Mc digital 7 13 16

Unveiling of landmark sculpture commemorates 50th anniversary of

1967 riot

Standing on top of the world

Detroit-born Gloria Mayfield Banks is ranked #1 National Sales Director in the world

Page B1

Page C1

POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA

July 13-19, 2016

michiganchronicle.com

Volume 79 – Number 44

NO JUSTICE...

How much do black lives really matter in America?

By Keith A. Owens Senior Editor

I'm running out of words.

I feel like I'm strapped in a chair, gagged and bound, eyes propped open, as in “A Clockwork Orange,” condemned to watch the same horror movie over and over again in a theater full of gagged and bound black men. I can't scream, I can't turn away, and I can't run. All I can do is...nothing.

Because we all know this will happen again. Just like we know there will be another mass shooting. And we know that we will cry, and moan, and we know that there will be more outrage and disbelief. If President Barack Obama is still in

Hundreds, whites as well as blacks, protested the recent police shootings last Friday in downtown Detroit. — Sidnee King photos

By Sidnee King On Friday, July 8, Detroiters gathered in Campus Martius to protest the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police officers in Baton Rouge and Minnesota, respectively.

In what was a peaceful protest, individuals had the platform to speak about not just police brutality, but a wide range of issues they feel negatively affect the black community. Among these issues were high rates of violent crime, black entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.

Miya Hooks, a cook at an upscale restaurant in Birmingham, traveled downtown hoping that the protests would help solve the fear she and other black people experience every day.

“These cops are shooting to kill. Why should I have to be afraid? I’m tired of it,” she said.

Hooks also suggested that the protests need to be taken out to the suburbs as well.

“Detroit is a minority black city, we need to take this to the suburbs so that they know what’s going on. That’s where our voices need to be heard,” she added.

each telling their own story.

Members of Occupy the Corner, a neighborhood improvement organization, were at the forefront of the event. Members invited those at the protest to speak about their personal experiences with police brutality or any act of racism. Poets, rappers, singers and speakers came up one by one,

Detroit City Councilman Mary Sheffield stood with protestors wearing an Occupy the Corner T-shirt.

WHAT’S INSIDE

Barbara Collins, a member of Occupy the Corner, led the crowd in chants. “I’m fired up! I’m fed up!”

Members of Occupy the Corner passed

Focus

on the

index cards around the crowd, urging people to write down their contact info and any solutions they could think of for police brutality. Members said the solutions are to be discussed and voted on this week at a community meeting.

The protest crowd was diverse, many white attendees expressed the need for

See NO

JUSTICE page A-4

office when it happens, then we know he will (once again) appear on TV to talk about what a terrible thing this is that has happened, and he will try to figure out the best way to weave his words in and out of the political minefield.

Because if he is too sympathetic to the families of murdered black people, white police officers will rise up in anger that the (black) President of the United States doesn’t appreciate the sacrifice they make every day to keep (mostly white) communities safe. But if Obama is too sympathetic to the very real challenges and dangers endured by police officers, black people will think he’s pandering to the cops at a time when we need him to be more of a “brother” and less of a head of state.

Obama is running out of words too. Because Obama,

See BLACK

LIVES page A-4

Neighborhoods

Homeownership key to Detroit’s resurgence

By Daphne Hughes

How it’s done (Page D-1) A man must be doing something right if, according to the most reputable source on business matters, he has a net worth of $610 million. So it is with rap superstar and entrepreneur Jay Z.

Since emerging from the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history in December 2014, all eyes have been on the city of Detroit. Today, Michigan’s largest city is clearly on the rebound. Detroit’s accelerated rebirth has been fueled by new businesses, entrepreneurs and residents moving into the city.

The Michigan Chronicle with support of Fifth Third Bank have teamed up to assist in the city’s renaissance by launching a new campaign named Rediscover Detroit. The program aims to help stabilize, revitalize and grow the city’s neighborhoods by promoting home ownership in some of Detroit’s most stable and affordable communities.

Rediscover Detroit will do just what its name suggests — reintroduce prospective homebuyers to some of the city’s hidden gem neighborhoods.

$1.00

“It is about creating the buzz in our neighborhoods and re-

minding people of the great things and the great assets that we have in our neighborhoods,” said Associate Publisher and Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Chronicle Cathy Nedd.

“So, if people are looking at coming back home to Detroit, it’s not just midtown and it’s not just downtown, but we have some great assets throughout the City and we want people to rediscover these great jewels of communities that aren’t the ones that people may think of first, but they’re really great communities that are strong and have great neighborhoods.”

“Rediscover Detroit celebrates what makes Detroit unique and special by highlighting the hidden gem neighborhoods,” said Nedd. “Being the voice of the community for the past 80 years, Rediscover Detroit is in line with the mantra of the Michigan Chronicle. Through this initiative, we plan to tell the rich history of these neighborhoods and focus on what makes these areas distinct and attractive to

potential homebuyers.”

Additionally, the Rediscover Detroit campaign will provide valuable information on several topics, including: • Benefits of home ownership • Understanding the home purchasing process

• How to become financially literate • Maintaining and retaining a ho me • Securing a mortgage and down payment assistance • Paying for home improvements

See NEIGHBORHOODS page A-4

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 13-19, 2016

Page A-2

County takes major steps towards completing Gratiot jail Based on the recommendation of Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans and corporation counsel, the Wayne County Commission has approved a settlement with AECOM and Ghafari, the original design engineers/ architects for the Gratiot jail site.

The agreement provides Wayne County with a $2.5 million payment from AECOM and Ghafari, dismissal of all counterclaims against the county and the Building Authority and undisputed ownership of all design documents including documents outlining a new design for a Gratiot jail. These documents are essential for the county to move forward with completing the jail.

Wayne County Commissioners also approved a nearly $4 million contract with Carter Goble Associates, LLC (CGL).

CGL will serve as the

HOW TO CONTACT US: THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE 479 LEDYARD • DETROIT MI 48201 (313) 963-5522 • FAX (313) 963-8788

OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For general, local................. Ext. 232 Entertainment news............ Ext. 241 Community

(religion, weddings, etc)................... Ext. 247

Subscriptions....................... Ext. 243 –DEADLINE –

Classified: 3 p.m Friday

Copy, corrections and cancellations, preceding the Wed­nesday publication.

Display: 12 p.m. Friday

preceding the Wednesday pub­lication.

For all news and calendar items: Deadline is two weeks prior to event.

Weeks that contain holidays, dead­line is Thursday prior to publication date.

county’s owner representative on the jail project.

The South Carolina based company has extensive experience building jails.

CGL’s scope of services include the development and issuance of the design-build RFP and any other subcontractor agreements, reviewing RFPs and contractor selection, project plan review and managing the project budget.

jail. The Interim Settlement Agreement also provided a detailed road map for project completion.

However, after extensive discussions with CGL on the best way for the county to proceed, it was the administration’s recommendation to approve the current settlement agreement in lieu of the Interim Settlement Agreement.

According to the Wayne County Office of Auditor General’s Report, a major problem leading to the debacle of the partially-built jail was the county’s failure to have a consistent, competent and conflict-free owner’s representative overseeing the jail project.

“The Commission’s decision to approve the settlement agreement with AECOM and Ghafari puts us one step closer to removing the eyesore that the unfinished jail site

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE PUBLISHING COMPANY Publication No.: USPS 344-820

479 Ledyard Street Detroit, MI 48201 Phone: (313) 963-5522 OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closed Sat. and Sun. The Michigan Chronicle is published every Wednesday. Periodical Postage, paid at Detroit, MI. Price $1.00 and other post office.

MEMBER OF AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATION POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE 479 LEDYARD DETROIT, MI 48201

has become,” said Evans.

“Now that we have settled with AECOM and Ghafari, we can focus on completing the Gratiot jail. The next step is preparing and then issuing a Design/

Build RFP. CGL will be instrumental in helping the county with the significant task of preparing this RFP.” In

December

2015,

Wayne County entered into an Interim Settlement Agreement with AECOM and Ghafari which required the preparation of concept plans and cost estimates to complete the

“Wayne County is moving forward with plans to finish the jail on the Gratiot site because it meets the needs of the county and the county believes it is the most cost-effective option,” said Evans.

“However, until the Design/Build RFP process is complete and a bid has been received that the county desires to accept for completing the jail on Gratiot, the county will cooperate with the group headed by Dan Gilbert and Tom Gores or those associated with that group in exploring alternative sites. The county will not use any of its funds to explore alternative options and it will only consider an alternate option that meets the county’s needs at no additional cost to its taxpayers.”

Federal Court gives green light to Flint drinking water case A federal judge has just signaled that the first Safe Drinking Water Act case on the Flint water crisis could proceed over protests from the City of Flint and the Michigan state officials. Following are quotes from persons involved with the litigation: “Unbelievably, Flint's tap water is still not safe to drink more than two years after this crisis began. Now that the court has rejected these first attempts by the city and state officials to dismiss our lawsuit, we’re focused on moving forward as quickly as possible to help secure safe drinking water in Flint,” said Dimple Chaudhary, senior Attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council.

“Safe drinking water is a right currently being denied to the people of Flint. We are ready to move ahead with our case so we can get

lead out of our water and ensure that the children and families of Flint have safe water to drink in the future,” said Pastor Allen Overton of Concerned Pastors for Social Action.

“We’re elated that the court has rebuffed efforts by state and city officials to skirt their legal and moral duty to provide Flint residents with safe drinking water,” said Michael J. Steinberg, legal director of the ACLU of Michigan. “State-appointed emergency managers and other government officials poisoned the people of Flint and there is still no plan to replace the lead pipes.

We desperately need this citizens’ lawsuit to force the government to fix this disaster and force the government to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act.” 2016 Flint safe drinking water case timeline:

January 27 — Concerned Pastors for Social Action, Flint resident Melissa Mays, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the ACLU of Michigan filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Michigan alleging violations of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and seeking federal court intervention to secure safe drinking water for the people of Flint.

March 24 — The groups filed a motion for preliminary injunction, asking the court to direct the delivery of bottled water to people’s homes, as many Flint residents cannot obtain water for their daily needs due to transportation or other access issues.

May 13 — Arguments against the motions to dismiss presented to U.S. District Court Judge David M. Lawson.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Treasurer encourages residents to take the ‘GreenPath’ to sustained home ownership

Greenpath’s Mission Statement is “Empowering People to Live Financially Healthy Lives.” They do this by helping people gain control over their finances so they can pay bills on time, build a financial cushion, and create a household budget to avoid financial stress.

These services are not only available to taxpayers who own and live in their home, they are also available to taxpayers in any type of payment plan.

The only requirement is that they have to have sufficient income to make the required payments. If a taxpayer has no income, this program will not help them. This program is for those people who want to learn how to better manage their money.

GreenPath has established a phone number with counselors dedicated to helping Wayne County taxpayers. Call 1-877-290-5276 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays to speak with a counselor. Taxpayers can also leave a message outside of these hours and their call will be returned.

In addition, there is a GreenPath counselor available on-site at the Treasurer’s Office every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Counseling sessions are typically 30-60 minutes and will include credit report review, income and expense review, answering credit report questions, and development of a plan for your money “Financial education is assistance that can benefit people for the rest of their lives,” Sabree said, “so please take advantage of this service.”

To contact the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office send an email to taxinfo@waynecounty.com, visit them at 400 Monroe in Greektown, or call 313224-5990.

Other financial aid programs homeowners should be aware of include: Wayne County Department of Human Services – DHS (formerly Family Independence Agency) can be contacted at (313) 456-1000. This is a general number from which you can obtain the phone number and address of your local DHS office. You can also simply go to your local office and apply for State Emergency Relief (SER). Offices are located throughout Wayne County.

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, Wayne County Office — (313) 2245045. If you are a veteran with at least six months of wartime duty, you may qualify for financialassistance.

Wayne County Veteran Affairs (Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund) — (313) 224-5045. If you are a veteran with any wartime service and an honorable discharge,you may qualify.

Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) — (313) 842-7010, Help is available to those who qualify and is not limited to those of Arabic ethnicity.

City of Detroit Human Services Department, Central Operations Division — (313) 852-5634. Detroit homeowners only. For Wayne County communities outside of Detroit, you may contact your local city hall for information concerning local funds available to assist you.

Many banks and mortgage companies offer a variety of mortgages and loans. It is always advisable to obtain counseling when seeking a mortgage to pay your taxes to prevent foreclosure. There are reputable non-profit organizations in some communities that provide homebuyer and mortgage counseling. If you live in Detroit, call the City of Detroit Planning Commission at (313) 224-7887 to find such a group.

Page A-3

within a neighborhood context.

The city will host two information sessions and two tours for interested developers ahead of the Aug. 26 deadline. The city expects to notify the winners at the end of September.

About the plan In partnership with neighborhood residents, the city has developed a framework plan to address more than 25 acres of vacant, publicly owned land as part of a pilot project within the Fitzgerald neighborhood in northwest Detroit.

Wayne County homeowners who have entered into payment plans for their back taxes have an opportunity to obtain free financial counseling under a partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness.

“As the treasurer for Wayne County, I want to do everything within my power to help people be successful with making their payments and keep their homes,” said Treasurer Eric Sabree.

“Now that we have thousands of taxpayers in payment plans, our goal is to make sure that each person continues to make their monthly payments.

The purpose of the interest reducEric Sabree tion plan is to give people an opportunity to eliminate their tax deliquency and become current on their taxes. GreenPath can give taxpayers the financial tools necessary to accomplish this.”

July 13-19, 2016

The plan provides a framework to activate and improve vacant parcels that balances the needs for greater open space, population density and rehab of existing homes, as well as needs for community gathering and recreation, opportunities to develop new productive landscape projects and the needs for long-term maintenance.

The vision for the Fitzgerald Revitalization Project is to create a comprehensive strategy to address all vacant, publicly owned properties in the project area, which will contribute to neighborhood stabilization, increased property values, and improved quality of life of residents.

City of Detroit releases RFPs for carrying out re-envisioning and revitalization of

Fitzgerald neighborhood

The City of Detroit is looking for development partners to help it set the course for the revitalization of neighborhoods in need.

The city’s Housing & Revitalization and Planning & Development departments, along with the Detroit Land Bank Authority, released requests for proposals (RFPs) to bring to fruition the re-envisioning of the Fitzgerald neighborhood.

There

were

two

RFPs

posted.

The first calls for the rehabilitation of about 100 houses in the neighborhood. Properties in this bundle that are not salvageable will need to be demolished, their lots potentially being landscaped using one of the treatments from the plan or incorporated into a side lot for a rehabbed property.

The other RFP calls for a plan to transform a series of vacant lots in the area into productive landscapes that can include innovative ecological, agricultural, energy, crop and other uses

The three-part strategy includes:

implementation

• Creation of a neighborhood park and greenway to be maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department.

• Development of economically self-sustaining, productive landscapes in partnership with one or more Productive Landscape Developers or Development Teams (Productive Landscape Development RFP).

• Rehabilitation of all salvageable, publicly owned structures and implementation of low-maintenance landscape strategies in partnership with a Housing Developer (Housing Rehabilitation RFP).

“We are excited about the prospects of using landscape design and preservation of existing homes to support neighborhood redevelopment and eliminate blight,” said Maurice Cox, city planning director.

Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans presents comprehensive executive budget for fiscal years 2016-17 and 2017-18 Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans submitted to the Wayne County Commission his proposed two-year Comprehensive Executive Budget, a balanced plan that builds on the progress of last fiscal year and strengthens the foundation for the county’s long-term fiscal stability. The proposed budget covers FY 2016-17 and FY 2017-18 and each budget totals $1.5 billion.

“We are again presenting a responsible and balanced budget that continues to navigate the county to financial stability,” said Evans.

“The fiscal discipline we put in place early in my administration is beginning to translate into progress for the county, allowing us to make important investments, to become more efficient, and Warren C. Evans to better serve the residents and businesses in Wayne County.”

The budget addresses the Evans administration’s commitment to financial reform while also delivering quality services to county residents. This includes aligning spending with revenues, safeguarding funds for emergencies and focusing on countywide investments that help to enhance public safety. Using last year’s budget process as a model approach, the administration collaborated with elected officials and department directors to reach an acceptable and realistic budget.

This budget fully integrates the $53 million in savings outlined in the Evans administration’s recovery plan, which was implemented during fiscal year 2016. The budget also includes continued cost savings from pensions and healthcare. By stabilizing the county and better managing finances, Evans was able to focus on putting resources behind top priorities. Highlights in the proposed budget include: County Surplus — Securing the county’s financial future through strategic, long-term planning has been a priority of the Evans administration. In 2015, the county ended the fiscal year with an accumulated unassigned surplus of $35.7 million, of which $5.7 is available for General Fund operations.

This was the county’s first accumulated

surplus in eight years.

By the end of FY 2015-16, the county is projecting an unrestricted surplus of $17 million. The unrestricted surplus projection in FY 2016-17 is $10.5 million and the projected unrestricted surplus in 2017-18, is $3.5 million. The accumulated unassigned surplus available for General Fund operations is projected to increase to $22.8 million in FY 2015-16, $33.3 million in FY 2016-17 and $36.8 million in FY 2017-18. These savings were generated by the implementation of the 2015 Recovery Plan.

Public Safety — The Evans administration continues to prioritize improvements to public safety. This budget takes a two-pronged approach to investing in public safety by providing additional supports for the Sheriff and Prosecutor’s office. In the Sheriff’s office, vehicles are one of the primary tools used to do their jobs effectively. After years of tremendous wear and tear, their fleet is in need of replacement vehicles.

This budget funds the Sheriff’s office with $600,000 to replace aging and outdated vehicles.

In the Prosecutor’s Office, the budget proposes an additional $1 million to expand on current efforts to eliminate the rape kit backlog, includes $150,000 in increased funding to evaluate Juvenile without Parole Prosecutions and provides funding for additional staffing in the Warrant Division.

Wayne County Justice Center — A foremost priority of the Evans administration has been to address the county’s financial challenges so that it can address the other pressing issue of the unfinished jail project. Included in this budget is an additional $10.5 million in debt service funding for completion of the stalled jail project. This funding sets the stage for the county to move forward with a cost-effective plan to complete the jail in a timely manner.

Technology Infrastructure: Operational efficiency is a key priority of the Evans administration and the investment into modernizing the county’s technology is an important step. The budget includes investing in a new countywide financial and human resource intergraded software system. The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system will replace two existing antiquated systems that are deficient, both technically and functionally. The ERP system allows the county to consolidate data, significantly improve accuracy in tracking contracts and grants, and identify training needs and supports for county employ-

ees. This budget provides $7.5 million in funding in FY 2016-17 and $7.5 million in funding in FY 2017-18 toward this upgrade.

The budget funds $775,000 for the Clerk’s Office to upgrade its vital records tracking software. This upgrade will improve resident’s access to important documentation relating to major life events and helps the Clerk’s Office maintain the integrity of all vital records.

Roads and Parks: The Evans administration is committed to improving more than 730 primary county roads and enhancing the county’s 41 parks and recreational facilities. This budget includes $14.7 million to fund the Wayne County parks system, which operates hundreds of high-quality programs and events.

Additionally, for non-county parks and recreational programs run by cities and townships, $1.2 million in funding has been proposed. The budget also funds the Department of Public Services’ Roads Division with $137 million. This important funding includes $101 million for maintenance and repairs and $36 million for Capital Improvements.

“This budget shows our commitment to make the county whole again,” said Evans. “As we continue to do the work that allows the county to become fiscally strong, we will also continue to find innovative ways to stretch dollars to support the programs and services that improve the quality of life for our residents. We have accomplished a lot with this and last year’s budget, but it is important that we maintain our focus because there is much more room for us to grow.”

Executive Evans has created a new financial culture for the county and as a result, the county has seen significant improvements in its financial status. These efforts have been noticed by credit rating agencies, which have resulted in favorable rankings. Last month, Standard & Poor’s upgraded the county’s financial outlook from negative to positive and Fitch Ratings upgraded the county’s bond rating to BB+. These milestones are the important steps the County needs to take in order to secure a financially strong future.

Wayne County’s fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30.

The Wayne County Commission holds public hearings on the budget and has until August 31, 2016 to adopt the proposed budget.

Complete details of the proposed budget can be found on the county’s homepage at www.waynecounty.com.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Black lives like all black men of a certain age, remembers. And no, Obama cannot save us.

No justice the white community to join in taking a stand. Andrea Daldin, a sociology major at Wayne State University, was among them.

Daldin emphasized the importance of being more than just an onlooker in situations of brutality toward African Americans.

“I feel like if you’re a bystander, you’re kind of adding to the injustice. If you don’t stand up and say something you’re giving consent this violence,” she said.

She also stated that the solution to police brutality can only come with a

Neighborhoods Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has made it a priority in his administration to repopulate and physically improve city neighborhoods. Over the past year, property values have risen by more than 25-percent as more and more vacant houses are sold through the Detroit Land Bank Authority’s online auctions.

Recruiting families to purchase homes in the city not only helps to stabilize neighborhoods, but it also helps establish a greater sense of community pride.

“Home ownership is what creates vibrant neighborhoods,” said Fifth Third Bank Senior Vice President Jack Riley.

“When you have a neighborhood of homes that are all being rented, for example, you will notice that people don’t necessarily take care of a rental home the way they would their own home.

There’s a transient nature to the neighborhood; people moving in and out as opposed to creating stability within a neighborhood where you have neighbors that watch out for each other and want their little urban district to be one where they can get their goods and services. All of that leads to better communities and neighborhoods, and it starts with a strong core of home ownership.”

Of course, one of the biggest hurdles to owning a home is securing appropriate financing. Rediscover Detroit will focus on the importance of being financially literate before making what will most likely be the largest purchase in a person’s lifetime.

“We think that homebuyer education and financial literacy are the most critical aspects of home ownership, especially for families that might not have strong home ownership history,” explained Elliott. “Maybe they’re the first person to own a home in their family or they’ve never talked about money or financing in their family. We show a significant difference in people who went into foreclosure in the last downturn

From page A-1 systematic change.

“Racism is institutionalized. There needs to be major policy changes — advances in education, housing and jobs,” she added.

Following the rally at Campus Martius, protesters marched down Jefferson Avenue with a police escort.

While Detroit officers were hesitant to give any specifics, they did say that DPD was taking extra measures to ensure the safety of civilians and police officers in light of the death of five police officers in Dallas, just the night before.

Before Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, both of whom were killed by police officers within the brief span of 48 hours since Wednesday, there have been so many more whose names never made the news or who have been practically forgotten. Many point to the killing of Trayvon Martin, which essentially spawned the Black Lives Matter movement, as a starting point to trace the heightened awareness of racial injustice that lingers in America. But some of us remember Rodney King, and Abner Louima, and Mark Clark, and Fred Hampton, and Emmett Till, and (add your friend and/or family member here), and so many others whose trail of blood traces all the way back to the first slave ships.

So yes, this is a pattern. This country wasn’t just built on the backs of black slave labor, it’s corrupted heart and spirit was fueled by the hatred harbored by the majority white population for those slaves as well as others who were not sufficiently white. White men in power have been extinguishing black lives with impunity ever since the first black life was tossed ashore in what was eventually to become the most powerful nation on Earth. Just think, for a moment, how it got that way. Because in the end, it’s all about power, isn’t it?

Who has it, and who does not.

Which, in a meandering sort of way, brings me to the sniper killing of five Dallas police officers which occurred last Thursday evening around 9 p.m. At first there was scant information about the identity of the sniper, leading some friends of mine to speculate that the guy was probably a white man trying to stir up a race war. How often do we ever hear about a black sniper wearing body armor, right?

July 13-19, 2016

Page A-4

From page A-1 But then I heard the report come out on WDET as I was driving to work that not only was this guy a black sniper, but he was a black sniper who made plain his intention to kill white people, especially police officers, because he was so upset about the police killings. The murder of the police officers was painful enough by itself, but then I heard that the Dallas police force had actually been making huge strides in community policing in recent years. The violent crime rate there has dropped precipitously, according to what I heard on the news, and so has the rate of police violence against citizens. As a matter of fact, prior to the sniper shooting, the Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas was reported to be largely peaceful, and there was even positive interaction between the protesters and the police.

Then the shots rang out and everything went twisted.

The obvious question is why did this happen in Dallas, where the police are actually making strong efforts to do policing the right way?

Because that’s the nature of pent-up rage. Once the pot boils over, it’s very difficult to tell the contents exactly where to spill. Whatever is in its path gets hit.

That sniper was as wrong as wrong can be, and what he did was a horrible thing.

No one in their right mind would ever condone such an act, and their families are deserving of all sympathy. But it wasn’t all that long ago when President John F. Kennedy was also assassinated. Also in Dallas, albeit a very different Dallas. At the time, Malcolm X got himself in trouble with Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad when his response to such a profound national tragedy was to say that the chickens have come home to roost.

And so, it appears, they have. All over again.

From page A-1 and people who did not. The people who took advantage of home ownership education had a more likely chance of not going into foreclosure.”

As experts in the mortgage business, Fifth Third Bank offers numerous assistance programs and community initiatives designed to help individuals and families achieve the American Dream.

By supporting the Michigan Chronicle in this initiative, the bank will be able to inform and educate a wider audience about the financial support that is available to get them into homes.

“Many of the homeowners that we are targeting for this program are first-time homebuyers,” added Riley. “It’s an education process that we at the bank provide every day to consumers about how you go about getting financing, what programs are available to you for down payment assistance, what you have to do to make sure that you will qualify, and that you have the financial tools that you’ll need to continue to manage your budget.”

Over the next several months, look for the Michigan Chronicle to publish educational articles, post online videos, deliver social media messages, and produce digital and print ads to inform the community about the home buying process and the city’s lesser known neighborhoods. Rediscover Detroit will culminate in early 2017 with a special event for people looking to purchase a house in Detroit.

“For the first time, the Michigan Chronicle will host a Detroit Housing Fair, in collaboration with Fifth Third Bank, which will provide potential homebuyers the opportunity to speak with professionals who can help make homeownership a reality,” said Nedd.

For more information on Rediscover Detroit, visit www.michiganchronicle. com.

Mayor Mike Duggan – Keith A. Owens photo

Reducing violence is key to continued development

By Tatyana Hopkins

Ten years ago, blight and crime deterred investors from developing the historic African American entertainment district, Paradise Valley.

Today, the cultural and entertainment district will be downtown’s latest redevelopment.

A decade ago the city purchased the buildings because crime and blight were a major concern in the area making it unattractive to investors for renovation.

“Ten years later, I’m very excited about the fact that we’ve got businesspeople willing to buy the buildings, and invest,” said Duggan. “I was extremely pleased that it was a group of investors with deep roots in Detroit who bought all five buildings.”

The $52.4 million investment will redevelop nine properties over three years in the historic downtown pocket. Five Detroit-based firms will renovate and construct new buildings to be used for commercial and retail, residential and restaurant space.

“Stepping in to purchase these buildings to stabilize this section of the district was the right move,” said Rod Miller, CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Paradise Valley will soon be the new home to Real Times Media and the Michigan Chronicle, La Casa Cigars and Lounge and Harmonie Club Hotel, a boutique hotel that will also function as entertainment space.

“It’s really good that the city’s comeback is to the point where that area can be developed,” said Duggan.

Duggan and his administration have made strides in reducing crime in the city. When Duggan took office in 2013, Detroit led the nation in violent crimes, according to FBI reports.

Detroit, the reports said, had 14,504 violent crimes including murder, rape, assault and robbery, giving it the highest per capita rates in the nation. However, other cities in Michigan with populations above 100,000 were among the safest in the nation. Sterling Heights had no murders in 2013.

In 2014, crime fell in the city. Murders dropped 18 percent and violent crime fell 3 percent in Detroit.

“But the violence is at an unacceptable level, so that probably is our most urgent issue,” said Duggan of the reduc-

tion of crime. “The shootings of children have been so heartbreaking. We need to continue to get violence down.”

Last year, Duggan alongside other city officials, announced a plan to deter crime in the city, including the expansion of a gang squad and adding 200-300 police officers to tackle violent crimes.

The administration also expanded the city’s Ceasefire Detroit program to the two new areas in the city.

Duggan said the violent crime prevention program, Ceasefire Detroit, has helped reduce the number of shootings in some areas of the city.

“We were down the first six months of this year, 50 shootings in the one precinct, the 9th Precinct, on the east side which a year ago was our most violent prescient,” he said.

Last month, he extended the Ceasefire program to the 6th and 8th prescient.

In 2006, the buildings of Paradise Valley were on the verge of being dilapidated and only 20 percent occupied.

When the Downtown Development Authority released a request for proposals last fall, they received 15 proposals.

A committee, including DEGC, Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce and the City of Detroit evaluated each proposal based on a variety of factors, including its connection to the vision of Paradise Valley and its ability to deliver commercial, retail, residential and cultural development, as well as financial capacity to successfully execute the plan.

“Bringing down the violence is a huge focus of the administration,” said Duggan. “If we get the violence down, the city becomes a far more attractive place for people to live and for people to open up businesses.

The winning proposals came from developers with strong Detroit roots. They have agreed to comply with the city’s Executive Order that sets thresholds for the hiring of Detroit residents and Detroit-based companies during the construction process.

The project will create about 400 jobs, including temporary construction jobs and permanent jobs, at the renovated businesses.

Over the next 10 years the city plans to invest $1.7 billion to increase public safety, reduce blight and make other citywide improvements.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 13-19, 2016

Page A-5

Judge Deborah Thomas declares candidacy for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Judge Deborah Thomas, a Wayne County Circuit Court judge since 1995, declared her candidacy for Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. The long-time judge decided to run in an effort to bring greater balance to a court that has moved consistently to the right in recent years.

Thomas cited numerous recent examples with the state government that troubled her enough to push her into the race.

“Look at the Flint water crisis. Look at the conditions in the Detroit Public Schools.

Look at emergency managers across the state and the impact their decisions have had on our citizens. Who’s protecting their rights?” said Thomas. “These are all issues that are likely to come before the Supreme Court in the near future. The judiciary has traditionally been the watchdog that keeps the other branches of government ac-

countable and focused on protecting our citizens. When I'm on the bench, I'll work to make sure the judiciary plays that role.”

of Labor, and as in-house counsel for the Southeast Michigan Transportation Authority.

She received a national fellowship with the Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer Fellowship Program. On the bench, she has consistently taken a rehabilitative approach with those who come before her in court, recognizing that a community’s success is predicated on its leaders’ ability to build pathways to success for its members.

Thomas was diagnosed with polio at the age of three. When she was 10, her father, a veteran who served his country in the U.S. Army, died from cancer on the Fourth of July, a poignant reminder of the high price so many have paid for independence. From that day forward, protecting democracy for all became a deeply-held personal value for Thomas.

She was raised in a single-parent household in Detroit’s inner city during the 1950s and 1960s. She attended White Orthopedic School before graduating from Cass Technical High School. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in only three years, she went on to earn a master’s degree in criminal justice from

Judge Deborah Thomas the University of Detroit and a Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law. Prior to her election to Wayne County’s Third Circuit Court, Thomas has held positions with the UAW Legal Services Plan, the Michigan Employment Security Commission, the Michigan Department

Thomas’ biography is a consistent story of overcoming adversity to achieve success. She has worked through the restrictions of her disability — legal, physical, and institutional — to achieve success as an educator, advocate, community leader and circuit court judge.

“I’m proud of everything I did to work through my disability and be successful,” said Thomas. “But what about the next child with a disability or

who comes from a single-parent household? Who’s setting an example of achievement and perseverance for them? Right now, the decisions coming out of our state government are just making it more difficult for our children to succeed and thrive.

We’re backsliding and we need to address that.”

Thomas is holding a series of campaign kickoff events across the state. More information about the kickoff events can be found at http://www.judgedeborahthomas.com/kickoff.

Judge Deborah Thomas is running on a platform of making state government more responsive and accountable to citizens, protecting our state’s most vulnerable populations, and building pathways to opportunity for all Michigan residents.

For more information about Judge Thomas or her campaign, please visit www.judgedeborahthomas.com.

National black education group launches social innovation challenge After 17 years of being the leading voice for increased parental choice and high quality education options that support low-income and working-class black families and their children, the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) announces a new phase in that fight with the launch of an ideas and action challenge to create the next iteration of BAEO or an entirely new black-led education organization.

The BAEO Social Innovation Challenge (#BAEOChallenge) is a call for “big thinkers” and “big action” people with audacious ideas, new approaches, and disruptive solutions to innovatively address and solve how to best serve black children and ensure they have access to high-quality education options.

“It’s time for a new generation of Black leaders to step up, take the stage, and rethink how we advocate for Black children,” said BAEO President Jacqueline Cooper.

A key feature of the #BAEOChallenge is the opportunity for the winning submission, from individuals or a team, to receive a $500,000 in-

vestment as seed funding to bring their organizational and action ideas to fruition.

“We’re excited to invite all facets of our community to consider getting engaged in the process. We are seizing this moment to take a bold step forward because we know an audacious, dynamic opportunity to better serve black children, our children, is on the horizon. Together, we will ensure our children inherit a future worthy of their gifts and dream,” said BAEO board chair emeritus, Dr. Howard Fuller.

Phase I of the BAEO Social Innovation Challenge — the video application — is now live at www.BAEOChallenge.org. Applicants can find additional information about the process, including a full timeline and upcoming deadlines.

Additional details on the BAEO Social Innovation Challenge: • The Opportunity: The BAEO Social Innovation Challenge is the opportunity to receive a $500,000 investment to transform ideas and action plans to create the next iteration of BAEO or an entirely different black-led organization that will carry out the mission of BAEO, to

increase access to high-quality education options for black children by actively supporting transformational education reform initiatives and parental choice policies that empower low-income and working-class black families.

• Selecting a Course of Action: What does innovative advocacy look like in the 21st century to realize the mission of BAEO: The BAEO Challenge aims to solicit innovative ideas and sustainable organizational designs and action plans to fulfill the mission.

• Who Can Participate: The #BAEOChallenge is open to applicants ages 17+ applying as individuals or teams. The Challenge calls on all students, parents, educators, innovators, community and business leaders, activists, tech leaders, and entrepreneurs (and anyone we left out) who have audacious and dynamic ideas.

• What You Can Do: You can apply yourself at BAEOChallenge.org or you can nominate someone that you think would be great to be a part of the BAEO Social Innovation Challenge at www.bit.ly/baeonominate.

Black Family Development, Inc.

Annual Meeting

BFDI Executive Team. . .Kenyatta Stephens, COO; Alice G. Thompson, CEO; and Jane Fernanders, CFO. Alice G. Thompson, CEO Black Family Development, Inc.; Community Champion, Excellent Schools Detroit, Dan Varner, CEO; and Shirley Stancato, President and CEO, New Detroit.

Sonya Y. Nicks; Taylor L. Nelson; Alice G. Thompson, CEO; Dee Dee McKinney Odom, Board President; and Kimberly Perry. (standing) Ryan Mack; Rev. Larry L. Simmons,Sr.; Charles Beckham; and Shannon D. Smith. (seated)

“We continue to meet and exceed planned program outcomes and we continue to make progress in advancing the mission of the organization, which is: ‘To strengthen and enhance the lives of children, youth, and families through partnerships that support safe, nurturing, vibrant homes and communities’”, was the welcome message by Alice G. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI), that opened BFDI’s Annual Meeting at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on June 23, 2016.

Dee Dee McKinney Odom, BFDI Board President, conducted the Annual Meeting, and recognized outgoing Board members, Gloria Larkins, Janice Cosby Bridges, and Rev. Larry L. Simmons, Sr.

Gregory Terrell; Michael Turner, Chief of Staff at Wayne County Sheriff’s Office; and Darlene Nero of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office with Alice G. Thompson.

Alice G. Thompson, CEO Black Family Development, Inc.; Community Champion, Detroit Parent Network, Yolanda Eddins representing Sharlonda Buckman, CEO.

Alice G. Thompson; Gloria Larkins; Janice Cosby Bridges and Rev. Larry L. Simmons, Sr., retiring board members; and Dee Dee McKinney Odom

Excellent Schools Detroit and Detroit Parent Network were recognized as this year's community champions for their commitment to education and parent engagement. Consumer remarks were provided by a youth participant, and forty nine deserving staff were recognized for their years of service ranging from five to thirty one years.

Among Black Family Development, Inc.’s major achievements continues to be its Promise Neighborhoods work. BFDI continues to work with the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation and more than 20 Promise Neighborhoods partners helping to improve academic outcomes in seven (7) targeted schools.

Black Family Development, Inc. delivers Restorative Practices training in schools throughout the city. “The use of Restorative Practices is helping to keep students in the learning environment, reduce conflict, and repair harm. It is a behavior management,

Pamela Moore, DPS Foundation; Greg Roberts, County Executive Office and Alice G. Thompson.

Wayne

Shani Penn (far right) representing Veronica Conformé, Chancellor, Education Achievement Authority of Michigan presents Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI) with a Veronica Conformé personal contribution of $5,000 to advance BFDI’s mission.

relationship building, communication and conflict resolution strategy that builds discipline and supportive systems”, states Alice G. Thompson.

BFDI encourages the community to join as partners in creating a Restorative Practices culture in the city. For further information on Black Family Development, Inc., please visit www.blackfamilydevelopment.org.

(Seated)

Henry McClendon and Keith Hickman, IIRP, (International Penn; with Alice G. Thompson.

Institute for Restorative Practices) Shani

Page A-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 13-19, 2016

SECTION B

COMMUNITY Powered by Real Times Media

michiganchronicle.com

July 13-19, 2016

Granted a chance for the future Chelsea Rauss Less than 50 years ago, individuals with mental illnesses and intellectual and developmental disabilities were often isolated in long-stay state institutions, sometimes for the entirety of their lives. There they were effectively quarantined from friends and family, with limited freedom and power. Today, the majority of these institutions have been closed across the country, due to the shift toward community-based care.

Today, there is less stigma toward those with disabilities and mental illnesses and less segregation. However, those individuals still face unique challenges. Housing, education, and employment are often more difficult for individuals with mental illnesses and intellectual and developmental disabilities, due to a lack of resources and community misunderstanding.

To address potential gaps in care, Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority’s Office for Peer-Participant Advocacy is contributing approximately $5,000 in mini-grants to consumers of community mental health services in Wayne County, through the George Gaines and Roberta Sanders Community Inclusion Fund. Financing for the grants were raised during DWMHA’s Community Inclusion Conference and Conversation hosted by Constituents’ Voice, an advisory group for service members.

The fund is intended to help awardees achieve their community inclusion goals. The awardees range in age from 19 to 59, and express a vast array of goals that will be made possible with the funding provided by DWMHA. Goals outlined by awardees included going to college, purchasing educational resources, gaining a driver’s license, attending speech therapy, and beginning micro enterprises. Many awardees expressed frustration over a string of failed funding attempts, disenfranchisement, or difficulty due to mental illness.

Robert Hall, a consumer of Adult Well-Being Services, was awarded $500 to purchase equipment to begin a hot snack sales business, Robert’s Hot Snacks. He plans to obtain the resources to rent booths at fairs, community events, and flea markets, to sell items

Charles McGee

Unveiling of landmark sculpture commemorates 50th anniversary of 1967 riot Michigan Chronicle Reports

“United We Stand,” a sculpture by Kresge Eminent artist Charles McGee, will be unveiled at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History during a metro Detroit “community reunion” — re:Unite at The Wright – at 3:30 p.m., July 23.

The 20-foot by 20-foot installation located at the museum’s Farnsworth entrance was made possible by a $50,000 grant from The Joyce Foundation to McGee and the Wright Museum to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Detroit rebellion.

McGee, 91, calls this his “most ambitious work to date.”

like hot dogs and popcorn. “It will make me feel proud of myself to be a part of the community and show others how they can learn to own a business,” said Hall. “I will be able to teach others about my disability and show them that they don't have to feel afraid of me.

My ultimate goal is to hire some of my peers in the community and offer them jobs, someday. This grant will allow me to prove to myself, the community and my family, that I am able to work on my own and grow with help from them.”

DeAndre Jones, a consumer of Community Living Services on the autism spectrum, was awarded $500 to attend speech therapy classes. Through these classes, Jones will be able to communicate with individuals outside of his family, leading to increased confidence and independence, whether it is ordering a meal, greeting a stranger, or asking a question.

Camille Summerlin, 19, is receiving a $500 grant to assist with educational costs including a laptop computer, books, commuting, and supplies. Summerlin began experiencing emotional disturbances at age 14, when she “become disconnected from friends, family, school, church and life in general,” she said. Due to her emotional state, she did not graduate high school with her peers. Now she is returning to school for her Associate’s – something that will make her more competitive in the job market, despite prior setbacks.

Summerlin has been in treatment through DWMHA for the past four years and explains that she is now better at concentrating, studying, facing challenges and coping with stressors in a healthy way. “Now believe I deserve to have a future,” she said.

All individuals deserve to feel like they have a future, including those with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. That future ought to include enough agency and choice to make it a future worth having. DWMHA advocates the right to self-determination and the importance of community inclusion tirelessly, and we are proud to use the George Gaines and Roberta Sanders Community Inclusion Fund to empower the deserving individuals who were historically powerless.

If you or someone you know has questions or would like to receive services for a mental health concern, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disability, contact the Authority 24/7 at 800-241-4949 or visit www.dwmha. com

McGee, 91, has built a lifelong legacy of mentorship, community service, and arts advocacy while maintaining a cutting-edge practice that continues to change and transform. On any given day, he can be found at his computer, experimenting and designing works of art. Togetherness, unity and balance are major themes of McGee’s lifetime of work, and “United We Stand” was born from those deeply ingrained principles.

“We are incredibly thankful to The

Joyce Foundation, and donors such as Tyrone Davenport, The Kresge Foundation, the museum’s board of trustees and many others, for recognizing and supporting the vision of Charles McGee,” said Juanita Moore, president and CEO of the Wright. “It’s an honor to install this magnificent work by one of Detroit’s most celebrated artists on the grounds of this institution, where it can be enjoyed by visitors from across metropolitan Detroit and the world.”

McGee has several works installed around Detroit, including “Noah's Ark: Genesis” (1984) at the Detroit Institute of Art, “The Blue Nile” (1987) in the Broadway station of the Detroit People Mover, and “Freedom Bound” (1996) in the Wright Museum’s Ford Freedom Rotunda.

troiters and metropolitan neighbors to celebrate the region’s unity while commemorating the 50th anniversary of the five-day Detroit rebellion. That fateful event began in the early morning of July 23, 1967 on 12th Street and Clairmount when police raided a local bar hosting a celebration for two soldiers who had returned from Vietnam. The resulting rebellion erupted partially as a response to longstanding injustices including segregation and police brutality.

“The basic thesis behind all the work I do has to do with togetherness,” said McGee. “I don’t think one is better than the other. I think that (we) all come together, (we) synthesize, into one energy.”

Both the unveiling ceremony and re:Unite celebration are free and open to the public. This festival-style event will feature family activities, food trucks, and special appearances by fellow Kresge Eminent artist and Detroit poet laureate Naomi Long Madgett; 1968 Olympic gold medalist, Dr. Melvin Pender; founder and host of the popular Secret Society of Twisted Story Tellers, Satori Shakoor; spoken word artist Joel “Fluent” Greene; and many others.

The re:Unite at The Wright Detroit community reunion and celebration follows the sculpture’s unveiling and welcomes past and present De-

Visitors can enjoy it all with museum admission. The Wright Museum will also debut and teach its “United We Stand” hustle dance.

Rare Black Bottom photos on display at Wayne State

By Ken Coleman A new collection acquired by Wayne State University’s Walter P. Reuther Library reveals a set of photos that are as vibrant as they are vivid.

It captures black life in Detroit during what appears to be the 1930s and 1940s. It illustrates scenes of children on what looks to be the city’s lower east side, most likely Black Bottom.

Indeed, history lives.

The library recently acquired the Edward Stanton Photographs collection.

The names, locations and years the 96 photos were taken are missing and the library wants the public’s assistance in helping to provide those answers. Stanton, a white man and Detroit native, was fascinated with photography and had a “Bohemian” or unconventional spirit, according to author and university journalism professor Tom Stanton, his nephew. Tom was interviewed recently

by MLive.com.

“When we received these photos from the donor, we couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that these were neighborhoods where real people lived and led full and interesting lives,” said Elizabeth Clemens, audiovisual archivist at the Reuther Library. “We’d love to put names to these faces so that we can document those stories that haven’t been told.”

Although blacks have been residents of Detroit since the 19th century and built institutions like Second Baptist Church in 1836, the population of the community skyrocketed from 5,700 people in 1900 to 120,000 in 1930. Most of them settled on the city’s lower east side in the Brush Park, Paradise Valley and Black Bottom neighborhoods along streets like St. Aubin, Hastings, St. An-

toine, Beaubien, Brush and John R. By 1920, more than 350 businesses were owned and operated by African Americans, including doctor and dentist’s offices, homes of worship, funeral homes, small grocery stores, fraternities and sororities, Masonic lodges, as well as social service and social justice institutions like the Urban League and NAACP. The community’s first black local elected official was Dr. Samuel Watson, a member of the City Council in 1882. Its first black member of the state Legislature was William Ferguson, a Democratic and member of the Michigan House of Representatives. He was elected in 1892.

Race discrimination in mortgage lending and hostile attitudes by whites, however, prevented blacks from living in other parts of the city. But small black enclaves on the city’s west side,

northeast side in Conant Gardens, and in the Eight Mile Road-Wyoming Street area had surfaced by the 1920s.

Several of the Stanton photos are on display in the lobby of the library, which is located on Wayne State University’s main campus on Cass Avenue near Kirby Street. A large selection of images has been digitized and is available to view in the Edward Stanton Image Gallery on the Reuther Library’s website: reuther.wayne.edu/image/tid/1983.

For more information on the Edward Stanton Photographs, contact an audiovisual archivist at reutherav@wayne. edu or university publicist Jill Wurm (313) 577-4149; email: ae0831@wayne. edu Ken Coleman, a Detroit-based author and historian, chronicles black life in Detroit. He can be reached at www.historylivesDetroit.com.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 13-19, 2016

Page B-2

Politics, the pulpit and the people Carlyle Fielding Stewart III

do with sovereignty rights; the capacity of religious people to practice their faith in Roman society and to be free from political incursions, spatial intrusions, economic depletions and religious subversion.

The Empowerment Church

Many people believe that the church should stay out of politics and that politics should stay out of the church. This view stems partly from arguments for the separation of church and state.

Numerous revolts in first century Palestine centered on the rights of people to practice their religious beliefs and live in accordance with the Torah and other sacred texts. They longed for the days of direct rule by Yahweh instead of rule by dishonest earthly kings.

“The phrase “separation of church and state” is generally traced to a January 1, 1802 letter by Thomas Jefferson, addressed to the Danbury Baptist Association in Connecticut, and published in a Massachusetts newspaper.

Jefferson wrote, “I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between church and state. The intent of this clause was to limit the power of the Federal Government in regard to religion thus ensuring freedom of religion in the United States of America.”

Jefferson believed that no religion should dominate as the religion of the state to the exclusion of all other religions. He also believed that people of religious faiths should not be excluded from political participation because of their religious beliefs.

Government of the people, for the people and by the people demands active involvement from all the people in supporting and holding government accountable in American representative democracy.

Other calls for the separation of politics and the pulpit relate to the ethics of responsibility. The wheelwork of politics and the soul work of religions should be kept inviolate from those corrupting influences which can morally compromise the integrity of both enterprises.

Politics is a blood sport, and it is widely believed that the “swag and swap” of power politics and its fiscal temptations will almost always lead to a

Even the cross, which has become the primary emblem of religious meaning for Christians, was mainly a political symbol of capital punishment in Jesus’ time and the most humiliating form of execution reserved by the state for criminals, slaves and rebels.

Carlyle Fielding Stewart III Faustian buyout of clergy, pew and politicians who end up selling their souls to the devil for personal gain at the expense of the people.

In the days of Jesus’ ministry, however, religion and politics were not mutually exclusive, say scholars John Dominic Crossan, Marcus J. Borg, Richard Horsley, Walter Wink, Walter Bruggemann, Obery M. Hendricks and others.

Politics influenced the religion that Jesus preached (Judaism) and politics affected the religion that preaches Jesus (Christianity), observes Bart Ehrman.

What could be more religious than the politics of bread and what could be more political than the daily quest to protect a believer’s God given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of wellness in the empire?

Many of the political and religious skirmishes between Rome and people of the Jewish faith and followers of the way during the time of Jesus had much to

The crucifixion and the resurrection are two of the most important events in the Christian faith containing political and religious elements.

Thus, the crucifixion of Jesus was a political event with religious implications. The resurrection of Christ is a spiritual event with political implications.

While many people affirm the need to keep politics, the pulpit and the people separate, others advocate the value of their continued collaboration.

Did not the Civil Rights Movement blend the best of the Judeo-Christian faith and freedom traditions with the best of American constitutional freedom traditions to effect positive social change? Was not the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. one of the most influential political and religious change agents in the history of our nation?

The struggle between politics and pulpit continues for the souls of both entities and for the soul of America. Few things have greater religious and political impact than the current politics of austerity, where human greed often denies human need and profits are more important than people.

Few arenas as religion and politics underscore so clearly the struggle between the love of power and the power of love, the equitable distribution of bread and land, and the rights of persons to clean air, food and water as well as the right to a living wage, access to health care and helping families in need.

Few things are as troublesome as politicians failing to act on behalf of the people because there is no political upside. Fewer things grieve God more than religious and political leaders yielding their spiritual and political birthrights for a king’s reward and 30 pieces of silver.

The concern, then, may be not so much politics as it is “poli-tricks”; how the political process is used for ungodly, unjust gain in the name of God and how religious entities are used to justify the virtual elimination of all God given rights by politically driven, “God” inspired politics.

Jesus said, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and render unto the God the things that are God’s.”

Give each his due.

Thomas Jefferson said, “Resistance to tyrants is obedience unto God.” Both statements emphasize the political, moral and religious imperatives of citizens’ duties and responsibilities, not only to themselves but to the people and to the larger community and nation for the greater good.

While separation of church and state call for keeping religion and politics exclusive to prevent their mutual corruption, citizens must mandate that the politics and religion of daily life still affirm the morality of love, justice, equality, peace and freedom, which are still supremely important to God, to the preservation of the state and to all people whatever their religious and political views.

Viola Liuzzo Park Association and City of Detroit host groundbreaking to begin revitalizing park named for civil rights activist The Viola Liuzzo Park Association and the City of Detroit led a revitalization groundbreaking celebration at Liuzzo Park.

Dr. Curtis L. Ivery

WCCCD Chancellor Dr. Curtis Ivery pens new book

By Jane Riley Dr. Curtis L. Ivery has been the chancellor of Wayne County Community College (WCCC) for more than 20 years. Since the beginning of his tenure, there has been tremendous growth in facilities, programs and students at WCCC. There were 12,000 students enrolled at WCCC in 1995 and today there are 70,000 students enrolled in classes spread out over five campuses. Earlier this year, he was recognized for his outstanding contributions to education at the 24th Annual Trumpet Awards.

Dr. Ivery recently held a book signing for his most recent work, “Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In: Wisdom and Strength for Young Black Men,” at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. More than 100 people showed up to support him and his new book.

According to Dr. Ivery, there is a sense of constructive urgency for the young people in the African American community. The book’s message is about the love and support that is needed between the older and younger generations. He strongly feels that we are losing a generation and need to understand that it is time to be responsible for our children.

“We have to teach them that they are capable,” said Dr. Ivery.

When asked how his personal experiences have affected his writing, Dr. Ivery replied, “The book is who I am. The message comes from the experiences I have had in my life. Everything that I have done equals who I am today.”

He recognized his grade school teachers as the people who made a difference in his life, noting that “They all said at some level that I was okay, that I was a good person, and that I can achieve anything I chose to achieve.”

We need to convey this same message to our young people. Dr. Ivery wants his readers to know that we can make a difference and we ought to make a difference for the sake of our sustainability and functionality.

“Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In: Wisdom and Strength for Young Black Men” is available at amazon.com.

Guests included the grandson of civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo, Joshua Liuzzo; United States Congressman John Conyers Jr.; State Representative Leslie Love; Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan; Detroit Council President Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr; Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Director Gary Brown and a representative from the Michigan State Conference of the NAACP. Liuzzo Park is the first park to break ground of the “40 Neighborhood Parks Initiative” that Mayor Duggan announced earlier this year.

The Viola Liuzzo Park Association secured funding from several sources, including the City of Detroit which will invest nearly $1 million in

revitalizing the park in northwest Detroit for the benefit of residents.

Liuzzo, a Detroiter and

mother of five, was shot and killed in March 1965 as she and fellow civil rights activists returned from a rally in Montgomery, Alabama. The City of Detroit dedicated Liuzzo Park in her honor in 1982. The Viola Liuzzo Park Association was created to raise funds to revitalize the park. Along with community supporters, the City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Department, General Services Department and the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department are contributing to the design and funding of the park’s revitalization.

The groundbreaking celebration took place on Tuesday, July 12, at the park located at 20053 Winthrop Street, Detroit.

Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority helps save lives Policy decisions in Washington, DC and under our Capitol dome have consequences. They can literally save lives.

Often in our work of mental health and substance uses services (collectively known as behavioral health) we do not see the immediate results of our efforts. Yet, we know that if persons receive proper diagnosis, treatment and support, recovery and saving lives is possible.

A few short weeks ago, our work at the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) was affirmed as a method of lifesaving when we trained and educated first responders in recognizing the signs of opioid overdose and in administering the drug Naloxone to reverse the effects of an overdose.

Two lives were saved by the great work of our team, led by Dr. Carmen McIntyre, chief medical director of the DWMHA, and Darlene Owen, director of the DWMHA office of Substance Use Disorders as well as our partners, Michigan State Police Troopers Ben Sonstrom and Lisa Smith, in executing the training and administering the medication.

As the Detroit News article reported, “In the four months since the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority began training local law enforcement on the use of the opioid antidote Naloxone, two lives have been saved by Michigan State Police troopers.”

IMPACT Talk about your work having an impact.

The work done by local

Tom Watkins public community mental health organizations around the state are having similar lifesaving impact.

Prescribed opioids are powerful — and highly addictive — painkillers which can lead to the use of other highly addictive and dangerous illegal substances, including heroin.

Lt. Governor Brian Calley, a leader in the political and behavioral health community, trumpeted in a note to me: “One less funeral to attend and a second chance for a sacred life occurred because of the work of your team.”

PRIDE Obviously, we are proud of our great team and community partners, adding value, making a difference and saving lives.

Angelo Glenn, director of substance abuse prevention programming at Mariners Inn, a member of the DWMHA Board of Directors and board chair of our Substance Abuse Advisory Board stated, “We appreciate the focus and commitment by the governor, the healthcare community and especially Lt. Governor

Calley to help address this crisis in our communities.

Together, we are truly better.

When we work together as a team, there is nothing we can’t accomplish.”

those who seek medical assistance with an overdose.

Opioid addiction is at epidemic levels in some communities in Michigan. To be clear, this is not simply taking place in poor communities. Every Michigan zip code has been affected.

• Requiring additional training for professionals who prescribe controlled substances.

“The impact of prescription drug and opioid abuse is being felt in every community across Michigan. It crosses all demographic, geographic and political lines,” Governor Snyder said. “This problem is something we must work together to address.

The governor highlighted the opioid problem in his 2015 State-of-the-State Address and later appointed a task force, chaired by Lt. Governor Calley, which made the following recommendations: • Updating or replacing the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS).

• Requiring registration and use of MAPS by those who are prescribing and dispensing prescription drugs.

• Updating regulations on the licensing of pain clinics, which hasn’t been done since 1978.

• Increasing licensing sanctions for health professionals who violate proper prescribing and dispensing practices.

• Providing easier access to Naloxone, a drug that reduces the effects of an opioid overdose.

• Limiting criminal penalties for low-level offenses for

• Increasing access to care through wraparound services and Medication Assisted Treatment programs.

• Reviewing successful drug takeback programs for possible replication and expansion.

• Increasing the number of addiction specialists practicing in Michigan.

• Reviewing programs to eliminate doctor and pharmacy shopping and requiring a bonafide doctor-patient relationship for prescribing controlled substances.

• Creating a public awareness campaign about the dangers of prescription drug use and abuse and how people can get help for themselves or family members.

• Increasing training for law enforcement in recognizing and dealing with addiction for those officers who do not deal directly with narcotics regularly.

• Considering pilot programs for the development of testing to reduce the increasing incidence of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, which leads to severe withdrawal symptoms for babies born to mothers who have been using opioids.

Tom Watkins is the president and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority. He served as state mental health director and state superintendent of schools.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 13-19, 2016

Page B-3

Wright Museum current and upcoming events by the spirit of Olympism, the creations celebrate fair play, human dignity, equality, and determination. By placing artists who created these exemplary works alongside the stories of the athletes who helped break down racial and other social barriers, In the Paint fulfills Pierre de Coubertin’s original mission for the Olympic games—to present the combined beauty of art and athletics.

Concert of Colors featuring Mike Ellison, Mahogany @ the Museum & Brown Rice Family Friday, July 15 at 7 PM - Warrior's Rhythm ft. Mike Ellison (AfroFlow) 8 PM - Joel Fluent Greene, Ajanae Dawkins, Caesar Torreano & Phoenix Eagle (spoken word)

Samella Lewis: An American Art Icon

8:30 PM - Brown Rice Family (roots/reggae)

Now through September 18, 2016

Come enjoy the kickoff event to the 24th Annual Concert of Colors at the Wright Museum. For the first time, this concert will be performed on an outdoor stage. This exciting evening will feature performances by our annual headliner, Mike Ellison and AfroFlow; a variety of Mahogany @ The Museum spoken word artists including Joel Fluent Greene; and the Brown Rice Family, a national touring World Roots band from North Carolina. Limited chair seating will be available on the lawn; BYOC encouraged.

Free.

How does one earn the title “American Art Icon”? To achieve such an honor, we have only to look at the life and accomplishments of Samella Lewis, Ph.D., whose influence on African American art and culture has been so immense that her impact is yet to be determined. During her long and still active career, she has worked as an artist, art historian, educator, scholar, author, publisher, filmmaker, museum founder, art administrator, curator, gallerist, art collector, wife, mother, and much more.

“And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture”

Through the Fire: 1967 Detroit Rebellion Bus Tour by Jamon Jordan ($)

Permanent Exhibition

Saturday, July 23 from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Hosted by Jamon Jordan, President, The Black Scroll Study Group History & Tours and ASALH Detroit, this bus tour of historic sites related to the 1967 Detroit Rebellion will be an insightful outing on the 49th anniversary of its start. For tickets and information, call (313) 983-9216 orBlackScrollNetwork@gmail.com. *Following the tour participants can attend the historic unveiling of Charles McGee's landmark sculpture “United We Stand” & Metro Detroit Community Reunion taking place at The Wright at 3:30 PM.

EXHIBITION “Collect: The Power of Knowing” Now through January 17, 2017 Curated by Dr. Cledie Collins Taylor, “Collect: The Power of Knowing” honors art collectors who have preserved and shown us works we may not have seen on our own, especially art from the continent of Africa. The works show evidence of our creativity from the distant past to our current times. There is power in knowing this history.

Charles McGee Unveiling & United We Stand Metro Detroit Community Reunion

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Saturday, July 23 at 3:30 PM

ASALH Detroit General Membership Meeting

City, Suburbs, Metropolitan Detroit: Reunite at The Wright for the historic unveiling of Kresge Eminent Artist Charles McGee's landmark sculpture, "United We Stand." This metro Detroit community reunion will feature entertainment, family activities, food trucks, celebratory festivities and more, and marks the beginning of The Wright Museum's yearlong commemoration of the 1967 Detroit Rebellion which will include an exhibition recalling the period leading up to and including that fateful event. This celebration is open to the public; BYOC (bring your own lawn chair) recommended. Free.

Wednesday, July 20 at 6 PM

FAMILY ACTIVITIES Saturday, July 23 from 2-4 PM

If you are interested in and passionate about Black history, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) Detroit branch is the group for you! ASALH collects materials on Black history and promotes the results to the public through events and organizational activities. You must be a member to attend the general membership meetings. If you are interested in joining ASALH Detroit please contact Kathie House at (313) 549-0335 or via email tok_house@outlook.com. Free.

NIGHTLIFE Friday, July 15 at 8 PM

Do you know a curious student, a young Einstein, or a future tech wizard who is always thinking of the next big thing? Bring them to discover and explore science with activities led by scientists and technologists with the hands-on exhibit, Inspiring Minds: African Americans in Science and Technology! David Head & colleagues from the David L. Head Foundation will discuss African American inventors like Granville T. Woods and Elijah McCoy, and their inventions and contributions to science. Free.

The award winning Secret Society Of Twisted Storytellers presents a curated, live storytelling event featuring Real People. True Stories. Told Live. "Big Sexy!" features Twisted Storytellers Sabrina Nelson, Dameon S. Wilbrun, Julian Witherspoon III & more!

Also featuring Twisted Musical and Dance Guests, J. SLAUGHTER and MOTOR CITY DANCE FACTORY curated by Gina Ellis!

Hosted by creator and producer Satori Shakoor. It's a guaranteed awesome, fun-loving night out! Showtime 8:00 p.m., Doors open @7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

EXHIBITIONS

Hustle for History Weekly Dance Lessons ($)

All exhibitions are free with museum admission.

Sundays at 5 PM

Now Open: “In the Paint: Art, Athletics, and the Spirit of the Games”

Work your muscles, strengthen your bones, and improve your health with weekly hustle lessons, taught by Thomasenia Johnson of Two Left Feet. Purchase five lessons and receive a museum membership, making your next 12 months free! $7 or free for members.

The core experience of The Wright Museum, this 22,000 squarefoot exhibition takes visitors through time and across geographic boundaries from prehistoric Africa all the way to modern-day Detroit. Throughout, the efforts of everyday men and women who built families, businesses, educational institutions, spiritual traditions, civic organizations and a legacy of freedom and justice are hailed.

Inspiring Minds: African Americans in Science and Technology Permanent Exhibition This high-tech exhibit highlights trailblazers, contemporaries and careers in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through interactive computer kiosks, a touch screen video wall, and hands-on activities and play areas. Inspiring Minds introduces individuals from across the spectrum of fields, levels of renown, and from times past and present, with particular focuses on African American women in science, black aviators, black inventors, medical ethics and key historical figures such as George Washington Carver.

“Empirical/Satirical”: The Art of Cedric Henry and Byron Reed Now through July 31 Empirical / Satirical features the work of cartoonist, Cedric Henry, and painter, Byron Reed who both use satire to explore the politics and day-to-day life of their communities. Satire is the use of humor or sarcasm to mock or convey contempt for an establishment, tradition, or way of life. Both artists also use empirical evidence, or their observations, to reflect on the world around them, hence the title "Empirical/Satirical." Organized by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in 1999, the Contemporary Artists Program (CAP), features new and exciting art created by emerging and established artists. The purpose of CAP is to provide artists a venue where new audiences can see their work and an opportunity to gain professional and public recognition.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 East Warren Avenue Detroit, MI 48201 • (313) 494-5800

Through September 6 In the Paint: Art and the Spirit of the Games showcases works of art, presented for the modern Olympic and other international games, which were created by African American artists. Guided

The Wright Museum® | TheWright.org Museum Hours Tuesday – Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM Sundays 1 – 5 PM

CHOOSE the Medicare-Medicaid plan that cares for you.

For information on AmeriHealth Caritas VIP Care Plus and other options for your health care, call Michigan ENROLLS at 1-800-975-7630 (TTY: 1-888-263-5897).

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

AmeriHealth Caritas VIP Care Plus is a health plan that contracts with both Medicare and Michigan Medicaid to provide benefits of both programs to enrollees.

We are in Macomb and Wayne counties.

1-866-404-4296 (TTY 711)

7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

H0192_001_PRA_1883_APPROVED_05252016

www.amerihealthcaritasvipcareplus.com

HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher

A Real Times Media Newspaper 479 Ledyard, • Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 963-5522 e-mail:newsdesk@michronicle.com July 13-19, 2016

Page B-4

CATHY NEDD Associate Publisher KEITH A. OWENS Senior Editor SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997 LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

Make diversity and inclusion, real, not just a popular phrase

By Bertram L. Marks It seems that it was not too long ago that I was writing an opinion piece about the senseless murder of citizens by police officers in the United States. It is with deep sadness, despair and anxiety that I am writing again about the same terrible subject.

Ferguson, Baltimore, Louisiana and Minnesota, to name just a few. All of these places represent murders of African American citizens by police officers who swore an oath to serve and protect them.

Once again I have to spend time with my college age son, nephews and nieces, explaining to them the Bertram L. Marks dangers that lurk beneath the badges of some police officers. My fear for them is unimaginable.

As if the violence inflicted on African Americans by police is not enough, I would be remiss if I did not comment on the incredible levels of violence inflicted on ordinary citizens in urban areas across this nation on a regular basis.

Although we are told on a consistent basis that crime in Detroit and other major cities is trending downward, the cold reality of the nightly news stream of violent murder reports betrays any attempt to claim our city is safe from violent crime. In Detroit, in particular, the wave of violence seems to be buttressed by the growing sense of marginalization perceived, experienced and felt by many citizens living at or below the poverty line.

I survey the moods, attitudes, and feelings of impoverished Detroiters on a consistent basis in my capacity as a minister, social activist and trial attorney. While my findings are not properly deemed “scientific,” the sentiments expressed to me by ordinary citizens offer an accurate reflection of the mindset of Detroiters.

The poor, working poor, underem-

ployed, unemployed and even some who are gainfully employed in entry level positions with major companies share a common belief that a new Detroit is emerging. In the new Detroit, affluence, good paying jobs, public safety, reduced crime and quality education is reserved primarily for whites who have moved back to the city.

This same group views African Americans (except a handful of those who are affluent and well educated) as being pushed out of decent housing, locked out of power positions, marginalized and easy targets to blame for the previous decline of Detroit. They make statements to me that whites are “taking back the city” and that “they want us (blacks) out so they can clean the city up.”

I have heard this sentiment in far too many settings and from far too many groups to simply declare that it is the mindset of only a few.

Whether one agrees with this assessment or not, we simply cannot ignore that this is the perception of a large number of Detroiters. Couple this economic disenfranchisement with an incident of excessive force by a police official and this could be the spark to trigger civil unrest in this city like we have never experienced.

We can and should seek to avoid an explosion of civil unrest in Detroit. To do this we must insist that our government, corporations, schools, clergy community and grassroots organizations are actively in dialogue around diversity and inclusion. We must also insist that diversity and inclusion are not just words we spread around but that we put policies and programs in place with real metrics to measure whether we are meeting targets and goals.

We have to work extremely hard on being diverse and inclusive in Detroit.

It is a concept that if implemented, can save our city from becoming two separate and unequal cities.

History has taught us what happens when we fail in the area of diversity and inclusion. Let’s work hard to be a national model of diversity and inclusion.

Doing less is a recipe for disaster.

The difference between Jesse Williams’ BET speech and what comes next

By James Clingman NNPA News Wire Columnist

More than a couple of million folks have responded to the words spoken by Jesse Williams, which points out the fact that many black people are mesmerized by words that excite us and stimulate our emotions. Rather than initiating practical and appropriate actions as a result of words that make us feel good, we usually end up celebrating, espousing, regurgitating, and discussing, ad nauseam, those words instead of implementing James Clingman strategies that make us “do good.” The speech by Williams was important and relevant, especially to black people. I appreciate his words and his willingness to make his statements on such a widely viewed stage. He used his fame and the very popular BET Awards Show to put forth a message that has been spoken and written by others before him, but also one that we need to hear over and over. Seems to me that when someone famous says the same things other non-famous folks have said, it takes hold quicker and our light bulbs come on faster.

Questions: How long will the message last, and will we act upon it?

Jesse Williams’ background, political affiliations and motivations notwithstanding, his message was more important than the messenger. But since we are so attuned with what our celebrities say, he had instant credibility with many young and older folks alike. This is not to suggest that we discriminate against a message because of its messenger. A moron can bring a valid message. Suppose Clarence Thomas had said the same thing Williams said. Would we reject that message?

My point is that black folks should be able to discern a positive message that comes from any messenger, so that we can know “why” the message is being promulgated and be able to respond appropriately to that message. Emotional catchwords and phrases are fleeting and seldom cause any improvement in our well-being. Remember: “I have a dream!”

“Down with dope – Up with hope!” “No justice, no peace!” “Yes we can!” and all the other words we have heard and chanted millions of times?

I’d rather we follow words from Richard Allen, “To Seek for Ourselves,” Marcus Garvey, “One God, One Aim, One Destiny!” and Elijah Muhammad, “Do for Self.” I chose to hear some of those words in Williams’ speech, and I give him credit for speaking on the subject.

It’s on Mr. Williams now to show us what he meant by putting his words into action; and it’s up to the rest of us to develop strategies and initiatives that will move our people forward.

Jesse Williams spoke on issues that I have written articles about as far back as 1994, more specifically, one titled, “The Young and the Relentless,” in which I described how many young blacks were becoming entrepreneurs. Rather than falling for the okey-doke of buying and wearing someone else’s brand, they were developing, marketing, and selling their own brands. Unfortunately, as the article also cited, many of our young entertainers had succumbed to the lure of “OPS” (Other People’s Stuff) e.g. Adidas, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, etc. rather than “OPM” (Other People’s Money).

It is ironic that, in April 1997, Forbes Magazine featured a front-page article titled, “Badass Sells,” by Joshua Levine, which aptly illustrated much of the tremendous economic potential within the younger segment of black America. It also described how the hip-hop culture had been co-opted by designers such as Hilfiger and manufacturing giants like Nike. Now in 2016, Alicia Keys is featured in a commercial for Levi’s jeans, in which she says, all women are “Badass,” so I guess it still sells.

But I digress. Will Jesse Williams’ comments simply become last month’s shining moment for Black folks, or will his message finally be transformed into real economic progress for our people?

Will his two minutes of enlightenment and in-your-face rejoinder to our plight make their way into the pantheon of speeches by our learned elders, or will they drift off into oblivion never having gained traction or made a significant difference in our lives? Will Jesse ­Williams’ one shining moment become activated within us to the degree that we begin to coalesce and collaborate to build an economic foundation from which we can truly have an impact on public policy?

Yes, we had yet another shining moment when Williams took the stage to accept his award. Will its sheen fade to black, or will that moment turn into momentum for black progress? Remember: A moment is not a movement, but a moment can start a movement.

The choice we face is clear

By Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

In the presidential race, July is convention month. Each party selects its ticket — the nominees for president and vice president — and the choice becomes clear.

For all the noise about a Republican revolt against Donald Trump, we already know the choice we will face: Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump. This campaign has already turned nasty, but looking beyond the clamor there are some things we know.

Hillary Clinton is the most experienced and prepared Jesse L. Jackson of the two candidates. An attorney, former first lady, senator and secretary of state, she is one of the most experienced candidates for the presidency ever. She will be ready from day one. She knows up close what it takes to be president, how to put together and run an administration.

Donald Trump is one of the least prepared candidates in memory. He has not held public office. He has little experience in foreign and national security issues. His major previous relationship with the legislators he must deal with is, as he tells us, as a donor, a businessman seeking favors.

He’s amassed a fortune in business, but he seems better as a salesman than an administrator. He’s certainly had a hard time putting together a professional campaign staff or organizing a political convention.

Hillary Clinton is a progressive. Her candidacy builds on the progressive movements of our time. She is a lifelong champion of women and children. She supports equal rights for people, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual preference. She’s for overturning Citizens United and limiting big money in politics.

She’s for reviving the Voting Rights Act and removing barriers to voting.

She’ll push to raise the minimum wage,

to fund our schools, to make college more affordable, to expand access to health care. She will push for public investment to rebuild our country and put people to work. She’s for raising taxes on the wealthy, cracking down on corporate tax dodges, making Wall Street more accountable, empowering workers and curbing CEO abuses. She may not be as bold a reformer as Bernie Sanders is, but there is no doubt she is a progressive who believes in a government on the side of working people.

Donald Trump, we know, will cut taxes on the rich and corporations. We know he wants to build a wall on the Mexican border. He’s run a divisive campaign, filled with racial insult and nativist appeal. He says he’s against our trade deals but offers as an alternative only that he’d get a better deal.

He promises to rip up the nuclear weapons agreement with Iran, which would give the zealots in that country the license and the incentive to build nuclear weapons. He says he wants to rebuild the country, but gives us no sense about how he would pay for it, other than the infamous wall that he says Mexico will pay for.

Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are viewed unfavorably by large numbers of Americans, with Trump setting records in that regard. Clinton bears the burden of right-wing political attacks that go back to the early 1990s (and before that in Arkansas).

Every misstep has been inflated into a scandal, every misstatement into an indictment. Trump started the campaign as a celebrity, rose through notoriety and earned his disfavor by insulting wide sectors of the American people.

Despite these unfavorable polls, both won the nomination by winning the most votes in the primaries.

Now we have a choice. The most experienced against the least experienced.

The progressive against the conservative. Someone who seeks to bring us together against someone who has risen by tearing us apart.

There is a long way to go before November. Events and the campaigns will tell us more, but the choice is already clear.

Too late to ask?

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA News Wire Columnist

The day after 52 percent of the people who voted that Britain should leave the European Union, Google was deluged with questions. The most common: “What is the European Union?”

That suggests that the people who voted to leave the European Union didn’t even know what it was.

They didn’t know that financial institutions, headquartered in London, might shut down their offices because they Julianne Malveaux would lose the advantage they had by considering London a European banking center.

They didn’t know that thousands of jobs now based in London might migrate to Paris or Brussels because international banks wanted European centers of commerce, not simply British centers. They didn’t expect that the value of the pound would plummet. They didn’t know.

Instead, they responded emotionally to those who encouraged them to vote to leave the EU. They responded to the notion that immigration was their enemy, and that people were “taking their jobs”.

They responded to an ugly divisiveness, and they voted to protect themselves.

They didn’t know that their protectionism might leave them more vulnerable than ever. Now they know.

The European Union has asked the UK to speed up the inevitable separation, even as more than two million Brits are, by petition, asking for a “do over,” a second referendum.

Few have patience for the remorseful second-guessing after the unnecessary Brexit vote. Prime Minister Cameron, after all, chose to sell a bunch of wolf tickets when he called for the referendum. His egotism has had an ugly outcome, and an unnecessary one. The vote need not have taken place.

Brexit has implication in the United States. The callous excoriation of immigrants made it possible for too many Brits to vote against their own

self-interest. Now, we see too many in the USA leaning toward Donald Trump because he says he will make America great again. But great for whom, and how?

In going back to the past is Mr. Trump harking to the “Leave it to Beaver” 1950s days when independent women were invisible, and people of color hardly showed up. When we go back to our nation’s “old greatness,” we go back times when women and people of color were, at best, invisible.

Thanks to Brexit, the world will experience more financial instability than it has experienced in the last decade or so. The stock market will fluctuate, and then settle, and some folks will find their 401k accounts dropping, and then recovering in a month or so. Interest rates will fall, but that really only matters in the short run, and with those who are managing stock markets.

While it is impossible to predict the outcomes of the Brexit vote, it is surely possible to speak to the financial instability that is a byproduct of the Brexit vote. The short-term implications don’t specifically affect United States shareholders. In the longer run, the fracturing of the EU collective has financial implications for all world stakeholders.

There is a parallel between that which has happened in the UK and what has happened in the US. The media have been an unindicted co-conspirator on this Trump crusade, because he has garnered far more visibility than he deserves.

People aren’t asking the critical questions. Why has Trump refused to release his tax returns? Why does he promise charitable contributions that he does not honor? Why are the Trump products manufactured in China, even as he decries outsourcing?

Will we, in these United States, start Googling Trump after he is nominated? Will we wait until it is too late to ask about the Trump peccadilloes? Will asking late provide us with the same buyer’s remorse that those in the UK are now experiencing? Will our protest vote express our angst and also place an ill-equipped man into our nation’s leadership?

Will we ask the most important questions when it is way too late?

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 13-19, 2016

Page B-5

Open Streets Detroit, presented by DTE Energy Foundation, to debut this fall Program will open streets to pedestrians and bicyclists to promote recreation and healthy activities For the first time in Detroit, two major city streets will be temporarily turned into safe, open, car-free zones for local families and the community to run, bike, shop and play together on two Sundays this fall in Downtown, Corktown and Southwest Detroit. The new initiative, Open Streets Detroit, was launched by the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) in collaboration with DTE Energy Foundation and multiple local organizations, joining the international movement to open city streets to encourage healthy activities and foster increased interaction between neighborhood businesses and residents.

“The DTE Energy Foundation is proud to help provide this unique, first-time experience in Detroit and serve as a catalyst for change in our communities,” said Faye Nelson, vice president at DTE Energy, and president of the DTE Energy Foundation. “The open streets concept has been successful in many other cities across the world, promoting the economic prosperity, culture and vitality of local neighborhoods.”

In addition to walking, biking and running along the route, participants will have the opportunity to take part in free activities, such as sports, exercise classes, and other health and wellness activities. Open Streets Detroit will be seeking business and community partners to provide programming such as yoga, dance, basketball and kid- and senior-friendly activities along the route. An application for programming partners is available online.

“We are excited to be working with so many organizations and businesses to repurpose our streets for healthy, active living,” said Lisa Nuszkowski, executive director of Detroit Bike Share, an affiliate of Downtown Detroit Partnership.

“While this is a pilot initiative, we want to expand Open Streets to connect and celebrate other neighborhoods throughout the city.”

Open Streets Detroit, free and open to all ages, is proposed to take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 2, along Michigan Avenue and West Vernor Highway, pending city approval. The route begins at Campus

Martius Park in Downtown Detroit, connects through Roosevelt Park in Corktown, and continues through Southwest Detroit, past Clark Park, ending at Boyer Playfield located

at Livernois and Vernor. The route highlights vibrant neighborhood retail and green space in communities along Michigan and Vernor.

The launch of Open Streets Detroit joins an international movement of Open Streets initiatives. More than 200 cities worldwide have established ongoing Open Streets initiatives, many of which are modeled after Bogotá, Colombia’s highly successfully Ciclovía, a weekly program that opens over 70 of miles of city streets to citizens

for outdoor physical activity and has attracted up to two million participants over the course of its 30-year run.

“Open Streets Detroit is a great opportunity to connect and build relationships between the diverse communities and people of City Council District 6,” said City Councilwoman Raquel Castañeda-López.

“We are thrilled to host this pilot initiative in Corktown and Southwest Detroit, and I look forward to expanding Open Streets Detroit to other communities in Detroit as well.”

In addition to major support from the DTE Energy Foundation, the 2016 Open Streets Detroit pilot is made possible through support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The collaborative effort also is supported by Community Development Advocates of Detroit, Detroit Future City, Detroit Greenways Coalition, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Detroit-Wayne County Health Authority, DTE Energy, Henry Ford Health System, Jefferson East, Inc., and Wayne State University.

For more information on Open Streets Detroit, visit openstreetsdet.org or follow Open Streets Detroit on Facebook,Instagram and Twitter.

Detroit Medical Center achieves 10-year milestone on nation’s ‘Most Wired’ list For the tenth consecutive year, Detroit Medical Center (DMC) has been recognized as one of the nation’s “Most Wired” hospital systems according to the 18th annual Health Care's Most Wired® survey, released last week by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum.

The 2016 Most Wired® survey and benchmarking study is a leading industry barometer measuring information technology (IT) use and adoption among hospitals nationwide. The survey conducted between January 15 and March 15 (2016) captured 680 responses representing 2,146 hospitals — more than 34 percent of all hospitals in the U.S. — and revealed technology is improving the efficiency of care delivery and creating a new dynamic in patient interactions.

The survey gathered insight into

how health care organizations leverage IT infrastructure to securely safeguard patient health information and access capabilities, conduct business and promote clinical quality.

patient engagement with the individual’s lifestyle in mind including electronic access to their care team through patient portals, mobile applications and social media.

ing interventions aimed at key patient groups, such as those with diabetes. To get patients the right care, hospitals, including DMC, are using predictive modeling to eliminate preventable problems.

“Detroit Medical Center is pleased to be recognized for the tenth consecutive year as an industry leader in health information technology,” said DMC Chief Information Officer Joe Francis. “As one of the first health systems to integrate information technology into our system of hospitals, we are diligently focused on protecting the security of our patients’ information while simultaneously sharing appropriate information to create a better overall patient experience and reduce costs.”

“Hospitals are breaking-out of their traditional four walls and providing care where and when patients need it,” said Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the AHA. “These Most Wired hospitals exemplify this transformation by harnessing technology, engaging patients and offering services remotely. And, removing policy and other barriers to telehealth will allow even faster adoption of these amazing technologies.”

Hospitals are also taking strong actions to ensure cybersecurity. More than 90 percent use intrusion detection systems, privacy audit systems and security incident event management to detect patient privacy breaches, monitor for malicious activities and produce real-time analysis of security alerts. In addition, 84 percent conduct a third-party security audit annually to ensure that guidelines are followed.

According to the survey, Most Wired hospitals are utilizing population health management tools and partnering with other health care providers to share critical clinical information used in analyz-

Detailed results of the survey and study can be found in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. For a full list of winners visit www. hhnmag.com.

In redefining the way they provide care in their communities, Most Wired hospitals are using technology to build

FIRST TIME EVER!

MACY S

BLACK

FRIDAY IN

JULY

SPECIALS NOW-SUN, JULY 17 ONLINE & IN STORE HURRY—WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

USE THIS SAVINGS PASS ‘TIL 1PM WED, JULY 13-SAT, JULY 16 OR ‘TIL 3PM SUN, JULY 17

OR, TAKE AN EXTRA 25% OR 15% OFF WITH YOUR MACY’S CARD OR PASS

MACY’S CARD/SAVINGS PASS DISCOUNT DOESN’T APPLY TO SPECIALS.

LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER. MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: BF25 EXCLUSIONS MAY DIFFER ON MACYS.COM VALID ‘TIL 1PM 7/13-7/16 OR ‘TIL 3PM 7/17/2016.

EXTRA 25% OFF

SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE CLOTHING PLUS SHOES & LINGERIE EXTRA 15% OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE JEWELRY, WATCHES, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, SWIM FOR HER, MEN’S SUIT SEPARATES & SPORT COATS & HOME ITEMS MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: BFJULY EXCLUSIONS MAY DIFFER ON MACYS.COM Excludes ALL: cosmetics/fragrances, Deals of the Day, Doorbusters/web busters, electrics/electronics, Everyday Values (EDV), furniture/mattresses, Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, rugs, specials, super buys, All-Clad, Breville, Dyson, Fitbit, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Kate Spade, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, Marc Jacobs, Michele watches, New Era, Nike on Field, Sam Edelman, Samsung watches, Shun, Stuart Weitzman, The North Face, Theory, Tumi, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wüsthof, athletic clothing, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, designer jewelry, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, select licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, tech watches; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: baby gear, kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA, Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/ coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices.

25% OFF

YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE.

WOW! PASS

VALID 7/13-7/17/2016

1O

$ OFF

Excludes ALL: cosmetics/fragrances, Deals of the Day, Doorbusters/web busters, electrics/ electronics, Everyday Values (EDV), furniture/ mattresses, Last Act, Macy's Backstage, rugs, specials, super buys, All-Clad, Breville, Dyson, Fitbit, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Kate Spade, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi's, Marc Jacobs, Michele watches, New Era, Nike on Field, Sam Edelman, Samsung watches, Shun, Stuart Weitzman, The North Face, Theory, Tumi, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wüsthof, athletic clothing, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, designer jewelry, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, select licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, tech watches, macys.com. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account.

Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash or applied as payment or credit to your account.

Purchase must be $25 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

15% OFF

SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE CLOTHING AND HOME ITEMS

FREEVALID SHIPPING ONLINE AT $50 7/13-7/17/2016. PLUS, FREE RETURNS. U.S. ONLY. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS

PLUS, DON’T MISS GREAT BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAVINGS!

BLACK FRIDAY IN JULY PRICES IN EFFECT 7/13-7/17/16. N6060274.

N6060274C.indd 1

7/5/16 4:15 PM

Page B-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 13-19, 2016

DIGITAL DAILY WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

At Your Finger Tips!

Follow Us On

facebook.com/michiganchronicle

@michronicle

BUSINESS

SECTION C

Powered by Real Times Media

July 13-19, 2016

michiganchronicle.com

Wayne County’s financial outlook continues to improve Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans’ financial turnaround for Wayne County received another boost after an Actuarial Valuation shows the county’s pension fund is now 54 percent funded.

Up from 44 percent just two years ago, this increase is the result of benefit Warren C. Evans modifications achieved through Executive Evans’ Recovery Plan, which reduced accrued liabilities by $120 million as well as eliminating the Inflation Equity Fund and transferring those assets to the pension system.

Prior to the implementation of the Recovery Plan, the county faced a financial crisis: a $52 million yearly structural deficit, an $82 million accumulated deficit, $1.3 billion in unfunded health care costs and an underfunded pension system funded at only 44 percent of the present value of its future liabilities, which needed an additional $841 million to be fully-funded.

Implementation of the Recovery Plan eliminated Wayne County’s accumulated and structural deficits.

Additionally, healthcare was restructured to reduce the county’s unfunded obligation by more than $800 million. The final piece of the county’s financial recovery, addressing the underfunded pension system, has recently been confirmed by the Actuarial Valuation performed

by Gabriel Roeder Smith & Company (GRS).

“We are making critical headway in strengthening the county’s pension system,” said Evans. “We made some tough decisions to get us to this point and I am pleased to see that our solutions are resulting in a pension system that will make it extremely more likely that retirees will continue to receive the pension checks to which they are entitled. We will continue to do the work necessary to ensure our pension system is healthy and sustainable.”

Standing on top of the

world

Detroit-born Gloria Mayfield Banks is ranked #1 National Sales Director in the world

By Keith A. Owens

“

And for a woman like myself to grow up in Michigan, it’s always a place of pride. And not only am I from Detroit, I’m from a city that has a large predominantly African American market.

So you are bringing back a large statement of pride.

Senior Editor

T

he air must be thin up there.

It’s one thing to be good at something, and it’s another thing to be simply great. But when you’re the absolute best, well, that definition is in an entirely separate zip code.

Good. Better. Best.

”

As of July 1, 2016, Mary Kay National Sales Director Gloria Mayfield Banks is now officially ranked as the #1 Mary Kay Sales Director in the world (except for China), and she is the first African American to ever achieve this ranking.

“What it means to me in my heart to be the first African American is hope and the possibilities. Whenever someone that you know, or someone that looks like you, achieves something that no one else has done, it just opens up a possibility.

It takes away the conversation that ‘don’t dream like that because it can’t be you’,” said Banks, who originally never intended to take up selling Mary Kay Cosmetics as a full-time job.

“It started out with a very small dream.

I just wanted to make $200 extra dollars

a month to keep my kids in daycare. So I tell people I joined for the money, I fell in love with the recognition. I grew because of the competition. Being around ambitious women who kept God first, family second and career third was intoxicating.

Because I didn’t have that anywhere else.

The other thing is I wasn’t laughing a lot during that time in my life. And I joined Mary Kay and they were laughing and having a good time and they were empowering each other.”

Although Banks has done exceptionally well with Mary Kay, she wasn’t exactly struggling to succeed prior to that admittedly life-changing career decision.

A graduate of Redford High School, where she led the cheerleading team, she has always been one to thrive on competition. The third of four highly successful sisters, all of whom are entrepreneurs, Banks was raised by two parents, Strat-

See BANKS Page C-2

GRS completed the Actuarial Valuation in accordance with the Governmental Accounting, Standards Board Statement. The report shows Wayne County’s pension funds have a funding value of assets of $740 million, an increase of $67.9 million since Evans took office.

Prior to the implementation of the Recovery Plan, the county lacked a comprehensive strategy to solve the county’s financial problems including the underfunding of the pension system.

Since taking office in January 2015, Evans has made fiscal responsibility a priority in his administration.

“Without restoring the county’s fiscal health, none of the progress we’ve made in restoring and improving county services would have been possible, including our plan to finish the partially-built jail on Gratiot.” said Evans.

Lifeline assists new businesses with Entrepreneurs Hub

By Tatiana Simone “I always tried to align myself with strategic partners, friends, and information to help me with the things that I did not know, and ultimately, I made it.” — Daymond John

Even before this Actuarial Valuation, the Evans administration has been recognized for achieving improvements through the Recovery Plan. Just recently, the county received credit outlook upgrades from three Wall Street ratings agencies: Moody’s upgraded the county’s outlook to “stable”; Standard & Poor’s upgraded the county to a “positive” fiscal outlook; and Fitch Ratings upgraded the county’s bond rating from “B” to “B+”.

We live in an economy where entrepreneurship is king, especially in the resurgence of Detroit. Forming a start-up with no prior knowledge of where to begin can be difficult to research for many and discouraging to most.

“A lot of people have never seen what this (entrepreneurship) looks like, they don’t have it in their family and they’re not associated with friends who are entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Nicole Farmer, CEO of Lifeline Business Consulting Services.

Lifeline provides business consulting services to inspire minority men and women in every stage of entrepreneurship. Recently they launched the Entrepreneur Hub in partnership with Grand Innovations.

Last week, Executive Evans released Wayne County’s FY 2016-17 and FY 201718 budgets with projected surpluses of $10.5 million and $3.5 million respectively.

The full Actuarial Valuation can be found at www.waynecounty.com.

Entrepreneur Hub is a co-working and small business space looking over the scenic riverfront of downtown Detroit, located at 1400 Woodbridge Street. Business owners are able to come out of the coffee houses and cafés to offer clients a professional and private meeting space. In addition,

Dr. Nicole Farmer

See LIFELINE Page C-2

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 13-19, 2016

Lifeline

Page C-2

From page C-1

classes will be held onsite starting in August.

Dr. Farmer faced much adversity early on in her career, which makes it easier for her to relate to her clients, not only on how to give the perfect pitch, but also from a holistic angle. Services provided by Lifeline include: • One-on-one coaching • Cultivating business plans • Understanding financial plans • Pitch/communication assistance • Identifying consumer base Through recent partnership with Detroit- Micro-Loan Collaboration, comprised of The Women’s Foundation and The Detroit Development Fund, Lifeline is able to get individuals loan ready, even those who have felonies.

Banks ford and Gwen Hilliard, who made sure that their daughters would have whatever support they needed to never doubt their abilities.

“Clearly, my parents were very on purpose with building our self-esteem. In the city of Detroit, if what you want to do is give your children a strong sense of self, one of the best places to do it is the city of Detroit where they had an amazing museum, where they have amazing political leadership, where they had amazing role models with beautiful homes, beautiful education all around us in Michigan. Beautiful doctors and lawyers and judges. Way before everybody else was doing it, we were doing it.”

After graduating from Redford, Banks went on to Howard University and then to Harvard Business School, where her older sister, Amy Hilliard, also attended. The two made history as the first pair of African American sisters to both graduate from Harvard Business School.

“First, I want to say that I’m really glad that I’ve been perceived in Mary Kay as just a leader.

I know that has been embraced because in other countries they have asked me to teach. Where they don’t even speak English,” she said.

“Michigan has been a state that embraces the work ethic. Direct selling has been something that has been powerful in the Michigan area. Amway’s out of there. So it’s been a business model that’s been very successful in Michigan. And for a woman like myself to grow up in Michigan, it’s always a place of pride.

And not only am I from Detroit, I’m from a city that has a large predominantly African American market. So you are bringing back a large statement of pride. To go

from Detroit and then go to Howard University and then go to Harvard Business School. There’s a point of pride whenever we see people achieve something that maybe no one else has done yet. …

And Mary Kay is such a big deal because it’s empowering of the women.

And everybody knows about Mary Kay. It’s a recognized sales force.”

Oh, and then there’s this: Harvard Business School has a case study on Mary Kay, Inc. named “Gloria Hilliard Mayfield at Mary Kay Cosmetics.”

This case study is currently taught both in the school and in textbooks around the country.

As for accolades within Mary Kay, which Banks first joined in February of 1988, it’s safe to say she has blazed a trail through the company that is still smoking. Here are just a few: • Earned her first new car in five months.

• Company record breaker for Director-in-Qualification with over $31,000

production in one month.

• Powerful Pink Cadillac status for 26 years.

• Her Personal Unit broke another company record for unit size at 1,045 members.

• Unit holds the company record for the most new team members in one month – 384.

• Has trained internationally in Canada, China, Russia, Mexico, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa and Kazakhstan.

• Achieved the highest position in Mary Kay as an “Inner Circle National” (only four national sales directors reached this position within their first NSD year). Within 18 months she debuted six national sales directors, going on to break a company record by achieving Elite Executive National Sales Director faster than anyone in the company’s 51-year history. There are only three women in the United States holding this position.

“We’re (Detroiters) not loan ready, but we’re here to help you through From page C-1 the process, holding your but as remarkable as her hand through loops, up achievements are, Banks and downs,” said Farmer. is quick to point out that Lifeline has provided she is actually following over 50 entrepreneurs in the footsteps of an- with the tools and refor other longtime Mary Kay sources necessary giant who, had she not de- securing funds for their cided to retire in January business. Among them of this year, Banks would are Monica Lynn Brown, Breathe Beauty Bar foundnot be #1 today. er and owner, who cele“The Number One Na- brated her grand opening tional retired in January, Saturday. and she was way ahead of “We helped her for the us. Like, totally out there.

When she retired in Jan- past year understand and cultivate her business uary, the number two Naplan and being able to tional stepped up into her pitch properly to be able spot. Because you hold to get the loan dollars for that spot for the year,” her to (operate) this huge she said. “But year-to- business,” said Farmer. date, I was number one.

Dr. Farmer’s holistic So for January through June, I was YTD number approach helps when it comes to obtaining fundone.” ing by coaching on the Although the compa- do’s and don’ts of a pitch. ny’s fiscal year ended on “If things are going bad, June 30, Banks didn’t get sometimes your housethe call until Thursday, hold isn’t right, let’s talk July 7, when she was get- about it, so when we are ting off of a plane in Salt in front of the funders you Lake City, Utah where she know what to say and how was going to attend the funeral of a friend. There was both a message and a text on her phone. As long and hard as she has worked, she still hasn’t

By Tatiana Simone quite absorbed it all.

“What drives me is to see women’s financial situation better. Money is the reflection of the measure of the pleasure that you put into the lives of others. I say that all the time. … This sets me up on the platform of the Gloria Mayfield Banks brand, which is to mentor all women who want to learn how to have a better version of themselves.

“I made the right choices, I worked hard, and I found something that I loved, and it helped me to create an extraordinary life. So although I’m Number One in MK, it’s only because I’ve helped a lot of other people become number one in different ways.”

Breaking Down Barriers to Employment – Success Spotlight: Melinda Allen Melinda Allen is a woman determined to achieve her goals, no matter what barriers she may face.

After being laid off in August 2015, Allen had no income and needed transportation assistance to find another position. Faced with those challenges, she readily entered into the P.A.T.H. (Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope.) program, at SER Metro-Detroit in September 2015. P.A.T.H. works with individuals like Melinda who face challenges to employment to overcome them with hard work and dedication.

Upon enrollment in P.A.T.H., Allen was eager to overcome her barriers and used the resources available to her at SER Metro to achieve that. She attended job readiness workshops, financial planning meetings, and credit repair meetings to obtain as much knowledge as she could to improve her job search and her job prospects.

Additionally, she enrolled in the P.A.T.H. Community Service/Work Experience Program that allowed her to volunteer with SER Metro to receive welfare while she had no income.

Melinda Allen “Melinda was very ambitious and dedicated in accomplishing her goals,” said Tosha Brown, SER Metro employment specialist. “She is the type of person that has a big heart and is very responsible. She was not afraid to work towards making her dreams a reality.”

Farmer’s suggestion for entrepreneurs who have the gift or curse of gab: “Look at your watch before you get started and say, I am going to speak for the next 60 seconds about my business or the next minute and a half about my business … give them three points right at the beginning and a business card if they ask.

You’ve downloaded an image of your brand, they will remember your name know what you do,” said Farmer.

Lifeline and Grand Innovation have created the perfect melting pot for aspiring entrepreneurs and current entrepreneurs who have started, but need help taking the next step.

“Being in a place with like-minded individuals, who are also dreaming, passionate and going after something people are typically telling you (that) you can’t do … Lifeline allows you to have a safe place where you can cultivate this dream,” said Farmer.

Application process and affordable rates for aspiring business owners are available and can be found at www.entrepreneurshub.space.

For more information please contact T. Marie Media Group at 248.716.0240 or via email at tmariepr.com.

Kinnie Media Group LLC launches Motor City Woman Radio Network

There’s actually more,

By Rachel Waddell

to say it,” said Farmer.

Kinnie Media Group, LLC recently announced the official launch of an Internet radio station, Motor City Woman Radio Network, the only station dedicated to inspiration, motivation and information that helps women lead more fulfilling lives.

No radio station exists that solely strives to serve women with smart, lively conversation. The station features an all-female lineup of show hosts.

Shows range from career and personal development to entrepreneurship and spiritual growth.

“As a wife, mom and career woman, I was always searching for tools, resources and information that help me in all aspects of my life” said Robin Kinnie, founder of the Motor City Woman Radio Network.

“As an avid talk radio fan, I couldn’t locate a show that spoke to my interests and goals. I didn’t want one show or one segment dedicated to women.

I wanted an entire station.

I couldn’t find one, so I created it.”

In her quest for employment, Allen still needed tangible tools to find a position. SER Metro assisted her by providing mileage reimbursement and funds for vehicle repair. They also provided a clothing voucher which allowed her to go While the announceto Detroit Employment Solutions partner, Jacket for Jobs, to obtain ment marked the launch of Motor City Woman a business professional wardrobe.

Radio Network, Motor City Melinda Allen’s hard work paid Woman has been supportoff in March 2016 when she ob- ing women by sponsoring tained a position as a title research- events, sharing positive er with the City of Detroit’s Building information through an and Maintenance Division. She at- active social media prestributes her successful job search ence and partnering with to her time at SER Metro. organizations and initia“I would not be where I am in my tives dedicated to helping women since 2015. career if it were not for the assis“My passion and purtance I received from the P.A.T.H. pose are aligned,” said program,” said Melinda.

Kinnie. “My motto is that Allen is now working full time you can not pour from and looking for opportunities to an empty cup. In order to advance in her career. She contin- serve my family and my ues to work hard to excel at her po- community, I first have to sition and accomplish her goal of ensure that I am personalbeing self-sufficient. ly fulfilled. With the Motor If you’re currently a jobseeker, City Woman Radio NetDetroit Employment Solutions may work, we’re able to reach be able assist you too. Call 1-800- more women and make 285-WORKS or visit DESCmiworks. a greater impact. I feel blessed to be given this com to get the process started.

Robin Kinnie opportunity. I want everyone to live in the light.”

MCW Radio Network shows include “Why? That’s Why Radio Show” brought to you by Entre-SLAM!, a business storytelling accelerator where host, Christa Price, will provide the boost that every entrepreneur needs when their resolve to “stay in the fight” weakens. The show will feature three to four, live and prerecorded five-minute narratives from business leaders. This is the show for current and aspiring entrepreneurs. With women starting businesses at a historic rate, this show will be both an outlet and a resource.

For more information about the new Motor City Woman Radio Network programming, events and news and to listen live or download the mobile app, log on to www.motorcitywoman.com.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 13-19, 2016

Page C-3

Announcing Michigan Chronicle’s Best in Black Awards The voice of the Community wants to celebrate black owned businesses, community organizations, entrepreneurs and entertainers and we need your help. The inaugural Michigan Chronicle/ Radio One Best in Black Awards-Detroit will be taking place in September 2016.

So what are the best in black awards, you may ask. The Best in Black Awards are like the community choice awards, where finalists and winners are nominated and voted for by you the people.

We are recognizing people and businesses in over 40 categories that

span six industries.

The Michigan Chronicle would like to invite everyone to visit www. michiganchronicle.com/ best-in-black-awards/ and vote for their favorite elected official, restaurant, cosmetologist, barber, tattoo artist, gospel choir, comedian, clothing designer, news anchor, Instagram personality and more. Below is the complete list of nomination categories.

Categories are as follows: C o m mu n i t y / P r o f e s sional: Best Attorney and Best Elected Official Education: School Teacher,

Best Best

High School, Best School Principal, Best Marching Band, Best High School Coach, Best High School Athlete, Best Sorority, Best Fraternity Food/Drink: Bar/Club/Lounge, Restaurant, Best Franchise

Best Best Food

Leisure/Entertainment: Best Top news anchor, Best Instagram Personality, Best DJ, Best Club Promoter, Best Local Artist, Best Comedian, Best Live Band, Best Local Film Services: Best Photographer/Videographer, Best Caterer, Best Car Dealership, Best Hair Salon, Best Barber shop, Best Personal Trainer, Best

Make-up Artist, Best Car Wash/Auto detailing, Best Clothing Store, Best Cosmetologist, Best Barber, Best Local Producer, Best Nail Technician, Best Clothing Line/Designer, Best Tattoo Artist

day, September 16, 6 pm.

Religion: Best Gospel/ Church Choir, Best Pastor, Best Church, Best First Lady

July 13: Nominations open for everyone to submit their choice for Best in Black featuring the 43 categories listed above.

Nominations begin Wednesday, July 13 at www.michiganchronicle.com/best-in-blackawards, the top three finalists from each category will end before midnight on August 19. Winners will be revealed live during the Best in Black Detroit Awards ceremony at the Music Hall on Fri-

Things you should know before signing for a car loan

By Charlene Crowell

dealers adding extra interest to a car loan has a long history of discrimination that has led to a series of multimillion dollar settlements with finance arms of major auto manufacturers and other ones with banks.

NNPA News Wire Columnist

While there’s nothing new about new car fever or the annual ad blitz, there’s a good deal of news on how consumers are choosing and paying for their cars.

For example, new car sales increased more than 5 percent from a year ago. At the same time, the average credit score for a new car loan dropped to 710 and even lower to 645 for a used vehicle.

These data points provided by Experian, a major market intelligence firm, also recently reported that today the average monthly car payments are also at an all-time high: $503 for a new car and $376 for a used one.

Car loan terms are also longer and the amounts financed are both larger too. On average, both new and used car loans are respectively 68 and 66 months. The average new car loan is now an alltime high at $30,032.

Consumers short on savings for a down payment, but anxious for a

Charlene Crowell new or nearly-new car may opt for a lease rather than a purchase – a very complex transaction with pitfalls of its own. During the first quarter of 2016, nearly a third of all new car transactions were leases.

For consumers, the really “good deal” is tied not only to the cost of the car, but also to the terms of the sale as well. Sale or lease prices, interest rates, length and other items are also important to the art of “the deal.”

Unfortunately, all too often consumers of color — especially Blacks and Latinos — consistently try to negotiate a “good car deal,” but often wind up paying more than others. The practice of car

Fortunately, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently developed a series of consumer resources that can better inform those making decisions.

Topics included in the series cover are how to plan for a purchase, loan options and how to better negotiate a car loan.

A consumer guide available for download can also serve as a handy reference, providing greater detail on the process from determining how much to borrow to closing the sale.

Most importantly, CFPB provides specific steps to take before going to dealers. The CFPB strongly encourages consumers to get an offer from a bank, credit union or other finance source before setting foot in the dealership.

The bureau also urges caution when striking agreements with dealers.

Consumers should carefully review loan paperwork to catch differences between what was verbally promised against what the paperwork requires borrowers to do. Consumers should never sign any loan with unclear terms, blank spaces or language they do not completely understand.

According to the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL): Eighty percent of car loans are financed through dealers; At more than one trillion dollars, outstanding car loans are the third highest amount of consumer debt, surpassed only by mortgages and student loans; and Although borrowers of color report trying to negotiate loan terms more than other consumers, they wind up paying more for financing.

A fact sheet on how to avoid a predatory car loan is available on CRL’s website.

Below are some important dates and deadlines for the Michigan Chronicle’s Best in Black Awards, so mark your calendars and spread the word.

July 30: Nominations close and the people/ businesses with the most nominations go on to the finalists round.

August 4: Voting opens for the top three nomi-

nated people/businesses in each category. Make sure you spread the word to vote for one of the top three finalists.

August 19: Voting closes and votes will be tallied up; the top winners of all the categories will be announced at the Best in Black Awards on September 16.

September 16: The Michigan Chronicle Best in Black Awards will be presented at the Music Hall. For more information, visit www.michiganchronicle.com/best-inblack-awards. #MCBIB16

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 13-19, 2016

Page C-4

Rev. Holley launches Cognos for local development

By Tatyana Hopkins Rev. Jim Holley is no stranger to entrepreneurship. For decades, the pastor of Detroit’s Historic Little Rock Baptist Church has used business endeavors to fund missions of the church. He has recently set out on a new venture, the development of an original men’s cologne.

Holley said the goal is to build a non-residential, 24-hour recreation center for men of color in the city of Detroit that will include recreation, counseling and educational services.

The Bombchel Factory drops West African fashion worldwide

By Tatiana Simone

In today’s society, where there is an large gap between the haves and have nots, Archel Bernard, founder and owner of The Bombchel Factory, has developed a way to combine her calling for fun fashion and empower disadvantaged women in Liberia.

While pursuing a career in journalism, she returned home to Liberia, where fashion proved to be her true mission.

“I moved to Liberia to be the West African Oprah Winfrey. People were not eager to hear my stories, but they were always quick to compliment my outfits. It wasn’t long before I realized that was the business I was meant to be in,” she said.

Bernard opened Mango Rags, her Monrovia boutique, in 2013, but was forced to close shop a little over a year later due to the Ebola pandemic. As the Ebola crisis eased, Bernard focused on a way to provide modern, authentic West African clothing worldwide while providing training and employment to women who were personally affected by Ebola or had survived rape, or were deaf.

“I knew we had to rebuild in a major way. I couldn’t just have a store

Holley says it took six months to develop the cologne, Cognos. Given the subtitle of “Men With Significance,” the fragrance is currently be shopped around to upscale retailers to carry for sale.

“We are negotiating with Macy’s and Nordstrom,” said Holley.

In the past, Holley has used business to fund missions of the church. He notes that just over a decade ago he dabbled in the snack industry with potato chips and a line of cookies that landed onto a major airline. He has also provided food services for public schools in Detroit.

“All of that was to support my foundation for education,” he said of his previous business endeavors.

Holley was inspired to develop the cologne after receiving numerous compliments on his personal choice of cologne.

anymore. The Bombchel Factory allows Liberian women a hand up out of poverty instead of merely giving them a hand out,” she said.

Bernard is excited to bring attention to West Africa as a potential global manufacturing hub.

She notes Shinola’s techniques in helping to revitalize Detroit in the manufacturing world.

“People enjoy having the power to wear clothes that literally change lives.

I heard Jacques from Shinola speak about creating a great work environment, and in doing so, changing environments that could have been considered failed into a new generation of retail manufacturing centers that positively impact the community and the regional economy. Monrovia can learn a lot from Detroit as we continue to grow postwar, and now post-Ebola,” said Bernard.

Bernard’s resilience is a reflection of the people

she employs. As Bombchel grows in the fashion world, her team is acquiring skills to provide for themselves and their families.

One of Bernard’s goals is to also help change the face of social cause companies, where people often feel they are “giving” money to a cause. Bernard is adamant that Bombchel is creating opportunities for women of Liberia, who are in exchange providing a service that people can support with a purchase.

This fall, The Bombchel Factory is headed to New York for Fashion Week, an accomplishment they had never envisioned from Monrovia. Bernard has also been working with Detroit-based boutique Zarkpas to help spread The Bombchel Factory locally.

For more information on The Bombchel Factory visit shopbombchel.com or follow their social pages @shopbombchel.

Help arrives for Michigan’s family caregivers The Michigan CARE Act formally took effect on Tuesday, July 12, providing immediate and substantial help to 1.3 million family caregivers who make it possible for older Michiganders to live independently at home wh where they want to be.

The Michigan Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act — which won final passage in March and was signed

by Gov. Rick Snyder in April — will support and equip family caregivers with the basic information and training they need when their loved ones go into the hospital and as they transition home.

“The CARE Act will help our family caregivers perform their labor of love all across Michigan,” said Paula D. Cunningham, AARP Michigan State Director. “We want to make sure caregivers and their loved ones are aware of this new law and take full advantage of all that it offers.”

Under the new CARE Act, Michigan hospitals will: • Allow patients to designate a family caregiver; • Notify the family caregiver when the patient is going to be discharged or transferred; and • Give the family caregiver an opportunity for instruction and a demonstration of the medical tasks required when their loved one returns home.

Learn more from experts in the field about the CARE Act and what it means for caregivers and their loved ones at a free educational event on Monday, July

20 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bott Building on the Michigan State University campus, 1355 Bogue St., East Lansing. The event will include one-on-one conversations with experts and other caregivers.

AARP also will host a series of Caregiving Conversations beginning Wednesday from 5-6:30 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m. at Woods Condominium Clubhouse, 18238 University Park Dr., Livonia.

Other “CareVersations” are scheduled for: Sunday, July 17, 1-2:30 p.m. and 3:305 p.m. at Heritage Estates Clubhouse, 15430 18 Mile Rd., Clinton.

Saturday, July 23, 10-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. at Northwest Activity Center, 18100 Meyers Rd., Detroit.

These events are free but please register by calling 1-800-278-1045 or online at aarp.cvent.com/aarpcareversationsdetroit In Michigan, there are 1.3 million family caregivers – 2 million at any point in the calendar year -- who devote 1.2 billion hours in unpaid care to loved ones at a total value of about $15 billion, according to a 2015 report by AARP’s Public Policy Institute.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse.

“The cologne that I have, a lot of people ask me about it and want me to give it to them. Rather than just continue to beg and ask for donations, I decided to invest in my own cologne,” he said.

He said 100 percent of the proceeds will go towards funding the recreation center. He also said he is developing a women’s fragrance to join Cognos in its fundraising efforts.

Holley already has a building in mind for the recreation center. He hopes to purchase the city-owned building next to the church which it currently manages and uses for its Considine/Little Rock Family Life Center.

“We manage it, but we don’t own it,” said Holley of the building.

Holley hopes the recreation center will serve the vulnerable minority male community in the city who may face obstacles in achieving success in school, work and life.

He recently celebrated his 44th year as pastor of the 70-year-old Historic Little Rock Baptist Church. He said the church’s mission is to provide assistance in the community in the areas of

Reverend Jim Holley salvation, education and economics.

Holley has been recognized for being both a minister and a businessman and is often sought after for his advice and counseling for community and religious concerns.

The Detroit Free Press rated him as one of the top five minister in Michigan and was named Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News. Crain’s Detroit Business magazine named him as one of the “Foremost Voices in Detroit.” In 2010, Holley was honored at the Trumpet Awards which heralds the accomplishments of African Americans who have succeeded against immense odds.

“I don’t consider myself an expert in business,” said Holley. “Having access to capital is so difficult at this day and time. Business is the oil that drives ministry.”

The author of “When the Vison is Bigger than the Budget” said that his creative funding practices are not the only solution to overcoming obstacles in funding church initiatives.

“It’s not for everyone. It’s an option, It’s church by church, pastor by pastor. Some churches don’t have to do it at all; they have the resources and the membership. Sometimes you have to be creative. I am an example of one solution,” said Holley of those churches that do not have the resources to fund their causes.

Potential milestone for Southfield attorney

By Princess Hayes Detroit native Devlin Scarber is a well respected attorney based in Southfield.

As a trial attorney with Turner & Turner law firm for the past 14 years, Scarber has won noteworthy cases for his clients. As an advocate for justice and a representative for the people who have been denied equal justice, Scarber has also done a lot of work as a court appointed attorney. He is also a court appointed guardian ad litem with the Wayne County Probate Court. At the age of 41, he is now pursu- Devlin Scarber ing a different part of the courtroom. Scarber is running for 46th District Court judge.

“I’ve been fighting for rights for a very long time, I am now at the point where I want to make sure that those rights are being carried out and people are actually receiving their rights. It’s one thing to be an advocate and it’s another to be the one overseeing justice,” he said.

Although Scarber may be the first African American male to sit as 46th District Court judge, his family is not new to creating history. Scarber has been hungry for justice from the day he heard his grandmother’s story. Mary Ruth Ross, an African American woman from Birmingham, Alabama, moved to Michigan in the early 1950s. As an educator, she sought to obtain full time employment at a then all white public school district in Taylor, Michigan. Ross was told she could only be a substitute teacher. She would not accept that and took her case to the Michigan Supreme Court who decided in the 1965 case of Ross v Taylor Township School Board that she be allowed to become a full time teacher in

the Taylor Public School District. She became the district’s first African American school teacher.

“I’ve carried my grandmother’s legacy and the fight for equality and fairness. I can’t think of a better way to honor the legacy of my family than for me to become judge,” said Scarber.

In the history of Southfield, there has only been one other African American male to run for 46th District Court judge.

Scarber became an attorney because he wanted to help people and make sure they were being treated fairly. He hopes to be an inspiration to the young men and women of our community by showing them that you don’t always have to be the person sitting before the judge but you can also become a judge. Scarber says that he’s aware that many African Americans have biases about the judicial system, but he hopes to alter those biases, saying “I know the viewpoint of the judicial system in our community and I’d like to be more of an influence. I’d like to be able to restore the faith in our judicial system.”

Scarber has been married for 13 years and he and his wife have two daughters.

He loves his community and wants to continue to see it grow. He tutors law students and helps them prepare to be attorneys. He is also a musician and has a special place in his heart for music. Scarber dedicates almost every Sunday to playing saxophone for his church choir.

“I am a man of faith and I believe that when we’ve been given a talent or a gift we are to use it to inspire others,” he said.

A Southfield resident for nearly 20 years, Scarber remains dedicated to serving his community and hopes to serve the city of Southfield as 46th District Court judge.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 13-19, 2016

Page C-5

ChemicoMays receives GM Supplier of the Year award for seventh time

By Sidnee King Last week, ChemicoMays celebrated its seventh consecutive recognition as GM Supplier of the Year. GM, ChemicoMays, and supporters of both companies came together at the Plum Hollow Country Club in Southfield to commemorate the company’s achievement.

Every year, GM surveys all of its suppliers around the world for the award, and ChemicoMays has come out on top for the past seven years.

The event was hosted by Rhonda Walker, morning news anchor at Local 4, who spoke highly of ChemicoMays and its CEO. “There are thousands of suppliers across the world who are suppliers of General Motors, and to be one of just about 80 that get this honor is a tremendous accomplishment once. And to do it seven years in a row is unbelievable,” she said.

Leon Richardson, president and CEO of ChemicoMays, was humbled by GM’s recognition of the quality service that his company has worked for 27 years to establish.

“It’s a testament to the quality that we try to deliver in our goods and services on a regular basis.

We strive to be the best we can be in everything that we do and in every way we operate. If someone finds that award worthy, then all the better,” he said.

Leon Richardson

ChemicoMays is a chemical supplier that employs more than 300 people in 22 states and three countries.

The company offers chemical management, distribution and facilities management services in a number of industries.

While much of the company’s revenue is generated by its automotive clients, ChemicoMays also works

in aerospace and pharmaceutical among other industries.

The event featured a number of individuals who work closely with Chemico and its management team, that spoke about Richardson and his leadership.

Congresswoman and former Southfield Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence

recognized Richardson’s work ethic.

“I am proud to know a man who continuously strives for excellence when no one is looking, when there isn’t an award sitting on the table.” she said.

Other speakers included Paul Sinko, executive vice president and COO of Chemico Systems; Gener-

al Motors Vice President Steven Kiefer, Vice President Global Purchasing and Supply Chain at General Motors and Michelle Sourie Robinson, President and CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council.

ChemicoMays is one of the largest minority-owned chemical suppliers in the country. While many would consider this

to be a great achievement, Richardson finds it to be cause for concern.

“It’s a trillion dollar industry and for us to be one of the largest isn’t a very good commentary,” he said.

As a black man, Richardson feels a responsibility to the black community in terms of hiring and recruiting black talent.

“It’s a responsibility and obligation to give minorities at large, and the African American community in particular, an opportunity to work in this field,” he said.

According to the National Science Foundation, only nine percent of science and engineering bachelor’s degrees were awarded to African Americans.

ChemicoMays seeks out black talent in recruitment, using online methods and even traveling to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

At the celebration, Walker noted that ChemicoMays is likely to receive the GM Supplier of the Year award again next year. While Richardson appreciates the assumption, he says that ChemicoMays is focused on striving for excellence regardless.

“We don’t target an award or target being recognized. We just operate at the highest level that we possibly can every day of our existence. It’s a part of our DNA and part of our core,” he said.

Page C-6 • MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 13-19, 2016

Powered by Real Times Media

SECTION D

July 13-19, 2016

michiganchronicle.com

Reflections

By Steve Holsey

The ‘other’ Motown artists When you think of Motown, what comes to mind are the iconic artists like the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross and the Jackson 5, which is logical.

But many other artists recorded for Motown at one time or another, and several had nothing to do with R&B. Those artists include Sammy Davis Jr., Diahann Carroll, Bobby Darin, the 5th Dimension, the Pointer Sisters, Billy Eckstine, Stacy Lattisaw, Chuck Jackson, Vanity, Barbara McNair, Bettye LaVette, Shanice and, believe it or not, Bruce Willis.

How Jay Z became super rich

By Steve Holsey

Stacy Lattisaw

Billy Eckstine

Unfortunately, there were few commercial hits.

MAXWELL took a seven-year break from recording and performing following the release of his 2001 album titled “Now.” He said he just wanted to live a regular life for a while.

(I guess time flies when you’re living a regular life.) Then a new album finally came out in 2009, and then another seven years elapsed before new product was made available.

In any event, the long awaited “blackSUMMERS’night” is a pleasant listening experience from the singer, songwriter, producer. But I think several of the 12 numbers are more interesting than the first single, “Lake by the Ocean,” including “All the Ways That Love Can Feel,” “III,” “Lost” and “The Fall.”

Maxwell Oddly, his last album had the same title as this one, but with upper and lower case variations.

BRYSHERE GRAY is proof that one doesn’t have to necessarily do a lot of crawling before walking. He went from being an aspiring rap star to landing the role of Hakeem Lyon, on one of today’s hottest TV shows, “Empire,” which goes into its third season in September. This was his first acting role.

(Talk about being fortunate!

And he’s only 22.)

Bryshere Gray Gray is excited about his second acting assignment — portraying Michael Bivins in the miniseries “New Edition: The Movie,” to air next year.

“This is my first movie, and I don’t want to mess it up,” he said. “I appreciate all the blessings. I appreciate every moment.”

SOMETIMES the origin of hit songs can be amusing. “Le Freak”

by Chic was one of the biggest songs of 1978, No. 1 on the national charts for five weeks, surpassed only by the group’s “Good Times,” No. 1 for six weeks.

From 1977 to 1980, during the disco era, no club was hotter than Studio 54 in New York. Every night there would be a long line of people hoping to be allowed inside. “Certain People” were chosen.

Chic Chic members Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards were upset about not getting in, so they came up with song that said repeatedly, “Ah, f--off!” It sounded good, but they knew such a song would never be played on the radio, so they restructured it into a dance song that said, “Ah, freakout!”

Robin Thicke was not pleased

See Reflections Page D-2

According to Forbes magazine, the authority on all things financial, rap superstar Jay Z (Shawn Corey Carter) has a net worth of $610 million.

That is remarkable on a number of levels, including the fact that he ascended from the projects in Brooklyn, that figure is up from $520 million in 2014.

It has everything to do with vision, careful planning, tenacity, working with the right people and, as he put it, “staying focused on making money.”

“People respect success, they respect big,” he said, an understatement if there ever was one. “They don’t even have to like your music. If you’re big enough, people are drawn to you.”

One of the main differences between recording artists of days past and those today is that many of today’s stars have a keener business sense, know where their money is going, have mastered the art of making their money work for them, and some are successful entrepreneurs.

JAY Z has made a massive amount of money with his recordings and live performances since he emerged on the entertainment scene in 1995. But by far the greatest part of his income is derived from his entrepreneurial endeavors.

The spark was lit when Jay Z was in elementary school. A special teacher, Miss Lowden, made him realize that the possibilities for Shawn Carter were far greater than his surroundings. Politics, he recalled, “never trickled down to the area I came from. Where I come from is another world. We were ignored by politicians, by America in general.”

It is a well-publicized fact that when he was very young (he’s 46 now), Jay Z got caught up in selling drugs although he was not a user. He has never tried to hide that part of his history. He knows that denial is a fruitless endeavor, as is labeling anything other than what it really is.

TWENTY-ONE Grammy Awards later, Jay Z could write a book providing a blueprint for success in the music industry, as well as, perhaps even more importantly, a second book on the whys and wherefores of succeeding in business. These books would be in ad-

See JAY Z Page D-2

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE MOTOR CITY ENTERTAINMENT

July 13-19, 2016 Page D-2

CALENDAR 3 7

ASHANTI, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, Aug. 20. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com.

To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

BOY GEORGE and Culture Club, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, Sunday, July 17. For more information, call 248.377.0100.

Nothing like the real thing Jeffrey Osborne (right), one of the most soulful and expressive singers in the history of R&B, was a main attraction at Detroit River Days. Here he enjoys an audience participation segment. — Barbara Orto photo

Rockin’ on the Riverfront

BOYZ II MEN, En Vogue, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Aug. 7. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

CHENE PARK Amphitheatre: New Edition, Friday, July 15; Spyro Gyra, Boy George July 20; Sheila E, Tower of Power, July 22; Eric Benét, July 27; Diana Ross, July 30; S.O.S. Band, Brothers Johnson, Aug. 3; Regina Belle, Gary Taylor, Aug. 10; Will Downing, Lynn Marie, Aug. 17; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Aug. 27. For more information, visit cheneparkdetroit. com.

CONCERT OF COLORS, Midtown, free of charge, featuring the Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue, the Mighty Sparrow, the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra and many others representing music from many parts of the world, Thursday-Sunday, July 1417. For more information, visit www.concertofcolors.com.

Michael McDonald, master of blue-eyed soul, kicked off the 2016 Rockin’ on the Riverfront summer concert series. McDonald had hits with the Doobie Brothers and as a solo artist.

— Barbara Orto photo

DRAKE, Future, Joe Louis Arena, Aug. 16. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

KANYE WEST, Joe Louis Arena, Sept. 28. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

THE WHISPERS, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, July 23.

Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino. com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

Jay Z

PICKS 730 906 149 738 413 WEEK’S BEST LOTTERY

210 372 225 116 526 386 598 3909 5160 065 16 47 50 52 29 37 YOUR AD

LOOKS

GOOD IN PRINT Place your classified or display ad in the

From page D-1

dition to “Decoded,” the Jay Z memoir that was published in 2010. The new books would be more detail specific.

“I’m hungry for knowledge,” said Jay Z. “The whole thing is to learn every day, to get brighter and brighter. You look at someone like Martin Luther King Jr., he glowed.

Gandhi, he glowed. I think that’s from being bright and trying to get brighter.”

JAY Z’S lucrative business ventures include being co-creator of the Rocawear clothing line; founder of Roc Nation Sports, a sports agency; the former president of

And then, of course, there is the matter of family first — wife Beyoncé and daughter Blue Ivy. Another aspect of attaining success in business, as in working in the music industry, is staying attuned to what’s happening around you, even if you are not initially in acceptance mode.

“Whenever people reject change, things change anyway,” he said.

Def Jam Recordings; and co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records. In addition, he is a certified MLB and NBA sports agent.

It’s a wonder he finds time for all this, and more.

“Successful people have a bigger fear of failure than people who’ve never done anything, because if you haven’t been successful, you don’t know how it feels like to

Reflections

From page D-1

when he found out that his father, actor Alan Thicke, and his much younger wife have been using one of his songs, “Sex Therapy,” when they are making love.

Robin wants them to bring that to a halt because it’s creepy. He has a point, but no one can make them stop.

(Bloodstone), “Show and Tell” (Al Wilson), “Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.)” (Edwin Starr), “Pick Up the Pieces” (AWB), “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” (the Four Tops), “I Wanna Do It to You” (Jerry Butler), “Stay in My Corner” (the Dells), “Sexy Mama” (the Moments).

I watched one episode (well, most of it) of the new Mike Epps sitcom, the reboot of “Uncle Buck,” and found it to be run-of-the-mill and not very funny. Then too, black remakes of white TV shows, plays and movies tend to annoy me. I’d rather see something new.

BLESSINGS to Vickie Winans, Marie Bryant, Chris Campbell, John Telford, Duke Fakir, Ann Jamerson, Kevin Keegan, Leland Stein, Eddie Allen and Stephen Singleton.

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that Al Green and Detroit’s own Laura Lee used to go together.

MEMORIES: “Standing on the Top” (the Temptations featuring Rick James), “International Lover” (Prince), “Hey, Girl” (Freddie Scott), “Natural High”

2016

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from “Golden Rules for Living”: “If it will brighten someone’s day, say it. If it will tarnish someone’s reputation, keep it to yourself.”

Let the music play!

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

Detroit has long been known as a great jazz town. Celebrating its 16th season, Comerica Bank Java & Jazz continues the tradition of providing a monthly after work concert series that showcases some of Detroit’s finest creative talent.

Comerica Bank Java & Jazz • July 19, 6:00 p.m.

Detroit Public Library – Main Library 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202

Maurice Davis

LAST CONCERT OF THE SEASON! DON’T MISS IT!!

Maurice Davis not only sings and plays the Blues, he loves the Blues, and that commitment comes through to his audiences and keeps ‘em coming back. He is known for what he calls “party blues,” a blend of southern soul and old school R & B, and hosts the King of Party Blues Radio Show at Kettering University in Flint, at 94.3 FM and online, Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. His own discography includes 10 albums since 2000, including Soulful on Sims Records out of Nashville, Tennessee, which earned a nomination as “Blues CD of the Year.”

lose it all,” he said. “Why do you think some people get stuck in boxes? It’s that fear of going back down.”

Jay Z’s other business ventures include or have included owning an upscale sports bar; investing in a line of beauty products; being co-brand director for Budweiser Select; being part owner of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team; investing in real estate development; and serving as executive producer of a basketball video game.

In all probability, Jay Z has several highly-likely-to-be-profitable business projects in the works, and there will be more after that.

Call (313) 963-5522

Classified

July 13-19, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Oscar Bell Nalls, Jr. Command Sargent Major

and scarred by Agent Orange, a hazardous chemical used during war times in Vietnam. Oscar’s current battle is not related to the military. He is battling cancer and other ailments most likely remnants from the ugliness of war. When asked how he survived in the war when so many soldiers’ perished, he remarked “my father did not give me permission to die”.

Oscar Bell Nalls, Jr (December 30, 1947 – present) made a decision of a lifetime when he enlisted in the army on February 23, 1965 at the tender age of 17. Amidst the ravages of the bloody Vietnam War, this 17 year old solider excelled to elite ranks. It was the strong work ethic and commitment to excellence set by his parents, Oscar Bell Nalls, Sr. and Pearlie Nalls that propelled Oscar to a “Special Forces” military status. Over the course of his military service, Oscar’s coveted positions and accomplishments included Command Sargent Major, member of the 75th Airborne Ranger Unit (Ranger 26), member of the 1st Calvary Division, Green Beret, and Delta Forces. He racked up 729 jumps, and 50+ repels.

Oscar’s military service came at a very high price. He was a prisoner of war, missing in action, and a Purple Heart recipient. Unfortunately he continues to be plagued with malaria

Oscar lives in Troy, MI and continues to serve in a lead and protect capacity. He is passionate about his family and savors every moment he spends with them. He certainly understands the precious gift of life and to live without complaints.

PERSONAL SERVICES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

City of Highland Park

MRS. LINN

BORN GIFTED READER

Announces it has joined the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network, a regional purchasing community by BidNet. Local government agencies throughout Michigan utilize the purchasing group for bid and vendor management.

The 7th Daughter without asking you a single word. I will tell you what you want to know. Tell your present, past and future. Tell you who your friends and enemies are.

Why you’re so unlucky. If your loved one is true or false.I will advise you all problems of life, such as love, marriage, business and health, etc. Why suffer, you can be free from all troubles. I guarantee Sucess where others failed. I am superior to any other reader you have seen.

Don’t let distance keep you away from Health and Happiness. Hrs. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily and Sunday.

City of Highland Park invites all potential vendors to register online with the Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network to access its upcoming solicitations.

No Mail Answered 2742 Monroe St., Toledo, Ohio 1-419-248-2145 1-419-973-9058

Vendors interested in doing business with City of Highland Park are encouraged to register at www.MITN.info. The City of Highland Park is currently requesting proposals for demolition for 16 residential structures full details and instructions can be found at www.MITN.info.

WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

INVITATION TO BIDDERS The River Rouge Housing Commission request bid proposals for the services listed below for its 300 Public Housing dwelling units, Hyacinth Court II Community Center and its Main Office.

Bid packets has been available since Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the River Rouge Housing Commission, 180 Visger Rd., River Rouge, MI 48218. Sealed bids will be received for Heating & Cooling by the River Rouge Housing Commission until 2:00pm Thursday, July 28, 2016 and will be opened. Bids received after 2:00pm on July 28, 2016 will be rejected and returned unopened to the bidder. For more information contact River Rouge Housing Commission Monday-Friday during normal business hours from 8:00am – 4:30pm at 313-382-1414.

EXTENSION ON THE FOLLOWING INVITATION TO BIDDERS: Non-Refundable fee of $50.00 per packet: • HEATING & COOLING SERVICES EXTENSION DATE DUE BY: 2:00 P.M. JULY 28, 2016 Interested bidders may obtain bid documents from the River Rouge Housing Commission.

All Bids must be addressed to: River Rouge Housing Commission

180 Visger Rd.

River Rouge, MI 48218

Attn: Lori D. Long, Executive Director All bids must be submitted on prescribed forms.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employment Agency

FOR THE BIDS TO BE ACCEPTABLE ALL BIDS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: ADDENDUM NO. 1 1. Non Collusive Affidavit (On bidders Letterhead) 2. Representations, Certification and Other Statements of bidders (HUD Form 3569-A completed by bidder) 3. Contractor’s Qualification Statement (AIA Documents A305 completed by bidder) 4. Certification of Non Segregated Facilities (completed by bidder) 5. Section 3 Form

WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

Detroit woma showers De n infants with troit love See page

POWERED

Volume 79

– Number

WHAT’S INS IDE

L.A. Reid

Famed pro ducer-write r tells all

B-1

See page

BY REAL

IA

28 michiganchro

nicle.com

Assisting urban scho ols (Page A-3)

March 23-2 9, 2016

U.S. Conferen of Mayors sta ce nds with Flint Mayor Weave r

Michigan citizens are surprisingly of using statesupportive resources to support Detro Schools. Demo it Public crats tend to be more supportive that Repu blicans — which is not surpri sing.

Michigan Chronicle Reports

Wayne Health Cent er (Page B-1)

Wayne Coun ty Executive Warre n C. Evans

partners with health care providers to open new Wayne Health Center

Small busin es big clout in s equals Detroit

By Keith A.

Senior Editor

Owens

U.S. Confe rence of and Execu Mayor and formetive Director Tom s CEO Cochran Franklin r Atlanta Mayor stood in Shirley Flint Mayor solidarity with Karen a recent press confeWeaver during City Hall where she rence at Flint al and state called for federassistance. the Confe rence’s suppo As part of also releas rt, Cochr an to Congr ed a new bipartisan ess and the White letter from more the count than 150 mayors House aroun ry urgin d Flint in the afterm g resources for crisis. ath of the water As the democratic mayor of Flint, Karen ally elected the full faith and confid Weaver has colleagues from aroun ence of her try. On their d the counsecon Cochran, Franklin, d visit to Flint, perts are providing and a team of exsupport to Mayor

10,000 black The narra in the dining businesses,” tive for comes to room of one he said, while local Detroit is quite some time sitting of many to be had, that there when it tively establishments, of his and that are very that are few jobs and new black-owne The Crab House favorite truly succe the majority of , a relad restau Evergreen businesses are not ssful in rant that opene those owned this city d in 2009. near 7 Mile And when right now Indeed,

by Africa n Americans nearly two a Huffington Post concerning you look at the domin years . the story publis Detroit’s is overw same thing, ago in July of revitalizatioant headlines hed helmingly 2014 said focusing n, the focus tually black what’s wond on Detro it’s down businesses on the fact that much erful in Midto ering the is exactl it is acin Detroit wn — neithe town and revitalizatio y recognized that know a more than r of which are pown, even as the it by most of the news though you’d never restaurants, 80 percent black blackest parts of coverage.

“Stories to be conce the hottest nightstown. The latest ing, that Flint Mayo revitalizing claim entrepreneu ntrated pots, r graphical rs are and even – Andre SmithKaren Weaver area. Blackin one relatively all seem primarily on cally sideli small geo- er white profes saving Detroit buildphoto folks are and ned focus being sionals, in a rigged new Black desig Weaver as guys get often game while systemati- thats palpa transplants to to to recov she implements ble and frustr the city, youngsigned by play first string fashion fromner reinvents her plan er on an openthe white journalists a trend them for frames to ating for public health Flint’s infras and them. fur. field de- leavin That’s , and econo tructure, g black readers criticized locals. When the my. paper’s publics out of its City Coun the more popular The Flint Corktown Times for water crisis editor versit top priori story, the ingberry, cil President Pro narrative, anywa has been ty for The y. regrety in a follow-up,addressed the however, Tem a of Mayor lack of dinot that U.S. Confe begs to differ. George Cushand the ted not includ s since there aren’t writer Stron the Confe rence (A Janua businesses ing said more recen gly. It’s enough a black-owne ry Winte she rence’s in Detro succe t Times story r Meeting d busin ing view.) ington, seems to it, but rather ssful black in DC, takes a wider ess. care. that nobod Flint Mayor where newly Wash-rangelected “It’s not y “Conservati Karen about the difficult vely in owner to challenges Weaver spoke to find Detroit in her city. we have than 32,00speak with, thoug a black business Immediatel over h. There 0 in the city, This year’s Winter Meeti y following the are more according first Panca USCM ng in to U.S. Censu ference & Politics See SMAL of Mayor January, Conforum quick kes s L BUSIN ESS page A-4 s Presid Baltimore evolved into ly ent and ings-Blake Mayor Stephanie and hones a direct t ta Mayor asked that forme Rawlof what is assessment Shirley Frank r Atlan precisely the al expert lin, a nation problem with USCM CEOon water investmen, Public Schoo Detroit and Tom Cochr and Executive Director can and must ls and what Flint in earlyan co-led a missi be done on to February. about it.

The Confe rence of supported Mayor Mayor Weave s also tified before r Congress, as she tesWeaver and Mayor recently attended Winter Leade USCM’s rship Meeti nearly 45 ng where mayors stood of her effort in suppo rt health crisis s to solve a He is one serious that has term and of both stars of rap, the greatest Flint reside long-term impac shortbut has since ts for nts. become The U.S. From left: is the officiaConference of better Crab Hous l nonpartisan Mayors zation of and V. Lonni e co-owners known as cities organ e Peek. with popul iEric and Damo 30,000 or ations of a highly n English, 1400 such more. There are Chronicle nearly skilled cities Senior Editor today, and in the count Keith Owen actor ry in the Confeeach city is repres s, ented rence by and a ed officia l, the mayo its chief electpolish r.

C. Grangsto n Bullard (Page C-1)

Pancakes & Politics straight talk (Page C-6)

LL Cool J raps again (Page D-1)

NORTHERN

genial awards shows host of . Can LL Co

ed,

HIGH SCHO OL STUDEN Historic even T REVOLT TU t led t RN

By Ken C

D-1

TIMES MED

ELECTION NOTICE To the qualified electors of the City of Highland Park, notice is hereby given that a Primary election will be held in the city on August 2, 2016 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of nominating candidates for the following offices: REPUBLICAN and DEMOCRATIC PARTY Representative in Congress 13th district Representative in State Legislative 7th district Delegates to County Convention COUNTY Prosecuting Attorney Sheriff Clerk Treasurer Register of Deeds County Commissioner 3rd district JUDICIAL Circuit Court 3rd Circuit (Non incumbent)

He is one of seven children born to Oscar, Sr. and Pearlie Nalls in Detroit, MI. From an early age he was great at sports and was a strong leader. “He was always the protector in the family.

Our boyfriends had to get permission from Oscar before they could pursue any of the sisters” – Bev Porter, sister.

After retiring from the military, Oscar continued to lead. He held several positions, including serving as a Correction Officer and a Field Training Officer for the Department of Correction.

Oscar added the title of author to his long list of accomplishments with his book, “If I had known, I’d been ready”. It depicts many of his personal lessons and experiences. This book of poems and short sayings reinforce his motto to “learn and then teach” which he has attempted to do with his three children and seven grandchildren.

Page D-3

and to vote on the following proposals PROPOSALS (COUNTY) (Full text available at the clerk’s office) Proposition P Park Millage Continuation Wayne County Zoological Authority Renewal Millage STATEMENT AS REQUIRED BY ACT 278 OF PUBLIC ACYS OF 1964 Amending the Property Tax Limitation Act I, Eric R Sabree, Treasurer of Wayne County, Michigan, do hereby certify that, as of June 6, 2016 the total of all voted increases in excess of the tax rate limitation established by Section 6, Article IX of the Constitution of the State of Michigan, as amended and the years such increases are effective on property in the County of Wayne are as follows: WAYNE COUNTY Wayne County, Michigan Voted Increases 1 mill 1 mill 1.25 mills 1 mill

Year Increase Expires 2019 2021 2020 2022

Taxing Authorities County of Wayne Wayne County Jail Wayne County Community College

Date of Election November 3, 2009 August 7, 2012 November 6, 2008 November 6, 2012

Taxing Authorities Highland Park School District

SCHOOL DISTRICTS Date of Election Voted Increases Year Increase Expires April, 1997 18 mills 2016 (non- homestead only) January, 1997 5.00 mills 2016

Notice is further given that for said election the polling places for the several election precincts of the City of Highland Park are as follows: Precinct No. 1 4 & 15 7&8 12 & 20 14 18 23 25

Location Gods house of Prayer Baptist Church - 11843 Hamilton Highland Park Recreation Center 10 Pitkin Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church – 16548 Hamilton New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church – 13100 Woodward Ave. Bishop G.D. Moore Apartments - 99 Manchester Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Complex - 12050 Woodward Ave. Downes Manor – 13725 John R Soul Harvest Ministries – 16300 Woodward Ave.

To receive an Absent Voter’s ballot for the Primary election a voter must request an absent voter’s application by phone, mail or in person at the City Clerk’s office. The deadline to receive a request and mail ballots is Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. To comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), voting instructions will be available on audio tape and braille. Arrangements for obtaining the instruction in these alternative formats can be made by contacting the City Clerk in advance of the election. All polling locations are accessible for voters with disabilities.

Brenda Green City Clerk 12050 Woodward Ave. 313-252-0050 x 222 or 223

Tips for Better Family Road Trips ( St a t e Po i n t ) Taking the family on a road trip? When kids are in tow, an extended car ride means thinking ahead to help avoid headaches and squabbling over personal space. A little planning can go a long way in making the trip enjoyable for passengers of all ages.

To minimize backseat frustrations and maximize fun on the open road, consider these tips: • Babies and Toddlers: Manage meltdowns by factoring in nap time when planning your route.

Drive while little ones are sleeping and take breaks that coincide with their regular eating schedule.

• The Grade School Set: Let each child pack their own road trip survival backpack. They can fill it with their favorite car-friendly snacks, crafting gear and tech gadgets. Make sure items are fully charged and bring along extra batteries. Think about bringing a new book or snack they haven’t seen before to keep things interesting when their interest begins to wane.

• Tweens and Teens: This age group has a lot of opinions. To help keep the peace, give them a say in some car-related activities. Let them choose the playlist for one hour or use an app to geo-locate a

restaurant for lunch.

• At Every Age: Safety should always be at the forefront of every road trip. Keep a first aid kit handy and have extra bottled water in the trunk.

Make sure every passenger is wearing a seat belt or is properly secured in his or her car seat before putting the car in motion.

Infants should ride rear-facing until at least two years of age, or until they have reached the maximum height and weight limits of rear-facing car seats, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics.

Choose a car seat designed with both safety and comfort in mind, such as the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat, which provides five inches of extra legroom and six recline positions. It can be used in rear-facing mode up to 50 pounds and forward facing in a 5-point harness up to 65 pounds, and its harness and headrest are adjustable as your child grows. Additional car seat information can be found at gracobaby.com.

Traveling with children will always be somewhat stressful, and requires a sense of humor; but if you involve them in decisions and think about ways to keep kids comfortable longer on the trip, you will be able to have greater peace of mind and a lot more fun while on the open road.

Classified ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC LOGIC AND ACCURACY TEST Notice is hereby given, that the Public Logic and Accuracy Test for the Primary Election being held in the City of Highland Park on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 is scheduled for Friday July 15, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the election room Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Complex 12050 Woodward Avenue Highland Park, MI 48203 The Public Logic and Accuracy test is conducted to determine that the program and the computer being used to tabulate the results of the election counts in the manner prescribed by law.

Brenda Green, CMC Highland Park City Clerk

Attention: Detroit Headquartered & Detroit-Based Businesses Walbridge, a Detroit Headquartered Construction company is hosting a Subcontractor Outreach meeting for all construction related Detroit Headquartered or Detroit-Based Businesses for the David Stott Adaptive Re-Use Project. This is a 38 story, 109unit apartment building located in Detroit, MI. The Outreach will be held Thursday, July 28, 2016 at Walbridge:

777 Woodward Ave. Suite 200 Detroit, MI 48226 Doors open at 8:00 a.m.

Program begins at 8:30 a.m.

Please Preregister to Jackie Jackson at (313) 442-1385. The following information is required: • Company name • Attendee name • Phone number If you are a Detroit Headquartered or Detroit-Based Business, we encourage you to attend!

Walbridge is AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER that is committed to the City of Detroit.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR RIVER ROUGE HOUSING COMMISSION HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS (HQS) INSPECTIONS The River Rouge Housing Commission (RRHC) hereby submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Certified Housing Inspection Firms, to provide professional housing inspection services for the Housing Choice voucher Program (HCVP) for approximately 240 units. This service shall be performed in accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Handbook 7420.8 Rev-1, and Michigan State Statues and with other applicable laws, and 24 CFR 85.36 Procurement.

The RFP will be published and distributed June 10, 2016. Your quotations will be extended until 4:30 pm, July 19, 2016 at the River Rouge Housing Commission Administrative Office, 180 Visger Rd., River Rouge, MI. 48218. Proposals will be evaluated July 30th, 2016 through Aug. 2nd, 2016. There is a target Contract award for August 3, 2016. Formal Request for Qualifications Packets may be obtained from the River Rouge Housing Commission by contacting Lori D. Long at 313-382-1276 or via email at llong@riverrougehousing.com.

All proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: “Qualification for HCVP Inspection Services.” Offerors shall adhere to the provisions for Equal Employment Opportunity, RRHC Section 3 policy and Wage Rate and Determination requirements set forth in the RFP General Condition Document. RRHC reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to waive all technicalities. No proposal shall be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) calendar days subsequent from the receipt of Proposals without the consent of the RRHC. The RRHC assumes no liability for the cost incurred for preparing proposals.

Signed: Lori D. Long Executive Director

SAWMILLS

from only $4397.00 MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill-Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship!

FREE info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext. 300N

Month of JULY is UV Safety Month

HELP WANTED Seeking

COMPUTING RESOURCE TECHNICIAN AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Arts & Sciences

Provide support for the College of Arts & Sciences and its academic units in areas of technology purchasing, installation, applications, maintenance and user interface.

This includes faculty research and desktop computers, CAS instructional resources and administrative infrastructure. Maintain college computer labs and other college computing and technology resources.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer technology or two years’ experience working with computer hardware, Macintosh, Linux and Windows operations systems, applications and peripherals. Knowledge of OS deployment and security. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 19, 2016.

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

Published Every Wednesday

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL & FIELD SERVICES AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Seeking

OFFICE ASSISTANT II AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Office of the Registrar

Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years general office work, including experience in prioritizing work and meeting deadlines. Ability to operate standard office equipment. Knowledge of proper grammar, spelling & punctuation, intermediate word processing, spreadsheet and database applications. Ability to effectively interact with the public, students, faculty, and staff. This is a full time, clerical-technical position, with a salary of $39,693 annually. See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 19, 2016.

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

PROPOSAL WRITER AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Seeking

ANNUAL GIVING OFFICER AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Annual Giving

SEHS Student Teacher Placement

This position will provide leadership and direction in the overall management and supervision of the School & Field Services Office. Assist with strategic outreach initiatives that support collaboration with public schools; conduct and oversee research and field placement activities; and advise on professional issues. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in Education or a related field. Past or current teach certification for P-12. Seven to ten years’ experience in one or a combination of the following areas: school administration, teaching and supervision. Knowledge of state and national teacher standards. This is a full time, administrative professional position with some evening and weekend hours required.

Salary commensurate with education and experience. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 19, 2016.

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

This position will support the capital campaign and the Office of Annual Giving by developing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for leadership annual giving donors and potential leadership donors. Will successfully manage 150-200 prospects/ donors within the $1,000 - $24,999 range. Seek to increase level of giving to leadership level.

Minimum Qualifications: B.A. or B.S. Degree required and one to three years of related work experience. Ability to forge strong working relationships with colleagues and a capacity for engaging confidence and trust among donors, alumni, and friends of the University.

This is a regular full-time position with compensation commensurate with education and experience. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 19, 2016.

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

Campaign & Stewardship

The Proposal Writer reports to the Campaign Director and prepares persuasive and articulate grant applications and proposals for Oakland University for existing or proposed projects, including writing or amending program descriptions and compiling required data.

Proposals are for corporations, foundations, or individuals. Minimum Qualifications: B.A. or B.S. degree required and two years of professional writing experience with advanced proofreading skills and strong attention to detail with regards to donor and program names, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Familiarity with advanced features of Microsoft Office suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

This is a regular full-time position with compensation commensurate with education and experience. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 19, 2016.

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

CUSTODIAN TEMPORARY/ PART-TIME AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Campus Cleaning Department

Performs cleaning activities and maintains assigned areas in various campus classroom and office buildings and on an emergency basis, performs grounds related tasks.

Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience, ability to use and/or mix various cleaning chemicals, perform physically active work, requires frequent lifting of up to 60 lbs., may work in various weather conditions with extremes heat & cold, also may require a MI driver’s license acceptable to the University’s insurance carrier. This is a temporary/parttime position with a salary of $9.25 per hour, working 20-39 hours per week – no benefits.

See online postings for additional position requirements.

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

MAJOR GIFT OFFICER AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Development Services

This position will conduct major fundraising activities for Oakland University but with primary responsibility for the College of Arts and Sciences. Manages the fundraising process for an assigned portfolio of prospects and donors and conducts activities leading to gifts of $25,000 and above for identified goals and programs. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. A minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in development and fundraising, preferably with several years of experience in a collegiate/university setting. Demonstrated success in obtaining gifts of $25,000 and above. This is a regular full-time position with compensation commensurate with education and experience. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 19, 2016.

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

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PRINCIPAL GIFTS AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Development Services Department

Provide strategic leadership to further the University’s fundraising activities through management of corporate and foundation relations, major gifts, principal gifts, and highlevel donor strategy. Manage and oversee 11 to 17 staff, including major gift officers and foundation relations staff. Key responsibility is to organize, motivate, and coach the team to a high-level of performance in order to meet fundraising goals. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of ten years of significant achievement in a broadbased development, sales, or marketing role with demonstrated success raising gifts of $1,000,000 and above, and previous managerial experience. See on line positing for additional position requirements. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by June 30, 2016.

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

Seeking

ADMISSIONS ADVISER AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

Admissions Department

Seeking

SKILLED TRADES VI – HEATING PLANT AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Plant Maintenance

Candidate will become part of a skilled trade’s team responsible for Central Heating Plant (CHP) and campus-wide maintenance activities. Will perform a variety of tasks associated with maintaining CHP, building HVAC, and mechanical plumbing, and electrical systems. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation, endorsed trade school or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proof of four years’ experience operating heating plants, power houses or boiler rooms with high pressure steam and/ or High Temperature Water operations. Must possess a valid current City of Detroit high pressure boiler operator’s license. A State of Michigan vehicle operator’s license and driving record acceptable to the university are required.

This is a full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fill-in for shifts not being manned due to absence.

Salary is $25.93 per hour/$29.16 after 90 days.

See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 20, 2016.

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

Requirements+Analyst,++ Lead+Processing+&+Lead+Management+ !

General!Motors!Company,!Detroit,!MI.!Lead! team!of!4!IT!Analysts,!plan!&create!flexible!

Lead!Management!System!(LMS)! technologies,!promoting!ease!of!use! interfaces!between!GM,!dealers!&customers! on!internetFbased!platforms!using!&applying!

Standards!for!Technology!in!Automotive!

Retail!(STAR)!&AutoFlead!Data!Form!(ADF)! data!schemas.!Analyze!enterprise!sys!design,! end!to!end!data!streams,!integration!of!web! &mobile!apps,!dealer!systems,!&large!scale! data!processing!hubs.!Evaluate!&install!new! iterations!of!soft!&hardwr!in!Lead!Connect! environment!on!Siebel!Automotive.!Dvlp! &improve!Lead!Connect!Data!Warehouse! using!Oracle!Database!&OBIEE.!Dvlp!sys!to! sys!integrations.!Categorize!&map!lead!data,! usability,!user!interface!layout!&customer/user! exp!analyzing!data!for!optimization.!Associate,!

Information!Systems!or!Business!

Administration.!3!yrs!exp!as!Lead!

Management!System!Consultant!or!LMS! Analyst!or!Lead.!Exp!must!include!dvlpmt!of! soft!&technical!solutions!for!Lead!Mgmt!Sys! softQ!developing!sys!to!sys!integrationsQ! categorizing!&mapping!lead!data,!usability,! user!interface!layout!&customer/user!exp! analyzing!data!for!optimizationQ!&applying!

STAR!&ADF!data!schemas.!Mail!resume!to!

Alicia!ScottFWears,!GM!Global!Mobility,!300!

Renaissance!Center,!Mail!Code!482FC32F D44,!Detroit,!MI!48265,!Ref#575.+ !

!

Senior'Creative'Designer' Warren,!MI,!General!Motors.!Research! &evaluate!global!vehicle!design!trends! &consumer!aesthetic!preferences.!

Analyzing/benchmark!competitors,!performing! design!research!for!psgr!cars!through!vehicle! testing!events!&Motor!shows.!Generate!fresh! new!ideas!for!full!vehicle!exterior!incldg!hood,! side!apertures,!door!panels,!trunk!lids,!grills,! fascia,!bumpers,!wheels,!&accessories,!in!line! with!ongoing!“Corporate!Look”!of!brand.!

Create!realistic!perspective!sketches! &renderings!using!conventional/digital!pen! drawing!skills!on!paper!&soft!such!as!Adobe!

Photoshop,!Alias!sketchbook!Pro,!Corel!

Painter!in!scale!&full!size!sufficient!to! communicate!design!ideas.!Create!1:3!scale! &fullLscale!clay!models!of!car!exteriors,!giving! direction!to!clay!&digital!sculptors!to!build! aesthetically!appealing!&ergonomically!perfect! exterior!models.!Prepare!2!&3Ldimensional! mockLups!of!proposed!design!solutions.!

Refine!car!exterior!designs!for!aerodynamic! testing!in!wind!tunnel!to!retain!original!design! intent!&meet!aerodynamics!efficiency!targets.!

Dvlp!vehicle!architecture!package!by! manipulating!human!factors!such!as!HLpoint,!

Chair!height,!diagonal!headroom,!down!vision,! couple!distance,!IngressLegress!target!to! achieve!desired!vehicle!exterior!proportions.!

Give!design!direction!to!prototype!production! team!of!metal/hard!parts!modelers! &painting/fabricating!technicians!&mechanics! using!design!sketches,!sections!drawings! &verbal!articulation!of!surfaces.!Bachelor,!

Industrial!or!Transportation/Automobile!

Design,!or!Engrg.!12!mos!exp!as!Exterior!

Designer!generating!fresh!new!ideas!for!full! vehicle!exteriors!in!line!with!ongoing!

“Corporate!Look”!of!brand,!creating!realistic! perspective!sketches!&renderings!using! conventional!drawing!skills!&soft!such!as!

Adobe!Photoshop,!Alias!sketchbook!Pro,!

Corel!Painter!in!scale!&full!size!sufficient!to! communicate!design!ideasS!giving!design! direction!to!prototype!production!team!of! metal/hard!parts!modelers! &painting/fabricating!technicians!&mechanics! using!design!sketches,!sections!drawings! &verbal!articulation!of!surfaces.!Mail!resume! to!Alicia!ScottLWears,!GM!Global!Mobility,!300!

Renaissance!Center,!MC:482LC32LD44,!

Detroit,!MI!48265,!Ref#2819.! !

Page D-4

HELP WANTED

Seeking

Seeking

CONSTRUCTION REMODELING

July 13-19, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

This position will ensure that prospective students are recruited, admitted, and oriented to the university and assist in the facilitation of recruitment, yield, and transition programs.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. One year experience recruiting students for educational opportunities. Ability to travel extensively (in and out of state), valid Michigan Driver’s license and driving record acceptable to university. Ability to work extended hours, some evenings and weekends will be required. Excellent organization, analytical, oral & written communication skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with others.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Refer to online posting for additional requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 15, 2016.

Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM !

Senior'CAE'Engineer'N&V' '

Warren,!MI.!General!Motors!Company.!

Perform!complex!analytical!CAE!simulations! to!evaluate!automot!full!vehicles,!trimmed! bodies,!BIW,!&also!subsys!level!such!as! suspension!systems,!subframes,!closures! systems!for!Noise!&Vibration!(NV)!according! to!internal!qlty!standards,!incldg!driver’s! &psgr’s!ear!noise!response,!steering!wheel! vibration,!seat!vibration,!floor!shake,!body! mounts!dynamic!&static!stiffness!for!isolation,! engine!mounts!isolation,!exhaust!mounts! stiffness,!normal!modes,!body!local!&!global! torsional!&bending!stiffness!for!various!road! &powertrain!loading!conditions!using!

HyperMesh,!HyperView,!Hypergraph,!

OptiStruct,!Ansa,!Nastran!&Abaqus.!Work!on! diagnosis!simulations!to!identify!NV!problems! &dvlp!countermeasures!to!meet!NV! performance!reqmts!&also!work!with!design! teams!to!make!feasible!solutions!by! considering!mass!&cost.!Work!with!test!labs! to!interpret!measurements!using!CAE!with! guidance,!&producing!concise!mgmt! summaries.!Master,!Mechanical!Engineering.!

12!mos!exp!as!Senior!CAE!Engineer! performing!complex!analytical!CAE! simulations!to!evaluate!full!vehicles,!trimmed! bodies,!BIW,!&also!subsys!level!such!as! suspension!systems,!subframes,!closures! systems,!for!NV!according!to!internal!qlty! standards,!incldg!driver’s!&psgr’s!ear!noise! response,!steering!wheel/seat!vibration,!floor! shake,!body!mounts!dynamic!&static!stiffness! for!isolation,!normal!modes!using!HyperMesh,!

HyperView,!Hypergraph,!OptiStruct,!Ansa,!

Nastran!&Abaqus.!Work!on!diagnosis! simulations!to!identify!NV!problems!&dvlp! countermeasures!to!meet!NV!performance! reqmts.!Mail!resume!to!Alicia!ScottQWears,!

GM!Global!Mobility,!300!Renaissance!Center,!

Mail!Code!482QC32QD44,!Detroit,!MI!48265,!

Ref#520.!' '

!

Dimensional*Systems*Engineer* Warren,!MI.!General!Motors.!Lead!strategic! dimensional!integration!within!&across! subsystems,!through!variation!mgmt!of!vehicle! designs!&mfg!processes!to!achieve!vehicle! dimensional!reqmts!of!vehicle!exhaust! systems!incldg!manifolds,!catalytic!converters,! mufflers,!resonators,!&interfacing!systems! such!as!front/rear!cradle!assy,!front/rear! chassis!structure,!suspension!systems,! &assuring!vehicles!are!designed!taking! account!of!assy!&mfg!process!variation.!Dvlp!

Dimensional!Technical!Specification!&assist! studio!during!earliest!stages!of!vehicle!dvlpmt! process!executing!Virtual!Simulation!Model!

(VMS)!of!vehicle!design!&mfg!processes!to! study!form!&function!of!parts/assemblies! &predict!forces,!&kinematic!motion!along!with! vehicle!build!variation!using!3DCS!soft.!

Actively!engage!with!Product!Development!

Teams!to!resolve!dimensional!design! concerns!in!all!stages!of!Global!Vehicle!

Development!Process.!Dvlp!3D!embedded!

GD&T!for!Chassis,!CRFM,!Fuel!Systems! &Exhaust!systems!components/assy!&Value! added!Assembly,!&Release,!using!UG!NX.!

Dvlp!Competitive!Best!of!Best!Dimensional! &Vehicle!Technical!Spec.!targets.!Master,!

Mech.!or!Mfg!Engrg!or!Mfg!Technology.!36! mos!exp!as!Design!Engineer,!Dimensional!

Analyst/!Engineer.!Will!accept!bachelor!or! foreign!equivalent,!Mech.!or!Mfg!Engrg!or!Mfg! Technology,!followed!by!at!least!5!yrs!of! progressive!exp!in!specialty,!in!lieu!of!required! education!&exp.!Will!also!accept!any!equally! suitable!combination!of!education,!training,! and/or!exp!which!would!qualify!applicant!to! perform!job!offered.!Required!exp!must! include!36!mos!exp!incldg!strategic! dimensional!integration!within!&across! exhaust!or!related!systems,!through!variation! mgmt!of!product!designs!&mfg!processesW! execution!of!VMS!of!product!design!&mfg! processes!to!predict!vehicle!build!variation! using!3DCSW!dvlping!3D!embedded!GD&T!for!

Chassis,!CRFM,!Fuel!Systems!&Exhaust! systems!component/assy!&Value!added!

Assembly,!&Release,!using!UG!NXW! &interface!with!teams!to!resolve!dimensional! design!concerns.!Mail!resume!to!Alicia!ScottX Wears,!GM!Global!Mobility,!300!Renaissance!

Center,!Mail!Code!482XC32XD44,!Detroit,!MI! 48265,!Ref#2649.* *

praise connection

July 13-19, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page D-5

David Harris

David Harris was born in Nashville, Tennessee, the eight of the 10 children of Arthur Grover and Emma Eliza Mays Harris. He was educated in the public schools in that city.

Juanita Mersier

Pictured are members of the Funeral Directors Against Violence and Killing gathered in front of The Church of the Messiah. Left to right; R. Messiah Church Pastor host Barry Randolph, Pastor Ovella, O’Neil D. Swanson Sr. President and CEO Swanson Funeral Homes Inc., Germany Bennett and Pastor Mo.

Services for Juanita Mersier will take place on Saturday, July 16, 11 am, at Christian Temple Baptist Church, 4101 Cadillac, Detroit. The family hour will start at 10 am.

Public viewing will be at Swanson Funeral Home, 806 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 10 am to 8 p.m., on Friday, July 15. For additional information call 313.923.1122.

Rev. Dr. Sidney Charles Griffin, Sr. has been preaching and ordained 44 years.

He has been the pastor and under-shepherd of Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1874 Binder, Detroit, for 30 of those years, since 1986. Now he is looking forward to retiring as pastor of Pilgrim after the visiting July churches have come and gone; starting Sunday July 10th – 3:30 p.m., and Friday, July 15th at 7 p.m. On Sunday July 17th – 3:30pm. – Rev. Dr. Orlander Johnson, pastor of Greater New Southern Baptist Church will preach at Pilgrim. Friday, July 22nd – 7:30 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Wilbur Humphrey, Pastor of Second Timothy Baptist Church, will be followed by the final speaker, Rev. Dr. Germany Bennett, Pastor of True Oracles of God’s Ministries on Sunday, July 24th – 3:30 p.m. at Pilgrim.

Rev. Dr. Griffin is married to Rev. Dr. Yvette D. Griffin who is Co-Pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church. Pastor Griffin, former six-time re-elected Moderator (20052011) of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist District Association & Auxiliaries, is also a faithful member of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinities, Inc. He is a native of Highland

Park, Michigan, and product of Detroit Public Schools: Hutchinson Elementary, Foch Middle School, and Northern High School. His thirst for knowledge and academic excellence continued at the University of Detroit where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies. Rev. Dr. Griffin furthered his desire to be a life-long learner by earning a Doctor of Divinity Degree from the Detroit Urban Institute. In 1988, he received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree.

Some of his other affiliations include the NAACP, the Black United Fund, Youth Volunteers Community Service, and the United Way. He is the President of Clear Purpose Foundation, and founder of Survival, Inc. A special retirement luncheon will be given in Pastor Griffin honor on Saturday, August 13, 2016 -11 a.m.

- 3 p.m. at the American Serbian Hall, 19940 Van Dyke, Detroit, Michigan. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Nathan Johnson, Senior Pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, who is the present Moderator of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist District Associates & Auxiliaries. The public is invited to support and attend this historic event.

“Housing is the most basic of needs that plays a role in family well-being. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in safe, affordable housing,” said Anne Grantner, president and CEO of Shelter of Flint.

The concert will also feature comedian and cohost on Yolanda Adams’ morning show, Marcus D. Wiley, LaShell Renee, winner of the Oprah Music Challenge, and vocalist for the Detroit Pistons, as well as a host of local artists. This is not an event to miss, an uplifting evening of music, comedy, spoken word and more, all while benefiting a very important cause.

“I have always had a passion for helping children and people that haven't been blessed to have the same fortune as I had.

Many people are thirsting for positive outcomes in our community, for our children so they can have a better childhood. But, sometimes they just need help. This is how i Thirst came into fruition. This is me giving back to a community that has given so much to me,” said Gabriel Norwood, CEO and event founder of One Hundred Fold Enterprise and i Thirst Relief.

He later started a business of his own, having long dreamed of being an entrepreneur — David Harris Rental and Home Ownership Company.

Mr. Harris was a longtime activist and believed that it was his duty to be involved, to be part of the solution, not just one to points out the problems. He was also very active in the church.

Left to cherish the memory of David Harris are his sons, David Jr. and Darryl; sister, Cozetta Harris Smith; and many other relatives and friends.

Services for Emma Jean Wilson were held on Monday, June 27, at Historic Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. James Hillard officiating. Mrs. Wilson passed away on June 20, 2016.

Nolan Street Services for Nolan Street will take place on Wednesday, July 13, 12:00 noon, at Swanson Funeral Home, 806 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit. The family hour will start at 11 a.m. Public viewing will be at Swanson Funeral Home, 806 E. Grand Blvd., 10 am to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, July 12. For additional information, call 313.923.1122.

Emma Jean Wilson was born on Jan. 24, 1940 in Akron, Alabama. She was educated in the Hale County public school system and upon high school graduation, moved to Detroit where she worked for General Motors and General Dye Casting.

She loved spending time with family and friends as well as traveling.

Cherishing the memory of Emma Jean Wilson are her children, Edward Williams, Debra Culbreath, Debra Wilson, Robin Wilson and Nicholas Wilson; sisters, Mary Beverly and Linell Williams; and many other relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery.

James Larry Gumm

Services for James Larry Gumm were held on Thursday, June 23, at Greater Ebenezer Ministries with Bishop William H. Murphy Sr. officiating. Mr. Gumm passed away on June 12, 2016.

James Larry Gumm was born on Aug. 21, 1975 in Detroit to the union of Sollainge Johnson Ray and James Glover Sr. He was educated in the Detroit Public Schools and furthered his education at Detroit Job Corp. He found employment at Chrysler.

Deadline for ticket purchases is July 28, 2016. Call: (586) 915-8856 or (313) 933-0310

Gospel artist Tye Tribbett headlines benefit concert On Friday, July 22, at 8:00 pm, Grammy-nominated gospel artist Tye Tribbett will take the stage at the Detroit Opera House for the i Thirst Relief for Flint benefit concert. The concert is being presented by One Hundred Fold Enterprise, in an effort to raise money for the Shelter of Flint.

Though Flint is no longer a daily news topic, Flint residents are still in need of help. A large number of water crisis victims are now homeless, and have resorted to living in shelters, until they’re able to once again regain independence and live on their own. This concert will help with that.

In 1952, he married Mary Martin and they were blessed with two children, David Jr. and Darryl. They were married for 58 years, until her passing.

Emma Jean Wilson

Griffin’s 30th year pastoral anniversary and retirement celebration “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalms 37:23)

He eventually moved to Detroit and found employment with Great Lakes Steel Corporation as an equipment manager, a position he held until retirement 25 years later. His co-workers chose him to be union leader because of his leadership and communication skills.

PRAISE CONNECT PRAISE CONNECT

Are you hosting a concert or faithfriendly event?

Are you celebrating an anniversary or special occasion?

Left behind to cherish his memory are his mother, Sollainge Ray; four daughters, Ariee Lattimore, Jamesa Jackson, Jamia Jackson and Darnesha Powers; two sons, Demeir Sutton and James Sutton; a brother, Dimitrious Gumm; two sisters, LaTundra Gumm and Terail Clayton; and many other relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Detroit Memorial Park West.

PROMOTE IT HERE!

Are you hosting a concert or faithfriendly Contact event? us at: nblack@realtimesmedia.com

Are you celebrating an anniversary or special occasion?

Tye Tribbett A portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to the Shelter of Flint. These proceeds will help with projects including upgrading the playground, providing better nutritional food options and providing transportation vans for shelter residents. The goal is to raise

$100,000.

PROMOTE IT HERE! 96

th

Tickets are now available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ithirst.

Contact us at: nblack@realtimesmedia.com any ques-

If you have tions, please contact Gabriel Norwood at gwood1028@yahoo.com or 248-469-5666.

1919-2015

praise connection

July 13-19, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page D-5

David Harris

David Harris was born in Nashville, Tennessee, the eight of the 10 children of Arthur Grover and Emma Eliza Mays Harris. He was educated in the public schools in that city.

Juanita Mersier

Pictured are members of the Funeral Directors Against Violence and Killing gathered in front of The Church of the Messiah. From left: Messiah Church Pastor host Barry Randolph, Pastor Ovella, O’Neil D. Swanson Sr. president and CEO, Swanson Funeral Homes Inc., Germany Bennett and Pastor Mo.

Services for Juanita Mersier will take place on Saturday, July 16, 11 am, at Christian Temple Baptist Church, 4101 Cadillac, Detroit. The family hour will start at 10 am.

Public viewing will be at Swanson Funeral Home, 806 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 10 am to 8 p.m., on Friday, July 15. For additional information call 313.923.1122.

Rev. Dr. Sidney Charles Griffin, Sr. has been preaching and ordained 44 years. He has been the pastor and under-shepherd of Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1874 Binder, Detroit, for 30 of those years, since 1986. Now he is looking forward to retiring as pastor of Pilgrim after the visiting July churches have come and gone, starting Sunday, July 10, 3:30 p.m., and Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m. On Sunday July 17, 3:30 pm., Rev. Dr. Orlander Johnson, pastor of Greater New Southern Baptist Church, will preach at Pilgrim. Friday, July 22, 7:30 p.m. Rev. Dr. Wilbur Humphrey, pastor of Second Timothy Baptist Church, will be followed by the final speaker, Rev. Dr. Germany Bennett, pastor of True Oracles of God’s Ministries, on Sunday, July 24, 3:30 p.m. at Pilgrim.

Rev. Dr. Griffin is married to Rev. Dr. Yvette D. Griffin who is co-pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church. Pastor Griffin, former six-time re-elected moderator (2005-2011) of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist District Association & Auxiliaries, is also a faithful member of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinities, Inc. He is a native of Highland Park and product of the Detroit

Public Schools: Hutchinson Elementary, Foch Middle School and Northern High School. His thirst for knowledge and academic excellence continued at the University of Detroit where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies. Rev. Dr. Griffin furthered his desire to be a lifelong learner by earning a doctor of divinity degree from the Detroit Urban Institute. In 1988, he received an honorary doctor of humanities degree.

Some of his other affiliations include the NAACP, the Black United Fund, Youth Volunteers Community Service, and the United Way. He is the president of Clear Purpose Foundation, and founder of Survival, Inc. A special retirement luncheon will be given in Pastor Griffin honor on Saturday, August 13, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the American Serbian Hall, 19940 Van Dyke, Detroit, Michigan. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Nathan Johnson, senior pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, who is the present moderator of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist District Associates & Auxiliaries. The public is invited to support and attend this historic event.

“Housing is the most basic of needs that plays a role in family well-being. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in safe, affordable housing,” said Anne Grantner, president and CEO of Shelter of Flint.

The concert will also feature comedian and cohost on Yolanda Adams’ morning show, Marcus D. Wiley, LaShell Renee, winner of the Oprah Music Challenge, and vocalist for the Detroit Pistons, as well as a host of local artists. This is not an event to miss, an uplifting evening of music, comedy, spoken word and more, all while benefiting a very important cause.

“I have always had a passion for helping children and people that haven't been blessed to have the same fortune as I had.

Many people are thirsting for positive outcomes in our community, for our children so they can have a better childhood. But, sometimes they just need help. This is how i Thirst came into fruition. This is me giving back to a community that has given so much to me,” said Gabriel Norwood, CEO and event founder of One Hundred Fold Enterprise and i Thirst Relief.

He later started a business of his own, having long dreamed of being an entrepreneur — David Harris Rental and Home Ownership Company.

Mr. Harris was a longtime activist and believed that it was his duty to be involved, to be part of the solution, not just one to points out the problems. He was also very active in the church.

Left to cherish the memory of David Harris are his sons, David Jr. and Darryl; sister, Cozetta Harris Smith; and many other relatives and friends.

Services for Emma Jean Wilson were held on Monday, June 27, at Historic Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. James Hillard officiating. Mrs. Wilson passed away on June 20, 2016.

Nolan Street Services for Nolan Street will take place on Wednesday, July 13, 12:00 noon, at Swanson Funeral Home, 806 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit. The family hour will start at 11 a.m. Public viewing will be at Swanson Funeral Home, 806 E. Grand Blvd., 10 am to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, July 12. For additional information, call 313.923.1122.

Emma Jean Wilson was born on Jan. 24, 1940 in Akron, Alabama. She was educated in the Hale County public school system and upon high school graduation, moved to Detroit where she worked for General Motors and General Dye Casting.

She loved spending time with family and friends as well as traveling.

Cherishing the memory of Emma Jean Wilson are her children, Edward Williams, Debra Culbreath, Debra Wilson, Robin Wilson and Nicholas Wilson; sisters, Mary Beverly and Linell Williams; and many other relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery.

James Larry Gumm

Services for James Larry Gumm were held on Thursday, June 23, at Greater Ebenezer Ministries with Bishop William H. Murphy Sr. officiating. Mr. Gumm passed away on June 12, 2016.

James Larry Gumm was born on Aug. 21, 1975 in Detroit to the union of Sollainge Johnson Ray and James Glover Sr. He was educated in the Detroit Public Schools and furthered his education at Detroit Job Corp. He found employment at Chrysler.

Deadline for ticket purchases is July 28. Call (586) 915-8856 or (313) 933-0310

Gospel artist Tye Tribbett headlines benefit concert On Friday, July 22, at 8:00 pm, Grammy-nominated gospel artist Tye Tribbett will take the stage at the Detroit Opera House for the i Thirst Relief for Flint benefit concert. The concert is being presented by One Hundred Fold Enterprise, in an effort to raise money for the Shelter of Flint.

Though Flint is no longer a daily news topic, Flint residents are still in need of help. A large number of water crisis victims are now homeless, and have resorted to living in shelters, until they’re able to once again regain independence and live on their own. This concert will help with that.

In 1952, he married Mary Martin and they were blessed with two children, David Jr. and Darryl. They were married for 58 years, until her passing.

Emma Jean Wilson

Griffin’s 30th year pastoral anniversary and retirement celebration “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalms 37:23)

He eventually moved to Detroit and found employment with Great Lakes Steel Corporation as an equipment manager, a position he held until retirement 25 years later. His co-workers chose him to be union leader because of his leadership and communication skills.

PRAISE CONNECT PRAISE CONNECT

Are you hosting a concert or faithfriendly event?

Are you celebrating an anniversary or special occasion?

Left behind to cherish his memory are his mother, Sollainge Ray; four daughters, Ariee Lattimore, Jamesa Jackson, Jamia Jackson and Darnesha Powers; two sons, Demeir Sutton and James Sutton; a brother, Dimitrious Gumm; two sisters, LaTundra Gumm and Terail Clayton; and many other relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Detroit Memorial Park West.

PROMOTE IT HERE!

Are you hosting a concert or faithfriendly Contact event? us at: nblack@realtimesmedia.com

Are you celebrating an anniversary or special occasion?

Tye Tribbett A portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to the Shelter of Flint. These proceeds will help with projects including upgrading the playground, providing better nutritional food options and providing transportation vans for shelter residents. The goal is to raise

$100,000.

PROMOTE IT HERE! 96

th

Tickets are now available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ithirst.

Contact us at: nblack@realtimesmedia.com any ques-

If you have tions, please contact Gabriel Norwood at gwood1028@yahoo.com or 248-469-5666.

1919-2015

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Swanson hosts annual

By Roz Edward Managing Editor

The Swanson Classic Car/Truck Show was held on Saturday, June 3, at Swanson Funeral Home, 806 E. Grand Blvd. on the corner of Mack.

O’Neil Swanson Sr., president of Swanson Funeral Homes Inc. and car enthusiasts fondly refer to the popular event as “a Dream Cruise, only stationary.” — Marcus Patton photos

July 13-19, 2016

Page D-6