Mc 2 4 15 by Real Times Media

Dem Party leader Johnson salutes Black history Lon Johnson, the chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, said the annual celebration of B l a c k History Month in February r e c o g nizes the central Lon Johnson role that African Americans have played in the advancement of the country. “Michigan has an especially rich history of African American culture. From Sojourner Truth to Ralph Bunche to Rosa Parks and many others, our state can proudly say that we have been home to some of the individuals responsible for the most extraordinary achievements in our nation’s history,” Johnson said. “We should take this month, and every month, to celebrate the history of African Americans in our state and our country.”

February 4-10, 2015

michiganchronicle.com

Volume 78 – Number 21

Mr. Mayor: Alternative State of the City Address By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will deliver his first State of the City Address in post bankruptcy Tuesday evening Feb. 10 at the Old Redford Theatre where he is expected to lay out a vision for the city. Before the mayor delivers this annual traditional political Bankole speech, here is Thompson my alternative State of the City Address. Detroit is challenged. Let’s be honest. Not everyone is feeling a part of

the city’s comeback that has been trumpeted so much.

Bargain. The State of the City is as good and strong as you want it to be. It is upon you that the character of this city is being tested tonight, to never return to this low point in history that gave us bankruptcy.

Good evening Detroit. The State of the City is in your hands. Bankruptcy is behind us but we still have to deal with the lingering effects and the responsibility that Mayor Mike Duggan It is not merely bankruptcy left a question of reus both in terms of the services jecting the failures of the past. we must deliver to you and the You don’t need to be told about impact that the bankruptcy has what took place before we got on our retirees whose pensions here. I wish I could have changed were slashed as part of the Grand the course of history that led us

to this point. But we are here together, Detroit. We must find answers to our current problems and for the future. We have to bring back our neighborhoods with the same determination, zest and effort that are being used in bringing back downtown and Midtown. Let us not fool ourselves. Detroit cannot come back until our neighborhoods, the very anchors of this city’s rich culture and history, are revitalized. Detroit is not going to be a strong city if we have a downtown and Midtown that are bubbling but everyplace else underdeveloped. That is not the Detroit I am asking you to support tonight. That is not the

See MR.

MAYOR page A-3

Why Black Radio Matters

WHAT’S INSIDE ‘The Great Migration’ (Page B-1)

Henry Louis Gates, Jr., famed documentary filmmaker, professor, author and more, takes a look at what is now known as the Great Migration. The movement started in the 1890s when African Americans began to leave the South in massive numbers to the North and West where economic opportunities beckoned. Detroit was a key destination.

President Obama revitalized (Page B-4) Julianne Malveaux, economist and Washington, D.C.-based author, says President Barack Obama “knocked it out of the park during his State of the Union address. He was strong, progressive, firm and relaxed.” She added, “This is the Obama I voted for — twice…This Obama seemed presidential, not conciliatory.”

Three remarkable comebacks (Page D-1) Vanessa Williams, successful actress, singer and former Miss America, Robert Downey, Jr., acclaimed actor, and Tina Turner, iconic singer, have something besides talent in common. Each skyrocketed to fame, had a major setback, but then came back stronger, more powerful and more successful than ever.

$1.00

Mildred Gaddis – David Guralnick/Detroit News

Mildred Gaddis makes the case

By Donald James

mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, accountable.

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Gaddis currently hosts “The Mildred Gaddis Show,” an afternoon talk show heard weekdays from 4 to 7 pm on AM 1200/FM and 99.9 WCHB. The show represents a quantum leap in timeslots for Gaddis, who for years, hosted one of the top-rated morning talk shows in this region, “Inside Detroit.”

For almost three decades, the voice of Mildred Gaddis has been embedded in the fabric of Detroit’s urban radio folklore. Very few local radio personalities — Black or White — have outlasted her. Only a handful have amassed the consecutive years of longevity achieved by Gaddis on the airwaves of the Motor City. She has long been defining the issues important to African Americans. She is not one to shy away from controversy and holding politicians such, as former Detroit

Black History Profile

“”

Gaddis, whose new timeslot went into effect in February 2014, said she hasn’t missed a beat. “I am noticing that many of my morning listeners have followed me,” Gaddis said. “But I’m also encountering a new and dif-

ferent audience. That’s pretty refreshing and exciting. By the time afternoon drive rolls around, a lot of dynamics have already taken place. Congress has already been in session, Detroit City Council has met, and so have the halls of the legislature. So when I go on the air at 4 pm, there have been some decisions, negotiations and policies that have been decided upon.” Exclusive interviews with powerful Black elected officials as well as their White counterparts and the hot button issues of the day dominated “Inside De-

See BLACK

RADIO page A-3

I’m still meeting people who really define my career in Detroit by Kwame Kilpatrick. I think that it’s unfortunate, but I understand why they do. However, I took a stand when no one else would. I took a stand at a time when everybody was praising Kwame Kilpatrick. I was his lone critic. – MILDRED GADDIS, host, “The Mildred Gaddis Show,” WCHB AM1200

In Michigan, mixed reviews for Obama’s budget By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

President Obama’s $4 trillion budget unveiled Monday is being received with mixed reviews because his spending plan for the second consecutive time did not include $300 million needed to pay for a new customs plaza as part of the proposed Detroit River bridge, which is being built in conjunction with the government of Canada. But the president’s fiscal plan did include $100 million for a nuclear research center at Michigan State University and almost $70 million to renovate the federal courthouse in downtown Detroit. “The budget I’ve sent to Con-

like the trust fund loophole that allows the wealthiest Americans to avoid paying taxes on their unearned income. I think we should fix that and use the savings to cut taxes for middle-class families. That would be good for our economy,” Obama said in a speech at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security where he unveiled his budget. “Now I know there are Republicans who disagree with my approach. And I’ve said this before: If they have other ideas for how we can keep America safe, grow our economy, while helping middle-class President Obama families feel some sense of ecogress today is fully paid for, Let me give you an example. nomic security, I welcome their through a combination of smart Right now, our tax code is full of ideas. But their numbers have spending cuts and tax reforms. loopholes for special interests, See BUDGET page A-3

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 4-10, 2015

Page A-2

Prime Politics Middle class economics: Supporting African American families The president’s 2016 budget is designed to bring middle class economics into the 21st Century. This budget shows what we can do if we invest in America’s future and commit to an economy that rewards hard work, generates rising incomes, and allows everyone to share in the prosperity of a growing America. It lays out a strategy to strengthen our middle class and help America’s hard-working families get ahead in a time of relentless economic and technological change. And it makes the critical investments needed to accelerate and sustain economic growth in the long run, including in research, education, training, and infrastructure. These proposals will help working families feel more secure with paychecks that go further, help American workers upgrade their skills so they can compete for higher-paying jobs, and help create the conditions for our businesses to keep generating good new jobs for our workers to fill, while also fulfilling our most basic responsibility to keep Americans safe. We will make these investments, and end the harmful spending cuts known as sequestration, by cutting inefficient spending and reforming our broken tax code to make sure everyone pays their fair share. We can do all this while also putting our Nation on a more sustainable fiscal path. The budget achieves about $1.8 trillion in deficit reduction, primarily from reforms to health programs, our tax code, and immigration. The U.S. economy is recovering: in 2014, the economy added more jobs than in any full calendar year since the 1990s, and the unem-

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ployment rate fell. In December 2014, the unemployment rate for African Americans fell to 10.4 percent, down 1.4 percentage points from a year ago and down 6.4 percentage points from March 2010 when it reached its highest level as a result of the Great Recession. But while the unemployment rate among African Americans has dropped significantly, it remains well above the national average and far too high overall. The administration believes we should be doing everything we can to ensure that African Americans have the same/an equal opportunity to share in the nation’s economic prosperity. The budget does this by: EQUIPPING EVERY AMERICAN WITH A HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION The budget continues to support the administration’s commitment to strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The budget provides $200 million for the First in the World fund, a $120 million increase over the 2015 funding level, and sets aside 30% of the funding for Minority-Serving Institutions. The First in the World fund provides institutions of higher education, including both four-year institutions and community colleges, with funding to test promising initiatives and scale up evidence-based programs to improve college per-

tuition or fees. Everyone will be required to do their part: 1) states must invest more in higher education and training 2) community colleges must strengthen their programs and increase the number of students who graduate, and

sistence and completion. HBCUs will also benefit from an increase in the TRIO program, which supports college success for low-income and first-generation students. In addition, the budget supports students at HBCUs by making sure Pell Grants keep up with inflation and ensuring student loan repayment plans continue to cap payments at 10 percent of discretionary monthly income. MAKING HIGH-QUALITY COLLEGE EDUCATION MORE AFFORDABLE An estimated twothirds of job openings will require some postsecondary education and training by 2020. The president has placed a high priority on making college affordable and helping Americans obtain a meaningful college certificate or degree. Beginning in 2009, the administration has increased the maximum Pell Grant by more than $1,000, to $5,775 in

school year 2015-16, and provided additional tax benefits to help families pay for college. The administration ended subsidies to banks under the guaranteed student loan program and reinvested those savings to help more students and families afford college with increased funding to the Pell Grant program. In addition, the administration has expanded income-driven repayment options, such as the President’s Pay As You Earn plan, to help more borrowers manage their student loan debt. PROVIDES TUITION-FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR RESPONSIBLE STUDENTS The President’s America’s College Promise proposal makes community college free for responsible students, enabling them to earn a certificate, an associate’s degree or up to two years’ worth of credits towards a bachelor’s degree without paying any

RACE AND BEYOND:

A new generation of protesting By Sam Fulwood Seventy-one-year-old Bobby Austin reached into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out his smartphone, a device he acknowledged wasn’t around when he was a young man. “This is changing the world of organizing,” he said. “Just by tapping on this device, young people in this country and young people around the world are pulling themselves together and changing the very idea of civil rights.” Given the recent headlines covering efforts to improve the plight of African Sam Fulwood III American men and boys, I invited Austin to meet with the Center for American Progress Leadership Institute. Over the past 30 years, he’s worked in a variety of venues, touching on education, social policy, youth development, cultural theory, philanthropy, and religion — nearly all of it aimed at improving the status and civic participation of black boys and men in American society. When I invited him to meet with our budding public policy leaders, I knew he would share his scholarship and experience. But I wasn’t expecting him to be as frank about the differences between the old civil rights establishment and the new, emerging generation of leaders. “I’m proud of the Civil Rights Movement,” he said. “They’re building a museum for it and that’s great. They should put all the old civil rights leaders and tactics in that museum and the every young person should go see it. Then, they should do their own thing, in their own ways.” That was his preamble to whipping out the smartphone. “I’m not too old to learn to use this,” he said, chuckling at himself. Austin is something of a renaissance-race man. He graduated from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green with a degree in economics and sociology in 1966 — the height of the Civil Rights Movement. After earning a master’s degree from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, and a doctorate from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, he became the first Black full-time professor at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in 1972. Since then, he’s risen upward through stints as a teaching sociologist, foundation executive, college administrator, speechwriter, author, and policy consultant in education and the humanities. Notably, he worked as a program director for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation during most of the 1990s. In this role, he founded and directed the African American Men and Boys Initiative, a $15 million effort to

improve the lives of African American men and boys. Under Austin’s leadership, the program funded 32 projects across the nation and could be viewed as a precursor to President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative. Austin’s latest project is an unfinished, book-length manuscript that explores the challenge of citizenship. He notes that many Americans increasingly live in isolated communities and don’t interact very much with people outside their tribe. Ironically, this is happening at the same time as social media and other emerging technologies make it possible for people to become more connected. Yet, as Austin noted, our civic life and our public politics are starkly polarized. This has serious implications. Austin said the same Black men and boys that people in their families and immediate communities recognize as fathers and sons are often viewed by the police as “other worldly” and “demonic.” If such negative public perceptions are widespread enough, it permits the police to respond with deadly force and politically powerful people in those communities to support them. “When people don’t see their neighbor as they see themselves, they become fearful and distrustful,” he said. “That’s how you have cases of police brutality and the cops go free.” While researching this project, Austin wondered what it would take for these pockets of people to come together and find common ties with their fellow citizens who often hail from farflung native lands and cling to varied backgrounds. Part of his research into this area led him on a journey from college campus to street protests. Austin described the 21st century model of social activism as “pop-up leadership” in which people communicate with their smartphones and organize with speed and intensity that was unknown in their grandparents’ day. “They can message each other to say that something is going to pop up at such and such a place. I’m watching a group of young people on college campuses and in troubled communities interacting with each other on Twitter and Facebook,” he said. Indeed, I expected Austin to reminisce about the good old days of marching on Washington. “I think it’s wonderful to march and to protest and it’s wonderful to see all across the country, people doing it,” Oprah Winfrey said in a video interview posted on People’s website. “What I’m looking for is some kind of leadership to come out of this to say, ‘This is what we want. This is what has to change, and these are the steps that we need to take to make these changes, and this is what we’re willing to do to get it.’” That didn’t sit well with some young activists, who accused the television star and media mogul of being out of touch with young people.

3) students must take responsibility for their education, earn good grades, and stay on track to graduate. Students would continue to qualify for federal student aid (including Pell grants), which could help cover other costs of attendance, such as books, supplies, housing, and transportation. This is particularly critical for the nearly 1 million African Americans students served by America’s community colleges. ENSURES THAT PELL GRANTS KEEP PACE WITH INFLATION Pell Grants are central to our efforts to help low and moderate income students afford college. In the 2014-15 award year, Pell Grants provided an estimated $31 billion in college aid to 8.2 million students.

Since 2013, Pell Grants have been adjusted for inflation annually, but unless Congress acts, this will end in 2017 and the value of Pell Grants will start to erode, making it even harder for families to afford college. KEEPS STUDENT LOANS MANAGEABLE The administration is helping student borrowers with existing debt manage their obligations through income-driven repayment plans, such as the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) plan, which cap student loan payments at 10 percent of monthly discretionary income. The Department of Education has contacted struggling borrowers to make sure they are aware of these new options, and ensured that they have the information they need to choose the best one to help them responsibly manage their debt. The budget proposes to extend PAYE to all student borrowers and reform the PAYE terms to ensure that the program is well-targeted and to safeguard the program for the future.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 4-10, 2015 Page A-3

Mr. Mayor Detroit I will preside over as mayor. I am standing here on a simple request: Your neighborhoods must be at the center of rejuvenating the city so it becomes comparable to other cities you admire. I am asking each of you to organize and stand up for your neighborhood and let us pull together in making the neighborhoods of Detroit safe and vibrant for our children. Some of you were already doing this before I got here. I encourage you to continue to do so and you will have the support from city hall — my office — and the Detroit City Council. Your cries for help will no longer fall on deaf ears.

Dave Bing, then mayor of Detroit, appears on Mildred Gaddis’ radio program.

Black Radio

troit,” and the show provided the daily template for the discussion of issues regarding the Black community. “Mildred Gaddis represents a voice for many in Southeast Michigan who often feel they have no voice. She is comfortable saying what many of her listeners are thinking,” said Rev. Bertram Marks of First Community Baptist Church. “Her show has become an accurate measure of how the community thinks and feels about important issues.” Marks, who is an attorney, said Gaddis fills a gap in the Detroit media landscape. “If her voice wasn’t there for us, frustration and disenfranchisement would be the norm,” Marks said. “It is an advantage for the community to have someone like Gaddis who is not afraid to speak truth to power on a daily basis.” Known for her hard-hitting, no-nonsense and inspirational style on the air, Gaddis has pushed buttons on hot local issues that greatly impact Detroiters, including the bankruptcy, electing a new mayor and city council, the continuous shift in how Detroit children are being educated in the Detroit Public Schools, public corruption and many other stories that she feels will inform and empower her listeners. She also tackles state and national topics that affect African Americans throughout the United States. While there have been many major news stories to break in the Motor City on Gaddis’ watch, some Detroiters believe the apex of her talk radio career began with the fall of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. “I’m still meeting people who really define my career in Detroit by Kwame Kilpatrick,” Gaddis said. “I think that it’s unfortunate, but I understand why they do. However, I took a stand when no one else would. I took a stand at a time when everybody was praising Kwame Kilpatrick,” Gaddis said. “I was his lone critic. A lot of people equated my criticism of him as my desire for him to fail. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I wanted Kwame Kilpatrick to win. I wanted him to do it with integrity. I think that it’s a horrific tragedy that things ended the way that they did. I wish the end had been different.” Gaddis said because of such criticism, her career has not been without attack orchestrated by those she considers detractors. While there have also been other unpleasant incidents that Gaddis remembers, through it all, she said she has persevered. “There were times in my life when I was in a place where I did not know how the pain or the challenge would leave me, but God has always brought me through. I believe if you help as many people as you can, God will always take care of you…always. I have always been a Christian,” said. “I don’t have enough life left to hate anybody, and certainly, to hate anybody forever. There are people that I have invited on my show that caused me and my family a lot of pain. But Jesus said, if you aren’t willing to forgive people, than He won’t forgive you. So I stopped being angry a long time ago.” Growing up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Gaddis and her three siblings learned the lessons of forgiveness from their parents and a wise grandmother who helped build other Christian values, character, integrity

From page A-1 and the tenacity for the long haul. By the time Gaddis was 13 years old, she knew she wanted a career in radio and began working on her enunciation and diction. At 15, she convinced the owner of radio station WORV in Hattiesburg to allow her to learn every aspect of how the station operated. Occasionally, she talked live on the air, which further solidified her dreams of becoming a radio personality. After high school, Gaddis headed to Texas Southern University in Houston, where she earned a dual bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication. Before receiving the degree, however, she had begun working in the news department at a Houston country and western radio station. She eventually moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she worked 10 years in the news department at two radio stations. On Feb. 8, 1988, Gaddis accepted an offer to move to Detroit as the news director at WJLB. In 1997, she moved over to become the news director at WCHB. Dr. Wendell Cox, who owned WCHB at the time, later asked her to do a talk radio show. One year later, the station was purchased by Cathy Hughes and Radio One, and it marked the evolution of Mildred Gaddis and Black talk radio in Detroit. Gaddis, who is married and has an adult daughter, explained her decision to stay in Detroit for so long. “The day that I came to Detroit, the temperature was zero,” said Gaddis with a laugh. “I knew there would be no way for me to stay here for long. However, coming and staying in Detroit turned out to be the best decision for me. I love Detroit. I have no plans of leaving.” Dubbed both as the “Queen of talk radio” and “Stronger than Black coffee” by Cathy Hughes, the owner of Radio One, Gaddis said, “I will not move again for radio. Whatever I do in radio, whether its syndication or what, I will do it from Detroit. I’m not shy to say that I would love to cap off my career with a nationally syndicated show, but I will not move from Detroit to do so.” Gaddis was asked about the future of Black talk radio. “As long as Radio One owns this station, it will be committed to talk radio, because for Cathy Hughes, talk radio is so much a part of her heart, her passion and who she is. The company sees a real need for Black talk to continue, without a doubt.” Since arriving in Detroit, Gaddis has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the community, including Professional Woman of the Year, presented by the National Association of Negro Business Woman’s Organization; Living Legends Award,” presented by the City of Detroit; and the Michigan Chronicle’s Power 50, which honors metro Detroit’s most powerful African Americans. “I love Mildred Gaddis because if it were not for her boldness and honesty, there would have been much more corruption that we, as Detroiters, would never have known about,” said Gertrude V. Davis-Williams, who has lived in Detroit for 56 years and has faithfully listened to Mildred Gaddis for more than 15 years. “She keeps us informed on what’s really going on. Nothing gets past her.”

We seek be a city that provides timely, efficient and effective city service. Not the service that has come to be known as bureaucracy. Not the kind of service that has sometimes driven opportunities away from the city. That is not how a major city in the 21st century should operate. I give you my word that the culture of feet dragging soaked in bureaucracy, an impediment to progress, will end. Detroit and where it is today cannot afford the kind of bureaucracy responsible for some of the failures of the past. Tonight is the beginning of a culture change and the way we do business at city hall for the better and to provide excellent service to our citizens. Since the official end of bankruptcy there has been a lot of talk about the return to constitutional democratic governance at city hall. The city council and my office still have to deal with a financial review commission to make sure we stay on budget with the numbers. But be rest assured that with or without a review commission, we will get the job done because you elected us to do just that. We have learned our lessons from the past and we will not tolerate any attempt to repeat the mistakes of the past. I know you have become cynical about political leadership in this city. You have lost faith in what elected office can do for you. You have been disappointed numerous times by administrations that came before you with similar State of the City speeches. Sometimes it was a State of the City festival promising to build castles up in the air. Others promised to build bridges where there was no river. I did not come here to build castles in the air or to build bridges where there are no rivers. I came here this evening to tell you that your mayor will continue to work for you because you did not lose faith when you elected me. I realize that this journey of bringing the city back is a long road but it is one filled with promise. We are seeing pockets of promises fulfilled around the city. For instance , downtown and Midtown have gotten a lot of attention and investors are looking at Detroit as a result of the kind of economic energy these two locations have.We have a business leadership that has shown commitment to making sure we have a strong business district as is the case with any major metropolis. I commend their efforts. But with this kind of economic energy all over downtown and Midtown comes the question of economic equity to ensure that small businesses and minority owned businesses are part of the economic bounty being realized in the business district. There has been a lot of conversations about the role of African American and other minorityowned busineses in a new Detroit. This is a legitimate conversation we must have. As your mayor I promise you tonight that I will ensure that African American-owned businesses and other businesses of color are

From page A-1 not left out at the table of opportunity. The vexing question about the progress of race relations is not only a historical and moral imperative, but it is one that anchors on a genuine commitment towards racial progress. My election bears witness to that. I will not sit on the sidelines. I will use the full weight of the Office of the Mayor to ensure that African American businesses, women-owned businesses and other businesses of color have access to opportunity so they can thrive and grow in Detroit. Helping these businesses means helping Detroit. Tonight I also want to address our young people who had the option to live elsewhere but have chosen to remain in Detroit. Too often they are ignored in the conversations that matter. Their voices are buried because we have become accustomed to talking to ourselves instead of listening to what the youth of Detroit needs. We cannot talk about a future if Detroit is not creating opportunities for young people to remain in the city and work and thrive. There will be no future if Detroit’s young leaders are not willing to stay here and raise their families. So my commitment to this important segement of our population is that you have an ally in the mayor’s office. We want our young people to have a voice in the decisions that are being made to move this city to a level of progress they can be proud of and want to be associated with. Women have borne the burden of raising families in this city serving both as breadwinners and nurturers. A number of them, just like the men, have transportation challenges, depending on our bus system. I hear the criticism that the buses don’t come on time and some drivers are not courteous. But tonight I give you my word that change is coming to the Detroit bus system. Imagine the sight of a woman carrying her bag on one hand and her baby on the other waiting endlessly for a bus in a sub-zero temperature. That is unacceptable. Our task as leaders is to make sure these women and all of our citizens who are working hard and contributing to the economic revitalization of this city get to work on time and safely. Thankfully, President Obama is sending 80 new buses. We’ve already received seven. The rest are on the way. Finally, if there is one thing the members of the press and our local pundits are itching to hear tonight, it is any insinuation that I would seek the governorship in 2018. Let me be abundantly clear that my full focus is the city of Detroit. I wake up each morning not thinking about how to run for governor of Michigan, but how to meet the expectations of Detroiters from the length and breath of this city. That is what I am committed to , to ensure that street lights are on and crime is drastically reduced, local investors are encouraged and you get the service you deserve. Bankole Thompson is the editor of the Michigan Chronicle. The author of “Obama and Black Loyalty,” his most recent book, “Obama and Christian Loyalty,” deals with the politics of the religious right, Black theology and the president’s faith posture across a myriad of issues. He is a senior political analyst at WDET101.9FM (Detroit Public Radio). He is a member of the weekly “Obama Watch” Sunday roundtable on WLIB-1190AM New York. Email bthompson@michronicle.com or visit http://www.bankolethompson. com

Budget to add up. And what we can’t do is play politics with folks’ economic security or with our national security. You, better than anybody, know what the stakes are. The work you do hangs in the balance.” U.S. Senator Gary Peters (DMI), who has long spearheaded efforts and introduced legislation to fund the new bridge, expressed his disappointment on Monday with the lack of funding for the Detroit River bridge which he said has received bipartisan support from Governor Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and other political and labor leaders including the UAW, AFL-CIO. “I am very disappointed that the president’s budget allocates no funding for the New International Trade Crossing in Detroit. This is a project that will create thousands of Michigan jobs, enhance trade with Canada, our closest trading partner, and transform Michigan into a transportation and logistics hub for trade, manu-

From page A-1 facturing and innovation. As a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, I will continue working with Congress, the Obama administration, the Snyder administration and the Canadian government to pursue all options to ensure funding for construction and staffing of the customs plaza,” Peters said. The Republican majority in Congress is expected to reject Obama’s budget proposal. “America cannot govern on short-term, continuing resolutions that lead to instability, and Congress and the president should work together on a bipartisan basis to develop a budget proposal that strengthens our middle class and best reflects our values as a nation,” Peters said. “I agree that sequestration is a misguided policy that jeopardizes our continued economic recovery and poses serious threats to both our national security and domestic priorities, and we should take action to end these

harmful spending cuts while making more targeted cuts to help reduce the deficit.” Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, a member of the House Budget Committee, said the budget unveiled by Obama lays out a framework to discuss the financial priorities of the federal government this year. “The president’s budget request released today provides an important framework for budget discussions this year. It replaces harmful sequestration cuts with a budget that will help grow the middle class and accelerate and sustain economic growth in this country,” Dingell said. “If America is to remain a premier nation, we must invest in cutting-edge research, support quality education and training, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, and strengthen our manufacturing sector. The president’s budget outlines critical investments in our future, and as a member of the Budget Committee, I will work hard with my colleagues

to advance these priorities.” In the president’s budget he also decreased funding for the Great Lakes Restorative Initiative (GLRI) by $50 million. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who championed the Great Lakes funding, also said she was disappointed Obama did not include increased funding for the project in his 2016 budget and instead decreased financial support for it. “I am extremely disappointed that President Obama’s budget cuts funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative,” Stabenow said. “With so many water quality challenges, we need to continue to invest in the health of our Great Lakes and waterways for years to come. That is why as cochair of the Great Lakes Task Force I will continue to push for funding and policies that support Great Lakes projects that protect our drinking water, combat invasive species and protect wildlife habitats.”

President Obama speaking about his budget priorities said it reechoes middle class themes in his State of the Union address. “Will we accept an economy where only a few of us do spectacularly well? Or are we going to build an economy where everyone who works hard has a chance to get ahead? And that was the focus of my State of the Union Address a couple weeks ago — what I called middle-class economics. The idea that this country does best when everybody gets a fair shot, and everybody is doing their fair share, and everybody plays by the same set of rules,” Obama said. “The budget that Congress now has in its hands is built on those values. It helps working families’ paychecks go farther by treating things like paid sick leave and childcare as the economic priorities that they are.” Bankole Thompson is the editor of the Michigan Chronicle. E-mail bthompson@ michronicle.com

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Detroit a key component in

‘The Great Migration’ By Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Beginning in the 1890s, African Americans began to leave the South in large numbers, headed north and west. This was the start of what we now call the Great Migration. Economic opportunities beckoned in the northern cities certainly, but for many African Americans, the decision to flee

BLACK HISTORY MONTH was made in response to the concerted White-supremacist effort to roll back the gains of Reconstruction, an effort that combined the constant threat of violence with economic exploitation to put an end to Black political participation in the South.

The Great Migration was one of the largest mass movements of citizens in American history, one that permanently changed not only African American society, but the larger American society as well.

terparts, their arrival was not cause for celebration among northern Whites either. Those northerners who may have once looked upon southern racists with contempt did not exactly welcome the Black southerners pouring into their cities.

As Black people from the South arrived in the North in ever-greater numbers, class and regional tensions flared up within the African American community itself. Some northerners blamed the new migrants for increased racial hostility from Whites, while some of the newcomers accused the light-skinned northern elite of being “would-be Whites” and “sellouts.” Distinctions were drawn not only between northern and southern, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, but also on perceived personal traits that apparently had everything to do with the aforementioned.

One manifestation of this was the transformation of Harlem from White to Black between 1920 and 1930, as its traditional White and often Jewish residents fled to other all-White neighborhoods to escape the onslaught of the African American migrants and West Indian immigrants who were moving to this country.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. And just as the arrival of southern Blacks in the North was met with mixed feelings at best by their northern coun-

The migrants soon discovered that the racism they were fleeing in the South was present in the North and West as well. It just took different forms. It is one of the abiding contradictions of the Jim Crow

The flow of African Americans northward that began in the 1890s became a torrent in the first decades of the 20th century. Between 1910 and 1920, northern cities saw an unprecedented explosion of growth in their Black populations.

era that it featured both brutal racial oppression and an unprecedented flowering of African American cultural creativity. Some of that creativity blossomed overseas in Paris in the early 1920s, where Josephine Baker’s Le Revue Nègre cabaret show was a continental sensation. While Paris would continue to be the destination of many Black artists and intellectuals, who felt they enjoyed greater respect and creative freedom abroad, the epicenter of African American culture was here at home, in the capital of Black urban life, Harlem. The Harlem or New Negro, Renaissance (the names were used interchangeably) was a uniquely rich and vibrant cultural movement in the 1920s, when talented Black artists came together and produced an unmatched outpouring of creative work in literature, art, theater and music. And although metaphorically centered in Harlem, similar artistic movements emerged simultaneously in Washington and Chicago. In the end, the separation of the races demanded by Jim Crow would help to create the means of its destruction — the black civic and religious organizations created by segregation would play a critical role in bringing down the whole rotten edifice. But that day of reckoning was still to come. In the 1930s, “separate but equal” was still the rule, in fact if not in

In New York, the Black population grew by 66 percent, in Chicago, 148 percent. In Philadelphia and Detroit, the number of Blacks making new homes for themselves was off the charts, with 500 and 611 percent growth respectively.

See GREAT

MIGRATION page C-2

Law Academy students rally to save community park, will undergo $10 million rehab Students who attend Marion Law Academy and countless other community members, who for months wore buttons with the written plea “Save Lipke Center,” were able to hand out new buttons on Jan. 27 with the inscription “We Saved Lipke Center.” They attended a press conference inside Lipke recreation center, about a mile away from the school, that included journalist Mitch Albom, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and Mayor Mike Duggan, where organizers announced a $10 million rehabilitation of Lipke. Law is part of the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan (EAA), an organization tasked with transforming education for 15 Detroit schools. The recreation center, which is home to many Law students during their free time, had been closed for more than a year. “It was kind of heartbreaking to know that it was closing down,” said Najah Mabins, a student of Law who along with her fellow students played

an instrumental role in having the recreation center reopened. Law students organized and engaged in several activities to save the center. They spoke at a City Council meeting, hung posters and held See LIPKE

CENTER page C-2

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Great Migration

From page B-1

law, and Black folks needed some help finding their way through the segregated maze, literally and figuratively.

February 4-10, 2015

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A postscript for motor enthusiasts: In 1936, postal employee and civic leader Victor Hugo Green began publishing a travel guide listing hotels, restaurants and other establishments willing to do business with African Americans. In places where no hotels accepted Black guests, Green’s guidebook listed “tourist homes,” private individuals who would accommodate Black visitors. In the years to come, The Negro Motorist Green Book would expand in popularity, covering an ever-larger geographical area and offering African American travelers safe routes through the segregated country. “There will be a day some time in the near future,” reads a portion of the introduction, “when this guide will not have to be published. That is when we as a race will have equal

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From page B-1

a rally demanding the center be reopened. Lipke was a large part of their lives. They swam in its pool, played basketball in its gym and played tag in the adjacent park. It occupied most of their free time.

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“The end of the story is that we get to reopen Lipke Recreation Center,” Mabins said.

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Albom’s nonprofit SAY Detroit was one of the many public and private entities that made the project possible. During the press conference, Albom recalled the endless list of after-school activities offered to him as a child. Unfortunately, that’s not the story for Detroit children today.

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“The sound that most of our kids hear at the end of the day is the click of a lock on a school door, and they’re basically told to go find something to do for themselves,” Albom said.

Stafford’s foundation.

After touring Lipke, he brought to the city and Stafford the idea of reopening the center. It will include sporting equipment, music equipment, a 2,500 square foot digital learning center, and soccer, baseball and football fieldE Rcourtesy of A

“It’s an important part of children’s lives,” Stafford said. “I’m just glad to be a part of it.”

T H E

S O U L

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Stafford said as a child he met some of the most influential people in his life while participating in programs at the local recreation center.

Mayor Duggan said the persistence of the community and 3rd District Councilman Scott Benson made the project a reality.

• • • •

“I think it’s an extraordinary agreement,” Duggan said. To use the recreational aspects of the facility, students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and have good attendance. Students who do not meet that criteria have to first meet with tutors inside the digital learning center for one hour.

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From elegant high glamour to the hottest looks on the street, Black Style has influenced the trends and designers that have shaped American and global culture. Don’t miss this entertaining look back at the fashion, accessories and attitude that rocked the runways of the 60’s and 70’s featuring celebrity fashion stylists and designers JUNE AMBROSE and JOHNETTA BOONE as they lead our captivating panel discussion on “The Style of the Soul Era.”Afterwards, enjoy a special reception and fabulous fashion!

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Events subject to change or cancellation. †No purchase necessary. Sweepstakes begins February 1, 2015 at 12:01 A.M. ET and ends February 28, 2015 at 11:59 P.M ET. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and D.C., who are 18 years or older. Void in Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii and where prohibited by law. Complete official rules available at macys.com/celebrate. Sponsor: Macy’s Corporate Services, Inc. 50653_N5010317E.indd 1

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February 4 - 10, 2015

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

January 4-February 16

february 6 - 8

February 27

February 22

‘Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend’

The Nat King Cole Songbook Concert

Saviour’s Day 2015

Times and dates vary. Fox Theatre 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Max M. Fisher Music Center 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit

2:00 to 5:00 pm Northwest Activities Center 18100 Meyers Rd (inside Paul Robeson Theater), Detroit

Celebrate Nat King Cole and his crooning contemporaries with songs like “Too Young,” “Nature Boy,” “Get Your Kicks,” “Mona Lisa” and many more. Performance times vary through Feb. 8. Cost: $19-$105

2015 Saviour’s Day address will focus on Black history, uniting and rebuilding our community. Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

For ticket information, call 313.576.5111.

For more information visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/saviours-day-2015.

“Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend” is a spectacular show about finding friends and having fun. Cost: $21.35-$42.25 For more information, call 313.576.5111.

February 5 -8 Shen Yun Performing Arts

Ford-employees African Ancestry Network 34th Annual Black History Month Celebration 6:00 pm Dearborn Inn 20301 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn

Open City Detroit: ‘Bricks to Bits’

Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Performances feature the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, a unique orchestra blending East and West and dazzling animated backdrops.

For more information, visit http://www. shenyun.com/detroit.

Noir Film Series

2030 Park Ave., Detroit

7:00 pm Michigan Theater 603 E. Liberty St. Ann Arbor

For more information, email hello@buildinstitute.org.

February 18 Recovery Conference and Seminar

Frebruary 6 Go Red For Women Luncheon

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 E. Warren Ave., Deroit

9:00 am to 1:30 pm MGM Grand Casino-Hotel 1777 Third Street, Detroit Wear red and attend the 2015 Detroit Go Red For Women Luncheon. Learn simple ways to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke to keep you and your family healthy. Cost: $200. For more information, call 248.936.5835

Team Mental Health Services, Inc. will host a Recovery Conference to address the stigma of substance abuse while celebrating the efforts toward recovery. This event will increase public awareness about the behavioral health services located within metro Detroit. Admission includes full course lunch meal, valet parking, private tour. Cost: $100. For more information, call 313.274.3700.

February 28

February 23 - April 27

11 am Cliff Bell’s

Open City is a forum for Detroit’s aspiring and established small business owners to learn, network and exchange information in a fun and lively atmosphere.

The Ford-employees African Ancestry Network (FAAN) presents the 34th Annual Black History Month Program. It starts at 6:00 pm and includes a strolling supper, entertainment and dancing immediately following the program. General admission: $50 or $125 VIP. For more information, call 313.594.0688.

February 16

Detroit Opera House 1526 Broadway. Detroit

Page B-3

Detroit Symphony Orchestra performs 1812 Overture Orchestra Hall 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit

The Michigan Theater and State Theatre in partnership with Nicola’s Books is pleased to present The Noir Film Series which began Monday, Jan. 12, and continues weekly through the end of April. Cost: $7-$10.

Join Leonard Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a festival celebrating the life, music and magic of Tchaikovsky with six symphonies and much more. Performance times vary. Cost: $15-$100. For more information call 313-576-5111.

For a full list of films and showings and more information, call 734.761.8667.

February 27 - May 17 “Photographs from the Detroit Walk-In Portrait Studio” Detroit Institute of Arts 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit See “Photographs from the Detroit Walk-In Portrait Studio” by Dutch-born photographer Corine Vermeulen in this mixed media exhibition. Free with museum admission. For more information, call 313.833.7900.

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CATHY NEDD Chief Operating Officer BANKOLE THOMPSON Senior Editor RIAN BARNHILL Managing Editor SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011 JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997 LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

‘Selma’ can teach our youth lesson of history

By Harry C. Alford

history lesson about one of the world’s greatest leaders and how he took on a mighty nation and made it change its ways for the better. The significance of his success rivals Moses, Mandela and Gandhi (King’s role model).

If you haven’t seen the movie “Selma” yet, please hurry up and do take your family and anyone else who is close to you. This film thoroughly brings out what happened in that sleepy Alabama Like Jesus, he only had town back in 1965. Selma bea few followers but he took came a battleground with the those “disciples” and made importance rivaling Normandy them become some of the D-Day, Gettysburg, Yorktown, best organizers the world has etc. What the great Dr. Marknown. He came to Selma with tin Luther King Jr. did was a carload of followers and left, genius. He showed through after three weeks, with thouAmerican television just how sands of those who were pure ugly and mean-spirited southat heart. One third of them ern segregation was. It was the were White. The local police segregated South that was the and state troopers were as prototype for South Africa’s racist as they could be. Thus, Harry C. Alford apartheid system. they marched out with the It is extremely important that every protection and supervision of the UnitAmerican understand this era and what ed States Army. This is what faith and it took to evolve us from the horror. My courage can do. “Selma” accurately porfamily roots are rural Louisiana and just trays this historical phenomenon. about every summer during the 1960s Tears flowed from my eyes more than we would journey back to those red clay a few times during the movie. It brought roads of Bossier Parish. During a few back those memories and brilliantly summers, my mother would put me on showed the pain and suffering that was a Greyhound bus and send me on an inflicted on children of God. You could itinerary to visit each one of my aunts feel their pain and recognize the devil in and uncles during my stay. Her main their adversaries. It brought back painmission besides letting me know my ful memories of an America that was not roots was to let me feel the evil of seg- living up to its code. Never again will we regation and how vile it could be. It was allow that to return and our children, more than impressionable on my young and grandchildren must understand curious mind. why. “Selma” is a great tutorial. At the There were moments that were end of the movie, the audience gave it downright terrifying. I can still remem- healthy applause. ber the screams directed at me for sitThere has been some criticism of ting towards the front of a bus; being the movie’s portrayal of President Lynchased out of a public restroom; walk- don Johnson. I don’t understand that ing through the front door of a depart- because what I saw in the movie is the ment store; asking for the restroom key same person who we hear on LBJ’s own at a gas station; hearing the term nigger recorded phone calls. How could someand realizing someone was addressing one be such a “friend” to Dr. King and me. Gone are those days but the mem- at the same time allow the vicious J. Edory will last forever. The experience has gar Hoover to harass him and his fammade me intolerable towards discrimi- ily? It is widely known that President nation of any kind. Mom’s plan for me Johnson would casually use the N-word. was a success. He would refer to the Civil Rights Act It is very difficult to explain these as the “nigger bill” while talking with times to our children and grandchil- southern elected officials. He was updren. It can be equally difficult to make set about having the Voting Rights Act them understand the importance of pop up before his face right behind the knowing about it. The history of African Civil Rights Act. He thought that part of Americans is unique and is something his work was done. All things would bewe can all be very proud of. As one col- come better now. Dr. King finally made lege professor (Jewish) explained to me it clear to him that what good is a civil at the University of Wisconsin, “It defies rights act without the right to vote? nature and all of the odds that AmeriGet your family and friends togethcan Blacks are alive and walking around er and go see this classic piece. Then this nation. The mere survival of what thank God that your children will never you have gone through in this nation is have to live through it. truly unique and something to hold with Harry C. Alford is the cofounder and pride.” president/CEO of the National Black Selma adequately describes the seg- Chamber of Commerce. regated South as I knew it. This is a

50 years of Black progress By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. Has Black America made significant progress politically, socially and economically over the past 50 years? This is an important question, and the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, 1965 to 2015 has been a remarkable period in the history of Black America. But make no mistake about it, all of our progress has come as a direct result of a protracted struggle for freedom, justice and equality.

that have assembled the latest social and demographic statistics for Black History Month observance. Some of them follow: • As of July 1, 2012, there are now 44.5 million Black Americans, either alone or in combination with one or more other races, in the U.S, up 1 percent over 2011;

• New York is the state with the largest Black American population with 3.7 million. The District of Columbia has the highest percentage of Black Americans at 51.6 perThis year will mark the cent, followed by Mississippi largest Congressional Black at 38 percent. Texas has the Benjamin Chavis, Jr Caucus (CBC) with 46 memhighest numeric increase in bers. In 1965, there were only Black Americans since 2011 (87,000. five African Americans in the Congress. Cook County, Ill. (Chicago) had the largWe have come a long way politically in est Black American population of any the past 50 years at the federal, state county as of 2012 at 1.3 million; and local level. In addition to representation in the House and Senate, we • The percentage of Blacks 25 and oldhave served as mayors of big cities, as er with a high school diploma or higher governors, as lieutenant governors, as was 83.2 percent; speakers of state legislatures, as county • The percentage of African Americans commission chairs, etc. in that same age group with a bachelor’s Since the passage of the 1965 Vot- degree or higher in 2012 was 18.7 pering Rights Act, Black power has moved cent; from becoming a chant to a political re- • The annual median family income ality. The late Edward Brooke (R-Mass.) of Black households was $33,321 in blazed the way as the first Black attor- 2012, compared to the national figure of ney general of a state and later as the $55,017; first African American popularly elected • The poverty rate for African Americans to the U.S. Senate. was 27.2 percent in 2012, compared to Jesse Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 pres- 15 percent nationally; idential campaigns paved the way for Yes, we have made progress over the Barack Obama’s successful campaign in past half-century, but future progress 2008. will not happen by osmosis. Rather, On the heels of that success and it will happen when we become wisBlacks voting at a higher percentage er about how we spend more than $1 than Whites in 2012 for the first time, trillion each year. We will also need to have come efforts by Republicans to focus on strengthening Black-owned suppress the Black vote. This effort, businesses and grow a new generation carried out largely by Republican-domi- of committed young entrepreneurs. nated state legislatures, is under way as We have come too far to turn back America experiences a dramatic demonow. graphic shift. We are grateful that Sister Jeri Green Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is president and others at the U.S. Census Bureau and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

Dr. King left blueprint for eradicating poverty By Marian Wright Edelman “There is nothing new about poverty. What is new, however, is that we now have the resources to get rid of it.”

“A great nation is a compassionate nation. No individual or nation can be great if it does not have a concern for ‘the least of these.’” When Dr. King died in 1968 calling for a Poor People’s Campaign, there were 25.4 million poor Americans, including 11 million poor children. Today, there are more than 45.3 million poor Americans, including 14.7 million children, living in our rich nation.

Kirtley Mather, a Harvard geologist, wrote a book titled “Enough and to Spare.” He set forth the basic theme that famine is wholly unnecessary in the modern world. Today, therefore, the question on The question is why we the agenda is, why should allow poverty still to exist, there be hunger and privaespecially among our chiltion in any land, in any city, dren who are the poorest at any table, when man has age group of Americans, the resources and the sciand the answer remains the entific know-how to provide same: The deficit in human all mankind with the basic necessities of life?” Marian Wright Edelman will and genuine commitment to a fair playing field In January 1967, Dr. for all by a critical mass of leaders and Martin Luther King, Jr. took a very rare citizens in our morally anemic nation. “sabbatical” at an isolated house in JaHow can it be that the top 1 percent maica far away from telephones and the constant pressures of his life as a very of Americans enjoy more of the nation’s public civil rights leader to write what wealth than the bottom 90 percent comwould become his last book, “Where Do bined and that millions of children are We Go From Here: Chaos or Communi- hungry and homeless and poorly educated? ty?” Dr. King’s voice guides us if we are Professor Mather’s book arguing that mankind had achieved the ability to willing to hear and act on it and use it move beyond famine was published in as a road map for action no matter the 1944, yet in 2015, despite 70 more years political weather. of unparalleled advances in scientific Dr. King concluded: “In any social and technological capability and global revolution there are times when the tailresources and wealth, hunger and want winds of triumph and fulfillment favor are still rampant, most shamefully in us, and other times when strong head the United States with the world’s larg- winds of disappointment and setbacks est economy. beat against us relentlessly. Dr. King said, “There is no deficit in “We must not permit adverse winds human resources; the deficit is in hu- to overwhelm us as we journey across man will . . . The well-off and the secure life’s mighty Atlantic. We must be sushave too often become indifferent and tained by our engines of courage in spite oblivious to the poverty and deprivation of the winds. in their midst. The poor in our coun“This refusal to be stopped, this tries have been shut out of our minds, and driven from the mainstream of our ‘courage to be,’ this determination to societies because we have allowed them go on ‘in spite of’ is the hallmark of any great movement.” to become invisible.

The real Barack Obama re-emerges

By Julianne Malveaux

President Barack Obama knocked it out of the park during his State of the Union address. He was strong, progressive, firm and relaxed. He was almost cocky as he offered a few jokes, smugly announced that he would have no more elections, and just generally exuded confidence. Instead of the kumbaya thing, he laid out his priorities to a Republican Congress that will likely block much of what he proposed, especially when it comes to raising taxes on the wealthy to support his free community college program.

I wouldn’t expect him to mention race explicitly, but he could have said, “And while poverty rates are falling, one in four families in some communities still experience poverty.” Similarly, President Obama justifiably touted falling unemployment, which dropped from 6.7 percent a year ago, to 5.6 percent in December. The decrease has been across the board and includes African Americans and Hispanics.

However, there are 700,000 fewer people in the labor market than a year ago, indicating that more people are entering the labor market in response President Obama “threw to its perceived strength. down” in the hour-long Without indicating race, the speech that was frequentpresident could have talked ly punctuated by applause. Julianne Malveaux about the high unemployment Republicans frequently rates among some groups. withheld applause, but his confidence Of course, presidents traditionally suggested that whether they offered applause or withheld it was of no concern offer a laundry list of issues, with few getting more than a couple sentences to him. worthy of attention. Still, since the ecoMichelle Obama wasn’t playing either. nomic success story is one that PresiShe has usually worn her trademark dent Obama correctly touted, it would sleeveless dresses with pearls, once a have been appropriate for him to simply puffy skirt, once with long sleeves. The mention the unevenness of recovery. shift look certainly flatters her figure And since the Affordable Care Act is and her toned arms tout her fitness. Her two-piece tweed suit, though, was a a successful part of the Obama legacy, business suit. It reminded us that she is with nearly 7 million more people ena lawyer (with a nod and a wink to CBS rolling in the program, and some of the hit show “The Good Wife”) in addition to 2014 glitches eliminated, it would have being a stylish first lady. Hopefully, the been appropriate to mention it, specifibusiness attire signals that she will take cally and in-depth. Some might consider care of business in the next two years. that waving a red flag in the faces of bullHer “Get Fit” initiative is much needed, ish Republicans, but in some ways the and her partnership with Jill Biden to speech was a red flag anyway. focus on military families is consistent When I listened to the State of the with the president’s in providing jobs Union address, I thought, “This is the and other assistance for veterans. Obama I voted for — twice, the Obama In these last two years, perhaps the who was but a rising star in 2004, whose first lady can spread her wings and fo- rousing speech at the Boston Democratcus on the work and family issues she ic Convention propelled him to national lived and that so many women juggle. I attention.” This Obama seemed preshope for too much, I think, when I sug- idential, not conciliatory. He stood by gest that she deal with the gender pay the executive orders he issued in 2014, gap, but that is also an issue that would and stated that he will use his veto pen if Congress attempts to overturn his efbenefit from her attention. fort. While the president highlighted efAs he did in Boston, President Obama forts to benefit the middle class, he ended on a unifying note, a line that he mentioned poverty just once. There are 45.3 million people who lived in pover- has used often: “We are more than red ty in 2013, the last year for which data states and blue states, we are the Unitare available. The rates are 9.7 percent ed States of America.” He was motivated for Whites, 12.3 percent for Asian Amer- when he said, “Let’s start the work right icans, 25.3 percent for Hispanics, and now.” 27.2 percent for African Americans. In Bravo, Mr. President! Welcome back! mentioning poverty without mentioning Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an econothat some experience poverty differently than others, the president failed to put a mist and author based in Washington, D.C. tiny pin in his own celebration.

education

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 4 - 10, 2014

Page B-5

Putting creativity back in the classroom By Dr. Reagan Flowers President/CEO of C-STEM If you were to ask an educator what is one of his or her greatest challenges, most likely the answer would be keeping students engaged in the classroom. I was once in their shoes. While working as a science teacher, I learned early on that if I just taught lessons right from a textbook, I would lose my students. And the ones I seemed to lose more often were the students who were generally characterized as “disruptive.” But what many people don’t realize is that the students who are seen as “challenging” are the ones who are the most creative. That’s why we need to put creativity back in the classroom. The decline of classroom creativity stems from increased time being spent on educators teaching students how to pass a standardized test, the insufficient amount of relevant teacher training, and the lack of innovative tools and resources to engage students in creative thinking and learning. I felt the impact of classroom creativity and innovation as a classroom teacher after experiencing robotics on steroids at a national competition. The experience taught me a valuable lesson: the creativity, innovation, and achievements between the students at my urban high school versus the students from higher earning neighborhoods were much wider than I had expected. It became clear that I needed to have more hands-on, project-based learning in my classroom as well as access to innovative tools and resources. Most importantly, I needed the flexibility to provide students the opportunity to explore and experience learning beyond the textbook, handouts and practice exams, which were instructionally required. This proved to be a tremendous barrier for me in 2000. And some 14 years later, those challenges appear to be just as relevant for current classroom teachers who desire the same for their students. The bigger picture is that teachers must be equipped with more services, while also being empowered, valued and

Reagan Flowers respected in their professions to facilitate creative learning experiences for their students. School leaders should be willing to support educators who invest in innovating learning environments so they will be confident in knowing that the addition of creativity will not produce low achieving students, but instead improve grades. By integrating creative learning experiences, teachers can reach beyond their classrooms to make learning relevant and applications-based. When I launched C-STEM from my classroom experiences, I believed I could positively impact thousands of students — and the educators who teach them — across the globe. While forming C-STEM’s programming, I have found that creative learning experiences can be designed in a way that reaches all children, no matter their age, skill level or where they attend school. This has been critical to the successful implementation of C-STEM. Many schools in urban and rural communities lack resources to make creative learning a priority, which puts low-income children at a disadvantage, ultimately causing them to fall behind. Putting the best interest of children and teachers first, C-STEM has made it a priority to annually develop new learning experiences in communications, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Teachers can count on the out-of-the-box approach to classroom learning that

C-STEM provides. Our mission is to enhance their existing instruction and aid in sparking creativity that is experiential, and accessible across disciplines and grade levels on topics that are relevant in developing a future creative workforce. This advances the education standards for our program. The students who participate in C-STEM are diverse in grade level, ethnicity and gender. What makes C-STEM innovative is how each student’s creativity comes to life when they are working collaboratively to solve problems—whether it’s drawing a mural, developing a mobile app or building a robot. The beauty of this model is that instruction is not based on grade level or age, which could stunt a child’s learning. Instead, it is based on creative ideas, innovation, and a student’s willingness to take the lead on seeing their project finished. We have noticed that when youth in C-STEM work in teams and collaborate on projects, instead of having egos, students embrace those who work better as a team and are wildly creative. We’ve also learned that project-based, thematic and problem-based course work provide students with learning opportunities that not only reinforce actual application but also validate their ability to demonstrate their proficiency and readiness for a post-secondary education and career in STEM. Within the last 10 years, the STEM job sector has grown three times as fast as nonSTEM fields, according to the

U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration. It is estimated that by 2018, there could be 2.4 million unfilled STEM jobs in the United States. With nearly three-quarters of the fastest growing jobs requiring a significant amount of science and mathematics courses, the work that we do at C-STEM is imperative to ensure our students, especially those of color, are competitive in the future job market. But in order for C-STEM and any program or school to use creative curriculum to educate students effectively, they must have qualified teachers. This is why teachers who participate in our program receive training by skilled STEM professionals. When putting creativity back in the classroom, teachers must not only have proper training on STEM, they must also focus on their pedagogy to design creative spaces in their classrooms for children. By not doing so, we continue to create STEM barriers within schools. While many school administrators say they want more creativity, it’s not translating to the classroom. A 2013 report by Project Tomorrow revealed that only half of current teachers believe they can use creative technology to motivate students to learn. The future of the STEM workforce lies on the shoulders of our teachers. That’s why C-STEM empowers our educators and mentors by fostering and advancing their STEM skill level and providing instructional tools and resources that en-

sure that creativity and innovation occur in their classroom. This requires quality teacher training, state-of-the art equipment and classroom supplies, on-going support from STEM professionals and consistent program evaluations — all of which can be challenging given the structure of schools’ topdown approach that focuses on testing. Technology is changing every day, which requires us at C-STEM to constantly evaluate the work that we do to ensure it is relevant and ultimately helps create a future workforce of qualified STEM employees and entrepreneurs. This makes our role at C-STEM more critical in providing instructional tools to teachers to keep students engaged academically while ensuring that our children receive quality STEM programming that’s on the cutting edge. I don’t believe those who say every child can’t grasp STEM curriculum just because they are deemed “academically challenged.” My robotics experiment that I did with my students when I was a science teacher at an inner city high school and the work that I see students enrolled at C-STEM do every day disprove that myth. Instead of putting academic labels on our youth and only instructing our students for a standardized test, let’s instead invest in creative classroom solutions that can keep students engaged and on the path to success.

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Page B-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • February 4 -10, 2015

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February 4-10, 2015

COMMERCIAL Mammoth Building (Corner of Grand River and Greenfield)

Strather Group/Students acquire 80 units on Greenfield to Redevelop The $1.5Million acquisition and renovation educates future developers

Businessman Herb Strather, along with his partners and students who bid on the 6,000 parcel Blight Bundle, has closed on their first group of properties to be redeveloped. This is exciting news for the NW Detroit neighborhood. The $1.5 million acquisition consists of 80 units within Districts 1 and 2 and is located at 15020, 15050, 17331 and 17371 Greenfield. Financing provided by Capital Impact Partners.

W. Outer Drive, and the 28 blocks surrounding Grand River, Mettetal, Schoolcraft and Greenfield. In order to succeed we need the communities’ full involvement.” These next projects will be done in conjunction with Strather Academy students whose winter session begins February 23rd. The Academy is offering a free online seminar Thursday February 12th, 2015. Strather thinks Mayor Duggan is doing a great job with providing the community redevelopment tools and urges lifelong Detroiters to learn about the programs and get engaged.

The group intends to renovate the properties with new roofs, common area improvements and individual unit upgrades. Some units are currently occupied, but in poor condition. “It is important that these apartments are renovated and put back in service in order to help stabilize this sector of Greenfield. Otherwise, they can end up being torn down like several other buildings along this main NW Detroit corridor. If they are torn down, it will take more than $100,000 per unit to replace them”, says Strather. The website at http://stratheracademy.com states: ‘We have one purpose and that is to create the next generation of urban developers’. Herb Strather, Detroit’s most committed African-American developer, is well on his way to doing just that. Strather, who created the Casinos and Woodbridge Estates, became a victim of Detroit’s downturn. He admits to losing $90 million during the last recession, which ultimately left him owing $20 million. Strather who has tax liens and judgments himself says he is keeping his commitment to help in the Detroit neighborhood comeback, “It’s not all about me. I will die for the vision I have for the City of Detroit, and for the record, (The)

Properties being developed by The Detroit Bundle Group and Affiliates Commercial Mammoth Building

Herb Strather tax liens and judgments will all be paid soon”, says Strather. “My most important mission is to show Detroiters how we can redevelop our own communities. We must work together despite the economic challenges that we may face. I want to help Detroiters understand that knowledge is more powerful than cash or credit.” “We have four more developments to be done this year in Districts 1 and 2, including the 44-unit Veterans Village on 7 Mile and Berg Rd across from the Rogell Golf course, the Mammoth Building at Grand River/Greenfield; Fellowship Village surrounding Fellowship Chapel at

It is time that we develop an entertainment site for our youth. We have over 200,000 children with nowhere to go in Detroit for automated recreation. Why should our young people have to go to other communities for birthday parties and electronic games? Why should adults have to go to Southfield, Dearborn or Warren to eat at a Fridays or Outback Restaurant? Development plans are underway for a two-story indoor amusement park with go-karts, bumper cars, a bowling alley, rock climbing and roller coaster rides, as well as a national full sit-down restaurant where you can enjoy good food and spirits. Edge Water Park will be coming soon! Residential Grand River Residential Development The Detroit Bundle Group’s key redevelopment plan will encompass 28

RESIDENTIAL Grand River Residential Development

blocks, located east of Mettetal to west of Greenfield; north of Grand River to south of Schoolcraft Roads. This area was selected because it is a representative of many neighborhoods in Detroit that were stable before the real estate market decline, but is now in a serious state of disrepair. These are neighborhoods consisting of quality built homes that are intermingled with a plethora of vacant, burned-out structures that threaten the communities’ existence. We are in the planning stages of creating a cost-efficient neighborhood using technology with affordable financing programs. We envision a community Intranet system connected to a lighting grid that has sound to detect gun fire, radiant lights and a face recognition camera component being powered by solar. It is also possible, with assistance from foundations, to have a safety drone in place for enhanced community security. The lighting grid will protect the community and the Intranet system will connect the community. We believe this type of development will be a desirable place to live. Cost efficient technology and protection should decrease crime significantly and home values will increase. Upon entrance to the community a sign that reads: “Legal Notice - Face Recognition Technology in Operation” will deter crime. In addition, the Intranet connects the residents to other residents which would promote a tight-knit community and social entrepreneurship. If you need a car wash, babysitter or lawn cut, go to your family friendly community intranet and click away. Upon the successful completion of this development, we would offer it as a “Model Neighborhood” to be duplicat-

See Strather Group page C-2

business Fellowship Estates

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 4-10, 2015

Page C-2

Strather Group

Veteran Village of Detroit

From page C-1

ed in other communities. Fellowship Estates This new construction project will consist of 166 units, mixed-use, mid-rise and cottage-style, servicing our active senior citizens, which shall contain market rate and subsidized housing along with assisted living units with services. This new model ensures that seniors will not have to leave their environment as their needs grow. Prototypes of the buildings are located at Joy Road and Southfield Service Drive (Gardenview Estates), and are currently being managed by SPR Management an affiliate of Strather Companies. Fellowship Estates will be built around Fellowship Chapel on West Outer Drive, east of the Southfield Freeway and will look identical to Gardenview Estates. Veteran Village of Detroit We are pleased to work on a project that will provide affordable housing to our veterans and their families. This model is rather complex and is still being perfected. We are working through our plan with MSHDA, the Veterans Administration and medical service providers. The development will consist of 44 units with a community house. It is located on Seven Mile Road at Berg, across from the Rogell Golf Course. Upon successful completion, we plan to duplicate this model in each of the remaining districts. COH Greenfield Apartments Detroit Bundle Group and Affiliates recently closed a $1.5 million dollar acquisition of 80 units located 15020, 15050, 17331 and 17371 Greenfield. The development consists of 4 buildings of 1 and 2 bedroom apartment units currently occupied, but in poor condition. Renovation plans include replacing roofs, interior and exterior common area improvements, as well as individual unit upgrades. Due to bus line proximity and restaurants within walking distance, these will make excellent residences for Detroiters. It will also help stabilize Greenfield.

A M ME SU O R P NT IC P H AN OR AN H T D EA SA R VE T !

COH Greenfield Apartments

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE business How to care for aging parents long distance By Paul Bridgewater You live in Detroit and your father lives in Atlanta. How can you take care of him when you don’t see him every day? Although you speak to him regularly, how can you be sure he’s all right when you’re so far away? It’s not an easy task caring for a loved one from a long distance, yet an estimated 34 million Americans do so, and a 2013 Pew Research Center study indicates that 40 percent of Americans are caregivers for parents and relatives with significant health challenges. The average distance is 750 miles. Before a major health crisis, you can take steps to ensure you’re prepared. Organizations such as the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP offer a plethora of tips and resources to help. Angela Heath, director of the Eldercare Locator Hotline of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, compiled a list of helpful strategies to help in her book, “Long-Distance Caregiving: A Survival Guide for Far Away

medical insurance policies. Put together names, phone and account numbers for utility companies, including gas, electric, cable and phone. Organize the documents, make duplicate copies and store them in a secure place such as a safe deposit box at a bank or a fire proof box at home.

Paul Bridgewater Caregivers.”

Here are some steps to get organized and create a care plan: • Get paperwork together – Gather all insurance, financial and legal documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, a will and marriage or divorce decrees. Make sure your parents have executed a power of attorney to give you (or another trustworthy individual) the legal authority to act on their behalf. While your parent is still cognizant of their affairs, compile a list of bank account numbers, credit cards, sources of income, outstanding bills and copies of homeowner’s, auto and

• Know Close Friends and Neighbors – Compiling a list of friends, a neighbor, spiritual leader, doctors and anyone in regular communication with your parents who can be reached in an emergency may be a lifesaving measure. Identify at least one trusted friend or neighbor who can regularly stop by to see about your loved ones. Strongly consider giving this person a key, if your parent agrees. • Manage medical information – Get copies of medical records, their doctors and pharmacy names and telephone numbers and a list of their prescribed medications. • Make Visits Count – Enjoy your time with your

Febraury 4 - 10, 2015

parent and make the most out of visits. Take him or her shopping, check the refrigerator and cabinets for spoiled and expired food. Go through unopened mail, old papers and magazines. Pay attention to what they’re eating. Schedule appointments in advance so you can go while you’re there. Change lightbulbs and smoke detector batteries. Repair damaged flooring and/or other potential health hazards to correct. • Get help – To find local resources and information, contact the Eldercare Locator at (800) 6771116 or visit http://bit. ly/seniorhelp and enter your zip code for a local referral. This is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. Paul Bridgewater, president and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), hosts “The Senior Solution” on WCHB Newstalk 1200AM, Saturdays at 10 a.m. DAAA is located at 1333 Brewery Park Blvd., Suite 200, Detroit, MI 48207; (313) 446-4444; www. daaa1a.com.

AARP Foundation tax-aide is open for business AARP Foundation this year is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the TaxAide program.

without our dedicated volunteers, who make an indelible mark on the communities they help,” said Thomas Kimble, State President of AARP Michigan.

In Michigan, more than 1,000 Tax-Aide volunteers help more than 70,000 people each year at over 150 sites across the state.

Nationwide, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide’s 36,000 volunteers at more than 5,000 sites provided 2.6 million people with free tax help in 2014. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure their knowledge of revisions to the U.S. tax code. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $257 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

AARP Foundation TaxAide, in its 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service. “We could not provide this valuable service

Last year in Michigan,

1,034 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers at 164 sites helped 70,712 people file their federal, state and local tax returns. Taxpayers served by the program received refunds totaling $26.5 million and nearly $3.8 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. The program is offered at local senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations. Preparation of tax returns under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules will require additional documentation from taxpayers this year. The good news is that for taxpayers on Medicare or Medicare Advantage for the full year, no further information is required. Otherwise,

taxpayers need to bring along their family’s health insurance coverage information including information about Marketplace/ Exchange purchases, and health care exemptions. For more information on documentation that is required or to locate an AARP Foundation TaxAide site near you, visit www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS. For a closer look at the Tax-Aide program in Michigan, see the story on the AARP Michigan web page at: http://states.aarp.org/ mi-taxaide/

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Inequalities in education is a epidemic By Darrell Allison

show in cases like Ferguson?

We are all justifiably outraged at the events occurring in Ferguson, Missouri. Headlines scream almost daily about a new incident of racial violence boiling over in a town that is struggling to overcome its troubled history. While prominent African American leaders shout their outrage from microphones and television studios and the rest of us express our sadness and anger in the barber shops, salons and churches, we fail to realize an essential hard truth. Incidents like Ferguson happen every day in classrooms across America. Although non-fatal, an academic assault occurs each school day as the needs of students – especially African American students – are neglected, ignored or buried at the bottom of another batch of standardized test score results. Consider the following statistics compiled by the Black Alliance for Educational Options:

Despite these sad statistics, there are pockets of transformational change happening across the United States where leaders of color are doing so “by any means.”

Darrell Allson • 42 percent of Black students attend schools that are under-resourced. • Poorly performing Black males are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled from school than their White peers. • Black boys are 2.5 times less likely to be enrolled in gifted and talented programs, even though they have proven they can do the work. What’s more alarming than these dismal student statistics is the ambivalence exhibited by us adults. Where’s the outrage? Where’s is the “by any means necessary” mentality on this matter as we are so quick to

Geoffrey Canada, the former president and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone (now serving as president of its board), created a ground-breaking, block-by-block approach to tackling academic and economic poverty in urban neighborhoods, including a network of Promise Academy Charter Schools. The Chicago-based Urban Prep Academies, founded in 1992 by Tim King, has boasted a 100 percent acceptance rate to four-year colleges and universities for all of its high school male seniors for four consecutive years. Dr. Steve Perry, the founder and principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut, has achieved sending 100 percent of the school’s pre-

(inside The Russell Trade Center)

Detroit, MI 48211

dominantly low-income, minority, first-generation high school graduates to four-year colleges every year since 2006. These strong African American male education leaders are doing what is necessary to educate our children. However, the means by which they do this is parental school choice.

Since 2012 more than 189 employers and 27,063 job seekers have been connected through the state’s fourteen sponsored events. With assistance from the Michigan Works! System and event partner Capital Area Michigan Works!, 345 jobs with 50 Michigan employers in varying industries will be featured

in the February event, making it the largest to date. “This is a great opportunity for employers hiring from across the state to use an online high-tech approach to connect with job seekers,” said Amy Cell, senior vice president for talent enhancement at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “MiVirtualCareerFairs are an easy, accessible way to promote your company, and engage and network with a vast amount of talent seeking to live, work and play in Michigan.” There’s no cost for job seekers to participate. Registration information can be found at www.mitalent.org/virtualcareerfair. During virtual events, job seekers can explore

customized employer booths, interact one-onone with participating employers and search and apply for job opportunities. In addition, job seekers can access information about career development programs and resources in the event Media Center and Resource Lounge. Veterans can connect with staff at the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) booth to learn about veteran’s benefits in Michigan. The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) will be participating as a resource to assist job seekers interested in finding opportunities in the nonprofit sector. “The successes of the MiVirtualCareerFair in November paired with the

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State of Michigan hosts MiVirtualCareerFair Job seekers and Michigan employers can connect with each other through a state-sponsored virtual career fair on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s MiVirtualCareerFairs bring together Michigan employers and talent from across the state and the globe in an online, virtual environment.

Page C-3

anticipation of our February event are indicative of the continued growth in the region,” said Edythe Hatter-Williams, CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works!. “From finance to engineering to IT to healthcare and construction, companies in a range of industries are hiring, meaning we’re looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.” All job openings posted during the events are accessible to participants for 30 days after event. Post-event, employers receive in-depth analytics including candidate resumes, applications, chat transcripts, and booth visit data, which further solidify connections made during the event.

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February 4-10, 2015

Perhaps the most amazing

comebacks of all time

Reflections By Steve Holsey

Still active, for now What is it that the Temptations, the 5th Dimension, the Four Tops and the Spinners have in common? Each now has only one original member — respectively, Otis Williams, Florence LaRue, Duke Fakir and Henry Fambrough. When the groups were in their original or near original forms, much of the public knew the individual names of the members. That is definitely not the case today. Duke Fakir said that when he turns 80 late this year, he will hang it up for logical reasons. Would “the Four Tops” still exist? If so, in name only.

By Steve Holsey

hen former Miss America Vanessa Williams — the first Black woman to hold that title — was giving her tearful acceptance speech after being announced as the winner in the Best New Artist category at the 1989 NAACP Image Awards, she said something very touching.

The Temptations. Otis Williams is in front, right. From left are Ron Tyson (a member since 1983), Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon and Bruce Williamson. But actually, legally speaking, if a group is without any original members, they are supposed to identify themselves as a “tribute group” or something along those lines. However, I’m sure this law is broken with a certain degree of regularity, especially on the oldies show circuit. Count me in among those who do not recognize the four groups named above as “the real deal” even with an original member, although God bless them for keeping the legacies alive.

The Beyoncé album The “Feyoncé” coffee cover. mug. BEYONCE was right to bring a halt to that online company, Etsy, marketing a coffee mug identified as “Feyoncé.” In addition to exploiting her name, Etsy put a ring over the “o” in reference to Beyoncé’s hit song “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” This brings back memories of the time the Prince pasta company developed a television commercial using a concert setting. With a purple background, the announcer said to a screaming audience, “And now ladies and gentlemen, Prince!” with a spotlight on a box of Prince elbow macaroni.

After thanking her family, PolyGram Records executive Ed Eckstine (“for giving me a chance”) and her husband, Ramon Hervey, Williams said, “And I definitely also want to thank the Black community because when I needed you, you were there for me.” The audience response was thunderous. It was a great moment in American history — and Black history — in 1983 when the Miss America crown was placed on the head of the exceptionally beautiful Vanessa Lynn Williams from Millwood, New York. THE NEXT 10 months were an enchanted time, but everything came crashing down when Penthouse magazine cruelly published nude pictures of Williams — sometimes with another woman — taken years before when she was a teenager. The fact that Penthouse published Vanessa Williams the photo spread when Williams only had two months left in her Miss America reign was especially mean-spirited. Williams relinquished the Miss America title and many people, in the media and elsewhere, dismissed her as a disgraced beauty queen and felt she was finished. But they had no idea how resilient Williams was, or how talented. True, she had been hurt, embarrassed and the brunt of jokes, but the whole thing was a major setback, not a career and life definer. “Success is the sweetest revenge,” she later said. THE FIRST step forward was being hired for the 1985 TV special “Motown Returns to the Apollo,” portraying the legendary Josephine Baker.

It was clever — even Prince admitted that — but he threatened a massive lawsuit and as a result, the commercial was pulled. “EMPIRE,” the new TV series starring Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard that is going through the ratings roof, was renewed for a second season after only two episodes.

Henson is against putting racial tags on movies and TV shows, even though the cast may be predominantly Black or whatever. These movies and shows, she says, are “for” anyone who wants to watch them. SLY STONE deserved the $5 million that was awarded to him by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in a breachof-contract lawsuit. Stone (real name: Sylvester Stewart) says his business partners and members of his company cheated him out of royalties from the years 1989 to 2000. For his group, the Sly Stone groundbreaking and colorful Sly & the Family Stone, Stewart wrote and produced some of the best and

See Reflections Page D-2

But even so, when he decided on a show business career, Downey made important inroads, setbacks and starts-and-stops notwithstanding. Downey’s breakthrough came in 1992 when he won the lead role in “Chaplin,” a biopic on the legendary comic actor. He worked overtime in making sure everything

See COMEBACKS Page D-2

Prince (1980s)

Despite some damaging Black images, violence and crude dialogue, I find myself watching the show every Wednesday night. In a way, The cast of “Empire.” it’s like a guilty pleasure.

Then, in 1988, the hit records started, with “The Right Stuff” followed by an unbroken string of hits, including “(He’s Got) The Look,” “Dreamin’,” “Darlin’ I,” “Running Back to You,” “The Comfort Zone” and the No. 1 song that earned Williams a Grammy nomination, “Save the Best for Last.” Williams also became a regular presence in film, with major roles in such hit movies as “Eraser” (with Arnold Schwarzenegger), “Soul Food,” “Light it Up” and “Shaft.” Her television résumé is even lengthier and includes “The Jacksons – An American Dream” (miniseries), “The Fresh Prince of BelAir,” “Ally McBeal,” “South Beach,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Bye Bye Birdie.” B u t she is probably best known as the take-no-prisoners Wilhelmina Slater in the long-running “Ugly Betty” In addition, Williams, who is also an accomplished dancer, won praise for her stage work in such productions as “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “The Trip to Bountiful,” “Carmen Jones” and “After Midnight.” ROBERT DOWNEY, JR., super-talented actor, is the ultimate triumph over adversity story. He could easily have been destroyed by his drug demons, but instead today he is one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood, a man whose name on is gold. Downey started out with several strikes against him. For example, his father was a drug addict and, believe it or not, allowed his son to smoke marijuana at the age of six.

Robert Downey, Jr.

Tina Turner

entertainment

Jillian Estell and Kevin Costner.

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 4-10, 2015 Page D-2

Jillian Estell and Octavia Spencer.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Black or Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tells a compelling, timely story By Princess Hayes â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black or Whiteâ&#x20AC;? starring Kevin Costner (Elliot Anderson), Anthony Mackie (Jeremiah Jeffers) and Octavia Spencer (Rowena Jeffers) was written and directed by a Detroit native, Michael Binder. Inspired by actual events, it is the story of a biracial child (Eloise Anderson, played by Jillian Estell) torn between her Caucasian grandfather (Costner) and African American grandmother (Spencer) ignites a custody battle between the two. Both families have the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best interests at heart and want what they feel is best for her. Confronted with feelings and emotions of forgiveness and understanding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black or Whiteâ&#x20AC;? attempts to analyze various perspectives on life, race and family. I believe that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black or Whiteâ&#x20AC;? deals with classism as opposed to racism. Rowenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family was a loving and caring family but Elliot did not trust that Rowenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family would raise Eloise in the way that he thought she should be. Rowena doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think Eloise would get the love and attention she needs after the death of Elliotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife. With Elliot, race isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the issue but Rowena believed that race played a huge part in Elliotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black or Whiteâ&#x20AC;? is parallel to Binderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s situation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My wife and I helped raised my biracial nephew after the death of my wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to play out the scenario and allow audiences to look inside two vastly different families as they unite by their shared love for the child that binds them together.â&#x20AC;? Binderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s films all seem to fit his per-

Combacks

sonality, starting his career as a writer and stand-up comedian. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All my movies are drama with a little comedy but this one has that race element and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never be able to make everybody happy with a film when there is race involved,â&#x20AC;? he said. Playing the role of a successful Black attorney is different from other roles that Mackie has played. When asked how comfortable he was with this role, Mackie said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was an extremely different role for me, I had to play the game really well and walk that tight line as a successful corporate Black man. There was a level of subtlety and arrogance that this role called for which Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not accustomed to in my day- to-day life.â&#x20AC;? Regarding casting, Binder explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you cast right, the biggest part of your job is done.â&#x20AC;? Binder is heavily involved with the casting of his movies and has had the same casting directors since his first film. Mackie says this film provided everyone the opportunity to do something they believe in. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you have someone as amazing as Octavia Spencer and legendary as Kevin Costner, the water can get muddy with egos, but we were just having fun,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was an enjoyable experience.â&#x20AC;? The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black or Whiteâ&#x20AC;? story is told as if it is about race but the real issue is socioeconomic status. The two are often confused in our society. But the film shows the importance of love and family. I would encourage everyone to see this film.

From page D-1

was perfectâ&#x20AC;Śmannerisms, movements, posture, etc. He received a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for his efforts. SADLY, from 1996 to 2001, there were a number of arrests for hardcore drug use. He ultimately wound up spending nearly 12 months in California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison. Through it all the very likable Downey had massive support from people from all quarters who sincerely wanted him to succeed, so they cheered him on. Upon his release, he resumed his career with multiple appearances on the popular â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ally McBealâ&#x20AC;? series, for which he received a Golden Globe award. However, he relapsed before his stint on the show was over. But he continued to get back on horse even though being thrown from it was of his own doing. Eventually Downey, who is also a good singer, got himself together â&#x20AC;&#x201D; drug-free since mid-2003 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and began starring in a series of hugely successful movies (â&#x20AC;&#x153;blockbustersâ&#x20AC;?), most notably the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iron Manâ&#x20AC;? trilogy and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tropic Thunder.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The lesson is that you can make mistakes and be forgiven,â&#x20AC;? Downey said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m now coming from a place of strength and humility.â&#x20AC;? TINA TURNER is an icon and, since the beginning, one of the most exciting performers to ever step on a stage. And she has been a major influence on BeyoncĂŠ. Back in the rhythm and blues days

and beyond, the Ike & Tina Turner Revue wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a show, it was an explosion of sound and sight. Pulsating beats, soaring horns, Tinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raw voice and, of course, the hair-tossing, wildlyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;gyrating Tina with the Ikettes.

Sadly, he was curtailed by drug abuse. HAD TO smile when hearing about the reporter who marveled over the â&#x20AC;&#x153;tanâ&#x20AC;? of actress Rashida Jones, who informed the reporter that she is â&#x20AC;&#x153;ethnic.â&#x20AC;? Jonesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; parents are the great Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton. Viola Davis and Jennifer Lopez are making a movie as a team titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lila & Eve.â&#x20AC;?

Not many people know

ÂŠ 2014 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

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In the beginning, Ike & Tina Turner was strictly a Black attraction with hits like â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Fool in Loveâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gonna Work Out Fine.â&#x20AC;? But things changed in the early 1970s when the act was â&#x20AC;&#x153;discoveredâ&#x20AC;? by White America, and it peaked in 1971with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proud Mary,â&#x20AC;? which is recognized all over the world as a classic and a Tina Turner staple. BUT OFFSTAGE, as the world now knows, Tina Turner was going through hell, physically and emotionally, with her very talented but domineering and often abusive husband, and it got worse when Ike got strung out on cocaine. When Tina finally got up the courage to leave Ike in 1976, she had to put together a show to fulfill the many engagements Ike & Turner were committed to. She also developed an act for Vegas. It was tough going, but she was determined. As a solo act, she soared into the stratosphere in 1984 with her hitpacked, historic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Private Dancerâ&#x20AC;? album featuring what would become her signature song as a solo artist, the Grammy-winning â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Love Got to do With It?â&#x20AC;? Plenty of other hits followed along with several movies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My legacy is that I stayed on course, from the beginning to the end, because I believed in something inside of me,â&#x20AC;? Turner said.

Reflections most innovative songs ever recorded, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dance to the Music,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Want to Take You Higher,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyday People,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Family Affair,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Lady,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hot Fun in the Summertime,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If You Want Me to Stayâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stand!â&#x20AC;?

LEGENDARY PICTURES AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENT A LEGENDARY PICTURES/THUNDER ROAD FILM/WIGRAM PRODUCTION â&#x20AC;&#x153;SEVENTH SONâ&#x20AC;? JEFF BRIMUSICDGES BEN BARNESCOSTUME ALICIA VIKANDER KIT HARINGTON OLIVIA WILLIAMS ANTJE TRAUE WITH DJIMON HOUNSOU EXECUTIVE JONSCREENJASHNI BRENT Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;CONNOR AND JULIANNE MOORE BY MARCO BELTRAMI DESIGNER JACQUELINE WEST PRODUCERSCO- JILLIAN SHARE ERICA LEE PRODUCERS STORY BASED ON THE BOOK SERIES PRODUCED ALYSIA COTTER BY BASIL IWANYK THOMAS TULL LIONEL WIGRAM â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE LAST APPRENTICEâ&#x20AC;? BY MATT GREENBERG BY JOSEPH DELANEY SCREENPLAY DIRECTED BY CHARLES LEAVITT AND STEVEN KNIGHT BY SERGEI BODROV A UNIVERSAL RELEASE

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including yours truly until very recently â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that Fox 2 Newsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; unique investigative reporter, Charlie LeDuff, is biracial. His heritage is Creole (meaning European and Black) and Native American. Wonder if Janet Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s siblings, and perhaps even her parents, have met her husband, Wissam Al Mana. They live in his country, Qatar. BETCHA DIDNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T KNOW...that former Supreme Scherrie Payne used to be a Detroit schoolteacher. MEMORIES: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Runaway Loveâ&#x20AC;? (Linda Clifford), â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) (Billy Ocean), â&#x20AC;&#x153;Native New Yorkerâ&#x20AC;? (Odyssey), â&#x20AC;&#x153;If Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Ready (Come Go With Me)â&#x20AC;? (the Sta-

From page D-1 ple Singers), â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Baby Must be a Magicianâ&#x20AC;? (the Marvelettes), â&#x20AC;&#x153;If You Really Love Meâ&#x20AC;? (Stevie Wonder), â&#x20AC;&#x153;Another One Bites the Dustâ&#x20AC;? (Queen), â&#x20AC;&#x153;How Long? (Betcha Got a Chick on the Side) (the Pointer Sisters), â&#x20AC;&#x153;1-2-3â&#x20AC;? (Len Barry). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Never Love This Way Againâ&#x20AC;? (Dionne Warwick). BLESSINGS to Sheila Cockrel, Apryl Edwards, Jennifer Epps, Duane Davis, Millie Scott, Dennis Archer, T.P. Coleman, Joel McNair and Dorothy West. WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Michelle Obama: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choose people who lift you up.â&#x20AC;?

Let the music play!

Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol. com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND FOCUS FEATURES PRESENT A MICHAEL DE LUCA PRODUCTION â&#x20AC;&#x153;MUSIC FIFTY SHADES OF GREYâ&#x20AC;?EXECUTIVE DAKOTA JOHNSON JAMIE DORNAN JENNIFER EHLE AND MARCIA GAY HARDEN PRODUCED BY DANNY ELFMAN PRODUCERS MARCUS VISCIDI JEB BRODY BY MICHAEL DE LUCA p.g.a. E L JAMES p.g.a. BASED ON SCREENPLAY DANA BRUNETTI p.g.a. THE NOVEL BY E L JAMES BY KELLY MARCEL DIRECTEDBY SAM TAYLOR-JOHNSON A UNIVERSAL PICTURE SOUNDTRACK ON REPUBLIC RECORDS

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entertainment

February 4-10, 2015

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

«««STAR CHART «««

Virgo Season Dates: August 23 - September 22 Symbol: The Virgin Planet: Mercury, the “messenger” Element: Earth-Grounded, Traditional, Stable Characteristics of Virgos: Positive: Meticulous, Practical, Dependable Negative: Overcritical, Fussy, Harsh

Virgo Weekly Horoscope A deceptive course of affairs in an important area of your life and must take up a lot of your time now if you want to learn who is at the bottom of it. You may be getting angry at the wrong person rather than looking at the source of this perplexing issue. Love probability: 75% Lucky Numbers: 49, 39, 22, 25, 3, 21 Libra Weekly Horoscope At this time you are objective and can make some clear decisions about where you are headed or what the next step to achieve your important personal goals should be. Your judgment is sound at this time. You may have an important professional conference or a conversation about your career. Love probability: 70% Lucky Numbers: 5, 43, 48, 37, 13, 46 Scorpio Weekly Horoscope Your spirits are high at this time, and you feel optimistic, self-confident, generous, and good-natured. You greet life with a fresh attitude, and it is easy for you to forget the mistakes of the past and envision bright new avenues for growth and fulfillment. Love probability 88% Lucky Numbers: 44, 21, 25, 43, 4, 2 Sagittarius Weekly Horoscope There can be certain turn of events in friendships as you try to make heads or tails of unusual twists in someone’s character. At times we feel as though we know someone completely until a

wrench is thrown in the works and that person does the totally unexpected. Love probability: 59% Lucky Numbers: 40, 2, 23, 10, 37, 29

Capricorn Weekly Horoscope Your sense of the situation is probably pretty accurate today, especially if you’re telling yourself to let sleeping dogs lie, and allow general agreement to form without making a bid deal of it. Exude emotional stability (or at least pretend to) and you’ll find yourself brought in as expert and friend. Love probability: 20% Lucky Numbers: 35, 10, 43, 26, 13, 38

Aquarius Weekly Horoscope It is a great day for completing your work objectives. You can show a lot of determination and persistence in the way you carry out your duties but also how you share your ideas with others. Do not move too quickly however because that could bring some opposition from others as well as making you accident-prone. Love probability: 20% Lucky Numbers: 43, 3, 39, 31, 5, 17 Pisces Weekly Horoscope Your friendly concern for others and your willingness to meet people half way benefits your career, reputation, or public image at this time. This is a favorable time to socialize with people you have professional ties with, as the positive feelings you generate now are likely to be an aid to you in the future. Love probability: 10% Lucky Numbers: 1, 16, 49, 42, 19, 37 Aries Weekly Horoscope You’ve been careless and this refers to assuming that you have more time available than you really do. This is all to do with some unforeseen paperwork that is going to require more time than you had allowed for clearing the backlog. You’d better get cracking quick smart!

Work Where You LOVE TO PLAY!

Love probability: 73% Lucky Numbers: 10, 24, 47, 6, 23, 39 Taurus Weekly Horoscope Your mind is directed inward now. Reflecting on your personal life, and the overall direction you are headed in, is very likely now. Thoughts of the past and the choices you made are also prominent. Making a decision regarding your home or your family life is favored at this time. Love probability: 56% Lucky Numbers: 5, 21, 1, 7, 24, 41 Gemini Weekly Horoscope There’s a certain pleasure in feeling well grounded, and this moment would make a firm foundation for whatever you choose to build upon it. If your plans are already made, it’s time for the cornerstone to be laid. Go with what you’ve got, as there’s a no-frills feeling that’s saying keep it simple, take it slow. Love probability: 53% Lucky Numbers: 13, 36, 20, 9, 19, 42 Cancer Weekly Horoscope You have a lot of mental energy and are eager to “attack” intellectual or conceptual problems. You are likely to come up with a clever solution or a very workable plan, especially if you brainstorm with others. You also tend to make up your mind very quickly and decisively now, and to translate your ideas into action. Love probability: 19% Lucky Numbers: 23, 12, 18, 36, 40, 11 Leo Weekly Horoscope It’s ideas that count for you now, more than narrowly personal concerns, and you may have little tolerance for people who do not operate at this level. A sense of emotional coolness or detachment at the personal level, combined with an emphasis on idealism. This is the theme of the cycle you are now entering. Love probability: 96% Lucky Numbers: 17, 13, 9, 40, 21, 4

Page D-3

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1 (800) 514-3849

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TODAY! (A Reading Not Guaranteed)

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE: FOOTBALL dance 5. Comes in 6. Used for stewing, pl. 7. *Sometimes a team goes for this after a TD 8. High up 9. Religious offshoot 10. Legal action 11. South American wood sorrels 12. *____ Romo 15. *Part of a football cleat 20. *What players do to help fix injured joint or limb 22. “I see!” 24. Chest bone 25. *It includes 7 rounds 26. Saintly glow, pl. 27. Jig, in France 29. “Moonlight Sonata,” e.g. 31. Highlands hillside 32. Trite or hackneyed 33. Wombs

REDEEM AT ANY VARGO GOLF COURSE LOCATION

34. *Sugar and Orange, e.g. 36. Not to be done, especially for a baby 38. Exclamation of annoyance 42. Style of abstractionism popular in 1960s 45. Change ACROSS 1. Figure of speech 6. School org. 9. *Where official places football after a play 13. *Often twirled at football games 14. Nocturnal flyer 15. Ma Bell, e.g. 16. Artificial leg 17. Also 18. Neptune’s realm 19. *Team with most NFL championships 21. *_______ league 23. “___ you sure?” 24. Dateless

35. The Colosseum today, e.g.

in what is considered first college game

37. Mimicked

61. Caribbean Sea island country

39. Inspiration for poets and musicians 40. Oscar winner and directed by Ben Affleck

66. Club on a card, e.g.

41. Donkey in Latin America

68. *Home to the Dolphins

43. All over

69. Michael Moore’s hometown

44. Animals of a particular region

70. Pitcher’s stat

46. *Football center move

71. Painter _____ Degas

47. Viscount’s superior

72. Ficus tree fruit, pl.

48. Start a golf hole

73. A Bobbsey twin

50. *BYU Cougars’ home state

74. Swarms

25. David Alan Grier’s initials

52. Fleur-de-___

28. “I ____ the sheriff...”

55. Not decaf.

30. Uproar

65. Finno-_____ language

53. Soap bubbles 57. *Princeton opponent

DOWN 1. Recipe abbreviation 2. Pro ____ 3. Ear-related 4. “Roll Out the Barrel”

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FEBRUARY IS HEART DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Washington-Parks Academy 11685 Appleton Redford, MI 48239 Phone: (313) 592-6061 http://www.cornerstonecharters.org/ washington-parks-academy/ Washington-Parks Academy, a Tuition Free Public School Academy, with an academic program for K-8 grade, announces the 20152016 enrollment period. Open Enrollment: 02/16/15 through 05/08/15 Re-Enrollment: for current students: 02/16/15 through 04/24/15. A random selection lottery will be held on May 15th, 2015. Lincoln-King Academy 13436 Grove Street Detroit, MI 48235 Phone: (313) 862-2352 http://www.cornerstonecharters.org/ lincoln-king-academy/ Lincoln-King Academy, a Tuition Free Public School Academy, with an academic program for K-8 grade, announces the 2015-2016 enrollment period. Open Enrollment: 02/16/15 through 05/08/15 Re-Enrollment: for current students: 02/16/15 through 04/24/15. A random selection lottery will be held on May 15th, 2015. Cornerstone Charter Health and Technology School 17351 Southfield Road Detroit, Michigan 48235 Phone: (313) 486-4260 http://www.cornerstonecharters.org/ health-high-school/ Cornerstone Charter Health and Technology School, a Tuition Free Public School Academy, with an academic program for 9-12 grade, announces the 2015-2016 enrollment period. Open Enrollment: 02/16/15 through 05/08/15 Re-Enrollment: for current students: 02/16/15 through 04/24/15. A random selection lottery will be held on May 15th, 2015. Madison-Carver Academy 19900 McIntyre Street Detroit, MI 48219 Phone: (313) 486-4626 http://www.cornerstonecharters.org/ madison-carver-academy/ Madison-Carver Academy, a Tuition Free Public School Academy, with an academic program for K-8 grade, announces the 20152016 enrollment period. Open Enrollment: 02/16/15 through 05/08/15 Re-Enrollment: for current students: 02/16/15 through 04/24/15. A random selection lottery will be held on May 15th, 2015.

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ADVERTISEMENT Request for Qualifications/ Proposals (RFQ/P) For Professional Economic Development Consulting Services for the Mt. Elliot Employment District Reinvestment Strategy The Detroit Economic Growth Association (DEGA), working with the City of Detroit, desires to establish a reinvestment strategy for an area characterized as the Mt. Elliot Employment District, the northeastern portion of the city’s larger historic eastern commercial & industrial corridor, and also includes the Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport facility. The DEGA is soliciting proposals from professional economic development consulting firms specializing in advising public-private sector partnerships, and preparing economic and physical redevelopment strategies for large commercial and industrial land use areas. The DEGA desires to hire a firm that can provide a multi-disciplined, pragmatic, and locally inclusive strategic action planning approach in prioritizing short term investments to: improve district infrastructure, land and site development readiness, transportation/ accessibility and support services to the current and forecasted workforce population, establish district marketing and branding strategies, and district management and operations strategies. Interested parties are invited to learn more about the initiative & later submit a complete a fee proposal with qualifications. The RFQ/P will be available on the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation website at www.degc.org, beginning on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 1pm. Pre-Bid Meeting Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 10 am Location: 500 Griswold St., Suite 2200 Detroit, MI, 48226 Bid Due Date: Contracting Agency:

February 24, 2015 at 3 pm Detroit Economic Growth Association 500 Griswold St., Suite 2200 Detroit, Michigan 48226

Contact:

Malik Goodwin, Vice President- Project Management (313) 237-4603

Proposals will be evaluated by the DEGA to select the most responsive proposal. A prime consultant and/or joint venture partner(s) may only submit one response to this Request for Qualifications/ Proposals. A sub-consultant may be a member of several teams making submittals to this RFQ/P. All firms submitting proposals must agree to comply with the requirements of Fair Employment Practices and the City of Detroit’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Ordinance and Human Rights requirements. No submittal may be withdrawn for at least 90 days after the actual opening of the proposal. The DEGA reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any proposal or to reject any or all proposals should it be deemed in its best interest. NOTICE of AIR POLLUTION COMMENT PERIOD and PUBLIC HEARING The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is holding a public comment period from February 4, 2015, until March 11, 2015, and a public hearing on March 11, 2015, for DTE Electric Company (DTE). DTE is proposing new sulfur dioxide (SO2) limits in support of the 1-hour SO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standard for both the Trenton Channel Power Plant and the River Rouge Power Plant. The facilities are located at 4695 West Jefferson Avenue, Trenton, Michigan and 1 Belanger Park, River Rouge, Michigan, respectively. The public comment period and hearing are to allow all interested parties the opportunity to comment on the MDEQ’s proposed conditional approval of the Permit to Install (PTI) applications. Additionally, the new SO2 limits for Trenton Channel and River Rouge power plants will require revisions to Renewable Operating Permit (ROP) No. 199600204 and MI-ROP-B2810-2012 (SRN B2811 and B2810), respectively. This public comment period meets the public participation requirements for a future administrative amendment to the ROP. Copies of the MDEQ staff’s analysis and proposed permit conditions are available for inspection at the following locations, or you may request a copy be mailed to you by calling 517-284-6793. Please reference Permit to Install No. 125-11B (Trenton Channel) and/or 4008G (River Rouge). AIR QUALITY DIVISION (AQD) Internet Home Page http://www.michigan.gov/air DETROIT: MDEQ, AQD, Cadillac Place, Suite 2-300, 3058 West Grand Boulevard (Phone: 313-456-4712) LANSING: MDEQ, AQD, Constitution Hall, 525 West Allegan Street (Phone: 517-284-6793) TRENTON: Trenton City Hall, 2800 Third Street (Phone: 734-675-6500) RIVER ROUGE: City of River Rouge, 10600 West Jefferson Avenue (Phone: 313-842-4200) WAYNE COUNTY: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, 2nd Floor, Room 201, Detroit (Phone: 313-224-6262) The public is encouraged to present written views on the proposed permit actions. Written comments should be sent to Ms. Cindy Smith, Acting Permit Section Supervisor, MDEQ, AQD, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-7760. Comments may also be submitted from the webpage http://www.deq.state.mi.us/aps/cwerp.shtml [click on “Submit Comment” under the DTE Electric Company, PTI No. 125-11B (Trenton Channel) and/or 40-08G (River Rouge) listing]. All statements received by March 11, 2015, will be considered by the decision maker prior to final permit actions. On March 11, 2015, an informational session and the public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at the City of River Rouge, 10600 West Jefferson, River Rouge, Michigan. The informational session will begin at 6:00 p.m. The AQD staff will be available to answer questions. The public hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. The sole purpose of the public hearing will be to take formal testimony on the record. Individuals needing accommodations for effective participation at the hearing should contact Ms. Amie Hartman at 517-284-6793 one week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance.

Renewal Acct. # Accepted

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BY REAL

TIMES MED

Volume

78 – Num

ber 1

WHAT’S INS IDE Dems at crossroads (Page A-3)

Brand D etroit: W ho should invest? michigan

chronicle

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By Bank ole

Thompson CHRONICLE As the likelih SENIOR EDITOR Democratic ood of the Ancient and Party losing its major professiona Egypt were cities like Alexandria ity from all ls with grand built by men and suffer in the Senate in sought walks of life ed by indivi vision. They and women out Alexa the House losses in dria, makin nlong before duals with were creatg it the words increases, envy of a the world the of Barac the buzzw “globalizat global view Obama come k ion” . ord for Today, merce. internationabecame to mind. Alexandria The presid stands l comas For centu know how ent said, “We global tourisa major ries leading t attrac elections, to win national tion and cultural Alexandria was and contin center the Bankole ues to be one of the world it’s during but all too often, philoshome to peopl Thompson erence of the best refwhere we these midterms ry tellsophies and e with different points religions. end of ancie us up the gettin ourselves nt past. Histothe Roma that the Greek If there into troubl g was ever scholars, like ers, pione n emperors, e.” a city that to see Jewis

Our child ren’ education s (Page B-4)

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Building Heal Communitiesthy program (Page B-1)

Fifty-eight the state schools across have been selected to Building receive the Healthy Communities progr a private-pub am. It is lic initiati designed ve to and impro fight obesity wellness ve childhood through schoo based progr amming. l-

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Gary Peters? MC: Who convinced you to run GP: My for the Senat schoolteachfather was a World e? and union er and my moth War II vetera that hard steward. They er worked as n and public a taught work and values me from nurse’s aide service and they a young are live up to them. impressed uponfundamental Michi age United States That’s why me gan at 34 yearsa commitmen Navy Reser ing duty t to old, to run forafter the Sept. ve and why I returnI joined the 11 what the the U.S. Senat terrorist attack ed to drille future becau s. I decided my childr for Michi se I am voice in en and all of our gan is going worried about to look the U.S. families. like for legacy and Senate We need mon-sense commit every to carry on Sen. Michigan’s single day Carl Levin soluti ganders ’s struggle ons to the kinds to working for priority has alwaywith around their of challenges comvesting Michis been dinne in and makinour engines of about creating r table. My top good jobs, class familig sure there is growth like small ina ladder busin es and cal that we prote those aspiring of success for esses, so that middle folks whoct the promise to get there. It of the Amer find good is critiwork hard ican Dream and dignity. jobs to suppo rt their play by the rules families and retire can MC: What with has chang your run ed for you for this office? since you GP: The announced amou on defea ting me nt of money the has grown right wing exponential has spent ly. can oppon My Republient and special her interest like the allies Koch have attack Brothers more than ed me with $12 millio in negat n ive lying about advertising My oppon my record. outside ent and her speci al interest group the Koch allies like have attack Brothers ed me cause I betook billionaires on the oil that contaminat were neighborho ing our our Great ods and I will continLakes, and ue to to stop new tax fight for bre

The Michigan Chronicle When ther e’s career slum a (Page C-3) p

In the event that you find your caree nating, when r stagis no longe your job and challe r interesting are things nging, there done aboutthat can be divides it it. Carl Norris into parts — “Undethree What Motiv rstanding “Challenge ates You,” “Keep Your Yourself” and Cool.”

Simply the best (Page D-1)

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479 Ledyard • Detroit, MI 48201 GARY PETE of the newe RS, Democratic nomin Tony Vulaj. st restaurants in Midto ee for U.S. Sena — Andre wn owne Smith photos d by longti te, inside Tony V’s, one me Detro it entreprene ur

ven as his Repub nent, Terri lican oppory-picking Lynn Land , is chermedia to, the Demo Congressm outlets to talk an Gary is makin cratic nominee Peters, listen. In g his case to for U.S. Senat e, anyone on-one this interview, who will with Peter of the Michi Bankole Thom s goes oneissues both gan Chronicle, pson, editor on a range policy and ing why of perso ator fromhe should be the nal explainCarl LevinMichigan, repla next U.S. sencing the . iconic MICH the most IGAN CHRONICL E: What senator pressing issue are s for the from Michi next U.S. gan? GARY building PETERS: I am an Amer ing to work ica wherecommitted to anyone hard and can find willplay by the rules to qualit a good-paying y, job, safe neigh affordable health have acces s borhood, care, live a good send their in school, children a and making to Michigan at the end of es and ensuring a trade, travel the day, retire jo an w t

HELP WANTED Senior Calibration Engineer

BORN GIFTED READER

POWERED

Page D-4

____________________________________________________ Cindy Smith, Acting Permit Section Supervisor

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS The Detroit Service Learning Academy District is accepting applications for grades K-8 for the 2015-2016 school year starting Monday, February 2, 2015 through Thursday, April 2, 2015. We have two locations in which applicants can apply. Detroit Service Learning Academy is located at 21605 W. 7 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48219 and Redford Service Learning Academy is located at 25940 Grand River Ave., Redford, MI 48240. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Should the number of applications exceed the number of available space; a random selection drawing will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at the Detroit Service Learning Academy. Please contact Ms. Carmalla Metts at 313-541-7619 ext. 1140 for further information. This institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and or disability.

NOTICE AT&T Mobility is proposing to collocate antennas on an existing building at 2002 Third Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226, 42.3342306 N, 83.05827222 W. The height of the overall building height will be 110-ft above ground level. The building is anticipated to have no lights. Specific information regarding the project is available by calling Clint Carlson (630-227-0202) during normal business hours. Any interested party may submit comments within 30 days of this publication with Trileaf Corporation at 1821 Walden Office Square, Suite 510, Schaumburg, IL 60173, on the impact of the proposed action on any districts, sites, buildings, structures or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Act Section 106. HELP WANTED Local & Linehaul Drivers wanted! Holland is hiring Drivers in Romulus, MI. Drvs w/ 1 year or 50k miles exp, w/ tanker & hazmat. See the Recruiter on Feb 23rd & 24th between 3pm and 6pm at the terminal 27411 Wick rd in Romulus or apply Hollandregional.com/careers. EEO/AAE Minorities/Females/Persons with Disabilities/Protected Veterans Seeking

ADMINISTRATIVE PROJECT COORDINATOR (PART-TIME) at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Pre-College Programs

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Business or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field. One year experience working with at-risk students which would include the supervision, training and mentoring of college level students that work in the programs. Valid Michigan Driver’s License and driving record acceptable to the University required in order to travel several days a week to our service schools. This is a part-time position, working 30 hours per week. Salary up to the high $20’s annually. First consideration will be given to those who apply by February 9th. See online posting for additional position requirements. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

Seeking

BIOSTATISTICIAN at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY School of Medicine

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in Applied Statistics with minimum of 2 years experience in applied biostatistics, preferably in a medical/medical education environment, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Experience in statistical consulting including relevant software use (SAS, R, SPSS). Must have working knowledge of moderately complex statistical methods, i.e., experimental design, power analysis, categorical data analysis, ANOVA, ANCOVA, repeated measures analysis, mixed models, survival analysis and non-parametric methods. Salary up to the mid $60’s annually. First consideration will be given to those who apply by February 9th. See online posting for additional position requirements. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

THIS CLASSIFIED SPOT FOR SALE! Advertise your product or recruit an applicant in more than 65 other papers in Eastern Michigan for only $250/week! Call 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS MONTH

AGRICULTURAL/FARMINGSERVICES MICHIGAN HUNTING LAND WANTED! Earn thousands on your land by leasing the hunting rights. Free evaluation & info packet. Liability coverage included. The experts at Base Camp Leasing have been bringing landowners & hunters together since 1999. Email: info@basecampleasing.com Call: 866-309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com

General Motors Co. seeks a Senior Calibration Engineer – Milford, MI, to support development of algorithms and participation in the product development team process supporting common algorithms technology and regulatory roll-outs; support lead calibration engineer and diagnostic strategist to assure algorithms meet vehicle technical specifications and algorithm requirements are delivered to the product development process involving consistent application and providing input to documentation of auxiliary emissions control devices, among other duties. Min. BS & 5 yrs. exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. #5567907, 300 Renaissance Center, M/C 482-C32-D44, Detroit, MI 48265-3000.

Infotainment Engineer General Motors Co. seeks a Infotainment Engineer – Warren, MI, Plan, execute, and finalize a complex infotainment solution for GM according to strict deadlines and budget, including acquiring resources and coordinating the efforts of multiple engineering teams and third-party vendors in order to deliver a solution according to plan that meets all requirements; define the project's objectives and oversee quality control throughout its life cycle; define project scope, goals and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with stakeholders; develop full-scale project plans and associated communications documents, among other duties. Min. BS & 2 yrs. exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. #5568047, 300 Renaissance Center, M/C 482-C32-D44, Detroit, MI 482653000.

is seeking to fill the following vacancies: • Rent Analyst • Guest Services Associate • Housekeeping Supervisor • Mobility Mentor Coach For a full description, please visit www.cotsdetroit.org. Cover letters and resumes can be submitted to: COTS, Attn: Human Resources 26 Peterboro, Detroit, MI 48201 Fax 313.831.4787 email – jmaples@cotsdetroit.org WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM Seeking

DIRECTOR OF ADVISING - NURSING at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY School of Nursing

Master’s Degree in Counseling or an equivalent combination of education and/ or experience. Minimum five years of experience in providing academic advising services to diverse populations in a university setting. The director must be able to develop policies and procedures for the delivery of student services within the School of Nursing. Salary is up to $60,000 annually. First consideration will be given to those who apply by February 10, 2015. See online positing for additional position requirements. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu Seeking

FINANCIAL AID ADVISER at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY School of Medicine

Provide counseling and advice to medical students and parents about financial services, financial aid, financial literacy, student account and billing, payment plans and student employment. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree and superior customer service skills. One year experience in higher education financial services advising and aid processing. This is a full time position. Salary is up to the mid 40’s annually. First consideration will be given to those who apply by February 10, 2015. Refer to online posting for additional requirements. Must apply online for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu Seeking

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, OPERATIONS AND EVENTS at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY School of Nursing

The director will provide operational leadership for the School of Nursing Focus Hope Continuing Education programs. Bachelors of Science (Arts) in business administration, human resources development, management, education or related areas. Five years of managerial experience in an education, training or human resources development setting. Five years of experience in a workforce development, career placement, or human services counseling setting. Salary is up to the mid $60’s annually. First consideration will be given to those who apply by February 10, 2015. See online positing for additional position requirements. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

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Dexter Avenue Baptist Church welcomes new pastor and family Rev. Richard Rembert White III was elected on January 6, 2014 to be the new pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, 13500 Dexter Ave. in detroit. Rev. White is a native of Detroit and is the son of Rev. Dr. Richard White Jr. and Constance White. Rev. White III accepted god’s calling on his life at an early age and pursued his gift integrity living by faith. He was licensed to preach at the age of 17 under the late Pastor Ocie Tabb Jr. At Beth Eden Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit at the age of 20. Rev. White became an associate minister at Midway Baptist Church under the leadership of his father, in December of 2003. He was called to pastor Greater Marion Chapel at the age of 23. Pastor White was educated in the Detroit public school system and is a proud graduate of Communication and Media Arts High School. In may 2004 Pastor White obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology, and in May 2005 obtained his master’s degree, both

Rev. Richard White III with his family from Tennessee School of Religion. Pastor white is the treasurer for the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity, the financial secretary for Kingdom Building Pastors and People International and community advocate for Crime Stoppers of Michigan. Pastor White was the president of the Fellowship District Congress of Christian Education, the general secretary for the Baptist Missionary and Educational State Convention of Michigan. Led by God White is also a devoted husband and father. He shares an unbreakable bond with his wife,

First Lady D’nita White and together they are committed to Christ and pursuing is will. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Cierra and Destini, and a son, Richard IV. Pastor White is also a brother. Pastor Richard Rembert White III loves his ministry. He has dedicated his life to feeding the truth to God’s people and believes in being led by the spirit of God and is concerned about the prosperity of God’s people in every area of their lives. Pastor White is worthy of honor, for his leadership and commitment in the service of the Lord.

Celebrating a century

Thelma J. Brooks, now a resident of Los Angeles, California reached the pinnacle age of 100 on February 9, 2015. Mrs. Brooks resided in Detroit from 1950 to 2014. She has been involved in numerous organizations over the past 80 years, which she is very proud to talk about. She has been a trailblazer at Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit for over 60 years.

City-wide tribute for Bishop P.A. Brooks

Mildred Gaddis, queen of Detroit talk radio and host of “The Mildred Gaddis Show” on AM1200, Bankole Thompson, editor of the Michigan Chronicle, and Rev. Bertram Marks of First Community Baptist Church hosted an evening of celebration in recognition of the many contributions of the dean of the faith community in Detroit, Bishop P.A. Brooks, First Assistant Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ.

February 4 - 10, 2015 Page D-5

OBITUARIES Dr. Albert C. Hayes, Jr. Services for Dr. Albert C. Hayes, Jr. were held on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 at People’s United Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Marva Pope. The eulogy was given by Rev. Carter Grimmett of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church of St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Mr. Hayes made his transition on Jan. 3, 2015. Albert C. Hayes was born in Detroit on March 11, 1958 to Albert Sr. and Lorraine Hayes. He was active in many organizations as a child and graduated from Henry Ford High School. Upon graduation, he continued his education at Wayne State University and completed his graduate studies at Michigan State University-College of Human Medicine. He completed his residency at Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital and subsequently developed a successful private practice, specializing in internal medicine. Over the years he received an array of accolades. Mr. Hayes, who was an active member of People’s United Methodist Church, enjoyed golfing, traveling, gardening, collecting art and coins and watching “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race.” Remaining to cherish the memory of Dr. Albert C. Hayes, Jr. are his sisters, Nellye Hodges and Christine Ouellette; his brothers, Keith, Bernard and Cecil Hayes; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. Arrangements were handled by O.H. Pye III Funeral Home and interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery.

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT SERVICES FOR JOHN TURNER, JR. John Turner, Jr., popular owner of JoVonne’s Lounge on Greenfield and owner of Turner Tours Bus Company passed Friday, January 30, 2015. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Visitation/Viewing: James Cole Home for Funerals –16100 Schaefer at Puritan from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Family Hour: Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. and Funeral at 11 a.m. –Second Ebenezer Baptist Church, 14601 Dequindre at E. McNichols.

All students who attend school on Feb.11th Count Day will receive TWO FREE TICKETS to Monster Jam!

FEB. 28 ∙ FORD FIELD ∙ 7pm

Page D-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • February 4 -10, 2015

March 27, 2015 • 1:00 PM MGM Grand Casino and Hotel 1777 Third St. • Detroit, MI 48226

Tickets $65

Table of Ten $700

HONOREES Linda Joyce Alexander Chief Clinical Officer Total Health Care

Patricia Lynne Alexander

Deborah K. Jenkins

Principal Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School – DPS

LaTrice V. Jordan

Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer Comerica Bank

VP, Marketing and Development Matrix Human Services

Genelle M. Allen

The Honorable Sylvia Jordan

Tonya Allen

Deidre Lambert-Bounds

Assistant County Executive Wayne County President and Chief Executive Officer Skillman Foundation

Earlene Baggett-Hayes

Attorney/Arbitrator/Mediator/Trainer The Law & Mediation Center, PLLC

Edna Bell

Council President City of Southfield

Chief Operating Officer Ignite Social Media

Lyn E. Lewis, Ph.D

Chief Executive Officer and President Lyn Lewis & Associates, Inc.

Lisa Lunsford

Chief Executive Officer and President Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit

Chief Executive Officer and Founder Global Strategic Supply Solutions (GS3)

Denise Boone Bennett

Shirley Mann Gray

Vice President Consumer Market Manager, Bank of America

Frances D. Blanks

President Insurance Services of Michigan

Dr. Maria L. Bobo

Nursing Practice Director Detroit Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

Brenda Joyce Carter

Administrative Director Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Dannis Mitchell Diversity Manager Barton Malow

Jessica Care Moore Poet and Producer Moore Black Press

Dr. Cheryl C. Munday

Vice President Pontiac School District

Associate Professor/Director of Psychology Clinic University of Detroit-Mercy

Dr. Christina Clark

Pamela Parrish

Family Medicine Alsan Medical Clinic

Carrie J. Clark

Chief Legal Counsel Transactional & Economic Development, City of Detroit

Janet Patterson

Director IT & Project Management Office Henry Ford Health Systems

President & Chief Executive Officer Pathways to Self Determination

Nadine Cook

Dr. Peggy Richardson

Community Relations Consultant St. John Providence Health

Michelle Crockett

Medical Director Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

Charisse Ross

Principal and Director of Professional Development Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.

Director of Human Resources and Operations Detroit Area Agency on Aging

Gwendolyn A. de Jongh

Dr. Cynthia Shelby-Lane

Chief Human Resources & Labor Relations Officer Detroit Public Schools

LaNesha DeBardelaben

Vice President of Assessment & Community Engagement Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Dr. Shawny DeBerry

Chief Executive Officer Elan Anti-Aging & Longevity

Ayanna Smith

Chief Financial Officer Detroit Jazz Festival

Donna Stallings

Deputy Chief Operating Officer Wayne County Department of Public Service

Director of Community Development & Governmental Affairs Walker-Miller Energy Services

Mawine Diggs

Patricia Stewart

Campus President/ Chief Academic Officer Wayne County Community College District – Eastern Campus

Judge Vonda Evans

Third Circuit Court of Appeals

Judge Wanda Evans

36th District Court of Michigan

Sherrie Farrell

Office Managing Member, Dykema Gossett PLLC

Renée Fluker

Founder & President, Midnight Golf

The Honorable Sherry Gay-Dagnogo State Representative, Michigan Legislature

President and Founder Brooke Personal Development Center & Parent Network

Robin R. Terry

Chairman – Board of Trustees Motown Historical Museum

Cynthia Thomas

Executive Director, General Retirement System Police & Fire Retirement System, City of Detroit

Vickie Thomas City Beat Reporter CBS Radio/WWJ 950

Camille Walker Banks

Carol Gist

Executive Director Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses/Wayne State University Office of Economic Development

Donna Givens Williams

Director of Public Affairs & Communications The Coca-Cola Company

Deputy Chief U. Renee’ Hall

Director of Human Resources Operations Detroit Medical Center

LaDonna Holley

Deneen Whitaker

First Black Miss USA/Fitness & Wellness Professional Royal Physique Fitness President Youth Development Commission

Deputy Chief, Detroit Police Department SVP of Human Resources & Organizational Development Presbyterian Villages of Michigan

Dr. Sabrina Jackson

Founder & Chief Executive Officer Sabrina Jackson Enterprises

Felicia Wasson

Ayanna C. Weber

Assistant Director UAW-Ford Benefits Department

Jacqueline Wilson

First Lady and Director of The HIGH Program Wayne State University

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