MC Digital Edition 6.17.2020

Michigan Chronicle Vol. 83 – No. 41 | June 17-23, 2020

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RAYSHARD BROOKS JUNIOR PROSPER MARCO LOUD GEORGE FLOYD LAMONTEZ JONES PETER GAINES BREONNA TAYLOR PATERSON BROWN TORREY ROBINSON AHMAUD ARBERY DOMINIC HUTCHINSON DARI US ROBINSON MALICE GREEN ANTHONY ASHFORD KEVIN HICKS ERIC GARNER ALONZO SMI TH MARY TRUXILLO JOHN CRAWFORD TYREE CRAWFORD DEMARCUS SEMER MICHAEL BROWN INDIA KAGER WILLIE TILLMAN EZELL FORD LA’ VANTE BIGGS TERRILL THOMAS DANTE PARKER MICHAEL LEE MARSHALL SYLVI LLE SMITH MICHELLE CUSSEAUX JAMAR CLARK AL TON STERLING LAQUAN MCDONALD RICHARD PERKINS PHI LANDO CASTI LE TANISHA ANDERSON NATHANIEL HARRI SPICKETT TERENCE CRUTCHER AKAI GURLEY BENNI LEE TIGNOR PAUL O’ NEAL TAMIR RICE MIGUEL ESPINAL ALTERIA WOODS RUMAIN BRISBON MICHAEL NOEL JORDAN EDWARDS JERAME REID KEVIN MATTHEWS AARON BAILEY GEORGE MANN BETTIE JONES RONELL FOSTER MATTHEW AJI BADE QUINTONIO LEGRIER STEPHON CLARK FRANK SMART KEITH CHILDRESS JR. ANTWON ROSE II NATASHA MCKENNA JANET WILSON BOTHAM JEAN TONY ROBINSON RANDY NELSON PAMELA TURNER ANTHONY HILL ANTRONIE SCOTT DOMINI QUECLAYTON MYA HALL WENDELL CELESTINE ATATIANA JEFFERSON PHILLIP WHITE DAVID JOSEPH CHRI STOPHER WHITFIELD ERIC HARRIS CALIN ROQUEMORE CHRISTOPHER MCCORVEY WALTER SCOTT DYZHAWN PERKINS ERIC REASON WI LLIAM CHAPMAN CHRISTOPHER DAVIS MICHAEL LORENZO DEAN ALEXIA CHRISTIAN BRENDON GLENN ND HE OUNTLESS NNAMED VICTOR MANUEL LAROSA JONATHAN SANDERS FREDDIE BLUE JOSEPH MANN SALVADO ELLSWOOD SANDRA BLAND ALBERT JOSEPH DAVIS DARRIUS STEWART BILLY RAY DAVIS SAMUEL DUBOSE MICHAEL SABBIE BRIAN KEITH DAY CHRISTIAN TAYLOR TROY ROBINSON ASSHAMS PHAROAH MANLEY FELIX KUMI KEITH HARRI SON MCLEOD

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June 17-23, 2020

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An Open Letter on Racial Justice “Bottom line, it’s our attitude. At some point we decide that we believe that all people are created equal or that they are not. It’s really that simple and that complex. But that’s where it starts.” – Journeys of Conscience, Curtis L. Ivery I wish to state my position of advocacy and support for the new birth in freedom and racial justice that is so explosively being expressed on the streets of our cities.

I state this position as a father and grandfather, the chancellor of the Wayne County Community College District, and a long-time social and racial justice activist. I have dedicated my life and career— both of which have been impacted by racism and discrimination—to local, state, and national efforts to increase educational and career success for African Americans and other disenfranchised and marginalized groups who have been historically denied full access to higher education and the American dream. My experiences with bias have made me aware of and responsive to the perils we unfortunately continue to grapple with today. At the same time, what is happening on the streets of America today renews my faith that this nation is indeed entering a new and hopeful period of civil rights reform.

I see this new birth in freedom and racial justice as a turning point, a fork in the road, in the history of the United States and all its educational, economic, and social institutions. I have renewed faith that the America, at long last, will give full expression to the high calling of President Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address: “We here highly revolve that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth in freedom, and that the government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

I share with my fellow advocates of racial, social and economic justice a deep sense of despair, outrage, and grief at the recent shocking and senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and other unarmed African Americans who have died as a result of police brutality. I stand with those protesting peacefully in the streets and in a rightful call to end the violence caused by police officers whose duty is to protect us. At the same time, I condemn the violence and destruction of those vandals and/or imposters who infiltrate the peaceful protests around the nation and threaten to hijack the compelling message and intent of this historic racial justice movement. I stand with those who have suffered personal and property losses due to the violence and destruction of the infiltrators. However, it is vital that we maintain a steady, persistent, and accelerated focus on the call to action by the collective force of those diverse advocates on the streets who are determined to abolish the injustices that have prevailed far too long.

Although the deaths of George Floyd and other unarmed African Americans sparked the current rebellion or uprising on the streets and became the symbol for this new birth in freedom and racial justice, these horrific events are by no means isolated incidents. Nor are they a surprise. Human rights violations are not an anomaly in the lives of African Americans, and

Curtis L. Ivery they did not begin recently. The legacy of systematic repression is one that African Americans have been forced to endure for generations. Black men, women and children have learned to bury their true feelings to create the surface impression that all is well, when in fact, seething beneath the surface is a deep resentment of the disproportionate burdens of discrimination, racial profiling, and the high toll of health, education, and economic disparities. This is a legacy of dreams crushed and democratic ideals unfulfilled.

It is a well-documented fact that the judicial system closed its eyes while Black men were being lynched in record numbers (totaling 3,446 between 1882 and 1968.).

It is common knowledge that lawmakers often refused to prosecute Ku Klux Klan members who slaughtered innocent Black people or burned crosses on their lawns. But what has not been widely broadcast is the hidden angst African Americans shoulder every day. The image of strength that has become a cultural hallmark is a carefully cultivated projection of Black faith and fortitude. But smiling faces tell lies. Within their hearts is a penetrating anxiety. Within is a memory of wrongs that were never righted and a belief that their hurts do not matter. This unspoken tension permeates black households, particularly those with a man-child. From the moment he leaves the house in the morning until he returns that night, the average Black mother nurses fear in her heart.

Today’s marching, chanting, and banner-waving racial justice advocates who are flooding the streets are casting a spotlight on problems that have been buried and pain that has been overlooked. They are expressing a rage that has been simmering beneath the surface and placing mounting pressure on a society that has historically refused to honor and respect the dignity of Black life. The recent unjust and appalling death of George Floyd in the hands of the police was more than the last straw. This one event became the tinder that ignited the flames and sparked a new birth in freedom and racial justice.

Two plagues have surfaced – one of the pandemic and the other of bigotry. In both cases, America has failed to protect all citizens and guarantee equal rights. The COVID19 pandemic and the related economic distress of our citizens has added even greater fuel to the fire.

More than 38.6 million Americans are unemployed due to the pandemic and many are unsure if their

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jobs will ever be restored. Once again, African Americans have been disproportionately impacted.

As they struggle to pay for rent and food, they are not oblivious to the fact that their government-issued stimulus checks were no match for the billion-dollar bailouts that went to the wealthy. These same people have looked on in horror as innocent, unarmed Black men have been beaten or shot by the police, falsely arrested or made the target of 911 emergency calls for the simple acts of sitting in Starbucks, standing in the hallway of their own apartment buildings, or bird watching in New York’s Central Park. As these images are flashed by the media only to repeat themselves again and again, the scabs of injustice are peeled back and long standing inequities are exposed.

Even in the face of the evils enumerated above, I am hopeful. I believe, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The arc of the moral universe is slow, but it bends toward justice.” I am hopeful for a better tomorrow because of a diverse and energized band of racial justice advocates emerging from the streets who do not accept band aids to cover open wounds. They are seeking immediate solutions. They are demanding collective action. America has been awakened in a way that many thought they would never experience in their lifetime. Like the dismantling of the Berlin Wall and the end of Apartheid in South Africa, this is a historically significant moment in time. The world is watching and, in some instances, joining in as citizens of the United States take a stand for an all-inclusive society.

At Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD), we stand as a unified voice, in cooperation with our community partners, for the reform of the criminal justice system. Through our criminal justice, law enforcement, and corrections programs, we are preparing policing professionals who embody the principles of common humanity, cultural awareness, and ethical conduct. In a larger sense, we reiterate our commitment to what we believe is one of the core ingredients of social equity: education. Ignorance is the source of hatred and prejudice, and education continues to be the path upon which we can travel to a higher level of awareness and engagement. The heart and soul of WCCCD is its open-door philosophy and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We are committed to educational and career success for all students regardless of their socio-economic status, racial, or ethnical groupings. Our special calling is to provide higher education access and success for persons of color and other marginalized populations.

WCCCD stands firmly on a foundation of equality and fairness and will continue working and leading by example.

In one of his most impassioned speeches, Martin Luther King, Jr. stated “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It uplifts me and the staff at WCCCD to know that there is an undeniable and unstoppable groundswell of persons of all races, genders, creeds, and national origins who are powerfully embracing and activating these words.

– Curtis L. Ivery

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The National Civil Rights Museum Moves Reopening to July 1, 2020 The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel announced it will move its reopening date to welcome back visitors to July 1 after area health officials delayed Phase III of its reopening plan. Guests are still required to purchase timed tickets online prior to visiting the Museum to maintain social distancing and capacity guidelines provided by health officials.

Safety Measures Staff and guests are required to wear face masks inside the Museum with masks provided for guests who arrive without them. Staff will undergo daily temperature checks. Additional hand sanitizer dispensers and regular disinfection are part of the Museum’s plan to protect everyone’s health. Throughout the Museum, signage and floor markings will help visitors maintain social distancing six feet apart.

Water fountains will be disabled. There will be frequent sanitization of high touch areas daily.

Museum Hours and Admission Initially, Museum hours are adjusted to Monday 9:00am to 6:00pm with Free Period for Tennessee residents from 3:00pm-6:00pm, and Wednesday through Saturday 9:00-5:00pm.

The Museum will remain closed on Tuesdays and temporarily on Sundays.

Admission pricing remains the same, and tickets can be purchased at civilrightsmuseum.

org starting Thursday, June 18 for tickets for July 1 and after. Timed ticketing is scheduled every 20 minutes three times each hour to regulate capacity and social distancing. Use of credit or debit cards instead of cash is encouraged in the Museum Store.

Capacity As outlined in the City of Memphis’ Phase III Reopening Plan, the museum initially will maintain 30% capacity, with a maximum flow of 25 guests every 20 minutes. Enclosed areas like restrooms and elevators have a maximum of three people at a time.

Experience Modifications At least for the first few weeks of reopening, guided tours are limited, and the Boarding House will remain closed. Interpretive talks will be staged outdoors in the museum courtyard, weather permitting. Staff also will be strategically placed within exhibits for gallery tours and to assists visitors.

“The National Civil Rights Museum experience will remain world class. And given the nation’s current realization that racism is alive and well, a walk through history has more relevance than ever,” said Museum President, Terri Lee Freeman. “Our guests will not be disappointed!”

For more information, visit civilrightsmuseum. org.

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| June 17-23, 2020

Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

More than 1,900 Comerica colleagues connected on a company-wide Diversity Dialogue conversation focused on racial injustices as leaders throughout the bank pre­ sented insights, perspectives and personal experiences. Top (l-r): Curt Farmer (Chairman, President and CEO), Nate Bennett (Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President, Head of Talent Acquisition), Eric Butler (VP, Senior HR Talent Acquisition Consultant), Elizabeth Njuguna (VP, National Sales and Service Senior Project Manager). Second Row (l-r): Patricia McCann (VP, Senior Diversity Consultant – Social Impact), Jenine Parchmon (SVP; Libor Transition Program Manager), Peter Sefzik (EVP, Executive Director Commercial Bank), Irv Ashford, Jr. (SVP, Chief Community Officer). Third Row (l-r): Kristin Bloser (VP, Senior Corporate Sustainability Officer), Megan Burkhart (EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer) and Marvin Rushing (VP, Retail District Manager).

DIVERSITY DIALOGUE BRINGS COMERICA COLLEAGUES TOGETHER TO DISCUSS RACIAL INJUSTICE More than 1,900 Comerica colleagues connected and participated in an open conversation about racial injustice sparked by recent events that developed across the country following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The Diversity Dialogue event, “Converse, Connect, Collaborate,” presented a wide range of perspectives throughout the organization by nine different leaders who shared heartfelt stories about their own life experiences.

Nate Bennett, Comerica Bank Chief Diversity Officer, hosted the conversation specifically centered around racial injustice in the black community and its impact on Comerica colleagues.

To reinforce Comerica’s commitment, Chairman and CEO Curt Farmer opened the conversation and emphasized the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion.

“As for Comerica, as I said earlier this week in the e-mail that I sent out, I want to be clear that there is no place for racial inequality in our nation

against racial injustices in the black community.”

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HOMEFRONT or within our company,” said Farmer.

“I think it is really incumbent upon me as your CEO and my leadership team to lead a diverse and inclusive environment for all of our employees. At the same time, I think it is critical for me to speak out, and for all of us to speak out, against racial injustices in the black community as well as racial injustices more broadly defined.”

Farmer continued to discuss how proud he is of the journey Comerica is on to create a more

open and supportive culture within the company but also emphasized there is more work to be done despite the progress made so far.

“I recognize that this journey starts with me to provide you a platform to share concerns and frustrations that have plagued our black communities for many, many years,” said Farmer.

“I believe that today’s event will be educational for all of us. It will help us learn some ways—some actions—to take back and get involved and fight

Farmer also appreciated the contributions to those leaders who offered personal stories and experiences relating to racial injustices.“I’m proud of our colleagues who participated in our virtual event today.They showed courage and strength by sharing their perspectives.”

Bennett, who oversees several programs promoting diversity at Comerica, summarized the insightful discussion as powerful, meaningful and needed. ‘’As I think about everything we heard from our participants,” said Bennett. “Truth in transparency. Racism in taught. Liberating your mind.

Genetic racism is a genetic virus. Research. Peaceful protest. Opportunity to learn. Acknowledging privilege. Change. Taking action. Call to action to stand together, stand with us. All powerful statements made by colleagues that we interact with on a daily basis.”

See Diversity Dialogue page A-4

5 Ways to Support Small Businesses As They Re-Enter the Market

As the economy slowly re-opens, small businesses can finally welcome back customers and staff under strict safety guidelines. It will take a while for them to get back on solid financial footing. To do so, it will take a great deal of support from both consumers and financial institutions like Comerica Bank.

Patricia Alexander, Comerica Vice President, Business Banking, makes the impact of small businesses on the economy very clear, calling them “the engine of America,” generating 44 percent of U.S. economic activity and warning many of them will not re-open their doors due to financial distress.

While the challenge is tough, consumers can provide some real lifelines to help ensure as many small businesses as possible can stay afloat, revive and thrive.

Here are five ways Alexander says consumers should support small businesses: 1 – Quite simply, buy their products and services to

Patricia Alexander, provide the cashflow they need to operate. In AlexComerica Vice Presi­ ander’s words, “To help these businesses, consumers dent, Business Bank­ should aggressively patronize them.” ing

2 – Post positive reviews on social media. “We need to have a sense of urgency. We need to talk them up,” said Alexander. “People need to see if it is safe to go out again.”

3 – Be patient with the challenges of re-starting a business and the operational changes needed to follow new safety guidelines. This is a new normal.

4 – Take the initiative to seek them out. “Organizations like the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, and the National Business League are a few resources Patricia Alexander, vice president in Comerica’s business banking group, addresses the assem­ that can help consumers locate these critical businesses,” Alexander advises. bled crowed at the N’Namdi Gallery in Detroit in support of small business and to honor the

See Small Businesses page A-4

­Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest 2019 Top 10 finalists.

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • June 17-23, 2020

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Index Contracts

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index declined in March to a level of 114.5. March’s reading is 17 points, or 17 percent, above the index cyclical low of 97.9. The index averaged 117.7 points for all of 2019, 0.9 points below the index average for 2018. February’s index reading was revised to 118.4.

Our state economic activity indexes are beginning to show the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on state economies in this edition which is based on data from March.

The Michigan Economic Activity Index fell by 3.3 percent in March, breaking a string of three consecutive monthly gains.We expect the Michigan Index and all of our other state indexes to show further significant deterioration when the April data is available next month.

In March, the only positive index component for Michigan was house Robert A. Dye prices. The eight negative components were nonfarm employment, unemployment insurance claims (inverted), housing starts, industrial electricity demand, light vehicle production, total state trade, hotel occupancy and sales tax revenue.

Through April, the combination of the state’s social mitigation policies and national stay-at-home guidance resulted in a huge loss of revenue for many businesses which forced business closures and layoffs.

At the National Microloan Conference, Alexander speaks to business owners and entrepreneurs to offer expertise on operating and funding small business ventures.

Small Businesses From page A-3

5 – It’s not just enough to occasionally patronize small businesses. “Consumers need to renew and reaffirm their commitment to small businesses,” said Alexander.That means becoming regular customers or patrons, providing a reliable income for small business operators that will help them rebuild their operations.

Of course, Comerica Bank is also taking strong steps to support its small business customers to the extent where Alexander has been compelled to expand and realign her position in managing customer relationships.

nancial duress and encourages customers to reach out if they are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.

Additionally, Comerica continued to provide loans through the support of the U.S. Small Business Administration loan programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. And more help could be on the way with the upcoming Main Street Lending Program.

Comerica is also continuing to offer its business customers services that include a vast array of Treasury Management products such as fraud prevention tools, cash management services and commercial credit cards, merchant services for payment collection and processing investment services to optimize income and a myriad of checking and savings products to handle daily operations,

“We’ve always been keenly customer-focused,” she explained. “The recent pandemic has underscored the need for complete transparency and a huge sense of urgency.

Always anticipating the future needs of customers allows me to navigate through financial matters, regardless of the degree of complexity, while finding mutually, beneficial solutions in a timely manner.”

Alexander is celebrating 39 years with the company dating back to June 1981 before Comerica merged with the former Manufacturer’s Bank. She is also Chairman of the Michigan African American Initiative through Comerica with the goal of developing new relationships and expanding current ones.

Comerica Chief Diversity Officer Nate Bennett closes the emotional and educational Diversity Dialogue session by reflecting on Comerica’s formula create diverse and incluCB-258244-01 (3) COVID-19 Community MM.pdf 1 to 4/8/2020 9:59:01 AM Comerica itself has broadened its Comerica ser- Ad vices in support of small businesses in fi- sive culture.

according to Alexander.

For businesses that don’t have a facade or building, Comerica also offers a merchant card service that can be used during events at remote locations. Businesses are provided with a card slide mechanism so they can collect payment on-site from customers using merchant or credit cards.

If small businesses are to retain their place as the engine of America, it’s going to take the type of support Comerica is providing along with a strong commitment from consumers to continue to patronize them and spread the positive word about the goods and services they found.

“Most importantly,” says Alexander, “we need to be patient because this is a new world we’re living in.”

Diversity Dialogue From page A-3

He then closed the emotional and educational session by reflecting on Comerica’s formula to create diverse and inclusive culture.

“When we think about diversity, equity and inclusion at Comerica, we have a simple equation – Awareness plus Understanding plus Inclusion equals Cultural Competency,” said Bennett.

“If one part of that equation is missing, you can’t solve it. The solution is ongoing. It takes an effort. It takes a collective effort.”

The unemployment rate for Michigan increased from an already slightly elevated 4.3 percent in March, to 22.7 percent in April as auto production ground to a halt. The April Michigan Index data will be consistent with this historically high unemployment rate.

Michigan has developed a cautious plan for reopening the state economy that is not based on a specific timetable. We expect to see improvement in the May and June data. Not all shuttered businesses will re-open and not all furloughed employees will be called back.

The Michigan Economic Activity Index consists of nine variables, as follows: nonfarm payroll employment, continuing claims for unemployment insurance, housing starts, house price index, industrial electricity sales, auto assemblies, total trade, hotel occupancy and sales tax revenue.

All data are seasonally adjusted. Nominal values have been converted to constant dollar values. Index levels are expressed in terms of three-month moving averages.

To subscribe to Comerica’s economic publications or for questions, contact

ComericaEcon@comerica.com.

Archives ­available at http://www.comerica.com/insights Follow on Twitter: ­@­Comerica_Econ.

Comerica means Community.

At Comerica Bank, the well-being of our customers, employees and communities is our priority. For over 170 years, we’ve been helping customers weather every economic climate. As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has had an unprecedented impact on the businesses and the people in our communities, we stand ready to help.

Let us Raise Your Expectations® of what a bank can be in times like these.

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| June 17-23, 2020

Flagstar Bank Names Reginald Davis President of Community Banking

Money.

michiganchronicle.com

Flagstar Bank has named Reginald Davis President of Banking. Davis is a 35-year veteran of the banking industry who most recently served as head of business banking, including small business, at SunTrust, now Truist.

Davis brings to Flagstar an extensive background in banking. Besides additional experience at SunTrust as a retail market executive, he also served as president of RBC Bank USA, the domestic banking division of the Royal Bank of Canada, and as a senior executive and member of the operating committee for Wachovia (now

Reginald Davis Wells Fargo Bank), where he held a number of senior roles with P&L responsibility. He started his banking career at First Union Bank.

At Flagstar, he will be responsible for commercial and industrial, middle market, and warehouse lending. Additional areas of responsibility include consumer finance, equipment finance, homebuilder finance, government banking, treasury management, branch banking and strategic alliances.

“Reggie is a talented, versatile, seasoned banker with a proven track record of putting solutions within reach of customers and getting results,” said Alessandro DiNello, president and CEO of Flagstar.

“Community banking is key to diversifying our earnings, and we’re fortunate to have Reggie fill this important position and help us strengthen our community banking and lending.”

Davis comes to Flagstar from the Atlanta area where he is a member of Business Executives for National Security. Previously, he served on the board of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Davis also is a member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

In 2005, Black Enterprise Magazine named him one of the 75 most powerful African Americans in corporate America.

Detroit Means Business with Paycheck Protection Flexibility

By Darlene White Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced last month the city’s plan of action for Detroit businesses to reopen as the coronavirus curve continues to flatten in Michigan.

Through a city coalition with Quicken Loans and DTE Energy, they are continuing to offer aid to small businesses in the city to stay on their feet and a playbook of how to reinstate workers.

After a few weeks in, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been adjusted to offer small businesses more flexibility in accessing financial support. The recently approved Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act offers borrowers additional time to qualify for forgiveness and eases many of the loan restrictions.

“The recent adjustments made to the Paycheck Protection Program provides businesses more flexibility in accessing financial support, offers borrowers additional time to qualify for forgiveness and eases many of the loan restrictions, which will make a big difference as they begin to reopen,” said Nancy Moody, DTE Energy vice president of public affairs. “To support the change, the DetroitMeansBusiness.

org website was expanded to make it even easier for owners to understand which financial support programs are most aligned with their businesses. The site also offers access to resources, information and experts to ensure businesses can safely reopen and successfully operate moving forward.”

Detroit Means Business is a resource for small business owners to find aggregated information on multiple programs, including the PPP. The Detroit Means Business website has recently been expanded to make it even easier for business owners to understand which financial support programs are best aligned with their businesses. The website allows Detroit’s small business owners access to resources, information and experts to ensure their businesses can safely reopen and successfully operate moving forward.

Lengthens the loan maturity to a minimum of five years for all future borrowers.

Extends the loan’s covered period from June 30, 2020, to December 31, 2020.

Extends the period for calculating loan forgiveness expenses from eight weeks to the earlier of 24 weeks after the loan’s origination date or December 31, 2020.

Extends the deadline from June 30, 2020, to December 31, 2020, for borrowers to rehire employees in order to receive full loan forgiveness.

Reduces the amount of the loan that must be spent on payroll expenses to receive loan forgiveness from 75 percent to 60 percent, allowing 40 percent of loan proceeds to be spent on non-payroll expenses.

Eliminates the six-month payment deferral for PPP loans and replaces it with a deferral on payments until the date the amount of loan forgiveness is remitted to the lender.

Requires borrowers to apply for loan forgiveness within 10 months of the end of the covered period.

Allows employers to receive the deferral of payroll taxes included in the CARES Act even if they also receive forgiveness for a PPP loan.

The program will continue to be updated as new protocols are announced and new tools become available. To learn more about available financial, technical and safety resources, and help with hiring additional workers, businesses can visit DetroitMeansBusiness.org.

Join the Pancakes & Politics discussion LIVE with Governor Gretchen Whitmer

By Alan Hunt II As Michiganders everywhere adapt to functioning under a new norm, so too does the Michigan Chronicle. After a brief hiatus due to the coronavirus, Pancakes and Politics is set to return virtually.

“We are kicking off our revitalized fifteenth season with a very important discussion with Governor Gretchen Whitmer as she grapples with re-opening the state of Michigan and managing the budget and health aftermath of COVID-19,” said Michigan Chronicle Publisher Hiram Jackson.

The Michigan Chronicle previously highlighted active steps the governor took in addressing COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on African Americans, including establishing the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities.

In addition to medical reform, Whitmer is expected to expound upon her call police reform in Michigan. The Michigan Chronicle previously reported the governor’s support of enhanced law enforcement training.

“The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor were a result of hundreds of years of inequity and institutional racism against Black Americans,” said Whitmer. “Here in Michigan, we are taking action and working together to address the inequities Black Michiganders face every day.”

Dennis Archer Jr. and Vickie Thomas are set to return as hosts. Jackson says although the Pancakes and Politics platform has changed, the dedication to keeping the community informed has not wavered.

“We are committed to ensuring that Pancakes and Politics continues as a vehicle through which we can ensure that every voice is heard as we make key policy and economic decisions that affect us all,” said Jackson.

“Though we cannot shake hands and converse over pancakes and coffee, we will continue to move our region forward through necessary dialogue. I am looking forward to it.”

Pancakes and Politics resumes June 18 at 8 AM via The Michigan Chronicle Facebook page.

June 17-23, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-6

Pandemic Thinking: How To Keep Your Head In The (Long) Game The COVID-19 pandemic is crippling and toppling many U.S. small businesses. Often called “the backbone of the economy,” small businesses that are managing to survive face an uncertain future.

As states start to reopen, consumer spending is in steep decline while unemployment skyrockets and many people remain hesitant to venture out. But RJon Robins, founder/CEO of How To Manage A Small Law Firm says some entrepreneurs find their businesses in trouble because they had the wrong mindset toward customers all along.

“Small business owners everywhere are infected by pandemic thinking,” Robins says. “But they were infected with this thinking before the pandemic.

It’s only now the strategic weakness of short-term, fear-based, transactional thinking in all different kinds of businesses is becoming more obvious.

Pandemic thinkers ask the wrong question, ‘What can you do for me today?’

Rather than, ‘How can we work together to build a long-term mutually-profitable relationship?’

“Business owners who built longterm relationships with customers and clients can weather this storm. Those

who didn’t think this way before can adopt elements of this kind of thinking and they’ll start seeing the benefits almost right away.”

Robins offers small business owners three tips on how to develop long-term relationships that benefit both customers and businesses: When first meeting, look ahead at the relationship 10 years from now. “The scale of a person’s thinking has a lot to do with whether they win the game,” Robins says. “Look for all opportunities to be of service, even in some small way, to earn the right to call the person a client. Every deal doesn’t have to be a grand-slam. Just get on base. Just get into the game. That way you can discover opportunities to be of greater service and have a client for life.”

Show you care. “A lot of people don’t know how to show that they care.

Ask yourself when is the last time you called to check on a former client to find out what’s happened in their life or business since the last time you did business together?” Robins says, “What are their plans for the future? What can you take off their plate and help them with today even if what they need is just someone to help them think things through?

Your best defense

Good relationships built over time are especially evident during the pandemic.

Ironically, though, a pandemic is a perfect time to begin a marketing campaign like this and besides, you probably have a lot of free time on your hands anyway.”

Have a long-term business plan. “A business being run without a 12-month, forward-looking budget is like a car being driven with a windshield covered in mud, and on an unfamiliar road with no particular place to go,” Robins says.

“A business that is being run without weekly cash-flow projections is like a person stumbling around in the dark in an unfamiliar house. To take an active, consistent interest in your clients and develop programs encouraging them to keep coming back, it helps to have a long-term written plan for your own business.”

“Businesses generate revenue by solving problems for their clients and customers,” Robins says. “And right now there’s an abundance of problems, which is another way to say there’s an abundance of opportunities. Whether you already have or decide to begin developing great long-term relationships with clients, it’s an investment that will pay long-term dividends.”

Prophet Cedric Banks REPENTANCE! FROM THE HEART OF GOD… “And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” ~ Luke 21:11 We are experiencing plagues in the land. There is a plague of the famine and there is a plague of the pestilence. The famine is a shortage in the land; the pestilence is sickness and disease in the land. These plagues have been sent by God because sin and wickedness are running rampant throughout the world. There is rioting going on throughout the world, protesting, and police brutality. But, if we begin to repent, God will begin to heal our land. The pestilence, the violence, and the famine… God will remove it.

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“The DMC is working closely with many Detroit community stakeholders and is making major strides at addressing the overwhelming health, emotional, physical and long term needs of Detroiters and this Southeast Michigan region!”

Heaster Wheeler Community Advocate Member, Governors’ Racial Disparities Task Force (Community Action Team)

“DMC has consistently engaged with the community to raise awareness about critical health issues for preserving good health. No other health system does this better than the DMC.” Reverend Jim Holley, Ph.D. Pastor (the Historic) Little Rock Baptist Church

Thank you, community leaders, for your support.

At the Detroit Medical Center, we fulfill our mission of making a positive impact on the health and well-being of Detroit area residents with the support and collaboration of our community partners. Together, we are a community built on excellence, commitment, healing and care.

Children’s Hospital of Michigan | Harper University Hospital | Heart Hospital | Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital | Hutzel Women’s Hospital Detroit Receiving Hospital | Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan | Sinai-Grace Hospital

Viewpoint Michigan Chronicle

A Real Times Media Newspaper

June 17-23, 2020 | Page A-7

HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

AJ WILLIAMS Managing Editor

JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997

LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

CONTACT US 1452 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226 • (313) 963-8100 e-mail: newsdesk@michronicle.com

Open letter to my fellow members Detroit’s Corporate Community of law enforcement: Should Go Deep on Race

By Ralph L. Godbee, Jr. I do not want to dismiss the importance of training and the emphasis on the recognition of implicit bias that is ingrained in American Law Enforcement culture. Making illegal the carotid artery hold, commonly referred to as the “choke hold”, is low hanging fruit and should be legislated out of policing nationally for it is an equivalent to lynching without a rope but at the hands of persons sworn to protect and serve the community.

Necessary changes, however, in and of themselves fall woefully short of the complete overhaul that is needed in law enforcement in the United States of America.

The dispropor- Ralph L. Godbee, Jr. tionate numbers of black, brown and disenfranchised Americans that are over-policed fundamentally will not change if we only focus on tactics and training without acknowledging the structural and systemic racism that policing in America is responsible for. The over-incarceration of black and brown Americans and ostensibly criminalizing being poor are inequities ingrained in American policing that cannot simply be trained out of the hearts of the 1.5 million plus law enforcement officers that work in over 19,000 different police agencies across the United States of America.

I would submit to you that after 33 years in law enforcement; I joined the Detroit Police Department at 19 years old with the noblest of intentions as I would opine that the millions of Americans that have served in that capacity have done and will continue to do as they heed to the call of serving their communities. At the age of 52 I realize that even with the noblest of intentions of police officers in America; we are surreptitiously the instrumentation that enforces the structural and at times exacerbates the social inequities of systemic racism that starts with the first organized police forces in America; slave patrols to Bull Connor to the War on Drugs; the Omnibus Crime bill to the seminal moment in our history where America witnessed a tipping point moment when George Floyd was murdered by four Minneapolis police officers right in front of what had been for 401 years our proverbial lying eyes.

Anything short of comprehensive reform to American policing is unacceptable. I do not want to be a part of a system that simply causes its officers to be less forceful in its implementation; we cannot afford to simply have systemic racism with a smile. Any meaningful reform of the criminal justice system as it relates to the engagement protocols for police and communities of color to address the disproportionate contact and over-policing of these communities minimally must address and correct the following: The predication for police stops in

communities of color. Police Officers have unrestrained discretion as to the predicate for their stops and that discretion is abused in communities of color.

As an industry we have not demonstrated the ability to have such unregulated discretion in the predication for police stops that are not directly attributable to a 9-1-1 call for service.

Arrestable offenses. There must be a delineation in probable cause arrests that are for offenses that do not pose an imminent or immediate danger to the public. When an offense is not a crime against person and the potential suspect can reasonably be identified; such offenses need to be processed through the not in custody warrant process.

Decriminalization of traffic offenses that do not go directly to a physical and tangible potential of imminent danger to the public if continued operation of the motor vehicle were to not cease.

Elimination of “no-knock” warrants except for circumstances wherein imminent danger of death or critical injury to persons is reasonably articulated.

Review of compensation policies that cause for overtime for officers for their appearance in court based on citations issued. An alternative compensation policy must be adopted to compensate officers accordingly but gives no greater incentive to enforcement with a profit motive for the officer.

Equitable sharing formulas for civil asset forfeiture re-engineered for reinvestment in the community wherein the funds were seized as opposed to the coffers of the forfeiting agency; again, removing any profit motive for enforcement.

These measures are in no way all-inclusive of comprehensive criminal justice reform, however, structurally reframes how in a meaningful way the disproportionate benefit of the doubt that has been extended to law enforcement over the persistent and righteous calls to equitable treatment of people of color and the disenfranchised by police. Black people particularly in America have been subjected to 401 years of unspeakable trauma from a system that has not protected them consistently, fairly nor equitably. As law enforcement executives we must own our contribution to this trauma as a profession realizing that there are three physiological stress responses to a trauma which are fight, flee or freeze. Two of the three responses do not work in favor of the traumatized in a police encounter. Black and brown officers in particular and all officers of good moral character must own these unfortunate facts and be a part of the solution; we can no longer hunker down and proclaim we “bleed blue” while the blood of the least of these we are charged with protecting runs in the streets of America. We cannot fix it until we own it and address it. We may in mass be “good cops” but we are working in a “bad system”. Black lives matter.

Ralph L. Godbee, Jr. Chief of Police (Detroit Public Schools Community District) Chief of Police Retired (Detroit Police Department)

Doing More, With Less – Protecting Our Frontline Workers

By Ron Busby

As the nation begins to slowly emerge from quarantine brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many remain in shock by the health and economic carnage we are all experiencing. From Wall Street to Main Street, business and financial leaders are stunned by the virus’s impact on nearly every facet of our lives.

No sector of our economy has been disproportionately stymied more than Black-owned businesses from coast to coast. For more than a decade, U.S. Black Chambers has led the fight on Capitol Hill and in corporate board rooms on behalf of the country’s more than 3 million Black businesses.

In the wake of the pandemic, data revealed what many of us have always known – Black businesses are financially fragile. Most of our businesses are family-owned and regularly confronted with cash flow, operational and legal hurdles that are eating away years of hard work and sacrifice. The challenges faced by Black business owners often mirror those we see in the communities where they are located, hire from, and committed to serving.

Like Black businesses, medical facilities located in minority communities are facing many never-before-seen challenges as well. Since the outbreak, doctors, nurses, and other essential work-

ers have been forced to ration care and perform unfamiliar jobs because of staff and equipment shortages. Medical facilities such as Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC, and Prince George’s Hospital Center in Maryland, have served Black communities for decades and are vital partners who provide opportunities for small business growth. Workers in these facilities perform heroic duties in unprecedented conditions. They deserve our support, but today are under the threat of over-reaching lawsuits.

Perhaps the most vulnerable health care sector is nursing homes and longterm health facilities. These facilities, which care for thousands of low-income, aging members of the Black community, were already short on medical supplies and personal protective equipment. They are now struggling to adapt to an ever-changing virus and rising COVID-19 caseloads.

These facilities need federal and state funding to help support patients, families, front-line workers, and community partners.

As Congress continues to debate proposals related to liability protection, we urge them to do so with the collective good in mind and not allow over-zealous legal actions to punish those who are already doing more, with less.

Ron Busby is the president and CEO of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

By Robert Raben

Among the many lessons of Detroit’s long experience with boom, bust, uprising, and renewal is that facts matter. For years there was a misconception that prior to July 23, 1967, the city was on solid economic and social justice footing. The 50th anniversary look back began to dispel those misconceptions, but there’s always more to learn. Now that we are here again, nationwide and in Detroit, at an inflection point toward real change, or not, I’d like to be a key part in supporting this magnificent city.

Before 1967, Detroit was central to the creation of America’s black wealth, but it was far from Robert Raben ideal.

Nevertheless, in response to civil unrest, Detroit like most cities returned to mostly the status quo. There was no real examination of the policies and inequalities that create and exacerbate our inequities and injustices. Today, I implore you to decide that returning to the status quo is not an option.

I commend Detroit’s executive leaders for recognizing and embracing that ‘enough is enough,’ last week. We should all be optimistic about their promising commitments. And in order to see them through, my hope is that Mary Barra, Bill Ford, Mark Stewart, Jay Farner, Chris Illitch, Dan Loepp, Jerry Norcia and Gary Torgow are willing to go deeper, to operationalize their statements of values, with the same vigor and accountabilities that would buttress a new product line. Surely they won’t simply turf the responsibility to Wright Lassiter, or Reverend Anthony, to have all the answers and do all the work. Yes, give generously to the NAACP and other social justice organizations. Then, return to your respective places of business and dig deep.

Last year, I met a Detroit woman, Jessica McCall, with deep passion for her city and vision. This was no shock to me. I’ve met plenty of women leaders, specifically Black women, from Detroit with exceptional vision: my colleague Erika West, Alaina Beverly, Tonya Allen, La June Montgomery Tabron, Shauna Ryder Diggs and my dear friend who left us too soon last year, Tanya Heidelberg, among others.

Jessica’s vision was clear: she wanted to continue doing the work of improving the quality of life for people in her community. It didn’t take me long to conclude that I wanted The Raben Group to join her in this effort. It made perfect sense for us to have a presence in Detroit, a city that has been on frontpages for its rebirth, but one where the new light shines unevenly, only on parts of the city, only on some of Detroit’s people.

America aggressively objectifies and commodifies and brutalizes and differently values Black and Brown humans, and the bodies inhabited. That is not just a factual statement, it is existential. It is a keystone of our founding, our convention, and our practice. While it has morphed over the years, it is literally Constitutional. The conflation of racism, sexism, and capitalism has been mastered and is thorough.

And it is not just some on the Right and their brazenness; with the gall to

castigate Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest as the problem, rather than the murderous ways of some police which he is protesting.

The Left is mindlessly complicit and responsible, too. Our condescension, our disingenuous empathy, our rhetoric over action; all of that complements and calcifies the original sin.

So what do we do? What we know is that it is not all horrible.

There’s been real change. For 350 of our years, there was literally no recourse. Now we have a Minneapolis mayor who goes right to calling it what it is and here in Detroit, you have a police chief in James Craig who had the courage to admit and speak out against bad policing.

And we have a corporate community in Detroit that concedes they must make a substantive contribution to ensuring we don’t return to the normal that was neither just nor equitable.

Let me be clear about where I and The Raben Group are on this: First, the whole culture profits off the degradation and merchandising of the person of color and of women. Sports.

Prisons. Schools. Retail Establishments. Entertainment. It is everywhere.

Call it out, work to reverse it.

Second, much of organized policing in the United States has been an explicitly racist institution. It is the front line of controlling and dehumanizing the Black and Brown American. That’s not an after-thought or unintended consequence, it’s by design. While there are huge pockets of improvement throughout the country — and so many law enforcement officers do the most amazing work with integrity and under gruesome circumstances — the original template is still dominant. And the consequences everywhere.

Third, understand it’s not only about policing. There’s a spectrum between “otherizing” black people and putting a literal knee on a black man’s neck. Ask yourself where you and the organizations you are responsible for are on that spectrum. A way to change this is to hugely strengthen the African American, Arab American, Latinx, Asian American, Native American, women, and LGBTQ presence in all areas: policing, local and state governance, the executive levels of business and nonprofits.

To be clear, there are cops, executives, elected officials and other people of color in positions of influence who are awful. We are all human, and frail, and works in progress. But if you’ve always been at the table and/or historically been the one to convene the meeting and set the agenda, I ask you to be comfortable admitting you may not know how to do this work. And that’s okay, as long as you’re willing to invite those who do to the table and put real resources behind your efforts to make change.

We are a violent nation, and too many of our countrymen are angry and misguided. At Raben, we don’t do the work we do in spite of this fact, we do it because of this fact. But I don’t pretend this work isn’t hard, it is.

As we respectfully ask to be a part of your Detroit community, we hope that you’ll allow us at your table, in your board rooms, at your community centers and places of worship. From our leadership to our interns, The Raben Group isn’t just diverse, it is inclusive, equitable, and just. We invite you to experience that same power, in your professional spaces, and your personal ones too.

An Open Letter From A Black Teen: ‘Do Better

By Josiah Davis

I’d Like to Address Three Groups To all the ACTIVE non-black allies out there, thank you. WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE. I appreciate you so f****** much.

Whether you’ve contributed a single post or whether you’ve marched by my side, you are crucial to this movement; you are crucial to the roar of justice; you are crucial to MY safety and MY future as a black man in Josiah Davis America. Thank you. A million times. Thank you. WE WILL NOT FORGET WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR US. To my non-black friends, sitting on the sidelines, remaining silent, shame on you. WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE. Your apparent indifference to injustice and racism is no better than being a RACIST who praises INJUSTICE. It breaks my heart that you could for years call me a friend, a best friend, or even a brother but then forsake me and EVERY black person you have EVER come across, by watching this all go by. By failing to check up on or support your black friends in this startling time, you are proving yourselves unreliable. By refraining from speaking out, taking a stand, or using your unique platform to

spread resources, you are contributing to an atrocity. We are horribly disappointed with you. WE WILL NOT FORGET WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR US. To those of you who have chosen to condemn the riots on your stories before you have condemned the injustice in the murder of George Floyd and the injustice in repeated police brutality on black lives, you are insidious. WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE. You have chosen to be more outraged over a Target ON FIRE rather than be outraged by the modern day lynchings which mirror a long history of black Americans being beaten, strung up in a noose, and being set ON FIRE themselves.

The economy can recover, George Floyd and every other black life taken at the hand of racist cops can’t. I don’t blame you, I blame the American values we were all brought up on. However, WE WILL NOT FORGET WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR US. If what I have said makes you uncomfortable, let me know. I’M NOT MAD AT ANY OF YOU. I’m hurt. I want desperately to connect with you and to share my point of view because if I don’t, at the end of the day, it could very well be my life. I want to let you know how I feel so you can see how crucial this is. I don’t want to hate on you. I don’t want there to be any hate period but your indifference and condemnation to the movement feels a lot like hate whether you know it or not. For my sake, for EVERY black person’s sake, do better.

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com • June 17-23, 2020

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

Comerica Spotlight on Success:

Will Rawls A good question to ask Comerica Senior Analyst Will Rawls is “what’s cookin’? That’s because the Brownsville, Tennessee native is also an enthusiastic and prolific baker.

“I Ike the process of taking a variety of things and combining them with a balance. At the end of the process, you have a beautiful presentation that makes people happy,” explained Rawls.

Cheesecakes are his specialty, but at Comerica for the past 1.5 years, working in the Detroit office on Lafayette and Cass, Rawls has specialized in working in the inWill Rawls on his stitutional trust area, way to deliver meals which includes custoto frontline heroes dial, pension services.

Comerica colleague show their strong support for the annual American Cancer Society of America Making Strides Against Cancer fundraiser and awareness walk.

Comerica Bank Named One of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the United States

Comerica Incorporated was honored for its efforts in positively impacting local communities, as the bank was named to The Civic 50 by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.

The award recognizes Comerica as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50 provides a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcases how companies use their time, skills and resources to impact their communities.

“Comerica’s success as a relationship bank starts with our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Curt Farmer, chairman and chief executive officer of Comerica.

forts and launched an online financial education platform – the Comerica Financial Education Center – for consumers.

The Civic 50 survey was administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform The Civic 50 scoring process.

The Civic 50 is the only survey and ranking system that exclusively measures corporate involvement in communities. To learn more about The Civic 50 and a complete list of the 2020 honorees, visit www.Civic50.org.

“This recognition truly reflects the efforts of our Comerica colleagues who help emphasize that commitment. From financial education events to volunteer opportunities with nonprofit partners, Comerica colleagues strengthen our dedication to serving the needs of our local communities.”

Although relatively new to Comerica, Rawls’s work experience stretches back 17 years, having started as a part-time teller while earning his undergrad degree at Central Michigan University and MBA at Northwood University. The bank was then called Manufacturers National, which eventually became Comerica.

He loves his job because it gives him the chance to challenge himself, exhibit his big personality and, of course, bake.

“I do like a challenge. It’s tough on you mentally and physically,” said Rawls. “I’m a people person.

I work on a floor with 80 people, and everybody knows me because I’m on EAC (Employee Activity Committee). I like to bake, so I bake a ton of stuff for work, so people often get my attending with, “yo, baker man!”

Indeed, Rawls says he was hired during a time at Comerica when it was undergoing a major reorganization. He was just the right guy at that time, explaining, “They hired me based on my finance background, but I also showed my personality. I had a couple of letters of recommendation that really extolled my virtues. A lot of it is doing fun stuff, it’s light, you make people happy, and enjoy their working environment and their job.”

But challenges are just opportunities for success for Rawls. He points to a 2002 ski accident in Colorado where he broke both legs after falling 20 feet off a cliff. He was lucky to survive. He endured two surgeries and three months of physical therapy and has about 95 percent functionality in his legs.

The Civic 50 honorees are public and private companies with U.S. operations and revenues of $1 billion or more and are selected based on four dimensions of their U.S. community engagement program including investment, integration, institutionalization and impact.

This marks the fifth consecutive year Comerica has received the honor, and sixth time overall since its inception in 2012.

In 2019, Comerica employees combined to volunteer more than 71,300 hours to nonprofit organizations. Comerica also donated over $8.4 million to charitable organizations via more than 1,400 grants and sponsorships.

Just this year, Comerica and the Comerica Charitable Foundation committed $8 million to local nonprofit organization for COVID-19 relief ef-

Bagged treat, made by Rawls, to be delivered to frontline heroes The Detroit Ronald McDonald House is one of hundreds of community and non-profit organizations supported by Comerica through financial contributions or volunteers.

America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become of one the most anticipated annual events showcasing Detroit and Comerica partners with The Parade Company to help prepare for the Thanksgiving Day tradition.

Comerica Bank Earns Top 3 Rating on DiversityInc Top Regional Companies for Diversity List Comerica Bank earned high marks in DiversityInc’s 2020 list of Top Regional Companies for Diversity. DiversityInc ranked Comerica third on this year’s list, a jump from 2019 when Comerica was ranked fourth This marks the 11th year Comerica has been named to the prestigious list.

With more than 1,000 participants, the DiversityInc Top 50 rankings are driven and based on 2019 company-submitted data in six key areas: leadership accountability, human capital diversity metrics, target programs, workforce practices, supplier diversity and philanthropy.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by DiversityInc for our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Nate Bennett, Chief Diversity Officer, ­Comerica Bank “Diversity and inclusion remain at the heart of Comerica’s core values and play a critical role in our business strategy.”

Comerica continues to embrace an inclusive culture that recognizes, respects and is sensitive to the differences of the communities the bank serves.

Comerica reaches a broad range of community partners and diversity advocates through initiatives fostering workforce diversity, Employee Resource Network Groups (ERNGs) providing a voice for our colleagues and our Market Segmentation Initiative Teams (MSI) developing relationships with the business community and the Comerica Supplier Diversity Program designed to grow small and diverse-owned companies and supporting community projects.

His latest challenge as a member of the EAC is keeping up employee morale while so many are working from home during the coronavirus crisis.

Of course, given his always positive attitude, Rawls came up with a web-based idea, explaining, “We can do something web-based that still impacts everybody and gets people to share experiences, talk about challenges, talk about some good news, have a contest, a jar of jellybeans. Let’s have a contest via the web, guess how many jellybeans there are in the jar and win a gift card.”

He also provided 100 bagged lunches to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit respectively on April 30, 2020 to support healthcare workers on the frontlines amid COVID-19.

This initiative began as a small fundraiser through his Facebook page, which quickly garnered more than $1,500 through his social connections. When Comerica learned about his efforts, the bank immediately jumped in to support the cause and matched the donation to feed even more frontline heroes.

With the tremendous support Rawls received through his Facebook fundraiser, he quickly took the opportunity to make and deliver meals to the first responders at Wayne County Sheriff’s Office the following week.

Banker, baker, unselfish community supporter. That’s Will Rawls, who offers what he terms “mom advice,” to those seeking to be successful: “number one, make smart choices, number two, step back and take inventory of your resources and your talent, number three don’t try to eat the entire buffet at one time.”

Hobbies: Aside from baking, Rawls enjoys all kinds of music including jazz, gospel, contemporary and modern country.

Goals: “I would love to have a baking comedy blog, where I bake and tell jokes.”

Comerica’s African American Network, one of the bank’s employee resource network groups, exemplifies the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. In February, CAAN hosted FOX 2 reporter Josh Landon and took a trip back in time to examine histories of the Black Bottom and Paradise Valley neighborhoods in Detroit as part of Comerica’s annual Black History Month Lunch & Learn series.

For more information on how Comerica colleagues are giving back to our community, visit

www.facebook.com/Comerica.

City. Life. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

Dope Dads:

B1 | June 17-23, 2020

michiganchronicle.com

Frontline Fathers W

By Ashley Steveson

ith the current climate of the world, Father’s Day seems more precious than in previous years. Fathers have always been essential in the lives of their families, but with the onset of the global pandemic, many learned that they were vital to the lives of others as well. These men sacrificed to remain committed to their careers and their call to action to serve others selflessly.

It was an honor speaking to these essentially Dope Dads who courageously worked the Frontlines During COVID-19 while remaining front and center for their families.

Name: Randon Jenkins Position: Nurse Practitioner, PHD in nursing with specialty in Gerontology, teacher at Oakland University Best Dad Advice: Listen to your children. I have a 13 year old daughter, Hannah, and at that age they don’t always want to talk, it is important to listen to their needs and desires and let them know you understand so that it remains easy for them to share things with you.

Proudest Dad Moment: In terms of social justice, she sticks to her guns. Although she opted not to go to the protest to maintain social distancing during COVID-19, she made signs for the protestors.

What Kept Him Motivated during Covid-19: Randon explained how a vast majority of mental healthcare workers were furloughed as a result of the Pandemic, and as a result he acquired many mental health patients under his care. His motivation was to help others mentally.

Accentuating the need to be both a health care provider and a friend to his patience during this time when anxiety was understandably heightened. “You’re never going to be perfect but as long as you show up, they’ll appreciate it.”- Randon Jenkins

Name: Deron Smith Position: Registered Nurse, Henry Ford Health System Best Dad Advice: Always believe in God and always believe in yourself. I teach my children discipline, the importance of always making your bed.

Proudest Dad Moment: To practice safety and social distancing, Deron moved out of the family home to isolate himself during COVID-19. He emphasized that he and his children have a deal, that if they excel in complex math and comprehensive reading, he will allow them to start a business. His proudest moment was having his children call him to ask for tough math questions to stay sharp and show their progress toward of achieving their goal of starting a business someday.

What Kept Him Motivated during Covid-19: Deron says that COVID-19 made him realize “how much I had to lose —nobody left a legacy for me, and as a black father, everything is about legacy.”

His business “Nspire Legacy”, an initiative created to highlight the importance of leaving a legacy for his children. Deron prides himself on being a black father. “We don’t live just to die one day, but we will one day die in order to live through legacy.”- Deron Smith

Name: Jeffrey Baker Position: Dialysis Assistant Best Dad Advice: Support your child 115% in whatever they do. Do not be afraid to be that dad that gets excited for everything their child does.

Proudest Dad Moment: When my daughter was born. In the moment I held her, I knew nothing was going to stop me from providing for her and trying my best to keep her out of harms way.

What Kept Him Motivated during Covid-19: Jeffrey says the excitement in his baby’s face whenever he walked through the door. He was motivated by the fact that he still had a job when so many others were laid off and furloughed. “My Main Motivation was to provide for my family and keep them safe” – Jeffrey Baker

Name: Chris Whitehorn Position: Transportation Equipment Operator, DDOT Best Dad Advice: Be there for your kids and teach them.

Proudest Dad Moment: Watching them smile and keep them on the right track.

What Kept Him Motivated during Covid-19: Chris says that seeing his children, Jayden and Amari, wait at the door to ask him about his day is what motivated him to keep being safe.

Name: AJ Miller Position: Certified Nursing Assistant, Regency At Canton Best Dad Advice: There’s no rulebook or guidelines to fatherhood. Go with the low, take your time, and embrace the learning process. Understand that your children may all learn differently, take different approaches in how each are raised. Continue to better yourself along the way.

Proudest Dad Moment: Seeing my children do something. I can come off as non-emotional but when I witness them in something, like a school play or play in a game, I tear up watching my kids be excellent. Its beautiful. My son has a rare skin condition and I tell him all the time, he’s my hero.

What Kept Him Motivated during Covid-19: AJ lost his father-in-law, father, and grandfather this year. He expressed that after the passing of his grandfather whom he cared for, he was no longer scared of anything, and he just knew he had to keep going. “Life is short, I couldn’t stop living.”

-AJ Miller

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • June 17-23, 2020

Girl Talk with Pops: How Dads Improve Dating

By Alan Hunt II A woman’s first introduction to a man is her father. He is often the first man to love her, and women frequently seek significant others based on their father’s traits, for better or worse. Yet when it comes to dating, it is mostly uncommon for women to consult their dads. It took a while for Brittney Gwynn, a native Detroiter, to recognize how unique her bond was with her father.

“My relationship with my father is very much of friend and friend. He’s super vulnerable, super open, and obviously still a parent in the fact that he loves and cares about me,” said Gwynn.

“Talking to other friends from their experience, they said that their dads are mostly talking to them about the weather and work and not really getting into the nitty-gritty of things that we would walkabout.”

The strength of those conversations inspired Gwynn to create a podcast with her father titled Girl Talk With Pops, which digs into love, relationships, and life experiences. Now entering its second season, Gwynn has noticed the impact it has made over the past year.

“The response has been amazing.

A lot of people are like: wow, this is so refreshing, so relatable, so rare. I wish that I could talk to my dad like this. I wish I had these conversations with my dad when I was younger.”

Although women may have foregone it previously, Gwynn said Father’s Day is as good of a time as any to build a deeper connection.

“My advice for women that want a closer, more meaningful relationship with their father is to be vulnerable and approach him with a specific ask with that context.”

She added, “I think men need to hear very direct statements…I’m not saying that’s always going to lead to the re-

sult they are looking for, but I think a father would appreciate knowing how his daughter feels about a situation and having her come to him two adults talking about adult things.”

Gwynn feels women must acknowledge that they are not little girls anymore and talk to their dads openly to help the relationship grow. If perhaps you’re struggling for a conversation starter, Gwynn suggests referencing the podcast. The discussions have been equally beneficial for both Gwynn and her father.

“Our conversations for the both of us are pretty cathartic in the sense that we get to talk about something that either of us have felt in our lifetime and hear another person explain how they dealt with it…It comes with release. It comes with healing. It’s almost therapeutic, which is something our listeners have called out before.”

City. Life. Style.

The podcast has not only strengthened Gwynn’s paternal relationship but also provided wisdom navigating romantic ones. She’s experienced her dad being more forthcoming with advice than her male friends.

Where City Meets

LIFE STYLE

“I have a guy here, who, unlike my male friends, he doesn’t have a bro code.

He’s willing to share everything versus my guy friends who are like no I can’t say that because you know bro code,” said Gwynn. “Guys will tell each other but won’t tell their sister or best friend who is a girl. There’s a code that exists for some reason.”

and Life Meets

In Print & Online

She is grateful for fluid with her pops and hopes other women see the logic in bonding with their dads.

michiganchronicle.com

“It seems like an obvious thing in retrospect…you get to see how empowering it is to have a father who is open and willing to share his life lessons with his daughter so that she doesn’t make the same mistakes.”

Girl Talk With Pops is available on all podcast platforms.

If I could do one thing, I’d make sure we stay healthy.

If you could do one thing for your community, what would it be? More walk-in clinics? More funding for health services closer to home? Completing the 2020 Census is a safe and easy way to inform billions in funding for hundreds of services and programs in your community.

Respond online, by phone, or by mail.

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June 17-23, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com •

Sometimes we have to do more.

This time, a lot more.

Sometimes the urgency of a better future compels you to act. We are in such a moment, when a global pandemic, a cry for racial justice and a feeling of hopelessness challenge each community.

In the face of this, Bank of America has committed to investing $1 billion over the next four years to build on our long-standing work to drive economic opportunity and equality in communities of color.

It will power small businesses, help connect workers to new skills and job opportunities, improve medical response capacity and access to health care, and support affordable housing.

This bolsters our recent commitment of an additional $100 million to support nonprofit partners and $250 million to support Community Development Financial and Minority Depository Institutions, addressing impacts from the coronavirus that disproportionately affect black and brown communities.

My teammates and I here in Detroit commit to the important work that lies before all of us. We share the sense of urgency gripping the nation, and we welcome the promise of achieving great things together.

Matt Elliott Detroit Market President

To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • June 17-23, 2020

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Special Steaks to Celebrate Dad

A

FAMILY FEATURES

Father’s Day gifting can be pretty simple: Many dads want a delicious steak.

Give him a collection of tender cuts with the Filet for Father’s Day package from Omaha Steaks, which includes four 7-ounce Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons, eight 6-ounce brisket burgers, four 3-ounce gourmet jumbo franks, four 2.88ounce potatoes au gratin, four 4-ounce individual New York cheesecakes and a 3.1-ounce jar of signature seasoning. Find more meal ideas for dad at omahasteaks.com.

n entire day dedicated to dear ol’ dad may not be enough to show the depths of your appreciation, but a hug, a heartfelt thanks and some quality time (even from afar) are great places to start.

When it comes to giving gifts for Father’s Day, practical and purposeful gifts are high on most dads’ lists.

Think about his favorite things to eat and the ways he spends his coveted down time. A gift that celebrates the things that matter most to him is sure to earn dad’s gratitude.

Find more ideas to make it a Father’s Day to remember at eLivingtoday.com.

A Ladder for Dad’s Jobs

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Supplies He’ll Auto-matically Enjoy If tinkering in the garage is dad’s favorite pastime, give him an excuse to spend even more time with a project that proves he’s passing the hours productively. A collection of car detailing supplies lets him buff and shine his ride to perfection. Be sure to include products that let him spruce things up inside and out, and throw in an extra touch like a personalized travel mug that will keep on giving well after Father’s Day has passed.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Gear to Go Fishing

Even the most avid fishermen can typically use more gear. From replenishing the tackle box with fresh supplies to a new rod he can use to reel in a real catch, gift dad with items that let him hang out a “gone fishing” sign and enjoy some time on the water.

If he’s an extra-avid sportsman, be sure to also check out the wide variety of tech-enabled locators that give him a little nudge to boost his chances for a successful day.

As a 3-in-1 ladder that easily converts to stepladder, extension and leaning configurations, the Little Giant King Kombo gives you the perfect tool for nearly any job. A rotating wall pad lets you safely lean your ladder on inside and outside corners, walls and 2-by-4-inch studs.

Made from lightweight, non-conductive fiberglass, you can safely work around electricity, and the IAA 375-pound weight rating makes the ladder sturdy enough for the job. Find more information at amazon.com.

A Sharp Gift for Dad

A knife is only as good as the sharpness of its blade.

This Father’s Day, get dad a helpful tool to keep his knives wicked sharp. Made from highquality materials, the Wicked Edge GO knife sharpener is easy to use for both new and veteran knife sharpeners and can accommodate a wide variety of knives. With guided angle control, dad can get professional-level results every time. Learn more at wickededgeusa.com.

June 17-23, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com •

Juneteeth Celebratations: Juneteenth Celebration Virtual Webinar First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Farmington Hills and the Farmington Area Juneteenth Committee host the second annual Juneteenth commemoration from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 20. Registration is required for this virtual webinar which includes a marketplace, entertainment, storyteller LaRon Williams and more.

Juneteenth Detroit Festival 2020 #Covid19WontStopUs. That’s the message that Juneteenth Detroit Festival 2020 organizers are sending. With social distancing measures in place – and masks, gloves and hand sanitizer at the ready – organizers Demond Petty and Anne Lynn say they are planning a safe event.

“Juneteenth embodies all the elements of our community,” Petty says, adding that he and others are making it a special celebration while honoring state orders by maintaining six feet from one another in public spaces. “We’ll get our ideas together and we’ll be ready,” he says. Lynne says the festival will offer a “semblance of normality,” adding, “I believe Juneteenth can do that for a lot of people.” Talks are also in the works for an accompanying virtual celebration.

Noon-8 p.m., June 19 Maheras-Gentry Park, 12250 Avondale St., Detroit Charles H Wright Museum When: June 19th Where: Blkfreedom.org What: 6 leading black museums and historical institutions from coast to coast will launch blkfreedom.com, a digital commemoration of Juneteenth the day that the Emancipation Proclamation was officially enforced. Ending Enslavement in Texas.

Juneteenth Multi-Museum Virtual Celebration Power to the People 313 Power to the People is a 12 hour Juneteenth festival event activation model with the complete intention to preserve Black history, celebrate black culture and historically mobilize Black communities across America.

EVENT DATE AND TIME: Friday, June 19, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

LIVESTREAM HOST: powertothepeople313.com CITY OF DETROIT TO OFFICIALLY CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH FOR FIRST TIME WITH EVENT IN SPIRIT PLAZA ON WEDNESDAY WHAT: City of Detroit’s official Juneteenth celebration WHEN: Wednesday, June 19, 2019 from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.(program kicks off at noon) WHERE: Spirit Plaza in front of the Spirit of Detroit statue, 2 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit.

WHO: Mayor Mike Duggan, Director of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Charity Dean, Council President Pro-Tem Mary Sheffield, activities and performances throughout the day.

Juneteenth Jubilee (Digital) When: June 19th, 2020 Where: FB Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit IG Juenteenth_Jubilee Detroit Who: Detroit Artists, Speakers, and leaders Juneteenth Festival Online and Live Who: RW Media and Black Expo Events What: virtual exhibit booths, workshops, seminars, music performances and more When: June 19-28 on a 24-hour cycle.

Info: Call 916-477-0157 to reserve a sponsorship spot, exhibit booth or for brand opportunities.

Conversations For The Culture — City Launches Week-Long Juneteeth Celebration The City of Detroit will kick off Juneteenth 2020 with a week-long series of thought-provoking virtual conversations celebrating Black culture and educating viewers on important issues impacting the Black community. Topics will empower viewers to engage in most relevant discussions aimed to offer healing and empowerment to the black community.

The weeklong celebration will end next Friday with a Freedom Rally at Spirit Plaza and the unveiling of an uplifting message painted along a block-long span of Woodward Avenue leading to Spirit Plaza.

“Juneteenth is about more than a celebration of the day many African Americans first learned of the end of slavery; it’s an opportunity to start a needed dialogue to increase understanding and drive real change,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Throughout our nations’ history, laws and discriminatory policies were put in place and have done untold harm to people of color over generations. This year’s Juneteenth celebration comes at the right time for all of us to reflect and be reminded of the change that still needs to take place.”

All conversations will be live-streamed from the City

of Detroit’s Facebook page and include Detroit’s subject experts. The schedule is as followed: Wednesday, June 17th, 6PM – Black Education Matters – A conversation on the importance of education and equity in the black community, Kristen Howard, DPSCD, Jennifer Smith, Closing The Gap Detroit, Erik Dean, Dean of Students at Cornerstone’s Washington-Parks Academy Wednesday, June 17th, 7:30PM – Growing the Black Dollar – Building generational wealth in the Black community, Wardell Littles, Financial Advisor, Ty Thorpe, Financial Advisor, Shannon Smith, Banker, Portia Powell, Banker Thursday, June 18th, 6PM – Criminal Justice Reform – Fixing a broken system, Nicole Huddleston, Detroit Justice Center, Boyd White, Attorney, Richard Mack, Attorney Thursday June 18th, 7:30PM– Black Business Matters- Charles Nolan, Owner of Cutters Bar & Grill and Regina Gaines, Owner of House Pur Vin, facilitated

by James Feagin, Places +PEOPLE Friday, June 19th, 10 am – Juneteenth Freedom Rally and Street Art Unveiling at Spirit Plaza Friday, June 19th, 2pm – Special video presentation

Page B-5

Keys To Black Wealth Summit To Kick Off Virtually on Juneteeth, “Freedom Day” Keys to Black Wealth Virtual Summit invites you to join in as they kick-off their first-ever virtual summit to celebrate Juneteenth also known as FREEDOM DAY to commemorate the emancipation of slavery which took place June 19, 1865. This three-day virtual summit taking place June 19-21, 2020 created by Keys to Black Wealth Co-Founders David DeBerry II, Brandy N. Avery, Lemar Pughsley, and Frank Cage will feature some of the most dynamic culturally and socially impactful entrepreneurs of our generation.

The keynote speakers are Artist, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Actor Master P, Romeo Miller, Shaun Ross, Ray J, Willie Norwood, LisaRaye McCoy, Omarosa, DJ Dimepiece, and 30+ additional world-renowned individuals from various industries. The speakers will be providing the keys to closing the racial wealth gap and creating generational wealth. In light of the recent racial pandemic, this summit comes right on time to support the black community in understanding the importance of wealth building.

This power-packed, three day weekend is full of life-changing information that features speed networking, a virtual expo, group sessions, workshops, and a virtual party. Attendees will enjoy topics such as real estate, digital assets, social media marketing, credit leveraging, investments, raising capital, policy and law, business ownership, and so much more.

Collectively, the Co-Founders stated “A lot of times financial education can seem boring, so we wanted to spice it up a little bit and bring what we call an ‘edutainment’ concept so people can have a good time but they can learn at the same time. As black people, we have long term problems that we’ve battling as a community for so long. We’re still trying to fight through some of those stigmas See BLACK

WEALTH page B6

Page B-6 • michiganchronicle.com • June 17-23, 2020

“Juneteenth Week”

a virtual celebration of Blackness, Will Kick-Off Monday, June 15 Juneteenth Week is a 7-day series of curated, action-focused events along with social media challenges celebrating Blackness.

Juneteenthwk invites you to join in celebration as they kick-off their first-ever virtual summit to celebrate Juneteenth, affectionately known as “Freedom Day.” June 19, 1865 (Juneteenth) commemorates the day African-American slaves were freed from bondage in Texas, the last and most remote of the Confederate States, a year and a half after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

The seven day virtual celebration will be held June 15-21, 2020 created and organized by Allanté V. Whitmore, founder of Blk + In Grad School, Chelsea Sloan, and Seun Oyewole. The featured speakers will

cover topics including public health and its impacts on the community, economic literacy, education, and more. Each day, subject matter experts will tackle these various topics directly related to the Black experience as speakers, panelists, and activists culminating with a call-to-action to continue the celebration of Blackness into the future.

The organizers stated, “Our purpose is to provide a 7-day series of curated, action-focused events along with social media challenges celebrating Blackness on the anniversary of our liberation from slavery.”

For a full list of speakers and to purchase, visit juneteenthwk.com. For the most recent updates, stay connected on social media @juneteenthwk.

Quick Facts: Juneteenth

From page A-5 that we’ve been fighting dating all the way back through slavery. So we need to have these conversations because they’re important for our future sustainability.”

This is the collective’s first global virtual event with tens of thousands of expected attendees and the opportunity to #Buy-

communities and culture.

Flagstar Bank is committed to promoting and fostering diversity and inclusion in the communities we serve and within our own organization.

On June 19th, 1865, union soldiers led by Gordon Granger marched Galveston, TX to inform enslaved black people that the war had ended, and that they were now free. Although the emancipation proclamation had been signed 2 years prior, there were very little Union Troops to effectively spread the news. Today, the holiday known as “Juneteenth” is commemorated as the actual Independence Day celebrating the true freedom of those formerly enslaved.

Black Wealth

Working to strengthen our

flagstar.com/diversity

Black from a number of different blackowned businesses. Tickets to this virtual summit start at $30. Although this is the first virtual summit, the co-founders of Keys To Black Wealth have had many successful events throughout their inception and look forward to growing their digital footprint.

For a full list of speakers and to purchase tickets, visit www.keystoblackwealthsummit.com.

flagstar.com

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June 17-23, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-7

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

REQUEST FOR QUOTE

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

Sr. Accountant II – Inventory Accounting

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQ for Remanufactured Differentials Control No. 20-3171 RFQ forms may be obtained beginning June 17, 2020 from http://www.mitn.info. RFQ is due by 3:00 PM ET, July 14, 2020.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFPs for LETC Site Improvement Project, Control No. 20-3192. RFP forms may be obtained beginning June 16, 2020, from http://www.mitn.info. RFPs are due by 3:00 PM ET, July 10, 2020.

BUDGET HEARING

University Yes Academy Board of Directors The University Yes Academy’s budget hearing will take place Monday June 22, 2020 at 6:00 pm through a public online stream at universityyesacademy.org. The meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Open Meeting Act.

BUDGET HEARING

New Paradigm College Prep Board of Directors The New Paradigm College Prep’s budget hearing will take place Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 6:00 pm through a public online stream at npcollegeprep.org. The meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Open Meeting Act.

BUDGET HEARING

New Paradigm Glazer-Loving Academy Board of Directors

The New Paradigm Glazer-Loving Academy’s budget hearing will take place Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 6:00 pm through a public online stream at npglazeracademy.org or nplovingacademy.org. The meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Open Meeting Act.

The Board of Directors of the W-A-Y Academy, a public school academy, will conduct a virtual public hearing for the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 school year on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at 5:00 P.M. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom app and meeting entry details will be available on the Districts website. This meeting is open to the public. Copies of the proposed budget will be available electronically upon request for the ­public to review beginning June 17, 2020.

Notice of Budget Hearing

Senior Software Engineer

The Detroit Community Schools Board of Directors will hold a public hearing to review the 2020-21 proposed budget on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. in the HS Main Office ­Conference Room located at 12675 Burt Road, Detroit, MI 48223.

(Detroit, MI): Develop heavy-duty powertrain mechatronics software for engine and aftertreatment Electronic Controls Units globally; develop software requirements from performance, emission, and OBD, production and service functional areas, among other duties.

Bachelor’s Degree in Comp Sci, Mech Eng, or related + 5Y exp. Resumes to Anthony Long, Detroit Diesel, 13400 West Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48239. Include position reference #DDCSSE in response.

Any changes in the date or time of the Budget Hearing and/or the regular Board of Directors meeting will be posted on the DCS website: www.detcomschools.org.

The proposed budget is available for review in the High School Main Office.

Budget Hearing Notice Pathways Academy Charter School will be holding its annual budget hearing on June 26, at 9:45 a.m. to review and comment on the 2020-2021 school year budget. This will be a teleconferenced hearing and will be conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. The budget will be made available for public inspection on Pathways Academy’s website.

Dial-in Number: (515) 604-9094 Access Code: 533086123# You must enter the # sign after the code.

For the hearing impaired: • TTD Number 711 and provide Dial-In Number and Access Code above.

• Contact Pathways Academy at (313) 209-3804 Option 2 for futher assistance

Public Budget Hearing Jalen Rose Leadership Academy will hold its proposed budget hearing for the 2020-2021 school year on June 22, 2020 online beginning at 3PM; details can be found at www.jrladetroit.com. The budget is available for public inspection online at www.jrladetroit.com/ budgets-and-reporting.

Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Board of Directors Regular Meeting Monday, June 22, 2020 at 3 p.m.

Online via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91530152112? pwd=cVNyTjZleVBzVFFSS0dXaksyanVRZz09 Meeting ID: Password: b8m2T5

Please visit our website for more classified ads. www.michiganchronicle.com

Detroit Diesel Corporation seeks Sr. Accountant II-Inventory Accounting (Detroit, MI) - Techn’l accounting resrch & anlys of Inventory activities, incldg valuation, physical invntry & effectiveness of ICS controls. Conduct various monthend close activities assoc w/ Inventory Classifictn, Aged Inventory & Negative Inventory records, among other duties.

BA+5Y. To apply, send resumes to Camille Bowie, Detroit Diesel Corporation, 13400 West Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48239.

Include position reference #SA2IA.

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Advanced Gear Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, analyze, design, &validate conventional &BEV psgr vehicle transmission (automatic, CVT, DCT, &manual) &electric drive unit gear syss incldg planetary &parallel axis gears, shafts &bearings, in GSAM anlys tool using Calyx solver, &using OSU GearLab, MASTA, ADAMS, LMS Virtual Lab, Abaqus, SimLab, &GM Gear Suite tools. Engr &optimize overall gear sys performance incldg stresses/strains, deflection, &stiffness, to improve durability, gear &bearing life &efficiency, &reduce N&V. Dvlp improved &new analytical tools to simulate gear syss incldg linear/nonlinear stiffness, pinhole errors, &gear microgeometry. Train Engrs/Technical Specs globally on above gear anlys tools. Master, Mechanical or Automotive Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, analyzing &designing psgr vehicle transmission (automatic, CVT, &DCT) gear syss incldg planetary &parallel axis gears &bearings, using OSU GearLab, MASTA, &ADAMS tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#4140-4A, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Lead Cost Engineer - Engrng, Design & Devlpmnt (ED&D) Warren, MI, General Motors. Analyze, create, &validate current &new Engrg, ED&D cost models &targets, for budgets &Purchasing negotiations, based on conventional &BEV psgr vehicle sys &cmpnt design, testing &validation; engrg CAD/CAM/CAE tools; testing tooling/fixtures; &Engrg Change Requests, for current &future U.S. &global high &low volume vehicle assy &cmpnt mfg plants, for Electrical Function/ Infotainment &Control/PS&DS Syss Mgmt Teams, using Teamcenter Vismockup, &Teamcenter Product Cost Mgmt tools, &Excelbased calculators. Analyze, create, evaluate &validate ED&D costs for Autonomous Driving Sys Cptrs, Super/Ultra Cruise modules, Body Control (BCM) / Center Stack/Engine Control/Transmission Control (TCM) Modules, wiring harnesses, Radars, Cameras, Sensors, &RESS thruout program life by establishing ED&D targets, negotiation support for new business placement &cost anlys for design changes. Bachelor, Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engrg. 24 mos exp as Cost Engineer, Cost Analyst, Cost Estimator Analyst, or related, analyzing &creating current &new sys or cmpnt piece cost models &targets, for budgets &Purchasing negotiations, for U.S. &global high &low volume vehicle assy &cmpnt mfg plants, for BCM, wiring harnesses, &TCM or Transmission Control Unit, using Teamcenter Vismockup tool &Excel-based calculator, or related. Mail resume to Ref#3440-2105, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Orville Fitzgerald Dale Orville Fitzgerald Dale was born February 28, 1965 in Kingston Jamaica, to Mr. Rupert Dale and the late Mrs. Agatha Dale. He migrated to Detroit, Michigan August 8, 1970, where he attended Detroit Public Schools from elementary through high school.

Orville was an exceptional student athlete. He excelled in the classroom as well as on the football and baseball fields, earning varsity letters in both sports at Detroit Henry Ford High School. As a result, Orville received full athletic scholarship offers from several colleges and universities before accepting an offer to play baseball at St. Augustine’s University. Orville graduated with a B.A. Degree in Business Administration from St. Augustine College, Raleigh, NC. He pledged Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Incorporated through the Kappa Epsilon Chapter, May 7, 1986 and embodied the true essence of being a “Q” actively, for 34 years.

He was a loyal, hardworking, stand up Brother of Omega Psi Phi exhibiting daily the Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. Orville became active in the Southfield Graduate Chapter of Tau Kappa Kappa from it’s Onset. Throughout his fraternal life, Orville excelled at bringing Brothers, friends, and patrons together to uplift our communities. He served on several committees, most notably the Annual Detroit Boat Ride and Omega Youth Mentoring Program.

“O” as he was affectionately called by his brothers and closest friends, loved his “Baby Boy” crew and Omega family dearly. After graduating from college, “O” played baseball for The Detroit Expos Semi Pro Baseball Team. He continued to exhibit his athletic prowess as an outstanding Second Baseman and team leader.

The Michigan Chronicle recognizes our

Frontline and Essential Workers!

From our heart to yours

Orville began his career as a teacher in Detroit Public Schools for ten (10) years. He later owned New Vision Property Investment Group, and worked as a Loan Officer for fourteen (14) years. His most recent job was as a Project Manager for 3LK Construction, a position which he really enjoyed.

Orville was baptized at an early age and attended Liberty Temple for many years. Later, he rededicated his life and became an active member of the Higher Praise Worship Center, where he served on many ministries, including being head of the Men’s ministry.

O was a reserved but extremely loving and generous person who would give the shirt off his back to anyone. However, if you “rubbed him the wrong way”, you were “in for it!”

He adored his family beyond words and was nicknamed “the kissing bandit” – always wanting to hug and kiss. You couldn’t stay angry at him because he would give you that puppy dog look and next would be hugging and kissing on your forehead.

He was a hands on, loving and dedicated father to his sons Robert and Jacoby and grandson Robert Jr. (Bobby), with whom he spent much time and made sure they knew the Lord. Of course, being an excellent player and avid sportsman, Orville made sure they developed a love for baseball as well.

Over the years, Orville built many treasured friendships. He’s the only person we know that kept in touch with everybody from elementary school to college and visited them every chance he got. He will be truly missed by so many who loved and adored him.

We could not make it through this Pandemic without you!

O was a fierce protector of his family and had a special relationship with each of his siblings. He leaves to cherish his loving memory: Dad: Rupert Dale, Mother: The Late Agatha Dale, Sons: Robert Dale and Jacoby Dale, Grandson: Robert Dale Jr., Sisters: Hyacinth Cato (London, England), Beverly Green, Lorna Shirley (Milton), Althea Dale – Norfork (Thomas), Janice Dale; Brothers: Courtney McCoy (Denise) (London, England) and Carl Dale, his loving companion Janice Robleh, and a host of nieces and nephews of whom he was very fond and had special relationships; Other close relatives in Toronto , friends in England and Jamaica; and his lifelong Brothers of Omega Psi Phi.

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Oscar Bryant Sr.

Oscar Lewis Bryant Sr. was born to the union of James and Minnie Bryant on June 26, 1920 in Woodstock, Alabama. Oscar was the youngest of four children. Early in his childhood, Oscar was affectionately known as Jim, which was his birth name. Friends would tease him and as you could imagine, he did not want to be the center of any joke. Jim began signing his name “Oscar Lewis Bryant” from a book that he read while in school. He was determined to sound more esteemed and have people take him seriously. Eventually, his mother officially changed his name and Oscar left a lasting impression on everyone that he met.

Oscar began working at the tender age of twelve years old and eventually obtained his first official job at fifteen in the coal mines of Alabama. Soon after, he met his life partner Kinny “Dean” Bryant. They were deeply in love and married on July 7, 1940 in Woodstock, Alabama and remained together until her death on December 1, 2004. To their union eleven children were born; Dollie, Oscar Jr., James, Marvin, William, Sam, Tommie, Barbara, Brenda, Wilma and Marilynn.

Prior to marriage, Oscar enlisted into the US Army in 1938. He served in World War II under the late General George Smith Patton Jr. Oscar traveled abroad to various foreign countries while serving in the US Army until he sustained an injury and received his honorable discharge in 1946. Oscar would proudly share service stories and recount his accomplishments in the US Army amongst family and friends.

In the late 1950’s, an opportunity presented itself to Oscar and a group of his friends. The “Motor City” was seeking employees to help build an empire of automobiles that remain the foundation of the Detroit community.

Oscar pursued this new venture and secured a job as a factory worker at Ford Motor Company in Detroit, MI. Oscar was diligent about saving money so that he could purchase a home and relocate his family two years later. Oscar worked at Ford Motor Company for over 35 years until retirement.

Oscar gave his life to Christ at an early age. Soon after his relocation, he became a member at New Bethel Church in Detroit, MI under the leadership of late Pastor C.L. Franklin. Oscar was the epitome of an active servant of God for over seventy years.

From serving on the Trustee Board to dedicating his time to the church’s food bank, everyone could count on Oscar to show up with a smile.

After retirement, Oscar purchased a fishing boat and learned how to golf. He believed that you were never too far in age to try something new or finish something that you started. He was known to be resilient, determined, and humble. Oscar earned his GED in his early 80’s and was very proud of his accomplishments.

In their spare time, Oscar and Dean enjoyed playing cards with each other so much that time was not a factor. Family members looked forward to birthday parties and gatherings for a chance to “talk smack” during a spades game.

If anyone knew Oscar, they knew that he had a spark in his personality and plenty of pep in his step. He stayed tuned into the latest fashion trends and made sure he stayed “sharp” at all times. Around two years after his retirement from Ford, Oscar was employed as a Security Officer at Guardsmart. Age did not hinder Oscar’s progress as he maintained his driver’s license, purchased a brand new car, and renewed his concealed pistol license all at the age of ninety five. He remained employed with Guardsmart until the age of ninety five as well.

Oscar was recognized by his employers, community, and civic entities on many occasions. One proud moment that he frequently shared was when he received a Testimonial of Resolution for achieving over sixty years of marriage from the Detroit City Council.

Oscar made his transition on 06/11/2020, just two weeks shy of his 100th birthday. Oscar’s life was a blessing and is truly celebrated by family and friends.

Preceding Oscar in death includes his life partner and wife Kinny “Dean” Bryant, parents (James and Minnie Bryant), two brothers (Nathan and Joe Bryant), one sister (Frances Bryant), two daughters (Dollie and Barbara), and two grandchildren (Tiffany and Kenyatta). To cherish his memory, Oscar leaves his nine children: Oscar Bryant Jr. (Marvie), James Bryant, Marvin Bryant (Brenda), William Bryant (Cheryl), Sam Bryant, Tommie Bryant (Jewell), Brenda Daniel, Wilma Bryant and Marilynn Onaghise (Rotimi), grandchildren: Amaryllis, April, Charles, Oscar III (Sean), LaTrice, Frederick, James Jr., D. Alvin, Candrece, Terrezz, Cassandra, Sam, Curtis, LaTrice, Welton, Waymond, Terrell, Quentin, Jeff, Keyala, Robert, and Jamel. Oscar leaves a legacy with a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

  Samuel Lee Simpson

Samuel Lee Simpson, age 86, died on May 5, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Nancy (Kurland) Simpson, his 3 loving sons John, Chris and Matt, from his earlier marriage to Ima Jean, and 9 grandchildren.

Sam was in the Air Force in the Korean War, obtained his BS from Wayne State U. He taught elementary school for several years, and spent 2 summer vacations supervising the Boys Side at Camp Tamarack. Sam went on to study law, achieved his JD in 1966 from Detroit College of Law, and recently celebrated practicing law for 50 years.

He was Chief Administrator at the Wayne County Juvenile Court, then practiced with the law firm of Charfoos and Christensen for 30 + years. He remained active with his private practice until early this year.

Sam was a strong, kind, and independent minded man; a gentleman who always carried himself with dignity and distinguished style. Sam lived his life fully, was loved dearly by many.

He will be missed deeply by his family, many dear and lifelong friends, and the legal community whom he served with dignity and staunch ethics.

A memorial will be held at a future time.

Memorial contributions are suggested to humanitarian or legal causes of your choice.

Page B-8

• michiganchronicle.com • June 17-23, 2020

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