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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 81 – No. 26 | March 7-13, 2018

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Voting reform campaign snags key endorsements Mayor Mike Duggan, former Sen. Carl Levin and former Wayne County Clerk Teola Hunter say voting needs to be accessible Noting our democracy thrives when our voting system works for everyone, former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and former Wayne County Clerk Teola P. Hunter have endorsed a comprehensive election reform initiative planned for the November 2018 ballot.

“Whether it’s a working mom who needs to vote absentee or a college student who’s away from home, we need to make sure that voting is accessible to all citizens and that everyone’s vote gets counted,” said Duggan. “That’s why I’m supporting Promote the Vote’s initiative to bring our voting system in line with 40 other states.”

100,000 Michigander's a Year Have Their Drivers Licenses Revoked for Failure To Pay

Drivers return to work as responsibility fees hit the road

By Lee Claire Embattled Michigan governor Rick Snyder last week signed legislation to expedite eliminating the state’s unusually punitive Driver’s Responsibility fees.

Since 2003. Michigan drivers have been caught in a Catch 22, where inordinately high insurance rates often forced motor vehicle operators to drive without insurance, leading to traffic violations, court fines and license suspensions, all of which were compounded by the hardship of additional fees.

Hunter said that having more access for voters through no reason absentee balloting “is overdue,” and Levin noted that our citizens deserve a system that’s secure.

“By making voting more accessible and secure, our democracy will better serve all Americans and our laws will better reflect the will of the people,” Levin said.

The State Board of canvassers on Feb. 13th approved Promote the Vote’s petition form to place on the November ballot an initiative to amend the state constitution. In addition to no reason absentee, the amendment would give military members more time to vote; let citizens register closer to Election Day; allow straight party voting, automatically register citizens when they do business at the Secretary of State’s office, protect a secret ballot and add audits for election results.

The Promote the Vote campaign is led by a broad coalition which includes the League of Women Voters, the ACLU of Michigan, the Michigan Municipal League for Public Policy and the state and

See VOTING

“I have long opposed these fees and worked with the Legislature since taking office to phase them out,” Gov. Snyder said. “I’m pleased we found a solution that eliminates them without creating new state debt and helps remove barriers to work for more Michiganders.”

The new legislation will eliminate the fees on Oct. 1, 2018 instead of Oct. 1, 2019, when they were originally slated to end.

Under the current legislation, drivers are essentially penalized twice for the same infraction, once by the courts and then by the state, a practice many say is arbitrary and often costs local drivers their licenses and potentially their jobs.

In 2011, Michigan legislators recognizing the undue burden fees placed on drivers, eliminated charges for driving on a suspended license or without proof of insurance.

REFORM page A-2

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"[Drivers’ Responsibility Fees] adversely impacted drivers significantly. There are people who got in trouble and they absolutely needed a driver's license to get some of the skilled trades jobs out there," said state Rep. Leslie Love, D-Detroit. "This will

really help people who have been disenfranchised from the workplace.”

According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, nearly 70,000 drivers in Detroit alone and 350,000 Michigan drivers statewide owe $634 million in driver responsibility fees. State economists predict the fees would generate about $20 million in revenue this year.

“But making up the lost revenue from the fees won't be hard,” Love said. "In exchange for those lost revenues, we’ll get people back to work and they’ll be paying taxes."

The new Drivers’ Responsibility bill, which would provide debt forgiveness for all outstanding fees when the program is eliminated, will put approximately 300 thousand people back to work by reinstating the drivers’ licenses of those affected.

Driver responsibility fees range from $100 to $2,000 and were in enacted in 2003 to raise money for the state’s general fund.

The fees have added approximately $15 million to the state’s coffers, which hardly seems worth the hardship to citizens.

“I entered an agreement to pay $1,000 in drivers’ responsibility fees at a cost of $250 per ticket,” explained Detroit driver Rosalyn Bynum. “But when I was unable to make a couple of payments, my bank account was attached and the state took more than $900 out of my bank account, leaving me broke." Bynum added that she was required to pay an additional $500 the following year although she had no new driving infractions.

"We have to acknowledge that much of the money owed to the state is simply uncollectible," she said. "And we must

find a solution that allows hard-working, law-abiding Michigan residents living paycheck-to-paycheck to get their driver's license back,” said Michigan’s Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, adding that it’s time to put an end to this “painful chapter.”

The new bill package will: • Forgive all outstanding driver responsibility fees when the program is eliminated in 2018.

• Create an education outreach program to let drivers know how to reinstate their driver's licenses.

• Reinstate the community service program for people who can’t pay off their fines before the program is eliminated.

• Provide immediate forgiveness of outstanding debt to people who have been making a good faith effort to pay off their fines.

• Reinstate the eligibility for drivers’ licenses to affected drivers when the program is eliminated.

• Create a path for drivers to use district court sobriety programs to regain their licenses • Make an individual enrolled in a workforce training payment program eligible to have their license reinstated and fees waived upon completion of the program.

• Eliminate the separate reinstatement fee of $125 charged by the Secretary of State to reinstate a license that was suspended due to unpaid DRFs from the date the bill is signed (March 1, 2018) until December 31, 2018.

For more information on this and other legislation, please visit www.legislature. mi.gov.

United Way and DTE host International Women's Day Summit Hundreds of women expected to raise upwards of $100,000 to support children’s health and wellbeing.

Women United, an affinity group of United Way for Southeastern Michigan will present its 2nd Annual Women of Influence Summit on International Women’s Day to support children’s health and wellbeing. DTE Energy will serve as this year’s signature sponsor for the annual fundraiser which draws some of Southeast Michigan's most influential women to support United Way’s early childhood development work, known as Bib to Backpack. The aim of the initiative is to help children establish a foundation for lifelong learning, and arm parents and caregivers with tools to use in their daily lives to prepare their kids for success. The 2nd Annual Women of Influence Summit will welcome nearly 300 women to the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel Detroit on Thursday, March 8.

Under leadership of Women

Michigan’s most accomplished women. Juliette Okotie Eboh, executive vice president for MGM Grand will serve as keynote, and a fireside chat will take place with 36th District Court Judge Roberta Archer; DTE VP, Legal and Chief Tax Officer JoAnn Chavez; along with Ewald. WDIV Anchor and Reporter Sandra Ali will serve as special guest host and emcee. All guests to receive a gift bag filled with items geared toward children under age five to gift to another parent or guardian after they leave the breakfast.

Juliette Okotie Eboh United Chair and RediMinds Executive Chairwoman Beth Chappell, and event co-chairs ASG Renaissance CEO Lizabeth Ardisana; Children's Hospital of Michigan CEO Luanne Ewald;

and DTE Energy Manager of Public Affairs Dana L. Williams, the summit will offer networking opportunities and more. Guests will also get a glimpse into the lives of some of Southeast

“Few would argue that parenting is one of the hardest yet most rewarding jobs, and we are fortunate to have a village of powerful women committed to our work aimed at supporting families on their parenting journey,” says Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp, interim CEO for United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Thanks to these women and DTE the organization will continue to broaden its early childhood work so that

See SUMMIT page A2

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Working families eligible for Homestead Property Tax Credit

By Amelia Beard Working families and individuals with a household income of $50,000 or less a year may be eligible for a Homestead Property Tax Credit, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Michigan’s Homestead Property Tax Credit can help taxpayers if they are a qualified homeowner or renter and meet certain requirements. For most people, the tax credit is based on a comparison between property taxes and total household income, with homeowners paying property taxes directly and renters paying them indirectly with their rent.

“Homestead Property Tax Credits provide tax relief for Michigan’s working families and individuals,” said Deputy State Treasurer Glenn White, head of Treasury’s Tax Administration Group.

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“These tax credits can reduce taxes owed and may provide a refund.”

During the 2016 tax year, more than 1 million taxpayers claimed the Homestead Property Tax credit, totaling more than $532 million with an average credit at $521.

Taxpayers may claim a Homestead Property Tax Credit if all of the following apply:

• Your homestead is in Michigan • You were a resident of Michigan for at least six months during the year • You own or are contracted to pay rent and occupy a Michigan homestead on which property taxes were levied • If you own your home, your taxable value is $135,000 or less (unless unoccupied farmland) • Your total household

GMAR Realtors® invest in restoring Northland Art Collection The Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors® (GMAR), a local trade group representing nearly 8,000 realtors across metro Detroit and based in Southfield, recently announced a partnership with the City of Southfield to provide grant dollars to restore pieces of the former Northland Mall Art Collection.

“It’s often said, ‘Realtors sell communities, not just homes or properties,’ and at GMAR we believe that to be true.

When buyers come to Realtors® in search of their new homes, one of the first things they consider about where to look is

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sometimes largely based on if there‘s a sense of community,” said James Iodice, president of GMAR. “We are grateful to GMAR for its willingness to help see this project come to fruition. In collaboration with the Southfield Arts Commission, we raised over $500,000 private dollars to purchase the Northland Art Collection, but these last few grant dollars will help us get over the finish line to display this beautiful art,” said Southfield Mayor Ken Siver.

“GMAR’s Placemaking Grants are really unique because they help foster an environment where

collaboration, from the bottom up, can create vibrant gathering places,” said Vickey Livernois, chief executive officer of GMAR. “Southfield has worked diligently to be an attractive city for buyers who are looking for a place to belong. The Northwestern Highway Pedestrian Plaza, where the art will be displayed upon completion, is the ideal Placemaking project for us because it’s creative and helps instill a sense of place amongst Southfield residents.”

To find out more information on the program or to apply for a grant, visit www.gmaronline.com/ placemaking.

resources are $50,000 or less Taxpayers who are required to file a state income tax return should claim the Homestead Property Tax Credit with their return. Taxpayers may file a Homestead Property Tax Credit claim by itself.

To learn more about the Homestead Property Tax Credit, the forms required to obtain the credit or state income taxes, go to www.michigan.gov/ incometax and click on “Credits and Exemptions” at the bottom of the page.

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Our community is our future.

Summit From page A-1

more families throughout the tri-county may benefit, and more children will be kindergarten ready.”

Organizers of this year’s Women of Influence Summit expect to raise $100,000, an increase of $30,000 over last year. A federal grant from the Social Innovation Fund, a former program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, will match the funds raised dollar-for-dollar. The money will allow United Way to expand its Bib to Backpack initiative with new resources geared specifically toward newborns.

Later this spring, new and expectant parents throughout the tri-county area will be able to get a free Baby Bundle, a diaper bag filled with infant essentials and caregiving resources, available to the community via United

Way’s network of Early Learning Centers.

“The work United Way does to educate and prepare children and young adults is a shared mission for us at DTE,” said Nancy Moody, vice president of Public Affairs at DTE Energy. “Last year, our volunteers assembled 400 literacy kits and donated nearly 600 books to support literacy and educational development for youth throughout Southeast Michigan.”

Women United is a philanthropic group of dynamic women dedicated to promoting United Way’s early childhood work, known as Bib to Backpack. In addition to financial contributions, members contribute their time, professional expertise and talent to ensure parents and caregivers throughout Southeast Michigan have the tools they need to support the educational achievement of the children in their lives.

Tickets for the 2nd Annual Women United Women of Influence Summit are available at $100 per ticket or $2,500 for a table sponsorship.

For more information about Women United or the March 8 event, visit UnitedWaySEM.org/WomenUnited.

Voting reform From page A-1

Detroit branches of the NAACP. The coalition has to collect approximately 316,000 signatures to get the measure on the November ballot.

“We’re grateful to have the support of these respected public servants for what we view as common sense reforms to our voting system,” said Judy Karandjeff, president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan.

For more information, go to www.promotethevotemi.com

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Term limits matter in Michigan

By Roz Edward

In 2019, nearly 70 percent of Michigan state senators and 20 percent of state representatives will be forced out of office, not by voter mandate, but by restrictive term limit laws enacted in 1992. The state’s term limit laws are the most rigid in the nation, and voters are debating whether or not they limit the legislature’s ability to plan and implement long-term programs and projects.

Michigan Democrats, convinced the the 2016 election of Donald Trump will result in a backlash, are lining up to run in a couple of Republican-leaning state races, including the governor’s office which has come under harsh scrutiny since the Flint Water crisis scandal.

The 1992 term limit law approved by 59 percent of voters in 1992 limits legislators to serving three two-year terms in the state House, totaling six years, and two four-year terms in the Senate, or eight years.

So, when voters go to the polls for mid-term elections in November, a staggering 26 of 38 Senate seats will be open. And although the impact is not as severe in the state House, 24 of 110 seats will be vacated due to term limits. The 21.8 percent turnover rate is the nation’s second highest for any state House. Critics of term limits say lawmakers can’t build relationships, trust and valid expertise during their limited tenure in either branch of Congress.

Nationally, Michigan is home to about 15 percent of all lawmakers who will lose their jobs

because of term limits this cycle. Critics of the state’s current term limit law also charge that the worst in the nation system of term limits makes it tempting for legislators to sweep problems under the rug instead of tackling difficult solutions, especially if they think things will stay covered up until they’re gone.

Any reform plan is unlikely to repeal term limits outright, but may instead allow legislators to serve longer in the House or Senate.

Term limits remain popular with the voting public, but critics say Michigan rules have thrust inexperienced legisla-

tors into complex policy issues they may be ill-equipped to address.

“Leadership really matters, and experience really matters,” Rich Studley, Michigan Chamber of Commerce CEO and president, said in an interview.

“I don’t know about you, but whether I’m looking for a haircut or auto repairs, I don’t deliberately seek out people who have less than six years of experience and don’t plan on doing it very long.”

“We’re the draconian term limits state,” said Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson, a Wayne State University political science professor and co-author

of Implementing Term Limits: The Case of the Michigan Legislature.

Her research suggests Michigan’s term limits have failed to deliver on many of the “good government” promises that appeal to citizens.

State legislators have become more politically minded since term limits took effect, she said. Because they serve for fewer years, they often enter office thinking about what job they’ll run for next.

“They’ve got one eye on that clock all the time instead of thinking, ‘I need to really fix this problem because it’s going to come back to haunt me,’ ”

she said. “More of them tell us they plan on a career in politics after term limits than said so before, and that is true for men and women.”

Eight years after a GOP wave, mass turnover in the Michigan Senate could give Democrats a shot at chipping away at a substantial Republican majority. Nineteen Republicans will be forced out of office, compared with seven Democrats. In the GOP-controlled House, 13 Democrats and 11 Republicans will be forced out.

But Michigan lawmakers have voted less consistently with the views of their constituents since term limits were implemented.

“The really big losers, in terms of access to legislators, are key local officials,” she said. “They really take it on the chin. They lose access, and the lobbyists and interest groups gain access.”

Heading into the 2018 election, the sitting secretary of state is Ruth Johnson (R), is prevented by term limits from seeking re-election.

Michigan is currently a Republican trifecta. It earned the dubious recognition in 2011, when Gov. Rick Snyder (R) took office and Republicans gained a majority in the Michigan House of Representatives.

In the previous five presidential elections, Michigan was won by the Democratic candidate until the 2016 election.

The widest margin of victory was Barack Obama’s 17 percent margin in 2008 while the narrowest was Donald Trump’s 0.13 percent margin in 2016.

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation provides free play for kids The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJRF) recently announced Built to Play, an initiative designed to give children and youth across Southeast Michigan more opportunities for free play through the creation of new, interactive public play spaces. To fund and operate the initiative, the foundation will invest up to $5 million in the region over the next several years, to provide grassroots groups and nonprofits with support to create and maintain these play spaces within their neighborhoods.

The foundation has partnered with the Tony Hawk Foundation, an organization focused on promoting high-quality, public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the U.S., and KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to giving all kids great, safe places to play, to work with communities across its two regions of focus on the development of various uniquely designed spaces.

Tony Hawk Foundation has helped build more than 500 skateparks across all 50 states, while KaBOOM! has built more than 3,000 playgrounds throughout the country.

The need for more safe, outdoor play options for youth in both rural and low-income neighborhoods throughout Southeast Michigan was a key finding in the State of Play reports released in June 2017 by the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. The Built to Play initiative was developed as a response by the foundation to help answer that need by providing more access to free play through the development of innovative play spaces and skateparks.

“Our vision with Built to Play is to create more opportunities and places of recreation that are owned and embraced by the kids and families they serve,” said Jim Boyle, vice president of Programs & Communications, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “The Tony Hawk Foundation and KaBOOM! are experts in their respective fields and will do a wonderful

job leading these collaborative efforts in our regions. We look forward to the day that more children within these communities can make active play a part of their daily life through these play spaces and skateparks.”

Over the next several months, KaBOOM! and Tony Hawk Foundation will begin to immerse themselves in Southeast Micigan to engage potential applicants to help guide them through the process and steps to create these spaces. The three funding opportunities within Built to Play are: KaBOOM! Play Everywhere Challenge – Design competition which encourages installations constructed to integrate play into everyday life and unexpected places (such as on sidewalks, in vacant lots, at bus stops, in open streets and beyond). More details on the application process will be announced in early March. Through RCWJRF funding, KaBOOM! will award grants to the challenge winners in August.

KaBOOM! Unique Playground Builds – Hands-on design and build day events for kids, parents, and community members to give ideas and input for their dream playground. A team of worldclass designers will turn the community’s dreams into reality with custom playground designs. The design phase will take place between May – August 2018 and the community-builds will take place from July – October 2018.

Tony Hawk Foundation Skateparks – Through RCWJRF funding, THF will offer matching/challenge grants to assist in the construction of public, non-profit skateparks, giving youth the opportunity to be active whether they’re riding on skateboards, BMX bikes, scooters or rollerblades. THF will begin outreach and announce the opening of applications later this Spring for the first phase.

“We know that play is essential for the well-being of kids and our communities,” said Roxane Rucker, vice president, Community Impact at KaBOOM!.

“That’s why we are thrilled to be work-

ing with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation as part of the Built to Play initiative to help create play spaces in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Through our work together, we are helping kids get the playful childhood experiences they deserve and need to grow up healthy, resilient and ready for life.”

“The Built to Play Skatepark Program will support communities with both expertise and an unprecedented matching grant opportunity,” said Miki Vuckovich, Executive Director, Tony Hawk Foundation. “Our goal is to bring the many benefits of skateparks and the active lifestyle they encourage to communities throughout both regions so kids can thrive. And this program is designed to do just that.”

The Tony Hawk Foundation’s dedicated project manager for the Built to Play initiative will work to help applicants navigate the public process of building a skatepark. KaBOOM! staff will play a similar role, leading the community engagement and offering technical assistance to help grantees complete design, installation and promotion of their projects.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s grantmaking in Youth Sports and Recreation is largely based on its Project Play initiative driven by the Aspen Institute’s “Eight Plays” to get and keep kids active, which were analyzed within the State of Play reports. Three key “plays,” which the Built to Play initiative supports, include “ask kids what they want,” “reintroduce free play,” and “think small.” The reports also identified the need to create safe options for youth to stay active who don’t take part in organized sports. Built to Play will help fill that void.

To learn more about Built to Play and the application process and eligibility for each opportunity, visit RWBuiltToPlay.org.

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China’s strategy to pursue global dominance on the continent of Africa

By Bishop Ira Combs, Jr., D.D. Racism: The practice of racial discrimination and segregation.

The subject of race during Black History Month, in particular, was unavoidable. Its impact on the nations of Africa as a “social construct” has been indelibly destructive. Sociologists and archaeologists have researched this phenomena for the past 60 years throughout academia. They all have found racism to be a social construct versus a biological phenomenon. This no doubt is because all races have all things in common as homo sapiens.

And, from a biological disposition, all races are homogeneous to such an extent Bishop Ira Combs, Jr. that the only physiological barriers that differentiates us as a people is blood type, which has nothing scientifically to do with one’s race/color.

As a “social construct,” racial barriers were historically constructed with destructive consequences to its victims.

This is in part because laws, statutes, public and private policies as well as practices gave privilege to the race in power. Such was the case in South Africa as well as Namibia prior to their emancipation from colonial rule. The artificial construction of the aforementioned barriers were justified, in part, to preserve and perpetuate perceived superior cultural norms, as well as the successful economic system of productivity this social construct engendered.

This writer does not profess to be an expert in sociology or on the subject of race. These commentaries are but the perceptions of an observationist who has experienced, in my view, a reasonable degree of systemic discrimination and exposed to an introductory academic assessment of its effects. The abolition of apartheid in South Africa, deconstruction of a constitution that engendered racism in the framework of the nation’s legal structure was South Africa’s repentance. The construction of a new constitution under the legendary President Nelson Mandela giving equal rights and privileges to all regardless of race, creed, color, gender, and sexual orientation was the nation’s act of faith in the longstanding principles of democracy; however, this has led western nations to become politically complacent in their quest to democratize the continent of Africa.

America/U.S. and its allies complacency is also responsible part in parcel for the rise of China’s influence in Africa and its exploitation of past negative social constructs (apartheid) coupled with their leader, Xi Jinping, aligning himself with Russia and pursuing a course which belies “a range of American expectations” first introduced in President Richard M. Nixon’s rapprochement strategy almost 50 years ago.

the U.S. rethink its approach to China.

Kurt M. Campbell and Ely Ratner in their article titled, “The China Reckoning: How Beijing Defied American Expectations,” make a variety of cogent observations regarding the need to rethink U.S. foreign policy with China. They note American strategy to instigate political liberalization has failed to materialize.

“Rapprochement” was supposed “to spark economic development, the creation of a middle class demanding new rights and legal reforms that would necessitate further progress.” Promising signs of this metamorphosis are said to have seemed certain “after the collapse of the Soviet Union and democratic transition of South Korea and Taiwan.”

The proclamation of 41st President George H.W. Bush heralded U.S. policy in China. Campbell and Ratner state, “U.S. policy aimed to facilitate this process by sharing technology, furthering trade and investment, promoting people-to-people exchanges and admitting hundreds of thousands of Chinese students to American universities.” Quite to the contrary has China responded (as noted by Campbell and Ratner).

It seems evident that as a result of the fall of the Soviet Union, China has adopted a “survival of the fittest” approach to globalization and constructed more barriers of entry to its markets, tightened state/central government control, constricting rather than reinforcing, the free flow of people, ideas, and commerce. The conclusion appears to be at this time “events of the last decade have dashed even modest hopes for (China’s) political liberalization” (Foreign Affairs magazine, The China Reckoning, page 64).

Finally, China has been anemic in its response to the nuclear aggression of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. While policymakers and academicians assumed China would learn from the fall of the Soviet Union and change course in challenging the U.S. as a military power, China, on the other hand, has chosen to compete and Xi Jinping now ascending to the ranks of Mao Tse-tung in power has set out to build a world-class military of its own, accelerating the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA.), while failing to enforce trade embargo sanctions against North Korea to dissuade their nuclear proliferation ambitions of aggression.

In conclusion, the U.S. will need to refocus its efforts on U.S.-Chinese global strategy to mitigate China’s agenda for global dominance. As China sets out to expand its geopolitical footprint and to build its own set of regional and international institutions, U.S. policy should seek to mitigate displacement of U.S. interest, especially on the continent of Africa, where U.S. foreign aid is tied to democratic governance reforms.

Finally, positive democratic, inclusive social constructs in African nations, coupled with enforcement of U.N. policy dissuading African nations that receive foreign aid from the U.S. and/or its allies from doing business with North Korea, is critical to U.S. continued expanded interest and success in Africa.

A chorus of voices are recommending

Quote of the Week “America is quick to do what is expedient on behalf of our culture of greed and hedonism, and is prepared to go to conditions of tyranny in order to sustain that culture. We do it in the name of democracy.”

— Harry Belafonte

Ian Walter and Matt Schlapp should be fired over Steele comments at CPAC

By Raynard Jackson (NNPA Newswire Columnist)

I stopped attending the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), because it reminded me of “The Flintstones” and “The Jetsons.” Blacks were noticeably missing from both cartoons.

There were no blacks in the past (“The Flintstones”) and there were no blacks in the future (“The Jetsons”).

CPAC is the largest annual gathering of mostly white, conservative activists and elected officials in the U.S. and it is controlled by another conservative group, the American Conservative Union (ACU).

Neither CPAC nor the ACU are about increasing diversity in the party or getting more blacks into Raynard Jackson the movement. CPAC and the ACU are about catering to whites in the movement. I get that.

But, in 2018, that is the problem.

One needs to look no further than the racism that was spewed out during CPAC’s annual Ronald Reagan dinner. It was attended by several hundred conservatives and had a large amount of media broadcasting the event live on TV and the Internet.

Ian Walter, communications director for CPAC, said in front of this audience, “We elected Mike Steele as RNC chairman because he was a black guy. That was the wrong thing to do.”

Walter made these disparaging comments, despite the fact that it took six ballots for Steele to win his election in 2009 and Republicans regained control of the U.S. Senate and made significant gains at the state level, during Steele’s tenure.

Matt Schlapp, chairman of the ACU, stood next to Walter while his racist comments were being made and said absolutely nothing.

If Schlapp had any integrity, he would have immediately fired Walter right then

Erik Killmonger is the real MVP of ‘Black Panther’

By Lynette Monroe

(NNPA Newswire Guest Columnist)

Marvel’s big screen adaptation of “Black Panther” has surpassed all initial expectations of its debut and topped $700 million after its second weekend.

“In terms of raw dollars, it is the second-biggest second weekend gross of all time between Universal/Comcast Corp.’s “Jurassic World” ($106.5m) and Lucasfilm’s “The Force Awakens” ($149m), Forbes.com reported. If anything, the success of “Black Lynette Monroe Panther” and “Girl’s Trip,” last year, has proven to the world that representation and inclusion is profitable.

When I went to see “Black Panther” during the opening weekend, the excitement from the crowd radiated throughout the theater’s lobby. The joy I inhaled while standing in line to enter the theater took me higher than a preacher’s Sunday sermon.

I loved the film, but all of us should remember that Wakanda is a figment of imagination. More accurately, Wakanda is a creation of white imagination.

A fictional Wakanda is convenient for the consciousness of the colonizer.

A fictional, technologically advanced, African utopia lightens the weight of oppression by using the singular case of black excellence, embodied in Wakanda, as the benchmark instead of a beautiful, aspirational anomaly.

It then places the responsibility of reconciliation on the backs of the oppressed.

Champions of truth must not only embrace the triumphs of our history, but also the painful, complicated facts of our past.

Erik Killmonger represents an uncomfortable truth. He is the Black Panther’s kryptonite. The pain of Killmonger’s conflicted reality disrupts T’Challa’s idealistic, progressive world.

The ultimate victory of Black Panther is only secured through a cinematic miracle. Even then, the Black Panther cannot find it in himself to end the life of Killmonger; it is Killmonger himself who chooses his own end after his final battle with T’Challa.

“Bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from ships, because they knew death was better than bondage,” Killmonger said in his final scene as he watched the sunset on Wakanda.

Centuries of resilience isn’t some kind of honor; it is simply survival.

Although we would all like for Wakanda to exist, today, it doesn’t. The painful truth is that black people were forcefully dispersed throughout the globe; isolated from our culture, countries and families. The painful truth is that the campaign of carnage that white people have led across the globe cannot be reconciled through broad aid and well-intentioned community centers.

Partnership and collaboration, two of the many underlying themes of the film, prove elusive for Killmonger. The love between Okoye and W’Kabi ended civil war. The connection between the spiritual world and technology is the lifeline of the nation. The cooper-

LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

ation of M’Baku and Ramonda brought hope back to life. And, the love between Nakia and the T’Challa is slated to save the world.Killmonger was not bestowed the privilege of partnership.

Killmonger is a villain of white culture; the worst nightmare of the ruling class. Killmonger is the rage of millions of people who were displaced, disregarded, and discarded. “The Black Panther” is a fictional depiction of the moral consciousness of Black people; the hope for both the oppressed and the oppressor. He is the grace of God to a people undeserving.

Mainstream dialogue on race relations in the United States naively suggests that white people simply refuse to acknowledge that the crimes of American slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade continue to fuel significant disparities across the planet.

I would argue that they are fully aware of their crimes, but interpret them through a filtered lens of conquest.

I would argue that white people’s conscious relegation of persons of color is reduced to collateral damage necessary to maintain power, wealth and leadership.

As Killmonger fell, I longed for a Black Panther/Killmonger partnership. The partnership of rage and compassion, of power and responsibility, of justice and reconciliation deserves exploration. Resolving the conflict between the Black Panther and Killmonger is the precarious tightrope that black folks must walk to freedom.

Killmonger’s death is also a figment of white people’s imagination. His conflicted fight for freedom lives on in the hearts of Black people across the globe.

Lynette Monroe is a graduate stu-

and there, but because Schlapp showed no leadership and no integrity, I am calling for both Walter and Schlapp to be removed immediately from their positions. Period.

By the way, did I mention that Walter is Indian American? You would expect him to be a lot more sensitive to issues of race and ethnicity, but the mere fact that he thought his comments were appropriate is a reflection of the entire leadership of CPAC and the ACU. To make matters worse, Schlapp went on Steele’s radio show the next day and appeared to double down on Walter’s criticism of Steele’s election.

You must see the video to believe what happens next.

Schlapp starts off by saying, “Ian is my colleague at work and he’s my friend. I love Ian and I’m not gonna separate myself from Ian. I think he said some words that our political enemies could take in the worst way.”

Please allow me to interpret this idiotic statement. What I think Schlapp really wanted to say is, “Michael, I don’t care how racist Walter’s statement was, I am choosing him over you.”

Schlapp’s continued condescending tone towards Steele during the radio interview was nothing short of infuriating and, in my opinion, racist. At one point in the interview, Schlapp lectures Steele, saying, “This is where you need to have some grace.” Really?

For a white person to talk down to a grown man of Steele’s stature proves how little regard Schlapp has for Steele and his accomplishments within the party.

The tragedy in all this is the fact that Schlapp has no understanding as to why Steele and the black community were offended and repulsed at what happened at the dinner and its aftermath.

But, this conduct should be offensive to anyone with integrity and values.

Whites should be just as offended and alarmed at this whole incident, not only because it was racist, but because it was wrong.

It should come as no surprise that the ACU has not one black employee.

They have one black board member, Ron Christie, but don’t expect to hear from him anytime this century on an issue involving blacks and racism. So, I guess in the ACU’s view, there is no room for blacks in their version of conservatism.

As if this racial dig at Michael Steele wasn’t bad enough, I am just as stunned, but not surprised, at the public silence of many black Republicans. As of this writing, I have seen very few black Republicans publicly denouncing Walters’ comments and Schlapp’s reaction to what happened on the record.

Where are all the black Republican media whores who never miss an opportunity to criticize Colin Kaepernick, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, the Congressional Black Caucus, or former President Barack Obama when they make crazy, radical, liberal ad hominin attacks on Republicans and conservatives?

Please tell me what Deneen Borelli, Shermichael Singleton, Candace Owens, Crystal Wright, Lawrence Jones and Paris Dennard have said about Walters’ comments?

These Blacks have no “core” values nor do they seem to understand the “heritage” of blacks in the Republican Party. This seems to have left the black conservative “family” without a voice.

The day after Walter’s comments, there was a gathering of black conservatives, many attendees of the CPAC event, and from my sources, there was absolutely no discussion of the Steele incident.

How is that even possible? This is why many blacks, including myself, find black Republicans repulsive. Out of all these gathered black Republicans who want to be in charge and not one brought up the Steele issue? And you wonder why we can’t get more blacks involved in our party and the conservative movement.

Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future (BAFBF).

March 7-13, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-5

Michigan can do more to reduce the toll of lung cancer

Local psychologist discusses why caregivers become the

‘silent patient’

As the number of dementia patients increase and baby boomers start to move into their seventies, there’s very little discussion about the evident toll on caregivers – the stress, frustration, depression, anxiety, financial loss, physical strain and loneliness that comes with caring for an aging loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

There are 50 different types of dementia, each with multiple stages. The Caregiver Syndrome is a result of unrelieved constant caring for a person with dementia.

“Caregiving for a loved one with dementia isn’t something you can go to school for or get a degree in,” said Paula S. Duren, PhD, founder of Universal Dementia Caregivers, a local nonprofit organization committed to providing support for caregivers.

Duren cared for both of her parents for years as they steadily declined in memory and awareness from dementia.

“Caregivers are the second silent patient because many are not taking care of themselves. Our job is to help them to be successful during the changes in care.”

Universal Dementia Caregivers will host a free lunch and learn discussion about the difficulty of changing roles and managing the stress of caring for a loved one with dementia. Caring for Caregivers: Your Health Matters Lunch & Learn will be held on March 8, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Triumph Church East Campus, 2760 Grand Blvd., Detroit.

Paula S. Duren ease, a cancer of the brain. It’s progressive in nature and most caregivers don’t understand what’s required of them. We want all caregivers to be healthy, optimistic and supported.”

Every month, Universal Dementia Caregivers offers training at different location around the metro Detroit area for caregivers, family and friends faced with the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia.

Prior to founding UDC, Duren served as a consultant in the areas of change management and leadership development with expertise in executive coaching, guiding organizational change initiatives and team development.

The discussions can range from handling troubling behavior, wandering, and repetitive speech or actions, paranoia, sleeplessness, and nutrition to the use of music and other techniques and therapy.

She is an exceptional process facilitator certified in a variety of training programs and spent eight years at Ford Motor Company as an Internal Consultant and Human Resources Specialist. She was also a staff psychologist and member of the faculty at Illinois State University.

Along with support, helpful information and access to resources, Universal Dementia Caregivers also makes recommendations on how to “age in place” successfully — providing care at home, which can help make the transition to the different stages easier.

“Caregiving is tough, but it’s tougher for someone giving care to someone with dementia,” said Duren. “This is a mind dis-

Dr. Duren has served as adjunct faculty at Wayne State University and Henry Ford Community College.

For more information, visit http://www. pauladuren.com/universal-dementia-blog/ or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

Every two and a half minutes someone in the United States will be diagnosed with lung cancer. The American Lung Association’s inaugural LUNG FORCE “State of Lung Cancer” report is the first time that these national and state lung cancer statistics have been analyzed in one report to show how the toll of lung cancer varies across the country, and how Michigan can do more to protect its residents from lung cancer.

“There will be over 8,780 people in Michigan diagnosed with lung cancer and 5,860 will succumb to the deadly disease in 2018. More must be done to save lives,” said American Lung Association in Michigan’s Advocacy Director Ken Fletcher. “The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative was created to help defeat lung cancer the leading cause of cancer deaths and this new report outlines what we need to do to succeed — tackling both the disease and its risk factors as well as supporting access to preventative health services and treatment options.”

The LUNG FORCE “State of Lung Cancer” 2018 report finds that lung cancer diagnosis and survival rates vary state by state. It also highlights that some states are yet to report on all of the key lung cancer indicators.

By better understanding the impact of lung cancer at the state level, we can enact policies and focus attention where the need is greatest.

This report covers the following measures of lung cancer burden, and shows where Michigan ranks in comparison to the rest of the United States: Incidence: More than 234,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, and the rate of new cases vary by state. Michigan ranks 33rd out of 50 states and the District of Columbia with a lung cancer incidence of 68 per 100,000 people.

There are a variety of risk factors associated with lung cancer, including smoking, exposure to radon gas, air pollution and secondhand smoke. Radon testing and mitigation, healthy air protections, and reducing the smoking rate through tobacco tax increases, smokefree air laws and access to comprehensive quit smoking services are all effective ways to prevent new lung cancer cases.

Survival Rate: Lung cancer is often not caught at an early stage when it is more likely to be curable.

The five-year lung cancer survival rate ranges from 24 percent in New

York to 15.9 percent in Louisiana.

Michigan is not one of the 31 states that track this important metric, which should be implemented by all states to enhance monitoring of lung cancer, and help identify how to improve lung cancer survival.

Stage at Diagnosis: People diagnosed at early stages of lung cancer are five times more likely to survive, but unfortunately only 18.9 percent of lung cancer cases nationally are diagnosed at an early stage. In Michigan, only 18.2 percent of lung cancer cases were diagnosed at early stages, when it is most likely to be curable.

Screening Centers: The availability of accredited lung cancer screening sites has been shown to be positively related to survival of lung cancer, with each additional screening site per million people being associated with a 0.3 percentage point increase in the lung cancer survival rate. Michigan ranks 18th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia, with 5.2 screening centers per million people. Raising awareness of these screening facilities, as well as criteria for low-dose CT scans, can improve patient outcomes.

Surgical Treatment: Lung cancer is more likely to be curable if the tumor can be surgically removed, and surgery is more likely to be an option if the diagnosis is made at an early stage before the cancer has spread. In Michigan, 20.1 percent of cases underwent surgery as part of the first course of treatment, ranking 25th out of 48 states and the District of Columbia. Quality healthcare and new treatment options for lung cancer are needed to increase survival rates.

“While we have seen some advancements in lung cancer treatment options and a new method of early detection, the burden of lung cancer is not the same everywhere,” said Fletcher. “Treatment, exposure to risk factors, and access to screening facilities vary from state to state, and Michigan’s leaders must do more to act and implement proven policies to reduce the deadly toll of lung cancer.”

On Wednesday, March 14, lung cancer survivor Cheryl Hauler of Chesterfield will be heading to Capitol Hill to share her story and these startling statistics with her members of Congress. LUNG FORCE Heroes from all 50 states will be asking Congress to support increased funding for the National Institutes of Health for better treatment and early detection of lung cancer.

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Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com •

March 7-13, 2018

POWERING POSSIBILITY The DTE Energy Foundation is proud to support nonprofit partners who create opportunities for those in Detroit and throughout Michigan. These partnerships help participants grow and succeed through education and job preparation. From a restored skilled trades program at Randolph Career and Technical School to Greening of Detroit’s adult career training, we are committed to supporting organizations that help people across the state reach their full potential.

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Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

March is Women’s History Month

Newbold dedicated to students and families

By Ken Coleman

In an institution where general superintendents, emergency managers and chief executive officers have come and gone like the wind, Ruby Newbold has become a steady force at Detroit Public Schools Community District. One who has consistently and faithfully stood by her members, school secretaries and other support staff, as well as students.

“We’re often here until the last student is picked up from school,” she stated often about her team of professionals.

As president of the Detroit Association of Educational Office Employees (DAEOE) since 1995 and a full-time union local officer since 1989, Newbold knows what she speaks.

How A. Philip Randolph is helping young Detroiters give back

By Michael Tomlin-Crutchfield As the City of Detroit welcomes a new wave of community development, one school is preparing its young people to help rebuild the community in which they live, the place where they grew up.

Ruby Newbold In fact, the year her tenure as a union local president began, David Snead was general superintendent, April Howard Coleman was board president and pop star Aaliyah was attending Detroit’s High School for the Fine and Performing Arts.

Newbold represents more than 650 members locally and is also a vice president of American Federation of Teachers Michigan and its national federation. In addition to those duties, she serves as state cochair of the paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRP) committee and as chair of the organizing committee.

But that’s not all.

Newbold is also a driving force in labor union organizing and mobilizing outside the realm of public education. She is also president of the Detroit Coalition of Bargaining Unions and a member of the powerful Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO executive board.

When she isn’t at her desk or attending scores of meetings around southeastern Michigan and throughout the nation, Newbold volunteers with sev-

See NEWBOLD page B-2

For over 30 years, A. Philip Randolph Career and Technical Center has been one of Detroit Public Schools Community District’s vocational gems with a focus on construction trades. Due to systemic challenges, enrollment and programs have dwindled over the past few years. However, with the support of district leadership, industry and community partners, Randolph is coming back strong.

Krista McKinney-King, the director at Randolph Career and Technical Center, has played an integral role in its resurgence. Developing and sustaining partnerships with business and industry partners has been a priority since becoming director in August 2016. Director King believes that changing the perception of career technical education is crucial to recruitment and increasing enrollment. Students and parents must be informed about the opportunities in the skilled trades industry. But for her it’s deeper than speaking about the opportunities, she wants her students to embrace these opportunities.

“I want my students to leave Randolph with both academic and technical skills, a strong work ethic, solid character and more importantly, an entrepreneurial mindset that allows them to flourish in both the skilled trades and business industry,” said McKinney.

Beth Cole, the center’s assistant director, attributed the increase in enrollment to the center’s offerings. “We have seen our enrollment nearly double,” she said. “This year was the first time in several years we were able to bring back our electrical program and students have been

very receptive. Overall, we’ve seen an increased interest in what we offer.”

Cole, who has been with Randolph for the past nine years, says her interest in vocational education began when she was in high school. “The high school I attended was unique in that it was a day trade school which was integrated into the regular high school program. Students like myself had the opportunity to learn a trade simultaneous with earning a high school diploma, all under the same roof.

In addition to a formal education, programs like this offer students the opportunity to learn skills that they can use for a lifetime.”

Randolph offers students the ability to learn seven construction trades including: • Electrical Construction • Construction and Building Trades (Carpentry, Masonry, or Plumbing) • Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) • Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) • Marketing and Entrepreneurship Each trade is taught by a skilled journeymen or certified teacher in labs that provide a hands-on experience with hand tools and power equipment, industry-standard safety practices, blueprint reading and other valuable skills, supported by integrated reading and math resources.

Students are required to complete a total of 12 state approved segments, based on standards in their area of specialty. “Once a student completes the requirements they earn a certificate of completion and consideration for an apprenticeship” said Cole.

Additionally, Randolph is the only construction trades center which offers SIMLOG Simulator training with the hydraulic excavator, wheel loader, and the mobile crane. Students who successfully com-

plete the program will earn a certificate which will allow them to pursue a career in Heavy Equipment Operations. All construction trade students are afforded the opportunity to train on the simulators.

Students must successfully complete 120 plus clock hours on the machine of their choice to be eligible for certification.

“Many of our partners are potential employers and unions looking to hire students who meet the requirements and excel in the classroom. Our program is beneficial because it saves employers thousands of dollars in potential training once students are hired and equips students with the skills they need to perform tasks well,” said Cole.

Students who participate in the programs that Randolph offer also see improvements in their academic performance at their home high schools. The programs, which students attend for roughly 2.5 hours a day in either the morning or afternoon, have much smaller groups that accommodate time for one-on-one tutoring for students that need additional support.

“We don’t turn away any student,” said Cole. “We have staff that supports students with their core math skills, reading comprehension and support for students with disabilities and IEPs. Anyone who has an interest in learning and meets their core credit requirements for graduation can excel here.”

Randolph also provides resources for students to prepare for college. This includes tutoring for standardized tests, education about applying for financial aid, and career and college fairs with apprenticeship schools, colleges and universities that offer programs for advanced learning and to manage the business side of their trades.

For more coverage on No Ceilings on Success, follow @NatUrbanLeague on social media.

Detroit Judges salute a Special Lady

For a special lady The 85th birthday celebration honoring “the Velvet Rose,” the Honorable Teola D. Hunter and benefiting Franklin Wright Settlements, Inc. educational programs, will be held on Friday, March 23, 6-10 pm, at the St. Regis Hotel, 3071 West Grand Blvd., Detroit. Tickets are $150 per person. For more information, contact Deon Mullen at 313-579-1000, ext. 248, dmullen@franklinwright.org or Karen Love, karenlove2006@comcast.net. Tickets may also be purchased through Eventbrite.

Monique D. Marks, President & CEO, Franklin Wright Settlements, Missionary Humphrey, Michael Van Tull Franklin Wright Board member

Left to Right (Front Row) Judge Kahlilia Yvette Davis; Judge Pennie Millender; Judge Roberta C. Archer; Judge Alicia Jones-Coleman; Judge Ruth Ann Garrett; Judge Donna Robinson Milhouse; Judge Kelly Ann Ramsey. Left to Right (Back Row) Judge David S. Robinson Jr; Judge Kenneth King; Judge David A. Perkins; Judge Christopher D. Dingell; Judge Kevin F. Robbins; Judge David Braxton; Judge Paul John Cusick; Judge Michael Missionary Humphrey and Judge E. Wagner Craig Strong

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • March 7-13, 2018

TEACH expands to second hospital in Michigan

By Amelia Beard TEACH (Together Educating All Children in Hospitals), a nonprofit organization that creates an outlet for hospitalized children to passionately engage with the sciences through fun, interactive experiments, announced its expansion to a second hospital in the state of Michigan, the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, located in Detroit. Volunteers have already been conducting science experiments with ill children in C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. The nonprofit now has volunteer college students and medical students conducting science experiments with sick children in hospitals in five states.

TEACH Salt Painting Module

Maintaining a relationship starts with showing love daily

By Branden Hunter The secret to a successful marriage seems to be just that — a secret. Is it about communication, chemistry, having the same habits and interests, or about a spiritual plane?

“When we first started dating, I would buy her a card and some candy,” said Mr. Posley. “It’s still important for us to celebrate each other and the holidays, but now I usually take her out for dinner or buy her a card and some flowers.”

Showing love and appreciation has helped them maintain a strong bond because the Posleys have been married for 58 years.

“You should show love for each other daily,” Mrs. Posley said.

“We’re seasoned, so holidays were more special when we were younger.

I’ve been knowing him for a very long time and one day isn’t enough to show how much I love him.”

Fifty-eight years is a long time to be together and it was not always easy for the Posleys. They both worked janitorial jobs together at Children’s Hospital, lived in the heart of the Detroit 1967 riot on Monterey Street and survived it, had four children of their own and raised eight foster children.

Their secret to longevi-

According to the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, in 2012, there were nearly 5.9 million hospitalizations for children in the United States. Without the educational and social environments that schools and day-to-day life provides, the days spent stuck in hospitals seem to be endless for pediatric patients. Children are often left isolated from their family and peers, with little opportunity to nurture the curiosity that

Newbold From page B-1

Or, is it simply luck?

Certainly, some sort of fate played a part when Roselean (nee Gaskins) Posley met her husband, Thomas, more than 60 years ago at choir rehearsal at Russell Street Missionary Baptist Church on Detroit’s North End, where they still attend.

TEACH Valentine’s Day Module

Thomas and Roselean Posley ty is simple and begins where they first met.

“Our marriage has lasted so long because we put God first,” said Roselean Posley. “We met in the church, stayed there and raised our children there.

You’re going to have your bad days in a marriage but you have to stay focused, put God first and make the best of it.”

Communication also is a major ingredient to having a successful marriage.

Mrs. Posley shared a story about how her husband used to go to the bar every Friday after work with his friends, which she did not approve of. She addressed her issue with him — spending their money on alcohol — and he stopped.

“You should never dwell on things when you have differences,” said Mr. Posley. “Go somewhere, cool off and come back to talk to each other.

You should always value your wife’s opinion and never go to bed mad.”

Adron and Tamra Swygart have been married for five months. They met in college at Central Michigan University in

2011 through Twitter, which is a far cry from how the Posleys met. But since they shared the same educational interests, much as the Posleys shared the same spiritual interests, the chemistry was there to spark the initial flame.

“I knew I liked him when he was consistent with courting me,” said Tamra Swygart. “I always thought he was handsome but I was more attracted by his ambition.”

The two earned their college degrees in the medical field, had a baby daughter, Riley, while in school, and are expecting another child this year.

Much like the Posleys, the journey was not easy, but if God comes first, it can be done.

eral community organizations. Several years ago, she organized a mentoring program for teenage mothers. He union local has adopted children during the annual Adopt-A-Child for Christmas effort founded by the late Delores Bennett. Under Newbold’s leadership, DAEOE also opened a training center for its members in 1998.

And there’s more.

Newbold is a lifetime member of the NAACP, an active precinct delegate, a volunteer with United Way Community Services, a member of Gamma Phi Delta sorority, and a member of the American Federation of Teachers PSRP program and policy council.

And when it comes to Detroit children, she is dedicated to providing them the tools to succeed and providing efforts that help to drive student achievement and performance. Newbold helped to carry out a series of summer literacy workshops for Detroit Public Schools students in 2010 and 2011. She also helped to spearhead a successful drive to secure and deliver 40,000 books to students and their families about 10

so often defines childhood.

“One child asked if we could come back tomorrow because it was so much fun,” said Jared Silverberg, president of the Michigan TEACH branch. TEACH plans on reaching more than 100 children a year between the two hospitals.

TEACH has been able to serve more than 1,700 children in 22 hospitals in the U.S. and Israel but hopes to expand in the coming year.

When TEACH works with children, they implement everyday objects to understand biological concepts such as respiration by using household materials, balloons and plastic bottles to build models of lungs. In many cases, the children save the instructions to continue to perform the experiment after the volunteers leave. Student volunteers sign up to visit hospitals and perform these and other science modules with the pediatric patients, bringing education, energy and excitement.

In addition to expanding to additional hospitals, TEACH is looking for more students who would like to get involved with the organization. To become a hospital leader, volunteer or bring TEACH to a hospital near you, send an email to Isaac.Snyder@TEACH4Kids.org. years ago.

A leader in her community and an active member of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Newbold pushed back against years of hostile state-controlled emergency management. Last year, she challenged an attempt by state officials to close several Detroit schools. Lansing wanted to mothball them without a plan to provide the necessary funding to help students achieve and compete.

And now her dedication and commitment is being recognized in a major way. Newbold won Labor Leader of the Year during last month’s annual African American Leadership Awards held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. It was a testament to years of dedicated service to her union local, her community and her state.

“Ruby has established herself as a champion for labor rights, women’s rights, human rights,” said Keith Johnson, who served as president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers from 2009 to 2015 and has worked alongside Newbold on many efforts over the years. “It’s because of her diligence and attention to detail, whether you’re talking about negotiating contracts, whether you’re talking about standing up for the rights of women or standing up for the rights of minorities and the rights of children.”

“Love is always genuine when the feelings are mutual,” said Adron Swygart. “We are building a dynasty. Every day isn’t promised but as long as we continue to celebrate love, we will keep on growing as a couple. The key to staying together is allowing God to live and manifest within your relationship.”

Detroit middle school student earns Karma points through the Algebra Nation program

By Henry Ward Math can be fun, especially when you help others. Kenniya Epps-Thomas is a student at J.E. Clark Preparatory K-8 (Detroit) that participates in the Algebra Nation learning process, a webbased instructional tool that was customized for Michigan schools. The program, launched earlier this year, helps teachers facilitate highly personalized learning of Algebra 1.

Every week, the program awards Karma points to the student who helps another student on the Algebra Wall.

Epps-Thomas was awarded 1,800 Karma points, more than any other middle school student in the state.

In recognition of her efforts, she was awarded an iPad from Algebra Nation and also the opportunity to receive personalized, real-time feedback from teachers, tutors and peers on the Algebra Wall which empowers them to learn collaboratively inside and outside of school.

Karma points are earned whenever a student helps another student on the Algebra Wall, such as directing them to an appropriate video to address their question, explaining how to start

Kenniya Epps-Thomas solving a math problem or by showing their classroom where they’ve made an error.

Algebra Nation was launched in Detroit schools last year in October. Since then, 1,715 students have used the program, along with 72 teachers. The program is at 12 high schools and one middle school. According to Megan Mayhut, assistant director of Algebra Nation, the program can be and is used both at home and at school. The resources are available on any device (iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and computers). “We also go back about 6 years in devices, so even older phones are supported,” she said.

“I use Algebra Nation in my classroom to help with prior knowledge and support material for my students,” said Michelle Schwedemann,

teacher at Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine, in Detroit. I look at what’s covered in our curriculum and I match it up with what’s presented in Algebra Nation. The rigor is high enough and actually a little bit greater than some of the curriculum resources that we currently have in our district and in our classroom. It really extends my students’ learning and it challenges them.”

The Algebra Nation program allows teachers to assign videos to students based on their learning needs.

This makes it possible for students to progress through Algebra 1. Students can test themselves using a practice tool and receive personalized feedback to address gaps in their understanding.

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Money.

michiganchronicle.com

U-M students share winning ideas to bring pop-up retail to Detroit’s neighborhoods The obstacles to bringing retail businesses to Detroit’s neighborhoods loom large from dollars to build out shop space to safety issues.

A Detroit Economic Growth Corp. plan to support entrepreneurs that are just getting started with short-term, low-risk, pop-up opportunities got a boost from University of Michigan students who recently competed in the annual Social Impact Challenge.

The challenge, run by the Center for Social Impact at the Ross School of Business, provides graduate and undergraduate students across U-M an opportunity to collaborate and solve complex social issues in a competitive environment with real-world implications.

Kyla Carlsen, DEGC small business financial manager, said it’s very likely that the DEGC would implement some of the students’ ideas as they build out more tools and resources to better support Detroit’s entrepreneurs and promote small business sustainability.

Tarolyn Buckles pays it forward as a female entrepreneur

“We saw a need for this interim opportunity for entrepreneurs to try out their product, to set them up for long-term success and lower the barriers for people to locate in our neighborhoods,” she said.

Upstart, the winning student team, included undergraduates from the Ross School, College of Engineering, and College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

“We hope we’ll get the opportunity to work with DEGC and see these ideas implemented,” said Brie Riley, a Ross School junior. “We don’t want to just create a pop-up. We want to create long-term sustainable shops.”

Work on the winners’ proposal will likely continue, with a possible spring internship offered through the Center for Social Impact. The center works with urban partners on a project each winter that helps tackle a pressing social or economic need.

“We believe the best way to learn about delivering meaningful social impact is to actually work on the ground with community leaders on projects that will have a lasting impact,” said Matt Kelterborn, the center’s program director.

“We look forward to assisting DEGC in the next stage of work.”

Team Upstart suggested a creative structure that includes robust training, a combination of renovation grants and long-term affordable lease agreements to minimize risk for the entrepreneur.

The plan also suggests that the DEGC enter into longer-term lease agreements with building owners so that pop-ups do not need to negotiate short-term leases, said Nick Walsh, a Ross School junior and team leader.

“There will always be something new to bring people back,” he said.

“We hope to have four to six pop-ups at a time.”

Jerry Davis, associate dean for business + impact at Ross, said pop-ups could be described as the vernacular style of business in the city.

“Detroit has this format for entrepreneurship that is unique and valuable in the world,” he said.

In addition to Carlsen, judges were Alexa Bush with Detroit’s planning department, Brianna Williams of Dcreated Boutique, and Ross MBA alumni Brandon Hodges of The Platform and Lily Hamburger of the DEGC.

By Damon Autry

chitectural engineering to civil engineering.

Tarolyn Buckles hurried into her Midtown office on a heartlessly cold February morning. Her accelerated pace had as much to do with a desire to jump full bore into her day as president and CEO of Onyx Enterprise as it did wanting refuge from Old Man Winter.

Buckles also took part in the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) while in middle school, in addition to attending Southern University’s Summer Engineering Program, among others.

It comes as no surprise to those who know Tarolyn Buckles that she enters each day with a renewed purpose to ensure her clients receive the very best service.

Onyx Enterprise is a Detroit-based civil engineering firm that provides consultation, project and construction management services to local, state and federal government entities, as well as other engineering consulting firms and contractors.

Buckles’ company is the culmination of a lifetime of preparation. She grew up on Detroit’s east side, and it was during elementary school that her initial dream of becoming an architectural engineer took shape.

That all set the stage for Buckles in 1993 to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan, during which time she worked as a co-op student each summer for MDOT. Her time at MDOT as a burgeoning young engineer, in hindsight, proved to be very consequential.

For starters, that’s where she met Dr. Bellandra Foster.

when it was ready.

Buckles began Onyx Enterprise in 2007 while still a full time employee at ARCADIS, an engineering and management consulting company. In 2009, she left ARCADIS for Metco Services, a minority-owned engineering consulting firm. Her responsibilities working full time for others prohibited Buckles from giving the attention needed to allow Onyx to flourish.

So in 2011, with those two contracts from her mentors in tow, Buckles joined the entrepreneurial space full time. Onyx has since grown from the Midtown office in Detroit to offices in Cleveland and Atlanta. Buckles’ team has worked on numerous projects in Michigan, including the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Technical Advisors to the Commissioners, the M-1 Rail on Woodward Avenue and the demolition of the Berry Smith International Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport.

“I had so many people over the years support me and serve as my mentor, and I want to reach back and do the same.”

­­— Tarolyn Buckles

Her passion for STEM continued when she entered Dorothy Fisher Middle School, a magnet school that attracted an intellectually diverse student body.

“That experience broadened my perspective on education,” she said. “It also helped build my confidence because I realized that I was able to compete in the classroom with students from all over the region.”

But it was at Detroit’s Murray-Wright High School where Buckles’ current career trek came into focus. The Michigan Department of Transportation visited the school during her sophomore year, and those who represented the agency discussed engineering careers in various disciplines. It was then that her focus shifted from ar-

“Dr. Foster impressed me so much,” Buckles recalled. “She was a black woman who led meetings with all white males at the table. I’d watch her during meetings. There was no doubt that she was in command.”

Dr. Foster, who became Buckles’ mentor, left MDOT to start her own civil engineering firm.

“That showed me that (being a black woman entrepreneur in this industry) is possible.”

Buckles shared her goal of starting her own firm with Dr. Foster and other mentors, and they held her accountable to that goal. Two of those mentors, both CEOs of their own firms, promised to give her new company its first contracts

Onyx is also working with MDOT on its Interstate 94 Bridge Design and Construction projects. The irony of having MDOT as a client today after cutting her teeth in the industry at the agency 30 years ago isn’t lost on Buckles.

The Great Lakes Water Authority and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District are additional entities for which Onyx performs services.

Buckles looks to expand her engineering services in Texas, Florida and North Carolina over the next three years, while in the process continuing to serve as a mentor to aspiring professionals.

“I’m a big believer in Luke 6:38 — ‘Give, and it shall be given to you.’ I had so many people over the years support me and serve as my mentor, and I want to reach back and do the same.”

March 7-13, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-4

Detroit Figure Skating Program aims to increase racial representation in the sport

By Amelia Beard Black kids don’t ice skate is a misnomer, according to Figure Skating in Detroit. The organization, which is a Midwest extension of the two-decadeold Figure Skating in Harlem initiative— was designed as an avenue to introduce youth from communities of color in the Motor City to the sport, the news outlet writes.

For decades, youngsters from disenfranchised groups have been ostracized from the competitive sport and the program is looking to break the barriers to access and change that narrative. The program uses figure skating as a lens to learn about larger life lessons surrounding self-confidence, leadership, and the importance of education. Figure Skating in Detroit accepts girls between the ages of 6 through 15. After being interviewed to be a part of the program, the girls participate in 2-hour courses that are held four days a week and have the opportunity to interact with dedicated mentors and take on-ice classes as well as dance classes. The girls are allowed to stay in the program as long as they uphold a B average. They also receive ice skating gear.

The initiative identified a stark disparity between the $26,000 median income in Detroit and the high costs of figure skating and offers the program for $250. Figure Skating in Detroit also promotes parental involvement by encouraging them to go to the workshops.

“Figure Skating in Detroit is designed to help young girls build a foundation on ice…a place and a program where young women can realize their full potential through access to information, resources and experiences that may otherwise be out of reach,” said Geneva Williams, who leads the organization in Detroit.

Currently, the program has 52 partic-

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IT'S TIME TO CHANGE THE GAME. ipants but is looking to quadruple that number by the end of next year.

The program has received recognition from notable people in the realm of figure skating. It has been supported

by Olympic Gold Medalist Meryl Davis.

“I admire how Figure Skating in Detroit puts a laser focus on education and then provides the support to be successful in the classroom and beyond,” said U.S. Figure Skating Association spokeswoman Barb Reichert.

Figure skating in Detroit has grown in popularity over the past few years.

The city is slated to host the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships in 2019. In addition. More African Americans can be seen competing and participating in winter sports, including Maame Biney, 17,who recently made history as the first Black woman to make the U.S. Olympic speedskating team.

African Americans kids do skate, if given the opportunity.

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Restaurant Beacon Park, a public space developed by DTE Energy located at 1903 Grand River, will open a restaurant this spring called Lumen Detroit. William Hollie will hold the position of kitchen manager. The new restaurant will be about 4,000 square feet and have a rooftop dining space that overlooks the city and Beacon Park.

Hollie worked with executive chef Gabby Milton of Big Rock Chophouse to develop the menu for Lumen Detroit. In his new role as kitchen manager, he will execute the menu and train the back-of-the-house employees. He has more than 25 years of experience working in restaurants.

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Nonprofit Detroit Public Television elected Alexis Wiley, chief of staff for the City of ­Detroit, to its Board of Directors. Alexis Wiley was named chief of staff for the City of Detroit in 2014, shortly after joining Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration in February as director of Community Engagement. She is responsible for overseeing the city’s 9,000-member workforce, hiring top level administration officials and leading many of the mayor’s key initiatives, including the transfer of authority over the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department from the city’s emergency manager to the mayor.

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Prior to joining city government, Wiley was a reporter and anchor for Fox 2 News in Detroit, where she reported regularly on issues that affected Detroit residents. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Alexis Wiley Journalism.

Education Davenport University announced the appointment of Lisa Howze as its first Vice President for Detroit Campuses and Strategic Partnerships. In this new role, Howze will be responsible for executing strategies and developing partnerships that successfully launch and grow a new campus in the Midtown area while also overseeing operations of Davenport’s Warren Campus.

Howze begins in her new role with the University in March. She recently served as Chief Government Affairs Officer for City of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, for whom she previously served as Chief of Staff. Prior to working with the mayor, Howze represented the 2nd District in the Michigan House of Representatives. Before that, she founded and was principal speaker and trainer for Speaking Life Princi- Lisa Howze ples Inc., providing personal and professional development programs to organizations. Early career roles tapping into her financial and business acumen were with DTE Energy Company and Arthur Andersen LLP. A CPA, Howze earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and her Master of Science in Finance from Walsh College.

Do you have good news to share? A new promotion, opened a new business, authored a new book, landed a contract? Let us know at the Michigan Chronicle so that we can share your accomplishments. Please send your information to

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Big 3 Auto Team – from left: Kevin Miller Jr., finance manager; Kevin Miller Sr., owner; and Rofeal Miller, sales manager.

CORRECTION When we covered Big Three Auto in the February 28 – March 6 issue, we included a picture that named Rofeal and Kevin Jr. Miller as the owners. Kevin Miller Sr., is the owner. Rofeal is the sales manager and Kevin Jr., is the finance manager.

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March 7-13, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

5 reference checking myths that derail job seeking efforts

By Henry Ward While the need for a good job reference should be a “given”, many candidates take little time or effort to assure that their references are portraying them in the best possible light.

Frequently, this oversight occurs because of incorrect assumptions about how references (and reference checking) work.

How do employers conduct references? What are former employers allowed to say?

Are references working for, or against the job seeker? Bad Assumptions About References May Ruin Employment Prospects Reference Checking Myth No. 1: Companies are not allowed to say anything negative about a former employee during a documented reference check.

The Truth: While many companies may have policies that dictate only title, dates of employment and eligibility for rehire can be discussed, reference persons frequently violate those rules in providing bad references about former employees despite company policies.

Think about the boss with whom you had philosophical differences...or the supervisor who sexually harassed you.

Can that person be trusted to maintain a professional standard? In many cases the answer is no; approximately half of Allison & Taylor clients receive a bad reference, despite the fact that many companies have strict policies in place prohibiting negative references.

Reference Checking Myth No. 2: Former employers direct all reference checks to their Human Resources departments, and those people won’t say anything negative about me.

The Truth: Most Human Resources professionals will follow proper protocol during reference checks. However, in addition to WHAT is said, reference checkers also evaluate HOW something is said. In other words, they listen to tone of voice and note the HR staffer’s willingness to respond to their questions. Both are critical

factors in reference checks how will your employment be reflected in their responses?

Reference Checking Myth No. 3: It’s best to have my employment references listed on my resume and distribute them together.

The Truth: Your references should be treated carefully and with respect; you don’t need companies that may or may not have a real interest in hiring you pestering your employment references. Keep your references separate from your resume, and only provide them when requested. Better still, have a list of your references readily available (in the same format/font as your resume) to be given to a prospective employer. When

offered (for example) at the conclusion of an interview – in a highly professional format – it can create a very proactive (and favorable) ending impression.

Reference Checking Myth No. 4: Once a company hires me, my job references really do not matter anymore.

The Truth: Not all companies finish background and/or reference checks before you are hired. Many employment agreements and contracts include a stipulation that says the employer can hire you with a 90day probation period. During this time, they will not only evaluate your job performance but, in some instances, will do background and reference checks. During this time, if the

results are unsatisfactory, they have the legal right to fire you.

Reference Checking Myth No. 5: I sued my former company and according to job reference laws, they are now not allowed to say anything.

The Truth: Job reference laws can be bypassed and may not entirely protect you. Under job reference laws your former employer may not be able to say anything definitive, but do not put it past them to carefully take a shot at you while still in accordance with the law.

As an example, a former boss or an HR staffer may say “Hold on a minute while I get the legal file to see what I am allowed to say about Mr. Smith.”

Although not allowed to “divulge anything” as stated by job reference laws, they just indicated there were legal issues surrounding your employment.

This implication can torpedo your job prospects.

Many people discover the error of their assumptions the hard way - by losing out on the perfect job because of reference issues. Check your own references before you provide them to employers to ensure you can address potential problems before they cost you the job.

There are reference checking companies that can help one circumvent a negative reference, including Summit HR Consulting in Northville, Mich., and Allison and Taylor in Rochester Hills, Mich.

A S t r o n g er C ommuni t y .

A healthier community.

Henry Ford Health System is proud to sponsor the Michigan Chronicle Pancakes & Politics community event. With the assistance of leaders in the business and government sectors, we can address the topics considered most relevant to the community, including the business and economic issues affecting the entire metro Detroit region.

B6

Faith.

| March 7-13, 2018

Second Baptist Church of Detroit celebrates its 182nd Anniversary On Sunday, March 11, at 10:30 a.m. Second Baptist Church will celebrate Heritage Sunday with guest speaker Rev. Dr. Samuel White, senior pastor, Friendship Baptist Church. In addition to his Friendship Baptist pastorate, Dr. White is the Spiritual Care coordinator for PACE Southeast Michigan and professor of Church History and New Testament at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. Dr. White is the author of seven books on grief and dying with his eighth book due this summer.

She was very active at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in various capacities and married Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams. They were blessed with two children, Dr. Tara Washington and Rev. Charles C. Adams.

While Dr. Adams pastored Concord Baptist Church in Boston, Florence Layne Adams attended Boston University. After returning to Detroit, she continued her education at Wayne State University. Upon graduation, she taught in the Detroit Public Schools for more than two decades. She and her former husband, Dr. Adams, were two of the first to integrate Detroit’s northwest side. She was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and a life member of the NAACP. After her retirement, Mrs. Adams became a caregiver for her grandchildren. Later, she relocated to Irvine, California with her daughter where she peacefully made her transition.

Cherishing the memory of Florence Layne Adams are her daughter, Dr. Tara Washington (John Washington); her son, Rev. Charles C. Adams (Dr. Maria Adams); and her grandchildren, David and Nathan Washington and Charles and Madison Adams.

Rev. Kevin Turman

St. Moses the Black:

A change in name for church and the community

By Donald James

with parishioner Eleanor Josaitis, founded Focus: HOPE more than five decades ago. Fr. Cunningham served as pastor of Catholic Church of the Madonna for many years.

Special to the Chronicle

St. Moses the Black, located at 1125 Oakman Blvd. on the city’s west side, has an interesting history. Built in 1924 as Catholic Church of the Madonna, the parish served a congregation and surrounding community that were heavily white. However, the Great Migration (1916 –1965) brought an influx of African Americans from the South to Detroit due to the booming auto industry.

Subsequently, Detroit and its many communities changed to reflect predominately black populations. The community surrounding Catholic Church of the Madonna followed suit.

About four years ago, Catholic Church of the Madonna was renamed St. Moses the Black.

Fr. J.J. Mech serves as pastor and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau is associate pastor. Dr. Mabel Jones, a 51-year-member and leader of St. Moses the Black (Catholic Church of the Madonna), remembers what was behind the name change, under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

“The Church of the Madonna, along with St. Benedict and St. Gregory clustered under the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament,” said Jones. “When St. Benedict and St. Gregory, both predominately black parishes, closed, they, along with Church of the Madonna merged into one church.”

Jones said there was an election and the churches involved in the merger submitted names.

The Archdiocese of Detroit was looking for a black saint to name the newly-merged Catholic church after. St. Gregory suggested St. Moses the Black and the name was adopted.

The church is named for St. Moses the Black, an Ethiopian who lived in the fourth century (AD).

His early life was rooted in trouble. Yet, St. Moses the Black, also known as St. Moses the Ethiopian, evolved, was baptized and became a Christian. He joined a monastic community and later was ordained a priest. St. Moses

Florence Layne Adams The life, love and legacy of Florence Layne Adams will be celebrated on Monday, March 12, 11 am, at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, 18700 James Couzens Freeway. The family hour will start at 10 am. There will be viewing on Sunday, March 11, 2-5 pm, at Swanson Funeral Home, 14751 W. McNichols.

Florence Layne Adams was born in Union Town, Pennsylvania, relocating to Detroit where she attended Northwestern High School. After graduation, she pursued a career in modeling and for a short time worked for a local defense general contractor.

Consul Banks, originally from Monrovia, Liberia, raised in Detroit, is the daughter of the late Dr. Victoria Banks and Rev. Dr. A. A. Banks, pastor of Second Baptist from 1947 to 1977. She is the first person of African descent to serve as United Nations Association chair.

Banks is chair of the Humanities Program at Prairie View A&M University. She also serves as consultant to the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia and is the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Liberia since 1993.

On March 23, 1836, 13 blacks received permission from the Territorial Legislature to own and operate a church, the Society of Second Baptist Church of Detroit. Second Baptist Church of Detroit first met in members’ homes and then located to Fort Street between Beaubien and St. Antoine streets. In December 1856, Second Baptist purchased the property where it now stands, formerly owned by the Gernan Reformed Presbyterian Society, at 441 Monroe Street (formerly Croghan) between Beaubien and Brush in Detroit. Second Baptist was the seventh major church in the city and the first in the Midwest operated by blacks. Second continues to be a church that is spiritually engaged, socially relevant and community involved.

michiganchronicle.com

the Black ultimately led a stellar life that was an inspiration to others, showing change for the good was possible for and with Christ.

St. Moses the Black should not be confused with the Bible’s Moses of the Old Testament. However, many biblical scholars have said St. Moses the Black chose the name because of Moses’ life transformation.

While St. Moses the Black has replaced the Catholic Church of the Madonna, the mission is still to feed and serve parishioners spiritually while empowering the underserved population in the surrounding communities.

“We really unleash the Gospel here at St. Moses the Black, but we serve the community in many very personal ways,” said Edna Jackson, who has been a member and leader at both Catholic Church of the Madonna and St. Moses the Black for a combined 53 years.

“We have a viable food and clothing program, a great choir and we have a very strong youth program.”

St. Moses has approximately 300 families as members.

The church has a significant Nigerian population. The white membership now accounts for less than five percent of parishioners.

“We consider ourselves to be candlelight people, and we do a lot of evangelization,” said Jones. “We are excited about our Soup and Scripture Lenten Series each Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., which will end on March 24.”

St. Moses the Black shares a special relationship with Focus:

HOPE, located across the street. The late Fr. William Cunningham, along

“We share resources when we can with Focus: HOPE,” said Jackson.

“This is still a very needy community with people in need of food, clothing, jobs and other things.

Last year, we were able to serve (nearly 180) families. We want to continue to stand strong to help serve this community.”

Joe Sanders, Sr. Services for Joe Sanders, Sr. took place at Greater Rose of Sharon Baptist Church on Feb. 24 with Pastor Elder Murry Roberts officiating. Mr. Sanders passed away on Feb. 14, 2018.

Joe Sanders, Sr. was born on June 11, 1933 in Marian, Alabama to Joe Sanders and Maggie Harris. At the age of 15, he moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. He joined the U.S. Army and served in North Korea. After that, he moved to Detroit and worked for Packard Motors and later General Motors.

Mr. Sanders, who was active in the church, married Jacqueline Grier and they had many wonderful years together, including traveling.

Cherishing the memory of Joe Sanders, Sr. are his wife, Jacqueline Grier-Sanders; children, Beneva Sanders, Sheila Sanders-Gurley, Joan Carpenter, Jennifer Sanders, Bruce Sanders, Charles Fly and Charmin Fly; and many other relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

James Coston, Jr. Services for James Coston, Jr. were held at Church of the Living God on Feb. 20 with Pastor G. Yusef Qualls officiating. Mr. Coston, affectionately known as Jimmie, passed away on Feb. 9, 2018.

98

th

1919-2017

James Coston, Jr. was born in Detroit on Aug. 22, 1947 to Mattie and James Coston, Sr. He was educated in the Detroit Public Schools and later enrolled at RETS Electronic Institute. He subsequently found employment at Chrysler.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Brenda Toombs, and they had three daughters, Sonji, Andres and Valencia.

Mr. Coston had many interests. including tinkering with electronics, music, cooking and entertaining.

He moved to New York in 1984 and went to school to become a paralegal and subsequently worked for numerous lawyers. He also earned a real estate broker’s license and began a career in real estate. He and his family returned to Detroit in 2017.

The memory of James Coston, Jr. is being cherished by his daughters, Sonji, Andres and Valencia; two stepdaughters, Nakeia and JaWanza; brothers, William, Alvin and Dwayne; sisters, Brenda and Denise; and many other relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Kay Ann Raines On Saturday, Feb. 24, services for Kay Ann Raines were held at Holy Cross Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Edwards, Sr. officiating.

Mrs. Raines passed away on Feb. 18, 2018.

Kay Ann Raines was born on March 4, 1949 to Willie and Julia Raines, in Detroit. After graduating from Mumford High School, she attended Highland Park Community College and subsequently worked as a quality control supervisor at Kux Manufacturing Company.

Eighteen years later, she changed direction, working as a clerk at 36th District Court. She retired 23 years later.

Ms. Raines enjoyed spending time with her family, dancing and going to parties.

Cherishing the memory of Kay Ann Raines are her brother, Willie, Jr.; a sister, Priscilla; and many other relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

March 7-13, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-7

Upcoming Events MARCH

10

Culture as Capital: How We Use Hip Hop to Reclaim Representations of Women in Media

NOW

through APRIL 2

The Raisin Cycle at Wayne State University in Detroit

Lead by a production of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, Wayne State’s Department of Theatre and Dance will also present productions of two other spin-off plays: Beneatha’s Place by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris. All three plays tackle topics including race relations, urban renewal and gentrification.

• Where: 3424 Woodward Ave. and 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit • Cost: $15-$20 • More: 313-577-3508, DetroitRaisinCycle.com

Join Piper Carter, co-founder of We Found Hip Hop, for this Women’s History Month discussion featuring a short film and live performance by inspirational female rapper, singer, songwriter, community activist & arts educator Mahogany Jones. Also featured will be DJ Afe, Dorthea Thomas, Sombade, Princess, Lauren J, Boog Brown, Alexyn Wundrland, Sanaa Su, Tone, and DJ Haintso. 2 PM - Free.

17

17 18 and

2018 Women’s History Month Breakfast w/ Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, M.Ed. Where: Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. Seven Mile, Detroit, MI 48219 When: 8:30-10:30am Cost: $50 Early Bird Special Tickets through Wednesday, February 28th & $100 General Donation More: Make Checks Payable to: Strong Women Lead | P.O. Box 231141 | Detroit, MI 48223

Black Women Rock! 2018: It’s Always The Year of the Woman CONCERT: Saturday, March 17 at 8 PM / Doors at 7 PM SISTERFIRE BWR! FESTIVAL: Sunday, March 18 from 10 AM - 3 PM Celebrating its 14th year, this perennial favorite returns with a dynamic lineup including Sylvia Black, CeCe Peniston, j­essica Care moore, Jackie Venson, ­Mahogany Jones, Guitar Gabby of The Tulips Band, SATE, and Ideeyah, with special guest Nona Hendryx and music director Kat ­Dyson!

Where: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E Warren Ave. For more information visit http://blackwomenrock.com

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Page B-8 • michiganchronicle.com • March 7-13, 2018

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City. Life. Style.

C1 | March 7-13, 2018

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

Reflections

By Steve Holsey

Henderson’s best Detroit’s own Michael Henderson has been playing bass guitar professionally since he was in his mid-teens, and over the years played with a virtual who’s who of the music industry, in the studio and on stage.

5 ways to

celebrate International Women’s Day

His long history includes stints with Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis and Norman Connors. And ironically, when he was hired by Davis, Henderson said he had never heard of the jazz icon!

By AJ Williams

By AJ Williams Michael Henderson In the mid-1970s, the public made a very surprising discovery — that Henderson was also a great singer (and songwriter). He delivered some of R&Bs best.

A new double-disc album has just been released titled “Take Me I’m Yours: Michael Henderson, The Buddah Years Anthology.”

Thirty-four songs are featured, among them “Be My Girl,” “Valentine Love” (Norman Connors featuring Michael Henderson and Jean Carn), “You Are My Starship” (also from a Norman Connors album), “In the Night-Time,” “We Both Need Each Other” (with Phyllis Hyman) and “Take Me I’m Yours” (with Rena Scott) — all ballads, but also included are the funk gems “Wide Receiver” and “(We Are Here To) Geek You Up.” This collection is a must for Michael Henderson fans.

PEOPLE are still talking about the ferocious statement Bobby Brown made about Nick Gordon, his daughter Bobby Kristina’s boyfriend at the time of her passing.

Brown thinks Gordon is responsible, but Gordon has said, “He’s wrong and he knows he’s wrong.”

(Gordon found the body.)

Bobby Brown

3.Take in some Detroit culture: If you weren’t aware, March 31 Detroit has some super dope mu(3.13) is a local holiday known as seums and galleries. Check out the #313Day or #DetroitDay in the city Detroit Institute of Arts or the Detroit of Detroit! It’s a day when Detroiters Historical Museum. Get your contake to the street and social media to temporary art on at N’namdi Gallery do what we do best — boast about or the new Norwest Gallery on the being from the D. Can’t think of any- west side. ways to celebrate? Then cop this list 4. Beats By The D: as your own before your Detroiter While you’re cruising the city, be sure card gets revoked! to invoke what along with the auto in1. Start every greeting or social dustry put Detroit on the map — mumedia status with “Whatupdoe!”: sic! Tune in to via iTunes or Spotify Detroit is so special that across the some local beats by Detroit artists states everyone knows our home- Brandon Williams, Ideeyah and the town greeting of “Whatupdoe” with Detroit duo APlus! a nod is specific to Detroiters.

5. Refuel your motor: A day in the D can leave you need2. Rep Detroit Treads: ing nourishment ASAP. Refuel on From Detroit Still Exist (DSE) to Dethe go by grabbing a bag or two of troit is the New Black and Detroit Vs. Better Made chips alongside a red Everybody, Detroit brims with ways to show your hometown pride. Visit Faygo or have a seat at Dilla Doughanyone of these locations to get your nuts or American Coney Island for a deep dive into Detroit eats.

313 threads to rep on Detroit Day!

Nick Gordon

You probably heard Brown’s claim that justice would be served if Gordon “was locked up somewhere where somebody can rape him. He raped me by taking my daughter away.”

I feel extra bad for Cissy Houston, who lost her daughter and then, shortly after, her granddaughter.

Nile Rodgers

Rihanna

NILE RODGERS, the prolific producer, songwriter, musician and more, has worked with everyone from Diana Ross, David Bowie and Lady Gaga to Sister Sledge, Chistina Aguilera and of course, Chic.

However, he yearns to add another

See Reflections Page C-2

1. S how your “Girl Power” solidarity by downloading your International Women’s Day #PressForProgress Selfie cards, posters, IWD widgets and more!

Visit www.internationalwomensday.com.

2. T ake a selfie visually showing your #PressForProgress Pose to create thunderclap to get IWD and #PressForProgress trending, and the social conversation started.

3.

Vocalize! Create a video for International Women’s Day and upload it to YouTube or Instagram.

4.

Learn about women who’ve done amazing things in the pursuit of equal rights for women — March is also International Women’s History Month. Start with civil rights activist Rosa Parks, suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, iconic aviator Amelia Earhart and Clara Zetkin, the leader of the “Women’s Office” for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, who campaigned tirelessly for an International Women’s Day back in 1910.

5. International Women’s Day is about celebrating the achievements of women past, present and future. Email the women in your life and let them know why they’re special to you.

Thing is, apparently, nothing can be proven. Various substances were found in Bobbi Kristina’s body.

I have no evidence, but my gut feeling has always been that her death was self-induced as her way of “going to be with her mother, Whitney Houston,” with whom she was very close and who died in an eerie, almost identical manner.

Officially, International Women’s Day 2018 is on March 8, there are so many ways to celebrate the occasion, and with March being Women’s History Month, the celebration will continue all month. In today’s social media driven society, here are five ways you can celebrate Women’s Day 2018 online:

For more information about International Women’s Day, visit www.InternationalWomensDay.com.

Jazz in the Gardens returns for 13th year of music, sun and fun

By AJ Williams In one of America’s hottest cities of sun and sand, nestled in the city of Miami Garden is the fastest growing destination jazz and R&B festival in America, the Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) Music Festival. The annual music festival, which attracts concertgoers from across the U.S and the Caribbean Islands will celebrate its 13th successful year with a mix of new stars and old school acts over two days, March 17-18, at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Renowned for its soulful vibe, the festival has consistently celebrated the best in jazz, R&B and soul with the likes of Maxwell, Run-DMC,

ture event will also showcase local artists along with an array of tropical food vendors and a buzzing marketplace where concertgoers will find a variety of wares. Tickets are still available for both Saturday and Sunday. For festival and ticket information visit www.jazzinthegardens.com.

Toni Braxton, Brian Cul­ bertson, Fred Hammond and many more gracing its stage.

Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert is pleased with the festival growing year after year.

This year’s lineup carries on the big name tradition

with Chaka Khan and Fantasia along with the renowned Anita Baker will be appearing as part of her farewell tour.

Boasting an annual attendance of over 70,000 music enthusiasts, the City’s signa-

Visit www.michiganchronicle or the Michigan Chronicle Facebook page to enter to win tickets to Sat/Sun concerts.

Winners will be selected at random and notified by phone or email. Deadline for entries is March 8. Prize packages DO NOT include accommodations and transportation to/from Miami.

Page C-2 • michiganchronicle.com • March 7-13, 2018

#BeScene Featured Event: ‘I’m ADDICTED, Too!’ – a comedic play by Detroit’s own One Single Rose

One Single Rose presents "I’m ADDICTED, Too!" — the second installment of her comedic play "ADDICTION." "I’m ADDICTED, Too!" keeps it real with comedy as we all have at least one thing that we just can’t go without, that one thing we will go through hell or high water to obtain. "I’m ADDICTED, Too!" is a unique theater experience with quite a few twists as sometimes we don’t view our normal behavior as an addiction. The audience will also have an opportunity to reveal the writer’s addiction to win a prize at each performance.

"I’m ADDICTED, Too!" opens on

Reflections From page C-1

name to the impressive list — Rihanna.

Trouble is, he is so star struck that he has not been able to approach her — and he’s been in her presence on four occasions.

A new singer with longevity potential: SZA (pronounced “Sizza”).

“American Idol” launched many highly successful careers, including those of Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, Kellie Pickler and Ruben Studdard. But numerous others got off to a good start but, for one reason or another, were not able to sustain and move to the next level, such LaToya London, Bo Bice, Melinda Doolittle, David Archuleta, Elliott Yamin, Candice Glover and Taylor Hicks.

Kendrick Lamar wants to play a super villian in the next “Black Panther” movie. He was heavily involved in the music from the current megahit film.

March 9 and runs through March 11.

Shows are scheduled on Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. show time, a 3:00 p.m. Sunday matinee and a 7:00 p.m. evening show at the Motor City Youth Theater, 27555 Grantland Street in Livonia. If "I’m ADDICTED, Too!" sells out March 9-11, there will be additional shows added the following weekend. Tickets are available online https://imaddictedtoo.brownpapertickets.com or by calling (313) 451-2571. For more information, please call (313) 451-2571, email onesinglerose313@yahoo.com or visit www.onesinglerose.com.

album, “The Junction,” is scheduled to be released at the end of the month.

More proof that some people are still buying vinyl recordings: Isaac Hayes’ three most famous albums, “Hot Buttered Soul,” “Shaft” and “Black Moses,” have just been reissued on vinyl.

Lalah Hathaway is annoyed by people taking pictures with their cell phones while she is performing, more concerned about getting pictures than the show. She calls it “super distracting and rude to the people around you.”

If anyone knows or runs into James Mitchell, who sang with the Detroit Emeralds, tell him there is a great performance on YouTube. Enter “Detroit Emeralds, Show Time.”

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW...that Take 6 is the most honored group in the history of a cappella singing, including 10 Grammys.

MEMORIES: “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby” (Barry White), “Truly Yours” (the Spinners), “Sign O’ the Times” (Prince), “You’re Number One (In My Book)” (Gladys Knight and the Pips), “My Baby Loves Me” (Martha and the Vandellas), “Hold On” (En Vogue), “The House That Jack Built” (Aretha Franklin), “Let’s Start the Dance” (Bohannon).

BLESSINGS to Nat Morris, Robin Terry, Aaron Foley, Donafay Collins, Lori Euseary, Montez Miller, Chuck Bennett and Larry Buford.

The Manhattan Transfer THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER is one of the most talented and versatile vocal groups in the history of show business. Group founder Tim Hauser passed away several years ago but, as he would have wanted, the group carries on. The new member has an odd name, Trist Curless. The new MT

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Sinbad: “If you’re not happy before you’re successful, you’re going to be miserable when you do become successful because all of your problems just get magnified.”

Photo by Andy Tennille

Piedmont Blues: A Search for Salvation Featuring René Marie, vocals Conceived and composed by Gerald Clayton Directed by Christopher McElroen with Gerald Clayton & The Assembly Wednesday, March 14 // 7:30 pm Michigan Theater (Ann Arbor) Ragtime rhythms, a unique finger-picking guitar style, and understated vocals are the hallmarks of the folk music style found in the Piedmont region, the area between the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the Appalachian Mountains covering central Georgia to central Virginia. Jazz pianist and composer Gerald Clayton has captured the essence of this celebrated land, home to a unique culture and rapidly vanishing folkloric history, and preserved it in a multimedia project. This music-theater experience combines music with projected film, new and archival photography, and the stories of those few musical elders who are still keeping the tradition alive.

Presenting Sponsor: Funded in part by: National Endowment for the Arts Media Partner: WEMU 89.1 FM

Let the music play!

Steve Holsey can be reached at svh517@aol.com, navets517@gmail. com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

Steve Lehman & Sélébéyone

DIGITAL DAILY

www.michiganchronicle.com

At your fingertips Follow Us On facebook.com/michiganchronicle @michronicle

HPrizm (aka High Priest), vocals (English) Gaston Bandimic, vocals (Wolof) Steve Lehman, alto saxophone and electronics Maciek Lasserre, soprano saxophone and electronics Carlos Homs, keyboards Rich Brown, electric bass Damion Reid, drums Saturday, March 17 // 9 pm El Club (Detroit) Composer and saxophonist Steve Lehman, a “quietly dazzling saxophonist” (New York Times), has built a career creating innovative new music that packs a visceral wallop. He leads this international ensemble, which includes rappers HPrizm, a legend of New York’s underground hip-hop scene, and Gaston Bandimic, one of Senegal’s most distinctive young rap stars. This unique hybrid juxtaposes English and Wolof against changing meters and asymmetrical rhythms, giving rise to the development of a whole new musical universe.

Funded in part by: The Wallace Foundation and the JazzNet Endowment Fund Media Partners: Metro Times, WDET 101.9 FM, and WEMU 89.1 FM

734.764.2538 ——— U M S . O R G

UAW-FORD’s

Section C-3

March 7-13, 2018 Jada and Jaidyn Hamilton were introduced to chess through Coach Fite as fifth graders at Chrysler Elementary. Jaidyn Hamilton is no doubt proud of the progress she has made, but she let the “Best of Young Detroit” know that she is far from satisfied.

“I learned what I need to work on and what I need to do better in,” said Jaidyn Hamilton, as she critiqued her overall performance at the Queen City Classic. “The job is never finished until you reach the top.”

Like Jaidyn Hamilton, Lauren Bradford said there were things she could have done even better during her matches, but ultimately she was very satisfied with her effort and how well the entire Detroit City Chess Club represented our city.

“We had a film crew with us, so that was an added reason for us to come here and handle business—we had to show our work off,” Bradford said. “My favorite part of the tournament is when it is complete and I know I did everything I could do. It’s a relief of the stress I was going through.”

And in being able to manage the challenges and stress that a highly competitive chess tournament presents, Bradford said all of the Detroit City Chess Club members will be better people in the future.

“We’re really slept on as a city,” she said, conveying a sentiment felt by many proud Detroiters. “People don’t look at Detroit as the best city with the best kids, but chess is another way we can show who we are and it helps with o u r school work, scholarships and life.”

Detroit City Chess Club delivers another ‘Classic’ performance!

‘You can do anything if you put your mind to it,’ says Jada Hamilton

By Scott Talley Special to the Michigan Chronicle Close your eyes and imagine three bus loads of Detroit youth who are enthusiastic about putting their brains and minds to good use. Imagine that these youth are accompanied by parents, educators and coaches who are committed to giving these youth every opportunity to be the best people they can possibly be for the betterment of our community and society. Now open your eyes and understand that this scene recently occurred, not in a dream, not even in a movie or work of fiction, but in real life when members of the Detroit City Chess Club traveled to Cincinnati to participate in the 17th Annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament (March 2-3).

The Queen City Classic attracts students from as many as 10 states and also serves as the Midwest Regional Championships for chess clubs. When all the matches had been played at this year’s Queen City Classic, members of the Detroit City Chess Club walked away with first-place finishes in the following sections: Rated K-12 Open Team, Rated 7-9 Individual and Rated 7-9 Team. Detroit City Chess Club members also placed high and earned trophies for their outstanding play in several other sections.

“We brought 92 kids, the most we have ever brought to this tournament,” said Kevin Fite, founder of the Detroit City Chess Club. “Our kids represented our city very well, not just through the way they played chess, but also by how well they conducted themselves. I was bombarded by people telling me how well our kids behaved—we had zero issues with the kids.”

However, the match victories and the trophies are just a part of the Detroit City Chess Club’s very special story. To coincide with Women’s History Month in March, the “Best of Young Detroit” asked Coach Fite to identify a few female members from his group that we can expect to make positive history in the future. This description actually can be applied to every young lady in the Detroit City Chess Club, but for the purpose of this story, Coach Fite identified three: twin sisters Jada and Jaidyn Hamilton and Lauren Bradford. As it turns out, all three are tenth graders at Cass Technical High School in the chemical biological curriculum.

And all three had some wonderful nuggets of wisdom to share with our community.

Coach Fite added: “Another record was set by the amount of local coaches that made the trip with us. That really contributed to the success of our kids and we even had other clubs and coaches come to us and ask how we are able to mobilize so many students?”

“I had to get my mind ready for each match and work hard—I couldn’t give up,” said Jada Hamilton, who teamed with her sister Jaidyn and Lauren Bradford to win the Rated K-12 Open Team championship. “My message to our community would be that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

Forever Moving and Thinking!

Following are some of the top Detroit City Chess Club (DCCC) performers from the 17th Annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament Non-rated K Team 2. DCCC: Isaiah Cobb, Dominic Taylor Non-rated Grade 1 Team 2. DCCC: Jacob Allen, Oscar Cobb III, George Hawkins Non-rated Grade 2 Team 2. DCCC: Genevieve Burks, Alexis Harrington, Dominic Brantley Non-rated Grade 4 Team 2. DCCC: Oneyka Ballard, Daniel Randon, Brandon Ricks Non-rated Grades 10-12 Team 3. DCCC: Gabriel Reason, Amari Walker, Jordan Smith Rated K-12 Open Individual 3. DCCC: Lauren Bradford Rated K-12 Open Team 1. DCCC: Lauren Bradford, Jada Hamilton, Jaidyn Hamilton Rated K-3 Open Team 2. DCCC: Mariah Crawford, Taharka Turner, Allan Cosma II Rated 4-6 Under 800 3. DCCC: Maxwell Baloh, William Dunson, Faith Harrell Rated 4-6 Open Team 2. DCCC: Ivory Burks, Theodore Baloh, Houston Poe Rated 7-9 Individual 1. DCCC: Kenneth Rogers III 2. DCCC: Brelen Wilkes 3. DCCC: Eric Hobson Jr. Rated 7-9 Open Team 1. DCCC: Kenneth Rogers III, Brelen Wilkes, Eric Hobson Jr.

UAW-Ford’s Best of Young Detroit

March 7-13, 2018 Page C-4

Student Voices

Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church workshop produced thoughtful commentaries This edition of “Student Voices” features the final submissions that were composed during our writing workshop at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. This week, we are proud to introduce a first and third grader—Martell Murray and Saul Ellis. Martell and Saul were two of the youngest members of our group, and they both enthusiastically approached their work.

Martell, like many young men in our community, is passionate about video games and basketball, and our writing workshop gave him an opportunity to express his budding passion for both in words. And though only in the third grade, Saul, is already very concerned about the way people treat each other and he longs for a society where people make good choices for the betterment of all. In addition to his editorial, Saul also composed an illustration (not pictured), which shows what happens when people choose wrongly to not get along. The “Best of Young Detroit” is delighted to share the thoughts of Martell and Saul, and we thank all of the participants from Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church that participated in our workshop.

Martell Murray

bodies more. I like my video games because they are awesome and cool, and I like basketball because it is a cool sport.”

Saul Ellis, 3rd grader, Westview Elementary: “My topic is black people and white people, and the choices people make.

Some black people and white people still don’t like each other, but there are some people that choose to Saul Ellis get along with all people, and that is a good choice to make. Some people are homeless, but some people think about making changes that will help all people, including people without homes, and those people made the right choice. The lives of all people are important and that is why people should try to make good choices.”

Local products have big moments during college conference tourneys In college basketball gymnasiums and arenas across the country, the action is heating up during conference tournament play and student-athletes with local ties are more than holding their own. Following are some recent strong performances: Branndais Agee, Michigan State University/Cass Tech, the redshirt senior guard had a monster game, registering 17 rebounds, 16 points, three assists and two blocked shots in an epic, 111-109, four-overtime defeat against Indiana on March 1 in the first round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament.

Ronald Booth, Wayne State University/ Consortium (now Voyageur College Preparatory), the senior guard scored 21 points in an 88-74 defeat against Michigan Tech in the quarterfinal round of the GLIAC Tournament on Feb. 28.

Martell Murray, 1st grader, David Ellis Academy: “Video games and basketball are two different kinds of exciting games and I like them both.

In video games and basketball we use our brains and bodies, but in video games we use our brains more and in basketball we use our

Kenny Carpenter, Cleveland State University/Cass Tech, the senior guard totaled 37 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in two games (March 2-3) at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, to advance the Vikings to the semifinal round of the Horizon League Tournament, which was being played as this section was about to go to press. Carpenter’s heroics included compiling 22 points, six rebounds and four assists in a 72-71 victory against Youngstown State on March 2.

Bakari Evelyn, Valparaiso University, the sophomore guard and Detroit native contributed 13 points, six rebounds and three assists in an 83-79 defeat against Missouri State in an opening game in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament on March 1. Evelyn, who led Southfield Christian

King’s swimmers are leaders in the pool with help from Coach Peterson Can a student sitting in a Detroit Public Schools Community District classroom today go on to have a lasting, positive impact on his or her community? Absolutely, and one of the special people our students can look to for inspiration is Mr. Gary Peterson, who graduated from Detroit’s Martin Luther King High School before going to South Carolina State on a swimming scholarship. Pictured with a few members of King High School’s boys swimming team (whom he recently coached to another city championship), Mr. Peterson has spent most of his life—including 38 years with the City of Detroit’s Recreation Department—promoting swimming in our city, particularly among youth.

The “Best of Young Detroit” salutes Mr. Peterson and his many swimmers for being an ongoing, positive, healthy part of our community.

Following are some of the top performers in recent high school basketball games involving teams in the Detroit Public School League.

Operation Friendship Consolation Game

Class A State Playoff Games (District Rounds)

Johnny Davis, Pershing, the senior forward scored 15 points in a 71-64 victory against Warren De La Salle on March 1 at Calihan Hall on the campus of the University of Detroit Mercy.

GIRLS Diamond Cannon, King, contributed nine rebounds and eight points in a 55-41 victory against Cass on March 2.

Kailee Davis, Renaissance, the freshman All-City guard scored 17 points in a 58-14 victory against Berkley on March 2.

Jordan Lewis, King, contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds against Cass on March 2.

to three Class D high school state championships, averaged 12.6 points this season for Valpo.

Chuck Key, Wayne State University/ Cass Tech, the senior forward scored 20 points in an 8874 defeat against Michigan Tech in the quarterfinal round of the GLIAC Tournament on Feb. 28.

Josh McFolley, University of Detroit Mercy/Western International, the junior guard registered 11 points, three assists, three rebounds and two steals, in a 93-81 defeat against Green Bay in an opening round game of the Horizon League Tournament on March 2.

Ja’Nae Williams, Wayne State University/ Martin Luther King, the junior guard put forth a valiant effort, registering 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a blocked shot and a steal in a 64-56 loss against Northwood in the quarterfinal round of the GLIAC Tournament on Feb. 28.

Cassius Winston, Michigan State University/University of Detroit Jesuit, the sophomore guard totaled 28 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in two games in the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York, including a 17-point, five-rebound, five-assist effort against Wisconsin on March 2.

“Best of Young Detroit” James McElroy earned his place among the PSL’s greatest players

BOYS

D’Juan Seal, Pershing, the senior All-City guard contributed 13 points against De La Salle on March 1.

Please note that as this section was being prepared, regional games in the girls state tournament were being played and district play in the boys state tournament was beginning.

Mariah Mitchell, King, registered 23 points and nine rebounds against Cass on March 2.

Del’Janae Williams, King, contributed nine points, seven assists and five steals against Cass on March 2.

Your Feedback Matters The “Best of Young Detroit” welcomes feedback from our community. Please submit story suggestions and other comments to Scott Talley at stalleyassociates@gmail.com or 313-590-3686.

Detroit PSL products James McElroy (No. 15) and Dan Roundfield (No. 33) helped Central Michigan win its first Mid American Conference basketball title in 1975.

The date was March 20, 1975 and the Central Michigan University men’s basketball team proved it could play with one of the top programs in the country after bowing out to Kentucky, 90-73, in an NCAA Tournament Mideast Regional semifinal game. The game was actually much more competitive than the score indicated and one of the top performers for Central Michigan was a guard out of Detroit Murray-Wright High School named James McElroy. On that day, McElroy supplied 17 points, five rebounds and four assists against the highly touted Wildcats.

Is it possible for a high school basketball league to produce so much talent that some outstanding players are forgotten when the league’s history is rehashed? Perhaps that is the case for a league that possesses the rich history of the Detroit PSL. James McElroy may not be top of mind for many when PSL greats are recalled, but make no mistake about it, McElroy had many sterling moments on a basketball court. Born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, McElroy was groomed at MurrayWright by the legendary George “Baby” Duncan. At Murray-Wright, McElroy would eventually team with another outstanding guard a couple years his junior—Johnny Davis—and then at Central Michigan he

joined forces with another player who would become a big name in Detroit PSL history— Dan Roundfield.

Indeed, McElroy was associated with some of Detroit’s basketball royalty, but he was an outstanding player in his own right.

McElroy starred for two seasons at Central Michigan, earning second team All-Mid American Conference honors as a junior, which he topped as a senior when he was a unanimous first team All-MAC selection during the before-mentioned 1974-75 campaign. A third-round selection in the 1975 NBA Draft, McElroy would go on to play seven NBA seasons with New Orleans, the Pistons and Atlanta. Old-school fans that remember the New Orleans Jazz, no doubt remember James McElroy, who averaged 16.9 points and 5.7 assists for the Jazz during the 197879 season. That season preceded a brief stint with the Pistons during the 1979-80 season, before he finished his NBA career with Atlanta. As a pro, Mr. McElroy was good enough to score 40 points in an NBA game, and he is certainly plenty good enough to be celebrated as one of the Detroit PSL’s all-time greats, and a gentleman who set a standard for our student-athletes to aspire to today.

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March 7-13, 2018

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE ROOM FOR RENT

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Eastside, Furn. Utilities included, mature adult preferred, $350.00/Mo. Call Don 313/ 521-0621.

LEGAL NOTICE Detroit Innovation Academy is now enrolling for the 2018-2019 school year (March 6, 2018 – April 27, 2018) for grades K-8. A lottery will be held at DIA on May 1, at 3:30pm, if needed. Detroit Innovation Academy (grades K-8) is located at 18211 Plymouth Road, Detroit, MI 48228. Please call 313-736-5537 or visit www.diachampion. org for more information.

Transportation Modeler

RFP #DPL-CL-1809 Bookmobile for Library on Wheels

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

MAYOR’S WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (MWDB)

EOE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFPs for Legal Services, Control No. 18-2623. RFP forms may be obtained beginning March 5, 2018 from http://www.mitn.info.

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFPs for Oil Change Pit Improvements, Control No. 18-2634. RFP forms may be obtained beginning March 7, 2018 from http://www.mitn.info.

RFPs are due by 3:00 PM ET, April 4, 2018.

RFPs are due by 3:00 PM ET, April 13, 2018.

DETROIT EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS CORPORATION A Michigan Works! Agency, in cooperation with the

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments seeks a transportation engineer, or other relevantly degreed candidate with the skills and abilities to provide assistance in the field of travel demand modeling. For more information, please visit www.semcog.org/Careers.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Workforce Information Management and Data Exchange System (WIMDES) Assessment

Detroit Transportation Corporation NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

On behalf of the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board (MWDB), the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) is seeking a qualified vendor to provide an assessment of IT and recommended solutions. These services will be designed to meet the needs of DESC corporate human resources and management team.

DESC expects to award one contract for the services described in the RFP. The award shall not exceed $50,000.00. The contract period is anticipated to be from April 9, 2018 through June 30, 2018.

Based on performance, contingent upon the availability of funds, and at DESC’s sole discretion, contracts may be extended for up to two (2), six (6)-month periods.

All bid packages for this RFP will be sent via email. Bid packages will not be available for hardcopy pickup and will not be mailed by U.S. mail. Requests for the RFP package may be emailed to DESC at descprocurement@detempsol.org. In order to receive a RFP package, qualified vendors must submit the following information via email: company name, address, office phone number, fax number, contact person’s name, title, and valid email address.

Sealed bids must be received at DESC, 440 East Congress – Suite 400, Detroit, Michigan 48226, no later than March 28, 2018 at 3:00 P.M. A Public Recording is scheduled for March 28, 2018, 3:30 P.M., at the above-mentioned address. The bids will not be available for viewing. Each vendor is responsible for ensuring that its bid is received by DESC on a timely basis. Late bids will not be accepted.

Mayor’s Workforce Development Board Cynthia J. Pasky, Co-Chairperson David E. Meador, Co-Chairperson Jeffrey M. Donofrio, Executive Director Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation Board Laura A. Hughes, Chairperson Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation Nicole Sherard-Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer

All Citizens are advised that the Detroit Transportation Corporation (DTC) has prepared an application for State of Michigan financial as¬sistance for fiscal year 2019 as required under Act 51 of the Public Acts of 1951, as amended, and for federal assistance as required under the federal transit laws, as amended. The DTC is requesting estimated total capital funding through the following sources: Section 5310 for DTC Accessibility and Equipment Upgrades and facility improvements totaling $500,000 (FTA amount of $400,000 and MDOT amount of $100,000).

Section 5307totaling $500,000 (FTA amount of $400,000 and MDOT amount of $100,000), and Section 5337 totaling $1,500,000 (FTA amount of $1,200,000 and MDOT amount of $300,000) to keep the system in a state of good repair by renovating and rehabilitating the people mover equipment and facilities.

And $5,600,000 of Operating Assistance for the Michigan Department of Transportation Notice of these federal funds has been published previously in the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) prepared by SEMCOG. The DTC ensures that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more information regarding our Title VI obligations or to file a complaint, please contact the DTC at the address listed below.

The proposed application is on file at the DTC and may be re¬viewed from Thursday March 1, 2018 – Monday April 2, 2018 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Written comments or requests regarding the application and/or written requests for a public hearing to review the application must be received by Tuesday April 2, 2018. If a hearing is requested, no¬tice of the scheduled date, time and location will be provided at least ten (10) days in advance. Submittals should be sent to Mr. Oliver Lindsay, Grant Manager, Detroit Transportation Corporation, 535 Griswold Street, Suite 400, Detroit, MI 48226 or 313-522-8445. Barring any changes made in response to the written comments, this document will become final.

DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING FOR WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT FY19 DRINKING WATER REVOLVING FUND (DWRF) PROJECT

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS PROJECT:

River Rouge Housing Commission 2016/2017 Capital Fund Program

CCTV SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM Common Hallway Areas/Exterior OWNER:

ARCHITECT:

River Rouge Housing Commission 180 Visger Road, River Rouge, MI. 48218 ASC ARCHITECTS LLC P.O. Box 250059 Franklin, MI. 48025

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

RRHC Project: MI008-002, 003, & 004 Community Center Building.

The project consists of Security Camera System installations within the River Rouge Housing Commission Common Hallway Areas/Exterior.Designated by the Executive Director and/or Contracting Officer.

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) announces a Public Hearing regarding its Project Plan for the proposed Water Main Replacement in the City of Detroit. DWSD will be seeking low interest Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) loan assistance for FY19. The project is comprised of replacing aging water mains in three areas located in the northend, east, and west sides of the city of Detroit. Construction will include excavation of the existing water mains, installation of new pipes, replacement of lead service lines between the water main and the water meter, pressure testing, backfill and road restoration. Any disturbed areas adjacent to the pipes will be restored to pre-project conditions. The impact of the project will be improved customer satisfaction and safe, reliable service delivery of potable water to customers. The temporary impact of construction activities will be minimized through mitigation measures specified in the contract documents. Adverse impacts on historical, archeological, geographic or cultural areas are not expected. This project is necessary to ensure that DWSD will consistently and reliably provide high quality potable water to the residents. The total cost of this project is currently estimated at $15,982,000; which is being sought through the DWRF program. The Water Main Replacement project is eligible for participation under the State of Michigan low interest DWRF loan program.

Location:

460 ½ Hyacinth Court River Rouge, MI. 48218

The Public Hearing will present a description of the recommended project, estimated costs, as well as the cost per household impact for customers. The typical residential customer bill in the City of Detroit is expected to increase by approximately $2.13 per year (0.80% annual increase) assuming that low interest loans can be obtained through the DWRF loan program.

The purpose of the hearing is not only to inform, but to seek and gather input from people that will be affected. Comments and viewpoints from the public are encouraged.

Bid Due Date:

March 12, 2018 @ 2:00 pm

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD ON:

Submit To:

Lori D. Long, Executive Director 180 Visger Road, River Rouge, MI. 48218 $75.00 non-refundable fee for bids

DATE:

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Payable to:

RRHC

INVITATION:

Sealed bids will be received by the River Rouge Housing Comm.,& will be opened and read at the Owner Discretion. Bid Proposals will Received at: River Rouge Housing Commission, 180 Visger Road, River Rouge, MI. 48218.

(313) 382-1414 office (313) 382-0228 fax.

PLACE:

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Water Board Building 735 Randolph, 5th Floor, Board Room Detroit, Michigan 48226

TIME:

1:00 p.m.

BIDDING:

In order to receive consideration, make bids in strict accordance with the Project manual and include, what the Bid form, the following: a. Representations, Certifications, and Other statements of Bidders HUD-5369 A. b. Non-Collusive Affidavit c. Bid Bond d. Section 3 Implementation Plan

Walk- Through Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 10:30am

BIDDING DOCUMENTS:

Page C-5

Proposals shall be made according to the contract documents as Prepared by ASC ARCHITECTS LLC.

There will be a Pre-Proposal Conference held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202.

Sealed proposals are to be returned to the Purchasing Office, 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 no later than 2:00 PM (Local Time) March 29, 2018. No telephone, electronic, or facsimile proposals will be accepted. Late proposals will not be accepted or considered.

Please note: The Library is closed to patrons on Monday however, the business offices are open. Access to the building on Monday is through the Staff Entrance on Putnam Street.

RFP #DPL-CL-1810 Elevator Maintenance and Repair Services for a Three (3) Year Period The Detroit Public Library is seeking sealed competitive proposals for Elevator Maintenance and Repair Services for a Three (3) Year Period, RFP #DPLCL-1810. Proposal documents may be downloaded from the Library’s website, www.detroitpubliclibrary.org or through the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network (MITN) website, www.bidnetdirect.com/ mitn.

There will be a Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202.

Sealed proposals are to be returned to the Purchasing Office, 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 no later than 2:00 PM (Local Time) March 29, 2018. No telephone, electronic, or facsimile proposals will be accepted. Late proposals will not be accepted or considered.

Please note: The Library is closed to patrons on Monday however, the business offices are open. Access to the building on Monday is through the Staff Entrance on Putnam Street.

Seeking Qualified Contractors SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc. (SER Metro-Detroit) is seeking qualified contractors to install a new Electronic Marquee Sign at 9301 Michigan Avenue, Detroit MI 48210. Work includes the following: • Replacement of the Marquee Sign located at 9301 Michigan Avenue • Place removable graphics at the base of the sign (2 separate designs).

“Detroit At Work” logo and “SER YouthBuild Learning Academy” Logo.

Artwork will be provided, removable artwork to be supplied by contractor.

• Install video screen in the center, capable of remote control, internet connection, upload of videos, jpeg and messaging in at least 3 languages • Install SER Metro-Detroit logo and lettering permanently at the top of the sign.

This is Community Block Grand Development funded and all regulations associated with those funds will be applicable. Warranty and maintenance costs should be included in the response. Installation will also be a cost covered in the response and will be expected to take place within 45 days of contract execution. Site visits made upon request.

Sealed bids will be accepted March 16, 2018 until 5:00PM at SER Metro-Detroit, 9301 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48210 to Yahaira David’s attention. No bids will be accepted after this time.

All bids will be publicly opened on March 19, 2018 at 10:00AM at SER Metro-Detroit, 9301 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48210.

All interested parties are invited to attend.

SER Metro-Detroit reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any bid or to reject any or all bids should it be deemed for its best interest.

Information on the Project Plan will be available for review after March 7, 2018 at the following locations:

For questions please email buildingsupport@sermetro.org

City website: detroitmi.gov/dwsd OR

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

Water Board Building

735 Randolph, 5th Floor

Detroit, Michigan 48226

Subscribe and receive one full year of the Michigan Chronicle to your home or office

If you have questions or want to submit written statements for the Public Hearing Record, call or write:

Name

(313) 964-9269 Monica Daniels Detroit Water and Sewerage Department 735 Randolph, 7th Floor Detroit, Michigan 48226

Written comments will be accepted at the above address if received prior to 1:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, April 4, 2018.

City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department Gary Brown, Director

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE Published Every Wednesday

The Detroit Public Library is seeking sealed competitive proposals for a Bookmobile One (1) Each, RFP #DPL-CL-1809. Proposal documents may be downloaded from the Library’s website, www.detroitpubliclibrary.org or through the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network (MITN) website, www. bidnetdirect.com/mitn.

Address City

Zip

YES! I want to receive the Michigan Chronicle for 52 weeks for only $50.00 Check if Renewal Renewal Acct. #

Accepted

The Michigan Chronicle

1452 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226

313 963-8100

Classified PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

Creative Interior Designer

Warren, MI, General Motors. Design future automotive passenger vehicle interiors incldg instrument panel (IP), console, instrument cluster, HVAC controls;; steering wheel;; door trim &garnish trim;; trunk compartment;; seating systems incldg seat shape, foams, airbags, massage, screens integration, &ergonomics positions &knee room, trim, cut &sew, &decoration. Study ergonomics of HMI &displays. Illustrate design proposals using Adobe Photoshop &Illustrator;; 3D modelling with Alias Studio tools. Meet with engrg team &suppliers to resolve feasibility issues incldg productivity, safety regulations &cost optimization. Formulate, create &design of future passenger vehicle interiors incldg vehicle components such as HMI devices, displays, buttons, clusters, phone inductive charger, using Alias Studio. Apply an understanding of &integrate current &new injection molding technologies in dvlpmt of production plastic parts. Refine sketches in super-­realistic renderings before being presented in CLINIC sessions where potential (theoretical) customers of brand are judging presented themes. Analyze CLINIC results.

Use Alias Studio tools to generate 3D models in Class A surfaces. Translate 2D sketches into 3D by giving directions to 3D modelers to create 3D models as close as possible to sketches. Bachelor, Transportation or Industrial Design. 12 mos exp as Automotive Designer or Creative Designer, designing automotive passenger vehicle interiors incldg IP, console, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, door trim, garnish trim, &seating systems, &integrating injection molding technologies in dvlpmt of production plastic parts. Mail resume to Ref#1235, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-­ C32-­C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

Autonomous Vehicle Subsystem Validation Engineer (SVE)

Warren, MI, General Motors. Test, validate &deploy new passenger vehicle GCCX & OnStar (infotainment &telematics) subsystems (using neoVI Fire &RED, DPS, VehicleSpy, &Teamcenter tools), incldg Multi Carrier Telematics Module (MCTM), Virtual Key Module (VKM), Virtual Key Sensor (VKS), Virtual Sensor Module (VSM), &“bring your own media,” (BYOM) II radio systems, incldg troubleshooting failure modes such as customer call to back office, back office communication to MCTM, in vehicle MCTM to VKM, &in vehicle VKM to VKS. Track Material Release Date with suppliers, according to Global Vehicle Development Process.

Verify information to complete Statement of Requirements as specific deliverables, timetables, costs &responsibilities for engrg dvlpmt, design, build &test, &procurement. Track &update components status within ScoreCard Management Tool to provide high level reports to EGMs. Track issues during testing &report them in ESIMS, contained within Problem Resolution Tracking System. Bachelor, Electrical, Electronics, or Automation and Control Engineering, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, testing, validating &deploying passenger vehicle infotainment/telematics BYOM I or II radio subsystems using neoVI Fire &RED &VehicleSpy, incldg troubleshooting failure modes such as customer call to back office &back office communication to vehicle.

Mail resume to Ref#44761-­3106, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-­C32-­C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

March 7-13, 2018

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Software Developer – Human Machine Interface (HMI)

Global CO2 Strategist – Emerging Markets

Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan, develop, &assure proper implementation &monitor emerging market (Brazil, India, Argentina, Chile, &International Operations) Fuel Economy (FE), Energy Efficiency (EE), &Green House Gas (GHG) compliance strategy &CO2 workgroups. Build compliance calculator with portfolio business plan based on key regulation parameters including FE, EE, &CO2 based on regulation. Dvlp, plan &assure implementation of business plans to confirm status of plan of record &identify change required items. Lead energy, portfolio planning, long term forecasting, &public policy &legal issues analysis, to accurately forecast regional FE, EE, &GHG compliance &clean vehicle regulations, including off cycle, air conditioning efficiency, AC refrigerant, flexible fuel vehicles, &alternative fuel systems credits. Devlp compliance strategy integrated with CO2 technology insertion plan as applied to regional applications. Create GHG calculator &update. Analyze sensitivity regarding portfolio, regulatory, program team &powertrain proposals. Lead emerging market public policy representatives in GHG regulatory advocacy. Master, Mechanical Engrg, Automotive Engrg, Materials Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, dvlpg compliance strategy integrated with OEM vehicle maker CO2 technology insertion plan as applied to regional applications. Mail resume to Ref#4430, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-­C32-­C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

This position will under general supervision, administer and facilitate grant preparation, submission, and post-award management for university faculty. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years of experience in research administration (primarily postaward) or related fields. Detailed knowledge of federal Uniform Guidance and state and private sponsor regulations and procedures relating to grants and contracts. Knowledge of applied principles of accounting. Proficient with database (Access), word processing and spreadsheets. Proficient with BANNER or other financial systems. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 14, 2018.

Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, design, &integrate, using UGNX &Vismockup, passenger vehicle front compartments incldg front/lower body structures, floors, hoods, front bumpers, &headlamps, from earliest ideation through first prototypes. Engr &create ground lines, wheel chocks &create &support load studies. Dvlp Class A surface checks incldg cooling &air flow minimum required area verification &interface between parts such as headlamp, hoods, &fascia according to FMVSS 108, UN ECE safety reqmts. Dvlp typical sections &criteria to exchange information with Design Dept to guide dvlpmt of studio surfaces focusing on customer expectations, using UGNX. Lead &drive cross-functional product dvlpmt team meetings incldg Compartment Integration Team &workgroup meetings with peers in creative design, engrg, mfg, &qlty for passenger vehicle front compartments. Create visibility, reflection &glare studies, virtual reviews, &utilize tracking vehicles &Virtual Reality cave reviews. Enable technical innovation &ensure six engrg foundational pillars for vehicle driver/occupant customer space &experience (Visibility, Driver Accommodation, Spaciousness, Interior Storage, Trunk/Cargo &Access). Bachelor, Mechanical or Automotive Engrg. 24 mos exp as Engr or Design Engr, engirg, designing, &integrating, using UGNX &Vismockup, facelift &passenger vehicle front compartments incldg front/lower body structures, hoods, front bumpers, &headlamps, from earliest ideation through first prototypes. Mail resume to Ref#50285, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Seeking

FINANCIAL AID ADVISER AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Financial Aid Department

MARCH IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS MONTH

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Seeking

GRANT & CONTRACT OFFICER AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Office of Research Administration

Compartment Integration Design Engineer

Troy, MI. Analyze norms, requirements for definition of software architecture and interfaces;; Design and develop software systems, system engineering and Model Based methodologies;; Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures;; Design and develop of HMI (Human Machine Interface) software for automotive ECUs (Electronic Control Units), Infotainment Systems, their application and integration in vehicle design. Master’s in Automation Eng, Computer Science, or Computer Eng + 1 year exp as Software Developer, Software Engineer, Model Based Design Engineer or related. Exp must include software development, working in C language and using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink;; deriving unit test specifications from the analysis of the software and system requirements. Must be willing to travel or relocate. Attn: Mario Brossa, Teoresi, Inc., 3001 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 306, Troy, MI 48084. Include Ref. Code TD1.

HELP WANTED

Provide counseling and advice to students and parents about financial services, financial aid, financial literacy, student account and billing, payment plans and student employment.

Process financial aid applications, including budgeting, packaging of awards, revising award, verification, and resolving conflicting information.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Superior customer service skills. Minimum one year experience in higher education financial aid advising and processing. Working knowledge of current financial assistance programs and financial service operations.

This is a full time position, occasional evening and weekend hours required. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Refer to online posting for additional requirements.

Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

Page C-6

Seafood: Food for thought during National Nutrition Month

(StatePoint) We hear a lot about the important nutrients in vegetables and fruits, but the health benefits of eating seafood regularly aren’t always in the spotlight. It should be a no-brainer when it comes to seafood, which is packed with omega-3s. Yet, most Americans only eat one serving of seafood a week.

Here are some evidence-based facts to help set the record straight during National Nutrition Month.

1. How much seafood should I be eating?

Studies show that seafood benefits your heart, eyes and brain, and may also help you fight chronic diseases and memory loss.

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines encourage all Americans to eat at least two servings of seafood each week. That’s double the amount most people currently eat. To reap the range of nutrients found in seafood, try to get a variety of fish in your diet, including shrimp, salmon, canned/pouched tuna, tilapia and pollock.

2. What if you’re pregnant?

Seafood is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children, since it is one of the only natural food sources rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are critical for brain and eye development, supporting the old adage that fish really is “brainfood.” One recent study shows that moms-to-be who ate fish two to three times each week had babies that reached milestones -- such as imitating sounds, recognizing family members and drinking from a cup -- more quickly than children born to mothers who didn’t eat fish regularly during pregnancy. Another recent study found that pregnant women who ate at least two seafood meals each week helped boost their child’s IQ up three points by age 9. Learn more about the best fish to eat during pregnancy at aboutseafood.com/seafood-pregnancy.

3. How to get more seafood.

Incorporating more seafood into your diet doesn’t need to be a challenge. It’s easy to get the recommended two to three servings each week by simply swapping out the protein from your favorite dishes with seafood. For example, chicken tacos become fish tacos, and grilled steak salad becomes grilled shrimp salad. What’s more, seafood is just as healthy whether it’s fresh, frozen or canned, making it a convenient item to stock up on when shopping, and ultimately helping you eliminate wasted food in your household.

4. Start the day right.

Nutrition experts recommend incorporating protein into your breakfast as a way to boost metabolism and balance your blood sugar levels for the entire day. Kicking off the morning with tuna avocado toast or salmon on a bagel will help keep you feeling fuller for longer, prevent cravings before lunchtime and help you reach your weekly seafood goals.

More nutrition facts, recipes and other resources can be found at AboutSeafood.com.

This National Nutrition Month, give your health a boost by eating a variety of seafood at least twice a week.

When eating out, ask for a togo box and save half for later.

You can also turn to plans, like Nutrisystem, which deliver portion-controlled meals to your home.

Which is Better for Weight Loss?

(StatePoint) What’s more important: diet or exercise? Anyone who’s tried to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle has likely asked this question.

Sixty-eight percent of people want to lose 10 pounds or more, according to a recent Harris Poll on behalf of Nutrisystem. March is National Nutrition Month, and a good time to get started on your goals. So, should you focus on diet, exercise or both?

When it comes to weight loss, the split should

be roughly 80 percent focus on what you eat and 20 percent on exercise. The logic is simple, say experts.

“It’s all about calories in and calories out. If

you’re eating less and exercising, you’re going to burn more calories,” says Courtney McCormick, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem. “However, exercise often makes us hungrier, which is why many people who only change their exercise habits don’t see the scale move.”

To achieve a healthier lifestyle and shed weight, consider these quick tips that combine both diet and exercise.

• Eat more often: A 2015 study from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that on average, people who ate six times or more daily consumed fewer calories, had a lower body mass index, and ate more nutrientrich foods than those who didn’t eat at least six times a day. Eating smaller meals every three hours keeps you feeling full, controls blood sugar and helps boost metabolism.

• Watch portions: American portions have become too big; and those used to dining out may consider restaurant portions to be correct, when they’re often four times as large as what’s recommended. Learning portion control is key to losing weight.

• Veg out: Vegetables are low in calories, high in filling fiber and loaded with nutrients.

For breakfast, add spinach to an omelet; at lunch, pile your sandwich high with fixings like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, or use lettuce as a wrap instead of bread. During snack time, munch on carrots dipped in hummus or blend kale into a fruit smoothie.

• Drink more water: A study found that when people drank six cups (48 ounces) of cold water, they increased their resting calorie burn by up to 50 calories each day. Another study found that dieters who drank two eight-ounce glasses of water before meals lost 36 percent more weight over three months than those who didn’t sip before sitting down to eat. So, fill up that water bottle!

• Get moving: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of aerobic activity weekly, but research suggests that it doesn’t matter if you exercise for two-anda-half hours straight or break it up into 10-minute chunks. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day then build up to 60 minutes when you’re ready.

More diet and exercise tips can be found at leaf.nutrisystem.com.

Remember the key to meeting your weight loss and health goals is to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

Focus on eating better and moving more and you’ll be on the right track.