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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 83 – No.33 | April 22-28, 2020

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Don’t Open Up The State To Business As Usual Before We Are Ready Statement by Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President, Detroit Branch NAACP

The great blues singer B.B. King made a song called “Never Make Your Move Too Soon.” The same can be said of opening up the state of Michigan to business as usual during this COVID-19 pandemic. There is still not enough testing and not enough access to healthcare for all Michiganders. This is particularly true in the city of Detroit among the African American community. To open up before the state is ready would be disastrous.

It would set back the current progress that is being Rev. Dr. Wendell made to fight this disease.

Anthony We need more tests, greater access to healthcare throughout the community, more PPE for healthcare workers, and a government that is committed to ending the socio-economic and racial disparities existing in Detroit and other urban areas. We must listen to the wisdom of the scientists and healthcare providers working for our protection. We must not be seduced by the political sirens working for their re-election.

African Americans are not very anxious to open up a process that simply leads us right back to the same old mess.

The real issue is not blocking the streets so traffic cannot drive through or shutting down a hospital that the sick are unable to get to. Pulling political stunts such as surrounding the capitol with cars and trucks, carrying handguns, rifles AR 14.5 or 15, wearing MAGA hats, waving both the American and Confederate flags, and carrying Trump signs for President doesn’t seem like opening the government up. It is more like shutting the government down. No, this was not done in a neighborhood in Detroit. This was done in Lansing on the steps of the capitol. It does not appear that anyone was arrested, taken to jail, or cited for assembling more than 10, 50, or even 100 people. One might ask, what’s up with that? Perhaps this is a place where the National Guard can best be utilized. They could help to make the way clear for healthcare workers to do their job, aiding those that are sick to get much needed care. We certainly want to open up and enjoy a good quality of life. As a minister, I want to open up my church and feed my flock, but not in a pasture that might choke them to death. We must not make our move too soon. We must get this thing right because death is still lurking in the shadows in the event we get it wrong.

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The Coronavirus + Census 2020: Being Counted Matters Now More Than Ever

By Patreice A. Massey What if I told you you could get $1,800 annually for every person who lives in your home for a period of 10 years? And what if I told you that in order to get the money all you had to do was take 10 minutes to answer 9 questions. Would you do it? If you’re like me the answer is “Heck, yeah!” It seems simple enough. Easy money.

Yet, every decade thousands of Detroiters fail to complete their census survey essentially leaving billions of dollars on the table—dollars that could be going to schools, parks and recreation and even “fixing the damn roads”.

So what’s all the fuss? Why is it important to #BECOUNTED? Every 10 years the U.S. Constitution requires an accurate count of the country’s population. The reason for this is so that we can have equal representation in government and access to vital government resources. The information collected is then used to determine where federal resources will be sent for services like healthcare, public education, public housing and other federally funded programs that help our communities.

You may have noticed that the City of Detroit has put a full court press on promoting the 2020 Census. Ads flood our radio and social media timelines, billboards that feature famous residents like Big Sean, Ka$h Doll and Icewear Vezzo are plastered all over the city in an effort to avoid another undercount

Join NAACP #10for10 and #BECOUNTED social media challenge. Call or text 10 family members, friends and co-workers to make sure they complete the 2020 Census.

Post a picture of your list of ten people or your completed form along with the hashtags #10for10 and #BECOUNTED. You’ll be surprised at who needs a reminder! For more information on the completing the Census online, through the mail or over the phone, visit 2020Census.Gov. and hopefully signal an end to Detroit’s 60-year population decline.

Detroit has a reputation for being one of the hardest cities for U.S. Census workers to count accurately. According to the Associated Press, “When the U.S. Census Bureau starts counting people in Detroit, obstacles arise as more than 8 in 10 city residents live in neighborhoods considered ‘hard to count’ due to the abundance of vacant houses, sparse internet access and high poverty.”

The African American population has been historically undercounted in the Census, hurting families, communi-

ties and neighborhoods. “African Americans built this country and we deserve all the benefits of our blood, sweat and tears,” said Kamilia Landrum, Executive Director for the Detroit Branch NAACP. “Many of our ancestors were not counted for hundreds of years, so as we move forward, we must always take a stand and let our existence be known. It’s extremely important that each and every person’s name is recorded in the history books of America.”

Much has been said about whether the Census is a perfect tool or even the best way to count people. Former Detroit mayor Dave Bing challenged the 2010 Census results after data showed the city with its smallest population since 1910. Bing maintained the Census missed about 40,000 residents.

“It is one meaningful, albeit a little rickety, vehicle we have to ensure we get our fair share of national resources,” said Eli Day a freelance journalist and communications director with We the People Michigan. “I think the important thing to remember is that it’s just one tool in a much larger arsenal that we have at our disposal and it makes more sense to use it than not.”

Not being counted is costly; for every adult and every child that is not counted our state will lose about $1,800 in federal dollars every year. That adds up to $18,000 per person over the next 10 years and those are funds that we won’t get for our roads and bridges, hospitals

See 2020

CENSUS page A2

Dispelling The COVID-19 Myths: One-on-one With Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun

By Patreice A. Massey Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is something most of us had never heard of prior to a few months ago. Now it’s permeated our lives and the world will be forever changed.

This pandemic has swept through not only the United States but also the entire world at an alarming rate. Currently, Michigan is firmly in the grips of COVID-19 and with no clear end in sight all we can do is wait while some of the world’s most brilliant minds look for a way to defeat or at least weaken the disease.

Globally (at the time of writing this article) the number of COVID-19 cases is over 1.6 million, with 102,594 fatalities. Of that 1.6 million, 375,958 have recovered according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Since the first two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in

Chronicle was able to sit down with Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun, the Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director for Health for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, to find out what is known about COVID-19 and how we can stay safe.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun Michigan on March 12, 2020, we have watched the number steadily climb without any rhyme or reason. On April 10, Michigan health officials reported 1,279 new cases of COVID-19 bringing the state’s total cases to 24,638 with 1,487 deaths.

It’s safe to say that Michigan is on edge and citizens have so many questions. The Michigan

Michigan Chronicle (MC): According to public health data Detroit, which is 79 percent African American, has 7 percent of Michigan’s population but almost 30 percent of the state’s infections and 35 percent of its deaths. It appears that African American populations are disproportionately sickened and killed by the coronavirus. Why is that and what is being done about it?

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun (DJK): What we know right now is that 33 percent of COVID-19 diagnoses and 40 percent of fatalities in Michigan are African American. Obviously, that’s

very concerning. We can’t say for certain why that is but what I can tell you is that there is a higher rate of chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc. in the African American community. And we know that the social determinates of health, i.e. living in poverty, struggling with transportation, those things also contribute to poor health outcomes in the AA community. So, it’s important that we’re mindful of that and we do the appropriate outreach in our community.

MC: It seems like the country was behind in response to this pandemic. Why is that?

DJK: I think from the beginning President Trump was not taking this seriously, calling it a hoax and that didn’t really help our cause. However, in Michigan we’ve been aggressively treating patients and doing what we can to miti-

See JUST

THE FACTS page A2

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Rep. Ilhan Omar

Proposed Bill To Cancel Rent, Mortgage Payments Would Require Landlords To Give Tenants Equity In Property, Offer Free Healthcare

By Bethany Blankley (The Center Square) –Eight House Democrats introduced the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act to authorize full rent and mortgage payment forgiveness through the end of the coronavirus shutdown.

Filed by Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, the bill’s cosponsors include Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, Rashida Tlaib, D-Michigan, Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, Mark Pocan, D-Wisconsin, Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, Jesús“Chuy” García, D-Illinois, and Grace Meng, D-New York.

“Congress has a responsibility to step in to stabilize both local communities and the housing market during this time of uncertainty and crisis,” Omar said in a statement. “In 2008, we bailed out Wall Street. This time, it’s time to bail out the American people who are suffering.”

According to its summary, the $1 trillion bill “would constitute a full payment forgiveness, with no accumulation of debt for renters or homeowners and no negative impact on their credit rating or rental history,” and applies to everyone regardless of their income.

The bill proposes using taxpayer money to establish a relief fund through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

for landlords and mortgage holders to cover losses from the canceled payments. But those who participate would need to agree to several terms.

In order to receive relief money, landlords would have to agree to not increase the rent of their rental properties for five years. They also would be required to give tenants a 10 percent equity stake in their property. Detailed lending data would also be required to be reported to federal housing authorities.

Christian Britschgi at Reason points to the power given to the U.S. Attorney General under the bill to take civil action against property owners and mortgage lenders accused of violating renters’ and homeowners’ rights under the act.

He notes that landlords could be fined $5,000 under the bill for a first offense and $10,000 for a second offense. Landlords who violate the act three or more times could be fined $50,000 and/or their property could be seized.

“That means the government could snatch up a landlord’s rental property just for reporting three tenants who didn’t pay their rent to a credit reporting agency,” Britschgi says.

The federal government would also create an Affordable Housing Acquisition Fund, also administered by HUD. This fund would subsidize nonprofits, public hous-

Just The Facts From page A-1

gate the damage. But yes, overall, we are behind which is why you see the shortages in test kits and medical supplies.

MC: Self-isolation and social distancing can be difficult for those who don’t have money or a home. What is being done for that segment of the population--the homeless and indigent?

DJK: It’s so unfortunate that often when these health crises come it’s people who are already facing inequities that suffer the most. We are working to ensure people have access to medication; we’ve waived copays for insurance and have been doing what we can to remove barriers to accessing care. But it is difficult and we realize that this is impacting them significantly. So, we will continue to work closely with shelters, food pantries and local communities to support those in need.

MC: The CDC released a statement saying that wearing a mask is encouraged. Is there a certain type of mask that should be worn or can you use a bandana, scarf or anything that covers the nose and mouth?

DJK: If you must go out wear a homemade mask and wash the mask frequently. Put it on and leave it on; do not touch your face. When removing the bandana be sure to remove it from the back so as not to touch your face. Because masks can sometimes obscure breathing, we recommend that you only wear a mask if you are able to adjust it or remove it yourself.

MC: Originally it was stated that this virus was similar to the flu do we think this will be seasonal like the flu?

DJK: We just don’t know a lot about this so we cannot say for certain how COVID-19 will behave; whether it will be seasonal or not. We are studying it and trying to learn all that we can about this virus.

MC: With the weather getting warmer people will be tempted to want to gather and go outside. What do you say to those people who feel that a weather change changes everything?

DJK: It’s just not true. We still need to uphold social distancing. We cannot ease up on these social distancing measures. People are dying and people will

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ing authorities, coops, community land trusts, and state and local governments, purchasing private buildings in order to convert them into income-restricted affordable housing.

Anyone agreeing to participate in the fund would be required to provide tenants with free healthcare, childcare, employment and education assistance, and financial literacy education.

“One might ask themselves how exactly free financial literacy classes at federally-funded public housing fits into an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Brischgi says. “The answer is it doesn’t.”

A Change.org petition urging Congress to cancel rent and mortgage payments because of massive unemployment due to the coronavirus shutdown has gained nearly 829,000 signatures out of its one million goal.

“Our federal government should act in a similar fashion to Italy’s and mandate the suspension of rent and mortgage payments during the Coronavirus pandemic,” the petition says in part.

According to a National Multifamily Housing Council report, 12 percent fewer renters paid their rent in April than did in March, and many tenant groups have considered organizing rent strikes for May 1.

die if we don’t comply with the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order.

MC: We haven’t heard much about children being impacted by COVID-19.

Can you tell me the outlook for children and some of those statistics?

DJK: We are definitely seeing children being infected with COVID-19. And we are seeing that when they do get the disease they tend to not get as sick and are less likely to die. But make no mistake there have been cases of newborns and infants across the country that have died from COVID-19. So low risk is not the same as no risk. Children can get the disease; they can get very sick from the disease and they can pass it on to others.

MC: What are we learning from the people who have recovered from COVID19? And, if you’ve had it and recovered does it “live” inside of you and can you catch it again?

DJK: It’s just too early to tell. A lot of people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 still have a long road of recovery ahead of them. Some of these people were on ventilators and that’s not something you bounce back from quickly. We are monitoring that and we are looking to learn anything we can from those who have survived COVID-19.

MC: Reports have said in order to get a handle on this we will have to get everyone tested. How realistic is that?

2020 Census From page A-1 and schools.

“If there is an undercount in Detroit, we could potentially loose a Congressional seat which would be a danger for us all,” said Landrum. “We can’t afford to have less representation for our community. If we miss 100 people, that’s $1.8 million that’s not coming to our community. We cannot afford to lose these dollars, especially as we prepare to deal with the repercussions of COVID-19.”

So, what about the

weeks then we would significantly decrease the number of cases and that’s getting to the point of why social distancing is so important. If you stop coming in contact with people with the disease then you won’t get it. And that’s really the only thing we can do to fight this thing.

MC: What can people do if they are sick and do not have health insurance?

DJK: So, we don’t want anyone to go without care. If you are sick and especially if you have difficulty breathing, do not delay. I’ve heard that the federal government will be reimbursing hospitals that care for the uninsured. Insurance coverage should not be a factor when it comes to life and death.

MC: Is there anything else you would like the public to know about COVID19?

DJK: There are no home remedies

people who say they just don’t believe in the Census? The people who don’t believe funding will make it to the areas where it is most needed.

Complete it anyway.

“Choosing not to participate causes extreme damage for our community; so please set your theories aside and #BECOUNTED,” Landrum said. “If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for the kid down the street who looks forward to the free lunch provided at their school. That may be the only meal that they will eat for the day, so please fill out the Census, to ensure they can eat again tomorrow.”

that can combat COVID-19; there is no pill you can take for this—this disease can and will kill you. So please everyone protect yourself. We are not out of the woods. We have to stay home to stay safe. And if you do go out please practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. We will get through this but it will take all of us doing our part.

If you have symptoms like fever, cough or shortness of breath call 833.559.0659 for advice on what to do next. Please note: screening is required before a COVID-19 diagnostic test.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has set up a hotline for public health and other experts to answer health-related questions about COVID-19. The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 888-535-6136

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DJK: Honestly, our country was just too late in getting these tests up and running. We’re playing catch up so our most important priority is making sure we are testing those most vulnerable of getting ill, healthcare workers, first responders, etc. I don’t think we will be able to test everyone anytime soon; the country was just too late in getting the tests and we are still facing supply chain issues.

MC: During the Governor’s town hall Gov. Whitmer stated, “If everyone stayed home for two weeks, it would eradicate the virus.” Is that accurate?

DJK: The incubation period for COVID-19 is two weeks. Which means If you’re in contact with someone who has the coronavirus it’s going to take about 14 days for you to develop that disease— if you’re going to get the disease.

So, in theory, if the government made every single person stay home for two

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ESSAY:

I Try Not To Worry Much When Thinking Of COVID-19, But One Fear Always Creeps In This essay is written by Helen, a Boys and Girls Club member at Holden at Trix Academy.

Many things have changed as a result of COVID-19. Normally I would be at school on the weekdays expanding my mind, but with everything happening with COVID-19 my school and many others have been shut down for the remainder of the year. Instead of being in a classroom and learning, we are sent packets and given work online. You’re probably thinking “well at least you still get to learn,” and that may be true but not everyone has the resources to learn, or maybe we learn better in a classroom setting. School being closed is just one way COVID-19 has caused a lot of damage.

I haven’t really left my house to see firsthand the damage caused by COVID-19, but the first time I did leave my house it was frightening. I’ve always thought that COVID-19 will just blow over, no need to worry.

But slowly that little thought of hope has been replaced with fear. When I first left my house in weeks to restock on supplies and groceries, I wasn’t expecting the world to be in such a panic.

Many stores were sold out of supplies. My mom and I went to Mike’s Fresh Market, which was filled with desperate people in need of food and home supplies. The instant we got in the store, my mom started shopping as if all of the supplies would be gone before we had the chance to get them. Luckily for us, there was still food and supplies for us to buy.

My mom picked up a few things and headed into a long line, which we waited in for about 20 minutes. As we stood in that line, I silently watched the people around us. Many adults and kids were wearing blue and yellow face masks, with latex gloves to protect their hands.

Though everyone was so close, we were so separated. Usually, people would be socializing but everyone just wanted to protect themselves. That’s when it hit me: COVID-19 won’t just blow over — it’s a pandemic that’s slowly sweeping throughout the nation wreaking havoc everywhere it goes. While standing in that line I overheard a conversation with two elderly men and a lady. They were talking about how many jobs were being cut and how the government was setting a curfew. My mom overheard their conversation, and she chimed in with a joke. “Finally! A break.” They all laughed. Soon the line moved along.

See COVID-19 page A-4

Faith In The Midst Of Fear:

How The Coronavirus Is Affecting The Black Church

By Darlene A. White The doors of the church in Metro Detroit are now closed as worship leaders band together to end the spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. The leaders are now finding creative ways to continue worship services during the closure; but financially, it has not been an easy task for most.

Some churches have moved their Sunday church service to an online streaming platform that is broadcasting from their own home, while others are hosting service safely from their church parking lot in order to follow Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order of “Stay-At-Home and Stay Safe.”

Gov. Whitmer’s Stay-At-Home ban only allows people to leave their homes to go to the grocery store or to handle medical situations. This ban has been extended to April 30, 2020.

“A lot of churches will not be able to weather this corona storm. Many were caught off guard and not ready for services online. Thank God we were already streaming,” said Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephens, pastor of The Historic Pure Word Missionary Baptist Church on Grand River and Evergreen. “I would imagine there is not a local church who is not suffering from almost empty collection plates. But the expenses continue; [need to pay] utilities, leases, salaries, etc. Sad to say, but some churches

will not survive.”

tancing than ever at his church.

Stephens says that his church outreach program still works to make sure that the congregation can participate and things that would normally happen in the church like, communion and the food assistance programs, continue.

“Due to the coronavirus, we are unable to run most of our outreach ministry programs that we would normally have at our facility like our youth and senior groups, narcotics and alcoholics anonymous, tutoring programs and our bible classes,” he said.

“We delivered communion to seniors that requested it, dropped it off in mailboxes; other seniors used juice and crackers from home,” he said. “We have about 100 participants for our online communion service. Also, we still offer our weekly food assistance program. That happens every Wednesday at our church.”

“This is definitely different for me.

In my 20 years of pastoring I have never provided as much phone ministry as I have over the past month or so,” recalled Stephens.

“I am now providing phone calls as opposed to physical visits whenever possible. Counseling sessions will be held over the telephone as opposed to face to face,” he added. “Funerals are no longer allowed in the church during this time. Only funeral homes will have funerals and the pastors will wear protective masks during the service and only immediate family will be allowed to attend the funeral.”

Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony of Fellowship Chapel on Outer Drive in Detroit says COVID-19 has created more dis-

Not being able to have church in the actual facility has affected the churches’ tithes and offerings, but it’s not stopping them from giving back to the community.

“Today, we will be engaged with a special blessing to the community alongside TCF Bank financial center.

We will be distributing $25,000 worth of gifts, $50 for each household, so that families can purchase sanitation supplies, food or whatever they need to get them through this crucial time,” said Anthony.

Triumph Church’s north campus in Southfield is allowing people to watch Pastor Solomon Kinloch’s sermons on a big screen in the church’s parking lot. Members can park and listen in through the radio during services on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

“It gives them the ability to respect the executive order and also engage in social distancing and making sure they’re doing their part refraining from

See BLACK CHURCH page A-4

Living Through a Pandemic from a Scientist’s Point of View “I love my job, there are always new problems and lots of research that has to be done,” said Dr. Cynthia L. Arfken, PhD. “Did I ever think I would live through a pandemic? No, but we are learning new information every day about the disease, how it affects people and communities and that I find fascinating.”

Dr. Arfken is an Epidemiologist and a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University. She received her PhD in chronic disease epidemiology from Yale University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in alcohol research from the University of California in Berkeley. She is also a member of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s (DWIHN) Substance Use Disorder Oversight Policy Board.

“I try and improve the health of the public, much of my research has been aimed at reducing the burden of substance use in our communities and increasing the availability of mental health services.”

She has worked on various projects and partnerships to bring attention to the number of deaths associated with fentanyl use, training and distribution of naloxone kits, alcohol and drug use among the Arab American population and the effects of Telemedicine and Telepsychiatry as viable alternatives to face to face contact with health care professionals.

And although the COVID-19 pandemic is not something she is completely familiar with, she can confirm, no one anticipated the magnitude of this virus.

“What we know today about COVID-19 is going to change tomorrow,” said Arfken. “The message changes as we gain Dr. Cynthia L. Arfken

new information. What was said a month ago about the virus, may not be the same today or tomorrow or a month from now.

We are learning as we go.”

We are also learning just how devastating this virus is, especially among the black community where 40% of the deaths in Michigan have been African Americans. Just recently Governor Whitmer appointed Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist to chair a task force to address the racial disparities from the coronavirus.

“I am interested in these findings as there is a much heavier burden in communities of color and higher death rates of men compared to women. There are a lot of theories out there, we cannot ignore the history of healthcare access and health status of people living in those communities. We must also remember that many of our essential workers may have lower incomes and need to work so they are traveling on public transit and to get to their jobs. I believe there isn’t one underlying reason for this racial disparity but there are multiple factors.”

As we continue to learn more each day about COVID-10, Arfken continues to support the Governor’s Stay Home, stay safe order and offers this advice for people who are struggling.

“Right now we have all become very aware of the food chain and supplies and the demand out there on our essential workers. The advantage we have in this pandemic that others did not have during the flu pandemic of 1918 is that we have technology. So take advantage of that, call your friends, keep your routine and take care of yourself.”

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the DWINH’s 24/7 ­Access HelpLine at 1-800-241-4949

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • April 22-28, 2020

Black Church From page A-3

interacting physically with one another,” said Kinloch.

In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, which forced Gov. Whitmer to end the school year early for all students in Michigan on April 2, Triumph Church wants to ensure students in Detroit continue to learn.

The church will be giving away laptops and tablets on a first come, first served basis while supplies last and recipients have to pre-register at www.TriumphCh.org. The giveaway will occur every Friday until May 29 at Triumph’s east campus at 2760 East Grand Boulevard in Detroit.

COVID-19 From page A-3 We rang up our purchases and left the store. That was a few weeks ago, the last time I left my house.

I’m an introvert but I’m used to a little social interaction. Now that’s not even an option, and I feel isolated from the real world. Waking up and doing the same thing over and over in my house gets boring.

But if it means I play a part in the ending of COVID-19 I’ll do what I can. I try not to worry much when thinking of COVID-19, but one fear always creeps in. My mom works two jobs. She works at a plant and Dollar Tree. Though the plant is closed she still has to go to Dollar Tree since it is an essential store. Knowing she deals with a lot of people I know there’s a fair chance she can come in contact with COVID-19 but, I always wash that fear away because I know she is taking the precautions to prevent the germs.

When my mom goes to work, she makes sure she disinfects her whole work area. She also brings a personal hand sanitizer with her to clean her hands.

When her shift is over, she still has to put back stock, so she wears latex gloves to prevent any contamination. When she gets off work every day she comes straight in and takes a shower. Every night she washes her clothes; she says it’s to stop the germs from traveling.

My mom fears catching the virus and spreading it to our family. But she knows she still has to provide for her family and keep her commitment to her job.

The BGCSM has helped alleviate many of my fears. They also have provided a form of social interaction. Knowing that in this time of crisis the BGCSM is still trying to make our lives somewhat normal is amazing. With school being closed, we really need this social interaction. Besides participating at the Boys and Girls Club, many kids participate in school activities. For instance, I would participate in advanced tutoring groups and a dance group. But now with those things are over, you would expect the Boys & Girls Club to end too, but they didn’t. They help keep our interest alive and keep our minds active, and I thank them for that.

This essay is part of a fourpart series in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan exploring the impact on youth and local organizations serving youths as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“AARP community connections have mutual aid and support groups where they might help with grocery shopping, financial assistance, or emotional support,” said Reginald Nance, AARP’s New York associate state director of multicultural outreach. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

AARP and NNPA Join Forces for Riveting Webinar on Saving Black Lives During COVID-19 Pandemic

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

AARP, the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and over, and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of the Black Press of America, held a briefing to help provide critical information for those most at-risk and impacted by the novel coronavirus.

The 45-minute webinar addressed tools and resources to help the African American community navigate through the pandemic and included a panel of experts in the fields of health, caregiving, financial security, and entrepreneurship.

Lorraine Miller and Chris Brown of Burrell Communications in Chicago coordinated the webinar, which was titled, “AARP – NNPA COVID-19 Black Media Update.”

Jointly hosted by NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., and AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Shani Hosten, the live program also marked the first appearance by renowned infectious disease expert and Meharry Medical College President Dr. James Hildreth as a member of the NNPA Coronavirus Task Force and Resource Center.

“Data is critical, and we’ve got to have testing, testing, testing,” Dr. Hildreth stated.

“Testing is our best hope to save lives.

I’ve been insisting this to the mayor of Nashville, the governor of Tennessee, and anyone who will listen. If we don’t do widespread testing, people are going to die, and that’s the bottom line,” he said.

As of the webinar, more than 609,000 Americans have contracted COVID-19, the deadly disease that’s caused by the coronavirus.

There have been at least 25,603 deaths, and based on incomplete data, African Americans are disproportionately affected and represent the majority who’ve died from the virus.

“This is a particularly critical time for the African American community,” Hosten stated, noting the various resources AARP has developed, including a Black resources tool kit on its website.

Chavis stated that it’s essential to get accurate information out as much as possible to the Black community.

“We want to make sure that during this pandemic, we get information out that will help save Black lives,” he said.

Rita Choula, AARP’s director of caregiv-

ing and caregiving information resources, said providing care to family members has its own share of problems. Still, the coronavirus has made that all the more challenging.

“People are stressed and worried, not only about caring for themselves but protecting and caring for someone in the home or someone long distance,” Choula stated.

“It’s very important that there is increased conversation with nursing facilities through virtual visitation and phone calls, which is what AARP is advocating.”

Cristina Firvida, AARP’s vice president of financial security and consumer affairs, noted that AARP has continued to advocate at the state and federal level for everyone struggling financially during the pandemic.

“Our friends, our families are hurting.

We focused on how we can get more money in the hands of individuals as well as businesses,” Firvida said, adding that AARP lobbied that seniors also receive $1,200 stimulus payments.

should have a nationally coordinated response because viruses don’t respect orders,” he said.

Dr. Hildreth continued: “You might have one state controlling the virus, but if the neighboring states don’t do that, we’ll find ourselves right back where we started. Data is critical.

Many are saying that African Americans are more susceptible to the virus, and that’s absolutely not right.

“We may be more susceptible to severe diseases and death, but the evidence doesn’t support that Black people are more susceptible to the virus. The only way to prove that is to have an equal number of African Americans and white exposed to the virus at the same time and determine who got infected at a higher rate. Without data to support this, those statements drive me crazy. We have to have more tests.”

Updated information on the coronavirus came be found at www.aarp.org/coronavirus and at the NNPA’s www.BlackPressUSA.com COVID-19 tab.

She said the original bill allowed for seniors to receive just $600.

Reginald Nance, AARP’s New York associate state director of multicultural outreach, noted the importance of fraud protection and emphasized that AARP has organized various forms of assistance for seniors nationwide.

“AARP community connections have mutual aid and support groups where they might help with grocery shopping, financial assistance, or emotional support,” Nance stated.

Dr. Hildreth wrapped up the webinar by noting that the federal government fell asleep at the wheel and could have prevented much of the mayhem caused by the coronavirus.

Voiceofofthe the Voice Community Community your atatyour fingertips fingertips.

He called the spread of COVID-19 “entirely predictable,” and noted that the lack of planning by the federal government obviously was bad news for African Americans.

Dr. Hildreth also stated his frustration with those who imply that African Americans are more susceptible to the virus.

“Absent a vaccine or a drug, the only way to protect our communities, which means to keep the virus out, is we have to have testing,” Dr. Hildreth stated.

“We need to do what South Korea did, which is to identify the positive tests, do contact tracing, and screen everybody. We

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| April 22-28, 2020

Money.

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I Got Lucky: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

By Amber Tucker “I’m not good enough.”

“They’re not going to listen to me.”

“I’m a fraud.”

Have you heard that voice in your head that’s telling you that you do not belong and one day soon, everyone will figure it out? It has a name. It is not the truth and it is not “your conscience.”

It’s a phenomenon called “Imposter syndrome.” Imposter syndrome is a term coined by psychologists Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes in 1978. It describes the “internal experience of intellectual phoniness in people who believe that they are not intelligent, capable or creative despite evidence of high achievement.” Socially it could mean that you don’t think you belong with your friends’ group, professionally it could mean that you’re not that good at your job despite the reassurance and accolades from your boss, your team or your clients. Outside validation does not quiet the voice and instead you believe that all your success is a fluke.

Rest assured you are not alone.

Studies show that roughly 70 percent of Americans struggle with imposter syndrome. For minorities, the impact of imposter syndrome hits harder, especially when working or operating in predominately white spaces.

Most of us grew up hearing the “you have to be twice as good” speech. Being “twice as good” means making zero mistakes, excelling on every project, and being socially proficient. Having an “off day” only confirms that you are not good enough. These thoughts can be crippling.

While not an official, diagnosable condition, psychologists and other mental health experts recognize that extended feelings of isolation and stress caused by imposter syndrome can lead to anxiety and depression.

As it stands, African Americans are already more prone to mental health problems – by 20 percent-- and we’re less likely to be properly diagnosed and treated.

However, there are things that you can do to help overcome imposter syndrome.

Let go of perfectionism.

Attention to detail is one thing but expecting perfection will cause anxiety and block productivity.

Talk to a manager or a mentor. You shouldn’t rely on outside validation but express your concerns with someone you respect who is able to view and evaluate your work, and give you feedback.

Embrace new opportunities. Do not allow your fears to stop you from taking on new projects and challenges.

Celebrate your wins. It is not bragging. Acknowledge your successes and celebrate them. It will remind you that you are competent and capable.

It is important to acknowledge the nagging voice, but not to give into it. Remind yourself that you have the knowledge and the skillset to accomplish your goals.

Remind yourself that you belong, that you have value.

Black Businesses Matter, But Will They Get Fair Share Of COVID-19 Aid Money?

By Barrington M. Salmon President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders announced the $2 trillion economic stimulus package—the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to great fanfare, touting the deliverables of different aspects of the provisions and their belief in its ability to slow the economic tsunami exacerbated by the novel coronavirus pandemic. One of the major selling points is a $1,200 onetime payment to adults.

The pandemic has cut a wide and deadly swathe through communities across the country, overwhelmed the medical infrastructures of places like New York City, Detroit and New Orleans, and brought much of America’s economic activity to a standstill. At press time the grisly tally in the U.S. stood at 356,942 confirmed cases and more than 10,524 deaths. New York is still the epicenter with more than 122,031 confirmed cases and almost 4,159 deaths.

In a desperate effort to blunt the spread of Covid-19, state governors have ordered as many as 230 million people to stay home, which has brought commerce to a virtual standstill. Along with the sudden and brutal decline of the much vaunted, record-setting stock market, the economy began a freefall dragging with it jobs, businesses—large and small—and the destinies and fortunes of tens of millions of American workers.

Compared to other small business owners, African Americans have generally had to face more daunting challenges such as smaller cash reserves to draw from, difficulty in securing bank loans and other financing and being sole proprietors or “mom and pop” establishments that are ineligible for most small business loans.

Businesses, big and small, have been savaged, with the hardest hit sectors being the travel and hospitality industries and the retail sector.

Financial planner and wealth manager Ivory J. Johnson acknowledged that Covid-19 has shaken up U.S. businesses and hit Black customers hard.

“It’s having a tremendous effect,” he said. “Cash flow just stops. Ten percent retail, 10 percent of restaurants, 20 percent

of the population just stopped. This is the end of the business cycle, we’re at peak employment where wages go up, corporate money gets squeezed and they fire Bob,” he explained.

“People didn’t have time to pivot. For Black business, access to capital may not be there and Black customers are going to be hit very hard. It’s going to be a challenge for all businesses. You have to figure what you need to do now.”

He characterized the relief package as, “keep the light on money,” likened the U.S. economy to a Ponzi scheme with the U.S. government printing money “out of thin air,” and said now that corporations—who are carrying between $4 trillion and $10 trillion worth of debt—face an economic reckoning, the realization is dawning that the way they’ve been doing business is untenable.

“They are now seeing that this isn’t sustainable,” said Mr. Johnson, who for the past two decades has helped families and small businesses create and protect wealth, and who has guided them to see the benefits of developing a financial game-plan. “Nobody ever shoots Santa.

People don’t care and weren’t complaining when they were making money.”

Mr. Johnson said the Covid-19 pandemic merely accelerated what has been happening to the economy, just at a slower rate.

“Here’s the reality: what happened is that they are creating money out of thin air, buying assets, feeding the Ponzi scheme,” he said. “They were rigging earnings, strip-mining stocks and buying back stocks, while the Federal Reserve pushed down interest rates and have been buying bonds and assets.”

Mr. Johnson, who founded Delancey Wealth Management. LLC in 2012, said 35 percent of small businesses couldn’t sustain a three-month shutdown, while 70 percent wouldn’t survive past six months.

He said the country is staring at the abyss. The unemployment rate during the Great Depression was 25 percent and financial experts are predicting that unemployment figures could reach that figure before all this is done. In late March and early April, about 10 million Americans

filed for unemployment. The next jobs figures are expected to be considerably higher.

Veteran labor organizer Bill Fletcher, Jr. said there are a couple of layers to consider when contemplating the effect coronavirus will have on African Americans.

“One is the question of the impact of the crisis on Black America and Black businesses. One of the things that we’re going to have to deal with in this country, irrespective of race, is going to be trauma,” he said. “I think that it will have a particular type of impact on Black America—looking at illnesses and a further elimination of wealth, along the lines of 2008 crash,” added Mr. Fletcher.

“African Americans never really recovered from the housing crash and economic meltdown and that reality is going to be a very important factor for Black people, especially since the U.S. may be going into some form of depression,” said Mr. Fletcher, former president of TransAfrica Forum and a senior scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies. “I saw a report last week that shows the Washington metropolitan area could lose 35 percent of small businesses. Add a layer of race onto that—lower savings rates and profit margins and most small biz not able to sustain themselves for three months and the problem becomes clear.”

What comes out of this crisis will be equivalent to the aftermath of a war, he said.

“It’s not like coming out of a recession with the infrastructure intact. Even if the number of people who die isn’t as high, we’re looking at high levels of devastation economically,” Mr. Fletcher explained.

Marc Morial is one of a number of critics who don’t believe the package goes far enough and said he and others in the Civil Rights and business communities will have to push just as hard as they have to ensure that more is done for African American businesses. He said he doesn’t have to look too far to see the impact of the pandemic on small Black businesses owners in New York, where he lives.

“My barber is closed down. That’s

See BLACK

BUSINESSES page A6

Everything You Need to Know About the SBA Paycheck Protection Program

By Amber Tucker

Who Can Apply?

• Any small business concern that meets SBA’s size standards (either the industry based sized standard or the alternative size standard)

Michigan ranks number three in the country for coronavirus cases, just behind New York and New Jersey. In an effort to contain the spread of the virus in the state, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order until April 30, 2020.

“This doesn’t mean everything will go back to normal on May 1,” Gov. Whitmer said. “But based on the data we have right now, this is the appropriate window for an extension. It will take time to safely and responsibly re-open the economy, which is why we will continue to provide critical unemployment support and assistance to our small businesses during this challenging time. We will get through this if we all continue to do our part.”

The extension means that small businesses will continue to feel the strain of the challenging economy. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing relief to small businesses by offering small business loans through its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to

• Any business, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, 501(c)(19) veteran’s organization, or Tribal business concern (sec. 31(b)(2) (C) of the Small Business Act) with the greater of: • 500 employees, or provide a direct way for small businesses to keep their employees on the payroll and discourage layoffs.

“These SBA loans will provide critical capital for businesses facing a temporary loss of revenue as a result of coronavirus,” said Mark Burton, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

“We are working closely with the Michigan SBDC and small business organizations around the state to ensure we can overcome the significant challenges coronavirus presents and protect the livelihoods businesses throughout the state provide.”

• That meets the SBA industry size standard if more than 500 • Any business with a NAICS Code that begins with 72 (Accommodations and Food Services) that has more than one physical location and employs less than 500 per location • Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed persons Loan Forgiveness According to SBA.gov, the loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and

See PAYCHECK

PROTECTION page A6

April 22-28, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-6

Black Businesses From page A-5

where three people work. It’s their livelihood,” he said soberly. “Every barber shop, every hair salon has been closed down.”

Mr. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said he, other Civil Rights organizations and their allies fought fiercely to ensure that Congress wouldn’t pass a bill that completely ignored African American businesses at perhaps their time of greatest need.

“The $2.2 trillion recovery relief plan is a down payment,” Mr. Morial told The Final Call. “In the best case scenario, it will offer two months relief for small business owners and four months relief for unemployed worker.

There is a need for them to go back.

We fought hard in discussions, along with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), to ensure, for example that lending platforms would be open to non-profits, sole proprietors and mom and pop stores.”

“The language is broad and inclusive, and the execution may take a while. We have to lean in on this opportunity hard. African American business owners shouldn’t sit around and wonder if they should apply. Apply! We have to put pressure on the process for it to serve us.”

Mr. Morial said, “There will definitely be a need for more money and we’re working with Rep. Karen Bass to see what the next package will look like.”

President Trump signed the bill March 27.

Ron Busby, President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), played a similar role as Mr. Morial pressing lawmakers to include provisions favorable to African American businesses.

“I want readers to understand that in the 700-plus page bill, nowhere was the word, ‘Black,’” said Mr. Busby, who serves on the Pfizer Small Business Council, National Newspapers Publishers Association Foundation Board of Directors, and White House African American Leadership Council. “It is a race-neutral bill, has nothing to do with Black people. The U.S. Chamber advocated to keep it race neutral to ensure that the bill would get support.

Congress felt it would be easier to get passed that way.”

Mr. Busby said while $2 trillion seems like a great deal of money, $349 million will go towards the Small Business Administration’s Payment Protection Program (PPP).

“That also seems like a great deal of money but it’s not enough funding,” he said. “It will be very difficult for Black and small businesses. We fought for

small, Black-owned businesses, fought for a couple of things—to ensure that businesses wouldn’t be cancelled because of supply chain issues and problems with developing products and widgets because of the epidemic. We also fought to get a ‘front-pay’ program where businesses would get paid in the next 15 days.”

“The federal government is notorious for slow payments of 60, 90, 120 days— and most Black-owned businesses are more interested in and dependent on cash-flow. They (negotiators) pulled it out at the last minute but they said they will continue to pay businesses through the disruption.”

Mr. Busby and other observers say most Black businesses have small payrolls and use what is called 1099 workers and contract employees, but if business owners apply for the PPP, it will pay 100 percent of their payroll for the next three months. Some aspects of the plan are still vague, saying he’s not sure how the wording will be received at banks, he added.

Ohio Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Rep. Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania told The Final Call that the good news is that small businesses including those who work as 1099 employees, beauty and nail salons, painters and others who are self-employed will have an opportunity to participate.

“April is when they can first apply,” she said. “The good news is that dollars are available. It’s first come, first serve. It was important for us to make sure that individuals who work as contractors weren’t left out. We can’t make a commitment that everyone will get in but people should prepare their packages, go to the Treasury website and download the application package.”

Rep. Beatty, who is vice chairman of the Small Business Committee and serves on the Committee on Financial Services and the Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions subcommittee among others, said she has worked very closely with Chairman Nadya Velasquez and other committee members.

“CBC members have stepped up.

We’re teaming up and working together but there are a lot of devils in the details, especially those not in the traditional SBA,” said Rep. Beatty, who has served in Congress since 2013.

She said she and some of her colleagues met with Civil Rights leaders and will continue to do so as all of them try to stay ahead of this crisis.

Congressman Evans said providing economic distress loans, the PPP and $10 million for minority development agencies is very important and underscores the importance of small businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and it’s very important in terms of what these programs will mean,” he said. “We will probably need

more money and jobs as ways to build wealth. Closing the income and wage gap and stabilizing and building Black businesses is a priority for Rep. Karen Bass.”

Rep. Beatty agreed with Mr. Morial and Mr. Busby that there’s much more that needs to be done to make sure that African Americans have a safety net during these calamitous times.

“The old adage is that when America gets a cold, African Americans get pneumonia,” she said. “What’s happening with coronavirus has exposed so many disparities. Disparities are being shown by the media. In Detroit, for example, 14 percent of the population is African American but 40 percent of those dying are African American. The increasing numbers of people who are incarcerated, homeless. We need to look at the total picture of disparities.”

Zeville Preston, a member of New York City’s Black Business Empowerment Committee (BBE) was scathing in her criticism of the relief package.

“This bill is D.O.A. (dead on arrival). We need something of value. Black blood and bodies built this country and as usual, once again, we find ourselves at the back of the line,” she said.

“We’re 22 percent of New York City’s population but we are less than two percent of business and get less than two percent of the contracts, numbers which have declined over a five-year period. Black businesses dying on the vine and the governor cares not at all.”

“This is to put CBC on notice. They want people to think they did something, and they did nothing.”

A March 20, 2020 letter sent to the CBC points to 94 proposals to help African Americans that the body sent to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with only three speaking directly to Black people and only money allocated to Historically Black Universities and Minority Serving Institutions has a dollar amount attached to it: $450 billion.

In their letter, the BBE expresses frustration and dismay: “The CBC’s 94 initiatives totaling $459 million basically leaves the Black business community with nothing, especially in New York state where all other ethnic groups and White-women’s participation far exceeds Black participation,” it states.

“BBE is most disappointed that the CBC saw fit to argue the case for minorities, women and small businesses while neglecting to propose funding specifically for Black businesses. Harlem’s BBE finds this unacceptable!”

Ms. Preston said BBE is reaching out across American cities to see if business owners and others in the Black community are having the same issues.

“We’re figuring strategically speak in one voice,” she said.

to

Paycheck Protection From page A-5 utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required.

Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.

Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.

Businesses must apply through a participating and approved SBA lender, bank or credit union. Start by checking with your existing bank or credit union. An SBA Certified Lender is highly recommended.

Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020. It is strongly advised that you call the bank and set up an appointment as many banks are not accepting walk-in appointments due to the coronavirus.

Below is a list of SBA Certified Lenders that are accepting either new or only existing customers.

Lenders Accepting New Customers • First Independence Bank • Five Star Bank • Huntington Bank • Level One Bank • Live Oak Banking Company • Newtek Small Business Finance, Inc. • Oxford Bank • TCF National Bank • The State Bank • U.S. Bank National Association (Bancorp) Lenders That Require an Existing Account • Bank of America, National Association • Bank of Ann Arbor • Citizens Bank, National Association • Comerica Bank • Fifth Third Bank • JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association • PNC Bank, National Association The City of Detroit is offering small businesses personalized support to help them navigate the SBA application process. Detroit business owners can complete a form online that will connect them with a specialist within two business days.

For more information, contact the Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity department at (313)224-4950 or visit: https:// detroitmi.gov/departments/civil-rights-inclusion-opportunity-department/covid19-business-support-and-resources/ need-help-applying-sba-loan-city-detroitcan-help

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April 22-28, 2020 | Page A-7

Now Is A Time To Trust Leadership Social Distancing IS Working –

Every state in the U.S. has experienced an important historical event that has shaped it’s history — for better or worse. Right now, Michigan is in a history defining moment. How this happened, whether we responded soon enough or why are African Americans disproportionately impacted are all issues that warrant observation and correction; but they don’t warrant the same consideration as to how to save our lives.

social media posts sometimes have us on information overload. It is important to use critical thinking and research credible source such as the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) to decipher what information is relevant and accurate as we work to abate this pandemic. Many cities, towns, and municipalities are experiencing the effects of COVID-19 in a way that is very different from other parts of the country. Now is the time to trust our The medical experts all state leadership to proagree this virus is so danvide more targeted solugerous because any of us can be carrying it before Rev. Horace L. Sheffield III tions that impact our local economy and community. we experience symptoms.

I know because I had the coronavirus. Michiganders are doing a great job in I went to New York when I was warned following Governor Whitmer’s guidenot to and a few weeks after my return lines. We need to stay the course. While I was diagnosed with COVID-19. I never the federal government is searching far really experienced any symptoms and and wide for a remedy to the virus, the yet I potentially exposed my wife, family, one universally agreed upon remedy to friends, and colleagues some that have stop the spread is to stay home and save since tested positive. Had I considered lives.

Rev. Horace L. Sheffield III is the Pasthe advice I was given, I could have at least saved myself and my family the tor of New Destiny Christian Fellowship harsh recovery of the last several weeks. Church and the Executive Director of The Detroit Association of Black OrgaThe press briefings, news outlets and nizations

What’s Going On? Mother, mother There’s too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother There’s far too many of you dying You know we’ve got to find a way To bring some lovin’ here today, eh eh Marvin Gaye (1971) “What’s Going On” Once again, Marvin Gaye’s soulful words resonate through the heart of Black America. Our survival depends on each of us staying home and staying safe. COVID-19, also known as the novel Coronavirus, is spreading through communities across the country and taking the lives of cherished family members and friends. This highly contagious and deadly disease has changed our way of life -shutting down businesses, schools, religious institutions, and Dorian Tyus entertainment venues. The entire world, regardless of nationality, race, or creed, has come to an abrupt halt. Today, scientists are trying to develop a vaccination and it is unclear if a cure is near. But one thing is clear -African Americans are being hit hardest by this disease. Nationwide data shows that African Americans are more likely to die from the Coronavirus than Caucasian Americans. The significant disparity in African American COVID-19 related deaths not only requires that we assess whether we are all practicing safe social habits, but also demands that we address systematic socioeconomic inequality, lack of access to affordable health care and preventative health services, and whether we are being proactive in understanding our family medical histories.

The staggering amount of African American deaths due to COVID-19 is heartbreaking. As of April 9th, the Associated Press reported that African Americans accounted for approximately 42 percent of COVID-19 related deaths: a significant number considering that African Americans make up roughly 13 percent of the United States population. In Michigan, African Americans make up around 40 percent of the coronavirus deaths but count for 14 percent of the population.

Other states such as Mississippi and Louisiana have reported similar trends, with African Americans accounting for over 65 percent of known COVID-19 related deaths. Regardless of geography, the disparity in outcomes gives us a compelling reason to think that someone has failed to do their job.

The African American community is extremely resilient, and we will get through this pandemic.

Contrary to mistruths that have been floating around on social media, African Americans are not genetically more or less predisposed to get COVID-19. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the novel coronavirus spreads by close person-to-person contact in respiratory droplets through talking or touching a surface or object, such as a gas pump or door handle, which has the virus on it and then touching our mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus is colorless and odorless, and some people can transmit the virus without even knowing or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such a cough or fever. We are all susceptible to either falling ill to this disease or transmitting the virus to others. Therefore, we must stop holding large gatherings that contribute to the spread in our community. Moreover, practicing social distancing (at least 6 ft apart), washing our hands with soap and water, wearing a face covering or mask, disinfecting surfaces, and staying home

are additional ways to combat this deadly disease; our lives depend on it!

Contrary to President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, countries around the world are witnessing how America is far from “GREAT.” Specifically, the African American community, which has been historically disadvantaged and oppressed for over 400 years, continues to suffer the effects of economic inequality, inadequate access to affordable healthcare, and a lack of access to resources for preventative health services and proper nutrition. In practical terms, these systemic problems contribute to the increasing number of Africans American deaths. The danger is clear, these socioeconomic issues are not novel, and its effects must no longer be tolerated.

The COVID – 19 pandemic demands that we create a more equitable environment for all Americans, and especially for the disadvantaged in the African American community. After we overcome this horrific pandemic, action must be taken.

To turn the corner, we must: • increase the number of economic empowerment centers offering oneon-one financial counseling services related to personal finance, best business practices, and wealth building;

Stay Home. Stay Safe

By Eric Sabree

tourist attractions.

By issuing strict Executive Orders, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been aggressive and persistent in order to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The State of Michigan has seen a constant rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths. Over the past two weeks, Michigan has had the third or fourth highest number of COVID -19 cases in the nation. The greatest impact of Eric Sabree COVID-19 in Michigan is in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

We’ll be able to do all these things again, but we must be careful.

The Governor’s recent order (Executive Order No. 2020-42) was enacted to further protect the health and safety of all Michigan residents. People are instructed to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life.

Most residents have complied with the previous stay at home order, while some have been slow to take the coronavirus threat seriously. People are still becoming sick because of interaction with others, and they are putting first responders, health care workers, and the rest of us at risk. The latest Executive Order is temporary and how temporary depends on our level of cooperation.

Over one thousand health care providers at the Henry Ford Health System have tested positive for COVID-19. This virus has put a strain on our health care system like never before. Our first responders are putting their lives on the line to save others. They deserve our respect and support. The least we can do is protect ourselves and those with whom we come in contact from becoming victims, to do otherwise is to be completely selfish. We all want things to get back to normal. We want to return to work, see a Tigers game, attend religious services, visit with family and friends, play golf, or take a trip to one of Michigan’s many

The decision to end the State’s ‘stay home’ order should be based on several factors. One of them is the availability and implementation of widespread COVID-19 testing. We should know who is positive. We have learned that many who are asymptomatic (show no signs of being infected) could still test positive and thus could spread the virus to others. We also need to know who has truly recovered from the coronavirus and if they have the antibodies that can help others.

The data has to indicate that the new COVID-19 cases and deaths are continuing to decline. This will give some real relief to our health care workers and protect our communities from a second wave of COVID-19 cases. This will allow the residents of this great state to feel confident that they can return to some form of normalcy.

There must be a plan that involves the state and local governments and the private sector to gradually open the economy. It will take time for everything to become fully operational. This is nothing new as we have heard this information from several credible sources over the last month.

Governor Whitmer has had to make difficult and timely decisions. Since there was such a slow initial response from the Federal government, Michigan needed strong and decisive action, and that’s what we received. In the heat of the battle, and we are in a battle, mistakes are made. If the Governor errs at all, she errs on the side of caution.

Lives are literally at stake here. We seek assistance through prayer and patience but we have to do our part. Social distancing is working.

If we do this right the first time, we won’t have to go back and do it again.

Governor Whitmer is right by issuing Executive Order No. 2020-42 Stay Home and Stay Safe.

• educate our family and friends, in schools, churches and community centers, on essential preventative health measures such as regularly visiting our primary doctor, practicing proper nutrition, and engaging in regular exercise; • increase dialogue related to our respective family health history as to know whether we are genetically predisposed to common health disorders such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, certain cancers, and other diseases; • develop neighborhood-specific community plans for sharing basic needs such as food, clothing, and transportation during times of crisis; • encourage our family, friends, and community members to exercise their civic duty to vote and educate one another on the social policies effecting our community; • lastly, getting back to loving one another by supporting the best interests of the African American community even if it means temporarily disregarding our views, goals, and personal aspirations.

The African American community is extremely resilient, and we will get through this pandemic. We are not looking for any favors but rather are building a stronger sense of community. To that end, under the leadership of Chairman Keith William and the Executive Board, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus (MDPBC) is working toward: creating pathways to capital so that we can own our own business, local grocery stores, and pharmacies; advocating for social policies that specifically address historical gaps in generational wealth, education, healthcare, urban development, etc; and encouraging and educating our people to live healthier lives by practicing proper nutrition and exercise.

If anything, COVID-19 has shown everyone that there are needs in our communities which must be addressed.

Therefore, we are encouraging all of you to #LEAD as we navigate during this uncertain time. We need all hands-on deck because it’s time for us to save a black life! Until we meet again, may the Lord bless you and protect; may the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

For more information, please visit our website at www.mdpbc.org and our Facebook Page.

Dorian Tyus, Esq. is a spokesperson for the MDP Black Caucus. He is a commentator who writes often about politics, culture, religion and vulnerable communities.

Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives.

By N. Charles Anderson President/Ceo Urban League Of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan

The Detroit Urban League is a non-partisan organization that does not endorse candidates; however, we are an organization that cares about the wellbeing of the community we serve. With that being said, it’s important to say that we will and do advocate, endorse and support decisions made by political leaders when we believe these decisions have been made in the best interest of those on the N. Charles Anderson lower end of the economic spectrum. The COVID-19, Corona Virus pandemic has swept into our state and the metro Detroit community wreaking havoc of illnesses and death all along the way. Something had to be done to slow down the great harm facing our state.

So, we applaud Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her leadership and making the tough decision to keep Michigan safe, save lives and slow down and, hopefully, stop the troubling impact this pandemic is having in Michigan, particularly in Detroit and Southeastern Michigan. Closing schools, shutting down major events and ordering the closing of non-essential businesses was an inevitable decision that had to be made. Our

state’s pushing of social distancing and urging us to stay home, stay safe and saves lives has been critical to protecting lives. Doing nothing or not taking sweeping actions would have had a far more devastating impact on our state.

We want to go back to normalcy as soon as possible. We want to see restaurants and bars reopen. We want to have more Detroit Pistons basketball and see the Tigers and Red Wings play. We absolutely would love to see schools reopen, but more importantly, see the high school and college graduates receive the pomp and circumstance and grand celebrations every graduate deserves. It’s hard to imagine for God’s sake, that high school juniors and seniors are missing their proms.

But COVID-19 has no respect for any of these things when it comes to sustaining and protecting lives. More than 30,000 Michiganders have tested positive for the coronavirus, and over 2000 of our beloved citizens have died as a result of this insidious virus. Sadly, a disproportionate number of those affected have been African Americans.

We mourn those teachers who won’t return to the classroom, or men and women that will never be able to go with family and friends to a restaurant or bar.

And, if we do see sports played again and concerts and theater return, and church services resume, there will be too many empty seats because the coronavirus has taken the lives of beloved grandparents, mothers and fathers, children, siblings and dear friends.

There’s no doubt that Governor Whitmer’s stong actions have saved many, many lives. So, we urge you to Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives.

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com •

April 22-28, 2020

STANDING STRONG with DETROIT Thank you to the doctors, nurses and healthcare providers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Your commitment inspired us to donate nearly 40,000 N95 masks to hospitals across Michigan, including the Henry Ford Hospital.

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER, MICHIGAN. Now more than ever, DTE is here for you. Working across the state to provide food and other basic needs. Helping those facing medical challenges or loss of income. And ensuring that no one has to worry about the energy they need. Stay safe, warm and healthy, and know that DTE is here to help.

Thank you to the Detroit Police Department for continuing to protect us during these challenging times. Your responsibility inspired us to donate $5,000 to ensure your own personal safety.

Thank you to the Salvation Army, for providing meals to the hungry and shelter to the homeless. Your faithfulness inspired us to donate $5,000 so you can continue to serve those in need.

Thank you, Detroit, for being our neighbor for the past 60 years. The people of the Detroit Refinery stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our community, as we work toward a better tomorrow, together.

Please call (800) 477-4747 if you need assistance. detroitrefinery.com

es: Creative/20-DTE-1353 - Corona Virus Radio Scripts/Print/R0/07_5.0x10.5> 2020-04-02-DTE1353Coronavirus-Print-5x10.5-BW.indd Bleed - 0 | 5x10.5 | BW | Rev 1 | Close 2020-04-03 REVISIONS DUE TO AGENCY 2020-04-02 DT ____ CR ____ TR ____ PR ____ AE ____

City. Life. Style.

B1 | April 22-28, 2020

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

The New Norm of Quarantine Dating

By Alan Hunt II

B

lind dates have been around since the dawn of time; when you think about it, the first blind date was Adam and Eve. Humans have always sought companionship.

But the creation of the internet was arguably dating’s greatest game changer. For the first time you could encounter strangers first via email, then through dating websites and more recently social media.

Quarantine has brought about dating’s latest evolution, speed dating live.

Detroiter Bria Renee has been hosting live speed dating via Instagram.

Here’s how it works.

Renee announces when she is going live on Instagram and potential suitors have the opportunity to request to go live with her for a seven-minute speed date.

Bria Renee

“If our date goes well or if they feel like it’s some sort of connection, they can leave their number in the DM (direct message),” said Renee.

The 27-year-old recent Wayne State grad says she put off dating while in school, and looked forward to 2020 being her year to explore conventional dating scenes like happy hours and networking events.

“Then the coronavirus hit and I wasn’t able to. I still want to date, but because of social distancing I’m not able to meet anybody, so I [thought] I should do a speed dating live.”

Thus “DateLIVE: Speed Dating with a Twist” was born, and in an era where some people under 30 won’t dare to post even a hand of someone they are romantically pur-

suing, this approach is unique to say the least.

Renee admits her first attempt was not as successful as she initially hoped. There wasn’t any advance notice, nobody was willing to go live with her, and only about eight people viewed the live Instagram feed.

Renee tweeted about her disappointment and someone responded with a fix: announce before you go live. “I did and it turned out to be this amazing thing,” said Renee.

This time around she dressed up, had a glass of wine, and a playlist ready in the background. She even pinned her Cash App information so people could “buy” her drinks, and yes people did take her up on her offer.

“People were actually dating me and the engagement was off the charts. It was really fun.”

For those not familiar with Instagram live, it’s essentially a public FaceTime.

The app allows you to go live with anyone with an account.

Your followers, their followers, and anyone else on Instagram can view the live feed and also comment.

For a first date, the task of making yourself that available could be daunting to some, a challenge Renee did not foresee.

“I didn’t think as many people were going to be in the lives, so I was like oh, it’s not going to be that big of a deal.” Once Renee saw how many were participating, she realized that this put a lot of pressure on some people. “I feel like if you want to date somebody you have to be courageous in a sense.”

See SPEED DATING page B-2

The Aretha Amphitheatre, Right Productions Partner with Detroit ACE Fund to support artists during COVID-19 crisis The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre and The Right Productions Inc. on Wednesday announced its support for the Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship’s effort to support local artists and cultural workers who are experiencing a sudden and severe loss of wages during the COVID-19 public health crisis through the Metro Detroit Covid-19 Artist Crisis Emergency Fund (ACE Fund).

The Aretha will host The Virtual Aretha Friday Night Dance Party on Facebook Live from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 17. Those who join in can donate using the Cash App $The Aretha. All proceeds will go to the DJs and the ACE Fund. Last week’s dance

party a­ ttracted more than 50,000 people. The dance parties will continue until further notice.

The ACE Fund is providing rapid-response, unrestricted, $500 grants to fine and performing artists and other creators in Wayne and Oakland County who live from gig to gig, event to event.

“Artists are the life’s blood of our industry and our culture,” said Shahida Mausi, President of The Right Productions, Inc., which manages and operates The Aretha. “We are grateful to be able to lend support in this way to artists through the ACE Fund.

We encourage everyone to dance and let the music play!”

Detroit to Benefit from BET’s Saving Our Selves: A COVID-19 Relief Effort on April 22 Detroit is among a select group of local United Ways that will benefit from the new COVID-19 Relief Fund created

by Black Entertainment Television (BET) in partnership with United Way Worldwide to support African American communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

BET will host a broadcast special, Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort, to raise money for the Fund which will go to support community-based programs of local United Ways in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans and New York City – cities where the African American population has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort will be co-hosted by Grammy Award-Winning singer and actress Kelly Rowland, TV personality Terrence J, actress Regina Hall and actor Anthony Anderson. Celebrity guest ap-

and closures in sectors like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, where African American workers are over-represented; and low-income African American students face a greater risk of learning loss and inadequate access to nutritious food with massive school closures.

Kelly Rowland

Anthony Anderson

Regina Hall

pearances and performances will include DJ Khaled, Charlie Wilson, Chance the Rapper, Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, Melvin Crispell III, and many more.

The special will give up-to-date information and drive viewers to needed resources during this unprecedented time.

will benefit organizations serving people of color in Detroit and in five other communities across the country. As the pandemic continues to impact everyone, it’s even more important to make sure vulnerable populations are supported, Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Everyone can make a difference. It’s im-

portant to mobilize our collective power during this crisis.”

“We are so grateful to BET for holding this relief telethon that

While the COVID-19 pandemic has left no state untouched, recent studies show that it is having a disproportionately negative impact on African American communities in multiple ways. Death rates from COVID-19 are higher for African Americans; financial instability is being worsened by layoffs

Financial donations from the BET COVID-19 Relief Fund will allow United Way for Southeastern Michigan to support the work of our community partners, including Neighborhood Services Organization who provides support services to individuals experiencing homelessness. During this crisis, Neighborhood Service Organization has launched a recuperative care center, which will provide 50 beds for discharged patients recovering from COVID-19 who do not have safe places to continue their recovery. The goal of the project is to offer a safe place for recovery, prevent re-hospitalization and allow for more efficient use of hospital beds.

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • April 22-28, 2020

Speed Dating From page C-1 Still, the internet can be a tough crowd, and while being quarantined, people are looking for entertainment and that is often reflected hilariously in the comments of Renee’s live feed.

“People that comment, they make jokes about me, too. Nobody is exempt, but I don’t want people to be bothered by that especially now that we are in quarantine.

People are just bored…trying to make themselves laugh and have a good time.”

son Renee says there are a few things to keep in mind: First and foremost be confident, not even with just dating but how you present yourself as a whole.

Make it interesting. You don’t know what people are seeing. What makes people stand out is a funny joke, or something they noticed about you.

Rejection happens. It happens to the best of us, so don’t take it so harshly.

Just have fun. Dating is supposed to be fun. If it’s anything other than that, that may not be the person for you.

In addition to laughter, you may also come across helpful dating tips.

As for the success of Renee’s speed dating…

“All the people that come into my live are not people I am trying to date. I asked one of my friends who is married when did he know that he met his wife, and what was their dating experience like…It’s actual conversations being had too.”

“I have prospects. It’s so funny because I did not think that I would. I have four so far, so we’ll see how it goes. We’ll see how these texts and phone calls go.”

When it comes to dating online or in per-

Follow Bria Renee on Instagram @thebriarenee for updates on her next live speed dating session.

Motown Museum’s Motown DJ Dance Party Expands to Every Friday Night

City. Life. Style.

Where City Meets

With traditional nightlife currently on pause, Motown Museum is bringing the party to your home every Friday night. The Motown DJ Dance Party will feature Detroit’s own DJ Rue mixing your favorite Motown songs and streams live on Motown Museum’s Instagram channel (@motownmuseum). Throughout the 1-hour stream, DJ Rue will shout out fans and alumni who join in—promising a good time for all.

LIFE STYLE and Life Meets

In Print & Online

michiganchronicle.com

We all need to do our part.

How you can slow the spread of COVID-19.

6 feet

Wash hands frequently

Cover your cough

Don’t touch your face

Stay home

If you must go out, keep your distance from others

Protect those at the highest risk for getting severely ill: the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and COPD, and those with compromised immune systems. If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider first.

Get the facts. Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

April 22-28, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com •

Page B-3

5 Tips on How to Combat Loneliness During Social Distancing (StatePoint) As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are staying in their homes to help prevent the spread of the disease. Feeling lonely from time to time is natural, but this unprecedented time of social distancing could lead to increased loneliness.

There are some easy ways to feel connected to others, even when you aren’t seeing them in person. Consider these tips from Dr. Doug Nemecek, Cigna chief medical officer for behavioral health.

• Use technology… but not too much. Social media is a favorite and easy way to stay connected to family and friends, but too

much use can leave you feeling lonely. Cigna’s 2020 U.S. Loneliness Index found that 72 percent of very heavy social media users identify themselves as lonely. Balance technology use with disconnecting and taking time for yourself. Use real-time interactions with others, like video chats, to build meaningful connections and limit time spent passively scrolling social media. Read a book, take a walk or do a puzzle after screen time. It may help you feel more connected when you spend time online.

clubs, craft communities or even fitness challenges. You can start a new hobby, learn a skill or find others who are interested in the same things as you, remotely. Once the guidelines for social distancing are lifted, you’ll have new friends you can meet in person.

• Join a virtual club or group.

There are plenty of resources available to find virtual book

• Ask those you reach out to how they’re really doing. How you connect with those in your

• Spend time outdoors. Simply leaving your house to take a jog around your neighborhood or to walk your dog a few blocks could improve your spirits, refreshing you for the next time you virtually connect with others.

network makes a significant difference in how lonely you feel.

People tend to feel less lonely when connecting on a deeper level. Cigna’s study found that those who do not feel they have close relationships that give them emotional security and well-being have an average loneliness score of nearly 15 points higher than those that do. When video chatting with friends, ask them for their most honest response when you ask how they’re doing. Everyone will likely feel better for it.

• Rethink working hours. We spend approximately 90,000 hours at work over our lifetime, so how we spend that time will

play an important role in how we feel overall. Improving your work-life balance and connecting with colleagues can reduce loneliness. Your employer may also benefit from you feeling less lonely. Lonely employees are less productive, produce lower quality work and miss more days of work. So, talk to your boss about slight changes you can make to how you spend your working hours. This could help you feel less lonely and benefit your company.

Being unable to spend time with others in-person will likely cause many of us to feel lonely, but there are ways to help lessen those feelings during this challenging time.

During COVID-19, Take Simple Steps to Establish a New Normal It’s always the right time to commit to healthy habits, behaviors and steps to improve your physical and mental health. With the COVID-19 pandemic creating so much uncertainty and upending so many routines, experts say that focusing on the things within your control is particularly important.

How to Manage Stress Through Music With routines upturned and health concerns top of mind, many people are feeling an extra amount of stress these days, too much of which can be bad for one’s mental and physical health.

However, music has many mood-boosting, stress-relieving benefits. Here are four ways to incorporate more of it into your life without even leaving the house: • Too much time spent scrolling through social media can induce anxious feelings. Allow music to provide a healthy distraction from digital devices.

Carve out a block of time each day to practice your instrument.

• Get a fun, easy and most importantly, stress-free introduction to music-making with the right tools.

By connecting a Casio keyboard with lighted keys to the Chordana Play App or using the app’s keyboard, beginners can gain a better understanding of music study. The app displays the music score and piano roll notation for built-in songs and MIDI files, allowing you to select which tracks to play with your left and right hands. With the ability to slow the tempo and transpose to a key that’s easier to play, you can practice at your own pace. Plus, a scoring system lets track your progress.

• Social distancing doesn’t have to be antisocial.

Connect with fellow musicians from the comfort and safety at home by hosting a virtual jam session for the added stress-relieving benefits of socializing with friends, old and new.

• Expressing yourself creatively is one of the best tools for kicking stress to the curb, and making music in no exception. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you may feel empowered to write your own melodies or even develop them fully into songs.

In these unusual times, music can benefit your mood and mental health by serving as a valuable creative outlet, a means for practicing mindfulness and a great way to connect with others. – (StatePoint)

“At this particular moment -- challenging as it may be -- it is very important for all of us as individuals to recognize that our actions can and do have a collective impact,” says Dr. Patrice A. Harris, president of the American Medical Association (AMA). “A lot of people are grieving at this moment. Tragically some are grieving loss of loved ones; but people can also grieve the loss of employment, routines or the ability to be with family and friends. Everyone should know that these feelings are normal, and they should allow themselves to experience them.”

Here some simple steps from the AMA to maintain your physical and mental health during the unusual times of COVID-19: 1. Channel your feelings of anxiety or helplessness into action.

Practicing physical distancing and making sure to wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds are two steps that protect your health and the health of others. Create a safety action plan for you and your family. Also consider how small gestures – like offering to pick up groceries for an older or at-risk neighbor who may be anxious about leaving home -can make a big difference.

2. Take care of yourself physically. Get as much sleep as you can, try to include fruits and vegetables into your diet, and make sure you move.

With many gyms and parks closed and physical distancing in place, it may seem harder to work out, so consider options at home, including dancing, to stay active.

3. Create new routines. With more people working from home and/or caring for school-aged children, the daily lives we had before COVID-19

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) fizkes / iStock via Getty Images Plus

are a distant memory. But building routines -- time for work, time for meals, time for decompressing -- is critical to creating a new normal. In the world today, there are so many things we can’t control, but our schedules are something we can.

4. Take time to turn off social media and the news. It is critical at this moment to know what is happening in the world and to stay connected with family and friends, but if social media and 24-hour news are making you anxious, consume them in doses.

5. Feel your feelings. It’s natural to worry and be afraid at a moment like this. It is also important to remember there are physicians, public health officials at all levels of government, as well as experts in the private sector, working tireless-

ly to limit the spread and impact of COVID-19.

6. Stay connected. Social media gives us a common connection point during times of isolation, but there is real opportunity at this moment to stay connected via phone calls and video chats with friends, family, and even people you haven’t heard from in a while. Physical distancing is important, but it’s still okay to socialize.

7. If you have children, talk to them in an age-appropriate way, and avoid ascribing feelings to them. Don’t say, “I know you’re scared.” Kids are observant and they’re wise. They may know things are different, but they may not be afraid. Let them know smart people are working on ways to keep us all safe. Model healthy coping. – (StatePoint)

B4

Game.

| April 22-28, 2020

michiganchronicle.com

What a virtual NFL Draft means for the

Detroit

Lions

By Kory Woods

This Thursday, April 23rd has the stage set (sort of) for NFL history to be made.

The NFL Draft will be held exclusively in an online format for the first time ever, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announcing the selections for each team from his home in New York. The. The 85th annual draft, which initially was scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, was scrapped due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

That’s right everyone!

There will be no fans.

There will be no visual of the number one pick shaking Goodell’s hand.

And there will be no judging of crazy suits the draft picks would’ve worn.

What a bummer right?

Details of the upcoming draft are currently vague. The NFL has kept a tight lid on the dynamics of what fans can expect.

The only certain thing is the business will go on as usual; much to the chagrin of NFL general managers across the league. Due to the social distancing guidelines, teams do not have the opportunity to conduct normal pre-draft routines. This goes from performing medical evaluations to organizations meeting in their war rooms to prepare. With this being the case, one can surmise that video-conferencing platforms such as Zoom will be utilized. That way, the coaches and general managers of each team will still be able to conduct war room activities, just in a digital format.

Organizations like the New England Patriots or the Pittsburgh Steelers, this may not affect their process that much. Those two organizations are just examples of teams that have a knack for finding a diamond in the rough each year.

However, for a team like the Detroit Lions, one that has a history of questionable drafting, this could be a complete disaster, even with the third pick.

WHOM SHOULD DETROIT SELECT AT NO. 3?

For a team that doesn’t have the number one pick, the Detroit Lions find themselves in the driver’s seat of this draft.

Unfortunately, they are in a compromising position as well.

Lions general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia are basically on the hot seat. Failure to make the right selection in this will do more than set the organization back for years to come.

It may also cost them their jobs.

Over the last several years, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has dealt with a series of significant back injuries. Stafford, 32, is entering his 11th season with the Lions and he isn’t getting any younger. Knowing that, selecting a quarterback should be the obvious decision for Quinn and Patricia. Especially since former Alabama quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa is expected to still be available. Tagovailoa, who is recovering from a dislocated hip, is still projected to be a “once in a lifetime” type of quarterback. He could potentially sit this year while learning

behind Stafford, and becoming his successor shortly.

There is one problem with this theory though.

Expecting Quinn and Patricia to select a project in Tagovailoa and their jobs being on the line is not ideal.

Which leaves the Lions with the more practical move.

TRADE OUT OF NO. 3 The most realistic option for the Lions should be to trade out of the number three slot. There is a bevy of scenarios for them to trade down and acquire more pieces to help them immediately. It also alleviates the pressure of the Lions potentially making the wrong selection. An example of that would be drafting Ohio State Jeff Okudah at number three.

Okudah, who is the touted as the best cornerback in the draft, is very steep for the Lions at number three.

And as great as Okudah can potentially be, he’s not the guy for the Lions to take at that spot. The smart and safe move would be to trade out of the pick after seeing whom Washington selects with the second pick. A dream scenario would be for Washington to throw a curveball and pass on Ohio State’s Chase Young.

In that case, keeping the third pick is a no-brainer, and you take Young without hesitation.

As vague as the NFL has been about how this virtual draft will work, the Lions have been vague about the direction they will head in with the third pick.

When having the third pick in the draft, the Lions have either been hit (Barry Sanders) or miss (Joey Harrington).

If Quinn and Patricia plan to be in Detroit past this season, this pick can be nothing less than a hit.

OP-ED:

Is Arizona The Answer for the MLB?

By Kory Woods

It could serve as a blueprint on how to resume professional sports effectively and safely. In addition to that, Americans who aren’t pro athletes could see a return to work.

This would be a plus as unemployment claims in the United States are currently at an alltime high. Some team staffers and many arena workers across the country make up those filed claims. A potential MLB return will not see each one of them return to work.

Welp America, here we go.

Reports are circulating that officials in Major League Baseball (MLB) are having ongoing discussions regarding a potential return of “America’s Favorite Pastime”. Of the several scenarios in play, one calls for all 30 teams to travel to Arizona as a central location to begin the season.

Due to the widespread COVID-19 outbreak, the MLB suspended baseball operations indefinitely; impacting the start of the 2020 season.

Jeremy Cluff of the Arizona Republic wrote that part of the plan calls for teams to play nationally televised games at the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chase Field. Additional games will be played at surrounding spring training stadiums in the neighboring area. For the safety and health of its players, the league would create a biosphere type atmosphere.

The United States currently has over 677,00 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There have been over 56,000 recoveries and over 34,000 deaths. Arizona specifically has over 4,200 cases and over 145 deaths.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseas-

However, some progress is better than no progress.

The MLB has a shot to do something truly special. A safe and successful start to their 2020 season will serve as a blueprint for the return of professional sports.

es, said that there is a way for the MLB to return amid the current circumstances.

As a matter of fact, it’s almost in alignment with the rumors of the MLB plans.

“Nobody comes to the stadiums, Fauci said. “Put (athletes) in big hotels, wherever you want to play. Keep them very well-surveilled but have them tested like every week and make sure they don’t wind up infecting each other or their

families and just let them play the season out.”

Fauci’s comments on the MLB’s plans will draw the ire of some given the aforementioned statistics.

With that being said, there will come a time where one of the major professional sports leagues will be the first to resume its operations. The MLB’s attempts to get the ball rolling are a start in the right direction. An ideal scenario would be for a vaccine or antibiotic

to be available. That way in the event a player or essential staff contracts it, they can receive the necessary treatment immediately.

The reality is that this ideal scenario doesn’t exist at the moment. Something has to be tried in order to see what will work, and what will not work.

Otherwise, time will continue to pass on without a solution in sight.

The MLB’s plan may indeed work.

Heck, it will serve as a blueprint for the return of sports in general.

Organizations will be able to observe the MLB’s rollout, documenting the early successes (and failures). Then they will be able to tweak it as necessary.

Starting the 2020 season in Arizona may or may not be the right answer for the MLB. Regardless of what the ultimate decision will be, the wrong answer is not trying anything.

And that is something that the MLB recognizes.

Classified

April 22-28, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

REQUEST FOR QUOTE

IMAGING SCIENTIST IN BINGHAM FARMS, MI

Vehicle Software Integration Engineer Full Size Trucks

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQs for Additional Storage Area Network (SAN), Control No. 20-3034. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning April 20, 2020, from http://www.mitn.info. RFQs are due by 3:00 PM ET, May 15, 2020.

REQUEST FOR QUOTE The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQs for 1 ¾ Ton 4WDPickup Truck w/Snow Plow Package, Control No. 20-3162. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning April 20, 2020, from http://www.mitn.info.

RFQs are due by 3:00 PM ET, May 8, 2020.

REQUEST FOR QUOTE The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP for Automated dispatch and scheduling software Control No. 20-3019. RFP forms may be obtained beginning April 23, 2020 from http://www.mitn.info. RFP is due by 3:00 PM ET, May 13, 2020.

George Washington Carver Academy 14510 Second Avenue Highland Park, MI 48203 Accepting Applications Grades PreK-8 Open Enrollment March 3, 2020 Application is available on school website Gwcarveracademy.org Enrollment Information is available in the Main Office Tuesday and Thursday 9 am- 12 pm (313) 865-6024 Email Karla McGhee Pupil Accountant kmcghee@gwcarveracademy.org

Open Enrollment Legal Notice WAY Academy, a TUITION-FREE Public School Academy serving stu­ dents and their families announces the 2020-2021 enrollment periods for grades 6 -12. WAY Academy has two campus locations at 8701 West Vernor Highway, Detroit, MI 48209 and 19321 West Chicago Street, Detroit, MI 48228.

Students and their families may enroll April 27, 2020 through May 8, 2020 at https://www.wayacademy.net/enroll.

In addition, interested students and their families may contact the academy by calling 313-444-8082. This school is a Public School Academy authorized by Lake Superior State University according to the Michigan Revised School Code. It has an open enrollment policy and does not discriminate on the basis of intellectual or physical abilities, achievement or aptitude, religion, race or gender.

Random Selection Drawing In the event student enrollment applications exceed available space, a random selection drawing will be administered Saturday August 2, 2020 from 8:00am to 10:00am at the following location: 369 Main Street Belleville, MI 48111 The random selection drawing, in accordance with the Michigan Revised School Code and the chartering contract provisions with Lake Superior State University, will be conducted under the direction of a third party administrator not affiliated with the academy. If required, the third party administrator will be (TBD). Students and their parents as well as interested community members are welcome to attend. Attendance, however, is not required for inclusion in the drawing.

HELP WANTED

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (RESEARCH) IN DETROIT, MI Wayne State University has an available position of Assistant Professor (Research) in Detroit, MI. Position re­ quires a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Biomedical Engineering & 12 months experience as an MR Imaging Software Engineer. Position also requires: 1) Ph.D. dissertation in quantitative MRI technology development. Job duties: Conduct research in & develop quantitative MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technologies to investigate neurological diseases including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, & peripheral nerve diseases. Develop magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequences for MR users. Develop Digital Imaging & Communications in Medicine (DICOM) service to process images. Publish results of research in peer-reviewed journals & present ­results at national & international conferences. Write & submit grant proposals. Qualified candidates should apply through the WSU Online ­Hiring ­System for posting #045105 at https://jobs.wayne.edu.

Magnetic Resonance Innovations, Inc. has an available position of Imaging Scientist in Bingham Farms, MI. Position requires a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Chemical Engineering or Biology or Biochemistry & 6 months experience as a Research Engineer &/or University Research Assistant. Position also requires: 1) Ph.D. dissertation in computational biology; & 2) Exp. must include 6 mos. exp. conducting research in Parkinson’s disease. Job duties: Conduct research into the etiology of Parkinson’s disease. Develop programs to automate or semi-automate the calculation of neuromelanin & iron content of the brain of both Parkinson’s disease patients & healthy controls. Improve the calculation of transmit fields in STAGE (Strategically Acquired Gradient Echo) imaging. Write grants related to Parkinson’s disease & other neurodegenerative diseases. Publish results of research in peer-reviewed journals & present results at national & international conference. Qualified applicants should send resume & verification of reqs. to Rachel D. Martis-Laze, Administrator, Magnetic Resonance Innovations, Inc., 30200 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 104, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Virtual Design Development Validation Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, create, plan, &execute static, implicit dynamic, &nonlinear FEA models of psgr vehicle engine casting cmpnts incldg cylinder heads/blocks/liners, lower crank cases, lower crank extensions (LCE), main bearing caps, valve seats/guides, cam ladders/caps incldg structural &sys deflection, to meet structural &performance (thermal, distortions, durability, stiffness, &mass) reqmts in Bills of Design (BOD) at virtual design assessment gates, using Abaqus, HyperMesh, SimLab, Fe-Safe, Inspect, Tosca, Isight, OptiStruct &UG tools. Define FEA models for cmpnt level anlys &sys level anlys, using both linear &nonlinear materials properties incldg material plasticity &variable fatigue property material models. Attend physical tests &tear downs &correlate CAE &FE sim. results to physical test. Master, Mechanical, Automotive, or Thermal Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, engrg &executing static &nonlinear FEA models of psgr vehicle engine casting cmpnts incldg cylinder head/blocks, &LCE, to meet structural &performance in BOD, using Abaqus, SimLab, Fe-Safe, Tosca, OptiStruct &UG tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#1412, GM Global Mobility, 300 Ren. Center, MC:482C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Global Manager - Process Validation &Improvement, Global Purchasing & Mfg Services (GP&MS) General Motors, Detroit, MI. Manage &improve GP&MS operational syss incldg GDIMPS Purchasing Contract Management Sys &SAP S/4 Hana syss &processes, &purchasing &financial policies to improve mgmt of reporting on supplier payments for direct materials &indexed raw materials (incldg copper, aluminum, steel &precious materials); info flow &mgmt (incldg connection between engrg, contracts &payments syss); &bus. process &orgztnl plng for purchasing of direct materials for plants in N.A./S.A. &Korea.

Measure/increase effectiveness of global Process Validation &Improvement (PVI) team. Supervise PVI Supvs, &GM/Contractor Finance personnel.

Monitor &control PVI Direct Materials team KPI metrics, incldg analyst touch rate, purchase orders, pricing variance, cost recovery balance, &payments accuracy (SAP ERP syss variance anlys &root cause anlys), drive org. to increased levels of customer satisfaction, to migrate from recovery to prevention methodology. Bachelor, Bus. Admin., Management, Finance, or related.

24 mos exp as Direct or Indirect Material Coordinator or Leader, monitoring &controlling direct or indirect material team KPI metrics incldg purchase orders, &material or inventory accuracy (incldg SAP ERP syss variance anlys, &root cause anlys), or related. Mail resume to Ref#1420, GM Global Mobility, 300 Ren. Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Subject Matter ExpertWarehouse (WH) Optimization Warren, MI, General Motors. Formulate &calculate NA Logistics Optimization Center (LOC), vehicle assy &powertrain mfg plant compression costs incldg mfg, off site facility (WH, 3rd party logistics service provider, logistics (production material from WH to plant), using Global Ledger (SAP), Global People Cost Sys, Global Engrg Plng Sys, &Excel tool. Dvlp &execute common standards, Bills of Process, &lean designs to optimize material flow in vehicle assy &cmpnt mfg plants. Collect financial data, perform time &method studies using Excel-based GMOS &GM STDS tools, build, &implement lean material strategies for material movements starting from offsite LOC, to plant gate, onsite storage area, &delivery to vehicle assy line in high volume vehicle assy &PT mfg environments.

Apply Lean Material Strategies (LMS) incldg plant implementation of WH Management Sys (WMS), Electronic Pull System, (EPS), Part Pull System (PPS), &Part Sequence System (PSS), to ensure low cost, flexible delivery flow of raw materials, indirect materials &production parts. Required travel to LOC & vehicle assy plants in U.S./CAN/MEX to identify continuing solutions to optimize cost through compression of LOC &plant facilities footprint, up to 10 wks p/yr. Bachelor, Bus. Admin., Accntng, or Supply Chain Management. 12 mos exp as LMS or Supply Chain Mgr or Sr. Mgr, or related, calculating LOC or WH location, vehicle assy or PT mfg plant compression costs incldg mfg, 3PL, &logistics (production material from WH to plant), &dvlpg common standards, BOP, &lean designs to optimize material flow in vehicle assy &cmpnt mfg plants in country or region, or related. Mail resume to Ref#484-203, GM Global Mobility, 300 Ren. Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Warren, MI, General Motors. Validate, integrate, test, &execute design integration tests for U.S./global conventional &semi-autonomous full size light/heavy duty truck embedded ECUs in Commun. Gateway Module, Engine (ECM) / Transmission (TCM) / Body (BCM) Control Modules, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Module, Center Stack, IP Cluster (IPC), Electric Powering Steering, Universal Park Assist, Memory Seat / Super Video Processing Modules, using VSpy, DPS &INCA tools, neoVI FIRE, DiComPhySys, NGFTT &RAD-Galaxy HW. Use meters &scopes, analyze &troubleshoot electrical &SW related issues during Integration Vehicle Build event &Design Integration Test in vehicle electrical architecture for all modules &write lab check instructions. Verify vehicle diagnostic content such as Parameter/ Data Packet/ Control Parameter Identifiers to ensure feature functionality. Required travel via private automobile to Flint Assy Plant, to align &integrate electrical end of line testing equipment &ECU SW in vehicle, up to 80 days p/yr. Bachelor, Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engrg. 24 mos exp as Engineer, validating &executing design integration tests or DVP&R for psgr vehicle embedded ECUs in ECM, TCM, DEF Module, BCM, &IPC, or related. Mail resume to Ref#47787, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Senior Software Test Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Dvlp, test, verify, &monitor test plans for qlty control, validate &identify defects to improve HMI &UX incldg conventional &BEV psgr vehicle Center Stack Module (CSM) &IP Cluster (IPC) incldg Steering Wheel, to identify &assign fixes for malfunctions, crashes, &poor performance, for 2021 &beyond psgr vehicle infotainment &telematics Android syss features incldg media playback, Bluetooth connectivity, Phone calling/projection, Personalization, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Voice Rec, OnStar connectivity, navi, power moding, Headup Display, Radio &Tuner, LTE network, OnStar Advisor, Emergency Calling, Front-Reverse/360 Camera, Trailering, RearScreen-Interface, in Python &Java, using Git, Gerrit, Jenkins, Artifactory, IBM RTC/RQM, Postman, SQL, &VSpy tools; HTML, XML &CATS automation framework; &neoVI FIRE, ValueCAN &Navigator HW. Improve display &HMI incldg app, service &sys levels in Android OS, applying Agile methodology. Master, Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, verifying, monitoring test plans for qlty control, &identifying defects to improve HMI &UX incldg CSM &IPC, to identify or assign fixes for malfunctions, for features incldg Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, &LTE network, using Git, RTC, &VSpy tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#8650-D, GM Global Mobility, 300 Ren. Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, MI 48265.



REPENTANCE Prophet Cedric Banks

“Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

— Romans 2:4 God’s goodness is so good to us… His mercy, His love, His kindness, His protection. All of these things are part of God’s goodness. And His goodness leads us into a place of repentance. Just knowing that we have God’s goodness, it brings us into a place of peace and gratitude.

For more info, look us up on Facebook at ‘Cedric Banks Prophet’ or call 313-421-9977

Published Every Wednesday

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

313 963-5522

 Lucious Hughley, Jr. Lucious Hughley, Jr. 89 years old of Detroit, MI was called home on Friday, April 3, 2020. He was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama and was preceded in death by his parents Lucious Hughley, Sr. and Ruth V. Ware. His life partner, Lorraine Jones also preceded him in death.

He was a graduate of Parker High School in Birmingham, AL. Over the years he was a dedicated employee of Squirt Bottling Company and he retired from PepsiCo. He is survived by his children Lucious Hughley, III (Audrey, preceded in death), Cheryl Hughley Clark (Detroit, MI), Charita Hughley Cadenhead (Birmingham, AL), Renard Stewart (Rosetta) (Largo, FL), as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Private family ceremony, April, 15, 2020 Swanson Funeral Home, Directing. The family will have a celebration of a life well lived at a later date.



Dr. Virginia Keene Lloyd

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Dr. Virginia Keene Lloyd passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2020.

Born in Baltimore Maryland, November 9th, 1934, she was the second child born to Willie and Carrie Keene.

Dr. Lloyd was formerly married to Earl Lloyd, the first African American to play basketball for the National Basketball Association.

They had two sons, Kenneth and Kevin. Both presently live in Houston, Texas.

Virginia attended elementary and high school in Baltimore where she graduated. She went on to get her undergraduate degree from West Virginia State University and later received her Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Wayne State University.

She retired from the Detroit Public School System as a Principal.

Dr. Lloyd was an active member of the Esteemed Delta Sigma Theta Sorority as well as various other social, professional and political organizations. She was a faithful member of the East Lake Baptist Church.

A memorial celebration will be announced at a later date.

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