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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 83 – No. 15 | December 18-24, 2019

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At the Center of the Controversy:

Is Literacy a Constitutional Right?

By Eli Day The Constitution has given us an endless parade of unanswered questions. How far, for instance, does its protection of certain rights stretch? And does each right really have to be directly carved in stone, or do certain rights obviously and necessarily entail others? With “Right to Literacy” back in the U.S. Court of Appeals after being dismissed last year, perhaps we can untangle these questions with a real-world example, one with enormous consequences for people’s lives.

As the Detroit News reported, dozens watched on October 5 as a three-judge panel heard the opening arguments of the appeal. It all boils down to this: did the State of Michigan violate Detroit students’ constitutional right to learn to read by locking them into a chronically underfunded and crumbling school system?

Mark Rosenbaum, the students’ attorney, makes a straightforward argument: Sure, literacy isn’t mentioned in the constitution, but the ability to read is an obviously vital ingredient for the enjoyment of every other right. Without it, he says, a child can’t pursue “his or her dream, better his or her circumstances, or be meaningful participants in their democracy.”

In the other corner, the state of Michigan under Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is picking up where her disgraced Republican predecessor Rick Snyder left off. Their main argument is twofold: that the state is “no longer the proper” party for the suit because it has “restored local control,” and that, “‘access to literacy’ is not a fundamental right.”.

The first point made by opposing counsel doesn’t make sense according to Rosenbaum. Detroit’s schools suffer from widespread maintenance issues that will cost approximately $1 billion dollars to fix. The public record leaves little confusion about why.

As the News reported, two of the three judges identified the state as “the ultimate legal authority over Detroit schools” when the case was first filed in 2016, since state-appointed emergency managers ran the district “from 2009 through Dec. 31, 2016.” This followed an earlier five-year stretch

See LITERACY page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

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Census 2020: Why Your Count Matters Detroit among hard-to-count cities ahead of census

AJ Williams

census introduces the ability to submit online as the preferred submission option. The introduction of online submissions would normally be viewed as a bonus; however, this is more of a concern as 30 percent of Detroit households do not have internet access.

Interim Managing Editor | City.Life.Style. Editor

There is a looming cloud of urgency hanging over our city government that affects us all.

Why? The challenge is that for Detroiters the upcoming 2020 Census is not perceived as important by local residents.

There are many reasons that the upcoming 2020 Census is either not top of mind or deemed not necessary to be counted, from conspiracy theories of governmental “Big Brother” oversight to lack of education about what is affected by the count.

Indifference and miseducation are not the only things that are crippling the city of Detroit from being accurately counted according a recent analysis by the Associated Press that states, “About 86 percent of Detroit’s population lives in hard-to-count neighborhoods, by far the largest proportion of any major U.S. city. The city has tens of thousands of vacant houses, sparse internet access and high poverty — factors that will make it the toughest community to tally.”

In the last Census in 2010, the City of Detroit had the biggest decline in response rates of any major city in the U.S.

While many may view the challenges as overwhelming providing an educational component is the first step into ensuring that all of Detroit is counted in the upcoming census.

What is the Census 2020?

– going from a 70 percent response rate in 2000 to 64 percent ten years later. Getting people to fill out the form is critical to a more successful and accurate count.

Recognizing the layers of possible complications for the city of Detroit in not having an accurate count, Mayor Mike Duggan appointed Victoria Kovari as executive director for the Detroit 2020 Census campaign, “Get Counted Detroit 2020.” The campaign launched at the beginning of this year with videos from local Detroiters urging people to be counted, including

To get to hard-to-reach people, Kovari, has a threepoint plan:

Census counts everybody regardless of immigration status, income or the type of housing including those living in prisons, college dorms, shelters or outdoors. Children living in foster care or with grandparents are counted where they live and sleep most of the time as of April 1.

The Census determines the allocation of $1.5 trillion in federal spending and decides which states gain or lose congressional seats.

• Recruit neighborhood ambassadors.

Why is the 2020 Census Important?

• Hire paid canvassers.

Detroit’s Census 2020 Be Counted Campaign says it best: if you count on health

rapper Kash Doll who participated in the campaign.

“The best person to get residents to fill out a form isn’t necessarily the government. It’s people they trust.

It’s people they know,” said Mayor Duggan.

• Educate and motivate.

In addition to the noted obstacles and challenges, this

See CENSUS

2020 page A2

House Judiciary Committee Approves Impeachment of Trump

By Stacy M. Brown

either and some leaders have threatened to not convene a trial at all.

NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

House Democrats have had their say and history has been made.

After a marathon session that began on Wednesday with the consideration of two articles of impeachment, The House Judiciary Committee gave its final approval on Friday to impeach President Donald J. Trump.

Making Trump one of only three presidents in the nation’s history to share the same fate.

By a 23-17 party line vote, the committee voted to impeach Trump for abuse of power. In the second article, the committee voted 23-17 to impeach the president on charges of obstructing Congress.

The full House will now consider – and is expected to pass – the legislation to impeach Trump which would ignite a Senate trial in January and will, ultimately, determine whether the president is removed from office.

Only three other presidents have faced impeachment in American history – Richard Nixon, who resigned from office in 1974 to avoid a House vote

The two articles of impeachment against Trump — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — are stem from charges that the president used the unique authority of the office of the President of the United States to pressure Ukraine’s then newly-elected president, Volodymyr Zelensky, into announcing an investigation of the actions of Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

President Donald J. Trump is introduced on stage Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Md. (Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour) to impeach him, Bill Clinton, who in 1998 was impeached by the House of Representatives, and Andrew Johnson whom the House leveled 11 articles of impeachment against in 1868.

The Senate failed to convict Johnson and Clinton, and both remained in office.

The GOP-controlled Senate isn’t expected to convict Trump

Trump is said to have ordered the withholding of vital aid to Ukraine, previously approved by Congress, denying Zelensky’s request for an Oval Office meeting with the president unless Zelensky agreed to conditions set by the president.

Democrats on the Committee, and several of the witnesses that gave testimony, maintain that the president’s request is inconsistent with the official foreign policy of the United States and amounts to a request that will directly benefit the president in his

See IMPEACHMENT page A2

Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com •

December 18-24, 2019

DETROIT SEVEN-DAY FORECAST

37

PARTLY CLOUDY

MOSTLY SUNNY

MOSTLY CLOUDY

PARTLY CLOUDY

MOSTLY SUNNY

PARTLY CLOUDY

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WED. DEC. 18 24°/13°

THUR. DEC. 19 30°/21°

FRI. DEC. 20 34°/28°

SAT. DEC. 21 40°/29°

SUN. DEC. 22 42°/30°

MON. DEC. 23 43°/30°

TUE. DEC. 24 42°/31°

Census 2020 From page A-1

care, be counted. If you count on education, be counted. If you count on food assistance, be counted. If you count on roads, be counted. Ultimately, everyone in the city of Detroit is affected by the 2020 Census and it’s your civic duty as it is with voting to make your count matter. The city gets an estimated $3 billion a year in federal funding for critical programs used every day by our family, friends and neighbors. Since 1970, the State of Michigan and City of Detroit lost five congressional seats and electoral college votes and is at risk of losing one congressional seat April 1, 2020. next year. A declining voice in • The count ends mid-July 2020. congress equals a decline in Detroit’s voice being heard and How to Get Involved? the ability to effect change in Volunteer our quality of life.

“There is nothing more import- • Host a Census sign up event for ant, no higher priority, than people in the neighborhood, at local reaching the hard to count,” businesses.

Census Bureau Director Steven • Volunteer at city sign up events.

Dillingham told lawmakers last • Ask local business to put up summer. posters and cards for customers.

However, Detroit resident, Jason Thrope, is very hesitant about government funding trickling down to the parts of the city that need it the most.

“I participated in both censuses; however, I am yet to see any real funding in the inner-city neighborhoods of Detroit.

There seems to be a steady decline, and I know I personally haven’t benefited.”

1452 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226 • Phone: (313) 963-8100 Publication No.: USPS 344-820

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MEMBER OF AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATION

ADVERTISING DEADLINE Classified: 3 p.m Friday Copy, corrections and cancellations, preceding the Wed­nesday publication.

Influence • Tweet, share, spread the word about the Census with family, friends or colleagues.

• Help neighbors without a compute or internet access sign up online.

Apply for a Job • Work for the US Census Bureau!

Go to census.gov/jobs to apply.

For more information visit www.detroitmi.gov/census.

Impeachment

Another Republican from Ohio, Steve Chabot, said Trump was innocent.

“There simply wasn’t a crime committed here and there shouldn’t be an impeachment here, either,” Chabot stated.

Democrats shot back.

“There are no crimes here? That is the defense?

How about the highest crime that one who holds public office can commit—a crime against our Constitution,” said California Democrat Eric Swalwell.

• The National Count Day is

Literacy

nor to side with the students and has the most persuasive response to this argument. It’s worth quoting her at length:

of emergency management from 1999 to 2004. As state attorney Ray Howd had to be reminded, Michigan held unmatched and basically unlimited power over the district for the better part of two decades.

“A minimally adequate education...must be a fundamental right.

That is the only way to guarantee that students who are required to attend school will actually have a teacher, adequate educational materials, and a physical environment that does not subject them to filth, unsafe drinking water, and physical danger. Granted, the right to a public education is not expressly mentioned in the Constitution, but neither are most of the rights we recognize as fundamental. The sparse constitutional text does not mention the right to marriage or the right to privacy, yet we have found our treasured document to embody these rights.

Dana Nessel, Michigan’s Attorney General, broke with the gover-

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • 1452 Randolph • DETROIT, MI 48226

Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio sought to remove language of the first article of impeachment and to substitute words that emphasized what he said was an account of the Ukraine affair that underscored how Trump had done nothing wrong.

• The count begins mid-March of next year.

The state rejects the Equal Protection argument on two grounds.

They first point out that Equal Protection only applies to “fundamental rights” — rights “that neither liberty nor justice would exist” without. And since there is no “Supreme Court precedent” that places reading in this category, Equal Protection is not relevant in this case.

POSTMASTER — Send address changes to:

Republicans in the House Judiciary Committee attempted to block the impeachment vote against Trump by appealing the wording in the articles, and by trying to add amendments to them.

• Census form is short; it only takes 10 minutes to determine Detroit’s population for the next 10 years.

The 14th Amendment, it’s worth remembering, came after the fall of slavery, and essentially says that people must be treated equally under the law. Brown v. Board of Education was decided on this Equal Protection basis with the goal of ending legal apartheid in American schools. But the state’s opponents argue that Detroit’s overwhelmingly poor and working-class black students have been subject to a vicious system of separate but equal, meaning that they are hauled into decaying schools that would never be tolerated in the city’s more white and affluent suburbs.

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

bid for re-election.

• Census is available online, by phone or in paper form (this will be the first online census with the website going live in mid-March). The citizenship question is still in the Supreme Court waiting for a final decision. If you miss answering a question on the census form, you will still be able to submit it, and, it won’t invalidate your form.

Up next is an argument that was also pushed aggressively by the Snyder administration: that the suit is bogus because the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of Equal Protection does not, as opponents argue, include a right to literacy. It is the stronger point, and collapses just as hard on examination.

Display: 12 p.m. Friday preceding the Wednesday pub­lication.

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

From page A-1

We need to get more than 70 percent of Detroiters to self-respond to the Census (fill out the form) if we are to have any chance at a decent population count. The national response rate in 2010 was 74 percent and in Michigan it was 78 percent.

The Metro Times has reported extensively on how that power was used. The state didn’t “rescue”, it further damaged the school system, replacing a large surplus and healthy enrollment with rampant school closures and exploding deficits. If the state that left the system in ruins isn’t “the proper party,” who is?

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“Finally, a minimally adequate education is a necessary vehicle to repair decades of race discrimination and to empower individuals to rise above circumstances that have been foisted on them through no fault of their own.”

Nessel’s argument leaves the state’s attorney with little to say in response. Instead, they take a strange and historically ignorant route, arguing that the comparison between Detroit schools and those in the suburbs gets it all wrong. They argue that because Detroit’s schools “predominantly serve children of color” and suburban schools haven’t “been subject to state intervention,” it is “not a proper comparative district.” The right comparison, they tell us, is with other predominantly poor districts of color that have come under emergency management. In other words: because Grosse Pointe’s largely white schools have never been criminally neglected by the state, they cannot be meaningfully compared to schools in Detroit.

But this is plainly nonsense.

Detroit’s affluent white suburban schools — many of which, like those in Grosse Pointe, fiercely resisted desegregation for decades — have never been taken over and starved by the state. That such an

occurrence would never happen is itself evidence of a stupendously racist system. It’s so obvious that it feels silly to even write: it is exactly this type of unequal treatment that the 14th Amendment was supposed to eradicate. The state is either ignorant or dishonest on this point.

While campaigning for her party’s nomination for governor, Whitmer spoke movingly about the trial, stating, “Despite what the federal court said, despite what Bill Schuette and Gov. Snyder say, I believe every child in this state has a constitutional right to literacy.” Yet her administration is now taking a dizzying path to reach the same conclusion she campaigned against.

It’s important to remember what this means for the lives of actual people. “Denial of access to literacy,” Rosenbaum says, “has always been” a way “to subordinate or disenfranchise communities of color, going all the way back to when it was a crime to teach children how to read, going all the way back to literacy tests.” In other words, to say that there is no right to literacy is to uphold a hideous crime. Those who desperately cling to power — whether white people over black people, bosses over their workers, or men over women — have always used gaps in the constitution to smuggle in policies that protect that power and exploit the powerless, such as the country’s segregated black communities. Communities like ones all across Detroit.

It’s no secret that legal arguments are often made in their own needlessly complex. The immediate effect is to make these discussions almost impossible to follow, thus guarding them against the scrutiny of everyday people who do not speak the language. But “You don’t have to be a constitutional scholar,” Rosenbaum says, “to know that you can’t put kids in a school and not educate them.” This point is also underscored by the 45 amicus (friend of the court) filed urging the Appeals Court to rule that the education received by the students was both separate and unequal.

USA Today noted that Trump appeared to have tuned in to Thursday’s hearing, lashing out on Twitter at Democrats Veronica Escobar and Sheila Jackson Lee, both of Texas.

He said the two women “purposely misquoted” his July 25 call with Ukraine’s Zelensky.

The call, and other communications from the president and several members of his administration, sparked the whistleblower complaint that was a key impetus in the impeachment inquiry process.

Escobar likened the president’s call with Zelensky to a governor of a state calling a mayor of a town that has just suffered a natural disaster to offer who has requested disaster aid. During the call, the governor acknowledges that the aid is necessary and available. However, before the governor will allow the aid to be distributed, he challenges the mayor, saying, “I want you to do me a favor though.” The favor, she argued, would be directing the local police chief to “smear”

the governor’s opponent.

“Has there been a crime? The answer is ‘yes’, and that governor would go to jail,” she said.

Trump responded, arguing the “favor” he mentioned during the phone call wasn’t related to him.

“I said I want you to do us (our Country!) a favor, not me a favor,” he Tweeted. “They know that but decided to LIE in order to make a fraudulent point.

Very sad.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) pledged on national television that he’ll be in “total coordination” with the White House in development of the strategy for the impeachment trial.

McConnell, during an interview with Fox News, repeatedly pledged that he will be in sync with White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, whom he met privately with on Thursday, according to The Hill newspaper.

“Everything I do during this, I’m coordinating with the White House counsel. There will be no difference between the president’s position and our position as to how to handle this,” McConnell told Fox News on Thursday night.

McConnell added that he’ll be in “total coordination with the White House counsel’s office and the people who are representing the president in the well of the Senate.”

Still, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the articles are “very powerful.

They’re very strong.”

“We are not whipping this legislation, nor do we ever whip something like this. People have to come to their own conclusions,” Pelosi wrote on Twitter.

“They’ve seen the facts as presented in the Intelligence Committee – they’ve seen the Constitution, they know it – they take an oath to protect and defend it. But they see the constitutional experts speak about it.

They’ll make their own decisions. I don’t say anything to them,” she stated.

“The facts are irrefutable. The fact is we take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

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T:5” December 18-24, 2019 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-3

To The Superintendent Of Almont School District:

Bringing Charges Against Three Black Players Is Not The Answer. Fixing The Problem Is A Better Solution!

By Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony

this incident. It is natural, although it may not be desirable, for young people to respond in this way to defend themDETROIT – The recent response to selves or to stand up for their rights as the Denby and Almont High School Dis- demonstrated and reflected at the retrict 5 finals by the Superintendent of cent game. We do not support violence the Almont School District is most dis- or verbal abuse by any individual or appointing. It appears the Superinten- groups. However, we call upon the Sudent is placing the entire responsibility perintendent of Almont, the Oakland on the backs of the Denby players. This County Sheriff’s Department, along shows a lack of understanding, sensi- with the Prosecutor’s office, the Detroit tivity and creative balance to resolve Public School Community District and not only this dispute but to use this any others involved to sit down around incident as a teacha common table to ing moment. The resolve this issue. experience of black Charging students youth at this footwho clearly were ball game in which standing up for they were spat themselves and proupon, called the tecting their rights n-word, pushed and should not be conexcoriated by adults demned but should supporting the Albe understood. This mont team must is clearly a case weigh heavily on where some have any decision made. reacted on all sides This is particularly Charging in the midst of such students who important as it rehostility which inlates to discipline clearly were standing up for volves not only or accountability black players but themselves and protecting for any individual white players and involved. Where is their rights should not be white fans. the evidence of the Now is the time Sheriff’s Depart- condemned but should be to bring folk togethment, the Oakland understood. er. It is not a time to County Prosecutor’s punish one segment office, or the Almont involved in this matSchool District that ter. It is the time to bring everyone who this incident was stimulated, motivat- has a stake in a better future. Dr. Mared and perpetuated by only three black tin Luther King, Jr., said it very clearly, players from Denby High School?

“People fail to get along because they Now is the time for grown folks to fear each other. They fear each other act like grown folks. There should be because they don’t know each other. a coming together of both districts to They don’t know each other because address this unfortunate incident in a they have not communicated with each manner that precludes any further out- other.” It is time to communicate a rage. The Michigan High School Athlet- better plan for the community to have ics Association must ensure greater di- a better game. The plan right now for versity, training and accountability on punishment without any commitment the field, during the game, and at the to correct this negative predicament is conclusion. There has been no coming grossly insufficient. We must and we together of the individuals involved in can do better than this.

President, Detroit Branch NAACP

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City Urges Detroit Homeowners To Apply For Property Tax Exemption As Cut-off Nears The City of Detroit encourages residents who may be eligible for a poverty tax exemption (PTE) to apply before the December 20th cut-off to allow time for them to be processed before the end of December.

Depending on the household income, a homeowner can receive either a 50% or 100% exemption on their property taxes for each year they are eligible to apply. Having PTE also is a requirement under the “Pay as You Stay” program, which recently passed at the State Legislature with 106-1. The program would help approximately 31,000 Detroit homeowners stay in their homes by reducing the amount they own on their back taxes and lowering their monthly bills.

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Led the effort in 2014 to pass HB 4882 to allow delinquent taxpayers to enter into payment plans and avoid foreclosure.

15,000 homeowners signed up in the first year alone.

Completed the first citywide residential property reassessment since the 1950s to ensure home assessments are fair and reflect market values. The vast majority of Detroit homeowners saw their property assessments - and property tax bills - drop as a result.

PTEs are granted only for the current tax year and can provide either a 50% or a 100% exemption from paying 2019 property taxes based on the following guidelines:

Supported Neighbor to Neighbor door-to-door canvassing to every household in Detroit at risk of foreclosure, with the city’s Department of Neighborhoods and AmeriCorps VISTA teams recruiting volunteers.

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Expanded efforts to get eligible Detroiters to apply for the Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program to receive a poverty tax exemption (PTE), which would eliminate or cut in half their property tax bill.

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Center. Applications also may be requested by sending an email to assessorspecialprocessing@detroitmi.gov

Officials expect to approve the largest number ever of PTEs this year – well over 6,000 – however thousands more are likely eligible. With such demand, the City urges applicants to apply before the December 20th cut-off to ensure every application is reviewed in an adequate amount of time. The City’s Board of Review has until December 31 to review and approve all applications.

Over the past two years, the City has increased its efforts to notify eligible residents of the PTE. In 2014, for example, the city approved 3,800 PTEs and the numbers have increased annually since then.

How to Apply for a Poverty Tax Exemption: The City will be accepting applications for the PTE through December 20. Applications are available online at www.detroitmi.gov (search for “HPTAP”), and also available in-person at the Coleman A. Young Municipal

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December 18-24, 2019 | Page A-4

Pots and Kettles

Republican Hypocrisy and Double-Talk

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Newswire Contributor

When you elect a clown, expect a circus, and this month’s impeachment hearings have been precisely that. Yelling, shouting, and disrespectful accusing seem more the rule than the exception.

The increased volume of Mr. Trump’s tweets echoes his fear and discomfort because he has been called out. Republican histrionics and obsession with “process” suggest that Mr. Trump’s Julianne Malveaux party is not especially interested in facts. Even the falsehood that Democrats have been “out to get” this President since he was elected is outright wrong. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi came to the impeachment conclusion only reluctantly. And Democrats have been very measured in their accusations. While Mr. Trump has only been charged with two “high crimes and misdemeanors,” if Democrats wanted to throw the book at the Criminal-in-Chief, they could have detailed multiple “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Instead, they’ve kept it narrowly focused on Mr. Trump’s behavior regarding Ukraine.

Democrats have shown admirable restraint, while Republican shouting and deflecting could be the basis of a comedy show if the matter weren’t so serious.

And every time some of these folks speak, they illustrate their hypocrisy.

Thus, Florida Congressman Matt Goetz launched into a tirade about Hunter Biden’s very candid disclosure of his substance abuse challenges, some of which are detailed in a New Yorker article this summer (https://www.newyorker. com/magazine/2019/07/08/will-hunterbiden-jeopardize-his-fathers-campaign).

But Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson had no time for Goetz, saying that Goetz’s attack on Biden was like “the pot calling the kettle black). Goetz was charged with a DUI some years ago. The charges were mysteriously dropped, but there is evidence that Goetz was impaired.

Meanwhile, Hunter Biden has never been arrested or charged with any of his substance abuse challenges. Goetz’s attack on Hunter Biden is not the only example of Republican hypocrisy and improper behavior. These impeachment hearings show how far Republicans will go to obfuscate Mr. Trump’s behavior and to throw mud at Democrats.

While Republicans are throwing mud at Hunter Biden, no one has asked for any investigation of the Trump family.

Ivanka has used her father’s influence to gain coveted trademarks in China.

Her brothers have used government resources and their father’s influence to feather their nest in establishing new Trump properties all over the world.

While I’m not condoning Hunter Biden’s possible pecuniary use of his father’s status, none of us should be happy about the way our government has subsidized the Trump Empire.

In another example, Melania Trump got outraged and agitated because one of the Democratic legal witnesses, Stanford Law Professor Pamela Karlan, made an inappropriate joke about her son, Barron Trump. The professor said that while Trump could name his son Barron, he could not make him a baron, an attack on the autocratic power that Mr. Trump attempts to wield. One might have thought that the professor had attacked the child or ridiculed him.

She didn’t. She made a clumsy joke and was so roundly criticized for it. And she apologized. Melania “Be Best” Trump played mama bear for her teenaged son. Yet, she seemed to have no words for another teen, Greta Thunberg, who was Time Magazine’s Person of the Year.

Thunberg, who describes herself as “on the autism spectrum” with Asperger’s syndrome, was lifted because of her advocacy for the planet. Time says the young lady won the award “for sounding the alarm about humanity’s predatory relationship with the only home we have, for bringing to a fragmented world a voice that transcends backgrounds and borders, for showing us all what it might look like when a new generation leads.” But Mr. Trump doesn’t believe in global warming or climate change, so he ridiculed the young woman in one of his many rude and bullying tweets. And Melania thinks that only her son should be protected from bullying. The pot and the kettle. If she wants to call bullies out, she might start with her husband.

There have been accusations, finger-pointing, anger, and deflection during these impeachment hearings.

Republicans have shown that they have taken an oath, not to protect the Constitution, but to protect Mr. Trump. As Republicans march lockstep behind a corrupt President, Congressman Hank Johnson has it right. The “pot really can’t call the kettle black.”

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor and educator. Her latest project MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is available on youtube.com.

For booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux. com

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Fighting to Win Justice for All in Michigan...and Beyond

By Rev. Carolyn J. Mobley Bowie Breath of Life Spiritual Center, MCC, MI

As a previously long-closeted lesbian who has found so much joy in living openly later in life, I know what it feels like to live in fear of harassment and discrimination. As a spiritual person, I’m praying the Supreme Court does the right thing and affirms that all LGBTQ people should be able to work hard and support themselves and their loved ones without fear of harassment or discrimination at work. If the Supreme Court issues a positive ruling for the plaintiffs of the three LGBTQ workplace discrimination cases it heard recently and is currently deliberating, it will be a huge relief for people like me.

When I was growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, my family was not accepting of LGBTQ people When I heard about gay people, it was in the context of a mean-spirited joke. I started to realize I liked girls in high school, but I didn’t date at all through college. After college, I came out to my mother as a lesbian. She paid for me to see a counselor who attempted to “fix” me. After only two sessions, I refused to keep going to those meetings. I continued to be engaged with a Baptist church into the 1980s, but I still wasn’t out as a lesbian there. Regardless, someone there identified me as “possibly gay” and I was asked to leave the church.

In 1995, I was ordained while serving at an open and affirming parish in Houston, Texas, where I was on staff for 15 years. Finally, this was a spiritual home where I could flourish enough to come out to my extended family and marry the love of my life in the church.

I was elated to make our marriage legal in the eyes of the state shortly after the Supreme Court ruled that marriage equality was legal in 2015.

But having the right to marry in Michigan doesn’t alleviate the overarching injustice that remains. In Michigan, and 29 other states, an LGBTQ person may marry on Sunday, with the blessing of the Church and State and still be fired on Monday, lose their housing, or be refused services at public places like a hotel or coffee shop, simply because of their sexual orientation and who they love. This more than pains me.

Throughout my life it has been my faith that’s directed self-acceptance.

It’s heartbreaking that many churches throughout history have used the Bible and the church as an institution to exclude people of color like me, women,

Rev. Carolyn J. Mobley Bowie in general, and LGBTQ people, from leadership and full acceptance. My understanding is that God’s love and the Golden Rule teach us that we are all equal, and that God expects us to treat each other with mutual love and respect.

To me, nondiscrimination is a simple matter of fairness and equal protection under the law. If I’m paying my taxes, serving my community, and not breaking laws, I should be protected by the law. Unfortunately, not only is there no federal law that provides explicit nondiscrimination protections, the state of Michigan also has no express statewide protections against discrimination for LGBTQ people either.

If Michigan and other states cannot do right by LGBTQ people by passing statewide protections, it becomes paramount that the federal government step in and ensure that all are protected in the workplace, in housing, and in other public places. I fear that if the Supreme Court doesn’t do the right thing, their ruling will be taken by many more people as a license to increase discrimination against LGBTQ people. We must do all we can to prevent institutional inequality and secure comprehensive protections as quickly as possible.

Rev. Carolyn J. Mobley, is a resident of Saginaw MI , Breath Of Life Spiritual Center, part of the Metropolitan Church of Christ (MCC).

Ask Dr. Kevin: Clinical Trials are the Foundation for Scientific Innovation

By Dr. Kevin Williams

trials can’t be captured in a few words.

However, as I’ve said earlier, advancing research and conducting clinical trials comes with the unfortunate reality of not always being successful.

Chief Medical Officer for Rare Disease at Pfizer

The “Ask Dr. Kevin” series is brought to you by Pfizer Rare Disease in collaboration with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) to increase understanding of sickle cell disease.

Dr. Kevin Williams is the Chief Medical Officer for Rare Disease at Pfizer where he leads a Medical Affairs organization of approximately 150 medical colleagues around the globe. He pursued medicine after being inspired by his father’s work as a general practitioner in his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Kevin is passionate about raising awareness and increasing understanding of rare diseases, such as sickle cell disease, in the African American community.

As you may have heard, my team at Pfizer recently experienced a significant disappointment. Our phase 3 trial for rivipansel, a potential treatment for the debilitating vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) endured by virtually every person with sickle cell disease (SCD), did not meet its study endpoints. Both professionally and personally, this news was hard to hear, especially knowing that people with SCD have such limited treatment options available to them. However, even though the study didn’t turn out as we had hoped, the good news is that the rivipansel program greatly advanced our understanding of SCD and VOCs, which will be important for future SCD research programs and drug development.

As I’ve written about before, SCD is the most common inherited blood disorder, and it disproportionately affects people of African descent. VOCs, one of the most common complications of SCD, are marked by extreme pain resulting from sickle-shaped red blood cells clumping together in the bloodstream.

The standard of care for patients experiencing these pain crises has remained largely unchanged since the first report of SCD in 1910, and is restricted mostly to treating disease symptoms, like the use of opioids for pain management.

Just last month, Novartis was granted FDA approval for a treatment to reduce the frequency of VOCs experienced by patients; however, there still stands a greater need for therapies that target the root cause of these painful episodes.

The clinical trial for rivipansel may have come to an end; however, the one

The news that our trial for rivipansel didn’t achieve its goals was disappointing, especially for the SCD community who is eagerly awaiting new therapies for VOCs. That said, we are channeling this loss into renewed energy and making it our purpose to learn from it. We are in the process of reviewing the trial data closely to ensure our findings can help inform and shape future SCD programs.

Dr. Kevin Williams thing that working in SCD and collaborating with the NNPA and SCD-focused patient groups over the last several years has taught me is that this community is strong. Their strength inspires me and my team every day and fuels our passion for our work in advancing the scientific research of rare diseases like SCD. In this article, I’d like to share a little more about the importance of innovation in rare diseases and answer some common questions about the role clinical trials play as the foundation for moving medical innovation forward.

Why are clinical trials important?

Cutting-edge research and clinical trials are key to making an impact for patients and are essential to the development of new treatments. These studies also deepen our understanding of diseases, especially rare diseases, such as SCD, where few advances have been made. For rare diseases in particular, only 5% of diseases have an FDA-approved treatment, so there is a lot of work to be done in this area.

At their core, clinical trials are designed to produce high-quality data that will translate into a better understanding of the treatments that work best for certain diseases and people. Given their crucial role in medical science, clinical trials are highly regulated and conducted using high-quality scientific and ethical standards to ensure the safety of participating patients.

Are there potential challenges associated with clinical trials?

The biggest challenge is that a clinical trial may fail, even after decades of research aimed at uncovering a treat-

ment breakthrough. While no one likes to hear a clinical trial didn’t meet its goals, especially people in need of new treatment options, researchers are unfortunately unable to anticipate the end results of these studies in advance.

However, even though we can’t be sure of the results, it’s still critical for this research to happen to bring new treatment advances to those in need.

Did you know that for every approved medicine, there are countless others that don’t pass through the grueling clinical trial and regulatory processes?

A recent report found that the likelihood of drugs moving from clinical phase to approval is only 9.6%. Moreover, even if an investigational therapy is backed by promising data, it can take around 12 years or longer for it to gain approval.

Another challenge can be enrollment of volunteers to participate in clinical trials. Historically, recruitment obstacles have been a barrier in SCD research. However, a poll conducted, as a part of Pfizer and the NNPA’s collaboration, found that a majority of respondents had positive or neutral attitudes toward SCD clinical trials, and furthermore, they indicated a willingness to participate in them if provided the appropriate information. These results are encouraging and suggest people are becoming more inclined to participate in clinical trials for hard-to-treat diseases like SCD.

Regardless of the outcomes, I want to stress again that more trials in the rare disease space, particularly for SCD, are desperately needed. I am confident in saying our steadfast commitment to this community will continue, as we work tirelessly to look for new ways to continue advancing care.

About Dr. Kevin Williams Dr. Kevin Williams is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Pfizer Rare Disease. In this role, he leads a Medical Affairs organization of approximately 150 medical colleagues around the globe supporting Pfizer’s efforts and portfolio in Rare Disease. Dr. Kevin joined Pfizer in January 2004 as a Director of Regional Medical & Research Specialist working in the HIV disease area. After moving into a Team Leader position in July 2005, he served in various leadership roles during his career at Pfizer.

Dr. Kevin moved into his current Rare Disease CMO position in May 2016.

What have you learned about clinical trials during your time at Pfizer?

Dr. Kevin received his medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine and is board certified in Internal Medicine. Following a 2-year fellowship in Health Services Research at UCLA and a brief academic career as an Instructor of Medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine, he spent 8 years in private practice caring for HIV-positive patients while maintaining an academic appointment at the UCLA School of Medicine as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine. In addition to his medical degree, Dr. Kevin has a Master’s in Public Health from the UCLA School of Public Health and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School.

Pfizer strives to accelerate the development and delivery of groundbreaking medicines and the dedication, talent and resources that support our clinical

Keep up to date on Pfizer’s Rare Disease efforts by visiting our page here.

You can also follow Pfizer on Facebook and Twitter.

December 18-24, 2019 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-5

NATIONAL NEWS

Bill Cosby Denied Appeal, But Other Avenues to Freedom Remain

By Zak Goldstein Special to NNPA Newswire

Bill Cosby, who in 2018 was convicted and sentenced to prison on aggravated indecent assault charges, has lost his bid for an appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Zak Goldstein, an attorney who specializes in criminal defense appeals in Pennsylvania, told NNPA Newswire that the court’s denial of Cosby isn’t the last hurrah for the actor and comedian.

Goldstein, who does not represent Cosby, outlines what’s next for Cosby and his team. ~ Editors Unfortunately, the majority of criminal appeals in Pennsylvania are denied by the Superior Court – meaning it is relatively rare for them to reverse a criminal defendant’s conviction or sentence.

In my experience, this seems to hold Zak Goldstein true whether the case was a high-profile case or not.

It happens, but the error committed by the trial court has to be significant AND preserved by the trial attorney, meaning the trial attorney must have made a timely objection at the time that the error occurred.

The case law directs the Superior Court to provide a great deal of deference to the rulings of the trial judge for most evidentiary issues.

For example, the issue of whether the other accusers who were not actually part of the case should have been allowed to testify is an issue where the Superior Court applies an “abuse of discretion standard.”

This means that they will not review the issue for whether they would have admitted the evidence themselves if they were initially making the ruling, but instead they look at whether it was unreasonable

Bill Cosby, who in 2018 was convicted and sentenced to prison on aggravated indecent assault charges, has lost his bid for an appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court. for the trial judge to make that ruling.

Unless the judge was clearly wrong, they are not going to reverse the conviction for that reason.

With respect to prior bad acts evidence, such as these other accusers, trial courts often let this type of evidence in where the Commonwealth can show that the allegations were similar or somewhat similar to the allegations in the current case, and the appellate courts usually approve of this.

It then becomes incredibly difficult to obtain a fair trial as this type of propensity evidence is overwhelmingly prejudicial.

This is particularly true in cases involving sex offenses.

Most cases involving alleged sex crimes do not involve forensic evidence, and there are usually not any witnesses other than the complainant.

Therefore, prosecutors have responded by pushing for rules which make it easier to obtain a conviction and defend a conviction in these types of cases.

By piling on with other unproven allegations, even where the defendant is not charged with those offenses, the prosecution increases its chances of

obtaining a conviction.

In my view, the case law which the Superior Court followed in this case does not adequately recognize the overwhelming, prejudicial effect of this type of evidence and the way in which it makes it incredibly difficult to obtain a fair trial on the actual allegations in question.

It is not surprising to me that the first trial, where only one “prior bad act” was allowed into evidence, resulted in a hung jury while the second trial, where more accusers were allowed to testify, resulted in a conviction.

This type of evidence is admitted in criminal trials every day throughout the state.

The thing that was really baffling to me in this case was that the ruling changed in the Commonwealth’s favor after the first trial.

Mr. Cosby has a number of potential avenues through which he could continue to pursue his appeal. First, he could file an application for re-argument en banc.

The initial ruling by the Superior Court was made by a panel of three judges.

The application for re-argu-

ment en banc asks the court to have a panel of nine judges review the case instead.

If the court votes to grant re-argument, then the opinion would be withdrawn, and a new briefing schedule would be set.

Nine Superior Court judges would then consider the appeal.

His second option is to forego the application for re-argument and appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court by filing a Petition for Allowance of Appeal.

This would mean asking the Supreme Court to review the case. The PA Supreme Court does not have to accept an appeal.

Instead, they typically only review a case when there is some new issue for which there is no case law or where the case law has become outdated, when the Superior Court’s ruling is clearly incorrect, or when there are conflicting opinions between panels of the Superior Court that cannot really be reconciled. The PA Supreme Court does not hear very many cases each year. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, however, has been relatively progressive on criminal issues recently.

Finally, with respect to a di-

rect appeal, if re-argument and a Petition for Allowance of Appeal are unsuccessful, he could appeal to the United States Supreme Court if there was some federal issue involved that he would like to raise.

It is not too late to file a Post-Conviction Relief Act Petition and allege the ineffective assistance of counsel.

Generally, direct appeals come first, meaning that a defendant who is unhappy with the outcome would first ask the Superior Court and possibly the Supreme Court to overturn the conviction or sentence.

When that fails, the sentence becomes final, and a defendant can file a Post-Conviction Relief Act Petition (PCRA) and allege that the lawyer did something wrong.

A direct appeal deals with errors made by the judge, while a PCRA Petition alleges errors made by the trial and/or appellate attorney. You typically have one year from the date on which the sentence becomes final to file a PCRA Petition.

The sentence does not become final until thirty days after the Superior Court affirms a conviction or ninety days after the PA Supreme Court affirms a conviction.

The direct appeal, if you are going to file one, has to come first as you cannot file one after litigating a PCRA if you have missed the deadline, and they cannot be litigated at the same time.

A PCRA Petition goes back to the trial judge who heard the case for an initial ruling. If the trial judge denies it, then there can be another round of appeals to the Superior Court and the Supreme Court.

If those are unsuccessful, a defendant can file a Habeas Petition in federal court again alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, but it is not easy to overturn a state court conviction in federal court.

Zak Goldstein is a Philadelphia-based criminal appeals attorney with the firm, Goldstein Mehta LLC. You can visit his website at www.goldsteinmehta.com, or follow him on Twitter @ZakTGoldstein.

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Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com •

December 18-24, 2019

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Individual dealer prices and document fees may vary. Offers may vary by region. VEHICLE IMAGES USED FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. Expiration for these offers is 01/06/20.

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| December 18-24, 2019

Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

Nearly 50 Comerica volunteers (some pictured here) help make Detroit children’s holidays wishes come true.

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HOMEFRONT Comerica Bank Ensures

appy Holidays H for Metro Detroit Families Comerica Bank has participated in the North End Youth The Comerica Audit department gets ready to help children open their holiday gifts. Improvement Council’s Adopt a L-R: Kimberly Samuel, Della James, Juanita Dunn, Latonya McDonald.

Child program event for more than 15 years. The event, sponsored by Comerica Bank, works to ensure families in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties have gifts of clothing, books and toys during the holiday season.

This year, more than 3,500 families from metro Detroit had a happy holiday thanks to the incredible program.

The late Delores Bennett, a former Wayne County commissioner in Detroit and well-respected child advocate, started the event nearly 60 years ago.

Bennett learned of a neighbor Comerica volunteers (left) Ketra Lewis that couldn’t afford presents for and Deb Edwards love spreading holiday There’s nothing quite like the joy of a her children and worked hard cheer. child opening gifts. to ensure the family a happy holiday by purchasing them gifts.

Community gift-giving, now organized by the council, has continued ever since and has helped more than 30,000 low-income children and families.

This year, families were treated to holiday cheer through presents, Detroit’s Martin Lu-

Volunteer Nancy Heaston (back middle) of Comerica Bank’s human resources department and members of her family contributed to the bank’s outreach to local families. ther King Jr. High School performances, music from the Cass Technical High School Harp and Vocal Choir, dinner and more at the TCF Center.

“The North End Youth Improvement Council’s purpose is creating a sense of values,

hope, self-esteem, self-worth and self-respect in young people who live in the Detroit community known as the North End,” said Mary Bennett King, daughter of North End Youth Improvement Council’s founder Delores Bennett. “My mom had

See HAPPY HOLIDAYS page B-6

Lynn Pearson (far left) and Maryam Gasgous (far right), representing Comerica Cares volunteers, give bikes to two local children, which makes great gifts during The drumline from Detroit’s Martin Luther King Jr. High School performed festive the holidays. songs to kick off the event

All-Star Giveback Provides Meals and Hope to Thousands Celebrities were promised and they showed up as usual. Turkeys were promised, and they too were delivered just like the celebrities.

But the annual All-Star Giveback, held at River Rouge High School and organized each year by the Tarence Wheeler Foundation, was not about the celebrities or the turkeys. One of metro Detroit’s largest holiday events, especially in the downriver communities of River Rouge and Ecorse, generated smiles to the faces of those in need and offered a respite over Thanksgiving weekend for thousands of families.

“It provides some reprieve for that family,” said Tarence Wheeler, co-founder of the annual event that now spans more than two decades. “That family in line is so stressed out. Poverty is not just about money, it limits access to people who can help you.

“When they come through those doors, we give them a positive word, then they have a positive experience with vendors— they have a resource. They walk away like somebody cares.”

Countless partners and volunteers stepped up and assisted financially and through volunteer resources, including Comerica Bank. Due to this support, the All-Star Giveback distributed approximately 5,000 turkeys this year.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a partner like Comerica for nearly a decade,” said Wheeler. “Comerica has not only been a financial contributor, but they have also been a contributor of volunteer hours with their employees.”

Partners, celebrities and community leaders all pitched in Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, carrying daughter, Ruby, greets Pat McCann, ­Comerica Bank senior diversity consultant and social impact director at the All-Star Giveback that distributed approximately 5,000 their support. Entertainer Big Sean and the Sean Anderson Founturkeys to families in need for Thanksgiving.

See ALL-STAR GIVEBACK page B-2

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • December 18-24, 2019

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Index Ticks Down

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index declined in September to a level of 118.1. September’s reading is 20 points, or 21 percent, above the index cyclical low of 97.9.

The index averaged 118.4 points for all of 2018, which was unchanged from the index average for 2017. August’s index reading was 118.3.

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index ticked down in September, ending a three-month improving trend. The September index level of 118.1 was first reached in December 2016, so we have seen little upward momentum in the state economy for nearly two years.

Entertainer Big Sean (middle) along with Leah Jeffries, an actress on hit Fox drama Empire, volunteer their support during the Thanksgiving community outreach at River Rouge High School. Big Sean and the Sean Anderson Foundation have become vital contributors to the All-Star Giveback.

All-star Giveback From page B-1

dation aided the giveaway, and Big Sean spent time handing out turkeys and meeting those in line.

Wheeler first started this mission with NBA legend and Detroit native Derrick Coleman 21 years ago. The Thanksgiving community outreach launched by distributing about 200 turkeys and has now generated over 1.2 million meals. Other former NBA players, Willie Burton and Earl Cureton—both with Detroit roots—also offered a helping hand.

Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist and U.S. Senator Gary Peters greeted families in attendance and thanked the volunteers handing out turkeys.

Gilchrist even brought along his baby daughter, Ruby, in tow to the community family affair.

“This event is all about our communities coming together and working together at home,

Total employment in the state in September was up by only 1,000 jobs since December 2016.The September index data reflects uncerRobert A. Dye tainty in the Michigan economy as the UAW/GM strike approached. Now that the strike has been resolved, we expect to see better performance in the November numbers, to be released later this year and early next year.

at work, at school,” said Gilchrist.

“We’re here to say ‘thank you’ and that we’re always going to support you.”

Actors Hill Harper, Leah Jeffries and Elijah Johnson who have appeared on television, in movies and on Broadway, joined Wheeler’s team of celebrities and public figures.

For Wheeler, connecting different people and corporate resources to the event is not about publicity but creating opportunities.

“When you bring in Comerica and have a Pat (McCann) and a LaShawn (Jimenez), they become part of the family,” said Wheeler.

“It’s easier for us to talk about financial literacy. They’ve met LaShawn. They’ve met Pat. Oh, I can be successful because we are friends and friends become partners.”

The excitement permeated the school throughout the day,

Happy Holidays From page B-1 a vision that each Christmas, every child in her neighborhood would be able to celebrate and we make that a reality year after year. The impact it’s had on hundreds of families has been astounding.”

There were nearly 50 volunteers from CoUNI_CB-187106-02 MI Chronicle_Update merica Bank, including staff, friends and family,

From left-right, Comerica Bank Social Impact Director Pat McCann, actor Hill Harper, 36th District Judge Kenneth King and Comerica Bank Vice President, Regional Trust Advisor LaShawn Jimenez hand out turkeys and trimmings at the annual All-Star Giveback. and in the end, that’s the goal that Wheeler and the All-Star Giveback achieved that reached well beyond the turkeys.

“Barriers belong on the freeway, not in the community. Not where you try to help people.

It’s not a hand out, it’s a hand up,”

to provide presents to 55 children. Some Comerica volunteers supported children individually and other departments came together to raise funds and shop for multiple children.

The event offers the chance to make sure the children receive festive gifts and toys as well as essentials like winter coats and gloves, plus books to encourage reading.

“This annual event is so influential for Detroit’s Youth, and our Comerica team are alColor.pdf 1 to7/11/19 ways delighted be a part 3:04 of it,”PMsaid Comerica Bank Vice President and Business Risk Unit

Wheeler continued.

“The energy is good. As you can see, there are people there just because of the energy. So the hope and desire that me and Derrick Coleman had was to inspire, to encourage and to enlist the communities.”

Lead Ketra Lewis, who has been organizing Comerica’s involvement for nearly a decade.

The annual holiday outreach has become a great celebration of giving as numerous contributors have come together through the years to make the season special for thousands of children and families in Detroit.

“I have known people who are recipients of this program that have gone on to become gift givers – it’s a truly inspirational event that benefits the community and Comerica is delighted to be a part of it each year.”

In September, four out of nine index components were positive. They were unemployment insurance claims (inverted), house prices, hotel occupancy and state sales tax revenue. The four negatives were housing starts, industrial electricity demand, light vehicle production and total state trade. The employment sub-index was unchanged in September.

Of the nine components, house prices have been the most consistent positive for the Michigan Index recently.

According to the Case-Shiller data, Detroit area house prices were up 3.6 percent in September over the previous 12 months, ahead of the U.S. average of 3.2 percent. Declines in mortgage rates this year appear to be helping home sales.

Going forward we expect mortgage rates to stabilize.

The Michigan Economic Activity Index consists of nine variables, as follows: nonfarm payroll employment, continuing claims for unemployment insurance, housing starts, house price index, industrial electricity sales, auto assemblies, total trade, hotel occupancy and sales tax revenue. All data are seasonally adjusted. Nominal values have been converted to constant dollar values. Index levels are expressed in terms of three-month moving averages.

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

ComericaEcon@comerica.com.

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

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RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS ® CB-187106-02 06/19

December 18-24, 2019 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-3

Supporters at 15th annual NKFM Kidney Ball raise over $430,000

Record-Breaking Number of Scholarships Available for Detroit Students to Attend Interlochen Arts Camp Students residing in Detroit in grades three through twelve have access to more financial aid to attend the world-renowned Interlochen Arts Camp than ever before.

Thanks to many generous donors, Interlochen has reserved more than $140,000 in need-based scholarship funds to bring students from Detroit to Interlochen Arts Camp in 2020—the most financial aid reserved for Detroit students to attend Interlochen Arts Camp in Interlochen’s history. Detroit students can also compete for scholarships that will be awarded through partnerships with Detroit arts organizations—and apply for financial aid that is available to all Camp applicants. Full-tuition scholarships are available.

“We are committed to providing access to an Interlochen experience for every talented student who wants to be here,” said Trey Devey, President of Interlochen Center for the Arts. “Detroit is a major cultural center and we are thrilled to partner with some of the area’s most vibrant arts organizations to bring talented students to Interlochen.”

Interlochen Arts Camp is a world-renowned summer arts program that has been at the forefront of arts education for nearly a century. Each summer, artistic students ages 8 to 18 from around the world convene at Interlochen to hone their skills and expand their capacity in music, theatre, dance, creative writing, visual arts, and film. Programs are

one, two, three, four, and six weeks long. Surrounded by peers who share their artistic passion and curiosity, students forge cross-cultural friendships that last a lifetime and find reflection, rejuvenation, and inspiration on Interlochen’s pristine, 1,200-acre campus.

Detroit-based arts organizations that are partnering with Interlochen to award scholarships include the Detroit Children’s Choir, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Youth Ensemble, Inside Out, the Michigan Opera Theatre and Children’s Choir, the Royal Oak Young Artist Competition, and the Sphinx Organization.

Interlochen Center for the Arts is offering more scholarships for Michi-

“Real Talk” panel to discuss youth issues Even though social media and technology keep our youth informed, we still need pillars of the community to provide guidance and counsel.

On Dec. 18, DPSCD (Detroit Public Schools Community District) and DWIHN (Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network) have teamed up to hold a youth-focused panel titled “Real Talk.”

“Real Talk” will focus on informing the youth about the dangers of vaping and alcohol. The event will take place from 5 to 6:30 PM at the East English Village Preparatory Academy. Like its title, the panel line-up is comprised of dedicated community members who served our youth in their respective capacities.

WXYZ reporter Andrea Isom will be leading the conversation. The panelists include: • DJ BJ of Hot 107.5 • Bushman of FM 98 WJLB • Willie E. Brooks, Jr., President, and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) • Chrystal Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Communications and Marketing, Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) • Tiffany Devon, Director of Communications at DWIHN said that we must inform our youth about these issues at all costs.

“At DWIHN, we want to make sure we’re covering our bases with providing knowledge and information,” said Devon. “We have to be aware of what’s being marketed to our children and I’m hoping this will be one of many events we do with DPSCD.”

gan students to attend Interlochen Arts Camp than ever before, with financial aid earmarked for students in Detroit, northern Michigan, southeast Michigan, and Grand Rapids. Michigan students can also apply for needand merit-based scholarships that are open to all Camp applicants. More than 70 percent of students who apply for assistance to attend Interlochen Arts Camp receive financial aid.

To apply to Interlochen Arts Camp, visit camp. interlochen.org. The priority application date for programs that require an audition or portfolio is Jan. 15, 2020. All other programs enroll on a rolling basis.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, representatives from Interlochen’s admission team will be at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center from 4 to 8 p.m. to conduct auditions for summer music and theatre arts programs.

Celebrating the “grit and glamour” of Detroit’s ongoing renewal, nearly 500 area movers and shakers enjoyed the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s signature fundraising event, the Kidney Ball. Held on Saturday, December 7 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, “the most fun black tie event in metro Detroit” raised over $430,000 through a silent auction, donations, and an exciting live auction.

One highlight at the 15th annual Kidney Ball was learning about and meeting nine-year-old Jaxson Scott and his family. A video told Jaxson’s story about being born premature and losing the use of his legs at one-year-old. Continuing medical issues resulted in Jaxson’s kidneys failing at age 8. Fortunately, his mother, Grace Yount, was a match and Jaxson received a kidney from his mom in August 2018.

In 2019, Jaxson’s family and friends formed Team Jaxson to raise money at the Kidney Walk at the Detroit Zoo. After the video, Steve Garagiola interviewed Jaxson and his mom onstage.

Another highlight was the presentation of the 2019 NKFM Kidney Crusader Award to retired nephrologist Paul Smith, MD, who served on the NKFM’s Scientific Advisory Board for many years.

This award is presented to a health care professional who has not only practiced in the area of kidney disease but also advocated for patients and donated time and resources to support NKFM programs and services.

During the pre-dinner cocktail reception, guests perused over 250 eclectic silent auction items in the hallways, including the popular “kids auction” area filled with toys and treats. Attendees posed in front of a colorful graffiti-embellished

wall, visited the photo booth, and posted on social media using #KidneyBallDetroit.

WDIV-TV’s Steve Garagiola hosted the program again this year, introducing remarks from the Kidney Ball Committee CoChairs: John Magee, MD, Professor of Surgery, Section Head of Transplant Surgery, and Director, University of Michigan Transplant Center; and Duane McLean, Detroit Tigers Vice President of Business Operations.

Honorary Chair Scott LaRiche, Executive Manager and Vice President, Lou LaRiche Chevrolet, also welcomed the crowd.

This year’s live auction featured sports ticket packages for the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings, the U.S. Tennis Open, the Super Bowl and the Final Four. After dinner and the live auction, guests indulged at the popular candy “bar”, then danced until 1:00 a.m. to Your Generation in Concert, pausing only for late night Coneys.

“Our staff and volunteers outdo themselves year after year to make this event more magical. Everyone should feel proud about helping to support the NKFM programs to prevent kidney disease and the services that support those with kidney disease,” states NKFM CEO Linda Smith-Wheelock.

The 2019 Kidney Ball was sponsored by Meijer, Adrian Steel, General RV, Morley, Michigan Medicine, VTC Insurance Group, Miller Coors, Greenfield Health Systems, Fresenius Medical Care, Northwest Detroit Dialysis, Mars Wrigley Confectionery, The Skinny Butcher, and many others.

For more information about the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s programs and services throughout the state, please visit nkfm. org or call 800-482-1455.

Both alcohol and vaping are drugs of choice that many of our youth are partaking in. According to the Addiction Center, teen drug abuse can have longterm cognitive and behavioral effects since the teenage brain is still developing. While impaired driving incidents are down, people are dying from vape-use in Michigan. Recently, Michigan superintendent Matthew Montange said that vaping is a district-wide issue in many local schools.

“Like a lot of other districts in the state, and really in the nation, we’ve seen an uptick in drug use, particularly in vapes,” said Montange. “Vaping has just kind of taken over school districts.”

The allure to engage in unsafe behavior is difficult and overwhelming for our youth. School hallways often turn into high-pressure areas where adolescents push each other into negative-thinking cycles. Panels such as this will allow our children to think twice about their decisions.

This event is free to the public. For more information visit EventBrite.com and search Real Talk

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michiganchronicle.com

| December 18-24, 2019

Why Do Black Millennials Burn Out in Corporate America?

trating for Detroiters to see all of this work happening in their city and not be a part of or benefit from the many projects,” said Jackson. “At Rockford, we’re working on initiatives to help train people and get them involved with some of the construction projects going on in Detroit and surrounding areas.”

Jackson added that training initiatives don’t have to be solely facilitated

by Rockford. The company, he said, is looking at the feasibility of partnering with other groups and entities in Metro Detroit that may already have traction in job training and education. In such cases, Rockford is ready to add its level of expertise and experience in construction. Jackson said Rockford hopes to unveil its plans for training and jobs in 2020.

By Andre Ellington “To be young again” is a quote that many baby boomers and Generation X members use to lament their younger years.

While some things have changed over the years, some things remain stagnant, with substantial resistance to change. Corporate America is a prime example.

Jackson’s pathway to preparing for the construction industry began auspiciously, but with another career path considered. After graduating from Redford High School, once located on the city’s far west side, Jackson attended Michigan State University (MSU), where he majored in electrical engineering. After further investigation into his major, and advice from a fraternity brother of Alpha Phi Alpha, Jackson changed his major to building construction management. In 1991, Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree from MSU.

Before 1976, to be considered successful you would put in a 40-hour work week, have a company car, have a decent pension and retirement fund, and own a home.

And, while elders may have the current technology needed to communicate, their mentality is outdated like a plastic-covered couch.

With a building construction management degree in hand, Jackson garnered valuable experience working with two minority-owned construction companies in Detroit: Ekklesia Building Corporation and Jenkins Construction, Inc. Jackson credits executives Eddie and Aubin Williams of Ekklesia with showing him everything about how construction works.

Jackson added, however, it was James Jenkins, founder, president and CEO of Jenkins Construction, that elevated him to the next level.

What can initially start as a dream job for many millennials ends up being a nightmare due to unrealistic demands, pressure and downright nonsense. Many millennials graduate college, intern, and end up working at a corporation that looks at them as a badge number rather than a human being. The corporate environment chokes the life out of many millennials, which begs the question of, “Why do black millennials burn out in Corporate America?”

Kent Jackson

Historically, this country was built off the servitude of black and brown individuals. Every time we started an independent movement (e.g. Black Wall Street) it was destroyed by members of other races. What we built with our own hands has always been torn down by someone else. This means the mentality of saying “forget” a corporate job started way before we even arrived on Earth.

Every generation has a specific way they operate within society. For millennials, their pride and personal security don’t lay in making sure they stay at a company for 20 years. This over-commitment to one job is the catalyst for burnout. I’ve worked a multitude of jobs over the years, and most of them didn’t push me in any area of my life. Every time I challenged an opinion, I was ostracized. When I had a suggestion, it was looked over. There were times when my work hours suffered as a result of my outspoken nature. The older generation won’t ever understand why millennials quit lucrative jobs, but it’s a reason behind every departure.

Thrives as Member of Rockford Construction’s Top Leadership Team

By Donald James Special to the Chronicle

I

n September of 2019, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Rockford Construction announced the hiring of Kent Jackson to join its top leadership team at the company’s downtown Detroit office. Serving as Vice President, Jackson’s responsibilities include overseeing business development, pre-construction, project management and other initiatives and services.

Jackson, a Detroit native, is excited to use his 25-year plus experience and expertise in construction to help Rockford empower his hometown through creative and innovative construction, management and business development endeavors.

“A large part of my responsibility is to help Rockford identify opportunities and help the company better connect with clients, potential clients, businesses and communities in Metro Detroit,” said Jackson. “In essence, I’m here to help grow the footprints of Rockford Construction.”

Jackson is elated by the volume of construction projects Rockford’s leadership team is currently overseeing in the Motor City, including the former

The true reason why black millennials burn out is due to an unyielding effort to undo the workplace fabric of our forefathers. Recently, Inc.com revealed that the three areas millennials will change in the workplace are:

By Kevin Johnson

• An increase in workplace technology

President, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

• Collaboration between counterparts Flexibility You can’t work properly if your sick days are short, you’re overworked and there’s no evidence of a work-life balance. This is also the reason why entrepreneurship is on the rise in the millennial generation.

There are a lot of things you can say about millennials, but we’re changing the core of modern society. Every corporate gig isn’t a horrible experience and knowledge from elders will never fall on deaf ears. But we must begin to question why other fellow millennials are burning out of Corporate America like beautiful fireworks on the 4th of July. For now, let’s make sure we do our part in continuing to help them break the glass ceiling in the constraints of Corporate America.

Standard Accident Insurance Company building, located at 640 Temple St., just west of the Masonic Temple. According to Jackson, the $72 million-project is a mixed-use venture that will convert the almost 100-year-old building into a 100-room hotel complete with retail and restaurant space.

Other Rockford projects, in various stages of completion in Detroit, include the extensive interior renovation of St. Regis Hotel in Midtown; the Leland Hotel, which is being transformed to feature 340 market-rate apartments along with commercial and retail space; The Mid, a $310 million mixed-use development that will include a luxury boutique hotel along with luxury and affordable housing and retail space; and the $65 million transformation of the Hilberry Gateway Performance Complex at Wayne State University, which will renovate the current theatre to create a large state-of-theart performance center for music, dance and arts-related events.

Another project that Jackson and other leadership team members are working on is creating a comprehensive Workforce Development plan designed to train and subsequently identify jobs for Detroiters in the construction industry.

“Being from Detroit, I know it’s frus-

“James Jenkins showed me the art of the deal that’s connected to the construction industry,” Jackson said. “He allowed me to be in the room to see how deals were made and contracts signed.”

From the strong foundations of Ekklesia and Jenkins Construction, Jackson held numerous positions including project engineer, superintendent, project manager, senior project manager, estimator, director of pre-construction, office general manager, and vice president. In addition, his portfolio of projects before Rockford Construction included Greektown Casino, Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, University of Detroit Mercy, Gateway Marketplace and Detroit Medical Center Cardiovascular Institute.

Seeking a company where he could further evolve and soar, with unlimited opportunities in construction, Jackson, a certified LEED Accredited Professional and a State of Michigan Licensed Builder, looked to Rockford Construction to provide new and exciting challenges in the industry. The company has not disappointed.

“We are very excited to welcome Kent to our Detroit team,” Shane Napper, president of construction at Rockford Construction, said at the time of Jackson’s hiring. “With his extensive industry knowledge and strong relationships in the metro Detroit area, Kent will substantially grow our team and business development efforts. We look forward to leveraging Kent’s expertise.”

Jackson is glad to be on board.

“I like the spirit and clear leadership of the company,” said Jackson. “While clear, the company is not afraid to take chances. It’s a very smart and diverse company.”

Jackson added, “I’m happy to be with a company that believes in the city of Detroit, and not just through brick and mortar. I’m proud to be part of the Rockford leadership team that’s dedicated to helping my hometown and the entire Metro Detroit move forward in many ways.”

Detroit Is Open For Business and Italy as well as supporting Small Business Saturday. The DEGC understands that for cities to expand, they need investment in every sector – from small local businesses like Diamond Design Beauty Salon to international corporations like FCA.

Detroit is open for business, and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is telling the world. For more than 40 years, the DEGC has been a key driver of Detroit’s economic growth, paving the way for continued development and new opportunities for City residents.

In the last year, the DEGC helped to create 4,000 jobs, attract nearly $1B in investment, assemble more than 50 acres of industrial land and launch 44 neighborhood businesses.

DEGC is committed to these goals -- investment, jobs, neighborhood development, and preparing Detroit for new businesses through land assembly and incentives. For the coming year, the DEGC will continue to focus on what we know works – business attrac-

Kevin Johnson tion, business retention and small business development.

We’ll stick to that strategy because it yields the greatest impact – jobs and investment.

Unlike most economic development agencies, the DEGC touches just about every aspect of Detroit’s business growth. That includes meeting with government and business leaders in China, Germany

FCA is important as a job creator and catalyst for new supplier development. Its new plant telegraphs to the world that Detroit is a great place to do business. But just as important to Detroit are mid- and small-scale investments like MyLocker and WPP, mixeduse developments like The Corner and The Boulevard, hardware stores, daycare centers and dentist offices. This is the 360-degree work of the DEGC. It ensures that Detroit is growing in an accessible and harmonious way that creates places to work, places to live and places to buy the goods and services Detroiters need and deserve.

DEGC is excited for 2020.

We’ll continue the push to future proof our economy by targeting diverse industries such as mobility, apparel, food and financial services. We’ll see how infrastructure improvements in the City’s commercial corridors, The Riverfront and Eastern Market will ignite new opportunities. Working with Mayor Duggan, City Council, other partners in the region, and throughout the private and public sectors, we’ll address the barriers that keep businesses from building and expanding in our city, and we will leverage our competitive advantages to attract new jobs for Detroiters.

As we look toward this holiday season, I am grateful to be a part of the City’s push toward greater opportunity and prosperity. I’m committed to circling the globe to tell the real Detroit story and why businesses and entrepreneurs need to be in the D.

December 18-24, 2019 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

BSEED and Quicken Loans Community Fund Unveil to Help Businesses Navigate System

By Andre Ellington

things easier for those who are already here and for those who are hustling and building new businesses every day.”

The energy in Room 434 of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center was lively as Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) and the Quicken Loans Community Fund unveiled new areas dedicated to help businesses in Detroit.

BSEED cut the ribbon on re-designed offices, easy-to-navigate floor directions, and streamlined applications. Also, new online tools were introduced that will allow businesses to apply for licensing and permits without the need of being present at the BSEED offices.

David Bell, director of Building Safety and Engineering, opened the ribbon-cutting ceremony by speaking about the improvements. “When visitors arrive at the BSEED offices, they will be greeted with vibrant, color-coated signs on the floors that guide them to the right counter or office, whether it’s property maintenance, construction, plant review, or licensing and permits,” Bell said. “Quicken Loans and BSEED worked together to re-

Granneman also spoke about diversity and inclusion and the success of Detroit Demo Day over the past few years.

“Diversity and inclusion are a huge focus for us. The City of Detroit has a diverse population and we want to represent that diversity. Everything we do from Demo Day to Downtown Detroit Markets represents the City of Detroit across all fronts.”

Representatives from AGI Construction stated that they’re excited to build through BSEED and have access to making new business projects successful.

design several forms which will reduce the time it takes to fill them out. If you’re thinking about opening a business in the City of Detroit, you no longer have to come downtown to do so. All you have to do is log

on to detroitmi.gov, click on the business button, type in the address, and in the end, it will let you know what you need to do to get to the finish line.”

Laura

Grannemann,

vice

president of the Quicken Loans Community Fund, said “You can’t have successful entrepreneurs without a successful supportive system.

This new system will make

With the rising tide of entrepreneurs in Detroit, this is the perfect opportunity for one to open a business without having to go through the red tape that’s been in place for so long.

Entrepreneurship provides a jolt of energy into the ecosystem of a city.

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation donates $10 million to revitalize Detroit neighborhoods

By Andre Ellington The revitalization of Detroit neighborhoods is a priority for city leaders and donors in Detroit. Since 2015, Mayor Mike Duggan and others have concentrated on these efforts through the Strategic Neighborhood Fund. Now, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation is providing funding for the city’s efforts.

The Wilson Foundation will provide a $10 million grant to SNF for the rejuvenation the 10 Detroit neighborhoods pictured below: The $10 million will go toward improving homes, city parks, streetscapes and more.

Major corporations such as American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Fifth Third Bank, Flagstar Bank, Huntington Bank, Penske

Corp., and TCF- Chemical Bank have agreed to donate $5 million to SNF. The $10 million will be distributed over the next five years through non-profit organization Invest Detroit.

Invest Detroit CEO Dave Blaszkiewicz stated that there’s a true commitment that exists between everyone involved with the neighborhood initiative.

“The Strategic Neighborhood Fund is a true public-private-philanthropic partnership,” said Blaszkiewicz. “We are already seeing more investment in Detroit’s neighborhoods than we have in decades, and this will lead to economic growth that brings more jobs, residents, and investment.”

With the bustle that surrounds Downtown Detroit, it feels good to know that the same energy is being reciprocated in our local neighborhoods.

Photo courtesy of The Neighborhoods

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11/13/19 11:36 AM

Page B-6 • michiganchronicle.com • December 18-24, 2019

COLLEAGUE

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

Marvin Rushing Talk about taking a career left turn – Marvin Rushing earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology at Eastern Michigan University, with intention of pursuing a career in law enforcement – possibly working for a federal agency.

Members of the Old Newsboys’ Goodfellow Fund of Detroit, Comerica Bank and guest judges at the Best-Dressed Dolls contest held at the Comerica Banking Center, the bank’s Michigan headquarters located in Detroit. Front row: Special guest judges Aleiah Hogan (with Home Dept doll), Emily Stancak and Ava King (with Angel Doll) and Natalie Stanscak (with Mrs. Claus doll). Back Row (L-R): Henry Guthard (Goodfellows), Mike Kijeski (Goodfellows), Shaelese King (Comerica Bank) Pat McCann (Comerica Bank), Henry J. Guthard (Goodfellows), Neal Rubin (Detroit News, special judge), Moira Mahoney (Goodfellows) and Darlyn Robinson (Goodfellows).

Goodfellows and Comerica help make holiday season special in Detroit

It starts with a simple mission…. no kiddie without a Christmas. And it ends with more than 9,000 donated dolls dressed, judged and prepped for delivery as special gifts to kids throughout Detroit this holiday season.

For 17 years, the Old Newsboys’ Goodfellow Fund of Detroit has held the organization’s annual best-dressed doll contest that culminated this year with 150 finalists on display at the Comerica Banking Center, the bank’s Michigan headquarters in downtown Detroit. With assistance from Detroit News columnist Neal Rubin, four special doll enthusiasts ranging from 6-13 years

old, selected a top 10 and then chose the overall winner.

“We are thrilled to be able to showcase our ‘best dressed’ dolls at Comerica’s office building each year, and we greatly appreciate Comerica’s support of our breakfast,” said Sari Klok-Schneider, Detroit Goodfellows executive director. “Corporate partners like Comerica set a fine example for other companies, and we are truly privileged to have their support each year.”

Comerica not only serves as the contest’s sponsor, but the bank also provides the largest group of volunteers to dress out

the dolls via a process that began back in May. Goodfellows will then distribute dolls to children in Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Harper Woods, River Rouge and Ecorse during the holidays.

“The Goodfellows is very appreciative to Comerica for its contributions. Comerica employees dress about 1,000 dolls each year and have been involved with the program for decades,” said Klok-Schneider.

Detroit Goodfellows packages the dolls in gift boxes containing warm clothes, books, candy and toys, and then collaborate

with Detroit Police precincts to distribute approximately 30,000 holiday packages to children ages 4-13. Funds raised by the Detroit Goodfellows pay for the holiday packages.

“The support of Comerica, other corporations and foundations in the metro Detroit area make our program possible each year,” said Klok-Schneider.

“Without this enthusiastic support we would not be able to ensure our 105-year old mission of ‘no kiddie without a Christmas’”.

And which doll was this year’s winner… Mrs. Claus of course.

Guest judges (left-right) Ava King, Emily Stanczak, Natalie Stanczak Natalie Stanczak, Ava King, Aleiya Hogan and Emily Stancak name the and Aleiya Hogan examine the 150 dolls who finished as finalists for Angel, Mrs. Claus and Home Dept dolls as this year’s Top 3 best-dressed Detroit Goodfellows annual Best Dressed Doll contest sponsored

by Comerica Bank. dolls. Mrs. Claus took the top honors.

Comerica Supports Gleaners Double Your Donation Day Comerica Cares volunteers Denise Leonard, Holly Windom (both left), along with Deborah Hardison Hill (far right) meet up with Denise Luduc, director of Gleaners Community Food Bank, to provide a helping hand during Double Your Donation Day.

Comerica, ACCESS partner to deliver holiday cheer at Salinas Elementary In partnership with ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services), Comerica Bank volunteers supported the annual holiday engagement at Salinas Elementary in Dearborn.

All children at Salinas received toys and met a very special guest, none other than Santa Claus.

ACCESS, the largest Arab American com-

munity nonprofit in the country, has been serving the community for more than 47 years. ACCESS offers a wide range of social, economic, health and educational services to a diverse population.

Retired Comerica employee, Janice Tessier, helps out and as- Megan Schaden lines up Salinas stuComerica banking center manager Colleen Woof gives a gift bag to a sists a young student at Salinas dents and prep them to meet a special meetup with Santa Claus.

Salinas Elementary student. guest.

As Rushing tells it, “as I progressed through my degree, I started thinking about going into different fields.” Those thoughts stayed with him after he graduated when he began working as a social worker for Wolverine Human Services in Detroit. During that time, Rushing says a close friend of his who was working at Comerica Bank thought he’d be a good fit in the banking industry. Rushing agreed, noting that there were a lot of “parallels” with social work and banking, explaining, “as a social worker, we did a lot of the same Marvin Rushing work because the issues are financially based, so I thought it would be a great way for me to segue, career-wise, and continue similar work.”

Rushing then joined Comerica Bank as part of the management training program. Today, he’s worked his way up to Vice President and District Manager, overseeing the Macomb banking center group – a position he’s held for more than a year. Rushing oversees 15 banking centers in Macomb County, “making certain we meet the needs of our constituents and clients – both commercial and retail.

We make sure they’re successful financially, to meet their objectives and goals, making certain we give them the best service possible.”

Looking back at his Comerica career highlights, Rushing points to his promotion to banking center manager after only a three-and-a-half years with the company, explaining, “I understood the responsibility, but I just couldn’t believe they had given me that much responsibility after such a short period of time at the bank.”

Along the way, Rushing found himself succeeding at major career challenges, including helping his team get through a company restructuring. “A lot of people were uneasy about what the future meant,” he said. “We needed to help them understand the opportunity for the bank to become stronger and make certain we’d become even better afterwards.

Just keeping people looking at what they could accomplish and control day in and day out to make certain they were successful. We got through that project, and I think we’re better for it now.”

Comerica volunteers at this year’s career days at Detroit Service Learning Academy – a ­charter school on the west side of Detroit.

He loves his current position working at Comerica Bank since “we have great people in our company, it’s one of the things that drew me to Comerica. We have people who care about helping our customers and help each other within the company. They want to see people be successful – the customers and colleague. It’s a family atmosphere around here.”

Rushing is active in Comerica Cares volunteer program and is especially proud of his chairmanship in the Comerica African-American Network employee resource group – particularly its participation in the United Negro College Fund Walk for Education. “The bank has been part of the program for the entire 31 years, so I’m excited to lead and allow our colleagues to raise money so young people can attend college and better themselves.”

Indeed, education holds a special place in Rushing’s heart.

A single dad to a 17-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter, he was the first person in his family to attend college, and he expects the same from his kids, nieces and nephews.

Times were tough for Rushing when he was younger; he was a so-called “Army brat,” born in Germany, where his father was stationed at the time, and eventually ended up in Washington state – his father’s last assignment. The family then settled in Detroit in the early 1980’s, but endured some economic hardship, as Rushing tells it, living in housing projects where “education was my way out.” It’s his goal to pass that opportunity along, saying, “I just want to make certain we do everything we can to provide other people in need with an opportunity to get themselves in a better situation than their current circumstances, and education is number one asset any of us can have.”

Hobbies: Rushing loves sports, especially football. He also enjoys fishing and the outdoors, especially walking and hiking.

Goals: My goals are to make certain my team is successful and allow people to grow. Personally, become better in terms of my development of my people and making certain we can meet the needs of our customers.

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

www.facebook.com/Comerica.

Financial Education Brigade Stops at Cesar Chavez

Comerica’s Financial Education Brigade stopped at Cesar Chavez A ­ cademy in Detroit to deliver lessons on money management through Junior Achievement.

The JA in A Day program brings business education to the classroom by interweaving concepts of practical economics, career awareness and entrepreneurship. Comerica’s financial education team members helped transform key concepts into a message that inspire and empower students to believe in themselves and to show them that they can make a difference in the world.

Among the Cesar Chavez students who participated included second graders as well as students in the Upper Elementary.

Through the first nine months of the year, Comerica provided 850 financial Comerica Financial Education Brigade team members (back row, left-right) education hours held in Detroit and Christina Akoma, Michael Maher and Liza Hunter delivered JA in A Day fi- throughout Michigan, reaching 5,800 innancial lessons to students at Cesar Chavez Upper Elementary. dividuals.

Comerica Financial Education Brigade volunteer Tobi Walker helps students gain a greater understanding of money management.

City. Life. Style.

C1 | December 11-17, 2019

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

AJ’s Dopest Things:

Christmas Edition

2019

By AJ Williams – Interim Managing Editor/City.Life.Style. Editor

Christmas is approaching and if you are still searching for the perfect gift, need a last-minute Secret Santa gift, or if you are in competition for the Best Gift Giver in the family, then this guide is for you!

For Her: Give the monthly gift of surprise with a monthly sub­scription of Black Girl Magic with Izzy & Liv’s Brown Sugar Box $39.99­ www.IzzyandLiv.com

For the Fam: Get the fam G’d Up at The Upperow. The Upperow Luxury Fashion House o ­ ffers cut & sew classy, upscale, versatile, and exclusive clothing for men, women, and children. www.Upperow.com For Us: Grab Bae and decompress from the holidays with a couples massage, spa day and suite at MGM Immerse Spa. www.mgmdetroit.com

For The Fam: Give the gift of healthy food for the new year with a gift card from ‘The Kitchen’ By Cooking with Que. Located on Woodward in downtown Detroit, ‘The Kitchen” specializes in Vegan and Vegetarian Cuisine. www.CookingWithQue.com

For Her: Give her

face a Fast Face complete SLAY with the Lip Bar’s FAST FACE Kit. $99 www. LipBar.com

For Him/Her: INSPIRE Detroit and Inspire your style withDistinct Life INSPIRE X Puma: PUMA Palace Guard X Distinct Life $95 www.distinctlife.com www.footlocker.com

Page C-2 • michiganchronicle.com • December 18-24, 2019

The Weeknd

The Weeknd Claims Number One Spot On Billboard HOT 100

Logging a pair of entries on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, GRAMMY® Award-winning diamond-certified Toronto R&B / Pop icon The Weeknd captures #1 on the chart with his latest single “Heartless” as “Blinding Lights” takes the #11 spot, also making him the only R&B artist to hit #1 in his first full week on the charts in 2019. “Heartless” immediately shot up to #1 making it his 4th #1 to date, and both tracks have earned over 550,000 consumption domestically, and over 1 million globally.

To date The Weeknd has notably tallied a total of 9 career Hot 100 Top 10 hits. Both “Heartless” and “Blinding Lights” are also the #1 and #2 Streaming / Sales Tracks overall in the US, making him the first R&B artist to claim both spots in 2019 with “Heartless” alone

being the biggest one-week debut for an R&B song this year.

Get “Heartless” and “Blinding Lights” here via XO / Republic Records.

His presence can be felt everywhere.

He recently joined Mercedes-Benz as the Creative Director for the EQC electric SUV Campaign, took over the Las Vegas strip in order to film the “Heartless” music video, and delivered back-to-back powerhouse performances showcasing some of the most unparalleled creative ever done on late night television on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Meanwhile, his big screen debut happens next week as he joins Adam Sandler in the critically-acclaimed Safdie Brothers film Uncut Gems in select theaters on December 13th and available nationwide on December 25th.

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Where City Meets

Print & Online

Keeping You Informed at All Times of the Day. michiganchronicle.com

LIFE

and Life Meets

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michiganchronicle.com DQE

December 18-24, 2019 • michiganchronicle.com •

Page C-3

SINGLE BLACK CHICK

Top Signs It’s Time To Bring Him Home For The Holidays

By AJ Williams – Managing Editor/City.Life.Style. Editor

Yup, it’s that time of year again, a time to gather with family around the dinner table to exchange love and thanks for the year. But this year is slightly different — instead of wondering when good ol’ Saint Nick will leave you a cutie pie underneath the Christmas tree, it’s Thanksgiving and you actually have a BAE! Gone are the dreaded conversations with Grandma Ruth and Auntie Maxine on when you are going to get a man. Nah, this year you got one! (Insert Cardi B “ayeee” and tongue swag.)

So what’s the problem? You and your newfound love are just that “new” insert new holiday dilemma (seems to always be one).

Should you invite the new BAE over to Thanksgiving with the fam? Single Black Chick to the rescue. Here are my top signs it’s time for your BAE to come and Thanksgiving dine. (You liked that, didn’t you?)

You’ve been dating more than six months…exclusively!

The key word here is “exclusively.” You see, you can meet a guy and date for six months, but there are levels to this ish.

Even though you have been dating for six months, it could be still considered casual dating. If you both (not just the made-up convo that you had in your head alone) have not made a verbal

commitment, you are still considered causally dating, and bringing him home to the family may land you in your own personal awkward episode of “Insecure.“

move. If his intentions are in line with yours, then making sure he spends time with you and meets the fam on the holiday will be on his priority list.

Hello, Mr. Obivious: He asks to meet your family or you have already met his family.

Although we all want to have someone to sip eggnog and Hennessey with after a feast of turkey and dressing or to peer in and see your honey dip chilling with Dad watching the game. Let’s not have our desires outpace the reality of our relationship status.

Honey, you have struck gold. I personally believe this is the best tip overall. Growing up with brothers and having a gang of male friends to impart dude-isms on me, as Oprah says, “One thing I know for sure, is when a man’s into you and wants to make his intentions known… he does, clearly!”

If you have to guess, your instinct is probably not leading you astray. When in doubt, wait it out and let him make the first

The holidays can be a sensitive time where mixed signals and expectations can get crossed, causing a relationship that was on the road to long-term being derailed due to being pushed faster than its natural course.

Wishing you a stomach full of turkey and a heart full of love!

To Thine Ownself be TRUE

By AJ Williams – Managing Editor/City.Life.Style. Editor

While watching the Runaway Bride today, a particular part caught my attention. Maggie, played by Julia Roberts was asked by Ike, played by Richard Gere, “What kind of eggs did she like?” She responded with the scrambled eggs with dill, just like her fiance’. However, the issue was that Maggie never really knew what kind of eggs SHE really liked. She just adapted to the taste of whatever eggs her fiance preferred, and it was the same with fiance number 1,2,3 and 4. The movie continues to end with her realizing who she was as a woman and then marrying Ike. Now that you are all hungry, I know you may be wondering what my point is? Well, the movie began to make me

wonder about the consistent breakups in committed relationships, especially marriages. Myles Monroe once said, “for someone to be successful in the union of marriage, they need to be already whole.” The statement rang in my head several times, could it be that we can’t stay committed to someone because we haven’t even committed to ourselves? Often in relationships, we connect to other person and unconsciously expect them to define us.

There is a constant need, especially with women to control the direction. “Where is this going?” or “What is my title?”

These questions often leave men running in the wind.

Now, please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I

support a woman wanting to know where a relationship is going or if she is wasting her time. However, if we are very truthful with ourselves, if you have to ask the direction of the relationship, you already know the answer. Shakespeare wrote “To Thine Own Self Be True” But how can a man or woman do this without taking time out to be with just one’s self.

Here’s the Real Deal CHICKS: Being Single is NOT a curse, it is the prerequisite to any long-term committed relationship and marriage. If you can’t pass the “Singles” course, then you’re likely not to ace the “Marriage” Final, causing you to repeat the course again or possibly drop out. During your single life, this is a time to know

who you are as a person. Define yourself, pursue your hopes and dreams. Heck, even know what kind of eggs you like. Being single writes the book on being you. So when you do get ready to jump the broom, you will have a blueprint to give to your mate on how to navigate you. So for all my single ladies out there take some time out of

serial relationships by taking a break on jumping from one committed relationship to another. Stop, smell the roses, love you, learn you, be you, and then you’ll be ready to give you to someone else. I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, because, hey, it’s just MY perspective.

Page C-4 • michiganchronicle.com • December 18-24, 2019

W

FAMILY FEATURES

hen holiday gatherings turn into all-day events, having meals ready from morning to night becomes an important part of seasonal hosting.

Starting with breakfast through the main course followed by a savory dessert, a full day of celebration calls for a variety of dishes.

To help keep your crowd fueled for a wide range of activities, consider these recipes for Hot Cocoa Pancakes to get your morning started, Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash to pair with a holiday ham and Black Forest Cake to end the festivities on a high note.

Find more holiday recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Serve Up a Savory Sweet No holiday gathering is complete without dessert, and you can take your sweets to the next level with this rich, creamy Black Forest Cake recipe.

Tart cherries and whipped cream are combined with Domino Golden Sugar – a less processed option which is made from pure cane sugar and works cup-for-cup just like white sugar, but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor – for a contrasting profile to put a spin on a seasonal classic.

Find more holiday dessert ideas at dominosugar.com.

Begin the Holiday with a Family Breakfast With so many activities scheduled and places to be during the holidays, starting the morning with a filling breakfast can help set your family on the path to enjoyable moments with loved ones.

These Hot Cocoa Pancakes require little time in the kitchen, leaving you more time to spend with the family before hitting the road or working on decorations for seasonal gatherings. Made with Aunt Jemima pancake mix, containing no artificial coloring or flavors, this recipe makes it simple to put breakfast on the table quickly while still achieving a meal full of flavor.

Visit auntjemima.com for more family-friendly recipes.

Hot Cocoa Pancakes

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 2 minutes per pancake Yield: 12 pancakes (3 per serving)

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup 2% or non-fat milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups Aunt Jemima Original Complete or Buttermilk Complete Pancake &

Waffle Mix 1/4 cup water marshmallow spread (optional) chocolate syrup (optional) Aunt Jemima Syrup (optional) Heat skillet over medium-low heat or electric griddle to 375 F. In microwave-safe bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar, milk and vanilla until well combined. Heat in microwave 30 seconds, or until warm. Stir again to ensure mixture is combined.

Combine cocoa mixture, pancake mix and water. Stir until large lumps disappear (do not beat or overmix). If batter is too thick, add additional 1-2 tablespoons water.

Pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto lightly greased skillet or griddle. Cook 90 seconds, or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook additional 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter.

Top pancakes with marshmallow spread and drizzle chocolate syrup, or top with syrup.

Party-Perfect Potatoes Almost every holiday meal calls for side dishes to complement the main course, and as one of the most versatile base ingredients available, potatoes often provide home chefs with a multitude of options.

Served mashed, fried, scalloped, sliced, diced, boiled, roasted or just about any style in-between, potatoes are ideal for matching with the centerpiece of your family meal. These Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash call for Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes to achieve a dense, creamy texture with their just-buttered appearance.

Find more dishes for your holiday gatherings at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Servings: 8 Cherry Filling: 1/2 cup Domino Golden Sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 cup water or unsweetened cherry juice

2 cups fresh or frozen pitted tart (Montmorency) cherries

2 tablespoons cherry brandy (optional) Cake: 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups buttermilk Stabilized Whipped Cream:

1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin

2 tablespoons cold water

2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons Domino Golden Sugar chocolate curls or shavings, for garnish (optional) To make cherry filling: In medium saucepot, whisk sugar and cornstarch with water or juice then bring to boil over medium heat.

Stir in cherries and cherry brandy, if desired, and boil 2-3 minutes, stirring, until sauce is thick and translucent. Drain cherries from sauce and set both aside.

To make cake layers: Heat oven to 350 F. Line bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour bottoms and sides.

In medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.

In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar 2 minutes on medium speed. Add eggs and vanilla; beat 1 minute. Stir in flour mixture and buttermilk.

Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash

Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes 1 pound (3 medium) Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks 1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks water 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 3 tablespoons butter, divided 8-10 fresh (2-3-inch) sage leaves, stacked and cut into 1/4-inch strips 1/2 cup 1% milk freshly ground black pepper, to taste In 3-quart saucepan, cover potatoes and squash with water; add 1 teaspoon salt.

Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover and cook until tender, 12-15 minutes.

Black Forest Cake

Pour batter evenly among cake pans and bake 20-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool and remove layers from pans.

In small saucepan over medium heat, mix 2 table­ spoons butter and sage. Tilting pan and watching closely, cook about 3 minutes, until butter foams and begins to brown; keep warm.

Thoroughly drain potatoes and squash, return to pan and shake 1-2 minutes over low heat. Using hand masher, roughly mash to create chunky mixture.

Over low heat, gently mix in remaining butter and milk.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Spoon into serving bowl and drizzle with brown butter and sage.

To make stabilized whipped cream: In small pan or microwaveable bowl, combine gelatin and cold water; allow gelatin to bloom. Heat until gelatin melts and dissolves; set aside.

In chilled bowl, whip cream with chilled beaters until soft peaks form. Add sugar and gelatin; beat until stiff.

Prick tops of two bottom layers with fork and brush cherry filling over layers. Sandwich bottom layers with a 1/4-inch-thick spread of stabilized whipped cream. Sandwich second and top layer with same whipped cream. Spread remaining whipped cream over top layer and sides.

Garnish with shaved chocolate, if desired, and decorate with any remaining whipped cream.

Classified

IN MEMORIAM ssified

arIeS

PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE HELP WANTED

In memOrIam

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Gail Millicent Hanks

December 22, 1941

December 18-24, 2019

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

January 11, 2006

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Extenet Systems proposes to replace an existing wood light polememOrIam with a 41.75-foot In wood small cell Communications light pole at the approx. vicinity of 25012 Wood Street, St. Clair Shores, Macomb County, Michigan 48080.

Sr. Industrial Designer

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

Dec. 19 - 25

Controls Hardware Engineer adOptIOn

Steelcase, Inc. seeks a Sr. Industrial (Grand Rapids, MI), responsible for utilizing Designer in Grand Rapids, MI, responsible the Engineering Process and associated tools for understanding user needs by ADOPT: A WARM VERY HAPPILY during in-house design, engineering and conducting contextual research and manufacturing of equipment and system MARRIED COUPLE WILL GIVE your applying research insights, design and controls in compliance with all applicable technology skills to designs, among other newborn a futurespecifications, full of love, security, codes, and customer duties. Min. bachelor’s degree in design or requirements. BS & 3Expenses years exp. Experience support and opportunity. related field of study and five years of must include: using EPlan, and supporting experience in the job offered or related. paid.

Please callcontrols Laurel/Adam: 1-877and instrumentation projects. Send Please send resume to: Sandra Swanson, resume to Leigh Baker (Code CHE - GRMI), 543-9827 www.facebook.com/laureSteelcase, Inc., Resume Processing / TGW Systems, 3001 Orchard Vista Dr. SE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. No JO#10349306, GRR B-3C, P.O. Box 1967, landadam phone calls please. EOE. Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Jonathan Sheetz, j.sheetz@trileaf.com, 1821 Walden Office Square, Suite 500, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 630-227-0202.

HELP WANTED

en nuel

Page C-5

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is now hiring a

perSOnal ServICeS

Advanced Serviceability of Design Engineer - Electrical

MRS. LINN

NVH Development Engineer

BorgWarner PDS (USA) Inc. seeks a

Warren, MI, General Motors. Dvlp, validate, NVH Development Engineer in Auburn &implement psgr vehicle common BORN GIFTED READER Hills, MI to lead new and current product serviceability &diagnostic specifications, FT Natural Resources Coordinator, service part release strategies, service development and validation programs The 7th Daughter without asking you a single word. I will tell FT Park Maintenance Worker information &simultaneous production, through NVH testing, analysis and you what you want to know. Tell your present, past and future. &service part release (ERAPA sys) for Center and a variety of part-time positions among other duties.

Stack Module incldg radio Tell controller, radioyour friends reporting, you who and enemies are. Why you’re so Bachelor’s degree in mechanical display, microphones, amplifiers, antenna unlucky.

If your is true or false.I will advise you all &embedded navigation syss, &SD cards for loved one engineering and three years of problemssyss of life, marriage,in business and health, navigation sys, &related diagnostics to such as love, experience the job offered or related. improve &ensure aftermarket etc.maintenance Why suffer, you can bePlease free from all resumes troubles. to: I guarantee send Ms. Catherine &serviceability incldg ease of vehicle others failed.Wood, I am superior any other reader ResumetoProcessing / JO# maintenance, diagnostics Sucess &repairs where &reduction FIREFIGHTER/ PARAMEDIC It does not get easier. I can intell you you have seen. Don’t let distance keep you away from Health warranty costs. Assign globally Parameter 10384344, BorgWarner, 3800 of Eastpointe (PID)/Display Parameter that. City I miss you more – even now.(DID)/Controland Happiness. Hrs. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Avenue, Daily andAuburn Sunday.

Automation Hills, MI $62,755 Identifier Data (CPID) &Diagnostic Trouble 48326.

Life is going on, but you are not here Code (DTC) in CAN bus, LIN &Ethernet, using Plus, Comprehensive Fringe Benefits No Mail Answered &DOORS tools, to Package to – wipe away our tears, toIntrepid tellneoVI, us VehicleSpy, improve speed &accuracy of vehicle 2742 Monroe St., Toledo, Ohio diagnostics. Use UGNX &Teamcenter Job everything description, minimum qualifications is going to and be alright.

Wireless Test Engineer – 1-419-248-2145 Vismockup tools to perform serviceability instructions to apply for the position are posted Core Wireless Validation anlys all &simulations.

Bachelor, Electrical on our websiteyou at cityofeastpointe.net.

To Mom, were everything to of Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, validating or receive or education points, Warren, MI, General Motors. Test &validate psgr assigningevPID/DID, or DTC in CAN bus us.veteran You and/ were the glue that kept vehicle’s Vehicle (VCP) &Telematics (TCP) submit copies of form DD214 and/ or unofficial &Ethernet, using Intrepid neoVI &DOORS Commun. Platforms wireless features erything together. school transcripts with the application packet. tools, to improve speed &accuracy of vehicle &technologies, network capabilities, &cellular Application packets should be directed to the diagnostics, or related. Mail resume to services in vehicle &on test bench, using ATT, that dad has joined we are Ref#2196, GM Global Mobility, 300 CityNow Manager’s Office and are accepted until you, GOCC SIM, QXDM, QCAT, Wireshark, CMWRenaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Tuesday, January 14, 2020. truly hurting. My heart aches daily 500, Remote Reflash Testing Tool &Global Detroit, MI 48265.

OnStar Call Center Simulator tools, according to

Martha Moragne

Happy Birthday to you!! es were .

Karen Momma, Sept.

27,and 1930 – Dec. are so dearly missed. It has been a long 13 years without your For details to apply visit 24, 2005 Oct. 27 You words of wisdom and having to wing it. Your granddaughter metroparks.com/jobs. an Fel- lately has appointed herself as our beacon of wisdom, which Mom, f Love she, too, dispenses regularly and without any chaser. hurch, Life continues to show us just how important family is, especially when the road gets “rocky.”

Samspecial moments that we shared helps me to ease the mpson The lingering pain of losing you. One of my fondest is meeting Ms. you at your church for Sunday services then breakfast nearby.

54, I wish I would have told you more often, just how much you GAIL MILLICENT HANKS were appreciated and loved.

15.

December 22, 1941 ----------January 11, 2006 s born Hopefully my actions spoke volumes! wisdom, courage and strength live on through us.

1958 Your Hey Momma, ucated You are forever in our hearts.

Your loving family, TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY echniand I keep praying that we will live GM standards &3GPP specifications. Perform Kimberly, Stephanie, Kristal, Lisa, Kevin, EEO School.

We’ve all had many obstacles to VCP &TCP (OnStar) module wireless feature our lives so we can all be together David, Marquis, Purest, Whynter, Elke Doom tudied testing focusing on physical SMS, Internet overcome Shane without guidance; Creative Designer and Ms.your Joi. again one day.

Protocol (IP) V4V6, Transmission Control City Manager/ City Clerk an ColProtocol IP (TCPIP) testing, emergency call but keeping God first and knowing Warren, MI, General Motors. Create &dvlp 3D service logger, &reject code services in 2G You know that the family is growing. math models of future psgr vehicle interior trim earned you are watching us, we have en(GSM), 3G (UMTS &WCDMA), 4G LTE &5G ANNOUNCEMENTS surfaces incldg door trim, instrument panel (IP) You have more grandchildren now.

PROFESSIONAL networks. Analyze telecommun. technologies appliques, center console decor, speaker grilles, n pubdured. Time has not healed (our &protocols, incldg Signaling System 7, TCP, User HELP WANTED carpets, floor mats &headliners, &ambient I wish you could see them.

Well, I Data Protocol, IP, Session Initiation Protocol, pain) –itFOR only reinforces our loss nistraillumination to embellish surface movement, using REQUEST QUOTE CAN, LIN, Ethernet, radio access network, know you are the guardian angel for Rhino, &Maya tools. Analyze Autodesk Alias, crimi- The daily. &wireless core network architecture. Master, Suburban Mobility Authority for &import 3D surfaces using Rhino &dvlp visual Controls Project Engineer all of us.

Electrical or Electronics Engrg. 12 mos exp as Regional Transportation (SMART) is scripting using math algorithms in Grasshopper. e from FEV North America, Inc. seeks a Controls Engineer, testing VCP &TCP wireless features Despite sunSystem still not shining as Apply 3D generative patterns &textured designs soliciting quotes forthe Irrigation Project Engineer in Auburn Hills, MI &cellular services in vehicle &on test bench, using Your friends miss you, too.

We to enhance &create Class A surfaces, &use State and Maintenance. bright, we continue Solicitation forms forto walk with our responsible for leading and supporting a ATT, QXDM, QCAT, &Wireshark tools, or related.

VRED to prepare animated &360 component share and cry together.

You are truly RFQ Control No. 20-2973 be obtained variety of projects encompassing several Mail resume to Ref#48808, GM Global Mobility, . heads held may high.

Keeping our eyes depictions to showcase new Class A surfaces. aspects of powertrain and vehicle/component 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, beginning December 16, 2019 from missed by all of us.

Dvlp 3D math models of grains, patterns, development, among other duties. Min. Detroit, MI 48265. studyonhttp://www.mitn.info. the “Sparrow.” decorative graphics, surfaces, materials bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or interaction (physical &aesthetic) to deliver intuitive We love you.

Univer- Proposals computer science and five years of dueare by 3:00 ET, Untilare we allPM reunited again, organic movement in surface pattern &texture experience in the job offered or related. Will January 15, 2020.

Create &execute in each vehicle program diana, Senior Software Engineer Linda, Brenda and dvlpmt.

Sandra, accept three-yearWanda, bachelor degree or three Color, Material &Finishes visual concepts (incldg Your Loving Family, years of post-secondary education.

Any Warren, MI, General Motors. Analyze, design, me one Jasmine, Jo Lynn, Nathaniel, Aisautomotive woven fabric, automotive leather suitable combination of education, training or test, dvlp major HMI &UI advanced FOR PROPOSAL &Molded in Color plastic for each trim level &color experience EOE Jordan.

Kimberly, Stephanie, Kristal, Lisa, st Af- REQUEST lynn,acceptable.

Tristen, infotainment sys enhancements to hybrid combination, of interiors for production programs M/F/Disability/Vet. Apply to job reference The Suburban Mobility Authority for electric &electric psgr vehicle IP Cluster based on Global Vehicle Development Process.

Kevin, Joi, Marcquis, Purest, merican Regional Transportation le number 19-00197 at: www.fev.com ic n ro &Center Stack Module (CSM), using Vehicle We are living on without you,Bachelor, simply (SMART) is Transportation or Industrial Design. 12 ichigan Ch M Whynter and David Integration Control Module, Battery Control mos exp as Automotive or Creative Designer, or Michi- soliciting RFQ for Panasonic Toughbooks trying to keep your legacy alive.

Module, Vehicle Interface Processor (VIP), related, creating &dvlpg 3D math models of future Control No. 20-3066. RFQ forms may be audio, media, &vehicle data using HW fied to obtained beginning December 17, 2019 Senior Software Engineer - Android psgr vehicle interior trim surfaces incldg door trim, abstraction layer, J5 &J6 (Jacinto) free scale IP appliques, center console decor, &ambient from http://www.mitn.info.

Warren, MI, General Motors. Analyze, design ts and processor in CAN bus signals (using Ethernet illumination, using Autodesk Alias &Maya tools. &dvlp major HMI &UI enhancements to psgr protocol) on Android platform, using C/C++, Mail resume to Ref#629, GM Global Mobility, 300 RFQ is due by 3:00 PM ET, under vehicle embedded IP Cluster, Center Stack Java, &QNX languages, using Enterprise Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, January 7, 2020.

Module (CSM), Vehicle Interface Processor Architect, Git, Gerrit, Jenkins, Android Studio, MI 48265. versity &Jacinto free scale processor in CAN bus Artifactory, CANdb++, MATLAB, Simulink, signals on Android platform, using C/C++, DOORS/RTC, &VehicleSpy tools, &follow manJava &QNX languages, using Git, Gerrit, Agile methodology. Debug CAN commun.

DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE am.

Jenkins, Android Studio, Artifactory, issues over GMLAN using neoVI Fire/Fire 2 Senior Embedded DEPARTMENT CANdb++, MATLAB, Simulink, DOORS/RTC , HW, &CANdb++ &Vector CANoe, MATLAB Software Engineer - Android at &Simulink tools. Master, Electrical or &VehicleSpy tools, &follow Agile NOTICE Warren, MI, General Motors. Analyze, test, Computer Engg, or related. 12 mos exp as methodology. Design &implement apps State, PUBLIC HEARING – BUDGET dvlp, &perform wireframe anlys for, major HMI Engineer, designing &dvlpg HMI &UI process backend Back Office server sync w/ &UI enhancements to psgr vehicle embedded infotainment sys enhancements to hybrid optimized use of network packet data for d with For Fiscal Year 2020-21 electric or electric psgr vehicle CSM, using IP Cluster, Center Stack Module (CSM), downloading/uploading data for IDTA, IDT9 at the VIP, in CAN bus signals on Android platform, Vehicle Interface Processor &J5 &J6 (Jacinto) &production environments. Use White Box using VehicleSpy tool, or related. Mail resume free scale processor in CAN bus signals validation protocol to perform functional Con- Notice is hereby given that the Detroit to Ref#5152-85, GM Global Mobility, 300 (using Ethernet protocol) on Android platform, validation by intercepting, altering &delivering Water and Sewerage Department will Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, using C/C++, Java &QNX languages, using corrupt data.

Design &implement Proof of ComREQUEST FOR BIDS Detroit, MI 48265.

Git, Gerrit, Jenkins, Android Studio, hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, Concept to interface w/ Near Field he hu- January 15, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the Artifactory, CANdb++, DOORS/RTC, Communication protocol, &Wi-Fi &Bluetooth FORdata communication over Serial Port Profile VehicleSpy &CAN Simulator tools, &follow ources Detroit Police Department 8th Precinct Agile methodology. Design protocols bridge to protocol. Bachelor, Computer Engrg, System Behavior Test PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES communicate between vehicle ECUs incldg Computer Science, or Electrical Engrg. 12 ll spe- located at 21555 West Subject Matter Expert (SME) McNichols Rd, Trailer Interface, Electronic Brake mos exp as Engineer or Developer, analyzing Control/Super Video Processing/Trailer Tire e later Detroit, MI 48219. &dvlpg HMI &UI enhancements to psgr Warren, MI, General Motors. Act as engrg SME ASBESTOS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Pressure Modules &Vehicle Data using HAL. vehicle embedded IPC &CSM in CAN bus for embedded RTOS infotainment syss. Dvlp oted to Design &implement data synchronization w/ signals on Android platform, using C/C++ &execute advanced System Behavior Test (SBT) backend cloud server using OAuth annOUnCement(S) &REST &Java languages, using Git, Jenkins, Android ABATEMENT AND DEMOLITION SUPPORT SERVICES plans (incldg procedures &scheduling), utilizing dent of ANNOUNCEMENTS API protocol. Bachelor, Computer Engrg, Studio, CANdb++, &VehicleSpy tools, or Taguchi orthogonal methods for features incldg wired &wireless comm. incldg Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Computer Science, or Electrical Engrg. 12 related. Mail resume to Ref#42232-202, GM he also The City of Detroit Downtown Development Authority “DDA”)Center, invites experienced (IEEE 802.11) &phone projection (in Android Auto mos exp as Engineer, Developer, Consultant, Global Mobility,(the 300 Renaissance branch &Apple Carplay), &user personalization incldg or related,for analyzing &dvlpg HMI &UI MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE and qualified environmental consultants to submit sealed lump sum Bid Proposals NOTICE OF HEARINGS App Shop &profile mgmt. Identify, dvlp, devise enhancements to psgr vehicle embedded or the The Regional &optimize SW validation plans for conventional Transit Authority Southeast Michigan (RTA) in CSM in CAN bus signals on Android platform, the provision of alloflabor, material, equipment, laboratory testing, and services neces&electric psgr vehicleTO infotainment syss incldg REGARDING MATTERS COME using C/C++ &Java languages, using Git, Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority Metro- partnership Center Stack Module (CSM), low radio, sary with andthe incidental to the complete survey, inspection, identification, and quantification Jenkins, Android Studio, CANdb++, Site Director – Labor Relations - Global (TheRide) is proposing to offer a new pilot express bus service Telematics Comm. Platform (TCP), IP Cluster, Detroit. connecting &VehicleSpyintools, or related. Mail resume to Center & Human Resources –(HM) present of all Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) andTechnical Hazardous Materials &Body Control Module, applying SBT operational Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan. The proposed service Ref#34835-A, GM Global before Mobility, 300the City Council of Detroit.

AdPre - Production Operations (PPO) excellence methodology &orthogonal parameters, eld the will provide hourly trips between the two located communitiesatfor136 16 hours the existing structures Monroe St. (formerly Bates Garage) (the “ExistRenaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, in Python &Java languages, in Android, Linux, vertisements for bids and contracts duringBuilding”) the week (6:00 p.m.) Detroit, and limited Michigan. service Detroit, MI 48265.

Warren, MI, General Motors. Manage, direct, &QNX OS, using DOORS, RTC, Git, Gerrit, direc- a day ing ina.m.-10:00 downtown control &lead GM Global Technical Center Site on Saturday and Sunday. Proposed one-way fares for this service Jenkins, Artefactory, tools, for purchases by the City ATT of&VehicleSpy Detroit Relations &Pre-Production Operations ograms are: $12 base fare, $10 advanced booking &neoVI Fire/Fire2 &RadGalaxy HW. Master, discount, $6 eligible se-Date:Labor Commencement February 1, 2013 Human Resources. Interpret &administer Master or Computer Engrg. 12 appear daily inElectrical, theElectronics, Detroit Legal be a demonstration Com- nior/disability fare. The proposed service would &Local Collective Bargaining Agreements Senior Infotainment Test & mos exp as Engineer, dvlpg or optimizing SW Completion Date: March 31, 2013 intended to establish the market for transit in this corridor (CBAs), various Memoranda of Understandings Automation Engineer News. Copies are atinfotainment the syss validationavailable plans for psgr vehicle ganiza- project &letters between GM &UAW. Supervise incldg CSM, low radio, &TCP, in Android &QNX and evaluate the effectivenessAgencies of other commuter/congestion The governing and primarymitifunding(MOUs) sources for this project include the U. City County Bldg. and at 2001 W. LaWarren, MI, General Motors. Act as engrg team of Labor Relations Site Rep. w/ Site-wide OS, using DOORS, RTC, &VehicleSpy tools, versity gation strategies along this corridor.

Subject Matter Expert for embedded real time &RadGalaxy HW. Mail resume to Ref#28532-202, Trainers; Employee Relations Rep.; &HR Site S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”).

As a result, contractors fayette, Detroit. operating syss (RTOS) in Integrity RTOS, GM Global Mobility, 300 Ren Center, MC:482Rep. Define, negotiate &administer CBAs, MoU, Mercy; Public comments regarding this matter may be made in person at &Android (mid/high) &low infotainment syss in C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265. and subcontractors are required to2020 comply with Federal Labor Provisions, side-&unpublished letters betw. GMStandard &UAW. Set, Public Hearings scheduled for Wednesday January 8, at Agile/Scrum methodology.

Dvlp &execute manual board prepare &lead 3 Key 4 wkly mtngs w/ UAW Local Equal Requirements, and DavisChairperson/Reg. Bacon Wage Requirements.

Bids are &automated advanced S/W stability &behavior 1:00 p.m. at theOpportunity SEMCOG/RTA Offices, 1001 Woodward Avenue, Pres., &each Dept. Dir. (PPO, test plans (incldg procedures &scheduling), for for the 14th Floor, Design, &Sustainable Workplaces) at separate services, Detroit, only Michigan or 5:00 p.m. at the Annwho Arbor demonstrate District INVITATIONDie Engineer TO -BID solicited from consultants experience with similar have wired &wireless communication domains incldg Secondary Tryout Key 4 meetings. Write draft language &represent Library, 343 5th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. f Mes- Downtown Bluetooth; Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11); phone projection qualified staff, can demonstrate expertise and experience in the nature of this work, GM at Natnl negotiations. Plan, implement (in Android Auto &Apple Carplay); user Comments may also be submitted by writing to RTA of Southeast Warren, MI, General Motors. Dvlp mfg processes, &administer company policies on Site attendance ing.

The&user Suburban Mobility forsequence Re- &flow profile equipment,Authority tooling alternatives, and provide proof of 14th competency and financial viability. Consultants found personalization, to have incldg App Shop Michigan at 1001 Woodward Avenue, Floor, Detroit, Michigan control; worker conduct; health &safety; worker mgmt; audio application; phone application; of operations of cold rolled, high strength steel, as also 48226,defaulted Transportation is processes so- to by e-mail at with info@rtamichigan.org or by telephone 313training; employeewithin counseling, career dvlpmt the City of Detroit on a contract awarded the last five years will not &navigation.

Dvlp &optimizegional S/W test automation &aluminum(SMART) Class A stamping mfg &education. 24 mos exp as Senior Labor plans for psgr vehicle infotainment syss incldg The public comment period on this issue will close on produce psgr vehicle door, hood, decklid, liciting a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for liftgate, olitics, 402-1020. be considered. Bids submitted by Consultants whoRep.have suspended, Relations or Laborbeen Relations debarred, Supv., leading Center Stack Module (CSM, in Android OS), fender, roof, underbody &structural stampings for January 13, 2020. vehicle assy plant or major site Telematics Communication Platform (TCP, utilization of personnel, material, Electrical Boardeffective Repair, Control No. n the or made ineligible by any Federal agency will&administering not be considered.

Labor Relations, interpreting &administering OnStar Module), Central Gateway Module, machines &facilities necessary for production of 12-1176.

RFQ forms are available from Instrument Panel Cluster , &Body Control Module, Master &Local CBAs, MOUs &letters between stamping panels, using UGNX, Teamcenter CounCopies of the RFP documents will be available between the hours AM and S/W stability &behavior testing OEM &Union, &defining &negotiating CBAs, of 9:00 applying Vismockup, &E-Squared tools. Improve, assure www.mitn.info beginning December 12, of operational excellence methodology &orthogonal Barba&validate stampings Design for Mfg/Assy side-letters &unpublished letters betw.

OEM offices 5:00 PM on business days beginning MondayMoU, December 17, 2012 at the of the parameters, in Python &Java languages, in production presses – tandem, transfer &Union. Mail resume to Ref#1758, GM Global 2012.

Quotes are due by 11:00 AM ET, Collins Android &QNX OS, using Git, Gerrit, Jenkins, &progressive presses, for psgr vehicles incldg Mobility, 300 ST. Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32Detroit Economic Growth Corporation 500 Griswold suite #2200, Detroit Michigan DOORS/RTC, ADB, &VehicleSpy tools, &neoVI 20, 2012. advanced surfacing &processing using UG for December C66, Detroit, MI 48265. cilman Fire2 &RAD-Moon hardware. Master, Electrical, (313) 963-2940 or may be downloaded for our web site address: http://www.degc. cold rolled, high strength steel, aluminum, &Class Electronics, or Computer Engrg. 12 mos exp as A mfg processes. Assure compliance w/ eoples. org/new-project-rfps.aspx Engineer, dvlpg S/W test plan for wired &wireless formability &die engrg standard work procedures, domains incldg Bluetooth, phone projection (in INVITATION TO&AutoForm BID tools. Required using DynaForm camAndroid &Apple Carplay), user travel to Pontiac, MI, Flint, MI, &Lansing, MI A pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 AM WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM on Thursday December 20, 2012 atAuto the personalization, &navigation,The or related.

Mail stamping plants to perform, improve Suburban Mobility Authority for Reanager offices of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. Sealed bids shall be received no resume to Ref#22465, GM Global Mobility, 300 &troubleshoot die processes, stamping secondary Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, tryout processes, Body Shop build gional Transportation (SMART) is issues, so- &die s maylater than 2:00 PM on Friday January 11, 2013 at the offices of the Detroit Economic MI 48265. performance issues, during sheetmetal stamping liciting a Requestlaunches, for Quotes for min. ~39 wks(RFQ) P/Yr (~75% annual uit.

Growth Corporation. No bid deposit is required. The EDC reserves the rights to accept travel). Bachelor, Mechanical or Mfg Engrg. 12 Minor Mechanical Repairs to SMART was mos exp as Engineer, dvlpg mfg processes, or reject any or all bids, in whole or in part, or waive any requirements or informalities tooling alternatives, &flowVehicles, of operations of high Ford Connector and Support related to any proposal.. Work by subcontractors ITshall not exceed 60% of the total er of strength steel &aluminum stamping mfg PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE processes to produce psgr vehicle underbody Control No. 12-1187.

RFQ forms are contract. All Bidders are invited to visit and inspect the Project Site. Appointments are Fel&structural stampings, using Teamcenter available from www.mitn.info beginning Vismockup tool, or related.

Mail resume to necessary. Questions regarding this project may be directed to Tim Miles, DDA Sr. f Love Ref#2843-108, GM Global Mobility, 300 December 12, 2012.

Quotes are due Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, Project Manager, (313) 237-4621, or in writing to the above address. hurch.

MI 48265. by 3:00 PM ET, January 2, 2013. www.MichiganChronicle.com njoyed readINVITATION TO BID MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NOTICE TO THE ng and

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13-19, 27 | March

Real Times

chronicle.com Media | michigan

2019

n Dr. M. Roy Wilso for Has Delivered Wayne State Jackson

By Hiram E. /CEO REAL PUBLISHER

TIMES MEDIA

the was named Roy Wilson of Wayne When M. in the history I can recall 12th president in 2013, if the State University hoping that, hadn’t fiuniversity sethad at least inits man, it keep the nally found who could the right tled on someoneand headed in stitution stable direction.

WilNow, as son’s presidency sixth nears its clear year, it’s been that he has more so much caretaka than state’s er for our relargest urban search universiWilson ty. Indeed, himhas proven vision- Hiram E. Jackson self to be to and not just ary, smart tedly committed Detroit. wholehear but to all of s acWayne State, university’ a few of the watch: Consider his ents under rate complishm graduation the nt in State’s six-year • Wayne fastest improveme of the Afrihas had the a tripling including — rate nation graduation Coleman its largcan American welcomed

By Trevor W. the school City address,a • Last fall, class in history State of the In his sixth Mike Duggan made est freshman its commitits’s has deepened a provost to reclaim Detroit Mayor for Detroit • The school by creating chief difor job opportuspirited call a leading city progress made ment to inclusion oversee diversity;of Multiculspot as a much praised the position to and an Office nities. He goal already but said versity officer;Engagement toward that to be done. highly tural Student himself a room work remains crowded , Wilson, to pursue before a Meanwhile PreparatoSpeaking access surgeon, continues the English Village trained eye aimed at boosting African at the East Duggan said among for a strategy forward l sciences ry Academy,the city has moved of color. students to the biomedica of $10 million and other areas where to invest a coalition Americans in its plans Detroit Police Departhe formed and colleges was more For instance, universities officer), to hire 70 ed (civilian andprograms Building InfraDetroit-bas (BUILD) ment personnel the NIH-funded for job trainingPromise to Diversity to launch decline $4.5M more Leading to the Detroit structure the drastic prior and expanding the cost of numerous Galled by students Program. estabmed school include covering skilled trades. ns for the in minority arrival, Wilson also certificatio program, unemployChrysler to his 2013Wayne Med-Direct while noting 50 percent Ford, and lly talented However, than lished the exceptiona out of central more ly it is General Motors, ment is down he acknowledged from traditionalto which guarantees success in shifted their production 1957, while students of recent 1945 and admission from its peak, bly high. high school ring plants to as examplesforward.

Detroit between sented groups new manufactuBut not one still unaccepta Detroit five years underrepre medical school. everyone building 25 an area. ways we made“If you look moving of underWayne State's he stressed of the city in the metropolit itself.

“In many However, of Duggan said. it has been ahead tly, the number the city Consequen in the School of progress,” of them in focus what’s has been done. ent rate d minorities dismal seven in to 8.5 per- should what’s already been we’re up against at the unemploym a represente “So, what for a long time,” Duggan un- and not from 20 percent 60 last goal for our rose from arrival, to cut in half still have the highest Medicine a central to be in the making after Roy’s we States.”

“We’ve got “We want cent. But the United 2014, a year Duggan said. job oppor- said. nt rate in he was defor pov- future,” employme to creating for strateyear.

Duggan saidnarrative that However, copattern follows have a city committed deputy director the The same Detroiters last The former to change and program on that large admin“35,000 years tunities.” termined planning the city the said. in erty he he said the reverse the had taken root over best bets were to gic scientific the National Institute out of poverty a good at To that end, Disparities d to plants been moved you can say that’s ordination determine rers, manufacturing and Health he in rural communiand the highest istration was of major manufactu five years Minority Health Institutes of Health,disnew facilities areas. to avoid union we still have States.” of health 70-year trend locating in rural Pro- openmainly in the south, record. Except of the National auto, in the United ties related the challenges ITIES page A2 poverty rate increasing has tackled from con- especiallyhow New York University native, partDetroit by See OPPORTUN a Detroit said He noted city residents forging new parities in Warning s, Duggan Tom Sugrue,that the “Big Three; dollars and well-being of our themselve hments fessor research wrote gratulating improve the other accomplis point and historian many nership to could are there y. city officials communit he and other

COMMENTARY

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• michiganchronicle.com • December 18-24, 2019

Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey and Community Highlights Close Out Service Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey presented the Community Highlight Holiday Close Out Service at the Mayflower Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, MI. Missionary Humphrey’s Community Highlights Broadcast has been around for over 50 years and is still thriving today. The Holiday Close Out Service showed love and appreciation to those who have supported Missionary Humphrey and the Community Highlights Broadcast throughout the years. The service brought out Detroit’s gospel artist, Dr. Toni Broker who was the special musical guest and preaching giants such as Bishop Michael Jones, Evangelist Lillian Stanfield and Pastor Naomi Gatlin who served as the Special Guest Committee members, Attorney Bertram Mark who was the Master of Ceremony, Missionary Humphrey’s pastor, Pastor Douglas Butler serving as host pastor and long-time friend, Bishop William Murphy Sr. The service closed with Missionary Humphrey giving her last remarks and thanks to the congregation for sharing with her at the close out service and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.

 A little Holiday Greeting from “The Missionary” 

My Christmas wish for you, my friends is not a simple one. For I wish you hope, joy and peace and days filled with warmth and sun. I wish you love and friendship throughout the coming year, with lots of laughter and happiness to fill your world with cheer. May you count your blessings, one by one, and when totaled by the lot, may you find all you’ve been given to be more than what you sought. May your journey be bright and your burdens light. May your spirit never grow old. May all your clouds have a silver lining and your rainbows pots of gold. I wish this all for you and so much more. May all your dreams come true, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too.

An Important Step Forward for Rx Prices

By Paula D. Cunningham AARP Michigan State Director

On Dec. 12, the House of Representative took a vital step to lower prescription drug costs and passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bipartisan bill offers real relief to the millions of Americans who struggle to afford their needed medications. The bill would allow Medicare to use its buying power to negotiate lower drug prices, create an out-of-pocket cap for seniors in Medicare Part D, and crack down on excessive drug price increases.

AARP has been tracking drug prices for 12 years. For each year, the price for prescription drugs has increased much faster than inflation.

That’s why AARP Michigan thanks U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell, Dan Kildee, Brenda Lawrence, Andy Levin, Elissa Slotkin, Haley Stevens and Rashida Tlaib on behalf of our 1.3 million local members for voting “Yes” to rein in the outof-control prices of prescription drugs.

It should come as no surprise that many AARP members tell us they can’t afford the medications they need, and are forced to make difficult choices as a result. In a recent survey of voters age 50 and older, four out of ten people responded that they did not fill a prescription their doctor ordered them to take due to the cost.

Annie Mae of Detroit was initially paying $30 for a blood thinner prescription she needed when a blood clot formed in her leg following a fractured ankle. When she went to the pharmacy to get the prescription refilled, she was told the price would be $2,000. “I can’t afford that! I told him I wouldn’t pay it,” she said. “It made me angry.” Fortunately, Annie Mae eventually found an advocate who helped her get the medication she needed at a lower price. “But what about those who don’t have an advocate?” she asked.

It’s not just consumers who pay for greedy Big Pharma practices that help keep drug prices high— it’s also taxpayers. The AARP Public Policy Institute released a new analysis in October 2019 that showed Medicare (meaning beneficiaries and taxpayers) spent an extra $110 billion in recent years on drug price increases that exceeded inflation. Imagine how those savings could have been used to protect Medicare for years to come.

The passage of the Lower Drug Costs Now Act could be

Paula D. Cunningham of great benefit for seniors.

According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, allowing Medicare to negotiate prices for high-cost drugs with no competitors – rather than being forced to pay whatever sky-high rates Big Pharma sets – would save a staggering $345 billion. The House bill would invest those savings back into Medicare by creating new dental, hearing, and vision benefits in the program. These needed investments would greatly improve the health and well-being of older Americans and help reduce health care costs down the road.

Keeping You Informed Away or at Home.

The fact that the House passed legislation on prescription drugs – and that the Senate is considering a related bill – is a major step forward. Thoughtful efforts to help reduce prescription drug prices and cover needed services could save billions of dollars for patients, taxpayers, and our health care system.

We thank U.S. Reps. Dingell, Kildee, Lawrence, Levin, Slotkin, Stevens and Tlaib for their vote to lower prescription drug prices and make health care more affordable. AARP is determined to win this fight on behalf of older Americans, and we stand with all our elected officials who are committed to lowering drug prices.

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