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Volume 79 – Number 15

A stronger Wayne County heads into 2016

WHAT’S INSIDE ‘Boxes of Love’ distributed by UAW-Ford (Page B-1) Thanks to UAW-Ford and many volunteers, more than 25,000 “Boxes of Love” were distributed to those in need. Each box included a turkey, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, corn bread mix, canned vegetables, cake mix and frosting.

But some big challenges remain

By Keith A. Owens SENIOR EDITOR

In a way, it’s admirable that Wayne County Executive Warren Evans even took the job. Because several years ago, while most of the breath-holding attention was focused on all of Detroit’s bankruptcy woes, Wayne County wasn’t doing so hot either. The deficit was crippling, and the talk of corruption, bloated salaries and sweetheart contracts was severely tarnishing the county’s image. But worse than merely image, the concern was what was it going to take to set the county right-side-up again, and was anyone willing to face up to what it would take.

The black press: The need is still strong (Page B-4) Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis maintains that the black press is of great importance, always has been and will continue to be. “The black press of America not only has a definite future,” he writes, “it has a powerful strategic place in the world as long as millions of African Americans continue to push forward for equality and empowerment.”

Comcast announces upgrades (Page C-1) Comcast has announced a series of changes that will not only benefit its subscribers, but the community as well.

Debt collectors target black community (Page C-3) Charlene Crowell is blunt in describing how abusive debt collection agencies take aim at African American communities, and “make money and lots of it” in the process. Something must be done.

Family connections in entertainment (Page D-1) Is it genetic, a matter of one’s environment, or a combination thereof? Many sons and daughters have followed their famous parents into show business, influenced but still walking down the road of success on their own terms.

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December 23-29, 2015

The holidays

and the meaning of love By Keith A. Owens SENIOR EDITOR

It’s not about the shopping, it’s not about the presents, and it’s not just about Christmas. It’s about the spirit of the season. To most of us, the holidays are always a special time, and that’s a good thing. There’s nothing better than spending quality time with family and those whom you love, and letting them know just how much they mean to you. Although, hopefully, this isn’t the only time of the year when you make that effort. In a word, the spirit of the season is about love. That’s a rather small word expressing a concept so large that for most of us who truly ponder its meaning, it can seem nearly impossible to render a satisfactory description without sounding like a Hallmark card. But it can be argued that Dr. Martin Luther King, more than just about anyone else in modern times, understood the true power, significance, and relevance of love throughout the boundaries of time and space as it relates to the human condition. King understood that true love can be as simple as a peck on the cheek, or it can be more powerful and devastating than an unleashed atomic weapon. He understood the unbreakable connection between love and justice. Love is not merely a sappy sentiment.

Love is a transformative force that no manmade creation will ever be capable of harnessing. King, one of our nation’s greatest warriors for civil rights as well as human rights, understood this phenomenon as few others did. And so, in this holiday season, as we share what we believe to be the meaning of love with others, perhaps this is the right time to reflect on the deeper meaning of the word as expressed by Dr. Martin Luther King. From “Paul’s Letter to American Christians” sermon, delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, on November 4, 1956. “I understand that you have an economic system in America known as capitalism. Through this economic system you have been able to do wonders. You have become the richest nation in the world, and you have built up the greatest system of production that history has ever known. All of this is marvelous, but Americans, there is the danger that you will misuse your capitalism. I still contend that money can be the root of all evil. It can cause one to live a life of gross materialism. I am afraid that many among you are more concerned about making a living than making a life. You are prone to judge the success of your profession by the index of your salary and the size of the wheel base on your automobile, rather than the quality of your service to hu-

See THE

HOLIDAYS page A-4

Once Evans took office at the beginning of this year, he set a tone by not just asking others to bite Warren Evans — the bullet, but Monica Morgan photos by shouldering some of the burden. He knew what had to be done was painful, but he gambled that if he just laid the cards on the table — all of them — then folks would be willing to come to the table. Today, nearly a year later, it appears that Evans’ gamble has largely paid off. At least so far. The year 2016, and whether or not Evans manages to achieve a comparable amount of success facing his next round of challenges, will be critical in establishing the stability of his foundation for however many years he remains in that office. In a one-on-one interview conducted in his 33rd floor office in the Guardian building last week, this is some of what he had to say about the accomplishments of his office thus far, and what remains to be done. The deficit “We’ve gotten an awful lot done, but I always temper that with we’ve got an awful lot to go, but it doesn’t minimize at all the work that got done. The structural deficit is gone, $82 million. …Structural deficit is, every year we spent $52 million more than we took in, in revenue. You’re budgeting artificially because you know the $52 million is gonna be short, but you’d rather panic at the end of the year and worry about it than budget for it at the front end. “So now, through reorganization, reduction in the number of appointees, pay reductions from my staff,” not to mention reducing unfunded healthcare liabilities by nearly $1 billion by eliminating retiree health care benefits, the

See WAYNE

COUNTY page A-4

Kwanzaa, us, and the well-being of the world; a courageous questioning Editor’s note: The following article was taken from the official Kwanzaa website. Dr. Maulana Karenga is the founder of Kwanzaa, and this is his Kwanzaa message for 2015.

legacy of the good they left in the world. It is too, a time of sustained reflection on the moral and expansive meaning of being African in the world, especially on how we understand and live our lives and engage The celebrathe critical issues tion and season confronting our comof Kwanzaa is a munity, society and deeply meaningful the world. And Kwanand special time of zaa is also a time of remembrance, reself-conscious recomflection and recommitment to honor the mitment for us as a awesome ancestral people throughout legacy left us by prethe world African community. It is a Dr. Maulana Karenga serving and expanding it; to uphold the timetime of appreciaresistant moral and cultural tive remembrance of our ancestors, great and ordinary, of the values that ground and guide us models of human excellence, in our daily lives; and to follow achievement and possibility and hold fast to the ancient Afthey offer, and of the enduring See KWANZAA page A-4

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

REGIONAL NEWS

Weather: 7-day forecast

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Forecasts provided by The Weather Channel, www.weather.com / Illustration by Jason Flowers

Wayne County

Macomb County

Wayne County Roads Division prepares for 2015-2016 snow and ice removal season

Macomb County Planning and Economic Development welcomes new executive director

Wayne County Roads Division is prepared for the 2015-2016 snow and ice season; road crews remain ready to clear a safe path for motorists who travel the 99 routes Wayne County is responsible for clearing during the winter season.

Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel’s nomination of John Paul Rea to serve as the county’s new executive director of planning and economic development was unanimously approved on Dec. 17. As the executive director, Rea will oversee all planning and economic development services available at the county level.

Besides the short-lived snow emergency that occurred a few weeks ago that helped Wayne County roads crews sharpen their skills, Robert Conrad, director of Wayne County Roads Division, said his team has been taking the necessary steps to prepare for the day when a major snowstorm hits the area. “All of our snow plows have received their routine maintenance checks, our salt deliveries have been received,” said Conrad. “Our drivers are ready to hit the roadway at the next sign of snow fall.” “Wayne County’s goal is to keep our roads as safe as possible for motorists by providing timely and effective snow removal service across our 43 communities,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Our dedicated road crews are seasoned snow and ice removal experts. I expect they will match their outstanding performance from last winter.” Snow Removal, Reporting and Monitoring with Compass Wayne County maintains over 4,450 lane miles of primary roadway during snow and ice season by covering 99 routes that have been specially designed to help county road crews remove the snow and ice in an efficient and timely manner. At the beginning of a snowstorm crews are called in to the yard and assigned a route to clear. Wayne County drivers work around the clock during a snow storm to clear all primary roads down to bare pavement. The Wayne County Roads Division has approximately 160 salt trucks and plows that are all equipped with GPS technology. Eighteen of the snow plow trucks are equipped with real time video dashboard cameras that can be viewed by the public on Wayne County’s webbased road monitoring application called “Compass.” “Wayne County Compass is a great tool to assist residents and visitors in staying informed during a winter snowstorm,” said Conrad. “Using Compass, people can view live video streams from our snow plows, access real time views from MDOT traffic cameras, learn what county roads have been traveled by a snow plow and better manage their commutes.”

Rea, 31 and a lifelong resident of Macomb County, had previously served in the county’s Planning and Economic Development Department for over nine years. At that time, he held the position of senior planner, orchestrating municipal planning services, developing quality-of-life initiatives and supporting the County Executive office in pursing major community and economic development opportunities. Most recently, he was appointed as assistant county executive in April 2015 where he oversaw all strategic communications and outreach for Macomb County. “John Paul has a great deal of experience in all matters related to planning and economic development, a key component of our vitality here in Macomb County,” said Hackel. “I am confident that he, along with the economic and development team, will continue to build on Macomb County’s momentum toward enhancing quality of life here.”

Oakland County

19 charities receive Oakland Casual Day funds Oakland County employees donated a total of over $50,000 to support local charities in 2015 through the county’s Casual Day program, County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said during a special ceremony in the lobby of the Executive Office Building. On Casual Day, employees in participating departments and divisions may donate $1 to wear jeans or dress casually. Patterson presented 19 organizations which serve the community with checks totaling $31,500 during the special ceremony. County employees also gave an additional $19,500 during Special Casual Days this year, $7,000 of which went to the family of Michigan State Police Trooper Chad Wolf, who died in the line of duty while on patrol in northern Oakland County. A Special Casual Day is one that has a designated recipient.

1919-2015

Rea is replacing Stephen Cassin, the current Macomb County planning and economic development executive director who has decided to retire after 14 years of service. “I want to thank Executive Hackel and the Board of Commissioners for entrusting me with this great responsibility,” said Rea. “I am extremely passionate about the fields of planning and economic development and, working alongside the dedicated professionals of the department, we can continue to raise the profile of Macomb County.”

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Compass can be accessed by visiting compass. waynecounty.com Wayne County has committed to remaining visible and responsive throughout the upcoming snow and ice season, ensuring that the public stays informed of their efforts to keep them safe. If you encounter a hazardous road condition anytime during your commute, Wayne County wants to know about it, please report it to their 24-hour Road Hazard hotline at 1-888-ROAD CREW.

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“Our county employees are among the most generous individuals I know, whether it is donating their time or money,” Patterson said. “They topped $50,000 in donations this year and set a record for the most donated to a Special Casual Day recipient. I’m of course speaking about the Special Casual Day for Trooper Chad Wolf’s family.

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

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”The donation to Trooper Wolf earned the gratitude of Col. Kriste Etue, the director of Michigan State Police. In a Sept. 23 letter to Patterson, she wrote, “It is at times like this that we most appreciate the support from the communities we serve.” That captures the spirit behind the Casual Day program. This year’s 19 Casual Day recipients were:

The American Diabetes Association - Bingham Farms The Baldwin Center – Pontiac Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center - Birmingham Canine Advocacy Program – Novi Child Abuse and Neglect Council (CARE House) – Pontiac D-MAN Foundation - Rochester Hills Donate Life Coalition of Michigan - Ann Arbor Give-A-Christmas Year Around – Royal Oak Grace Centers of Hope – Pontiac HAVEN – Bingham Farms Helping Hearts Helping Hands – Clarkston Kids Kicking Cancer – Southfield McLaren Children’s Clinic – Pontiac Oakland County Pioneer & Historical Society – Pontiac Oxford/Orion FISH - Orion Township The Rainbow Connection – Rochester Rebuilding Together Oakland County – Farmington Hills Toys for Tots – Waterford Walk the Line to Spinal Cord Injury Recovery – Southfield Since its inception 23 years ago, Oakland County employees have donated about $800,000, touching the lives of thousands of people. No taxpayer funds are used in the Casual Day program.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

December 23-29, 2015

Page A-3

All 3 DPD unions approve officer raises and new benefits Raises to take effect January 1, pending approval from City Council and FRC By a wide margin, the three unions representing DPD’s 2,224 sworn officers have voted to ratify their amended collective bargaining agreements, Mayor Mike Duggan, Chief James Craig and union representatives announced today. The contracts include the following enhancements: 1. A 4% across the board pay increase for all officers effective January 1, 2016. 2. An increase in pay for starting officers from $31,700 to $36,000 effective January 1, 2016. 3. An additional year extension on the contract to June 30, 2020, with an additional 3% base pay increase on July 1, 2019. 4. A major increase in commitment to professional development and education: a. $2,000 per year in tuition reimbursement b. A 2% increase in base pay for any DPOA member with 2 years of college c. A 2% increase in base pay for any Lieutenant or Sergeant with 4 years of college. “Today, our city took a first step toward making sure Detroit’s sworn police officers are fairly compensated for the work they do,” said Mayor Duggan. The results of the vote were overwhelmingly in favor of the changes: ■ DPOA:................... 632 yes; 283 no ■ LSA:......................... 406 yes; 56 no ■ DPCOA:.........................30 yes; 0 no “This ratification is truly historic for this department,” said Chief Craig. “It will significantly improve DPD’s ability to attract and retain quality officers and officer candidates and continue the city’s trend toward improved public safety.” This success was the result of a true partnership between the mayor, chief of police and our three police unions on behalf of the brave men and women of the Detroit Police Department. It also would not have been possible without Judge Steven Rhodes, who allowed the Mayor to contest the fees being charged by the city’s bankruptcy consultants, and Chief Judge Gerald Rosen, who mediated a $30 million reduction in those fees. The contracts will be submitted immediately to City Council for approval. If approved by council onDecember 17th, the contracts will be submitted to the Financial Review Commission for its approval on December 21. Our hope is to have all approvals in place so officers will begin seeing their raises and additional benefits beginning the first of the year. The leadership of DPD’s three unions expressed their gratitude for the mayor’s willingness to reopen the three contracts, which would not have expired until 2019, to provide this additional compensation. “The mayor could have chosen to invest this money anywhere in city government, but he chose to invest in the men and women of DPD,” said DPCOA President Charles Mahone. “It shows he understands the needs of his public safety employees.” “I appreciate the fact that the Mayor recognized the need for proper pay for public safety,” said DPOA President Mark Diaz. “While this is not the final solution, it definitely is a step in the right direction.” DPLSA President Mark Young said he sees the new contracts as a way to keep officers with the department for the long term. “I am excited about this first step and having been able to work with Mayor Duggan on this important issue,” said Young. “We want our members to see DPD as a career, not just a job. The education incentives will go a long way toward making that happen.” Mayor Duggan added that he intends to address the issue of fair compensation for all of the city’s first responders. “Shortly after the first of the year, we are going to be revisiting this issue so we can take steps toward fair pay and benefits for our firefighters and EMTs,” the mayor said. “Like our police officers, they have earned it. As the city continues its recovery, we will continue to revisit the issue of pay for our first responders and work with our union partners to negotiate increases as the city has the ability to pay for them.”

Hardest Hit Fund gets $2 billion, Detroit gets $300 million By Roz Edward Thanks to the heroic efforts of a Michigan based partnership composed of politicians, business executives and community leaders, Detroit will receive substantial funding from the federal government for blight removal and the demolition of brick and mortar eyesores which have plagued the city for decades. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), along with Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (DMI) last week announced new opportunities to help cities across Michigan and the country revitalize neighborhoods and keep communities safe. Detroit developer Dan Gilbert, and Detroit Brach NAACP President Wendell Anthony were also key supporters of the bill along with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and Jesse Jackson of Rainbow PUSH.

million since the Fund was established in 2010. Senators Stabenow, Peters and Rep. Kildee led the bipartisan effort to include this new opportunity for funding in the end-of-year deal. “We are seeing real progress in communities across our state from federal blight removal resources,” said Senator Stabenow. “This new flexibility is a huge win for Michigan cities and neighborhoods and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our communities and make sure our neighborhoods are safe places to raise a family.” “The Hardest Hit Fund has been a vital resource for cities across Michigan working to remove blight, improve safety and increase property values in their neighborhoods,” said Senator Peters. “This new option to transfer funding and shore up the Hardest Hit Fund will allow Michigan communities to continue these efforts and attract new private investments to help their communities grow.”

Stabenow, who spearheaded the fight to get the Hardest Hit bill included in Congress’ end-of-year spending bill, gives the U.S. Department of Treasury the flexibility to transfer as much as $2 billion in additional funding to the Hardest Hit Fund. Earlier this year Stabenow also lead the successful effort to stop a proposed 1.7 billion cut to the fund.

“Getting rid of abandoned homes in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Detroit helps to strengthen neighborhoods and decrease crime,” said Congressman Kildee. “We have already made great progress in removing blight from our communities and this new flexibility will help to unlock more economic opportunity for all Michiganders.”

“On behalf of the City of Detroit and all other cities addressing blight issues, I want to thank Congress for its action today in approving $2 billion in additional Hardest Hit Funds. This is the largest federal blight removal program in decades and will give Detroit and other urban cities the opportunity to change the quality of life in our neighborhoods for generations,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan

“I am elated that the Department of the Treasury will have the option to bolster the crucial Hardest Hit Fund, a program I have long supported and which has already disbursed over $300 million through the Step Forward Michigan program to keep families in their homes. Over 28,000 Michiganders have received assistance from the program, including nearly 9,000 residents of Wayne County, and countless neighborhoods have benefited from additional efforts to combat blight,” said Congressman John Conyers, Jr. “With a potential new funding boost, the Hardest Hit Fund could con-

The Hardest Hit Fund provides resources to states for blight removal efforts and to help struggling homeowners. Michigan has received $498.6

tinue to provide an essential safety net for struggling homeowners and communities. I thank President Obama and Treasury Secretary Lew for their past work to support Detroit, and I urge them to maintain their commitment to Michigan’s economic recovery.” “I have strongly supported the use of federal funds to strike at the blight that has weakened too many neighborhoods and communities within our cities,“ said Congresswoman Lawrence. “As the congressional representative for Detroit, which has identified more than 84,000 properties beyond repair, and Pontiac, which has an estimated 400 locations awaiting demolition, one of my primary concerns has been the number of abandoned homes and businesses within my District. I have also seen, firsthand, how these federal funds can empower our communities and provide the resources needed to rebuild and prosper. As of October 28, 2015, U.S. Treasury has allowed the dedication of more than $300 million to Detroit for blight removal and awarded $3.7 million in federal blight removal funds to the City of Pontiac in 2013. I look forward to continued support from the Treasury for Detroit and Pontiac, and throughout our state.” Cities that have benefited from this fund include Detroit, Adrian, Ecorse, Flint, Grand Rapids, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Ironwood, Jackson, Lansing, Muskegon Heights, Pontiac, Port Huron, River Rouge, and Saginaw. “Finally, I want to thank President Obama and his administration for strongly supporting this initiative and for publicly standing behind the success of Detroit’s demolition program. The recent study funded by the Skillman Foundation and Bedrock showed the country … that property values in Detroit have increased by more than $400 million in the past year in the areas where the city has concentrated its blight removal efforts,” concluded Mayor Duggan.

Judge orders Detroit foundation to turn over invaluable black historical assets By Donald James

has separate assets. By law, how can you take something that’s not a party of the case? There’s no due process.”

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

United States Bankruptcy Judge Marci B. McIvor (Eastern District of Michigan- Southern Division – Detroit) ruled on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 that Detroit-based Keeper of the Word Foundation (KWF) had 10 days in which to turn over assets to a Chapter 7 trustee. According to KWF’s founder, Attorney Gregory J. Reed, Judge McIvor’s two-page Opinion/Order means that the organization’s assets will be sold and liquidated to pay the debts of a third party. In this case, Reed is the third party and is linked to an epic divorce from his wife, and the subsequent division of properties that started in 2000. Reed said that KWF’s assets contain protected intellectual and historic properties/works/artifacts of noted black authors, artists, and activists, which include Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Alex Haley, Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, Nikki Giovanni, Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden and more. The Malcolm X papers are specifically mentioned among the eight-tier of assets listed in the Judge’s Opinion/Order. Reed called the court order unconscionable and out of bounds. He said that the bankruptcy ruling should be levied at him personally and should not include the assets of the non-profit organization he started almost 20 years ago. “The bankruptcy court contends that Keeper of the Word Foundation is mine,” said Reed. “But how could it be mine when there a board and it operates by the laws of government pertaining to non-profit foundations? The

What also bothers Reed about the case, he said, is the trustee counsel that’s attached. The trustee, according to Reed, is being investigated by the Attorney Grievance Commission for perjury, fraud, and conflict of interest. The trustee, said Reed, along with produced documentation, has been removed from nine bankruptcy cases.

Gregory J. Reed judge believes that Keeper of the Word Foundation and its assets are my alter egos, but they are not. The foundation is a separate entity that has done everything correctly. All of its paperwork has been filed correctly. Keeper of the Word Foundation should not be a party of this bankruptcy.” Reed points to the city of Detroit’s recent bankruptcy and how some emergency management officials initially looked to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and its billions in assets as a possible way to help pay the city’s debts. Yet, Bill Schuette, Michigan’s Attorney General, issued his Opinion on June 13, 2013 that read in part, “The art collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts is held by the City of Detroit in charitable trust for the people of Michigan, and no piece in the collection may thus be sold, conveyed, or transferred to satisfy City debts or obligations.” “Just like the Detroit Institute of Arts was not a party of the city’s bankruptcy, Keeper of the Word Foundation is not a party to my personal bankruptcy” said Reed. “The DIA had separate assets; KWF

While Reed doesn’t deny that he (Reed) has purchased historic works of black authors, artists and activists — some of which were long before KWF was incorporated — he maintains that all works purchased were legally transferred to KWF many years ago. Thus, they exclusively belong to KWF. A call was placed to Judge McIvor on Monday morning, Dec. 21 for comment, just to add balance to this story. However, the judge’s judicial assistant, Susan Maruszewski, stated that the United States Bankruptcy Court only responds through written rulings and opinions that are issued accordingly. In the meantime, Reed and his attorney, Carolyn Jackson are moving fast to file an appeal and a subsequent stay, which he feels will ultimately free the historic work and integrity of iconic African American authors, artists, and activists. Reed said he is proud of the work that the foundation has done over the past two decades to educate others, especially African Americans, about the work of so many black trailblazers. Additionally, Reed said his reputation is on the line,

as he is one of the nation’s premier legal professionals that specializes in cultural/ social history and preservation of noted authors, artists and activists, most of which are black. He has worked for or with Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X’s and Alex Haley’s Legacies, Dr. Betty Shabazz, Coretta Scott King, Aretha Franklin and six world boxing champions. Over the past two decades, KWF, under the direction of Reed, has produced or collaborated with exhibits and projects, such as the co-development of Trayvon Martin’s official website and App; Obama Talks Back: Global Lessons – A Dialogue with America’s Young Leaders; Dear Rosa Parks - Dear Mr. Mandela: Global Lessons; Alex Haley/Roots Lecture Series with William Haley; Rosa Parks’ exhibit at the Walt Disney Epcot Center; 100 Plus One Exhibit - Before Motown and Beyond, Celebrating America’s Music; The Malcolm X Collections - Excerpts of the Unpublished Chapter Exhibit; the 50th anniversary Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee; the 40th anniversary of the Montgomery Boycott; and lots more. While Reed has made major accomplishments in the aforementioned arenas, he remains humble. Yet, he wants what’s right in this case. “It’s not about me; it’s much bigger than me,” Reed said. “It’s about the protection of foundations, museums and charitable organizations, and the protection against their assets being seized to settle third party debts. It’s about protecting the intellectual properties of noted black authors, artists and activists. What I want is someone to look at the facts and follow the law.”

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

December 23-29, 2015

The Holidays manity. The misuse of capitalism can also lead to tragic exploitation. This has so often happened in your nation. They tell me that one tenth of one percent of the population controls more than 40 percent of the wealth.

Wayne County county’s finances are on a better track. Evans also praised the unions and their willingness to work with his office in good faith. “I got a consent agreement, which gave me an enforcement tool, but in 13 of the 14 bargaining agreements, we didn’t have to use it. We came to terms. And so the ability to impose was there, but the reality is everybody stepped up to the plate and said ‘we don’t need to do this. Let’s come to terms.’ And so that got our structural deficit down. “The further you get from the guy who created the problem, the more you inherit the problem, and I understand that. So you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t sometimes, but I think we did it the right way.” Shared sacrifice “My health care is the same as the employees’ health care. ... How do you go to all these people and get them to agree to these kind of concessions and then you get to the people who are a little better heeled financially and you let them off the hook?” Unfunded liabilities a huge upcoming challenge “There’s still one big piece which is not done, and that’s the unfunded liabilities in the retirement system. The worst thing you can have is somebody who worked 25 years and have a threatened retirement. Ten years ago our retirement system was the gold standard. It was 95 percent funded. In one decade it went from 95 percent funded to 44 percent. We've got to get it back up to 70, and that’s part of the heavy lifting that I don’t want people to forget about.” “We now have a balanced budget, but in order to put money back into the retirement system, not only do I have to balance the budget, I have to have a surplus. Because the surplus is the only

From page A-1

extra money there will be to move into the retirement system to try to bring that up. I want the public to know the reality, and the reality is we did a lot of heavy lifting, but the other reality is we’re not out of the woods yet.” How did it get this bad? “A number of lucrative retirements were given out by the previous administration, plus it hasn’t been that long ago that you didn’t retire until you were 65. Now you've got people 40-something retiring. And so you've got that length of time to pay and the terms that they were given for the retirement and the health care — health care benefits for life — were just drowning the system. And rather than looking at the actuarials and face the reality, it’s kinda like ‘everything’ll be all right someday.’” Dealing with the unfinished jail fiasco “I think we will have a plan in the next several months. May not be the only plan, because the plan is going to take months to finish. By ‘plan,’ I want to be real clear, it’s a plan to finish a facility, and to finance it. Because we have $50 million left in bonds that haven’t been wasted from the previous project. “But that’s not going to be enough to finish the project. And so, when we figure out what that number is, we’ve got to be able to borrow to fill that gap. And since so much money has been wasted already my whole priority is I’m gonna do what’s cheapest for the taxpayer. And I don’t really have a dog in the fight as to where it is. The money looks to us like finishing on the existing site is by far the cheapest way to go. But we’re not precluding someone coming up with another plan. We’ve got no pride of ownership here. The only pride of ownership is we don’t have to ask the taxpayers to pay any more than is necessary to get it done. “At one point, Dan Gil-

bert said we’ll give you $20 million for the existing facility, and people were saying, ‘$20 million beats nothing. It’s just sitting over there.’ But what they don’t understand is we already borrowed $130 million. You take 20 off the 130 and I’m still paying $1 million a month on the debt service. We borrowed the money, we've got to pay the folks back. And so $20 million does nothing in reality. And then you don’t have the building either.” “There’s always talk about ‘why do you wanna do it downtown?’ and all of that, and, I mean, I don’t even have a dog in that fight. I do know, in most of the country, if you go look, the courts and the jails are downtown. They just are. Having said that, that doesn’t mean they have to be. It just gets back to, our whole issue is what’s the cheapest way to do it? And our math says the cheapest way is probably to finish the project that’s there. But if there’s enough time and we set it up in such a way that somebody comes up with a better program, or a better deal, then we can take the best deal for the taxpayers. To me it’s the biggest albatross in my lifetime that I’ve ever seen in one place. I go home some days happy that we’ve made the decisions that we have with respect to the finances, and we’re getting there. And you’re happy about it. And then you look up and see that thing, and you drop your head on the steering wheel, and say, ‘Jesus Christ, Wayne County screwed up.’ “It is an albatross. It has a psychological effect. I would think that if I went past there one day and saw some caterpillars in there and some hardhats, and some sparks flying across those beams, my attitude would completely change. You can’t minimize image. Especially when you’re trying to improve your image.”

Republican opposition to straight ticket voting is opposition to Detroit voters By Keith A. Owens You know the holiday season has seriously kicked in when the Republicans in the Michigan House come bearing bags of coal, telling you it’s chocolate. On Wednesday night, in a blatant pre-2016 campaign season first strike attack against the Democrats, the Republican-controlled legislature voted to eliminate straight ticket voting. Predictably, they said (trying desperately to maintain a straight face) that this was merely an attempt to encourage voters not to just blindly vote one way or the other, but to seriously study the candidates and the issues. By forcing them to vote for one candidate at a time, their stated belief is that this will somehow improve our Democracy by transforming straight ticket voters into more knowledgeable and engaged voters. There’s a rather potent word for what they’re actually doing here, but this is a family newspaper so use your imagination and see if you can read my mind. As in, “this is some...” Right. Keep in mind that this “gift is coming to you from the same beloved group of folks who are just dying to enshrine that wrong-headed Citizen’s United Supreme Court decision — perhaps one of the worst and most harmful and damaging decisions this court ever made — into Michigan law. But in case you forgot, the Supreme Court overturned a ban on unlimited contributions by corpora-

tions and unions in 2010. They said this was a violation of free speech, which led to numerous cynical comedy routines mocking how corporations are now considered people. One man, one vote. One corporation, one much bigger vote to smother that other pesky vote. “As a result, super PACs, fueled with millions in donations, have blossomed across the country to try to influence elections,” wrote Kathleen Gray in the Detroit Free Press on Dec. 8. Because it’s just not enough to make a mistake once and then leave it alone. Apparently these guys think good government amounts to pounding yourself on the head with a hammer over and over again just to make sure the old cranium is still firm. So what does this mean for heavily Democratic (and heavily black) cities like Detroit? Well, the first thing it means is that voters need to be educated right quick and in a hurry that no roadblocks to the polls will be tolerated, and if this means we have to stand in line longer next November, or mark a lot more boxes, then that’s what we’ll do because that’s how important 2016 is. But the second, and more obvious, meaning of this new piece of legislation is that the Republicans are once again firing up the voter suppression machine. They know that heavily Democratic — and non-white — areas are much more likely to use straight ticket voting than Republican areas. Editor's note: Please read full article online.

“Oh America, how often have you taken necessities from the masses to give luxuries to the classes? If you are to be a truly Christian nation, you must solve this problem. You cannot solve the problem by turning to communism, for communism is based on an ethical relativism and a metaphysical materialism that no Christian can accept. You can work within the framework of democracy to bring about a better distribution of wealth. You can use your powerful economic resources to wipe poverty from the face of the earth. “God never intended for one group of people to live in superfluous inordinate wealth, while others live in abject deadening poverty. God intends for all of his children to have the basic necessities of life, and He has left in this universe “enough and to spare” for that purpose. So I call upon you to bridge the gulf between abject poverty and superfluous wealth.” From the speech, “Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam,” delivered by Dr. King in 1967 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kwanzaa rican ethical mandate found in the Odu Ifa to constantly bring good in the world and not let any good be lost. At the heart of this ethical imperative to bring and sustain good in the world is our ancestors’ and our profound concern with the well-being of the world in both the natural and social sense. This comes not only out of Kwanzaa’s ancient roots in agricultural harvest celebrations and the accompanying respect for the earth and its life-sustaining role, but also from a cosmic conception of human beings, and the resultant moral obligation to care for the world and all in it as part of what it means to be a responsible and worthy human being. At the center of this concern and care must be a constant and courageous questioning first about how we understand and assert ourselves in the world and what this means. Thus, the Day of Meditation during Kwanzaa which is the culminating point and place of our remembrance, reflection and recommitment calls on us to sit down, think deeply about ourselves in the world, and measure ourselves in the mirror of the best of our culture to determine where we stand. We are to do this by raising, reflecting on and answering three basic questions. And these are: who am I? Am I really who I am, and am I all I ought to be? Each and every one of us must ask these questions on this day, but in a larger sense, ask every day and at every moment of our lives. For they are centering questions, questions of identity, purpose and direction; questions of anchoring principles and compelling practice to bring and sustain good in our lives and in the world. Courageous questioning also, of necessity, is a rightful and righteous calling into question, offering a severe and sustained criticism of the evil, wrong and unjust in the world, and seeking corrective and alternative answers without fear of consequences or deference to convention, customs, hierarchies or oppressive structures of various kinds. Indeed, Kwanzaa came into being, courageously questioning the established order of things and pursuing ways to affirm, celebrate and sustain ourselves, our history, culture, identity, dignity and right to freedom as a people. It came into being in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement as an act of self-determination and as a self-conscious contribution to a conversation about reconceiving the world from an African-centered perspective and to the struggle to radically transform society. Kwanzaa was not intended to be nor must ever be symbolic association with our culture, but must draw from, build on, and celebrate and put forth the best ideas and practices of our culture. The moral message and concern of our culture is ancient, clear, compelling and continuous and we must constantly ask and answer the three questions of Kwanzaa and Kawaida philosophy through a self-conscious practice that defines who we are, reaffirms us in our most dignity-affirming identity, and

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From page A-1 “A genuine revolution of values means, in the final analysis, that our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional. Every nation must now develop an overriding loyalty to mankind as a whole in order to preserve the best in their individual societies. This call for a worldwide fellowship that lifts neighborly concern beyond one’s tribe, race, class, and nation is in reality a call for an all-embracing, unconditional love for all men. This oft misunderstood and misinterpreted concept, so readily dismissed by the Nietzsches of the world as a weak and cowardly force, has now become an absolute necessity for the survival of mankind. “And when I speak of love I’m not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality. This Hindu-Muslim-Christian-Jewish-Buddhist belief about ultimate reality is beautifully summed up in the first epistle of John: “Let us love one another, for God is love. And every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us and his love is perfected in us.” Happy holidays, everyone.

From page A-1 bears witness to our humble efforts to become and be the best of what it means to be African and human in and for the world. Central, even indispensable, to this is the hearing and response to the voice and needs of the vulnerable — the ill and elderly, the widow and orphan, the poor, prisoner and troubled teen, the suffering and oppressed, the grieving and those grasping desperately for a different and more righteous and rewarding way to assert themselves in the world. And to honor the world-encompassing conception of ourselves and our responsibility, we must answer the call of our injured earth, constantly subject to plunder, pollution and depletion, and dare to practice the ancient ethical obligation of serudj ta — to heal, repair, remake and renew the world, making it more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. This ancient and honored call is rooted in the profound respect for the scared and the Transcendent, the rights and dignity of the human person, the well-being and flourishing of family and community, the reciprocal solidarity of human beings, and the health and wholeness of the world. It reaches from the Seba, the ancient moral teachers of ancient Egypt, to social justice advocates and activists of our time. It is from Khunanpu, the peasant in the Husia, calling for a justice that gives and sustains life and is the true balancing of the land. It is in the Husitic teaching that we are not to turn a deaf ear to truth or a blind eye to injustice, but rather bear witness to truth and set the scales of justice in their proper place, especially among those who have no voice. It is found in Harriet Tubman’s commitment to an indivisible and shared freedom; Frederick Douglass’ discourse on the indispensability of struggle; Malcolm X’s call for a new logic and language of liberation; and Mary McLeod Bethune’s challenge to us to dare remake the world. And it is in the expansive message and meaning of the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles): Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics); Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity); and Imani (faith). In all this is expressed the beauty and expansive message and meaning of our culture, born of a long history of work and struggle to repair and make the world good, to end suffering and oppression, to do and demand justice, seek and speak truth, and point toward a new history and hope for humankind, so that we will always understand and assert ourselves in dignity-affirming, life-enhancing and world-preserving ways. Dr. Maulana Karenga, is professor and chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; executive director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of “Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture and Introduction to Black Studies.”

Public Lighting Authority: Out with the old, in with the new By Lee Claire Detroit’s Public Lighting Authority announced recently that it has begun installation of new streetlights and circuits on major streets near the downtown area that will result in only a temporary period of darkness on those streets, while outdated electrical circuits are replaced with modern circuits. Since lights in these areas receive electricity through underground wiring, worker safety requires that the electricity be turned off during the period the old outdated circuits and lights are removed and the new circuits and lights are installed. Power to the streetlights on the specific streets will be off for approximately two weeks, depending on the condition of the existing circuits and the amount of work required to install the new circuits.

The new street lights will be turned on as soon as the new wiring, lights and circuits are in place. These shutdowns will not affect power to lights on neighborhood streets or to homes and businesses. The following is the first series of shutdowns of the old lights scheduled to be shut down until Dec. 24: Grand Boulevard, from Woodward Avenue to Mt. Elliott; Woodward Avenue, from East Grand Blvd. to Davison Avenue; Warren, from Woodward Avenue to I-75 service drive. The PLA will continue to notify the public of these strategic shutdowns. To date, the Public Lighting Authority has added more than 58,000 new LED streetlights within the last 18 months, which represents more operational streetlights in the city of Detroit since 1980.

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE December 23-29, 2015 Page A-5 news Wheaton professor suspended for saying Muslims and Christians worship one God By Desire Thompson A tenured professor from Wheaton College, an evangelical Christian university in Illinois, was placed on suspension for suggesting that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. According to the Chicago Tribune, professor Larycia Hawkins made her comments on Facebook, filled with references of the belief that Muslims, Jews, and Christians share a common religious bond. She also added that her beliefs are shared with Pope Francis, who made the same statement last week. Hawkins’ comments stemmed from her growing frustrations following Islamophobic incidents since the shooting in San Bernardino. From New York to California,

mosques have been vandalized and Muslim store owners have been physically attacked. The professor has worn a hijab during the advent season to stand in solidarity with Muslims and Muslim-Americans. A student suggested to her that all students should wear hijabs on flights home for the holidays. Hawkins planned to wear hers on her flight home to Oklahoma. Islamic law has been banned in the state, the Tribune reports. Via Facebook: “As part of my Advent worship, I will wear the hijab to work at Wheaton College, to play in Chi-town, in the airport and on the airplane to my home state that initiated one of the first anti-Sharia laws (read: unconstitutional and Islamopho-

Larycia Hawkins bic), and at church. “I invite all women into the narrative that embodies solidarity with our Muslim sisters, for whatever reason. A largescale movement of Women in Solidarity with Hijabs is my Christmas. After stirring up a debate with Christians on campus, she explained her reasoning again before she was placed on suspension that will run into the spring 2016 se-

U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence attacks mass shooting endemic

By Roz Edward

Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) is going behind the bloodshed and getting to the heart of the problem of mass shootings in the U.S. In the aftermath of the attack at the holiday p party in San Bernadino, Calif. and the June shooting at Mother Emanuel A.M.E church in Charleston, S.C., U.S. lawmakers are scurrying to devise action plans to address the problem. U.S. congresswoman and former mayor of Southfield Brenda Lawrence has joined U.S. David N. Cicilline (D-RI) and other gun violence prevention advocates to introduce the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 and prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of new military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. “Mass shootings have increased four times since the 1970s, with more than half of all mass shooters using assault weapons. That is why we must work to end this epidemic driven primarily by individuals armed with weapons designed for combat zones and that have become the weapon of choice for domestic terrorists,” said Rep. Lawrence. This bill will save lives and reduce the toll of gun J&Gour Palletts.pdf violence in country.” 1 12/11/15 10:29

mester. The conservative college released a statement following Hawkins’ suspension. “Wheaton College faculty and staff make a commitment to accept and model our institution’s faith foundations with integrity, compassion, and theological clarity,” the college said. “As they participate in various causes, it is essential that faculty and staff engage in and speak about public issues in ways that faithfully represent the college’s evangelical Statement of Faith. We believe there is nothing in Dr. Hawkins’ public statements that goes against the belief in the power and nature of God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit that the Statement of Faith deems as a necessary requirement for affiliation with Wheaton College.” Many speculated her hijab was the reason behind the suspension, but

the school insisted her comments on Facebook are what led to their decision. Still, students remained divided on the issue that has plagued religious communities for years. The Chicago Tribune reports: Protesters insisted that Hawkins had remained faithful to the college’s 12 core beliefs. Dozens gathered on the front steps of the college’s administration building to deliver a letter to President Philip Ryken and Provost Stan Jones, demanding Hawkins’ reinstatement. “Dr. Hawkins is an essential part of the community here,” said Wyatt Harms, a senior political science major who has taken several of Hawkins’ classes. “She’s a refuge for so many students on campus.”

Abbie Brigham, a 20-year-old junior majoring in history and music, from Jacksonville, Fla., said that for Hawkins to say that Christians and Muslims “unite under the same beliefs” insults both religious groups. “I think that, as an evangelical school that has a statement of faith, it is wrong for us to call Muslims brothers and sisters in Christ,” she said. Think Progress reports over 400 students have joined a Facebook group supporting the professor. A Change.org petition was also created to address her reinstatement. Religious leaders in the community came to Hawkins’ defense in addition to Yolanda Pierce, an associate professor of African-American Religion and Literature at Prince ton Theological Seminary.

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 will prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of: • Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a military-style feature that can accept a detachable magazine; • Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a fixed magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds;

After Christmas

• Semi-automatic shotguns with a military-style feature; • Any ammunition feeding device that can hold more than 10 rounds;

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• And 157 specifically-named and listed firearms. The bill also sets new standards to prevent “default proceeds” – the standard that allows firearms dealers to complete a sale if a buyer’s background check is not completed within three days. Under the proposed law, the background check period will be extended to 14 days for the sale or transfer of an existing assault weapon. If it is determined that a gun was sold to a prohibited individual, the FBI will be required to notify federal, state, and local law enforcement so the weapon can be retrieved as quickly as possible and the buyer can be held AM accountable for violating federal law.

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Page A-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • December 23-29, 2015

SECTION B

ASK THE

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December 23-29, 2015

Question: My husband has been prescribed Chantix to help him stop smoking. It doesn’t seem to be working. Can you tell us the pros and cons of the various medications that are used to help a person quit smoking? Is there one you would recommend over the others? What advice would you have for a person wanting to quit smoking? I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that a question has come up about smoking cessation. Smoking-related illness accounts for more than 1,300 deaths in the U.S. every day. That’s about 480,000 Dr. Carmen McIntyre deaths per year that were preventable. On average, every cigarette takes 11 minutes off your life, and smokers die at least 10 years younger than non-smokers. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 70 of which can cause cancer. Some of those chemicals include lead and carbon monoxide, which we all know are hazardous to our health. So I am excited to know that people are trying to quit, and want to know more about how to stop. First thing for me to say: Never stop trying. Most people who succeed in giving up tobacco tried multiple times, so don’t be a quitter in quitter in quitting! Let’s take a moment to talk about some of the things a person who is giving up tobacco might experience as they reduce or give up cigarettes. The Centers for Disease Control has a great timeline for what happens after you stop smoking. Twenty minutes after you quit your heart rate will start to drop back towards normal levels. Two hours without a cigarette and your heart rate and blood pressure will be down to almost normal levels, and your circulation will improve. This is when early withdrawal symptoms start, including craving; anxiety, tension or frustration; trouble sleeping or drowsiness; and increased appetite. The craving is what usually drives people to pick up their next cigarette. Some of this is physical due to withdrawal of nicotine. Some of it is psychological too. Most people who smoke have a pattern — after meals, when talking on the phone, on a break from work, when drinking alcohol. So when you engage in these activities you will trigger your urge to smoke. The key here is you need to retrain you brain and body that these activities aren’t linked to smoking. The only way to do that is not to smoke when you do those things. It will take practice and repetition for you to learn this new pattern. Twelve hours after quitting, carbon monoxide decreases and your blood oxygen levels increase to normal.

UAW- Ford volunteers to assemble food boxes for holiday giveaway By Lee Claire UAW-Ford is donating more than 25,000 holiday meals during its third annual “Boxes of Love” program which is one of the largest holiday food giveaways nationwide. The Boxes of Love program is part of UAW-Ford’s national community giving initiative spanning across 18 states. On Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. until the last box was distributed, metro Detroit area residents picked up free holiday food boxes from family recreation centers, churches and even a fire station. Butzel Park Family Recreation Center, Highland Park Fire Station, Fellowship Chapel, and the historic Second Baptist church participated in the distribution of Boxes of Love throughout the city. Each box included a 12 to 14-pound turkey, boxes of stuffing, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, corn bread mix, a jumbo size can of vegetables plus cake mix and frosting. The retail value amounts to nearly $50 per box. Through the joint effort of UAW and Ford Motor Company, this donation totaled more than $500,000 of community giving. On the previous Saturday, Dec. 12, the UAW-Ford team along with hundreds of area volunteers from area schools, business, labor, church and community groups assembled thousands of Boxes of Love food boxes for what turned

Twenty-four hours after your last cigarette, your risk for heart attack starts to drop.

out to be one of the largest holiday food giveaways in the nation. The assembly of food boxes took place at the UAWFord Brownstown Plant, 25555 Pennsylvania Rd. in Romulus. Ford facilities across the country also held similar events, but Detroit area donations are expected to reach record levels for UAW Ford. The charitable action is part of UAW-Ford’s national community initiative which includes

dedicate their time and energy and the results are always rewarding,” Dirksen added. “We want to do our part to make sure people have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional holiday meal with their families.” “Everyone deserves to have a joyous experience during the holiday season with their loved ones,” said UAW-Ford Vice President Jimmy Settles. “Our UAW-Ford brothers and sisters have come together for the third year in a row to give back to the community and provide a delicious holiday meal to people less fortunate. We are proud to provide assistance to many people during the holiday season and throughout the year.” Participating states in the holiday giving effort include: California, Colorado, Ohio, Oregon, Missouri, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Indiana, New York, Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Connecticut, Wisconsin, New Jersey and North Carolina.

18 states across the country. This year the combined donation increased to 25,000 boxes. The retail value of each holiday food box was valued at $50: “This is the third year UAW-Ford has undertaken such a monumental act of giving,” said Bill Dirksen, Ford Motor Company vice president of labor affairs. “Planning a major community giving initiative like this takes a lot of planning and effort from people willing to

More than 700 volunteers, including UAW-Ford members, retirees, families, friends, businesses, organizations and youth were committed to helping assemble the food boxes at Ford Motor Company facilities nationwide. UAW-Ford has a long history of giving back to the communities in which its members work. One of its most recent initiatives was a month-long breast cancer awareness campaign in October that included free mammogram screenings for local women.

Forty-eight hours after you stop smoking, your nerve endings to your nose and mouth start to regrow, improving your sense of smell and taste. Three days after you quit, nicotine is completely out of your body, which means a peak in physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea and cramps or vomiting, along with the other symptoms mentioned above. Now is great time to use that money you saved from not buying cigarettes to reward yourself with something nice. By two-three weeks, withdrawal symptoms have ended and your body is really showing signs of healing. You can be more physically active without being short of breath because your lungs are recovering. Psychological symptoms are pretty much gone over the next five-six months. One year after quitting, the risk for heart disease is 50 percent lower than when you were still smoking. So how do people quit? Some people are able to simply make the decision to stop, and just do it. These folks are rare, and those who cannot are not weak and they don’t lack willpower. They just need some help. First, most people need some sort of support. That may be informal, such as getting those around you, your family, co-worker, and especially smoking buddies, to help you. This means they don’t offer you cigarettes, they are your cheerleaders and help distract you when you are tempted, and they find healthier activities for you to engage in. For example, if your work break is stepping outside to smoke, maybe you can step outside for a quick walk around the block. You get fresh air, exercise and good conversation instead of a lungful of chemicals. Support may also be formal, through smoking cessation groups or counseling. There are even telephone quit line counseling services. There are also medications that can help. The first group are nicotine sub-

See ASK THE DOCTOR page B-2

MMSDC celebrates academic excellence at Chairman’s Scholarship Ball Scholarships presented, new chair welcomed By Lee Claire The Annual Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council’s Chairman’s Scholarship Gala was recently held at the Colony House in Detroit. This year’s spectacular event not only celebrated the scholarship awardees, it also served as a springboard for the organization’s fundraising efforts for 2016. The MMSDC charity event raises money for the Chairman’s Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to outstanding minority college students in

the S.T.E.M. and business fields of study. Another key element of the highly-anticipated annual gala was the official “Passing of the Gavel” from outgoing chairman Steven Kiefer of GM to incoming chairman, Hau Thai-Tang of Ford Motor Company. “This event was a magnificent celebration of academic and corporate excellence and commitment, to our students, our members and the community at-large” said Michelle Sourie Robinson, MMSDC president/CEO. “It is a true reflection of our ongoing support and mentoring of minority students to ensure their preparation for corporate and entrepreneur-

ial careers.”

College).

MMSDC awarded twelve $2,500 scholarships, including four donated by FCA Foundation. Awardees included: Madalyn Rodriguez, (Michigan State); Tannia Rodriguez (Wayne State); Angelique Ratkov (Michigan State); Lauren Wiley (Michigan State); Ashia Davis (North Farmington High School); Raven Boone (Kalamazoo Valley Community College); James A. Murray III (University of Michigan); Aubrey Perry (Michigan State); Morgan Bates (Michigan State); Navya Devarasetty (Michigan State); Aaron C. McClendon (Western Michigan) and Jacqueline Mills (Kalamazoo

A live auction offering one-on-one meetings with top corporate decision makers raised more than $40,000 for the 2016 scholarship fund. Winning bidders — who in some cases paid as much as $10,000 to win meetings with Carrie Uhl — Magna; Robert Young — Toyota; India Randerson – HFHS; Tom Lake — Honda; Burt Jordan — Ford, and outgoing MMSDC Chairman Steve Kiefer — GM. Rhonda Walker of WDIVTV4 served as mistress of ceremonies for the event, which more than 250 people attended.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

December 23-29, 2015

Ask the Doctor stitutes, such a patches, gums and inhalers. The point of these is to slowly wean yourself off nicotine, the primary chemical that results in the withdrawal symptoms and physical craving. They are safer than cigarettes in that you don’t have all of the other toxic chemicals, and are most helpful for heavy smokers for whom the withdrawal effects are the worst.

Detroit charity organization ranks among best in nation By AJ Williams Forgotten Harvest, one of the nation’s largest food rescue agencies, has for the ninth consecutive year earned a four-star rating by Charity Navigator for “sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.” Only nine of 40 Detroit-area nonprofit organizations received a four-star rating this year, according to Charity Navigator, and Forgotten Harvest is only one of two local nonprofit organizations that have received the rating nine consecutive times. “Only one percent of the charities we rate all over the country have received at least nine consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating that Forgotten Harvest outperforms

most other charities in America,” said Charity Navigator President and CEO Michael Thatcher. “This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Forgotten Harvest from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.” “Charity Navigator’s coveted four-star rating of Forgotten Harvest is a testament to our continued commitment to excellence and serving those in need,” said Forgotten Harvest CEO Kirk Mayes. “This exceptional designation speaks volumes about our efficiencies, ethics and transparency. Donors can continue to have solid confidence in Forgotten Harvest as we work every day to relieve hunger in metro Detroit and prevent nutritious food waste.”

Prescription medications are typically in two categories. First are medications that were originally used for depression and anxiety. Buproprion was originally approved and marketed for depression as Wellbutrin, but has also been used for smoking cessation under the brand name Zyban. It makes smoking less pleasurable, so people stop smoking because it is a waste of time. A plus for buproprion, and other antidepressants that have been used such as nortriptyline, are that they also help with depression and anxiety which are sometimes present in addition to the nicotine addiction, or might arise as side effects. The “cons” are that they don’t work for everyone and have their own side effects. Buproprion is not associated with weight gain, which is attractive to some smokers due to the increased appetite that is a side effect of quitting cigarettes. Chantix (generic name varenicline) tablets are the first medication specifically developed and approved for smoking cessation that isn’t nicotine-based. In order to be most effective, it must be taken after eating a meal, and with a full glass of water. Side effects include nausea and vomiting, trouble sleeping, strange dreams, con-

Page B-2

From page B-1 stipation, and gas. Some people have changes in behavior, aggression, anger, hallucinations, paranoia, depressed mood and suicidal ideation. It may be hard to differentiate between the short-term effects of tobacco cessation, side effects of Chantix, and a worsening of an underlying mood or anxiety disorder. Therefore, people taking Chantix must make sure to be on the lookout for these symptoms, and see the prescribing doctor regularly, reporting any of these symptoms right away. The studies show that counseling and medication are more effective when used together than either alone. Also, the nicotine replacement treatments can be safely combined with the other medication treatments if necessary. Both brief treatment and long-term treatments have been shown to be effective. Some people respond quickly and others, often those who are heavier smokers and have other diagnoses such as major depression, require longer treatment. Finally, I want to repeat that tobacco dependence is a chronic disease that may require repeated interventions, and smokers may require multiple attempts to quit. So don’t give up, instead, get help. Dr. Carmen McIntyre is chief medical officer at the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority. She is committed to ensuring that the Authority meets the mental health needs of those with substance use disorders, children with serious emotional disturbance, mental illness, and persons with intellectual and/or developmental disorders in Wayne County.

Nonprofits for Detroit revitalization receive $115,000 in funding MICHIGAN CHRONICLE STAFF

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has announced a second round of Nonprofit Capacity Training grants for the staff of nonprofit organizations working on Detroit’s revitalization. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is investing an additional $115,000 in the program, building on its previous support of $400,00 to launch the program in April 2014. New funding will be distributed to 23 key nonprofit organizations in Detroit. “Detroit’s nonprofit sector helps every day to connect resi-

dents to our city and create new opportunities for people of all backgrounds and income levels,” said Katy Locker, Knight Foundation program director for Detroit. “To support them in their efforts, this program fosters civic leadership in our community and advances the talented people who are working to build a more vibrant future for Detroit.” The organizations receiving Nonprofit Capacity Training grants are involved in economic growth, land use, city systems, planning and neighborhood development. They are: Allied Media Project, Belle Isle Con-

servancy, Community Development Advocates of Detroit, Data Driven Detroit, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, Downtown Detroit Partnership, EcoWorks, Eastern Market Corporation, Eastside Community Network, Focus: HOPE, Global Detroit, Grandmount Rosedale Development Corporation, Greening of Detroit, Invest Detroit, Jefferson East, Michigan Community Resources, MOSES, Southwest Detroit Business Association, Southwest

Solutions, TechTown and Urban Neighborhood Initiatives. “Professional development funds continue to be scarce among nonprofit organizations working to provide important services to the residents of the city of Detroit,” said Mariam C. Noland, president of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. “In meeting with nonprofit leaders, we were impressed by the impact that last year’s training experiences had on their work performance and on their organizations as a whole. We are pleased that the Knight Foundation continues

to invest in talent in Detroit.” The program supports stipends for professional development, trainings and conference attendance for up to $5,000 per organization. Examples of eligible expenses include attendance at local and national professional training events, meetings, workshops and conferences, as well as tuition and fees for executive education programs. Professional topics range from land-use planning and design, economic development, community development, executive and leadership training, nonprofit management and public administration.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

December 23-29, 2015

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Nonprofits for Detroit revitalization receive $115,000 in funding MICHIGAN CHRONICLE STAFF

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

NOW - DECEMBER 31

2015 Toy Collection Drive

GROW AND EAT COMMUNITY SEED HARVESTING AND SAVING CLASS

The Gift of a Helping Hand Charitable Trust 11101 Morang Drive Detroit The Gift Of A Helping Hand Charitable Trust Toy Collection Drive has been providing new toys for thousands of needy babies, children and teens for the last 12 years, and our mission is to continue to assistWoodward them throughout as well as during Corridorthe in year Midtown the holiday season. For more information call 313.418.9963. Detroit’s newest nighttime festival. For two electrifying evenings, Midtown is enveloped in a sea of light as a number of artisits converge on Detroit to illuminate buildings and cityscapes using verious mediums that meld sci-fi technology with Victorian spectacle on a grand scale.

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31 DECEMBER

Belle Isle Casino Detroit, MI

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The Fun Run is a short, one mile route which starts Woman 2 Woman is a monthly program in front of the Belle Isle Casino, goes around the designed to create the bridge between Scott Fountain, and returns to the casino. It is open of women in order to allgenerations ages; however, to keepof thecolor; Fun Run “fun”tofor forge a solid sisterhood. Sisterhoods that the children, we request that faster runners consider we can with and, be vulnerable entering the rely 5kmon, Runheal instead. among through conversation, activities and Visit www.belleislefunrun.com. building relationships. Cost: Free

12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Detroit Market Garden 1850 Erskine Street Detroit

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GrowCadillac and Eat is a &program Square Campus designed Martius to equipDowntown residentsDetroit of Detroit, Highland Park, Detroit and Hamtramck with the knowledge to indeThe official VIP party of the Drop @ Campus Martius in the grand pendently grow, harvest, and prepare their celebration party pavilion at Cadillac Square.Entertainment, or more information call 313.355.0413 own food. Admission is $5 per class, free dancing, 4 hour premium Greenfield Village bar, midnight snack buffet and more. or visit www. motorcitynye.com. for Greening of Detroit members or partic20900 Oakwood Blvd. ipants in the Greening’s “Build A Garden” Dearborn Program. Detroit People Mover

GREENFIELD VILLAGE

Long, windingHours paths lined with jack-oHoliday Advisory

lanterns; ghastly strangers lurking; withces

The Detroit Transportation Corporation has rewho’d like to People talk toMover’s you; aschedule headlessfor leased the Detroit horseman riding the streetsa. Sounds the remainder of December:

For more information call Trish Hubbell at the Greening of Detroit (313) 285-2255 or visit www.greeningofdetroit.com.

wonderfully but Eve family friendly to Thursday, 12/24frightful, Christmas sure. DPMbeCLOSED Cost: $16

Friday, 12/25 Christmas Day DPM CLOSED

For more information call (313) 982-

Thursday, 6001. 12/31 New Year’s Eve 2:00PM – 3:00AM Friday, 1/1/16 New Year’s Day – DPM CLOSED

The Detroit Transportation Corporation’s administrative office will be closed December 24-25 and December 31-January 1. Sales of People Mover passes will not be available at the administrative office or the SMART Sales Office, which is also closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Downtown Detroit’s complete calendar of events is available at www.ThePeopleMover.com.

Andiamo Restauarants New Year’s Eve Offerings Andiamo Ristorante/Detroit Riverfront 400 Renaissance Center Suite A-403 Detroit Ring in the new year with delicious handmade cuisine, live entertainment and good company. For more information call 313.567.6700 or visit www.andiamoitalia.com/special-events.

For more information call (313) 7847121.

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Make your Today! flu shot Subscribe make a Call world of difference (313) 963-5522 Your immunization helps provide a lifesaving vaccine to a child in a developing country. www.michiganchronicle.com From July 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016, for every immunization administered, Walgreens will donate $0.18 to the United Nations Foundation, up to a maximum donation

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

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

The black press in 2016

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.

For over 45 million African Americans there are multiple priorities that need to be addressed in order to ensure that the socioeconomic and political interests of our families and communities are accurately articulated and fulfilled. We live in a multimedia world. Too often, however, we are left with divergent, and sometimes inaccurate, information from so-called “mainstream” media sources when it comes to receivBenjamin Chavis ing the true facts about the issues and challenges that impact our overall quality of life. During the last 188 years, it has been and continues to be the black-owned press that has been the reliable and trusted vehicle for the transmission of news in a manner that not only represents the truth, but also shares the unique matrix of perspectives and vantage points about our continuous struggle for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment. I believe the black press is needed today more than ever before. Since the first publication of Freedom’s Journal in March 1827 in New York City by Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm, black-owned newspapers and media companies have been on the front line of being the unrestrained trusted voice of black America. Cornish and Russwurm were abolitionist publishers who knew the power of printing the truth to challenge and abolish slavery. The publishers were very clear in the first edition of Freedom’s Journal. They stated, “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us, too long has the public been deceived by misrepresentations. We deem it expedient to establish a paper, and bring into operation, all the means with which our benevolent creator has endowed us, for the moral, religious, civil and literary improvement of our race.” As we approach 2016, the admonition of the publishers of Freedom’s Journal still rings true. We must plead our own cause for equal justice. We must plead our own cause for economic empowerment. We must plead our own cause for cultural solidarity and spiritual unity. And we must plead our own cause in the upcoming national political elections. Strategically, the black press in America is once again at an important pivotal position. We should not permit our communities to be unaware of all that is at stake in the 2016 elections. There are still millions of unregistered

eligible voters in the African American community. The black press has the proven track record of helping nationally and regionally to get out the vote. While many of the Democratic and Republican candidates running to be the next president of the United States know the importance of the African American vote in 2016, there has yet to be any serious national effort by the various political campaigns to put as a priority the mobilization of millions of African American voters through the black press. The effective power of black-owned newspapers and their digital properties should not be underestimated. The ultimate responsibility to improve the quality of life in our communities is in our own hands, but we also should reassert our interests, values and priorities as part of the national and international debates about the present and the future. There is too much cynicism and negative focus only on the deficits and injustices that are pervasive in our communities. There should be more balance to include more about the assets and triumphs of African Americans even in the face of racial inequity and injustice. This is where the black press comes in forcefully and strategically. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is the national trade association for the black press, and the NNPA is the custodian for ensuring the effective legacy of black-owned newspapers and media companies. In 2016, neither the black vote nor the black press can be taken for granted. African Americans spend in excess of $1.2 trilliion primarily as consumers in the U.S. economy. Most of the major Fortune 500 companies enjoy a significant profit margin from African American consumer spending. But power is just not in spending money. Real economic power is measured in real estate holdings, investments and the ownership of businesses and institutions that serve the interests of one’s community. Every African American family should have an annual subscription to a blackowned newspaper. In fact, if you are contemplating a gift for someone during this year’s Kwanzaa celebrations, you should give a black-owned newspaper subscription as a meaningful and useful gift. The black press of America not only has a definite future, it has a powerful strategic place in the world as long as millions of African Americans continue to push forward for equality and empowerment. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

Leaders provide vision, not division By Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Leaders help people understand where they are, how they got there and what they must do to go forward. They help calm nerves and strengthen courage. They are steady in times of trouble, inspiring in times of demoralization. Donald Trump’s reaction to the terrorist acts in Egypt, Lebanon, Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., divides and weakens us. And for the most part, his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination have allowed him to Jesse Jackson lead the Republican Party and its run to the White House to ignominy. Americans are understandably worried. We have been fighting wars in the Middle East for over a decade. We lost thousands of lives and spent literally trillions of dollars in a wrong-headed war of choice in Iraq. We toppled the Taliban in Afghanistan, Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Muammar Qaddafi in Libya, producing failed states and generating more terrorists. Now we are trying to take out Assad in Syria even as his mortal enemy ISIS takes credit for terrorist horrors in Paris and Beirut. The violence keeps spreading; the terrorists keep reviving. The task of leadership is to provide clarity, and a strategy that quells fears and offers a way out. Mr. Trump has chosen instead to foster greater fear, to divide us. It is time for people of conscience to once more stand up. We are not in a war with our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith. They are neighbors and friends. Some volunteer to defend this country. American Muslims despise ISIS and the way the terrorists distort and disgrace their religion. We should not lock our doors or close our hearts

to those who are the victims of ISIS and the terror in Syria and Iraq whatever their religion or tribe. It is immoral and perversely counterproductive. There are more Muslims in the world than Christians. There are more Muslims than Americans. ISIS may declare war on Western civilization, but that just illustrates their madness. We are not at war with Islam. We are at war with terrorists who threaten our people. We want to enlist the overwhelming majority of Muslims to stand with us, not provoke them to stand against us. In this Christmas season, we should not forget that after his birth in a manger, Jesus was a refugee, fleeing into Egypt with his parents from the threat of Roman violence. He taught us to care for the stranger on the Jericho Road, not spurn and scorn him. I grew up under segregation, locked out because of the color of my skin. The race test was hurtful because I could never pass it. The same is true of the call to exclude all Muslims. We must speak forcefully against those who would mindlessly impose a religion test for entry into the U.S., and those who would call for closing down Mosques or cracking down on places where Muslims gather peacefully. America will not defeat terrorism by dividing one from another. Terror is the weapon of the weak. For a people with hope, the hate of ISIS has no attraction. For people who are integrated into a society, ISIS’ call to violence goes unanswered. ISIS calls for jihad, arguing that the West is waging war on Islam. We need to isolate the terrorists, not inflate them. We need to give lie to their calumnies, not provide evidence for them. Anyone who aspires to lead this country ought to demonstrate that they will respect and defend the values on which it has been built. In this time of trouble, Mr. Trump and many of his rivals are denigrating the very principles that make America strong.

Quote of the Week:

“If the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists, all else is lost.” — President Barack Obama

2014 State of Black America spotlights the nation’s Great Divide Marc H. Morial Our Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Emancipation Proclamation all speak of equality and unity as bedrock principles of American Democracy. But the truth is we have always been battling a Great Divide of race and class that has kept the American Dream out of reach for millions and that now threatens the very future of our nation. That fact is the central finding of the 38th edition of “The State of Black America – One Nation Underemployed: Jobs Rebuild America.” This year’s report underscores the urgency of the jobs crisis — both Marc H. Morial unemployment and underemployment — and offers ideas from the National Urban League and leading voices across the corporate, academic, political, civil rights and arts arenas about how African American and other communities of color can forge a path to economic stability and upward mobility. Our 2014 Equality Index, one of the most critical and respected tools for tracking racial equality in America, finds that the state of black America stands at 71.2 percent of the state of white America in the areas of economics, social justice, civic engagement, health and education. With an equality index of 75.8 percent, a similar divide exists between Latinos and whites, with Latinos experiencing only three-quarters of the full benefits America has to offer. For the first time, the Equality Index also includes rankings of U.S. cities in a new metropolitan section, ranking cities from most-to-least equal via the BlackWhite Index (77 cities) and Hispanic-White Index (83 cities) — providing a revealing look at the local dynamics beneath the national trends. While each state and city has its own story to tell,

the consistent refrain is that there is an urgent and growing disparity between the few who are reaping the rewards of economic recovery and the majority who are still reeling from the aftershocks of the Great Recession. This year’s report again sheds light on the racial dimensions of economic inequality in America. Our Economics index, which compares such factors as income, poverty, employment and wealth, finds that the economic status of African Americans is only 55.5 percent of that of whites, meaning that Blacks are still missing almost half of the economic pie. Hispanics are at 60.6 percent. The growing racial and ethnic divides in employment, homeownership and mortgage and home improvement loan denials drove losses in the economics index for both groups. Our Economics Index also shows that unemployment inequality between Blacks and whites has widened, with the white unemployment rate dropping below 7 percent and the black unemployment rate hovering above 13 percent for much of the past year. Further, with a black-white income equality of only 60 percent and with Black households having just $6 in wealth for every $100 in wealth of white households — or a median wealth of $6,314 vs. $110,500, respectively, what we see emerging from the rubble of the Great Recession is a state of Black America in severe economic crisis. But the 2014 State of Black America report also points to solutions. The National Urban League continues to move forward with our Jobs Rebuild America initiative — a $100 million, five-year effort bringing together resources from the federal government, business and non-profits to reduce unemployment, create jobs and expand economic opportunity in 50 communities throughout the nation. Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Symbolism and substance By Julianne Malveaux The University of Kentucky at Lexington (the flagship college), has shrouded an indoor mural that features paintings of enslaved African Americans bending to pick tobacco (maybe, or cotton) while a train full of white folks seems to appear on their backs. There are other offensive images in the painting, but in many ways the painting reflects a Kentucky reality. Yes, there was oppression. The artist captured a reality that others might not find popular. University Julianne Malveaux President Eli Capilouto agreed to cover the mural so that the campus has an opportunity to discuss it. While students object to the mural, Ann Rice O’Hanlon (A Kentucky University Alumni), reflected reality through her lens. Some might argue that it was a relatively liberal lens, since it captured an enslavement that many would prefer not to talk about. I’m concerned that African American students are “offended” by our depiction in history. That which O’Hanlon has depicted is real. Should the mural be removed? Or, should its depiction be balanced. Enslavement was real. It is history. There is no purpose served by attempting to eliminate history. The mural might be a learning experience if a work by an African American artist, offering a different depiction of the period, would be observed in the same building, ideally perhaps in the same space. Then, the space might evolve into a space where history classes or discussion groups could grapple with the history of a state-funded university (which means black people’s taxes) that did not admit African Americans until 1949. I am excited that student activists are stepping up and speaking out about the racist and Confederate symbols that are woven into the very existence of our nation. I am repulsed whenever I have to drive down “Jefferson Davis Highway” in a Washington, DC suburb (and initial-

ly designed to go from Virginia to California) wondering why a loser like Davis (the Confederates did lose the war – imagine Hitler Avenue in Germany) gets an interstate highway named for him. The Davis Highway is not the only elevation of a loser racist South of the Mason-Dixon line. Indeed, students (and others) are right to protest the glorification of racists and racism. But those who protest racist symbols must also be aware that it is easier to lower a flag, shroud a painting, or remove a name from a building or road than it is to tackle the root causes of institutional racism. There has been a laudable increase in student activism that has garnered necessary national attention. At the University of Missouri, black student outrage, combined with the financial pressure applied by the football team (whose unwillingness to play a scheduled football game would have cost the university a million dollars), pushed both a President and a Chancellor out of their jobs. At Harvard, where the designation of undergraduate facility leaders as “house masters” has been long-debated, the university has now decided to change the way they address those in that position. At Princeton, students decrying Woodrow Wilson as a virulent racist (which is nothing but the truth), have demanded that his name be removed from college buildings. Kudos, kudos to these activist students and to their demands. Still, symbolism is not enough. How will changing the term “house maters” to “house leaders” (my suggestion) change the institutional relationships between the school and marginalized students. Will Harvard hire more black faculty? Pay more attention to black students? Or will the name change be symbolic and not substantive? Unless the removal of Wilson’s name from buildings is not coupled with substantive changes in university relationships with African Americans (including more faculty hires, more opportunities for African American students, more engagement in the community) changing a building name simply whitewashes the more critical issue of the ways African Americans have been exploited.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

December 23-29, 2015

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Ford Motor Co. presents Autoglow 25

By AJ Williams

Ford Motor Company returns as the AutoGlow Presenting Sponsor, building upon more than 85 years of support for The Children’s Center. The gala event, hosted by Lisa and Bill Ford and Jane and Mark Fields, has for more than a quarter of century been a major fundraiser for the Children’s Center in Detroit. The mission of the Children’s Center is to assist children and families with shaping positive, productive futures.

A home in Brightmoor painted with a map of the neighborhood. A community “free library” can be seen in the yard.

Brightmoor blight removal gets major boost

By Roz Edward You may not be able to pinpoint on a map of Detroit, or give a stranger directions to this little known, bastion of neglect and blight, but you know it when you’re in it. This four-square mile neighborhood on the city’s northwest boundary is bordered by Puritan to the north, CSX railway to the south, Evergreen Road. to the east, and Outer Drive to the west. Now this neighborhood in decline, which residents sadly refer to as “Blight More” instead of Brightmoor is getting some much deserved and needed attention after more than 40 years of decline. The Brightmoor neighborhood, is undergoing a major transformation, thanks to major gifts from the Fisher Foundation and Ajax Paving. Last week, City of Detroit contractors began demolishing 19 homes in the area near Samuel Gompers Elementary School as part of the first phase of the plan. Crews also will begin clearing the overgrown shrubbery and eerily naked trees which has turned the areas with over 100 vacant lots into an illegal dump and debris filled urban prairie. Additional work will be done as residents identify more properties that they want addressed. The project is being paid for with $500,000 from the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, and another

$100,000 from Ajax Paving. They are the first major private donations the city has received for blight removal since Mayor Mike Duggan ramped up the city’s efforts early last year. “Brightmoor is full of possibility,” said David Sherman, vice chair of the Fisher Foundation and grandson of Max and Marjorie Fisher. “For the last seven years we have been proud partners of so many dedicated and talented people there. Groups like Motor City Blight Busters, the Brightmoor Alliance, Neighbors Building Brightmoor, and Rising Advocates for Young Children are just a few of the resident-driven efforts already doing fantastic work to transform the neighborhood. It makes total sense they decide how to spend these resources in their community.” Mayor Duggan praised the Fisher Family and Ajax Paving for their generosity and commitment to neighborhoods. “This tremendous gift from the Fisher Foundation and Ajax Paving signals a strong belief in our blight removal strategy,” said Duggan. “It sets a great example for how the private sector and philanthropic communities can aid in the rebuilding of our neighborhoods.” Since May of 2014, more than 200 vacant structures have been removed from the Brightmoor neighborhood, often for repurposing greenspace for urban gardens and other community uses.

Although the beleaguered 12,000 residents in this former community of 25,000 residents have had their hopes raised in the past as land speculators and property horders descended on the community in the past with pie-in-thesky ideas just to pick the neighborhood’s bones clean, residents and developers have established a consensus for new development plans, of which Brightmoor residents and stakeholders were integral to the planning process. The residents’ plan centered on the idea of safe passage to school, especially along Pierson and Lyndon streets. “The city came to us with all of their data, and trusted us to come up with a plan for Brightmoor” said Rev. Larry Simmons, executive director of the Brightmoor Alliance. “It is refreshing to have an administration recognize our value and expertise.” John George of Motor City Blight Busters echoed Rev. Simmons. “For the last 28 years this neighborhood has targeted blight removal as a top priority. We see blight as a cancer. This support will help us continue our efforts to remove the cancer of abandoned homes and overgrown lots to clear the way for brighter futures for our children and families.” The residents’ plan centered on the idea of safe passage to school, especially along Pierson and Lyndon streets.

“Ford Motor Company is pleased to be celebrating 25 years of AutoGlow. In addition to being one of the best parties every year, proceeds from the event have helped thousands of families in the last 25 years through the distinctive programs of The Children’s Center,” said Deborah Windey, director of Corporate Alliances and Executive Services for Ford Motor Company. Held at Ford Field on Jan. 15 from 4:30 to 1:00 a.m., AutoGlow 25 is a special celebration of the city that drives the world with chrome and steel. In addition to a variety of performers and dancing to DJ Prevu and the band Nightline, the evening is a showcase for the culinary talents of Ford Field’s Levy Restaurants and includes a pre-event reception, full strolling dinner service, desserts, full bar service, champagne toasts and a late night menu. The evening is capped off with a raffle featuring round-trip airfare to Europe made possible by AutoGlow sponsor Delta Air Lines. There will be two winners, each receiving two Delta One new business/premium class tickets to Europe from Detroit. Raffle tickets are $25 each or five for $100. Included with every AutoGlow ticket is access to the pre-event reception, main celebration, complimentary valet parking, and private transportation service between AutoGlow at Ford Field, NAIAS Charity Preview at Cobo Center and the Westin Book Cadillac. AutoGlow tickets purchased after Dec. 11 are $325. In order to purchase an AutoGlow ticket, individuals must be a NAIAS Charity Preview ticket holder. For ticket and sponsorship information, call The Children’s Center at (313) 324-8575.

AFTER CHRISTMAS

ONE DAY SALE

SHOP SAT, DEC. 26 FROM 7AM-11PM ALSO SHOP SUN, DEC. 27 FROM 9AM-11PM HOURS MAY VARY BY STORE. SEE MACYS.COM AND CLICK ON STORES FOR DETAILS

SHOP ALL DAY ON CHRISTMAS AT MACYS.COM

FREE SHIPPING ONLINE AT $25

VALID 12/25-12/27/2015. PLUS, FREE RETURNS. U.S. ONLY. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS

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DOORBUSTERS! DEALS OF THE DAY 7AM-2PM SAT & 9AM-2PM SUN

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OR, EXTRA SAVINGS SATURDAY & SUNDAY UNTIL 2PM EXTRA DOLLARS OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL & HOME ITEMS

1O OFF

YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER.

VALID 12/26 ’TIL 2PM OR 12/27/15 ’TIL 2PM.

EXTRA DOLLARS OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL & HOME ITEMS

2O OFF

YOUR PURCHASE OF $5O OR MORE. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER.

VALID 12/26 ’TIL 2PM OR 12/27/15 ’TIL 2PM.

CANNOT BE USED ON DOORBUSTERS OR DEALS OF THE DAY Excludes: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), specials, super buys, cosmetics/fragrances, electrics/electronics, floor coverings, furniture, mattresses, rugs. Also excludes: athletic apparel, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, gift cards, Jack Spade, jewelry trunk shows, Kate Spade, Macy’s Backstage merchandise/ locations, New Era, Nike on Field, The North Face, previous purchases, Samsung watches, selected licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, Tumi. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value & may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $25 or $50 or more, exclusive of tax & delivery fees.

ONE DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 12/26 & 12/27/2015, EXCEPT AS NOTED. MERCHANDISE WILL BE ON SALE AT THESE & OTHER SALE PRICES THROUGH 1/2/16, EXCEPT AS NOTED. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible. 50744_N5110057G.indd 1

12/15/15 1:51 PM

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December 23-29, 2015

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SECTION C

December 16-22, 2015

michiganchronicle.com

Michelle Pluskota — Jason Flowers photos

Comcast Cable

announces extensive service upgrades in 2016 Michigan Chronicle Exclusive by Roz Edward

lion in local non-profits and community-based organizations. Detroit Rescue Mission is a primary benefactor of Comcast services which provides cable, Internet and voice services to all eight DRMM locations. Although DRMM’s Highland Park location was not on the Comcast network, the company absorbed the cost of including it and providing service. “I said, we’ll just write the check. We provide all the data which is critical for the people who are in those facilities. They are trying to get back on their feet, they’re trying to attain job skills, and they also need the Internet for the security and the security systems within those physical buildings,” said an empassioned Pluskota.

Michelle Pluskota, vice president of business services for Comcast, is in a giving mood, not just for the season but for the entire Heartland Region which is Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky. But Detroit residential and particularly business consumers will reap the benefits on an unprecedented level. “We want to be the network that powers Detroit’s comeback,” explains Pluskota. “Specifically, in terms of upgrades we’ve made in Detroit, we sat down about 16 months ago … and asked what are we doing in Detroit. And although we’ve done a lot we can do more.”

It’s noteworthy that with Comcast’s entry level Internet business, customers get the advantage of building a threepage website. “When you’re in that first year which is so critical that you get stuff right,” Pluskota said adding, “We have loads of content that really could help small businesses, whether you’re a customer or not. We want to see as many jobs come into this city and as many businesses succeed as possible. So there is a lot there from an IT perspective and building your network to how you make your network help you and your business make money.”

Comcast has embarked an ambitious and extensive network building program called a proactive build. The cutting edge cable company is taking the initiative of upgrading the core of the network in Detroit and extend plant services both in Midtown and downtown in order to establish a foundation for growth in the area.

On Jan. 28, 2016, Comcast will offer an entrepreneurial workshop facilitated by a nationally renowned blogger and business expert from Forbes and CNN Money magazines. He will conduct it specifically for Detroit-based businesses. The workshop is free and open to the public and will be held at Tech Town which is partnering in the event.

Although Comcast is best known as the cable company that brings cable services to individual homes in metropolitan Detroit, one of its most recognized achievements is for providing the first and largest in 40 gig network in the nation. It may sound Greek to the fiber optic laymen, but suffice it to say that Comcast can guarantee through service level agreements with Enterprise, the companies small business service arm, that it can provide service which is monitored 24/7 and will operate without interruption 99.999 percent of the time. “Actually when I took the job it was because they showed me the network map and I was blown away,” said an excited Pluskota. As part of Comcast’s contribution to

the revitalization of Detroit, the company will open a store in downtown Detroit at 3907 Woodward Ave. near Selden in the first quarter of 2016. Comcast’s already extensive core network in Detroit provides residential services to thousands of households using a fiber-based delivery method. “That very successful core business translates to opportunities in the business services space. And on top of that

when we said ‘we are going to go do service for Enterprise (companies of 25 or more employees) and we’re going to do it right,” the investment in Michigan alone was $20 million in … to be able to deliver Enterprise grade level metro Ethernet. It is fiber-based with a service level agreement and speeds up to 10 gig or a 100 gig, there’s really no limit,” explains Pluskota

Robert Irvine will also visit Detroit for a rare appearance as a hospitality sponsor. Irvine only visits three business venues for training a year and one of them is Detroit this year. Pluskota, says it’s a real coup to get Irvine. “He is really from that hospitality perspective of how you make technology help your business survive and thrive. You really need it to be competitive not only in the restaurant space, but in the hotel space,

Comcast is also a friend to non-profits, having invested more than $1 mil-

See Upgrades Page D-2

Black on Black Economics: Black entrepreneurs make strategic deposit in Black-owned bank By Hazel Trice Edney

and respect will continue to be marginalized.”

(TriceEdneyWire.com) — In a strategic effort to continue the movement of “Black on Black conomics” — circulating dollars in the black community to every extent possible — a group of black male entrepreneurs led by the U.S. Black Chambers Inc. (USBC) has opened accounts with the D.C.-based Black-owned Industrial Bank. “In order for there to be a strong black America, you must have strong Black businesses. In order for there to be strong black businesses, we must have strong black banks. So, from my standpoint, this is just a reciprocation for what Industrial Bank has done for our communities for the last 80 years,” said USBC CEO Ron Busby Sr. “There’s a trillion dollars of spending power in our community and we want to make sure that dollars stay within our communi-

The 15 young men who gathered in the lobby of the historic Industrial Bank are members of the Black Male Entrepreneurship Institute (BMEI) which is in partnership with the USBC. The meeting took on a celebratory mood as Industrial President/CEO Doyle Mitchell congratulated Busby for his influence.

USBC CEO Ron Busby Sr. (center left, red tie), with Industrial Bank CEO Doyle Mitchell along with members of the Black Male Entrepreneurship Institute. — Ashlei Sutton photo ty. Twenty-eight days a dollar stays in the Asian community, twenty-one days a dollar stays

in the Hispanic community. In our community, our dollar leaves within six hours. We

have got to change that. Until we have total control of how we circulate our money, our power

“I’m just humbled at the presence of mind that you have displayed since you first came to town and started taking a leadership role with the Chamber of Commerce and came to Industrial Bank and made a $5,000 deposit. You put your money where your mouth is,” said Mitchell. “Our only solution for us to get out of the situation that we are in as black people is Black on Black Economics. I love and appreciate

See Economics Page C-2

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

December 23-29, 2015

Page C-2

Nonprofits have a shot at free professional help Detroit’s JFM Consulting opens competition to win up to $50,000 in services MICHIGAN CHRONICLE STAFF REPORTS

Detroit nonprofit groups can win up to $50,000 in free services to increase their impact through a competition put on by a local business.

Upgrades and we really try to connect those dots for customers.” And beginning on March 10, 2016, Comcast will launch its Tour of Tomorrow program which will offered at three locations during Tech Week. “We’re going to do a full week of educational seminars again free to the public in Detroit and it will be an ongoing annual event. We’re going to bring in experts from Philadelphia along with national and local experts to help us educate and boost the small business community in Detroit,” adds Pamela Dover, senior director of business development, Com-

Economics

Three winners of Impact Squared will each receive bundled pro bono services from multiple small businesses to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations in Detroit. Available services will include marketing, financial management, strategic planning, and many others. The value of these services is estimated to range from $35,000 to $50,000 per organization.

From page D-1 cast Business – Heartland Region. Comcast is also urging Detroit business owners to participate in one of several statewide contests for small businesses. Business owners are encouraged to apply online for the Innovations for Entrepreneurs contest for a chance to win $30,000. To date, Comcast’s considerable giving portfolio for the Detroit metropolitan area is $4.6 million. “We put our money out there,” concludes a beaming Pluskota.

From page D-1

the way you have taken that forward with this effort.”

panied the young entrepreneurs to the bank.

Busby recalled that when he made that $5,000 deposit five years ago, he was intentionally choosing black businesses in every area of his life. Buying a house at the time, he said he made sure he had a black mortgage company, title company, home inspector, pest control company, and moving company. Everybody that touched the transaction was a black firm. The service was superior and the price was right.”

“This is bigger than just a moment or taking pictures. It’s about how can we go out of our way to make sure that our communities are as strong as possible,” said Benjamin.

Since then, Busby has become a leading advocate for support of black banks and other black-owned businesses. In that regard, USBC has now launched an ongoing fundraising effort for the BMEI, co-founded by Randall Keith Benjamin, Jr. and Howard R. Jean, who accom-

“We wanted to create something similar to the local contests for small business, but focused on the nonprofit sector,” explained Jane Morgan, whose company, JFM Consulting Group, created the competition. “It’s really important that as our city continues to grow that we are supporting the organiza-

According to Jean, a BMEI reception and launch will take place Jan. 15, 2016. “We know that our community banks are the strongest funder of small businesses, particularly black businesses in the community,” Jean said. “So this is our campaign, starting here at the Industrial Bank in Washington, DC as we launch nationally with BME to encourage and inspire other entrepreneurs, male and female, of all ages to start banking black.”

The Michigan Chronicle in partnership with Talmer Bank and Trust, will kick off the new S.W.A.G. Awards in Detroit. S.W.A.G., which stands for Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness, is a scholarship program recognizing outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to community, integrity and service. Current students that are economically disadvantaged, live and attend school in Detroit, and are planning to attend college or a trade school are eligible to apply. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY. 2015-2016 Michigan Chronicle and Talmer Bank and Trust S.W.A.G. Awards entry period starts at 12:00 AM ET on 10/5/15 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 12/31/15. Open only to 12th graders who are 16 and older who are legal residents of the City of Detroit, MI who: (a) attend a public, charter, or private Detroit high school, (b) are economically disadvantaged (as defined in Section 2b of the complete Official Rules); (c) will graduate in spring 2016; (d) have at least a 2.5 grade point average (or equivalent); and (e) are in good community standing. Visit www.michronicleonline.com/swag-awards for entry instructions, Submission requirements, prizes and complete details. Only one (1) Submission per entrant. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Only one (1) Contest Submission per entrant. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. SPONSORS: The Michigan Chronicle and Talmer Bank and Trust.

tions that for years have been taking the lead on making our community better.” In order to participate, applicants must be a 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization based in Detroit, and have been in operation for at least two years. Applications are due by December 18 and can be accessed online by clicking on Impact2 at http://jfmconsulting.net/. An advisory committee will select five semi-finalists who will be invited to participate in a friendly story-telling competition in February 2016 where they will share stories of the impact their organizations have made in the community. Morgan said several small businesses are donating time and services to the competition. “Support from the small business community has been great,” said Morgan, who is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program. “I think that business owners understand the need to support Detroit’s nonprofit community and have a desire to make a contribution.” For more 313.818.3000.

information,

contact

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Abusive debt collectors target black consumers By Charlene Crowell An age-old adage teaches that one man’s pain is another’s gain. That adage is a truism when it comes to the debt collection industry.

Page C-3

NAMAD, IHS Polk to salute ethnic auto sales

Michigan Chronicle Staff Reports

Two leading organizations in the automotive industry have partnered on an initiative to give much needed recognition and incentive to diversity sales efforts. The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers and HIS Automotive have announced the creation of the first Diversity Volume Leadership Awards.

ProPublica found that the rate of judgments was twice as high in mostly black neighborhoods.

The report states that “generations of discrimination have left black families with grossly According to the Fed- fewer resources to draw eral Trade Commission, on when they come undebt buyers pay just 3.1 der financial pressure — collection percent on the suits — typicaldollar for dely over smaller faulted debts. amounts like Additionally, 94 credit card debt, percent of these which fly across debts are sold the desks of with without local judges, documentation. sometimes hunSo why would dreds in a sina business bothgle day. Defener with buying dants usually old and potenCharlene Crowell don’t make it to tially inaccucourt, and when rate credit claims? The they do, [they] rarely have answer is money and an attorney.” lots of it. After paying Weeks following pubpennies on the dollar for old accounts, debt buy- lication of these startling ers pursue consumers findings, proposed judifor the full dollar value cial reforms to curb abushown. Ignoring whether sive debt collection were the debt is already paid announced. Recommenor even actually belongs dation to end this finanto someone else, debt cial abuse include: collection lawsuits have Require debt collecflooded courts across tors to establish the the country. If an affected right to collect the debt consumer is unaware of in court with documents a legal challenge, default showing ownership; judgments can and have Deny the issue of a been entered resulting in wage garnishment, bank default judgment until account seizure and neg- after a consumer has reative items on credit received adequate notice of the suit and additionally ports. failed to appear at a trial This fall ProPublica, a setting; and require debt nonprofit news organization specializing in investigative journalism published a groundbreaking analysis that documents how debt collection lawsuits hit black neighborhoods the hardest. Analyzing lawsuits over a five-year period in metropolitan areas,

December 23-29, 2015

buyers to certify that cases are brought within the allowed time period with an itemized explanation of fees and costs sought. A few days later on Dec. 7, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed a complaint against a Massachusetts-based debt collection firm that was reporting and collecting on old cell phone debts that consumers disputed. Further, the debt collection firm, EOS, failed to correct information that it determined to be inaccurate. “After buying a portfolio of debt, EOS soon learned of several red flags that raised doubts about the debt’s validity,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “Even so, EOS still proceeded to collect certain disputed and unverified debts. It is unacceptable that consumers were harmed by these practices and that the company supplied inaccurate information to the credit

reporting companies.” CFPB’s enforcement followed more than a year of continuing investigations of major debt collection firms and their practices. In 2014 and in 2015, debt collection remains the number one concern measured by consumer complaints, more than mortgages, credit cards or bank accounts. In the past year, debt collection represented 50 percent of complaints by service men and women. “The debt collection and debt buying practices highlighted in recent state and federal regulator actions demonstrate the harms individuals often face in the debt collection market,” said Lisa Stifler, Senior Policy Counsel at CRL. “Every consumer should be free from abusive and harassing debt collection. Decisive actions at both the state and federal levels combined with aggressive enforcement will together hold debt collectors accountable for their wrongdoing.”

The awards program is the first of its kind to recognize and celebrate the new vehicle sales volume leaders based on model year for ethnic, women, and ethnic Millennial consumer automotive segments. Ethnic consumers are African American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American buyers. The segment for women will be comprised of all women regardless of ethnic background. Ethnic Millennial buyers will be African American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American buyers between the ages of 18 to 34. IHS Automotive new vehicle registration data has been used to determine the winning brands based on 2015 model year actual U.S. personal new vehicle registration volumes from October 2014 through September 2015. This year’s awards are based on an analysis of more than 13 million personal new vehicle registrations. “This awards program will recognize the brands that the multicultural community is buying and also recognize manufacturers that are dedicating marketing efforts to this

growing segment,” said Damon Lester, NAMAD president. The award winners will be announced during the Diversity Volume Leadership Awards ahead of the North American International Auto Show on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016. The invitation-only awards program, reception and dinner will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Room 410-A at Cobo Center in Detroit. “Ethnic buyers represented 28 percent of all U.S. new vehicle registrations in 2015, and are one of the fastest growing audiences,” said Marc Bland, vice president of diversity and inclusion at IHS Automotive. “In the past year, their volumes have grown 150 percent faster than the rest of the industry and it’s important to recognize their influence on vehicle purchases and honor the brands that dedicate resources to diversity efforts.” NAMAD’s objective is to pursue the meaningful presence and participation of minority businesses and diverse employees across all aspects of the automotive economic sector, including: • Increasing the number of minority-owned dealerships in communities across America. • Advocating workplace and supplier diversity in the automotive manufacturing environment. • Supporting minority engagement in the automotive retail sales and service sectors.

Share your news story with us! Send to: newsdesk@michronicle.com

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Page C-4 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • December 23-29, 2015

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

People On The MOVE

Michael Thomas Sr. named human resources director at Arab American and Chaldean Council MICHIGAN CHRONICLE STAFF REPORT The Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC), a premier nonprofit human service organization serving Southeast Michigan, has named Michael Thomas, Sr. as its human resources director. In this position, his duties will include managing the day-to-day operations of employment issues and staffing, recruiting employees, attending job fairs and related events, advising managers on employment matters, supervising subordinates and reporting to superiors. Prior to joining the ACC, Thomas was a business consultant, volunteer and caregiver at Thomas Consulting in Dearborn. There, he provided best business practice options and training for government and nonprofit organizations. He also spent 18 years at the University of Michigan-Dearborn working as the Partners Plus program coordinator and, later, its director, program manager and principal investigator. He also has served in various positions with colleges and universities throughout the state. The Detroit resident received his bachelor’s degree, with high honors, in Business Administration and Organizational Management and Leadership from Michael Thomas, Sr. the University of Detroit-Mercy and his MBA in Global Business Management and Finance from Lawrence Technological University. Professionally, Thomas has participated in numerous workshops and conferences with the U.S. Government and colleges and is involved in a variety of organizations including as Board Vice President of the West Village Academy and president of FBI Detroit Citizen Academy Alumni Association. “We are glad to welcome Michael Thomas, Sr. to the Arab American and Chaldean Council,” added Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, the nonprofit’s president and CEO. “As we operate more than 30 outreach facilities and employ hundreds, having a Human Resources Director with such an array of experience like he does will be extremely helpful to our organization.” In addition to his duties at the ACC, Thomas is a business and economics division adjunct faculty member at Henry Ford Community College and a seminar adjunct faculty member at Oakland Community College.

December 23-29, 2015

Page C-5

RushCard empowers people to help manage their money By Dr. Ben Chavis The financial services industry is a vast matrix of banks, credit and debit cards products, venture capital and mortgage companies, investment firms, and other financial institutions that compete to provide services to 326,346,200 people in the United States and millions more around the world. There is a very old saying that posits: “How you manage your money will determine how well your heart will beat.” For 100.4 million African Americans and Latino Americans combined that spend in access of $2.4 trillion annually as consumers in the U.S. marketplace, the daily and hourly financial management of our money is an important issue. The RushCard developed by Russell Simmons is an effective and efficient money management tool potentially for millions of “unbanked” and “underbanked” people throughout the United States. According to a 2014 FDIC report, 22 percent of unbanked households used a prepaid card, compared with 13 percent of underbanked households. I have always emphasized and promoted greater diversity and inclusion in the financial services industry. But inclusivity also means more than limiting involvement primarily to be only customers or users of financial products and services. We also need more people of color and others to be owners and entrepreneurs in the growing financial services industry. Russell Simmons is a global entrepreneur. I have personally known Russell for more than three decades. He continues to have the highest possible integrity and commitment to help people improve their quality of life. His entrance into the financial services industry was timely and providential. For over the past ten years the RushCard has steadily emerged as an invaluable money management prepaid debit card for hundreds of thousands of card users across the nation. RushCard is owned by Simmons’ company, UniRush, LLC. Notwithstanding recent computer software glitches that have now been resolved concerning the use of the RushCard, it is my opinion that the RushCard today will be a productive and very useful prepaid debit card to use for each member of your family. Why? First, because the RushCard meets the Visa Clear Prepaid standards for clearly communicated fees and con-

sumer protections. Secondly, if you go to www.RushCard.com you will see a very user friendly online process that explains how you can apply for the prepaid debit card. The mission of the RushCard is publicly affirmed to “Empower our members by providing products and services that enable them to achieve control and realize their personal hopes and financial goals.” Thirdly, the RushCard has been around longer than most prepaid cards and has achieved over the past decade a number of innovative first in the industry to better serve its card users including but not limited to the following: • One of the first prepaid cards to offer direct deposit. • One of the first prepaid cards to offer check-writing capabilities to its members. • One of the first prepaid cards to offer cash loading at more than 35,000 MoneyGram® locations, nationwide. • One of the first prepaid cards to offer comprehensive money management tools that make it easier to track balances, create monthly budgets, and analyze spending. There are a wide variety of prepaid debit cards available for people to have an opportunity to select for their personal and family use. My family members use the RushCard because it is user friendly, but importantly we use the RushCard because of Russell Simmons trustworthy leadership in the financial services industry. The Consumer Report recently named the RushCard the fourth highest rated prepaid card used as a substitute for a bank account. Russell recently stated, “As a thank you for sticking with us and to support your cash needs during the upcoming Holiday season, we’ve declared a Fee Holiday Season, meaning from now to Feb. 29, 2016, you can use your RushCard without incurring any fees from our fee schedule. You don’t need to take any extra steps to participate in this special offer. Just pull out your RushCard and use it for all of your holiday needs.” The no-fees for use of the RushCard until Feb. 29, 2016 applies to both current and new RushCard holders. Again, we all should strive to get better control over how we manage our money. I have found that using the RushCard does in fact help to manage savings, investments and spending. Financial empowerment will be the result of proper financial management. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Page C-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • December 23-29, 2016

m W

e e

of en xcellence of omen xcellence Friday, March 11, 2015

The Michigan Chronicle is now

Cobo Center — Grand Ballroom

accepting nominations for the

1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

2016 Men and Women of Excellence awards.

NOMINATION FORM For the past eight and nine

Name of Nominee

years, the Michigan Chronicle

Age

Title/Position

has recognized local African American men and women

Company/Affiliation

who continue to break the

Years in Industry

mold and affect change in their professions and community.

NOMINEE CONTACT INFORMATION

These men and women are visionaries in their given fields

Address

and inspire those around them

City/State/Zip

to go beyond the norm and strive for the exceptional. They

Day Phone

are entrepreneurs, community

Fax

leaders, fathers, mothers,

Evening Phone

husbands, wives and inspirers.

Local African American executive or business owner. Proven success within his profession/industry.

This year to commemorate

Positive role model whose contributions encourage others.

our 80th year anniversary we

Active in community service or organizational involvement.

will join 50 men and women to the exclusive society of

QUESTIONS TO BE COMPLETED

800 professionals who have previously received this

Describe the specific accomplishments that demonstrate the nominee’s

distinction.

professional excellence.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

January 22, 2016 5 p.m.

Describe the nominee’s community service activity or organizational

Submit online: www.michiganchronicle.com

involvement.

Submit via email: events@realtimesmedia.com. Submit by mail: Michigan Chronicle MOE/WOE Nomination 479 Ledyard St. Detroit, MI 48201

How has the nominee mentored others?

(313) 963-5522

NOMINATOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION Name Title Firm/Organization Address City/State/Zip Day Phone

Evening Phone

Fax Email

#MOEWOE2016

@MichiganChronicle

www.MichiganChronicle.com

@michronicle

SECTION D

December 23-29, 2015

michiganchronicle.com

Reflections By Steve Holsey

Amazing development The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences did the right thing when the decision was made to have LL Cool J host the Grammy Awards for the fifth consecutive year. He’s perfect for the job — smooth, polished, ultra professional, likable. LL Cool J (James Todd Smith) has come an incredibly long way since he first appeared on the recording scene in 1985 as a talented but sometimes overconfident rapper. I interviewed him in 1989 when his latest album was “Walking with a Panther,” and again in 1995 when he was LL Cool J starring in an only-mildly-interesting movie titled “Out-ofSync.” Since then, his talent, personality and finesse have developed as rapidly as his establishment as an actor. It’s almost as though he’s a different person. Maturity and flexibility have many rewards.

The Grammys will air Feb. 15.

SO WHAT’S up with Kenya Moore? My guess is that she just likes to keep people talking, and gets a kick out of being perceived as a b----. Her most recent escapade was bashing Kim Fields, the newest addition to “Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

Family connections… Tracee Ellis Ross and Diana Ross

Cuba Gooding and Cuba Gooding, Jr.

the show goes on

Ice Cube and O’Shea Jackson, Jr.

ans, Jr., is making a name for himself as a stand-up comedian and actor in TV shows such as “Happy Endings” and “New Girl.” Tracee Ellis Ross, a great comedic actress and co-star on “Blackish” and before that, “Girlfriends,” never had to worry much about people comparing her to her iconic mother, Diana Ross, because Tracee does not sing.

Kenya Moore

Moore stated, “I have a hard time remembering that Kim is on the show because when I do see her, I fall asleep. I have to wake myself and go, ‘Oh, I must’ve missed half of what she was doing because I’m bored.’”

By Steve Holsey

That calls for an apology, but I am sure one is not forthcoming.

Is it genetic, a matter of one’s environment, or a combination thereof?

It’s getting hard to keep track of Kenya Moore’s feuds — Sherri Shepherd, Vivica A. Fox, Shereé Whitfield, NeNe Leakes.

In any event, many sons and daughters have followed their parents into show business. Last week, talented Lalah Hathaway, daughter of the great Donny Hathaway, was in the spotlight. This week, the focus is on other show business offspring…fathers and sons, etc.

And speaking of Leakes, she says she was treated coldly by Raven-Symoné and Joy Bahar when she was a guest on “The View” recently. But Leakes felt compelled to say during a subsequent TV interview, “I know all of them are tired. Their hairstyles are tired. Their makeup is tired.” Ouch! “THRILLER” by Michael Jackson is still making history. When an album sells 500,000 copies, it is certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA); those that sell a million are certified Platinum.

Bob Marley

One of the funniest men out there today is Damon Wayans. He was particularly good on “In Living Color,” with characters such Anton the street drunk, Homey the Clown, Blaine Edwards, the effeminate arts critic, and the father in the sketches about the hardworking Jamaican family, the Hedleys.

Now his look-alike son, Damon Way-

Evan Ross, Diana Ross’ younger son, had key roles in the movies “ATL” and “Pride” as well as numerous television shows. His sister, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, is a real estate agent but also sings periodically in jazz clubs. BOB MARLEY, though not with us in the physical realm, was, is and always will be the king of reggae. He is the gold standard, and his legacy is being carried on by six sons, Ziggy, Stephen, Ky-Mani, Damian, Rohan and Julian. If Cuba Gooding, Jr. sings, most likely it is only in the shower. But his father, Cuba Gooding, led the Main Ingredient on a string of big hits in the ’70s, including “Everybody Plays the Fool” and “Just Don’t Want to be Lonely.” Gooding, Jr. had another calling — acting — and has won wide acclaim,

See Family Page D-2

Ziggy Marley

Michael Jackson “Thriller,” a 1982 release, has become the first album to be certified 30x Platinum, and that’s just in the United States where it remained No. 1 on the national Billboard chart for an amazing 37 weeks. Worldwide, it has sold 100 million copies. Patti LaBelle’s sweet potato pie continues to win raves. The latest to sing its praises is Jussie Smollett who portrays Jamal Lyon on “Empire.”

Jaden Smith (left), Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Will Smith

“I was really blown away because I know sweet potato pie,” he said after his first sampling. “It was amazing.” Patti LaBelle — or “Miss Patti” as she affectionately known — is famous for her cooking.

Beyoncé a performer.”

THAT SURE was a great compliment paid to Beyoncé by Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Clinton said, “I want to be as good a president as Beyoncé is

The former first lady also used the

See Reflections Page D-2

Damian Marley

Damon Wayans, Jr. and Damon Wayans

Robin Thicke and Alan Thicke

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

December 23-29, 2015 Page D-2

Mickey Stevenson, Motown’s first A&R man, tells his story

Week’s Best

LOTTERY

036 304 741 450 913 279 251 442

By Larry Buford “William “Mickey” Stevenson showed up at Hitsville U.S.A. (Motown) one day for an audition with an official-looking briefcase and a big, easy grin. Sharply dressed, hip and fast-talking, Mickey was street, much more street than I was. I could see he was an east side graduate while I was still sort of that west side boy at heart.

112 584 230 150 1-3-8-17-25-32 6041 8149

“I liked him a lot. Then he sang a song. ‘Your singing is okay,’ I said, ‘but I just don’t need another singer right now. What I really need is an A&R director. Can you do that?’”

GOLdeN GLObe NOmiNee ®

drama

best actOr WiLL smitH

Those words were written by Berry Gordy in his autobiography, “To Be Loved.”

“aN uNquestiONabLy

Thus began the career of William “Mickey” Stevenson at Motown. In his recently published book, “Motown’s First A&R Man Presents The A&R Man,” Stevenson offers some William “Mickey” straight-no-chaser revelations Stevenson about his Motown experience, shining light on the love, hate and heartbreak embraced and endured by himself and other unsung heroes of Motown. In addition to his A&R (artists and repertoire) duties, Stevenson wrote and produced many hit records for Motown, some with co-writer Ivy Joe Hunter. They include “Dancing in the Street” (Martha & the Vandellas) which he co-wrote with Hunter and Marvin Gaye, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?” (Jimmy Ruffin), “Stubborn Kind of Fellow” (Marvin Gaye) and

impOrtaNt fiLm.

‘cONcussiON’ Scott Mendelson

“tHOrOuGHLy eNGrOssiNG

aNd eNtertaiNiNG.

WiLL smitH traNsfOrms Stephen Farber

He also organized Motown’s famous house band, the Funk Brothers. At one time, Stevenson was married to Motown artist Kim Weston. He co-wrote and produced “It Takes Two,” her big duet hit with Marvin Gaye. Stevenson’s book is a must-read. He tells how Gordy made him the “backbone” of the company and why. The book is 254 pages of the blood, sweat and tears that built and drove the Motown dynasty.

“tHe uLtimate

david vs. GOLiatH stOry” Charlie Schmidlin

“tHe

best

perfOrmaNce

Of WiLL smitH’s career.” Pete Hammond

From page D-1 Minnie Riperton would be proud of the success of her daughter, actress and comedienne Maya Rudolph. Blue-eyed R&B singer Robin Thicke found major success very different from that of his father, television personality and actor Alan Thicke.

His brother, Omar Gooding, is also a successful actor.

Rashida Jones, daughter of Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton, has become popular.

ROMEO MILLER, son of rap star Master P, rather quickly came out of the shadow of his father, first as rapper Lil’ Romeo and then as a credible actor. His film work includes “Jumping the Broom,” “Honey” and “Madea’s Witness Protection.”

Pursuing a career with one or two famous parents is a huge challenge, but all of the people cited here, among many others, met the challenge head-on and are walking down the road of success on their own terms.

In addition, Miller is a great dancer as proven during season 12 of “Dancing with the Stars.” He was among the top five finalists.

Jaden Smith and Willow Smith are probably the most famous siblings in show business today. They are, of course, the son and daughter of superstar actor and former rap star Will Smith and the successful, muchpraised actress Jada Pinkett Smith.

HimseLf impressiveLy.”

“Ask the Lonely” (the Four Tops).

including an Academy Award for his work in the 1996 film “Jerry Maguire” in the Best Supporting Actor category. Among his other movies are “As Good as it Gets,” “Outbreak,” “The Butler,” “Boyz n the Hood” and “Instinct.”

One of the most famous motivational speaker/authors is Les Brown. So it comes as no real surprise that his son, John Leslie Brown, is doing well in that field. So is his sister, Ona Brown. Yes, giving motivational speeches is a form of show business.

is a

cOmpLete success”

Family

Speaking of hip-hop, the son of rapper/actor Ice Cube, first known as a member of the hard-core, controversial rap group N.W.A., O’Shea Jackson, Jr., looks so much like his father that he was cast as Ice Cube in the recent movie “Straight Outta Compton.”

P I CK S

starts friday, december 25 cHecK LOcaL ListiNGs fOr tHeaters aNd sHOWtimes

DIGITAL DAILY WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

Romeo Miller and Master P.

Les Brown

John Leslie Brown

Jaden Smith has done movies such as “The Karate Kid” and “The Pursuit of Happyness” (that’s how it’s spelled) and works as a rapper. Willow is an actress and as a singer had a big hit with “Whip My Hair.” Both have a wild, uninhibited sense of style, in clothes

and hair. There are many others, like Eddie Levert of the O’Jays and his sons Gerald and Sean Levert (both have passed). On their No. 1 hit from 1992, “Baby Hold on to Me,” it is very hard to distinguish Eddie’s voice from Gerald’s.

Reflections

From page D-1

word “amazing” to describe Beyoncé — and she’s right.

co-wrote Luther Vandross’ big hit, “Here and Now.”

FILMING has begun on a movie about Thurgood Marshall, the legendary Supreme Court judge, directed by Reginald Hudlin. In the lead role is Chadwick Boseman who was so effective as James Brown in “Get on Up” and as Jackie Robinson in “42.”

MEMORIES: “Door to Your Heart” (the Dramatics), “Don’t Play That Song” (Aretha Franklin), “Who’s that Lady?” (the Isley Brothers), “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” (Rod Stewart), “I Gotta Dance to Keep from Crying” (the Miracles), “Lipstick Traces” (the O’Jays), “It’s Growing” (the Temptations), “Love and Happiness” (Al Green), “Sing a Simple Song” (Sly & the Family Stone), “Let’s Work” (Prince).

Boseman is a great actor, but it would have been better to get someone who looks at least a little like Mr. Marshall. But then again, Laurence Fishburne looks nothing like Ike Turner, yet he was convincing. According to Rolling Stone magazine, the five best albums of 2015 are “To Pimp a Butterfly” (Kendrick Lamar), “25” (Adele), “If You’re Reading This, it’s too Late” (Drake), “Black Messiah” (D’Angelo and the Vanguard) and “Beauty Behind the Madness” (Weeknd). (That’s how he spells it.) BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that Dionne Warwick’s son, David L. Elliott,

BLESSINGS to Mike Duggan, Britta Lee, Eddie Allen, Mike “Tiger” Price, Delores Wyatt, Claude Young, Mike Jemison, R.J. Watkins, Nat Morris and Vickie Thomas.

At Your Finger Tips!

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Spike Lee: “If you don’t know about something, ask the people who do.”

Let the music play!

Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol.com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

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@michronicle

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

FAMILY FEATURES

ith all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, great tasting foods that feature healthy ingredients, such as whole fruits and vegetables prepared in unique and interesting ways, can help deliver healthful indulgence fit for a celebration. Grapes from California are naturally beautiful and come in three vibrant colors that add a pleasing crunch and light touch of sweetness to main dishes, sides, salads and desserts. The recipes included here showcase the unique way in which fresh grapes can help create palate-pleasing dishes. Heart-healthy grapes are also an ideal snack on their own and a refreshing break from the indulgent holiday fare present at many celebrations. California grapes are available throughout the holiday season and into January. For more delicious grape recipes, visit GrapesfromCalifornia.com.

Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Grape-Port Sauce

Servings: 4 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each) 1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided 1 cup thinly sliced onion 2 cups red California grapes 1/4 cup port wine 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary Make pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally from thickest side almost to opposite side. Spoon cheese into each pocket. Secure pockets with wooden skewers, if desired. Brush chicken pieces on both sides with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes. In large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of remaining oil over medium heat. Add chicken. Cook uncovered for 12 minutes, turning once. Carefully add 1/4 cup chicken broth to skillet. Cook covered for 3-5 minutes more or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken from skillet. Cover chicken to keep warm. If any liquid remains in skillet, gently boil until liquid evaporates. Carefully add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to skillet. Stir in onion. Cook uncovered over medium-high heat until onion is soft. Add grapes. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes or until grapes begin to split. Remove and set aside about 3/4 of grape-onion solids, leaving liquid and remaining grape-onion mixture in skillet. Stir remaining 1/4 cup chicken broth, port wine and vinegar into grape mixture in skillet. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered 3-5 minutes or until liquid portion is reduced to about 1/3 cup. Stir in reserved grape-onion solids. To serve, remove wooden skewers from chicken, if using. Place chicken on serving plates and spoon grape mixture over chicken. Garnish with rosemary. Nutrition information per serving: 368 calories (28% calories from fat); 11 g total fat (3 g saturated fat); 42 g protein; 20 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 108 mg cholesterol; 378 mg sodium.

Fresh Fruit Pizza Tart

Servings: 10 16.5 ounces sugar cookie dough, prepared 4 ounces nonfat cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 1/4 cups black California grapes 1/2 cup red California grapes 2 kiwifruit, pared and sliced Heat oven to 350 F. Pat cookie dough into bottom of greased 10-inch tart pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely. In electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sour cream. Gradually add sugar; beat until completely mixed and fluffy. Spread mixture over entire surface of each pan of baked cookie dough. Arrange grapes and other fruit as desired, covering entire surface with fruit; press gently. Refrigerate until chilled. Nutrition information per serving: 275 calories (35% calories from fat); 11 g total fat (3 g saturated fat); 4 g protein; 41 g carbohydrate; < 1 g fiber; 20 mg cholesterol; 214 mg sodium.

Roasted Squash and Grape Salad with Tahini

Beets, Grapes and Walnut Salad Servings: 4 6 small beets (a mix of red, Chioggia and golden), washed well 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 small clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon tamarind concentrate 3 tablespoons walnut oil 3 cups arugula 1 cup halved green California grapes 1/4 cup toasted walnuts Heat oven to 400 F. Peel beets, cut into 1/2-inch wedges and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper,

keeping red and yellow beets separate. Place beets on foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast until sharp knife pierces beets easily, about 35-40 minutes. Let cool. While beets are roasting, whisk together garlic, vinegar, tamarind, walnut oil, salt and pepper, to taste. Toss beets with some dressing. Divide arugula among 4 serving plates and top with beets. Sprinkle with grapes, drizzle with more dressing, sprinkle with walnuts and serve. Nutrition information per serving: 257 calories (63% calories from fat); 19 g total fat (2 g saturated fat); 4 g protein; 21 g carbohydrate; 4.5 g fiber; 0 mg cholesterol; 247 mg sodium.

Healthy Holiday Snacking Tips Take a practical approach to your holiday munching to keep over-indulging in check. n Focus on people first, food second. n Have a healthy snack before the party, so you don’t arrive hungry. Fresh grapes and cheese, or hummus are tried and true options. n Be picky. Choose only the indulgences that are truly worth it or special to you. n Contribute a simple, but healthy item to the holiday table. Fresh grapes are an easy choice: they are lovely to look at and sweetly satisfying.

Servings: 4 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons sesame tahini 1 small clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 1/2 tablespoons hot water pinch of cayenne pepper 1 cup halved red California grapes 1/2 teaspoon za’atar spice blend Heat oven to 475 F. Toss squash with oil and spread on baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer to platter. In small bowl, whisk together tahini, garlic, lemon, water, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle grapes over squash and drizzle with tahini sauce. Sprinkle with za’atar and serve. Nutrition information per serving: 225 calories (44% calories from fat); 11 g total fat (1.6 g saturated fat); 4 g protein; 31 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber; 0 mg cholesterol; 238 mg sodium.

New Year, New You Tackle healthy habits one step at a time (Family Features) If getting a fresh start on a new year seems daunting, try tackling your get-healthy goals one step at a time. There is no easy path to transforming your lifestyle, but this is one time you should be able to see the results of your hard work. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, tackle your new lifestyle a little at a time. Gradually incorporate smarter eating habits, such as switching out high-calorie beverages with lower-calorie, nutrient-rich replacements. Then, as you ease into a new exercise regimen, look for ways to get an extra boost with workout equipment that isn’t overly taxing on your joints and muscles, and get a leg up on the competition with proper footwear and workout supplements. Slow and steady wins this race, so set yourself up for success in the new year with these ideas to put you one step closer to the healthy lifestyle you envision. All You Have to Do Is Walk Step into a healthy New Year with the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200. Combining the motions of a treadmill, stepper and elliptical, this premier

walking machine is easy on the joints and burns up to 2.5 times the calories of a treadmill. Ideal for home use, the TC200 features an interactive LCD display that animates your progress. Bluetooth connectivity allows users to share data with the free TreadClimber app, which automatically syncs with MyFitnessPal, Apple Health Kit, Google Fit, Under Armour Record and Bowflex Connect. A Delicious, Convenient Non-Dairy Alternative Leading a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing taste for convenience. Shelf-Stable Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze Almondmilk is smooth, creamy and made with California Blue Diamond almonds. It’s ideal for smaller households because it’s easily stored in your pantry until you’re ready to use it. Available in a 4-cup container, it’s also perfect for cooking. You can pour it over cereal, create refreshing smoothies or drink it as a standalone beverage. Learn more at almondbreeze. com. Supplement Your Goals When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, supplements such as protein

and fish oil, can be effective in helping you achieve your New Year’s resolution. Whether you want to lose weight or gain muscle mass, there is a supplement out there to aid you in your pursuit of a toned body. These supplements, which should be approved by your health care provider before use, are available at local retailers such as grocery stores, pharmacies and specialty health and wellness stores. The Right Shoes Can Make All the Difference If your workout routine involves running, walking, sports or other gym equipment, the right footwear is a must. Injury caused by wearing inappropriate shoes can derail your fitness or weight loss goals, but investing in a proper shoe can help prevent foot and ankle damage while also allowing for a more comfortable workout. No matter your pursuit, there is a shoe that fits the need, including running shoes with built-in shock absorbers, lightweight walking shoes, thick-soled high top basketball shoes or cross-training shoes, which can be utilized during a variety of workouts. Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle Getting in shape and leading a healthy

lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time, but these simple tips can help put you on the right path: • Be patient. Starting a new fitness regime can be a challenge. There will be ups and downs, but remaining committed is key. • Exercise on a regular basis. Regular physical activity not only helps you look and feel better, it can improve mood, increase quality of sleep and help you manage weight. • Undergo an annual physical. To be sure your body is running smoothly, have your numbers, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight, checked regularly. • Drink lots of water. Experts recommend 64 ounces of water a day to help replenish what you’ve lost throughout the day. • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help protect against chronic diseases. • Go through your cabinets. Get rid of foods that are high in sodium, fat or sugar and look for low sodium, fat or sugar items instead.

Classified

sifiedIN MEMORIAM

n uel

were aren t. 27 FelLove urch, Sampson Ms. 54, . born 1958 cated chnihool. udied Colrned pubstrarimifrom State

In memOrIam

December 22, 1941

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

January 11, 2006

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

GINailLOVING Millicent HanksOF MEMORY

PERSONAL SERVICES

STEEL BUILDINGS

In memOrIam PIONEER POLE

FOR SALE

Page D-4

HELP WANTED

Dec.

adOptIOn

POLICE OFFICER SAWMILLS from only $4,397.00Canton Township is now accepting BORN GIFTED READER MAKE & SAVE applications for the Police Officer position. The 7th Daughter without asking you a single word. I will Free Estimates MONEY ADOPT: with Application Deadline:VERY Friday, January tell you what you want to know. Tell your present, past A WARM HAPPILY Licensed and your own bandand future. Tell you who your friends and enemies are. 15, 2016. Applicants are encouraged to insured-2x6 MARRIED COUPLE WILL GIVE Why you’re so unlucky. If your loved one is true or false.I mill- Cut lumber apply early. Job description with complete your Trusses-45 Year will advise you all problems of life, such as love, marany dimension. hiringof process is availnewborn qualifications a futureandfull love, security, Warranty riage, business and health, etc. Why suffer, you can be In Stock, ready able on the Canton Township website: Galvalume free from all troubles. I guarantee Sucess where others support and opportunity. Expenses to ship! http://canton.applicantpro.com/jobs/ Steel-19 failed. I am superior to any other reader you have seen. FREE Info/DVD: (EOE) paid. Please call Laurel/Adam: 1-877Colors-Since Don’t let distance keep you away from Health and Happiwww.Norwoodness. Hrs. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily and Sunday. 1976-#1 in 543-9827 www.facebook.com/laureSawmills.com No Mail Answered MichiganElectrical Engineer: Perform testing landadam 2742 Monroe St., Toledo, Ohio Call Today 1-800-578-1363 & calibration of magnetic sensors & 1-419-248-2145 1-800-292-0679. Ext.300N magnetometer circuits, validate sen1-419-973-9058 sor products & generate temperature compensation algorithms. Work Its Pays to ANNOUNCEMENTS with Physicists, Electrical engineers, Advertise in Software engineers & Mechanical engineers to integrate field sensor MICHIGAN configuration & design aspects with MRS. LINN CHRONICLE application, board level & component BORN GIFTED level troubleREADER shooting of magnetometer circuits & conduct EMC tests. The 7th Daughter without asking you&a guide single word. Generate schematics PCB I will tell you what youdesigners want to know. Tell your present, past and future. to generate board layouts overseas Verifyare. electrical Tell you whoatyour friendsfacilities. and enemies Why you’re so CITY OF DETROIT design of orthe applications unlucky. If your lovedaspects one is true false.I will advise you all MICHAEL E. DUGGAN, MAYOR THIS CLASSIFIED & provide guidance to overseas deproblems of life, such as team. love, marriage, business and health, HOUSING AND REVITALIZATION DEPARTMENT velopment Communicate with SPOT FOR SALE! etc. Why suffer, you can be free from all troubles. I guarantee NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGE IN THE HUD customers to understand requireMom, Advertise your ments otherI am technical of reader Sucess where others&failed. superioraspects to any other CONSOLIDATED PLAN EVENT, PRODUCT, application. It does not get easier. I can tell you you have Don’t let distance keep you away from Health Notice is hereby given that the City of Detroit proposes to amend its seen. Position is in Southfield, MI. Bacheor RECRUIT HUD Consolidated Plan as – follows: that. I miss you more even now. and Happiness. 10 a.m. to Engineering 8 p.m. Daily and Sunday. lorsHrs. in Electrical or rean applicant in lated field plus 5 yrs of progressive on, but you are not here moreLife than is going• Decrease the Block Grant appropriation for 2015-16 CDBG No Mail Answered experience performing analysis of 130 Michigan 0% Interest Home Repair fundingus by $150,000.00 to – wipe away ourLoan– tears, to tell circuits in automotive electrical hard2742 Monroe St., Toledo, Ohio newspapers! ware design. everything is going to be alright. • Increase the Block Grant appropriation for Southwest 1-419-248-2145 Only $299/week. Send resumes to Counseling Solutions – Homeless Public Service (Outreach) To place, Call: Helen Despotopoulos, Methode Mom, you were everything to all of funding by $150,000.00 Electronics, 7401 W. Wilson Ave, 800-227-7636 us. You were the glue that kept evChicago, IL 60706 Note: Funds being reprogrammed were allocated in prior Community erything together. Development Block Grant years. MRS. LINN

BUILDINGS

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

perSOnal ServICeS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMA!! Where has the time gone? You have been gone for almost 10 years and it still seems like yesterday. I still become tearyeyed when I think about you and the special times we spent on Sundays. I am, along with my siblings, very grateful to you–our “Idol” for the morals and values that you instilled in us. We have all been faced with new challenges as we have grown older, that can often take a toll, but we remain steadfast in our faith, courage and determination. The sun continues to shine dimly and will continue to do so until we all are re-united. So, until then, the memories are held close to my heart!

eGAIL MILLICENT HANKS Your loving family, Kimberly, Stephanie, Kristal, Kevin, Lisa, David, Purest, Whynter, Marquis, Shane and Joi.

rIeS

December 23-29, 2015

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

December 22, 1941 ----------January 11, 2006 Hey Momma, IN LOVING MEMORY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! We’ve all had many obstacles to overcome without your guidance; but keeping God first and knowing you are watching us, we have endured. Time has not healed (our pain) –it only reinforces our loss daily. Despite the sun still not shining as bright, we continue to walk with our heads held high. Keeping our eyes on the “Sparrow.”

Martha Moragne

Sept. 27, 1930 – Dec. 24, 2005

Be RESPONSIBLE

Persons organizations wishingwe to comment Now that dad hasor joined you, are on this proposed change may transmit such comments in writing, in person, or truly hurting. My heart aches daily Department at the by telephone to the Housing & Revitalization address below:that we will live and I keep praying our lives so we can all City beof Detroit together again one day. Housing and Revitalization Department Warren T. Duncan

Grants Management Section You know that the family is growing. Coleman A. Young Municipal Center You have more grandchildren now. 2 Woodward Rm 908 MI 48226 I wish you could see Detroit, them. Well, I Telephone: (313)224-0315 know you are the guardian angel for all of us. Notice of Non-Discrimination: The City of Detroit

does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, handicap, miss sex or sexual orientation. friends you, too.Complaints We may be filed with the Detroit Human Rights Department, 1230 Coleman A. Young andMunicipal cry together. You Center, Detroit, MI 48226are truly

Your share missed by all of us.

Seeking

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

– DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE Facilities Business Management Department

Provide complex secretarial duties to such officials as the provost, vice-president, academic deans, and high-level administrators. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Five years progressively responsible secretarial experience. Ability to compose correspondence. Ability to coordinate workflow by prioritizing, instructing, and assigning work. Ability to select, assemble, and organize data and edit reports. This is a full time, clerical-technical position. Salary is $41,197.00 annually. See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by January 12, 2016. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

udyWD:MT:kb We love you. iverUntil we are all reunited again, Oakland ana, Linda, Wanda, Brenda andUniversity Sandra, School of Business Administration Your Loving Family, one Mary Jane Durham-Frazier Jasmine, Jo Lynn, Nathaniel, SPECIAL INSTRUCTOR OFAisFINANCE Kimberly, Stephanie, Kristal, Lisa, 19, 2015 lynn, Tristen, Jordan. (Position #990353) SUNRISE: October 20, 1910 – SUNSET: FEBRUARY AfWWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM Kevin, Joi, Marcquis, Purest, Remembering Our Beloved One The School Business Administration at Oakland University seeks to rican We are living onofwithout you, simply fill a Special Instructor of Finance position starting August 15, 2016. Whynter and David Seeking ichi- Deaconess Mary Frazier (my beloved God Mother) passed away on February trying to This keep yourposition legacy is a full-time eligiblealive. for job security. The person who fills 28, COMPLIANCE this position will likely teach undergraduate and MBA level courses. d to 2015 at the young age of 104 years old at Samaritan Manor Nursing Home after COORDINATOR He/she will provide counseling for students enrolled in the finance suffering from a lingering illness . AT OAKLAND and programs, and will assist the department chair with administrative UNIVERSITY The family and I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the kindness activities. Class sizes are moderate. Summer teaching is available. Legal Affairs/General nder shown to our loved one during her final years. The salary is competitive and the fringe benefits are excellent. Counsel/Board of Trustees rsity Mary enjoyed a long career working for the U.S. Postal Service. After her Successful candidates will have a master’s degree in finance or related she served as a Deaconess for many years at Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Assists the Assistant Athletic Director for area (including MBA) and minimum five year’s relevant professional man- retirement, Church in the Conant Gardens Community. In addition, she participated in a Compliance, who reports to the General experience. A Ph.D. in finance or related area is also acceptable. m. Counsel, in the coordination of athletic rules weekly exercise program at Henry Ford, where she made numerous close friends, Prior teaching experience is preferred. Professional certifications are and NCAA compliance for Oakland Universia plus (e.g. CFA, CFP) as is experience in interacting with business at many of whom are mentioned below. ty intercollegiate athletics. Minimum Qualiprofessionals. The candidates are expected to be able to communicate to her illness, she was very instrumental in the up-keep of the landscaping fications: Bachelor’s degree in Business Adeffectively and collaborate with other faculty members. Evidence of, or tate, Prior at a park near her house on Dequindre Rd., which, in turn, enabled the children ministration or related fields or an equivalent potential for, professional or academic research is desired. with in the area to continue to play in the park. combination of education and experience. Oakland University sits on an attractive 1443 acre campus in One year experience in business admint the I would like to acknowledge the friends and family (listed below) who visited her Rochester, Michigan, 30 miles north of Detroit. With its proximity to istration or compliance or audited related on a regular basis at the nursing facility where she resided until her departure. parks, educational and cultural centers, Rochester appears on many functions. Willingness to work non-standard Conlists of “best places to live” among small U.S. cities. Founded in 1957, and non-traditional hours. Refer to online Earl Turpin (nephew) Oakland University is a growing, state-supported comprehensive ComREQUEST FOR BIDS posting for additional position requirements. Reverend Larry James Bell (and members) academic institution enrolling over 20,000 students. Oakland delivers Salary is up to the low $40s annually. hu- Elinor Elliott (niece) a broad range of majors in arts, sciences, education, engineering, FOR First consideration will be given to those health services, and business. urces Nancy Comez who apply by January 7, 2016. Mary & Arthur Wroble Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu The SERVICES School of Business Administration (SBA) is AACSB Internationalspe- Carolyn Kent PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING accredited. It enrolls 2,000 undergraduate and 550 graduate students. SBA is one of only 178 business schools worldwide that have both later Mosetta Jones Cheryl Hill ASBESTOS AND HAZARDOUSThe MATERIALS business and accounting accreditations from AACSB International. ed to Denise Willingham The business school building incorporates state-of-the-art IT and has Cleaver annOUnCement(S) ABATEMENT AND DEMOLITION SERVICES several computerized instructional classrooms. Mary Frazier With Pastor SUPPORT nt of Carrie Betty Everett (God Daughter) Larry James Bell, Vernon Oakland University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer also Chapel A.M.E. Church and“DDA”) encourages applications from women and minorities. The City of Detroit Downtown Development Authority (the invites experienced anch For more information about Oakland Universityfor see www.oakland.edu. NOTICE OF HEARINGS and qualified consultants to submit sealed lump sum Bid Proposals We will missenvironmental our beloved one greatly. May she rest in peace. the apply, please submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, the provision of all labor, material, equipment, laboratoryTotesting, and services necesMATTERS TO COME Unofficial Transcripts, Names and contact information for at REGARDING least 2 etrosary and incidental to the complete survey, inspection, identification, andandquantification professional references, Statement of Teaching Philosophy. troit. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE of all Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) and Hazardous Materials present All applications must be(HM) uploaded through thein website: https://jobs. before the City Council of Detroit. Adoakland.edu/postings/6565 d the the existing structures located at 136 Monroe St. (formerly Bates Garage) (the “Existvertisements for bids and contracts We will start reviewing applications on January 31, 2016 until the irecing Building”) in downtown Detroit, Michigan. Published position is filled. for purchases byEvery the Wednesday City of Detroit rams Commencement Date: February 1, 2013 appear daily in the Detroit Legal ComCompletion Date: March 31, 2013 News. Copies are available at the nizaThe governing Agencies and primary funding sources for this project include the U. City County Bldg. and at 2001 W. Larsity (StatePoint) It can be difficult for families there are a few important things to consider. HeyMomDad gives seniors two different alert S. Department of Housing and Urban Development a result, Updates contractors fayette, when an elderly loved one starts (“HUD”). to weaken As Communication options.Detroit. They can choose to alert only family ercy; physically and mentally. WhileFederal nursing homes New technologies make looking after and and friends, or alert family, friends and 911. In and subcontractors are required to comply with Labor Standard Provisions, oard are an option, most are extremely expensive, and staying connected to the seniors in your life easier addition, the HeyMomDad Bed Monitor tracks Equal Opportunity Requirements, andwould Davis Bids are most seniors preferBacon to remain Wage in familiarRequirements. and more affordable. For example, HeyMomDad, heart rate, breathing rate and movement at night. r the INVITATION Fortunately, there are now morewith thesimilar world’s first two-way communication and Maintaining Independence TO BID solicited only from consultantssurroundings. who demonstrate experience services, have Meschoices available that can provide seniors the wellness monitoring system, allows loved ones For many seniors, one of the most difficult qualified staff, can demonstrate expertise and experience in the nature of this work, freedom to continue living safely in their own to see and hear in real-time that elderly relatives parts of aging is the loss of independence. g. The Suburban Mobility for Reand provide proof of competency found to have home. and financial viability. Consultants are safe -- simply by opening an app on their When possible, families Authority should consider The average cost of an assisted living facility smartphones. making homes senior friendly, adding safety bars also gional Transportation (SMART) is sodefaulted with the City of Detroit on a contract awarded within the last five years will not is $43,200 annually, and the cost of a nursing Seniors need only press one button to talk to in the shower and bath, eliminating tripping a Request for Quotes (RFQ) itics, be considered. Bids submitted bywith Consultants have beenloved debarred, home private room canwho cost over $90,000 ones, notifysuspended, them that help is needed, liciting or hazards, improving lighting in hallways and for Electrical BoardandRepair, Control a year, agency according towill the 2015 Cost of to just say hello. Likewise, with one tap, users outdoor walkways, making kitchens more No. the or made ineligible by any Federal notGenworth be considered. Care Survey. Such a huge, ongoing expense can can instantly see, hear and talk back to parents accessible with countertops and cabinets that can from 12-1176. RFQ forms are available ounhavewill an enormous impact on the average family, HD video Copies of the RFP documents be available between the through hourstheofhigh-quality 9:00 AM andand two-way rise or lower with the push of a button. www.mitn.info beginning December whether they have prepared financially or not. audio component. The camera can be controlled And new two-way communication and 12, arba5:00 PM on business days beginning December at the thesmartphone offices of “Even forMonday families where such costs are17, not 2012 through and the directed to any monitoring systems can add further peace of ET, 2012. Quotes are due by 11:00 AM ollins Detroit Economic Growth Corporation 500 Griswold ST.tosuite prohibitive, parents are often reluctant leave #2200, location inDetroit the room,Michigan permitting a 270-degree mind. More information can be found at www. December 20, 2012. homes filled with for yearsour of memories, and be view. It also includes night vision optics for clear HeyMomDad.com or 1-800-352-0887. man (313) 963-2940 or may be downloaded web site address: http://www.degc. placed into an unfamiliar environment, living viewing in dark rooms. Before making big decisions about your ples. org/new-project-rfps.aspx with strangers,” says health care systems expert Beyond Monitoring parents and aging relatives’ housing and care, TO BID Jack Zhang, President and CEO of the fast“Most seniors are reluctant to call 911 in an take INVITATION new innovations into consideration. These camA pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 AM oncompany, Thursday December 2012 the or don’t alternatives can save your family thousands of growing health technology Vitall Inc. emergency 20, because they’re at embarrassed Thedollars, Suburban Mobility for Renager Caring for older parents and relatives doesn’t bids wantshall to causebe a fuss or incur an expense give you peace of mindAuthority and improve your offices of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. Sealed received no -- which necessarily need to involve relocation or spending can be as high as $1,200, even for false alarms family’s quality of life. gional Transportation (SMART) is somaylater than 2:00 PM on Friday tens January 11,of2013 at theZhang offices theparamedics Detroitwere Economic of thousands dollars annually. says of where dispatched,” says Zhang. liciting a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for . Growth Corporation. No bid deposit is required. The EDC reserves the rights to accept Minor Mechanical Repairs to SMART was or reject any or all bids, in whole or in part, or waive any requirements or informalities

Caring for Elderly Relatives: Making it Easier on Your Family

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Mildred Purifoy Singleton Anderson Memorial services for Dr. Mildred Purifoy Singleton Anderson were held on Friday, Dec. 11, at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Johnnie Green II officiating. Mrs. Anderson passed away on Nov. 26, 2015. Mildred Anderson was born in Birmingham, Alabama on Oct. 9, 1945, the fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Mack Purifoy, Jr. A Cass Tech graduate, she married Dr. Earnest Singleton in 1967. They had two daughters. She completed her residency at Kresge Eye Institute and Providence

December 23-29, 2015

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Rodger D. Davis

Hospital and distinguished herself as an assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at Wayne State University Medical School. She practiced for many years in Southfield.

Rodger Duane Davis, of Pontiac and Rochester Hills, senior executive assistant at Cobb-Swanson Funeral Home, departed this life on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015.

Left to cherish the memory of Mildred Purifoy Singleton Anderson are her husband, Dr. Arthur Anderson; daughters Marteal Lamb, Anna Singleton-Graham, Toi Bennett, Angenette Anderson and Jamie Dennis; and many other relatives and friends.

People often spoke of his pleasant personality and warming spirit, even describing him as “bigger than life.”

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Services for Mr. Davis will take place on Monday, Dec. 28, 11 am, at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member, preceded by a family hour at 10 am. Interment will take place at Perry Mount Park Cemetery at 11 am. There will be three public viewings, as follows:

DeJuan Carlos Williams Services for DeJuan Carlos Williams were held on Friday, Dec. 11, at New Visions Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Craig A. Burns officiating. Mr. Williams passed away on Dec. 3, 2015. DeJuan Carlos Williams was born on Feb. 15, 1963 to the union of Charles and Bonnie Williams. He graduated from Cooley High School. Left to cherish the memory of Mr. Williams are his wife,

Cheryl; daughter, Jazmine; son, Dwaine; two grandchildren, Kiyah and Devon; father, Charles Williams; stepmother, Josie; stepfather, Clause Jackson; sister, Michelle Williams; brothers, Marvin and Antoine and many other relatives and friends.

Page D-5

Saturday, Dec. 26, noon to 8 pm at Cobb-Swanson Funeral Home, 151 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac. Sunday, Dec. 27, 11 am to 2 pm, Cobb-Swanson Funeral Home.

Sunday, Dec. 27, 4 pm, Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, 143 Oneida Road, Pontiac. For additional information, call 248.858.2640. Mr. Davis, husband of Angela Davis and son of Mrs. Mary Ruth Davis and the late George Davis, and the father of Ashley Davis, Nicholas Davis and Starlyn Griffin, was a believer in giving back, initiating such programs as the Elder Watson Diggs Science Fair, the Cobbs Back to School Picnic and many other programs that are committed to the betterment of the community. In addition, he donated thousands of dollars in scholarships to various charitable organizations. Rodger Duane Davis’ philosophy was, “It is so important to help others and give back. In these difficult times, it’s not about money, it’s about the people.”

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Interment took place at Mount Hope Memorial Gardens in Livonia.

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Page D-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • December 23-29, 2015