MC Digital Edition 4.8.2020

Down But Not Out: How Black Restaurants Are Handling The Coronavirus Crisis MONEY. A5

Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 83 – No.31 | April 8-14, 2020

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OP-ED:

Black People: The Neglected Party in Politics and COVID-19

By John James COVID is killing black people at an alarming rate. As of April 2, more than 10,000 Michiganders were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 35% were African Americans. There were 417 deaths in Michigan and 40% were African American. These statistics are alarming by themselves but even more alarming when you recognize that, one, Blacks only make up 14% of the statewide population and, two, that this is a nationwide issue.

Blacks comprise 70% of the COVID deaths in Chicago John James while we comprise 30% of its population. Louisiana, reporting similar numbers, recently reported that 70% of its residents who are dying from the virus are also black. And in Milwaukee County, half of its total cases and 81% of its deaths are of blacks.

Yes, COVID is killing people of all races, creeds, ethnicities, and genders. But for a virus we’re told is indiscriminate, it’s absolutely killing blacks at a massive rate! So why aren’t our elected officials doing more to help us?

I was raised in Detroit and now I run a business in Detroit. I spent the better part of last week trying to figure out how to keep my employees on their health care insurance while scouring the world for personal protection equipment on behalf of front-line medical workers in need. This week, I find myself forgiving the debts of cash strapped customers while scouring the country looking for refrigerated trucks on behalf of a city in mourning.

These are tough days and while America will emerge stronger, we must ensure that African Americans are neither left behind in our recovery nor are we ever put in this position again.

We are all created equal but each into unequal circumstances.

COVID-19 does not discriminate but it is more dangerous to people with comorbidities like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and respiratory illness. Socio-economic immobility and lack of access to quality nutrition and health care are all contributing factors to the damage COVID-19 is doing to the Black community.

The truth is for too long both par-

See BLACK

The Coronavirus Effect: Black Businesses Are Bleeding

By Whitney Gresham

While dozens, if not hundreds, of small Detroit black-owned businesses have been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government’s two trillion-dollar relief bill contained $377 billion dedicated to helping out small businesses.

Most established businesses that are properly licensed and caught up with their taxes should be able to access funds via special programs set up through the Small Business Administration, although the details are yet to be worked out.

However, in large urban cities like Detroit, Chicago, New York, St. Louis, Atlanta. LA and elsewhere, there is an entire underground economy built on commerce from low-income retail outlets, liquor stores, check cashing and “dollar” stores, fast-food chains, unlicensed auto repair garages, second-hand shops and junkyards. And many of these small enterprises are unlicensed, unregulated, and pay few state or federal businesses taxes at all.

While not aesthetically pleasing, these hair salons, used tire stores, resale shops, rib joints, chicken shacks, and auto repair garages play a vital role providing low-cost, stripped-down services to local residents. And they are critical components of a delicate, economic ecological system say urban planners. They are, in many instances, the backbone of many Detroit neighborhoods; the “underground economy.”

Dr. Henry Louis Taylor, director of the Center for Urban Studies at the University of Buffalo and a professor of urban and regional planning, said although small, non-compliant neighborhood businesses may comprise only about 10 percent of the total businesses in a city like Detroit, he estimates they are so ubiquitous that they could serve up to 70 percent of the residents at one time or another.

That means if they are forced to close due to economic distress they will be pulled out of the informal underground economy, with few options for accessing government loans or support. That, in turn, increases the pain and misery in the most distressed neighborhoods because not only does it cut off income for already marginalized entrepreneurs, but according to Taylor, it “disrupts a functioning political economy“ most people outside it don’t understand.

A recent report from Fox 2 News noted that with the help of the Detroit City Council, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation has put together a $3.1 million fund for COVID-19 relief. It said small businesses that made less than a million dollars last year and have fewer than 50 employees can apply for these grants that range between $2,500 and $10,0000.

DEGC President and CEO Kevin Johnson said the money can be used for payroll, rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and other needs. The grants will be awarded based on how long the business has been in the city, the number of employees, and the profitability of the busi-

ness, according to the report.

Johnson said the process isn’t meant to be cumbersome, so they’ll provide technical assistance to walk applicants through the process. The first checks are expected to be issued in the next couple of weeks.

However, for those who are part of Detroit’s underground economy such relief is of little comfort because they do not qualify.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist said the Whitmer Administration is aware of the hardships facing small mom and pop Detroit businesses and is working hard to provide relief.

He said it has established a small business hotline that any business can call and it has a response team to answer questions and walk them through the proper process for obtaining assistance.

The phone number is 888.522.0103 “One of the things that I’ve learned for the administration of our small business support response is making sure that the state applied for and received an emergency disaster declaration from the Small Business Administration of the federal government, which unlocked access to small business loans, of low or no interest, and to be able to get this crisis aid to the state of Michigan,” he said.

Gilchrist also said the state also has the Michigan Strategic Fund which has allocated millions of dollars that can be available to direct support for small busi-

See CORONAVIRUS

EFFECT page A2

PEOPLE page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

COVID-19: Renowned Doctor Says, ‘Be Vigilant. Don’t Be a Vector’

By Stacy M. Brown

icine in Baltimore, taking a one-year leave of absence from medical school for a postdoctoral fellowship in pharmacology from 1983 to 1984.

NNPA Newswire

As COVID-19 continues to spread amid a growing number of fatalities, Dr. James Hildreth said it’s critical that everyone follows stay-at-home orders, social distancing guidelines, and anything else that could help keep Americans safe during the pandemic.

In 1987 he obtained his M.D. from Johns Hopkins and joined the Hopkins faculty as an assistant professor. In 2002, Dr. Hildreth became the first African American in the 125-year history of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine to earn full professorship with tenure in the basic sciences.

Dr. Hildreth, the president of Meharry Medical College, is not just your everyday physician, or media talking head. He’s a renowned infectious disease expert who has repeatedly been called upon by Nashville Mayor John Cooper and others to inform the public about coronavirus.

How to Cope with Single Life and Solitude in Crisis

City.Life.Style. C1

$1.00

Dr. Hildreth began undergraduate studies at Harvard University and was selected as the first African American Rhodes Scholar from Arkansas in 1978.

He graduated from Harvard magna cum laude in chemistry in 1979, according to his biography.

That fall, Dr. Hildreth enrolled at Oxford University in England, graduating with a Ph.D. in immunology in 1982. At Oxford, he studied the biology of cytotoxic T cells

In July 2005, Dr. Hildreth became director of the NIH-funded Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research at Meharry Medical College.

Viruses are incomplete life forms with no ability to replicate on their own, so they must find a way to gain entry into the cells in our bodies, explained Dr. Hildreth. with Professor Andrew McMichael and became an expert in monoclonal antibody technology and cell adhesion molecules.

He returned to the United States to attend Johns Hopkins University School of Med-

In an interview with NNPA Newswire, Dr. Hildreth stressed that “there has to be a new normal,” and he implored all to understand that they don’t “want to be a vector.”

“I think that vigilance has to be raised to a new level. The response to this situation by the [Trump] administration was late,” Dr. Hildreth stated.

“There needed to have been a coordinated response to this. A lot of what’s happening now could have been avoided

See COVID-19 page A2

Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com •

April 8-14, 2020

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842 901 721 949 274 332 384 5685 4173 Rev. Joseph Lowery: One of the most 528 5 35 39 41 49 17 OP-ED:

influential leaders of the latter 20th Century

By Deric Gilliard It took the most life altering event of the 21st century to finally mute the importance of one of the most significant figures of the second half of the 20th century.

Joseph Echols Lowery, co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the direct action civil rights organization that served as the firing pin that used non-violent protest to push Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and coordinated movements across the nation that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, has finally expired.

He was 98. Due to social distancing requirements from COVID-19, a public celebration of his life and legacy will be postponed until fall.

Lowery, born in Huntsville, Alabama, was one of the inner circle of preachers credited with launching the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, along with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, and Rev. C.K. Steele of Tallahassee.

Unlike the bombastic Rev. Hosea Williams, who served as King’s fiery field general, agitating and igniting movements, or Andy Young, known as the great negotiator and someone who knew how to deal with white intransigents resisting change, or Shuttlesworth, whose bravery is legendary after his home was bombed several times and he was beaten repeatedly — along with his pregnant wife, Ruby — while trying to enroll their children in school in 1957, Lowery’s legacy is more nuanced.

Primarily an administrator until the time of King’s assassination, when Lowery was chairman of the SCLC’s national board of directors, he was not known as someone who had repeatedly been battered or terrorized on the front lines in the fifties and sixties, though he did have scrapes with racist leaders. In fact, in 1979, in Decatur, Alabama, Lowery and the SCLC-led protesters, while challenging the arrest of a docile, retarded black man, Tommie Lee Lines, for allegedly raping two white women, were confronted by armed Klansmen, who shot at the non-violent protesters, including Mrs. Evelyn Lowery. She narrowly escaped a bullet through her windshield while seeking cover in the floorboard of her car.

Lowery was arrested numerous times, including while protesting our government’s support of apartheid South African regime in 1984, and challenging the dumping of toxic waste in black communities in North Carolina in 1983, along with Dr. Ben Chavis. He also led the successful integration of the bus lines in Mobile, AL before the seismic, 381-day boycott triggered

by Rosa Parks in Montgomery in 1955. In 1965, King delegated him to present the movement rights’ marchers’ demands to intransigent Alabama governor and avowed segregationist George Wallace.

Lowery’s enduring legacy, I believe, is that he led the SCLC back from near death, to vibrancy and noteworthy relevance, after taking over in 1977, nine years after the King assassination, following the rocky and uncertain tenure of Abernathy’s presidency. No one could be expected to replicate the charisma, dynamism, and eloquence of King. Indeed, Abernathy never found his footing during a period when fellow SCLC insiders Young

COVID-19 From page A-1

had we had strong leadership from the beginning. We would be having a different conversation,” Dr. Hildreth added.

As America and most of the world hunker down, Dr. Hildreth said there must embrace a new normal.

“It’s possible that we identify people that are affected and treat them and go back to a somewhat normal life. But if you don’t have that, then it means that the social distancing aspects and the hygienic practices to avoid spreading the virus will have to continue,” Dr. Hildreth noted.

“On any given day, as many as 46,000 flights are carrying over 3 million people, and you have people from Florida, New York, and Miami and other places on there. If one person has the disease, then it starts all over again,” he said.

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Rev. Joseph Lowery and Rev. C.T. Vivian say he tried too hard to be King, instead of himself. And even when Lowery edged out Williams for the presidency in 1977, it was a struggle to regain momentum.

Gradually, however, despite being in the midst of what King historian and Pulitzer Prize winner David Garrow deemed a “post-civil rights era,” Lowery grabbed hold of a series of critical issues and made them his and the SCLC’s own. Gun violence, voting rights, hate crimes, economic injustice, affirmative action, educational tracking, redistricting, disparities in sentencing, black-on-black violence: you name the issue, Lowery battled long-time rival Rev. Jesse Jackson for national leadership as the clarion voice speaking for black activism and justice throughout the last quarter of the 20th century. Whatever the topic, Lowery spoke to it with eloquence, precise insight and passion.

On the 25th anniversary of the King assassination, April 4, 1993, Lowery and the SCLC launched the Stop the Killing/End the Violence campaign. Urging Americans to “turn to each other, not on each other,” the campaign ultimately took tens of thousands of guns off the streets through a controversial gun buy-back program frequently supported by corporations. Along the way, he challenged Presidents Reagan, Carter, Bush 41 and 43 and Bill Clinton, who credited Lowery with being the leader who moved him to raise the black church burnings to a national state of emergency. He pointedly criticized the U.S. bombing in Kosovo and angered the SCLC’s many Jewish supporters by agreeing to meet with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The Methodist minister also picketed Atlanta’s Prior Tire, over its challenge to the city’s landmark affirmative action stand and went toeto-toe against hometown corporate giant Coca-Cola to pressure it to pull out of its investments in the from a racist South African regime.

Lowery and the SCLC signed hundred million-dollar economic covenants with Publix, Shoney’s, which required they promise to hire more black managers, utilize more black vendors and place more stores in minority neighborhoods.

Rooted and grounded in voting rights and education, Lowery and the SCLC established and kept alive dozens of chapters throughout the country and the world while

registering hundreds of thousands of voters throughout the years, via motor voter campaigns. Adept at working with groups focused on LGBTQ, environmental, anti-war and economic justice issues, he and the SCLC were broadly criticized as the first “mainstream” civil rights organization to actively support Min. Farrakhan’s 1995 Million Man March. First and foremost a minister of the gospel, Lowery, who refused to separate his ministry from his activism, also pastored United Methodist churches for over 40 years. Along the way, Ebony selected him as one of America’s top 15 preachers.

It would not be possible to salute the legacy of Lowery without including the laudable contributions of his wife, Evelyn. Founder of the SCLC/W.O.M.E.N., she instituted the annual Drum Major for Justice Awards, launched the Wings of Hope anti-drug initiative, introduced the annual civil rights tours throughout the south and erected monuments to honor the valiant foot soldiers who labored non-violently To Redeem the Soul of America, the SCLC’s motto. Together, they were one of America’s most influential couples of their era, and significantly improved the arc of social justice in the South.

Never resistant to go against the grain, Lowery backed the upstart, the little-known senator from Illinois, Barack Hussein Obama, against the chosen one, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. Lowery did so despite the fact that most liberals, and virtually all black leaders, backed Clinton. Lowery campaigned vigorously for Obama, and in 2009, brought the fiery, controversial benediction at the conclusion of the inauguration of the nation’s first black president. Obama awarded Lowery with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, later that year.

Lowery was no King, but he never missed a payroll while reinvigorating the SCLC and ensuring that it remained a powerful force speaking truth to power during his twenty-year tenure at the helm from 1977-1997. After his time at the SCLC, he founded the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, a 501C-3 that boasts chapters and affiliates through nine states, still focusing on voter rights and registration. Farewell to the “Dean” of the civil rights movement.

Dr. Hildreth also warned of a more cataclysmic situation arising if there’s no vigilance.

deal with before,” Dr. Hildreth said.

“Not all of them are necessarily going to become a global contagion, but some of them probably will.”

Viruses are incomplete life forms with no ability to replicate on their own, so they must find a way to gain entry into the cells in our bodies, explained Dr. Hildreth.

Many viruses need hosts before they can get into humans, and those hosts are called vectors, he said.

“In 2002, the hosts were cats.

Then for MERS, the host was camels,” Dr. Hildreth stated. “So, efforts were made to eradicate the vectors. But what happens when the host is human? The difference with COVID-19 is that we are the vectors. It’s able to jump from human to human. So, our challenge is to eradicate the vector. That’s why we’re asking you to don’t become a vector of COVID-19. You don’t become a vector by staying at home, practicing social distancing, and sanitizing surfaces often,” he said.

“And as human beings continue to push into habitats we have not been in before, and come into contact with pathogens we have not come into contact with before, I’m just saying that this may not be the last time we as a world have to respond to a pandemic like this,” he stated. “We could have a situation where billions die.”

Dr. Hildreth noted that that already this century, there’s been three pandemics – SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. He said that SARS and MERS occurred in 2002, and 2019, respectively, while COVID-19 entered the scene late in 2019.

“It’s almost at a frequency that every nine to 10 years we have to deal with this. And then, as the population grows and we have to encroach on more and more habitat that we have not been a part of before, there is an expectation that we will have to deal with emerging infections that we have not had to

Coronovirus Effect

From page A-1

nesses that have been directly impacted through this crisis.

“I want to make sure that the small businesses you’re talking about, my barbershop for example, that they have access to these resources,” he

said. “And that they know about the resources so we want to make sure that message is getting out to the community.”

People can also go to Michiganbusiness.org for information and support and resources Gilchrist said.

Black People From page A-1 ties have neglected African Americans. The lack of results from one party and the lack of effort from the other is causing Black people to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 than any other demographic in the Country. COVID-19, as both natural and manmade disasters always do, has unmasked generations of disinvestment in and exploitation of African Americans.

For now, we need the leaders that we have to get the resources and the data that we need to get us through this crisis.

Moving forward, however, we deserve friends in both parties. We deserve more diversity and real world experience in our elected leadership. We deserve a 21st Century urban agenda that focuses on economic security and health and wellness.

We deserve politicians with a personal stake in addressing generational poverty among blacks in Michigan and around the Country. How quickly and how sustainably we emerge from this pandemic and systemic inequality depends on our representation, because representation matters.

A3

| April 8-14, 2020

Detroit Teacher, Poet Brenda Perryman dies

By AJ Williams Managing Editor

Brenda Perryman wore many hats, from educator to local television talk show host, however, what she was most known for is being an inspiration and friend to the community of Detroit.

Perryman died on Sunday night due to complications connected to COVID-19.

Notably, Perryman taught both secondary and collegiate level speech and drama along with touring as an inspirational speaker nationally with “Tampax Total You Tour.”

Passionate about writing and her community Perryman authored several books and her talk show, “Table Talk with Brenda Perryman” tackled many local issues and topics.

Perryman’s extensive portfolio and dedication throughout her life were to be honored later this year as one of the 2020 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence.

Perryman touched many lives that have spanned through generations.

Renowned Actress Ella Joyce recalls Perry as supportive and sweet, “Just saddened and shocked to hear of Detroit’s Own, Brenda Perryman, passing. She was most intelligent, passionate, supportive, and sweet. She loved and supported the Arts. I am hurt to hear of her passing. Rest in Heaven, my Homegirl.”

Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

State of Emergency Declared for Black America as Public Health Experts Reveal Coronavirus is Airborne

By Stacy M. Brown

nities nationwide.

NNPA Newswire

In Michigan, where the state’s population is 14 percent Black, African Americans made up 35 percent of cases and 40 percent of deaths as of Friday, April 3.

W

hile many medical doctors maintain that the novel coronavirus is transmitted through droplets from coughs or sneezes, more and more medical experts and officials who work primarily with infectious respiratory illnesses and aerosols are convinced that the disease is airborne.

Today, as a result of recent medical research and data, The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. has issued a solemn national public warning and alert to nearly 50 million African Americans. “Black America is now in a state of emergency as a result of the disproportionately deadly impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our families and communities across the United States,” Chavis stated. “The coronavirus is now airborne. That means that the coronavirus can be in air that we breath.”

“Black Americans should stay at home and only leave home for critical life-essential reasons,” Chavis emphasized. “In fact, all Americans should stay at home to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. But I must emphasize that because before the spread of the coronavirus, Black Americans were already disproportionately burdened with multiple preexisting health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, our communities are more vulnerable to the impact of the coronavirus, including higher rates of fatalities.”

A Pro Publica report revealed that African Americans made up almost half of Milwaukee County’s 945 cases and 81 percent of its 27 deaths in a county whose population is only 26 percent Black.

Milwaukee is one of the few places in the United States that is tracking the racial breakdown of people who have been infected by the novel coronavirus, offering a glimpse at the disproportionate destruction it is inflicting on Black commu-

Detroit, where a majority of residents are Black, has emerged as a hot spot with a high death toll. As has New Orleans, according to Pro Publica.

Louisiana has not published case breakdowns by race, but 40 percent of the state’s deaths have happened in Orleans Parish, where the majority of residents are Black.

Illinois and North Carolina are two of the few areas publishing statistics on COVID-19 cases by race, and their data shows a disproportionate number of African Americans were infected, according to the report.

“We know in the US that there are great discrepancies in not only the diagnosis but the treatment that African Americans and other minorities are afforded,” stated Dr. Ebony Hilton, associate professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the University of Virginia Health Systems.

“So, I want to make sure that in this pandemic, that Black and brown people are treated in the same way and that these tests are made available in the same pattern as for white people,” Dr. Hilton said.

Medical experts have also sounded the alarm that the virus could well be transmitted through the air.

“Currently available research supports the possibility that (COVID-19) could be spread via bioaerosols generated directly by patients’ exhalation,” Harvey Fineberg, who heads a standing committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats, wrote in an April 1, 2020 letter to Kelvin Droegemeier, the head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

“One must be cautious in imputing the findings with one respiratory virus to another respiratory virus, as each virus may have its own effective infectious in-

oculum and distinct aerosolization characteristics,” Fineberg wrote.

“Studies that rely on PCR to detect the presence of viral RNA may not represent virus in sufficient amounts to produce infection. Nevertheless, the presence of viral RNA in air droplets and aerosols indicates the possibility of viral transmission via these routes.”

Fineberg penned the letter in response to a request from the White House OSTP. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a standing committee of experts to help inform OSTP on critical science and policy issues related to emerging infectious diseases and other public health threats.

The standing committee includes members with expertise in emerging infectious diseases, public health, public health preparedness and response, biological sciences, clinical care and crisis standards of care, risk communication, and regulatory issues.

“The results of available studies are consistent with aerosolization of virus from normal breathing,” Fineberg wrote.

He noted an airflow modeling study that followed a coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong in the early 2000s supports the potential for transmission via bioaerosols.

In that study, the significantly increased risk of infection to residents on higher floors of a building that was home to an infected individual indicated to the researchers a pattern of disease consistent with a rising plume of contaminated warm air.

“In the mind of scientists working on this, there’s absolutely no doubt that the virus spreads in the air. This is a no-brainer.” Lidia Morawska, at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, told the medical website, nature.com.

A March 2020 Cambridge Research study of those with influenza revealed

See AIRBORNE page A-4

$2 Rides Available for Detroiters To Fairgrounds Coronavirus Testing Site The City of Detroit is committed to providing COVID-19 testing to every Detroiter with symptoms, regardless of health insurance, income, or access to a car.

find several across the city who will take you now.

Make a Fairgrounds Appointment. Once your doctor orders a prescription, your test is free.

Call 313.230.0505 to make an appointment – appointments are available in 24-48 hours.

The City today has entered into a contract wants to make sure that every Detroiter has access to COVID-19 testing regardless of whether they have a primary care physician, health insurance, or a car.

Don’t have transportation? Tell the call taker who books your Fairgrounds appointment. They will connect you directly to the car service to book your $2 ride. The rides are only for Detroiters being picked up and dropped off at a Detroit residence.

The COVID-19 tests at the Fairgrounds are free, and 30 Detroit physician offices are now accepting new patients.

Most of those offices will accept uninsured patients and those who cannot afford to pay.

The City of Detroit is now offering Detroiters a ride to their testing appointments at the Fairgrounds. Rides will be provided by IntelliRide. You will get a safe, sanitary round trip for $2, the same price as bus fare.

If you don’t have the $2 at the time of pick up, the driver will not turn anyone away. This service is available for Detroiters being picked up and dropped off at a Detroit residence.

The first appointments with the transportation option will

The day of your test: When your driver arrives, bring your identification (if you don’t have a state-issued ID, you can bring any other piece of identification such as a work badge, utility bill, etc.) and your prescription.

Both the driver and passenger will be asked to wear masks and gloves for their protection.

After the test, the driver will take you back home. start Monday. Detroiters can begin calling Saturday to book those appointments with transportation.

Here’s how it works: Call Your Doctor to get a prescription: If have symptoms of coughing, fever, or shortness of

breath, contact your doctor to get a prescription. If you don’t have a doctor or don’t have insurance, go to the city website at detroitmi.gov and you will

The City is deeply appreciative of Gary Torgow and ITC Holdings for their generous contributions that made the transportation program possible.

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • April 8-14, 2020

Five More Talents Launches COVID-19 Online Resources For Churches Beginning in early to mid-March, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread across the U.S., churches that rely on traditional ways of worship, fellowship and caring for people soon realized its impact. Many are still trying to figure it out.

“Five More Talents has been developing websites for churches throughout North America for more than 10 years now. Because we’re aware of the limited technical and financial resources many churches have, we felt compelled to step up,” said Doug Vos, the company’s president.

“Within two weeks our team put together the COVID-19 dashboard to give churches recommended tools and resources for online giving, video streaming and alternatives for staying connected while self-distancing.”

In addition to providing the COVID-19 dashboard, Five More Talents is scheduling free educational webinars for churches interested in receiving more information about available tools for online giving, live streaming worship services, video streaming for small group meetings and Bible study, and ways to protect against hacking and phishing attacks.

One of the first to preview the COVID-19 dashboard was David Nakhla, disaster response coordinator for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, headquartered in Pennsylvania.

In Memory

Julius V. Combs, M.D. National Healthcare Scholars Foundation (Retired) Chairman Member since 1993 Julius Combs, M.D., a native Detroiter, is the retired chairman of the National Healthcare Scholars Foundation.

He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wayne State University and his medical degree and residency training in obstetrics and gynecology from the WSU School of Medicine.

In 1968, he and Charles Vincent, M.D., organized the Vincent and Combs Professional Corp., the first medical service Julius Combs, M.D. corporation in the state of Michigan. He became a member of the clinical faculty at WSU in 1968 and retired as assistant clinical professor in 1996.

Dr. Combs served as chairman of Omnicare Healthcare Plan, the first licensed HMO in Michigan, from 1980 to 1992. In 1984, he co-founded the United American Healthcare Corp., a full-service HMO management company. He was elected chairman and chief executive officer, retiring in 1998. The company was successful in obtaining management contracts with HMOs in Ohio, New York, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Michigan.

In 1987, UAHC formed the National Healthcare Scholars Foundation, which provided grants to students at five medical schools and nursing schools. From 1992 until ceasing operations in 2009, the foundation provided grants of more than $1.5 million.

Dr. Combs transitioned April 1, 2020.

“This dashboard provides a comprehensive list of helpful resources useful to churches scrambling to update their online communications during this time of crisis,” said Nakhla, who shared that Five More Talents developed the original disaster response website for their denomination.

“Much of this technology is new for a lot of churches so they do need guidance and education in adjusting to a ‘new normal’,” added Vos. “They also need online giving so they can still care for the elderly and vulnerable in their church and community. As our company name suggests, we are glad to offer our talents to give churches hope and help them weather this crisis.”

Airborne From page A-3

that 39 percent of individuals exhaled infectious aerosols, which experts noted that, as long as an airspace is shared with someone else, breathing in the air they exhale, it’s possible for airborne transmission of the coronavirus.

“It’s airborne,” Dr. Angela Guerrera, an emergency medicine specialist in New Jersey, told NNPA Newswire.

“If someone has the disease, they don’t have to cough and sneeze or spit.

If you then go into their space, you can probably get it,” Dr. Guerrera stated.

Some experts said they are convinced that a primary reason that governments and organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Or-

ganization (WHO) have shied away from stating that the virus is in the air is to prevent panic and because it could take years and cost hundreds of millions of lives before indisputable evidence can be presented.

“We shouldn’t let perfect be the enemy of convincing,” Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, stated.

A spokeswoman for the WHO told NNPA Newswire that the organization is focused solely on treatment and trials.

“As far as treatment for COVID-19 is concerned, so far, we have no evidence that any particular drug is effective, but researchers around the world are working hard on this. More than 20 vaccines are in development globally, and several therapeutics are in clinical trials,” stated WHO spokeswoman Ashley Baldwin.

Long time civil rights activist and labor leader, Elizabeth “Liz” Jackson dies at 102 Elizabeth (Liz) Jackson by any measure lived a long, remarkable and wonderful life. With sheer tenacity, courage, hard work and a desire to make a difference, she became a force in Detroit labor, political and civil rights life.

Elizabeth (Liz) Jackson was born on January 18, 1918, in Auburn. Alabama.

She was the sixth child of the late Phillip Foster and Annie Lee Drake Foster.

She departed this life on March 2, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina at the age of 102 years old.

Mr. Jackson spent her early years in Auburn, Alabama and attended Lee County Training School. She completed her education in the public schools of Washington, D.C. In her early twenties, Mrs. Jackson moved to Detroit, Michigan where she had family. She was hired into the Aluminum Foundry at the Rouge Plant in March of 1943 and became a member of Local 600. She later was transferred to the Highland Park Plant in 1944 and then returned to the Rouge Plant in 1947. Mrs. Jackson spent the next nineteen years at the Dearborn Assembly Plant.

In 1966, she was appointed as the first African American woman to serve as an International Representative of the UAW by then Vice-President of the National Ford Department, Ken Bannon.

Mrs. Jackson serviced many Ford locals throughout the country and made history in 1967 when she became the first woman to sit on the National Negotiation Team during UAW and Ford Motor Company contract negotiations.

Mrs. Jackson became involved in Union activities early and was elected as a General Council Delegate at Local 600 serving for sixteen years. She also served as chair of the Education Committee and acted as Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee at Local 600 to elect a woman to the UAW International Executive Board. Small in stature, Mrs. Jackson stood tall by making her voice heard,

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exercising her first amendment right in every Union meeting.

In 2006, the Dearborn Diversified Manufacturing Plant recognized the legacy of Mrs. Jackson for her many contributions to the Union and for “opening doors for many African American women and women in general by standing strong for what she believed in.” She was described as “a fighter with no quit in her.” In 2011, Mrs. Jackson was recognized by Local 600 “in honor of her lifetime commitment toward the fight for social Elizabeth Jackson and economic justice in the community and her tremendous contribution to working families everywhere.” The UAW Voter Education Project dedicated the Elizabeth ‘Liz” Jackson Conference Room in her honor because of her longstanding passion and push for voter education and participation.

Mrs. Jackson was very active in her community, serving wherever she felt that she was needed and could be of help. She was a member of the Michigan Democratic Party, First District Executive Board member and Vice President of the Michigan Black Caucus. She had the honor and distinction of being a delegate to every National Democratic Convention from John Kennedy to Barack Obama.

Mrs. Jackson was active in the Detroit Branch of the NAACP and many other organizations. She was an appointed member of the Detroit Fire Commission. Elizabeth (Liz) Jackson was a leader in Detroit’s political scene and a savvy operative who was a protege and mentor to many of the city’s political stars. She was proudly a founding member and officer of the Trade Union

Leadership Council (TULC), a civil rights organization committed to planning campaigns, fighting wrongs and pushing for progress, for many years.

Mrs. Jackson retired in 1983 and remained involved in her community until she moved to Columbia, South Carolina in 2014 to live near her niece, Judy Battiste. She was a resident of Forest Pines Retirement Community. Upon her death, she was living with her niece and family.

Mrs. Jackson was preceded in death by her husband, A. W. Jackson; parents Philip Foster and Annie Lee Drake Foster; brothers, Leroy, Willie and Philip Foster; sisters, Mattie Lou Foster Whitaker, Annie Otelia Foster, Margaret Foster Spotswood, Lucille Foster Hutchings and Mary Drake Foster.

She leaves to mourn her passing her sister, Elsie Foster Mitchell of Columbia, South Carolina; niece, Judy Mitchell (Luther) Battiste of Columbia, South Carolina; nephew, Daniel Webster (Wendy) Mitchell of Auburn, Alabama; great-nephews, Robert Hutchinson of Alexandria, Virginia, Justin Foster Battiste of Asheville, North Carolina, Daniel Benjamin Mitchell of Homestead, Florida, Joshua Philip Mitchell of Auburn, Alabama and Brandon Rico Roberts of Irmo, South Carolina; great-niece, Jade Nicole Battiste of Columbia, South Carolina; cousins, Dorothy (Mel) McCree of Detroit, Michigan, Ralph (Jean) Foster of Auburn, Alabama, Cecil (Toni) Mitchell of Columbus, Ohio and Jean Foster Scott of Atlanta, Georgia; devoted caregivers, Willie Mae Gibbs, Marci Grooms, Elizabeth Johnson, Sandra Johnson and many other loving relatives and friends, all of whom loved her and will miss her dearly.

Due to present health concerns, a public service will not be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Detroit Branch of the NAACP or The Labor Studies Center-Walter Reuther Labor Center at Wayne State University in the name of Elizabeth (Liz) Jackson.

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| April 8-14, 2020

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Chef Nik. R. Cole (Head Chef, Nya Marshall (Proprietor, IVY Chef Max Hardy (Executive Jamila Boswell (Caterer, Mila Stephanie Byrd (Co-owner, The The Kitchen) Kitchen & Cocktails) Chef & Proprietor, COOP Buds & The Griot Lounge) Block) ­Detroit)

Down But Not Out:

How Black Restaurants Are Handling The Coronavirus Crisis

By Patreice A. Massey

This change has crippled, and in some cases even paralyzed, many restaurants.

Across the country the number of COVID-19 cases are increasing — and the number of restaurant patrons are plummeting.

For restaurants that remain open there has been a shift in the way they’re operating and they are experiencing incredible revenue losses.

According to a survey from the week of March 1 on OpenTable, when U.S. adults were asked how their dining habits have changed because of COVID-19, 18 percent surveyed said they were dining out less. By the following week, that figure nearly doubled. And by the week of March 15, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of respondents said they were dining out less.

“We’ve switched over to carryout only. Things have definitely slowed down. We’re operating at 50% of business,” said Nik R. Cole, Head Chef of Que’s Kitchen and owner of Fork, Knife & Food.

With social distancing and hand washing being the best defense against the virus many knew the day would come when their favorite eatery would be forced to either change the way it does business or shut down completely. For Michigan, that day came on Monday, March 16, when Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist announced that the state would temporarily shut down “bars, restaurants and other establishments” to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Under the executive order only carryout and delivery options are allowed.

Que’s Kitchen has been open for 10 years and when they switched over to carryout only Cole has had to pull double duty to help keep things running.

“There’s only three of us working so I find myself juggling multiple things at a time. It can get a little crazy at times but we manage.”

But for restaurants that are built on an in-house dining experience carryout only requires more planning and even then, it’s not guaranteed that the customers will follow. Nya Marshall, owner of IVY Kitchen + Cocktails is currently facing that prospect.

“Business since COVID-19 has essentially been nonexistent,” said Marshall.

“IVY’s business model was to provide an elevated experience to our guest. Carryout and delivery only accounted for about 8% of our business,” she continued. “IVY is a place where you run into your neighbors, friends and coworkers; a place to have a quality dining experience, prepared fresh. As a result of the quarantine, IVY was forced to change its business model overnight and this has been a huge adjustment for us and the community.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit many local eateries hard and while some are learning to pivot others have had to shut down entirely.

Stephanie Byrd, whose family owns The BLOCK Neighborhood Bar & Kitchen, Floods Bar & Grill and The Garden Theater, is no stranger to operating under pressure. When she opened The BLOCK, it was during the construction of the Q-Line, which meant she had an uphill battle to carve out her place in Midtown’s competitive food landscape.

“The Q-Line construction was devastating for just about any business on Woodward,” said Byrd. “There was virtually no parking and foot traffic was limited so I decided to change the concept

to something more approachable. And that’s when The BLOCK was born— through difficult times, and we found our footing.”

The BLOCK would go on to thrive and become a local hot spot offering a comfortable atmosphere and serving unpretentious comfort food. Its happy hour was very popular as was Sunday brunch which featured a DJ. It was not uncommon to see the 80-seat eatery at capacity. However, COVID-19 put a halt to all of that as the Byrd family made the decision to not to offer carryout or delivery services and cease operations at The BLOCK and Flood’s Bar & Grill.

“When we first learned of the coronavirus I was concerned about staff,” Byrd recalled. “We wanted to protect our staff, so rather than ramp up our carryout we decided to lay off our staff so that they could apply for unemployment. The risk was just too high for us and our staff.”

And while the Byrds were able to make that decision themselves, establishments like Griot Music Lounge were forced to close as their business model is based on people coming together and vibing out over music, drinks and a

See BLACK

RESTAURANTS page A6

We Can All Help Small Businesses Survive the COVID-19 Crisis

While ensuring the safety of our people during the COVID-19 crisis is our number one priority, sustaining our neighborhood businesses is also critical. For many of these businesses the order to shut their doors— albeit necessary for our health and safety — started a countdown on their future.

The city, county and the state are providing $4.7 million in emergency financial relief to Detroit and Wayne County small businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), through the CARES Act, is providing $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses. These funds can be used for payroll, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.

While it’s heartening to see public

and private organizations come to the aid of small businesses, it’s also sobering to see the need.

Fashion, has gift cards for purchase for all types of services including facials.

Support local restaurants through takeout or deEmergency aid is an imlivery: Norma G’s, located portant step in sustaining in the Jefferson Chalmlocal businesses during ers neighborhood, is open this crisis, but nothing during regular hours for helps business owners takeout of its delicious more than sales revenue.

Caribbean-influenced cuiThis is where our commusine. Check out degc.org nity can dig in and help our for a complete list of open neighborhood businesses Kevin Johnson Detroit eateries. survive. Without leaving your home you have the power to be Order online from local retailpart of the solution. Consider these ac- ers: Pages Bookstore in Grandmont tions: Rosedale is filling book orders as fast Purchase gift cards for a later use: as it can by booksellers working from SkinBar VII, located on the Avenue of home.

Help local businesses who are raising money: Support the GoFundMe efforts of a local business, such as Table No. 2 on Livernois and many others that have posted on social media about crowdfunding efforts.

Use your networks: Perhaps most powerful of all, you can use your social networks to share your support and promote local businesses.

If you’re a small business owner, visit degc.org to find resources available to you. If you’re a resident, please shop your local businesses, and tell your friends to as well. Please do your part to help save our small business community. When this crisis is over — and it will one day be over — we’ll all be so very glad we did.

Black Enterprise Founder Earl G. Graves Sr. dies at 85 Earl G. Graves Sr. was a pioneer in chronicling and celebrating the achievements of African-Americans throughout his lifetime and most notably known for founding Black Enterprise, the first black-owned magazine company that focused on black entrepreneurs in 1970.

Graves died Monday night at age 85.

Graves’ son, the current President & CEO of Black Enterprise, Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr. shared the news on social media via Twitter, citing his father as a “giant of a man.”

In a tweet that read: “At 9:22 pm this evening, April 6, my Father and Hero Earl Graves Sr., the Founder of Black Enterprise, passed away quietly after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. I loved and admired this giant of a man, and am blessed to be his namesake. LOVE YOU DAD!” Graves acute business acumen led him to an extensive

portfolio of achievement and honors including his New York Times best-seller, “How to Succeed in Business Without Being White, being named one of the 50 most powerful and influential African Americans in corporate America by Fortune magazine and the Spingarn Medal, the NAACP’s most prestigious award in 1999.

Additionally, Graves an alumnus of HBCU’s Morgan State University was honored in name by University’s business school, the “Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management.”

Graves is survived by his three sons he had with his wife of 37 years, Barbara Kydd Graves, who preceded him in death in 2012.

April 8-14, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-6

Lt. Governor Gilchrist & Former Lt. Governor Calley Team Up To Support Small Business The Whitmer Administration announced today that businesses across Michigan are now able to apply for $349 billion in Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

tion Program, will be paramount to economic recovery efforts in the state.”

The Paycheck Protection Program loans will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis with funding caps in place, so the state is encouraging Michigan small businesses to apply early – with the application period for small businesses opening today, April 3 and for independent contractors and sole proprietors on April 10 – and to utilize the Michigan Paycheck Protection Program website to make the process as streamlined and as simple as possible.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II was joined by former Lt. Governor, and current president of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Brian Calley and Bob Doyle, president and CEO of the Michigan Association of CPAs, in launching a new statewide website, MIpaycheckprotection.com, to provide businesses with key resources to assist with the PPP application and loan process and ensure the greatest amount of federal funding is able to be used by small businesses for economic relief efforts throughout the state.

“All across Michigan, small businesses and families are doing their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but this unprecedented time has, understandably, created uncertainty for many employers,” Gilchrist said. “That’s why we are working to make it as easy as possible for even the smallest businesses to apply for additional funding with the launch of the Michigan Paycheck Protection Program website. The Paycheck Protection Program offers much-needed financial support for our small businesses and their workers to help them get through this tough time.”

“This is a great opportunity to support Michigan small businesses during this difficult time,” said Bob Doyle, MICPA President & CEO. “Because these loans are designed to be forgiven assuming certain requirements are met, applicants should view this opportunity more like a grant application rather than a traditional loan.” information, videos and instructions to help with the application process, information on authorized SBA lenders and more.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and the Paycheck Protection Program is a lifeline,” said Calley. “These loans, much of which may be forgivable, are just what we need to get Michigan’s economy rolling as long as businesses apply.”

The Michigan Paycheck Protection Program website was launched as a collaboration between the Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan SBDC and includes key eligibility

Michigan small businesses (per SBA size standards) – including hospitality and food industry businesses and sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons – are eligible to apply for loans to help ensure employees continue receiving paychecks. The Paycheck Protection

Black Restaurants

“Once we closed we realized how much people depended on the Griot,” said Boswell. “We get messages on our Facebook page with customers telling us how much they miss the staff and the overall Griot Music Lounge experience.

So, we cannot wait for this pandemic to be over so we can reconnect with our customers and staff. Human interaction is a big thing and nothing can replace that.”

From page A-5 small plates menu. An intimate listening lounge and bar with an indoor seating capacity of 55, Griot Music Lounge is a place where people came—to be around people.

“When we opened five years ago, we wanted to create a safe space for people to unwind,” said Jamila Boswell of Griot Music Lounge. While they weren’t a fullservice restaurant, every month guests could enjoy the menu of a featured popup chef.

Over five years, Griot worked diligently to build its business only to have it temporarily shuttered by COVID-19. Boswell estimates their losses in the tens of thousands per week, but she is quick to say that while they are down, they are not out and are looking forward to the day when they can open their doors again.

So what do you do when your passion is tempered by a pandemic? When you’re born to cook for others but COVID-19 has caused you to shut down. If you’re celebrity chef Maxcel Hardy, you cook anyway.

Chef Max owns and operates COOP Detroit, a Caribbean fusion concept inside the Detroit Shipping Co. When the order to close or switch to carryout and delivery came in Chef Max closed but he hasn’t stopped cooking.

Instead he placed himself on the

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Program loans are designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll and may be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

“The Paycheck Protection Program will provide critical capital for businesses facing a temporary loss of revenue as a result of coronavirus and protect the livelihoods for workers across the state that these businesses provide,” said Mark Burton, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “While we are looking at every resource possible to support our small businesses and workforce in the face of the significant challenges they are facing, we know that federal loans, like the Paycheck Protecfront lines opting to offer his talents to those in need. Utilizing the kitchen at the Horatio Williams Foundation and the interns from Focus Hope’s culinary program, Chef Max has been able to provide fresh, quality, nutritious meals for homeless shelters like COTS and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries; he also services a Southfield nursing home, and the Detroit Police Department. Aided by donations from various organizations he is able to provide about 600 meals per day to those who need it most.

“I’m a chef-chef. This is what I love to do so I’ve gotta keep cooking,” said Hardy. “When morale is down and you have nothing else in you and you can sit down and have a hot meal, not only does it boost morale it gives hope. And anytime I can put a meal on the table and provide nourishment to someone that’s a huge plus for me. I get a lot of fulfillment out of that” And while Hardy doesn’t dwell on the loss it can’t be ignored as the profit and

The Michigan Paycheck Protection Program site is the latest resource available to help Michigan small businesses negatively impact by the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, michiganbusiness. org/covid19 also features other resources for businesses across Michigan to assist them in recovering from economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus.

This includes U.S. Small Business Administration emergency loans, support services offered through the SBDC and more. The MEDC has also developed a FAQ for Michigan businesses and communities at michiganbusiness.org/ covid19-faq.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. loss scales tip unfavorably. “I’m actually at a loss of over 100% because although all of our restaurants are shut down, the bills are still coming in,” Hardy said.

“There’s payroll taxes that still have to be paid, credit card processing services, and website fees.”

Despite having that to deal with Hardy looks ahead to the future saying, “I would just like to encourage everyone to make a list of some small restaurants that you would like to visit and when this is over go and support those places. Most of the bigger chain restaurants have the capacity to withstand this, they’ve got bigger budgets and cash reserves, but the smaller mom and pop places are going to need your help to come back from this.”

One thing all of these businesses have in common is the people behind them have a resilient mindset and all look forward to the day they can get back to business as usual. They may be down but they are definitely not out.

Viewpoint Michigan Chronicle

A Real Times Media Newspaper

Executive Director FORCE Detroit

If you are like me, you can remember clearly the moment you realized that crude, deadly racism still thrives in the present day. Black people wear this trauma like skin; Katrina, Renisha McBride, Siwatu Salaama-Ra, the Flint Water Crisis, Detroit’s Unlawful Foreclosure Crisis.

The trauma transforms us.

We watched the Netflix docudrama When They See Us; knowing intimately our fathers, homies, and increasingly our sisters’ struggle in prison.

In this moment of health crisis amid the COVID - Alia Harvey-Quinn 19 pandemic, I am deeply grateful for the due diligence of the State’s public leaders thus far. Our communities have been promised uninterrupted utilities, expanded unemployment rights, a freeze in foreclosures, and water is slowly being restored in Detroit homes. The Detroit Police Department has committed to a temporary moratorium on non-violent arrests. In the midst of all that has transpired in the past few weeks, our Attorney General has worked for consumer protections and much more. While I am deeply grateful, I also know the research suggests that this crisis will only worsen before it gets any better.

That said, I want to encourage our public leaders to be vigilant in ensuring that all people have access to health care, food, cleaning supplies, clean-running water, and that no one puts their children to sleep in a tent or an abandoned house.

Our public leaders should currently be working on a plan to support and engage hard-to-reach, urban communities. In this process, I would urge them to invite community leaders that have suffered through poverty, experienced violence, and have navigated the choppy waters of a criminal justice system, designed to actively exploit Black and

SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997

By Julianne Malveaux

Let me remind you that Michigan is home to some of America’s blackest, poorest, most marginalized communities in America. Black and Brown people make up more than 80% of Detroit’s population. According to national data, within our 139 square miles 40% of our adult population and 57% of our children under the age of 18, live below the federal rate of poverty. Amid the current public health crisis, the most dangerous threat to Michigan is our long term failure to protect our most fragile citizens.

NNPA Newswire Contributor

• 40% of Detroiters and 57% of children under 18 live below the federal poverty line, • 22% of Detroiters never completed high school or received a GED, • 33% of the city has attained a high school or GED credential, while • 67% of the jobs in Detroit require “some college.”

• This translates to 55% of Detroit that doesn’t meet the basic requirements for 67% of jobs — structural racism at its finest.

Poor and marginalized Michiganders deserve equal access to healthcare, food, cleaning supplies, and basic necessities. People of color and the State’s underserved will be watching to see how much we can trust our leaders in this moment of crisis. We can’t help but watch. We’ve never forgotten the fear on the faces of Black people waiting for salvation on the roof of their homes amid Katrina floodwaters.

The trauma of racism transforms us.

We will not forget how our leaders show up.

LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

Who Gets the Ventilators?

Brown communities to the table to create a nuanced, innovative plan.

Failure to protect economically ostracized, over-policed, hard-working Black and Brown families across Michigan has created a plume of dire, life-threatening situations within our communities.

As Detroit native blogger Eric Thomas put it “crime is usually about scarcity and survival. Without resources, you’re forced to find them wherever you can.”

Detroit provides a great example of this.

The downtown Detroit resurgence can be juxtaposed against the stark contrast of the average resident’s living conditions. According to the 139 Square Mile Report:

AJ WILLIAMS Managing Editor

CONTACT US 1452 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226 • (313) 963-8100 e-mail: newsdesk@michronicle.com

April 8-14, 2020 | Page A-7

When Inequity Meets Crisis In Michigan

By Alia Harvey-Quinn

HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher

The “big and bad” United States is seeing its world dominance recede.

We are being vanquished both by a virus and by the ignorance of the “Commander in Chief.”

We now know that there are not enough tests to detect the coronavirus, nor enough ventilators to treat all of those who are ill. Medical professionals are talking openly about the choices they will make and the fact that Julianne Malveaux some people will be judged more likely to survive than others.

Through which lens will these medical professionals decide who gets a ventilator? Will age be the only lens, advantaging a 30-year-old over an 80-year-old?

Will there be other filters? Will a man with children get preference over a single woman? An author over a homeless person? A white person over a person of color? Medical professionals are being asked to choose and to judge. How will their conscious or unconscious bias play a role in their judgments?

The National Academy of Medicine describes itself as “an independent, nonprofit organization that works outside of government to provide unbiased and authoritative advice to decision-makers and the public” On its website, it acknowledges “evidence of racial and ethnic disparities in health care.” Will this evidence influence the distribution of ventilators?

People will need these ventilators to breathe. They may need them for weeks, not days. Some will survive, and some won’t. The survival rate is a function of the bizarre avoidance our so-called leaders make decisions about this pandemic. But who will be saved? An innocent infant or the despot who lives in the house that enslaved people built?

Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was 98 when she died in 2010. She was productive until her final days. In her own words, she was “dressed and in her right mind” until the end. Would the doctor choosing who got a ventilator see the

history contained in that precious black body? Or would he make choices based on stereotypes? I know that by Black 92-year-old mama, disabled by a stroke, still gives her children strength and love, smiles, and sharp reprimands (yes, the lady hit me when I used profanity in her presence. Whose life would I trade that for?)

We must not forget the many ways that Black bodies were used for medical experiments, from the use of Black women’s genitalia to develop gynecology through the Tuskegee syphilis studies that lasted from 1932 through 1972.

Black people’s lives have too often been white people’s experiments. It is not paranoid, but merely cautious, to wonder who will get the ventilators, and whose needs will be sidelined. Now the words “Black Lives Matter” take on a more pointed meaning.

This coronavirus illustrates our nation’s faultlines by class race and gender. The coronavirus also refutes the notion of our nation’s exceptionalism. The United States just ain’t all that, despite our “greatest” rhetoric. We are stumbling compared to other countries – Italy, China, Spain – who have attempted, generously, to show us the way forward.

One of the populations I’ve heard very little about is incarcerated people.

How do you socially distance when you are confined, with another person, in a small cell? Given our collective disdain for the incarcerated, will an incarcerated person with coronavirus have a chance?

Incarcerated people aren’t the only people at risk. All marginalized people are, in one way or another, at risk.

Ventilators cost between $25,000 and $50,000 and even more when there is competition to obtain them. Will hospitals with limited resources be able to obtain ventilators? Those who are income-challenged are more likely to go to hospitals that are under-resourced.

Lower-income people are at greater risk and have less access to quality health care.

The coronavirus will hit princes and paupers, members of Congress and members of the clergy, computer whizzes and those who don’t have computers. We may all be at risk from the coronavirus, but class, race, and gender will likely determine who has the best chance at recovery. We can’t call ourselves “great” unless we are fair. Will everyone have a chance to recover from this virus?

Supporting Families, Workers Impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic

By Gary Peters U.S. Senator

Trump’s Failed Leadership on Coronavirus Pushes Nation to the Brink

By Leslie Dach As the nation reels from the novel coronavirus and its impacts, each new day brings fresh evidence of President Trump’s failed leadership. Trump has failed to prepare; he continues to fail to tell the truth; and he continues to ignore science and the experts while daily misleading the public. The same man who once claimed that he alone can fix our nation’s problems now denies any responsibility to confront the coronavirus crisis.

When informed of the severity of the looming threat, rather than level with the American people and take steps to protect the public, Trump downplayed the problem and tried to Leslie Dach boost his reelection prospects. Trump gambled. America lost.

The appalling facts of this crisis are that America does not have the supplies we need to test for the virus, our health care workers do not have the protective gear they need, and our hospitals are not prepared. Trump continues to spout misinformation. His administration appallingly continues its assault on people’s health care through the courts.

Ten years ago this month, Congress took historic action to bolster the health security of every American family. In the face of blatant lies and false political attacks, Democratic Representatives and Senators, under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, took the courageous action to pass President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Today, polls show that the Affordable Care Act is more popular than ever. Despite a decades-long campaign of lies, distortions and negative spin, the ACA

stands as a shining example of what we can accomplish through vision, courage and a passionate commitment to service. Trump backs the court case, Texas v. United States, that seeks to eradicate the ACA and will be heard this fall in the Supreme Court, with two newly appointed Trump justices. The case, which The Atlantic characterized as, “a partisan stunt that’s been roundly condemned by lawyers on both sides of the aisle,” would rip health care from more than 20 million Americans and eliminate protections for 135 million Americans with pre-existing conditions.

In their highly acclaimed new book, Unmaking the Presidency, Susan Hennessey and Benjamin Wittes, editors of Lawfare, correctly observe that Trump “is the first president in American history whose average public statement on any subject cannot be granted any kind of presumption of factual accuracy.” In our current crisis, such dishonesty in the highest office in our land is creating disastrous consequences.

Because Donald Trump has failed to do his job, more hardworking Americans will lose theirs. Because Trump failed to listen to the science professionals, more people will get sick and lose their lives. Because Trump failed to prepare America for this health crisis, more Americans who worked hard to prepare for their retirements will have lost their savings just when they need them.

Serious times require serious leadership. Today’s crises require strong, visionary and honest leadership. Unfortunately, every day’s news demonstrates that isn’t what we have in the White House today.

Leslie Dach, served in the Obama Administration’s Department of Health and Human Services, and coordinated the Department’s global response to the Ebola outbreak. He is the founder and Chair of Protect Our Care, which works to make health care better and more affordable.

As Coronavirus cases continue to skyrocket in Michigan, there is no disputing that this disease is disproportionately impacting communities of color. The rates of Coronavirus infections and deaths among African American Michiganders are alarming and gut-wrenching.

This pandemic has caused a public health and economic crisis, and it will continue to take all of us working together to address this unprecedented emergency. I am doing everything possible — as U.S. Senator and Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee — to Gary Peters help families, workers, small businesses and health care professionals on the front lines.

We must confront this serious public health crisis, but we also have to provide relief to families and workers who are not receiving paychecks or have lost their jobs because of the Coronavirus.

No one should worry whether they can pay their bills or put food on the table during this emergency. The recently enacted bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, includes legislation I led in the Senate to significantly expand unemployment assistance. My Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Act expands support to small business owners, workers in the gig economy, independent contractors and seasonal workers in addition to workers who recently started or were about to begin a new job.

Through the CARES Act, unemployment benefits are extended for 13 weeks, generally meaning this assistance will be available for up to 39 weeks in Michigan. Those who are unemployed can receive an additional $600 per week in unemployment benefits between now and the end of July to help make ends meet.

After speaking with small business owners, including minority small business owners, who are facing incredible challenges and uncertainty, I pushed for and helped secure support to help them through this challenging time. Small businesses and non-profits are the

backbone and economic engines of our communities. I worked to include significant increases in funding to the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) loan program. The CARES Act also makes nonprofits, including places of worship—if they are established as 501 (c) (3)s — eligible to receive 7(a) loans and increases funding for these loans to $350 billion to help ensure lending. The CARES Act also includes funding for minority small business centers, which provide key technical assistance for minority-owned businesses.

While we work to provide relief and economic support, I have also worked to address the health crisis — helping secure more funding for hospitals and medical professionals and pressing to expand health care coverage and the availability of testing. The CARES Act includes $100 billion in direct payments to health care providers in Michigan to help hospitals continue their operation and make payroll for dedicated doctors, nurses and health care providers. But that is not enough to stop the spread of this disease. We need more testing, more testing and more testing.

After helping lead the charge to make testing free, I am continuing to work with Governor Whitmer, local leaders and Michigan business leaders and manufacturers in an effort to drastically increase testing capacity, which would help protect public health. I am also focused on addressing the shortage of ventilators, N95 masks and other critical equipment desperately needed by our health care professionals.

This pandemic will also require a more comprehensive approach when it comes to health care. That is why I have urged the Trump Administration to establish a special enrollment period to allow Americans who do not have quality health insurance to purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act. I also will continue to press the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to allow Michiganders covered under those programs to have access to expanded benefits and to focus on fairness in prescription drug pricing. By expanding the pool of people who can access the health care they and their families need, we can help improve public health and safety.

There is no question that we face tough days ahead, but I will keep working to address the challenges facing all Michiganders.

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) is Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com •

April 8-14, 2020

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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.

City. Life. Style.

B1 | April 8-14, 2020

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

Bill Wither’s Legacy Continues Providing Music We Can All ‘Lean On’

By Alan Hunt II Bill Withers was the epitome of a soul singer. Since he rose to prominence in the ‘70s, he’s given voice to the duality of emotions life produces, joy and pain.

Withers, 81, recently passed away from heart complications according to a statement released by his family to the Associated Press.

Although he stepped away from music altogether in the mid-’80s, his timeless records continued to provide a soundtrack for many family gatherings, usually accompanied by an elder Bill Withers asking “What y’all young folk know about this?”

His voice felt honest. His tone pierced hearts and provided a source of comfort.

The Roots bandleader, Questlove, told Rolling Stone in 2015, “Bill Withers is the closest thing black people have to a Bruce Springsteen.”

That’s why it came as no surprise that during this coronavirus pandemic, people turned to Wither’s catalog yet again. Social media timelines have been flooded with people singing one of his staples, “Lean On Me.” The three-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of fame inductee inspired artists in generations after him too. His music has been sampled in countless songs.

Wither’s “Grandma’s Hands” was the basis for Blackstreet’s smash hit “No Diggity”. Rolling Stone magazine ranked “No Diggity” at number two on its list of the 50 best songs of the ‘90s.

Also in the ‘90s, gospel music superstar Kirk Franklin remixed Wither’s “Lovely Day” for his hit “Gonna Be A Lovely Day”. Franklin also produced his own rendition of “Lean On Me”.

Wither’s songs even crossed over into rap.

Will Smith remixed Wither’s collaboration with Grover Washington Jr., “Just the Two of Us,” and reached Billboard’s Hot 100’s top 20.

More recently, other songs like “Rosie” were sampled for Kanye West’s “Roses”, “Use Me” for Kendrick Lamar’s “Sing About Me”, and “Ain’t No Sunshine” for Rick Ross’s “Fascinated”.

How to Cope with Single Life and Solitude in Crisis

W

hile the pandemic has forced people to spend more time together, it has also revealed some harsh and apparent truths to those who are not in relationships. Many singles are accustomed to going on dates, hitting the bar scene, going club-hopping, or gathering with friends. However, with the abrupt turn of events, the singles scene is now on a temporary shut-down. While some singles are okay with temporary solitude, others have realized their reality of being single. For many, this reality is a rude awakening.

Having a healthy social life is vital for singles.

It allows you to learn more about others and make meaningful connections. Both are purposeful for individual growth. Many singles remain hopeful of making a love connection while socializing. However, it is also essential to have a healthy relationship with oneself. Connecting with oneself allows you to understand who you are, set goals, and grow spiritually.

Balancing a vibrant social life and a peaceful connection with self creates a harmonious balance in your life. During this time of social distancing, singles should take the time to review their relationships with themselves and others.

Make time for you. Spend this quarantine time to find out who you are. Are you someone you

would want to be in isolation with? While you are at a distance from others, learn to get close with yourself.

Know the status of your relationship. Spend this time to discover and understand who you are or are not in someone’s life. Are you the only one or one of many? Did you believe you were the only one, but now see you are the chick or guy on the side? Now is the time to reflect on what you are missing internally and begin to make a list list of what you want in relationships going forward. If you are in a monogamous relationship, take this time to develop a profound understanding of your connection, your partner, and how you both can grow together during this time.

Set goals for living single. Being single is not a curse. This is a time where you can develop yourself, your career, become stronger spiritually, and delve into your purpose for waking up every day without the responsibility of a monogamous relationship.

When setting these goals, be sure they are centered around you and your well-being.

Create reasonable negotiables and non-negotiables for your intimate relationships moving forward. Negotiables are things you can compromise on without lowering your standards. Non-negotiables are your deal-breakers.

When thinking about these, be sure they are realistic, and both parties involved can benefit from them.

See QUARANTINE page B-2

The beauty of music is that although humans have expiration dates, music that speaks to humanity is eternal.

Many artists achieve fame, but few transcend generations of listeners. Bill Withers’ artistry did just that.

We can turn to Withers in celebration. We can turn to Withers in distress. Whether it’s his actual discography or the music he helped inspire, although Bill Withers has physically left this earth his spirit will continue to influence for generations to come.

Isolation Celebrations: Creative Ways To Celebrate Your Graduation Day!

By Alan Hunt II Whatever hopes high school seniors had of returning to school was crushed when Governor Whitmer announced K-12 schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year. Although the governor reassured that seniors would have the opportunity to graduate and make a successful postsecondary transition, seniors are now faced with the finality of the reality that their last year of high school has abruptly ended.

Imagine your 17 or 18-year-old self not being able to count down the final days of school with your friends, get dressed up for prom, or physically attend a graduation ceremony, there were the experiences that you were looking forward to for quite a while.

Your first introduction to high school was probably through a Hollywood film or television show. You started imagining what your senior year would look like. Then you actually started your freshman year and realized high school wasn’t really what

Hollywood depicted, but still enjoyable nevertheless.

For the next three years, you waited as you watched the rinse and repeat cycle of seniors signing yearbooks, planning for prom, and capping off the year receiving their diploma in their cap and gown. Now when it’s your turn to experience those traditions, an unforeseen pandemic stops that from happening.

So now what?

Thanks to technology, it’s easy for teenagers to stay in touch whether that be group chats, FaceTime, or social media. However, Governor Whitmer’s “Stay at Home” order presents a challenge for creating memories with peers while also practicing social distancing.

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures and seniors should get creative in how they choose to celebrate graduating high school. Although it can’t replace physically attending a prom or graduation, having a chance to celebrate, even in what would be considered a “conso-

lation prize” way, should not be taken for granted.

It is a commonly held belief that graduating from high school begins the young adult’s journey into the “real world.” In this world, one becomes less dependent on parents, adopts more of a goal-oriented focus and starts prioritizing responsibilities over fun. Why should seniors pass on their last hoorah, even if it’s not going to happen according to plan?

So, class of 2020, the Internet has created some great platforms for you to innovatively celebrate.

Perhaps have a DJ do an Instagram live set dedicated to your school’s virtual prom.

Create a Tik Tok challenge for a senior spirit week Create a Zoom conference call with friends and family of a graduation ceremony specifically designed by you.

Don’t let the current crisis; stop you and those who care about you from celebrating completely.

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • April 8-14, 2020

Motown Museum Offers New Virtual Content Experiences For Fans Worldwide Motown Museum is staying connected with Motown fans around the world by releasing a stream of compelling new social content in celebration of Motown Records, furthering the museum’s mission to celebrate the Motown legacy and pass on the seeds of inspiration, community and creativity to the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs.

The virtual experiences will allow fans to engage and interact with the museum during its temporary closure due to shelter in place measures. Robin R. Terry, CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of Motown Museum, made the announcement.

“Even in the most challenging moments, there is room for creativity and connectivity,” said Terry, “We hope these programs bring joy, inspiration and fill our fans with a little bit of Motown magic as we navigate this time together. With nostalgia for the past and optimism for a brighter future, we are hopeful these virtual engagements will help us remain connected as we eagerly await the day we can welcome our guests back.”

Upcoming virtual content highlights include: Hitsville Next Educational Content During the month of April, Motown Museum will be unveiling a diverse virtual lineup of educational programming—including a series of easy-to-follow activities designed to enrich the artistic lives of children in grades K-12. These highly engaging lesson plans will be made available online via the Museum’s Facebook page. These plans can be used by homeschoolers, classroom teachers, after-school program directors, future educators, college students and curious parents looking for a new way to keep their kids’ minds sharp and inspire the spirit of Motown in the next generation.

Motown Mic: At Home | April 11-18 While Motown Mic: The Spoken Word 2020 has been postponed, Motown Museum still wants to give spoken word artists and performers a voice. In coordination with previous Motown Mic winners and finalists, Motown Mic: At Home will feature new and prerecorded performances premiered live for Motown Museum Facebook fans. The Spoken Word

Competition was created in 2012 to pay homage to the Black Forum, a Motown spoken word label created by Berry Gordy and the Motown Record Corporation in the 1970s as a platform for Black expression and education. April is National Poetry Month, making this a fitting time to experience the fire, passion, and genius of the spoken word.

Premiering on social media: Hitsville Honors Celebration | Friday, April 10 On Friday, April 10, Motown Museum will release clips from last fall’s Motown Museum 60th anniversary weekend event, Hitsville Honors: Celebrating Berry Gordy & 60 Years of Motown. Hitsville Honors was a powerful musical tribute of Motown’s legacy and a celebration of the Motown family that included an homage to Motown founder Berry Gordy, his incredible life and transformative vision. Star-studded, never-before-shared performances from the event include iconic acts like the Temptations, Four Tops, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, along with award-winning contemporary artists Ne-Yo, Kem, Big Sean and more.

Fans can access the videos on Motown Museum’s YouTube channel, Facebook page and IGTV channel.

Quarantine From page B-1

Purge your spirit of toxic relationships. Reflect on how different people you have been involved with have treated you, how they have supported you, and how they have poured into your spirit. Now is the perfect time to let some relationships go.

Sexual distance and lack of intimacy.

Many singles believe they are missing physical intimacy with their partners.

How deep is your relationship? Is there more to your connection beyond physical gratification? During this time of solitude, take a moment to relish in who you are. To supplement physical interaction, join one of the many virtual workout sessions, concerts, discussions that are available.

Make the most of this time and see the beauty in it as you reconnect with yourself on a higher level.

City. Life. Style.

Where City Meets

LIFE STYLE and Life Meets

In Print & Online

michiganchronicle.com

If I could do one thing, I’d have a daycare closer to work.

If you could do one thing for your community, what would it be? More daycare centers? More funding for Head Start? Completing the 2020 Census is a safe and easy way to inform how billions of dollars in funding flow into your community for hundreds of services. Respond online, by phone, or by mail.

Complete the census at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

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April 8-14, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com •

Page B-3

Chuck D: ‘There’s a Poison Going On’ PE Leader Releases New CDs, Graphic Novel

“I want to use this as a teachable moment. All of that stuff with NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Flav and Bernie Sanders and the It turns out the social media lawyers was all part of a plan. beef between Public Enemy icons I wanted to see what happens Chuck D and Flavor Flav was a when you present a bad look. hoax.

And, it worked. I was trending for “April Fools” – sort of. a bad look, and I thought that for Chuck and Flavor today remore than 30 years, Public Enemy leased brand new music, and the has given you nothing but good relationship between the Rock looks. and Roll Hall of Fame legends re“We made the Rock and Roll mains as tight as ever.

Hall of Fame, but this situation In an exclusive interview with with Flav got us trending more National Newspaper Publishers than we did then. Thirty years afAssociation (NNPA) President and ter I made ‘Fear of a Black PlanCEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., et,’ the digital age is fixed on what broadcast live on Facebook and they see. I was on stage with Berat BlackPressUSA.com, Chuck D nie Sanders, and nobody can tell debuted the group’s new single, Chuck D debuted the group’s new single, “Food as a Machine Gun.” The you what they heard,” he said. single features a reunion of Chuck D and Flavor Flav.

“Food as a Machine Gun.” Because people tend to be The single features a reunion of more visual today, Chuck said he He called the banter between him and Flav a Chuck D and Flavor Flav. thought he’d chronicle the past 30 days. He “hoax that ain’t no joke.” didn’t anticipate a pandemic.

“It’s the most important rap record ever,” the “It’s a serious hoax,” he said. superstar stated.

“Just thought I’d show things in pictures with Since the coronavirus outbreak, Chuck and the book, and the coronavirus came along, and Chuck D called the record important be- Flav have worked tirelessly on the new CD. there was even more to do,” he stated. cause it arrives at a time when many still take Chuck also has worked on a second CD hip-hop for granted, and that includes African The book is titled, “There’s a Poison Going that includes several friends from the hip-hop Americans and the artists themselves.

On,” but the name was decided upon long becommunity. Both CDs were released simultafore the pandemic, Chuck assured.

“Last year, I finished a four-year tour of the neously. world with Prophets of Rage, and we played to “It’s ironic because, for the whole month With a degree in the Arts, Chuck has also packed stadiums and I watched Rage Against of March, there’s been a poison going on for applied his talents as a graphics, sketch and the Machine do a five-night run to sold out real,” he stated. “Maybe, people will pay attencaricature artist. crowds in the [Madison Square] Garden. I saw tion to a good look the next time and not alHe chronicled the past month in a journal ways a bad look.” how loyal their fans were and how wild they are.

How much they loved their rock stars,” Chuck filled with narratives and sketches, including eye-opening renderings of Prince, Kenny D stated.

Gamble, Leon Huff, Notorious BIG, and “With hip-hop, our fans aren’t like that, and many others. the artists are led by their having to get bread“I was dismayed about how the crumbs.” whole narrative of hip-hop went He said the media and others had taken into the area where we only away the narrative from hip-hop. talk about dead rappers,” “Now, it’s time to take the narrative back Chuck D stated. from those who have side-swiped it. They need “Common gave probto be eliminated,” Chuck D added. ably the most incredible In February, news outlets reported that Fla- performance I had ever vor had been fired from Public Enemy after seen on television at a dispute erupted between him and Chuck the NBA All-Star Game over the group’s performance during a Bernie in February, and you Sanders campaign rally. only heard crickets,” Flavor’s lawyers released a statement say- Chuck noted. ing that the rapper hadn’t consented and was “Pop Smoke got against the group supporting Sanders. killed, and the media Things appeared to have heated up in the was on it, and his records feud after Chuck took to Twitter and seemed rose up the charts. We to “out” Flavor as having a substance abuse went through this with problem.

Nipsey Hustle. The narraHowever, Chuck explained to the NNPA tive is that you’ve got to be a Newswire that, while Flav does enjoy a Hen- dead rapper to be relevant nessy and chaser a little more frequently than in the news, and that’s what he believes a 60-year-old should, there’s disrespectful. never been an accusation of drug abuse, in contrast to the meaning that many took way from Chuck’s tweets on social media.

“Flav’s name was dragged through the mud so much in 2018 and 2019, so I had to do something to bring him up,” Chuck explained to NNPA Newswire.

“My name is kind of Teflon, but his wasn’t, so I thought this was a way of bringing him up. I had people say, ‘why are you doing stuff to Flav?’ I responded that ‘you aren’t supporting him. What are you doing to support him?”

Further, Flav wasn’t fired because “you can’t fire a partner,” Chuck D stated. “It shows you that people don’t pay attention.”

By Stacy M. Brown

“

I had people say, ‘why are you doing stuff to Flav?’

I responded that ‘you aren’t supporting him.

What are you doing to support him?”

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • April 8-14, 2020

3 Technologies to Help You Feel Connected to Far Away Loved Ones (StatePoint) When it’s not possible to be near loved ones, being connected becomes more important.

Here are three technologies to feel closer to friends and family, wherever they may be: Stream in Sync

(c) Ridofranz / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Streaming services like Netflix are introducing new features allowing users to watch programming in sync with their friends. Whether it’s the latest episode of your favorite reality game show or a movie you’ve all been excited to see, now you can host a virtual movie night or watch-party and share your reactions to the show in a real-time chat room.

Keep the Time A globally-minded timepiece can help you feel more connected by displaying the time of where your friends and family are located. And the Casio Edifice EQB1000 is especially informative. The watch’s main dial and date display “Home Time” (the

time and date in the current location), while an inset dial at 3 o’clock displays “World Time” (the current time in over 300 major cities) in a 12-hour format. Its operations are easily managed via a connected smartphone, and its “Phone Finder” feature causes your phone to sound a tone even if it’s in silent mode.

Workout, Together Have a gym buddy or workout partner who is suddenly remote? New tools can help you motivate one another and stay fit together, even if you are far apart. Some of the latest stationary bikes and treadmills on the market now allow you to connect to classes and coaches in real-time and have features that allow you to enjoy realistic city and countryside scenery as you sweat. Join the same class as a friend and compete against each other, or take a virtual tour of a city together.

Thanks to new technologies, the world doesn’t need to feel so big. Embrace the tools that let you feel close and connected.

Get Stronger Every Day With

AT-HOME WORKOUTS (NAPSI) – These days, people are navigating unprecedented times that have them rethinking how they live and work. While big shifts to normal, daily habits can be unsettling, this also provides an opportunity to start new routines and make positive changes.

Many are spending more time at home, so adding structure is more important than ever‚ – specially when it comes to staying active. Studies have shown that

exercise can help boost your mood, productivity and immunity.

According to Tom Holland, exercise physiologist, Bowflex fitness adviser and host of iHeartRadio’s Fitness Disrupted podcast, it takes most people a minimum of two months to form a new habit. He recommends making the most of your time at home to establish healthy routines.

To help you get started, Holland offers these simple tips to add at-home fitness into y our daily routine:

Connect with a Coach: When

motivation wanes, there are plenty of subscription services and online resources.

For example, there’s the Bowflex JRNY app (https://www.bowflex.com/jrny-app. html), which features a personal fitness coach who gives spoken instruction and encouragement as you push through your custom workouts‚ available on the Bowflex Max Total (https://www.bowflex. com/max-trainer/) and Bowflex BXT216 treadmill (https://www.bowflex.com/ treadmills/).

Start small: You don’t have to commit to an hour or more; aim for several micro workouts of 5, 10 and 15 minutes throughout the day; those add up and count as much as one long workout.

Put it on the Calendar: Keep exercise at the top of your to-do list by scheduling a daily walk or run or streaming a yoga class.

Multi-task: Connect to streaming

content and sweat through your favorite daytime show, or catch up on the news.

Home Gym Essentials: Holland

recommends including one piece of cardio and one piece of strength equipment in your home gym.

If space is limited, two good cardio-strength options are the Bowflex Max Total (https://www.bowflex.com/ max-trainer/) and Bowflex 840 kettlebell (https://www.bowflex.com/selecttech/).

Creating healthy habits now can carry you through the current times, and help set you on a path to finish up the year feeling healthy and stronger than ever.

Expressing Sympathy During This New Normal (NAPSI) — While experiencing the loss of a loved one is always difficult, these days in the environment of social distancing due to COVID-19, it can be particularly so. If someone you care about is mourning, it’s still the time to connect to family, friends and co-workers.

While many people are adapting to new everyday routines, the etiquette of expressing sympathy by and large has not changed.

What You Can Do Here are a few helpful tips from the experts at 1-800-Flowers. com:

■ Even if you don’t know the person well, saying “I’m sorry for your loss” is always appropriate and meaningful. It’s acknowledging what has happened in an honest and direct way. And it lets the person know they have permission to experience any uncomfortable emotions. You can find more tips on how to comfort someone who is grieving.

■ Regarding social media etiquette, follow the lead of the person who is grieving. If they haven’t said anything on Facebook, neither should you. But if they have posted about it, it is appropriate to comment. For more about the dos and don’ts

on expressing condolences on social media.

■ Due to the regulations on large gatherings in many places due to COVID-19, many funeral services are being postponed or livestreamed over the Internet, making it an extraordinarily stressful time for the immediate family. If you aren’t able to express your condolences in person at this time, a delivery of a gourmet food basket, houseplant or sympathy flowers to their home is an appropriate way to let them know you are thinking of them. You can find many sympathy gifts and more for home delivery.

■ Remember to also support those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, perhaps not so recently, and may be feeling a bit more aware right now, be it due to social distancing or an upcoming important date or

a­nniversary. To help, Rebecca Soffer, co-founder of Modern Loss, provides some additional thoughts. You can also explore complimentary sentiment ecards for Thinking and Sympathy to let them know you are thinking about them.

Classified ANNOUNCEMENTS

REQUEST FOR QUOTES The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQs for Remanufactured Alternators and Starters, Control No. 20-3109. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning April 8,, 2020, from http://www.mitn.info. RFQs are due by 3:00 PM ET, April 30, 2020.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE – T-MOBILE On behalf of T-Mobile, this will advise interested members of the general public as follows. T-Mobile intends to install seven telecommunications antennas at a max centerline height of 110 feet on an existing 136-foot building located at 2170 E Jefferson Ave, Wayne County, Detroit, MI 48207.

Members of the public interested in submitting comments on the possible effects of the proposed co-location on properties included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places may send their comments to: Lauren Sereno, Trileaf Corporation representative acting on behalf of T-Mobile, 1821 Walden Office Square Suite 500, Schaumburg, IL 60173 or call at 630-227-0202.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Senior Design Release EngineerBEV Battery Pack (BP) Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, design, integrate, perform tolerance stackups, &release BEV psgr car &SUV BPs, including tray &cover structural parts, &labels, using UGNX, Teamcenter, Vismockup, &ECM tools. Integrate BP cmpnt reqmts &specs for nextgen EV. Evaluate new suppliers’ engrg &mfg capability by leading TASL process. Provide BP mass, weight &dimensions to cmpnt level DREs, participate in RESS integration team meetings, &support BP engrg designs &generate technical solutions for BEV prgrms. Create BP BOM as BP BOM owner.

Monitor PreProduction engrg builds of BP at Battery Assy Plant to ensure plant has accurate BOMs &proper assembly tools have been acquired &are on hand during prototype builds.

Master, Mechanical or Automotive Engrg, Machine Design &Engineering, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, designing &releasing psgr vehicle engine, transmission or BP structural parts, using UGNX, Teamcenter, &Vismockup tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2451-106, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Senior Controls System Engineer Autonomous Driving Warren, MI, General Motors. Dvlp, research, test, &validate highly scalable &latency-optimized production level Level 2 semi-autonomous &autonomous psgr vehicle Ultra Cruise Perception, Behavior &Mapping (PBM) module &High Definition Mapping &Localization (HDLM) module ECU SW, in C++ &Python languages, &multi-threaded programming on Linux, using Git, Docker, CMake, Gerrit, OpenCV, Boost, Bitbucket, Confluence, Jenkins, DOORS, RTC, Doxygen, MATLAB, Simulink, ROS, INCA, CANalyser, CANoe &VehicleSpy tools, using neoVI FIRE/RAD-Galaxy HW, in Agile framework.

Dvlp algorithms &validate perception data using Front Camera Modules &360 degree sensor suites (short range, long range, &ultrasonic RADARs, rotating &static LIDARS, fisheye, long range pin hole, &driver monitoring cameras, IMU &GPS incldg lane, object &drivable free space detection, &inputted to PBM &HDLM, using closed loop sys. Bachelor, Electrical orElectronics Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, dvlpg, testing, debugging, &validating highly scalable &latency-optimized pre-production or production level psgr vehicle ECU SW, in C++ language, using Git, CMake, MATLAB, Simulink, &VehiclesSpy tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#42898, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Virtual Design, Dev & Validation Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Perform steady state &transient simulations &execute FEA incldg thermo-structural fatigue CAE anlys (cyl. bore distortion &gasket sealing anlys) of psgr vehicle engine cmpnts, such as cyl. heads/ blocks, head gaskets, exhaust manifolds, EGR, turbochargers, oil pans, &brackets, &subsyss to meet U.S. EPA &CARB emission standards for GHG, NHTSA fuel economy standards, &internal engine warranty reqmts &durability targets, using Abaqus, NASTRAN, OptiStruct, Hyper Graph/View/Mesh, MeshWorks, SimLab, FeSafe &MATLAB tools. Create FE models of engine cmpnts &assemblies &execute anlys to assess &modify characteristics of cmpnts to meet design reqmts. Use Isight &TOSCA tools, &apply DoE) &DFSS optmztn techniques to dvlp cost effective &mass optimized engine cmpnts improving tooling cost, fuel efficiency &meet warranty &durability reqmts. Master, Mechanical, Automotive, Design Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, performing engine head &block fatigue anlys, distortion anlys, gasket sealing anlys, using Abaqus, NASTRAN, HyperMesh, SimLab &FeSafe tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2409-202, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

SENIOR FULL STACK SYSTEM & APPLICATION ENGINEER Evergreen Oriental Inc. has available positions of Senior Full Stack System & Application Engineer in Ann Arbor, MI. Position requires a Master’s degree in Computer Science & 24 months experience as a Software Engineer. Position also requires: Exp. must include: 1) 24 mos. exp. designing & developing distributed scalable full-stack system; 2) 24 mos. exp. developing Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) eCommerce platform; 3) 24 mos. exp. developing Android & IOS mobile applications; & 4) 24 mos. exp. developing scalable server with Representational State Transfer (REST) services. Exp. reqs. may be met concurrently during the same time period. Job duties: Design & develop distributed scalable fullstack eCommerce online systems (IOS, Android, Website) which allow users to place orders through website & phone application to increase online selling. Design & implement a high-performance RESTful backend server to handle application traffic, design backup plan, & error tolerance/recovery plan to ensure the availability & consistency of the system. Design & develop a backend orders manager application which allows users to manage inventory & daily orders, as well as generate selling reports. Develop a self-ordering kiosk system which allows walk-in users to view menu, order food, & make payment to optimize users ordering experience. Integrate 3rd party online ordering platform into current POS (Point of Sale) system. Design & implement an AI (artificial intelligence) recommendation system. Set up Linux servers to host company website, email server, & cloud drive to support company’s dialing operations. Maintain & improve the full-stack eCommerce system to ensure system stability & provide the best user experience to clients. Qualified candidates should send resume & verification of reqs. to Greg Guo, President, Evergreen Oriental Inc., 2771 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

April 8-14, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Active Safety (AS) Subsys.

Validation Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Perform, test, debug &validate subsys. reqmts on test bench &in vehicle of psgr vehicle radars &vision-based object detection AS features incldg Front Pedestrian Collison Mitigation (FPCM), Traffic Sign Memory, Rear Pedestrian Collison Mitigation (RPCM), Low Speed Collision Mitigation Braking (LSCMB), Forward Collision Alert/Distance Indicator features, using Python language, dSPACE, MATLAB, Simulink, INCA, VehicleSpy &E2 tools, &neoVI FIRE HW. Create VCRI, map performance &functional behavior reqmts, &validate subsys reqmts. Dvlp test procedures to cover functionality. Use DPS to program production intent SW &calibrations on External Object /Front Camera / Electronic Brake / Engine / Transmission / Body Control Modules, &IP Cluster. Bachelor, Electrical, Computer, orElectronics &Commun. Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, testing or validating subsys reqmts on test bench &in vehicle of psgr vehicle radars &vision-based object detection AS features incldg FPCM, RPCM, LSCMB features, using, dSPACE, Simulink &VehicleSpy tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#31337-7-C, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Material Process Subject Matter ExpertWarehouse Management Sys (WMS) Warren, MI, General Motors. Design, engr, execute &implement material flow strategy incldg compression strategies, WMS, Electronic Pull, (EPS), Part Pull, Part Sequence (PSS) Syss; kitting; Lubic dollies &double forks eqpmnt tools; &material handling eqpmnt (fork trucks, tuggers, dock constraints, automated material handling devices), using Manhattan WMS, AutoCAD, &Excel tools, to ensure clean, flexible JIT/JIS delivery of high volume flow of raw materials, non-productive materials &production parts to GM plant gates &mfg lines in GM high volume vehicle assy (Paint, Body &GA Shops) plants located in NAFTA &globally, w/ ~3500 – 20K part nos. @plant. Eliminate waste elimination &improve existing vehicle assy processes to enhance overall plant efficiency &profitability. Required travel to vehicle assy plants in NAFTA &Argentina to review mfg processes &facilities layouts, &install &improve facilities &plant warehousing mgmt syss, up to 9 wks p/yr. Bachelor, Industrial or Mechanical Engrg. 24 mos exp as Engineer, Specialist, Assist. orDeputy Mgr, or related, engrg &implementing material flow strategy incldg compression strategies, PSS, kitting, &material handling eqpmnt, using AutoCAD &Excel tools, to delivery of production parts to vehicle assy plant, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2518, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Autonomous EMC Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan, create, &dvlp EMC test plans for autonomous drive system computer, Automotive Ethernet switches, power distribution boards, high speed cameras, LIDAR, Camera Processor/Electronic Brake/Power Steering modules, using EMC32 &NEXIO tools.

Analyze &approve EMC test plans/eqpmnt/ reports provided by 3rd party labs incldg overall competence of testing &calibration labs according to ISO17025 standards. Execute &verify test methods incldg radiated emissions in absorber lined shielded enclosure (ALSE), radio frequencies conducted emissions Via artificial network (RF_CE Via AN) based on CISPR, radiated emission as magnetic fields by passive entry passive start (PEPS), radiated emissions on Low-Frequency E- &H-Field for EVs, magnetic emissions due wireless power transfer, radiated immunity bulk current injection (BCI) based on ISO11452-4, radiated immunity anechoic based on ISO11452-2, &radiated immunity reverb mode tuning based on ISO11452-11 intl standards.

Bachelor, Electrical or Electronics Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, executing or verifying test methods incldg radiated emissions in ALSE, radiated emission as magnetic fields by PEPS, magnetic emissions due wireless power transfer, radiated immunity BCI/radiated immunity anechoic based on ISO11452-2, &radiated immunity reverb mode tuning based on ISO11452-11 intl standards, or related. Mail resume to Ref#208, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Cost Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Analyze &evaluate psgr vehicle interior safety syss incldg air bags/assemblies incldg brackets, ramps, housings, retainer rings; safety belt syss incldg buckles, pretensioners, dynamic locking latch plates, anchor plates, upper stays, gas generators, &webbing; &steering wheel syss incldg armatures, switch controls, electronic control units, decorative trim, using Teamcenter VisMockup, UGNX &E2 tools, to obtain technical data incldg dimensions, tolerances, material, &part drawings using assy reqmts. Evaluate global cmpnt &tooling costing using Magics &GMCO$T tools &estimate vehicle cmpnt &supplier tooling costs through anlys of content of raw materials; metal, plastic &rubber/foam cmpnt mfg processes incldg stamping, injection molding, thermoforming, machining, welding, painting, chroming &heat treatment eqpmnt for cmpnt mfg facilities &required cmpnt volumes. Evaluate &validate efficiency of supplier stamping &injection molding production lines, tools, diesets, fixtures &gauges, to ensure near net shaped manufactured part durability, robustness &strength according to actual &expected piece cost. 24 mos exp as Engineer, Assist. MgrVendor Tooling, Dpty Mgr-Vendor Tooling, or related, evaluating global psgr vehicle stamped cmpnts tooling costing incldg body structure, chassis sys, or safety belt sys, &estimating supplier tooling costs through anlys of content of raw materials, &cmpnt mfg processes incldg stamping, injection molding, thermoforming, machining, welding, &painting eqpmnt for cmpnt mfg facilities &required cmpnt volumes. Mail resume to Ref#45092, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Global Warehouse Management System (WMS) Manager Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan, manage &integrate warehouse (WH) &material flow syss, design, build, execute &implement WMS, Electronic Pull (EPS), Part Pull (PPS), &Part Sequence (PSS) Syss, using Manhattan WMS, AutoCAD, PowerBI, &Excel tools, to ensure clean, flexible JIT/JIS delivery of high volume flow of raw/non-productive materials &production parts to plant gates &mfg lines in high volume vehicle assy (Paint, Body &GA Shops), stamping, &PT plants located in U.S., NA, &globally, w/ 3500– 20K part nos. @plant. Manage, supervise, lead, set technical &performance objectives, &mentor WMS Leads/Coordinators/SMEs. Translate vehicle assy &cmpnt mfg plants production processes &workstation layouts, sequence &flow, plant worker &production op. safety, &delivery, movement &storage of engineered &specialized containers &dynamics racks (incldg location), &smooth flow on production floors. Ensure dvlpmt &implementation of best practices &continuous improvement solutions to WMS, EPS, PPS, &PSS. Required travel to vehicle assy &PT plants in NAFTA, BRZ, ARG &KOR to review mfg processes &facilities layouts, &install &improve facilities &plant warehousing mgmt syss, up to 9 wks p/yr. Bachelor, Industrial orMechanical Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Material Handling Engrg Mgr, Mfg Engrg Mgr, Mfg Process Mgr, or related, integrating WH &material flow syss, designing &implementing WMS, EPS, &PPS, using Manhattan WMS tool, to ensure flexible delivery of high volume flow of production parts to plant gates &mfg lines in vehicle assy (Paint, Body &GA Shops) plant, or related. Mail resume to Ref#1177, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

  Calvin R. Trent Jr.

Senior Software Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, perform, dvlp, using C/C++ &Assembly languages, &execute embedded SW dvlpmt for Vehicle Interface Processor (VIP) logic controller (LC) in psgr vehicle Center Stack Module (CSM) to meet nextgen automotive infotainment syss &in vehicle commun. reqmts in compliance w/ AUTOSAR &ISO26262 Road vehicles–Functional safety standards, using Git, Gerrit, Jenkins, Jira, DOORS/RTC, CANalyzer, CANape, CANoe, VehicleSpy &Green Hills tools, &neoVIFIRE &RAD-Galaxy HW, according to Agile methodology. Dvlp, test, debug, &validate embedded ECU SW for CSM Commun. Stack, Powermoding &Diagnostic reqmts, &Tuner &Camera features, using C in MicroC/OS-II, AUTOSAR, in RTOS &Linux, QNX, &Android OS. Bachelor, Electrical, Electronics &Communication, orComputer Engrg, or related.

24 mos exp as Engineer, dvlpg, using C/C++ &Assembly languages, &executing embedded SW dvlpmt for VIP LC or camera in psgr vehicle to meet automotive in vehicle commun. or safety syss reqmts in compliance w/ ISO26262, using DOORS, CANoe, &Green Hills tools, according to Agile methodology, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2349, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Global Mktg. Manager, Strategy & Planning–Cadillac Warren, MI, General Motors. Analyze Cadillac global brand strategy incldg building &maintain luxury (conventional &electric) psgr vehicle brand awareness, create favorable public opinion, encourage customer consideration of brand, &support new vehicle launches, &ensure a consistent interpretation &execution by Mktg.

Mgrs, Reg. Directors, &external Distributor of global Cadillac luxury psgr vehicle brand strategy in 9 markets-MEX, CAN, GM Intnl, CHN &Middle East/AFR. Use Cadillac luxury psgr vehicle brand health data &customer questionnaires &consolidate &implement annual mktg. strategy &mktg. plans to include strong messaging &build Cadillac luxury brand in global markets, to transform Cadillac into recognizable &aspirational brand. Assure Cadillac reps adhere to brand strategy direction &formal guidelines (messaging, logo, &colors) incldg future changes. Act as key contact &voice of Intl Mktg. org. Master, Mktg., Bus. Admin., or related. 12 mos exp as Mktg. Mgr or Mktg. Planner, using psgr vehicle brand health data &customer questionnaires &formulating or consolidating &implementing annual mktg. strategy &mktg. plans to include strong messaging &build premium or luxury brand in country or global market to transform premium or luxury brand into recognizable &aspirational brand, or related. Mail resume to Ref#1032, GM Global Mobility, 300 Ren. Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Virtual Design Development Validation Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, design, create, plan, &execute static, implicit &explicit dynamic FEA models of conventional, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) &autonomous psgr vehicle (psgr car, truck &SUV) engine, transmission &electric drive unit (DU) cmpnts incldg motors, power inverters, RESS, engine heads/blocks, head gaskets, exhaust manifolds, turbochargers, oil pans &fuel sys cmpnts incldg high pressure pipes, fuel injectors &Teflon seals, using Abaqus, SimLab, Fe-Safe, Inspect, Tosca, HyperWorks, Isight, OptiStruct tools. Engr, design, perform &execute FEA of automotive engine, transmission, DU, &RESS gaskets incldg PIP gaskets, FKM, EPDM &silicone RCM gaskets, RTV seals, &steel gaskets, using Abaqus implicit &explicit solver, SimLab, Fe-Safe, Inspect, Tosca, HyperWorks, Isight, OptiStruct tools, to meet structural, joint interface, &performance (durability, sealing, thermal, mfg tolerance, stiffness, &mass) reqmts in BODs at virtual design assessment gates.

Master, Mechanical, Aerospace, Design, or Automotive Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, CAE Group Lead, or related, deigning or executing FEA of automotive engine gaskets incldg PIP gaskets, RCM gaskets, &RTV seals, using Abaqus implicit &explicit solver, Fe-Safe, Tosca, HyperWorks, &Isight tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2284-108, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Design Release Engineer Autonomous Sensing (AS) Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, dvlp, &release Cmpnt Technical Specs for autonomous short/mid/&long range radar sensor performance reqmts incldg range, field of view (360 degree), resolution (elevation &azimuth) &object detection for psgr vehicles autonomous driving (AD) features &driving safety critical features incldg Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Automated Park Assist, Collision Imminent Braking, Lane Change Alert &Ultra Cruise, using DOORS tool. Capture &analyze ASIL rated sys reqmts for active safety &AD features. Ensure sensor performance meet mass, cost &timing for U.S., global &emerging markets, &perform packaging anlys of AS technology &vehicle cmpnts (sensors &exterior syss incldg front/rear bumpers, front/rear fenders, head/tail lamps, &grilles) for full vehicle to eliminate physical interference w/ surrounding cmpnts. Bachelor, Mechanical, Automotive Systems, Electrical Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, ensuring automotive sensor or exterior part performance meet mass, cost &timing for U.S., global &emerging markets, &performing packaging anlys of vehicle cmpnts incldg bumper, fender, lamps &grille to eliminate physical interference w/ surrounding cmpnts, or related.

Mail resume to Ref#555-2001, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

April 5, 1942 — March 28, 2020 Dr. Calvin Roger Trent Jr., a nationally recognized expert and advocate for substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at his home in Detroit. He was 77.

He was born the eldest of Frances (Burton) and Calvin Trent’s four children on April 5, 1942 in Detroit. He spent much of his childhood at the home of his maternal grandparents in Charlotte, Michigan, attending elementary school there for a few years before transferring to Pattengill Elementary School on Detroit’s west side.

He went on to graduate from Detroit’s McMichael Middle School and Northwestern High School. An academically gifted high school student, he earned a scholarship to Howard University, where he participated in ROTC and joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Alpha chapter in 1963. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in educational technology from Wayne State University.

He married Muriel Deborah Walton in 1970 and they were loving parents to three children: Kimberly, Raina and Jeffrey, who they raised in Highland Park. He often said no role in his life gave him greater joy than that of father. He also mentored dozens of children as a basketball coach for the St. Benedict Elementary School Ravens and the Highland Park Chargers football team in the 1980s.

He joined his father on the assembly line at Ford Motor Co. in the mid-1960s. Through his love of the game of squash, he came to know Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson and briefly worked for Davidson’s company Guardian Industries. He joined the administration of Highland Park Mayor Robert Blackwell as director of computer services in the early 1970s. Upon leaving Blackwell’s administration in the mid- 1970s, he launched a long career as an administrator for Highland Park Schools and later Highland Park Community College, serving as the college’s director of data processing for many years. In the late 1970s, he bought the Exchange Bar, a neighborhood bar and restaurant on Grand River Avenue near Joy Road in Detroit that closed in the late 1980s.

After the college closed in 1996, he continued his education, ultimately earning a master’s degree and doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Detroit-Mercy. His dissertation and research focused on substance abuse prevention and treatment, particularly among black men. His first post-doctorate job was with Detroit’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment, which he went on to lead as general manager. In 2009, Detroit Mayor Kenneth Cockrel appointed him to serve as director of the city’s Department of Health and Wellness Promotion and public health officer. He retired from city government in 2011.

Upon retirement, Dr. Trent joined the staff of Detroit Recovery Project, an organization that he helped launch, as vice president for programs. In 2012, he founded Recovery Education, Advocacy and Leadership (REAL) Michigan, an organization that promotes public policy aimed at helping people in treatment for and recovery disorders. Dr. Trent helped to modernize how citizens suffering from the disease of addiction are viewed and treated by the health care providers. For his leadership, he was honored at the White House

by President George W. Bush. Twice, he was chosen to participate in site visits sponsored by the federal government to help officials in the Zanzibar territory of the African nation of Tanzania create strategies to deal with the region’s burgeoning opiate addiction epidemic. His leadership earned him many accolades, none more meaningful than the naming of the Trent Home for Recovering Men on Detroit’s east side and the Trent Sober House in Zanzibar in his honor.

For the last two decades of his life, Dr. Trent was the proud patriarch and historian of his extended family. He enjoyed close bonds with his siblings, nieces and nephews.

He was an enthusiastic sports fan and greeted each new Detroit Lions season with ebullient and irrational optimism.

He enjoyed walks around his beloved Palmer Park, often carrying a spiked walking stick with him to collect and dispose of garbage. He cherished opportunities to play golf with his eldest grandson, Brian. He was an avid gardener who delighted his neighbors each summer by planting clusters of vibrant flowers and cultivating a raised vegetable garden in the courtyard of his condominium building near Palmer Park. He was a devoted arts patron and was especially nurturing of his grandson Jeffrey’s prodigious musical gifts. He was a regular fixture at Detroit jazz clubs and the Detroit Jazz Festival.

Dr. Calvin Roger Trent Jr. departed this life after a short illness, exhibiting the dignity and grace that were hallmarks of his time on earth. He leaves behind Muriel Deborah Trent, his wife with whom he no longer lived but shared a warm friendship; his children: Kimberly (Kenneth Coleman); Raina Harris and Jeffrey (Tenisha); his step-son, Paul; his sister and caregiver, Deborah Malone; his brothers: Reginald (Michelle) and Gregory (Charlotte); his “adopted” sons: Joseph Ramsey (Jean), Kanzoni Asabigi (Jacqueline) and Andre Johnson; his grandchildren: Christopher Brian Thomas, Caleb Trent, Jerome Hamilton, Martenni Ramsey, Kanzoni Ramsey, Jeffrey Trent Jr., Lyndsey Harris, Kanzoni Asabigi, Nabilah Asabigi, Samirah Asabigi, Robert Harris, Jayla Jones, John Calvin Trent and Jackson Coleman; his great-granddaughter, Naomi Thomas; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, many friends, and a profoundly grateful recovery community.



Samele Alberta Ambrose October 11, 1943 – March 18, 2020 Samele Alberta Ambrose was born on October 11, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan. She was the youngest of the identical twin daughters born to the union of Samuel and Alberta Ambrose. With her only sibling, Sandra, she formed a lifelong and deeply loving bond. Both of her parents preceded her in death.

Samele was educated in the Detroit Public School System.

Following her graduation from Southwestern High School in 1961, she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. She later attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling.

Samele possessed a genuine passion for teaching and was employed for 37 years as a special education teacher with the Detroit Public Schools.

In addition to her hard work, dedication and determination as an educator, she also served as a student council sponsor and a safety patrol co-sponsor while at Birney Elementary School.

An outspoken individual and always a champion for fairness, Samele was a proud and active member

 of and activist of several labor organizations, including the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT), Michigan Federation of Teachers (MFT), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the Metropolitan Detroit and Michigan State AFL-CIO. She and her twin sister were consistently engaged in local, state and national politics using their influence and talents to support candidates ranging from the late Detroit Councilman Clyde Cleveland and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow to former President Bill Clinton.

She was a lifelong member of New Calvary Baptist Church in Detroit, where Samele served on the adult usher board, sang in the young adult and the adult choirs, and volunteered with the Vacation Bible School, Women’s Day Committees, Pastor’s Anniversary Committees and on the board of directors of the New Calvary Optimist Club.

Samele Alberta Ambrose passed away on March 18, 2020. She leaves to cherish and honor her memory her beloved twin sister, Sandra, who was the wind beneath her wings; her aunts, Mary Coakley (Detroit, Michigan), Anna Wyatt (Seattle, Washington), Roberta Burgines (Inkster, Michigan), Ethel Stotts (Dearborn, Michigan), and Elsena Ambrose (Shelby Township, Michigan); a host of Hawk and Ambrose cousins; her loving New Calvary Baptist Church family and many, many devoted friends.

Page B-6 •• michiganchronicle.com 5-11, 2020 michiganchronicle.com • • February April 8-14, 2020

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