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Volume 78 – Number 41
June 24-30, 2015
WHAT’S INSIDE
Clementa Pinckney, 41 Cynthia Hurd, 54
Touching Communities. Touching Lives.™ A PUBLICATION OF MGM GRAND DETROIT
June 2015
MGM Grand Detroit helps Make-A-Wish® Michigan give hope, strength and joy to courageous children
Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45
By Scott Talley Special to the Michigan Chronicle
Granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions is a noble mission, and that is why MakeA-Wish® Michigan is a noble organization. Since 1984, the respected nonprofit has granted more than 8,000 wishes to Michigan kids. Continue on page 3
Tywanza Sanders, 26
Inside This Issue • MGM Grand Detroit family cherishes special partnership with Make-A-Wish® Michigan. • Detroit City Chess Club’s awards program celebrates bright young minds from our community.
Ethel Lance, 70
• MGM Grand Detroit’s Policy Action Team remains a strong advocate for our region. • And much more!
Presidents speaks on Emancipation Proclamation (Page A-3)
Susie Jackson, 87 DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49 Myra Thompson, 59
President Barack Obama noted that although great progress has been made since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation 150 years ago, bigotry and hate
Daniel Simmons Sr., 74
remain alive. “America can change,” he said emphatically.
Helping girls and women for three decades-plus (Page B-1) Since 1982, Full & Fabulous, an organization founded by Sharon DuMas, has been making a major difference in the lives of women and girls who suffer with emotional and health problems due to being overweight.
Haiti Support Project revisited (Page B-4) The commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Haiti Support Project (HSP) will take place Oct. 14-18 in that challenged but proud country. Ron Daniels will be there again and has much to say about the organization.
New Black-owned car dealership (Page C-1) A groundbreaking ceremony took place recently in Warren, where Prestige Cadillac will open a dealership. The showroom is expected to open next year. Prestige Cadillac is owned Gregory Jackson, president and CEO of Prestige Automotive Group.
Black Lives Matter THIS TIME: NINE LIVES
S.C. Massacre Wake-up Call
By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR
The massacre in South Carolina carried out last week by a racist domestic terrorist left me thinking for a week about the insidiousness of racism, COMMENTARY which is more than conscious hate. It is a system, an idea and a philosophy that pits one race against the other. It is a way of life that creates the false
and dangerous notion that anything White is better than Black. Think about the diabolical manifesto linked to the terrorist Dylann Roof who took the nine precious Black lives at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, a church steeped in the long and proud tradition of fightBankole Thompson ing for equality, justice and freedom for Blacks. Think about the South Carolina terrorist's hatred and wanting Blacks to remain subjugated to Whites. That is such a political statement that has long haunted this nation since America's first sin of slavery. Roof, the terrorist, was on a political crusade. He was not
acting alone. This hate for Blacks did not just come to him overnight. He was simply and squarely acting out of years of a hateful body of work that promotes the deceitful narrative that Blacks are less than human beings. Think about the Dred Scott v. Sanford case in which then U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney declared that a Black person "had no rights which the White man was bound to respect; and that the Negro might justly and lawfully be reduced to slavery for his benefit. He was bought and sold and treated as an ordinary article of merchandise and traffic, whenever profit could be made by it." That is the history we are dealing with. This is the idea that produced
See BLACK
LIVES MATTER page A-4
EM ready for Wayne County? By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans' call last week for the state to declare financial emergency in the county is sending different messages to both taxpayers and those who have been observing county government for years.
Hall of Fame honor for Al Jarreau (Page D-1) Al Jarreau, one of the most unique jazz song stylists in the history of American music, made his recording debut in 1975 and has been a strong presence ever since. He has been inducted into the Michigan Chronicle Show Business Hall of Fame.
While news of the county’s financial troubles is no surprise, Evans’ decision to invite the state into addressing the fiscal challenges of the county is sending shock waves. For some, this could be the beginning of the march into emergency management for the county, an ordeal that Detroit just came out of after 17 months. In a letter to State Treasurer Nick Khouri, Evans said the county is facing challenges
See WAYNE
Warren Evans
Look inside this week’s
LIVING
WELL
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Magazine
and discover what people are talking about.
Rev. Jim Holley
Mike Duggan
By Donald James
beginning of his administration, Rev. Dr. Jim Holley is stepping down at the end of June. Holley discussed his decision. “I’ve enjoyed my appointed role, but I don’t want to
Rev. Holley stepping down as Duggan’s civic liaison
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
After accepting Mayor Mike Duggan’s appointment to serve as the City of Detroit’s director of community and civic affairs at the
See HOLLEY page A-4
Full & Fabulous: Inside the Curvy Girl Project
Full & Fabulous: Inside the Curvy Girl Project Childhood Obesity in Michigan Living Well at an Early Age
Childhood Obesity in Michigan Living Well at an Early Age
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June 24-30, 2015
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Weather: 7-day forecast
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Page A-2
Wet Weather Driving Tips: Safety starts before you drive, and your goal should be to see and be seen. Replace windshield wiper inserts that leave streaks or don’t clear the glass in a single swipe. Make sure all headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are properly functioning so other drivers will see you during downpours.
Forecasts provided by The Weather Channel, www.weather.com
HIV NATIONAL TESTING DAY, THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Living with HIV, living to educate others By Donald James
Booth said she became HIV positive after having sex with her boyfriend, someone she really loved.
March 10, 2000 is a day that LaTasha Booth will always remember because that is when she learned she was HIV positive. Like anyone, Booth, who was 21 years old at the time, was stunned.
“He was on the down low, having sex with other men, which I didn’t know about,” she said.
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
“I found out at a regular medical checkup,” recalled Booth. “I was shocked, hurt and shamed. I was also confused because I didn’t have any knowledge of HIV, except what I had seen on television.”
HIV National Testing Day is Thursday, June 25. Professional Medical Center will be conducting HIV testing at its four Detroit locations.
HOW TO CONTACT US:
Despite learning of her HIV status in 2000, Booth only started taking medications two years ago. “The only reason that I ended up on medications was because there was a lot of stuff going on in my life,” said Booth, a Detroit native,who holds both a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s degree in psychology from Wayne State University. “I started taking medications after putting myself and my health on the back burner since so much was going on in my life.” Booth wants others to learn from her experience, so she looks for opportunities in which to educate others. “I’ve been upfront and open about my status,” Booth said. “I have participated in multiple documentaries, appeared in plays, have been on the front page of a Detroit newspaper, and in African American magazines.” Booth currently works fulltime as a juvenile probation supervisor, a position she has held for five years. She hopes to write a book someday, which will chronicle her journey in life, both before and after her HIV diagnosis. She has given countless speeches on HIV across the country. Now engaged, Booth is almost eight months pregnant. She said there’s less than a one percent chance of pregnant women passing HIV on to their unborn babies, if women take necessary pre-natal treatments.”
LaTasha Booth According to the Atlanta, Georgia-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans are the ethnic group most affected by HIV, accounting for an estimated 44 percent of all new HIV infections among adults and adolescents. In addition, the rate of new HIV infection in African Americans is eight times that of Whites based on population size, and Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men represents an estimated 72 percent of new infections among all African American men. While abstinence is pretty much the only way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, other people are urged to get tested.
“Anyone that has ever had unprotected sex and/or shared needles to inject drugs should be tested,” Booth said. “Really, HIV can happen to anybody, rich, poor, Black, White or Latino. It doesn’t matter who you are. You can be married, single, male or female. You don’t know what your sexual partners have been doing. HIV doesn’t discriminate. Everybody should just get tested regularly.” HIV National Testing Day is Thursday, June 25. Professional Medical Center will be conducting HIV testing at its four Detroit locations. For more information about Professional Medical Center and a list of its locations, please visit www.professsionalmedicalcenter.org or call (313) 925-4540.
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June 24-30, 2015
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Prime Politics President Obama recognizes 150 years of Emancipation Editor’s note: Below is the statement President Obama made in observance of the 150 years of Juneteenth. On this day 150 years ago, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, the slaves of Galveston, Texas finally received word that the Civil War was over. They were free. A century and a half later, Americans still recognize this occasion, Juneteenth, as a symbolic milestone on our journey toward a more perfect union. At churches and in parks, lined up for parades and gathered around the barbecue pit, communities come together and celebrate the enduring promise of our country: that all of us are created equal. Yet this year, our celebrations are tinged with sorrow. Our prayers are
with the nine members of the Mother Emanuel community — nine members of our American family — whose God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of Barack Obama happiness were so cruelly snatched away. Our hearts go out to their families, their friends and the entire city of Charleston. We don’t have to look far to see that racism and bigotry, hate and intolerance, are still all too alive in our world. Just as the slaves of Galveston knew that emancipation was only the first step toward true freedom, just as those who crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge 50 years ago knew their march was far from finished, our work
remains undone. For as long as people still hate each other for nothing more than the color of their skin, and so long as it remains far too easy for dangerous people to get their hands on a gun, we cannot honestly say that our country is living up to its highest ideals. But Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. Instead, it’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, things do get better. America can change. So no matter our color or our creed, no matter where we come from or who we love, today is a day to find joy in the face of sorrow, to count our blessings and hold the ones we love a little closer. And tomorrow is a day to keep marching.
The curious case of Rachel Dolezal
By Sam Fulwood III
Ever since I first heard about the strange case of Rachel Dolezal, the Spokane, Washington NAACP chapter president who has been outed and ridiculed for passing as Black, I’ve wanted to embrace her as the visage of the changing, multicultural of America. “If she says she’s Black, then I’m willing to welcome her to the Rachel Dolezal struggle for justice and equality,” I said to my White officemate. “The more the merrier.” But, as a daily drumbeat of details have emerged, I’ve grown increasingly uncomfortable with what this sordid social media-driven story says — less about Dolezal and more about those of us looking in on her obviously conflicted life. The ridiculing pundits and Twitter wits who want to have fun are as misguided as the more serious scholars seeking to draw sweeping conclusions about the acceptability of malleable gender, identity, and race. Dolezal’s story is nothing more than yet another gigantic cultural canvas on which each of us paints an individual portrait of race in America. And, similar to the collaboration of blind artists’ rendering their perspectives of an elephant, we all are fixated on something unique to our specific racial frames, unable to capture the sweeping panorama in front of us. From my perspective, Dolezal is curiosity, a one-of-a-kind oddity of her own fabricated making whose professional, personal and family drama has now been splayed across various social media platforms. She is neither villain nor heroine in this story and, as such, unworthy of the immense media scrutiny that she is now garnering. Given the Warholian nature of our national obsession with celebrity and all things racial, I expect Dolezal will have a book deal, a movie and, perhaps, a reality show by the end of the month. It will be a pity if I’m correct because an opportunity will have been lost in the satire and hubris of what ought to be a signal moment for Americans to engage in real talk about the power of race and identity. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned it, America holds out the promise of the “beloved community,” a vision of a place where all people are treated in accordance with their demonstrated acts of human kindness. Instead, the Dolezal story highlights society’s competing versions of cultural awareness and power in the search for stated — if not real — racial
equality. Indeed, is race something real, definable and fixed with strict boundaries that lock some in and others out? Or is it an imposed state of being that can be broken by someone like Dolezal who is willing, daring or foolish enough to try? What does it really say about the permeability of race — which enlightened folks now agree is a social construct and not an objective thing — that Dolezal was White one day and Black the next? Why didn’t anyone seemingly care, notice or say anything before? Why now, a decade later, did she go from being Black one day to White the next? To be clear, Dolezal is far from an exemplar of progressive racial enlightenment, regardless of which race she chooses to be or has imposed upon her. Her serial misrepresentations undermine her credibility to speak with authority on almost any subject. After all, who can trust a person who has lived a 10-year lie? From all that I can gather, Dolezal went all-in on Blackness, raising two Black sons, working for the NAACP, teaching Black history and living in a Black community. She estranged herself from her White parents and declared herself “Black” on national television. I’ve wracked my mind, scoured the Internet and thumbed through my library of race history books to find a similar example of a White person who surrendered the relative privileges of Whiteness in order to embrace the Black American experience as fully and permanently as Dolezal has. I can’t find a parallel. It wasn’t true of White journalist John Howard Griffin, whose 1961 book “Black Like Me” recounted a six-week journey on a Greyhound bus traveling as a Black man in the segregated South. At the end of his reporting odyssey, Griffin returned to the comforts of being a White man in America. Nor is Dolezal’s plight akin to the righteousness of the radical white abolitionist John Brown, who believed armed resistance was the only way to end slavery in America. Brown, who was hanged for leading a Black rebellion, never renounced his whiteness. Thehe real question at the heart of Dolezal’s story is, who wields power over a cultural narrative in a multicultural space? Can a White person ever be integrated into the Black community? Or are the birthright benefits of whiteness an immutable marker that separates whites’ power from the liberation struggle? Jamilah Lemieux, a senior editor of Ebony, seems to think so. She writes, Rachel Dolezal is not an ally, she is not a champion of Blackness. And, reinvented as a light-skinned, light-eyed Black woman with a Howard degree, she was able to gain more access to
Black cultural spaces than she would as a White lady who simply likes Black culture and Black men — and those women get a lot of access.” Lemieux isn’t the first or only person to express this point of view, and it is not confined exclusively to contemporary women writers. In his autobiography, as written by Alex Haley, Malcolm X expressed a similar opinion. The Black nationalist tells the story of a young White woman who approached him, wanting to know what she could do to aid the Black movement. “Nothing,” he told her sharply. Later in the book, he laments his harshness but not the sentiment: “I regret that I told her that, I wish that now I knew her name, or where I could telephone her, or write to her, and tell her what I tell White people now when they present themselves as being sincere, and ask me, one way or another, the same thing that she asked. The first thing I tell them is that at least where my own particular Black Nationalist organization, the Organization of Afro-American Unity, is concerned, they can’t join us. I have these very deep feelings that White people who want to join Black organizations are really just taking the escapist way to salve their consciences. By visibly hovering near us, they are ‘proving’ that they are ‘with us.’ But the hard truth is this isn’t helping to solve America’s racist problem.” Granted, this was written and published nearly 50 years ago, but the sentiment lingers in some circles that Whites can’t be shoulder-to-shoulder allies with Black folks’ struggles. The conflicting sides of the argument expose the fault lines of solidarity in the social, political, and racial empowerment of Black Americans. To some, this empowerment cannot include Whiteness, especially White leadership, no matter the sacrifices a White person is willing to endure. I’m troubled by such logic because, if it is true, the counter-argument must be equally true: The structures of White empowerment — such as the Supreme Court, Congress, Madison Avenue, Hollywood and Main Street businesses — can’t embrace or be challenged by Blackness or Black leadership. If this line of reasoning becomes the prevailing vision of America, there is no hope of ever attaining the beloved community. With all of our national diversity, we would be doomed to be like the fingers of an outstretched hand, incapable of bending into a fist of solidarity. Even if I’d never heard of Rachel Dolezal, I’d still refuse to co-sign that argument. Sam Fulwood III is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and director of the CAP Leadership Institute.
Pope Francis
Pope Francis and the urgent response to poverty
By Sister Simone Campbell Pope Francis’ historic, soaring encyclical on ecological and economic justice was made public just hours after the horrifying murders in the South Carolina church, where nine African Americans were gunned down by a young White man. The juxtaposition makes me weep in the realization that such violence is yet more evidence of a brokenness in our world described so eloquently by the Pope. In his encyclical, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of our interconnectedness. “Everything is connected,” hesaid. “Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems Simone Campbell of society.” He also returned again and again to the injustice of inequality and “the intimate relationships between (people who are) poor and the fragility of the planet.” The encyclical strongly criticized consumerist, profit-seeking economies like ours as economies of exclusion, where short-term gains take precedence over long-term justice. Those who are left out — most often people who have been pushed into poverty — are denied just access to water, food, housing and other necessities of life, which are all basic human rights. Marketplace solutions favored by many will not address these needs, and the desire of some to privatize water and other resources will cause enormous harm to already struggling families. Those who push technology as the answer to many of our problems are usually seeking short-term results, most often higher profits, at the expense of those at the economic margins. We see the results when low-income workers lose jobs to technology substitutes thought to improve efficiency and lower costs. And, of course, it is most often poor communities that suffer the most from environmental degradation. People in poor communities are more often exposed to pollutants than those in wealthy areas, and they are less able to afford insurance and other protections during extreme weather events. Pope Francis calls on all of us, especially those in power, to find bold, integrative solutions to all of these injustices. Those with the most wealth and power owe a “social debt” to people at the margins. They are therefore obligated to make sure they have all that is essential to their survival and well-being. As the Pope puts it, “Society as a whole, and the state in particular, are obliged to defend and promote the common good. In the present condition of global society, where injustices abound and growing numbers of people are deprived of basic human rights and considered expendable, the principle of the common good immediately becomes, logically and inevitably, a summons to solidarity and a preferential option for the poorest of our brothers and sisters.” In the end, the Pope is calling for spiritual conversion and “an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.” Persistent poverty is one of our nation’s most urgent problems, and it deserves an urgent response. Sister Simone Campbell is executive director of NETWORK, a national Catholic social justice lobby, and author of “A Nun on the Bus: How All of Us Create Hope, Change, and Community.”
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Black Lives Matter the terrorist Roof. If a Chief Justice in the world's leading democracy no matter how long ago that majority opinion was written can condemn a race of people in such a violent and hateful description masked as an intellectual legal opinion, what do we expect of a Dylann Roof? Let's not pretend that Roof came out of nowhere with his hate. Let us acknowledge that we have a system that was built on racism. Roof came out of a system that instilled racism, and saw Blacks as less than human beings. He was the product of a system that former Chief Justice Taney and others like him helped to build. Even in the Declaration of Independence, Taney sought to deny Blacks inclusion in the opening words that "all men are created equal." Instead, the dubious reason he gave is that "it is too clear for dispute, that the enslaved African race were not intended to be included, and formed no part of the people who framed and adopted this declaration." You wonder why Roof was brandishing symbols of the racist apartheid era in South Africa and saying that Blacks don't belong here? Taney's morally deficient legal thinking has gone on to inform debates around race and racism for generations. To this day his way of thinking helped to inform and inspire bigots who see the Taneys of the world as heroes of an America that has been tainted because of Blacks. Roof is a by-product of the Taney school of racism which for a long time permeated every facet of our national life. That is what Blacks have to deal with and the traumatic effects of slavery, an institution Taney supported. Unless we are ready to take racism head-on there is no point in tiptoeing around the issue. History should serve as a guide. For Roof to write a manifesto raging against Blacks and to use apartheid era symbols as well as the Confederate flag as his medals of honor, is an indication that he did his homework before carrying out the massacre in Charleston. He is not a lunatic. Let's not give him that luxury, because if the tables were turned and the culprit was Black, some of us would not call the person a lunatic. There is always a double standard when it comes to White defendants compared to Black defendants. We tend to explore the biological origins and upbringings of White defendants in a bid to explain why they acted in a certain way and to humanize their crimes. Black defendants, on the other hand, are quickly cast as beasts who deserve to die in prison for their actions. Dylann Roof is a cold-blooded murderer and racist who was on a political crusade. Manifestos are political statements. They explain the philosophy of the
Wayne County that require immediate attention. "I am requesting pursuant to section 4 (1) (a) in the Local Financial Stability and Choice Act, Act 436, Public Acts of Michigan, 2012 (Act 436) that a preliminary review be conducted to determine the existence of probable financial distress within the county," Evans said in his letter to the state. Later in the letter he said the county faces an existence of a structural operating deficit. "The county faces an existing structural operating deficit of $74.9 million in fiscal year 2015 without one-time, extraordinary transfers from the DTRF to the general fund," Evans said. "While a portion of the annual DTRF transfer could be considered ongoing annual revenues, a siginificant portion of the recent transfers represented one time revenues. Without these continued transfers, the structural operating deficit is projected to remain roughly $70 million annually through 2019." Exacerbating this cash crisis, Evans said it is "anticipated that property tax revenues will have limited to no growth due to the reassessment process being undertaken by the City of Detroit and uncontrollable costs associated with the county criminal justice system (which) are difficult to project." Evans' letter is a push for the county to enter into a consent agreement with the state, much like the kind of agreement Detroit reached with the station prior to its entry into bankruptcy. Except in the case of Detroit, the state found that the city had not fulfilled all of its requirements in the consent agreement which some city officials at the time vehemently denied. “Our Recovery Plan provides a clear path to financial stability for the county, but we are keenly aware that our time frame to get the job done is quickly fading,” Evans said. “Throughout this process we are constantly evaluating where we stand and proactively seeking solutions to work ourselves out of this massive deficit. I am requesting this Consent Agreement because the additional authority it can provide the county may be necessary to get the job of fixing the county’s finances done.” The biggest contention in this financial crisis is with county unions. Al Garrett, president of AFSCME Local 25 who was not available at press
June 24-30, 2015 Page A-4
From page A-1
author or the organization that wrote it. In the case of Roof, the terrorist, his manifesto makes it very clear how he views the world and what he wanted to do. He even lamented the lack of action from the Ku Klux Klan. Raging against Blacks, Jews and Hispanics, Roof saw the Trayvon Martin case as his inspiration to kill Blacks. "The event that truly awakened me was the Trayvon Martin case. I can say today that I am completely racially aware. Black people are racially aware almost from birth, but White people generally don’t think about race in their daily lives,” Roof wrote. "I have no choice. I am not in the position to, alone, go into the ghetto and fight. I chose Charleston because it is the most historic city in my state, and at one time had the highest ratio of Blacks to Whites in the country. We have no skinheads, no real KKK, no one doing anything but talking on the Internet. Well, someone has to have the bravery to take it to the real world, and I guess that has to be me." That is the manifesto of Dylann Roof who came out of a system that is still refusing to affirm the humanity of Blacks. But Roof's actions have not left us powerless. Because those who are sincere and honest and bold about dealing with racism will defy the philosophy of Roof by taking on prejudice and racism. In this case it is more than just taking a gun and shooting a Black person. It is how we relate to each other despite the color of our skin. It has to do with the kinds of opportunities afforded to Blacks when compared to Whites. It has to do with who shows up at the front door and who is asked to take the back door. All of these contributed to the atmosphere that produced Roof, a climate that was first justified by the likes of Chief Justice Taney. We cannot afford to be apologists for racism, lack of racial diversity in our institutions or simply outright bigotry. The more we can prove to the world that we will fight racism because it should not be part of today's civilization, the more the likes of Dylann Roof would be rendered powerless. But we cannot prevent another Charleston massacre by hiding our faces and whispering to each other when no one is around. This battle will require those who are truly committed to devote resources to the struggle and to be publicly engaged in addressing structures of institutional racism. The playing field is unequal and President Obama's election has not made it equal. Obama's presidency brought racial pride and great suffering to Blacks because the bigots showed their true colors because of Obama. The nine who died are victims of an Obama era that saw racial animosity in a way that no recent presidency has witnessed. That is why what we are witnessing is part of the residue of the Obama presidency. That there are still strong
From page A-1 time for comment in a previous interview with the Michigan Chronicle, called Evans' recovery plan a bluff. “This plan does not speak to where they are going and where they are going to get revenue from. It does not tell you that revenue has diminished because of the property tax revenue,” Garrett said. “Their solution is to take it out of the employees’ dime and without any plan about how to get more revenues for the county. The county still has taxing ability for another two mills but yet there is no commitment from the county executive to use that.” Garrett described the county executive's relief plan as “another attempt to put the bandage on the problems of the county,” and that the leadership of the county is not explaining that to taxpayers. “Some of the problems came from the debacles of the previous administration, but even without those, this report shows you that the revenue in Wayne County was down before they bought the Guardian Building and the jail fiasco,” he said. Evans maintained that the county is financially bleeding, noting that in March of this year, Fitch Ratings "downgraded the county's limited tax general obligation debt to BB-." He said Fitch also "downgraded the county's unlimited tax general obligatgion debt to B from BB." That is not the only credit rating problem for the county. Evans cited Standard & Poor's which lowered Wayne County's credit rating on the county's general obligation bonds to "BB+ from BBB," in part because of the county's chronic structural imbalance "brought on in part by cost revenues in some of the county's major operating areas such as the sheriff's department." To the State Treasurer, Evans wrote, "It is for these reasons that I recommend that a financial emergency be declared in Wayne County. As the county's fiscal situation will continue to deteriorate without further remedial measures, the time has come to rectify the county's structural deficit, and time is of the essence." The Michigan Department of Treasury only said it will begin a preliminary review of the county's finances and expedite the process because of some aspects in the request that indicate a dire financial climate.
segments in this country that cannot see themselves submitting to a Black president because Chief Justice Taney long ago made it clear in his opinion that Blacks have no rights that a White person must respect.
not selling your soul or remain a pitiful apologist for racism. We have the power to prevent another mass killing like the one in South Carolina. Unlike Roof, our manifesto is all people are equal in dignity and rights.
We can only say goodbye to racism when we begin to attack the school of thought that promotes the deceitful narrative that anything other than White is of lesser value. In doing so we should not apologize for attacking such a babaric notion and we should call out those who want to apologize for racism and why the system is not working. You can choose to be the spook who sat by the door, demonstrating that you are
Bankole Thompson is the editor of the Michigan Chronicle. He is the host of “Redline with Bankole Thompson,” on WDET-101.9FM (Detroit Public Radio), which airs live every Thursday 11am12noon. He is the author of two books on President Obama, the culmination of a series of sit-down interviews with Obama. E-mail bthompson@michronicle.com or bankole@bankolethompson. com
Holley lose sight of my mission with my church,” said Holley, who has served as pastor of Historic Little Rock Baptist Church in Detroit for more than four decades. “I also want to do what I can to spark development on the North End where my church is located.” Holley described his appointment as that of an advisor and liaison who links the mayor’s office with the community, and just as importantly, the community to the mayor’s office. The goal is to improve communications and relationships while identifying viable ways to empower neighborhoods. Thus, Holley worked with an array of community and city entities, including their leaders and stakeholders, to help Detroit neighborhoods and residents witness a renaissance. Holley, who many have said was a major force in the successful mayoral bid of Duggan, gives the mayor high marks for his leadership and connectivity to the communities of Detroit, and looks forward to still supporting the mayor’s vision for the city’s neighborhoods. “I’m really proud that the right decision was made by the people of Detroit to elect Mayor Duggan,” Holley said. “This is not anti-anybody, but I’m 100 percent sure that we made the right decision with this mayor. Coming out of this bankruptcy and moving forward, I know that the mayor is committed to not only moving downtown, Midtown, and Corktown forward, but is committed to moving other communities around the city forward as well.”
From page A-1 While Holley is stepping down, he will continue to be an advocate of change in the community, something that he has done since coming to Detroit more than 43 years ago. “I’ve always been involved in finding ways to help better the community,” Holley said. “I’ve worked with all of the mayors starting with Mayor Coleman A. Young. However, this appointment with Mayor Duggan was the first time that I’ve been a part of any mayor’s administration. I’ve always worked from the outside in, not the inside out.” Holley cited several areas that are important to the revitalization of the community, which include jobs, blight fight, and access to information for more capital. He points out that communities can’t wait for help, but have to be proactive in leading the way for change. He also feels that any act of empowerment in the community must be inclusive of the 4,000plus churches in the city. “If it’s going to happen in the neighborhoods, it’s going to have to happen through the churches. They have to be a big part,” Holley said. “The role that I need to play in the community is to remind pastors and churches that it’s not just about having church. We've got to be the church. This is where I can help. The problem is that we have been waiting for the 4,000-plus churches to come on board; that’s not going to happen. So let work with the 300 or the 200, or with the 50 churches to make a positive difference in the com-
munity. We must work with what we have. There are at least 30 churches in the North End; if we can just work together that would be significant. That’s the role that I need to play, where if we can do it on the North End, other communities will do what we are doing. “Many times, we (the community) believe that someone else is going to come in to save us. What we have to do is form leadership and organize ourselves so that we can do the same thing that they are doing downtown, in Midtown and in Corktown. It starts house-byhouse, block-by-block, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, and I’m hoping to see how I can be an example to others to move things forward.” “Rev. Holley is more than committed to Detroit and its forward progress,” said Rev. V. Lonnie Peek, Jr., during his (Peek's) hosted segment of “Making a Difference” which airs on WDIV-TV/ Channel 4. “He is not one of those people who says, ‘Somebody should do something about...’ He is that somebody. He states his mind and is constantly in motion thinking about who can he help or how can he make a greater impact.” For Holley, the greater impact is being rooted in the community, knowing what’s needed and finding ways to empower the underserved. “I just feel that I can do a much better job for the community from the outward in, versus from the inward out,” he said. “I’ve felt like a fish out of water. I need to get back in the water.”
news
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
Criminal justice reform movement arises in America By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE While social change for some may appear to be inevitable, it does not happen by osmosis, and it does not occur without a focused effort led by those who are not restrained by the fears of social transformation. An effective reform of the system of laws, courts, policies and institutions defined as the criminal justice system in the United States of America requires more than a principled public debate. What is needed today with a renewed sense of urgency, beyond the all too frequent expressions of justifiable outrage and protest in response to videotaped incidents of police brutality, is a committed, bipartisan, well-resourced nationwide criminal justice reform movement. Black lives do matter. In fact, all lives matter. As president and CEO of the nation’s oldest and largest trade association of African American owned newspapers, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), we reach over 20 million readers per week in aggregate circulation of 205 affiliated local and regional print and digital media companies. We hear the escalating cries of families and communities that have been devastated by the criminal justice system.
“An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” ~ Dr. Martin L. King Jr. The issues of mass incarceration, overcriminalization, prosecutorial and police misconduct, equal justice, alternative sentencing, recidivism and judicial dysfunction are all serious problems that are having a severe negative impact, in particular, on the quality of life of African Americans. What is required today is a multiracial coalition to ensure that a successful reform movement is representative of the interests of all Americans. I know something about the movement-building process from my early days back in the 1960s as a youth coordinator in my home state of North Carolina for the the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Dr. King said it best when he affirmed, “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Martin Luther King, Jr. was a master movement builder. I learned firsthand from the experience of witnessing how Dr. King fused together a diverse coalition of intergenerational leaders to effect change at the local, state and federal levels toward equal justice for all. Fifty years later we need to rebuild and expand the movement for change with respect to criminal justice. I also know profoundly what it is like to be unjustly sentenced and incarcer-
ated in a prison system that dehumanizes both the imprisoned and those who attempt to be in charge of vastly deteriorating overcrowded penal institutions. As a member of the Wilmington Ten civil rights activists who were unjustly imprisoned for a combined sentenced of 282 years for standing up for the rights of equal education for African American students in Wilmington, NC in the 1970s, I have experienced the systematic degradation and awful downward spiral of counterproductive institutional inhumanity. Today there are literally millions of people who not only want to see changes in the criminal justice system, but also are willing to join and support the emergence of a national Criminal Justice Reform Movement (CJRM). Why am I encouraged now more than ever before about the potential to build and sustain an effective CJRM? The answer will probably surprise some of my colleagues in the Civil Rights Movement. My columns for the NNPA have always been about speaking truth to power in the vain of Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois, two historic publishers and leaders who knew the power of the print word and of the spoken word. Yet today, we must also dare to speak the truth to ourselves. We must participate in helping to build this important reform movement. We cannot afford to be silent or stand idle on the sidelines while others in earnest strive to make changes to a system that will ultimately determine the quality of life in our communities for generations to come. Thus it is why without any hesitation that I am publicly stating my endorsement of the coalition building efforts of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), Charles Koch Institute and Koch Industries, Coalition for Public Safety, Center for American Progress, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and other national and regional organizations that have committed to support various criminal justice reform efforts. I believe it is now a propitious time to work together to establish a national bipartisan reform movement. I was very interested and encouraged to learn that Koch Industries has been involved in the issues of overcriminalization and criminal justice reform for years. Yet many of my colleagues in the Civil Rights Movement were relatively unaware of this fact. Reforming the criminal justice system is not a concern to be constrained to the left or to the right on the political spectrum. The respect for the moral dignity and well-being of every person, without the filter of race, class, religion or any other discriminating factor, is a paramount principle that has to be maintained in a society that strives to strengthen the inclusiveness of its democracy. The current social and political polarization concerning criminal justice reform is not healthy for our nation. What is healthy is the budding bipartisan reform movement that is now emerging. Now is the right time. Now is the right moment to raise our voices and join forces together to build and sustain the Criminal Justice Reform Movement. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lectures and other professional consultations at http://drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/drbfc
June 24-30, 2015
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COMMUNITY Powered by Real Times Media
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June 24-30, 2015
Full & Fabulous: Teaching young women size acceptance, healthy habits and self love
By Patreice A. Massey STAFF WRITER
It’s Saturday morning and there are about 13 girls, ranging in age from 10 to14, milling about talking amongst themselves about the latest funny Instagram video they’ve seen, trying to decide how they want to get their hair styled, what grade they received on the latest test and other general middle school fodder. Everything seems typical as the girls are lively, vibrant, talkative and, overall, very sweet. But then there’s the scale — a reminder of why we are all here today. It is time to weigh in at the Full & Fabulous Curvy Girl Project meeting. A young, jovial girl with a beautiful round face slowly approaches the scale. It is then that I observe she is noticeably heavier than the other girls. Although I’m told this happens every meeting, this particular young lady seems to be a little nervous. She steps on the scale, the number is recorded, and she is given a private talk and a public hug with encouraging words by the programs founder and president, Sharon DuMas. After the young lady left I ask how much she weighed and how old she is. DuMas pensively replies, “a little over 300 pounds and she’s 11 years old.” The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with one out of three kids now considered overweight or obese. Many are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer or video-game console. And today’s busy families have fewer free moments to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals. From fast food to electronics, quick and easy is the reality for many people. Preventing kids from becoming overweight means adapting the way your family eats and exercises, and how you spend time together. Helping kids lead healthy lifestyles begins with parents who lead by example. But what happens when parents have bad behaviors themselves? How can you teach what you don’t know? And if you do have an overweight child, how do you encourage them to be beautiful when society says otherwise? That’s exactly the quandary Sharon DuMas set out to solve when she founded Full & Fabulous, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that assists plus-size women and girls in coping with the social stresses associated with being overweight and promoting lifetime habits of good nutrition and physical fitness. “We work with the girls in the areas of health, beauty, fitness and self-esteem and I call that ‘the formula,’” DuMas proudly states. “In my 33 years of doing this, I’ve learned that how you see yourself is how others will see you. So for me it’s important that we address those four areas. And when you feel good about yourself you will do good things for yourself. That’s when the healthy choices come into play.” DuMas started Full & Fabulous in 1982 with nothing more than a dream and $200 that she borrowed from a relative. “I just wanted to start an organization that would help me if I were a kid,” she said. Looking back, DuMas recalls how times have changed since she was a young girl, saying, “When I was coming up I didn’t think I was that large. I was a size 14, but at that time that was considered rather big. Now in 2015, I have preteen girls weighing in at 300 pounds or more.” A lot of these young women are ostracized and bullied for their size which can make it challenging to socialize and blossom. “People are quick to tell my girls that they need to push back from the table and to that I say it’s not that easy,” said DuMas. And with the weight loss industry pulling in a whopping $60 billion last year, it’s safe to say that many would agree with her. There are numerous reasons one gains weight and even more reasons why a person would overeat. DuMas recognizes this which is why she chooses to take a holistic approach to her program.
“Most of the girls I deal with are heavy because they
have some type of pain they are hiding and the eating is a coping mechanism,” she explained. “We deal with a lot of girls who have been sexually violated and oftentimes I’m the first person they’ve told. So they hold this secret and they keep this in and it eats at them until they feel holey like a piece of Swiss cheese and they began to eat to fill that void. But it wears off and then they have to eat more to feel that happiness and fulfillment. Just as one would deal with a drug addict you have to address the root issues with a person who overeats.” And just as drug abuse can result in death, so can poor diet and overeating. DuMas speaks of one of her Full & Fabulous girls who just could not conquer her unhealthy demons. Tinnay Michelle White died of complications from obesity, while sitting at the dinner table with her father on the morning of April 1, 2000. She was just 17 years old. Tinnay was a young lady who loved herself as she was. She struggled with maintaining portion control and adequate family support. As an only child she was spoiled by her parents. They gave her whatever she wanted whether it be clothes, toys, electronics or food. Tinnay’s mother, who was also obese and also an only child, died a year after her daughter. Her father who, while not overweight, was a diabetic and also an only child, died five years after his wife. Seeing an entire family perish under the weight of an unhealthy lifestyle has to be very unsettling, but instead of pushing the White family to the recesses of her mind, DuMas carries them in her heart. “After his daughter and wife passed, Tinnay’s father made me promise to tell their story and keep Full & Fabulous going. So we hold our annual Get Fit for Change Walk for Childhood Obesity in honor of Tinnay and her memory.” And while Tinnay White is a tragedy that DuMas holds dear to her heart she also holds her triumphs equally as close. “I have worked with local radio legend Coco; she actually came through the program twice; top plus-sized model and Detroit native Catherine Peoples and we were fortunate enough to have renowned Detroit based photographer Monica Morgan as our marketing director back in 1982,” said DuMas. “These women were important parts to our program and have gone on to do amazing things and I believe every one of our girls is a success story in the making.” Since its inception, thousands of women and teens have personally been exposed to DuMas’ concept of
promoting beauty through self-esteem. This concept is no longer just a dream. It is a reality that has dynamically changed the lives of girls and women all over the country. The Full & Fabulous Program specifically works to expand the world of empowerment, health education and self-esteem building programs to benefit disadvantaged female youths through dynamic interactions with teachers, health educators, motivation experts and successful women of color. Full and Fabulous believes that, with the help and guidance of caring adults, each plus-size woman or girl can discover how to unlock and achieve her potential. The organization is poised to become the nation’s premier advocate and resource for the expansion of female youth empowerment initiatives nationwide through the use of technology, community partnerships and strategic alliances. They have launched the Curvy Girl Project, a healthy lifestyle program for girls 9 to17. This program teaches younger woman how to model, act, dress for their size, how to prepare healthy meals and count calories and there’s even a debutante ball where the girls get to dress in full ball regalia. Currently the Curvy Girl Project is being featured at select public and charter schools in the city. They hold classes once a week as an in-school or after-school activity. Although the Full & Fabulous program has been going strong for over 30 years, they still need assistance from the community. “Funding is a major issue because most of the schools don’t have the necessary funding to bring this program to their school, so we have to be really exhaustive in our search for finding the money to help support our mission and goals. Also, transportation is a big issue. I have to travel to pick a lot of girls up because we know how important the program is for them, but our 1999 Ford Windstar is on its last leg. It was down for six months last year and a lot of girls were unable to make it to our Saturday classes at the Samaritan Center. We are accepting of whatever assistance someone is able to give. Whether it is time, talent or transportation, we welcome it all!” For more info about Full & Fabulous and the Curvy Girl Project, call (313) 331-4929, visit the website at www.fullandfabulous.org, Instagram: Curvygirlswagg or email fullnfabulous@hotmail.com. Patreice A. Massey is a staff writer for the Michigan Chronicle. She can be reached at 313.963.8100, Ext. 266, and pmassey@realtimesmedia.com.
community
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
Fifth Third Bank promotes Sandra Staffne to regional manager
Fifth Third Bank Eastern Michigan announces that Sandra Staffne has beenpromoted to regional manager for the Lakeside Region.
In this role, Staffne, a Genesee County resident, oversees the performance and operations of 12 financial centers and their respective teams. Her territory includes St. Clair and Macomb counties and more than 70 retail employees. She works with financial center personnel and business leaders to provide consumer and commercial clients with banking solutions that best meet their needs. She achieves desired outcomes by focusing on the two most important elements of engagement — customers and employees. A banking veteran with more than 33 years experience, Staffne joined Fifth Third Bank in 2007 as a retail district manager. She most recently served as retail sales coach for the State of Michigan, which provided an opportunity to gain additional insight into the role and prepare for a seamless transition. “I’m excited to use my experience to develop and support employees as we deliver on being our customers’ trusted advisors and making a difference in our communities,” Staffne said. Bobbi Jo Lucas, senior vice president and head of retail banking of Fifth Third Bank Eastern Michigan, said Staffne’s extensive industry experience positions her and the bank for success. “Sandra has distinguished herself at Fifth Third Bank and across several markets with her terrific management and training skills and her ability to foster solid relationships with her colleagues
Sandra Staffne at all levels,” said Lucas. “She will call on that leadership and her strong team building skills to continue to sustain and build upon the Lakeside Region’s success.” Staffne is active in the community, serving on the board of directors for Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint, has recently joined The United Way of St. Clair County Board of Directors, is a Rotary Paul Harris fellow, and participates in multiple activities with local organizations. Prior to Staffne’s promotion, the regional manager for the Lakeside Region was Mary Berckley, who recently retired after a nearly 30-year career with Fifth Third Bank.
Mother Hollingsworth celebrates 103rd birthday
Seated: Mother Irma Hollingsworth. Standing from left: O’Neil D. Swanson Sr., Moses Reynolds and Rev. Dr. Ronald Bailey. On Sunday, June 13 at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church located on Martin Luther King Boulevard and Twenty-Third Street, Mother Irma Hollingsworth enjoyed the service by standing, singing, clapping her hands and rejoicing in God’s amazing grace of health and longevity . The celebration came at the end of the a.m. service as the pastor presided and Hollingsworth’s daughter, Izora Hollingsworth, sang a solo as gifts of flowers and more were presented to her. Among the many guests was O’Neil D. Swanson Sr., president and CEO of Swanson Funeral Homes, Inc.
NNPA and Chevrolet celebrate 75 years of service
From left: Laura Hernandez-Romine, GM Marketing Diversity manager, Global Marketing Services; Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design; and Crystal Windham, GM director of Design, Global Chevrolet.
From left: Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA president and CEO; Laura Hernandez-Romine, Marketing Diversity manager, Global Marketing Services; Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design; Crystal Windham, director of Design, Global Chevrolet; and Cloves C. Campbell, NNPA Arizona informant chair.
June 24-30, 2015
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community
June 24
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
June 27
Sasha Center’s 4th Annual Bike Tour Fundraiser in Detroit
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Grounds 1100 Lake Shore Road Grosse Pointe Shores
11 a.m. Wheelhouse Detroit 1340 East Atwater St. Detroit
Fairy tales come to life throiugh music, theater, storytelling and imagination. All on the enchanting grounds of the Ford House. This year’s theme: is “Things with Wings.” $12/person in advance, $15/person on site, $42 Family Four Pack.
Sasha Center will be hosting its 4th Annual Bike Tour Fundraiser to raise money for its alternative programming. The nonprofit organization is located in Detroit and serves survivors of sexual assault. Cost: $25
June 27 & 28
For more information call 313.214.2083.
June 28 Hustle for History Weekly Dance Lessons 5 p.m. Charles H. Wright Museum 315 East Warren Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48201
The Luther Vandross Experience at Bert’s Entertainment Complex Creating the Fifth Letter: Our History and Mind-Boggling Coincidences 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 East Warren Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48201 Join author and Detroit native Vivian Carpenter to hear about the story behind her new novel, The Fifth Letter, a political thriller about Associate Supreme Court Justice Katherine Helena Ross, the first black female on the U.S. Supreme Court. What happens when a liberal Black female justice of the Supreme Court is caught between her conscience and the call of political expedience? There’s more to this story than just the story! Dr. Carpenter will sign books following the lecture.
8 p.m. - 2 a.m. Berts Entertainment Complex 2727 Russell St. Detroit
Get your groove on with our weekly hustle lessons, taught by instructor Thomasenia Johnson of Two Left Feet. For more information call 313.875.1615.
July 4, 8-12
June 28 Russell Street Missionary Baptist Church Usher Board No. 2’s 81st Anniversary
This event is free and open to the public.
11 a.m. 8700 Chrysler Fwy. Detroit
For more information call 313.494-5800.
For more information call 313.875.1615.
July 8 Senior Power Days On Belle Isle: Senior Safety Summit Belle Isle Casino 1 Casino Way Belle Isle Detroit, MI 48218 Senior Power Days on Belle Isle is a new program that will provide recreational and educational programs for seniors from Detroit, Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties amidst the natural beauty of Belle Isle, Detroit’s 982-acre island park. For more information call 313.872.2022.
This event brings to life the soul-stirring sounds of Luther Vandross’s legendary performances, featuring the talents of Darron Moore, Delisha Thomas, Janine T. Jefferson, Nigel Foster, Antonio Dandridge and the One Four Groove Band. For more information call 313.721.1964.
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June 28
Edsel & Eleanor Ford Houise Fairy Tale Festival
For more information visit www.fordhouse. org.
June 17-23, 2015
July 10-12 Detroit Paradise Valley Festival Various venues around Downtown Detroit
1 Hart Plaza Detroit
A handful of Detroit’s more spectacular venues (the Detroit Insititute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of Afriecan-American History, the Max M. Fisher Center and others) play host to Concert of Colors, an all-genre/all-cultures show from around the globe.
Detroit’s original Paradise Valley was comprised of 66 blocks where African American, lived, worked and played. Night clubs hosted talented musicians that made significant contributions to the word of music. This event honors this rich tradition by hosting many greats. Also includes food, shopping and art.
For more information call 313.582.2266 or visit www.concertofcolors.com
For more information visit www. dpvmfestival.com or call 313.877.8057
WHY WOULD YOUR BANKER NEED ONE OF THESE? It’s a bee smoker. We’ve got one because we’re curious to understand how your business works. And that frequently means swapping the pinstripes and loafers for overalls and hard hats. Or even donning a bee veil when visiting one of the country’s honey producers. So when we come to you with solutions, they can help address your business challenges. Whether that takes the shape of risk mitigation, helping manage cash flow or raising capital for new ventures. It’s the only way we know how to help you succeed. Learn more at 53.com/BusinessIdeas We’re Fifth Third Bank.
The curious bank.®
Deposit and credit products provided through Fifth Third Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
QFRC5655000_BeeSmoker_BW_Michigan(10x10.5).indd 1
6/19/15 12:32 PM
HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher CATHY NEDD Chief Operating Officer
A Real Times Newspaper 479 Ledyard – Detroit, MI 48201
BANKOLE THOMPSON Senior Editor JASON FLOWERS Managing Editor
(313) 963-5522 Fax 963-8788
SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011
e-mail:newsdesk@michronicle.com
JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997
June 24-30, 2015
Page B-4
LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989
Move beyond rhetoric on diversity By Bertram L. Marks ESQ., D. MIN.
Our nation has been painfully reminded over the last several years of the terrible consequences that result from the policy and politics of exclusion. From Trayvon Martin, Baltimore, and Ferguson to Occupy Wall Street and Detroit low-income families facing water shutoffs, the legion of people and groups who feel marginalized is growing rapidly.
ing development in an area not in or near downtown or Midtown Detroit. As for the neighborhoods that do receive attention, they are perceived as receiving this attention because of the per capita wealth and a sudden and large presence of Whites moving into these areas as African Americans are forced out through tax or mortgage foreclosure. In order for Detroit, and the region and state that surrounds it, to thrive we must develop comprehensive strategies for making sure our communities, government, non-profits, corporations and schools are as inclusive and diverse as possible.
As a growing number of citizens feel hopeless and pushed aside, the tide of anger and resentment increases and is expressed through civil We have to find a way to unrest. No major city can afinclude a 20-year-old African ford the huge cost of a civil- Bertram L. Marks American male with a G.E.D. ian uprising. This is especialand a non-violent felony conviction on ly true for Detroit, having just emerged his record into the economic, civic and from bankruptcy and struggling to re- social growth of Detroit. Unless and unbuild an economy. til he is included, we are hurling toward The loss of life, enormous emotion, an unthinkable disaster. Including him damage to reputation and financial costs is neither cost prohibitive or beyond for a city experiencing civil unrest can our realm of capability. The research is be staggering. We simply cannot afford clear, there is a huge economic advanthis narrative to dictate in Detroit. How- tage to creating equity through diversity. ever, if we are not deliberate about diverThe W. K. Kellogg Foundation pubsity, inclusion and creating employment lished “The Business Case For Racial opportunity for low, medium and high Equity” on October 24, 2013. In this reskilled Detroiters, our fate will be worse port it was revealed that by simply closthan that of Baltimore or Ferguson. The ing the income gap that currently exists good news is we have an opportunity to between Whites and Blacks, corporaavoid civil unrest in Detroit. The com- tions would see a $180 billion increase munity, churches and corporations have in profits. The federal government would a unique opening in the window of our see a $290 billion increase in federal tax history to set a standard in Detroit for revenue. These projections and others promoting diversity and inclusion. like them contained in the Kellogg reThe words inclusion and diversity port are too substantial to ignore. The have become familiar terms in our dai- evidence is overwhelming that the benly lexicon on race relations. Using the efits of diversity and inclusion far outwords or knowing the meaning of the weigh any disadvantages. In fact, there words are a far cry from putting these is no serious data suggesting that being terms into action. The discussions monolithic and excluding virtually all around the fact that southeastern Mich- other segments of the population yields igan is defined more by the differences the highest profits and creates the best of the citizens who live here than by climate for business, civic and social similarities has become akin to stating growth. Clearly, the opposite of growth is what occurs where there is no diversithe obvious. ty or inclusion. Race relations are at an all- time low while income disparities are at an all- A small number of forward thinktime high, creating a classism effect to ing corporations, community based spread where racism once loomed. Larg- non-profits and faith institutions have er pockets of groups are being displaced already embraced the concept of diverfrom mainstream, upwardly mobile so- sity and inclusion as the road map to a ciety. Downtown and Midtown Detroit better and higher quality of life. Let us have become symbols of how a major hope that the strategy of diversity and urban city that is over 80 percent Afri- inclusion practiced by some becomes can American can exclude the majority so contagious that it will begin to be of her citizens from the epicenter of re- practiced by all. The future of Detroit depends on it. birth and economic activity. We have yet to hear of an organic, grassroots driven neighborhood hous-
Bertram L. Marks is a practicing attorney, former civil rights commissioner and pastor.
Mix review of latest job numbers By Julianne Malveaux The unemployment rate rose just a bit in May, an indicator that Wall Street and Main Street are celebrating because that means more people are looking for work and that more people are optimistic. Some polling data says something quite different. Two major media polls show widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo, with majority support for an increased minimum wage, for paid parental leave and paid sick leave. Further, more than 60 percent said there was room for advancement in our economy Julianne An analysis of the New York Times/CBS poll concludes, “inequality looms large” in the minds of most Democrats and independents, and nearly half of all Republicans. These are the folks who are reading the headlines that say things are getting better, and living a life that say things are too slow and too stagnant for them. The disconnect partly reflects the difference between productivity increases and GDP increases. In other words, people are working harder, and national productivity is growing faster, than wages are. Last month, the average hourly worker earned about 8 cents more than they did the month before. Those eight cents represent a 2.3 percent increase this year. This sounds like good news this year, but what about stuck wages for the past several years? Those who are reading about good news are asking, “What about me?” The latest unemployment report sends a similarmixed message. While the unemployment rate ticked up from 5.4 percent to 5.5 percent, the good news is that 280,000 new jobs were created in May 2015. That’s great news and on target for the number of jobs that need to be created to bring us back to the employment levels we enjoyed eight years ago. Not so good news: Many of these jobs aren’t “good jobs.” Nearly half of the jobs in “business services” are parttime or consulting jobs. These are jobs that offer no health insurance, no sick days, no paid vacation. These are folks who, even when highly compensated, are on their own. Perhaps the increase
in leisure and hospitality employment reflects optimism about the economy, because it suggests that employers think more people will be traveling and enjoying hospitality services this summer. Still, most of the jobs in this industry are part-time, with the average worker getting 22 hours a week — too few to qualify for benefits. In hospitality, including food and drinking places, young people are working for low wages, often depending on tips, always earning less than they might if the labor market would absorb them at their Malveaux skill level. Meanwhile, many of us who enjoy the services of the coffee barista, the waitress, or the theme park guide don’t ever wonder how well they are paid. But it still makes sense to revel in the good news, that the unemployment rate is lower than it was a year ago. Always, though, there are the footnotes. The 5.5 percent unemployment rate is 10.8 percent when indices of labor utilization are considered. The African American unemployment rate, at 10.2 percent, is nearly 20 percent when underutilization measures are considered. The 20 percent rate lower than a year ago, but it is still too high. The percentage of the population that is employed also reflects significant racial gaps. While nearly 70 percent of White men are working, just 62 percent of Black men have jobs. And while the same percentage of White women and Black women hold jobs, given data on men, it is clear that African American women are responsible for much more of the family income than Caucasian women are. No wonder people who hear about “good news” don’t feel it. No wonder they are responding to polls with a concern that does not reflect the so-called good news. No wonder too many are concerned about poor working conditions, about feeling that they have no opportunity to improve their situation, about being frightened by the income inequality that will determine the futures of their children. Are we excited about the news that the economy is recovering? Of course. But some of us would be much more excited if the recovery trickled down.
Embracing Detroit’s young people Haiti Support Project, 20 years later By Donna L. Givens
their cell phones and taking bathroom breaks without passes.
It has become fashionable for pundits and politicians to decry the emergence of two Detroits — one Black and poor and one White and affluent. They worry that racialized wealth gaps and the gentrification of Midtown and downtown will create resentment. They fear uprisings and protests will endanger the emergence of a “new” Detroit, unless we do more to include long-term residents in wealth opportunities.
Young people live in a Detroit where they are feared, avoided, regulated and frequently oppressed by a proliferation of rules and codes that are unrelated to their growth and well-being. (But) there are so many strengths. Today’s youths are more tolerant of gender and racial diversity than any other demographic. Our youth are thoughtful and aware of their constrained opportunities. The vast majority of Detroit’s youth are not criminals.
While the public airing of these concerns is commendable, they obscure some larger truths. First, there are and have always been more than two Detroits, divided by wealth, education, and privilege that transcend racial identity. And there has alDonna L. ways been a Detroit occupied by Black and Brown youths who are the most unwelcome of all its segregated residents. These young people, particularly boys, personify the fear of every other Detroit community. Polite society has banned the N-word and resurrected thug, as a representation of all we despise and reject in our youth. We don’t like their music, their sagging pants, their hats, their hair, their speech and their behavior. They are loud and profane. They lack work ethic and manners and they are godless, sexist, hypersexualized and out of control. Their problems are attributed to “nohome-training,” absent fathers, passive mothers, indifferent teachers and a devaluation of life. When they congregate in groups, we cross to the other side of the street, clutch our purses, lock our car doors, hold our breath, avoid eye and pray silently. We create curfews to protect ourselves during community celebrations. When they encounter police, these perceived thugs face harsh questioning, strip searches, harassment and beatings. While at school, they are suspended for talking too loudly, talking back, running, playing, wearing the wrong color pants or shoes, wearing a jean jacket instead of a sweater, putting their heads down while teachers are lecturing, using
If we really are concerned about unequal opportunities in every Detroit, perhaps we should change the conversation. Instead of speaking for or about our youth, why don’t we let them speak for themselves and help us underGivens stand what they value, what they perceive, what they need and how we can help them? Why don’t we invest more of our public and private dollars in authentic youth development spaces, where young people have a chance to harness their strengths, access opportunity, minimize their weaknesses and escape the threats they face on a daily basis? And why don’t we give our youth a consumer’s voice about the quality and nature of their education, their citizen interactions with police, and their experiences at stores, at work and in their homes and communities? Why don’t we speak of our youth as a critical resource, incorporate their thoughts and perspectives in our planning and decision-making, and why don’t we do a better job of protecting their bodies and their dreams? Over the next few months, the Youth Development Commission will partner with community organizations to ask these important questions. Our goal is not only to protect the property and potential of a “new” Detroit, but to address longstanding grievances and promote growth and opportunity for disengaged and under-resourced youths. Join us if you’re listening. Donna Givens is president of the Youth Development Commission.
By Ron Daniels
ing me to organize a delegation to visit Haiti and I accepted. Much of the humanitarian assistance was provided by predominantly White charities. And, progressive White organizations, artists and entertainers were among the most prominent faces in the opposition to the Duvalier regime. I will never forget the words of a priest who welcomed us to Sunday service: “We have seen many people who have come to support us in Haiti, but this is the first time we have seen Black Americans come with a group to support our people.”
Twenty must be the magic number. Twenty years ago – on June 5, 1995 – I set foot in Haiti for the first time, leading a delegation of 20 African Americans eager to learn about the history, culture and state of development in the first Black republic in this hemisphere. October 14-18 of this year, the week after the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March, plans are to organize a select delegation of African American and Haitian American civil rights/ The Haiti Support Project human rights, education, culwas founded on the premise tural, faith, labor, business that people of African deand youth leaders, elected Ron Daniels scent must pay a debt of gratofficials, opinion-makers and interest- itude to Haiti for standing tall for the ed persons for a pilgrimage to Haiti to race. We have a collective Pan African commemorate the 20th anniversary of duty to assist the Haitian people to finthe founding of the Haiti Support Proj- ish the unfinished Haitian Revolution. ect (HSP). For the past 20 years HSP has singularly The goal of the pilgrimage is to ex- focused on this vision/mission and hispand support for HSP’s Model City Ini- torical imperative. tiative that seeks to utilize cultural-hisHSP continues to support some 4,000 torical tourism as a means to promote children every year by providing school people-based social and economic de- supplies, and with the support of Kappa velopment in the lovely town of Milot in Alpha Psi Fraternity we hope to build a the northern region of the country near Model School to provide a 21st century Cap Haitien. Though there will be visits education to produce a generation of to other important cultural and historic Haitian-centered, servant leaders. We sites, the highlight of the pilgrimage will have funded a micro-credit lending probe a tour of the Citadel, the magnificent gram to make small loans to local vendmountaintop fortress that stands as ers and entrepreneurs, many of whom one of the great beacons of freedom and are women, and a jobs-generating greenself-determination in the Black world. house reforestation project to grow We arrived in Haiti 20 years ago at the saplings to be purchased by tourists to invitation of Chavannes Jean-Baptiste, plant in the National Park which houses the leader of the Peasant Movement of the Citadel and Sans Souci Palace. Papay (MPP) with whom I had become The commemoration of the 20th anacquainted through my work as execu- niversary of the Haiti Support Project tive director of the Center for Constitu- will afford those who join the October tional Rights. During my conversations 14-18 pilgrimage an opportunity for a with Chavannes, I discovered that MPP, cultural-historical immersion with the the largest peasant movement in Haiti, Haitian people and an opportunity to had very few contacts and relationships witness the work of HSP via the Model with African Americans. In 1994 I invit- City firsthand. It will be a life-altering ed him to attend the first “State of the experience. Race” conference at Sojourner-DougRon Daniels is president of the Inlass College in Baltimore for the express purpose of introducing him to African stitute of the Black World 21st Century American leaders from around the coun- and lecturer at York College City University of New York. try. Chavannes
reciprocated
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Detroit Public Schools congratulates its 2015 Parent University graduating class
DPS parents are celebrated for continued dedication to their children and their future A unique graduating class was celebrated recently at Detroit Public Schools’ Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior High School. The 2015 class of the District’s Parent University received their official completion certificates during a very special graduation ceremony. This special moment was definitely one to witness for the families and friends of the graduates, and proof of DPS’ commitment to serving all students -- from the earliest of learners to our dedicated parents! Parent University is one strand of DPS’ multi-faceted Parent and Community Engagement program and is geared toward helping the District increase parent involvement. DPS celebrated its parents and guardians during the program’s commencement ceremony, which was held on Thursday, June 18 at King High School.
sity students can earn their GED and jobs through the partnership with DPS’ two adult education locations. Also parents were able to become involved in the program through any one of DPS’ eight Parent Resource Centers, where classes are offered on multiple topics--from leadership and parenting to healthy eating and financial literacy. “Parent University is about creating opportunities for parents to successfully model lifelong learning for their children, other uninvolved parents, and the community at large,” said Sharlonda Buckman, CEO, Detroit Parent Network. “Parents are huge partners in this evolving education landscape and as we build their capacity and knowledge across multiple topics, they will become stronger advocates and the champions our children deserve!”
The program, which began February 14, 2014, offers a total of 54 classes which are free and open to any parent/guardian with a child within the district.
Graduates also took classes through the On the Go track where Parent University classes pop up at different schools for a one-time-only class on academic success for children. One of the classes included in the On the Go track was Love. Read. Learn, a workshop created by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
“We know that having actively engaged parents is a critical component to ensuring our students’ academic success, said Karen Ridgeway, Superintendent of Academics for DPS. “Our Parent University program aims to educate, train and empower parents so they can serve as advocates for their children and their education. With their newly earned “Parent University” certificates, our parents can continue to be the best advocates they can be for their children and, additionally, will assist them in becoming lifelong teachers in their child’s future successes.”
“Parent University, for me, has opened a whole new door for great opportunities,” said Latonya Peterson, Parent University alumni. “There’s nothing more rewarding than giving back to the parents-and the community that you live in.”
Parent University
The graduation spotlighted 91 parent graduates! This life-changing opportunity came about through the DPS Earn and Learn track, where Parent Univer-
For more information on Parent Engagement call: Phone: (313) 240-4377
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June 24-30, 2015
Prestige Cadillac breaks new ground An $8 million new Warren Cadillac dealership to be built to spur economic development
By Jason Flowers
MANAGING EDITOR Prestige Cadillac is proud to introduce a new Cadillac dealership addition coming soon directly across from the GM Tech Center serving Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties. The groundbreaking ceremony, held June 17, brought more than 80 well-wishers and dignitaries. “We really appreciate being welcomed as part of the community as we embark on this new venture in Warren,” said Prestige Automotive Group President and CEO Gregory Jackson. Jackson said he expects the new showroom to open in April or June of 2016. Warren city officials are anticipating that this $8 million project will incite economic development for its downtown district. The dealership, to be built on Van Dyke, north of 12 Mile Road, is also expected to be one of the best luxury dealerships in the area. General Motors Financial approved financing for the construction of the new facility. Warren Mayor James Fouts said he was ecstatic and honored for the new development and praised Jackson for his leadership. During the ceremony Jackson gleamed with exhilaration and said he is excited about next year’s grand opening. Construction of the new dealership will be on a city-owned vacant parcel that was unsuccessful in attracting any significant business interest to turn the area into a busy pedestrian-friendly shopping district featuring restaurants, offices and condominiums. Jackson offered $1.6 million for the property. Last July, in a special meeting, city officials voted that the parcel be rezoned to accommodate the sales and service facility.
Gregory Jackson, president and CEO of Prestige Automotive Group, breaks ground with officials from General Motors and Warren, where his new Cadillac dealership will be built.
Prestige Automotive Group President and CEO Gregory Jackson.
Warren Mayor James Fouts.
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THE PARTY IS ON ! e t a r b Cele
This year marks the 10th class of Twenty in their 20s — local up-and-coming business people who are in their 20s.
Champion of the courts By Donald James
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE For more than five decades, the name Cornelius Pitts has been synonymous with excellence in courtrooms throughout Detroit and across the nation. As one of the most sought after criminal attorneys, Pitts has taken on hundreds of high profile cases. Among the cases that first drew national attention began in 1967, when he represented many defendants related to the infamous Detroit civil disturbance. Years later, Pitts again drew national attention when he defended a prominent Detroit judge accused of various serious crimes. The judge was acquitted, as were many of the other judges represented by Pitts during his years of practice. National attention was once again focused on Pitts when he squared off against the federal government, which thought it had an open-and-shut case against a powerful union leader and pioneer in the city. Pitts again was victorious when the union leader was acquitted. “I was on a roll, not that I did anything individually or personally,” said Pitts. “I had that religious background and think it really was not me but the Lord that is within me.” Talk of religion and faith is not uncommon for Pitts, as he grew up in the Apostolic Church of God. Going to church was almost an everyday experience for young Pitts. “I am not a minister and I don’t want to get into preaching, but the bottom line is that my family was raised in that particular faith and I still have strong
beliefs about the faith,” Pitts has said. “Unlike others, I recognize my hypocrisy. Yet, my religious believes have not been forgotten. On the contrary they are appreciated more at this stage of my life.” Born in Detroit, Pitts grew up on the wes side. He attended McMichael Intermediate School before graduating from Northwestern High School, which many other African American notables attended as well. After graduating, Pitts enrolled at Wayne State University before joining the military. Following an honorable discharge, he returned to Wayne State and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1959. He went on to earn his law degree from Wayne.
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Pitts said that he had debated whether to go medical school or law school. “I would have preferred to go to medical school,” he said. “But it took so long and my objective was to make some money. So I decided to go to law school because it would be quicker.” Today, Pitts, now in the senior stage of his life, has not slowed down. To stay in physical shape, he regularly jogs. Based from his downtown Detroit office, Pitts accepts limited cases which provide a legal challenge. His son, Byron Horace Pitts, who is also an accomplished attorney, has served as co-counsel on a number of cases. The senior Pitts is proud of the success his son has achieved, particularly in the favorable outcome of his service in the case of People v Maryanne Godboldo, where a mother protected her child against the Detroit Police Department that was illegally trying to take custody of her daughter.
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National Association of Black Journalists selects Detroit as host city for 2018 convention The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announces the selection of New Orleans as the host city for its 2017 Convention and Career Fair. Detroit has been selected to host the 2018 Convention. “NABJ is excited about going to two world-class cities for our 2017 and 2018 conventions. New Orleans is a city with such a rich history and has fantastic food scenes, epic adventures, as well as small-town charm. Equally as impressive, Detroit is an international destination known for events of all types, and as the world’s Automobile Capital and Motown, Detroit is sure to show our attendees a good time,” said Bob Butler, NABJ president. “Both cities have the right mixture of prime location, convention space and accommodations, as well as leisure activities to make a great convention for our members.” New Orleans, one of America’s most culturally and historically rich destinations, is also one of the world’s most fascinating cities. It’s home to a unique melting pot of culture, food and music. New Orleans has many major attractions, from the world-renowned French Quarter and Bourbon Street’s famous nightlife to St. Charles Avenue, to Magazine Street, with its many boutique stores and antique shops. New Orleans is also one of the top ten most visited cities in the United States. NABJ most recently visited New Orleans for the association’s 2012 annual convention. Detroit is America’s great comeback city and the Motor City is revving its engines again. From the advent of the automotive assembly line to the Motown sound, modern techno and rock music, De-
troit continues to shape both American and global culture. The city has seen many of its historic buildings renovated, and is bustling with new developments and attractions that complement its world-class museums and theatres. The city offers myriad things to see and do. Detroit is an exciting travel destination filled with technological advance and historic charm. “Members of the Detroit chapter are beyond thrilled to host the 2018 NABJ convention. We greatly appreciate the unanimous vote from the Board of Directors, “ said Felecia Henderson, president of the Detroit Association of Black Journalists. “The Motor City has a rich history of hosting NABJ national conventions — 1982, 1992 and now 2018. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and start planning!” The largest annual gathering of journalists of color in the nation, the NABJ Convention & Career Fair annually attracts thousands of journalists, media executives, public relations professionals, and students to network, participate in professional development sessions and celebrate excellence in journalism. In the past the event has garnered news makers such as U.S. Senator Barack Obama, Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden; Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton, Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, and Sen. John Kerry. NABJ will hold its 2015 convention in Minneapolis, August 5-9, and its 2016 Convention in Washington, DC, August 3-7, 2016, jointly with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
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Southwest Detroit is tired of waiting By Mary Carmen Munoz, Jane Garcia, Eva Garza and Guadelupe Lara The Consortium of Hispanic Agencies is made up of more than six organizations that have been working to improve the lives of Detroit’s many Hispanic families for more than 50 years. Never before has the city had so much opportunity for growth. Nowhere is Detroit’s transformation more evident than along its riverfront. We’ve watched as plots of land that were once reminders of lost industry were transformed into parks. Mountains of gravel have been replaced by playscapes. Barriers have been replaced by walking paths and concrete has been replaced by grass and flowers. Detroit’s riverfront has become a destination; a place where people young and old from all over metro Detroit can enjoy their river. The people of Southwest Detroit have spent more than a decade watching the development to the east, hoping some day it would reach our neighborhood. Yet, with every passing year, our riverfront, including our only riverfront park, has been excluded from the growth to our east and offered no promise of a future. That’s why we were so happy when we learned that there was an agreement on the table to bring millions of dollars to Riverside Park, creating more recreation in our neighborhood and an opportunity to turn ours into the jewel it deserves to be. We, the consortium, took the time to read the agreement, asked questions
and determined it deserved our support. Last Thursday, we went to the Detroit City Council Planning and Economic Development meeting to speak in favor of the agreement and the expansion of Riverside Park. We watched as committee chair Councilman Gabe Leland took public comments and discussion after each line item, respecting the public’s time by giving them an opportunity to speak without waiting until the end of the meeting. But, when Riverside Park came up in the agenda, the rules suddenly changed. Chair Leland mentioned that “naysayers” were urging council to “rush” and motioned to delay the item for two weeks and didn’t open public comment before moving on to the next item on the agenda. We sat in the audience angry, shocked and humiliated. Chair Leland may have had the power to make us wait, but he couldn’t make us leave. We waited for nearly three hours until the final public comment. We spoke one by one, but together, we made one thing very clear: if Chair Leland feels Detroit City Council is being urged to rush, it’s only because we’ve been forced to wait.
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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
June 24-30, 2015
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Congratulations to Wayne County Community College District’s Nursing Program State of Michigan Awards Scholarships to Nursing Students We are pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the State of Michigan, Board of Nursing Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship funding is provided on an annual basis and is awarded to eligible schools offering nursing programs. We are proud of these nursing students and all of our previous nursing program graduates who have continued providing services to our community for over 45 years. Anthony T. Arminiak Downriver Campus President Health Science Institute
Wayne County Community College District’s State of Michigan Board of Nursing Scholarships Awardees:
DAWN ROMAN Wyandotte
MICHAEL GERALD HOWLING Wyandotte
PAMELA LYNN SCARBERRY Brownstown Township
AMY V. MCCALLUM Brownstown Township
ASHLEY RENEE SCHULTE Flat Rock
MEGAN MAZUREK Romulus
LASHAWNDA MARIE MCLEAN Redford
FARENNA SALIM HASSAN Plymouth
More information about WCCCD Health Science Institute Programs at www.wcccd.edu.
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June 24-30, 2015
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If you qualify for Medicaid and Medicare, you must take action By Paul Bridgewater Many people considered MI Health Link, the state’s new program that allows some people who quality for health care and services that are covered by Medicare and Medicaid and lets enrollees use one plan and one card for their health care, home and community-based services, behavioral health care, medications and nursing home care. The program allows members to have their own care coordinator who will help connect patients to doctors, pharmacies, behavioral health and long-term care support and services through the health plan they select. The care coordinator also is responsible for navigating the process of ensuring doctors and other health care providers are working together to honor members’ choices and to meet patient needs.
Paul Bridgewater
However, apparently many people in Macomb and Wayne counties didn’t understand that to enroll and keep their same doctors, pharmacies and other services, they needed to take some action. In April, people who were eligible for MI Health Link should have gotten a letter in the mail from Michigan ENROLLS informing them how to enroll and who to contact for help. A second letter was sent out in June. The plan also allows patients to opt out of the dual eligible plan that began on May 1.
This integrated care means that Medicare and Medicaid will work together to improve the way you get health care, making the process more efficient and the administrative process easier with one card for all services.
The issue is that people who did nothing will automatically be enrolled in a health plan and it may not be desirable. That means the next time they call their doctor to make an appointment or contact their pharmacy to get a prescription filled, they may be informed that their doctor or pharmacy is no longer serving them. That could be a big surprise for people who like and trust their doctors and want continued care from them or find their current pharmacy convenient. It’s not too late to do something about it, but the point is you have to respond by mail or make a phone call to
Michigan ENROLLS without delay. They need to know if you are enrolling in the program and choosing a health plan or if you are choosing not to enroll. But if you do nothing, the choice will be made for you. If you choose one and decide you don’t like it, you can change plans or leave MI Health Link anytime you want.
You are eligible for MI Health Link if you are at least 21, eligible for full benefits under Medicare Part A, enrolled in Medicare Parts B and D, receiving full Medicaid benefits and live in certain areas of the state. In metro Detroit, that includes Macomb and Wayne counties. If you didn’t get a letter, didn’t respond to it or need more information, contact Donna Shellman, the Detroit Area Agency on Agency’s regional coordinator for the Michigan Medicaid Assistance Program at (313) 446-4444. Paul Bridgewater, president and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), hosts “The Senior Solution” on WCHB Newstalk 1200AM, Saturdays at 10 a.m. DAAA is located at 1333 Brewery Park Blvd., Suite 200, Detroit, MI 48207; (313) 446-4444; www.daaa1a. org.
Mobile mammography screening center provides life-saving services to underserved women in Detroit 471,899 354,832 122,576 15,536 6,089 3,200 2,000 125 15 Inpatient Days
ER Visits
Community Health Encounters
Providing life-saving mammography services to underserved women in the Detroit area is the goal of the new St. John Providence-Anthony L. Soave Family Mobile Mammography and Health Screening Center. The mobile mammography unit was made possible with a generous $1 million gift from philanthropist Anthony L. Soave’s and was dedicated in early May. The mobile screening center is now traveling throughout the metro Detroit area providing mammograms to women in need and to those women with access issues. It is the only mobile mammography program to provide access to screening in Southeast Michigan. The St. John Providence-Anthony L. Soave Family Mobile Mammography and Health Screening Center offers the convenience of digital mammography screening in a mobile unit to those women not able to get to a St. John Providence Breast Center or Imaging Center. The convenient unit travels to churches, community centers, corporations and other locations. Women in Detroit are more likely to die from breast cancer in part because they are often diagnosed and treated at a later stage in the illness. As a catholic health ministry, St. John Providence’s mission is to provide spiritually centered, holistic care to improve the health of the community, especially the poor and vulnerable. The St. John Providence-Anthony L. Soave Family Mobile Mammography and Health Screening Center allows us to provide access to important services for those most in need right in their own neighborhoods. The mobile health screening coach is equipped with the latest breast tomosynthesis technology, providing 3-D digital mammography images. This most advanced imaging technology provides a clearer more accurate view compared to digital mammography alone. When used as a screening tool, this 3-D imaging technology increases the overall detection of breast cancer and reduces the recall rate for screenings. All mammography images are interpreted by board-certified radiologists. A report is sent to the patient’s personal doctor and a letter with the results of the exam
is sent to the patient within a week. A patient who is diagnosed with an abnormality will be connected with a nurse navigator to guide her through further diagnostic testing and any necessary treatment. The St. John Providence-Anthony L. Soave Family Mobile Mammography and Health Screening Center features two private dressing rooms with a separate clinical exam room, and a staff that includes all female mammography technicians. The comfort and convenience of the women who are screened via the mobile mammography unit is paramount. For many women who are un-insured, and under-insured, a screening mammogram is not a priority, not affordable or easily accessible. The St. John Providence-Anthony L. Soave Family Mobile Mammography and Health Screening Center is designed to ensure all women have easy access to high-quality breast health services regardless of their ability to pay. The St. John Providence “Because We Care Program” us committed to caring for all people with special attention to those who are un-insured and under-insured and require financial support with breast care. St. John Providence offers financial counseling and assistance to help address any financial concerns patients or families may have regarding their care. Screening mammography is a covered benefit by more insurance companies. St. John Providence is committed to proving an uncommon level of care to our patients and caregivers who are surviving breast cancer and preventing breast cancer because we “believe in better.” We have a multidisciplinary physician team that provides optimal treatment regiments to women and men diagnosed with breast cancer. Physicians, businesses and organizations interested in learning more about the St. John Providence-Anthony L. Soave Family Mobile Mammography and Health Screening Center and scheduling the unit, may contact Ebony Rivers, Mobile Mammography marketing specialist, at (313) 343-8848 or at ebony.rivers@stjohn.org.
Associates
Philanthropic Donors
Physicians
Volunteers
Outpatient Centers
YEARS
4
Hospitals
1
Believe in better
Although St. John Providence has accrued some impressive numbers over the past year, that’s the last thing we make our patients feel like. As we celebrate 15 years together, we look forward to the continued years ahead of treating each patient—body, mind and spirit.
STJOHNPROVIDENCE.ORG
866-501-DOCS (3627)
ST. JOHN HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER • PROVIDENCE-PROVIDENCE PARK HOSPITAL ST. JOHN MACOMB-OAKLAND HOSPITAL • ST. JOHN RIVER DISTRICT HOSPITAL
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Reflections By Steve Holsey
Too old for Dorothy?
Eyebrows were raised when singer-actress Brandy (Norwood) began making it widely known that she is very interested in portraying Dorothy in the 2016 Broadway revival of “The Wiz.”
Brandy
Brandy said enthusiastically, “My dream is to (help) reopen ‘The Wiz’ on Broadway. It’s something I really want to experience, being Dorothy. The word is getting out.”
Her desire is to be respected, but when “The Wiz” opened on Broadway in 1975, Stephanie Mills, as Dorothy, was still in her teens. Brandy, on the other hand, is 36.
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE SHOW BUSINESS
In the context of the script, it makes better sense for Dorothy to be a girl rather than a woman. That’s why Diana Ross portraying a naive grown-woman Dorothy in the movie version of “The Wiz” was awkward. It may have also crossed Brandy’s mind that since she played Cinderella in the 1997 made-for-television movie “Cinderella,” why not Dorothy in “The Wiz”? Brandy recently made her Broadway debut in an eight-week run in the classic stage musical “Chicago.” JILL SCOTT, a lady who has talent coming from many directions, is now with Atlantic Records and her first album for the company, “Woman,” is scheduled for July 15 release. But the company Scott was with from 2000 to 2009, Hidden Beach, is not missing out on a good thing. They Jill Scott have assembled a greatest hits collection titled “Golden Moments” that is available now. Great music, but the cover is very unattractive. D’ANGELO is certainly not one to mince words. When a reporter asked if he could relate to the conflict Marvin Gaye had with spirituality/social consciousness (“What’s Going On”) and sexuality (“Let’s Get it On”), D’Angelo said no. In fact he said, “I see making love as a form of worship.” That same reporter wanted to D’Angelo know if D’Angelo’s “substance issues” was the reason for the extremely long period of time between albums. D’Angelo, who uses a lot of profane language, said, “The s--- that happened in my personal life didn’t help, but it wasn’t just about that. There were moving parts — management changes, record company changes, Virgin Records went defunct.” Then he made the knockout statement: “Back in the day, the executives actually gave a f--- about music. That’s the biggest change. The music business is a crazy game. Trying to balance the pressures of commercialism is a tightrope. There’s a fine line between sticking to your guns and insanity.” REGARDING “I Am Charlie Wilson,” the autobiography that should be out by the end of the month, Wilson said, “There’s some things a lot of people don’t know about me, I’m gonna tell it all. My problem is I tell the truth all the time. A lot of people don’t like you telling the truth, and it gets Charlie Wilson sticky in places.” I interviewed Wilson when the O.J. Simpson trial was going on (Wilson had a “special relationship” with Nicole Simpson Brown). Understandably, he didn’t want to discuss the trial, but without me asking he did say, “That dude is crazy!” OMARION, singer-actor, made one of the dumbest statements of all time, and it’s saddening to know that many Black people, espeOmarion cially the younger ones, share his point of view. “White men created the negative,
See Reflections Page D-2
Al Jarreau is special, part of a small group of true artists about whom it could be said with certainty that they are like no other. That was evident in 1975 when Jarreau’s introductory album, “We Got By,” was released and found its way to listeners with discerning ears. Schlitz Brewing Company, at one time the largest beer producer in the United States, promoted Schlitz beer as “the beer that made Milwaukee famous.” Well, Milwaukee-born Al Jarreau has also had a lot to do with making that city famous. He is the ultimate jazz singer. A song stylist. A consummate entertainer. A pop singer. An enduring star. Even a vocal — and facial — contortionist. Jarreau perhaps took his skills to the maximum on a complex, difficult-for-anyone-to-sing number titled “Blue Rondo a la Turk,” written and originally recorded by jazz legend Dave Brubeck and now featuring lyrics by Al Jarreau. THE AMAZING, roller coaster-like song is featured on Jarreau’s most commercially successful album, the Grammy-nominated “Breakin’ Away,” a 1981 release that reached on No. 1 on the national jazz charts and also went No. 1 R&B and climbed to No. 9 Pop.
“Since the beginning of my recording career, I have had a little difficulty because the pop stations think I’m a jazz singer who doesn’t have a feeling for pop, so it’s hard to get my records played,” he said. “Similarly, Black urban radio doesn’t understand that with my R&B roots, I am more than a jazz singer. So I get pigeonholed.”
Another special listening experience is “Look to the Rainbow,” a 1977 two-disc live-in-concert set.
FOR JARREAU, it’s not just about performing for an audience; it’s reciprocal.
However, such far-reaching versatility has its drawbacks, the success of Jarreau’s lengthy career notwithstanding.
“What I try to get beyond is making music at people and, instead, make music with people because the audience is part of the experience,” he said. “What they say in their body language, what they say in their eyes, what they sing with me… it’s an ‘us’ thing and there’s a communication that’s like church.” Considering how “deep” Al Jarreau’s talents are, it seems fitting that he grew up on “Reservoir” street in Milwaukee, the fifth of six children. And by the way, his birth name is Alwin Lopez Jarreau.
See Al Jarreau Page D-2
entertainment
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June 24-30, 2015 Page D-2
Book chronicles history of Blacks on Detroit radio A book signing launch took place on Saturday, June 20, in support of a new book that chronicles the history of Black disc jockeys on Detroit radio. The event was held at Eric’s I’ve Been Framed, in Detroit. “Soul on Air: Blacks Who Helped to Define Radio in Detroit” is a 200-page book written by Detroit-based author and historian Ken Coleman. A former local radio talk show producer and host, Coleman chronicles the first known African Americans on radio in Detroit as well as notables of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. “Soul on Air” also tells the story of Dr. HaKen Coleman ley Bell and Dr. Wendell Cox who launched WCHB-AM 1440 in November 1956, the nation’s first Black-owned radio station built from the ground up, and John Lord Booth who owned WJLB radio. More than 80 years of radio history is covered, more than 30 people were interviewed, dozens more contributed through previous interviews. Profiled personalities include: Dr. William V. Banks, Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg, “Frantic” Ernie Durham, Jack Surrell, Bristoe Bryant, LeRoy G. White, Rosetta Hines, Frankie Darcell, Mildred Gaddis, Electrifying Mojo, John Arnold, Jay Butler, Bill Lane, Famous Coachman,
Ed Love, Jerry Blocker, Ray Henderson, Ken Bell, Donnie Simpson, Wade “Butterball Jr.” Briggs, John Mason, Van Douglas, LeBaron Taylor, Jim Ingram, Joltin’ Joe Howard, Bill Williams, Al Perkins, Gene Elzy and Verna S. Green “Soul on Air” is Coleman’s third published book since 2013. His first book, “On This Day: African-American Life in Detroit,” and his second, “Million Dollars Worth of Nerve: Twenty-one People Who Helped to Power Black Bottom, Paradise Valley and Detroit’s Lower East Side,” have been featured on “American Black Journal,” WDET-FM 101.9, in The Detroit News and on Comcast’s “Table Talk with Brenda Perryman.”
Blues & Jazz Festival
The Palmer Woods Music in Homes Grand Finale Blues & Jazz Festival will take place Friday and Saturday, June 26-27, 8 pm both nights. This the eighth year of the festival that celebrates jazz, blues, classical and world music in historic homes and gardens. Friday’s show features the Luther “Badman” Keith Blues Band. On Saturday, the Ralphe Armstrong Jazz Quintet will play, featuring A. Spencer Barefield (guitar), Gary Schunk (piano), Chris Collins (saxophone) and Gayelynn McKinney (drums).
Ralphe Armstrong
For tickets and additional information, visit palmerwoods.org or call 313.891.2514.
Al Jarreau
All he needed was a record deal. BY THE mid-1970s, Al Jarreau had signed with Warner Brothers Records, debuting with the “We Got By” album. With his fan base steadily growing, in the U.S. and abroad, there was also success with four additional albums, “Glow,” “Look to the Rainbow,” “All Fly Home” and “This Time.” Then came the dramatic shift, “Breakin’ Away” featuring the smash hit single “We’re in This Love Together.” That album was followed by “Jarreau,” including two Top 10 hits, “Mornin’” and “Boogie Down.” Subsequent albums included “L is for Lover,” “Heart’s Horizon,” “Heaven
Reflections
nasty, derogatory term ‘nigger’ that we turned into a term of endearment and brotherhood,” he said. Dumb and a prime example of someone being confused. Transforming “nigger” to “nigga,” among other things, shows a lack of respect for self and others. BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW...that “You Beat Me to the Punch” by Mary Wells (1962) was the first Motown record to be nominated for a Grammy. MEMORIES: “Caravan of Love” (Isley Jasper Isley), “Say You, Say Me” (Lionel Richie), “Jive Talkin’” (Bee Gees), “Love Come Down” (Evelyn “Champagne” King), “Inseparable” (Natalie Cole), “Liv-
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HAD HIS singing career not worked out, Jarreau had something to fall back on. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Ripon College (in Wisconsin) and a master’s degree in vocation rehabilitation from the University of Iowa.
By the late 1960s, Jarreau was making major career strides, performing in important nightclubs and receiving national television exposure on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, “The Merv Griffin Show,” “The Mike Douglas Show” and others.
SOUNDTRACK ON REPUBLIC RECORDS
From page D-1
He got his earliest singing experience in church (his mother was church organist and his father a minister). When church concerts were being organized, the Jarreau family would often be on the program. On other occasions Al and his mother provided entertainment at PTA meetings.
Having gained experience early-on working with jazz star George Duke, Jarreau formed a partnership with guitarist Julio Martinez. Their success, though not national, was enough to make Jarreau come to the conclusion that singing would be his life’s work.
UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND MRC PRESENT A FUZZY DOOR PRODUCTION A BLUEGRASS FILMS PRODUCTION MARK WAHLBERGMUSICSETH MACFARLANE AMANDA SEYFRIED “TED 2” GIOVANNI RIBISPRODUCED I JOHN SLATTERY JESSICA BARTH AND MORGAN FREEMAN BY WALTER MURPHY EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS ALEC SULKIN WELLESLEY WI LD BY SCOTT STUBER p.g. a. SETH MACFARLANE p.g.a. JASON CLARK p.g. a. JOHN JACOBS WRITTEN DIRECTED BY SETH MACFARLANE & ALEC SULKIN & WELLESLEY WI LD BY SETH MACFARLANE A UNIVERSAL RELEASE
and Earth,” “Tomorrow Today,” “Accentuate the Positive” and a duet project with George Benson, “Givin’ it Up.” Jarreau was also among the multitude of stars appearing on the massively successful fundraising song “We are the World” by USA for Africa, along with Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Willie Nelson and others. BETWEEN “Heaven on Earth” (1988) and “Tomorrow Today” (2000) there was a long recording hiatus. Jarreau explained, “I was still touring. In fact, I toured more than I ever had in the past. I was busier than ever. I was shopping for a record deal and was letting people know there was a new album coming. I was just waiting for the right label.” Winner of six Grammy Awards, Al Jarreau has a number of beliefs and philosophies regarding life and career, one of them being, “Once you discover that you can, then you must. You take direct steps and count your blessings.” — SVH
From page D-1 in’ for the Weekend” (the O’Jays), “Woman to Woman” (Shirley Brown), “Baby I’m For Real” (the Originals), “Superwoman” (Karyn White). BLESSINGS to Cornell Clark, Rian Barnhill, Janaya Black, Rocky Black, Jay Butler, Sandra Steinberg, Gordon Camp, Millie Scott and L.J. Reynolds. WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Maya Angelou: “Whatever the problem is, you will get through it. There is no problem that can compare to the Creator of all things. Say thank you.”
Let the music play!
Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol.com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.
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STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION **** NOTICE OF HEARING FOR THE CUSTOMERS OF DTE GAS COMPANY CASE NO. U-17788 • DTE Gas Company requests Michigan Public Service Commission approval of the Biennial Review of its Energy Optimization Plan in compliance with Public Act 295 of 2008 and the November 24, 2014 Commission Order in Case No. U-17788. • 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, (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 in this matter will be held:
DATE/TIME:
Thursday, July 16, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. This hearing will be a prehearing conference to set future hearing dates and decide other procedural matters.
BEFORE:
Administrative Law Judge Dennis W. Mack
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, 2015 application for approval of the Company’s Biennial Review of its Energy Optimization Plan, in accordance with Public Act 295 of 2008, and the November 24, 2014 Commission Order in Case No. U-17788.
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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 9, 2015. (Interested persons may elect to file using the traditional paper format.) The proof of service shall indicate service upon DTE Gas’s Attorney, Richard P. Middleton, DTE Gas Company, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, Michigan 48226. 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.
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Audition tapes 6. More of the same 9. Sound of astonishment 13. Incompetent 14. Ancient Chinese state and major Chinese river 15. Root of iris 16. Japanese-American 17. ENT’s first concern 18. *Hurricane Jeanne’s Greater Antilles victim, 2004 19. *Sudan’s troubled region 21. Pamper and indulge 23. “____ the President’s Men,” movie 24. *Obama____ 25. *Kendrick Lamar’s genre 28. ____ a Sketch toy 30. Antietam happening 35. “I’m ____ ____!” 37. Caviar and Wade’s opponent 39. *”Mad Men” star Hamm completed it in real life 40. Wine 41. Saints’ lights 43. Japanese restaurant staple 44. Run off together 46. Opposite of knit 47. Facial treatment 48. Eye part 50. It prevents objectivity 52. ____ Angelico 53. A in BA 55. One who follows teachings of Lao-tzu 57. *Subject of Russia/ Ukraine dispute 60. *Modern self-portrait 63. Trouser fabric 64. Old French coin 66. Type of island 68. “Mad” fortÈ 69. Habitual twitch 70. High IQ society 71. End of grace 72. Member of a “benevolent and protective order” 73. Picture within a picture, e.g.
1. Clamor 2. Children’s author Blyton 3. ___ Verde National Park 4. Verdi’s output 5. Smother or suppress 6. Type of pitcher 7. *____ Party 8. Approximately, as in date 9. Obama to Harvard Law School 10. Seed coat 11. www.google.com, e.g. 12. Tire measurement 15. “____, ____!” said Piglet 20. Extremist 22. Scepter’s partner 24. Duo at the Sistine Madonna’s feet 25. *Mars vehicle 26. Feeble old woman 27. Can be noir or grigio 29. *Egyptian ____ d’Ètat 31. Short-term employee 32. *These days, he often steals identities 33. Light acronym 34. *Cause of 2014 global health scare 36. Large African antelope 38. Delhi dress 42. Fill with spirits 45. Bewitch 49. Am is to I as ___ is to we 51. sandwich meat 54. Gustatory sensation 56. More than occasional 57. *”Pawn Stars” employee nickname 58. Frost residue 59. Involved in a secret 60. Draw in, as in air 61. Charged particles 62. Other than what’s implied 63. It’s repeated 2 or 3 times to form dance name 65. *Gulf polluter 67. Back muscle, for short
Solution for Crossword Puzzle
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.; 1982 PA 304, as amended, MCL 460.6h et seq.; 2008 PA 295, MCL 460.1001 et seq.; and the Michigan Administrative Hearing System’s Administrative Hearing Rules, 2015 AC, R 792.10401 et seq. June 17, 2015
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MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Remediation and Redevelopment Division Southeast Michigan District Office 27700 Donald Court Warren, Michigan 48092
Must be 18 and over with some experience. Pay commensurate with experience. Must be lien cleared.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
REQUEST FOR QUOTES The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQs for Receptacles, Aluminum, Control No. 15-1795A. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning on June 24, 2015 from www.mitn.info. RFQs are due by 3:00 PM ET, July 08, 2015. REQUEST FOR QUOTES The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) has issued a Request for Quote for an iMIS Solution Provider. Sealed proposals are accepted by: SEMCOG Attention: Misty Jordan 1001 Woodward Ave. Suite 1400 Detroit, MI 48226 All proposals are due by Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. RFQ specifications are available at SEMCOG offices during normal business hours, on SEMCOG’s web site at www.semcog.org, or by calling Information Services at: 313.961.4266. SEMCOG adheres to all DBE guidelines.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Highland Park will hold a Public Hearing Monday, July 6, 2015 7:15 p.m. Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Complex Council Chambers 2nd floor 12050 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, Mi. 48203 To hear citizens input regarding introducing an amendment to 1040.18 (a), 1042.03 and 1040.20 (e) and repealing 1040.18 (b) of the Municipal Code for the City of Highland Park amending the timeframe by when water meters will be read and when water bills will be due and establishing water shutoff policy due to nonpayment of bills.
Brenda Green City Clerk
INVITATION TO BID The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting IFBs for Annual Inspection and Maintenance for Overhead Doors, Control No. 15-1759A. IFB forms may be obtained beginning on June 24, 2015 from www.mitn.info. IFBs are due by 3:00 PM ET, July 15, 2015.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) has issued Request for Proposal #2015-005: External Communications Consulting Services. Electronic copies of proposals must be submitted with the RFP title and number referenced in the subject line to Ms. Tiffany J. Gunter at tgunter@rtamichigan.org by 4:00 PM EST on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. The RFP with specific instructions is available on the RTA’s website at www.rtamichigan.org or by calling Information Services at (313) 402-1020. The RTA adheres to all DBE guidelines.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) has issued Request for Proposal #2015-006: Airport Express Bus Service. Electronic copies of proposals must be submitted with the RFP title and number referenced in the subject line to Ms. Tiffany J. Gunter at tgunter@rtamichigan.org by 4:00 PM EST on Friday, July 31, 2015.
Part 201 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, as Amended
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ACT UPON A RESPONSE ACTION PLAN FOR A LIMITIED RESTRICTED RESIDENTIAL NO FURTHER ACTION (NFA) The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has received a proposed response activity plan for the Wade McCree Estate, a site of environmental contamination located at 266 Hyacinthe Street in Ecorse, Wayne County, Michigan. Contamination at the site was caused by former industrial operations and bulk petroleum above ground storage tanks (ASTs). This notice is provided according to the requirements of Part 201 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), 1994 PA 451, as amended, MCL 324.20120d(3) et seq to notify interested persons that the MDEQ has reviewed the proposed response activity plan for a Limited Restricted Residential cleanup category and finds it to be in compliance with the requirements of the Act and the administrative rules for the Act currently in place. This notice is to provide a brief summary of the proposed response activities and to offer an opportunity for public review and comment prior to final action upon the proposed plan. Written public comments will be accepted until 5:00 PM on July 31, 2015. The MDEQ will carefully consider and address significant public comments before a final decision is made regarding the proposed plan. The proposed response activity plan for the site includes contaminated soil removal, implementation of engineering controls in the form of direct contact exposure barriers and/or vapor mitigation systems at the site. It also includes the placement of restrictive covenants on the property that will 1) prohibit use of onsite groundwater for potable purposes, which will prohibit construction of water wells to extract groundwater for consumption, irrigation or other use, 2) specify proper management of soils in accordance with Part 201, and 3) require the use of a direct contact or vapor intrusion engineering controls, as needed. The remedial action plan will be available for review beginning June 22, 2015 at the Ecorse Housing Commission at 266 Hyacinthe Street, Ecorse, Michigan 48229. A copy will also be available for review during normal business hours at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Southeast Michigan District Office, 27700 Donald Court, Warren, Michigan. The review period will not be less than 30 calendar days from the date of this publication. Comments should be addressed to: Patricia Thornton MDEQ Southeast Michigan District Office 27700 Donald Court Warren, Michigan 48092 (586)753-3758
NOTICE OF LAST DAY OF REGISTRATION FOR THE HIGHLAND PARK MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON
TUESDAY AUGUST 4, 2015 CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a MUNICIPAL ELECTION will be held in the City of Highland Park on TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015. The last day to register for the election is MONDAY JULY 6, 2015 by 4:00 p.m. Persons residing in the City of Highland Park registering after the deadline will not be eligible to vote at the election. Voters may register by mail using a mail-in registration form or in person at a Secretary of State Branch Office or the City Clerk’s office. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the electors of the City of Highland Park will be voting on the nomination for the office of MAYOR and COUNCILMEMBERS. PERSONS ENTITLED to be registered voters in the City of Highland Park must possess the following qualifications on or before the day of the election. (1) a citizen of the United States; (2) not less than 18 years of age; (3) a resident of the State of Michigan and the City of Highland Park for not less than 30 days prior to the election. In addition, qualified electors must be registered to vote not less than 30 days prior to the election. Registrations will be received at Highland Park City Hall at 12050 Woodward, Highland Park, MI 48203. Monday through Thursday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Friday’s 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Persons with special needs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the clerk’s office at 313-252-0050 ext. 223. Brenda Green City Clerk
JUNE 1-JULY 4: FIREWORKS SAFETY MONTH
Page D-4
HELP WANTED
Full time Drivers wanted!
Holland is hiring Drivers in Detroit MI. Drvs w/ 1 year or 50k miles exp, w/ tanker & hazmat. The recruiter will be on site June 29, 30, and July 1 from «Noon to 5:00 PM» at 27411 Wick Rd Romulus MI. Apply at Hollandregional.com/careers EEO/AAE Minorities/Females/Persons with Disabilities/Protected Veterans
Submit Resume to P.O. Box 13406, Detroit, MI 48213 Structural Integration Architect General Motors Co. seeks Structural Integration Architect in Warren, MI to integrate vehicle body and chassis structure to meet many global and/or regional requirements; responsible for specifying and balancing structure and safety requirements and integrating these requirements into vehicle development programs in the earliest stages of VDP, among other duties. Min. BS + 8 yrs. exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. #5921021, 300 Renaissance Center, M/C 482-C32-D44, Detroit, MI 48265-3000.
CITY OF RIVER ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENT The City of River Rouge is currently seeking applications for Part-Time Police Officers to create an eligibility list. Applicants must be 21 yrs of age, a high school diploma, or GED. Must have proof of valid MCOLES certification as a Certified Officer. Applications may be obtained Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., at:
River Rouge Police Department 10600 West Jefferson Avenue River Rouge, Michigan 48218 (313)842-0069
Social Worker Salary: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour Work Hours: 40 hours per week Education: Bachelors Social Work Degree
Primary Care Practice Engagement Specialist
Seeking
SECRETARY II NURSING at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
Salary: $15.94 to 16.43 per hour Work Hours: 40 hours per week Education: Medical Assistance Certification and/or Medical Office Specialist/Technician Certification
Nursing – Located at Focus Hope Detroit
For position details and requirements, please visit our website @ WCHAP.org
Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Two years secretarial experience. Ability to operate standard office equipment. Knowledge of proper grammar, spelling & punctuation, intermediate word processing, beginning spreadsheet and beginning database applications. Ability to effectively interact with the public, students, faculty, and staff. This is a full time, clerical-technical position, located at Focus Hope Detroit, with a salary of $34,418 annually. See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by June 30, 2015. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu
If you are qualified, please email your resume and cover letter to: wchapjobs@gmail.com WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM Seeking
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, CAREER SERVICES at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Career Services
Support the vision of “Developing” best prepared job seekers and be employers’ favorite place to recruit talent. Will supervise Career Consultants and student-centered retention programs by cultivating dynamic career networks and meaningful connections between students, faculty, and employers. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Higher Education, Business or related field of study. Five years of progressively responsible experience applying career coaching techniques, supporting career success, experience with college recruiting, employer relations development and student retention programs. Salary is up to low $60s, commensurate with experience. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by June 30, 2015. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu
Seeking
ACADEMIC ADVISER at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
First Year Advising Center
Call 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com
The mission of the First Year Center is to reach out to all incoming students. The Adviser will manage a caseload of students and assist them in all facets of academic planning and transition to college life. Also serve as a liaison to a professional school or College of Arts and Sciences to insure effective communication in the interest of student progress and engagement. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Education or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Two years experience in an educational setting. Demonstrated skill in working with students to achieve educational goals. Salary is up to the low $40’s annually. Refer to online posting for additional requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by June 30, 2015. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu
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Gay-Dagn Rep. Sher nent advoogo, a promry icate for cation, eduis hall on hosting a town increasin troit’s g Depipe education line to high er on Marc . The forum h 21, 9-11 am, at Wayn Coun e ty C o m muni t Colle y g Distri e ct Nort h w e s Sherry cam pus,t Gay-Dagn ogo 8200 W. Drive is, openO u t e r public to the and verse pane will have a dil of leade well as participan rs as Michigan ts from Hiram Jack ern MichState and East son, publi at Panc ties and igan universi-sher of the akes & Polit Creative the College Michigan ics. for Studies. Chronicle
March 18-2
State scor 4, 2015 in civil ri es F ghts class
By Bankole
Thomps CHRONICLE on SENIOR EDITOR
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The Rights cakes & Movement e when it ’s “Pan Politics” luded on comes to 21. .” is histo July ry as the and the rest teac hing SPLC ering of annual our grad speakers gathindicated also e-school GEORGE times each held in the students report LLC; Dan JACKSON (left) 10th seas spring enter four about it in that it s its on. was conc compreh a Rock VentGilbert, founder , president & ensive and CEO During “that the erned town, Inc. ures; and Sue & chairman, Quic , GWJ Grou compellin movethen-Detr that first even p ment, Mosey, g way.” t -when it executiveken Loans and Kilpatrickoit Mayor Kwam is given – Arthur director, and As Detro e classCounty Horwitz, Midroom Oakland it Executive chairma much-notemakes its Patterson The spea L. 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Thost the Civil move Viola Davis ment-rela e ted instrthat do By Zack See CIVIL long string has had a uction Burgess RIGH of succ EDITO
WHAT’S INS IDE
The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) has issued Request for Proposal #2015-004: Legislative Services.
L TIMES
78 – Num
ber 27 Rep. Gay -Dag pushes high nogo for Detroite er ed rs in March 21 town hall State
Renewal Acct. #
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Michigan Chro
New pos for Shaun ition Wils (Page A-2) on
‘Pancakniecle’ss & Politics’
10
Electronic copies of proposals must be submitted with the RFP title and number referenced in the subject line to Ms. Tiffany J. Gunter at tgunter@rtamichigan.org by 4:00 PM EST on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. The RFP with specific instructions is available on the RTA’s website at www. rtamichigan.org or by calling Information Services at (313) 402-1020. The RTA adheres to all DBE guidelines.
June 24-30, 2015
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
Java & Jaz celebratesz 15 years (Page B-1)
years and Forum ga counting rners head lines, mak es history
W
Native Det come bac roiters k hom (Page C-1) e
Published Every Wednesday
IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
Spotligh Viola Davt: is (Page D-1)
Violence and the ci ty of
es, but the essR-ATTHE MICH LARGE Award-nomAcademy IGAN CHRO NICLE has reach inated actress Detroit is a city say there with the ed new heights where offici through-th are more als people, ratings of e-roof guns than almost and crime television the complex influence every decis mines s ion. It when Get Away series “How to deterwhat route people leave with Murd er.” they walk s they drive home,
TS page A-4
Detroit
were 300 from 333 slayings in 2014 , down in 2013 a slow but stabl , continuin total num g e decli , . Crime tional icebr corresponber of murders ne. The is a convwhere and the ding rate ersaer or spor eaker, like 9 perce fell by the weat nt from ts. his due last year. about to The conv This troit Polic a major effor ersation guns and with the of who has e Chief Jamet by Detine throu shootings are crime, safety.” Glock is the made it s target crim lack of his miss Craig, weekend ghout the city so roua ion to al Judg throughou e in known that last two wom When e, Terre bar in hot did en t the spots nce Berg close to sat at of owni Harmony the identified city. the cussed home. , hits too ng a hand discussion neighborhHe has also normal handguns Park and disgroups gun beco can carry ood watc Year and and how me women? for everyday more invol made it his them unno h they the list after year, Detro duty working ved by ticed. it tops reach in “Girl, providing to be Cities, of the Most Dang On the Detroit and here in I can carry mine outerous Public ent. Howe this year is shot every average, some Schools. …right All of dleaged my bra,” said one ing is the ver, what is no differtroit. Howeday in the the midDetroit these efforts city of is encourag be ident woman, who helped Police Depa ver, Detually decliviolent crim refus become ified at the its lowe e rate Casa Haba numb to residents have the Cigar ed to st num rtment recor ned last coming until a since such viole d Bar La ber of year, despacwoman easier just na. “It just through 1967 nce — ite bankruptc is shot for refus makes were kille , when 281 killings a very only thing in case I need and ing it y, publ killed to give people the history. phone ic to an ever-d. Still, than it. The I have to a stranger num Yet, Detrolargest in U.S. shrinking ks in part worry abou her a very dang grandmot ber, a carja Detroit it still rema cking of populatio t tops the erous place ins viral or her and her comes n, . kids goesa the shoo Given to murd nation when murders ting of it er rate. troit recorthe circumsta a FederAt 43.4 nces, Deded its Detroit’s per 100,000 of hom residents, murder icides in lowest num that of ber 47 years New York rate is 10 time . There s City.
The Michigan Chronicle $1.00
479 Ledyard • Detroit, MI 48201 See DETR
OIT page A-4
praise connect
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
June 24-30, 2015
Page D-5
NNPA Gospel Brunch
From left, Chandra Lewis, Dr. Ben Chavis, Bishop Corletta Vaughn, Clovis Campbell and Jocelyn Allen of the Allen Lewis Agency.
is the reason. Nadine Cook (left), St. John Health System and Bishop Corletta Vaughn.
Bishop J. Drew Sheard
Larry Callahan and Selected of God
When anything can happen, you should be confident that you’re ready for anything.
Vickie Winans
Lambda Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority On Saturday, May 16, Lambda Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, a professional nursing organization, held its annual Scholarship and Awards for Excellence Luncheon. This year the affair was held at Club Venetian Banquet Center in Madison Heights. Entertainment was the sounds of Motown performed by the Merge Band. The 2015 scholarship recipients were Tanesha Hunter, Mary Kavivi-Muli, Charli Fields, April Cunningham, Jazzsma Caldwell, Kierra Tarrance and Penny Stuckey. All of the awardees are registered nurse students attending local colleges and universities.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. R037751
R037751_MichiganChronicleAd.indd 1
Seated from left, Maria Bobo, Ways and Means Luncheon chair; Nutrena Tate, regional director; Sharon Burnett, chapter president; and Sheri Kemp, scholarship chair.
Seated around Sharon Burnett, president of Detroit’s Lambda Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., a professional nursing organization, are some of the 2015 active members. All members of the organization are registered nurses. The Detroit chapter was founded in 1965.
New 2015 members of Lambda Chi Chapter, Chi Ea Phi Sorority, Inc., A professional nursing organization, are (seated from left) Vmeika Stephens, Vivian Lucas, Tishara Lewis, Bridget Howard and Deborah El-Amin. Standing (from left) are Beverly Jackson, new membership chair; Nutrena Tate, regional director; and Janeice Hampton, chapter vice president.
3/5/15 1:39 PM
Page D-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • June 24-30, 2015
Mistress of Ceremony:
Rochelle Riley Columnist, Detroit Free Press
You are cordially invited to the Keynote Speaker:
Native Detroiter
Congressman Keith Ellison U.S. House of Representatives Minnesota 5th District
2 0 1 5 HONOREES Christopher Allen Vice President Health Plan Administration & Finance, Chief Financial Officer Detroit Medical Center / Harbor Health Plan
Reginald Hartsfield President & Co-Owner Advantage Management Group Bishop John Henry Sheard Senior Pastor Greater Mitchell Temple COGIC
Dr. John Barnwell Sr., MD Chief of General Surgery Detroit Medical Center / Sinai Grace
Dr. Alton G. Smith, MD Diagnostic Radiologist William Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe & Associates
Rev. Larry Jordan Founding Pastor, International Third World Leadership Association Family Victory Fellowship
N.Z. Bryant President & Chief Executive Officer Patterson- Bryant, Inc.
Kevin Sweeney Market Director Urban Partnership Bank
Dr. Darnell Kaigler Jr. Associate of Dentistry and Co-Owner Kaigler and Associates
Forest Bryson Vice President of Store Delivery Faygo Beverage Co.
Jason Tinsley Executive Director JP Morgan Private Bank
Harold Lasenby Chief Executive Officer, Managing Member Infinite Technologies, LLC
Michael Cheatham Vice President /Michigan Community Reinvestment Act Manager Comerica
Raymond Waller Director Brighton Hospital, St. John Providence Health System
Reginald Lee, FPHL Regional Chief Executive Vibra Healthcare LLC
Dr. Frank M. Clark Co-Owner Alsan Medical Clinic Scott Alan Davis Program Manager, Business Energy Consultation Program SEEL LLC
Alvin Ward Executive Director Athletics Detroit Public Schools
Ronald R. Lockett Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director Northwest Community Programs, Inc.
Franklin D. Warren Vice President Fossil Generation – DTE Electric
Bertram L. Marks, Esq. Litigation Associations and Pastors First Community Baptist Church
Jamaine Dickens Principal DMC Strategies
Kirk Mayes Chief Executive Officer Forgotten Harvest
Dr. Galen R. Duncan Director of Player Development Detroit Lions
Richard McKay Global Sr. Purchasing Manager Renault Nissan North America
Darnell Earley Emergency Manager Detroit Public Schools
Warren Morgan Assistant Vice President Fifth Third Bank
Terence Edmondson President Exclusive Reality
Minister Victor Saadiq Abdul Muhammad Director of Prison Reform Ministry Nation of Islam, Michigan Chapter
Calvin Hart Lieutenant Michigan State Police Department
Bishop J. Drew Sheard Senior Pastor Greater Emmanuel Institutional COGIC
Rev. Alvin E. Jackson Sr. Senior Pastor Wings of Love Missionary Baptist Church
Reginald Braxton Senior Sales Executive McGraw Hill Education
Daryl Gilliam Agent State Farm Insurance
Dr. John Sealey, DO FACOS Osteopathic, Cardio Thoracic Surgeon Detroit Medical Center
Lloyd Jackson Director of Communications Wayne County
Dr. E.L. Branch Senior Pastor Third New Hope Baptist Church
Rev. Kenneth G. Giles Pastor Greater St. Mark Baptist Church
Joseph Rochester, MPH Director / Market Community Relations HAP Midwest
Rudy Hobbs Chief of Staff Wayne County Executive Office
Charlie Beckham Group Executive- Neighborhoods & Administration City of Detroit
Rogers Foster Photographer Rogers Williams Foster Freelance Photography
Dr. Glenn R. Plummer Founder CTN, Senior Pastor WLPC TV 40 Detroit / Comcast 397, Ambassador for Christ Church
Dr. David Wash Medical Director Professional Medical Center Brian White Chief of Staff City of Detroit – Council Member Mary Sheffield Dr. Kevin Whitlow, MD Internal Medicine Henry Ford Health System Maurice Wiggins Owner, Chief Executive Office Addison Eatery, International Hospitality Group Horatio Williams Founder Horatio Williams Foundation
Ray Paige Attorney at Law City of Detroit
James Williamson Jr. Owner JKW Insurance Agency
Michael G. Perkins Corporate Sale Manager Wayne State University / WDET Public Radio Quentin Perry Chief Executive Officer / Founder Taurus Productions
Jason Q. Wilson President, Managing Partner Wilson Law Group, St. Regis Hotel Shawn Wilson Multicultural Community Engagement Manager Ford Motor Company
Friday, July 10, 2015 at the MGM Grand Detroit 1777 Third Street, Detroit, MI 48226 #MCMOE2015
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