He served as the first African American Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Anyone who wanted to move issues dealing with labor, human rights, South African Apartheid, civil rights, women’s rights – even before the #MeToo movement, federal judges on the bench or presidents in a pinch would see John Conyers. He was the only politician ever to be endorsed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He stood in the middle of the street calling for calm during Detroit’s most devastating rebellion in 1967. He stood in the gap against President Richard Nixon, even making his famous enemies list. He was not afraid of the Strom Thurmond’s and the Jesse Helms. He made us all proud as he stood with Dr. King in bringing forth the 1965 Voting Rights Act. John Conyers never lost his commitment to justice and equality. After the assassination of Dr. King in 1968, four days later he introduced the Martin L. King National Holiday Bill. For 15 years he labored in the political vineyard to cultivate America’s first national holiday to honor an African American. Many said it could not and would not be done. John Conyers did it. He stood in triumph and victory for this nation. President Ronald Reagan not known for his kinship to civil rights, signed it into law in 1983.

Whether it was fighting for Haitian refugees, fair housing, reform in our criminal justice system or national healthcare, John Conyers was always out front. He had a tirelessness that often put younger and yet to be seasoned politicians to shame. He was not afraid to stand alone in defense or in advocacy of policy and programs that uplifted the lives of people. His office in Washington was a repository for assemblies of common people, strategy sessions for political allies, a comfort zone for those needing to refuel their political tanks and a rhythmic getaway for those jazz connoisseurs who just wanted to chill.

He loved his family and wanted the best for each one of his children. Perhaps in reviewing his life, from Northwestern High School to the halls of Congress, it lies rooted in the background of his own family. His father, John Conyers Sr., was a labor leader. Conyers said, “I was drawn to the struggle because my dad was a labor organizer for the UAW.” His father was an organizer when it was illegal to be in the unions. This obviously inspired Conyers to stand up and fight for the rights of others. It is easy to see how the mother of the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks, found a home in his Detroit office. John Conyers did not leave here trying to make a difference. In 1989 he introduced “The Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act.” This was only a bill to study, not to implement.

Conyers said in 2017, “Slavery is a blemish on this nation’s history and until it is formally addressed, our country’s story will remain marked by this blight.” The words of former President Lyndon B. Johnson are worth remembering, “Until justice is blind to color, until education is unaware of race, until opportunity is unconcerned with the color of men’s skins, emancipation will be a proclamation but not a fact.” John Conyers worked every day to make it a fact.

-Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President, Detroit Branch NAACP

“Most of us from Michigan loved our congressman. He was idolized and was absolutely an icon. Not only was he an icon of the civil rights movement but we looked to him for leadership. This is a massive loss. All of us in business, the clergy, the community, respected, admired and aspired to be like John Conyers.

- Hiram E. Jackson, President and CEO of Real Times Media “Sad to hear of the passing of former Congressman John Conyers. He worked with us on many civil rights cases as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and helped lead the fight for the Martin Luther King [Jr.] Holiday.” - Rev. Al Sharpton “Congressman John Conyers decades ago held the first U.S. Congressional Hearings on Racially-Motivated Police Brutality; led the House Judiciary Hearings on Criminal Justice and Prison Reform in America; was co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC); and was a leading congressional advocate for the freedom of Angela Davis, the Wilmington Ten, and all political prisoners in the United States. Conyers was a constitutional scholar and political visionary whose longstanding vision for freedom, justice and equality was unparalleled in the Congress of the United States. May God bless the freedom-fighting memory and legacy of The Honorable John Conyers.” - Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association

“Congressman John Conyers was a lifelong Detroiter who was deeply committed to the city and to those he represented. His impact on our state, whether by spearheading reforms in criminal justice and voting rights in Congress or through his lifetime of civil rights activism, will not be forgotten. I extend my deepest condolences to Congressman Conyers’ family for their loss.” -Governor Gretchen Whitmer “With heavy hearts we mourn the loss of a civil rights champion who unapologetically stood up for what he believed was right. The fight for equality and civil rights in this country is never ending, and few fought as hard or as successfully as Congressman John Conyers. We owe much of the progress made in the modern civil rights movement to Congressman Conyers. He left an indelible mark on Detroit and this country, and his leadership will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Conyers family and all who mourn this tremendous loss.” -Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans “Congressman John Conyers, Jr. will forever be our Congressman in the city of Detroit. He was a civil rights icon, fighting for the people even before he stepped foot on the House floor. Conyers served as the Dean of the House of Representatives and was the first African American to chair the House Judiciary Committee. His more than 50 years of service brought forth the vision of reparations for African Americans, the centering of voting rights, a continued push for universal healthcare, the creation of the Congressional Black Caucus, and service that inspired many in the city of Detroit and across the country.

“When I was elected to succeed Congressman Conyers, I knew that I would be following a legacy of a man who fought for the people, fought for his district, and never wavered in the fight for jobs, justice, and peace. Congressman Conyers was a fighter and he now joins the ancestors. May he rest in peace as we continue the fight he fought for so long.” - Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib “I am more than saddened by the loss of such a dear friend, colleague, and political pioneer. John Conyers, Jr. spent a lifetime in public service, leading the charge on civil rights, social justice and equality for people of color in America. His life and legacy will continue to impact many generations to come. I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Monica, his sons John Conyers, III and Carl, and the rest of the Conyers’ family.” - U.S. Representative Brenda Lawrence “From being in Selma, Alabama, on Freedom Day during the Civil Rights Movement — to co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus, chairing the House Judiciary Committee and becoming Dean of the House of Representatives — Congressman Conyers dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights. While serving in Congress with him, I saw firsthand his dedication and passion for his beloved City of Detroit and the Congressional district he represented. Colleen and I send our sympathies to the Conyers family during this time.”- U.S. Senator Gary Peters “Congressman John Conyers spent his entire life working for the people of Michigan. From serving in our armed forces, to leading the fight for civil rights and representing Detroit in Congress for more than 50 years, John was consistently at the forefront of the critical issues impacting families.

Throughout his lifetime of service, he never lost sight of the people he represented. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” - U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow “Congressman John Conyers, Jr. dedicated his life to address economic and racial injustice. He championed the Voting Rights Act, reparations and single payer health care on behalf of his constituents and our nation.

As a civil rights leader and political patriarch, Congressman Conyers generously shared his wisdom and inspired generations to actively engage in politics, public service, economic and community development. As my mentor, father-figure and friend, I will forever cherish the many lessons he shared and his legacy. My prayers are with his wife Monica, sons John, III and Carl, his brother Nathan and the entire Conyers family.” - State Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo

“Our nation has lost a civil rights champion who dedicated his life doing the work of the people. He fought the fight in Washington for more than 50 years, and his work and achievements will impact us profoundly for decades to come.

“John Conyers Jr. was truly an inspiration to my decision to go into politics and government. God bless John Conyers Jr. and his family.” - Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha R. Bell

Since the beginning of my career I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Congressman J ohn Conyers. I am deeply saddened by his death and will always remember our numerous encounters through my photographs. Rest peacefully, Congressman - Monica Morgan, Photographer

Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-5

Staff Reflections From page A-3

Dianne McNair, Executive Assistant/Scheduler, Washington, DC Office 1990 - 1996 As former executive assistant and scheduler several years for Congressman John Conyers, I witnessed his unwavering and successful efforts to bring parity to so many legislative issues to level the playing field for The People en mass, and for his Constituents. Going against the grain to introduce and move the Motor Voter Act and the 10-plus years pushing the Martin Luther King Holiday bill until it passed are but two examples. There is not enough time or space to highlight all that he accomplished on a legislative level for The People, the supportive atmosphere he set for his office and staff, or the assistance willingly given on the humanitarian level. Of particular note on this is the day I came to see him as an ex-staff member to ask his help with a U.S. sponsored minister at my church who fled with his daughter from Sierra Leone to Detroit when his family was killed. He lost his sponsorship when the senior pastor could not continue it.

Congressman Conyers readily agreed to help him receive Refugee Status and drafted the letter that I walked over to the authorizing Refugee Office. Reverend Dudley was granted asylum in the U.S., was able to continue his Ministry and workplace occupation, and five years later took the steps to become a U.S. Citizen. He invited both me and Congressman Conyers to attend to witness this milestone, in deep appreciation for the roles we played: I the Carrier of the Need who knew where to take it, and the Statesman who, with the stroke of his pen, set in motion the victory.

Congressman Conyers holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many, me included.

He will be greatly missed, the record he established will stand in the books of history, and his footprint cannot be erased. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, whom I had the pleasure of knowing over the years.

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Rest in Peace, Sir.

Randye Bullock, District Office Media Specialist 1988 -1993 Now a retired public relations executive, one of my fondest memories of working with Congressman Conyers was on the last day of my employment with him. I resigned and gave him a two-week notice. All during those two weeks he refused to speak to me or acknowledge me. On my last day, he walked into my office and told me to meet him at the Michigan Chronicle for a meeting in an hour. I was a little upset that I had to go to a meeting on my last day. After arriving, I was led to the conference room near the publishers’ office. As I sat in the empty room, in walked then Chief of Staff Ray Plowden, Michigan Chronicle Publisher Sam Logan and Congressman Conyers. I still had no idea what was about to happen. Behind them was a young lady with wine glasses and a bottle of champagne. I was floored. That was the type of man Conyers was. You never knew what to expect. The man I knew was engaging, a progressive thinker way beyond his time, Randye Bullock, District Office Media Specialist 1988 -1993. a rabble-rouser, and extremely dedicated to the people of Detroit and throughout his district. He lived his life through his staff. He kept us working 24/7 while he took occasional naps. Working for him was not easy, yet I learned a lot from him. I once aspired to run for Congress, but once I worked in the field, I knew I would have to work all the time. Although I wanted to serve, I realized that being an elected official was not the road I wanted to take. Conyers had faith, he adored his pastor, Reverend Sampson of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church; he knew the law and aspired to become the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee; he mentored other young politicians; he loved jazz and hosted many musicians throughout his career. Through him, I met Julian Bond, Dick Gregory, Bishop Tutu, Rayse Biggs, George Clinton, and many others. I worked on his Reparations Committee, and assisted Haitians who lived in the Detroit area to bring relief to their native homeland. His district was open to all his constituents. He was touchable and thought-provoking. He was a great man. We used to call him the Congressman of the Universe.

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Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com •

Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. © 2019 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved ARTVPYTL

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B1

| Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

Domestic Violence Survivor Kelly Mays.

Michigan Domestic Violence Shelters Receive $400,000 From DTE Energy Foundation

By Branden Hunter The YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit Interim House, the state’s largest approved domestic violence shelter, along with 43 other shelters across Michigan received grants totaling $400,000 from the DTE Energy Foundation.

The money will be allocated by the number of beds each shelter has and can be used for everything from day-to-day operations, to helping provide programming or support services for survivors of domestic violence as they try to establish lives away from their abusers.

YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit Interim House

shelters having been isolated both socially and financially, leaving them without a safety net. The grants will help provide critical services from finding employment and permanent housing to opening a bank account. Equally important, these programs help survivors navigate what can be a very complex criminal justice system.”

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans. The term “intimate partner violence” describes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse.

This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, intimate partner violence affects about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men, leading to stalking, physical violence, rape, and even homicide by a current or former partner or spouse.

In Michigan, more than 2,600 survivors may require some form of assistance on a given day.

YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit CEO Emma Peterson.

DTE Electric President Trevor Lauer. has 67 beds and will receive the largest grant.

The minimum amount awarded will be $5,000.

DTE Energy Foundation President Lynette Dowler, DTE Electric President and board member of the DTE Foundation Trevor Lauer and Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist announced the gift at the YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit Interim House during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Michigan Lt Governor Garlin Gilchrist.

“These grants will help thousands of people fleeing from violence, including more than 5,000 children, with both emergency housing and support services to help rebuild their lives,” said Lauer. “Survivors often arrive at

YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit Interim House executive director, Emma Peterson, deals with stories of domestic violence on a daily basis. Her center has 20 women and 42 children, and said the money will be put to good use there.

“We provide a number of services here at YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit Interim House and the money will be used to expand those services, in terms of providing transportation for women who may not have the means and any of our other client services,” said Peterson. “The types of services that our clients need today are different from what they needed years ago, and we want to make sure we address our clients as a whole.”

See DTE page B-2

“The Rape of Recy Taylor” Documentary Debuts in Detroit Film Highlights Role Rosa Parks’ involvement in the 1944 Taylor gang rape case

By Branden Hunter Rosa Parks’ impact on the Civil Rights Movement began well before December 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Ala. bus, acting as a catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott and casting her into the spotlight as one of the faces of the Civil Rights Movement.

Eleven years prior to her brave stance, she was a field secretary for the NAACP and was sent to investigate the gang rape of sharecropper Recy Taylor in Abbeville, Ala. On September 3, 1944, Taylor, then 24, was walking home from church when a green Chevrolet filled with white men pulled up alongside her. She was kidnapped, driven into the woods, and brutally raped by seven white men who threatened to kill her if she told.

Parks interviewed Taylor and sent her report to the NAACP. However, law enforcement officials refused to arrest

those responsible for the kidnapping and rape. Incensed, Parks teamed up with Taylor and the two co-founded the Alabama Committee for Equal Justice, with the goal of assisting black women reclaim their bodies against sexual violence and interracial rape.

Parks aided in her defense, and the history of racial violence, particularly against women, in the postwar South.

The screening will be held on Wednesday, October 30, from 6-10 p.m. at the Wayne State University Law School Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium.

In honor of Parks and Taylor’s heroism, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the SASHA Center and the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation have partnered for a special screening of the documentary film, “The Rape of Recy Taylor” – the film inspired by the book, “At the Dark End of the Street” by author Danielle McGuire. The film looks at the 1944 gang rape of Taylor, how

Tickets for the event are $20 for general admission and $40 for general admission with a signed copy of “At the Dark End of the Street.” Proceeds from the event will benefit both the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation and SASHA Center.

“We wanted to team up for Domestic Violence Awareness Month to both highlight the work of the SASHA Center

and the vulnerability of women of color in situations like sexual violence and domestic assault,” said McGuire, who wrote her book in 2010. “We also wanted to highlight Rosa Parks’ history as an anti-rape activist throughout her life.

That becomes clear in this documentary and through the Recy Taylor story.”

Following the film that will be screened for the first time in Detroit, a panel of local advocates will discuss its impact. The panel will include Kalimah Johnson, executive director, SASHA Center; Kym Worthy, Wayne County prosecutor; Kim Trent, board president, Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation; Danielle McGuire; and Omari Barksdale, male group facilitator, SASHA Center.

One of the rapists, Hugo Wilson, confessed to the rape and named six other men involved: Dillard York, Billy Howerton, Herbert Lovett, Luther Lee, Joe Culpepper and Robert Gamble. None of

See DOCUMENTARY page B-2

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

Focus: HOPE CEO Portia Roberson Keynote Speaker For 10TH Annual ARISE Detroit! Neighborhoods Summit Registration is open for November 2 event focusing on economic inclusion Portia Roberson, CEO of the nonprofit Focus: HOPE, will be the keynote speaker on November 2 at the 10th annual ARISE Detroit! Neighborhoods Rising Summit at the Portia Roberson d o w n t o w n Detroit campus of Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD).

Focus: HOPE’s job training and community support programs have been a cornerstone for many Detroit residents for more than 50 years. The organization has been in the vanguard of efforts to promote racial justice and economic opportunity for all Detroiters.

“The work of Focus: HOPE is a perfect complement to what we are trying to do at ARISE Detroit! and the Neighborhoods Rising Summit,” said Luther Keith, ARISE Detroit! executive director. “Focus: HOPE is walk-

ing the walk, not just talking the talk. We are thrilled to have Portia Roberson bring a message of equity and economic opportunity to the neighborhoods summit.”

Prior to joining Focus: HOPE, Roberson was Group Executive of the City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity Department.

She worked to ensure all major economic development projects within the city adhered to hiring Detroit-headquartered or Detroit-based businesses, allowing Detroit workers opportunities for employment.

She also previously served as the city’s corporation counsel.

Roberson will speak at 9:30 a.m.

This year’s summit theme is “ARISE-ification: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Detroit.” The event focuses on removing barriers to economic opportunities and expanding efforts to include neighborhoods as part of Detroit’s revival efforts.

The summit is free and open to the public. It takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the WCCCD campus, 1001 W. Fort Street, Detroit 48226. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Residents can register for the summit

at: www.arisedetroit.org The Neighborhoods Rising Summit is designed to equip residents with strategies to improve their neighborhoods.

The event features discussions on steering development to improve neighborhoods, as well as promoting inclusive and diverse opportunities for job training and neighborhood entrepreneurship.

The event includes 12 workshops and more than 50 community leaders offering expertise in neighborhood transformation, including: • Revitalizing commercial corridors and promoting small business entrepreneurship; • Home buying through the Detroit Land Bank and other programs; • Utilizing programs that promote early childhood development; • Neighborhood revitalization strategies; • Personal development for neighborhood change; • Finding jobs and overcoming barriers to employment; • Finding funding and strategic planning support for neighborhood projects; • Organizing the fight against

blight and forming block clubs; • And learning how to appeal property tax assessments and qualify for exemptions.

Workshops will be held from

10:45 a.m. to noon and from 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The summit will also feature community organization exhibitors with information and resources to help neighborhood residents.

City of Detroit seeks faith-based & non-profit partners to add up to 30 summer activity centers In an effort to expand summer recreational activities for Detroit youth, the City is seeking to partner with local places of worship and other non-profit organizations to create approximately up to 30 free Summer Activity Centers next year.

Domestic Violence Survivor Kelly Mays.

DTE

From page B-1 Gilchrist, a self proclaimed YWCA child, applauded the foundation’s support for domestic violence victims.

“Michigan has been a leader in working to end domestic violence, but there is still much more we need to achieve to ensure the safety of our state’s citizens,” he said. “We are fortunate to

have generous philanthropic partners in our state who help us address some of our most challenging societal issues. This DTE Foundation grant will support statewide non-profits so they can provide emergency shelter to domestic violence victims and help these survivors along the journey of rebuilding their lives.”

In addition to the $400,000 in grants, the DTE Energy Foundation is also

partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to host training sessions for employees at the state’s domestic violence shelters so that they can learn new skills and build more sustainable financial models.

If you or someone you know is being abused, the National Domestic Violence Hotline also has a toll-free 24-hour crisis line: 800-799-7233.

■ Family Counseling and Children’s Services, Adrian ■ Hope Shores Alliance, Alpena ■ SafeHouse Center, Ann Arbor ■ S.A.F.E. Place, Battle Creek ■ Bay Area Women’s Center, Bay City ■ Children and Family Services of Southwestern Michigan/Safe Shelter, Benton Harbor ■ Women’s Information Service, Inc., Big Rapids ■ Cadillac Area O.A.S.I.S, Cadillac ■ Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter, Calumet ■ HDC/Thumb Area Assault Crisis Center, Caro ■ Brand County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Coldwater ■ YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit/Interim House, Detroit ■ Tri County Safe Harbor, Escanaba ■ YWCA of Greater Flint/SAFE House, Flint ■ YWCA of West Central Michigan, Grand Rapids ■ River House, Grayling ■ Domestic Harmony, Hillsdale ■ Center for Women in Transition, Holland ■ LACASA, Howell ■ RAVE, Ionia ■ Caring House Inc., Iron Mountain ■ DOVE, Ironwood ■ AWARE, Jackson ■ YWCA of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo ■ Baraga County Shelter Home, L’Anse ■ End Violent Encounters (EVE), Lansing ■ Lapeer Area Citizens Against Domestic Assault, Lapeer ■ Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters, Ludington ■ CHOICES of Manistee County, Manistee ■ Women’s Center/Harbor House, Marquette ■ Shelterhouse/Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Midland ■ Family Counseling and Shelter Services of Monroe County, Monroe ■ Turning Point, Mt. Clemens ■ Women’s Aid Service, Mt. Pleasant ■ Every Women’s Place, Muskegon ■ Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, Petoskey ■ First Step, Plymouth/Wayne ■ HAVEN, Pontiac ■ Blue Water Safe Horizons, Port Huron ■ Underground Railroad, Saginaw ■ Diane Peppler Resource Center, Sault Ste. Marie ■ SafeCenter, St. Johns/Owosso ■ Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services, Three Rivers ■ Women’s Resource Center Grand Traverse Area, Traverse City

The City today issued a request for proposals seeking partners that have the appropriate facilities to host up to 60 youth each in groups of twenty where youth can take part in a range of programming, including literacy, athletics, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics between June and August of 2020. The RFP sets a range of 10-30 centers; however officials expect at least twenty.

The effort will bring to more than 50 the number of city operated or supported centers available to youth during the summer.

The city and its partners currently operate 19 recreation centers, as well as 12 Summer Fun Centers operated through a partnership with the Detroit Public Schools District. In 2015, the city had only 11 centers after closing Kemeny Recreation center, which reopened last year after being fully renovated.

Summer activity centers will serve children ages six to fourteen.

They will be created in the existing structures of Detroit-based organizations not currently operating summer programming and provide STEAM, athletic and literature curriculum. Youth also will receive two meals as well as a snack each day.

“While we have significantly expanded our summer recreation opportunities in recent years through our partnerships, we still need to do a better job of providing summer recreation opportunities for our children that are close to their homes, said Mayor Mike Duggan. “These 20-30 additional centers would have the potential to provide recreational opportunities every day to more than 1,000 Detroit youths.”

How it will work The City will provide a center supervisor and up to four play leaders. A hiring fair will be held at selected host sites to ensure that Detroit residents in the community have access to the open positions.

Prior to the general enroll-

Documentary

ment period, there will be a 30day pre-enrollment period for youth affiliated with the host site to provide youth the opportunity to attend the program closest to their home. Students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to attend the program closest to their residence at no charge.

The City is offering a one-time $20,000 grant for program related capital improvements once an organization has been approved for participation. The City of Detroit encourages the use of Detroit based businesses and or Detroit residents to perform the capital improvements.

Requirements for becoming a host activity center Organizations interested in being a host activity center must be able to accommodate 30-60 children, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. June 15 – August 24, 2020.

Additional criteria to qualify include: • Three indoor activity spaces suitable for 20 youth concurrently • One large indoor space available for participant meals • One large indoor space for activities and athletic programming • One outdoor space for active play and athletic activities • Kitchen with working sink and refrigerator for 90 meals • Tables and chairs for all participants • A minimum of 35 sq. ft. per pupil • Inaccessible indoor and outdoor space for the general public during programming hours • Daily janitorial services and minimal building maintenance While any Detroit-based non-profit or faith-based organization is invited to apply to host programming, preference will be given to locations in close proximity to high youth densities. Multiple organizations can apply together to operate the program jointly at one facility. Prospective applicants who do not have all of the required amenities are encouraged to partner on their proposal with other nearby churches and non-profits that have them.

Awards will be granted in December 2019.

them were arrested and on two separate occasions, a grand jury refused to indict the white men, despite a confession and a Chicago Defender report that Taylor’s husband, Willie Guy Taylor, was offered $600 to keep her quiet.

Though Taylor’s case did not succeed in the short term, the fact that women like her were telling their stories and Parks stood by her side at a time of pronounced stigma and intimidation, drew nationwide attention to issues of racial violence, mobilizing communities and building coalitions that would become the pillars of the civil rights movement.

It was not until 2011, nearly 60 years after the case, that the state of Alabama issued a formal apology to Taylor for her treatment by the state’s legal system. She died in Abbeville on December 28, 2017, three days before her 98th birthday. Parks rose to prominence during the Civil Rights movement and moved to Detroit, where she remained until her passing, at the age of 92.

“It’s important for us to know our history,” said McGuire. “We need to understand, like Rosa Parks, who was an ordinary person in Alabama, that we have the power to change the world that we live in. We can use our voice as a weapon to achieve justice, because the legacy of white supremacy and racism is very much alive, and we all have a role in dismantling it.”

From page B-1

Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-3

Rock Health Collective to serve 17,000 Quicken Loans employees in First National Building

By Branden Hunter The more than 17,000 team members that are employed by Quicken Loans and other associated companies that make up the “Rock Family of Companies,” working in downtown Detroit will not have a reason to call in sick anymore. Monday, the Rock Health Collective, a state-of-the-art concierge health and well-being center powered by Premise Health was introduced inside the First National Building.

Officials said the facility is the first and only employer-sponsored on-site health center and pharmacy of its kind in Detroit created exclusively for company team members.

“We always look at what we can do to make our team members’ experience here better,” said Mike Malloy, Chief People Officer of Quicken Loans. “We found them having to go long distances to see providers, family services, physical therapy, and other services and we wanted to make that more convenient here for them. It’s part of our way to serve our team members so that they can serve our clients.”

Located on the top floor of the First National Building, the 17,000-square-foot facility will offer convenient access to a wide spectrum of health care needs. The comprehensive service offering includes primary care, urgent care, full-service pharmacy, behavioral health, physical therapy, chiropractic, wellness coaching, care navigation, marriage counseling and more.

Leading direct healthcare company Premise Health with provide the services at the Rock

Quicken Loans has opened the Rock Health Collective for employees of the Rock Family of Companies in downtown Detroit.

– Photo courtesy of Quicken Loans.

Health Collective. On average, Premise Health performs above the 90th percentile on national quality measures and sees an average net promoter score above 90. Quicken Loans team members will have access to these premium quality services at significantly lower costs

than they would pay in normal provider settings. The center plans to see around 10-15 patients per day.

“Quicken Loans and Premise Health share the same passion for healthy workplaces and we are excited to partner

with Quicken Loans on the creation of the Rock Health Collective,” said Premise Health President Jami Doucette. “Quicken Loans’ award-winning culture is a reflection of the value it places in its team members, and we look forward to working together to innovate how team members access and experience health care.”

The facility offers services to Quicken Loans employees at lower costs than they would pay in normal provider settings. For employees with PPO health insurance, copays are $0 through the end of 2019 and

$5 after that. A high-deductible plan starts at market rate, or $25, for copay.

“It’s a tremendous benefit for team members from a cost perspective,” said Pranav Kothari, director of health care strategy for the Rock Family of Companies, during a tour of the new center.

The Rock Health Collective had a soft opening last week and will begin providing services Tuesday, October 15. It was designed by the interior design firm Pophouse, formerly known as dPop.

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

Amidst Brightmoor’s vacant lots, these young Detroit farmers are growing crops — and battling food insecurity

By Damon Mitchell

it’s hard to see the growing of agriculture purely from a business perspective,” Pothukuchi added. “There’s a reason why people left farming in droves. If we want to produce to be cheap and accessible, then we need to figure out how to support urban growers.”

Detour Emerging Voices fellow On most summer Saturdays, a gaggle of hardworking kids attend to crops at Youth Grow Brightmoor (YGB), a garden on Detroit’s west side supported by community organization Neighbors Building Brightmoor. The program, founded in 2014 by Brightmoor residents Bill and Billie Hickey, teaches neighborhood youth to grow, weed, and harvest rows of fruits and vegetables, including green beans, onions, kale, radishes, tomatoes, cantaloupes and watermelons. For many of the gardeners, the youth program is a way to meet friends, keep busy or earn income over the summer. For others, it’s a family tradition.

For Morgan Watson, 11, the garden has provided a little bit of each. A fourth-year farmer, she’s spent most Saturdays at the garden each summer, learning to grow crops including green peppers, cabbage and collard greens. She first tried her hand at urban farming after her older sister discovered YGB through the Brightmoor community newsletter. Growing potatoes is her specialty, and she often takes home fresh broccoli to add to her family’s chicken alfredo dinners.

Growing up in Brightmoor, Watson heard her fair share of criticism about the community, but she’s proud to be from the area. Before he moved to the South in 2016, Watson often saw her grandfather pitching in to maintain the neighborhood.

“Almost every single day he would go around with the lawn mower cutting almost all the grass in Brightmoor,” she said.

Keeping a neighborhood together after decline Brightmoor, population 9,961, is a 4-square-mile neighborhood in northwest Detroit with a reputation for crime, blight and abandonment. It’s been on a downturn since the 1967 rebellion, when it was a dense, working-class neighborhood. The area lost more than a third of its population between 2000 and 2010. In some pockets of Brightmoor, the poverty rate is over 60 percent. In 2014, a citywide blight survey determined that a third of the neighborhood’s buildings were vacant.

But many blocks are far from empty. While some residents share streets with abandoned schools, others live within view of public art, community spaces and small farms that brighten the neighborhood.

One of those bright spots is the Brightmoor Artisans Collective on Fenkell Avenue, a community center, cafe and food business incubator where Watson and other YGB farmers sell their produce at the weekly farmers market. Watson is following in her grandfather’s footsteps — he used to maintain the same lot and once hosted a community Thanksgiving dinner there.

With the exception of bees, Detroit city code bans farmers from keeping poultry and livestock inside the city’s limits.

As a business and social model, urban farming in Detroit is far from simple. The city’s farm animal ban limits the ways farms can make themselves profitable. In many cases, grants cover supplies rather than wages. Farmers can make higher profits from selling produce at suburban markets as opposed to ones in the city, too.

Learning entrepreneurship on the farm

Morgan Watson, 11, stands in the Brightmoor Artisans Collective lot, where she now sells the produce she grows, August 9, 2019 Credit- Damon Mitchell.

Brightmoor’s empty lots have attracted a number of urban farmers who see the space as an opportunity to build sustainable, profitable farming operations. The growing number of farms are also a way to bring some healthy produce into a neighborhood where many residents struggle to afford food or get to traditional grocery stores. The neighborhood has at least five urban farms, and other residents tend personal gardens.

There are benefits to the program beyond profits. Through gardening, Watson’s mother said her confident sixth grader has developed a work ethic, gained exposure to entrepreneurship, practiced financial management and learned the importance of taking pride in her work.

With an interest in fashion, Watson doesn’t see herself working as a farmer in the future. Still, she’d be interested in growing backyard produce and giving it away to the community when she’s older.

Despite farms, food insecurity remains a struggle Still, even with the neighborhood’s farms, healthy food is largely inaccessible. At times, the restricted hours of farmers markets exclude working families. For more options and cheaper prices, some residents say they travel five miles south to Joe Randazzo’s Fruit and Vegetable Market in Dearborn Heights.

According to a 2018 food metrics report by local advocacy organization Detroit Food Policy Council, one in three Detroit households are food insecure, or lacks access to affordable, quality food. Though there are more than 70 grocery stores in the city, quality varies, and some neighborhoods have none. From the far west side of Brightmoor, the nearest fullline grocery, Meijer, is just over two miles away.

In Detroit, the grocery business is a hundred-million-dollar industry. The city has a $545 million annual loss in grocery retail revenue as people travel outside the city to shop, according to the 2018 DFPC report.

With the loss in revenue, neighborhoods like Brightmoor lose an essential economic link. A 2012 study by nonprofit Fair Food Network found that Detroit residents spent nearly $200 million on groceries sold

The entrance of the Youth Grow Brightmoor garden on Detroit’s west side, August 3, 2019. PHOTO: Damon Mitchell. outside their neighborhoods.

Brightmoor farmer and resident Brittney Rooney said the community wants to eat healthy, but that affordable, nutritious food options are mostly inaccessible. Although Beaverland Farms, the farm she coruns a few blocks from YGB, is for-profit, Rooney also grows berries along the street that she invites kids to pick. Watson said that when she and Rooney were neighbors, Rooney invited her to stop by whenever she wanted.

“It’s cool to me to see kids in the neighborhood often on their way to the gas station [to buy packaged snacks], but [at the same time] they’re picking berries and shoving them in their mouths,” Rooney said.

“That’s really cool that they can happily do that, and that they see the value in that.

“I don’t think it connects with them that there’s a nutritional benefit,” she continued.

“But to just have that memory…

That exposure, I think in the long run, will ultimately benefit

them and make them more interested in buying fruit.”

Cultivating a tenuous local food economy

Global automotive industry stakeholders will gather in Detroit on October 31-November 1, 2019 for the 20th Annual Rainbow PUSH Global Automotive Summit, an initiative of Citizenship Education Fund, at Motor City Casino Hotel and Conference Center. This year’s Summit will commence with a breakfast conversation on Friday November 1, 2019, with Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., Rainbow PUSH Coalition, president and founder, and Barry Engle, General Motors, executive vice president and president of the Americas. Mark Stewart, FCA North America, chief operating officer, will join Rev. Jackson during the luncheon for a Fireside Chat on the “best practices” in diversity and inclusion. Engle and Stewart will share their thoughts with over 500 automotive executives, entrepreneurs, suppliers, dealers, manufacturers, consumers, government and elected officials.

According to BAC Executive Director Brittany Bradd, the market sees about 60 customers per market, most of whom live within a few blocks.

“A national survey of farmers showed that the average urban farm generates sales of about $50,000 to $60,000, which depends on what you grow, where, and how, with hydroponic production having the highest margins,” Wayne State University Urban Planning Professor Kami Pothukuchi wrote in an email.

“I save some of it because some of it’s in my credit union and I haven’t used it,” Watson said. “But I do spend it.”

But with one-third of Detroit residents living in poverty, there are challenges in providing economic opportunity while increasing healthy food access in the country’s poorest big city.

“This requires thinking differently about food. We’re so used to food being so cheap that

“Over the last 20 years, Rainbow PUSH has built the socio-economic case for diversity and inclusion in the auto industry, “posits Reverend Jackson, adding: “We have changed the mindsets and culture of several automakers and the verdict is clear, inclusion and diversity must be intentional.” The Rainbow PUSH will measure the goals and outcomes through its Rainbow PUSH Auto-

In her best month, Watson earned over $100. The profits have allowed her to purchase school supplies and uniforms.

Damon Mitchell is a native of Detroit’s west side who writes about neighborhoods and social justice. Follow him on Twitter @damonmtll_.

This story was originally published on detourdetroiter.com. Detour, the newsletter for the Detroit community. Detour’s Emerging Voices fellowship tells the story of Detroit’s present and future in the voice of its residents.

Michiganders Can Receive Help Clearing Cannabis-Related Misdemeanors At Detroit Expungement Fair This Weekend

This year’s theme, “Expanding the African American Opportunity Pipeline,” will illuminate the growing disparity in market growth for African American and other minorities suppliers, dealers and professionals.

The ongoing mission of the Summit is to facilitate a dialogue with the OEMs and diverse companies, while delivering measurable outcomes. For two decades, Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project has been a catalyst in creating, strengthening and expanding opportunities for African American and other minorities in the auto industry.

On Fridays, Watson and other kids take shifts tabling baskets of the crops they’ve grown at the Brightmoor Artisan Collective’s farmers market. When the crops are sold, the youth receive a percentage of the proceeds based on the hours they put in during the month.

The rise in urban farming presents an opportunity for Detroiters to purchase high quality produce, stimulate their immediate economy, create jobs and shop locally.

Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rainbow PUSH convene the 20th Global Automotive Summit

By Chronicle Staff

Youth Grow Brightmoor is funded by Neighbors Building Brightmoor, grants, donations and proceeds from market sales. The program also receives support from local nonprofit Keep Growing Detroit, as a member of the organization’s Grown in Detroit initiative.

Michigan residents can access free services to have cannabis-related misdemeanors removed from their criminal record at the Expungement Fair on Saturday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S Fort St. in Detroit. motive Diversity Scorecard which will be released during the 10am press conference at the Summit.

Other major highlights include an awards reception, scholarship awards and panel discussions featuring vice presidents of global purchasing, advertising and marketing, human resources, auto dealerships and other industry experts.

The community will celebrate Rev. Jackson’s 78th birthday on October 31st at 6:00 p.m. during a reception at Motor City Conference and Hotel Center.

“Expunging cannabis-related misdemeanors can help address Michigan’s significant talent shortage, create opportunities for workforce development and help people lead more productive lives,” said Michael Elias, CEO of Michigan Pure Med and Common Citizen. “Common Citizen is proud to partner with NDICA to help Michiganders clear their records so they can access better job opportunities and connect them with resources including housing, employment services and more.”

The Expungement Fair is hosted by National Diversity and Inclusion Cannabis Alliance (NDICA), Common Citizen, Perpetual Harvest and The Redemption Coalition. Michigan’s current expungement process requires people to ask a judge to have their records sealed. The Ex-

pungement Fair will offer expungement processing assistance and legal advice. People can RSVP at bit.ly/detroitexpungement and must bring their court records and proof of identification.

In addition to free expungement processing assistance, attendees will be able to access a variety of community resources including: • On-site voter registration and education • Employment services • Public housing services “The Expungement Fair is an opportunity to help improve the lives of people by offering resources for expungement and record sealing, employment, housing, voter registration and occupational licenses,” said Rep. Tyrone Carter.

“Social Equity and Social Justice go handin-hand and expungements are life-changing,” said Bonita (Bo) Money, founder and executive director of NDICA. “The Expungement Fair is critical to helping Michigan residents affected by cannabis-related misdemeanors move forward in their lives and access jobs, housing and other opportunities.”

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Money.

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Ribbon Cutting ceremony at Blessed Beginnings Learning Center including owner LaShawn Bridges, Mayor Mike Duggan, and City Councilman Scott Benson PHOTO Branden Hunter.

Blessed Beginnings Learning Center Opens on East 8 Mile

By Branden Hunter It was not too long ago that the building at 14050 East 8 Mile on Detroit’s east side was an illegal marijuana shop that the city shut down. Last Friday, the renovated location was reopened as Blessed Beginnings Learning Center.

Owned by Detroiter LaShawn Bridges who received a $75,000 cash grant from the Motor City Match program, she opened a second location of her business in a neighborhood that was in desperate need of daycare educational centers. Bridges cut the ribbon to her new facility alongside Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit Council Member Scott Benson (D-3), other dignitaries, and a host of family and friends.

“It takes a village to raise a child and Blessed Beginnings is the village,” said Bridges, who is a graduate of Detroit’s Martin Luther King High School and has a master’s degree from Oakland University. “In this neighborhood, you see plenty of liquor stores, gentlemen’s clubs, and all the places that are not helping families better themselves. When parents bring their children here, they are going to be blessed.”

Bridges started her daycare business out of her mother’s basement in 1999, on Somerset Avenue on the city’s east side.

When she married, she moved the business to its current location at her home on Eastburn.

She began with two children, grew to 12 now at the Eastburn location, and will accommodate 60 children at the new center,

Owner LaShawn Bridges and Mayor Mike Duggan. complete with a long waiting list.

“It was very necessary that I find a new facility that will help other families as well,” she said.

Blessed Beginnings will offer Early Head Start, STEAM curriculum, free field trips, and regular vision and dental screenings to families. Each of the four classrooms are fur-

nished with developmentally appropriate furniture, materials, and equipment and a playground. Bridges said she serves children aged six months to five years old.

Motor City Match connects new and expanding businesses with Detroit’s quality real estate opportunities, providing them with funding and tools to fuel the city’s entrepreneurial

revolution. The program has successfully aided more than 1,300 entrepreneurs through 15 rounds, awarding $7.5M in cash grants to 170 entrepreneurs on their journey from “idea to open.” Seventy percent are women-owned businesses, with Bridges’ daycare being the latest one.

“When we started Motor City Match, Detroiters like

LaShawn Bridges is who we had in mind,” said Mayor Duggan.

“She is somebody who runs her own business out of her home, has a wonderful reputation, and found a space in her own neighborhood and made her dream come true of having her business on a main road in Detroit.

Now, families that have to catch the bus to daycare don’t have to

See LEARNING

CENTER page B6

SEEL Wins Supplier of the Year at the 2019 NMSDC Awards SEEL (Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics) has been named Supplier of the Year, Class III, at the 2019 National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) annual gala held during its Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange in Atlanta Georgia on October 14, 2019.

The Class III award honors the outstanding business achievements of certified minority business enterprises with annual revenue of $10 to $50 million dollars. SEEL Chief Administrative Officer, E’Lois Thomas, Ph.D. accepted the award on behalf of the organization and its President and CEO, Louis E. James.

“It is such a great honor to be recognized by the national council,” said Louis E. James. “Even more rewarding is to have been nominated by my customer, DTE. I am proud of the SEEL team and its leadership. Every day, our teams across the country work hard to educate and serve communities through energy efficiency programs and services. We look forward to continuing this good work.

Operating in eight offices in five states and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, SEEL is one of the largest minority-owned, service disabled veteran owned, energy efficiency program implementation companies in the nation.

SEEL’s Chief Administrative Officer E’Lois Thomas accepts 2019 NMSDC Supplier of the Year Award on behalf of the organization and CEO Louis E. James.

Offering a full suite of energy services, to date, SEEL has managed and implemented more than 17 energy efficiency programs across the states.

These programs have generated energy savings for and engaged with more than a half million util-

ity customers. SEEL’s strength in the industry is rooted in a distinct ability to reach and connect with diverse communities and traditionally hard to reach populations.

This year, SEEL celebrates its 10th anniversary working in the energy efficiency industry. SEEL’s services include providing single-family homes, multi-family buildings and small businesses with energy audits and direct installation of energy saving measures. SEEL also brings more than nine years of incentive rebate check processing experience on various energy efficiency programs and managing contractor networks to promote and install deeper energy measures.

Businesses honored by NMSDC are recognized for having excelled in growing their companies, enhanced their operations and actively participated in MBE-to-MBE purchasing.

The NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange is the nation’s premier forum on minority supplier development. For four days, more than 6,000 corporate CEOs, procurement executives, and supplier diversity professionals from the top multinational companies, as well as leading Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American business owners and international organizations convene to re-energize their collective efforts to certify, develop, connect, and advocate for minority owned firms in the global corporate supply chain.

For more information about SEEL, LLC, visit www.seelllc.com.

Page B-6 • michiganchronicle.com • Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

20 students will graduate from Detroit’s Network Support pilot program, following 15-weeks of skills-based training

Trouble saving a down payment for a house?

Press play on your homebuying dream Jonathan Hartsfield Bank of America Lending Specialist

Most American homeowners (83%) say they couldn’t go back to renting after experiencing the benefits of homeownership, according to the 2019 Fall Homebuyer Insights Report from Bank of America. Many in our community would like to make the switch from renting to owning but have put that dream on hold, largely due to upfront costs.

Helping prospective homebuyers tackle down payments, closing costs Many people opt out of homebuying because they think homeownership is beyond their financial power.

However, many in metro Detroit can afford a monthly mortgage payment.

But what’s stopping them? More than two-thirds of prospective homebuyers across the U.S. say the biggest barrier to owning a home is saving enough money for a down payment and closing costs, according to the Homebuyer Insights Report.

This is why Bank of America introduced a tailored, community-centered program that helps low- and moderate-income prospective homebuyers by providing special grants and low down payment loans to help them thrive through the power of homeownership. This $5 billion commitment to homeownership offers down payment grants (no repayment required) of 3% of the purchase price of a residence (up to $10,000);

a credit of up to $7,500 that can be used toward closing costs; and fixedrate loans with competitive rates and down payment requirements as low as 3%, some with no mortgage insurance.

This means eligible homebuyers in Metro Detroit could receive as much as $17,500 to help them purchase Jonathan Hartsfield a home. To see if you qualify, get in touch with a Bank of America lending specialist who can walk through programs with you and discuss your homebuying goals.

Falling interest rates and other good news With 30-year fixed mortgage rates at 3.56% according to Freddie Mac, we’re experiencing some of the lowest interest rates since late 2017, allowing prospective homebuyers to lock in very affordable rates.

In addition, home prices have remained relatively stable, with median home prices expected to increase roughly 3% nationally this year and home sales to increase 1% year over year. This is slower and steadier growth than in past years. In Detroit, median home prices have also increased slightly following this trend.

A dream worth pursuing When you combine reduced upfront costs with today’s low interest rates, the dream of homeownership is becoming possible for many individuals and families in Detroit. The Homebuyer Insights Report found that 93% of homebuyers say they’re happier owning than renting, crediting their happiness to an emotional attachment many didn’t anticipate before buying. Seventy-nine percent go so far as to say that homeownership has made them better people, and 76% indicate that buying a home has opened them up to new, fulfilling interests such as cooking, baking, landscaping, gardening and interior design.

Buying a home can seem like a daunting task, causing some prospective homebuyers to “press pause” on their homebuying dreams without getting a full understanding of their options. Banks are working to make homebuying more accessible, recognizing that many individuals and families have the income and ability to make monthly mortgage payments but are challenged by upfront down payments and closing costs. If that’s your situation, now is a great time to learn more about your options.

Interested homebuyers can visit bankofamerica.com/firsthome for more information, contact me directly at jonathan.hartsfield@bankofamerica.com,, or stop by the office at 3670 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48201.

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On Friday, national tech training nonprofit Per Scholas will celebrate the inaugural graduation of its Network Support program in Detroit, alongside special guests from District 5, Councilwoman Mary Sheffield and Lynn Wiggins, and program partner and full-stack technology services provider TEKsystems.

Designed in partnership with TEKsystems, the curriculum was developed to help students meet employer and industry demands for entry-level IT support jobs in and around the Detroit market, providing students with CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications as well as 15-weeks of hands-on training in troubleshooting and maintaining desktop and mobile devices, company software, and network infrastructure.

Graduates, who participated in resume and interview coaching from TEKsystems representatives during the program, will be connected to TEKsystems recruiters and incorporated into their talent pipeline for job placements at leading Detroit businesses in key industries such as healthcare, retail, and automobiles. They’ll also gain access to a full suite of graduate services from Per Scholas, which provides two years of extensive alumni follow-up and support. On average, Per Scholas graduates will then go on to increase their income by upwards of 400 percent upon completing the program.

A hiring and training partner since 2013, TEKsystems has hired more than 400 Per Scholas graduates to date, including a significant number in network support positions.

With customized training tracks in Detroit, Philly, and Boston, Per Scholas will train at least 540 people for cutting-edge tech jobs by 2022.

To celebrate the milestone, Per Scholas will host an event on Friday, November 1, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at Hotel St. Regis (3071 W. Grand Blvd). In addition to local elected officials, graduates will also be joined

by Franklin Reed, Director of Inclusion and Diversity at TEKsystems. For more information, visit: perscholas.org/detroit

Learning Center From page B-5

walk blocks to get here.”

Along with serving 60 children, Bridges will be putting 12 full-time employees to work, along with a number of other part-time workers and other staff.

“Creating jobs at the neighborhood level was one of the main goals of Motor City Match,” said Pierre Batton, vice president of small business services for the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC). “Creating jobs for people in the neighborhood is exactly what you want to see when you talk about strengthening neighborhoods and growing Detroit.”

Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-7

Brice Green, Chief James Craig, Karla Cole and Antonio Green

Maurielle Lue, Fox 2 News

Gail Washington, Sandra Miree, Antonio Green, Nancy Harbour, and Marcellus Ball

James H. Cole Grande Gala Celebration The James H. Coles Funeral Homes celebrated their 100 Centennial Anniversary by celebrating with a Grande Gala at the Roostertail in Downtown Detroit with family, employees and friends. The spectacular event included

Detroit Police Chief James Craig, Maurielle Lue of Fox 2 News and entertainment provided by Detroit’s own Dwele.

The Grande Gala was the final event wrapping up a year of festivities to commemorate the James H. Cole Funeral Homes 100 years of service.

Bishop Corletta Vaughn & Karla Cole

Ray Hunter and Guest

The Cole Family and Tom Schoenith

Karla Cole

Brice Green, Winston O’Neal ad Antonio Green

Guest Dancing at the Grande Gala Afterglow

Kimberly Crafton, Lauren & Dwight Phillips

Freda and Spencer Stanfield

Linda Moseley and Dwele

Joycelyn Allen and Nicole Sebree Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Murray, Mr. & Mrs. Clyde Tyus and guest

Dwele entertaining the crowd

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Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

Keeping You Informed Away or at Home.

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City. Life. Style.

C1 | Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

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Empowerment Plan and Detroit’s Hottest Restaurants Come Together To Break The Cycle of Homelessness

By AJ Williams – City.Life.Style. Editor Detroit-based non-profit organization Empowerment Plan, dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness through employment, will host some of Detroit’s hottest restaurants during its 6th Annual Fundraiser.

PHOTO: cayagrill.com

Empowerment Plan was founded by Veronika Scott in 2012. What began as an idea during a college class has evolved into an internationally recognized workforce development organization, dedicated to providing full-time employment and training to homeless individuals in Detroit through the manufacturing of sleeping bag coats

for those in need. Empowerment Plan provides a wide range of support services ensuring that each person hired has the tools to gain financial independence, obtain stable housing, reliable transportation and more.

Guests are invited to enjoy delicious cuisine and beverage provided by Mabel Gray, Marrow, Standby, Slows BBQ, Grey Ghost, SheWolf, Takoi, Magnet, Detroysters, Townhouse, Prime & Proper, CAYA Smokehouse, Gypsy Vodka, and Cool Jacks.

The event takes place on Thursday, November 7 at the State Savings Bank Historical Marker. Tickets are available now beginning at $75. For more information visit www.empowermentplan.org

Grammy-Nominated Producer Brandon Williams Releases

By AJ Williams – City.Life.Style. Editor

B

randon Williams’ latest release, The Love Factor, finds an impressive curation of creators and performers gathering to build a collective reflection on love in various forms. The long-awaited release is being celebrated all over the world thanks to advanced reviews of the album from digital publications like Soultracks and the momentum of singles like “In Love” and “Don’t Give Up On Love” featuring Brian McKnight Jr. and Eric Roberson respectively (with the latter peaking at number 1 on the Indie-Soul charts).

The Love Factor is the second full-length album released on Williams’ independent record label Soulasis Music Group, arriving five years after the Grammy-nominated producers’ debut project XII. Williams’ pleased listening audiences in 2014 with his modern take on Quincy Jones’ musical invention “the producer’s album”; originally invented to put music producers’ in complete control of making the artistic statement with the help of friends and frequent collaborators along the way.

His latest collection of internal musings on love and relationships calls on Williams’ life as a Detroit native entrenched in the tradition of musical excellence and innovation to mastermind an in-depth demonstration of how much love still means in a world that values it very little. He uses his 20+ years of experience and connections to surround himself with talented artists and musicians that span intergeneration-ally into the past & future of R&B. The Love Factor’s liner notes read like a who’s who of musical prodigies that edge on hipster obscurity and contemporary savvy with contributions from Alex Isley, Paula Champion, Marcus Miller, Joe Pore and more.

Grammy-award winning soul singer Ledisi had this to say about B. Williams and his latest collection of hits: “Brandon created a project that is clearly for the grown and sexy, but also for anyone that just loves good, old-fashioned, timeless soul music.”

Williams said, ”I put more of myself into this album but in a different way. More energy, more thought, more care, more love and more creativity. My creative side has been sharpened and that’s reflected here. I’ve grown as a person, as a man, and that’s reflected here as well. I have more knowledge and wisdom than I had 8 years ago when I started working on XII and you can definitely hear and feel that.

This album is more expressive in love because I’ve learned how to love me better.”

Brandon Williams is being rewarded for his mission to spread awareness about the importance of love through music with critical acclaim from digital publications in the United States as well as in the United Kingdom. The Love Factor peaked over its’ opening weekend with the #1 position on iTunes and #7 in the U.K. In addition to a warm reception on the charts, Blues and Soul gave the album a perfect score of 9 out of 10.

Digital and physical copies of The Love Factor are available for purchase directly from www.bwilliamsmusic.com or via iTunes or can be streamed on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, a n d others.

August Wilson’s ‘Jitney’ Comes To Detroit

By AJ Williams City.Life.Style. Editor

may come undone at last.

Winner of the 2017 Tony Award for Best Revival of Play, August Wilson’s Jitney will appear at The Music Hall, in Detroit. Broadway In Detroit is presenting the show in partnership with The Detroit Public Theatre.

August Wilson’s Jitney is directed by one of Wilson’s foremost interpreters, Ruben Santiago-Hudson. The rest of the creative team includes David Gallo, Set Designer; Toni-Leslie James, Costume Designer; Jane Cox, Lighting Designer; Darron L. West and Charles Coes, Sound Designers; Bill Sims Jr., Composer; and, Thomas Schall, Fight Director.

Set in the early 1970s, this richly textured piece follows a group of men trying to eke out a living by driving unlicensed cabs, or jitneys. When the city threatens to board up the business and the boss’ son returns from prison, tempers flare, potent secrets are revealed and the fragile threads binding these people together

Casting for the Detroit engagement of August Wilson’s Jitney will feature Keith Randolph Smith as Doub; Harvy Blanks as Shealy; Ray Anthony Thomas as Turnbo; Anthony

See JITNEY Page C-2

PHOTO: Joan Marcus/ www.BroadwayInDetroit.com

Page C-2 • michiganchronicle.com • Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

Jitney From page C-1 Chisholm as Fielding; Francois Battiste as Booster; Amari Cheatom as Youngblood and Brian D. Coats as Philmore.

The show was originally produced by Manhattan Theatre Club.

The Detroit engagement is being presented through a partnership between Broadway in Detroit and the Detroit Public Theatre.

“We are so thrilled to partner with Broadway in Detroit on bringing Jitney by Au-

gust Wilson, directed by the remarkable Ruben Santiago-Hudson, to Detroit,” said Courtney Burkett, Producing Artistic Director, Detroit Public Theatre. “August Wilson’s Pittsburgh cycle served as an inspiration for Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit cycle, which includes Paradise Blue the first play we are presenting in our fifth season at Detroit Public Theatre.”

Jitney appearing November 12-16, 2019 and tickets start at $39. For tickets or more information visit www.BroadwayInDetroit.com

ROGER EBERT Robert Daniels

“EXTRAORDINARY AND BRAVE”

“ENERGETIC AND EXCITING”

NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

K. Austin Collins

Lapacazo Sandoval

HHHH THE GUARDIAN

Michigan Fashion Week to host “The State of Michigan Fashion 2020.”

Michigan Fashion Week is pleased to host, “The State of Michigan Fashion 2020.” The State of Michigan Fashion 2020 will address the current condition of Fashion in the State of Michigan and how to advance to bigger economic growth. The panel includes heavy influential players in the Detroit Fashion Industry. Loren Hicks Founder of Michigan Fashion Week, Karen Buscemi Founder of Detroit Garment Group, Mila Pershyna of Fashion Group International, Rebecca Grewal of Michigan Fashion Proto, Shannon Lazovski of Detroit Fashion News, William Malcolm of WM Collection and Marv Neal of Jeanous Denim.

The Fashion Industry is a trillion dollar industry and we want to position Detroit to grab their share of the business. This event is vital for all looking to participate in the fashion industry here in Detroit, MI. The State of Michigan Fashion 2020 is an open discussion that is based on the knowledge

T H E U N BE L I E VA BL E T RU E S T ORY OF H A R R IET T U BM A N STORY BY

GREGORY ALLEN HOWARD SCREENPLAYBY GREGORY ALLEN HOWARD AND KASI LEMMONS DIRECTEDBY KASI LEMMONS

© 2019 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.

STARTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATER LOCATIONS AND SHOWTIMES

Sign up at FocusInsider.com for exclusive access to early screenings, film premieres and more.

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Michigan Chronicle WED 10/30 2 COL. (3.75”) X 3.5” ALL.HARRIE.1030.MCEMAIL

Where City Meets

LIFE STYLE and Life Meets

Loren Hicks Founder of Michigan Fashion Week. of leaders and experts in the Fashion Industry in Michigan.

This is an open forum to discuss plans, ideas and goals for all who is participating in the Fashion Industry in the Midwest for the year 2020. Audience will have their chance to ask questions and present ideas to the entire body as a whole.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 12, 2019 from 6pm-8pm WHERE: TechTown Detroit 440 Burroughs St., Detroit, MI 48202 WHO: Anyone interested in the Fashion Industry in Michigan CONTACT INFORMATION: Loren Hicks 248-495-3985 email: loren@ MichiganFashionWeek.com

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Lions players celebrating Matthew Stafford TD pass to Marvin Hall Jr. PHOTOS: Kory Woods

Lions Offense Overshadowed By Defensive Woes

By Kory Woods Matthew Stafford is playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season.

Yes, you read that correctly.

The Detroit Lions improved their record this past Sunday to 3-3-1 with a 31-26 victory over the New York Giants. That victory not only brought their record to .500, but it also took them out of the last place in the NFC North. While the Lions record isn’t deserving of praise just yet, the play of Stafford does. As they head into a matchup this Sunday with the Oakland Raiders, they’ll be led by statistically one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season.

Stafford is boasting 2,093 yards passing for 16 touchdowns, and only four interceptions through seven games.

He’s currently tied for second in the NFL for most passing touchdowns (16), has the fifth-highest rated quarterback rating (70.6) or QBR (an ESPN proprietary metric) and the sixth-highest passer rating (105.3). Additionally, he’s fourth in the league in passing yards per game (299) and fifth in yards per attempt. Not to leave out, Stafford’s play has

helped the Lions improve their red zone scoring (touchdowns only) to 11th in the league as well. Over the last two games, they have gone 5-5 in redzone scoring opportunities. They also hold the 11th spot in total offense as well (379.6 yards per game).

So with Stafford putting up these impressive numbers, one may ask how are the Lions only third in their division.

Well...that’s on the defense.

Issues in the Secondary The Lions will head to Oakland to face the Raiders with one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They rank 31st in the NFL in yards total yards given up per game (420.4). And dead last in passing yards given up per game (289.7). Just this past Sunday, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 322 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. While Jones fumbled twice in the game (one resulting in a Lions touchdown), he picked apart a very weak Lions secondary. The team was unfortunately absent of Pro-Bowler Darius Slay, and former team captain (and Lions player) Quandre Diggs.

In a stunning move last week, the Lions traded Diggs and 2021 seventh-round draft

pick to the Seattle Seahawks for 2020 fifth-round pick. It was a move that not only shocked Lions fans but the players as well. Lions defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison and Darius Slay voiced their displeasure on Twitter the moment the move was announced.

Slay, who has been the most vocal since Diggs was traded, has been quoted as calling the move “BS”. He didn’t fear to double down on his tweets when speaking to reporters.

“It basically say it don’t mat-

ter who you is,” Slay said. “No matter how much you put in, at the end of the day it’s a business so that’s how I just look at it. Nobody’s safe, in my opinion.” Slay’s point carries great weight. After trading Diggs, the Lions signed free agent safety Marcus Gilchrist for potential depth at the position, only to release him several days later.

Bounce Back Sunday The Lions should be able to continue building on Stafford’s MVP-like season while also try-

ing to improve their defense when they face the Raiders. The Raiders defense is ranked 25th in yards allowed per game. With Stafford at the helm, the Lions have won their last two meetings against them. Their last matchup was an 18-13 win four years ago (11/22/15) at Ford Field. Both teams are basically identical this season, with Sunday being a turning point for both. A potential blow for the Lions is the health of safety Tracy Walker. Walker suffered a knee injury in the Lions victory over the Giants Sunday. The team is already thin in the secondary.

Losing Walker this week would be a significant blow.

A win this Sunday would put the Lions at 4-3-1 heading into a matchup with division rival Chicago Bears. Should the Lions pull off their second consecutive victory, it could catapult them to a string of victories, as they have a favorable schedule over the next few weeks. Until their last game of the season (12/29) which is at Ford Field vs. the Green Bay Packers, the Lions have a string of winnable games, and possibly putting themselves back in position for a spirited playoff run.

However, it starts Sunday vs. the Raiders.

Page C-4 • michiganchronicle.com • Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

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Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE ANNOUNCEMENT

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Senior Product Engineer

Senior Performance Engineer– Vehicle Chemical Regulatory Compliance & Certification

ADVERTISEMENT ________________________________ WAYNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT 801 W. Fort Street Detroit, MI 48226 BID SOLICITATION REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION PROPOSAL NUMBER 001581

Jerry G. Lawrence, Sr.

“It is with saddest to announce the passing of Jerry G. Lawrence, Sr., a devoted dad of three young men and a host of loving family and friends. He made his transition on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. He was 66 years old.

Jerry Lawrence worked in the corporate business industry for over thirty-five and was a part of some of the biggest business (both in private and corporate) deals and arrangements that spanned across America.

Jerry was a community service advocate and he volunteered for numerous organizations and service-related activities across Southeastern Michigan. One of his biggest joys was the Detroit Jazz Festival, where he volunteered and served for over 15 years.

There will be a memorial celebration of his life on Saturday November 16, 2019 at 12 noon at the Triumph Church East campus, located at 2760 East Grand Blvd, in Detroit Michigan.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATTENTION QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS ELMHURST HOME INCORPORATED is seeking qualified contractors to perform construction work in its facility located at 12007 Linwood St., Detroit MI 48206. Work includes electrical service upgrade for the 31,000 square foot facility.

Contractors desiring to bid shall demonstrate the following qualifications: At least 5 years experience in their relative trade, licensed as required by state and/or local law.

Insurance: General Liability and Auto Liability with ELMHURST HOME INCORPORATED and The City of Detroit named as Additional Insured. Workman’s compensation insurance is also required.

Bid packets are available at: ELMHURST HOME INCORPORATED 12010 Linwood St., Detroit MI 48206, (313) 867-1090, or via email by sending a request to mailroom@egiarchitects.com. Contact Leon Wilkerson at (313) 867-1090 extension #254, or at LWilkerson@ ehinc.org with questions regarding project specifics as found in the bid packet.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting and examination of the premises will take place at the project site 12007 Linwood St., Detroit MI 48206 on Friday, November 1, 2019 @ 3:00 P.M. Sealed bids will be accepted until 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at ELMHURST HOME INCORPORATED 12010 Linwood St., Detroit MI 48206. No bids will be accepted after this time. All bids must be submitted by trade and line item.

All bids will be publicly opened on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 4:30 P.M. at ELMHURST HOME INCORPORATED 12010 Linwood St., Detroit MI 48206. All interested parties are invited to attend. ELMHURST HOME INCORPORATED will award a contract to the lowest, most responsive and responsible bidder – however, ELMHURST HOME INCORPORATED reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any bid or to reject any or all bids should it be deemed for its best interest.

The contracts will be executed under the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund administered by the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department, CDBG Initiatives Division. The successful contractor(s) will be required to comply with federal laws governing Section 3 regulations, equal employment opportunity, with the prevailing wage requirements of the Federal Labor Standards Act, which also incorporates Davis-Bacon Act requirements; will have to be cleared and approved by the City of Detroit; and comply with: Executive Order No. 2016-1, which states, in part, that all City of Detroit project construction contracts shall provide that at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the workforce must be bona-fide Detroit residents.

Contractor Services are being requested by Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) for the Horticulture Education Center Construction Project. For more information on specific trade bids, please contact Amanda Bowery at abowery@ amhigley.com. Sealed responses will be received by the Purchasing Department at 801 W. Fort Street, Fourth Floor, Detroit, MI 48226, Attention: Mr. Jacob Keli, Associate Vice Chancellor of Procurement.

Request for Qualification packages will be available starting Wednesday, September 18, 2019 via download from the Dropbox website: h t t p s : / / w w w. d r o p b o x . c o m / s h / s 6 z 1jdxedku96vc/AAD-3YJjmD9ICpHQsO0LYL3aa?dl=0 WCCCD reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses to this Request for Qualification and waive any informalities or irregularities in any qualifications should the College consider this right to be in its best interest.

Senior Process Engineer - Engine Assy Warren, MI, General Motors. Define, set, using TC Vismockup, Mfg Process Planning, Auros, &E2 tools, &implement Bills of Process (BOP) & Equipment (BOE) reqmts collaborating w/ Mfg Engrg team incldg Lean, Agile, Flexible guidelines, for current/future psgr vehicle gasoline &diesel engine assy processes incldg engine assy fastening, &dowel/fuel pump/fuel rail pressing, oil pan/lower crankshaft cover plasma treatment, &aluminum &steel component room temperature vulcanization (RTV), &Autoload &Unload robotics, for new/major propulsion syss programs in N.A. Support design engrg &on site eqpmnt build &run-off. Design &improve engine assy processes incldg definition of mfg processes, sequence of ops, incldg HMI &ergonomics considerations. Execute inspection method, Measurement Systems Analysis, SPC to assure traceability of parts, verification &validation of products/processes. Required travel to U.S. (MI/TN/&NY) and Mexico engine plants to attend engine assy launches &troubleshoot assy process problems, up to 8 wks P/A (equal to ~15% annual travel). Bachelor, Industrial, Mechanical, or Automotive Engrg, or related. 24 mos exp as Engineer, defining, setting, using TC Vismockup &E2 tools, &implementing BOP &BOE reqmts, for gasoline &diesel engine assy processes incldg engine assy fastening, pressing, &RTV, or related. Mail resume to Ref#3271, GM Global Mobility, 300 Ren. Center, MC:482-C32-D44, Detroit, MI 48265.

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ANNOUNCEMENT

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Council on Environmental Quality regulations for implementing NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500 through 1508) and the HHS General Administration Manual Part 30 Environmental Protection (February 25, 2000), HRSA has determined that the Proposed Construction of the new Covenant Community Care Health Center will have no significant adverse impact on the quality of the human environment. As a result of this FONSI, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides discretionary grant and cooperative agreement awards to support health centers expand their capacity to provide primary and preventive health care services to medically under-served populations nationwide.

Covenant Community Care has applied for HRSA grant funding. The applicant proposes to use grant funds for the construction of a new 24,124-square foot community health center at 17625 Joy Road in Northwest Detroit, Michigan. Construction will include site preparation, construction of a healthcare facility, and construction of on-site parking areas. The applicant has submitted an Environmental Assessment (EA) that documents impacts of the proposed action. This EA is incorporated by reference into this FONSI. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Assessment for this project, which is on file at the following address for public examination upon request between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.

Covenant Community Care Administrative Offices 3200 Greenfield Road, Dearborn, MI 48120 Attn: Samuel Young Phone: (313) 625-1369 Email: syoung@covenantcommunitycare.org No further environmental review of this project is proposed prior to final approval from HRSA. Public Comments Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on these projects may submit written comments to the Covenant Community Care, Attn: Samuel Young, Chief Development Officer, at the above referenced address.

HRSA will consider all comments received within 10 days of this “Notice” prior to final approval from HRSA. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

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The Michigan Chronicle 1452 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226 313 963-8100 HELP WANTED

Marathon Petroleum Company LP, has an immediate opening for a Refinery Operator Trainee in its Detroit, Michigan refinery.

Bidders are required to furnish a bid guarantee equal to (5%) of their bid. The Bid guarantee shall be in the form of either a bid bond or a certified check, made out to ELMHURST HOME INCORPORATED.

REFINERY OPERATOR TRAINEE

The successful bidder is required to furnish payment (Labor and Materials) and performance bonds in the amount covering the faithful performance of the contract and the payment of all obligations arising thereunder, in the amount of 100% of their contracts, executed by a surety, which is licensed to do business in the State of Michigan.

The contractor will be required to comply with the federal government Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 3 Act (24 CFR Part 135). All contracts (subcontracts) shall include the “Section 3 Clause” found on the City of Detroit’s website, https://detroitmi.gov/departments/housing-and-revitalization-department#Hud-Programs-and-Information. You will find this link near the bottom of the page.

ACE Controls, Inc. seeks Senior Product Engineer in Farmington Hills, MI to spprt ACE assmbly with evaluation of qlity issues & dsgn imprvmnts for mnufcturing; dsgn & dvlp shock absorber prdcts from cncept, dvlpment, testing & validtion through to prdctn release; among other duties. Mail resumes to Andrea Bray, 23435 Industrial Park Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48335 (include reference ID#10196091)

Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan &coordinate activities of GM Technical Centre India to execute all aspects of Intl Materials Database evaluation of supplier materials data submissions to comply w/ global Substances of Concern (SoC) regulations incldg U.S. EPA Toxic Chemicals Controls Act, for Global Regions &Global Vehicles incldg N. America, Brazil, Europe, Korea &India. Enable internal &supplier teams to complete materials data validation deliverables &approve according to GMW3059/CG4110 reqmts on restricted &reportable substances. Review, analyze &strive to meet SoC reqmts &standards for all GM Regions &for all psgr vehicles produced in all markets around the world incldg review &evaluate materials &substances during design phase to determine SoC &tracking &monitoring of supplier component materials content for SoC compliance of GM psgr vehicle &Tier 1 supplier components according to internal GMW3059 standards, USEPA, EU End of Life Vehicle (ELV), EU Registration Evaluation &Authorization of Chemicals (REACH), Korea ELV &REACH &China ELV standards. Bachelor, Chemical or Materials Engrg, or related. 60 mos exp as Engineer, Materials Engrg Supv, Team/Group or Project Lead, or related, tracking &monitoring supplier component materials content for SoC compliance of OEM psgr vehicle &Tier 1 supplier components according to USEPA, ELV &EU REACH standards, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2347-203, GM Global Mobility, 300 Ren. Center, MC:482-C32-D44, Detroit, MI 48265.

Health Resources and Services Administration NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Proposed Construction of New Covenant Community Care Health Clinic 17625 Joy Road Detroit, MI, 48228 HRSA Grant C8DCS29615 129039-01

Page C-5

Marathon Petroleum Company LP, a major petroleum refiner and marketer, is seeking Refinery Operators for its Detroit Refinery.

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Please visit our website for more classified ads.

Operations personnel are responsible for controlling a safe and efficient refining process and performing related routine maintenance. Employees must have the ability to climb over 75 feet, work in confined spaces, wear proper safety equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus as necessary, use hand tools, and work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

The successful candidate will be a fast learner and possess the minimum of a H.S. diploma (some college or technical coursework is preferred). Excellent math, computer, communication, and analytical skills are required. Employees are subject to random drug testing.

Employees work a rotating Day/Night 12-hour shift schedule, 4 days on and 4 days off, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. with some overtime required.

The position includes a comprehensive benefits package including a company matched 401k. The starting wage is $28.12/hr. with regularly scheduled increases. If you like working in an industrial process environment, have the above qualifications and want a challenging opportunity, applications will be accepted online at https://marathon.hirescore.com/ between October 21, 2019 and November 3, 2019.

Learn more and apply online at https://marathon.hirescore.com/ Click on the Operator Trainee job at the Detroit, Michigan location Review the job description and scroll to the bottom of the page and click “APPLY NOW.” All candidates must apply on-line at and Human Resources cannot accept paper resumes.

www.MichiganChronicle.com

No phone calls please. No paper applications will be distributed or accepted; all candidates must apply online.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Page C-6

• michiganchronicle.com •

Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2019

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