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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 81 – No. 28 | March 21-27, 2018

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City Council approves Health Department request for $1.25M in new funding Number of Detroit children with elevated blood lead levels down 88 percent over past 20 years The Detroit Health Department today announced the launch of the City’s Interagency Lead Poisoning Prevention Task Force, and with it, a shift in its approach to preventing lead poisoning in Detroit’s children, the City’s Health Director Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun announced today.

The task force will look at all potential lead hazards, but will focus primarily on lead paint in children’s homes.

Lead paint is the well-known primary cause of lead poisoning in Detroit, where most homes were built well before 1978 when lead paint was outlawed.

Dr. Joneigh S. The change in Khaldun approach comes after months of interagency discussions and strategic planning.

As part of a pilot program that will begin this summer, the Detroit Health Department, Housing and Revitalization Department, and Building, Safety and Engineering Departments will proactively target lead strategies in the top five zip codes where recent data show there is the highest prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in Detroit’s children (48202, 48204, 48206, 48213, and 48214). This pilot will include doorto-door outreach to homes to identify places where there are children and pregnant women, identifying potential lead hazards, in-home lead testing of children, and education on how to protect themselves, before a child is poisoned.

The city will also align future rental code ordinance enforcement target ZIP codes based on where there is a high prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in children. These new approaches differ in strategy from former city efforts, which focused more on supporting families of children who already are known to have an elevated blood lead level.

The City will continue to support these families, but this new funding will allow them to also identify lead hazards prior to knowing if a child is poisoned.

“We are transitioning from a reactive to a proactive approach to lead poisoning prevention, and to do this takes the collaboration of multiple agencies and partners,” said Dr. Khaldun, an emergency physician and the Director and Health Officer for the City of Detroit Health Department. “We know the main cause of lead poisoning in Detroit’s children is lead paint in homes, and this strategy aims to target that, before a child

See FUNDING page A-2

WHAT’S INSIDE

Wayne County exec moves to take regional transit to a vote

By Roz Edward Wayne County executive Warren C. Evans took the case for a Regional Transit system to the mat when he met with the Regional Transit Authority, in hopes of taking the plan to the people for a November vote on whether or not to expand current bus routes to all four counties in the Southeast Michigan region.

Until recently the plan had been tentatively approved by officials in Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne County. Although L. Brooks Patterson expressed tacit or pending approval, he has since withdrawn his support for a transportation system to move workers and consumers from Detroit into Oakland County and vice versa.

“It’s the craziest thing … it’s just very confusing” Mayor Mike Duggan said at a recent Michigan Chronicle Pancakes and Politics forum when asked about Patterson’s backpedaling on the issue.

“I just can’t for the life of me understand it,” he added. Forum participants expressed serious concern regarding Detroit’s ability to become a world-class city, capable of landing an Amazon-like development to the city without major mass transportation improvements.

“The primary reason [Detroit was] knocked out of the running so soon in the Amazon HQII deal is that we did not have adequate transportation to accommodate the company’s and its employees transportation needs,” said banquet guest Michelle Fling. “In a lot of cities RTA is an acronym for Rapid Transportation authority. In Detroit the RTA is for Regional Transportation Authority … rapid is a long way off.”

The four-county plan for Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties offers more service to the re-

gion's businesses and invests in local infrastructures. Current bus routes to Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties, as well as Wayne, to the table and asked the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan for feedback on a new draft transit plan and to consider placing it on the November ballot for voter approval.

But Patterson’s resistance threatens to derail the years-long planning process and hinder Detroit’s progression to becoming a destination city, for businesses, tourists, workers and shoppers.

Patterson contends a new regional transit tax is not priority for residents of Oakland County.

He also reiterated his hard-nosed stance during his recent State of the County address saying he will not support any transit tax that drags in communities that chose to opt-out of SMART and would receive little benefit from any new transit tax including Novi, Waterford, Rochester Hills and Bloomfield Hills.

Critics of Patterson’s approach to transportation improvements which focus more heavily on road and infrastructure improvements charge that the controversial county executive is reluctant to open up access to Detroiters who may travel to outlying counties for work.

"Representatives from four Counties and the city of Detroit have developed this plan over thousands of hours since April," Evans said. "We've been debating transit for decades and I think voters deserve an opportunity to see this proposed solution. If they vote it down, they vote it down, but I can't see the rationale of why he won't let them consider it."

The plan, entitled "Connect South-

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"This plan is designed to serve riders where they are and where they need to go on a daily basis," Evans said. "It will expand economic opportunities for countless local residents who struggle to get to work, school, or even the doctor's office. It will also take cars off the road, which will ease congestion, reduce emissions and increase productivity. It brings value to all four counties and is flexible enough to grow with mobility technology, so we can adapt it moving forward."

The plan, if ultimately approved by voters, is projected to support 67,000 jobs, provide $6.6 billion in additional Gross Regional Product, and generate $4.5 billion growth in personal income.

By statute, 85 percent of tax revenue raised under this plan will be invested in the county it was collected from.

With federal and state contributions, investments in each county will exceed 105 percent of their tax contributions.

According to the 2016 National Transit Database, Southeast Michigan currently invests just $67/person for transit. In comparison, Cleveland invests $158/person on transit and Seattle invests $409/person on transit. Under this plan, Southeast Michigan's transit investment would increase to $110/ person.

DPS Students walkout in protest of mass school shootings

By Branden Hunter

5 Ways To Celebrate Spring (Equinox)

east Michigan," calls for a 1.5 mill property tax levy on Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. The millage is projected to raise $5.4 billion over 20 years to fund expanded regional transit service and plan forward flexible transit innovations as technology changes the transportation and mobility industries. The average house in the RTA region is worth $157,504, meaning it would cost $118 a year, which is less than $10 per month.

Last month, hundreds of students and faculty members ran and hid for their lives during the shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida. Then, it was the 18th school shooting in just under 60 days.

Students all over the country, including those in metro Detroit, were in fear that it could happen to their school one day and something needed to be done to prevent future attacks, so they walked out of class. They walked in honor of the 17-people kid at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

“Schools are meant to be places of learning, safety and sanctuary for children, faculty and staff,” said state Representative Tenisha Yancey. “I fully support the students exercising their First Amendment rights to facilitate dialogues on the need for change. Seven children and teens are killed with guns in the United States on an average day.

This is unacceptable.”

Thousands of high school students in Detroit at Cass Tech, Osborn, Martin Luther King, and Western participated in the national demonstration, which lasted 17 minutes in honor of the Parkland 17. Students said the walkout effort was an opportunity to have their voices heard in a national conversation that often left them out. Their goal was to see effective changes in the laws to protect people from mass gun violence.

“You never hear about mass school shootings here in Detroit, but you never know,” said Keith Marberry, a junior at King who participated in the walkout. “Hopefully we never have to be a hashtag for a mass shooting here, so we need to put the issues on the table as to why school shootings happen, and to stop them. The students should definitely have a say in the matter.”

Students in Detroit wanted to honor

See PROTEST page A-2

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405 250 585 765 929 Wellness Plan to opens primary care clinic 914 679 6290 1796 in Madison Heights school 268 10 23 32 46 58 10

The Wellness Plan Medical Centers announced it would open its sixth primary care clinic within KEYS Grace Academy in Madison Heights by June.

TWP is a Federally Qualified Health Center with a mission to deliver affordable and accessible health services to the community, increase access to services for individuals with Anthony King or without insurance, and provide user-friendly, culturally competent medical solutions.

The Wellness Plan Medical Centers founded in 1973 as an HMO, has transitioned into a vital alliance of medical centers in the Greater

Funding From page A-1

is poisoned.”

The move will align City departments around lead poisoning prevention efforts, and also includes the Office of Sustainability, Detroit Water and Sewage Department, Detroit Building Authority, Detroit Land Bank Authority, the Department of Neighborhoods, and Workforce Development.

“HRD is pleased to be a part of this Interagency Lead Task Force and will be aligning all our department’s lead hazard efforts with this strategy,” said Arthur Jemison, Director of Housing & Revitalization. “We are pleased to begin to turn toward a more proactive approach to this critical issue.”

While the City has been recognized for the safest demolition protocols in the country, a preliminary report released by the Health Department suggested a potential association between demolitions and elevated blood lead levels in children.

Protest

From page A-1 those killed in school shootings across the country, as well as bring more attention to gun control, demanding lawmakers take action and pass more gun reform laws. While the students exercised their First Amendment rights, but at the same time, they did not want to take away the rights of others to exercise their Second Amendment rights to bear arms.

“There needs to be a strict ban on military-style guns in this country,” said Kayla Jones, who protested with thousands of her peers at Cass Tech. “Every time you here of these mass shootings at school, or even in Las Vegas, it was by some type of military weapon. Those weapons were made to kill, and they shouldn’t be in

Detroit Area. Throughout its five locations in the Metro Detroit area, TWP provides a wide array of services, including pediatrics, adult/ senior medicine, preventative care, optometry, behavioral health services, cancer screenings and STD, neo-natal and nutritional consultations.

“The opening of the KEYS Grace Clinic allows us to build upon critical health care access to children and families in Oakland County,” said TWP CEO Anthony King. “We are committed to increasing health care access for those who have traditionally faced barriers to quality services,” KEYS Grace Academy is home to approximately 450 kindergarten through eighth grade students. The clinic will serve students and their families, offering primary health

Given the study’s limitations, however, the health department is seeking an external evaluator to do a robust assessment of the public health impacts of demolitions in Detroit, including lead. It also is implementing more stringent protocols and will continue to assess the need to implement additional measures.

Lead poisoning is preventable, and can cause severe issues with brain development, including learning disabilities. Over the past 20 years, the number of children in Detroit with elevated blood lead levels has dropped by nearly 90 percent. In 2017, however, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released preliminary data suggesting that Detroit’s percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels increased slightly from 7.5% in 2015 to 8.8% in 2016.

care, and will enhance the current behavioral health care, occupational therapy, physical therapy and twice-yearly mobile dental service offerings.

The KEYS Grace Clinic will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. during the school year, as well as three weeks during the Academy’s academic enrichment camps. A bilingual family nurse practitioner and a medical assistant will staff the clinic. Signage, applications and forms will be translated to enable families from diverse backgrounds to understand and access services.

To learn more about KEYS, call 248-629-7700 or visit www.keysacademies.com. To learn more about The Wellness Plan visit www. wellplan.com.

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The City will be looking for additional support from public and private funders to support lead poisoning prevention efforts.

the hands of civilians.

They’ve brought nothing but death to our communities.”

Adults are also standing with the students to combat gun violence in school settings and to let their voices be heard.

State Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo held a meeting with Detroit Public Schools Community District superintendent Nikolai Vitti and Detroit Caucus members to discuss strategies to prevent school shootings in Detroit. She will also hold a follow-up meeting with students Friday March 23 at CMA High School at 9 a.m.

“As a former Detroit Public Schools teacher, I am excited to see our students participating in a national walkout to lift their voices against gun violence,” said Gay-Dagnogo. “I am honored to stand beside them.”

The Michigan Chronicle is The Michigan Chronicle is The Michigan Chronicle is awarding scholarships up to awarding scholarships up to awarding scholarships up to $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 Apply by April 2, 2018 Apply by April 2, 2018 Apply by April 2, 2018

The Michigan Chronicle presents the 3rd annual S.W.A.G. Awards in Detroit. S.W.A.G., which stands The Michigan Chronicle presents the 3rd annual 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 TheStudents MichiganWired Chronicle presents theand 3rdGreatness, annual S.W.A.G. Awards in program Detroit. S.W.A.G., which stands for for Achievement is a scholarship recognizing outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to community, integrity and service. Current for Students Wired for and Greatness, is a scholarship program recognizing outstanding high school seniors whoAchievement have demonstrated a commitment to community, integrity and service.

Current students that live and attend school in Detroit or theMetro Detroit area and planning to attend college or a high school haveschool demonstrated to community, service.

Current students thatseniors live andwho attend in Detroitaorcommitment theMetro Detroit area and integrity planningand to attend college or a trade school are eligible to apply. students that live and attend school intrade Detroit or theMetro Detroit area and planning to attend college or a school are eligible to apply. trade school are eligible to apply. presented by presented by presented by

To Apply visit: To Apply visit: https://michronicleonline.com/2018/01/03/swag-awards-2018/ To Apply visit: https://michronicleonline.com/2018/01/03/swag-awards-2018/ For more information, email swagawards@michronicle.com https://michronicleonline.com/2018/01/03/swag-awards-2018/ For more information, email swagawards@michronicle.com For more information, emailMichigan swagawards@michronicle.com NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY. 2017-2018 Chronicle S.W.A.G. Awards entry period starts at 12:00 AM ET on

1/2/18 and ends at PM ET on 4/2/18. Open only toMichigan 12th graders who are 16 andAwards older who areperiod legal residents of CityAM of Detroit NO PURCHASE OR11:59:59 PAYMENT NECESSARY. 2017-2018 Chronicle S.W.A.G. entry starts at 12:00 ET on or Metroand Detroit who: (a)PM attend a public, or private Detroit or Metro Detroit high school; graduate in of spring 2018; (c) 1/2/18 endsarea at 11:59:59 ET on 4/2/18.charter, Open only to 12th graders who are 16 and older who (b) arewill legal residents City of Detroit have at least a 2.5 grade average (or equivalent); and (d) areDetroit in good community Visit NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY. 2017-2018 Michigan Chronicle S.W.A.G. Awards entrywww.michronicleonline.com/swagstarts atin12:00 AM2018; ET on or Metro Detroit area who:point (a) attend a public, charter, or private or Metro Detroitstanding. high school; (b)period will graduate spring (c) awards for ends entry Submission requirements prizes and details.

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State Treasurer Announces Grants for Distressed Communities

By AuJenee Y. Hirsch State Treasurer Nick Khouri announced on Tuesday, March 13, that 11 municipalities will be awarded $5.4 million through the Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships (FDCVT) Grant Program.

According to the FDCVT Grant Program website the purpose of the program is to “provide grants to financially distressed cities, villages, or townships with one or more conditions that indicate probable financial distress.” Municipalities can participate in the program if they are experiencing one or more conditions that suggest “probable financial stress” as defined in state law.

“I am pleased to announce that this year’s awards will help communities enhance infrastructure and public safety,” Khouri said. “These dollars will help improve the services residents depend on every day.”

The program appropriated $5 million for fiscal year 2018 with $400,000 carryover from the previous fiscal year. Each municipality has a $2 million cap set by the FDCVT Grant Program with awards based on applications submitted by the municipality.

GreenLight Fund Detroit brings Opportunities to Detroit GreenLight Fund Detroit selected the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) today as the first organization it will bring to Detroit under its portfolio of social impact programs to support low income residents. GreenLight’s fouryear, unrestricted $600,000 investment provides the majority of philanthropic funding for CEO’s Detroit expansion and sustainability, where it will grow using a social enterprise and earned income model.

The Center for Employment Opportunities is a national leader in providing employment for formerly incarcerated citizens. CEO’s highly structured and tightly supervised programs reduce recidivism and help participants regain the skills and confidence for successful transitions to stable, productive lives.

Abandoned fire station, Highland Park The following communities will receive funding this year, with projects and amounts noted (alphabetical order):

City of Allen Park Public safety enhancement through improved street lighting and a backup power source. $319,321 City of Benton Harbor Public safety enhancement through replacement of a fire engine. $490,000 City of Benton Harbor Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters. $309,500 City of Ecorse Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters. $720,000 City of Hamtramck Public service enhancement through ADA accessibility infrastructure improvements. $42,000 City of Hamtramck Public service enhancement through infrastructure improvements. $212,668 City of Harper Woods Public safety enhancement through improved street lighting. $150,000 City of Highland Park Water system enhancement through water main replacement. $625,000 City of Inkster Public safety enhancement through replacement of a fire engine. $314,300 City of Inkster Water system enhancement through water main replacement. $500,000 City of Lincoln Park Public safety enhancement through replacement of a fire engine. $420,000 City of Melvindale Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters. $720,000 City of River Rouge Water system enhancement through combined sewer overflow basin repairs. $357,000 City of Wayne Public safety enhancement through replacement of an ambulance. $190,968 More information is available on the FDCVT Grant Program website.

“We are thrilled that CEO will be launching in Detroit, and especially grateful for the GreenLight Fund Detroit’s support and partnership in making this a reality,” said CEO’s Chief Executive Officer, Sam Schaeffer. “We look forward to working with the City, local organizations, and the State to help people returning home develop the job skills and work experience that will enable them to succeed in the community.

After a yearlong needs assessment and due diligence process, GreenLight chose CEO for it’s proven ability to provide immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services to recently incarcerated citizens. Overall, independent evaluation has shown CEO to reduce new crime convictions by 22%, decrease the number of days incarcerated by 30%, and gain $3.30 in societal benefits and cost savings for every $1 spent (MDRC 2012 study).

“As our city comes back, we need to make sure that every Detroiter has the ability to participate in that comeback,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “This partnership with GreenLight Fund Detroit and the Center for Employment Opportunities will bring a critical support to our returning citizens so they can have access to employment opportunities and become productive members of our community.”

Participants in the Center for Employment Opportunities remove debris from an illegal dumpsite “We believe CEO has the experience and commitment to make a significant impact on formerly incarcerated Detroiters,” said Heidi Washington, Director at the State of Michigan Department of Corrections. “CEO’s proven model can directly address the unique workforce needs of a significant number of returning citizens and will not only benefit those individuals, but the families and communities to which they return.”

GreenLight Fund Detroit will accelerate the new program’s launch locally as well as serve on CEO’s local advisory board, deepen relationships with local partners, and support their business planning.

CEO is looking to be begin and grow their important work for families in Detroit almost immediately. The program will launch in the spring of 2018, with the goal of serving several hundred returning citizens annually by its third year of operations. CEO is currently recruiting a local Detroit Director, as well as other permanent staff members rang-

ing from site supervisors to business account managers and job coaches. “ The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is dedicated to providing immediate, effective and comprehensive employment services to men and women with recent criminal convictions.

CEO, a national non-profit organization headquartered in New York City, operates in 20 cities across eight states, helping 5000 participants annually regain the skills and confidence needed for successful transitions to stable, productive lives.

Learn more at: www.ceoworks.org.

Current CEO Detroit staff openings can be found at www.ceoworks.org/about/ careers/ Learn more or sign-up for the GreenLight Detroit newsletter at www.greenlightfund.org/detroit Please note: GreenLight Fund is a separate 501(c)(3) organization that has no affiliation with “Project GreenLight,” a public safety program within the Detroit Police Department.

Ford Motor Co. & CCSS to provide ongoing food source to Detroit Residents Ford Motor Company Fund will unveil a new mobility program that will expand year-round indoor gardening in Detroit and provide an educational platform to teach local youth about nutrition and farming.

Collaborating with Cass Community Social Services, the Ford Mobile Farm will provide an ongoing food source to Detroit residents through a hydroponic garden inside a 40-foot shipping container. An F-150 pickup truck with a garden in the bed will visit local schools to teach healthy eating habits and provide hands-on learning activities.

Ford Mobile Farm is the brainchild of millennial Ford employees who participated in the 2017 class of Thirty Under 30, a philanthropic leadership program launched by Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford to create a new generation of community-minded employees.

“I’m proud of the work our employees are doing to develop programs that address some of today’s most pressing societal issues,” said Bill Ford. “The Ford Mobile Farm project is the latest example of how they are finding ways to not only give back to the local community, but also create a platform to educate future generations and make a lasting, positive impact.”

In 2017, members of a Thirty Under 30 team were challenged with improving Ford Mobile Food Pantries, a successful food distribution program launched in 2008 to address increasing hunger needs across metro Detroit. Team members toyed with the idea of creating a farm in the bed of an F-150, which led to growing vegetables inside a 40-foot shipping container.

“Our goal is to get kids excited about where their food comes from,” said Chris Craft, a Ford interior lighting engineer and member of the Thirty Under 30 team responsible for the concept of

the Ford Mobile Farm. “We want them to learn they have the ability to nurture something to grow and to know what healthy food options look like, and that feeding your body with nutritious foods is important to the way you feel.”

This spring, an F-150 will travel to Detroit-area schools where students will learn about growing vegetables from seed, nurturing plants to grow, harvesting food and good nutrition. The children will put plants in the soil, harvest vegetables and taste the produce. Organizers expect to reach 2,250 students this year with the Mobile Farm’s F-150 site visits.

Cass Community Social Services, a Detroit nonprofit dedicated to providing area residents with food, housing, health services and job training, will house the 40-foot shipping container that will become the Ford Mobile Farm.

Ford Fund and Cass Community Social Services are longtime collaborators on community projects, including the Cass tiny homes neighborhood.

The freight container will be equipped with LED lighting to enable seeds to sprout and vegetables to grow.

Hundreds of vertical planters will house produce that will be fed by captured rainwater infused with nutrients. The container will have the growing capacity of up to two acres of land and produce up to 52 harvests per year. The unit will be partially powered by solar panels to reduce environmental impact and offset operating costs.

“The Ford Mobile Farm is born from innovative young minds within the ranks of Ford,” said Jim Vella, president of Ford Motor Company Fund. “Among our key objectives is to tackle systemic problems that plague our communities.

This pilot program has the promise to help solve a stubborn issue that affects not only residents of Detroit, but people across the globe. We are optimistic about the broad impact this program can potentially have.”

Rev. Faith Fowler, executive director of Cass Community Social Services, said produce from Ford Mobile Farm will help feed the hungry at the nonprofit’s community kitchen. Produce will be sold to area restaurants to create an income stream to help support the freight farm.

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Detroit’s children should be part of city’s resurgence, too

By Tonya Allen The following was originally published as an Op-Ed in the Detroit Free Press on Sunday, March 4 2018. You can view the original version here.

“And how are the children?” It is the greeting that Maasai tribe warriors used to greet each other. It is still the traditional greeting among the Maasai, which acknowledges the high value they place on the well-being of children.

The proper response is “all the children are well,” which Tonya Allen means peace and safety prevail and the least powerful among them — the children — are good. If children are good, life is good. Essentially, this response means our struggles should not ever overshadow the importance of taking care of our young, our future.

A Hideous Welcome to the Neighborhood I’m still safeguarding my attorney’s 1990s era letter, which verified that a petition had been circulated to have me kicked out of my newly purchased condominium. However, no one signed the paper. The document’s existence was revealed by someone, who was playing “Town Cryer” as she passed my end unit.

I was shocked.

“Housing discrimination is a serious problem in Michigan and throughout the country, and unfortunately situations like these are not uncommon,” said Vicki Levengood, Communications Director, Michigan Department of Veronica M. Civil Rights.

It Brown-Comegys is important for people to know that if they are facing discrimination related to their housing they have the right to file a complaint, according to Levengood. “If the complaint is filed within 180 days, and the discrimination is on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, or familial status, we will investigate,” the Communications Director said. My friend, who faced harassment in a condo complex, said “It’s good that you are up for the fight.”

I thought I’d made my point abundantly clear, when a few days after moving into my new home, I slammed the front door on the principal dominator of the white female condominium board. However, nineteen years later I had to repeat myself. Combat began when I opened the door, and an unidentified woman said, “I’ll help you,” and attempted to barge in. I side-stepped and blocked her, and the door did the rest.

The second time she got up close and personal with the barrier because she showed up after badgering me with a dozen identical phone messages. She said, “You didn’t call for a ride to the annual meeting.” I thought, since 1994, haven’t you seen me driving my red and white Mustang, and recently a black Cavalier? “I don’t need a ride,” I said.

Immediately, she morphed into warfare stance, and her face reddened and contorted. At any moment I expected to see her eyes bulge, and flames shooting out of holes in her head. I thought, Oh,

“It’s not hard to imagine Donald Trump leading us into a war just because somebody got under his very thin skin.”

To this end, we have partnered with Data Driven Detroit to launch the “State of the Detroit Child,” an online tool that captures data from multiple sources to inform us all on how children are faring in Detroit and statewide.

Intentionality is also directional. We must set a path and align our actions accordingly. Preparation today can ensure our city has the rich talent base needed to attract or create the next “Amazon” opportunity. Talent development must start with our children — those who The Skillman Foundation is commit- are Detroit-born and bred. Intentional ted to make this greeting the mantra means that we see the future and that we build pipefor the city of lines, pathways Detroit. It is our We are clear that talent is distributed and bridges for hope that if we, children to get equally, but opportunity is not. the civic sector, This is work together, Untapped and underestimated talent there. our key to crewe will be able to resides in every zip code. This is why, ating an inclureply with honsive recovery for estly that “all of as a city, we must work diligently to Detroit. While the children are increase opportunities and make them these actions well.” We want will economiaccessible to all children. to improve the cally and socialeducational and economic opportunities for youth, and ly benefit our city, we must carry them ensure they have equitable opportunity out first and foremost from a position of to benefit from and influence Detroit’s love. resurgence.

Yes, love. The most powerful action Tonya Allen, president and CEO of word of them all. the Skillman Foundation.

So Detroit, “How are the children?”

We are clear that talent is distrib- Honestly, not so good. But we can uted equally, but opportunity is not. change this by grounding our decisions Untapped and underestimated talent and action in intention and love. Detroit resides in every zip code. This is why, is courageous, talented, resilient, unas a city, we must work diligently to in- stoppable and world-changing … and so crease opportunities and make them ac- are our children. Let’s give them the opcessible to all children. This imperative portunity to “move the world.” is so important that it cannot be done Tonya Allen is president and CEO by chance, but by intentionality. Inten- of the Skillman Foundation. View data tionality is deliberate. We must under- on the State of the Detroit Child at sdc. stand how children are faring today and datadrivendetroit.org.

By Veronica M. Brown-Comegys

Quote of the Week

set our hopes for their future. We must articulate the gap between our current state and our ambition. To do so will require timely and accessible data.

The data is not pretty. It reveals that more than half of Detroit children live in poverty. And while children across the state are faring better on whole, one in five Michigan children are growing up below the poverty line. Importantly, we are not sharing the data for the purpose of gawking at our problems — a common practice in our city. Data informs us. It should not define us. We share it to provide a baseline and an inspiration to improve.

no you don’t; no wayward white woman goes off on me. I stepped back, and slammed the door. When I ranted to my mechanic, he said “They think they own their condo and yours also.” I growled, “This woman acts as if somebody sold me to her.”

One humungous beast-woman gave me murderous looks whenever she saw me. Likewise, I’d halt, place my hands on my hips, and return the silent greeting. I imagined metamorphosing into Ms. Bodacious Black Bruiser, and tossing her into the trash receptacle. It seemed the dumpster was the site for silent confrontation. Once, from a distance, I saw Ms. Dominator’s second-in-command. I was carrying a large black trash bag. A few days later, the receptacle displayed a gigantic sign that ordered: “Place ONLY white trash bags in the dumpster.” I thought, did the landfill complain?

The childish couple next door hadn’t spoken to me since 9/11. Suddenly, two summers ago, as I closed the garage door Mrs. She-Devil cooed, “I hate you.”

“Why don’t you move?” I told her where she could relocate, and walked away.

But, as I approached my deck, the husband poked his head outside, and yelled, “whore.” Later, while standing near an open window, I overheard the wife talking on a cell phone. This poor man’s domestic diva said, “No, she didn’t back down.” “She got right up in my face.” I was certain I knew who she was testifying to. I called the police. The rookie said: “Wow, we never had to come here before.” “No, never, never…” He didn’t write a report. However, the department emailed me a form stating the date and time of the incident. That’s documentation.

Winter brought more indignities. One of the boss babes used the snow-blower, which everyone’s dues purchased, to clear all the sidewalks, except mine.

When I called our financial management company about a refinance document, which needed a signature, the white male lackey slammed down the receiver after he rapid-fire shrieked abuse as if I were a squatter, an arsonist, undocumented foreigner, opioid-addict, suspected child-killer, and a Muslim terrorist. Ever since then, I’ve been paying my monthly dues by registered mail with a return receipt. Who knows what that filth-spewing, “bought and paid for,” “little big man” might attempt. If you believe you have been discriminated against contact www.michigan.gov/mdcr Veronica may be followed @Brown9501Brown

LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

— Cory Booker

Say Donald Trump’s Name, Even If The Syllables Choke You

By Clay Cane A year ago this month, Donald J. Trump became the 45th President of the United States. I, along with millions of other Americans, saw the obvious signs of an upcoming cultural and political crisis.

I refused to watch the fiasco on television, remembering the power I felt while covering the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20, 2009 for BET. It was a ferociously cold day, but I recalled how Obama comforted America.

“The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from Clay Cane generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”

Now eight years later, juxtapose Obama’s soothing words to Trump’s unhinged speech at his inauguration , where he accidentally quoted Batman villain Bane from The Dark Knight Rises.

Immediately, my liberal timeline was flooded with “Not my President!” and progressives refusing to say his name. I understood why — he ran a vile campaign based on hate and fear, never detailing policy. However, for those very reasons and more, I thought it was crucial to accept and name him as president.

Refusing to acknowledge the president wasn’t just on my timeline or people I knew, it was also in the media. The legendary Whoopi Goldberg refuses to speak his name on The View. The Oscar winner says “The new guy” and even got backlash when she called him the “Bum-in-Chief.”

The popular Comedy Central Show Broad City bleeped Trump’s name in their latest season with co-creator Ilana Glazer referring to him as “this orange (person).” Glazer told USA Today, “There’s no airtime for this orange (person). We bleep his name the whole season.”

Democratic Vice Mayor of Charlottesville Wes Bellamy, who frequently appeared on cable news during the aftermath of the horrible tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia, consistently referred to Trump as “45.” Bellamy explained on CNN, “When he begins to act as if he deserves to be in that office and leads in terms of unifying people then he will deserve the name of President Trump.” Wes is going to be saying 45 for four long years.

Even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s daughter Bernice King suggested a way to resist is to not use his name “so as not to detract from the issues.” But President Trump is the issue; all focus should be zeroed in on our current Commander-in-Chief.

Here is why we have to say his name: I am seriously liberal and lean as far left as possible. I think Trump’s policies are repugnant and nonsensical.

I didn’t vote for him and have no faith in his abilities as president. He hasn’t passed any meaningful legislation (unless you count the atrocious tax bill), disrespects the Mayor of San Juan who was wading in bacteria infested post-Hurricane waters, claims there are “fine” people in a group of Neo-Na-

zis, wants to ban transgender people from the military, believes he is the human resources department of the NFL, wrongly claims other Presidents never called Gold Star families (they did) and increases nuclear threat by taunting Kim Jong-un in North Korea. President Trump is, so far, one of the worst and most dishonest presidents we’ve seen in modern history, which is why we need to say his name.

Calling him anything but the POTUS, doesn’t take away his power, it morphs Trump into a simple symbol, just another concoction of the Republican Party instead of a toxic, fear-mongering master of narcissism. Trump is the mess Republicans created with voter suppression, cosigning never-before-seen political mudslinging and pitting poor whites against the “others.” While I was no fan of the last two Bushes, they were better on their worst day than Trump on his best.

Nearly 63 million Americans voted for Trump despite his obvious racism, sexism and incessant bullying. Some Trump fans argue they voted for him because of the economy and jobs. How so? His only plan was, “We’ll create jobs! More jobs than you’ve ever seen!”

Nearly every economy expert predicted Trump would be a disaster for the country (Trump has lied about his job creation history). We were all warned about Trump’s America. Therefore, the allegiance of Trumpites is disturbing and exposes a savage ugliness. But for some reason, and one that doesn’t surprise many, Trump captured the votes of America. The response of liberals should not be refusing to say his name, he is not Lord Voldemort from Harry

Porter, he is our President. He is not a fictional character, he is the leader (or dismantler) of the free world.

This is a time in American history that needs to be fully remembered.

In the way that we must never forget George Wallace, Adolph Hitler, or President Woodrow Wilson, three public figures who understood that fear is marketable. Trump is modern America’s biggest mistake and in only one year, we have yet to see the totality of destruction he will cause, which is why Bob Corkersaying Trump is setting us “on the path to World War III” should terrify us all.

Trying to erase President Trump only emboldens him and inflames a cultural war where there are no victors. Whether you voted for him or not, he is our President, which impacts our lives. Just like you have to name a disease for research and eventually destroy the strain, President Donald Trump must be named.

Rebrand him for the political hack that he is — just like he rebranded Lying Ted Cruz, Little Marco Rubio and Crooked Hillary. Stop trying to act as if he doesn’t exist. His name and title must be forever connected to the damage he has caused and continues to cause. He is the President; don’t pretty it up with nicknames. President Donald Trump is his official title. He was put in power by our constituents. He represents the current state of America, regardless of how revisionist history may decide to explain him. Say his damn name, even if the syllables choke you.

Clay Cane is a journalist, author, television commentator, radio host and filmmaker.

March 21-27, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-5

Fatal crashes involving older drivers increasing partly due to rapidly growing number of senior citizens While the number of older Americans continues to grow at a significant rate, the number of older drivers involved or killed in fatal traffic crashes is growing even faster, finds a new report from TRIP, a national non-profit transportation research group based in Washington, D.C. In 2016, 231 people were killed in Michigan crashes that involved at least one driver 65 or older (10th in the U.S.) and 22 percent of fatalities in the state involved at least one driver 65 or older (14th highest rate).

Older Americans are more mobile and active than ever and want to maintain that lifestyle for as long as possible.

According to the TRIP report, more than 1.4 million licensed drivers in Michigan are 65 or older (8th in the U.S.), comprising 20 percent of all licensed drivers in the state.

With older Americans leading more mobile and active lifestyles than previous generations, it is critical that the nation adopt traffic safety improvements that will make our roads and highways safer not only for older drivers, but for all drivers.

“As transportation agencies work to reduce fatalities and serious injuries among older drivers, we are able to implement safety improvements that assist all road users,” said Rudy Malfabon, chair of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Committee on Highway Traffic Safety.

The quality of life of older Americans is closely tied to their level of mobility.

Among those 65 and older, 90 percent of travel takes place in a private vehicle and 79 percent live in car-dependent suburban and rural communities.

Older Americans who cease or limit their driving still have options available for maintaining their mobility, though some may come with challenges and

F

drawbacks.

Transit systems can benefit older Americans, though robust transit options may not be available in the rural areas where many live, and transit use requires being able to get from home to the pick-up location and from the dropoff to the final destination. Ride sharing services can also help close the mobility gap for older Americans. But, less than one-third of Americans over 65 own a smartphone, which is a prerequisite for using many ridesharing services.

“Freedom of mobility is a cherished, lifelong right. We owe it to the generation that built our nation’s highway system to further enhance the safety and convenience of our transportation system to meet the mobility needs of older Americans,” said Greg Cohen, president and CEO of the American Highway Users Alliance, an organization that advocates on behalf of motorists, truckers, and other drivers. “Making roads safer and supporting the development of emerging transportation options and technology will enhance the mobility of older Americans and the general population.”

Building the American Dream

one home at a time.

We work hard to put homeownership within reach for you.

At Flagstar Bank, we are dedicated to the communities we serve. Our customers are our neighbors, and our communities are the places we call home.

The TRIP report offers a set of recommendations to improve the mobility and safety of older Americans.

Many of these recommendations are designed to reduce the consequences of driving errors, making roads safer for all Americans. TRIP’s recommendations include the following:

• Low to no down payment mortgage options.

• Specialty area grant and gift programs.

• Down payment assistance available.

• Flexibility in qualification requirements.

• SAFER ROADS: clearer, brighter and simpler signage with large lettering; brighter street markings, particularly at intersections; • SAFER ROAD USERS: promoting education and training programs for older drivers.

Visit flagstar.com/welcomehome or call (866) 372-0498 to learn more.

• SAFER VEHICLES: implementing self-driving and connected vehicle technology as well as vehicle safety features that address aging-related deficits; • IMPROVED CHOICES: ensuring public transit routes, vehicles, facilities and stops are easily accessible and accommodating to older or disabled passengers.

An expanded list of TRIPs recommendations and the complete report, “Preserving the Mobility and Safety of Older Americans,” can be viewed online at www.michiganchronicle.com

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Some restrictions may apply. All borrowers are subject to credit approval. Programs subject to change without notice. Underwriting terms and conditions apply.

T W O

Workforce, Education and Talent

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 12, 2018 | 7:30 AM

CARLA WALKER MILLER CEO Walker Miller Energy Services

DR. CURTIS IVERY Chancellor Wayne County Community College District PRESENTING SPONSOR

DAVE MEADOR Vice Chairman and CAO DTE Energy

DR. NIKOLAI VITTI Superintendent Detroit Public Schools Community District

DENNIS W. ARCHER, JR. CEO, Ignition Media Group

VICKIE THOMAS City Beat Reporter WWJ/Entercom Radio

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Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com •

March 21-27, 2018

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Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

Detroit International Academy of Young Women students got a closer view of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear IndyCar after hearing from panel speakers. The robotics and STEM-focused students will visit Belle Isle for Comerica Bank Free Prix Day on June 1 to learn more about the technology and science behind building and operating a racecar.

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Comerica Bank surprises ­Detroit students with meet and greet with Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix racecar driver

Engineers, doctors and scientists come in many shapes, sizes and genders. As do financial executives, race car drivers and just about any other attainable title in the world.

IMSA sports car driver Christina Nielsen signed autographs and answered questions from Detroit International Academy of Young Women students following an inspirational panel discussion. Nielsen and Comerica Bank surprised 70 students who will receive a behind-the-scenes experience at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear during Comerica Bank Free Prix Day, June 1.

Monica Martinez, Comerica Bank (left), Bud Denker, Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear and Christina Nielsen, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship driver, participated in a panel discussion focused on the exploration of STEM careers and female empowerment during a presentation at the Detroit International Academy of Young Women Feb. 28.

Eleventh grade student Mahia Hossain (left) talked about the Detroit International Academy of Young Women’s “The Pink Panthers” robotics team before demonstrating the team’s latest project, “Ms. Packwoman,” for panel speakers and fellow students.

That’s the message Comerica Bank and the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear shared with students during a unique panel discussion at the Detroit International Academy of Young Women Feb. 28.

Monica Martinez of Comerica Bank and two-time IMSA Grand Touring Daytona class champion Christina Nielsen kicked off the discussion by inviting the students to enjoy an exclusive field trip to Belle Isle during Comerica Bank Free Prix Day on Friday, June 1 at the Grand Prix. Nielsen, who will race in this year’s Chev-

rolet Sports Car Classic race as part of the Grand Prix, will rejoin the students that day for a behind-the-scenes tour of her team’s Wright Motorsports garage in the racing paddock.

Nielsen, Monica Martinez, senior vice president for external affairs at Comerica Bank, and Bud Denker, Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, served as panel guests and discussed the importance of STEM education and career opportunities available in racing and other technologically-driven fields.

Mahia Hossain, who is currently in her junior year at the school, received the news with a huge smile and

See STEM page B-2

Comerica Cares volunteers received an exclusive view of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear IndyCar before they volunteered at a unique panel discussion at the Detroit International Academy of Young Women Feb. 28. The volunteers ushered students to their seats and distributed prizes to students who answered panel questions.

Panel members Monica Martinez, Bud Denker and Christina Nielsen paused to capture an inspirational moment after Detroit International Academy of Young Women robotics students demonstrated their latest project, “Ms. Packwoman.”

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • March 21-27, 2018

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Index Increases

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index increased by 0.3 percent in December to a level of 118.6. December’s reading is 21 points, or 21 percent, above the index cyclical low of 97.9. The index averaged 118.2 points for all of 2017, nine-tenths of a point above the index average for 2016. November’s index reading was 118.3.

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship driver Christina Nielsen tosses Comerica Bank Free Prix Day t-shirts to Detroit International Academy students during a STEM career and female empowerment panel discussion. Comerica Bank surprised students by announcing a field trip to Belle Isle to experience the sights and sounds of the 2018 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear.

STEM From page B-1

her eagerness to experience Free Prix Day. Hossain is an active contributor to the school’s robotics program on “The Pink Panthers” team.

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index moved up again in December, its third consecutive monthly increase. Gains across the Michigan economy were widespread. Seven of the nine factors were positive in December, including nonfarm payrolls, unemployment insurance claims (inverted), housing starts, house prices, auto production, total state trade and hotel occupancy.

Industrial electricity demand and state sales tax revenues were both negative. The Michigan economy has been riding the tailwind of a late 2017 increase in domestic auto production.

After hitting its cyclical peak in 2015 and 2016, auto production began to slow through the first half of 2017. The destruction of autos from last year’s hurricanes, which struck Texas and Florida, helped pull forward automobile demand. The boost to demand is proving temporary. U.S. auto Robert A. Dye sales slid from a 17.8 million unit rate in December to 17.2 million in January.We expect auto sales to continue moderating this year, which will pull domestic auto production down, and this will be drag on our Michigan Index. We also look for moderating job growth in non-auto-related manufacturing in Michigan this year. This means the state will rely more on its services sector to push up job and economic growth moving forward.

The U.S., Canada and Mexico are in the seventh round of NAFTA discussions in Mexico City. This round of negotiations is expected to end in early March without a final agreement.

“We’re thrilled to receive the opportunity to visit Belle Isle on Free Prix Day for an exclusive glimpse into the automotive racing industry,” Hossain said. “Our academy places an emphasis on exploring STEM-related education and opportunities, so we look forward to understanding how these skill sets are applied.”

Comerica will host 70 STEM and robotics students from the school to learn about the science and technology applied to racecars beyond what the typical spectator may see on the racetrack.

“Comerica continues to support local STEM education programs and initiatives throughout Metro Detroit,” Martinez said. “Our partnerships with the Detroit International Academy of Young Women and the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear represent Comerica’s commitment to equipping tomorrow’s leaders with the proper tools to succeed today.”

Martinez and Nielsen recognize the importance of encouraging young women around the world to pursue their passions regardless of external opinions or challenges they may face.

Nielson, the first female to win a sports car championship series title in North America, encouraged and reinWBS Ad forced thatCB-75180 the students areMM.pdf capable 1of achieving anything they put their hearts

Comerica Bank invited 70 Detroit International Academy of Young Women students to experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear during Comerica Bank Free Prix Day, June 1. Students reacted to the news of their upcoming field trip with smiles, high-fives and joy. and minds to.

Nielsen said her father, former race car driver Lars-Erik Nielsen, was her role model.

“It’s important to identify a role model as a youth, but as we grow and meet people during our journey, it’s healthy to keep an open mind and find inspiration within colleagues and leaders throughout your career,” Martinez said.

Students from the academy’s robotics class showcased the club’s latest creation, “Ms. Packwoman.”

“Much like the different members on a race team, our robotics team is comprised of students specializing in mechanical, electrical, programming and 3/12/18 4:01 PM design approaches,” Hossain said. “We enjoyed showing our “Ms. Packwoman”

project and can’t wait to learn more about Christina’s car and racing team this summer.”

As part of its sixth annual sponsorship of Comerica Bank Free Prix Day, Comerica invites the community to experience the sights and sounds of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear free of charge on Friday, June 1. Racing fans will witness practice laps and qualifying runs from various racing series and enjoy access to the paddock area, often referred as the “locker room” of motorsports, where racing teams tune their cars throughout the weekend. Visitors will also enjoy extreme sports demonstrations, family-friendly activities and more interactive displays in the Meijer Fan Zone, along with live music on the Entertainment Stage.

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

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

Comerica Bank, with one of the largest banking center networks in Michigan, is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Michigan and Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, and Florida, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico.

To subscribe to our publications or for questions, contact us at

ComericaEcon@comerica.com. ­ Archives are a­ vailable at http://www.comerica.com/economics.

Follow us on Twitter: ­@­Comerica_Econ.

GREATER DETROIT April 27, 2018

Registration is now open for the Comerica Bank Women’s Business Symposium.

Seats are limited.

Learn, Connect & Grow

Join Featured Guest:

An opportunity like this only comes once a year.

Please join us for this exclusive event.

When:

Friday, April 27, 2018

Time:

10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where:

MGM Grand Detroit 1777 Third Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226

Register: Tickets are limited, so don’t delay.

Register today: events.comerica.com/wbsmi18 $75 per individual. $700 per table of 10.

For sponsorship and/or event information, contact Wendy Holmes at 248.371.5503 or wbsmi@comerica.com.

Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

Cookie Johnson Philanthropist, Entrepreneur and Author

CB-75180 03/18

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Money.

michiganchronicle.com

Former Invest Detroit Director Karl I. Bell joins GAA to lead new business unit GAA Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management (GAA) announced today that Karl I. Bell has been named the Managing Director of its new business unit GAA New Ventures, LLC. GAA New Ventures was formed in 2017 to accelerate GAA’s diversification beyond its manufacturing and logistics core. The unit is also charged with generating economic development (including commercial real e s t a t e development) and job growth in the geographic areas w h e r e GAA has a Karl I. Bell significant presence, such as Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the Washington, D.C. area.

“We’re excited about the caliber of leadership, expertise and experience Karl brings to GAA New Ventures,” said GAA President and CEO Sylvester Hester. “We look forward to Karl having an immediate impact on our strategic diversification initiatives in ways that will significantly grow our company and support the communities where we do business— particularly Detroit where we are now headquartered.”

Bell was formerly a senior vice president at Invest Detroit, which funds business expansion and real estate development initiatives in Detroit.

“Karl Bell has been such an influential player in Detroit’s revitalization,” said Dr. Kenneth L. Harris, president/ CEO of the National Business League, Inc. “We need more economic inclusion in Detroit’s resurgence. So, I am very excited to see an executive of his caliber land at a major Black-owned company that has the financial wherewithal to participate meaningfully in Detroit’s redevelopment. That’s significant in retaining talent.

Just what Detroit needs right now.”

“As a senior executive at Invest Detroit, Karl has played a key role in the resurgence of the city of Detroit for over a decade” said Matthew Cullen, chairman of Invest Detroit.

“I am delighted that Karl will remain an integral part of the development scene in Detroit. GAA is lucky to get him,” said David Blaszkiewicz, president and CEO of Invest Detroit.

“The addition of Karl and GAA New Ventures, LLC further strengthens our marketplace position and foundation for future growth,” said GAA Chairman William F. Pickard.

“We are so pleased that Karl has joined the GAA family of companies.”

Bell currently serves as board chair for the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion. His board service also includes the Michigan Business Professionals of America, Detroit Youth Sports Commission and Urban Partnership Bank.

Bell is a graduate of Morehouse College. He also has an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, and has completed certificate programs at Harvard University and Oxford University’s Business School.

GAA is a global provider of manufacturing and logistics services for companies in a variety of industries including automotive, aerospace and pharmaceuticals. GAA member companies include Grupo Antolin Primera, ARD Logistics, Key Logistics Solutions, Global SQ, VITEC and now GAA New Ventures, LLC. GAA, based in Detroit, Michigan, is one of the nation’s largest African American-owned enterprises. For more information, visit www.

GAAsolutions.com.

By Roz Edward Teola Hunter, moved in and out of political circles with incredible ease and navigated the hallowed halls of the Michigan State House of Representatives as though she was — as they say, to the manor born — right up to her retirement from the top job in the House in 1992.

“The first time I ran for office was probably in 1976 when I ran for City Council. I didn’t know anything about politics … I didn’t know that I had to get out and promote myself and sell my qualifications,” Hunter recalls laughing. “I was at a neighborhood group meeting to try and convince them

that I was a good candidate, but Clyde Cleveland, who was an elegant speaker, spoke before me and I just hoped that the ground would open up and swallow me or that I would get drastically ill, so I wouldn’t have to speak.” The then political novice admits that she stammered and stumbled over the words of the speech and although she was devastated, she was not defeated and ultimately moved on to make history in Lansing and across the nation.

Hunter who earned the dual distinction in 1987of being the first female and the first African American Speaker Pro Tempore in the Michigan legislature says she wasn’t always so

See TEOLA

HUNTER page B4

“Being honored with the Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award is an overwhelming honor. I just hope that I am deserving of such a prestigious and meaningful award. There are so many women who deserve this disinction, but I am happy to accept this award with open arms.”

– Teola Hunter

Motor City Re-Store is back for another round

By Branden Hunter Business is beginning to look a lot better in Detroit.

Literally.

Thanks to the second round of the Motor City Re-Store program, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and city officials, 25 businesses will receive a total of nearly $300,000 in grants to support the construction and design of exterior improvements intended to support existing businesses and beautify Detroit’s commercial corridors.

Motor City Re-Store is the sibling of the Motor City Match program, which gives Detroiters funding to open new businesses in the city’s neighborhoods. Motor City Re-Store was implemented last year as a way to help established businesses in the city increase foot traffic and remain competitive with new businesses opening in the city.

“There are so many programs that are helping new businesses that want to open in Detroit, we created Motor City Re-Store for those who stayed, even during difficult years,” Mayor Duggan said. “Now that Detroit is coming back, these businesses that sustained our neighborhoods for years can know the city has a program to help them compete for another generation.”

This year’s Motor City ReStore winners are spread all over, in more than 20 of the city’s neighborhoods, which includes barbershops, restaurants, and a furniture store.

Of the 25 winners, 76 percent are minority-owned, and 24 percent are women-owned businesses. The winners were grouped into two categories.

Eight businesses were give a total of $164,700 in construction grants for facade, landscaping and other exterior improvements. The other 17 were given a total of $129,000 in design grants for financial and technical assistance in

getting a design for the exterior improvements. Once they complete their designs, the businesses are eligible to apply for construction awards.

“With its sibling program Motor City Match, Motor City Re-Store is rebuilding neighborhood commerce,” said Michael S. R. Rafferty, DEGC, Vice President of Small Business Services. “Demand exists. We know that because $2.6 billion in retail spending is leaving the city annually for the suburbs.

These programs are building the supply by curating Detroit’s commercial corridors with new

business and investment that will, over time, provide access to the goods and services our citizens deserve.”

People’s Restaurant Equipment Company is one of the oldest businesses in the city, opened in 1918. It is located in Eastern Market and will receive $7,200 in design grants. Other notable businesses receiving design grants are Atlas Plumbing Supply Company ($10,000), Timeout Sports Bar ($8,000), and Belle Isle Pizza ($10,000).

Transformation Barbershop on the North End was one of four

See RE-STORE page B4

March 21-27, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-4

The Practice Zone basketball facility set to open

Full-service practice facility available for all ages Father and son duo Fred and Nolan Procter are teaming up to use their talents and skills to teach the game of basketball. The Practice Zone, a full-service basketball practice facility equipped with multiple half courts is set to open Saturday, March 24. Doors will open at 10 a.m. It is located at 24164 Haggerty Road in Farmington Hills (at the corner of Haggerty and Tenmile road).

African American business women share

Tips for success Julie Bawden Davis African American business women are a quickly growing demographic of entrepreneurs in America. These women explain how they keep moving forward despite challenges.

If anyone knows the secrets to striving forward, breaking new ground and succeeding despite challenges, it would be African-American women.

African American women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs, according to a 2015 “Being a woman-owned business is a task in itself,” says Teana McDonald, founder of marketing solutions company 3EConnections.

“For African American business women, the odds are stacked even higher.”

To gain even more insight and advice on how to overcome those odds to find business and personal success, we asked 15 African American business women about their secrets to succeeding in the business world. Here are some of those secrets: Embrace Diversity “Use your diversity as a competitive advantage and champion what makes you unique. We are being sought after more than ever—from academia to corporate environments. It’s important for us to market ourselves well, highlighting our strengths and talents, while also keeping in mind that diversity goes beyond gender.

The views, opinions and experiences of African American business women could be the very perspective that drives business initiatives towards success.”

—Nicole Joseph, COO, Sharestates Be Passionate About What You Do “It’s not always about money. The money will come if you make your passion your business.

Along these lines, it’s important to value your relationships. I spend a lot of face-to-face time with my clients. Customers stay with you when they know you care about them.”

—Marcia Jones, founder

and president, Urban Connoisseurs Know What You Want “Happiness is the key to success. If you have a goal, dream or aspiration, your conviction to the end goal is what allows it to come into being. That being said, be clear about what you want. This allows you to say no with conviction and to then bring in more opportunities that are on target.

The less time you spend contemplating something that doesn’t feel 100 percent right, the more time you have to identify desirable opportunities.”

—Cheryl Sutherland, founder, PleaseNotes Accept and Overlook Mistakes “Understand that you will make mistakes, and change will not always come as fast as you would like it to happen.

Your internal operations are where to start making positive changes first.”

—Cheryl Ingram, CEO and founder, Diverse City LLC Be Intentional “Have a goal/objective in mind and a solid, realistic reason why the particular goal was chosen. This is important, because haphazard thinking and bumbling through life do not result in success. Have a plan and work the plan.

Also, keep your eyes open and stay humble with every success. You want others to respect you as much as you respect

Re-store From page B-3

winners who received $25,000 in construction grants, along with Team LBR real estate, Richard Bennett and Associates, and Rebound Design and Build.

Robinson Furniture on East Jefferson received a total of $10,000 in construction grants.

Rodrigo Padilla owns Taqueria El Nacimiento in Southwest Detroit and was a recipient of $10,000 during round one of Motor-City Re-Store. The round two announcements were made at his restaurant, where he is currently working with an architect on facade improvements.

“I’m thrilled to be hosting the Round Two award ceremony with Mayor Duggan and Motor City Re-Store,” said Padilla. “I want other businesses to see the opportunities that exist in Detroit and make an investment in the future.”

yourself.”

—Judge Marylin E. Atkins, author, The Triumph of Rosemary: A Memoir Know Your Worth “Don’t be afraid to ask.

The worst anyone can say is no. If you don’t ask at all, you miss out on a lot of yeses. When you do get a no, take it with a smile. For me, no means not right now, but maybe later. I’ve had many situations where a no later became a yes when circumstances changed.”

—Tamara Anderson, owner, Sugar and Spyked “After 10 years of business, I’ve learned to ask for what I deserve. You may not always get what you want, but asking is very important. It’s also OK to say no. You don’t have to say yes to every business opportunity.”

—Teana McDonald, founder, 3EConnections Embrace Change “Keep in mind that change is inevitable. I pay attention to business trends and markets, making it a priority to stay in front of the changes and not get left behind. Many small-business owners, including African American business women, can be slow to change, but changing is necessary and required.”

—Shahara Wright, business law attorney and CEO, The CEO Effect Be True to Yourself

Motor City Re-Store is managed by the small business team at the DEGC and is open to entrepreneurs who are currently open and operating a commercial storefront in the city of Detroit, and their landlords. It is supported by a combination of Community Development Block Grant funds and other funders. The Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit (EDC) has stewardship of the public funds and has approved funding to develop the program. It approved the round two winners.

Motor City Re-Store is accepting applications for round for through April 2, 2018. Business owners and landlords must apply jointly for 50 percent matching grants up to $25,000. Multiple businesses applying as a group are eligible for 75 percent matching grants. Applications can be submitted at www.motorcity-restore.com and paper applications are available upon request.

“In your business, you will always have to jump higher, run faster and still maintain composure and charm. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to be yourself.

Remember what made you successful. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box, since that’s what got you this far. And don’t try to compete with the competitors—compete with yourself, it’s so much harder.”

—Ashley Hunter, president, HM Risk Group Self-Promote “Don’t be afraid to self-promote. Often, we have been forced to hide our greatness. Instead of hiding, toot your own horn. Share the work you’ve done. You’ll soon realize that the more you share, the more others will see the value in working alongside you and your business.”

—Stephanie Caudle, owner and founder, Black Girl Group For more tips from successful African American businesswomen visit: www.

Michronicle.com keyword: African American businesswoman.

“Perfect Practice and skill training is the key to joining the league of extraordinary players like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan,” said Fred Procter, proprietor and coach. “Our facility is open 363 days a year for anyone who wants to strengthen their skills in a positive and nurturing environment to maximize their potential.”

TPZ is unique because they are using state-of-theart technology to give participants the ability to practice as an individual or as a team in several practice Fred Procter zones.

Shooters can complete 1000 repetitions in 30 minutes at a shooting zone. Players can increase range and accuracy using regulation hoops stationed in front of ball retrieval and passing machines.

TPZ offers a wide range of training sessions that condition players to have better ball handling skills, clinics and three on three leagues for men and women of all ages.

TPZ is not just centered on building great athletes Nolan Procter on the court, but also off the court. In an effort to bring awareness to the need of recreational opportunities for athletes with disabilities, they are partnering with Dr. Jeff S. Pierce, founder of non-profit, Athletes Unlimited. During the grand opening festivities, there will be demo scrimmages featuring wheelchair basketball teams, Motor City Wheelz and the Detroit Diehards.

“Our core values are fun, passion, service, perfect practice, commitment and teamwork,” said Nolan Procter, former athlete and assistant head coach of TPZ. “It doesn’t matter which sport you play, anybody who embodies these values has the opportunity to be a great athlete.”

Memberships packages start at $40 and include interactive shooting and ball handling sessions and priority reservations. The first 75 people to sign up for the TPZ Academy package will receive a $10 discount.

Packages can be adjusted to serve the member’s needs.

For those who aren’t interested in a membership, TPZ offers individual training, half court practice for teams, and reservations for special events.

Established in 2018, The Practice Zone is a stateof-the-art basketball training facility located in Southeastern Michigan. The facility features half-court basketball, pickleball, and volleyball courts. Shooters can complete 1000 repetitions in 30 minutes at a shooting zone and enhance their ball handling skills at a ball handling zone. Teams can practice on our half courts and take advantage of our shooting stations as well.

TPZ’s coaching philosophy is; Passion, Perseverance, Practice and Fun. TPZ is committed to providing a supportive family atmosphere to help young and mature athletes enjoy the benefits of practice. Our team of coaches combined have over 40 years of experience.

A variety of our players have advanced to play in the NBA, WNBA, and the U.S. Olympic team while others have become Division 1 college coaches. We embrace the phrase, “Perfect practice makes perfect.”

Teola Hunter From page B-3

at home with being in the public eye.

Hunter graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1949 at the age of 15.

And against her counselor’s advice who suggested as a “colored” she’d be better off finding work at Michigan Bell, the indignant and inspired Hunter ignored the short-sighted counselor and adhered to her mother’s mandate to get an education. The aspiring academician enrolled in Wayne State University at the age of 15.

“My mother’s parents and grandparents were slaves … and because of the way they were treated, I think they had more of a commitment to seeing to it that their children had more and lived better than they had,” explained Bell about living a life grounded in education and cultural pursuits. “I don’t see that happening today ... where children are excelling and accomplishing more than their parents,” laments the life-long educator.

Hunter received her bachelor’s degree in education in 1958 from University of Detroit Mercy and her master’s degree in elementary school guidance and counseling in 1971 from Wayne State University. Hunter taught for the Detroit Public School System from 1958-1974, and founded Buttons and Bows Nurseries and Preparatory School in 1971.

Child care centers were Hunter’s foray into the world of politics, when as a childcare expert she worked with the Michigan legislature to write Public Act 116 to establish standard qualifications for childcare centers.

“Interacting with the legislature to write Public Act 116, I said to myself, ‘Self, you can do this, and you can do it better.’”

From 1981 until her resignation in January 1992, Hunter served in the Michigan House of Representatives. She also served as deputy director for the Wayne County Health and Community Services Department.

When asked to compare the political landscape during her tenure to today’s climate Hunter replied: “Back then you had people who were very dedicated, and who wanted to be elected officials to serve the public. When I went to Lansing you had, Raymond and Morris Hood, Sen. David Holmes, Basil Brown, Joe Young Sr., Joe Young Jr., Virgil Smith, Barbara Rose Collins, and Carolyn Cheeks. Our primary concern was to do the best that we could for the City of Detroit.”

Teola Hunter celebrates her 85th birthday on Friday, March 23, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the St. Regis Hotel, 3071 W. Grand Blvd. Party proceeds will benefit the Franklin Wright Settlement Homes Inc. Education Program.

March 21-27, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

B6

Faith.

| March 21-27, 2018

michiganchronicle.com

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1919-2017

Mikiah Keener leading prayer at Triumph Church

Mikiah Keener reaches millennials through ministry

By Branden Hunter

They definitely keep you encouraged.I saw a bunch of people my age tweeting her messages and putting it on Snapchat,” said Kyla Boce, a senior at Detroit Renaissance. “A lot of her messages impacted me hard. I subscribed to her text messages and honestly, it’s been keeping me straight. It’s like her messages come right when I need them the most. They keep me encouraged.”

If you are ever in need of some spiritual encouragement, prayer, or a daily bible scripture, Mikiah Keener is just a text message away. The 20-year old minister at Triumph Church under Pastor Solomon M. Kinloch has a following just as massive as his, reaching over 22,000 people daily. So how is she able to do that?

“I am able to reach nearly 22,000 people daily by using the Remind application to send out motivational and encouraging messages,” said Keener. “People can signup within a matter of seconds to start receiving messages. I started sending these messages out to high school classmates in May of 2016. At that time, about 15-20 people were getting them, now, it’s nearly 22,000 nationwide.”

Keener is not the average minster her age.

She did not grow up in church, she is not a preacher’s child, and she does not minister specifically to the youth. In fact, her life a few years ago at Oak Park High School was similar to those she reaches out to in her ministry. She hung around the wrong crowd, she was involved in scams, and even made fake report cards. Then she attended Triumph Church in early 2015 and her life changed for the better.

“One Sunday, my friend Madisen Brown invited me to attend church at Triumph with her, and I really didn’t want to go,” said Keener. “I was a little hesitant about going, but when I went the first time, I loved it. I was still in high school at the time and I was doing some things that I’m not very proud of.”

“I was very incompetent and felt out of place.

I didn’t feel like I had the qualifications and lifestyle to be a minister.

But I have learned that God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called.”

Keener enjoyed church so much, she wanted to serve, and not just be member. She tried the usher board out, but soon found out that it was not for her. She was invited to a minister’s meeting by a minister at Triumph, Chis Horne, and decided to go just out of curiosity. She left wanting to spread the word of God to other’s her age, in hopes that someone will want to listen to

Untitled-1 1

her story and possibly build a stronger relationship with God. “It’s important for me to be a voice to other millennials through my ministry,” Keener said. “I think that all millennials need to know the significance and value of having a relationship with God. We live in a society today that goes against the word of God, so I feel as if it is my responsibility to implement God’s laws and commandments.”

“I never thought that I would be preaching and ministering, but I feel many millennials relate to me because I am humble, and approachable. I value the fact that many young people come to me for advice and prayer. I feel like they can trust me.”

You can see Keener’s words of inspiration and

daily bible verses over all over social media, on different platforms. She has 21,500 followers on Twitter and over 8,700 on Instagram. Her reach and influence goes far beyond the traditional church setting, touching those who may not want to go to church, need to be lead closer to the lord, or just need a word of prayer. She is currently a college student at Oakland University and aspires to have her own church in the distant future.

“I saw a bunch of people my age tweeting her messages & putting it on their stories on snapchat. & alot of the messages impacted me HARD. I subscribed to her messages & honestly it’s been keeping me straigh every since. It’s like her messages come right when I need them the most.

Are you hosting a concert or faith-friendly event?

Are you celebrating an anniversary or special occasion?

PROMOTE IT HERE!

PRAISE CONNECT

PRAISE

Contact us at: 313.963.5522

March 21-27, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-7

Upcoming Events

31

MARCH

22

2018 Summer Job Fair • When: March 22, 2018, 2-4pm • Where: Operation ABLE Lower Level, 4750 Woodward Ave., Suite 201 • Contact: Peggy Gary 313-832-0922

24

Celebrate Women’s History Month at the Detroit Historical Museum with the second “Women Who Empower” program. This year, the focus on women who have empowered others by working in the rigorous field of journalism.

25

On Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.

New Providence Baptist Church will give away thousands of FREE clothing and Forgotten Harvest will give away over 100,000 pounds of FREE food to families in need.

The giveaway is on a first come, and first served basis while supplies last, open to everyone, no pre-registration, free ample parking.

Discover Downtown Walking Tour During the tour you’ll experience both soaring modern glass towers as well as Art Deco architecture, electrifying street art and great social spots, iconic sculptures as well as the stories of how we got them.

•W hen: Saturday March 24, 2018, 1:30pm – 3:45pm • Where: Compuware World Headquarters, 1 Campus Martius, Detroit, MI 48226 • Cost: Free

The Raisin Cycle at Wayne State University

Now

18th Bi-Annual Free Clothing, Shoes and Food Giveaway

• When: March 24, 9am-12pm •W here: New Providence Baptist Church, 18211 Plymouth Road, Detroit, MI 48228 • Cost: Free

The Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs hosts The Lifting As We Climb Brunch, a roundtable discussion of the Me Too movement and other relevant women issues to commemorate Women History’s Month. The recipient of the Dr. Rosa Gragg’s Lifting As We Climb Award will also be announced. Net proceeds will be used to fund the upkeep on the Club House and continued programming.

•W here: Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs, 5461 Brush Street, Detroit • Cost: $35 • When: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Women Who Empower: Women in the Media

•W here: Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Avenue, Detroit • Cost: Free • When: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The Women History’s: Lifting As We Climb Brunch

Black Marriage Day 2018 Black Marriage Day 2018 will be held for married couples, as well as those who are engaged, seriously dating or looking to get married, and features insights from some of Metro Detroit’s most well-known couples, a chance to win great prizes with your loved one, dinner and more. Tickets are $50 per couple in advance and $55 at the door. Purchase tickets early at the museum’s Information Desk to receive a Group Special. For more information call (313) 494-5800 or Email aking@thewright.org.

through APRIL 2

• Where: 3424 Woodward Ave. and 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit • Cost: $15-$20 • More: 313-577-3508, DetroitRaisinCycle.com

•W here: Charles H. Wright Museum, 315 East Warren Avenue, Detroit • Cost: $50 • When: 3:00 PM

26

Quilting Class In this class, students will learn basic principles of color and design, especially as they relate to fabrics and quilting. We will cover and explore the different types of contrasts, symbolism, mood, and some basic rules of design. The rest of the class will be hands-on and devoted to experimenting.

Lead by a production of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, Wayne State’s Department of Theatre and Dance will also present productions of two other spin-off plays: Beneatha’s Place by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris. All three plays tackle topics including race relations, ­urban renewal and gentrification.

through APRIL 30

•W hen: Monday, March 26, 2018, 121:30pm • Where: Triumph Church - East Campus, 2760 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48211 •Cost: Free

FIND THE REMARKABLE YOU DURING OUR

VIP sale N O W - S U N D AY, 3 /2 5

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Get Fit For Free At The Velodrome

Now

Free fitness classes at the Lexus Velodrome that were offered for two weeks during mid-March have now been extending through the end of April. Instructors Nakia Gaither and Kathleen Archibald of DetroitFit are teaching classes that include Ab Blast, Cardio Glide, Pop Pilates, Cardio Kickboxing and Total Body Conditioning. After the free classes end, fitness memberships go on sale for $35 a month for non-Detroit residents and $30 a month for Detroiters.

• Where: The Lexus Velodrome, located at I-75 and Mack

• More: 313.265.6725

EXTRA 30% OFF DESIGNERS THAT RARELY GO ON SALE

with your Macy’s Card or pass. See below.

GET 15% OFF

any beauty purchase with your Macy’s pass.

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CLOTHING, JEWELRY, ACCESSORIES & HOME ITEMS

EXTRA 25% OFF WATCHES EXTRA 10% OFF ELECTRICS & ELECTRONICS, FURNITURE, RUGS AND MATTRESSES USE YOUR MACY’S CARD OR THIS PASS 3/18-3/25/18. MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: VIP SEE MACYS.COM/DEALS FOR ONLINE EXCLUSIONS. SAVINGS OFF SELECT REGULAR-PRICED & SALE ITEMS IN STORE AND SELECT REGULAR-PRICED, SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS ONLINE EXCLUDES ALL: Bonus Buys, Deals of the Day, Everyday Values (EDV), Last Act, lowest prices of the season, Macy’s Backstage, specials, The Market @ Macy’s, athletic clothing/shoes/accessories, baby gear, designer jewelry/sportswear/ watches, gift cards, gourmet foods, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, restaurants, services, kids’ shoes, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, select tech accessories, toys, select water bottles, wine, American Rug Craftsmen, Anova, Apple Products, Barbour, Bow & Drape, Brahmin, Breitling, Breville, Briggs & Riley, Brooks Brothers Red Fleece, Demeyere, Dyson, Eileen Fisher SYSTEM, Frye, Global Cutlery, Hanky Panky, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Karastan, kate spade new york accessories/apparel, Kenneth Cole kids’ shoes, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, LEGO, LensCrafters, Levi’s, select Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, select Michael Kors/Michael Michael Kors, Miyabi, Movado Bold, Natori, Nike swim, Original Penguin, Panache, Patricia Nash Discovery Collection, Philips, Rimowa, RVCA, Shun, simplehuman bath accessories, Smeg, Spanx, Staub, Sunglass Hut, Swarovski, S’well, Tag Heuer, Teva, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, The North Face, Tommy John, Tory Burch, Tumi, UGG®, Uttermost, Vans, Vietri, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford, Wüsthof & products offered by vendors who operate leased departments in any of our stores including: Burberry, Gucci, Longchamp & Louis Vuitton; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: Birkenstock, Merrell, Chanel & Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/ coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices.

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USE THIS PASS 3/18-3/25/18. MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: VIP SEE MACYS.COM/DEALS FOR ONLINE EXCLUSIONS. SAVINGS OFF SELECT REGULAR-PRICED & SALE ITEMS IN STORE AND SELECT REGULAR-PRICED, SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS ONLINE EXCLUDES ALL: Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, specials, The Market @ Macy’s, gift cards, previous purchases, special orders, products offered by vendors who operate leased departments in any of our stores including: Burberry, Gucci, Longchamp & Louis Vuitton; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: Chanel. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices.

FREE SHIPPING ONLINE WITH $99 PURCHASE. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS VIP SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 3/18-3/25/2018.

N8020015C.indd 1

3/5/18 10:29 AM

Page B-8 • michiganchronicle.com • March 21-27, 2018

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Kim Hill

A firm believer in supporting her family, colleagues and community, Kim Hill’s hospitable presence as a vice president, charitable advisory and administration services with Comerica Bank and throughout Metro Detroit hasn’t gone unnoticed. Devoting her free time volunteering at churches, schools and initiatives around the city has expanded her network of friends and personal connections in Michigan.

Comerica colleagues (from left) Jodi Bello, Jennifer Hourigan, Caroline Chambers and Aline Moraes joined Priscilla Archangel (second from right), president-elect of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), at the organizations’ Top 10 Influential Women in Business Awards Dinner. NAWBO represents the interests of women entrepreneurs and has 90 chapters across the country. Comerica is a corporate partner-silver of NAWBO Detroit.

Janice Tessier, contributions manager for Comerica Bank, reads The Berenstain Bears: Trouble with Money to Herrington Elementary School students. To promote financial education to students, Comerica’s volunteers participated in Read to a Child events at Herrington and Alcott Elementary School. In addition to reading to students, the volunteers discussed the books with the students to reinforce their financial education.

Comerica colleagues (from left) Ketra Lewis, P ­ atricia McCann, Erica Jordan, Lori Walker and Caroline Chambers of Comerica joined special guest Paulette Granberry Russell (center right) of Michigan State University for a Black History Month lunch and learn event in Comerica’s Livonia Operations Center. Granberry Russell discussed diversity and inclusion in education and how it impacts the workplace.

Comerica celebrates Black History Month

February is a special time at C ­ omerica where the bank celebrates and embraces diversity during Black History Month. Across all markets, Comerica colleagues participated in sponsored forums, lunch and learns, attended museum exhibits, held essay contests and attended community and university events.

Diversity is a core value at ­Comerica. In 2017, Comerica was listed as one of Black Enterprise’s 50 Best Companies for Diversity.

In Metro Detroit, lunch and learns focused on diversity and inclusion in education, the legal field and supply management were held throughout the month featuring Paulette G ­ ranberry Russell, Michigan State University diversity officer, Reggie Turner, attorney and Comerica board member, and Michelle Sourie Robinson, president and CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council.

“All I knew was life with my family in Virginia, so I was very hesitant to make the move,” Hill said. “As sad as I was to leave home, I wouldn’t trade my decision for the world. After a few years of warming up to Michigan, I gradually discovered my passion for connecting with the community and began a family of my own.”

Kim Hill

Hill has worked in various departments at Comerica Bank during her 31 years with the company. In her current role she enjoys administering various charitable accounts such as gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, donor advised funds and foundations.

“Working with caring foundations and organizations on a daily basis makes going to work a treat,” Hill said. “My time supporting accounts at Comerica has reaffirmed my passion to support our community and provided endless opportunities for me to connect with organizations and individuals in Detroit.”

Throughout February, Comerica colleagues across the nation participated in different events to learn more about diversity and inclusion as part of Black History Month.

Comerica Bank hosted Martin Luther King Jr. High School students at a Detroit Economic Club meeting with the Detroit Red Wings in February. The team discussed their current season, followed by a question and answer session with the players. Mike Ritchie, Comerica President - Michigan Market, was the presiding officer at the luncheon.

Kim Hill, vice president-trust advisory, charitable advisory and administration services within Comerica Bank’s Wealth Management division, supported the Gift of Life Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program during the group’s annual walk in 2016 with her husband Darryl. The duo completed the 5K together and enjoyed visiting with Detroit Tigers mascot PAWS before the race.

Since achieving her undergraduate degree from the University of Detroit Mercy, Hill has also completed her master’s degree at Walsh College and has expressed interest in earning a certificate in financial planning.

Going red in support of women at this year’s Go Red for Women luncheon were Comerica colleagues (from left) Antoinette Frost, Denise Leonard and Holly Windom. The annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association focuses on making women aware of the red flags of heart disease and stroke, which cause one in three deaths among women each year.

“I’m a people person who loves assisting others,” Hill said. “A future in financial planning has always been a goal of mine.”

Michael K. Cheatham, vice president and Community Reinvestment Act manager for Comerica Bank, discussed bank collaboration initiatives in Southeast Michigan at the 2018 Community-Up! Conference: Rethinking Strategy. Cheatham also moderated the conference’s Collaborative Community Development panel discussion. Community-Up! Hosts the annual conference, which brings together community development experts, advocates, nonprofit organizations, CDFIs and others to strengthen neighborhoods and build up communities.

Monica L. Martinez, senior vice president of External Affairs for Comerica Bank, received the Women in the Workplace Leadership award from MichBusiness during the annual Women Thrive Conference.

Born and raised as a family-loving woman from Virginia, Hill hasn’t always embraced the Michigan community – as she didn’t particularly want to leave her family in Virginia when she journeyed to the mitten state more than 30 years ago. Her husband Darryl, who was stationed in Virginia with the United States Navy, insisted on returning home to Michigan following his time away.

2018

Detroit has long been known as a great jazz town. Celebrating its 18th season, Comerica Bank Java & Jazz continues the tradition of providing a monthly after work concert series that showcases some of Detroit’s finest creative talent.

Comerica Bank Java & Jazz • April 17, 2018 6:00 p.m.

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

Mike Monford Trio

Outside of providing charitable support and counsel to her clients at Comerica Bank, Hill spends her time volunteering with family members and supporting the community she’s grown to love. Regularly involved with her church, Hill contributes towards countless shelter events, food donations, and health awareness initiatives in her neighborhood.

Over her three decades with Comerica, Hill has taken part in a number of community initiatives and events benefitting the community, including Comerica’s Toys for Tots fundraiser. Hill also serves as a role model for a partner program with Cornerstone Schools and enjoys connecting with youth.

“I’ve been extremely blessed by everyone that I’ve crossed paths with in life,” Hill said, citing the endless support from her husband, family and friends throughout the state that she now calls home.

What are your hobbies?

“I enjoy spending time with my two adult children, Desmond and Oneka and my husband Darryl. We’re a close-knit sports family that enjoys watching games together, even when Darryl is yelling at the television.

When we’re not relaxing together or watching a game, you can find us traveling the country. My daughter and I love exercising and coloring adult coloring books together, while my son and I tend to watch television shows together and relax. We still honor our annual tradition of seeing a movie together near Christmas.

I’m pretty sure we’re one of the only families left that enjoy eating at the dinner table together and I hope that never changes.”

What is your most memorable accomplishment?

Dr. Tonya Matthews, chief executive officer and president of the Michigan Science Center, shares information about the Science Center’s Steminista project with Comerica’s technology colleagues. Dr. Matthews was one of the guest speakers at Comerica’s International Women’s Day Celebration that Comerica’s Technology department held in partnership with the Michigan Women’s Forum. The event focused on personal and professional development and topics such as work-life balance, women in technology and leadership journeys.

Native Detroiter Mike Monford spent some 20 years in New York honing his talents with great musicians, and entrenched in the history and sounds of jazz. Back in Detroit, The Mike Monford Trio (Mike Monford, Brandon Williams and Ian Finkelstein) fuses together hard pop, blues & hip-hop influences within the African American blues & jazz traditions through innovative and vibrant avant garde performances.

“When I began to travel outside of the state to meet with clients and colleagues in New York, California and Florida, I was greeted with endless compliments and praise for my dedication to my work.

Having worked with colleagues around the country digitally, I had established relationships through email and conversations for nearly 20 years before finally meeting some of them. Each stop during my first trip, I was met with hugs and words of encouragement that resonated with me. Any time I need a boost, I think back to that day and how good it felt to have my actions and work recognized.”

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

www.facebook.com/Comerica.

City. Life. Style.

C1 | March 21-27, 2018

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

Millennial Moves:

Auriele Boulware – Orange Moon LTD. What’s your go-to life hack?

true representation of a Queen.

My life hack is WRITING DOWN EVERYTHING (I must or I’ll forget lol) tea in the morning and before bed, stretching and meditating.

Proudest millennial move moment?

Cardi B or Coretta Scott King?

Coretta Scott King because she represents an unmatched legacy. She is the definition of courage, resilience, positivity, mindfulness and stability. She held down the fort and kept it ladylike at all times. A

Proudest millennial move moment: Starting my own business: OrangeMoonLtd. ever I never thought my childhood passion would turn into something profitable and marketable and that people would actually love it! In general, my generation is the self-starter generation.

We’ve literally turned businesses out of anything. We’ve really pushed ourselves

and exceeded expectations. I take so much pride in that.

Top 5 (Music and Movies) My top 5 artists in no order, I love them all the same: Marvin Gaye, Anita Baker, The Internet, George Benson and Toni Braxton My top 5 favorite movies in no order: Shottas, Goodfellas, Coming to America, Legend and cinematically, Black Panther.

The visuals were phenomenal.

5 Ways To Celebrate

Spring

(Equinox)

By AJ Williams

T

he spring equinox is also called the first day of Spring and often celebrated as a time of renewal and rebirth. Plants are sprouting. Winds are softening. Many cultures celebrate spring festivals and holidays–like Easter and Passover–around the equinox.

Spring is a great time to plant seeds for new projects and goals. From Spring training to Spring cleaning the sunrise is earlier now, and nightfall comes later inspiring us to clear out clutter and do more.

Here are five ways to celebrate and maximize the new Spring Season:

1. Come Out Of ­Hibernation In Detroit, it’s a great time to break out of the winter blues.

Time to ditch the layers and get back in touch with Mother Nature.

Take some time to celebrate the new life that surrounds you in nature.

Watch the sunrise or sunset, go for a walk in the park, take a bike ride, lay in the grass, or take a hike. As you do so, observe all the new life beginning around you.

2. Plant Seeds Spring is a good time of year to start planting your flowers and gardens if you haven’t already.

If you live in an area where it is still not possible to plant anything, you can start some plants indoors or get your yard and garden ready for late spring plantings.

3. Spring Clean With all this fresh, cleansing spring energy in the air, this is the perfect time to spring clean your body, your mind, your emotions, and your home.

Take a look around you at what is old and out-dated. What are you holding onto that you no longer need? What old beliefs and emotional ties are holding you back? How can you make better nutritional choices to maintain optimal health?

Let go of things that you no longer need, and move into the season with a fresh, clean spring in your step.

4. Set Intentions For New Beginnings Solstices and equinoxes are a great

See SPRING Page C-2

Grab The Crew For Happy Hour at MGM Grand Detroit’s Topgolf Swing Suite

By AJ Williams Tired of the same ol’ Happy Hour with the girls, guys or both? Then look no further than MGM Grand Detroit’s Topgolf Swing Suite.

Topgolf Swing Suite is an immersive experience offering a comfortable lounge atmosphere to play in, and enjoy fantastic food and drinks. With multiple massive virtual screens and a wide selection of exciting arcade games, the Swing Suite delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s fun for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Happy Hour is Monday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m featuring draft pint, cocktails and wine specials along with $10 off bay rentals.

For more information visit www.mgmgranddetroit.com

Page C-2 • michiganchronicle.com • March 21-27, 2018

Spring From page C-1

The Music of Chick Corea

time to let go of the old and begin anew. As the days start to grow longer and the temperatures begin to warm, people start to spend more time outdoors. It is a great time to begin something new.

• Make a list of everything you’ve wanted to do.

• Pick your top three choices.

• Make a plan to start one and go from there. Don’t know where to start?

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Chick Corea Saturday, March 31 // 8 pm Hill Auditorium “Chick is my guy — the musician I would want to play with, if there was anybody I could play with, or learn from.” (Béla Fleck) Presenting Sponsor: Supporting Sponsors:

5. Find Balance Day and night are of equal length on the equinox, so this is a great time to take a life review and make sure that you are as “in balance” as nature is.

Friends and Family in memory of Rick Hammond Media Partners: Ann Arbor’s 107one, WDET 101.9 FM, WEMU 89.1 FM, and WRCJ 90.9 FM

Spring is an excellent opportunity to take an honest look at all areas in your life and find as much balance as you can, so you can blossom and grow into a happier, healthier, and more balanced you.

CLASSIFIED HELP WANTED

Seeking

CUSTODIAN II/HOUSING AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Oakland Center

Minimum Qualifications: Perform cleaning activities and maintain assigned areas in the residential housing building and the Oakland Center. Two years prior custodial experience, preferably in a university environment/ residential setting. High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience, ability to use and/or mix various cleaning chemicals, perform physically active work, requires frequent lifting, may work in various weather conditions with extremes heat & cold, also may require a MI driver’s license acceptable to the University’s insurance carrier.

Salary is $12.23 per hour probationary, $12.48 per hour after 90 days. Full time position working: Monday-Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 29, 2018.

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

HELP WANTED

Seeking

CUSTODIAN I/FACILITIES AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Campus Cleaning Department

Perform cleaning activities and maintain assigned areas in various campus classroom and office buildings and on an emergency basis, perform Grounds related tasks. High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience, ability to use and/ or mix various cleaning chemicals, perform physically active work, requires frequent lifting of up to 60 lbs., may work in various weather conditions with extremes heat & cold, also may require a MI driver’s license acceptable to the University’s insurance carrier. Salary is $12.23 per hour probationary, $12.48 per hour upon successful 90 days. Full time position working: Monday-Thursday: 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

See online postings for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 29, 2018.

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

Tribute to the Jazz Epistles Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya Featuring Freddie trumpet Abdullah Ibrahim, piano Freddie Hendrix, trumpet and flugelhorn Cleave Guyton, alto saxophone, flute, and clarinet Lance Bryant, tenor saxophone Marshall McDonald, baritone saxophone Andrae Murchison, trombone and trumpet Noah Jackson, cello and bass Will Terrill, drums Friday, April 13 // 8 pm Michigan Theater This concert will be performed in memory of trumpet player Hugh Masekela, an original member of the Jazz Epistles who passed away from prostate cancer in January.

Supporting Sponsors: Gary Boren and Louise Taylor Media Partners: Ann Arbor’s 107one, WDET 101.9 FM, and WEMU 89.1 FM

7 3 4 . 7 6 4 . 2 5 3 8 ——— U M S . O R G

UAW-FORD’s

Section C-3

March 21-27, 2018

Our very own Hall of Famer: CT Football Coach Thomas Wilcher!

A Hall of Fame Legacy: State championships, are just a slice of Coach Thomas Wilcher’s wonderful 30-year legacy at CT. Even more uplifting are the stories of the many young men who have grown up, pursued higher education, and become champions in the game of life through his positive direction.

A 30-year commitment to students represents the true ‘Spirit of Detroit’

By Scott Talley Special to the Michigan Chronicle “All students will have the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to thrive in our city, our nation, our world.”

Those words can be found posted every day within Detroit’s Cass Technical High School because those powerful words comprise the school’s lofty vision statement.

However, for that vision statement to come to life for the benefit of our city, nation and world, requires an enduring commitment from all of the educators at Cass Tech. And that group of special educators at the famous school downtown includes Mr. Thomas Wilcher, a recent inductee into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

A sensational, nationally recognized two-sport athlete during his own high school days at Detroit’s Central High School, Mr. Wilcher also has been inducted into the University of Michigan’s Track and Field Hall of Fame, and as Cass Tech’s head football coach, he has guided the Technicians to three state championships (2011, 2012, 2016).

Indeed, Coach Wilcher has become synonymous with athletic and football success. But it also should be understood that Coach Wilcher’s induction into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame means far more than mere wins on the field.

“It means everything to the community,” said Cass Tech’s principal Lisa Phillips, who organized a ceremony at her school on March 14, where Coach Wilcher received a “Spirit of Detroit” award from Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones and Councilman Andre Spivey.

Principal Phillips added: “Rarely do you get a DPS coach inducted into the Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame.

It says a lot for the work that he has been doing without notice—without even wanting anyone to give him attention— he just does it. I wanted to celebrate him to let him know that we appreciate everything he does. It means the world

to me as his principal, because he will tell you we started winning these state championships in the last eight years and that was Coach’s hard work over the last 30. It’s paying off now because he is dedicated to his program and to his students…”

When the “Best of Young Detroit” section was launched, it was decided that hard-working, truly committed student-athletes would represent a significant amount of our coverage. And one of the groups of students that UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles pointed to as an example was Coach Thomas Wilcher’s football program at Cass Tech.

Therefore, it was an honor for the “Best of Young Detroit” to be present during the “Spirit of Detroit” award ceremony, and afterwards speak with Coach Wilcher, who was most gracious in his comments.

“It’s great to have your peers and your friends recognize you and also it lets the athletes that you have coached have an opportunity to see that everyone notices the success you have had and the hard work you have put in,” said Coach Wilcher, who seemed equally proud that there were past and present Cass Tech student-athletes working out together in the school’s weight room after school as the “Spirit of Detroit” ceremony was in progress.

Coach Wilcher added: “…I thank (Councilman) Spivey and the whole City Council. I thank my Detroit Public Schools System and my principal, Ms. Phillips, and the faculty here at Cass Tech, and all the secretaries and everybody that works so hard to make things happen. And then all my coaches who give countless and endless hours to the kids every single day. I also thank everybody that touched me and made me what I am, that’s really what is important today.”

In closing, we give the last word to a few of Coach Wilcher’s student-athletes that the “Best of Young Detroit” came across in the CT weight room after the ceremony. As Detroit City Council president and Cass Tech alum Brenda Jones said about Coach Wilcher: “You are the spirit of De-

troit.” We believe the students we spoke to also represent that same spirit, in large part because a Hall of Fame person has nurtured them.

Will Galbraith, OL/DL, Class of 2018: “Coach Wilcher was a great coach for me growing up here at Cass Tech. He helped me develop and improve a lot during my four years here and he helped me get back on track with my grades. He’s just a great a coach I think he deserves being in the Hall of Fame.”

Charles Highbaugh, RB, Class of 2018: “Through my four years I can say that Coach Wilcher is one of the best coaches I have ever had and I think he is well deserving of being a Hall of Fame coach. He made sure we worked hared every day and gave us character traits that I think every young man should have.”

Jordan Lowe, RB, Class of 2019: “Coach Wilcher is a motivator on and off the field. Besides football, he really grows us up as a man and develops us. He shows us that there is more to life than just football.”

Lewis Nichols, RB, Class of 2019: “Coach Wilcher is a hard working coach and he is dedicated to his job. He loves supporting us, taking care of us, and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.”

Charlie Sims, LT, Class of 2021: “Coach Wilcher is a good coach. My first couple of months at Cass have been good and he has helped me get my grades together.”

Jeremiah Penick LB, Class of 2019: “Coach Wilcher is a real motivator and a really great person. He’s a person that you can talk to him about anything and be real open about anything, and he is a really great coach.”

Jalen Nichols, S, Class of 2019: “What Coach Wilcher is to me, he is a motivator on and off the field. He wants nothing but the best for you. He wants to make sure you succeed in every way possible in life, and just wants you to be a growing young man.”

UAW-Ford’s Best of Young Detroit

March 21-27, 2018 Page C-4

The excitement of ‘March Madness’ includes a special Detroit flavor Following are some recent strong performances by student-athletes with local ties in the NCAA and National Invitation Tournament basketball contests.

Branndais Agee, Michigan State University/Cass Tech, the redshirt senior guard contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds in the Spartans’ 81-75 opening round victory against Cincinnati in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament on March 15.

Micaela “Twin” Kelly, Central Michigan University/Martin Luther King, the redshirt freshman guard continues to shine in big games, as she contributed 17 points, six rebounds and three assists in a 78-69 opening round victory against Louisiana State in the Women’s NCAA Tournament on March 17.

Wes Clark, University at Buffalo/ Romulus, the senior guard and Detroit native totaled 51 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds in two NCAA tournament games, including 25 points, seven assists and four rebounds in an 89-68 opening round upset victory against Arizona on March 15.

Rico Ozuna-Harrison, University of Michigan/Cass Tech, the freshman guard’s name will not show up often in the box score, but as a walk-on, scout team member for the Wolverines, OzunaHarrison plays a very important role in helping to prepare the team for their next opponents. The preparation paid off in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, including the Wolverines’ thrilling 64-63 buzzer-beating second round victory against Houston on March 17.

Greg Elliott, Marquette/East English Village, the freshman guard totaled 16 points in two National Invitation Tournament victories, including 13 points in the Golden Eagles’ 101-92 second round win against Oregon on March 18.

Donnie Tillman, Utah, the freshman forward and Detroit native contributed 11 points and five rebounds in the Utes’ 69-59 opening round victory against UC Davis in the National Invitation Tournament on March 14.

Siyeh Frazier, Penn State University/ Renaissance, the sophomore guard contributed seven points, four steals, three blocked shots and three rebounds in a 63-62 opening round overtime defeat against Radford in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament on March 15.

Cassius Winston, Michigan State University/University of Detroit Jesuit, the sophomore guard totaled 26 points, 16 assists, four rebounds and three steals in two NCAA Tournament games at Little Caesars Arena, including 11 points and 10 assists in an 82-78 first round victory against Bucknell on March 16.

Cass Tech’s Regina Carter is a musical ‘genius’ Can a student sitting in a Detroit Public Schools Community District classroom today become a musical virtuoso known throughout the world? Absolutely, and one of the special people our students can look to for inspiration is Ms. Regina Carter. The Cass Tech and Oakland University product has been called the “finest jazz violinist of our time.” Ms. Carter is a past recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, popularly known as “genius awards,” which are given to support outstanding and innovative work in such fields as research science, literature, the visual and performing arts and healthcare.

Her disc, “Ella: Accentuate The Positive,” celebrates the “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald. Ms. Carter also has been recently reunited with the dynamic all-female jazz group Straight Ahead, which is expected to perform at this year’s Detroit Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend.

“Best of Young Detroit”

DEPSA Pioneers repeat as Class C girls basketball champs!

Through basketball and service to others, Willie Green is a winner!

The Michigan High School Athletic Association Class C girls basketball crown has once again found a resting place at 1903 Wilkins, home of the Detroit Edison Public School Academy (DEPSA) Pioneers.

The Pioneers, guided expertly by head coach Monique Brown, and her entire coaching staff, defended their state championship with a 51-34 victory over Ypsilanti Arbor Prep on March 17 at Van Noord Arena on the campus of Calvin College in Grand Rapids. In beating Arbor Prep, the back-to-back state champions

avenged their only loss of the season.

As expected, leading the way for the Pioneers was the sensational 6-foot-3 junior Rickea Jackson, who registered 16 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots. But equally impressive was the Pioneers’ tenacious, suffocating defense and overall team play, which reflected a battle-tested team that prepped for the state tournament by playing some of the top teams in Class A and Class B during the regular season.

Congratulations Pioneers!

The “Best of Young Detroit” cherishes the relationships we have formed with organizations and individuals in our community that are truly committed to Detroit youth and families. We are proud to add a new community ally to our list—Black Family Development Inc. (BFDI), whose work fortifies youth and families across our city. Therefore, when BFDI CEO Alice Thompson informed us that March is National Reading Month, the “Best of Young Detroit” felt a responsibility to promote reading in our section, in some small, but hopefully meaningful way.

Following is the First Annual “Best of Young Detroit” National Reading Month Reading List: “The Color of Water” by James McBride “Black Feminist Thought” by Patricia Hill Collins “Daughters” by Paule Marshall “Fences” by August Wilson “The Girl Who Fell From The Sky” by Heidi Durrow “Homemade Love” by J. California Cooper “The Complete Fiction of Nella Larson” by Nella Larson “PUSH” by Sapphire “I Write What I Like” by Steve Biko “Twelve Years A Slave” by Solomon Northup “The Angela Davis Reader” by Joy James “Annie Allen” by Gwendolyn Brooks

The date was March 18, 2001 and the University of Detroit Mercy registered a 6761 victory against one of the biggest names in men’s college basketball—Connecticut— on the Huskies’ home court. The victory allowed the Titans to advance in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), and a key player in that win was a shooting guard out of Detroit Cooley High School named Willie Green, who scored 25 points that night against U-Conn.

The 2000-2001 Detroit Mercy team made it all the way to the semifinal round of the NIT, which is traditionally played at the “Mecca of Basketball,” New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Green was just a sophomore that season and still learning his craft from legendary UDM coach Perry Watson. It may not have been easy to see then, but Green was destined to play more games at Madison Square Garden and other famous arenas, as he steadily improved under Coach Watson’s direction, and by his senior campaign Green was the 2003 Horizon League Player of the Year.

A four-year starter, Green scored at least 20 points in 31 games while wearing a Titans uniform. His collegiate resume, and performance during pre-draft workouts made Green a second-round selection in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who sent Green in a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers. Philly would prove to be a great fit for the Detroit product, who would play seven of his 12 NBA seasons with the 76ers, including the 2007-2008 campaign, when he averaged his NBA career high of 12.4 points. Green also spent parts of his NBA career with the New Orleans Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic.

“Breath, Eyes, Memory” by Edwidge Danticat “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano” by Olaudah Equiano “Flight To Canada” by Ishmael Reed “Half Of A Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Adichie “The Known World” by Edward P. Jones “What Looks like Crazy on an Ordinary Day” by Pearl Cleage “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by James Baldwin “The Other Side of Paradise” by Staceyann Chin “The Weary Blues” by Langston Hughes “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston “Blood In My Eye” by George Jackson Parents, please note that the books listed are merely suggestions. The most important objective is to promote reading in our community.

Self-selection of reading materials is an extremely important element in encouraging readers, and research has shown that students, especially younger students, become more excited about reading when they are given opportunities to read about people and topics that are important to them.

Known as a dependable two-way player throughout his NBA career, Green also made his mark as one of the very best citizens in professional sports. Green’s generosity and commitment to youth and student-athletes have often targeted his hometown, including basketball camps for youth stressing athletic and life lessons; and, the renovation of the University of Detroit Mercy men’s basketball locker room, which now dons his name.

A true “winner” in athletics and life, it comes as no surprise that the organization that now sets the standard of excellence for the NBA, the Golden State Warriors, coveted the talents of Mr. Green as assistant coach for player development. The Warriors and the Bay Area have discovered what Detroit has long known—Mr. Willie Green is a class act and a true role model for youth, and that is why he should always be remembered and celebrated by his hometown.

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

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

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

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OPEN ENROLLMENT

Pre-Nursing Week Job Fair

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Number 2

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

INVITATION TO BIDDERS Replacement of Security Screen Doors & Entry Door Hardware Dwelling units Projects MI008-001, 002, 003, 004 Capital Fund 2016-17 Program $75.00 Non-refundable fee for the Bid Packet Cashier Check/Money Order Only Payable to: River Rouge Housing Commission 180 Visger Road

River Rouge, MI. 48218 Bid Packets are available: March 14, 2018 March 21, 2018 @ 10:30 am @ Hyacinth Court 460 ½ Lenoir Ct. River Rouge, MI. 48218

Closing Date: March 28, 2018 @ 2:00pm Submit to: Lori D. Long, Executive Director / Contracting officer • 313 382-1414 for questions or concerns

Samaritan Homes

Attn: Food Service Vended Meal Companies Samaritan Homes is seeking competitive bids for vended meals for the Summer Food Service Program. The Vendor would provide meal services in accordance with United States Department of Agriculture regulations and State of Michigan Department of Education guidelines and policies. The contracting process is subject to federal procurement regulations.

Copies of the Invitation for Bid will be available upon request by Friday, March 23, 2018, at ejackson@samaritanhomesfd.org. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at 10:00 am at 22610 Rosewood, Oak Park, MI. Attendance is optional but strongly encouraged.

Sealed bids are due by Tuesday, April 17, 2018, no later than 3:00 p.m. EST. Sealed bids received by that deadline will be opened on Wednesday, April 18, ,2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Samaritan Homes, 22610 Rosewood, Oak Park, MI. ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN 2018 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM CONTRACT NO. WD-2018-03 The City of Highland Park is accepting proposals for Contractors to replace 21,559 feet of 6-inch cast-iron water main containing numerous dead-end lines with the majority of the pipe being close to a hundred years old. The project is located in nine priority areas throughout the City. Contractors may bid on one or any combination of these priority areas. *Above quantity is approximate and estimated. This project is funded by the Drinking Water Revolving Fund, and as such, the Contract will require Davis-Bacon/Prevailing Federal Wages and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements, as well as Debarment and Suspension Certification.

Bids must be received by 12:00 p.m. Local Time on Monday, April 30, 2018 Ms. Brenda Green Office of the Clerk, City of Highland Park 12050 Woodward Ave Highland Park, MI 48203 Bids shall be publicly opened and read : Monday, May 7, at the City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

(Local Time) City of Highland Park City Hall Building 12050 Woodward Ave Highland Park, MI 48203 The Contract Documents may be obtained in digital form by emailing procurements@metroca.net. Starting Friday, March 23, hard copies of the plans and flash drives containing the procurement/contract and specifications books may also be picked up at the Highland Park Water Department at 14110 Woodward Avenue, Highland Park, MI 48203, free of charge for up to three (3) copies per contractor.

Additional hardcopies may be obtained at cost per copy. All qualified vendors are encouraged to bid on all City of Highland Park construction projects.

A refundable bid deposit in the form of certified check, cash, or surety bond payable to the City of Highland Park for a sum not less than five percent of the amount of the Proposal shall be required with each Proposal.

All bidders will be required to attend the mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting and site walkthrough at 10 a.m., March 28, at the Water Department (14110 Woodward Avenue, Highland Park, MI 48203). Please submit the number attending in each bidder’s party in writing by March 23 to procurements@metroca.net. The successful bidder will be required to furnish satisfactory performance, labor, and materials and maintenance and guarantee bonds in the amount of one hundred percent of the Contract price.

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

Bids (Proposals) will not be received unless made on forms furnished by the City of Highland Park and delivered to the City Clerk’s office on or before 12:00 p.m. Local Time on Monday, April 30.

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WHAT’S INSIDE

Applications are available at the school (8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. M-F) or on the website: http://www.boggsschool.org/applicationinstructions.

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MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

SOFTWARE ENGINEER Dürr Systems Inc. has available positions of Software Engineer in Southfield, MI. Although the Software Engineer will work in Southfield, MI, the Software Engineer will be required to travel 50% of working time to customer sites & affiliates in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, & Africa as well as to parent company in Germany. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Software Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering & 24 months experience as a Software Engineer. Position also requires: 1) Exp. must include 24 mos. of exp. designing software for Robot controls in automotive Paint Shops. Job duties: Design, specify, & develop state-of-the-art software for Spray Booth Automation. Complete assigned projects within budget, on time, & to an acceptable quality, while conforming to company policies & procedures. Design & code Robotics Process Control (RPC)/Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programs following quality manual procedures. Configure, modify, & implement Dürr standard software for RPC, PLC, visualization, & group products. We are an equal opportunity employer & all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition or disability, height, weight, or any other protected status. We maintain a drugfree work place & perform pre-employment drug & alcohol testing. Qualified applicants should send resume & verification of reqs. to Kristy Summers, Human Resources Assistant, Dürr Systems, Inc., 26801 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48033.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

Detroit Edison Public School Academy and Early College of Excellence is accepting students from Pre-K through grade 12. The student enrollment period will begin Wednesday, March 7, 2018 and will continue until Wednesday, March 28, 2018. If full enrollment is not reached by March 28, 2018, the enrollment period will continue as long as necessary to complete full enrollment in each grade. Parents of students interested in applying for the 2018 – 2019 school year may obtain applications in the school’s main office, 1903 Wilkins St. Detroit, MI 48207, from 7:30am – 5:00pm and online at www.detroitedisonpsa.org.

HELP WANTED City of Ferndale

FINANCE MANAGER The City of Ferndale is seeking a Finance Manager to join the City’s Finance team. This position will be a key member of our finance team and will be responsible for overseeing the City’s financial and management information system. The Finance Manager will assist the Finance Director in the oversight of finance personnel and general accounting functions including: budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, planning, auditing, report creation, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and tax reconciliation. A bachelor degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field is required, along with a minimum of 3 years progressively responsible finance experience, including 1 year in a supervisory capacity. M.B.A. or related graduate degree is preferred.

Salary Range is $65,336-$81,632 commensurate with experience. Visit https://www.ferndalemi.gov/jobs for more information and to apply.

This position will be open until filled; first review of resumes will be March 30, 2018.

EOE

ANNOUNCEMENTS DOCUMENT 001113 - ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Bid Package 2-Core/Shell and Landscaping Wayne County Community College District Health and Wellness Education Center

Project Address: 971 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI. 48226 TCG Project Number: 255

HNS Project Number: 2016043

Construction Manager WCCCD Tooles Contracting Group, LLC Jacob Keli 535 Griswold, Suite 2550 1001 W. Fort St. Detroit, MI 48226 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone No: (313) 221-8500 Bid Due Date:

Southfield Civic Center www.american-hr.com for Exhibitor Information

$1.00

HELP WANTED

Project Name:

Thursday, May 3, 2018

BER 28, 2017 ICLE – SEPTEM MICHIGAN CHRON Who ATION IN THE Universities & Graduate Programs LOOK FOR INFORMFeature Colleges AndUnderg raduate

See: www.detroitservicelearning.org

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

The Boggs School’s open enrollment period for the 2018-19 school year is April 1-30, 2018. A random selection drawing, if needed, will be May 10 at 5 p.m. at the school (4141 Mitchell St., Detroit, 48207).

Owens

Senior Editor

Legal Notice

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MEDIA

Farmington Hills student mistreated by teachers for knowing his rights

The Detroit Service Learning Academy District announces the 2018-2019 open enrollment period for grades K-8 starting Tuesday, May 1, 2018 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Detroit Service Learning Academy 21605 W. 7 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48219 or the Redford Service Learning Academy 25940 Grand River Ave. Redford, MI 48240. In the event student enrollment applications exceed available space, a random selection drawing will be held if needed on Saturday, August 4, 2018 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at 21605 W. Seven Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48219.

This institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and disability.

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

BY REAL TIMES

michiganchronic Volume 81 –

DETROIT SERVICE LEARNING ACADEMY

BORN GIFTED READER

City of Highland Park Brenda Green, City Clerk

M

20-26, 2017 September

OPEN ENROLLMENT

PRE-BID MEETING:

O

Baobab Fare Detroit Comerica Hatch Contest

Page C-5

Ends Sunday,

POWERED

RFPs are due by 3:00 PM ET, April 27, 2018.

E

NT HOMEFRO wins seventh

Best In Black ING VOT 20th AL day, FIN September Starts Wednes October 16th detroit.com www.bestinblack

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFPs for Voice Communication Services, Control No. 18-2534. RFP forms may be obtained beginning March 19, 2018 from http://www.mitn.info.

March 21-27, 2018

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Architect Hannah – Neumann / Smith 1500 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48226

Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 2:00pm

Tooles Contracting Group is soliciting Bids for Bid Package 2-Core/Shall and Landscaping on behalf of Wayne County Community College District Board of Directors, Jacob Keli, and the Procurement Department. TCG will receive sealed bids for construction of the Health and Wellness Facility (approximately 70,000 sq. ft. building) located at 971 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI. The bids must be presented in the form of a stipulated sum for the entire project. Bid Package 2 includes the following: Bid Categories: BC-04 Masonry BC-09A Tiling BC-12C Bleachers BC-06A Carpentry, Drywall & Ceilings BC-09B Flooring BC-12D Interior Scoreboard BC-06B Doors, Frames, & Hardware BC-09C Wood Athletic Floor BC-21 Fire Suppression BC-06C Exterior Envelope BC-09E Painting BC-22 Plumbing BC-07A Joint Sealants BC-12A General Trades BC-22 HVAC BC-07B Roofing BC-12B Gym Equipment BC-26 Electrical BC-07C Fireproofing & Intumescent Fireproofing

BC-08A Entrances, Storefronts, Curtainwall, Glass Guardrail & Railings BC-09D Fluid Applied Athletic Flooring BC-33 Site Improvements & Landscaping A Non-Mandatory Pre-bid conference will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 10:00 am local time, at Wayne County Community College District Downtown Campus (1001 West Fort Street – Room 223) to clarify or answer questions concerning the Project schedule, Drawings and Project Manual for the Project.

The Board of Directors will receive bids until 2:00pm on Thursday March 29, 2018 at Wayne County Community College District Building, 1001 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226 – Purchasing Department on 4th Floor. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened in Room 236 and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time.

All interested parties are invited to attend.

Bidding Documents, including specifications will be available on the Tooles Contracting Group Bid Solicitation Software BuildingConnected website on March 14. Please accept the invitation and you will be connected to all the current drawing and specifications. Drawings and specifications can be viewed or downloaded once you access the website.

Successful bidders and all subcontractors shall conform with the requirement to pay Prevailing Wages pursuant to the Michigan Prevailing Wage Law, Act 166, P.A. of 1965

Published Every Wednesday

MARCH IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS MONTH

Senior Project Engineer – NA Axle Engineering

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC seeks a Senior Project Engineer – NA Axle Engineering, in Troy, MI, to assure all projects adhere to the GP3 and engineering procedures, conceptualize, design, and develop new product or product revisions in response to customer requirements, warranty issues, and/or value analysis efforts, among other duties. Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and ten years of experience in the job offered or related eng. occ. Please send resumes to: Ms. Sarah Trautmann, Meritor, Resume Processing/JO#8550991, 2135 West Maple Road, Troy, MI 48084.

Manager, Engineering Department

(Auburn Hills, MI) Product research, development (X-­ray instruments): precision mechanical, optic system design and analysis 3D CAD modeling and 2D engineering.

Master’s in Mechanical Eng, Aeronautical Eng or related + 2 years exp in a scientific instrument design related occupation. Must have two years’ exp in Precision mechanical and optical system design of scientific analytical instruments, 3D CAD modeling and generating 2D engineering drawings with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 standard or equivalent, Engineering documentation control and design revision control, Tolerance budget and stack-­up analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), and design failure mode and effect analysis (DFMEA), Engineering design review, Prototype troubleshooting. Resumes to Attn: John McGill, Rigaku Innovative Technologies, 1900 Taylor Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326. Use reference code RD1.

Manager- User Experience (UX) and Usability

General Motors, Detroit, MI. Plan, assure timely design, & implement wearable (watch interfaces), mobile (mybr&apps), website (ownercenter), &downloadable in vehicle infotainment apps incldg passenger vehicle screen layouts to accommodate user reach envelope (95% male/5%female), video playback/two way communications compliance with CVAA &TTY Phone requirements, &reduction of steps &intricacy to reduce driver distraction. Dvlp &optimize vehicle/mobile/wearable apps, vehicle screens, faceplates for in vehicle apps, &steering wheel control designs, &product features, as well as solutions OnStar Smartphone apps. Mentor employees to disseminate a unifying plan promoting customer delight &safety, compliance with industrial design standards, &adherence to regulatory protections. Dvlp simulation of driving environment to reduce human psychological load. Improve threshold algorithm &vehicle apps design to reduce vehicle driver eyes off road time, &frequency/duration of eyes off road time, &identify all lockout behaviors. Supervise team of 11 professionals. Conduct user research &contextual inquiry, &identify market trends &user needs. Dvlp Affinity diagraming of customer verbatim. Design early prototypes for testing in Axure. Work with stakeholders to resolve issues with technical feasibility.

Master, Human Kinetics, Industrial Design, or Human Computer Interaction. 12 mos exp as User Interface Designer, Interaction Designer or UX Designer, UX Engineer, or related, conducting user research &contextual inquiry, identifying market trends &user needs, dvlpg Affinity diagraming of customer verbatim, &designing early prototypes for testing in Axure. Mail resume to Ref#3841, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Director-Purchasing Advanced Technology Director-Purchasing Advanced Technology, Warren, MI, General Motors. Lead, formulate &execute industrialization &commercialization strategies for procurement of advanced technologies incldg advanced ECU &advanced sensing incldg Lidar, radar, &cameras to enable Level 4 autonomous passenger vehicle, use big data &analytical tools, &add innovative products &features to General Motors vehicles, &enhance the user experience of infotainment in GM passenger vehicles to improve vehicle productivity &reliability &enhance user experience.

Supervise 3 Global Commodity Managers, one each possessing a bachelors’ degree in Business Administration, Engrg &Supply Chain Management, respectively. Plan &dvlp current &future (immediate risk mitigating (shortages) &longer-term) strategies to obtain economic pricing on semiconductor component raw materials incldg copper &gold.

Study, stimulate the dvlpmt &foster an environment to improve ECUs &LIDAR component hardware market incldg companies that can design &make the necessary products &parts that can sense, compute &to actuate vehicle operation.

Determine their true capability for designing &/or mfg the technically complex &critical components required. Assess the commercial compatibility between General Motors &each of these companies incldg ability to take full &unlimited liability for their role in designing &/or mfg safety &mission critical components.

Master, International Mgmt, Business Administration, or Economics. 12 mos exp as Commercial Director, Category or Commodity Manager, Procurement/Purchasing Professional, or related, formulating &executing industrialization strategies for procurement of technologies incldg advanced ECUs &advanced sensing incldg Lidar, radar, &cameras to enable Level 4 autonomous passenger vehicle or heavy-duty construction or mining vehicle. Mail resume to Ref#2532, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

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• michiganchronicle.com •

March 21-27, 2018

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Odds of winning: Daily 3: Straight: 1 in 1,000; 3-Way Box: 1 in 333; 6-Way Box: 1 in 167; 1-Off Straight: 1 in 1,000; 1-Off One Digit: 1 in 167. Daily 4: Straight: 1 in 10,000; 4-Way Box: 1 in 2,500; 6-Way Box: 1 in 1,666; 12-Way Box: 1 in 833; 24-Way Box: 1 in 416; 1-Off Straight: 1 in 10,000; 1-Off One Digit: 1 in 1,250. Knowing your limits is always the best bet. Call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline for confidential help at 1-800-270-7117.