Mc digital edition 6 21 17

The deep Detroit roots of

Shahida Mausi

Friday, June 30, 2017 | MotorCity Hotel

POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA

Volume 80 – Number 41

michiganchronicle.com

The Flint crisis:

The struggle is real for Detroit's

homeless

How high does this go?

youth

By Curt Guyette Special to the Michigan Chronicle

When involuntary manslaughter charges were filed last week against five people connected to the Flint water crisis, prosecutors presented a chilling chronology of events they claim led to 75-yearold Robert Skidmore’s death from Legionnaire’s Disease in 2015. In charging state DHHS Director Nick Lyon, the highest ranking public official charged so far in the Flint investigation, prosecutors laid out a stunning and sad tale of neglect and incompetence that they say caused Skidmore’s death. But in sketching the story of the death of Skidmore — one of at least 12 people who fatally contracted the rare, pneumonia-like disease after Flint, under the control of a series of state-appointed emergency managers, switched its water source to the Flint River in April 2014 — the prosecutors’ documents also raise two disturbing (and as yet unanswered) questions:. What would motivate Lyon, an official who had no role in switching Flint’s water system, to potentially participate in a cover-up of the dangers of the water crisis, as alleged? Why hasn’t more been done to compel Gov. Rick Snyder to tell what he knows about the fateful decisions that led to the contamination of the water supply — and the state’s unwillingness to own up to the problem?

June 21-27, 2017

By Roz Edward Managing Editior

E

very day and especially every night, young people in this metropolis in recovery are finding themselves at the mercy of every possible peril of life in the big city and left to fend for themselves in the most desperate and dangerous circumstances imaginable. They are kids who have aged out of foster care, kids who have been neglected and abused by their biological and non-parental caregivers, and kids who are suffer any number and variety of mental health conditions. Life for them is a dismal undertaking of waiting for rescue or death, but they are a tenacious group who fight relentlessly to see another day.

“We find a way to take care of ourselves the best we can,” said a formerly homeless young man, Thomas Randall (not his real name), who says he’s proud of the survival skills he honed living on the streets of Detroit. “I came here from Flint. My mother is an alcoholic, she drinks a couple of fifths of day and I haven’t seen or talked to her since I was 15,” explains the now 23-year-old who successfully completed several homeless shelter programs, including Mariner’s Inn, and secured full-time employment along with a modest apartment and a chance at a future. Gerald Piro, Covenant House executive director, with nearly 30 years of experience in the field of providing services for homeless youth, says as the problem of young people subjugated to life on the streets is growing it becomes increas-

ingly difficult to address the problem. “To get a read on the exact scope of the problem is difficult, because vagrant people have a way of hiding the problem of having a place to live.” On any given day, 5,000 Detroiters are embroiled in a daily struggle to surviving the ravages of poverty and homelessness and approximately 25 percent of that population falls between the ages of 18 to 24. “A lot of homeless youth start out by aging out of foster care, and once they age out of foster care if there is no real plan, they make their own plan,” explained Piro. “Then you have in the city of Detroit a number of people who have lost their homes and the families break apart with the hope that they are going to get back together again, but that become very difficult to do.” These factors coupled with the segment of the youth population who struggle with serious mental health issues and youth who have been the victims of tremendous abuse issues, including abandonment and neglect causes, these young victims learn to distrust authority and form their own forms of family connection and social communes. “In Detroit with the preponderance of abandoned homes, it allows for a lot of cover, and they form these family groups in these properties,” adds Piro.

In considering the first question, one has to remember that Lyon headed the Department of Health and Human Services and, unlike officials with the city and the Department of Environmental Quality, had no authority over how Flint received its water. When Flint, under the authority of a Snyder-appointed emergency manager, decided to move to the Flint River and a city water treatment plant dangerously unprepared for the complex job of making the river water safe for municipal use, Lyon wasn’t involved. And so when the use of the river water resulted in dangerously elevated levels of lead leaching into the water of homeowners from old plumb-

See HOMELESS

YOUTH page A-4

See FLINT page A-4

WHAT’S INSIDE

Farewell to a living, breathing Cass Corridor building It would be impossible to chronicle all the stories that flowed from this newspaper’s longtime headquarters By Danton Wilson

ing’s front door some 36 years ago. Back then, I had no notion that I would eventually work there, much less serve as executive editor. A freshly minted graduate from Grambling State University in Louisiana (I’d graduated and gotten married on the same day), I was then working at the Detroit Free Press as a post-graduate intern.

So long, 479 Ledyard. It’s been an adventure knowin’ ya.

Ideeyah is ‘BRAVE’ Page D-1

It is beyond ironic that the Michigan Chronicle — long on tradition and outsized in its political and cultural footprint — has resided for most of its 81 years inside an Art Deco box of a building located on one of the shortest streets in Detroit. Ledyard Street — all four blocks of it — sits smack in the midst of Cass Corridor, briefly coursing near Cass Tech High School to the south and the Masonic Temple to the north.

$1.00

From the building’s inner sanctum, including a broad newsroom, back production area, and assorted offices, the Michigan Chronicle has pumped out countless stories — inspira-

Danton Wilson tional stories on top of sad stories, entertaining stories soaked into the walls, and milestone stories wafting down a battered yet still majestic main stairway. I will never forget the day I walked wide-eyed into the build-

A Free Press entertainment editor had dispatched me to the Chronicle building to watch and review a movie showing in the Chronicle’s screening room, a small auditorium located on the building’s first floor. Thanks to a rousing speech I heard just before I graduated from Grambling, I was somewhat familiar with the historical importance of the black press. The speech was delivered by a Baptist pastor who owned and operated

an African-American paper in Monroe, Louisana. He explained that most of the legendary leaders in African-American history — Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, W.E.B. DuBois, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Booker T. Washington, Martin Luther King Jr. and more — had significantly contributed to the black press as owners, editors, columnists, investigative reporters, and in other positions. I was therefore primed to bask in the atmosphere of the Chronicle building on the first day I visited it. After leaving the first-floor viewing room, I roamed stealthily around the building, talking to a few young and not-so-young reporters, typesetters, and an icon of a receptionist named Pauline Leatherwood, whose ever-youth-

See CHRONICLE page A-4

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 21-27, 2017

Page A-2

Michigan’s largest minority AIDS organization hosts ‘Moonlight Masquerade: Unmask the Shame’ Community Health Awareness Group, a nonprofit providing HIV-education and health services, is celebrating its 30th anniversary aboard the Ovation Charter Yacht with a ‘Moonlight Masquerade: Unmask the Shame’ Charity Cruise 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19.

Melvindale becomes latest community to enroll in Great Lakes Water Authority’s Water Residential Assistance Program The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is pleased to announce that the city of Melvindale has become the latest member community to enroll in its Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP). WRAP is a first-of-its-kind sustainable assistance program in Michigan that is focused solely on providing assistance for residential water services. Melvindale residents will now have access to water bill payment assistance, water conservation measures, and other supporting resources. “I am so pleased to bring WRAP to Melvindale and I encourage residents who qualify to take full advantage of all the program benefits,” said Melvindale Mayor Stacy Bazman. “Bill payment assistance is just one component of the program. There is also education, conservation, and home repair services that can help residents lower their bills.” Unlike assistance programs in the past that rely on outside sources for funding, WRAP has a dedicated funding source with half-percent of GLWA revenue being dedicated to the program each fiscal year. As revenues increase for the Authority, so too will the available amount in the WRAP program. WRAP funding for the coming Fiscal Year is$4.9 million. “The Authority is proud to be able to extend this important benefit to Melvindale to assist their residents in need,” said Sue McCormick, CEO, GLWA. “WRAP is an important tool for households within our 127 customer communities to take advantage of, and truly assists residents who may be struggling with their water bills. It is my hope that more member communities will follow Melvindale’s lead in joining the program, and giving their residents a pathway towards self-sufficiency.” QUALIFICATIONS FOR RECIPIENTS To qualify for WRAP, participants must meet the following requirements: • Have income at or below the 150 percent federal poverty threshold; • Be residential customers of the GLWA service area, with first priority to customers who have a past due bill and/ or are in active shutoff; • Provide proof of residency or provide renter’s proof of responsibility for water on lease; • Customers with water usage 20 percent or more above average must partic-

ipate in a home water audit and install water conservation measures, and; • Stay current on monthly bill payment for 12 months. Now that Melvindale is enrolled in WRAP, the program administrator will work with local communities to suspend customer shutoffs and freeze arrearages. Qualified participants are also eligible to receive:

NSO President and CEO Sheilah Clay commented: “NSO has the honor of engaging in the lives of older adults with mental illness and those who just need community supports to live quality lives. We are excited about the gift from AARP. “We plan to use the funds to enhance our senior Wellness Center program funded by the

Community Health Awareness Group is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community-based organization supporting men and women in Detroit and its surrounding communities. Established in 1986, CHAG is the largest minority AIDS service organization in Michigan, supporting more than 10,000 people in their health journey annually.

These services include early intervention, Rapid HIV testing, mental health therapy, medical transportation, prevention intervention for high-risk commu-

Tickets can be purchased at chagcruise.eventbrite.com. For further information, Randy Kester, 313-610-8190

contact:

• Water saving kits and consumer training classes, and; • Supportive wrap-around services, which include referrals to energy, food, and clothing assistance programs. The WRAP program is administrated by Wayne Metro Community Action Agency, in collaboration with a total of five community action agencies to ensure that all member communities within the GLWA service area will have access to WRAP resources. Currently, 59 member communities throughout six counties within GLWA’s service area are enrolled in the program. For more information regarding the program, please visit www.waynemetro.org/WRAP or call (313) 386-WRAP (9727). About the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is the provider of choice for water and wastewater services to 127 municipalities in seven Southeastern Michigan counties. With the Great Lakes as source water, the GLWA is uniquely positioned to provide its customers water of unquestionable quality. GLWA has capacity to extend its service to other Southeastern Michigan communities. The authority offers a Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) to assist low-income residential customers throughout the system. The GLWA board includes one representative each from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties as well as two representatives from the City of Detroit, and one appointed by the governor of Michigan to represent customer communities outside the tri-county area.

TV personality with Detroit roots, will have a meet and greet at the Block Party tent. He will be at the Block Party from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25.

For the first time ever, AARP will bring its Block Party to the 2017 GM River Days in Detroit June 23-25, featuring radio personality Donnie Simpson, a virtual reality experience, special prizes, and other activities for the entire family.

“We’re pleased to be able to contribute to Neighborhood Services Organization. They do great work in Metro Detroit providing social and health services for older adults,” said Paula D. Cunningham, State Director of AARP Michigan.

There are more than 15,000 people in Michigan living with HIV, with a disproportionate impact on black, and gay or bisexual communities. CHAG aims to improve the quality of life for members of this community by addressing current health issues and developing effective ways of promoting and implementing positive health strategies.

• Home repairs up to $1,000 per household to fix plumbing issues causing high usage;

By Lisa Whitmore Davis

As a part of the AARP’s efforts to support the Detroit community, we will donate $1 for every frozen treat given away at the AARP Block Party (maximum donation of $5,000).

nities, support groups, substance abuse treatment and more.

• Payment assistance up to $1,000 per household per year— $25 per month towards a bill credit, and assistance with arrears;

AARP Michigan Associate State Director for Multicultural Outreach

But the star of the show will be the Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO), a nonprofit, multi-service agency founded more than 60 years ago in response to the needs of low-income families and communities in Detroit.

Tickets are $100 per person and include an open premium bar, gourmet strolling supper, music and dancing, cookie bar, Detroit Photo Bar and more. Proceeds will benefit CHAG and its services for HIV prevention, HIV care, mental health and substance abuse.

Lisa Whitmore Davis Detroit Area Agency on Aging,” Clay added. “This program provides community senior services, congregate meals, nutrition education, and other social and health related services. The funds from AARP will enable us to add additional programming requested by our seniors. It is their voices that drive our work.” The check will be presented to NSO on Sunday, June 25 at 4 p.m. The AARP Block Party is a traveling exhibit that engages attendees with interactive experiences that relate to AARP’s programs and mission. Visitors who stop by the AARP block party can experience virtual reality and receive a free AARP-branded Google Cardboard VR viewer. In addition to the free Popsicle stand, the Block Party site in the center of the festival area will include a photo booth, prize wheel, and “commitment wall,” where attendees can leave heartfelt messages to the city. Simpson, a long-time radio DJ and movie and

GM River Days is a one-of-a-kind festival which takes place along the Detroit Riverfront. The 10-year-old festival celebrates Detroit’s RiverWalk with activities on land and water. Learn more at RiverDays.com

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preceding the Wednesday pub­lication. For all news and calendar items: Deadline is two weeks prior to event. Weeks that contain holidays, dead­line is Thursday prior to publication date.

AccessPoint Rocks the Block for Pontiac Neighborhood

AccessPoint, a national full-service human resources firm and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) based in Farmington Hills, will sponsor “Rock the Block”, a Habitat for Humanity Oakland County neighborhood revitalization event that involves several simultaneous projects throughout a targeted neighborhood, June 21, 2017 and AccessPoint volunteers will be working on projects throughout the Ferry Farms neighborhood of Pontiac June 20 and 21.

AccessPoint’s culture is committed to the well-being of it coworkers, clients and the communities in which it serves. AccessPoint recently expanded its geographic footprint in northern Oakland County This historic event will take place at 8:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 21, at Door of Faith Church, located at 511 S. Sanford St. in Pontiac. AccessPoint volunteers, Ferry Farms residents will be present along with AccessPoint Chairman and CEO Greg Packer Chief Financial Officer Jim Mack. A single source for World Class-HR, AccessPoint is a Full-Service Human Resources organization and an IRS-certified Professional Employer Organization (PEO). The company is an industry leader in employee management including

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479 Ledyard Street Detroit, MI 48201 Phone: (313) 963-5522 OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sat. and Sun. The Michigan Chronicle is published every Wednesday. Periodical Postage, paid at Detroit, MI. Price $1.00 and other post office.

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recruiting, employee relations, payroll, staffing, benefits management, and workplace safety. For nearly 30 years, AccessPoint has helped businesses of all sizes skillfully navigate the modern work place, introducing efficiencies and safeguards while never forgetting the personal element fundamental to all business and employment relationships. To learn more, visit www.accesspointhr.com.

STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION **** FOR THE CUSTOMERS OF DTE GAS COMPANY CASE NO. U-18338 • DTE Gas Company requests Michigan Public Service Commission approval of the Reconciliation of its 2016 Energy Optimization (EO) Plan expenses filed pursuant to Public Act 295 of 2008. • The information below describes how a person may participate in this case. • You may call or write DTE Gas Company, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, Michigan 48226-1279, (800) 477-4747, for a free copy of its application. Any person may review the application at the offices of DTE Gas Company. • A public hearing will be held:

DATE/TIME:

Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. This hearing will be a prehearing conference to set future hearing dates and decide other procedural matters.

BEFORE:

Administrative Law Judge Mark E. Cummins

LOCATION:

Michigan Public Service Commission 7109 West Saginaw Highway Lansing, Michigan

PARTICIPATION: Any interested person may attend and participate. The hearing site is accessible, including handicapped parking. Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact the Commission’s Executive Secretary at (517) 284-8090 in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. The Michigan Public Service Commission (Commission) will hold a public hearing to consider DTE Gas Company’s (DTE Gas) May 15, 2017 application requesting approval of their reconciliation for the 2016 EO plan year, the performance incentives, and the associated proposed tariffs. All documents filed in this case shall be submitted electronically through the Commission’s E-Dockets website at: michigan.gov/mpscedockets. Requirements and instructions for filing can be found in the User Manual on the E-Dockets help page. Documents may also be submitted, in Word or PDF format, as an attachment to an email sent to: mpscedockets@ michigan.gov. If you require assistance prior to e-filing, contact Commission staff at (517) 284-8090 or by email at: mpscedockets@michigan.gov. Any person wishing to intervene and become a party to the case shall electronically file a petition to intervene with this Commission by July 5, 2017. (Interested persons may elect to file using the traditional paper format.) The proof of service shall indicate service upon DTE Gas’s attorney, Mr. Middleton, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, Michigan 48226-1279. Any person wishing to appear at the hearing to make a statement of position without becoming a party to the case may participate by filing an appearance. To file an appearance, the individual must attend the hearing and advise the presiding administrative law judge of his or her wish to make a statement of position. All information submitted to the Commission in this matter becomes public information, thus available on the Michigan Public Service Commission’s website, and subject to disclosure. Please do not include information you wish to remain private. Requests for adjournment must be made pursuant to the Michigan Administrative Hearing System’s Administrative Hearing Rules R 792.10422 and R 792.10432. Requests for further information on adjournment should be directed to (517) 284-8130. A copy of DTE Gas’s request may be reviewed on the Commission’s website at: michigan.gov/mpscedockets, and at the office of DTE Gas Company. For more information on how to participate in a case, you may contact the Commission at the above address or by telephone at (517) 284-8090. Jurisdiction is pursuant to 1909 PA 300, as amended, MCL 462.2 et seq.; 1919 PA 419, as amended, MCL 460.54 et seq.; 1939 PA 3, as amended, MCL 460.1 et seq.; 1969 PA 306, as amended, MCL 24.201 et seq.; and the Michigan Administrative Hearing System’s Administrative Hearing Rules, 2015 AC, R 792.10401 et seq. June 9, 2017

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 21-27, 2017

Page A-3

Wayne County Treasurer Sabree extends interest rate reduction program Wayne County Treasurer Eric R. Sabree is pleased to announce that his office has chosen to extend the June 7, 2017 deadline for a special program to reduce interest rates for homeowners at risk of foreclosure from 18 to 6 percent. The Interest Reduction Stipulated Payment Agreement (IRSPA) program for 2017 has been extended to June 28, 2017. “This is a great opportunity for people to reduce interest rates saving money and saving their homes,” said Sabree. “We thought it was a highly suc-

From left: Dennis Archer, Jr., Gerard M. Anderson, Cindy Pasky, Matthew J. Simoncini and Dr. William Pickard

Eric R. Sabree cessful program last year and we worked hard to have it reinstated for 2017 by legislative action. We are voluntarily extending the program until June 28 to give as many people as possible an opportunity to sign up and avoid foreclosure.” In the program, homeowners are eligible to enter into payment plans at a reduced interest rate — 6 percent, compared to the usual 18 percent— and pay delinquent taxes. The result is a reasonable monthly payment amount that will help hundreds of families stay in their homes. The reduced interest plan is available only to those who own their primary residence. The program is extended to reduce foreclosures in Detroit and Wayne County with numerous properties at risk for unpaid 2014 property taxes. The program was announced by Treasurer Sabree, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in April. The interest reduction monthly payment agreement, which had expired in 2016, has been reinstated in 2017 under a bill signed by Gov. Rick Snyder. The new program, which also reduces the interest rate to 6 percent from 18 percent, took effect in April.

Michigan Chronicle closes out Pancakes & Politics 2017

By Roz Edward and Alisha Dixon

collaborate. People believe in the spirit of diversity.”

On Thursday, June 15, the Michigan Chronicle closed out the 12th season of Pancakes & Politics 2017 with a panel of four CEOs from some of Michigan’s Fortune 500 or Tier One corporations to discuss “The CEO Outlook.”

Corporate responsibility, Simoncini said, must also include investing in the future of the city’s children, the future workforce.

Panel guests included Dr. William Pickard, chairman and CEO of Global Automotive Alliance; Matthew J. Simoncini, president and CEO of the Lear Corporation; Cindy Pasky, founder, president and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions; and Gerard Anderson, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy. Forum IV came just three days after 150 CEOs from over 50 industries, including Gerard Anderson, made a commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within their respective corporations. To fulfill this commitment, the 150 corporate leaders joined CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, the largest CEO-driven effort of its kind.

“The neighborhoods will not come back if we do not solve the riddle of that of public education. There needs to be more accountability. We need to stop treating kids like a $7,500 price tag,” Simoncini said. “We need to create a culture that says children can achieve,” added Dr. Pickard. Detroit’s demography makes diversity and inclusion efforts at the executive level for the future of the city and states econ-

omy. Dr. Pickard believes if leaders were to take an honest look at the historic contributions made by African Americans in Detroit, many would be more invested in creating opportunities. “The inclusion factor affects my company a lot. All of us have to find new ways to be creative. The problems are so massive. They didn’t happen yesterday. They didn’t happen in 1967,” said Dr. Pickard “The black community of Detroit, up until 1986, had the most homeownership in black America. We had the strongest savings accounts of black America. This community has not always been the ‘Lord have mercy’ community. I think there are a lot of things that are responsible, but I believe if the job situation provided more opportunities we would see a shift.” By creating opportunity, Pasky said, it opens the door for more Detroiters to be included and to benefit from development in the city. A part of that, she said, involves changing the way companies seek out employees.

“It’s [diversity and inclusion], not a business agenda. When I considered joining the initiative, I made sure that was not the case,” said Anderson.

“I think we have to find a way to level the playing field. We have to realize that talent acquisition is different than HR. There is so much talent available. You just have to change how they are found,” said Pasky.

Lear exec Matthew Simoncini added, “We need to find a way to come together and

Detroit Morehouse College Alumni Association honors Michigan Chronicle Publisher Hiram E. Jackson, others By Donald James Special to the Chronicle

On Saturday, June 17, the Detroit Morehouse College Alumni Association presented “Honoring Our Fathers,” an event to salute and honor great fathers who are also outstanding leaders in metro Detroit. Held at Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church on the city’s east side, more than 150 people gathered for the event. Many in attendance have a connection to Morehouse College, as either an alumnus, current student, aspirant to attend the Atlanta school, or a family member or friend attending in support. Leslie G. Andrews, a Spelman College alum, now CEO of Daisy Ventures, LLC, served as mistress of ceremonies. Rev. Stacey Sardin, associate minister of New Canaan Baptist Church and a Morehouse graduate, delivered the keynote address. In the spirit of excellence, the Detroit Morehouse College Alumni Association bestowed five awards. The association’s Business Impact Award was presented to Hiram E. Jackson, publisher of the Michigan Chronicle. The award signified Jackson’s astute business acumen in rendering leadership as CEO of Real Times Media and publisher of the Chronicle, both of which impact millions of African Americans locally, regionally and nationally. Jackson was introduced by his daughter, Grace Jackson, a junior at Detroit Country Day School. “I’m so happy to be here today to introduce my father, Hiram Jackson,” said Grace Jack-

Business Impact Award recipient, Hiram E. Jackson, with daughter Grace, son Hiram lll and wife Kimberly Jackson – photo credit: Tony Lockhard son. “Being the CEO of Real Times Media and the publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, we have always had to share him with the Detroit community. But even with all the hard work that he does, he never forgets to tell us and show us how much love he has for his family. Thank you so much, Dad!” With the Business Impact Award in hand, Hiram Jackson spoke, as his wife, Kimberly Blue-Jackson, and son, Hiram E. Jackson III, a student at Morehouse, looked on. “It’s really an honor to be here and receive this award, it’s pretty significant for me.” Jackson said. “I’m in the business of telling great things about black people, that’s what I do. We share African-American achievements with the world, because the world needs to know of all the incredible

things that African-American men and women are doing across this country, whether it’s told through the Michigan Chronicle or the Pittsburgh Courier or Chicago Defender or the work we do in more than 20 cities with our Who’s Who in Black America publications.” Detroit Councilman Rev. Andre Spivey, who graduated from Morehouse in 1996, received the Community Service Award. “I thank the committee for this outstanding award,” said Spivey. “But I just do what I’m supposed to do. Detroit has blessed me, and I want to give back to the city through my church and Detroit City Council. I thank God that I went to Morehouse College and was put in a position to help Detroit move forward.” Chuck Stokes, director, edi-

tor and public affairs, WXYZ-TV Detroit, was given the Morehouse Alumnus of the Year Awar, for his television journalistic accomplishments, most notably as moderator and producer of “Spotlight on the News.” “I can’t tell you how much this award means to me,” said Stokes, after his daughter Kellie, introduced him. “It’s not something I sought, but it’s something that I humbly accept. And, when I think about it, there are two real guideposts in my life that have helped me become whatever I’ve become — Morehouse College and Kappa Alpha Psi.” Other awards presented by the alumni association were to Alexander L. Harris and Cordaro Shaw. Harris, Morehouse class of 1942, received the Special Recognition Award. The

100-year-old was not present, but his acceptance speech was videotaped and shown at the event. Shaw was given the Detroit Area Student Spotlight Award for excellence in academics. He attends Morehouse and will graduate in 2019. Founded in 1867, Morehouse College in Atlanta is the nation’s historically black college for men of exceptional ambition and promise. Today, Morehouse has more than 2,000 students from 35 states and 17 countries. Prominent alums have include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson, among many others. The Detroit Morehouse College Alumni Association was founded in 1954 and currently has about 460 members throughout the state. Notable Detroiters have included George W. Crockett, Jr. (class of ’31), Dr. Arthur L. Johnson (class of ’48), and William H. McGill (class of ’47), among others. Honoring fathers, who are leaders to their family and beyond, is important to the alumni association’s president. “Happy Father’s Day! The Detroit Morehouse Alumni Association honors you today,” said Franklin Wilkerson, Morehouse class of ’92. “Keep taking your families to higher heights. Love your women and nurture your children. Together, we can lead our communities and our nation forward in a mighty way.” For more information about the Detroit Morehouse College Alumni Association, log on to www.detroitmorehousealumni. org or call 248.497.6120.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Chronicle ful, musical voice has now adorned the Chronicle’s front office and phone lines for more than 60 years. I would eventually accept a job with the Chronicle and work as a reporter for about five years as I went to law school at night. I then left to join ex-Chronicle colleagues Adolph Mongo and Sherrie Farrell with the City of Detroit’s Department of Public Information during the administration of Mayor Coleman A. Young. I returned to the Chronicle as executive editor in 1988 and worked five years in that capacity.

Homeless youth Since 1997, Covenant House Michigan has helped thousands of homeless and at-risk young people annually and provides housing and supportive services to approximately 75 Detroit youth between the ages of 18 and 24 daily. In addition to food and shelter, Covenant House provides job development services and crisis intervention to its residents and other young people. The agency operates an outreach van that drives through metro Detroit-area neighborhoods and offers on-the-spot assistance to homeless young adults and accompanying children. As dismal as the story is of youth and homelessness, the situation is not without some measure of hope. “When kids age out of foster care, if they take advantage of all that is available to them, if they want to go to college there is [substantial] financial help available for former foster children. But unfortunately, unless they have that guidance readily available via social workers, once they are out of that foster system and that family that has been responsible for them they feel like the freedom, especially if the foster environment has not been conducive to a great family life, and a lot of them switch homes frequently and subsequently they fail,” said the veteran child care professional, adding, “This is not an indictment of foster care, they are necessary, but we had a young man who told me he had been institutionalized since he was five and he wanted to be out. We have girls who come here and deliver babies, but unless they have a permanent address, the cycle repeats itself and those kids end up in the cycle too.” Covenant House, which operates 30 homes for homeless youth in the U.S. and Latin America, only one of which is located in the state and Detroit, works closely with health and crisis agencies around the world. The organization is 98 percent funded by private grants and donations with only 2 percent of its funding coming from the Housing and Urban Development Agency. And that funding is at risk, although Piro is dedicated to opening a second facility in

Flint

ing and infrastructure, Lyon had no apparent reason for attempting to ignore or cover-up the Legionnaires’ outbreak. Why would he potentially put himself in the line of legal fire for attempting to sweep the crisis under the rug if he had no responsibility for creating the crisis? Whatever the answer, Lyon has earned the trust and support of Gov. Rick Snyder, who said in a video statement that Lyon, despite the seriousness of the charges leveled against him, is committed to helping Flint residents recover from the crisis and will remain on the job. Now, for the second question, which goes to the failure of Attorney General Bill Schuette and his team to interview Gov. Snyder as part of what we’ve been told is an ongoing investigation. Schuette, during a press conference last week, said only that his investigators had been unable to interview Snyder. Following that announcement, one of the team of attorneys representing Snyder at taxpayer expense said the governor had actually agreed to be interviewed, but only if an investigative subpoena compelling Snyder to testify under oath was issued. He added that his client had never been served with such a subpoena. Despite repeated phone calls seeking clarification, the Attorney General’s Office has declined to say if the characterization by Snyder’s lawyer is accurate, and if it is, why a subpoena had not been issued to compel Snyder to answer questions under oath about what he knew, and when he knew it. Snyder claimed not to have known about the outbreak until more than 18 months after health officials began expressing concerns about Legionnaires’ Disease. The charging documents offer no evidence proving otherwise. But, at the same time, they offer evidence that the governor’s office was aware of the outbreak within months of its discovery. The epidemic would claim the lives of at least 12 people and cause dozens more to fall ill. Even though health officials began seeing a dramatic spike in Legionnaires’ cases as early as June 2014, just two months after the ill-fated switch to the river, the public would not learn of the outbreak until Gov. Rick Snyder addressed the issue in January 2016. At the time, Snyder said he’d just been made aware of the outbreak and the likelihood it was connected to use of the river as Flint’s municipal water supply However, it is alleged in the just-filed charging documents that by October 2014, Liane Shekter-Smith, an official with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s water division, began expressing concerns that DHHS “would announce the Flint River as the

From page A-1 Grand Rapids. Located at 2959 Martin Luther King, Covenant House operates with a fulltime around the clock staff of 55 residential advisors or “holy people” who act as parents to displaced youth. By living on the streets, these people are exposed to everything that is bad. Number one is trafficking for sex or work. They are also exposing themselves to the temptation of taking drugs, because they are going to congregate with others that are in the same situation, And then they are exposed to illness, STDs and violence,” laments Piro. “That’s a lot of negativity all in one place. Most importantly their deteriorating mental health will only get worse.” Covenant House residents are eligible to receive emergency housing and services for a period of 90 days. Successful recipients are eligible to move to longer term care for a period of up to two years and can avail themselves of an array of training and employment programs. Covenant House Michigan spearheaded four-second chance high schools, Covenant House Academy (authorized through Grand Valley State University), to offer dropouts and at-risk youth the opportunity to obtain a high school diploma. Over 900 youth are enrolled yearly. Covenant House recently screened the documentary “Shelter” to raise awareness of the perils of homelessness. Filmed at Covenant House New Orleans, the distressing stories of these young people too often end tragically. “When I was on the streets we learned how to keep safe and stay alive,” says Randall. “Other homeless people taught me about sleeping over heating grates or building fires, and the best overpasses to sleep under and even sometimes how to steal away in a building to shield ourselves from the elements and the danger. But we helped each other survive and live, if you want to call it that.” For more information on Covenant House Michigan, call (313) 463-2000 or visit www.covenanthousemi.org.

From page A-1 source of the Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak.” Shekter-Smith, who, like Lyon, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, allegedly informed DHHS epidemiologist Corinne Miller that Snyder’s office had already become “involved” in the issue at that point. There was good reason for the governor’s office to be concerned. Miller, who cooperated with investigators after entering into a deal that allowed her to escape felony charges and plead no contest to one misdemeanor charge of willful neglect of public duty, observed that “if the Flint River was the cause of the disease, it would be bad or embarrassing for Gov. Snyder because that decision [to switch to the river] had been made under emergency management. [Former Flint emergency manager Darnell Earley was among the five people just charged with involuntary manslaughter last week. He’d previously been charged with other felonies related to his alleged role in the crisis.] By April 2015, with the outbreak becoming one of the largest known to have occurred in the U.S. within the past decade, the situation had grown so dangerous that the federal Centers for Disease Control offered to assist the state in addressing the crisis. But that offer was rebuffed. It is also alleged that, in 2016, Lyon and an unnamed “senior advisor” to the governor met with researchers at Wayne State University and objected to ongoing research into the connection between use of the river and the Legionnaires’ outbreak. After being told that Gov. Snyder was “very unhappy” with further research linking Legionnaires’ outbreak to the use of river water, the “senior advisor” to Snyder “threatened to call Wayne State University’s President Roy Wilson and pull funding” for the research. At one point, after allegedly being told the lack of research into the source of the break could lead to more deaths, Lyon allegedly responded by saying that “they have to die of something.” As with all the defendants charged with manslaughter, Lyon, through his attorney, has vigorously claimed he engaged in no wrongdoing. Along with the involuntary manslaughter charge, which carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence, Lyon is also being charged with misconduct in office, a felony that has a maximum sentence of five years. In total, 15 state and Flint officials have been charged in an investigation that, according to Schuette, remains open but is beginning to move into the prosecution phase. Curt Guyette is an investigative reporter for ACLU of Michigan. He can be reached at 313-576-8346 or cguyette@ aclumich.org.

One thing about the Chronicle is that once you work there you become part of the Chronicle family and you identify with it — and with fellow “family” members — long after you’ve moved on. You tend to speak reverently of giants such as Longworth Quinn, Al Dunmore, Aretha Watkins, Sam Logan, Louis Martin, Rita Griffin, Robbie McCoy, Marie Teasley, Genevieve Johnson, Raymond Allen, Steve Holsey, and many others. Our goal working at the Chronicle was not to make a fortune or win awards (though we were honored as the best all-around newspaper by the National Newspaper Publishers Association many times). Our goal instead was to serve our readers and the broader community. I work in a completely different field now, but my mind reaches back to 479 Ledyard regularly, and I physically visit the building routinely. Whenever I go, I can’t help reflecting on the countless stories we were blessed to convey. To provide just a sense of the adventure of working daily inside 479 Ledyard, here are a handful of stories and incidents. Mandela in Detroit: When recently freed political prisoner and eventual South African President Nelson Mandela came to Detroit during his North American tour in 1990, we thought the highlight might be the muscle-bound, comprehensive special edition we produced. I thought it couldn’t get any better for me when I was assigned to a press pool vehicle that also had a couple of dignitaries in it, including Rosa Parks. Then I got a chance to interview the dignitary in the van just behind ours, Harry Belafonte. Still, the undisputed highlight of the week happened while I stood near a bank of windows on the east side of the building. Somebody excitedly showed me a national newspaper with a syndicated United Press International (UPI) photo of Mandela. In the photo, Mandela is catching up with his reading on a plane back to South Africa after his whirlwind U.S. tour. He is shown intensely reading the special edition the Michigan Chronicle produced in conjunction with his visit to the states. African-American Muslims protest party stores and gas stations: From a desk in a corner of the newsroom, I worked as a reporter. In 1986, Abdullah Bey El-Amin, Mitchell Shamsud Din and other African-American Muslims contacted us about protests at local party stores and gas stations. They were condemning the businesses for openly selling crack pipes, scales, and other items related to drug dealing right in the open, not far from candy and gum displays. This was in an era when crack was ravaging African-American commu-

June 21-27, 2017

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From page A-1 nities in Detroit and beyond. We covered their crusade and crusaded ourselves along with influential Free Press columnist Susan Watson, who credited the Chronicle with breaking the story on the protests. The efforts of now-Imam ElAmin and others who joined him led to a stronger drug paraphernalia ordinance in the city, spearheaded by Councilman Nicholas Hood, Sr. and Councilwoman Maryann Mahaffey. The Chronicle won a first-place community service award from the NNPA for its coverage. Mayor Coleman A. Young on PrimeTime Live – The response to Mayor Coleman A. Young’s hard-hitting appearance on a 1990 “PrimeTime Live” special report on Detroit was volcanic. Some applauded his take-no-prisoners answers while others were outraged. The staff pulled an all-nighter working on a comprehensive special edition we hoped would be a rebuttal to many of “PrimeTime Live’s contentions about Detroit. The legendary leader of the Chronicle’s then parent company — John Sengstacke, head of the Chicago Defender and a founder of the Chronicle back in 1936 — literally stopped the presses, quashed the special edition, and ran a front-page editorial condemning Mayor Young. Ouch. Sharpton in the Motor City: In a second-floor conference room where too many celebrities and public officials to mention had been interviewed — from presidential candidates and governors to civil rights icons and entertainers such as Nancy Wilson, Sidney Poitier, MC Hammer, Vanity, and more — we prepared to grill Rev. Al Sharpton. The firing-squad of questioners was all set to rattle him, ask tough questions on a number of positions he had taken plus extraneous issues such as the processed hairstyle he wore. Instead, Sharpton blew us out of the proverbial water with his intelligence, charisma, and humor, then joined us for lunch at Steve’s Soul Food, where a constant stream of Detroiters walked up to shake his hand. Running back? You’ve gotta be kidding: Then-sports editor Rebekah Brown was one in a long line of excellent sports editors, including Jacque Thomas, Leland Stein, and Larry Owens. At the top of the Chronicle’s main staircase, she stopped to introduce me to some of the members of the all-city team she had named. A wide-shouldered, thick-necked, massive youngster stood next to her as she introduced the respectful young man. I asked if he was a tackle, guard, maybe a defensive end. He immediately responded that he was a running back and Rebekah shot me a look that said he was the real deal, a superstar in the making. She was right, as Mackenzie’s own Jerome Bettis went on to star at Notre Dame and with the Pittsburgh Steelers, even returning to Detroit to win a Super Bowl as part of his Hall of Fame career. The Chronicle and its parent company, RealTimes Media, now begin a new era with a move to the heart of downtown Detroit. The people and the product stand on shoulders that once lifted a relatively small, Art Deco building to decades of service and activism. Let the next chapters be written as adventurously as the 479 Ledyard ones were written…if not more adventurously.

Commissioner Jewel Ware honors UPSM middle school chess teams On Thursday, June 15, 2 at 10:00 a.m. during the Wayne County Commission’s full board meeting, (500 Griswold, Full Board Room, Mezzanine Level, Detroit, MI 48226), Wayne County Commission Vice-Chair Pro Tempore Jewel Ware (D-Detroit) will honor the University Prep Science and Math (UPSM) Middle School’s 2017 National Chess Champions. UPSM Middle School, widely known for its academic excellence, recently won several first place awards at the U.S. Chess Supernationals IV Tournament in Nashville. The UPSM Middle School teams won national titles in the K6 Under 1400 and the K8 Under 750 sections of the esteemed competition. In addition to the team awards, UPSM Middle School’s sixth-grader Cameron Rector won an individual national championship title in the K8 Under 750 section, making him the top chess player nationally in that category. Rector was among 379 players in his category and was undefeated after seven of his games. Seventh-grad-

er Sa’Naya Burton tied for third place in the K8 Under 750 section. Under the leadership of Principal Mischa Bashir, UPSM Middle School has been fortunate to have several integral chess coaches that aided in this profound victory. Collectively, UPSM Middle School’s faculty and coaches are inspiring examples to the students that with hard work, determination and perseverance they can accomplish any goal. In recognition of these national champions, Commissioner Ware will present certificates of appreciation to the 37 UPSM Middle School chess students. Additionally, she will present the University Prep Science and Math Middle School a resolution which will permanently document this achievement in the records of Wayne County, Michigan. After the awards presentation, the celebration will continue for the students, faculty and coaches at a luncheon.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

A conversation with Nguve Tsare By Keith A. Owens

June 21-27, 2017

Candidate for District 2 City Council Seat

­ ontributing to the revitalization of their c neighborhoods.

Senior Editor

What that will do, the first piece, is fill up the thousands of vacant homes that still exist in District 2. Driving down crime in a couple of ways — by putting bodies on these streets that act as a deterrent to crime, and by putting

Nguvu Tsare, a 10-year resident of Detroit, is running for the District 2 City Council seat currently occupied by longtime council member George Cushingberry. He is a write-in candidate due to the fact that he changed his voter registration too late. His current fulltime job is as a flight attendant.

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bodies in these homes, families in these homes, over time increases the property values of these neighborhoods. The second way is by creating businesses in District 2 and strengthening the people who are the heart of District 2, and that’s our small businesses.

Why did you get in the race? I never had any intention of running for office. I’m a lifelong activist, I’m 28, I’ve been in activist organizations since my early high school years, and my passion has always been community work. I think moving to District 2 from a different district last year (moved there in May of 2016) and realizing that we did not have the kind of political accountability or accessibility to our city council office that I was accustomed to in my previous district. It showed me that if you want to see things the way they should be, you have to get in there and change them yourself. What are some of the issues you heard your neighbors talking about? The main one was lack of accountability. Some of the people were upset about the scandals involving our current city councilman. People were very turned off by that. They felt it showed a lack of care or concern about them as constituents. People felt that the issues that mattered to them were being ignored. And they wanted someone who was not only going to listen to them but implement the types of initiatives and fight against certain things like the marijuana dispensaries. That’s a very big thing that I heard a lot of people talking about. They were very upset by the push to allow these marijuana dispensaries to go unregulated, or underregulated in our district and in our city. I also heard concerns about accessibility. A lot of micro issues that you will rarely hear candidates talking about, such as the Davison Freeway and how that’s one of the most dangerous

stretches of road in the state. The lack of firetrucks on Livernois near one of our most famous business districts, the Avenue of Fashion. The concern residents have about parking tickets in the Avenue of Fashion and how that was negatively impacting our small businesses. And concerns from residents who live in neighborhoods that maybe aren’t as affluent as Green Acres, Palmer Woods or Sherwood Forest who felt that their neighborhoods were often being overlooked. What are your solutions to neighborhood problems? My platform is one of decreasing crime and increasing economic opportunity and strengthening public ­services. And my hallmark program that I’ve developed to tackle the first two of those pieces is called the One Dollar One Dream Initiative. What the program will be is one that our small businesses can opt into to let their customers add a dollar onto their purchase, and that dollar will go into a District 2 account, and on an annual basis we’ll use that money to help residents purchase their first home, start their first business. And help our current business owners who’ve invested so much in our district undergo innovation projects to either increase business or scale.

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The ninth annual Ford Blue Oval Scholars program provided nearly $100,000 in scholarships to students from 10 Detroit-area high schools. Nearly 140 student scholarship recipients in attendance are all smiles while posing for a group photo. The event was held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

Ford Motor Company Fund honors Detroit-area Blue Oval Scholars with nearly $100,000 in scholarships Ford Motor Company Fund celebrated the achievements of more than 140 graduating seniors from 10 Detroit-area high schools at its ninth annual Blue Oval Scholars program. Ford presented the awards — ranging from $250 to $1,000 — at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Jacob Durrah, a 2017 University of Michigan computer science engineering graduate and 2012 Blue Oval Scholarship winner, delivered the keynote address. Durrah, who attended Finney High School, is joining Ford this summer as part of the company’s College Graduate Program in product development. He credits his interest in pursuing STEM education to his participation in programs like Ford’s Blue Oval Scholars. “I feel honored, grateful and humble,” said Durrah. “Five years ago, Ford believed in me enough to award me the scholarship, and they still believe in me today.” Pamela Alexander, director, community development, Ford Motor Company Fund, said Ford is committed to helping students reach their full potential and realize their dreams.

“Not only does the Blue Oval Scholars program promote education, it also builds confidence in students who are poised to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers and problem solvers,” she said. Blue Oval Scholarships encourage students to show improvement in academics and overall school performance, and to pursue post-high school educational goals. Ford has awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships to assist more than 1,000 Detroit-area high school graduates with tuition, books, fees and other educational costs in the program’s nineyear history. This year’s recipients come from 10 high schools: Central Collegiate Academy, Frank Cody, Osborn, Southeastern and Western International — all in Detroit; and Harper Woods, Mount Clemens, Pontiac, River Rouge and Ypsilanti Community high schools. Ford Motor Company Fund invests more than $18 million a year in scholarships and other education initiatives globally. In addition to Ford Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Fund educational programs include Ford STEAM Lab, Ford Next Generation Learning,

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Ford College Community Challenge and Ford Driving Dreams Tour.

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DEPARTMENT OF ELECTIONS 2978 W. Grand Blvd. Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Monday, July 10, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 10, 2017 WILL BE THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR THE MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION OF AUGUST 8, 2017 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL (313) 876-0190 Detroit residents born on or before August 8, 1999 are eligible to register at this time. Electors who registered, voted or transferred in Detroit since January 1, 1999 are not required to register. Those who have moved from one Detroit address to another since they last voted may transfer at the Department of Elections in person, or by mailing a signed notice no later than Monday, July 10, 2017, giving old and new addresses. Persons who registered prior to January 1, 1999 but have not voted since, should re-register, if they have not already done so. YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO VOTE AT ANY ELECTION.

ALL QUALIFIED AND REGISTERED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF DETROIT ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE AT THE ABOVE ELECTION JANICE M. WINFREY CITY CLERK

Page A-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • June 21-27, 2017

DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED DELIVERS INSPIRATION AND MORE!

2017 DTU Fellows: Noni Marshall (Howard University), Alexa Spencer (Howard University), Darrell Williams (Morehouse College), Tiana Hunt (Clark Atlanta University), Ayron Lewallen (Morehouse College), Taylor Burris (Spelman College), Jordan Fisher (Clark Atlanta University), Kelsey Jones (Spelman College)

Our DTU Fellows are busy connecting and collecting amazing stories from the African American community! This year, Discover the Unexpected presented by the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox in partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association includes students from Howard University, Spelman College, Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University. Check out the inspirational stories and exciting videos from our 8 DTU Fellows from Atlanta, Washington D.C., Raleigh and New Orleans.

#discovertheunexpected

DISCOVER MORE OF THEIR STORY AT NNPA.ORG/DTU

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June 21-27, 2016

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Students met JR Hildebrand, Verizon IndyCar Series driver for Ed Carpenter Racing. Hildebrand signed autographs and chatted with students about racing. Earlier this year, Hildebrand visited Central High School to talk to students about the importance of technology in racing.

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HOMEFRONT Students have behind-the-scenes experience at Belle Isle during

Patricia McCann, vice president and employee volunteer program manager for Comerica Bank, chats about Comerica’s commitment to Detroit during a live interview with Lee Thomas of FOX 2 News.

Comerica Bank Free Prix Day

Comerica Bank celebrated its fifth annual Comerica Bank Free Prix Day by giving attendees of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear the opportunity to enjoy an entire day of race activities for free. Comerica also treated Detroit’s Central High School students to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of professional racing.

Cara Adams, chief engineer and manager of race tire development for Firestone, explained to Central students the differences between slick and treaded tires.

Mike Hull, managing director of Chip Ganassi Racing, and members of the Ganassi Racing team speak to Central High School students while work is under way on one of the team’s IndyCars.

Central High School students watch in the trackside chalet as a SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Truck takes air during practice at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear.

“Comerica Bank is honored to host Central High School students for an exclusive day of events and a better understanding of how important STEM-related careers contribute to the world of professional racing,” said Patricia During the tour, Central High School students watched race McCann, vice president and employee volunteer program manag- teams in action in the paddock area, commonly referred to as er for Comerica Bank. “Opportu- the locker room of motorsports. nities like this showcase the commitment Comerica has Series driver JR Hildebrand; and a chat about racing made toward helping today’s students become tomor- operations with Michael Montri, general manager of row’s leaders.” the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. Comerica Bank Free Prix Day is a unique event that The presentations were segments of the tour which not only gives fans the chance to observe the first day explored the Verizon IndyCar Series paddock led by of racing action, but also grants fans an exclusive look motorsports writer John Oreovicz. inside the paddock area, also known as the locker room Earlier in the year, Central High School students of motorsports. During the annual event, spectators were treated to a surprise when the Chevrolet Dehave the opportunity to watch and interact with their troit Grand Prix presented by Lear and Comerica Bank favorite drivers and crews as they make adjustments to brought Hildebrand to the school to talk about the their cars and prepare to qualify. importance of STEM education, share his racing expeComerica offered Central High School students an rience and to announce the exclusive tour during Coexclusive invite for a special tour, exposing them to the merica Free Prix Day. expansive STEM-related careers available in the racing “We were very excited when JR visited our school industry, complete with presentations by Cara Adams, and talked about his racing stories and how technology Firestone’s chief engineer and manager of race tire de- and mathematics play an important role in racing,” said velopment; Mike Hull, managing director of Chip GaSee FREE PRIX DAY page B-2 nassi Racing; a hangout session with Verizon IndyCar

Alexandria Nichols Johnson (right), Joseph Downes (middle) and Central High School students take a quick break for a photo by the Team Penske truck during a class trip to Belle Isle during Comerica Bank Free Prix Day.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 21-27, 2016

Page B-2

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Index inches up Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index grew just 0.1 percentage points in January to a level of 130.1. January’s reading is 56 points, or 76 percent, above the index cyclical low of 74.1. The index averaged 127.8 points for all of 2016, four and one-fifth points above the index average for 2015. December’s index reading was 130.0.

Comerica colleagues (from left) Marvin Rushing, vice president and retail district manager; Ketra Lewis, vice president, Enterprise-wide Compliance; Pamela Fitzpatrick, assistant banking center manager, Five Mile-­ Kinloch; and Tom Oehmler, president, Comerica Trust met with Detroit Service Learning Academy students on Career Day.

“The Comerica Bank Michigan Economic Activity Index increased just slightly in January, and is essentially stagnant at a value of 130 from November through January. Index components were about evenly matched in January, with four up and four down. The gainers were nonfarm employment, state exports, home prices and state sales tax revenues. The losers were unemployment insurance claims (inverted), housing starts, automobile production and hotel occupancy. Automakers are revving up their plans for reinvestment in the state, which is great news. However, we view this as a force for employment stability, not necessarily for net job growth in the state. Manufacturing employRobert A. Dye ment in Michigan rebounded from 2010 through 2015, supported by rebounding auto sales. However, since early 2016, Michigan manufacturing employment has flat-lined,” said Robert Dye, chief economist at Comerica Bank. “The surge in U.S. consumer confidence this spring may provide some near term support for auto sales.”

Comerica Colleagues share career insights with local students

Comerica colleagues helped enlighten students about the variety of careers available in the banking industry when they spoke at career days held recently at Hutchinson Elementary-Middle School, Pulaski Elementary-Middle School, the Detroit Service Learning Academy and the Redford Service Learning Academy. Comerica also sponsored the career day events at the Detroit and Redford Service Learning Academies.

Michael Cheatham, vice president and Michigan Community Reinvestment Act manager for Comerica Bank, speaks to students at Hutchinson Elementary-Middle School in Detroit about his banking career and the importance of developing good saving habits early in life.

Free Prix Day Marla Whitfield, 11th-grade Career Technology Education student at Central High School. “It was even cooler talking to him in the racing environment with the crew and other drivers.”

From page B-1

class to understand how the devices work.

“When JR talked to us about the unique tools like the special headphones and steering wheels drivers use when they race, it was cool because we work on exploring Whitfield, a Detroit native who hopes and advancing technology at our school to pursue a career in engineering, practices too,” said Whitfield. “This experience has CBP-6100-12 CREand Ad-MM.pdf 8/3/16 10:07 AM deconstructing laptops similar1 technolmade me a fan of racing and I hope to work ogy with her Career Technology Education among these professionals one day for a

team like JR’s.” Comerica’s sponsorship of Free Prix Day is an example of the bank’s commitment to the Detroit community. Bringing the Central High School students to the island was an opportunity to not only support local schools and promote education, but an amazing way to give the students an experience they will never forget.

The Michigan Economic Activity Index consists of eight variables, as follows: nonfarm payrolls, exports, hotel occupancy rates, continuing claims for unemployment insurance, housing starts, sales tax revenues, home prices, and auto production. All data are seasonally adjusted, and indexed to a base year of 2008. Nominal values have been converted to constant dollar values. Index levels are expressed in terms of three-month moving averages. Comerica Bank, with one of the largest banking center networks in Michigan, is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Michigan and Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, and Florida, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. To subscribe to our publications or for questions, contact us at ComericaEcon@comerica.com. Archives are available at http://www.comerica.com/economics. Follow us on Twitter: @Comerica_Econ.

Let’s grow, right now. When it comes to business, timing is everything.

MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER. Comerica Bank NMLS ID: 480990 *Comerica ranks first nationally among the top 25 U.S. financial holding companies, based on commercial and industrial loans outstanding as a percentage of assets. Data provided by SNL Financial, June 2015. CBP-6100-12 08/16

And, with historically low rates, there’s never been a more opportunistic time to expand your business with a commercial real estate loan from Comerica. As the leading bank for business*, we’ve been financing business expansion for nearly 150 years. Whether you need to build or purchase, expand or refinance, it’s the right time. Are you ready? Call 800.705.2387, stop by a Comerica banking center or visit comerica.com/cre.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 21-27, 2017

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DTE Energy beckons visitors to downtown’s energy filled Beacon Park Park name reflects its mission to be a catalyst for development in west central downtown

Reflecting the park’s mission to bring light, energy and motion to west central downtown, DTE Energy has announced the name for Detroit’s newest world-class public space and entertainment hub — Beacon Park.

featuring headliners Plena Libre with their distinctive musical style of Puerto Rico, Bomba and Plena with Puerto Rican performing artists and cultural group Bombarica, 8-11 p.m. Sunday, July 23

Beacon Park – located on Cass Avenue and Grand River in Detroit – adjacent to DTE Energy’s headquarters campus, will open to the public on Thursday, July 20, kicking off four days of grand opening events that include live music, a night market and family entertainment. “The name is fitting,” said DTE Energy Chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson. “From the beginning, we envisioned this public space would shine light on the western edge of downtown Detroit, becoming a beacon for development, a beacon to bring more visitors and businesses to Detroit, and a beacon of continued progress for a city in the midst of revitalization. We’re looking forward to seeing young and old, Detroiters and visitors alike, enjoy Beacon Park and all of the exciting activities and programming it will offer year-round.” The 1.5-acre Beacon Park will feature a restaurant and a central lawn with intimate walking paths and areas to sit, relax and recharge; a multi-use space for outdoor programmed activities, a site for perfomances and areas for food truck vendors and bicycle parking. Both the park’s location and its distinctive amenities will help spur development in the area. Sited between the entertainment district – home of Little Caesar’s Arena, Comerica Park and Ford Field – the Central Business District, Corktown, Motor City Casino and MGM Grand Casino, Beacon Park is centrally located within quick walking distance to many of Detroit’s largest sports and entertainment venues. The park’s immediate impact will be felt in the number of visitors each year. Through a grant from the DTE Energy Foundation, more than 600 events will be planned for Beacon Park in 2017 by the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), which expects that the public space will attract one million visitors each year. Nearly 50 events are planned for Beacon Park’s

• Fitness – A morning full of energy with Detroit’s first outdoor spinning experience featuring a live DJ, plus yoga and a cardio workout, 9-11 a.m. • Gospel Brunch – Michigan’s own award-winning gospel singer Bishop Marvin L. Sapp will be joined by local choirs, including Gospel Truth and dance ensembles, noon-3 p.m. • Classical Concerts – Nationally-recognized Detroit-based chamber orchestra Sphinx Nonet presents an ensemble performance, 3-4 p.m. grand opening weekend, July 20-23. “Safe and vibrant gathering places are the social and economic heartbeat of a thriving core, and Beacon Park expands the energy of renewal permeating downtown,” said DDP CEO Eric Larson. “The Downtown Detroit Partnership is thrilled to partner with DTE Energy to add Beacon Park to the portfolio of the great public spaces we program, maintain and manage.” DDP has scheduled a stellar lineup for the grand opening weekend. In addition to live music throughout the weekend, each day will feature special activities, including after-work parties on Thursday and Friday, a night market on Saturday featuring 25 unique boutiques and a gospel brunch followed by classical music on Sunday. Family activities, from inflatable games to a movie night, make the fun accessible for everyone. Grand opening live entertainment includes indie sensation Lord Huron and American funk and soul band Robert Randolph & the Family Band as well as plena and bomba group Plena Libre. “Impulse: An Interactive Art Exhibit” will be on display at Beacon Park for the entire grand opening weekend. The work is comprised of giant illuminated seesaws that light up when ridden by visitors.

Detroit is only the third city in the country to host the playful exhibit, which has primarily toured in Europe. The artists that created the exhibit inform, the seesaws are fitted with LED lights and speakers that produce a sequence of lights and sounds resulting in ever-changing composition. Visit DTE Energy’s blog, Empowering Michigan, for a full listing of weekend activities.

Grand Opening Highlights: Thursday, July 20 • Ribbon Cutting — DTE Chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson, Mayor Mike Duggan and City Council President Brenda Jones will officially open the park at the 11 a.m. celebration. • Grand Opening – Park opens to the public at noon with food trucks, live music, games and an interactive exhibit from IMPULSE from Quartier Des Spectacles. • After Work Party – Kicks off at 5 p.m. with happy hour drink specials Headline entertainment – Robert Randolph & the Family Band will blend funk, soul and rock ’n’ roll featuring pedal steel guitar with Thornetta Davis opening at 8 p.m. Friday, July 21 • Downtown Games – Come Play Detroit will pit rival DTE Energy and other downtown

employers against each other in fun active competitions, which are open to the public to watch, noon-5 p.m. • Beer Garden – Griffin Claw craft and specialty beer, live music and lawn games, 5-8 p.m. • Musical entertainment – American indie rock band Lord Huron headlines, 8 p.m. Saturday, July 22 • Fitness – To christen the new space and build community, a Yoga Mala, which consists of 108 sun salutations, will start the morning. Everyone welcome. Plus, Detroit’s first outdoor spinning experience featuring a LIVE DJ and a cardio workout, 9-11 a.m. • Family Day – Fun for all with games, inflatables, make and takes, and face painting, plus a GVSU Charter school art fair, performances by Matrix Theatre Company, Ballet Folklorico, Moyocayani Izel, Detroit Youth Volume, Nadanta, Mosaic Youth Theatre and Detroit Windsor Dance Academy, noon-6 p.m. • Night Market – Detroit’s first ever Night Market will showcase the best of local indie music, food trucks, drinks, lawn games, and shopping from up-and-coming local makers and entrepreneurs. Noon until 11 p.m. • Salsa, Tacos & Tequila – Food, drinks and entertainment,

• Movie Music Spectacular – A performance by Michigan Philharmonic leads up to a special screening of “Back to the Future” with a car display/ photo op for guests to sit in and “travel through time” in a “Back to the Future” Delorean with Doc and Marty McFly, 6-8:30 p.m. All Weekend • IMPULSE from Quartier Des Spectacles – Interactive, illuminated see-saws offer a publicly activated light and sound experience. Put into motion by its users, the see-saws are augmented by LED lights and speakers, which increase in light intensity and emit a randomized sound sequence. • Mindfield Lighting Activations – Historic facades around the park will illuminate after dark. DTE Energy is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading.

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A Real Times Media Newspaper 479 Ledyard • Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 963-5522 e-mail: newsdesk@michronicle.com June 21-27, 2017

Page B-4

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

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

Two pathways to success By Kimberly Williamson Hello, my name is Kimberly Williamson, owner of Simply Well Communities, LLC (SWC), whose mission is creating spaces that inspire health, beauty, and wellness. Anybody who knows me would know that I am resistant to communicating through medis. Don’t get me wrong, I think the media has its place, but I am just more comfortable with face to face conversations. But times have changed so I must adjust. Let me first give you some context.

make. After this it is off to the races. You must tell it loud and often to anyone you can what has rapidly deteriorated into a lie. And guess what? Some start to believe it. Even worse, you start to believe yourself. Tactic 3 – Imply incompetence — Surely, whoever is on the other side of what you want is not capable, smart enough, credible enough, rich enough, poor enough, black enough, white enough, eyc. It is impossible they cannot have the tools or wherewithal to do what they said they would do. In fact, you might just be helping them to avoid failure.

Recently, I made a business decision to acquire a property located at 469 Brainard Tactic 4 – Bully – Apthat was a vacant lot ply pressure and create which was zoned for an emotional response. residential use. RecentSling personal insults ly. the property was reon your opponent’s zoned as a Special Dis- Kimberly Williamson character and inteltrict property allowing ligence. Paint them as outsiders, call for a mix of commercial and residential them names, primarily just paint them development. According to the records, as different. Different equals not good. this plot of land had been owned by the Archdiocese of Detroit since 1969, op- Tactic 5 – Make it political — This will erated by St Patrick’s Catholic Parish get things moving in the direction you which closed a few years ago. During its want. The powers that be can apply the history, it was utilized as a park for var- pressure you can’t. After all, the governious church and community activities. I ment serves at our pleasure and should could go on into the facts of public re- do what you want. cord regarding, title, laws and such but Tactic 6 – This is the trump card — I won’t as facts have done little to qui- Play the victim. Tell everyone you can et the anxiety, fear, and feelings of loss that you are being picked on, your opposome are experiencing. nent is taking advantage of you and you This response is not about slinging mud against those who are leading the campaign against any future development of this property. I can empathize, to a degree, with their angst. We have all had that feeling of not being in control of what is happening in our lives. I would go on to say that those involved may feel they are simply handling their business by any means necessary and are not directly responsible for the assault on me or my family’s character and intelligence. That’s okay. What I hope to accomplish is to share some of the tactics that are employed time and time again when businesses and/or individuals attempt to accomplish their goals by any means necessary. Let me be clear what I am about to share is strictly my opinion based on the tactics I have observed. And yes, some of it is written with my satirical voice. My intent is for you to first understand some of who I am and secondly, my company’s (SWC) mission. This, of course, is unusual as we are taught that business is business and personal is personal and never the two shall meet. I too would like for this to be true but now I would very much question that premise as it seems to me business is very personal and should be. What is listed below is the course some choose to follow. Point of note — although I am directly speaking to dynamics surrounding one of my latest business decisions, I have observed these tactics in countless scenarios and relationships. Tactic 1 –Threaten — Threatening can take many forms both covert and overt. In my case, I was threatened with lawsuits, going to powers that be in the city – City Council, Mayor’s Office, the press, etc. to cast a shadow on my deal and imply underhanded insider corruption. Now some of these threats have been made good on and they have caused the negative push back against me and my family they were designed to. It’s uncomfortable to be sure, but this has not served to change the truth. This tactic is not designed to change the truth but only to distract from it. Tactic 2 – Lie — I believe that all lies are formulated from truth, otherwise they would be unbelievable from the start. So first, the truth gets embellished for the sake of strengthening the argument. Next, omissions are made of elements of the truth that may detract from or contradict the point you wish to

want justice which is only fair. Many will be quick to jump to your rescue without question because everyone has been a legitimate victim at some time. So stir up that pain and provide an outlet. Tactic 7 – Divide — At the end of the day, the goal is to promote division and promote conflict. This will undermine or at the very least impede progress.

So there you have it, one pathway to success. This is a strategy based on competition and win-lose. Sadly, more businesses and relationships are built and operated under such dynamics than we would like to admit. Unharnessed competition, bullying, and divisions are distracting and feed mistrust. This has been the Achilles heel of our race, our city, our world. Let’s not get bogged down in the minutiae where no progress can be made during a time of golden opportunities. I believe that it really does take working together with a diverse group of people, backgrounds, education levels (academic and real world) and disciplines to accomplish anything great and lasting. With the help of too many to name, I have built Simply Well Communities on a foundation of win-win, collaboration, and community design. Where people come together to offer answers to real life issues that touch us all. We are all a part of the human condition. All of us whether, we are aware of it or not, are touched by problems that seem too large to conquer. Poverty, crime, illness, on and on. Simply Well Communities is an attempt to tackle one large problem that affects everyone, no matter your income, race, education, or background. I don’t know a single person who has not suffered directly or witnessed a family member suffer from some physical or mental health issue. It could be cancer, heart disease, obesity, loneliness, depression, addiction, or violence, to name a few. So take a note and learn from my experience and observations I hope they can serve you in your endeavors. Lastly, I would caution you to not be led by emotion which will only serve to make you vulnerable to those who may play by a different set of rules than what I propose as a better recipe for success: 1. Honor God 2. Keep learning 3. Work hard 4. Maintain integrity 5. Be honest

Criminal justice disparities present barriers to re-entry

By Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.)

Austin, Illinois, the community where I live, in the heart of the congressional district I represent, includes the Zip Code with the largest number of releases from the Illinois Department of Corrections; 90 percent of the individuals released are African-American males. When these (mostly) young men are released from prison, they find all of the social and economic barriers they faced before incarceration, plus additional barriers to jobs, housing, education, and almost every aspect of daily life. One in every 40 adults is unable to vote because of a current or prior felony conviction. For African Americans, the rate is one in 13. Over the past 50 years, our penal system has become an increasing- Danny Davis ly urgent issue that has reached crisis proportions, especially in the African-American community. There were about 338,000 individuals in prison in 1970. Today, that number is over 2,000,000. That number has grown every decade over the last half century without regard for the falling crime rate. The Federal Bureau of Prisons appropriations increased more than $7.1 billion from FY1980 ($330 million) to FY2016 ($7.479 billion) Every year in the United States, 641,000 people walk out of prison gates and, every year, people will go to jail over 11 million times. This is called jail churn. It happens because most of the people who are jailed have not been convicted. Some will make bail within a short time; some are too poor and will stay in jail until their trial. Some will be convicted of misdemeanors and receive sentences of under a year. African Americans are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate of whites and while they make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, they are 40 percent of the prison population. In some states that rate was 10 times or more. Research from numerous scholars and organizations has been instrumental in developing a growing bipartisan consensus on the forces driving this great disparity and the additional costs this disparity places on the African-American community and society in general. A recent report by The Sentencing Project notes: Proposed explanations for disparities range from variations in offending based on race to biased decision-making in the criminal justice system, and also include a range of individual level factors such as poverty, education outcomes, unemployment history, and criminal history. During my years in the Congress, I have fought to reduce disparities in our criminal justice system. I believe my Second Chance Act and other initiatives, coupled with the fiscal realities that these disparities have imposed on the states and federal government, have helped to create a space for bipartisan debate and consensus about how best to reduce these disparities. I believe that debate and consensus laid the groundwork for some gains we saw during the Obama presidency. The Sentencing Project notes: While states and the federal government have modestly reduced their prison populations in recent years, incarceration trends continue to vary sig-

nificantly across jurisdictions. Overall, the number of people held in state and federal prisons has declined by 4.9 percent since reaching its peak in 2009. Sixteen states have achieved double-digit rates of decline and the federal system has downsized at almost twice the national rate. Twelve states have continued to expand their prison populations even though most have shared in the nationwide crime drop. States with the most substantial prison population reductions have often outpaced the nationwide crime drop. These incremental steps toward equal justice are now being reversed by our new administration. As reported by The Atlantic: Democratic and Republican officials alike took up the banner of criminal justice reform over the past five years, hoping to reduce the nation’s unprecedented prison population and scale back the harshest punishments of the tough-on-crime era. Now, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has taken a major step toward rolling back their efforts. Friday’s policy change effectively rescinds Obama-era guidelines for federal prosecutors that were designed to curtail the harshest sentences for defendants charged with low-level drug offenses. The previous memo, first promulgated by then-Attorney General Eric Holder in 2013, reserved the most severe options in the federal sentencing guidelines for “serious, high-level, or violent drug traffickers” instead of defendants charged with lower-level offenses. Given the significant achievements during the Obama presidency, the Sessions guidelines for federal prosecutors can only be viewed as a rejection of notions of equal justice in America and a direct attack on the African-American community and other communities of color. The “lock ’em up and throw away the key” philosophy of responding to crime has never worked and never will. It plays on fear, misinformation and racial bias. As Holder wrote in response to the Sessions memo: The policy announced today is not tough on crime. It is dumb on crime. It is an ideologically motivated, cookie-cutter approach that has only been proven to generate unfairly long sentences that are often applied indiscriminately and do little to achieve long-term public safety. Prevention, treatment and rehabilitation are just as important, perhaps more important, than incarceration. Men, women and young people who are imprisoned have to live in our communities after they are released. We know that increasing public safety is a primary concern of our communities all over the country. We also know that public safety is a difficult goal to obtain because of the barriers that individuals released from prison encounter every day. I reject Sessions’ attempt to turn back the clock on equal justice and the philosophy underlying his actions and will do everything in my power to reverse it. I believe the vast majority of the American people will clearly and firmly reject it as well. As it currently stands, many of the individuals who are labeled ex-felons, ex-offenders, returning citizens, or with some other name will spend a lifetime in misery, poverty with little hope. We can change that and we must.

Remembering outstanding black Republican Bill Coleman By Raynard Jackson NNPA

William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr. died on March 31, 2017 at the ripe old age of 96. He was the most famous and most accomplished person you have never heard of and he was also a good friend of mine. I used to affectionately call him “my oldest son.” I was told early in my life, “Never try to explain your vision to anyone, but rather invite them to stand beside you and see for themselves.” That’s what Bill gave to

me. Yes, I called him Bill, because he insisted that I do so. I knew Bill for almost half of my life. This is why most people have little to no understanding of me and who I am. I have sat at the feet of some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, politics, business, and religion, etc., and to be able to call people like Bill Coleman, Bob Mosbacher, Kenny Gamble, Dave Steward, Oral Roberts, Bona Malwal, Bill Duke, Bishop Macram, and Max Gassis friends is nothing short of amazing. So, as I scoured the In-

William Coleman ternet and various media sites upon being notified of Coleman’s death, I was dismayed that neither the White House nor the Re-

publican Party’s leadership reached out to the family, or at a minimum, issued any public statement of condolences to the family.

As these luminary figures of the Black community took time out for Coleman, he returned the same by making time for people like me.

Adding further to my dismay was the silence of black Republicans who have a media platform.

According to his 2010 biography, “Counsel for the Situation: Shaping the Law to Realize America’s Promise,” Coleman graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1941.

Unfortunately, most Republicans and most Blacks have no idea who Coleman was, but I did have the pleasure of him honoring him with the first Black Republican Trailblazer Award back in 2013. I think my event was his last public appearance.

He then attended Harvard’s Law School, but left to join the Army Air Corps; after his service, he returned to Harvard and graduated first in his

class magna cum laude in 1946. He was the first Black to work on the Harvard Law Review. A real trailblazer is like a candle. He consumes himself to enlighten the way for others. Bill Coleman was one of America’s true candles of light. He spent a lifetime giving of himself so that America could live up to its promise of equality for all. Though Bill’s candle was extinguished, his light still shines in the glow of the legacy he left us with.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 21-27, 2017

Page B-5

A joyous anniversary celebration Micah Gabriel Ernst and Cole Beasley recently celebrated their one-year anniversary, and many close family members and friends were a part of the special union reception at Hotel St. Regis in Detroit. The bride is a 2015 magna cum laude graduate from the Honors Program at Howard University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Chemistry. She recently received a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. The groom completed his higher education

at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida and currently teaches school in Atlanta. The bride and groom were high school sweethearts, having met in the fall of 2008 at a Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Mothers Cluster, as partnering members from the Detroit and Motor City chapters, respectively. Micah is the daughter of Karen Gibbs and Michael Ernst. Cole is the son of Heather and ­Jeffrey Beasley.

The anniversary celebrants reside in Atlanta.

community

June 21-27, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

Comerica colleagues accepted the challenge to help fight heart disease and strokes, the number one and number five most common medical killers in the nation, during the American Heart Association’s 2017 Metro Detroit Heart Walk at Wayne State University. Nancy Heaston (left), Comerica Bank vice president and HR consultant and Heart Walk event coordinator; Larry Bryant, Comerica Bank senior vice president and retail regional director and Heart Walk executive champion; and Azra Hrnjic, Comerica Bank Van Dyke-Utica banking center manager and Heart Walk event coordinator, joined more than 200 Comerica colleagues participating in the walk. Comerica’s 26 teams of walkers raised more than $43,000 to help the cause.

Michael T. Ritchie, president of ­ Comerica Bank-Michigan, was one of the guest speakers at a press conference announcing the Sistine Chapel Choir’s inaugural visit to Detroit. Comerica is one of the sponsors of the choir’s performance in Detroit. Commonly recognized as “the Pope’s Choir,” the Sistine Chapel Choir is making its first visit to the U.S. in more than 30 years and its first-ever performance in Detroit. The choir will perform in New York City and Washington, D.C. before culminating their stay in the U.S. with a performance in the “Renaissance City” of Detroit on Saturday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m., at the Detroit Opera House. Comerica Bank plans to bring students in the choir to a Detroit Tigers game, where they will meet members of the Detroit School of the Arts’ Male Vision Ensemble for a multicultural experience.

Page B-6

COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT

Audrey L. Sims-Carr August will mark Audrey L. Sims-Carr’s 38th year with Comerica Bank. Her path to becoming a vice president began when she started her first position with Comerica as a clerk in the international banking department, assisting with payment and documentation. After several positions and promotions, she transitioned to IT and now serves as a vice president, IT systems specialist. “From where I started to where I am now is very different,” said Sims-Carr. “Comerica invests in their employees, sets new horizons for them and offers many training opportunities for career advancement. The majority of my training came through Comerica and it has been wonderful to be given the opportunity to advance my education beyond my high school diploma.” In her current role, she is the

Audrey L. Sims-Carr liaison for Comerica’s printer and

computer vendors and manages a team of eight colleagues to ensure Comerica’s IT network is working properly. Sims-Carr is a regular volunteer through Comerica Cares. She volunteers for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear and Greening of Detroit. She participates in walks and fundraisers for the United Negro College Fund and supports foundations aimed at fighting colon cancer. Perhaps the volunteering Sims-Carr is most passionate about is the time she spends with high school students from Golightly Career and Technical Center in Detroit. Each year, Comerica IT offers summer employment to these students, providing them an opportunity to work in a corporate IT environment and gain real-life work experience. The program helps prepare students for a career in IT and Sims-Carr has lent her expertise for the past 15 years.

Steven Davis (third from right), senior vice president and Middle Market manager for Comerica Bank, joined Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Anthony Soave, president of Soave Enterprises (center and right center, respectively) and other dignitaries for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Elton Park development in Corktown. The historic redevelopment in Detroit’s oldest surviving neighborhood will bring apartments, townhomes and new retail to the Corktown community. — Photo Credit: Andrew Potter

Audrey L. Sims-Carr with Bobby Burton, retired from Comerica Bank (middle) and Marvin Ware from Golightly Career and Technical Center as the three begin to prepare the high school students for mock interview breakout sessions. “The majority of these students are from the inner city and are excelling academically at their respective high schools, but may not have the opportunity to find employment or gain the work experience needed to land their first big job,” said SimsCarr. “We become mentors to these students, preparing them for the next phase after high school. Several of the students have become employed by Comerica after high school or college.”

Comerica Cares volunteers (from left and back) M ­ ichael Cheatham, Eric Smith, Ferdinand Delavega, Kelley Wood, Jaunice Kellar, Simone Ragland, Martha Juran, Dorothy Tait, Natalia Burgess and Kimberly Alexander recently met with students from Chandler Park Academy in Harper Woods at JA Finance Park. JA Finance Park teaches students important life skills, such as how to use credit and manage a monthly budget, and helps build the foundation needed to become a financially responsible adult.

Comerica Cares volunteers (from left) Holden and Erin Mikesell, Louis Stroughter and John Warner recently helped the Northeast Guidance Center build the KaBOOM! Playground at the John Van Camp Community Center in the Mack-Ashland neighborhood on Detroit’s east side. The new playground will be a great resource for kids to enjoy.

Mike Cheatham, Comerica’s CRA manager, joined forces with the FDA-Detroit District Office, Michigan State University Extension, Beaumont Health and the American Heart Association for a seminar to help educate the elderly population on the importance of maintaining all forms of a healthy lifestyle, including financial health. Cheatham presented important money smart tips to the group of senior citizens.

Comerica Bank has been ranked No. 2 on the DiversityInc 2017 Top Regional Companies for Diversity. This is the same ranking Comerica had in 2016 and 2015, demonstrating a continuing commitment to diversity.

Sims-Carr is a mother of two and grandmother of four and resides in Detroit.

The DiversityInc rank­ ings recognize the nation’s top companies for diversity and inclusion management. These companies excel in such areas as hiring, retaining and promoting women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBT and veterans.

How do you spend your free time?

What do you love most about working for Comerica Bank? “I love the people. They’re truly one of the biggest reasons I’ve committed almost 38 years to the company. Working in IT, I’ve had the ability to meet and interact with most everyone on all levels. I even supported Comerica’s executive management team and was able to service our CEO, CIO and CTO; it was really rewarding being able to interact with our top management.” “I like bike riding, gardening and listening to music. My family has ties to the great Motown music legends born in Detroit. I have aunts and cousins who worked for Motown. We love going to concerts together and enjoy the Comerica Java & Jazz music series at the Detroit Public Library. I enjoy spending as much time with my family and grandchildren as I can.” For more information on how Comerica colleagues are giving back to our community, visit

www.facebook.com/Comerica.

2017

Detroit has long been known as a great jazz town. Celebrating its 17th season, Comerica Bank Java & Jazz continues the tradition of providing a monthly after work concert series that showcases some of Detroit’s finest creative talent.

Comerica Bank Java & Jazz • June 20, 2017 6:00 p.m. Detroit Public Library – Main Library 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202

Audrey Northington

Audrey Branham Northington sings Opera, Gospel and the Blues, but is best known for her “SCAT DIVA” performances at the historic Baker’s Keyboard Lounge and Bert’s Place in Eastern Market.

Michael Cheatham, vice president and Michigan Community Reinvestment Act manager for Comerica Bank, was one of seven Comerica colleagues who visited the Pontiac Academy of Excellence recently to teach students how to be Money Smart. Through their efforts, almost 100 students gained a better understanding about paychecks, budgeting and credit.

SECTION C

BUSINESS

June 21-27, 2017

Powered by Real Times Media

michiganchronicle.com

Detroit’s Ellis Island Tea takes off around the country, lands in Midwest Sam’s Clubs Ellis Island Tea, an all-natural Jamaican sweet tea, is on its way to becoming a national beverage brand after receiving a significant boost from a makeover by MSNBC’s “Your Business.” Ellis Island Tea will soon be taking off in airports from coast to coast now that founder, Nailah Ellis-Brown, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, has reached an agreement with HMSHost to place the tea in some of its busiest venues. The Jamaican sweet tea also will soon be landing in Midwest Sam’s Club locations, where Ellis-Brown’s family tea recipe will be the only bottled tea in the juice section of the cooler. As an added bonus, Sam’s Club will feature an exclusive 64ounce size bottle of Ellis Island Tea, something many consumers have for years been asking for.

The deep Detroit roots of

Shahida Mausi

By Keith A. Owens Senior Editor

When Shahida Mausi says her roots are in Detroit, she can make that claim with more authority than many Detroiters. Her family has been in the Motor City for 100 years this year, meaning since before the Motor City was even the Motor City.

Nailah Ellis-Brown Whole Foods Market, which was one of Ellis Island Tea’s first major accounts, will be relaunching the beverage brand in its Midwest stores now that the product’s packaging has been given an impressive overhaul by branding experts. Ellis Island Tea is brewed in Detroit. The beverage company was founded by Ellis-Brown in 2008 when she began selling her family tea from a cooler in the trunk of her car at the age of 20. Today, the hibiscus-based tea is sold in more than 500 stores, including the newly added airports, Sam’s Clubs, Midwest Whole Foods markets, all Meijer stores and Michigan Kroger stores. Ellis-Brown’s real challenge has been expanding her brand beyond the Midwest with limited marketing funds. She knew the tea’s labeling didn’t do its job effectively, but was at a loss on how to fix it. Ready to grow, she reached out to MSNBC for help. MSNBC’s “Your Business” producers paved the way for Ellis-Brown to meet with Sam’s Club executives, coordinated meetings with distributors and brought in a team of beverage experts to guide a rebranding process. “When I agreed to do the MSNBC ‘Your Business’ akeover, I had hoped that I would get some great advice to advance my bottled tea nationally,” Ellis-Brown said. “But what I got was so much more. The rebranding done by Skidmore Studio is going to give me a serious competitive edge against much larger beverage brands. The new look tells the story of my family tea and it visually pops on the shelves. That’s critical. Once people try my tea, they love it, but my packaging needed to entice them to pick it up and then to buy it. The new labels do that.” The rebranding also offered clarity. For years, Ellis-Brown grappled with finding a simple way to describe her tea to consumers, buyers and media. Most understood and loved the intriguing backstory, one that told of Ellis-Brown’s great-grandfather, Cyril Byron, coming to America from Jamaica through Ellis Island and bringing with him his recipe for hibiscus tea. The challenge Ellis-Brown had was explaining in a clear way what the tea was. Most people have tried ordinary teas but so many aren’t familiar with hibiscus. Skidmore’s design team simplified the answer — it’s Jamaican sweet tea” or unsweetened Jamaican herbal tea.

See Ellis Island Tea Page C-2

June is Black Music Month, and as the woman who has singularly been the most influential guiding force of Chene Park Amphitheater since its founding, one of the city’s live music venue jewels, it seemed only appropriate to give Ms. Mausi her just due as someone who comes from a family of businesspeople and entrepreneurs who has most certainly done more than her part to continue the legacy. However, “I could not possibly run Chene Park without my four sons [Dorian, Sulaiman, Rashid and Malik]. Each of them has a different gift that they bring to bear here, and I never knew I was goint to give birth to a workforce.” Mausi’s company, The Right Productions, has managed and operated Chene Park for the past 14 years. “My great grandmother, Mary Felicia Chavous Griffin, came to Detroit in 1918 with her three small children, [two girls and a boy], from Aiken, South Carolina. She came here leaving an abusive relationship. As a woman alone with three children to take care of, she came to Detroit and she made her way and established her family here” even though she knew no one in town when she made the move.

“When she came, she needed help, so she went to a church and asked for help. The church said they couldn’t help her, so she played a number, and the number fell. And she was able to do what she needed to put one foot in front of the other from that point on.” But just to set the record straight, Mausi emphasized that Ms. Chavous did not survive the rest of her life solely from a lucky number. She also worked as a seamstress, a cook, and a housekeeper. “All the things a woman needed to do to survive,” she said. “I don’t want her to get up and slap me” for leaving that out, she said with a laugh. Mausi’s grandmother was Mary Elsie Fleming, and she had an “interesting life.” Fleming liked athletics, and especially liked to golf. Eventually she owned a restaurant on the corner of Buena Vista and Linwood named ‘Sweetie’s’ across the street from the Hobby Bar. “She said it was named after me but I don’t know about that.” Bill Fleming, her grandfather, owned a haberdashery next door to the restaurant that may — or may not — have been named after Mausi. Whatever the case, it’s clear the roots of this family are anchored deep in Detroit earth. Mausi’s great aunt, her grandmother’s sister, was named Ann Roane. “She was married to Irving Roane, half owner in the Gotham Hotel. They bought a house on East Ferry that is still in my family, that we still own” near Brush and Beaubien.

“So owning a piece of the Gotham, or having a legacy that’s associated with that, is something that I care about.” Mausi’s great uncle and a man named John White purchased the Gotham together. “I think it was for $243,000 cash and that was in 1943, something like that. That’s a lot of money.” Indeed it was. In 2017, that would be the equivalent of roughly $3.4 million. And equally as important as the value of the transaction conducted by black businessmen for a valuable piece of property in Detroit’s black neighborhood, is the value in cultural capital. “In segregation we weren’t allowed to stay in white hotels, but that didn’t mean we didn’t have fine hotels. In Detroit that fine hotel was the Gotham, and that’s where all the celebrities of note stayed. That’s where MLK stayed. White tablecloths, fine dining.” Mausi’s mother, Joyce F. Garrett, was raised by an aunt and uncle in Cleveland. She went to Smith College. “She was the first African-American female in the foreign service of the US, and she was trilingual, French and Spanish. She also had her master’s from Wayne State University. She was deputy director of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, I believe in 1967.” “I believe it was during that time she was working a lot in Lansing where she met then-Senator Coleman Young, where-

See Shahida Mausi Page C-2

Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce transitions to become National Business League, Inc. By Donald James

the National Negro Business League’s name was shortened to National Business League, when it relocated to Washington, D.C. Now, after 51 years in the Nation’s Capital, NBL will now call Detroit its new regional and national home.

Special to the Chronicle

Key executives of the Detroit-based Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) stood in unity, Monday, June 19, at an outdoor national press conference to announce that the six-year-old statewide organization has transitioned to become the historic 117-year-old National Business League (NBL), Inc. Held at Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit, the press conference attracted dozens of local black entrepreneurs to hear how this transition will impact their respective businesses. “This is a momentous occasion,” said Dr. Ken Harris, the new national president and CEO of the National Business League, and former MBCC president and CEO. “The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce is no more; it has evolved into the National Business League. MBCC will always be remembered in the history books, but we have elevated to a national platform to facilitate and empower black businesses, not just in Detroit and other cities in Michigan, but all over the country.” Harris announced that NBL, which had been headquartered in Washington, D.C. since 1966, has moved its regional and national office to Detroit. From Detroit, NBL will serve black businesses with regional offices in Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, all of

Dr. Ken Harris which encompass more than 365 chapters nationally. “Detroit is now the center for black business revolution and empowerment on a national scale,” said Harris, who along with Williams Brooks and Charles Beckham, founded MBCC in 2011. “Today begins a journey that reclaims our history. We have embarked on the final frontier, which is the powerful financial and economic empowerment of black people.” The National Business League began in Boston, Mass. as the National Negro Business League, when Booker T. Washington started the organization in 1900. Five years later, he moved the organization to New York City, where it was reincorporated. In 1966,

Since its inception, the mission of NBL has been to empower black businesses, not only for their own benefits, but for the growth and stability of the nation’s economy. Today, according to data supplied by the Washington, D.C.- based Minority Business Development Agency, there are 2.5 black businesses nationwide, which employ more than a million people, all of which add up to a black purchasing power of $1.2 trillion. While MBCC has become NBL, Harris said black businesses in Detroit and throughout Michigan will greatly benefit by the historic transition. “The 47,000 black businesses in Detroit will now get a chance to be part of the 2.5 million black businesses nationwide,” said Harris, who grew MBCC into the nation’s’ largest African American Chamber in the United States with 3,200 members. “For businesses looking to expand, you now have an organization that can help you eliminate those borders, and help you get past limitations and connect you to meaningful opportunities locally and nationally.” “I’m proud of what Ken Harris has accomplished,”

said Charles Beckham, chairman emeritus, MBCC, who will have a key role pushing the revamped agenda of NBL. “The National Business League has been around since the early 1900s. So for it to now be headquartered in Detroit, presents a great opportunity for black businesses in this city to grow. And, there’s no better place that NBL could have moved than to the City of Detroit. We have made history.” According to Harris, behind the scenes talks to morph MBCC into NBL have been in the makings for two years. When the final decision was made, Harris felt that black businesses in Detroit and around Michigan will greatly be empowered to be leaders of an economic agenda that stands on shoulder of the great Booker T. Washington, and his 117-year-old organization. “Black businesses in Detroit and nationally are tremendous success stories,” said Harris. “We are one of the fastest growing segments of entrepreneurship in this country. Together, through the power of the National Business League, we will uplift a nation by providing solutions to black business problems.” For more information about the National Business League, Inc., which will be headquartered at 1001 Woodward Ave., Suite 910 in downtown Detroit, call 313.818.3017. NBL’s website, according to Harris, will be established soon.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Shahida Mausi

has a picture on her wall of one of the early jazz concerts showing how much more sparse Chene Park used to look. Not that it mattered to the crowds.

“She was a very cultured woman, and was very active with the major cultural institutions in town. … You will find her name on the Joe Louis sculpture in Cobo Hall because she was the person responsible for getting that sculpture commissioned and raised the money for it.”

“We did Carmen McCrae, and it was raining, and 6,000 people came and put up umbrellas and sat on the hill to wait to see Ms. McCrae hit the stage. And the mayor decided, well, maybe we need to do a little bit more with this and build it out some more. And then other folks did programming for a long time. But then the city put it out for bid and I won the bid.”

“I started doing events when I was in college, but not long after college I got the job of being director of the Detroit Council of the Arts. I was a Mayor Young appointee. I was maybe the second to the youngest appointee. And while I served in that capacity, the Recreation Department built Chene Park. I had the opportunity to do the first three years of programming.” Mausi started the Wednesday night jazz concert series which began 32 years ago. She

Mausi also won another major contract in 1998, granting her to provide the entertainment for the MGM Grand Casino, an opportunity that held a special significance for her. She held that position for the next 10 years, which for a time overlapped with her responsibilities at Chene Park which began in 2003. “My uncle in Cleveland was a numbers banker when it was legal, That used to be the case. You used to be able to buy a revenue stamp from the federal government as long as you paid your taxes, and it was legal. So

it wasn’t until the states changed the laws that it became a crime. I think that was in the early 1930s.” “So for me to win the contract to provide entertainment and production services for the MGM Grand Detroit Casino, which was the first casino to open in the city of Detroit, and to be standing in a legal gambling house when they opened the doors for the first day, and the customers started coming up the elevator, it felt very connected to my history.” Mausi’s responsibility was to hire local acts, which meant they were hiring nearly 100 musicians a month. This tapping into Detroit’s deep levels of local talent was in keeping with Detroit’s history as a major music industry, a history that sadly has not translated so much into present day. “That’s an important fact that Detroit had an industry of music. Our schools trained musicians who worked in the industry. When we fail to educate young people in music and in design and in the arts, we’re neglecting the creative industries. So when I was hiring 100 musicians,

AIA Michigan announces 2017 Balthazar Korab award winner, Olga Stellar The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Michigan is proud to announce the Balthazar Korab Award will be awarded at the annual Celebration of Architecture on June 16 at the Roostertail in Detroit, to Olga Stella. This award is named in honor of Balthazar Korab, Hon. AIA, renowned architect and photographer, who spent his career breathing life into architecture and the built environment. The Korab Award may be given each year in recognition of an individual’s significant effort and contribution to architecture and/or the arts. Olga Stella is a seasoned economic development professional whose career has focused on economic and community development in Detroit. Olga got her start in economic development working for Mayor Dennis W. Archer after receiving her master’s in Public Policy

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upon they struck up a relationship that lasted for a long time. She was very active in helping him get elected mayor and served in various capacities in his administration.”

Mausi later developed her own relationship with Young, which eventually led to her involvement with — and ultimate control over — Chene Park.

June 21-27, 2017

from the Ford School at the University of Michigan. As chief of staff to then-State Representative Steve Tobocman, Olga applied her policy skills to the critical challenges facing the Southwest Detroit community. The bulk of her career has been spent developing strategy and programs and managing operations at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the city’s nonprofit economic development agency. Olga and her family are proud to call Detroit home. The American Institute of Architects Michigan, headquartered in Midtown, established its awards program to raise public awareness of the value and importance of architectural excellence and to recognize those whose notable achievements encourage all to make excellence in architecture the standard. Visit www. aiami.com or call 313.965.4100 to learn more.

and providing good wages through MGM Grand, increasingly I was having to hire non-Detroiters to fill those spaces because the industry was not being fed with new trained people. “One of the things that we used to be able to do was to give young people opportunities to train and work in the arts over the summer and get paid for doing that. But they had to audition or bring portfolio, and we had maybe 125 slots back in the day for that program. We had over 1,000 applicants that came and auditioned to try to get in. This was in the ’80s. “Now, some of the people who went through that program continue to be entrepreneurs and professionals in the arts. People who are making, designing and constructing the actual sets and touring the country came through that program. Actors that are working in New York and LA came through that program. Singers, musicians, who

are working and touring the world came through that program. It was where Detroit artists trained the next generation of artists. It gave the young people money, but it also gave them a craft that helped them to undergird the creative industries. So while we’re talking in Detroit about jobs for the summer, We need to talk about where the creative jobs are for the summer as well.”

For HMSHost buyers, the rebranding was a deciding factor in agreeing to put Ellis Island Tea into more airports. The tea was already being sold in Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Charlotte’s Douglas International Airport where sales were brisk. Still, HMSHost executives wanted to be sure the tea could compete with bigger national beverage brands. An eye-catching design would go a long way, they

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But there is still no shortage of music fans in the Motor City. “Detroit has always been in the top echelons of attendance records for the arts in the country, way above our stature in terms of population,” she said. “One of the things that Detroiters who may not travel or just haven’t thought about it is that the performance venues in Detroit are larger than the theaters in New York City. Broadway houses are 800 seats, 1,200 seats tops. The Fox is 5,000. The Fisher is about 3,000.

Ellis Island Tea “We created an entirely new lane (for Ellis Island Tea),” said Kacha Azema, of Skidmore, explaining designers wanted to evoke thoughts of the golden age of travel. “It’s refreshing, relaxing, taking-you-on-a-journey tea. It’s all about taking you on a journey to and from the Caribbean.”

The Opera House, same. Masonic Temple is 5,000. Chene Park is 6,000. We are waaaaay bigger. Detroiters take it for granted. We think this is normal. It’s not. It’s unique. It’s unique in the country.”

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“If you can move into this direction, we think we can do a lot more business with you,” Melissa Timmons, HMSHost director of buying, said after reviewing the redesign. “We’re really excited to get you to the next level.” Ed Romero, Sr., vice president/general merchandise manager of Fresh at Sam’s Club, said he was impressed by both Ellis-Brown and her product. Bobby Turner, Whole Foods Midwest vice president of purchasing, gave Ellis-Brown one of her first breaks. He said she had a great product with a really good story. The rebranding intrigued him enough to agree to relaunch Ellis Island Tea in his Midwest stores

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Section C-3

June 21-27, 2017

A powerful statement: “Our youth today, your leaders tomorrow,” says Coach Pott, founder and director of Motor City Heat Elite, which uses cheerleading to take Detroit youth to great heights through important life lessons.

‘Coach Pott’ nurtures winners for life through a challenging sport

By Scott Talley Special to the Michigan Chronicle Forty-six years ago a little girl nicknamed “Pott,” from the tiny town of Carrollton, Mississippi, moved to Detroit with her family and was told not to venture beyond the front porch when she went outside. From her porch on Homer Street, on our city’s west side, the little girl could see a garage that was frequently used as a changing area by a group of young men, but the six-year-old Pott had no idea where the boys were headed next. It would take about four more years, but Pott was finally able to explore far enough away from the front porch to discover that the path the young men traveled from the garage led to McCabe Field, home of the mighty West Side Cubs. Not only did Pott see young men that were a part of one of the most fabled youth football programs in the Detroit Police Athletic League, but she also saw cheerleaders, and the sight of those cheerleaders would have a lasting impact. “I fell in love with it on sight,” said Glenda Stancil, who still goes by Pott, “Coach Pott” to be precise. And like her nickname, it appears Coach Pott’s commitment to cheerleading will stick forever and that is a great thing for youth in our city. For thirty-plus years, Coach Pott has positively touched the lives of thousands of young ladies in Detroit through cheerleading. The founder and director of Motor City Heat Elite, a program that works with youth ages five to 18, Coach Pott has coached young ladies that have represented Detroit across the country while winning national championships. However, she told the “Best of Young Detroit” that helping young ladies be winners in the game of life is her true objective. “Everyone in our program is not going to be the bomb cheerleader, but everyone is equal when they walk through the door,” said

Coach Pott, who is also the cheerleading coach at Cass Tech and was formerly the cheer commissioner for Detroit PAL. “What I want for all of the young ladies is for them to experience, bonding, leadership, discipline and determination. And there is great responsibility too, because they are all working together toward one goal. We are a family.” Another key component of Coach Pott’s teachings is sportsmanship. “I preach sportsmanship so much and every year we win a sportsmanship award,” said Coach Pott, who explained that good sportsmanship makes a statement about the city her girls represent. “When we compete, our sportsmanship reflects the proud AfricanAmerican team that we are. We always say ‘good luck’ to the teams in front of us and behind us and walk with our heads held high. You win when you have great sportsmanship and we take pride in that.” As July approaches, Coach Pott is getting prepared for the start of the competitive cheer season. She says it will entail four months of physical conditioning and training for her girls, which precedes a daunting competitive season that begins in November and continues through April and sometimes May. The athleticism of each participant is tested and demonstrated, as there are many skills sets to master, including motion and jumps. Coach Pott said the committed work her girls perform during the four-month training leads to the victories during the competitive season. However, she also is hoping soon for a victory of another kind, and that would be a facility in Detroit that could house her cheerleading program and other activities that would enrich all youth. Coach Pott is currently working with Motor City Match (a partnership between the City of Detroit and other agencies) in an attempt to make that happen. “I just want four walls, a high ceiling and we can create anything within that space,” said Coach Pott, whose Motor City Heat Elite

program currently practices out of Livonia. “It’s going to happen.” And if Coach Pott says something is going to happen it should be taken very seriously, because as she has proven with her young ladies through the years: “When your heart and your mind are working together you are unbeatable.” To learn more about Motor City Heat Elite, including the upcoming competitive cheer season, please email Coach Pott at mchelite@ gmail.com. Coach Pott says no experience is needed for youth interested in the program and there are three levels to the program: Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. The “Best of Young Detroit” looks forward to learning about and sharing the stories of Motor City Heat Elite team members, as they continue their journey in their sport and in life. In closing, we would like to share the thoughts expressed by a gentleman from Ohio about young ladies nurtured by Coach Pott. The “Best of Young Detroit” believes the gentleman’s comments validate that these young ladies represent our city in the finest fashion both at home and across our country.

Jimmy Moore, Centerburg, Ohio: “I just want to tell your organization what a great job you’re doing with your young ladies. I am a father of four girls and a son that cheer… A few weeks ago at the Bowling Green competition

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during warm-ups, our team was having trouble hitting in one of their stunt groups and your whole team came over and encouraged and cheered them on. It was a picture-perfect example of sportsmanship and reflects of what a fabulous job you’re doing. Your teams are very well behaved and a text book example of what this sport is about. Your routines are ridiculously good and so well executed. I just wanted to reach out to you and let you know your actions and example set does not go unnoticed! I will gladly cheer on your teams in the future regardless if you are going against our team. You have a new fan and please keep up the great work you’re doing!”

Thank you to the 10 a.m. English students taught by Michelle Davis at Davis Aerospace Technical High School for allowing the “Best of Young Detroit” to be a part of your class on June 14. The students, who were all attentive, warm and extremely thoughtful, included Kuwand Carpenter, Johnnie Davis, Faith Hill, Aaron foster, Tyree Knight, Christopher Freeman, Delano Williams, Anada Thomas, De’Ernest Johnson, and Dejuan Ownes. It has been honor to get to know these students this school year through their brilliant minds, which came to life through their ongoing “Student Voices” submissions. We wish them all a safe and fun summer, and it is our hope that their success will continue in school and in life. To read the final “Student Voices” submissions for our Davis Aerospace students this school year, please see the next page.

UAW-Ford’s Best of Young Detroit

June 21-27, 2017

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Remembering Rodney Culver: A champion person out of St. Martin de Porres The state championship football programs at Cass Tech and Martin Luther King high schools have been a tremendous source of pride for our city. However, there was a time when a much smaller school carried the banner for Detroit football on the state level. Before closing its doors at the end of the 2005 school year, the mighty football program at Detroit St. Martin dePorres won a whopping 12 state championships in Class D, Class C, Class CC, Division 8 and Division 7 combined. Legendary coaches Ron Thompson and Greg Carter coached those Eagles teams, and on the field young men of character like Rodney Culver (December 23, 1969 – May 11, 1996), a standout running back, sparked them. In high school, Culver was a National Honor Society member, president of his senior class, and a star in football, track and basketball. Traditional football powerhouses recruited Culver, and he chose Notre Dame over Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma and UCLA. As a member of the Irish, Culver won a national championship during the 1988 campaign (a season before he was joined at Notre Dame by his dear friend and fellow Detroit

product Jerome Bettis) and Culver later became the team’s lone captain, one of the few in Notre Dame history. Even more impressive, Culver graduated in three years with a degree in finance. A two-year starter and four-year letterman at Notre Dame, Culver was a fourth-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 1992 and later played for the San Diego Chargers. In May of 1996, the football world and Detroiters were heartbroken when it was reported that Culver, and his wife Karen were on a plane which crashed in the Florida Everglades taking the lives of the 110 people aboard. Over time, the descriptions of Culver provided by people he touched would ease the grieving for many who held him dear. Teammates often described Culver as “a gentleman,” “always reliable,” the “best man they knew,” and “a person who put God, his family, and his team above himself.” For being an All-Pro human being, Rodney Culver should always be remembered in the city of Detroit and serves as a model for today’s student athletes participating at all levels of competition.

Career Spotlight: Leon Pryor, STEM professional

Virtually any discussion about learning in America today will reference STEM. The “Best of Young Detroit” recently caught up Leon Pryor, a STEM professional who works in downtown Detroit and wants the best for our city’s youth. Best of Young Detroit: Leon, where do you work and what do you do? Leon Pryor: “I work at Amazon.com. I’m a senior technical program manager in a group that manages communication between sellers on the Amazon platform and buyers who buy products and goods. Best of Young Detroit: How do you define STEM, and why is it important for Detroit’s youth? Leon Pryor: “STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and it’s the idea of training people to participate in the new economies of today from programming computers to developing new bio-tech. It’s anything that is taking advantage of the

explosion of technology and research we have seen in the last two decades. STEM prepares people to be successful in those fields. “It’s really necessary to develop the education in these STEM fields to really excel. Detroit was recently named one of the top growing cities for information technology in the nation, and if you just look at the growth downtown of Amazon and Quicken Loans and now Microsoft coming downtown, the real opportunity in this city is being focused on IT and technology. For students in Detroit to really be able to compete they have to have that background in STEM. They have to be able to engineer and create and innovate, in any one of these fields, if they want to continue to grow and be successful in life.” Best of Young Detroit: How did you prepare for a career in STEM?

Leon Pryor: “I was always somewhat of an engineer at heart. As a child I played with LEGO, I played with ERECTOR sets. My parents really did a good job of nurturing that interest. I had very early computers (Commodore 64) where I learned very basic programming from books and magazines. Even before I entered high school or college I had that strong inclination and I was given educational opportunities via a great high school, and an even greater university at the University of Michigan where I got to expand on it. So for me, engineering was more than a job, it was a passion. I always wanted to build things, I always wanted to create. I even admired fictional characters that did such things. Iron Man was always my favorite superhero when I was a kid, before anyone else, because he wasn’t born with his abilities, he wasn’t given his abilities by accident, he created his abilities and he created his power and that always resonated with me.” Best of Young Detroit: We want to reach and inspire youth at all levels of education.

Student Voices

Do you have any tips or advice to help youth in Detroit become more acclimated with STEM? Leon Pryor: “The great thing is that there are opportunities all about. One of the great things has been the Internet, and it’s ability to create applications and opportunities. If you look at code.org, as an example, it’s a website that will help elementary students all the way up to college. So if you have interest in these fields, and you have access to a computer, or even greater would be a library, there are resources that are there for you to start taking part of. I would say to any young person, start cultivating your interests and don’t feel that school is your only method of educating yourself. School is a very important path, but it’s not the only path. I encourage reading, I encourage research, and I encourage going out and doing things. In closing, I would say avail yourself to the free knowledge that is just on the other side of a web browser.”

Excellence in Education

Davis Aerospace students discuss merits of civil disobedience Even during the waning days of the school year, our student contributors at Davis Aerospace Technical High School continued to flex their brain power about timely subject matter. The following is what they had to say about the merits of civil disobedience: Faith Hill, junior: “Rebellion is the act of defying or resisting some established authority, government or tradition. When we apply rebellion into real life situations, is disobedience necessary for social progression? Without disobedience towards the rules, regulations, and the norms in society, many movements would have not been accomplished. “The Civil Rights Movement was a massive revolt! Those individuals wanted change. They wanted an end to racial segregation and discrimination. This revolt not only helped African Americans down the line, it helped every person of color. The Civil Rights Movement’s theme was nonviolence. The people did not believe in violence. Fighting fire with fire is absolutely worthless; it will only intensify the suffering of others. Many, many people have fought and even lost their lives to gain freedom for themselves and for others, without laying a hand on anyone or pulling a trigger, or using a knife. “The Women’s Rights Movement was another revolt that changed the way society works. The Women’s Rights Movement also evolved out of other social reform groups such as the Abolition of Slavery, the Social Purity, and Temperance Movements. Women had fought long and hard with many different styles of revolt for nearly 100 years! Women began to realize that in order to achieve reform, they needed to win the right to vote. Without those women, jeopardizing their own life and their family, I wouldn’t have the rights I have today! “In conclusion, disobedience to acquire social progression is a lot more necessary than what people may think. Without it, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” Johnnie Davis, junior: “Oscar Wilde once stated: ‘Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone who has read history, is man’s original virtue. It is through disobedience that progress has been made through rebellion.’ I agree with this quote, but only to a certain extent. In some cases, disobedience may contribute to social progression. For example the woman’s suffrage activists that picketed the White House on August 2, 1917 are a prime example of how disobedience has contributed to so-

cial progression. This was also a major turning point in the history of America. The disobedience and rebellion of the suffrage activists is what progressed the mindset of the current society that women should be able to vote. “Another great example of social progression through disobedience and rebellion is when the colonists rose above the British rule in the late 1700s. The Declaration of Independence is a formally written document that is based solely on disobedience. It was suited to unite large numbers of colonists and even those who had grievances against one another to turn against England. This led to the Revolutionary War, which the colonists won, freeing the colonies from the British rule. In some cases rebellion and disobedience may actually deteriorate society. In 1917 alcohol became illegal due to the 18th Amendment. This led to the illegal production and sale of alcohol, while organized crime rose dramatically. Now while this definitely was an example of how rebellion and disobedience contributed to social deterioration, since the Amendment was repealed, it was technically a form of social progression. While disobedience and social progression may not lead to social progression every time it is presented, it has proven to be a necessity for social progression. I concur that disobedience is necessary to progress society. Ananda Thomas, junior: “Civil disobedience is refusal to comply with certain laws. It is usually shown through peaceful protest . Disobedience is sometimes necessary in order to gain social progression. It’s like that old saying: ‘Actions speak louder than words.” The Civil Rights Movement is a perfect example of civil disobedience in order to gain social progression. The people didn’t want to resort to those civil disobediences but they had no other choice. It has been almost 60 years since the Civil Rights Movement took place and some states still show various forms of oppression, starting with police killing African Americans without probable cause. All of these police shootings caused another movement to erupt, ‘Black Lives Matter,’ which is a peaceful protest against shootings of African Americans. Since that movement started I can see the actual progress that has been made. Even though the shootings still happen, there have been steps taking to prevent it from happening as often. I am all for nonviolence and peace, but as we practice nonviolence and peace there are still times when we must take action to get things done.”

Thurgood Marshall’s Gladys Clark is Goodfellow’s Teacher of the Year The “Best of Young Detroit” would like to join the Detroit Public Schools Community District in congratulating Thurgood Marshall Elementary-Middle School teacher Gladys Clark who was selected as the Detroit Goodfellow’s Teacher of the Year! Ms. Clark has been a Detroit Public Schools teacher for 32 years, including six at Thurgood Marshall, where she taught special needs grades five through eight in every subject. Ms. Clark, who retired last year and came out of retirement for one more year to help students, will be honored at the Goodfellows Annual Tribute Breakfast this fall. More than 700 essays were written by students to nominate their favorite teacher. The Goodfellow’s essay contest asked students grades three through eight to nominate their teacher by answering the question: “Why is your teacher is so special?” in 50 words or less.

Your Feedback Matters The “Best of Young Detroit” welcomes feedback from our community. Please submit story suggestions and other comments to Scott Talley at stalleyassociates@gmail.com or 313-590-3686.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 21-27, 2017 Page C-5

Hiram E. Jackson, Dennis Archer, Jr., Gina Coleman, Gerard Anderson, Cindy Pasky, Matthew Simoncini, Dr. William F. Pickard and Ric DeVore

Pancakes & Politics 2017 season finale

Hiram E. Jackson, publisher, Michigan Chronicle

Pancakes & Politics Forum IV panelists Matthew Simoncini, president and CEO, Lear Corporation, and Dr. William F. Pickard, chairman, Global Automotive Alliance

Moderator Dennis Archer, Jr., president and founding partner, Archer Corporate Services

Cathy Nedd, associate publisher, Michigan Chron- Panelist Gerard M. Anderson, chairman and CEO, DTE icle, and Ric DeVore Energy

Ric DeVore, president of PNC Bank, 2017 lead sponsor

Panelists Cindy Pasky, president and CEO, Strategic Staffing Solutions, and Matthew Simoncini

Moderator Carol Cain, host of TV CBS 62’s “Michigan Matters,” takes a question from the audience

Join the conversation #PancakesandPolitics2017

Page C-6

• THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • June 21-27, 2017

Lifetime Achievement Award Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams Senior Pastor Hartford Memorial Baptist Church

Friday, June 30, 2017 • MotorCity Casino Hotel 5pm Hors d’oeuvre Reception 6pm Induction Ceremony Dr. William F. Pickard, Ph.D.

YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Community of Excellence Award Ford Motor Company Fund Men of Courage

Keynote Speaker Successful Businessman and Author of “Millionare Moves”

Sponsored by

June 21-27, 2017 |

Reflections By Steve Holsey

Drake is hot for Sade Drake, superstar (and super rich) rapper, has never made a secret of his love for and infatuation with Sade, who became a major attraction in the mid-1980s but these days spends much of her time under the radar. Meeting her was the thrill of a lifetime and he hopes to one day work with her. Aubrey Drake Graham is such a Sade enthusiast that he has not one, but two Sade tattoos on his body! He described her as “one of the two very important ladies in my life,” the other being his mother, Sandi Graham, who “made him truly appreciate women.”

D1

Ideeyah is ‘BRAVE’

By AJ Williams

There comes a point in every artist’s life where the rubber meets the road and you have to embrace your calling and face the future with no certainty except the fact that there is something in you that must come out and you have to impart on the world. For Ideeyah (pronounced as “Idea”) that time is now, its time for her to be BRAVE. What’s in a name? For many artists, there is meaning to their names and although there was no specific meaning initially. “Ideeyah” is no different. “It came to me in a dream a few years back,” she explained. “At the time I was in a cover band and I woke up and told one of my band members that I dreamt my stage name was Ideeyah. He said it was super dope and I should keep it, so I did.” Although not knowing the significance the name would play at the time, Ideeyah says the name has helped define her. “When of think of it now, the name has taken its own shape unconsciously. It’s attached to my writing style, in my performance art style and my fashion style An idea could be about anything, it could be a good one, a bad one. It could be a very focused idea, a very loose and abstract idea. I am all of those things at times.”

Drake

Sade

There is, however, the age difference — Drake is 30 and Sade is 58, but as she asked in one of her popular songs, “Is it a crime?” And the answer, of course, is no. IT IS easy to understand why Mary J. Blige has said she “would never get married again,” considering all she has gone through with sleazy soon-tobe ex-husband Kendu Isaacs. It is disgusting that she is being required to pay Mary J. Blige him $30,000 a month so that he can maintain the lifestyle he had become accustomed to basically living off her. He wanted three times that amount, but the judge (wisely) shot that down. Blige is hardly the first wealthy female star who was ordered to pay their ex’s; the others include Sherri Shepard, Mel B (formerly of the Spice Girls), Halle Berry, Madonna, Janet Jackson and Roseanne Barr.

A method in music-making madness When hearing Ideeyah describe her style of music and writing process, all that can come to mind is the quote, “There is a method to the madness.” Her process is unique and tapped in, according to her, to a higher vibration. “I would define my style as very free and maybe cryptic. Free in the sense where if I am writing or if I am designing a show, I am not holding myself to any real limitations on what I want it to look like or what I want it to feel like,” she said. “So free in the creation, but cryptic in their message, I want the audience to find it on their own. I’m not going to tell you how to feel. I’m just going to give it to you and allow you find how you feel.” On her writing style, she stated, “When I am writing, I don’t like to write at home. I’ve had producers send me tracks and ask me to write to it. I don’t write like that. I have to be where they created it, at their house or studio or wherever they were when it was created. I actually prefer them to create it right there on the spot, so I can feel the energies that are being put into the track and then I grab it. I don’t wear shoes when I write, I walk, I pace, and whatever I get, I build it. “ ‘I have some s--t to say’ No one typically decides to put out a solo album overnight and for Ideeyah, this musical baby she’s about to birth has been laboring for five years. “The timing wasn’t right five years ago. I think the timing is right now because I can feel it. I had to experience life more. Before, I didn’t know the type of writer I was, I didn’t know the kinds of music that stuck out to me,” she said. “I didn’t even know who I was as a woman. Just wanting to put out an album because you want to and because people want you to aren’t good reasons At the time, I didn’t have anything to say. Now I do.” It’s time to be ‘BRAVE’ So what exactly is this project about? “‘BRAVE’ is my first album and it’s a wide range of textures and patterns It’s edgy, it’s chill, it’s abstract, it’s funny, it’s all of those things. There are universal impressions and personal impressions. Some are about women’s experiences, some are about people’s experiences. But I am hoping

Berry Robinson Tamla Robinson SMOKEY ROBINSON and Claudette Robinson were married in 1959 and everyone thought this special couple would be together forever. So it sent shockwaves when they were divorced in 1986 (his idea, not hers). But they remain closely connected, even though he has been married to Frances Gladney Robinson since 2002. It figures that Claudette and Smokey would have nice-looking children since they are both attractive. Berry Robinson is named after Smokey’s best friend, Berry Gordy, and Tamla is named after one of Motown’s record labels. (Smokey reportedly has another son named Trey from a relationship that took place outside of his first marriage.) “AT THE END of the day, this is just a Chris Brown job, it’s like my alter ego.” Those words were once spoken by Chris Brown, the very talented man whose temper is eas-

See Reflections Page D-2

See Ideeyah Page D-2

Page D-2 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • June 21-27, 2017

37

PICKS 824 658 500 334 281 WEEK’S BEST LOTTERY

130 749 569 465 049 590 138 6429 2217 215 33 40 41 46 47 26 YOUR AD

112

GM River Days kicks off summer with Joe, 112 By AJ Williams This year’s GM River Days festival will feature a star-studded music lineup on the Quicken Loans National Stage. The legendary Isley Brothers featuring Ron Isley, along with American Music Award-winning and Grammy-nominated R&B singer Freddie Jackson, will perform on Saturday night. Grammy-winning R&B group 112 will perform on Sunday evening, followed by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Joe. Joe and 112 both are excited to headline and perform for the fans of Detroit. “I am excited to perform at GM River Days on Sunday,” said Joe. “I love performing along the Detroit Riverfront. It has a great energy and Detroit fans are the best.” Slim of 112 added, “We can’t wait to come back to Detroit for GM River Days. We hope to give Detroiters another great show.” In addition to the music, there will be festival favorites such as games, rides and treats at the Pepsi Taste of Detroit

Food Court. Festival adventure activities seekers will get a thrill from the all-new massive, 30-foot high slide in the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor. Riders will go through a pitch-black tube that quickly drops them at a steep, 40-degree angle with speeds of up to 20 mph for a nominal charge. The 2017 GM River Days, presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, starts on Friday, June 23. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Conservancy will charge a $3 admission fee (and $5 after 3 p.m.) to help underwrite programming and operational costs for the festival. Admission to the festival is free before 5 p.m. on Friday, June 23.

Joe

LOOKS

GOOD IN PRINT Place your classified or display ad in the

Call (313) 963-5522

Visit RiverDays.com for a full lineup of events.

Reflections From page D-1 ily ignited. He added, “There’s Chris Brown the singer and there’s Christopher Brown, the down-home Tappahannock, Virginia man who plays video games, plays basketball and hangs out.” Everyone knows about the dozens of classic songs Stevie Wonder wrote for himself, but he also wrote or co-wrote songs that were successful for other people. This includes “It’s a Shame” (the Spinners), “Tell Me Something Good” (Rufus featuring Chaka Khan), “The Tears of a Clown” (Smokey Robinson & the Miracles), “Loving You is Sweeter Than Ever (the Four Tops) and “Just a Little Misunderstanding” (the Contours). He also wrote and recorded “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do),” but Motown chose to not release it, so many years later it became a No. 1 hit for Aretha Franklin instead. Some people think that because she is powerful, influential, smart and well-connected, Oprah Winfrey might be interested in running for president in 2020, but she said that is not even a remote possibility. BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW… that Freda Payne and Edmund Sylvers (of the Sylvers family vocal group) were a couple from 1979 to 1983, even though he was 15 years younger. MEMORIES: “Tired of Being Alone” (Al Green), “Let it Whip” (the Dazz Band), “That’s the Way (I Like It)” (KC & the Sunshine Band), “Work on Me” (the O’Jays), “I Wanna Get Next to You” (Rose Royce), “Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go” (Hank Ballard & the Midnighters), “Grazing in the Grass” (the Friends of Distinction). BLESSINGS to Rosalind Ashford Holmes, Annette Beard Helton, Chris Campbell, Monica Morgan, Hugh Burrell, Mario L. Morrow and Anthony Neely. WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Eminem: “If you try to make everybody like you, you’ll drive yourself crazy.” Let the music play! Steve Holsey can be reached at svh517@aol.com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

Sunday, June 18 | 6:00 pm | The Baltimore Gallery BLACK INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION AT AMC: amfm, Party Noire and Black Eutopia return to Detroit for the Second Annual Black Independence Celebration for the 19th Annual Allied Media Conference. Explore community, history and black joy through an evening of food, art, music, film, art, discourse and dance featuring Detroit and Chicago artists and businesses. INFO: eventbrite.com Sunday, June 18 | 10 am | Ile Ibeji Farm Sunday Brunch: African Buffet at Ile Ibeji Farm, Detroit $10pp SUNDAY BRUNCH: African Buffet at Ile Ibeji Farm. Old African recipes, slow food, communal eating, and lots of love, and culture, and music. INFO:eventbrite.com Sunday, June 18 | 4 pm | The Majestic SUNSET SUNDAYS: Majestic’s Rooftop Sunday Day Party. Come kick back at the only Rooftop Bar in Midtown. Sunday, June 18 | 8 pm | The Loving Touch TO KNOW ME RELEASE PARTY: Pierre Anthony’s offical album release party for “To Know Me” is Sunday, June 18, at The Loving Touch from 8 pm-midnight. INFO: evrymusic. com Monday, June 19 | 7:00 pm | Eastern Market NORISH: Welcome to nourish, a pop-up dinner series by Eastern Market. Each dinner features a themed menu prepared by some of Detroit’s best chefs, hosted in the easygoing atmosphere of Shed 5 at Eastern Market. Info: Eventbrite.com

Ideeyah From page D-1

that everyone will find something, even if it’s just one thing to connect with on this album.” “As an artist there has to be a level of vulnerability, a point where you finally submit to your art, to be judged, and then you submit to the thought that it may be a failure. It takes a lot of bravery to say ‘hey, I’m going to step out here and if they get with it or they don’t, I’m going do it, because I need to do it. And that’s what this album and being brave is all about.” “BRAVE” will be released on June 25 on all music outlets including the independent artist streaming platform evrymusic.com.

© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JUNE 30 THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

June 21-27, 2017 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Page D-3

‘DETROIT IS THE NEW BLACK’ AND TRACY REESE TRUCK SHOW

Fashion designer and Detroit native

DITNB: Tracy Reese Trunk Show

hosts trunk show in Detroit By Alisha Dixon

W

omen from all over metro Detroit flocked to Détroit Is the New Black on Saturday, June 17, to explore the latest designs from world-renowned fashion designer and Detroit native,Tracy Reese. Throughout the show, Reese was onhand to greet guests and took time to express why she chose Détroit Is The New Black” as the venue for the show. “It’s an excellent opportunity to have the line carried in the city because there are very few clothing stores of this caliber in the city. Normally, you have to go out to Troy or Birmingham,” Reese said.

Tracy Reese and Roslyn Karamoko, founder of Détroit Is the New Black

DITNB: Tracy Reese Trunk Show

Reese, a Cass Tech and Parsons graduate, is known for her uber-feminine designs featuring intricate details, vibrant prints and bold colors that appeal to women of all ages. Designs at the show represented a carefully selected mix of pieces from Reese’s Spring 2017, Pre-fall 2017, Resort 2017 ready to wear collections and Plenty by Tracy Reese, a more affordable line Reese describes as “the little sister collection” to the Tracy Reese brand. To learn more about Reese and to shop the full Tracy Reese, visit www. tracyreese.com.

DITNB: Tracy Reese Trunk Show

Inclusive White Off Shoulder Flounce, $298.00

Chambray Front Tie Romper, $148.00

Black Tiered Mini, $348.00 Ivory Lace Maxi Dress, $248.00

Floral Lace Inset Halter, $398.00

Classified

June 21-27, 2017

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

OBITUARIES

PERSONAL SERVICES BORN GIFTED READER

A. Alan Byrd, known affectionately as “Joe Joe,” was born on June 13, 1953 in Detroit to Alvester and Helen Remell Byrd. He was educated in the Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Cass Technical High and continuing his education at Michigan State University. After graduating from MSU, he found employment with DPS. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Saundra Floyd. To this union, a daughter was born, Danielle Nicole Byrd. Although he was working full time and had family responsibilities, Mr. Byrd enrolled at the University of Detroit Mercy-Law, taking classes in the evening. He completed his Juris Doctorate and founded the successful Law Offices of A. Alan Byrd. Alan had many passions in life. He loved cooking and grilling for family and friends on holidays and special occasions, creating his own signature barbecue sauce. As an avid sports fan and athlete Al enjoyed watching games and predicting the outcomes. Alan had a love for all genres of music, but nothing compared to the classic Motown Sound. He was an avid reader, who loved history and debating. He was always ready for a rousing political debate. He proudly hosted several fundraisers and campaigned vigorously for President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. A. Alan Byrd passed away on June 12, 2017. Cherishing his memory are his wife, Saundra Floyd Byrd; daughter, Danielle Byrd Thompson (Brandon); three sisters, Dr. Sharon Byrd (Richard), Dr. Helen Byrd (Lascelles) and Debra Byrd; and many other relatives and friends.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 80 Joint Apprenticeship Committee will accept applications for the Sheet Metal Apprentice Entrance Exam on July 12, 2017 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. & 1:00 P.M. Applications must be submitted in person at the Local 80 Training Center, 32700 Dequindre Rd. Warren, MI 48092. Applications are available online at www.smw80jac.org/exam or at the Training Center. The Entrance Exam will take place on Wednesday July 26, 2017. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid Driver’s License, be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D., citizen of the United Sates or a legally emigrated alien. At the time of application you must show proof of high school graduation or G.E.D., valid Drivers’ License and provide a $40 cash nonrefundable examination fee. The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 80 Joint Apprenticeship Committee is an equal opportunity organization admitting qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin. For more information please visit www.smw80jac.org

WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

The 7th Daughter without asking you a single word. I will tell you what you want to know. Tell your present, past and future. Tell you who your friends and enemies are. Why you’re so unlucky. If your loved one is true or false.I will advise you all problems of life, such as love, marriage, business and health, etc. Why suffer, you can be free from all troubles. I guarantee Sucess where others failed. I am superior to any other reader you have seen. Don’t let distance keep you away from Health and Happiness. Hrs. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily and Sunday.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BUDGET HEARING Public School Academies of Detroit (PSAD) will hold their annual Budget Hearing and Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 12:00 noon. The meeting will take place at UPA High School, 610 Antoinette, Detroit, 48202.

HELP WANTED

TEMPORARY PRO SE CASE ADMINISTRATOR U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan - Vacancy Announcement at: http://www.mied.uscourts.gov. This position is located in the Clerk’s Office of the United States District for the Eastern District of Michigan and reports directly to Case Manager Supervisor. The employee is responsible for assisting pro se filers and managing programs to inform them of required filing procedures as they self-direct their case through the litigation process (unless appointed pro bono counsel). The work is performed in an office setting. Occasional travel within the district may be required. EOE Seeking

OFFICE ASSISTANT II AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Department of Organizational Leadership SEHS

Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years general office work, including experience in prioritizing work and meeting deadlines. Ability to operate standard office equipment. Knowledge of proper grammar, spelling & punctuation, intermediate word processing, spreadsheet and database applications. Ability to effectively interact with the public, students, faculty, and staff. This is a full time, clerical-technical position. Salary is $39,693 annually. Refer to online positing for additional requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by June 30, 2017. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

Warm Weather Entertaining: Sonoma Wine Tasting and Cooking Lesson

(StatePoint) Welcome warm weather by gathering friends and family. If you are looking to create a memorable evening, consider entertaining guests at home with an instructional wine tasting and cooking lesson. Wine Tasting Keep it classic when buying wines for your tasting. Choose a winery that produces varietals that best showcase its wine region and can be enjoyed by every level of wine drinker. One great choice is St. Francis Winery and Vineyards, a leader in producing top-quality, sustainable wines from mountain and valley vineyards in Sonoma County, CA. Committed to producing the best wines possible while protecting the environment, St. Francis Winery has established eco-friendly farming practices to create luscious, fruit-driven wines that highlight the terroir of Sonoma County. Select from a range of crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to juicy Merlot or spicy Zinfandel. If you are looking to treat your guests, try the 2014 Sonoma Valley Reserve Merlot (SRP $39.99), a lush wine with spicy aromas of berry, licorice and sage. During the tasting, instruct guests to swirl, smell and sip wines. They will be able to pick out certain aromatics of soil and fruit of the region. “Clean air and water, rolling hills, diverse soils and sustainable vineyards are captured in the wines from Sonoma, giving your guests a sense of place while tasting,” explained Christopher W. Silva, CEO and president of St. Francis Winery and Vineyards. Cook Together After tasting wines, show off your hosting skills by leading a group cooking lesson. This is an entertaining way to test your guests’ skills in the kitchen. An easy group-friendly recipe is delicious Pizzettas (mini pizza rolls). Developed by the St. Francis Winery and Vineyards Culinary Team. This appetizer pairs perfectly with the Reserve Merlot. Ingredients: Serves 6 • 6 Italian sausages, cooked • 1 package puff pastry • 1 egg, slightly beaten • 1/2 cup marinara sauce • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

Seeking

MRS. LINN

A. Alan Byrd

HELP WANTED

Preparation: • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. • On a floured board, roll out the puff pastry until 1/6 inch thick. • Wrap each sausage in a piece of the puff pastry. • Add a few drops of water to the egg. Seal the roll and brush the egg wash over each roll. • Spray a cookie rack with non-stick spray. Place rack on a cookie sheet. • Place the sausages on the rack and bake in oven for 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown. • Let the sausage cool to room temperature. Slice the sausage into rounds about 1/8 inch thick. • Arrange slices on a serving platter. • Place a dollop of the marinara on the sausage rounds and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Heat rounds in the oven until the cheese becomes soft. Enjoy your special gathering this season by entertaining guests with interesting wines and delicious appetizers to match.

LIBRARY DIGITAL INITIATIVES ASSISTANT AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Library

Provide support for the organization, population and maintenance of Oakland University’s digital scholarship collections and digitization projects. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years progressively responsible library experience, including at least one year of experience with bibliographic description and metadata in a technical services or related unit. This is a full time, clerical-technical position. Salary is $42,021.00 annually. See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by June 30, 2017. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu Seeking

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION COORDINATOR AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY School of Medicine

Will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and functions of Diversity & Inclusion in the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. This position is responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of a streamlined process for all programming and events through the Diversity and Inclusion. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration or a closely related field and a minimum of one year of professional experience in an academic setting in student affairs. This is a full time position with a salary commensurate with education and experience. Refer to online posting for additional requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by June 23, 2017. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu Seeking

SKILLED TRADES III – EXPERIMENTAL MACHINIST AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Chemistry Department

Provide a variety of machining and welding services for the various departments to help with designing and building prototype instruments for research, research projects, student projects and unique types of repairs. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of twenty (20) academic hours in a machinery trades program, or experimental machinist program or directly related field. Minimum of three years’ experience as a machinist, including the ability to set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts. A minimum of one year welding experience. This is a part-time position working 32 hours per week. Salary is $20.85 per hour. See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 3, 2017. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu Seeking

DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL OPERATIONS AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Athletics Department

This position will assist the head coach in the following areas: Organize/coordinate all team travel. Assist with budget development/analysis/recap/balancing. Recruiting visits. Player/ parent contact and communication. Various duties related to team/players, e.g., housing, summer camps and oversee team managers. Minimum qualifications - Related Bachelor’s degree is required. Strong knowledge of NCAA Division I inter-collegiate athletics, and rules and regulations (compliance) required. Valid Michigan operator’s license and a driving record acceptable to the University. This is a full time, administrative professional position with a salary commensurate with education and experience. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by June 23, 2017. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

FIRE FIGHTER City of Westland is accepting applications for Fire Fighter. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States (Birth Certificate or Naturalization Papers required at time of application). Minimum 21 years of age or 19 years of age with U.S. military experience; high school diploma or GED (presented with application); valid driver’s license; Fire Fighter I and II certification with valid MI EMT license at time of application; EMT-P license at time of hire. Applicants must pass the Conference of Western Wayne Firefighter Testing Program written and physical agility with a minimum score of 70%. Proof of all above requirements must be submitted with application. Applications must be retrieved from the office of the Westland City Clerk at Westland City Hall 36300 Warren Road, Westland, MI beginning July 3, 2017, through and including August 18, 2017. Applications will not be mailed. Applications must be postmarked or received in the City Clerk’s Office not later than 4:00 p.m. on August 18, 2017. Applications received after deadline will not be considered.

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PTSI IT Analyst III

Detroit Diesel Corporation (Detroit, MI) Provide project support for Daimler Truck Powertrain SAP roll-out (PTSI Powertrain Supply International); utilize expertise in PTSI MM & WM processes to support business partners post system launch; Provide user support, troubleshooting, application testing and post launch review and support of new or changed SAP functionality. Bachelor’s Degree in Eng, Chemical Eng, Information Systems, or related + 5 years’ exp in job offered or as SAP Consultant, or any related IT occupation. Must have expertise in SAP Material Management and SAP Warehouse Management. Resumes to Anthony Long, Daimler Trucks North America, 4555 N. Channel Ave., Portland, OR 97217. Include position reference #DDCJ1 in response.

Application Developer III

(Frankenmuth, MI) Develop, encode, test, debug, document, install programs to support business applications;; Analyze, develop, lead the execution of efficient and cost effective project plans for system design across multiple areas within Information Technology;; Lead complex projects established as corporate priorities throughout the company. Prepare project plans by gathering, analyzing and making recommendations based on client input. Bachelor’s in Computer Science or closely related field + 4 years of exp as Technical Consultant, Programmer Analyst or any related IT occupation. Must have one year exp in interpreting business requirements, technical design documentation production, Java, C#, XML, MS SQL Server, HTML, CSS, Javascript, Ajax, JQuery, JSON, XML, XSD, XSLT, database stored procedures, .Net, GIT, and Apache Cordova for Mobile. Attn: Suzanne Schreiner, Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company, One Mutual Ave., Frankenmuth, MI 48787. Use Ref. Code FM1.

Senior Treasury Analyst

General Motors, Warren, MI. Monitor commodities &foreign exchange market in relation to product &investment pricing, trends &demand. Collect, collate &analyze GM’s global foreign exchange &commodity exposures. Present trading proposals to Treasury Manager &Director to manage the exposures. Execute financial hedges through capital markets as approved &in compliance with global policies. Execute purchase &selling instructions from GM’s Global Purchasing & Supply Chain org for physical settlement of precious &base metals. Dvlp &operate Monte Carlo value-­ at-­risk models to measure &quantify risk from FX, commodities &interest rates, &negotiate &invest in long dated power (commodity) purchase agreements for renewable energy for GM’s global industrial &commercial facilities. Create framework for managing power portfolio risk arising from such long-­term contracts. Dvlp best sources of capital under stressed, normal, hyperinflation &recession scenarios. Evaluate FX hedging policy to minimize risks from currency movements. Evaluate financing alternatives in global markets based on expected interest rate &FX movements (e.g. EUR, GBP, USD, CAD, MXN, Yen, &RMB), &dvlp best in class hedging policies. Master, Business Administration or Finance. 12 mos exp as Risk or Treasury Analyst or Risk or Treasury Associate, dvlpg &operating Monte Carlo value-­at-­risk models to measure &quantify risk from FX, commodities &interest rates, &investment in long dated power (commodity) purchase agreements for renewable energy for global industrial &commercial facilities. Mail resume to Ref#4205, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-­C32-­D44, Detroit, MI 48265.

Researcher

Warren, MI, General Motors. Analyze potential security threats, define design reqmts, contribution to architecture design for security robustness &documentation of preliminary security validation &testing reqmts. Evaluate &research ransomware attacks, &protect/optimize cloud computing security, Ethernet &vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) &vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication security. Collaborate with Product Cybersecurity &other R&D teams to define security reqmts in Statement of Requirement (SOR) &Statement of Work (SOW). Evaluate &research V2V/V2I network security &cloud computing security using applied cryptographic techniques. Detect &prevent malicious entries. Design &lead definition &evaluation of electrical communication topologies for control systems based on AVB Ethernet &assess robustness/tolerance to faults through testing &fault injection. Research &implement innovative security hardening solutions for ECUs for automated driving &vehicle active safety systems. Collaborate with hardware &software suppliers &leading universities for generation of innovative ideas &plans for automotive security, vehicle electrical architecture, software, &serial communications for automated driving applications. PhD., Electrical or Computer Engrg. 6 mos exp as Engineer or Graduate Research Assistant, evaluating &researching V2V/V2I network (or mobile ad hoc network including Internet of Things) security &cloud computing security using applied cryptographic techniques. Mail resume to Ref#325, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-D44, Detroit, MI 48265.

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June 21-27, 2017 Page D-5

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

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Theadious Rankins

Joyce Thomas, Sr.

On Monday, June 5, services for Theadious “Ted” Rankins took place at St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church with Rev. Dr. Eleazar Merriweather officiating. Mr. Rankins passed away on May 22, 2017.

A memorial service for Joyce Thomas, Sr. will take place on Wednesday, June 28, 11 a.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Hwy., between Lahser and Civic Center Dr., in Southfield. The family hour will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. She was the first African American to make the swim team and cheer team at Cass Technical High School in the 1940s.

Theadious Rankins was born on Dec. 11, 1926 to Myra and Henry Harold Rankins in Evergreen, Alabama, one of 14 children. He graduated from Conecuh County Training High School. It was there that he met Willie Lindsey and they were married in 1951 and later moved to Detroit. They had two daughters, Gloria Ann and Belinda. Mr. Rankins, who was a Mason and a church-going man, worked as a supervisor for the Board of Education Plumbing Department. Theadious Rankins’ memory is being cherished by his wife, Willie; daughter, Gloria Ann; a sister, Clara Herbert; a brother, Henry Rankins, Jr.; and many other relatives and friends. Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Bishop Tilman Oliver

Interment took place at Elmwood Cemetery.

Celebration service

During the 2017 General Assembly, the King of Israel, Bishop Bobby J. Davis, will include a tribute to honor assistant overseer, Bishop Tilman Oliver, for all of his contributions to the Spiritual Israel Church and its Army for 73 years in ministry since June 21, 1944. The celebration of his achievements will take place on Sunday, June

25, 5 pm, at the Israel Garden Activity Center of the Spiritual Israel Church and its Army, located at 22971 Martinsville Rd in Belleville. They hope that you will be able to attend this affair and share in the celebration of Bishop Tillman Oliver’s appreciation program.

Spiritually Speaking: Are you a card-carrying Christian? By James Washington NNPA

Just how hard is it to be a card-carrying Christian these days? Republicans, Democrats, the NAACP, the ACLU all carry cards and encourage like-minded people to become card-carrying members. You can get a card for just about any group or organization. Now when it comes to being a spiritual card-carrying man or woman of faith, the results can be devastating; someone scream, “Incoming!” for there is indeed an artillery barrage headed our way. Scripture suggests that, historically, life was no easy task for those early practitioners of the Christian faith. Crucifixion, becoming lion food for fun and games, beheadings and, at a minimum, being labeled an outcast, were normal expectations for those who believed and then lived according to the Word of God. Is today so different? Once one takes up the standard of this revolutionary thinking, once you commit, once you decide to live humbly and mercifully in love and forgiveness, isn’t it interesting the kind of attention you attract? “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” —1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV). Looking around the world today, it would be naïve not to recognize that religious persecution is still a critical component of man’s inhumanity to man. Real and fake news will show you that people all over the world are being annihilated for the God they worship. We sometimes take for granted the religious freedom we have in this country, and I believe that has lulled us into a false belief that being a Christian is easy. Well, it’s not. It’s empowering. It’s enlightening. It’s eternal. But it is not easy. The good news is we are not alone and never have been. Living for God is probably the best realty check. Its reward is an inner understanding of the workings of the universe that affords one the idea that physical life is temporary while the spiritual is eternal. Many of us believe in life after physical death. The faithful have some insight into this. Life as we know it can

be cruel. We have come to think that eternal life is just the opposite. Rationalizing the difference is where and when faith resides. Is it any wonder then that belief in a deity that invites humility, insists on love and recognizes mercy is cause for ruthless and radical reaction among those who would live otherwise? Is it any wonder that love for Christ Jesus invites the wrath of Lucifer in all of his forms? May God bless and keep you always.

Arthur Lee Harris Services for Arthur Lee Harris were held on May 17 at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. Mr. Harris passed away on May 9, 2017. Arthur Lee Harris was born on Feb. 5, 1945 in Detroit from the union of Marie Washington and Andrew Willie Harris, Sr. He attended Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Eastern High School. He furthered his education at Wayne County Community College. He later joined the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1967, he joined the Detroit Police Department. After retirement, he found employment as a security guard for the Detroit Medical Center and Wayne State University, among others. In his spare time he taught CCW classes.

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Mr. Harris married Carolyn Thompson in 1984 and they were blessed with a daughter, Sheena Harris. He had a stepson also, Demetrius Thompson. Arthur Lee Harris’ memory is being cherished by his daughter, Sheena Harris; sisters, Dorothy and Alberta Harris; brothers, Andrew, Jr. and Wayne Harris; and many other relatives and friends. Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Elwood Cemetery.

Sharon Denise Allen Services for Sharon Denise Allen were held on May 23 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Tellis Chapman officiating. Ms. Allen passed away on May 17, 2017. Sharon Denise Allen was born on Jan. 16, 1958 to Willie and Nezzie Allen. She attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Southeastern High School. She had a zest for life, even when faced with serious illness. She worked for DPS in the culinary department. She was a strong believer in God and in being active in the church.

Are you hosting a concert or faithfriendly event? Cherishing the memory of Sharon Denise Allen

are her son, Damone; her better half, Carl; a brother, Jack; a sister, Yvonne; a stepsister, Beatrice Powell; and many other relatives and friends.

Are you celebrating an anniversary Swanson Funeral handled the arrangements. Interment took place at Lincoln Memorial Park or special occasion? Cemetery.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 23, FRIDAY, 23, 2017 2017 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 10:00 1:00 p.m. p.m.

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1001 FortforSt., Detroit, MI 48226 andW. families a fun and safe summer!

The Summer Safety Fair helps prepare young people and families for a fun and safe summer!

• Swimming Safety

• Swimming Safety

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• •Bike Safety Show Skateboarding Safety • Poison Prevention

• •Skateboarding Safety Poison • FirePrevention Safety for Kids Swimming Safety Injury Prevention •• •Poison Prevention Fire•Safety for Kids

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• Check out featured Bookworm Club ••emergency Check outvehicles: featured - Fire Engine • emergency Check out vehicles: featured - -Ambulance Fire Engine vehicles: • emergency McGruff - Crime Prevention - Police Car --Ambulance Fire Engine • Bookworm - Motorcycle Club

•Safety Eddy the Eagle Bike Show •• •Fire Safety for Kids- Gun Safety Injury Prevention --Police Car Ambulance Check out featured Skateboarding Eddy the Eagle Safety - Gun Safety •• •Injury Prevention Open to the Public•at Cost! --No Motorcycle Police Carvehicles: emergency Poison Prevention •• Eddy the Eagle - Gun Safety -- Motorcycle Fire Engine Open to the Public at No Cost! • Fire Safety for Kids - Ambulance Open to the Public at No Cost! • Injury Prevention - Police Car For more information, please call the School of Continuing • Eddy the Eagle - Gun Safety Motorcycle Education at 313-496-2704 or visit-www.wcccd.edu

Open to the Public atSchool No Cost! For more information, please call the of Continuing Education at 313-496-2704 or visit www.wcccd.edu

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