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Woodhouse Spa Set To Reopen

Supporting Detroit through the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 83 – No. 42 | June 24-30, 2020

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Mayor Duggan Talks Insurance Rate Changes

By Darlene White Last week Mayor Mike Duggan walked Detroiters through the changes that are coming to auto insurance in Michigan.

After more than four decades, Michiganders will now have a choice when it comes to how much personal injury protection, or PIP, they want.

Duggan had urged Detroiters, with insurance bills in hand, to tune in for a line-by-line virtual tutorial Thursday to lay out steps to saving money when the state’s new auto reform law takes effect on July 2.

The new law allows Medicaid recipients to downgrade to as low as $50,000 in PIP coverage for the medical costs associated with an auto injury if they live in a household with someone who has employer-provided health care that covers auto injuries.

Joining Duggan were three experts in auto insurance law: attorneys Mark Bernstein and Shereen Silver from the Sam Bernstein Law Firm, and Leroy Mattic from AAA of Michigan.

“Insurance companies make more money if you stay with the higher rates” for unlimited medical coverage, Duggan said during a televised town hall presentation. “That’s why they’re not all over you to switch on July 2.”

“Your agent, who’s the nice person on the telephone, they make less money,” with reduced premiums, Duggan added.

Duggan said that in Michigan, drivers are paying an average of $2,878 annually to insure their vehicles — the highest rates in the nation. The average cost for Detroit residents is $4,400, he said.

“You have to act for yourself, or it won’t change,” Duggan said.

You have options. You can keep your unlimited coverage if you want to. If you have a qualified employer health plan or Medicare, you can opt-out of the PIP entirely, or you can choose reduced PIP levels of $500,000 or $250,000.

In Michigan, 20% of drivers are uninsured, and for Detroit, the number is closer to 50%, Duggan said.

“This is a great time for the uninsured to get back in the fold,” he said. “The intent was to remove some of those barriers to being covered.”

Duggan also criticized auto insurance companies for not doing public education campaigns about the new law they two spent years lobbying the Legislature to lower their exposure to medical claims from injured drivers.

Erin McDonough, executive

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Governor Whitmer Talks Reopening the State, Police Reform and More at Pancakes & Politics Forum II

By Patreice A. Massey

Gov. Whitmer, “What does the phrase Black Lives Matter mean to you?”

For the last 15 years Pancakes & Politics has brought together the state’s most influential leaders to discuss important events and issues impacting our state. Forum II returns with a very pointed discussion with Governor Gretchen Whitmer as she grapples with re-opening the state of Michigan while managing and mitigating the impact of COVID-19, race relations, police reform and more.

“I think [Black Lives Matter] is a way to clearly and affirmatively say what I think has gone unsaid for hundreds of years,” said Whitmer. “That Black Americans have lived a second class existence since the original sin of slavery.

That Black Americans have suffered and endured generations of systemic racism in our country and that Black Americans deserve full and equal protections under the laws of our country.

“When we say Black Lives Matter those words have real power, but as a leader it can’t just be words -- it has to be backed up by meaningful action,” she continued. “George Floyd’s murder so graphically captured on camera has inspired and sparked a national movement. And I don’t think we can afford to let this moment pass us by. I’ll never fully comprehend the anxiety that a Black person has every time their children or loved ones leave the house. Yet as an ally I am seeking to understand, help lead and join the movement.”

Gov. Whitmer addressed COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on African Americans, and how she established the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities to help create real solutions to help lift vulnerable communities out of poverty.

The task force, led by Lt. Gov. Garlin

After a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, the Michigan Chronicle held its first virtual Pancakes and Politics Forum which featured remarks by longtime presenting sponsor Ric DeVore, regional president of PNC Bank, and Nancy Moody, vice president of public affairs at DTE Energy.

Dennis Archer Jr., CEO of Ignition Media Group and president of ACS, and Vickie Thomas, morning drive and city beat reporter at WWJ Newsradio 950, moderated the event.

“We thought about postponing P&P until 2021,” said Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media and publisher of the Michigan Chronicle. “However, with the current climate it was important to have a conversation about race and the widening socioeconomic gap in our region at this time.”

Archer kicked things off by asking

Gilchrist, will study racial disparities in the impact of COVID-19 and recommend actions to address the reasons behind such disparities.

“This disease held up a mirror to the United States and reminds us of the deep inequities in our country,” said Whitmer. “We’re gonna work to ensure that if another crisis comes our way everyone, no matter the community, race or socioeconomic status, has the support they need to take care of themselves and their families.

“Recent reports show that the aggressive approach we’ve had to take to protect our families from COVID-19 has significantly lowered the number of cases and deaths within in our state,” the governor said.

“Rate of infection fell despite what’s going on in other states and were it not for the Stay Home Stay Safe order we would’ve seen approximately 28,000 more cases and three times as many deaths,” she continued.

As we recover from COVID-19 Gov. Whitmer assured citizens that she is going to continue to work on long-term solutions for Michigan.

We’re going to come out of this but we have to learn hard lessons that we can improve upon.

When it comes to the 2020-21 school

See PANCAKES

& POLITICS page A2

Congress Moves George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Measure Forward

By Stacy M. Brown The House Judiciary Committee has introduced the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act, the first-ever bold, comprehensive approach to hold police accountable, end racial profiling, change the law enforcement culture, empower communities, and build trust between law enforcement and minority communities by addressing systemic racism and bias.

In a conference call with the Black Press of America just before voting on the measure, members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) said the bill should help save lives.

“This is a real historic day here in the capital as last week we introduced the Justice in Policing Act, and today we amend the bill,” CBC Chair Karen Bass (D-Calif.) said during the conference call.

“We call it the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and I call it historic because this is the first time in many years that Congress has taken up a bill dealing with policing and I’m sure it is the first time that Congress has introduced such a bold transformative piece of legislation,” Bass stated.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would establish a national standard

for the operation of police departments and mandate data collection on police encounters.

tigations.

If it becomes law, the bill would reprogram existing funds to invest in transformative community-based policing programs and streamline federal law to prosecute excessive force and establish independent prosecutors for police inves-

“The idea that a chokehold is legal in one city and not the other, the idea that no-knock warrants are okay in one jurisdiction and not in another is very import-

It would also eliminate no-knock warrants and ban chokeholds.

See POLICING

ACT page A2

Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com •

June 24-30, 2020

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Policing Act

From page A-1

ant. That must end,” Bass proclaimed.

A bill crafted by Republican South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, ask only for studies to be done on matters like no-knock warrants and chokehold bans, and have little bite, Bass and her CBC colleagues noted.

“In essence, their bills take the teeth out of this bill. This is not the time for superficial action,” Bass warned. “This is the time for us to demonstrate our ability to address the people who are peacefully in the street every day with comprehensive legislation.”

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020: Prohibits federal, state, and local law enforcement from racial, religious, and discriminatory profiling.

Mandates training on racial, religious, and discriminatory profiling for all law enforcement.

Requires law enforcement to collect data on all investigatory activities. saves lives by banning chokeholds and noknock warrants.

Bans chokeholds and carotid holds at the federal level and conditions law enforcement funding for state and local governments banning chokeholds.

Bans no-knock warrants in drug cases at the federal level and conditions law enforcement funding for state and local governments banning noknock warrants at the local and state level.

Requires that deadly force be used only as a last resort and requires officers to employ de-escalation techniques first.

Changes the standard to evaluate whether law

Public Safety in an Equitable and Just Way.

enforcement use of force was justified from whether the force was “reasonable” to whether the force was “necessary.”

Condition grants state and local law forcement agencies’ tablishing the same of force standard.

on enesuse

Limits military equipment on American streets, requires body cameras.

Limits the transfer of military-grade equipment to state and local law enforcement.

Requires federal uniformed police officers to wear body cameras and requires state and local law enforcement to use existing federal funds to ensure the use of police body cameras.

Requires marked federal police vehicles to have dashboard cameras.

Hold Police Accountable in Court.

Makes it easier to prosecute offending officers by amending the federal criminal statute to prosecute police misconduct.

The mens rea requirement in 18 U.S.C. Section 242 will be amended from “willfulness” to a “recklessness” standard.

Enables individuals to recover damages in civil court when law enforcement officers violate their constitutional rights by eliminating qualified immunity for law enforcement.

Investigate Police Misconduct.

Improves the use of pattern and practice investigations at the federal level by granting the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division subpoena power and creates a grant program for state attorneys general to develop authority to conduct independent investigations into problematic police departments.

Empower Our Communities to re-imagine

Pancakes & Politics From page A-1 year, Whitmer shared that she will be unveiling the state’s plan to reopen the schools in the coming weeks. She will release a “Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap” on June 30 to outline requirements, guidelines and recommendations for schools.

“Resuming in-person instruction is the goal. It’s important that we strive for that,” said Whitmer. “As for parents and their choice to keep their kids home and learning the big question is what are the resources of a particular district and whether they have access to broadband. We have over 800 school districts in Michigan and each comes with its own set of challenges and assets. We’re going to have to be able to navigate this in a way that makes sense for parents and keeps kids safe. We want to get this right.”

When it came to the topic of police reform, Whitmer stated that while she is against defunding the police, she does

This bill reinvests in our communities by supporting critical community-based programs to change the culture of law enforcement and empower our communities to re-imagine public safety in an equitable and just way.

It establishes public safety innovation grants for community-based organizations to create local commissions and task forces to help communities to re-imagine and develop concrete, just, and equitable public safety approaches. These local commissions would operate similar to President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

Change the Culture of Law Enforcement with Training to Build Integrity and Trust.

Requires the creation of law enforcement accreditation standard recommendations based on President Obama’s Taskforce on 21st Century policing.

vestigation, prosecution and enforcement efforts of federal, state, and local governments in cases related to law enforcement misconduct.

Insurance Rates

There are six PIP medical coverage levels available.

Each level is the most a driver’s auto insurer will pay per person per accident.

From page A-1

director of the Insurance Alliance of Michigan, the insurance industry’s lobbying arm in Lansing, issued a statement Thursday night saying, “we agree with Mayor Duggan that more needs to be done to educate the public on the changes to Michigan’s no-fault law so consumers can take advantage of the savings that will be available on July 2.”

Improve Transparency by Collecting Data on Police Misconduct and Use-of-Force.

“At IAM, our member companies are committed to doing their part to educate our customers and helping them find the right plan for them and their family,” McDonough said. “We encourage Michiganders to reach out to their insurance company or independent agent to see what options are available under the new law so they can pick a plan that works for their budget.”

Creates a nationwide police misconduct registry to prevent problematic officers who are fired or leave one agency, from moving to another jurisdiction without any accountability.

Mandates state and local law enforcement agencies to report use of force data, disaggregated by race, sex, disability, religion, age.

Nobody is coming to help you. You have to take the initiative yourself if you want change, Duggan explained.

Make Lynching a Federal Crime.

“This is why you haven’t gotten a clear explanation about what your choices are July 2 and why I’m doing this tonight,” he added.

Makes it a federal crime to conspire to violate existing federal hate crimes laws.

A mortgage built for you, because we’re close to you.

Creates law enforcement development and training programs to develop best practices.

Studies the impact of laws or rules that allow a law enforcement officer to delay answers to questions posed by investigators of law enforcement misconduct.

That’s the power of the Human Interest Rate.

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Enhances funding for pattern and practice discrimination investigations and programs managed by the DOJ Community Relations Service.

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Requires the Attorney General to collect data on investigatory actions and detentions by federal law enforcement agencies; the racial distribution of drug charges; the use of deadly force by and against law enforcement officers; as well as traffic and pedestrian stops and detentions.

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Establishes a DOJ task force to coordinate the in-

support demilitarizing police departments and creating more policies to address police brutality.

“What I do support is real reform to make our police more reflective of the communities they police,” said the governor. “I support reforms to create affirmative duties for officers to intervene when excessive force is being used. I support diversity in the force and implicit bias training and mental health screening.”

“On the other side of the equation I support investment in community, which is a part of the movement that we are seeing in the protests across the country. I support creating opportunities through better education in schools, better transit and workforce opportunities. There is a lot of work to do on both sides of the ledger. And it will take people from both sides—activists and policing agencies to come to the table so that we have something that is real and meaningful.”

To watch Pancakes & Politics Forum II in its entirety, please visit the Michigan Chronicle’s Facebook page.

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| June 24-30, 2020

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AT&T showed its commitment to helping the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff from a local Detroit restaurant prepares meals for first responders thanks to a donation from AT&T Michigan.

Supporting Detroit through the COVID-19 Pandemic

T

he global COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented situation for everyone in Michigan and the city of Detroit was hit especially hard by the outbreak. AT&T Michigan launched the Believe Detroit initiative in 2019 to improve outcomes for the Detroit community and as the city suffered during the pandemic, it only made sense to step in and try to help.

As the virus spread across the state, first responders stepped up to take care of Detroiters, risking their own health to help those who were suffering. As hospitals filled up with COVID-19 patients, and field hospitals were opened to help additional residents, AT&T stepped in to help. In late April, AT&T teamed up with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) to provide meals for first responders at Metro Detroit’s field hospitals.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted our entire state and country and AT&T Michigan wanted to do our part to ease some of the burden,” said AT&T Michigan President David Lewis. “Those on the front lines – doctors, nurses, paramedics and others are putting their health at risk to help Michiganders recover from this virus. AT&T Michigan is proud to feed the first responders who have stepped up to work at the field hospitals. It’s the least we can do to support the heroes of this crisis.”

Food delivered to TCF Center in Detroit by Republica in Berkley, as part of AT&T’s AT&T proudly stepped up again in May, prodonation to feed health care workers during the pandemic. viding lunches for two weeks at the Henry Ford

Health System hospital in Detroit. This collaboration between AT&T, MRLA and World Central Kitchen, fed HFHS staff while supporting local restaurants and caterers in Detroit, struggling from closures and reductions due to the pandemic.

Other than suffering from the virus, the pandemic also caused problems and difficulties for Detroiters, who unexpectantly were laid off, working from home or trying to help children learn remotely. It quickly became more important than ever to ensure communities remain connected. AT&T committed to helping Detroiters remain connected during this difficult time.

During this time, AT&T has redirected resources to assist first responders, health care professionals, educators and other customers, as connectivity is more important than ever.

We proudly offered frontline nurses and doctors nationwide with free wireless service for three months. To help our individual customers during this time, AT&T waived late payment fees and overage charges and did not terminate accounts for nonpayment due to COVID-19. To provide further relief, AT&T offered unlimited internet data for customers and continued the Access for AT&T program, offering low-income customers with internet for $10 a month.

We are all in this together and AT&T is here to help Detroiters, during the pandemic and into the future. The future is bright and AT&T BELIEVES in DETROIT.

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • June 24-30, 2020

Keeping You Informed Away or at Home.

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| June 24-30, 2020

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Economic Equality is One Step in Addressing Systemic Racism

By Kevin Johnson As the U.S. grieves the deaths of too many black men and women at the hands of police officers, we are forced to shine the light on all of the racial atrocities that have brought us to this place and time.

Discrimination and bigotry perpetrated against black Americans is an economic, civil and human rights issue. It is an issue of access, poverty and disenfranchisement.

I am angered and saddened that our nation has yet to eliminate Kevin Johnson the inequities that create a system of economic racism. Perhaps that time is now – birthed from our country’s mourning, and cries for justice. I’m hopeful that from George Floyd’s death comes the courage to acknowledge all of what is broken between the races, and the moral strength to make it right.

Racism and inequality are barriers to economic opportunity. Our nation’s black population disproportionately suffer a host of economic injustices: • For every dollar paid to white men, black women are paid roughly 65 cents and black men are paid roughly 73 cents.

• The median black family has only 10 percent of the wealth of the median white family.

• Fifty years after the Fair Housing Act became law, the black homeownership rate is essentially the same today.

• Black workers are more likely than other workers to be in front-line jobs, exposing them to greater likelihood of contracting COVID-19 at work.

• Black Americans are more than twice as likely as whites to live in poverty.

• The unemployment rate for black Americans is generally twice the rate for white Americans.

• Black men earn up to $1 million less than white men over their lifetimes.

Monica Lewis-Patrick, president, We the People of Detroit, said it best, “We can’t … declare ourselves the wealthiest nation in the world and still have these major inequities and disparities that are glaringly based on race.’’

The DEGC encourages lawmakers to address the persistent inequities in our economy that prevent upward mobility for black Americans. This includes increasing spending on worker training, access to historically exclusionary industries and employment protection for all people of color. At the highest levels, minorities must be allowed a voice in addressing gaps in our economy and allocating resources for economic reform.

For more than 40 years, DEGC has been Detroit’s leader for economic development. Today, we renew our commitment to inclusive economic development, ensuring all of our policies and programs are built on a solid foundation of access, opportunity and shared prosperity. We hold everyone who benefits from Detroit’s growth accountable for reinvesting those benefits back into our community. If you open a company here, we want you hiring Detroiters. If you’re doing business here, we want you supporting our local businesses. If you profit from being in Detroit, we want you help lift our youth.

While inclusive economic development won’t end racism, it can help to reduce poverty, build generational wealth and improve the overall quality of life for black communities. The DEGC is committed to providing inclusive programming to attack economic injustice head on, including: • Building neighborhood commercial corridors that provide residents access to quality and affordable goods and services in their local communities • Attracting new businesses that prioritize hiring Detroiters • Helping minority business owners succeed by offering tools such as

See ECONOMIC

EQUALITY page A6

“We Must Do Better”: Detroit’s Top Law Firms Stand Against Racial Injustice

By Patreice A. Massey Detroit’s leading law firms spoke out against racial injustice as the appalling deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, among many others, have sparked protests worldwide.

The murder of George Floyd, an African American man, at the hands Derrick Chauvin, a white, now former Minneapolis police officer, has given rise to a new level of outrage and unprecedented support across many different lines. Just last year the term Black Lives Matter was met with controversy with many corporations and politicians refusing to acknowledge the meaning or the movement.

However, it seems that the video of George Floyd pleading for his life while Chauvin kneeled on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds could not be ignored.

The video conjured up intense feelings of trauma, grief and anger.

Even the ultra-conservative uber right-winged Rush Limbaugh felt Khalilah Spencer compelled to speak out against the actions of the Minneapolis police calling for first-degree murder charges against Chauvin and charges against the other officers who were on the scene with Chauvin. All officers were fired after the incident.

With many companies and organizations feeling compelled to speak out against police brutality, systemic racism and criminal justice reform, African Americans are finding allies in high places.

Recently, many of Detroit’s top law firms joined together to release a statement speaking out against racial injustice. Although the legal industry has responded more slowly and more measured than corporate America, there appears to be a sentiment of we can do more coming from the legal field.

The statement reads: “The deaths of George Floyd and many others, along with police brutality and unequal access to opportunity suffered by many African American people and other people of color, must be a catalyst for change in our communities.

“As leaders of metropolitan Detroit’s largest law firms, we are strongly committed to doing our part to encourage and ensure equal voice, opportunity and legal representation for African American people and

See RACIAL

INJUSTICE page A6

The legal community leaders have committed to implementing the following critical action items: ■C ontinue to advocate for equality, equity and justice for all and institute additional policies and practices at our firms to further those goals.

■C reate regular and supportive forums for our attorneys and staff to have open and constructive dialogues about structural racism and racial justice.

■R e-double our efforts to increase the diversity and representation of African American people and other people of color within our partnership ranks and leadership teams.

■C ontinue to partner with organizations focused on racial justice by providing pro bono services, personnel resources and funding support.

■D edicate pro bono legal support and other resources for African American people and other minority entrepreneurs and small business owners.

■A dvocate for appropriate policing reforms that include unconscious bias, de-escalation and other progressive training techniques, improved diversity in law enforcement hiring and promotion decisions and legislation that mandates zero-tolerance for police officers who injure or kill unarmed, non-violent and non-resisting individuals.

The statement is endorsed by: Carrie Leahy, chair – Bodman PLC; Justin G. Klimko, president and CEO – Butzel Long; Michael C. Hammer, CEO – Dickinson Wright PLLC; Peter M. Kellett, chairman and CEO – Dykema; Philip B. Phillips, Detroit Office managing partner – Foley & Lardner LLP; David Foltyn, chairman and CEO – Honigman LLP; William J. Anthony and Kevin G. Lauri, co-chairs – Jackson Lewis P.C.; Jeffrey Weiss, CEO – Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C; and Michael P. McGee, CEO – Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone, P.L.C.

Woodhouse Spa Set To Reopen

By Darlene White Hair salons, barbershops and spas finally reopened Monday in Michigan for the first time since they were shut down in mid-March.

During the reopening, employees of the Woodhouse Day Spa in Detroit were not only busy doing facials, body treatments, and manicures, but also working to maintain all the new coronavirus (COVID-19) safety guidelines that have been put in place.

Cheryl Hudson, owner of Woodhouse Day Spa Detroit says a lot of thought and preparation went into making sure Monday’s reopening was safe.

Cheryl Hudson

“We have done a number of things to keep our customers and staff safe,” she said. “For one, we made sure to get a deep clean inside of our building. All of our staff are required to take the COVID-19 test and can only return with a negative result from the test. We also provide daily temperature checks of our customers

and staff, before they are able to come into the spa.”

The staff and customers are also required to wear a face mask covering their mouth and nose at all times when inside of the building, says Hudson.

“We are changing a few things in the way we provide service,” she explained.

“All of our rooms will be disinfected after

each service. No more than ten people in the building at a time and we are continuing to practice social distancing.”

Spas, hair salons, barbershops, and tattoo shops were one on the first to shut down and one of the last to reopen in Michigan due to the Governors executive order.

See WOODHOUSE

SPA page B5

June 24-30, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-6

Comerica Bank Makes Historic Donation to Support Black-Owned Businesses Comerica Bank today announced its $1 million commitment over four years to the National Business League as part of a national partnership that will launch the Black Capital Access Program (BCAP), an access to capital initiative to assist Black businesses across the country.

to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This innovative small business program is set to pilot over the next three months and will reach Comerica’s five primary markets of Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas. The program will become available in all 50 states in 2021.

The BCAP aims to ensure that Blackowned businesses will benefit from being capitalized, to create and grow sustainable enterprises that are consistently bankable and investment ready in the digital economy.

“Our mission with the launch of the Black Capital Access Program presented by Comerica Bank is to assist Blackowned businesses with their capital needs and resources, and we are thankful to Comerica for its extensive support and national partnership.”

A one-stop online platform for Blackowned businesses, BCAP will offer access to a capital toolkit, wide variety of technical services, financial planning information, webinars and more.

“Small businesses face a myriad of inherent challenges to open their doors and remain viable, and the current conditions due to COVID-19 only deepened those issues especially among African American business owners,” said Curt Farmer, Chairman and CEO, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. “We believe our partnership with the National Business League will become crucial in helping many Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs recover and survive this turbulent time.”

The National Business League fights

Racial Injustice From page A-5 other people of color. Taking this stand, together, means valuing and insisting on diversity, inclusion and racial equity at our firms and in our communities.

“Bias and racial injustice not only exist, but also permeate every level of our society. Members of the African American community, as well as other people of color, have been oppressed since this country’s earliest days, and it must end.

Regardless of background, we must all examine how to best utilize our talents, networks and resources to combat the institutionalized racism that plagues us as a society.

“We must learn, reflect and reset. We must do better and we will.”

This is a pivotal moment in American history—everyone is watching—and law firms are faced with an important opportunity to demonstrate their core values and their commitments not only to African Americans but also to all Americans who believe in basic human rights.

There are a number of ways that law firms can use their voices and resources to show solidarity with the current civil rights movement and address the injustices that have been leveled against African Americans.

Khalilah Spencer, inclusion equity and social responsibility partner at Honigman LLP, who was instrumental in working with fellow Honigman partner and member of the firm’s Board of Directors Gabrielle L. Sims White to ensure the statement included items that were quantifiable so that the group could hold themselves accountable.

for legislation and policy to promote the growth of Black businesses, while aggressively finding solutions to challenges and business problems in the marketplace. As a nonprofit, non-partisan and non-sectarian trade organization, the National Business League collaborates with policy makers and CEOs to advance Black communities’ economic interest supported by research, data and evidence, while at the same time holding the public and private accountable.

work in the community with organizations such as the Lakeshore Legal Aid, NAACP and the Wolverine Bar Association, Spencer is definitely about that life. “To me it didn’t matter what the statement said, what was important to us was what would be the action items,” she said. “What the statement says is not nearly as important as what we have agreed to do—the commitment that we are making.”

Accountability is key and Spencer says they are going to keep their foot on the gas and will track progress by reviewing diversity metrics, having diversity training and they have also put together resources for use by their colleagues.

The law firms that signed off on this statement primarily practice corporate business law and traditionally tend to work quietly behind the scenes and avoid anything that even remotely resembles a political stance, however the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd was just too much to ignore. At a time where various companies are looking for ways to do their part in being part of the solution these Detroit firms have banded together to do their part and they don’t plan on easing up their efforts.

Woodhouse Spa

for employees, and keep employees 6 feet apart when possible or require them to wear masks when they can’t.

“We are now re-opening only 4 to 5 days a week versus 7 days a week. Our staff hours have been reduced,” she said. “We will try to expand our hours once we see an increase with people willing to come in. We understand that people are trying to get back to normal, but safely.”

“When you look at how we compare to the rest of the nation, we can see this was a virus that hit us aggressively. We’ve had a uniquely tough time with COVID-19. We took the steps we needed to start to save lives and built up our (personal protective equipment) and our testing capability.

“We are hoping we will be able to sustain our business. Back in the old days on Fridays and Saturdays we would be packed, but now we can only have so many on premise at a time,” she explained. “We are hoping we will gain revenue with all of these restrictions.”

“We are hoping that people will come and visit us to take a break away from zoom meetings and homework. We have gone over and beyond to make sure our service is clean and virus free and offer service that our customers are accustomed to having at our spa.

Woodside Day Spa is located at 1447 Woodward Ave in Detroit. For more information visit, https://detroit.woodhousespas.com/. infrastructure and education, incubate the next generation of innovators, and create wealth that can be passed to the next generation.

skills training, access to capital, and succession planning

With increased financial power, black middle-class Americans can have the leverage to demand inclusive economic policies for black Americans at all rungs in our economy. The DEGC is an ally with black America on the journey to achieve financial equality and economic justice. We ask all of our public and private partners to take the same decisive action, and demand inclusion and accountability in Detroit’s economy.

• Growing existing black-owned businesses through a new minority procurement program • Creating opportunities for young black developers to help shape our city In Detroit, where one-third of the population lives in poverty, there is no more important task than rebuilding our black middle class. Middle class families have more economic security, buy more goods and services, invest in

1.844.984.HOME (4663)

™

Terms and conditions apply. Find out more at Michigan.gov/KeepYourHome.

We want to continue to be that ‘staycation’ away from home, she said.

Economic Equality From page A-5

Equal Housing Employer/Lender

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

I don’t think we will ever get back to the old normal, Hudson said.

Gov. Whitmer signed a pair of executive orders Friday. Executive Order 2020-114 sets safety guidelines for reopening for all businesses or operations that require their employees to leave their home for work. Businesses must provide COVID-19 training to employees, develop a COVID-19 response plan, develop a self-screening protocol

Facing foreclosure? Our counselors can help you understand your options and prepare you so it never happens. See how at Michigan.gov/KeepYourHome.

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

The sacrifice we’ve made is paying off, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.

“But COVID-19 is still very present here in Michigan. That’s why it’s up to all of us to keep doing our part.”

Let’s keep it that way.

It’s your home.

“Internally we have a group working on a document that talks about how to be an ally. It will talk about things like micro aggression, how someone may display implicit bias, movies to watch that deal with racial injustice, books they can read and things that will help people educate themselves about racial bias because it’s important that people be able to do the work of learning to become an ally themselves.”

“We are going to keep our foot on the gas and ensure that we keep these actions front of mind and continue to look for ways to do better. That’s our charge.”

Our spa has been affected tremendously, due to COVID-19, says Hudson.

Comerica’s $1 million investment to kickstart the BCAP includes a $150,000 financial contribution and in-kind and technical support valued at $100,000 for four years.

“Capital access remains the most important factor limiting the establish-

David Foltyn, chairman and CEO of Honigman couldn’t have picked a better person for the job. Known for her

From page A-5

ment, expansion and growth of Blackowned businesses,” said Ken L. Harris, Ph.D., President/CEO National Business League, Inc. “As part of the organization’s mission to eliminate institutional, structural and systemic barriers to capital, it is important to develop public and private partnerships to address the financial burden on Black entrepreneurs who are trying to keep their businesses thriving in today’s economy, in response

“We believe strongly that investing financially as well as connecting our team members to offer a wide range of technical resources will enable the NBL’s Black Capital Access Program to effectively reach and serve businesses in need,” said Irvin Ashford, Jr., Chief Community Officer, Comerica Bank. “We proudly support the 120-year mission of the National Business League and its mission to deliver critical services to Black-owned businesses.”

COMMUNITY COMES FIRST

Community is what holds us together, and

makes us stronger. So DTE is supporting our neighbors. Donating 2 million masks to emergency personnel, and 600,000 to small businesses as they reopen. Providing essential meals and shelter to more than half a million families. And leading a coalition to provide tablets and internet access to 51,000 school children so they can continue to learn at home.

Community matters. And to DTE, all of Michigan is our community.

Kevin Johnson is Kevin Johnson, president and CEO, Detroit Economic Growth Corp

Creative Files: 20-DTE-1360/R14> 2020-06-06-DTE1360-Covid-Print-Economy-5x10.5-BW-R14

Viewpoint Michigan Chronicle

A Real Times Media Newspaper

HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

AJ WILLIAMS Managing Editor

JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997

LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

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

June 24-30, 2020 | Page A-7

Navigating the Headwinds of a Crisis The Intersection Of Rage, Fear And Hope

By Mark S. Lee and David Girodat The COVID-19 crisis has created both health and financial challenges for many families and businesses. Unlike past economic downturns, the tumult occurred abruptly, bringing hardship to many industries simultaneously.

For example, recent reports indicate 100,000 small business have permanently closed since the pandemic hit in March while others have experienced significant cash flow challenges. It will take time to rebound, but with proper planning and support, you have opportunity to emerge with plans which will enable you to navigate challenges during these extraordinary times.

Whatever your situation, the good news has been the realization that we are all in this together. Here are tips designed to help small business weather these current uncertain conditions.

Designate a procedure for working from alternate locations If the COVID-19 crisis has taught us anything, it’s that business continuity relies on having technology that workers can access anywhere. Even schools are finding ways to implement online solutions. Many companies that already had flexible or virtual work options in place were able to pick up seamlessly to perform critical work functions.

If you found your team struggling to work remotely, now is the time to determine what support would make it smoother next time.

Leverage technology and effectively integrate as part of your overall business operational plans while creating a process to protect against cyber security risks.

Assess your current workforce numbers As a small business owner, you are either a solopreneur, or have selected your team members with care, and view each one as “essential.” Unfortunately, though, sometimes you have to make tough choices when business is down and your staffing needs diminish.

If you decide you need a leaner team, there are a number of possibilities: you might cut hours or pay across the board, furlough staff, or in the worst case, layoff some staff completely.

Each option comes with pros and cons for both the business and your employees. For example, a furlough is a temporary work stoppage that could allow employees to retain benefits. On the

other hand, laying them off would open the door to collecting unemployment.

Add Goods or Services That Customers Can Still Access Brick-and-mortar retailers and restaurants have taken the lead in making quick pivots to online marketplaces that allow them to continue selling goods.

For example, if you primarily provide face-to-face consulting, arrange video sessions or create a library of tutorials that customers can access for a small fee. If you run a fitness studio, move your classes online in order to keep your brand top of mind and still deliver value to customers who are paying a monthly fee.

Stay on top of tools and resources for small businesses Many organizations like the Michigan Small Business Development Center and others are offering webinars on programs and resources available to small businesses.

Currently, the Small Business Administration is offering loans to many small businesses so they can continue their fundamental services and keep their workers employed. In many crises, small businesses need fast access to cash, so it’s never too early to talk to your banker about capital you may be able to tap in a crisis.

And The LEE Group, which hosts an annual Small Business Workshop during Small Business Week in May has shifted its programming online to June, with its first virtual session on June 17, followed by sessions June 24, July 15, 22 and 29. This year’s workshop is titled “Navigating the Headwinds of Crisis.”

As we all navigate these uncertain times, employees, customers and the community are depending on small businesses more than ever.

And remember, we’re all in this together.

The views expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of Fifth Third Bank and are solely the opinions of the authors. This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, or other professional services by Fifth Third Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, and are provided without any warranty whatsoever.

Mark S. Lee, President & CEO, The LEE Group. David Girodat, Regional President, Fifth Third Bank, Eastern Michigan

One Bad Apple Spoils The Barrel

By Oscar H. Blayton

despite ample evidence of his wrongdoing, Burge was never convicted of these Today there is a roiling debate in the crimes. However, in 2010, he was conUnited States over whether police de- victed of obstruction of justice and perpartments should be disbanded and re- jury related to testimony he gave in a placed with civic structures that better 1989 civil suit filed against him seeking damages for alleged torture. serve their communities.

During his career with the Chicago This debate police, Burge rose to the rank of dewas sparked by tective and was made an area detective the shocking vidcommander before being suspended in eotape of George 1991 and fired in 1993 for leading a team Floyd being caof officers in the violent abuse of citisually murdered zens – most of whom were Black males. by a Minneapolis police officer. The When we are asked to believe that a obvious cruelty campaign of terror led by a senior officer and disregard of of one of the nation’s largest municipal George Floyd’s law enforcement agencies went unnohumanity by Offi- Oscar H. Blayton ticed for almost 20 years, the stench of cer Derek Chauvin a barrel of rotten apples assaults our appalled not only the nation but people noses. around the globe.

In 1999, Amadou Diallo was murChauvin had 17 complaints against dered by four New York City police offihim for misconduct during his 20-year cers – Sean Carroll, Richard Murphy, Edcareer. Despite that record, he was al- ward McMellon and Kenneth Boss. They lowed to remain on the Minneapolis Po- fired 41 shots at Diallo, striking him 19 lice Force and act in a supervisory role. times, because he pulled his wallet from Nationwide protests arising from his pocket. These four officers belonged Chauvin’s killing of Mr. Floyd were met to the city’s notorious Street Crime Unit with the usual minimalist argument whose motto, tellingly, was “We Own from the Minneapolis Police Department The Night.” None of these officers was declaring that Chauvin was just “one convicted of a crime. bad apple.” The problem with using this However, the unit, formed in 1971, adage when referencing police behavior was disbanded in 2002 after an FBI inis that no one ever quotes it fully. The vestigation revealed that it routinely ensaying is: “One bad apple spoils the bar- gaged in racial profiling. rel.”

There are numerous examples of poNo one disputes that Chauvin was a lice units and whole departments com“bad apple” as a cop. And if we apply the ing under the influence of vicious offiadage to describe him, it logically fol- cers who never should have been given lows that he spoiled many of the officers a badge. And the failures of these law around him. enforcement agencies fall heaviest upon Rotten apples contaminate their en- people of color. vironment and cause rot and infection Being asked to trust these rotten poin the rest of their bunch. Violent and lice departments after they have demonoverly aggressive cops contaminate strated their capacity to murder, torture their departments, resulting in abuse, and abuse citizens confirms that we are denial of rights and innocent lives lost being asked to enter the realm of the abin the communities they are supposed surd with this issue. to serve.

Police have responded to the current The truth of this is evidenced by the George Floyd murder video where two protests against abusive behavior by rookie cops, following Chauvin’s lead, police by acting like thugs. They have can be seen pressing Mr. Floyd into the been recorded indiscriminately slashground, preventing his ability to breathe. ing the tires of cars in parking lots, Chauvin’s rotten behavior triggered rot- pepper-spraying protesters, including ten behavior by the cops around him. young children, and driving vehicles The rookies have even said in their de- into crowds of peaceful protesters.

It is time to admit that the barrel of fense that they were following Chauvin’s apples has rotted, and it is time to clean lead.

The history of policing people of col- it out. We must withhold dollars going or is rife with bad apples and their rot- into bad policing and use those funds to ting influence on their colleagues. Take bring about a change in our communifor example, Jon Graham Burge of the ties that respects the rights of all citiChicago Police Department. Burge was zens.

Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine accused of torturing more than 200 criminal suspects between 1972 and Corps combat pilot and human rights 1991 to obtain forced confessions. But activist who practices law in Virginia.

By Kala Gibson The hardest thing I had to do last week was explain to my sons why they are hated by certain people, and how their skin color will be weaponized against them.

No parent should be forced to have such a conversation with their children.

My sons are 13 and 17; the oldest just graduated from high school. We’ve had “the talk.” But this talk was different because it centered around recent examples that did not involve the police. Ahmaud Arbery and the incident in Central Park resonated and scared Kala Gibson my sons since they enjoy walks through our neighborhood and the local park. Trying to answer their questions and not instill total rage or fear in their hearts and minds was very challenging but was accomplished with stories of hope and healing.

Consider this truth-filled quote from the writer James Baldwin: “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.”

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

We are seeing this rage manifest itself across the country as a result of the death of George Floyd and a pandemic that is afflicting black and brown people at a disproportionate rate. But let’s be clear that this rage was not created a few days or a few months ago. It has been simmering for centuries as the result of enslavement, Jim Crow laws, government housing policies mandating segregation, redlining, lack of health care, mass incarceration and police brutality.

I, too, have this rage. It’s behind a smile and mild professional demeanor, but it is there. At times, it feels like an anchor around my neck that will eventually take me under, but I fight daily to stay afloat. I very much understand the ramifications, big and small, if I would let it consume my being. It is to overcome this struggle that has driven me to

dedicate my life to financial equality and justice for people of color.

In addition to this rage, there is also a fair amount of fear. Not a paralyzing fear that prevents some folks from living their lives or pursuing their dreams, but just enough to be another anchor around my neck. The fear that I carry everyday of someone hurting me or my two sons because of our skin color. The fear that they could become another name added with Emmett Till, Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Tamir Rice, Mike Brown, Breonna Taylor, Timothy Thomas and Ahmaud Arbery can be overwhelming at times.

My heart is heavy, and I’m deeply saddened over the recent events, but I continue to have hope and faith in our country. I believe this is our defining moment. This is the moment we say enough is enough. This is the moment we stand against injustice and inequality.

Together, we can combat institutional racism and discrimination. Through love, respect, grace and empathy, all things are possible. Join me in this fight.

We have heard from many leaders in the past weeks, but I encourage us all to check on one another and discuss how we can heal and defeat racism and discrimination. I would also encourage you to support the following organizations that are focused on financial equality and justice: Mortar, a nonprofit resource hub for urban entrepreneurs in Cincinnati that invests in people and solutions to make a difference in the community. More information can be found at: Wearemortar. com.

Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, which offers programs, among other things on job training and development as well as African-American Business Development Program. More info: ulgso.org.

African-American Chamber of Commerce of Cincinnati works to ensure the success of its membership and the African-American business community.

More info: African-americanchamber. com Kala Gibson is the head of business banking for Fifth Third Bank and the president of the board of directors for Mortar.

Voice of the Voice of the Community Community at your at your fingertips

fingertips.

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Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com •

June 24-30, 2020

We are in a battle for the soul of the nation.

“NOW IS THE TIME FOR RACIAL JUSTICE.” - JOE BIDEN

The moment has come for our nation to deal with systemic racism.

To deal with the growing economic inequality in our nation.

And to deal with the denial of the promise of this nation to so many.

The history of this nation teaches us that it’s in some of our darkest moments of despair that we’ve made some of our greatest progress.

As president, it is my commitment to lead on these issues — to listen.

Because I truly believe in my heart of hearts, that we can overcome.

And when we stand together, finally, as one America, we will rise stronger than before.

This is the United States of America.

And there is nothing we can’t do, if we do it together.

LEARN MORE AT

joebiden.com PAID FOR BY BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT

City. Life. Style.

B1 | June 24-30, 2020

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

One-On-One With Style Guru

MARV NEAL

By Jordan Woods

T

he past few months have driven many people into a much-needed space of self-reflection and discovery. But even when the world fully reopens, we will each continue to learn more about who we are as individuals Every single day. One of the main ways we will communicate that to the world is through our personal style.

Marvin “Marv” Neal not only does this for himself, but goes a step further by helping other individuals, and some of the biggest brands around, do the exact same thing. With an impactful background that includes a personal shopper position with Versace, work with prominent figures such as Toni Braxton and Joique Bell, spreads in publications such as Ambassador Magazine and work featured during New York Fashion Week, Neal has uniquely high level of understanding on how to create looks that demonstrate who people are, to the world.

Marv’s Personal History Marv: So I come from a single parent, single mother home, but I was raised in a house with three or four different generations in one house. So it was my great-grandmother, my grandmother, the oldest Aunt, the middle aunt, and my mom. I was the only boy. I used to sit and watch them, how much they paid attention to dressing, and how their friends all would come over to see what they had new. My one aunt worked retail right Downtown [Detroit]. There used to be a store inside of the Renaissance called Carnaby’s.

She used to take me to work with her on Saturdays or Sundays, when she had to close. That was my first introduction of seeing how women would come and buy clothes. I remember at about four or five, maybe six, I started paying attention to it.

I come from a family where the men were tailors a long time ago. The women all knew how to sew. My aunts, my grandmother, great-grandmother, worked at a cleaners for years. That’s what she retired from. So I guess it’s just in my DNA to be kind of around clothing.

That’s pretty much my background. I’m born and bred here. Come from the women. Paid attention to detail. The men that they married or dated all dressed well too. So I think it’s just a thing of just paying attention to fashion.

Discovering His Purpose Marv: I think I always knew that I wanted to do fashion, I just don’t think that I ...I’ll say this, at first it was being six, seven, eight, we would draw Michael Jordans, the Jordans, or dream of drawing and designing a Jordan [shoe]. Just whatever Nikes or Adidas that were out, we would draw those. So I started out with loving to draw, and then it went to, maybe high school, I kind of knew that I wanted to be a fashion designer. But then I was like, “There has to be somebody that dresses the people in between.” I knew it had to be, where there was a bigger brand, where the people that were in the magazines that I was looking at came from.

That’s how I found out about Puff’s baby mom, Misa Hylton Brim. So it was her, Groovy Lew, those names I would see all of the time inside of all of the Vibes or Sources [Magazines], and all of the things that were written, once hip-hop was really hitting. So I would just see their names, and it would be like “wardrobe stylist”, or “fashion consultant”. I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do.” So by the time I got to high school, like ‘94, I knew. So after that, I didn’t know what I had to do. I just figured I had to go to fashion school, and then move to wardrobe styling or move to New York to do it.

See MARV NEAL Page B-2

Detroit Artist Jai Fears Releases Debut EP, Gemini Singer, actress and dancer Jai Fears will release her debut EP, Gemini, June 12th on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and SoundCloud.

This seven track project highlights Fears’ multifaceted personality, her passion for Detroit and drive to succeed, by any means necessary. In addition to this project marking a milestone in Fears’ career, it will also be released on the eve of her upcoming birthday.

Jai Fears’ talents are exemplary when it comes to the music and entertainment industry. She’s spent years working as a backup dancer for singer, songwriter and record producer, Charlie Wilson, and has even earned the title of becoming his protégée. Her resume doesn’t stop there – she’s performed with the likes of Aretha Franklin, N’Sync, Stevie Wonder and John Legend during the 2006

Super Bowl and at the 2010 Royal Oak Arts Beats and Eats Festival.

Once Fears made the decision to go all in for her music career, momentum picked up and hasn’t slowed down. She has gone on to win BET’s 106 & Park Wild Out Wednesday competition and open shows for recording artist such as Keyshia Cole, K. Michelle, Boyz II Men, John B, Howard Hewitt and Ryan Leslie.

Fears’ debut project, Gemini, not only solidifies her talent as an artist but also gives fans an opportunity to learn more about who Jai Fears really is. From her single I_t_’l_l_ _D_o_, where Fears details her determination to live a good life regardless of her circumstances, to her ballroom track, Detroit Vibe – listeners truly get a closer look into what Fears is passionate about.

“I’m proud of being born a

Gemini and it plays such a big role in who I am,” said Jai Fears.

“With this being my first full project, I really wanted my fans to get to know me, which will definitely help them understand my artistry.

With the help of my producers, Justin Credible and Cordell Walton, I’ve really been able to put my heart and soul into this project and I’m really excited for fans and everyone else to receive it.”

Moving forward, Fears hopes to work on visuals for her remaining tracks, celebrate the release of her EP and book live performances once the Michigan stayat-home executive order is lifted.

Jai Fears’ EP, Gemini, can be found on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and SoundCloud. To learn more about Jai Fears, her most recent project and upcoming shows, visit JaiFears.com.

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • June 24-30, 2020

Marv Neal From page B-1

So I would work retail, and just learn how to dress the mannequins, and how to edit down real good, and know what really goes with what, and still have your own style in there. So I’d say about high school is where I really, really knew, for sure, this is what I want to do.

Marv’s Experience Fashion in Roles Personal Shopper Marv: So for a personal shopper, it falls into the realm of wardrobe styling. You would basically shop for, it could be someone like you, to corporate, all the way up to an actor or somebody like that. You could just be the person that basically shops for them. You would have to have a little bit of style, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re dressing them.

Wardrobe stylist Marv: Wardrobe stylists are more the people that dress the bigger things, so magazines, video, even with some movies, that might come up under costuming.

They’ll usually be kind of close with, sometimes, even the creator director, and then the creative director is over all of that too.

Then you have people that just do closets. They don’t really necessarily want to do it, they just come in, clean your closet, organize your closet, and make it suitable for whatever your lifestyle is. If you want to get rid or purge a bunch of stuff, you have people that do that. Then everything has a price, depending on what it is.

Creative Director Marv: I think with me, the creative director role just kind of fell into play, because I’m always the one that people ask when they’re like “I don’t have an idea how I want it to look, period.” So they’re like, “Get me to how my hair should be, how my makeup should be, where I should be shooting at,” or whatever the case may be.

Stereotyping and Nepotism in Fashion JW: Would you say that in the fashion world, once you’re dealing with the higher end products and bigger brands, that it’s harder for people of color, or people from single parent backgrounds to break in? Because there is a lot of thoseMarv: Stereotypes?

JW: Stereotypes, and then in the corporate world, I know from my previous experience, that a lot of jobs are reserved for friends of friends.

Marv: Exactly.

JW: Would you say it’s the same in the fashion world?

Marv: It’s the same in the fashion world.

I mean, everything with me has been kind of like undeniable, just because I have the work to show for it. So they kind of can’t really deny it.

JW: The work is the work.

Marv: The work is the work. But I think that I’m still not the first one that people come to, because they want to let their friend do it, or give their friend a chance.

A lot of times, it shows that your friend doesn’t really have the experience, or know what to do, or your friends got on set, and was running their mouth about something when they weren’t supposed to.

So to me, it’s best that you just hire someone that really knows what they’re doing, or has the experience, because I’ve worked from the higher end magazine and celebrity, all the way down to just, my homegirl just texted me today about a birthday dress. So I get it all day. Never any off time, there’s always someone asking. So I think that it plays a part, even, still, because there is a lot of stuff going on here that I don’t get called for. I always kind of feel like I should, you know what I mean? I don’t get mad, I just keep working.

Most of the time, everything kind of works off of social media. I don’t have a problem with reposting older stuff, just because you get a new audience every day. We all know how Tumblr, to Twitter, to Facebook, it Instagram, everybody has their own algorithm. So there might be

somebody that you’ve been following, but just didn’t see the work pop up. So every day, I try to always post and show my presence, keep my hashtag everywhere, which is #StyledByMarv, that way that people can kind of see everything, everywhere.

On Current Style Trends in Detroit Marv: I think the core of Detroit is still kind of the same, it still has the urban flare to it. I think Detroit has a certain flare that, what happens with that is that the opportunities that aren’t here, or the jobs that aren’t here, you get the people that are traveling in and out of town...the people see them at the club, and wondering where they’re from, because we’ve just got a certain kind of swag about us.

But with the gentrification going on, there are a lot of people from Brooklyn that have moved here. So you kind of get the New York lazy functionality, but it’s still fashionable. I guess that’s just really your Downtown or Midtown. But if you go east or west, in the hood, then it’s still the same.

Your Fly Fresh, your denims, your dunks, your coat to match, that kind of thing. I think fur is a Detroit thing. So all of these grandmas or uncles with the fur on, and they’re out, us getting into that realm, everybody wants a fur collar, or something.

I think it’s still core Detroit, of course with the Cartier, and the certain things that you see, you just automatically know, it’s Detroit. But I think it’s starting to be a little bit more where even Detroiters are starting to be a little bit more open to not being so local driven, or showing their wealth.

Finding Your Personal Style Marv: I would just say that the best thing to do is to know your personal style and knowing your sizing. Sizing is a big factor. So for someone like you, who is a little bit taller than me, will always be finding the big and tall, and then finding a good seamstress, or a good tailor that will take your things in. I think with the brands here, it’s that just we don’t really have much, here in Michigan. You have Somerset, of course.

Nieman Marcus and Saks kind of cater to all of those...then there is an H&M down here [Downtown Detroit], now. So in Downtown Detroit, you’ve got a little bit more showing up. So yeah, I think that it’s just a thing of knowing your sizes, and being open to buying pieces that complement in your closet, that you can interchange, because that’s just important.

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Where City Meets LIFE and Life Meets STYLE

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Spring and Summer Wardrobe Tips Marv: Invest in a good jacket, whether it’s a denim jacket, or just some kind of jacket of a good material. It doesn’t necessarily have to be warm or anything like that.

I think coats in the springtime play a good part in how you look. Summer, summer is kind of...with women, it’s a lot of being put together without overly doing it. So make sure that your maxi dress and your undergarments are good for the summertime. I think sometimes people get a little lax. But undergarments play a good part of your maxi, and make sure that you’re not jiggling everywhere.

With the guys, it’s just always about being kind of cool. Again, just putting those glasses into play. Clean shoes. Clean, white gym shoes, and just looking like you’re happy that it’s a new season, that kind of thing. It’s really about, if you buy the correct pieces, you’ll be interchanging those winter pieces into spring, especially here in Michigan it goes right from being 60, 50, 20 degrees to jumping to 65, 70. So I think it’s about whatever nice denim you can buy, interchanging them with a nice polo, or something like that for the fellas, a nice rocker tee always does the trick. Just looking like you don’t really care, but you do care. That kind of thing.

Marv’s Goals Marv: My goals going forward are just to be more involved with the things coming to Michigan, whether it’s being a creative director or wardrobe stylist for whatever is here. Just being more involved in my city, because I don’t want to miss opportunities here, even though I’ve worked outside of everywhere else, I don’t want to miss opportunities that are here. I feel like with all of the stuff that’s coming here, I shouldn’t have to leave from here.

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are proud sponsors of the Michigan Chronicle’s 15th season of Pancakes & Politics. Our shared commitment to strengthen local communities is a great reason to be confident in the future of Michigan.

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June 24-30, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com •

(StatePoint) With many events canceled and public venues closed, the backyard is likely going to be the new hot spot destination for families nationwide.

But staying home doesn’t have to be boring. Using these tips, you can put together an afternoon of sunshine and fun, right in your own backyard.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together Milo’s Sweet Tea and 2 teaspoons garlic salt; set aside. Place chicken wings in a large shallow dish. Pour Milo’s mixture over chicken; cover and refrigerate for 8 hours.

Focus on the Food

• In a large bowl, combine remaining garlic salt, cayenne, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and lemon pepper. Toss chicken and spices in large zip lock bag or bowl until evenly coated.

For delicious wings, you don’t need to head to a favorite restaurant. You can prepare them at home with this recipe for Milo’s Sweet Tea Wings: Ingredients: • 3 cups Milo’s Sweet Tea • 2.5 pounds chicken wings, cut into drums and flats • 2 teaspoons garlic salt, divided • 1.5 - 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, depending on heat preference • 2 teaspoons garlic powder • 2 teaspoons chili powder • 2 teaspoons paprika

• Preheat grill to medium or oven to 400 F.

• For grill, place wings over heat turning frequently.

Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees and skin is crispy.

• For oven, arrange wings on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, turning halfway through, until skin is browned and tips are crispy. Serve warm.

For extra crisp, toss wings on the grill over medium-high heat for three minutes per side before serving.

Find even more recipes perfect for a backyard barbecue at DrinkMilos.com/recipes.

• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper

Cool Off

Instructions:

Keep a cooler of delicious drinks handy to stay refreshed

Page B-3

on a warm day. Iced tea is always a summer classic, but be sure to have a variety of flavors on deck to satisfy everyone’s taste buds -- sweet tea, zero calorie sweet tea, and tea mixed with lemonade, to name a few. The high-quality, fresh beverages offered by Milo’s are made with natural ingredients and have no added colors or preservatives.

Create a Theme Night Choose a different theme for every backyard BBQ you enjoy with your family -- whether it’s all songs about summer or you focus on a particular decade, you can create a specialized playlist to set the tone and dress for the occasion.

Game On You may be feeling a bit cooped up these days, so be sure to play some yard games that allow you to stretch your legs as well as concentrate. Cornhole and bocce make great choices, or set up outsized versions of your favorite board games that are best played outdoors.

With delicious eats, cool drinks, games and music, you can make the backyard the ideal place to “get away from it all” and enjoy an afternoon of family fun.

Backyard

Living:

Perfecting Your Next Ribeye Steak

(StatePoint) Besides a great looking lawn, nothing showcases the backyard quite like a cookout. But anything worth doing is worth doing right. So when it comes to grilling your next ribeye steak, take a cue from world class chefs who are all turning up the heat.

“All my chef buddies are cooking on high, intense heat, getting their cast-irons blistering and getting their grills ripping hot to keep everything from sticking and to get that super fast char,” says former “Iron Chef Showdown” winner, David Bancroft. “The chef’s secret is to really push that boundary on temperature and finding confidence there.”

As host of the new Exmark Original series “Prime Cuts,” Bancroft spends a lot of time talking to some of the world’s best grill chefs. In

a recent episode, he teamed up with the 2017 James Beard Award winner, Best Chef Midwest, Chef Kevin Nashan to show viewers how to prepare the perfect ribeye steak.

Nashan shared his secrets for ribeye success: he likes to use the heart of the ribeye over a really hot grill, adding a little oil “as an insurance policy,” for a little sear, and then finishing it off in the oven.

He accompanies his cut with a little grilled Napa cabbage, pickled mustard seeds, mustard jus made from the trim of the meat, tater tots and sauce gribiche.

“No one thinks to grill cabbage, but cabbage can stand up to the heat of the grill, plus it has a little horseradish nature to it, and of course ribeye and horseradish go hand-in-hand,” says Nashan.

To watch the complete “Prime Cuts” episode, plus bonus content, complete

recipes, cooking prep tips and more, visit Exmark.com/Backyard. As part of a unique multimedia destination called Backyard Life, which has a focus on giving home and acreage owners tips and know-how to make the most of their outdoor experience and live more life outdoors, you can also access content on lawn-and-garden, outdoor cooking and living and rural lifestyles.

As you heat up the grill, stoke the fire and throw on a prime cut, Bancroft encourages you to do so with confidence.

“The common trend here with all the chefs cooking in the backyard is getting confident with your cooking vessels,” says Bancroft. “Know what your temperatures are, know your hot spots, know your cold spots and get confident.”

From ribeye to fish, with a few pointers and the right attitude, you can nail your next feast on the grill.

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • June 24-30, 2020

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June 24-30, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REQUEST FOR QUOTE The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting quotes for Mobile Workstations.

Solicitation forms for RFQ Control No. 20-3197 may be obtained beginning June 19, 2020 from http://www.mitn.info.

Responses to RFQ 20-3197 are due by 3:00 PM ET, July 8, 2020.

AT&T Mobility proposes to build a 160-foot Monopole Communications Tower. There is no anticipated lighting, and the tower will be unpainted. The Site location is 50177 Gratiot Avenue, Chesterfield, Macomb County, Michigan 48048, 42-408.29, -82-50-20.41. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR, Form 854) filing number is A1168148.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS – Interested persons may review the application (www.fcc.gov/asr/ applications) by entering the filing number. Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review (www.fcc.gov/asr/ environmentalrequest) and online filings are strongly encouraged. The mailing address to file a paper copy is: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.

HISTORIC PROPERTIES EFFECTS – Public comments regarding potential effects on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Emily Anderson, e.anderson@trileaf.com, 1821 Walden Office Square, Suite 500, Schaumburg, IL 60173 – 630.227.0202.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Controls Integration Simulation Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Convert physics equations into virtual vehicle models to simulate conventional &Battery Electric Vehicle full vehicle behavior, incldg chassis &propulsion sys behavior in dynamic &steady states to enable cosimulation. Use &apply optimization techniques incldg Kriging methodology &Response Surface Modeling, &large scale Multidisciplinary Optimization (MDO) techniques, in C/C++ &Python, &MATLAB &Simulink tools, to leverage CAE tool capabilities for suspension tuning. Dvlp, simulate, execute controls syss integration, &create psgr vehicle syss &subsyss MIL/SIL/HIL/DIL models to simulate complete virtual vehicle models in low &high fidelity, using MATLAB, Simulink, Adams, CarSim, & other tools. Master, Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical Engrg, or related. 24 mos experience as CAE Engineer, Technical Lead, or related, performing large scale MDO studies &techniques, in C/C++ &Python, using MATLAB tool, or related. Mail resume to Ref#1955-107, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Segment CFO Autonomous Vehicles (AV) Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan, manage &control financial performance (incldg mfg expense in excess, engrg spend, capital performance) of full autonomous vehicle products, AV partnerships &personal autonomous products (SuperCruise) programs, incldg all financial &budgetary affairs &compliance. Dvlp &control Global AV project financial business case for NA &global (Asia-Pacific &Middle East) markets, overseeing key drivers of Material Cost, Logistics, Engrg &Capital. Drive crossfunctional financial &orgztnl collaboration w/ San Francisco &Japan-based JV partners in dvlpmt &execution of shared AV platform. Analyze AV program performance, financial &KPIs, &identify measures to maintain &reduce costs & to improve overall financial &economic profitability.

Lead team of 4 Financial Analysts who support individual product lines &individual engrg, mfg, purchasing, corporate dvlpmnt, legal &accounting workstreams. Master, Bus. Admin., Accntng, or Finance. 24 mos exp as Sr. Financial Analyst, Finance Mgr, or related, dvlpg &controlling a global AV or global vehicle project financial business case including Asia-Pacific &Middle East markets, overseeing key drivers of Material Cost, Logistics, Engrg &Capital, &collaborating w/ a foreign JV partner, or related. Mail resume to Ref#3362, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Program Validation Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr &dvlp program validation plans &ensure on-time execution of validation deliverables for Body in Frame performance, small &mid-size psgr vehicle programs. Dvlp program LADV plan. Review &optimize LADV sub-plans based on analytical CAE results (incldg thermal, &N&V, &crash), program history, &vehicle content strategies to optimize the plans for shared HW usage to minimize prototype materials costs. Create Preproduction Property Request (PPPR) for ontime submission to Pre-Production Op. (PPO) incldg calculation &reporting of psgr vehicle counts, vehicle build completion dates, required vehicle content options, &specific testing, dvlpmt &tuning instrumentation (thermocouples &pressure sensors) based on usage &test region.

Dvlp &issue U.S./China market small &mid-size psgr vehicle platforms full vehicle mnthly Validation Metric &High Risk reports incldg Chassis, Body, Exterior, Interior, Electrical, Powertrain, Thermal, &Safety/Certification, to Validation Leadership. Bachelor, Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, or Production Engrg. 24 mos exp as Engineer, creating or executing PPPR or build plan for on-time submission to PPO incldg calculation or reporting of vehicle build completion dates, content options, &tuning instrumentation (thermocouples &pressure sensors) based on usage &test region, or related.

Mail resume to Ref#48466, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Engage Virtually

Tips for keeping older adults connected (Family Features) Connection and a sense of community can be critical to well-being as people continue to distance and isolate. It can be challenging, especially for older adults, but there are ways to engage, explore and unwind.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so choose a few things that suit you and commit to them. Remember to pay attention to your social and mental health while taking care of your physical health, and consider these ideas from the Administration for Community Living.

Connect Use social media to stay in touch with friends and loved ones or reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while.

Take advantage of video call platforms to see faces of family and friends while you talk to them.

Write letters to friends and reminisce about some of your favorite memories. Ask them to write back and share their own favorite memories.

Keep up to date with current events and stay connected to neighbors by reading local newspapers and community bulletins.

Explore Take free courses online. With subjects ranging from computers and cooking to studio arts and foreign languages, there is something for nearly everyone.

Explore zoos and aquariums across the country through virtual tours and lessons. Many have live webcams that allow you to watch the animals in real time.

Enjoy artwork from around the world. Thousands of museums and galleries are currently displaying their collections online through virtual tours.

Tour one of the many national parks offering digital tours and experiences you can access anytime from the comfort of home.

Unwind Check your library’s free e-books and audiobooks you can borrow without leaving home. Consider joining a virtual book club to connect with others enjoying the same book.

Host dinner or a game night with friends over a video chat. Word, trivia and acting games tend to work well virtually.

The Michigan Chronicle recognizes our

Frontline and Essential Workers!

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We could not make it through this Pandemic without you!

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Catch free performances online. Some opera houses and theaters are streaming plays and performances for digital audiences.

Watch a TV show or movie while talking to a friend on the phone or over video chat.

Many streaming services offer free trials and

some even have a way to watch together online.

For information on services for older adults in your community, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare. acl.gov.

Page B-6

• michiganchronicle.com • June 24-30, 2020

STRONGER TOGETHER

The DTE Energy Foundation has dedicated more than $21 million to support COVID-19 relief efforts in Michigan. Now more than ever, the Foundation is helping power communities by supporting programs that meet human needs – with specific support for children and seniors. And we’ve provided personal protective equipment and technical assistance to small businesses statewide because strong local communities are the basis of a healthy, thriving Michigan.