MC Digital Edition 6.10.2020

Creating During a

Crisis:

Black Muralist Sydney G. James To Recreate Iconic Malice Green Painting

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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 83 – No. 40 | June 10-16, 2020

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A Message To CEOs:

Make The Change

By Carla Walker-Miller CEO | Walker-Miller Energy

To my fellow CEOs, My heart truly aches because of the recent senseless killing of Mr. George Floyd and the long legacy of systemic racism that has caused the deaths of countless numbers of Black people and continues to contribute to the generational trauma of so many others.

As CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services, a Black- and woman-owned company committed to changing lives through energy efficiency, I wanted to speak to CEOs, who like me, lead companies of 100 team members or more.

Our companies are the economic engines of our region, state and nation. We Carla Walker-Miller help define the way residents live and help determine what community causes are important.

My 20-year old company is headquartered in Detroit, a city with a population that is about 80 percent Black. Part of our reason for being is to empower people and enrich communities. Our core value of Inclusive Stewardship is borne of the belief that we are not just an employer, but a steward of the very livelihoods and thus the well-being of our culturally diverse team members, customers and collective communities.

I fight every day to increase the number of Black people in the clean energy industry, where we are woefully underrepresented. I struggle to realize sustainable profits in today’s complicated business ecosystem. Even so, in 2018, our commitment to equity drove four new, key decisions: • We instituted a $15-an-hour minimum wage; • We adopted fair-chance hiring practices for citizens returning from incarceration; • We doubled down on recruiting Detroit residents by setting a goal of hiring Detroiters for 60 percent of the jobs in our Detroit headquarters; • We decentralized our company procurement process to spend money with diverse businesses in the communities we serve.

“If you want something you’ve never had you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.”

I didn’t say it. Those words are sometimes attributed to Thomas Jefferson, the third President of

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BETTER page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

No Policy, No Peace: It's Time For Police Policy Reform

By Patreice A. Massey For over a week now American citizens have been taking to the streets to protest the murder of George Floyd and a host of other African Americans at the hands of law enforcement. The protests have seen all races band together to march and rally against police brutality. We have seen police officers and politicians marching and taking a knee to show their support.

It appears that the consciousness of America finally has been awakened over the last decade and as racial tensions have risen more people are standing up to racial injustice.

“We are watching our sons mostly -our daughters, too -- be shot down and killed, and we have not been able to protect them,” said Rep. Maxine Waters (DCA)..

The demand for justice is deafening.

Protestors want to see the people responsible for the murder of unarmed, non-threatening, innocent black people arrested and prosecuted. In order for that to happen on a large scale, racial injustices have to be addressed by policy.

But the million-dollar question is what type of policy can stop police brutality?

In June 2020, in response to the killing of George Floyd, a group called Campaign Zero launched 8 Can’t Wait, a database that tracks how eight policies to curtail police violence are employed in major cities. The eight policies are: • Ban chokeholds and strangleholds.

• Require de-escalation.

such shootings recorded by the Post.

• Require a warning before shooting.

The report also confirmed that although half of the people shot and killed by police are white, black Americans are shot at a disproportionate rate. African Americans account for less than 13 percent of the U.S. population but are killed by police at more than twice the rate of white Americans. Hispanic Americans are also killed by police at a disproportionate rate.

• Require that all alternatives be exhausted before shooting.

• Require officers to intervene when excessive force is being used.

• Ban shooting at moving vehicles.

• Establish a Force Continuum.

• Require comprehensive reporting.

Campaign Zero was developed with contributions from activists, protesters and researchers across the nation after the anti-police protests in Ferguson, MO. Their goal was to find ideas that wouldn’t cost any money and could be implemented quickly. The data-informed platform presents integrated community demands and policy recommendations from research organizations and President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing to put an end to police brutality.

The people behind Campaign Zero and 8 Can’t Wait have made it their mission to end police violence. DeRay Mckesson, an activist, organizer and educator whose primary focus is on issues impacting children, youth and families, and Samuel Sinyangwe a data scientist who leads the development of research, digital tools and platforms to “end police violence and systemic racism in America” are listed as the organization’s planning team.

In 2015, The Washington Post began to log every fatal shooting by an on-duty police officer in the United States. In that time there have been more than 5,000

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The study goes on to state that police departments that had implemented the policies were less likely to kill people than police departments that had not.

“Our analysis finds that each additional use of force policy was associated with a 15 percent reduction in killings

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REFORM page A2

Hundreds Gather In Houston For George Floyd’s Funeral

By Darlene White

for our children. We began to wail for our grandchildren. We wail for men across this world because of one mama’s call,” Rev. White of The Fountain of Praise church said Tuesday during the service.

Hundreds of mourners came to say their final goodbyes to George Floyd at a private funeral held at the Fountain of Praise Church in Houston. The funeral celebrated the life of a man whose death sparked global protests on police violence and to end systemic racism in America.

Brooke Williams, George Floyd’s niece, delivered a powerful statement when speaking about her uncle’s life on Tuesday.

Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights leader and president of the National Action Network, delivered the eulogy at Floyd’s funeral in Houston.

Henry Ford Health System Welcomes New Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer

“This violence, in practice, is justified by legal and administrative policies that govern how and when police can use force against civilians,” reads a report furnished by Campaign Zero. “In theory, police departments establish rules regarding the use of force, which include the expectation and power to discipline officers who fail to uphold the department’s standards. Instead, many police departments fail to establish common sense restrictions on police use of force – including deadly force – that would actually benefit the communities they are supposed to protect and serve. According to our findings, fundamentally changing use of force polices can dramatically reduce the number of people killed by police in America.”

“As long as I’m breathing, justice will be served,” expressed Williams.

Williams said that none of the four officers on the scene when Floyd was killed showed “heart or soul.”

“Lives like George will not matter until somebody pays the cost for taking their lives,” Sharpton said, adding, “this was not just a tragedy. It was a crime.”

Sharpton said the police officer who pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck must be held accountable.

Floyd, 46, was born in Fayetteville, N.C. but grew up in Houston’s Third Ward. He died while in Minneapolis police custody on Memorial Day when a white officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for nearly 9 minutes after being arrested for allegedly trying to spend a counterfeit $20 bill. His death was caught on video and led to national outrage that re-ignited the Black Lives Matter movement.

Reverend Dr. Mary White of the Foun-

tain of Praise church referenced Floyd’s cry for his mother as he struggled to breathe under the knee of the former Minneapolis police officer. She offered a prayer of comfort during the funeral.

When Floyd called for his mama, “all mamas began to wail,” said White.

“We thank you for the life of George Floyd, oh God. That at a moment he called out for his mama, we believe that the ears of mamas across this nation reared up.

That the ears of mamas across this world heard him cry even though for one mama, all mamas began to wail. We began to wail

“That officer showed no remorse while watching my uncle’s soul leave his body.

He begged and pleaded many times just for you to get up, but you just pushed harder. Why must the system be corrupt and broken?” she asked.

“No more hate crimes, please,” she said. “Someone said ‘Make America Great Again,” but when has America ever been great?”

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed that June 9 would be “George Perry Floyd Day” in Houston.

“We honor him, not because he was perfect, we honor him today because

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Police Reform

From page A-1

for the average police department. Since the average police department had already implemented three of these policies, implementing all eight use of force restrictions would be associated with a 54 percent reduction in killings for the average police department,” read the Campaign Zero report. “Even after taking into account the number of arrests made, assaults on officers and community demographics, police departments with all eight of these use of force policies implemented would kill 72 percent fewer people than departments that have none of these policies in place.”

A 2016 study by Campaign Zero found that on average most police departments reviewed have only adopted three to four of the eight policy recommendations and that no law enforcement agency had implemented all eight.

But that could change as reports state that the

Detroit Board of Police Commissioners is currently considering changes to the department’s use of force policy.

According to Michigan Radio, Police Commissioner Evette Griffie made the motion for the board to implement the following changes to the Detroit Police Department’s policy manual: • Require officers to use de-escalation procedures.

The current department manual only suggests it.

• Require officers who witness colleagues using excessive force to intervene.

• Ensure that officers report when they threaten the use of a weapon.

Currently, officers are only required to report if they actually use their weapon.

Griffie said such policies are considered “best practices across the nation,” and are supported by civil rights organizations.

These changes are also supported by Gov-

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ernor Gretchen Whitmer who publicly stated that, “Police officers should be required to intervene when they see a fellow officer using excessive force.”

Requiring fellow police officers to intervene when they witness excessive force would “save lives and help to keep people safe,” Whitmer said.

Whitmer also called for improved training and policies “to help create a police culture where all Michiganders are treated with dignity and respect under the law. Police should require enhanced training on implicit bias and methods to de-escalate conflicts, she said.

Gov. Whitmer has also acknowledged that the need for police reform is long over due saying that

Funeral

From page A-1 when he took his last breath, the rest of us will now be able to breathe,” the mayor said while speaking in Floyd’s funeral.

As he delivered remarks at George Floyd’s funeral, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city’s attorney was drafting an executive order that he would sign that “will ban chokeholds and strangleholds” and enact other policy reforms.

President Trump, whose response to the protests over Floyd’s death, is widely criticized, did not attend the service.

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Former vice president, Joe Biden, who traveled to Houston on Monday to privately meet Floyd’s

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the death of George Floyd is “the result of hundreds of years of inequity and institutional racism against black Americans.”

As for the motion to change the Detroit Police department’s use of force policy it has not yet been passed as commission policy staffers need to “spend some time revising the directive and language on the use of force before going to vote,” said Griffie.

With the nation on edge after the murder of George Floyd and others at the hands of police nearly everyone agrees that change is definitely needed. e. Police brutality has been an issue that has largely gone unchecked and citizens are fed up and are demanding real change right now. family did not attend Tuesday’s funeral because he did not want his Secret Service detail to disrupt the service. Instead, Biden recorded a video that played during the funeral.

Biden, speaking via video at George Floyd’s funeral, said that right now, the U.S. cannot “again turn away from racism that stings at our very soul.”

After the service, Houston Police are expected to escort Floyd’s body to the Houston Memorial Garden’s in nearby Pearland, Texas, for his burial.

For the last mile of the procession, his casket will travel by horse-drawn carriage. At the cemetery, Floyds will be laid to rest next to his mother, Larcenia Floyd.

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Do Better From page A-1

the United States, author of the Declaration of Independence and a slaveholder.

But I live by them. So do so many Black people, and our very hearts long for the fundamental “somethings” we have never had.

• Something like justice.

• Something like equity.

• Something like the basic presumption of innocence.

Recently, in a historic act, the CEOS of some of southeast Michigan’s most influential corporations stood with Mayor Mike Duggan and the NAACP to pledge to eliminate racism and bias within their companies.

Nationally, corporations are releasing beautifully crafted statements vowing solidarity with Black Lives Matter. These seminal actions give me hope that our corporate community will be instrumental in expediting the pace of change.

As we grapple with the necessary re-education that I believe is required to trudge the difficult trail to racial equity, Proverbs 4:7 reminds us that “Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding.”

This very scripture compels me to recommend a very quick

read, “The Burden: African-Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery” written by Rochelle Riley, one of our community leaders whose commentary and commitment to our city have been profound for some time.

As your understanding of why we are where we are as a country grows, so will your commitment to be the change we all want to see.

I implore you to expedite the pace of change by paying a $15-an-hour minimum wage to improve the lives of Black, working-class families.

I challenge you to drastically improve corporate recruiting, hiring, training and promotion strategies so that all Black families can work.

I encourage you to spend procurement dollars with Black companies so that Black businesses can thrive.

And finally, I urge you to invite Black voices into the rooms where real decisions are made, the proverbial meetings before the meetings, typically hosted by people we do not know in places we do not frequent, the rooms where recipients of inherent privilege make decisions that disproportionally impact those who are not there.

Invite us in. Hear us.

And take heed.

But only if Black lives really do matter.

Sincerely,

Carla Walker-Miller CEO | Walker-Miller Energy

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A3

| June 10-16, 2020

Roots.

It Takes More Than an Ounce of Prevention With the ongoing dangers of the

Of course, if you are now or have

COVID-19 pandemic, preventive

ever been a smoker, you know just

health care has never been more

how hard it is to quit. But you don’t

important. While much is still unknown

have to do it alone. There are

about this terrible disease, one thing

many resources available to help

that research continues to show is

you. For instance, Total Health

that people with preexisting or

Care USA offers a free smoking

chronic health conditions are at

cessation program to all its

greater risk for severe complications

members, including one-on-one

if they contract the coronavirus

coaching and nicotine

COVID-19. So, it’s in your best interest

replacement therapy.

to be as healthy as you can be.

michiganchronicle.com

Brighter Days Ahead

Another factor that plays an

A Commitment to Community

Obviously, maintaining optimal

important role in a person’s

health by doing things like developing

prospective health is weight

healthy eating habits and exercising,

management. Being overweight

if you’re able, is always important and

or obese can have many

helpful in bettering the quality of your

negative health consequences,

life and extending your lifespan.

including diabetes and heart

But these days, it’s more important

disease. However, conditions like

than ever, and could make a

these can be prevented by

In 1950, Detroit was the wealthiest city in America per capita. But by 60

bigger difference than you ever

making lifestyle changes

years later, Detroit had become the second poorest major city in America.

thought possible.

and developing proper

And in roughly the same amount of time, the population fell from 1.85

nutritional habits.

million to around 700,000, which severely damaged the tax base,

But before you can know where the

We all know The Spirit of Detroit is more than a statue. It’s the fire in our bellies and the light in our eyes. We bend, but we don’t break. We fall, but we always get back up. And we better, because it’s no secret Detroit has taken its share of hits.

depleting revenues for community services and worsening an already

path to a happier, healthier you is

Again, changes like this that

taking you, you need to know where

require prolonged and diligent

you stand. And that’s why it’s a good

discipline can feel impossible to

And while a letdown can be a lesson in disguise, and perseverance usually

idea to start your journey to better

do alone. And again, you don’t

pays off, economic recovery is a slow process, and every victory is hard

health with a Health Risk Assessment

have to. Programs like Weight

fought. Most Detroiters can see progress and growth, but it’s not happening

(HRA). An HRA can be completed

Watchers have helped countless

where they live.

online, on paper, or in person.

people achieve healthy, sustained

And with the rise in popularity of telemedicine among health care providers and patients, HRAs can also be done via virtual appointments through almost any computer, tablet,

®

weight loss. Total Health Care USA has partnered with Weight Watchers® to offer a free 12-week

rough situation.

Let’s look at how this struggle affects an average family in Detroit when it comes to the cost of health care. And let’s not sugarcoat it. For most families living in Detroit, health care is cripplingly expensive.

weight management program

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that in lower income households,

to its members.

like so many in Detroit, health care plans and their associated costs take 13% to 20% of their income. So, there’s no way to overstate the importance

or smartphone with an internet

These are just a couple of ways

connection. Some health care plan

you can take proactive steps and

companies, such as Total Health

engage in preventive health care

This is where health plan companies that specialize in affordable coverage

Care USA, have staff trained to

measures to improve your quality

come into the picture.

conduct HRAs over the phone

of life. Everyone’s health needs are

as well.

as different as we are. Talk to your

One crucial step to achieving optimal health is to quit smoking. Smoking has long been linked to heart disease,

doctor to see what steps are right for you to take to make the most of your health.

affecting cardiovascular (blood) functions in addition to pulmonary (lung) functions, there has never been a better time to stop smoking than now.

In 1973, Model Neighborhood Total Health Care was founded in Detroit as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s federally subsidized Model Neighborhoods programs. MNTHC, with its emphasis on community support and integration, was very intentionally headquartered in Detroit.

Today, MNTHC is called Total Health Care USA, and it remains a true Detroit

lung disease, stroke, and cancer.

And since COVID-19 is thought to be

of and need for affordable health care plans.

Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke by up to 35%.

original, reigning as the oldest HMO in Southeast Michigan while evolving to add other health plan models to their offerings.

Total Health Care USA’s commitment to affordability and its commitment to the Detroit community are inseparable. That’s because affordable health care plans aren’t just good things in and of themselves. Having affordable health coverage doesn’t just affect access to health care. It has a ripple effect that touches every facet of our lives.

For some people, affordability is a pleasant perk, but for many Detroiters, it’s critical. Every dollar they can save makes a tremendous difference in their lives. In the toughest situations, it means a family can afford medicine AND groceries or seeing their doctor AND paying their rent.

Even if the situation isn’t that dire, health care costs all too often leave people with a life that consists of only the bare necessities, missing out on the experiences that make life enjoyable, like date nights, day trips, family vacations, and seeing your child get their first bike.

Affordability makes a real difference in the quality of our lives. It empowers us to more freely pursue our desires and dreams, to enjoy our lives, to share experiences with our families and friends, and to immerse ourselves in the community. It gives us the ability to not just survive, but to live life to the fullest, to fan the flames of that fire in our bellies and brighten that light in our eyes. And in doing so, The Spirit of Detroit grows stronger within each and every one of us.

At first glance, health care plans look a lot alike, but when you take a closer look, you’ll see that nobody is Totally There for You like Total Health Care USA!

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Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

TOTALLY THERE FOR YOU

Paying less money for a health plan doesn’t have to mean getting fewer benefits. Some health care plans are just better at utilizing their resources than others. When you ask the right questions, it’s easier to make the smart choice.

I’ve already paid so much in deductibles. If I switch health plans, won’t all that money be wasted?

Not if you switch to Total Health Care USA. We make the deductible you already paid work for you.

To go the extra mile in these extraordinary circumstances, we’re offering deductible credits to anyone who signs up for a new health plan. That means the deductible you paid this year on your old health plan, no matter who it was with, gets applied to the deductible on your new Total Health Care USA health plan.

Plans start on the first of the month, don’t they? What if I need coverage right away?

Call today. Get covered today.

If you have a new plan starting on the first of the month, you don’t have to go uncovered in the meantime. We’ll set you up with a low-cost plan that starts today. We’re offering these short-term plans to get you through until your new plan starts, whether that plan is with Total Health Care USA or anybody else, because no one should have to spend a day without the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered.

I think I might be eligible for some kind of financial help, but I’m not sure. How can I find out?

Our experts can tell you if you’re eligible for Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan.

Because of the economic situation, more people than ever are qualifying for Medicaid.

And many more who make too much to be eligible for Medicaid are qualifying for the Healthy Michigan Plan. Call a Total Health Care USA health plan advisor at 313.871.7800 to see if you qualify for Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan. If you qualify for Medicaid, call Michigan ENROLLS at 888.367.6557 (TTY Users call 711) and ask to get your coverage through Total Health Care. If you don’t select a carrier, they will assign one to you randomly.

How can I get the care I need without risking exposure to the Coronavirus?

See a doctor from the safety of your home.

More often than not, you can get the care you need without leaving your couch.

Telemedicine (seeing your doctor on your smartphone, tablet, or computer) is being offered by more and more health care providers all the time. And the COVID-19 pandemic is making this offering particularly popular right now. Total Health Care USA covers virtual visits with our primary care and specialty providers, so you can see your doctor without taking unnecessary risks or worrying about public exposure.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Am I covered for COVID? Free COVID-19 testing and treatment.

COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind these days. We understand the fear around it, but the one thing you shouldn’t have to fear is paying for testing and care. That’s why Total Health Care USA is fully covering all COVID-19 testing and treatment provided by our network physicians with no out-of-pocket expense. No deductibles. No copays.

Is there really that much difference between what health insurance companies offer?

Yes. And if you want to get more benefits out of every dollar, Total Health Care USA should be your health care plan.

No one offers you more coverage for the money than Total Health Care USA. Here are just a few of the free extras and perks that every member with an individual plan or a Medicaid plan from Total Health Care USA receives: • Free flu shots • Free vision plan • Free tobacco cessation program • Free Weight Watchers® program • Thousands of in-network physicians and specialists • 28 in-network hospitals • Access to a nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our Smarter Health Nurse Advice Line

- or Call a Total Health Care USA health plan advisor to get coverage today at 313.871.7800 or email healthadvisors@thcmi.com

THCmi.com

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| June 10-16, 2020

Money.

michiganchronicle.com

Economic Recovery Must Address Inequities

By Kevin Johnson Last month, I had the pleasure of participating in a Michigan Chronicle webinar focused on supporting Detroit’s small businesses in the wake of COVID-19. I am proud that DEGC is an integral part of several public/private initiatives helping small businesses, including Detroit Means Business. It is heartening to see so many of us working together to sustain Detroit during the immediate crisis and beyond.

Detroit Businesses Come Together To Help Community Amid COVID-19 Crisis

As a panelist, I was asked how the pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in our community.

Unfortunately, cities around the world were shown unprepared for this health crisis. Communities lack the needed hospital beds, medical personnel, protective equipment, test kits, hand sanitizer and more. Detroit has been one of the cities hardest hit by the virus, despite being the first to have Kevin Johnson rapid testing and a 1,000-bed field hospital (TCF Center) operational by early April.

Not only is Detroit a hot spot for infection, the mortality rate for Detroiters’ resulting from COVID-19 infection is among the country’s highest. Statistics show that the virus is affecting and killing black citizens at a disproportionately high rate. Forty percent of those dying from Covid-19 in Michigan are black, while the state’s black population is only 12 percent.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed a task force, chaired by Michigan’s first black Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, to investigate the racial disparities of the COVID-19 crisis.

“The virus is holding up a mirror to our society and reminding us of the deep inequities in our country – from basic lack of access to care, to access to transportation, to lack of protections in the workplace,” said Gov. Whitmer.

There are a number of underlying social conditions that have put minority communities at risk and exposed their vulnerabilities, starting with a high incidence of poverty.

During an appearance on Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson, local journalist Anna Clark said that poverty breeds a host of cumulative problems, including health conditions that make a virus like COVID-19 far more fatal.

For example, Detroit suffers a lack of doctor’s offices, which leads to a population with untreated medical issues.

As we’ve seen, pre-existing health conditions increase the risk for infection and death from this virus.

The economic and health affects of COVID-19 are inextricable. The low paid hourly jobs of clerk, janitor, factory worker and civil servant often done by minority workers can’t be done remotely, further putting this group at risk. Gig-economy workers with two or three part-time jobs, which were quickly eliminated when the outbreak hit, have been left without health benefits and are at higher risk should they become ill.

Those beneath the poverty line also go without safe and affordable housing, as well as access to timely information, transportation, fresh food and medicine. The ability to safe distance, visit a testing site, wash hands regularly, obtain protective equipment and maintain a healthy lifestyle are all marginalized as a result.

A Helping

Hand Tommey Walker

Sherelle Hogan

By Darlene White

W

hen it comes to support during the coronavirus pandemic, local businesses across Detroit are diving in to make sure that their community has the tools they need to survive.

“Giving back in such a hard time like this is true servant leadership.

It’s displaying selflessness and recognizing that the things we often take for granted can become the most important thing in a blink of an eye,” said Sherelle Hogan, president of Pure Heart Foundation in Detroit.

One of the ways to beat this pandemic is to make sure everyone has what they need, she said.

The Pure Heart Foundation plans to assist the Detroit community in response to COVID-19 by providing financial support to a specific population.

Chris Ilitch

“We will provide financial support to children with incarcerated parents and their families,” she explained. “Since the pandemic occurred, we have provided over $10,000 in gift cards to ensure children of inmates and their families are supported financially to get essential items, communicate with their loved one that’s incarcerated and financial room to take care of their household.”

Since the state-wide shutdown, Hogan has also provided virtual wellness checks to the families.

We created a virtual well-being check, where we communicate with our youth and families weekly to ensure their mental well-being is stable during this time of isolation, says Hogan.

“The gift cards might not solve every need but in that moment, a child will know that they are not forgotten, and a family knows they’re not

alone. Anything helps.”

Tommey Walker, creator and owner of Detroit vs. Everybody says his brand will be lending a hand throughout the community in the best way possible.

“We have created a campaign, “Everybody Vs Covid-19” that is available for sale on everybodyvs.com and we are doing are part by donating portions of proceeds to different foundations,” he said.

The DVS brand is currently working with Tech Town on the Detroit Small Business Stabilization Fund, which will provide direct financial assistance to small businesses to help through this period of decreased sales caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is important to help the community, because the community is who supports us.” Walker said.

Chris Ilitch, president and CEO, of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., says that his establishment is providing assistance to their employees and residents throughout metro Detroit.

“At the Ilitch companies, our focus has been directly and quickly covering essential needs for our city and surrounding communities,” Ilitch said.

“From immediately ensuring that our part-time event employees – many of whom are Detroit residents – received full compensation for canceled events over the past month, to supporting small businesses and public schools, to donating significant amounts of food to our local Detroit food bank and supplies to hospitals, to delivering pizza to healthcare workers and first responders in Detroit and around the country, our family company and colleagues are continually identifying ways to make a strong and lasting impact on our hometown.”

Collectively, the Ilitch companies have donated more than three tons of food from their venues to Detroit food bank Forgotten Harvest, provided thousands of gloves and sanitizing wipes to the City of Detroit and supplied laptops to Detroit Public Schools Community District.

“This is our home, and our colleagues and community are like family. Getting through something like this takes the support of everyone – and we’ve been so heartened by what we’ve seen. The grit, grace and collective goodwill,” Ilitch stated.

Ilitch says he’s proud to call Detroit home, especially during the pandemic.

“For over 60 years, we’ve been proud to call Detroit home. Now more than ever, we’re committed to making a positive impact on those who need it most and strengthening our community through this crisis,” he said. “Giving back and supporting our community is important every day, but it’s in times like these when it is even more important, and humanity really shines. When we recognize the needs of others and pull together to help family, colleagues, neighbors, friends and strangers alike.

Helping those who need it most makes our community stronger.”

Anyone can help during a time like this, says Ilitch.

“There is no such thing as a small act of generosity. Whether it is time, resources or other demonstrations of unity and support. It is important for businesses to step up and lead, serving as an example to others, spurring more work and impact. Businesses should think of what resources, expertise, assistance can they offer others,” he added. “How can my business make an impact on one person or many people? And, finally, can I rally, influence or encourage others to get involved to help, thus increasing the

See HELPING

HANDS page A6

See RECOVERY page A6

Henry Ford Health System Welcomes New Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Following a national search, Henry Ford Health System has selected Carladenise Edwards as senior vice president and chief strategy officer for the health system. An accomplished C-suite executive with nearly three decades of healthcare, nonprofit and government experience, Edwards will join Henry Ford on July 13, 2020. She will provide executive counsel and leadership for the system’s strategic planning efforts and partnership ventures, business development and transformation initiatives, government affairs, as well as Henry Ford Innovations, the health system’s multi-disciplinary team responsible for product design and commercialization, technology transfer, licensing agreements and international programs.

“This is truly a pivotal moment in the healthcare industry,” said Wright Lassiter III, president and CEO of Hen-

ry Ford Health System. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created both extraordinary challenges and unprecedented opportunities for leaders like Henry Ford to accelerate transformation and increase access to care. A trusted and experienced strategic advisor, Carladenise brings a demonstrated ability to help organizations achieve the kind of optimal growth and performance that really enables them to better serve their customers.”

dent and chief strategy officer.

Previously, she served as chief administrative officer for Providence Health & Services’ Population Health division and was instrumental in the 2016 merger with St. Joseph Health. She spearheaded integration and alignment efforts and built the payer and provider contracting division before being promoted to lead strategy for the newly formed organization comprising 51 hospitals and 800+ clinics across seven states.

“I’m honored to become part of an internationally renowned, mission driven organization like Henry Ford, especially at a time when our communities need us the most,” said Edwards. “Being part of a team with a shared vision to harness technology, innovation and scientific advancements to create clinical and economic value in a way that makes a tangible difference in the health of the community – especially our

Additionally, Edwards was chief strategy officer for Alameda Health System in Oakland, CA, where she served alongside Lassiter when he was CEO of the $850 million public hospital system. An expert in the intersection between healthcare and technology, Edwards also held leadership roles including founding president and CEO of a nonprofit corporation, which governed California’s electronic

Carladenise Edwards most vulnerable populations – is exciting and quite humbling.”

Edwards comes to Henry Ford from Providence St. Joseph Health, a $24 billion Catholic health system headquartered in Renton, WA, where she serves as executive vice presi-

Health Information Exchange and interim commissioner, chief of staff and state health information technology coordinator for Georgia’s Department of Community Health. She also advised multiple healthcare, technology and nonprofit clients as principal advisor and CEO with a Florida based consulting firm.

Rooted in a strong commitment to service, Edwards has served on several boards, including University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing, Seattle-based College Success Foundation and Heluna Health, a not-for-profit population health company headquartered in California.

She has a Ph.D. in Medical Sociology from the University of Florida. She earned her master’s degree in Education and Psychological Services and bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania.

June 10-16, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-6

Recovery From page A-5

As we create and implement a longterm economic recovery plan to heal our city, we must also develop a plan to address the root causes of these inequities. First and foremost is a plan to eradicate the institutional poverty that affects a third of Detroit residents. This requires legislative solutions to tackle racial disparity and well as partnerships with corporations and philanthropic organizations to drive resources to critical gaps.

Through our business attraction and retention programs, the DEGC is committed to growing Detroit’s black middle class. We know that a steady job is a solid first step toward a more secure future. Working with the City, we are creating accessible employment opportunities for Detroiters that can serve as a path to prosperity. High on our list is bringing manufacturing back to Detroit.

We’re growing Detroit’s commercial corridors and small neighborhood businesses with programs for minority entrepreneurs. And we support affordable, city-wide development, especially those projects by young, black developers.

Each of these initiatives has the power to attack poverty head on.

COVID-19 has magnified the problems we’ve been reluctant to address and unsuccessful in solving. It has

shone a light on poverty and inequalities that can no longer be ignored. To quote Martin Luther King, Jr., “In a real sense all life is inter-related. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Kevin Johnson is the president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Helping Hands From page A-5

positive impact on others? Remember, no matter how difficult this crisis is on you, there is very likely someone who is being impacted more severely. Find those people and help them however you are able. Not only will this lift their spirits, but it will lift your spirits too. We will weather this crisis better together, than we will individually.”

Over these last weeks, I have witnessed a great deal of giving throughout our community, says Illich. It’s humbling. It’s inspiring. Coming together to address our biggest challenges, helping each other. I have no doubt we’ll continue to pull together and pull through – stronger than ever.

Darlene A. White LadyLenaOnAir@gmail.com

Losing your home?

COMMUNITY COMES FIRST

Not if we can help it.

Community is what holds us together, and

makes us stronger. So DTE is supporting our neighbors. Donating 2 million masks to emergency personnel, and 600,000 to small businesses as they reopen. Providing essential meals and shelter to

Now, more than ever, we’re here for you.

Our counselors can help you avoid foreclosure due to the COVID-19 crisis.

See how at Michigan.gov/KeepYourHome.

more than half a million families. And leading a coalition to provide tablets and internet access to 51,000 school children so they can continue to learn at home.

Community matters. And to DTE, all of Michigan is our community.

Equal Housing Employer/Lender

1.844.984.HOME (4663)

™

Terms and conditions apply. Find out more at Michigan.gov/KeepYourHome.

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Here for Michigan.

Now more than ever.

Confidence comes with every card.®

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we’re committed to caring for Michigan and everyone who calls it home.

For our members, it’s a commitment to provide you with the ability to see a doctor from your home, and the option to speak to a nurse anytime you need them. Now more than ever, we will stand behind the care you need.

Like we’ve done for 81 years. Find out more info at bcbsm.com/coronavirus.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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June 10-16, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-7

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com •

June 10-16, 2020

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City. Life. Style.

B1 | June 10-16, 2020

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

Creating During a

Crisis:

Black Muralist Sydney G. James To Recreate Iconic Malice Green Painting

By Ashley Stevenson During this time of Strange Fruit, Artist, and Muralist, Sydney G. James has found a way to hang her frustrations by re-creating the mural in honor of unjustly slain Malice Green, killed at the hands of Police Brutality.

History Repeats Itself.

In 1992, Detroit native Malice Green, a black man, died after 2 white police Detroit Police officers Walter Budzyn and Larry Nevers assaulted him. Green was unarmed and the officers were in plainclothes when they approached him. Five additional officers were called to the scene and witnessed Budzyn and Nevers beating Malice Green with their flashlights, one of the witnessing officers joined the beating. Although the ambulance was called to the scene of the incident, he was deceased by the time he arrived at Detroit Receiving

Hospital. In an expression of shock and indignation, City of Detroit’s Mayor at the time, Coleman A. Young, advised that the police “murdered” Green — Young was also the first Black Mayor of Detroit. In a prominent account of justice, Chief Prosecutor Kym Worthy tried the case and both officers were convicted of murder and sentenced to imprisonment.

On May 25, 2020, in a jarring resemblance to other accounts of police brutality, George Floyd fell victim. He too, died by the time he reached the hospital. The four former Minneapolis police officers identified for their involvement have been recently charged.

Derek Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, and the remaining former officers, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J Alexander Kueng are each facing charges of uninten-

See SYDNEY G. JAMES page B-2

Shawn Stockman Issues An

Open Letter to Police Officers of America Across the country, police officers are kneeling in solidarity with protesters against police brutality.

I have an idea.

Take off those uniforms. Before you were a cop, you were a human. The human being decided to become a cop. Right now, we need to meet that human being. See him. Sit down with him. Talk to him. Walk with him. Kneel, pray, protest, cry, laugh and march with him.

I have friends who are police officers. They are good people. So, of all people, I am not one who believes that all cops are cruel or evil. I know most are good. But that’s not what this is about. This isn’t really about police. It’s about police brutality.

And that’s great. But we also see that things still got tense between police and protesters after some of those demonstrations. Clearly, that symbolic gesture -- kneeling in uniform -- is not enough. To be honest, people are skeptical. Some think it’s just for show.

Why? There are just too many bad memories associated with those uniforms.

Let’s start on common ground. An even playing field.

Eye to eye. And heart to heart. If people could see the man -- outside of the uniform -- I believe that would make all the difference in the world.

Let’s have a real talk about police brutality.

Let’s listen to the people who are living this nightmare, year after year in city after city wherever black people can

be found in America. Let’s listen to all the black wives, daughters and mothers who fear for the lives of their husbands, fathers and sons. It’s not just my wife. I work closely with the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. So I know first hand that this is a problem, coast to coast, year after year. They’ve been fighting this same battle and shedding these same tears, for the past 100 years. When they started in 1920, it was the Spanish Flu pandemic, post-War unemployment, and race riots burning coast to coast. Here we are, as they celebrate their centennial, and the Zetas are dealing with the same situation in 2020. Let’s listen to the pleas and demands of these black women with as much empathy and patience as we listen to white women in this country.

There are so many other issues concerning Black and White relations we still have to address. So, so many. This is just one tiny step toward changing the rudimentary principles that have governed a certain group of people under the spirit of oppression since the conception of this country.

This must end.

This is America.

It’s time we live up to our beliefs.

— Shawn Stockman The author, a Founding Member of Boyz II Men, is currently scoring a film about the first 100 years of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • June 10-16, 2020

Sydney G. James From page B-1 tional aiding and abetting second-degree murder as well as aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

Art Imitates Life.

Although the original mural of Malice Green was created in 1992 by a local artist as a memorial and idolized him as a face of brutality, it has since been destroyed. Motivated by recent events, Sydney James, a budding and deeply inspired Detroit Artist will re-create the mural in the Highland Park area.

Accompanied by fellow artists BakPak Durden, Ijania Cortez, and Cyrah Dardas, the project is set to begin on Sunday, June 7th.

Paying homage to Kym Worthy’s tactfulness during the trial of Malice Green,

Sydney expresses her desire to use the same intentional tact in the design and placement of the mural.

“Black people, especially Black creatives, don’t have the luxury of just painting anything. We have a duty to share our truths” James said. “To tell our truths and tell it as largely and as loudly as we can.” Referencing historic black artists-activists Harry Belafonte and Nina Simone, Sydney describes how she imagines that it must have been hard for them to maintain their dedication to their artistry and their activism as they may have been accepted by many for their talent but rejected for the color of their skin.

hold during this time of uncertainty to remind others of Black history and paint a portrait of hope for the future.

They have the advantage and fortunate ability to innovate beyond the dreadful reality; evoking the pain, strength, grief, hurt, and re-telling the story beautifully through art.

The mural of Malice Green is due to be unveiled on June 19th, 2020 also known as “Juneteenth”, celebrated as the day Emancipation Proclamation was declared to the enslaved in 1865.

“This mural will give Malice Green and other ancestors who have died at the hands of police brutality, as well as their surviving families and communities their deserved visibility in recorded and cultural history.”

With an original goal of $10,000 for various needs and supplies to complete the mural, the go-fund-me account exceeded the initial goal by $8,000. ReThe Mural Will be available for viewmaining funds will be applied to ad- ing at the Hamilton- Tucker Gallery, loditional fees and Detroit Residents cated at 16065 Hamilton Ave. RWJF-26758 Project Play Michigan Chronical Quart Page participating in the ongoing protests.

5” x 10.5” | CMYK | No bleed

“Of course it’s depressing, of course, you don’t want to be creative right now.

But you have to, you have to persevere, we have to share the story. This is our reality. ” Sydney added. She highlighted the important role that Black creatives

Detroit Is Your Couture An interactive competition for metro Detroit fashion designers is soon to announce its first winner. The Mila & Mara Agency launched the “Detroit Is Your Couture” design contest in May and the six participating designers are eager to claim their prize.

The competition calls for designers to create a custom garment using materials provided by the Mila and Mara Agency. Each month will see a new theme for the type of garment contestants must produce.

The public, who must vote for their favorite design of the month, determines the winner. Think Heidi Klum’s reality TV competition, Project Runway, except

this competition puts consumers on the Judges panel. The theme in May was “Little Black Dress”. June’s theme is Camouflage.

The contestants include designers with a minimum of 1-year fashion experience and fashion design students. Winners will receive creative direction and mentorship on a professional photoshoot, wardrobe styling services from Daun Green, and a consultation with former Saks Fashion Merchandiser Daniel Kleiers.

Eligible designers can enter the competition by visiting www.milamaragency. com and completing the free application.

City. Life. Style.

Where City Meets LIFE and Life Meets STYLE

In Print & Online

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

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

Respond online, by phone, or by mail.

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Complete the census at:

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June 10-16, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com •

Strengthening our commitment to Detroit Throughout our community, we see families, neighbors, businesses and teammates working together more than ever. To help, we added $100 million to our ongoing support to organizations making a difference — national and local nonprofits addressing critical needs here, including Tech Town and Focus: HOPE. The funds will help increase medical response capacity, focus on vulnerable populations and address food insecurity. We’re also providing $250 million in capital to Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loan funds and CDFI- and minority-owned banks to extend assistance to more small businesses.

As your neighbors in Detroit, we are all in this together. Our thoughts are with all of you and your families.

Matt Elliott Detroit Market President

To see how we’re supporting our local communities, please visit bankofamerica.com/community.

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

Page B-3

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • June 10-16, 2020

T:10”

Celebrate all the legends and soon-to-be legendary music that heats up summer with Xfinity. This Black Music Month, whether you’re summering in or celebrating out, catch music-themed movies, enjoy your favorite music networks, and stream top apps like Pandora, Music Choice and more right to your TV. This is what summer sounds like. And no matter what it brings, Xfinity Black Film & TV has your soundtrack. Simple. Easy. Awesome.

Visit xfinity.com/discovermore to learn more.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity TV service subscription required.

T:21”

Let the summer play.

Classified

June 10-16, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK

Public School Academies of Detroit (PSAD) will hold their annual Budget Hearing and Board Meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 12:00 noon.

TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualified elector of the City of Highland Park who is not already registered, may register to vote at the office of the City Clerk, the office of the County Clerk, a Secretary of State branch office, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the City Clerk. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www.expressSOS.com.

The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, July 20, 2020.

After this date, anyone who qualifies as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the City Clerk’s office, located at 12050 Woodward Ave., Highland Park, MI 48203 (313) 252-0050 ext. 220 at the following times: — Regular business hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

— Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

— Election Day, Tuesday August 4, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Person with special needs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the clerk’s office.

Brenda Green City Clerk

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN MOWING GRASS IN RIGHTS-OF-WAY The City of Highland Park is accepting proposals from qualified contractors to mow grass in rights-of-way for the City of Highland Park, Michigan.

Sealed Bids must be received by 4:00 p.m. Local Time on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Ms. Brenda Green Office of the Clerk, City of Highland Park 12050 Woodward Ave Highland Park, MI 48203 Sealed Bids will be opened Monday, July 6, 2020 at the City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. (Local Time) City of Highland Park City Hall Building 12050 Woodward Ave Highland Park, MI 48203 All qualified vendors are encouraged to bid on all City of Highland Park projects.

The City of Highland Park reserves the right to waive any irregularity, to accept or reject any or all bids, and to accept the Bids that, in the City’s opinion, are in the best interest of and to the advantage of the City of Highland Park. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 90 calendar days after the date of bid opening.

Copies of the RFQ are available on BidNet or by e-mailing to: rburgess@highlandparkmi.gov Sealed Bids will not be received unless complete information, as required in the RFQ package, is delivered to the City Clerk’s office on or before 4:00 p.m. Local Time on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

City of Highland Park Brenda Green, City Clerk

BUDGET HEARING

The meeting will take place via Zoom Conference, please contact Mrs. Giles for meeting details 313.335.1637.

BUDGET HEARING 2020-2021 Public Budget Hearing MacDowell Preparatory Academy will hold its proposed budget hearing for the 2020-2021 school year on June 17, 2020 online beginning at 6PM; details can be found at

www.macdowellprep.com.

The budget is available for public inspection online at www.macdowellprep.com/ budgets-and-compliance.

BUDGET HEARING NOTICE The Board of Directors of the Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy District is conducting its annual budget hearing on June 15, 2020 at 9:00 am virtually via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/91961021410.

The budget is available for public inspection via email request to Kaly Bhatt at Kalyani.bhatt@cegschools. org. The meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

BUDGET HEARING NOTICE The Board of Directors of the Cornerstone Health and Technology School District is conducting its annual budget hearing on June 23, 2020 at 9:00 am virtually via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/95678152613.

The budget is available for public inspection via email request to Kaly Bhatt at Kalyani.bhatt@cegschools. org. The meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

BUDGET HEARING NOTICE The Board of Directors of the Washington-Parks Academy School District is conducting its annual budget hearing on June 24, 2020 9:00 am virtually via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93417860392.

The budget is available for public inspection via email request to Kaly Bhatt at Kalyani.bhatt@cegschools. org. The meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

BUDGET HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE OF PRIMARY ELECTION CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, MICHIGAN COUNTY OF WAYNE TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 To the qualified electors of Highland Park: Notice is hereby given that a Primary Election will be held in the City of Highland Park on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Board of Directors of the Madison-Carver Academy School District is conducting its annual budget hearing on June 25, 2020 9:00 am virtually via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/92471818247.

The budget is available for public inspection via email request to Kaly Bhatt at Kalyani.bhatt@cegschools. org. The meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

at the following polling locations: Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 & 4 Precinct 5 Precinct 6

Downes Manor 13725 John R Blackwell Municipal Complex 12050 Woodward Ave. Ernest T. Ford Field House, 10 Pitkin Faith Tabernacle Church 16548 Hamilton Healing Spring Church 12647 Hamilton

Electors will be voting for: United States Senator Representative in Congress 13th District Representative in State Legislature 7th District County Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds County Commissioner 3rd District Delegates to County Convention County Proposal (Proposition P) Parks Millage Renewal to renew the millage authorized in 2016, shall Wayne County levy this millage at the estimated 2020 rollback rate of 0.2459 mills (about 25 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation) for five more years (2021 through 2025) Full text of the proposal may be obtained at the City Clerk’s office 12050 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI. 48203 and may be viewed at www.highlandparkmi.gov.

Sample ballots can be found at www.highlandparkmi.gov Absentee ballots are available for all elections. Due to the passage of the statewide ballot proposal 18-3, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason. Registered electors may obtain an A.V. Ballot IN-PERSON at the City Clerk’s office until 4:00 p.m. on Monday August 3, 2020. The Clerk’s office will be open on Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the purpose of issuing and receiving AV Ballots. Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received no later than 5 p.m. July 31, 2020 the Friday before the election.

To comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), voting instructions will be available in audio format and in Braille. Arrangements for obtaining the instructions in these alternative formats can be made by contacting the clerk in advance of the election. All polling locations are accessible for voters with disabilities.

Brenda Green City of Highland Park Clerk 12050 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203 (313) 252-0050 x 220

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





Linda Hopkins: Three Times a Lady Linda Hopkins loved collecting stylish hats and elephant figurines.

But more than anything, she loved her family, her friends, her neighbors and her church. On Monday, April 13, 2020, 10 days short of her 84th birthday, Linda passed away while clinging to the hand of her daughter, Glenda Ann. She had succumbed to complications from COVID-19.

Linda was born on April 23, 1936, the third of Albert and Pauline Underwood’s four children. She attended Pershing High School, where she met Clyde Hopkins, the love of her life, at a school dance. She was 16; he was 19.

Clyde and Linda were married on September 14, 1957, shortly after he returned from a tour of duty as a drill sergeant with the U.S. Marine Corps.

They were doting parents to Glenda Ann, their only child. When Clyde died in 2014, they had lived in wedded bliss for 57 years, 55 of them in the same, comfortable brick home on San Juan Drive on the northwest side of the city. Linda still lived there when she passed away.

After graduating from Pershing in 1954, Linda attended the University of Detroit, where she was hired to work in the Periodical Reading Room of the McNichols Campus Library. In 1978, she was promoted to head the library’s new Acquisitions and Receiving Department.

She retired from the University of Detroit Mercy library system in 2005 after 47 years of dedicated service. Loved by everyone whose path she crossed at UDM, Linda was a mentor to scores of students, many of whom kept in touch after her retirement.

She owned hundreds of beautiful, colorful hats of many shapes and sizes. Some were flamboyant, some were plain. But all of them were stylish. She would never be caught in public without an eye-catching head covering. Hats were her crowning glory. Every Sunday, she overlaid faith with fashion when she adorned her head with a regal church hat. In addition, she sported head-turning red ones during gatherings of the “Red Hatters,” a society of women who wore striking, crimson headgear when they met to affirm and empower one another—and just to have fun.

Apart from amassing hats and elephants, Linda’s numerous hobbies included reading, shopping and vacationing. The Hopkinses and their extended family traveled the world together, with frequent trips to Fiji, Haiti, California, Hawaii, Chicago, Las Vegas, Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina and Washington, D.C. Linda was a lifetime member of Peace Baptist Church of Detroit.

She faithfully served as a trustee for 36 years and was a dedicated member of several ministries and auxiliaries, including the Sounds of Peace Choir, where she sang soprano; the Homeless Ministry; the Seasoned Saints Ministry, and the Sick-and-Shut-In/Card Ministry.

Linda had friends galore, many of whom she kept in touch with through social clubs. She played cards with the “Tuesday Ladies” Bonanza Card Club, which she and family members established in the 1960s, and with the “Seasoned Saints” of Peace Baptist Church every Wednesday. She also had fun playing bid whist with “The Joy Club” of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Every Friday, she went to a theatre to see a first-run movie with cousins and in-laws. Additionally, she met up with friends to take advantage of the senior services offered at the Kulick Community Center in Ferndale, Michigan.

Clyde and Linda loved to entertain. People who weren’t even members of the family or close friends would show up—uninvited and unannounced—to dine on her succulent beef briskets, homemade rolls, buttery pound cakes and tart lemon pies.

Linda was a compassionate person who sent cards to family members and friends around the globe for every occasion under the sun. Personal and handwritten, they were her special way of returning the hugs and kisses she had been showered with throughout her life.

Her favorite Scripture was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Her favorite song was “Three Times a Lady” by the Commodores. As captured in the lyrics of this love song, which were penned by Lionel Richie, Linda was a great lady, a great mother and a great friend.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Albert and Pauline Underwood; her devoted husband, Clyde Roland Hopkins; sisters Gloria Jean Brisker (John) and Beverly Underwood; brothers Albert Underwood, Jr., and Benny Underwood; father-in-law Milton Greene; mother-in-law Eloise Hopkins; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Hugh Hopkins and Milton Lloyd Hopkins, and sister-in law, Elaine Laura Hopkins.

Left to cherish her memory are loving daughter, Glenda Ann Hopkins Johnson; brother-in-law, Fredrick Hopkins (Joan); six nephews; eight nieces; lots of grandnieces and grandnephews; many cousins; an abundance of adoring “bonus” sons and daughters, and countless friends.

On April 30, 2020, a service in celebration of Linda’s life and legacy was held at Kemp Funeral Home of Southfield, Mich. A gathering in remembrance of her will be held at a later date. Personal memories of her are welcome and may be sent to Glenda Ann Hopkins Johnson, 18621 San Juan Drive, Detroit, MI 48221.

How to Extend the Life of Your Used Car Nearly 70 percent of all car sales are used vehicles, thanks to the rising costs of new cars and the increasing quality of their used counterparts.

While buying a previously owned vehicle makes the best financial sense in a lot of cases, experts say there are some things to keep in mind.

“To keep everyone on the road safe and protect your purchase, all drivers need to stay upto-date on car maintenance,” says Doug Turner, director of service operations at Byrider, the nation’s largest used car and finance network of dealerships. “This is especially true for those with used cars.”

To help you extend the life of your used car, the automotive experts at Byrider are offering the following tips: • Follow the maintenance recommendations of the manufacturer.

• Caring for a vehicle is similar to caring for oneself -- take preventative steps to help keep your car healthy. Pay special attention to issues, noises or warning signs that could indicate your vehicle needs maintenance. Warning lights on your dashboard are illuminated for a reason. Understand what they mean and address them as-needed.

• Prevent rust and other issues by keeping the interior and exterior of your vehicle clean.

• Use a trusted repair service that hires Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians. This certification can make a big difference when it comes to quality repairs and maintenance.

• Complete as-needed or at a minimum, an annual inspection, on the vehicle. Keep in mind that different seasons of the year require different inspections and repairs.

• Use quality parts.

• Fill your vehicle with the proper gas. Use premium if the vehicle manufacturer suggests it.

• Regular oil changes will keep your car running as smoothly as possible. Be sure to use the proper oil per the manufacturer recommendations.

• When buying a vehicle, stick to retail dealers that put cars through a detailed inspection process. This will help to ensure a given vehicle’s safety and reliability. At the same time, consider dealers with an attached service department. “Your relationship with the dealership shouldn’t end once you drive the car off the lot,” adds Turner. In the case of Byrider, every car sold comes with a warranty or optional service agreement, as well as discounted parts, labor and service. To learn more, visit byrider. com.

A used vehicle can be a great investment.

Extend the life of your car and stay safer on the roads by making smart purchasing decisions and taking a proactive approach to maintenance.

– (StatePoint)

The "Death of George Floyd" The pain rang so loud, such injustice in the street.

Hearing and seeing the news, totally knocked me off my feet.

The way it went down, was insane and such a shame.

A crime of the worse kind.

Another man's life taken, with no regard.

George lost his voice, and the shine in his star.

He lost his dream and the opportunity to go far.

Within less than 9 mins it was all taken away.

It's unthinkable, unacceptable, unreasonable, and downright wrong.

So unkind and inhumane, the cruelty that was displayed.

It made me cry, it made me outraged.

A little something inside of me died.

May George Floyd death not be in vain.

May something for us and all of mankind really change. Not in more words that haven't been heard.

Again, we ask when will justice indeed be served.

Not just ignored, as it has been before.

May we cry out with one voice No More!!! No More!!! No More!!!

By Christina J. Morris-Wilson 6/1/20

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• michiganchronicle.com • June 10-16, 2020

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HERE TO HELP MICHIGAN BUSINESSES.

• Small business support • Access to capital • Entrepreneur resources • Buyer and supplier matchmaking Learn more about the MEDC COVID-19 response at michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership

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Michigan Economic Development Corporation is committed to helping businesses in our state during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. If you own a business, MEDC has dedicated programs and resources available to you now: