Mc digital edition 7 12 17

John C. Portman, Jr., chief architect of the Renaissance Center, reflects on iconic complex

40 years later Page C1

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Volume 80 – Number 44

michiganchronicle.com

July 12-18, 2017

Goodbye and hello.

Michigan Chronicle finally moving to new Paradise Valley location on Friday

By Keith A. Owens Senior Editor

Two days and counting.

Because come Friday? July 14? The Michigan Chronicle is moving outta here, folks. And this time we mean it.

We’re also pretty happy and excited about it.

But we wanted you, our loyal readers, to hear about this from us first so that come next Monday? You don’t make the mistake of coming down here to 479 Ledyard expecting to see any one of us because won’t be nothing left of us except the dust we shook off our shoes on the way toward the future.

See MOVING page A-4

Wayne County Treasurer works with entrepreneurs and nonprofits to prevent foreclosures Multiple homeowners receive monetary gift to pay taxes Wayne County Treasurer Eric R. ­Sabree is pleased to announce that his office has accepted payments and donations from private donors to help taxpayers save their homes from property tax foreclosure by paying off their 2014 taxes.

“Our office has worked diligently to educate the public about ways to avoid property tax foreclo- Eric R. Sabree sure. Recently, we had over 2,700 people in owner occupied properties who owed less than $1,000 on 2014 delinquent property taxes,” said Sabree.

See STOP FORECLOSURE page A-4

WHAT’S INSIDE

WTH again! Donald Trump … really?

By Roz Edward Donald Trump, arbiter of many things fake, has leveled false charges, wasted tax dollars and our time by proposing and assembling one of the most ludicrous and dangerous commissions on policy in modern times, the Advisory Commission on Election Integrity.

Trump announced the formation of the Advisory Commission on Election Integrity (since the concept of integrity is apparently foreign to Trump, this is not a word he should use). The fraudulent commission, headed by Trump's second in command Mike Pence, requested voter information on individual voters in all 50 states, including names, home addresses, voting histories, party affiliations, dates of birth, felony convictions and the last four digits of voters’ Social Security numbers.

Michigan, along with 29 other states, has agreed to partially comply with the Commission’s request and provide only the voter information that is legal to disclose. Michigan will provide the Commission only with the information that is publicly available on the state’s 7.4 million voters, which includes voters’ birth years but not their full dates of birth. Johnson also will not provide any Social Security information or driver’s license numbers, both protected under state privacy laws.

Since a growing number of states (16) and Washington, D.C. are refusing to comply in any manner with the severely misdirected edict, calling it intrusive and recognizing this slippery slope into more flagrant forms of voter suppression.

“The Advisory Commission on Election Integrity is just another form of voter suppression packaged in a different way. To request Michigan voters’ full birthdates and drivers’ license numbers is outrageous, and actions like these have the potential to

invoke fear and suppression amongst voters. This suppresses their rights as participants in the electoral process and could potentially lead to lower turnout numbers for future elections.

Voting is our right and it shouldn’t be threatened by the risk of exposing our personal information. Hence, the reason why privacy laws are in place,” explained Wayne County Clerk, Cathy M. Garrett. Garrett is also secretary to the Board of Election Commissioners and is responsible for administering the statutory obligations of all federal, state and county elections conducted in Wayne County.

“At this most critical time in our nation’s history, it is important for all of us to stand like a rock, to defend and protect our freedom and democracy.

Michigan should join the [16] other states along with the District of Columbia in non-compliance with this bogus request regarding voter data information,” said Detroit Branch NAACP President Rev. Wendell Anthony. “California, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia have all indicated their intentions not to comply. It is also most interesting

that Kansas, the home state of the vice chair of this commission, Kris Kobach, has also rejected and indicated their non-compliance. Even Texas has joined in the chorus of those who refuse to submit to this unconstitutional violation of citizen’s privacy, laws and election integrity.”

Michigan’s response is, however, less intense and pales in light of Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann’s reply to the administrations reprehensible request. Hosemann, who is also the conservative southern state’s chief elections officer said in a statement that his reply would be, “They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi is a great state to launch from.”

Rev. Anthony, the renowned national civil rights advocate and leader of the largest NAACP branch in the world, said he had also hoped for a more stringent response to the Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. “[While] we applaud the action of Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to partly deny this presidential request, it would have been preferred that Michi-

See VOTER

SUPPRESSION page A-4

City’s affordable housing stock rising Michigan Chronicle Reports

A series of oil paintings from Torri Smith, Detroit artist and architect Page D-1

$1.00

Bedrock and the City of Detroit recently announced an agreement which will result in an estimated 700 affordable housing units. The residential housing will consist of new construction and the preservation of existing affordable housing that would have likely converted to market rate. The agreement reflects the City of Detroit’s and Bedrock’s commitment to the redevelopment of the greater downtown area as an inclusive, mixed-income community that provides quality housing opportunities for all.

“It is important that a wide range of housing options, including affordable ones, are available in Detroit’s growing marketplace.

Jobs and economic opportunity for Detroit­ ers has been part of our mission since we started investing in Detroit seven years ago,” said Dan Mullen, president, Bedrock. “We are excited to further ramp up our commitment to invest in quality, affordable housing options to Detroiters representing a broad economic spectrum.”

Over the next several years, Bedrock plans to develop up to 3,500 residential rental units in the city. This agreement,

which was submitted to the Detroit City Council, provides that one out of every five, or 20 percent, of those units will be affordable housing for households whose income is 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less. The affordable units will be

primarily located in the greater downtown area, where affordable housing options are needed to ensure downtown and Midtown remain accessible for people of all incomes.

See AFFORDABLE

HOUSING page A-4

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 12-18, 2017

Page A-2

Rep. Dingell, Mothering Justice, State Rep. Geiss outline urgent need for paid leave in Taylor U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined Danielle Atkinson of Mothering Justice, State Representative Erika Geiss and Michigan parents, educators and small business owners for a roundtable discussion about the urgent need for comprehensive paid leave and paid sick days programs. The event brought together a diversity of perspectives to outline solutions that will help working families, businesses and the economy.

“At some point, nearly everyone will need to take time off work to care for a new baby, recover from an illness, or care for a sick or aging family member,” said Dingell.

“But today, 41 million people – 36 percent of the workforce – do not have a single paid sick day, and only 14 percent have access to paid leave through their employer. For these individuals, taking time off often means choos-

workplace has not:

ing between a paycheck and taking care of themselves or their family. No one should have to make that choice. With people working hard to make ends meet, it’s time our national policies provide the support needed to manage the demands of work and family.”

“The time for earned paid sick time is long overdue,” said Geiss.

“That’s why I’m proud to fight for this issue every day in Lansing. The stories I hear around my district show that working people believe that no one should have to choose between taking care of an illness or work.”

“As a teacher, I see firsthand what happens when students come to school sick because their parents do not have the ability to stay home with them,” said Taylor Elementary School teacher Jessica Madden. “Children who are sick should be at home getting well

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• In more than 60 percent of households with children, all adults are working. But the United States has failed to adopt federal workplace policies that reflect this reality.

• The U.S. remains the world’s only wealthy nation that does not mandate a minimum of paid sick leave, vacation leave or parental leave.

and earned paid sick time policies will help ensure that they can.”

“As a restaurant owner, I believe that workers deserve paid time off when they are sick,” said Godwin Ihentuge, founder of YumVillage.

“The restaurant industry has helped lead to the economic growth we are experiencing in the Detroit area and it’s time that restaurant workers shared in that prosperity. Earned paid sick time policies would be a step in the right direction.”

“When a baby is born, we are filled with hope and a sense of pride and

responsibility to provide for them. But in reality, we don’t do enough for new mothers when it comes to paid time off to care for themselves and their children,” said doula Olivia Harper. “I support policies that give new mothers the chance to take paid time off to take a sick baby to the doctor or even a healthy baby visit.”

Dingell is working to address these issues in Congress by passing The Healthy Families Act and The Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act to provide paid time off for individuals to recover from an illness

or welcome a new child.

The Healthy Families Act guarantees workers the right to earn up to seven paid sick days to care for themselves or a loved one who is sick, or to take time off to address domestic violence. The FAMILY Act ensures that workers can take paid family and medical leave when they need it to care for a new child or for themselves or a relative with a serious health condition.

These comprehensive polices would help workers achieve a better balance between work and family life. The world has changed a lot in the last 30 to 40 years, but the

• Nationally, 41 million private sector workers – 36 percent of the workforce – do not have access to sick leave. Millions more workers cannot earn paid sick time they can use to care for a sick child or family member.

• According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, if all workers had access to paid sick days, emergency room visits would decline by 1.3 million visits a year, saving $1.1 billion annually.

More than half of those savings would be to public health insurance programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

• Without basic protections like paid sick days and paid family leave, many working parents are one illness or accident away from losing their jobs.

Pontiac Creative Arts Center to hold Confetti Camp

By Natalie Broda Spaces are still available for the Pontiac Creative Arts Center’s Confetti Camp for kids.

Now in its 35th year, the camp involves working hands-on in several different mediums, including drawing, sculpture, painting, 3D papier-mâché, dance and creative movement. Registration is open with a $95 tuition.

More information: • The camp takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Thursday, July 13, and is for children ages 6 to 11.

For all news and calendar items: Deadline is two weeks prior to event.

• To register, go to pontiacarts.org or by calling 248-33-7849.

Weeks that contain holidays, dead­line is Thursday prior to publication date.

• Lunch and a small breakfast snack are included for each camper.

Children work on a project during last year’s Confetti Camp at the ­Pontiac Creative Arts Center. — Photo by Natalie Broda, Digital First Media

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 12-18, 2017

Page A-3

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. set to host its largest conclave in Detroit Thousands of men of Sigma and their families will have an opportunity to enjoy a festive atmosphere, which includes an impressive list of events featuring major recording artists, political personalities, a golf tournament, mentoring workshops and a worship service Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (PBS) is set to host its International Conclave July 18–23, 2017 in Detroit at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. The conclave, the organization’s official conference for its members worldwide, is projected to be the largest in the organization’s history. Thousands of Sigmas from all walks of life and around the world will convene to continue the work the organization has begun in effectuating changes in the lives of young men of color. Several events such as a Mentoring Forum, Miss International Phi Beta Sigma Pageant and a Threeon-Three Basketball Tournament are planned.

“I am elated we are hosting our International Conclave in Detroit, America’s Comeback City. We’ve planned a wonderful, productive and fun convention for our brothers, their families and our guests. Having led, with the help of our General Board, the transformation of our organization over the last four years, I say thank you to all the members, friends, sponsors, community partners and families,” said PBS International President Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. • Tuesday, July 18 – Honorable Demetrius C. Newton Golf Tournament and the General Board Dinner.

• Wednesday, July 19 – First Time Attendees Orientation, Opening Ceremony hosted by comedian and actor J. Anthony Brown and concert featuring the Clark Sisters, and The President’s Reception.

• Thursday, July 20 – Breakfast with the Candidates & Candidates Forum, Oratorical and Debate finals, regional caucuses, Life Members Brotherhood Luncheon and the Miss International Phi Beta Sigma.

• Friday, July 21 – Omega and Rededication Ceremony, Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union Breakfast & Meeting, PBS International Awards Luncheon, Distinguished Service Chapter Dinner and International Step Show Competition and Concert featuring Juvenile, Twista and Special Ed. • Saturday, July 22, 2017 - Sigma Marketplace, Blue and White Cookout, Three On Three Basketball Tournament, Alain Leroy Locke Honors Chapter Induction Ceremony, Distinguished Service Chapter Induction Ceremony, PBS Image Awards Banquet & Grand Orchid Ball.

• Sunday, July 23, 2017 – Worship Service.

For more information, visit www. phibetasigma1914.org.

Councilmember Castañeda-López introduces city’s first air quality improvement ordinance Councilmember Raquel Castañeda-López has proposed an ordinance that seeks to regulate the storage and transportation of carbonaceous materials (pet-coke, met-coke, coke breeze, etc.) and to reduce dust from bulk solid material storage facilities. These types of facilities can create highly-localized hotspots of particulate matter (PM) pollution due to wind blowing dust into nearby neighborhoods and homes.

The ordinance seeks to protect and improve the public and environmental health of Detroiters by removing hazardous dust and other products from the air of our communities.

“Every Detroiter deserves to breathe clean air. Protecting the public and environmental health of all residents is important to my office because it impacts our children, neighborhoods and local economy.” said Castañeda-López. “Detroiters’ ability to live, work and play in the city is directly tied to air quality and this ordinance is the first step to advancing environmentally friendly policies and practices in the city.”

The ordinance would require carbonaceous materials to be stored in a full enclosure and trucks/rail cars to be cleaned and tarped before exiting a facility to prevent harmful materials from entering neighborhoods, air or waterways. The ordinance would also require a facility processing, handling and storing bulk solid material to submit a fugitive dust plan, incorporating an aggressive street sweeping plan, install wind monitors and air monitors/sensors along the perimeter of their facilities.

Raquel Castañeda-López The legislation seeks to encourage industry to: ■ Keep dust off streets and out of homes.

■ Clean trucks before entering neighborhoods.

■ Sweep the streets around their companies.

■ Prevent products, like petcoke, from being stored uncovered or on the Riverfront.

■ Keep large piles of carbonaceous materials, construction materials and asphalt millings from blighting our neighborhoods.

Due to our industrial history, Detroit has long been labeled the epicenter of asthma and studies have shown Detroit’s asthma rate is twice the state average. The rate of asthma hospitalization for Detroit children is 50% higher than that of Detroit adults.

Another study conducted in Detroit found that increased particulate matter pollution is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for congestive heart failure among seniors. Studies have also found correlations between airborne carbonaceous materials from indus-

trial sites and the respiratory health of nearby residents.

“To protect residents, many cities and counties across the country have enacted ordinances to control fugitive dust emissions from facilities that store materials such as petroleum coke, sand, gravel, asphalt millings, and other aggregates.” said Nicholas Leonard, from the Great Lakes Environmental Law Clinic, in comments submitted to Council. “Rather than reinvent the wheel, Detroit’s ordinance draws from successful ordinances in other cities and counties that have been passed to limit neighboring communities’ exposure to fugitive dust emissions.”

Multiple cities nationwide have already passed similar legislation to improve air quality by reducing hazardous industrial dust in their communities, such as Oakland, California, Nye County, Nevada, and Washington, D.C. Castañeda-López hopes to implement best practices learned from these municipalities in Detroit to ensure everyone can breathe cleaner air.

Mayor Duggan, DPSCD Superintendent Vitti announce new partnership to more than double rec centers this summer Starting next week, Detroit children ages 6 to 17 will have more than twice the current number of recreation center options across the city offering a range of free activities, thanks to an innovative new partnership between the City of Detroit and Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Mayor Mike Duggan, members of the Detroit City Council, and DPSCD Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti announced that the school district has opened 16 Detroit Summer Fun Centers across the city of Detroit, in every City Council district.

When added to the city’s existing 11 full time recreation

centers, Detroit families will have 27 locations to pick from this summer, the largest number operated by the city in more than a decade. After the fiveweek pilot has ended, the city and DPSCD will evaluate the approach as a possible longterm solution toward filling the recreation center gap that has existed in many neighborhoods for more than a decade.

“Detroiters all remember when rec centers across this city shut down. If we are going to build a stronger Detroit, we’ve got to focus on creating safe spaces for our youth and opportunities for them to be successful,” Mayor Duggan said. “Thanks to our partner-

ship with DPSCD, we hope to provide Detroit children with a safe space to play right in their neighborhoods. The DPSCD team has been a great partner in this effort and we appreciate their leadership in making these schools available to the children in our community.”

The City of Detroit shut down 16 recreation centers due to funding cuts from 20062013. In order to provide more recreation opportunities for Detroit children this summer, the city approached DPS officials about partnering to provide Detroit youth more options more quickly. The cost of the fiveweek program is approximately $625,000 or about $40,000 per

location for the summer.

“When the mayor’s team approached us with this concept, we moved with a sense of urgency to ensure that as many students as possible continued to have access to a safe and productive learning environment while parents and caregivers work over the summer,” said Dr. Vitti. “I believe this is the first of many partnerships between the city and school district to better utilize and share resources to support our students and communities.”

To provide a safe and fun environment for children at all 16 Summer Fun Centers, as well as its 11 traditional recreation

centers, the City of Detroit has hired 190 Play Leaders and supervisory staff to provide adult oversight and structure to the programming.

The 16 Summer Fun Centers are available Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. They are staffed and programmed by the city and DPSCD provides security and custodial staff.

Programming includes access to indoor and outdoor athletic opportunities, arts and crafts, media centers and more. The centers also provide three meals throughout the day to participants.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 12-18, 2017

Affordable housing “This represents the city's largest developer proactively committing to invest in new affordable housing and preservation in the city’s strongest neighborhoods where it is critically needed,” said Arthur Jemison, director of Housing and Revitalization for the City of Detroit.

Bedrock’s first two ground-up residential construction projects include affordable housing.

At 28 Grand in the Capitol Park District, Bedrock is nearing completion of a mixed-income development that will include 85 units dedicated to households making 60 percent of the Area Median Income or less. Bedrock has also started construction on a 54-unit affordable development for seniors as part of the new City Modern mixed-income development. The new Brush Park neighborhood, located at 124 Alfred St., will be dedicated to seniors whose incomes are between 30 and 60 percent of the AMI. “This important property sat dormant for nearly 60 years until Bedrock introduced its exciting vision for Brush Park.

Through this project, we

Moving OK, maybe that was a little harsh. Because of course we all have some good memories of this building, and you might even say that the newspaper you’re holding in your hand right now is a bit historic. Because it is the last newspaper produced by our staff at the aboutto-be-ex-Michigan Chronicle location. And please do stay tuned because the location that isn’t the only thing that’s about to change. We’re sure you like what you’ve seen in our newly designed City.

Life. Style. section. More changes are on the way and we think you’ll like what you see.

But before we make that move, a little bit of history, courtesy of Detroit historian Ken Coleman, who was kind enough to share the legacy attached to this building that we have called home for the past 56 years. Well, actually Pauline Leatherwood (whom we respectfully and affectionately call Miss Pauline) is the only one at the paper who has been here that long. But why sweat the details.

You get the point.

Says Ken: “After 56 years at its 479 Ledyard Street office, the Michigan Chronicle is moving to the area of downtown that has been identified as the new Paradise Valley district.

“The Detroit Chronicle, as it was known, first

From page A-1 published on April 14, 1936. The office suite was located in the original Paradise Valley, the epicenter for black business and cultural expression.

It sat where Ford Field is today and was owned by number-running boss Everett I. Watson. The two-story building also served as business headquarters for heavyweight boxing star Joe Louis and his co-manager John W. Roxborough.

“During the late 1930s, the Chronicle moved to 612 E. Vernor Highway at Paradise Valley’s northern border and later to a large residential dwelling located at 268 Eliot Street on the northern end of Brush Park. After that, the paper moved to its present location, 479 Ledyard, in March 1961.”

And on Friday, July 14, we will begin the physical move to our next chapter at 1452 Randolph Street in Paradise Valley, where we will be located on the fourth floor. So don’t be surprised if you happen to swing by and we’re all wearing jeans and t-shirts, looking not-quite like your average professional. We’re wrapping up and adding a period to the past.

But at the beginning of next week? We’ll be up and running and taking care of business just like we always have for the past 80 years. Stop by if you like. We’ll be glad to see you.

Stop foreclosure From page A-1 “Our staff contacted each taxpayer and as a result, many paid taxes and the numbers decreased drastically.”

U-SNAP-BAC Non-Profit Housing Corporation contributors donated $48, 867.46 to help taxpayers save their homes.

Linda Smith, executive director of U-SNAP-BAC Non-Profit Housing Corporation, says this donation was essential.

“I’m excited because this will allow families to remain in their homes with the support of this donation. We would like to also offer the families financial coaching and education so that next year when the taxes come due they’re not in jeopardy of losing their home again,” said Smith.

“We hope to assist them with setting up some type of banking account where they can deposit money on a monthly basis so next year they will have the funds.”

Abdallah Sheik, founder and CEO of Captain Jay’s Fish & Chicken and Captain Jay’s Care & Share Foundation, heard

From page A-1

have come together as one city, community and design team,” said Mona Ross-Gardner, chair of the Brush Park Community Development Corporation. “The Bedrock project team listened to our vision and melded it into theirs to create a work of art, which pays homage to the past and looks toward the future. This unique blueprint accommodates all age groups, focuses on state-of-the-art safety protocols, and adds needed services for our growing community.”

More than 2,000 units of existing affordable housing are threatened by expiring rental assistance contracts and will face strong pressure to convert to market rate developments.

These units typically serve 60 percent AMI and below households and there are large clusters of them in downtown and Midtown, many in senior buildings.

As part of its overall commitment, Bedrock will not only be developing new affordable housing, but preserving existing developments as affordable housing for another 30 years. This will keep longtime residents in their homes and create an environment where

about the opportunity to help and immediately offered his assistance and asked others to do the same.

“I do not want to see anyone lose their home and be out on the streets of Detroit. Some of them are my clients and I like to give back to the community,” said Sheik. “I will never have enough, but I would like to be an example. The goal is to be able to set an example for other business owners in the city to do the same. If other people get together and do this, we will be able to help people save their homes, build up Detroit and help the community.”

Captain Jay’s Care & Share Foundation’s donation is $15,359.41.

Sheik’s foundation partnered with Life for Relief and Development in this effort and they will contribute $5,000 for a combined total contribution of $20,359.41.

Taxpayers were chosen through a random selection process and Treasurer Sabree will announce how many properties are no longer facing foreclosure.

Page A-4

and the city’s revitalization. This affordable housing agreement, along with other company initiatives like Rehabbed and Ready reflect the family of companies’ continuing commitment to increase opportunity for all.

future residents will still have access to affordable housing options in greater downtown.

“This agreement between the city and Bedrock is a big step toward creating and preserving mixed-income communities in downtown and Midtown,” said Roger Myers, CEO of Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM) and an active member of the Senior Housing

Preservation of Detroit (SHP-D) coalition. “The combined commitments for both preservation and new development could provide long-term stability for individuals of all ages who will benefit from such important housing options.”

Since moving to Detroit in 2010, Quicken Loans, Bedrock and their family of companies have become the largest em-

ployer in the city. The Quicken Loans family of companies is proud to employ approximately 3,500 Detroit residents who live throughout the city, making it the largest single employer of Detroit residents as well.

The organization has directly contributed nearly $130 million to various non-profit and civic initiatives to support Detroit’s neighborhoods, schools

Detroit-based ­Bedrock is a full-service real estate firm specializing in acquiring, leasing, financing, developing and managing commercial and residential space. Since its founding in 2011, Bedrock has located more than 160 office and retail tenants to Detroit’s technology-centric downtown.

In addition, Bedrock and its affiliates have invested more than $3.5 billion in acquiring, renovating and developing 95+ properties in downtown Detroit and Cleveland totaling more than 15 million square feet. For more information, visit bedrockdetroit. com or engage on Twitter @BedrockDetroit and Facebook.

Voter suppression gan send a clear message that we will not surrender the rights, privacy and electoral privilege of Michigan citizens to a government that is out of control. Michigan indicated it will provide the Commission with information already available which includes voter’s birth years but not their full dates of birth. We will not provide Social Security and driver’s license information or the voters’ voting history. This information is protected under privacy laws. This commission, from its core, appears to be simply a scam,” stated Anthony.

“People should know that voter lists in Michigan and across the country are public record under state law and have been for de-

cades,” said Secretary of State spokesman Fred Woodhams. “The department has no authority not to provide voter data. It is common for political parties and candidates to obtain voter info.”

Detroit Department of Elections officials reported in January of this year that an audit by the state showed there was no fraud involved in the the November 2016 election.

The state launched an audit after a partial recount following the presidential election revealed mismatches in vote count totals recorded by hand and by vote tabulating machines. Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey said the city’s elections department had been “vindicated.”

Trump, who lost the popular vote

From page A-1 by nearly 3 million voters to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016, contends that he lost the popular vote because of high levels of illegal voting, although there is no evidence to support his claim.

Trump’s voter fraud claims have been unsubstantiated and widely rebuked, but despite the debunking of lies, the delusional would-be dictator forges on in his commitment to undermine the democratic process.

Speaking of foreign concepts, when it comes to this administration’s dubious demands for integrity in the election process, if they sincerely intend to investigate election fraud, why not start with Russia?

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) has prepared route proposals for the September service change.

The hearings will consist of the following information: 1. DDOT and SMART systems have worked together to successfully create new routings for routes that are currently serving the Northland bus stops in Southfield, Michigan. With changes to the space where the current stops are located on the horizon, DDOT and SMART wanted to have a plan ahead of time to allow the transition to be as smooth and simple as possible.

2. In depth explanation with maps, text and a presentation.

3. The routing changes for the six DDOT routes as well as the 6 SMART routes that currently serve the Northland bus stops.

4. A Presentation of the routing and process that lead up to the routing decisions.

The times, locations and dates for the hearings are as follows: Tuesday, July 18th Rosa Parks Transit Center 1310 Cass Ave. Detroit, MI 48226- 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 18th Oakland Community College 22322 Rutland Dr. Southfield, MI 48075- 6:00PM Wednesday, July 19th Providence Hospital 16001 W. Nine Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48075 - 6:30 PM Thursday, July 20th, Northwest Activities Center 18100 Meyers, Rd. Detroit MI 48235– 6:30 PM DDOT ensures that the level and quality of transportation services is provided without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more information regarding our Title VI obligations or to file a complaint, please contact us at the address below.

Due to the amount of changes to the routes as well as the amount of routes, DDOT and SMART have hosted a set of meetings in two phases to engage and request customer engagement as well as input and allow for a transparent process. From that process. Both Systems believe they have done a sufficient job with the routes and are ready to implement the routes in September, 2017.

Written comments or written requests for this public hearing much be received within 15 business days of the first hearing. The Notice of the hearing dates, times, and locations will be provided at least 10 days in advance. Sign interpreters for hearing impaired available upon request.

Submittals should be mailed to the attention of Scheduling and Service Development Administrator, DDOT at 1301 E. Warren Ave. Detroit, Mi. 48207. Unless otherwise published, the proposed routing changes described during the hearings will become final.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 12-18, 2017

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Detroit birthday celebration to benefit youth programs at the Matrix Center in the Osborn Community

By Alisha Dixon Now in its fourth year celebrating Detroit’s birthday (officially July 24, 1701) to benefit youth programs at The Matrix Center, the “313 in the D” rooftop bash is back.

The Friends of the Matrix Center Committee proudly presents the fourth annual “313 in the D” Thursday, July 27, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 3 Fifty Terrace (on the Music Hall rooftop).

Established in 2006, the Matrix Center resides in the heart of the Osborn Community, where nearly half of all youth are living in poverty. The Matrix Center has a track record of success in afterschool programs, summer and out-of-school activities, and college readiness classes.

The Center serves more than 2,500 individuals and families each week with an array of needs assessments, supportive services and referrals designed to

raised over $115,000, our goal is to continue to raise funds to support the children and families we serve at the Matrix Center,” said Krista Pankopf, co-founder of Friends of the Matrix Center. “We believe in the Matrix Center and the passion of its employees to meet the diverse needs of this break the cycle of poverty through Matrix programming and collaboration with more than 150 mission partners.

“We serve more than 3,000 youth each year.

Our afterschool programs have reduced truancy, suspensions and expulsions and increased grades and GPAs for our youth at school. Our summer and out-of-school programs keep kids learning, provide a safe place to be and meals five days a week for six weeks in the summer,” said Ken Brown, director of the Matrix Center. “This neighborhood needs this Center, and we need the

support of volunteers like the Friends of the Matrix Center Committee to continue the necessary work and programs we provide here.”

Guests to “313 in the D” – Detroit’s Birthday Bash will enjoy heavy appetizers, a welcome drink and a cash bar, entertainment by DJ Chris Guyer, dancing, raffles and a silent auction, all while overlooking the panoramic views of Detroit’s signature skyline. New this year, Joey Radio from Mojo in the Morning on Channel 955 will host the celebration.

“Since inception, we’ve

community and effectively break the cycle of poverty.”

Tickets to “313 in the D” are $50 each and can be purchased online at www.matrixhumanservices.org/313inthed.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. To sponsor the event, contact Kerrie Mitchell, at

313-831-1000.

The work of the Friends of the Matrix Center Committee is done entirely through volunteer hours. Committee members include Megan Curoe, Krista Pankopf, Judy Bell, Terry Berry, Jodi Rodnick, Ann Toupin, Kim Blotkamp Hilliard, and Rebecca Scarcello.

July 13, 2017

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE DRAFT 2017 MICHIGAN CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL ACTION PLAN Prior to submission for further funding from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Community Planning and Development, Michigan is required to prepare a Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan (the Consolidated Plan). The Consolidated Plan proposes an action strategy by which those needs will be addressed through five program years for the period July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2020. The five annual action plans are funded by five formula programs covered in the Michigan Consolidated Plan (HOME, Community Development Block Grant, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDs, the Emergency Solutions Grant, and the Housing Trust Fund). The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is responsible for preparing the Michigan Consolidated Plan and soliciting comments from the public regarding the plan on an annual basis.

The 14-day comment period will commence on July 17, 2017 and end on July 31, 2017 and will focus on the draft action plan language. Copies of the 2017 Michigan Consolidated Action Plan may be downloaded free of charge from the MSHDA website at www.michigan.gov/mshda.

All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearings listed below and/or submit written comments for the Michigan Consolidated Action Plan. Information gathered during the public hearings and the written comments received will be used to develop the 2017 Michigan Consolidated Action Plan.

Please note the following date and locations for the 2017 Public Hearings: Detroit:

Friday, July 21, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

MSHDA Detroit Office, Cadillac Place, 3028 W. Grand Boulevard

Lansing:

Monday, July 31, 2017 from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

MSHDA Lansing Office, 735 E. Michigan Avenue

Individuals and organizations unable to attend the hearing may still submit written comments to Tonya Young, 735 East Michigan Avenue, P.O. Box 30044, Lansing, MI 48909. Written comments must be received no later than July 31, 2017.

Comments can also be submitted to the MSHDA Consolidated Plan Coordinator via e-mail to hidmailbox@michigan.gov.

Special Assistance: The meeting locations are accessible to mobility-challenged individuals. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in a meeting should contact Housing Initiatives at 517.335.2524 a week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

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Page A-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 12-18, 2017

DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED DELIVERS INSPIRATION AND MORE!

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

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

#discovertheunexpected

DISCOVER MORE OF THEIR STORY AT NNPA.ORG/DTU

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July 12-18, 2017

Health Fair:

WCCCD to host 50th Anniversary Health Fair on July 22 As part of its 50th Anniversary celebrations, the Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development will hold a community health fair on Saturday, July 22, 2017, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The program will be held at the Downtown Campus, located at 1001 W Fort Street in Detroit. Everyone is invited.

The program will run from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and will bring together area medical doctors that will present on hypertension, nutrition and diet, diabetes and the effects the disease has on the human body.

Dr. Conrad C. Maitland, urologist, currently serving as the Site Director of Urology Residence at Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit will facilitate the program for the day.

He has served as Distinguished Medical Scholar-in-Residence during which time the District assembled a number of medical doctors in various disciplines ranging from mental health, diet and nutrition to plastic surgery.

The day-long health fair will give the public the opportunity to engage top medical professionals in general group conversations as well as specific, one-on-one discussions.

“I will be addressing the issues of the risks that prostate conditions and cancer pose to the health and wellness of male populations throughout America; especially those of people of color, who are twice as likely to die from the disease as their White or Asian Americans,” Dr. Maitland said.

“I like to thank all the medical doctors & health care personnel who have chosen to give up their personal activities on Saturday to come together to provide the community with a dose of healthy information. I would also like to thank the Wayne County Community College District for providing the forum to educate a healthy community.”

The topics and conditions for discussion include, nutrition & diet, the dangers of diabetes & hypertension, foot care, prostate cancer & Prostate conditions, bladder control issues (Incontinence) and female (GYN) – preventive care with sexual transmitted diseases (STD).

Among vendors exhibiting at the fair will be the Detroit Medical Center, Detroit Fire Department, Community Network Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Blue Care Network, Sherwood Urology, WCCCD’s Health Sciences, and the Michigan Institute for Public Safety, located at the WCCCD’s Downriver Campus.

The program is open to the public at no cost and parking is available About WCCCD: WCCCD, the largest urban community college in Michigan, is a multi-campus district with six campus locations, including the Mary Ellen Stempfle University Center and the Michigan Institute for Public Safety Education (MIPSE), serving more than 70,000 credit and non-credit students annually across 32 cities and townships, and more than 500 square miles. WCCCD is committed to the continued development of new programs, workforce transformation, hosting community-based training sessions, and improving student facilities and services. For more information, visit www.wcccd.edu.

DTE Energy adds glow to central city with Beacon Park Park name reflects its mission to be a catalyst for development in west central downtown

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

Beacon Park – located on Cass Avenue and Grand River in Detroit – adjacent to DTE Energy’s headquarters campus, will open to the public on Thursday, July 20, 2017, kicking off four days of grand opening events that include live music, a night market and family entertainment.

“The name is fitting,” said DTE Energy Chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson.

“From the beginning, we envisioned this public space would shine light on the western edge of downtown Detroit, becoming a beacon for development, a beacon to bring more visitors and businesses to Detroit, and a beacon of continued progress for a city in the midst of revitalization. We’re looking forward to seeing young and old, Detroiters and visitors alike, enjoy Beacon Park and all of the exciting activities and programming it will offer year around.”

The 1.5-acre Beacon Park will feature a restaurant and a central lawn with intimate walking paths and areas to sit, relax and recharge; a multi-use space for outdoor programmed activities; a site for perfomances; and areas for food truck vendors and bicycle parking.

Both the park’s location and its distinctive amenities will help spur development in the area. Sited between the entertainment district – home of Little Caesar’s Arena, Comerica Park and Ford Field – the Central Business District, Corktown, Motor City Casino and MGM Grand Casino, Beacon Park is centrally located within quick walking distance to many of Detroit’s largest sports and entertainment venues.

The park’s immediate impact will be felt in the number of visitors each year.

Through a grant from the DTE Energy Foundation, more than 600 events will

be planned for Beacon Park in 2017 by the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), which expects that the public space will attract one million visitors each year. Nearly 50 events are planned for Beacon Park’s Grand Opening weekend, July 20-23.

“Safe and vibrant gathering places are the social and economic heartbeat of a thriving core, and Beacon Park expands the energy of renewal permeating downtown,” said DDP CEO Eric Larson.

“The Downtown Detroit Partnership is thrilled to partner with DTE Energy to add Beacon Park to the portfolio of the great public spaces we program, maintain and manage.”

DDP has scheduled a stellar lineup for the grand opening weekend. In addition to live music throughout the weekend, each day will feature special activities, including after-work parties on Thursday and Friday, a night market on Saturday featuring 25 unique boutiques and a gospel brunch followed by classical music on Sunday. Family activities, from inflatable bounce houses to a movie night, make the fun accessible for everyone.

Grand Opening live entertainment includes indie sensation Lord Huron, American funk and soul band Robert Randolph & the Family Band as well as plena and bomba group Plena Libre. Impulse: An Interactive Art Exhibit will be on display at Beacon Park for the entire grand opening weekend. The work is comprised of giant illuminated seesaws

that light up when ridden by visitors. Detroit is only the third city in the country to host the playful exhibit, which has primarily toured in Europe. According to the artists that created the exhibit, the seesaws are fitted with LED lights and speakers that produce a sequence of lights and sounds resulting in ever changing composition.

Grand Opening Highlights: Thursday, July 20 • Ribbon Cutting — DTE Chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson, Mayor Mike Duggan and City Council President Brenda Jones will officially open the park at the 11 a.m. celebration.

• Grand Opening – Park opens to the public at noon with food trucks, live music, games and an interactive exhibit from IMPULSE from Quartier Des Spectacles.

• After Work Party – Kicks off at 5 p.m. with Happy Hour drink specials • Headline entertainment – Robert Randolph & the Family Band will blend funk, soul and rock ‘n’ roll featuring pedal steel guitar with Thornetta Davis opening at 8 p.m.

Friday, July 21 • Downtown Games – Come Play Detroit will pit rival DTE Energy and other downtown employers against each other in fun active competitions, which are open

See BEACON PARK page B-2

Charles H. Wright Museum presents “Say It Loud:

Art, History, Rebellion” contextualizing black resistance from the 1960s to contemporary times The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (The Wright Museum) presents “Say It Loud: Art, History, Rebellion.” It will open to the public on July 23, 2017. This date coincides with the 50th anniversary of Detroit’s 1967 Rebellion, which is often considered the most impactful period of racial unrest of the 20th century in the United States.

Over the last year, The Wright Museum has presented dozens of public educational programs examining the causes and effects of the events in Detroit and drawing parallels to related situations across the nation and abroad. The Wright Museum began its remembrance of this complicated and painful historical experience with the unveiling of Detroit artist Charles McGee’s landmark outdoor sculpture “United We Stand” at the Museum in July 2016.

A recipient of a prestigious Knight Arts Challenge Detroit grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the “Say It Loud” exhibit uses the power of African American artistry to provide an entry

point for better understanding the past and pointing the way towards a stronger and more united future.

“Artists tell our stories, and can explore the events of the day, and our history, on a deeper, more human level,” said Victoria Rogers, vice president for arts at Knight Foundation. “We hope that this project and other artistic endeavors surrounding the events of 1967 will help to create empathy and understanding among neighbors who share a past, present and a future.”

The first part of the exhibition will be installed outside on the Museum’s grounds, which can be accessed by visitors at any time of the day or night. Using large-scale photographs and quotes, it presents the factors that led up to the Detroit rebellion and describes what occurred in its aftermath. Each piece will also invite viewers to access additional information via their mobile devices.

The second part of “Say It Loud” will

See SAY IT LOUD page B-2

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 12-18, 2017

Beacon Park

From page B-1

to the public to watch, noon-5 p.m.

• Beer Garden – Griffin Claw craft and specialty beer, live music and lawn games, 5-8 p.m.

• Musical entertainment – American indie rock band Lord Huron headlines, 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 22

MotorCities National Heritage Area to host exclusive boat tour on the Detroit River Once again, friends and supporters of the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership will gather to celebrate the Detroit River’s impact on automotive and labor history.

Our second annual Motor Boats & Motor Cars event is set for July 19, with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. at The Rattlesnake Club, 300 River Place.

After dining on heavy hors d’oeuvres, guests will make their way to Stroh’s River Place dock to board the Diamond Belle ferry boat for a unique tour offered exclusively by MotorCities. This year, the tour will be heading farther south to highlight historical sites that tell the story of organized auto labor in the city and beyond.

“We are so happy to be bringing back this event for 2017. It is truly a unique and wonderful way to honor our automotive heritage and the Detroit River’s influence on the industry,” says Shawn Pomaville-Size, executive director of the MotorCities National Heritage Area.

“This year, we will be highlighting the major events that shaped Detroit’s auto labor story.”

In 2016, the MotorCities hosted more than 130 guests for its inaugural event.

Pomaville says they hope to expand the event each year.

“We are offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience by telling the story of auto

and labor in the city through the lens of the river – it’s an important piece of our history,” says Pomaville.

In addition to food and festivities at The Rattlesnake Club, guests can take a ride in one of several classic cars that will be on display, while gazing at the historic boats stationed by the river.

This special event will raise funds to support the mission of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, a 501c3 non-profit affiliate of the National Park Service that preserves and links the story of Michigan’s rich automotive legacy through grant making and education.

Motor Boats & Motor Cars is made possible by our generous sponsors: The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, International Union, UAW and GMUAW. The MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership is a nonprofit corporation affiliated with the National Park Service. Its mission is to preserve, interpret and promote the region’s rich automotive and labor heritage. Regional programs inspire residents and visitors with an appreciation for how the automobile changed Michigan, the nation, and the world.

For more information or to reserve your ticket today, visit: motorcities.org/ rivertour.

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• Fitness – To christen the new space and build community, a Yoga Mala, which consists of 108 sun salutations, will start the morning. Everyone welcome! Plus, Detroit’s first outdoor spinning experience featuring a LIVE DJ and a cardio workout, 9-11 a.m.

• Family Day – Fun for all with games, inflatables, make and takes, and face painting, plus a GVSU Charter school art fair, performances by Matrix Theatre Company, Ballet Folklorico, Moyocayani Izel, Detroit Youth Volume, Nadanta, Mosaic Youth Theatre and Detroit Windsor Dance Academy, Noon-6 p.m.

• Night Market – Detroit’s first ever Night Market will showcase the best of local indie music, food trucks, drinks, lawn games, and shopping from up-and-coming local makers and entrepreneurs.

Noon until 11 p.m.

• Salsa, Tacos & Tequila – Food, drinks and entertainment, featuring headliners Plena Libre with their distinctive musical style of Puerto Rico, Bomba and Plena with Puerto Rican performing artists and cultural group, Bombarica, 8-11 p.m.

Sunday, July 23 Fitness – A morning full of energy with Detroit’s first outdoor spinning experience featuring a LIVE DJ, plus yoga and a cardio workout, 9-11 a.m.

Gospel Brunch – Michigan’s own award-winning Gospel Singer Bishop Marvin L. Sapp will be joined by local choirs, including Gospel Truth, and dance ensembles, noon-3 p.m.

• Classical Concerts – Nationally-recognized, Detroit-based chamber orchestra Sphinx Nonet presents an ensemble performance, 3-4 p.m.

Movie Music Spectacular – A performance by Michigan Philharmonic leads up to a special screening of “Back to the Future” with a Car Display/Photo Opp. for guests to sit in and “travel through

time” in a “Back to the Future” Delorean with Doc and Marty McFly, 6-8:30 p.m.

All Weekend • IMPULSE from Quartier Des Spectacles – Interactive, illuminated see-saws offer a publicly activated light and sound experience. Put into motion by its users, the see-saws are augmented by LED lights and speakers, which increase in light intensity and emit a randomized sound sequence.

• Mindfield Lighting Activations – Historic facades around the park will illuminate after dark.

Say it Loud From page B-1

be available inside The Wright Museum during regular visiting hours. The Wright Museum will display politically and socially informed works by more than 40 nationally-recognized artists, including native Detroiters, across multiple generations and disciplines. The Wright Museum’s exhibition will show how African American artists have responded to injustice and transformed the national consciousness over several decades.

“Artists have a way of bringing moral clarity and promoting empathy,” said Juanita Moore, president and CEO of The Wright Museum. “They can often articulate the emotional truth of a situation in a way that breaks through our mental barriers and opens us to new perspectives in a way that other forms of communication cannot. This new exhibit will both show how some of the most significant African American visual artists have interpreted and resisted social inequities over time, and broaden the historical narrative and dialogue around the 1967 Rebellion.”

The Wright Museum partnered with the Detroit Institute of Arts to create parallel exhibitions — the DIA’s “Art of Rebellion: Black Art of the Civil Rights Movement” will open on the same day as “Say It Loud.” Both are a part of a community-wide reflection of the 1967 Detroit Rebellion. More than 100 local institutions will be participating in this commemoration, led by the Detroit Historical Museum. The Wright Museum’s “Say It Loud” will run through January 2018.

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community Lupus Warriors celebrate achievements and organization’s future

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 12-18, 2017

Page B-3

Eastside Community Network awarded W.K. Kellogg Foundation funding The Eastside Community Network (ECN) has announced a new program, Lower Eastside Mobility Mentoring, aimed at ending the cycle of poverty for individuals and families on Detroit’s lower east side.

By Roz Edward Lupus Detroit’s 5th Anniversary Gala celebration at MotorCity Casino Sound Board during National Lupus Awareness Month was, in a word, outstanding.

“This is our first big gala,” explained Sharon L. Harris, founder, president and executive director of Lupus Detroit, who is excited about the non-profit organization’s 5th anniversary and first ever formal soiree. “We are truly excited about celebrating our fifth year of serving Michigan’s Lupus Warriors. As a Lupus Warrior and founder of Lupus Detroit, my goal continues to be assisting those with lupus in living their best life.”

Lupus Detroit is a voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating lupus as a major health problem through education, advocacy and service.

Lupus Warrior Beverly Humphrey

Marketing manager Darius Mitchell (left), his daughter Moriah Symone, vice president Kimberly Guy, secretary Valaria Harris Carter, April Martin, treasurer Shana Jones, Chuck Pottenger, Cherish Samuels DuBose, LaWanna Rolack, Dorie R. Fann Purry, Rosie Reebel, Dr. Kathleen McKinnon, Christen Rouseau, Detroit City Council President and event co-chair Brenda Jones

Tamarah Allen (left), Lupus Detroit’s President Sharon L. Harris, ForeverFresh CEO and event Todd Russell Perkins, Jr, (left), Todd Russell Perkins, Sr, co-chair Tanya Allen and Lupus Warrior Vickie Kennedy Perkins. and Jetuan Perkins Scholarship recipients Kamai Sanders, Davida Lee and Tammy Romero Terry

The Lower Eastside Mobility Mentoring Program is funded by a $300,000 grant from the W.K Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan.

This program, a twoyear pilot, focuses on assisting long-term unemployed residents to enter job training and to successfully retain employment through the use of mentors and peer support groups to address and mitigate barriers to employment, education opportunities and self-sufficiency.

Long-term poverty impairs spiritual, emotional, social and physical wellness. Its impacts are intensified among those living in concentrated poverty.

The Lower Eastside Mobility Mentoring program serves as a social support system that addresses the multidimensional cycle of poverty on families and individuals and prepare them for successful career development and transitioning into livable wage jobs.

“Poverty is more than just an economic state, it can be an environment where instability, stress, hopelessness and lack of opportunity thrive,” said Donna Givens, ECN’s president and CEO. “Our program works to provide stability, reduce stress, inspire hopefulness, and provide opportunity for participants to exit poverty and gain economic independence.”

Eastside Community Network has been spear-

heading community development on Detroit’s lower east side for over 30 years through our focus on authentic, transformational resident engagement and neighborhood revitalization strategies.

They help the community grow and thrive by creating multi-sector resources and partnerships that support youth development, small businesses and entrepreneurship, blight reduction, green infrastructure, housing stabilization, resident peer-engagement, and commercial redevelopment.

For more information, visit www.ecn-detroit.org.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States.

Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.

The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes.

Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success.

WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti.

For more information, visit ­www.wkkf.org.

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HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher

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

(313) 963-5522

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

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Civil rights rollbacks at Education Department trigger challenges

By Charlene Crowell Decades of vigilant struggles and sacrifices, civil rights legislation enacted in the 1960s won federal promises to ensure that discrimination is illegal and would not be tolerated. Unfettered access to housing, voting rights, fair credit, public accommodations and more was marked and celebrated as hardfought victories for Black Americans and other people of color. In later years, additional protections were added as amendments to safeguard the rights of the elderly, disabled, and the LGBT community.

Now in 2017, a growing number of interests are openly questioning wheth- Charlene Crowell er the Trump Administration intends to uphold these laws. More specifically, a series of federal agencies with offices dedicated to civil rights are at risk.

Through budget cuts and staff reductions, these agencies will either outright deny or severely limit the ability to challenge discrimination that continues today.

Case in point: the Department of Education’s scaling back of civil rights enforcement. Proposed Trump Administration departmental budget cuts will result in the loss of the equivalent of 46, full-time positions. For remaining staff, caseload levels will rise.

Commenting on the severity of cuts, Laura Dunn, the executive director of SurvJustice, a DC-based nonprofit that supports legal justice recently told Inside Higher Ed, “They know that they can’t complete these investigations with such a lean budget and inadequate staffing.”

On June 8, Candice Jackson, the acting assistant secretary for the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued an internal Education memo directing all 12 regional Office of Civil Rights (OCR) staff of immediately begin new practices. Per Jackson, the Education Department goal is to swiftly address compliance issues, reach reasonable resolution agreements and encourage voluntary settlements wherever possible. Investigation staff were advised to clear case backlogs and resolve complaints in a “reasonable time frame.”

Education’s OCR is charged to prevent, identify, end and remedy discrimination against students. OCR investigates education complaints involving admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, student treatment and services, vocational education, housing, employment and more. Complaints may be filed by an affected consumer or on behalf of another person or group.

Under the Obama administration, additional OCR staffing in the Education Department was added to better meet the goal of closing cases within 180 days. In some instances, clearing case backlogs took years, instead of days, to thoroughly investigate and resolve complaints.

On June 16, the nonpartisan U.S. Commission on Civil Rights weighed in on proposed cuts and issued a lengthy statement detailing a new two-year, comprehensive assessment of federal civil rights enforcement. In part the statement read, “The review will examine the degree to which current budgets and staffing levels allow civil rights offices to perform their statutory and regulatory functions.”

“The Commission has grave concerns about continuing signals from the current Administration, including the President’s proposed budget and statements of Cabinet and senior Administration officials, that the protection and fulfillment of civil rights of all persons will not be appropriately prioritized,” continued the Commission statement.

“These proposed cuts are particularly troubling in light of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ repeated refusal in Congressional testimony and other public statements to commit that the Department would enforce federal civil rights laws.”

More criticism of the Education Department under Secretary DeVos arrived on June 27 when 34 U.S. Senators representing 22 states sent their own detailed letter of concern. Two of the three Black U.S. Senators now serving in the Senate were signatories: California’s Kamala Harris and New Jersey’s Cory Booker.

“You claim to support civil rights and oppose discrimination, but your actions belie your assurances,” wrote the senators.

“Closing cases quickly at the expense of the quality of the investigation is not in the long-term interests of the complainants and impedes students, teachers, and families in receiving just resolutions,” continued the Senators.

“Rather than abandon a systematic approach, we strongly urge you to support increased funding for OCR’s budget to allow the office to hire additional personnel to swiftly resolve complaints.”

Research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) has found that students of color are often targeted by high-cost private career and training institutes that advertise high incomes for 21st Century jobs. However, the outcomes promised and the experiences of these students do not match. Only 27 percent of all for-profit students in fouryear programs graduate within six years.

Students who do not graduate almost always wind up with deep student debt and low-paying jobs. When their loan repayments become too costly to maintain, loan defaults result that mar their credit profiles.

“If the Education Department was serious about addressing civil rights enforcement,” noted Robin Howarth, a CRL senior researcher, “they would be continuing the Obama Administration’s emphasis on adequate staffing of this complex and time-consuming function.

Instead, they opt for gutting the standards of investigation in favor of quick resolution of cases.”

Howarth is right. Closing complaint cases quickly is not the same thing as justice.

My colleagues need to understand fear across nation over health care

By Debbie Dingell We return to Washington this week to an uncertain future for the Affordable Care Act. After 10 days of being home, I am more unsettled, worried and focused than ever on the responsibility we as elected officials have to our constituents.

Americans will lose coverage, it means the end of protections for people with pre-existing conditions, the elimination of essential health benefits like prescription drug coverage, hospital care and maternity care, the end of Healthy Michigan (Michigan’s Medicaid expansion), the return of lifetime caps and devastating cuts to Medicaid.

It was a good week with many community events where people gathered for events such as fireworks, picnics, veteran meetings, student seminars, union meetings, graduations and retirements celebrations. And the routine of life also Debbie Dingell went on: church, the doctor’s office, the grocery store, dry cleaners, the hardware store.

My colleagues in Congress need to understand what the voices of Americans across the country are telling them. The stories of my district are found across this nation.

Wherever I went, I have never seen such a consistent message: Don’t let them take my health care away.

There is worry in people’s hearts and fear and panic in many.

They are also terrified they may not be able to afford healthcare in the future. On top of everything else, being born premature is considered a pre-existing condition.

On my first day home, a man came up to me when I made my regular stop at Starbucks. He said he had prostate cancer and didn’t know if he should move forward with radiation treatment as planned, or have surgery now in case he couldn’t afford it later this year.

My colleagues need to know about Stephanie from Grosse Ile. Her adult son has Down syndrome. Medicaid pays for his prescriptions, programming and health insurance. He cannot afford to live without Medicaid and Social Security’s combined assistance.

My next stop was shopping at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, where a grandmother, mother and her 4-year-old daughter came up to me. The mother cried about what would happen to her daughter if they took her health care away. She was desperate and didn’t know what to do.

Teri from Belleville has had stage IV breast cancer for seven years and was laid off right when she was diagnosed.

Her cancer hasn’t been responding to oral chemo options, which cost $26,000 a month, and she is now doing intravenous chemo three times a month. Without Medicaid and Medicare, she says her life will be cut short, her husband will become a widower, her daughter an orphan, and her grandchildren will lose their grandmother. She is in constant fear of losing the coverage that keeps her alive.

The stories continued everywhere.

Walking the parade routes for July 4th, there were shouts, “Fight harder for health care!” and “Don’t let them take my health care away!” Shopping at the grocery store, taking John for his checkup at Henry Ford, dinner at Big Boy’s and walking through the fountains in downtown Detroit, people stopped me to talk about health care – scared, worried and in need of answers.

Here is what the week reinforced for me: People are terrified about the future of their coverage and being able to afford health care. This health care debate is not a war of words between two parties or about scoring political points. For too many, this is about their life, the quality of their life and for some, the difference between life and death.

This week, Senate Republicans will continue their effort to scrape together the 50 votes needed to jam their repeal bill through Congress. We know that whatever cosmetic changes they make won’t change what this bill means for working families – it means 22 million

They need to know about Ryan and Elizabeth Bates and their son Jimmy, who was born 14 weeks premature. At 18 months old, Jimmy has incurred $1.5 million in medical bills due to complications surrounding his birth and developing meningitis at the age of one. Ryan and Elizabeth wonder how a middle class family could pay half a million dollars in out-of-pocket expenses if a lifetime limit of $1 million, as many plans had before the ACA, is reinstated.

These are snap shots. Before the Affordable Care Act, many Americans were unable to get affordable coverage, were trapped in a job, or denied coverage because they got sick. A diagnosis of cancer for too many meant bankruptcy and possible death. Too many families were one job loss or illness away from seeing the worst of the insurance system.

I believe every American has a right to affordable, quality health care. That is the bottom line. I will work with anybody, most assuredly across the aisle, to deliver that.

Some things in life are worth fighting for. This is a fight that defines the heart and soul of who we are as Americans.

Debbie Dingell, a Democrat from Dearborn, represents Michigan’s 12th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Health care repeal turns back clock to a time of no rights

By Janice “Jay” Johnson The health care repeal that Republicans are pushing through Congress is a direct attack on the lives of black people throughout the country.

Just as these right wing politicians are pushing us out of the voting booth, they want to push us out of doctor’s offices and hospitals, further into medical debt, and closer to the grave.

its budget and capping funds, ending the guarantee that the program will be funded according to how much care is needed and used.

This will result in more than 22 million people across the country losing their coverage entirely, while many more will lose critical services they need, everything from help with longterm care to cancer treatment.

We know these cuts won’t be felt equally. Black adults are twice as likely to get their coverage through Medicaid than white adults. Although struggling people of all races will suffer under this health care repeal, the effects will hit black communities hardest.

Janice Johnson

Some think repealing “Obamacare” will reset the clock to 2008. In truth, the repeal plan being considered by the Senate takes us back beyond 1964, before voting rights, civil rights, and before Medicaid.

Medicaid is the program that more than any other opened the door to health care for African-American people in the United States, and the lives of black people are exactly what’s at stake in the fight over repeal.

The legislation proposed by Republican leaders doesn’t just gut the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It also aims to destroy Medicaid, cutting a quarter of

African Americans have higher rates of diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure, and African-American men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer. All of these conditions are easily treatable with well managed health care, which is what the ACA is all about.

The cruelty of taking away health care is unfathomable. Many black adults got health insurance for the first time in their life under “Obamacare” when many states expanded Medicaid.

Unfortunately, too many people were shut out of these gains because some states refused the Medicaid expansion.

When Louisiana finally opened Med-

icaid to more people, there were newspaper reports of patients crying with relief. These right-wing politicians want to steal that right out of their hands.

They don’t care who lives or dies as long as they can hand over a giant tax break to their billionaire and corporate donors.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan has tried to sell health care repeal by calling it “freedom.” How ridiculous!

That’s the emptiest, cruelest version of freedom I can think of — the freedom to go without health care you need and can’t pay for, the freedom to go bankrupt over medical debt, the freedom to die.

Without insurance, families face devastating financial consequences.

More than half of all bankruptcies are due to insurmountable medical bills.

Lack of health insurance isn’t freedom, it is a poverty sentence that can last for generations.

When it comes to health care, the Affordable Care Act didn’t get us all the way, just as Medicaid hasn’t either. But the ACA put us in the right direction, and it’s that progress the right-wing politicians want to destroy, and that makes them so afraid.

Janice “Jay” Johnson is the board president of People’s Action, a national organization with members in 29 states advancing economic, racial, gender, and climate justice. She is a longtime youth advocate and community activist in Hampton and Newport News, Virginia.

July 12-18, 2017 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Page B-5

Detroit

Impact Detroit Blight Bootcamp 2017

Black Family Development, Inc. is honored to participate as a partner in the mission of Impact Detroit. Birthed out of the community engagement work of Detroit Future City, the mission of Impact Detroit is “To foster collaboration and enhance the capacity of projects that improve Detroit’s neighborhoods”.

With funding from The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Impact Detroit has touched the lives of thousands of Detroiters through community engagement strategies, its partnership with Hope Starts Here, and their annual Blight Bootcamp.

Blight Bootcamp provides hands on strategies to help residents, block clubs, and neighborhood associations revitalize their communities, improve safety, and transform vacant lots into vibrant, green infrastructure and urban agriculture zones. This year’s 2017 Blight Bootcamp embraced the theme: “From Blight to Beauty - - Putting the Pieces in Place to Transform Neighborhoods for our Children”. The event was held at Central High School on June 24, 2017, and hosted more than 200 residents with a series of workshops, both mobile and on site.

In collaboration with Hope Starts Here – Detroit’s Early Childhood Partnership, the Impact Detroit table hosted 12 Family Fun Days, 15 Listening Sessions, 15 sessions during Month of the Child Celebrations, 12 sessions during March Reading Month and provided more than 1,000 dictionaries in literacy packages to grade K-12 students. To ensure ongoing learning during the Summer months, more than 500 books were provided to students in grades K-12, and an additional 80 computer learning tablets are available to help parents ensure that their children are reading at grade level.

Impact Detroit is committed to broad-base community engagement to not only advance the work of Hope Starts Here and Detroit Future City, but to also advance the work of its table of partners. For more information on Impact Detroit, visit the website at www.Impact-detroit.org.

Page B-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 12-18, 2017

Black Family Development, Inc. Annual Meeting “Celebrating a Mission”

Black Family Development, Inc. Board of Directors with Alice G. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer (center left) with Dee Dee McKinney Odom, Chair, Black Family Development,Inc. (center right)

T

he mission, “To strengthen and enhance the lives of children, youth, and families through partnerships that support safe, nurturing, vibrant homes, schools, and communities” formed the framework for Black Family Development, Inc.’s (BFDI) Annual Meeting held June 22, 2017 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. “We are advancing the mission through intentional, deliberate, and strategic strategies, as defined in our Strategic Plan. We are “strengthening and enhancing the lives of children, youth, and families through partnerships that support safe, nurturing, vibrant homes, schools, and communities,” stated Alice G. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Black Family Development, Inc.

Alice G. Thompson, and Attorney Reginald Turner.

Laura Reyes Kopack; Commissioner Martha Scott; Alice G. Thompson; and Jane Garcia, Board Chair LASED

Dee Dee McKinney Odom, Chair, BFDI Board of Directors conducted the business portion of the meeting in which new board nominees were received and officially elected to the BFDI Board of Directors. Newly elected board members included Cathy Nedd, Associate Publisher/Chief Operating Officer, Michigan Chronicle and Nicole Simmons, Volunteer Engagement, Department of Neighborhoods, City of Detroit, Mayor’s Office. Board Officers included Dee Dee McKinney Odom, Chair; Elaine Lewis, Vice Chair; Wayne W. Bradley, Sr., Secretary; Lysa Davis,Treasurer; and Byna Elliott, Member-at-Large.

Recognized as 2017 Community Champions and receiving accolades for their advocacy, community engagement and activism were two organizations; Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance, and Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength (MOSES). In accepting their individual awards, both recognized Black Family Development, Inc. as a supportive partner in their efforts to respond to community and educational needs.

(seated l to r) Tom Major; Frank McGee, NSO; (standing l to r) Joseph Business School (JBS) Entrepreneurs: Georgie Williams; Melissa Major; with Alice G. Thompson; and JBS Entrepreneurs: Angela Mitchell; Cassandra Floyd; and Megan Lowe.

Black Family Development, Inc. embraces a philosophy of person-centered care, which is anchored in the organization’s history. The organization values consumer choice, self-determination, and the inherent rights and strengths of persons served.

In a testimony presented at the Annual Meeting, a young former BFDI consumer credited BFDI staff and family . . . “I know that I would not have come this far or accomplished the things that I have without my family and the support from my team at Black Family Development, Inc.” For further information visit our website www.blackfamilydevelopment.org

Cheerfully enjoying the Annual Meeting celebration is newly elected BFDI Board Member, Nicole Simmons; and Dee Dee McKinney Odom, BFDI Board Chair; and BFDI board members Sonya Nicks; and Nestelynn Garrett.

Ponsella Hardaway, Executive Director, MOSES; Rev. Stancy Adams, VP, MOSES Board; Dee Dee McKinney Odom; Patricia Williams, MOSES Board member; and Marvin Cato, MOSES.

Alice G. Thompson; Niccole Nelson, Chair, Board of Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance (CRCAA); Kenyetta M. Campbell, Executive Director, CRCAA; and Dee Dee McKinney Odom

The Heart of Gold Award recognizes BFDI staff for their spirit of giving and labor of love. The 2017 recipients are (left to right) Margo Smith; Zenobia Awada; Kevin Bryant; Keisha Allen; Derek Blackmon; Manja Boyce; Jane Fernanders; Tanya Traylor and (not in photo) Kenyatta Stephens; and Chuck Dulin.

Osborn High School Complex Principals; Michael Barclay; PaShawn Johnson; and Dr. Dennis Myles; with Alice G. Thompson.

SECTION C

BUSINESS

July 12-18, 2017

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COMTO National Conference in Detroit focuses on Smart Transportation The nation’s largest diverse association of transportation officials is bringing its national conference to Detroit, July 14-18. More than 600 members of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) will convene at the Detroit Marriott for the 46th National Meeting and Training Conference. New and seasoned executives from across the nation will lead and participate in more than 50 lectures, workshops, technical tours and events that address today’s most pressing questions facing transportation: “How will we move, how will we move things, and how will we move better?”

This year’s theme, “Smart Transportation: The Next Frontier” will highlight a range of innovative transportation best practices.

“This annual conference is known for helping to shape conversations about the future of transportation,” said Kim Avery, COMTO Michigan Chapter president and conference chair. “We’re also excited to bring our colleagues to Detroit and showcase how much the city has grown.” Avery is director, Bureau of Field Services, MDOT. Conference highlights are: Saturday, July 15, 2017: • Golf Tournament and Detroit-area Scholarship Awards (Inn of St. John, Plymouth, MI) • Careers In Transportation for Youth (CITY) Intern Leadership Forum (Detroit-Marriott) • Youth Symposium: Transportation related careers, simulations, autonomous vehicles (Wayne State University and Toyota Research Center) • CEU Courses: Gordie Howe International Bridge Project; 10 Steps to Becoming a Project Management Professional; ADA: Responding to Reasonable Modification of Policies and Practices (Detroit Marriott)

John C. Portman, Jr., chief architect of the Renaissance Center, reflects on iconic complex

40 years later

By Donald James Special to the Chronicle

• Technical Tours: International Tunnel to Canada; Ford Rouge Factory (Driverless car); Metro Airport; Ride the QLine; I-94 Modernization Project Office.

When the Renaissance Center opened 40 years ago on the banks of the Detroit River in downtown Detroit overlooking Canada, it was billed as a visual and economic masterpiece that would punctuate the city’s comeback. Then-Mayor Coleman A. Young called the Renaissance Center “a statement that speaks for itself, and a bold rebuttal to critics and naysayers who claim that downtown could not be revived.”

Sunday: • Exhibit Hall Ribbon Cutting • CEU Courses: A New Business Model for Integrated Autonomous Transportation Services—Evolution or Revolution?; Historically Underutilized Business Forum; MWDBE Construction Program; Fort St. Bascule Bridge: Building the Future with an Eye to the Past Geotechnical and Construction Considerations.

At its inception, the Renaissance Center, nicknamed the RenCen, was a glittering cluster of four 39-floor office towers (two more opened in the early 1980s), along with a 73-story hotel (first the Westin Hotel and now Detroit Marriott) as the centerpiece.

The hotel is touted as the second tallest “all-hotel skyscraper” in the Western Hemisphere, and it’s Michigan’s tallest structure.

• Technical Tours: QLine/Penske Operations Center; People Mover; Southeast Michigan Transportation Operations Center (SEMTOC) Monday: • CEU Courses: Understanding & Empowering Millennials in the 21st Century Transportation Industry; Workforce Development Legislation; Rail-volution: Building Livable Communities with Transit; M-1 Rail: Delayed Environmental Investigation to Mitigate Cost; Schedule and Liability Impact

John C. Portman, Jr.

• Detroit Welcome Reception (Charles Wright Museum of African American History) Tuesday: • Plenary Session: SMART Technology Panel on SMART Cities, Autonomous Vehicles and Connected Vehicles • CEU Courses: Innovative Design/ Build Project: M-20 over Schrader Creek; Connected and Automated Transportation in Michigan; Brave New World: Methods for Understanding Public Sentiment of Transportation in Trump’s America; Smart Leadership: Managing Talent in a Changing World; Innovative Geotechnical Design for Regional Connectivity Center: Dingell Transit Center • National Scholarship Luncheon • Industry Awards Banquet For a complete Conference Schedule visit: http://www.comto.org/page/ conferenceschedule. Twitter: @ComtoMichigan www.comtomichigan.org About COMTO: Founded in 1971 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials was created to provide a forum for senior-level minority professionals in the transportation industry, and create pathways to opportunities for minority participation and advancement, through advocacy, training, and professional development. The organization has grown to 40 chapters across the United States.

Members include professionals and executives in transportation related careers--engineers, planners, architects, designers, project managers—organizations, transportation agencies, non-profits, and Historically Underutilized Businesses.

Henry Ford II, then-chairman of Ford Motor Company, is credited with the conceptualization of the Renaissance Center, and he began organizing private investors to finance the massive project in the early 1970s.

“It’s being built by the people of Detroit and for the people of Detroit,” Ford told media outlets in the mid-1970s. “I’m convinced, and I know many other people are as well, that this will be a catalyst for the renaissance of Detroit. The renaissance has already started, but this will be another great step forward.”

Approximately 51 major companies, collectively called Renaissance Center Partnership, were investors in the construction of the RenCen. It was said to be the world’s largest group of companies to ever “privately-finance” a major development project.

The price tag for investors was about $350 million.

While Henry Ford II had grandiose vi-

See Renaissance Center Page C-2

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 12-18, 2017

Page C-2

Renaissance Center From page C-1

sions of this massive complex of buildings to house more local, national and international businesses than any other building in Michigan – and the complex still does – he knew for his dreams to fly, he needed a bold and futuristic architect to give such dreams wings. Enter John C. Portman, Jr. John Portman & Associates, led by John C. Portman, Jr. had – and still has – an impeccable national and international reputation as a neo-futuristic firm, which specializes in designing buildings (mostly office buildings and hotels) with multi-tier interior atria and breathtaking, innovative and memorable designs. His aim is to weave sensory experiences into the built environment to create spaces and places that are beneficial to life and the community at large.

“I was excited to be asked to take on the project. I knew it had the potential to rejuvenate one of America’s great cities,” recalled Portman, who at 92, still actively runs John Portman & Associates from his Atlanta, Georgia corporate headquarters, with an office in Shanghai, China. “We were hired because of the work we had accomplished in Atlanta and San Francisco. We had completed Peachtree Center

in Atlanta and Embarcadero Center in San Francisco and both are major mixed-use complexes that revitalized their respective urban centers. Our goal was to replicate the same accomplishment in Detroit.”

Portman recalled meeting Ford many times, as the giant automaker expressed his vision and dreams for the construction of the RenCen. “I was privileged to work very closely with Mr. Ford throughout the process,” Portman said.

“I had great respect for him, as he was a true visionary and a wonderful collaborator. We discussed at length the concept and were in agreement as to what should be included to achieve the desired results.”

While Portman was in agreement with Ford’s vision, he (Portman) had concerns about building the complex along the Detroit River. Portman expressed such concerns to Ford.

“I understood the impact that RenCen could have, but I was very concerned about its location which presented a real challenge,” Portman said. “It was completely isolated from the city as it was surrounded on its four sides by East Jefferson Avenue on the north, the Detroit River on the south, the Detroit Windsor Tunnel en-

John C. Portman, Jr. discusses the Renaissance Center with Henry Ford II. trance on the west and the termination of the train rail lines on the east—all of which created limiting boundaries for the project. It simply was not connected in any way to downtown Detroit.”

Yet, Portman never backed away from the challenges presented, opting to instead create and design solutions.

“I felt that the only solution was to connect it to the city with a bridge over East Jefferson Avenue that was to be an extension of the existing city street system, with retail stores and dining facilities lining both sides of the bridge as is done in many European cities,” recalled Portman.

“In this way, the bridge would have served as a natural entrance to the project, and RenCen would become an integral portion of downtown Detroit. Without that bridge, RenCen was virtually isolated and cut off from the rest of the city, which was never the intention.”

Due to economic and budget restraints, brought on largely by a sliding automobile industry impacting the Motor City, Portman’s ideas of bold connectivity, as well as a few more cutting-edge architectural designs, never saw the light of day.

“Each of these cost-saving measures created further challenges for the project,” Portman said. “In the years that have passed, Renaissance Center has endured as a visual icon for the city of Detroit, but when I see it, I cannot help but imagine what RenCen could have been if the automobile industry had remained healthy and all the plans for the complex had come to fruition.”

In 1996, General Motors purchased RenCen to be its World Corporate Headquarters, promptly changing the name of the seven-structures to GM Renaissance Center. While the 5.5 million square foot Renaissance Center had experienced economic peaks and valleys, both before and after GM’s own-

ership, it’s safe to say that in the complex’s 40 years of existence, billions and billions of dollars in economic windfall for downtown, and the city as a whole, have been realized.

When told how ultramodern the RenCen still looks today, as if it could have been built in 2017, Portman responded by saying, “I have always striven to create architecture that will stand the test of time and, I believe that RenCen has done so. I take each project on its own and study the situation at hand to develop a design solution that fits its unique time and place, as well as fulfill the needs of the people who will use it. Detroit is a different city now than it was 40 years ago, the world is a different place, and we have all evolved, grown and changed.”

Special Note: Detroit former Lawyers Association executive director Roger Lenert named the building the Renaissance Center in a naming contest.

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Section C-3

July 12-18, 2017

Issac Ryan Brown is Must-See TV!

True to his Detroit roots: Nurtured by a loving family, including dad, Ryan Brown, mom, Dominique Nelson-Brown, and little sister Serenity Reign Brown, Issac Ryan Brown has displayed his talents to the world through a variety of roles and formats. And when he returns home, he always has positive words and a big smile for local well-wishers, including UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles and UAW-Ford’s Kevin Fite.

Multi-talented entertainer embodies the promise of all Detroit youth

By Scott Talley Special to the Michigan Chronicle As this edition of the “Best of Young Detroit” was hitting newsstands across town, a special young man was about to celebrate a birthday.

The young man, Issac Ryan Brown, is just turning 12-years-old, but he has already done plenty to make our city proud and his good news story is just beginning.

A gifted actor, singer, dancer and voice artist, Issac first came to the attention of America as a six-year-old performer on the hit television show “America’s Got Talent,” and he hasn’t stopped making fans across the globe ever since.

A small sampling of Issac’s ever-growing performance credits includes being Young Dre on the popular series “Blackish;” playing a lead role in the movie “Believe;” and, providing voices for animated kid favorites like “Puppy Dog Pals,” “Bubble Guppies,” and “Miles from Tomorrow.” Later this month, Issac can be seen playing the role of Booker on the new Disney Channel series “Raven’s Home,” which also features Raven-Symoné, the show’s executive producer who plays Booker’s mom on the program.

“I want to become the world’s best entertainer,” said Issac to a small, intimate gathering of supporters, which included UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles and UAW-Ford community outreach coordinator Kevin Fite.

On a picture-perfect summer afternoon in

our city, Issac sounded like a seasoned pro as he discussed the entertainment industry.

In sharing his story, he explained that the business was nowhere near as perfect as the weather we were experiencing, as he detailed a host of challenges including being responsible for learning tons of lines in three days; having to work a job and audition for another job in the same day; making crosscountry trips back and forth from Detroit to Los Angeles to follow up on parts with no guarantees; and, “fighting tooth and nail” for a part that may go to someone else.

Indeed, Issac has been blessed to remain in demand in a very competitive business with many obstacles. But while staying in front of the camera is vital to landing future jobs, Issac is still very sensitive and mindful about the projects he pursues.

“It’s not about the money,” stated Issac, conveying a maturity well beyond his years.

“If I’m going to work, I want to work on something I like.”

And it was that belief that made Issac excited about his role in the movie “Believe,” where he played Clarence Joseph, “a young boy who believes in the possibility of miracles against all odds.” It was a role that some in the “business” thought Issac should not take, and he even had to pass on other opportunities because of the time required to make a movie, but in the end, “Believe” was named the 2016 “Film of the Year” by The Christian Film Review and Issac’s work was widely praised.

In “Believe,” Issac played the part of a

homeless boy, but make no mistake about it, in real life Issac has a wonderful home. And home for Issac and his family is Detroit, a point that Issac’s mom, Dominique, takes great pride in making.

“I tell them all the time don’t put that L.A. stuff on my baby; he was groomed in Detroit,” said Dominique, who expressed appreciation for many local organizations and events that have enriched Issac, including Universal Liberty & Christ Church (where Issac got his start singing), Boys Theater of Detroit, YouthVille Detroit, Metro Detroit Youth Day, and Alnur Shabazz African Dance, Drum and Drama Troupe.

Dominique added: “My home is Detroit and I always bring it back to Detroit. I want to embrace the Detroit connection.”

Through Issac, our youth and community are given another example that the best of Detroit can excel anywhere in the world. On the day Issac spoke to the “Best of Young Detroit,” he proudly rocked a bright yellow Boys Theater of Detroit T-shirt. In fact, Issac said his time spent with Boys Theater of Detroit was even more challenging than much of his work on the West Coast, and that the group made him better on set overall.

Issac’s words are no doubt music to the ears of Oliver Pookrum, a talented actor, writer, director and producer. A longtime advocate for African American theater, Pookrum has used the Boys Theater of Detroit to nurture and develop young men in our community, like Issac, through the arts.

“The mission of the Boys Theater of Detroit is to use theater and performing arts to inspire, educate, and support developing young men with a variety of experiences and skills to lead a life of confidence, character, compassion, and courage,” said Pookrum, who will be putting on the annual Boys Theater of Detroit Camp this summer at the UAW-Ford National Programs Center.

“The Best of Young Detroit” looks forward to reporting on the camp and learning about the dreams and aspirations of this year’s participants. We also look forward to following and sharing news about Issac’s future projects. Hometown fans can be assured that Issac will continue to represent “The D” with distinction because as the birthday boy said: “it’s not the lines you say, but the emotion you put behind them.” And as people around the world will continue to learn, the emotion and spirit of Issac Ryan Brown are distinctly Detroit!

UAW-Ford’s Best of Young Detroit

July 12-18, 2017

Page C-4

Remembering Henry Carr: Olympic gold medalist also made NFL

Next month the very best in track and field will gather in London for the 2107 IAAF World Championships in Athletics. If all goes as planned, the headliners will include Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, who is expected to end his legendary career by competing in the 100 meters; and the dynamic South African Wayde van Niekerk, a specialist over

200 and 400 meters, who is poised to replace Bolt as the face of the sport after setting a new 400-meter world record (43.03) at the Rio Olympic Games last summer.

However, while Bolt and van Niekerk will deservedly receive great fanfare in London, there was a time when the sport’s spotlight shone on a gentleman with a deep Detroit connection named Henry Carr (November 27, 1941 – May 29, 2015).

Born in Montgomery Alabama, Carr’s family moved to Detroit when he was a youngster.

Fast-forward to high school, Carr began at Southwestern and eventually transferred to Northwestern. His prep exploits were nothing short of sensational, as Carr became known as the “Gray Ghost.”

As a senior at Northwestern, he clocked 9.5 seconds for 100 yards and ran the 220yard dash in 20.6.

After Northwestern, Carr took his immense talents to Arizona State University and captured the NCAA title over 200 meters (20.5) in 1963. He also was a force at 400 meters, running 45.4 in the summer of 1963, which at the time was the sixth-fastest clocking in

history. Carr would make 1964 even more memorable, as he captured two gold medals at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. In winning gold in the 200 meters, Carr won by about a yard in an Olympic record time (20.3). He ended his Olympic career by anchoring the gold-medal winning 4x400 meter relay. His 44.5 split was the team’s fastest, as Carr combined with Ollan Cassell, Mike Larrabee and Ulis Williams to post a world record time 3:00.7.

The following year, Carr was drafted in the fourth round of the National Football League draft by the New York Giants. As a defensive back, Carr had his best professional football season in 1966, when he registered four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

When his athletic career was over, Carr eventually gained even greater respect as a human being by overcoming adversity, and earning a reputation as a person who was genuinely committed to helping others. Mr. Carr, who is enshrined in the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame once wrote: “Stars are soon replaced and generally forgotten. Rather than competing

with others to be best, helping and serving others is what brings true satisfaction.” For the great joy he gave to fans at Northwestern, and across the world, and also for the poignant wisdom he shared after leaving the athletic field, Henry Carr should be forever remembered in the city of Detroit.

2017 ‘Best of Young Detroit’ Summer Reading List Summer reading is an activity that most students and parents are aware of, but the importance of summer reading may not be fully appreciated by all. Fortunately, in Detroit, we have wonderful resources like the Detroit Public Library that can help us better understand.

“Summer reading is important for our youth as it forces them to actively engage in their own learning and understanding,” said Atiim J. Funchess, assistant director of Marketing for the Detroit Public Library. “It also helps prevent the ‘summer slide’ which is a term used to describe the loss of things learned in school prior to summer break.”

Funchess’ remarks are supported by research, which has shown that students that read outside of school generally outperform students that don’t. To encourage summer reading, the “Best of Young Detroit” has compiled a summer reading list containing titles selected by educators and other leaders that are committed to uplifting African American youth in our city and across the country. Students and parents can read the selections listed. It is our hope that reading any of the books listed will promote positive dialogue and continued education, and an excellent place to find books is any Detroit Public Library branch.

Parents, please note that the books listed are merely suggestions. The most important objective is to promote reading in our community. Self-selection of reading materials is an extremely important element in encouraging readers, and research has shown that students, especially younger students, become more excited about reading when they are given opportunities to read about people and topics

that are important to them.

Following is the First Annual “Best of Young Detroit” Summer Reading List: “Bad Boy: A Memoir” by Walter Dean Myers “12 Brown Boys” by Omar Tyree “Planet Middle School” by Nikki Grimes “Paul Robeson: The Life and Times of a Free Black Man”

by Virginia Hamilton “Tears of a Tiger” by Sharon M. Draper “The Skin I’m In” by Sharon G. Flake “Elijah of Buxton” by Christopher Paul Curtis “Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything in It”

by Sundee T. Frazier “Manchild in the Promised Land” by Claude Brown “Autobiography of Fredrick Douglass”

by Fredrick Douglass “Letters To A Young Black Brother” by Hill Harper “Autobiography of Malcolm X” as told to Alex Haley “Just Above My Head” by James Baldwin “Souls of Black Folks” by W.E.B. Du Bois “Education and Empowerment: The Essential Writings of W.E.B. Du Bois” by Dr. Randall Westbrook “The Will to Change” by Bell Hooks “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison “The Mis-Education of the Negro” by Carter G. Woodson “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” by Harriet Ann Jacobs “The Black Woman: An Anthology”

by Toni Cade Bambara “Open Letters to America: Essays” by Kevin Powell “Mama” by Terry McMillan “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin “They Came Before Columbus” by Ivan Van Sertima “One More River to Cross” by Keith Boykin “Sister Citizen” by Melissa Harris-Perry “Dreams from My Father” by Barack Obama “Peace from Broken Pieces”

by Iyanla Vanzant “Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine”

by Bebe Moore Campbell “Sula” by Toni Morrison “Black Boy”

by Richard Wright

“Black Betty” by Walter Mosley “Rock My Soul: Black People and Self-Esteem”

by Bell Hooks “Mississippi to Africa: A Journey of Discovery”

by Melvin J. Collier “Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism” by Cornel West “Black Feeling, Black Talk / Black Judgement”

by Nikki Giovanni “The House on Childress Street” by Kenji Jasper “The Coldest Winter Ever” by Sister Souljah “Decoded” by Dream Hampton “Assata: An Autobiography” by Assata Shakur “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison “Visions for Black Men” by Na’im Akbar “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston “Makes Me Wanna Holler: A Young Black Man in America” by Nathan McCall “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou “Miles: The Autobiography” by Miles Davis “Kindred” by Octavia Butler

Student Voices

Our contributors provide keen insights on two topics The “Best of Young Detroit” would like to thank readers for feedback we have received about “Student Voices.” It is our goal to continue to stay connected to students in our community during the summer months.

In this week’s installment, we have altered our format, as our two contributors address different topics of their choice. We appreciate the insight they provide and look forward to sharing the thoughts of more students in the coming weeks.

Faith Hill, Davis Aerospace Technical High School Class of 2018, discusses a surprising person from the past: “If I could have dinner with anybody present or past, it would be the ‘rebel without a cause’ James Dean. He epitomized rebellion.

He is an icon of un-conventionalism. I love the fact that he played fictional nonconformists who played by their own rules, while doing the same in his personal life. He was a fan of the gunslinger Billy the Kid; so am I. If I could sit down, at any restaurant and have dinner with James, I would ask him various questions. I would ask about his career in acting. What inspired him to choose the career he played? He started off so young, so I would ask: How did he cope with all the stress and the burden of being a young actor always in the spotlight, never getting a moment of mental rest? How did he react when he would hear all of these crazy things the paparazzi and others would say about him? Did he have any mantras he would do to aid his day? Another question I would ask James is: What influenced his mentality and his decisions? Not everybody can be a rebel.

Not everybody has the courage to live their own lives and not care what others think of them. A quote James said was: ‘Dream as you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.’ I would ask him to justify that statement. In the short period he lived, did he think he lived up to his own words?

“In addition, I would love to ask James about his goals in life besides acting. I would ask him this question seriously and

humorously. What was your backup plan in life if you didn’t make it in Hollywood? If you could be anything in the world what would you be? Can you see yourself working a normal civilian job? If so, what would it be?

Lastly, I would ask James’s perspective of life and death. How does he feel about it?

Would his outlook be religious or logical?

How old would he think he live to be? In the future, was he going to continue being the leather jacket, t-shirt wearing, cigarette smoking, neighbor-waker? Or was he going to settle down and become a family man?

In conclusion, James Dean was before his time. I admire him. His carefree attitude and tough nature would easily fit into the generation we live in now: ‘The Age of Aquarius.’ I find that James and I have a like-minded nature. I think we would have a pretty good conversation over dinner.”

Arabia Bey, 2017 Renaissance graduate, says college can be for everyone despite the challenges: “Success is not always about who’s willing to pay a monetary price, but who’s willing to pay the total price.

College costs doesn’t just include tuition, room and board, books, and other fees. There’s the underlying cost of doubt, exhaustion, anxiety, isolation, failure, and homesickness. Many know that success isn’t guaranteed through college, but it increases your chances by having a degree. But what about those who are so discouraged by the price, they throw away the idea of going. Does that support the fact that college isn’t for everyone?

“College is for everyone. Everyone who is willing to stay up all night studying or doing homework, projects, and papers. Everyone who is willing to risk their personal freedom to get good grades in high school to get scholarships. Everyone who is willing to be in debt for the next 10 years of his or her life.

Everyone who works before, during, and after school, to pay for school. Everyone with the drive and motivation to not let a price tag determine their future.”

Nutrition Newsletters and recipes can be found on Detroit PAL website As we have reported in the “Best of Young Detroit,” Detroit PAL is an ongoing source of healthy programming for youth of virtually all ages.

In addition to the many athletic leagues and other activities offered by Detroit PAL, the organization also is an excellent re-

source for information on healthy eating and living. The “Best of Young Detroit” invites our community to visit the Detroit PAL website at detroitpal.org and click on “Healthy Detroit PAL” from the homepage, which provides nutrition newsletters and recipes for scrumptious, healthy dishes, including stir-fry fajita chicken pictured below.

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

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 12-18, 2017

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OneUnited Bank’s Controversial Mural Foreshadows the #BankBlack Movement- 2 Year Anniversary Unveiled in July 2015, Thunder & Enlightening Foretells the Tumultuous Summer 2016 In the summer of 2015, OneUnited Bank unveiled its revolutionary 550 square foot mural Thunder & Enlightening on the façade of the Bank’s historic Miami branch. The emotionally charged work of art by internationally acclaimed, Miami based muralist Addonis Parker, directly confronts issues and events facing the Black community: racism, bigotry, violence, protest, the massacre in South Carolina, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and first responders.

Thunder & Enlightening also foreshadowed future events, namely the backlash against the multiple racially charged shootings of Black people by law enforcement which spawned a national phenomenon – the #BankBlack Movement. In 2016, issues of racism, bigotry and violence came front and center of our nation’s consciousness. In turn, millions of Black people, galvanized via social media, text and word of mouth, began answering the call for a collective show of

force by moving their money from traditional banks to Black owned banks. The social justice based #BankBlack movement intensified when Rapper Killer Mike implored the Black community not to incite more violence but to demonstrate the power of its $1.2 trillion in annual spending by supporting Black banks and other Black owned businesses.

“We’re excited that the ‘seed’ planted by the mural grew into the #BankBlack and #BuyBlack movement,” says Teri Williams, President & COO of OneUnited Bank. “Our community is not only moving money, but also ‘moving their minds’ by directly confronting the discredited adage that ‘their ice is colder’ or that Black businesses are inherently ‘less than.’ We now are focusing on collective eco-

nomics and community wealth building.”

The 2015 OneUnited Mural Project (Thunder & Enlightening) was an apprenticeship-based program, in partnership with Miami Children’s Initiative. The partnership was comprised of public art works, youth development, financial literacy and a community beautification program pro-

viding arts enrichment through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education.

In 2017, the issues of race and financial equality are more pressing than ever and the #BankBlack Movement is stronger than ever with over $50 million in deposits moved to Black owned banks in just 12 months.

McGregor Fund Awards $60,000 for Living Trades Academy The McGregor Fund selected the Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN) as a recipient of $60,000 to be used for the Living Trades Academy (LTA) job training pilot program.

MHPN will coordinate the Living Trades Academy, a 10-week pilot training program that will teach Detroiters traditional building trades through the rehabilitation of a Detroit vacant house. The home will become a “living lab,” where participants will learn high-demand building trades from experienced craftspeople and apply their abilities in real time to the restoration of the home.

The LTA is a job training program that will place graduates in top quality, high paying construction jobs that are rooted

in neighborhood revitalization efforts. The older buildings that make up Detroit’s neighborhoods were constructed with quality materials and craftsmanship and are part of what make Detroit a unique and desirable place to live and work.

Many of these buildings require rehabilitation to remain functional and efficient enough to attract and retain residents.

Increasingly, property owners are looking for help to restore and maintain these buildings affordably and efficiently, while also preserving local character and identity.

McGregor Fund President Kate Levin Markel said, “We are pleased to support MHPN’s Living Trades Academy. Fund-

ed under our new skill building grantmaking priority, this effort will expand economic opportunities for underemployed Detroiters by teaching building trades and developing job readiness in a high-demand sector.”

“As Detroit neighborhoods experience an increase in home rehabilitations, property owners are finding a shortage of contractors who have experience working with historic building materials and who understand the importance of maintaining Detroit neighborhoods’ unique characteristics” states MHPN Executive Director, Nancy Finegood. “The Living Trades Academy addresses that shortage by empowering underemployed residents with traditional building skills that

will lead to gainful employment and simultaneously help to maintain and restore their neighborhoods.”

out the state. MHPN is committed to Detroit’s neighborhoods through this program and others, with dedicated Detroit staff.

The Michigan Historic Preservation Network, founded in 1981, is the largest membership organization in the state dedicated to recognizing and preserving Michigan’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. They advocate for Michigan’s historic places to contribute to our economic vitality, sense of place, and connection to the past. This is accomplished through education, outreach, and advocacy assistance to local residents and business owners, preservation organizations, policymakers, and elected officials through-

The McGregor Fund is a private foundation established in 1925 by gifts from Katherine and Tracy McGregor “to relieve the misfortunes and promote the well being of humankind.”

The geography of principal interest is the city of Detroit and Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, and its grantmaking prioritizes basic needs, recovery and restoration, and transformational skill building opportunities for teens and adults in poverty. The McGregor Fund has granted nearly $242 million since its founding and had assets of $162 million as of June 30, 2016.

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• THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 12-18, 2017

Men of Excellence Class of 2017

The Michigan Chronicle celebrates the 10th anniversary of Men of Excellence More than 500 African-American men have been recognized

For a decade, the Michigan Chronicle has celebrated local African-American men who inspire others through vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and participation in community service. Those who have been selected have shown exceptional success in business, community involvement and philanthropy.

Honorees were chosen from over 400 nominations

and will join an elite group comprised of the area’s most influential men.

“These distinguished men not only have professional success to their credit, but they are beacons for the African-American community throughout the region,” said Hiram Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media and publisher of Michigan Chronicle.

Congratulations to the class of 2017.

Alex Parrish, O’Neil Swanson, Jimmy Settles, Hiram E. Jackson and Shaun Wilson congrat- Men of Excellence honorees William Sherron, Roger Yopp, Rozell ulate Dr. William Pickard (second from left) on his Pinnacle Award. – Monica Morgan photos Blanks and Mario Morrow strike a pose before the event gets started.

Hiram E. Jackson, Men of Excellence honoree Derick Men of Excellence honoree Patrick Coleman, owner of Men of Excellence honoree Don Carlos Godfrey Adams, HAP, and Dr. William F. Pickard Beans & Cornbread III, UAW Ford, with his plaque

Cathy Nedd, associate publisher of the Michigan Men of Excellence honoree Alfred Jordan, GFL Larry Callahan & Selected of God Choir kick off the 10th Chronicle, pays special homage to her father, ­ ubert Nedd.

H ­Environmental, Inc. anniversary celebration

More than 800 guests received a complimentary copy of Dr. WilLauren Saunders, mistress of ceremonies, with Lifetime liam Pickard’s new book, “MillionAchievement honoree Dr. Charles G. Adams, senior pastor of aire Moves: Seven Proven PrinciBrian Day, Henry Ford Health System, with his plaque ples of Entrepreneurship.”

Hartford Memorial Baptist Church

Shawn H. Wilson accepts the Community of Major Clora, owner of Clora Funeral Home, is con- Rev. Lawrence Glass, senior pastor, El Bethel Baptist Church, Excellence Award on behalf Ford Motor Company Fund’s Men of Courage program. gratulated on his accomplishments proudly receives his plaque.

July 12-18, 2017 |

‘Constructs of Romantic Discord’:

Reflections

By Steve Holsey

Will Smith’s other son When you think of Will Smith’s children, what comes to mind are Jaden and Willow, the two he had with wife Jada Pinkett Smith. But there is also Trey Smith, now 24, from his first marriage.

Will married Sheree Zampino during the second season of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” In retrospect, they realize they were too young.

A series of oil paintings from Torri Smith, Detroit artist and architect

Trey Smith and Will Smith Trey is not really interested in acting, although he has done a little. His interests lie in other things, such as deejaying, producing music and playing football.

I’m sure he is content with who he is, but nevertheless it must be difficult at times, being in the shadow of a superstar father and two famous half-siblings, not to mention a very famous stepmother.

By Alisha Dixon

T

he new exhibition of oil paintings by Detroit artist and architect Torri Smith, “Constructs of Romantic Discord,” explores the internal conflicts young women face as they navigate the digital age and the consequences that self-portray on social media have on both interpersonal and intra­ personal relationships.

CHAKA KHAN, R&B icon and music industry luminary, is working on a new album that is scheduled to be released next year.

Of special interest are numerous songs that Chaka Khan were recorded in Khan’s home studio with Prince producing.

“The pieces focus on the complexities of the internal emotional state and the manifestation of those feelings that lie hidden below the surface.

The selection of work contrasts moments specifically curated or constructed by the subjects themselves; the public, against deeper portraits of the unseen internal state; the private,” said Smith.

She owns the material and the album will be on her own label, cleverly named iKhan. One of Khan’s most famous songs, “I Feel for You,” was written and first re by Prince.

Chaka Khan, with a voice like no other, is responsible for so many hits that have become embedded in American music history. That includes “I’m Every Woman,” “Tell Me Something Good,” “Through the Fire,” “Papiliion (aka Hot Butterfly),” “Sweet Thing,” “Ain’t Nobody” and, of course, “I Feel for You.”

D1

“I think it’s so rare that we get moments to ourselves nowadays even when we’re alone, it’s like how many times are we not stressing over a guy or some relationship, even friendships?

How often are we by ourselves and content and not stressed

out, worried or thinking about someone else or not sitting on our phones and texting someone else or waiting for someone to text us? That’s where this (the exhibition) really evolved from. The discord is really within ourselves.”

Smith, an architect at a Detroit-based firm, said the collection comes after taking a two-year break from studying architecture at Lawrence Technological University to study painting at the College for Creative Studies. During this period she began to reflect on her own life. “‘Romantic Discord’ is really the internal conflict that you’re going through within yourself.

None of the paintings have an actual guy or any kind of ink­ ling of relationships. It’s not an in-your-face love relationship kind of scenario for any of the paintings. They’re just all kind of singular women, all are alone,” she said.

As social media continues to maintain its place as a major form of communication through

See Torri Smith Page D-2

Does he want a relationship or a situation-ship?

By AJ Williams | Single Black CHICK In a conversation with a friend of mine, she talked about a recent date that may be her next relationship.

Lenny Kravitz

Ronnie DeVoe

SOME PEOPLE age so slowly that it is almost unbelievable.

We already talked about Pharrell Williams, who is 44 and looks 25. But there’s also Lenny Kravitz — there is no way anyone would think he is 53 years old — and New Edition’s Ronnie DeVoe, who looks much younger than his 49 years.

TLC TLC — Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Tionne “T-Boz”

See Reflections Page D-2

She gave details on everything from picking out the right outfit to the excitement of new possibilities; needless to say she was looking forward to the date.

She shared that she met her new love at a very upscale restaurant and he looked even more handsome than when they originally met.His suit was tailored and his lips perceived to be so kissable that she could hardly stop looking at them when he talked.

My friend was in heaven; she said the dinner was great and the conversation even better.

As she continued to dish about her evening, the conversation took a turn for the worst. She asked her date, “Why was he single?” He replied with the one thing that should send every single woman who wants a relationship running for the hills.

“He has friends that he dates but he’s not looking for a relationship” I told my friend, better luck next time.

However, she was insistent on trying to decode what the statement meant.

So I gave her the harsh dating advice that I knew she did not want to hear or accept, “It meant, just what he said, that he’s not available, he wants a situation-ship not a relationship.

Situation-ships are the new purgato-

ry for love relationships. They can be very deceiving, they can periodically cater to a woman’s need for physical closeness and attention, coupled with a sense of concern but no real emotional attachment, security or commitment. Unfortunately, these types of so-

See Situation-ship Page D-2

Page D-2 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 12-18, 2017

Torri Smith From page D-1

the constant stream of seemingly perfect selfies put on display for the entire world, or an ex, to see, Smith uses the collection to delve deeper into this cultural phenomenon.

The 16-piece exhibition, presented by Detroit Center for Design + Technology’s DCDT Gallery, includes a collection of selfies or “moments of self” as Smith describes them. Comprised of two parts, “Constructs of Romantic Discord” explores private moments through the inward journey to finding one’s self and public curated moments designed to convey an often inflated sense of self.

Wednesday, July 12–16 | 6 pm | Midtown Detroit CONCERT OF COLORS: The Concert of Colors has the whole world in its bands.

It’s a free celebration of the many ethnicities and cultures represented by the people of Southeast Michigan and the indigenous music of Detroit. All performances are free and open to the public. All venues on or near Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit. INFO: WWW.CONCERTOFCOLORS.COM Friday, July 14 | 7:30 pm | The DAAC LADIES FIRST ROCK THE MIC: Get ready for some phenomenal performances from some dope ladies. More than a concert, it’s an experience.

INFO:FACEBOOK/LADIES FIRST ROCK THE MIC Friday, July 14 | 9 pm | Music Hall Jazz Café 40 & FRESH AF: Featuring a headlining performance by Joel Fluent Greene, poet and event host (Café Mahogany, Mahogany @ The Museum, A Man Can Change).

Special Invited Guest Performers/Poetry/Live Music/Dope People/You INFO: FORTYANDFRESH.BROWNPAPERTICKETS.COM Saturday, July 15 | 6 pm | Photo Sensei SIP & SHOOT: Join in for a fun night of photography, friends and cocktails while Photo Sensei explores the art of cellphone photography. Capture amazing images of the city’s landscapes at the happening downtown location and win prizes while you and your friends battle it out for the best photograph. Complementary drinks and light refreshments will be served. INFO: EVENTBRITE.COM Saturday, July 14 | 8:00 pm | Music Hall Jazz Café PIERRE ANTHONY UNPLUGGED: Pierre Anthony Unplugged.

No big bands, no background singers, just percussion, acoustic guitar and you.

Ask questions about the songs. Get up close and personal with the star. INFO: EVRYMUSIC.COM

Situation-ship called relationships can be emotionally damaging and typically are on the man’s terms.

All that being said, my friend continued to give every excuse in the book on why she should still date him.

Contrary to popular belief, men are not that complicated. It’s just that women have become so addicted to the thought of having a relationship or some slight resemblance of a companion that we try to fit square pegs into round holes. When did the tables turn?

Women used to be the sought after prize, men would court for years, battle to the death, just to get a glimpse of a woman’s ruby stained lips and now we are settling for situation-ships.

Here’s the real deal ladies, when a man tells you that he is not interested in a relationship… hear him and believe him. This statement is not the green

Reflections

Watkins — has a new album (titled “TLC”) that is, amazingly, their first new release in 15 years and they have no plans for making any additional new music! But that doesn’t mean the two ladies will stop working as TLC. They will tour, and extended stays in Las Vegas is a possibility.

Watkins explained, “We have a body of work and when you have timeless songs like ‘Waterfalls,’ ‘No Scrubs’ and ‘Unpretty,’ you should be able to tour.

The white rock bands do it all the time. Why can’t we?”

IT’S GREAT to know that HBO is planning to make a movie on the pioneering black filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, whose work dates back to the 1920s, yet most black people have no idea who he is.

“Davis’ story has always been a passion for me,” said Berry. “She’s fascinating. The era she lived in, the Black Panthers and all they stood for and her connection to it. I have a lot of respect

“I would love people to leave the show feeling inspired and I hope it sparks a deeper conversation about personal connections, inner feelings, and how we go about interacting throughout our daily lives.”

“Constructs of Romantic Discord” is free and open to the public at the DCDT Gallery, 4219 Woodward Ave. The exhibition runs now until Aug. 2.

PICKS 305 286 798 162 542 613 445 615 999 479 427 230 8370 3644 590 18 19 52 54 69 16 YOUR AD

LOOKS

GOOD IN PRINT Place your classified or display ad in the

Call (313) 963-5522

For more information, go to www.detroit.design.

The Detroit Center for Design + Technology Design Incubator provides educational programs, tools and resources to those looking to start or grow a creative business within the city of Detroit.

The DCDT Gallery fulfills this mission by also providing a public space devoted to exhibiting the work of local artists.

From page D-1 light to convince him otherwise with the hopes that once he gets to know you, your awesome personality and/or how great you are in bed that it will persuade him into committing his all to you.

Sorry to say, that is the exception and not the rule. As women, we need to reclaim our throne and stop risking our heart on being the exception and begin trusting our heart to the rule. As Maya Angelou said it “When a person tells you who they are, believe them the first time”.

The Single Black Chick’s Tip: So the next time you’re in the market for a man and your date says he’s not looking for a relationship — remember, if he’s not looking for what you are looking for in the beginning, why would you waste your time on the second date? Doing so will save you time and heartache in the end.

From page D-1 for how she lived her life.”

There is also a biopic in the works on the highly successful entrepreneur, music producer and author Russell Simmons. The script will be written by Kenya Barris, best known as co-writer of the hit TV show “Black-ish.”

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that there were some naysayers in Houston who told Beyoncé that she would never make it beyond the neighborhood.

MEMORIES: “I Love Music” (the O’Jays), “Betcha She Don’t Love You” (Evelyn “Champagne” King), “My Baby Must Be a Magician” (the Marvelettes) “Show and Tell” (Al Wilson), “Kiss and Say Goodbye” (the Manhattans), “Breakaway” (Millie Jackson), “Miss You Like Crazy” (Natalie Cole).

In the starring role will be fellow filmmakBLESSINGS to er Tyler Perry. Both Oscar Micheaux Greg Dunmore, Karen have fascinating stories Dumas, Marion Hayden, “Fast Freddy” to tell, and there are some parallels in Anderson, Millie Scott, Sam Kemp and their lives and work.

Lois Reeves.

And speaking of movies, Academy Award winner Halle Berry would love to portray famed activist-turned-educator Angela Davis.

“What I would like viewers to take away is simply an awareness of the influence we have over each other as individuals…what we see is often curated, whether it’s a photo, or a status, or post can be up for interpretation and it’s hard to really gauge the real meaning and true intentions,” she said.

37

WEEK’S BEST LOTTERY

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Maya Angelou: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude about it.”

Let the music play!

Steve Holsey can be reached at svh517@aol.com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH PERFECT WORLD PICTURES A WILL PACKER PRODUCTIONS PRODUCTION A MALCOLM D. LEE FILM “GIRLS TRIP”REGINA HALL TIFFANY HADDISH LARENZ TATEEXECUTIVEMIKE COLTER KATE WALSH WITH JADA PIPRODUCED NKETT SMITH AND QUEEN LATIFAH MUSICBY DAVID NEWMAN PRODUCERS PRESTON HOLMES JAMES LOPEZ

BY WILL PACKER p.g.a. MALCOLM D. LEE p.g.a.

STORY SCREENPLAY

BY ERICA RIVINOJA AND KENYA BARRIS & TRACY OLIVER

BY KENYA BARRIS & TRACY OLIVER DIRECTED A UNIVERSAL PICTURE

BY MALCOLM D. LEE SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC

© 2017 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JULY 21 THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

July 12-18, 2017 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Page D-3

Ideelyah CD signing (“BRAVE” album release)

Xscape at Chene Park Crystal Gray and Brandon Williams (“BRAVE” album ­release)

Dean Beanz (“BRAVE” album release)

April Woodard (Jazz Hop Tuesdays)

The Happening WTF

Damien Escobar at Chene Park

Classified

July 12-18, 2017

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE HELP WANTED

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

REQUEST FOR QUOTE

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting Request for Quotes (RFQ) for Fasteners & Small Shop Tools, Control No. 17-2415. RFQ document may be obtained beginning July 12, 2017 from www.mitn.info.

RFQ’s are due Wednesday, July 26, 2017 by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Accounts Payable

July is National Home Safety Month

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ross-Hill Academy NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Please be advised that the Ross-Hill Academy Non-profit Public Charter School in Detroit, Michigan has been dissolved effective June 30, 2017. Claims against the assets of the Ross-Hill Academy public school district must be made in writing not later than January 2, 2018. All vendor claims must include the detailed invoice. Claims not received by or prior to the date set forth above will not be recognized. All claims must be mailed to: Ross-Hill Academy Accounts Payable 3111 Elmwood Detroit, MI 48207 Ross-Hill Academy Board of Directors

Public Notice Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Participation Goal for FY 2018 through FY 2020 The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) has established its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Participation Goal for Federal Fiscal Years 2018 through 2020 to be 6.8% for projects funded by the Department of Transportation.

A description of the goal methodology is available for public inspection for fourteen (14) days following publication of this notice, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The description will be located at the Buhl Building with SMART’s 6th floor Receptionist.

Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation 535 Griswold Street, Suite 600 Detroit, MI 48226 Attn: Austin Colson, DBE Coordinator Email: acolson@smartbus.org Comments will be accepted concerning the DBE Goal for forty-five (45) days from the date of this notice. Comments can be forwarded to the address stated above addressed to Mr. Austin Colson at SMART.

Perform clerical accounting duties in a large and/or complex administrative unit. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years clerical accounting/bookkeeping experience. Type minimum 30 wpm. Ability to effectively interact with the public, students, faculty, and staff. Salary is $39,693.00 annually.

See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 25, 2017.

Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

Senior Software Engineer – Global Telematics Dept.

General Motors, Detroit, MI. Provide technical direction &support of content to comply with GM reqmts during all phases of dvlpmt of ECU embedded software for GM Global telematics &infotainment products in future vehicles. Dvlp engrg change proposals for Global telematics module &optimize associated design solutions. Dvlp new telematics module using Trimble RTX Global Navigation Satellite System positioning corrections to facilitate launch of future autonomous vehicles. Architect new software components to dvlp nextgen GM telematics module to meet Unified Diagnostic Services &comply with global automotive standards.

Create functional specifications, sub-­system technical specification for embedded software dvlpmt using IBM rational DOORS &IBM RTC tools. Dvlp key software components within telematics module to support OTA remote re-­ flash technology using Red Bend solution.

Dvlp &improve validation test plans to verify functional &technical reqmts per GM global engrg standards. Identify &resolve vehicle level infotainment &telematics integration issues by using software simulation, debugging &messaging tools such as Vector CANoe, NEOVI, VehicleSpy, RadStar, &MOST using Optolyzer. Define software calibrations &diagnostic settings that will be used to enhance performance of OnStar systems. Provide technical feedback to proposed NHTSA reqmts related to V2V communications &work with Telematics suppliers to ensure reqmts are met. Master, Electrical Engrg, Electronics Engrg, or Computer Science. 12 mos exp as Engineer, identifying &resolving vehicle level infotainment, &telematics or Instrument Panel Cluster, integration issues by using tools such as Vector CANoe, NEOVI, VehicleSpy, RadStar, &MOST using Optolyzer. Mail resume to Ref#1287-­210, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-­C32-­D44, Detroit, MI 48265

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE Published Every Wendnesday

WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

How to use social media to build your career (StatePoint) Seventy-seven percent of American women want to be their own boss, a new survey from Avon finds. While their reasons vary -- from scheduling flexibility to more control to less office politics -- now it’s easier than ever to start living like a boss or simply to advance in your career.

In the digital age, getting ahead begins with your social media accounts, which are literally at the fingertips of the people and companies with whom you would like to work. Experts say that having an engaging presence on sites like LinkedIn and Instagram can help you make connections, spread your expertise, and show potential employers and partners that you’re a good fit.

Indeed, 78 percent of salespeople engaged in social selling are outselling their peers who are not using social selling. Whatever your professional goals are, take steps to hone your online presence.

Avon, a company with a 130-year track record empowering women to be their own bosses, points out that today, social media plays a big role in the direct selling model. They are sharing proven practices to build your brand sales opportunities through social media.

• Go in with a strategy. How would you like to be perceived? Make sure the reality of your online presence matches this vision, as well as your professional field. You may also consider strategically using privacy settings on certain channels to ensure your public-facing persona remains professional and on-message.

• Be genuine. It’s important to be genuine, so use social media to be yourself and celebrate what you love. “I blog about the things I am actually wearing and doing, not what I think other people

want me to say. Your readers want to hear your authentic voice and that is what they will respond to best,” says Alicia Hessinger Dias, an Avon representative and entrepreneur. She started her blog about a year into her Avon business and uses it as an opportunity to share deals, steals and tips that let her express her artistic and fashion-forward side.

To learn more about becoming your own boss at Avon, visit Avon Insider at avon.com/blog or sign up at sellavon.com.

• Play into your strengths. Spend the bulk of your energy using the online platform that works most naturally for you. For example, if you agree that “brevity is the soul of wit,” spend your time on Twitter. If you’re a visual storyteller, focus on Instagram.

• Be consistent. Stick to the topics you are passionate about, and remember to post regularly.

Consider using a hashtag that speaks to your personal brand. Lastly, don’t just post content and then disappear. Remember to engage with followers in positive ways.

• Give shout-outs. Connections come more easily when you give shout-outs. Use the event hashtag while live tweeting an industry conference. Add those you admire to your blogroll. These actions will help you earn high-quality followers.

These days, having a savvy digital strategy can be the most crucial step you take professionally.

“From the start of my blog, it has been an essential sales tool,” says Hessinger Dias. “The soft sell of showcasing product is much more effective than a direct sales pitch.”

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

Global Commodity Manager

Systems Engineer Speech Recognition

BorgWarner Ithaca LLC has an opening for a Global Commodity Manager in Auburn Hills, MI to lead the cross functional development, implementation and management of global strategies for key commodity groups, among other duties. Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and seven years of experience in the job offered or purchasing, commodity management or related position required. Apply online at https://www.borgwarner.com/careers, Job# R2017-­0620.

Project Manager (Supply Chain)

thyssenkrupp Materials NA, Inc. seeks a Project Manager (Supply Chain) in Southfield, MI, for managing project work, which includes idea generation, idea development, creating project plans, and documenting business case justifications, among other duties. Min. Master’s degree in Supply Chain Man, Industrial Eng., Operations Man., Business Man., or Business Admin., and four years of experience in the job offered or related supply chain position, or bachelor’s degree in stated field and seven years of experience in the job offered or related supply chain position. Please send resumes to: thyssenkrupp Materials NA, Inc. Attn: Morgan Crane /JO#7890159, 22355 West Eleven Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48033.

Chief Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Grow an engrg team, lead 1 engineer, &execute the design, dvlpmt, manufacture, validation, &packaging of electric bicycle for global sale. Ensure engrg deliverables &metrics are met for new proprietary electric drive unit design incldg EN 15194, ISO/TC 149 SC 1, Consumer Products Safety Commission Title 16: Part 1512 ‘Requirements for Bicycles’, &maintain ‘Pedelec’ classification as defined by European directive 2002/24/EC incldg motor under 250 watts &speed limited to 25 kph.

Ensure bicycle frame with advanced material structures meets ISO/TC SC 1 4210-1 thru 10, ISO 6742-1 thru 5, ISO 14878:2015 &is certified at third party certified lab. Perform regular technical engrg reviews at important program milestones to ensure best practice engrg solutions are being utilized on components &subsystems of electric bicycle.

Ensure finite element analysis is performed on structural components &system to ensure compliance with meet regulatory &internal safety standards. Master, Mechanical Engrg, Electrical Engrg, Inter/Multi-Disciplinary Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engrg Manager or Engrg Group Manager or related, leading an engrg team of engineers engaged in advanced body engrg product dvlpmt work, incldg lightweight and/or advanced material body structure solutions to be manufactured from aluminum and/or carbon fiber reinforced plastic, or related. Mail resume to Ref#22656, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-D44, Detroit, MI 48265.

Warren, MI, General Motors. Design embedded &server-based English (&various foreign languages) Automatic Speech Recognition system incldg pattern recognition &machine learning algorithms &deep learning neural networks using C/C++ for GM Infotainment radios. Design &dvlp Infotainment Human Machine Interface software using UML models &configure code generation for hardware platforms incldg Intel &ARM. Dvlp test &optimize speech using data modeling algorithms. Improve speech recognition accuracy. Write technology specifications of speech recognition for GM Infotainment systems incldg hands free calling, AM/FM/XM radio, navigation &media features. Work with Tier-1 suppliers to integrate new functionality &provide technical expertise to support launch of speech recognition technology within GM Infotainment embedded platforms. Work closely with HMI engineers to deliver a pleasing &easy to use user interface while maintaining consistent feel of voice/speech user experience. Build &maintain relationship across speech recognition ecosystem community. Design system architecture &interfaces &create system technical specification documents. Master, Computer Science, Electrical Engrg, Electronics Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, Software Architect, or related, designing & dvlpg Infotainment HMI software using UML models &configuring code generation for hardware platforms incldg Intel &ARM. Mail resume to Ref#34800, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-D44, Detroit, MI 48265

CAE Model Manager

Warren, MI, General Motors. Maintain &release CAE Master Models for full vehicle systems between virtual assessment gates. Interface with CAE disciplines to drive efficient CAE integration. Use Ansa, Primer, Animator, LS-Dyna, Optistruct, HyperWorks (HyperMesh/HyperView), UGNX, &Teamcenter software to design, &perform finite element modeling &CAE simulations to maintain design intent. Validate CAE model build processes by tracking ongoing CAE studies &interface with CAE disciplines to drive efficient CAE integration. Build CAE Models (meshing &assembly). Validate the Qlty of CAE Model with a series of checks. Perform &validate complex analytical FEA simulations using linear &non-linear (FEA) tools such as Optistruct &LS-Dyna ensuring BIW, Powertrain &Chassis component &full vehicle compliance with N&V (Noise &Vibration), vehicle safety, durability, reliability, fatigue, &crashworthiness standards &reqmts.

Support design, structural dvlpmt &performance teams applying root cause analysis &countermeasure dvlpmts for issues across virtual assessment gates during product dvlpmt. Support MultiDisciplinary Optimization &apply DFSS techniques to improve CAE modeling processes &mass optimized vehicle body structures. Master, Mechanical Engrg or Manufacturing Engrg or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer performing &validating complex analytical FEA simulations using linear &non-linear (FEA) tools such as Optistruct &LS-Dyna ensuring component &BIW &Chassis subsystems &compliance with N&V, vehicle safety, durability, reliability, fatigue, &crashworthiness standards. Mail resume to Ref#38-298, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-D44, Detroit, MI 48265.

Data Services Engineer

General Motors, Detroit, MI. Gather information &provide access to data collected by the Connected Consumer Innovation Laboratory (CCIL) global pilot capabilities.

Perform data modeling &data mining, &interact with database administrators, engrg resources, to support telematics disciplines, providing application support. Use enterprise application architectures such as J2EE &Web Services to design &structure databases &deliver Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, Web Portals, Android &iPhone mobile devices, &in-vehicle telematics systems. Maintain multiple database environments for applications in different locations (NA, China, Europe &Mexico). Install &configure Oracle, MySQL, GoldenGate &Oracle software on UNIX/LINUX &Windows environments for data system mgmt.

Configure &manage Oracle golden gate for Oracle &MySQL databases to transfer OLTP data from pilot environments to Consolidated &data warehouse environments. Create multi node environments using Oracle/MySQL databases to enhance performance for retrieving LOB data. Create customized MySQL database platforms as backend databases for zuul, to build, deploy &operate applications. Configure Data Guard to provide high availability by implementing physical &logical stand-by databases &create MasterMaster, Master-Slave replication between MySQL instances. Master, Electrical, Electronics, or Communications Engineering.

12 mos exp as Engineer or Database Administrator, performing data modeling &data mining to support telematics disciplines, using enterprise application architectures such as J2EE &Web Services to design &structure databases &deliver IVR systems, or related.

Mail resume to Ref#38448, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482C32-D44, Detroit, MI 48265.

Stamping Integration Engineer

Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, dvlp &refine GM Stamping Bill of Operations (BoO) &Bill of Equipment (BoE) standards encompassing Tool Room (tryout presses &die-­openers) &die preventative maintenance (die PM) processes;; Formability Laboratory (checking fixtures, storage racks, dimensional scan-­cells, &reference draw panels);; Dies (XL/AA, B Size, &Prog Dies &65 ton overhead cranes);; Blank Receiving (speed racks &blank inspection equipment);; Press Shop (press front of line &press end of line, &XL/AA, B &Progressive presses);; &Material Handling (central material storage &12000 lb. fork trucks) operations for GM mfg engrg operations supporting all Stamping Plants in North America. Implement Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems for stamping material movement. Interface with vehicle program mfg systems integration engineer (MSIE) to dvlp plans to efficiently fund &utilize program funding to migrate stamping plant to ideal vision state. Conduct stamping press capacity utilization &dvlp plans for maximum utilization of assets to maximize profit for General Motors. Ensure flawless launch of material by directing the creation of material phasing layout for launch execution using AutoCad. Master, Mechanical Engrg. 6 mos exp as Engineer, dvlpg &improving process layouts at stamping plant incldg Tool Room (tryout presses/die-­openers) &die PM processes;; Formability Lab (checking fixtures/dimensional scan-­cells);; Dies (XL/AA dies, &overhead cranes);; Press Shop (Progressive, B Class &XL/AA presses);; &Material Handling (material storage) operations. Mail resume to Ref#2532, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-­C32-­D44, Detroit, MI 48265.

Page D-4

Creative Exterior Designer

Warren, MI, General Motors. Design &dvlp concept &production passenger cars from early napkin sketch to full size working prototype &/or production cars. Assess proposed architecture solutions &focus on the best interest of the company’s future products.

Design future Chevrolet brand passenger car &sport utility vehicle (SUV) full concepts incldg vehicle exterior BIW systems, incldg doors, roof systems, hoods, rocker panels, fenders, front fascia, fascia clips, A/B/C/D pillars, headlamps, taillamps, turn signals, wheels, radiator grilles, outside rear view mirrors &antennas, door handles, roof racks &LED technologies, using Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Alias Automotive, Autodesk Showcase, VRED, &PowerPoint. Sketch &propose concepts &mockups of vehicle architectures &functions such as lighting, full vehicle front end, &radar systems. Dvlp chosen design solutions by the executive design &engrg leadership into 3D properties as physical models made by industrial grade clay sculpted by hand &5-­axis milling machines as well as 3D CAD models in Autodesk Alias software. Lead professional sculptors to capture designs in 3D scale or full size clay models. Illustrate design proposals &vehicle architectures, using Adobe Photoshop with various types of sketching &illustrating types such as investigative, exploratory, explanatory, &persuasive sketches. Bachelor, Transportation Design or Industrial Design. 12 mos exp as Exterior Designer or Creative Exterior Designer, designing future passenger vehicle full concepts incldg vehicle exterior BIW systems, incldg doors, roof systems, hoods, rocker panels, fenders, front fascia, A/B/C/D pillars, lamps, wheels, grilles, outside rear view mirrors, door handles, &LED technologies, using Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Alias Automotive, VRED, &PowerPoint. Mail resume to Ref#34264, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-­C32-­D44, Detroit, MI 48265.

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

praise connection Second Baptist Church of Detroit invites children to Maker Fun Factory VBS

Cassie Mae Bell On Friday, June 23, services for Cassie Mae Bell were held at New Starlight Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Arthur officiating. Mrs. Bell passed away on June 14, 2017.

A summer kids’ event called Maker Fun Factory VBS will be hosted at Second Baptist Church of Detroit from July 17-21. At Maker Fun Factory, kids discover that God made them, and for a purpose. Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, enjoy a delicious dinner, experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, and test out Sciency-Fun Gizmos they’ll take home and play with all summer long. Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes with the Funshop Finale that gets everyone involved in living what they’ve learned.

Family members and friends are encouraged to attend. They have classes for all ages, but if they cannot please join in daily at 8:30 pm for Funshop Finale.

Cassie Mae Bell was born on May 14, 1917 in Senatobia, Mississippi to Butler and Ollie Herron. She moved to Detroit at the age of 12 and was educated the public schools of Hamtramck.

She worked at Chrysler Corporation during World War II and later at an Kresge Department Store and the Detroit Board of Education. She was a member of Greater Ephesian Baptist Church for over 50 years. She enjoyed playing bingo.

In 1941, she married John Neil Bell and they had 15 children.

The memory of Cassie Mae Bell is being cherished by her husband, John Neil Bell; eight children, Dorothy, Robert, Katherine, Juanita, Floyd, Warren, Bessie and Renia; and many other relatives and friends.

Maker Fun Factory is for all ages and at no cost. They have classes for preschoolers to adults and meet each evening from 6 to 8:45 pm.

The church is located at 441 Monroe in Detroit.

For more information, call 313-9610920 Tuesday through Friday from 9 to 5 pm.

Assisting for a worthy cause

For 60 years, Dr. Dorgan J. Needom, Jr. has given his all to his music, to his church and to his community, serving as minister of music at Unity Baptist Church where he and the Unity choirs recorded three albums and performed across the state and beyond. Needom has made concert appearances that are too numerous to count along with performances at the City of Detroit’s 300th Birthday Celebration and the Detroit Remembers Project – Volume 1.

“I have known Dorgan as the Minister of Music for over 49 years.As a choir director he has been outstanding in his leadership. He is a project oriented person and puts his heart and soul in to whatever he does. I have learned so much from him,”says Regina DuBose, local business owner and long-time member of Unity Baptist who has been singing in the choir since the age of 18.

Needom has led the way for many in the gospel arena. “He was the father who birthed my love for gospel music, says Darryl “Juicy” May who Needom calls one of the sons of Unity Baptist Church. May now resides in Atlanta but always calls Unity his church.

Needom served as the general director for a 350-voice choir during the 2015 National Baptist Convention Congress of Christian Education at Cobo Hall.

Well read, well versed and well known, he has won hundreds of citations, awards and commendations. The famed choir director and composer has been saluted by the City of Detroit, Wayne County and the State of Michigan.

Well known for its music department, Cass Technical High School is where he would hone his skills and discover his true talents. He later enrolled in Wayne State University and continued his studies at Detroit

By Dorma McGruder When God opens doors for us we still must pray.

We hope so long and work so hard toward a goal that sometimes we jump at every single opportunity. Use your prayer power for discernment. There will be opportunities you will want to accept but must decline.

Saying no does not mean rejecting God. It means recognizing the results of the decision. Is it taking you away from your ultimate goal? Is it keeping you in the same place? Is it pushing you closer? Only time spent in prayer will give you the correct answer for what action to take because God sees around the corner. Whether you pray at home, in church, near the water, driving, God hears and answers us everywhere.

God will give you the right answer. Make the best choice after you spend time praying. You know you made the right decision when you have peace in your mind and heart. Exercising faith is doing what you don’t see while trusting your prayer power that it is the right choice. I recently started to accept what I thought was a good business opportunity. I prayed and God said no. Because I said yes, when the perfect opportunity came the next day that God knew about and I did not, I was ready and available. God keeps moving and the Power Of Prayer allows God to order our steps to get us to the right place. www.dormamcgruder.com 313.282.3382

Interment took place at Westlawn Cemetery.

L.C. Hopes Services for L.C. Hopes were held on Tuesday, June 27, at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Levi Tyler officiating. Mr. Hopes passed away on June 20, 2017.

L.C. Hopes was born on Aug. 22, 1924 in Dumas, Arkansas to Nelson C. Hopes, Sr. and Fannie Crittenden-Hopes, one of 16 children. He was educated in the Pennington School District. He went into the U.S. Army on Jan. 4, 1944 and was honorably discharged on Dec. 12, 1944. He then worked in a saw mill and later delivered groceries.

To celebrate a man who has rendered much to many, is a big undertaking. Plans are complete and in a well-orchestrated performance, Needom will pass the torch as he retires this year and will be celebrated by all who love him Friday, July 14, with a strolling reception at 7 p.m. at Unity Baptist Church, 7500 Tireman.

A special musical celebration will take place Sunday, July 16, at 3:30 p.m.

Say no

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Chair Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman, Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures and 2017 senior corporate chair, NAACP Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner, is congratulated by O’ Neil D. Swanson President and CEO Swanson Funeral Homes Inc. for accepting the President Wendell Anthony’s call to serve this year.

Celebrating a man of God and song

The Power of Prayer

July 12-18, 2017 Page D-5

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

In 1947, he married Edia Mae Brandon and he moved to Detroit in 1950 where he worked for DeSoto Motor Company.

He sent for his wife and twin daughters in January 1951. Four more children were born and he began working for Chrysler Motor Company, retiring after 30 years of service. He was active in the church and became a deacon.

Dr. Dorgan J. Needom, Jr.

Cherishing the memory of L.C. Hopes are his wife, Edia Mae Hopes; children, Gloria Hopes-Albert, Samuel Hopes, Sr., Karen Hopes and Evelyn Stoakley; and many other relatives and friends.

Institute of Musical Arts, Detroit Conservatory of Music and Mercy College.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Needom is a member of the Detroit Musicians Association which is a subsidiary of the National Association of Negro Musicians and has served as general chairman for the Annual Scholarship/Honors Luncheon. He has been affectionately termed “Monsignor” by his musical colleagues within the Detroit area and in 2002 was inducted into the Detroit Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Interment took place at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

While Needom’s musical career began at Our Father Baptist Church, he found his home at Unity Baptist Church and spent 60 years in service to this congregation and to the Detroit community. Everyone at Detroit Unity knows him and expects to feel his influence in years beyond his retirement.

For more information, please call Mrs. Murphy at (313) 933-9799.

John Allen Muirhead

John Allen Muirhead, son of longtime Detroit public relations executive Georgella Muirhead, passed away Friday, July 7. He was 42.

Mr. Muirhead joined Berg Muirhead and Associates as an intern and quickly became an integral part of the agency, working on some of its most iconic projects like Safe Night Detroit, a project aimed at reducing youth violence in the city by producing more than 300 parties involving 50,000 youth on one night. He also worked on the Detroit Democratic Presidential Debate. Following his work in PR, he worked in the customer service field until his passing.

Mr. Muirhead also was an active member of Legacy Associates Foundation, an organization formed by many of his longtime friends that is dedicated to uplifting youth via activities focused on community service,

scholastic achievement and economic empowerment.

Mr. Muirhead was a graduate of St. Martin de Porres High School and alttended Alabama State University and Wayne State University.

He is survived by his wife, Lemere; daughter, Jasmine; parents, Michael Muirhead, Sr. and Georgella Bascom Muirhead; his brother, Michael Muirhead, Jr.; Jimmy Lee Bascom; Florence (son Migale); Christine Bascom Adams (Reginald, Sr. and their children Reginald, Jr., Heather, Richard); George Bascom (Betty and their daughters Angelica and Gabrielle); Darline Bascom Moore (and her children Adrian and Alisa); Deidra Ware, Judy Muirhead-Shelman (Walter); Harry Muirhead III, Leslie Harris (Bernard), Terri Muirhead; and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

A viewing will be held at Swanson Funeral Home, 14751 West McNichols on Saturday, July 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. Servicers will be held at Calvary Baptist Church at 1000 McDougall St., on Monday, July 17, with a family hour at 10 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery.

Lottie B. Gamble Services for Lottie B. Gamble were held on Saturday, June 24, at Third New Hope Baptist Church.

Pastor Edward Branch officiated. Mrs. Gamble passed away on June 14, 2017.

Lottie Lewis was born on Dec. 17, 1922 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Hosie and Gertrude Lewis, the youngest of four.

After high school she married Herman Wiggins, moved to California and had a daughter named Helen. After a divorce, she moved to Detroit.

She and L.T. Gamble were married in 1950 and had two children, Larry and Deborah. They divorced in 1967. She worked at Hudson’s Department Store and later Metropolitan Hospital. She was an active church member.

Lottie B. Gamble is survived by her two children, Deborah and Larry; a cousin who was like a sister, Beatrice Compton; and many others.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Gethsemane Cemetery.

Are you hosting a concert or faith-friendly event?

Are you celebrating an anniversary or special occasion?

PRAISE CONNECT PRAISE CONNECT PROMOTE IT HERE!

Are you hosting a concert or faithfriendly event?

Contact us at: 313.963.5522 Are you celebrating an anniversary or special occasion?

Join Us for our Join Us for our Join JoinUs Usfor for our our

Page D-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 12-18, 2017

35th Anniversar 35th Anniversary 35th 35thAnniversary Anniversary

METRO METRO METRO Join Us for our METRO DETROIT DETROIT DETROIT 35th Anniversary DETROIT YOUTH DAY YOUTH DAY YOUTH DAY METRODAY YOUTH At The Belle Isle

TheBelle BelleIsle Isle AtAtThe t The Belle Isle Athletic Field Athletic Field Athletic Field

DETROIT thletic Field YOUTH DAY Michigan’s Largest Youth Event!

Michigan’s Largest Youth Event!

Michigan’s Largest Youth Event!

Featuring: Featuring: chigan’s Largest Youth Event!

•Featuring: Sports Clinics • Sports Clinics ••Nature • Nature ZooZoo Sports Clinics aturing: • Horse Buggy Rides • Horse Buggy Rides • Nature Zoo ports Clinics • Education Exhibits • Education Exhibits • Horse Buggy Nature• Zoo Sports Mascots Rides • Sports Mascots •Entertainment Education orse Buggy Rides Exhibits • • Entertainment Sports Mascots ••Dignitaries & Sports Stars ducation Exhibits • Dignitaries & Sports Stars Largest •Michigan’s Idol ContestYouth Event!

•Youth Entertainment ports Mascots • Youth Idol Contest •Featuring: Lunch & Much More!

•Free Dignitaries & Sports Stars • Free Lunch & Much More! ntertainment

At The Belle Isle Athletic Field

• Ed Sports Deeb,Clinics Founder & Chairman Youth Idol& Chairman Contest Ed•Deeb, Dignitaries &Founder Sports Stars • Zoo • Nature Free Lunch & Much More! outh Idol Contest • Horse Buggy Rides ree Lunch & Much More!

Ed Deeb, Founder & Chairman • Education Exhibits

WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY, JULY12, 12, 2017 2017 JULY WEDNESDAY, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM

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Ed Deeb, Founder & Chairman

8:30 AM to 2:30 PM

For children 8 - 15 years of age. To pre-register youth or for sponsorships, For children 8 - 15 years of age. To pre-register youth or for sponsorships, contact the 8:30 Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation at AM 2:30 PMFoundation contact the Michigan Youthto Appreciation at

Begin Your Plans and 586-393-8801orPreparations orvisit visitwww.metrodetroityouthday.com www.metrodetroityouthday.com TODAY! 586-393-8801 Begin Your Plans and Preparations TODAY! For children 8 - 15 years of age. To pre-register youth or for spons 27700 Hoover Road • Warren, MI 48093 27700 Hoover Road • Warren, MI 48093

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or children 8 contact - 15 yearsthe of Michigan age. To pre-register youth or for sponsorship Youth Appreciation Foundation at For childrenthe 8 - 15 years of age.

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