MC Digital Edition 8.26.2020

2020 HONOREES

ra Castone

eryl Greer

Ebony Cochran

Rochelle Collins

Rochelle Collins Joey Combs

Racheal Allen

Yvette McElroy Anderson

arla Postell

B. Stanfield

a B. Thompson

Arie Yowell

Jan Harrington-Davis Donna Doleman Dickerson

Donna Doleman Dickerson Chenita Gary

2020 HONOREES

Gail Barnard

Adrienne Bennett

Brooke Blackwell

Chenita Gary Cheryl Greer

Cheryl Greer Karen L. Gunn, D.D.S.

Laura Castone

Ebony Cochran

Karen Gunn, D.D.S. ToyaL. Hankins

DeShannon Toya Hankins Henry

Darienne Driver Hudson, DeShannon HenryEd.D. Joey Combs

DarienneSonya DriverJacobs Hudson, Ed.D. Jan Harrington-Davis

Rochelle Collins

Joey Combs

Jan Harrington-Davis

Donna Doleman Dickerson

Racheal Allen

Yvette McElroy Anderson

Gail Barnard

Adrienne Bennett

Alisha KimleM.Nailer Moss

Brenda KimlePerryman Nailer

Toya Hankins

DeShannon Henry

Brenda Kristi Perryman D. Plain Darienne Driver Hudson, Ed.D.

Kristi Choi D. Portis Plain Sonya Jacobs

Dr.Choi CarlaPortis Postell Alexis Kerr

Rochelle Collins

Sonya AlexisJacobs Kerr Donna Doleman Dickerson

Edwina Alexis S. King, Kerr J.D. Chenita Gary

Edwina Sandra S. King, McNeilJ.D. Cheryl Greer

Chenita Gary

Cheryl Greer

Karen L. Gunn, D.D.S.

Brooke Blackwell

Laura Castone

Ebony Cochran

Sandra McNeil Karen L. Gunn,

Karen L. Gunn, D.D.S.

Toya Hankins DeShannon Henry

Toya Hankins

a S. King, J.D.

Joey Combs Jan Harrington-Davis

DeShannon Henry

Darienne Driver Hudson, Ed.D. Sonya Jacobs

Darienne Driver Hudson, Ed.D.

Sonya Jacobs Alexis Kerr

Alexis Kerr Edwina S. King, J.D.

Edwina S. King, J.D. Sandra McNeil

Alisha Moss SandraM.McNeil

Dr. Dr.Lisa CarlaA.Postell Reeves Edwina S. King, J.D.

Dr. Lisa A. Reeve Sandra McN

Rochelle Collins

Joey Combs

Jan Harrington-Davis

Donna Doleman Dickerson

Chenita Gary

Cheryl Greer

Karen L. Gunn, D.D.S.

Toya Hankins

DeShannon Henry

Darienne Driver Hudson, Ed.D.

Sonya Jacobs

Alexis Kerr

Edwina S. King, J.D.

Sandra McNeil

Racheal Allen

Yvette McElroy Anderson

Gail Barnard

Adrienne Bennett

Brooke Blackwell

Laura Castone

Ebony Cochran

Rochelle Collins

Joey Combs

Jan Harrington-Davis

Donna Doleman Dickerson

Chenita Gary

Cheryl Greer

Karen L. Gunn, D.D.S.

Brenda Perryman Kristi D. Plain

Kristi D. Plain Choi Portis

Dr.Rhonda Lisa A.Rowe Reeves

AlisaRhonda Marie Rowe Shannon

Marina Alisa Marie L. Shoemaker Shannon

Carla Marina Louise L. Shoemaker Tinsley-Smith

Carla Crystal Louise Tinsley-Smith T. Smith

Maria Crystal B. T.Stanfield Smith

Maria Patrice B. Stanfield Suggs

Patrice Suggs

Alisha M. Moss

Kimle Nailer

Brenda Perryman

Kristi D. Plain

Dr. Carla Postell

Dr. Lisa A. Ree

Sandra McNeil Alisha M. Moss

Alisha M. Moss Kimle Nailer

Toya Hankins

DeShannon Henry

Darienne Driver Hudson, Ed.D.

Sonya Jacobs

Alexis Kerr

Edwina S. King, J.D.

Sandra McNeil

Alisha M. Moss

Kimle Nailer

Brenda Perryman

Kristi D. Plain

Choi Portis

Dr. Carla Postell

Dr. Lisa A. Reeves

Rochelle Collins

Joey Combs

Jan Harrington-Davis

Donna Doleman Dickerson

Chenita Gary

Cheryl Greer

Karen L. Gunn, D.D.S.

Toya Hankins

DeShannon Henry

Darienne Driver Hudson, Ed.D.

Sonya Jacobs

Alexis Kerr

Edwina S. King, J.D.

Sandra McNeil

Rhonda Rowe

Alisa Marie Shannon

Marina L. Shoemaker

Carla Louise Tinsley-Smith

Crystal T. Smith

Maria B. Stanfield

Linda Taliaferro Patrice Suggs

Dr.Kimberly JuJuan C.Tandy Taylor

Honorable Dr. JuJuan Regina C. Taylor D. Thomas

Honorable AngelaRegina Thompkins D. Thomas

Monica AngelaB.Thompkins Thompson

Monica KarissaB. Wallace Thompson

Karissa Wallace

Marina L. Shoemaker

Carla Louise Tinsley-Smith

Crystal T. Smith

Maria B. Stanfield

Patrice Sug

Dr. Lisa A. Reeves

Kimle Nailer Brenda Perryman

Marina L. Shoemaker

Linda Kimberly Taliaferro Tandy

Choi Portis

Alisa Marie Shannon

Alisha M. Moss

Kimle Nailer

Brenda Perryman

Kristi D. Plain

Choi Portis

Dr. Carla Postell

Dr. Lisa A. Reeves

Rhonda Rowe

Alisa Marie Shannon

Marina L. Shoemaker

Carla Louise Tinsley-Smith

Crystal T. Smith

Maria B. Stanfield

Patrice Suggs

Toya Hankins

DeShannon Henry

Darienne Driver Hudson, Ed.D.

Sonya Jacobs

Alexis Kerr

Edwina S. King, J.D.

Sandra McNeil

Alisha M. Moss

Kimle Nailer

Brenda Perryman

Kristi D. Plain

Choi Portis

Dr. Carla Postell

Dr. Lisa A. Reeves

Dr. JuJuan C. Taylor

Honorable Regina D. Thomas

Angela Thompkins

Monica B. Thompson

Karinda L. Washington Karissa Wallace

Karinda Sanya L. Washington Weston

Angela SanyaM. Weston Wright

Angela M. Wright

Iranetta Wright

KimArie Iranetta Wright Yowell

Linda Taliaferro

Linda Taliaferro Kimberly Tandy

Kimberly Tandy Dr. JuJuan C. Taylor

Dr. JuJuan C. Taylor Honorable Regina D. Thomas

Alisa Marie Shannon

Marina L. Shoemaker

Kimberly Tandy

Kimberly Tandy Alisa Marie Shannon

Dr. JuJuan C. Taylor Marina L. Shoemaker

Crystal T. Smith

Dr. Carla Postell Dr. Lisa A. Reeves

Rhonda Rowe

Linda Taliaferro

Carla Louise Tinsley-Smith

Choi Portis Dr. Carla Postell

Maria B. Stanfield

Patrice Suggs

Rhonda Rowe

Alisa Marie Shannon

Tahirih Ziegler KimArie Yowell

Michigan Chronicle

Patrice Suggs

Linda Taliaferro Rhonda Rowe Alisha M. Moss

Karinda L. Washington Karissa Wallace Linda Taliaferro Rhonda Rowe

Honorable Regina D. Thomas Carla Louise Tinsley-Smith

Kimle Nailer

Brenda Perryman

Kristi D. Plain

Karinda L. Washington

Sanya Weston

Angela M. Wright

Sanya Weston Kimberly Tandy

Angela M. Wright Dr. JuJuan C. Taylor

Alisa Marie Shannon

Marina L. Shoemaker

Angela Thompkins Crystal T. Smith Choi Portis

Monica B. Thompson Maria B. Stanfield Dr. Carla Postell

Dr. Lisa A. Reeves

Rhonda Rowe

Iranetta Wright

KimArie Yowell

Tahirih Ziegler

Honorable Regina D. Thomas

Iranetta Wright Angela Thompkins

KimArie Yowell Monica B. Thompson

Carla Louise Tinsley-Smith

Crystal T. Smith

Maria B. Stanfield

Vol. 83 – No. 51 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020

Karissa Wallace Patrice Suggs

Tahirih Ziegler Karissa Wallace Patrice Suggs

Karinda L. Washington

Karinda L. Washington Sanya Weston

Linda Taliaferro

Honorable Regina D. Thomas Angela Thompkins

Carla Louise Tinsley-Smith

Sanya Weston Angela M. Wright

Angela M. Wright

Kimberly Tandy

Dr. JuJuan C. Taylor

Honorable Regina D. Thomas

Sanya Weston

Angela M. Wright

Angela Thompkins Monica B. Thompson

Monica B. Thompson Karissa Wallace

Crystal T. Smith

Maria B. Stanfield

Iranetta Wright

Iranetta Wright KimArie Yowell

Angela Thompkins

Monica B. Thompson

Karissa Wallace

Our Commitment to Change by Leading with Action Sanya Weston

Angela M. Wright

Linda Taliaferro

Kimberly Tandy

Dr. JuJuan C. Taylor

Honorable Regina D. Thomas

Recently, I committed to our team members and the city of Detroit that the Karinda L. Washington Weston Angela M. Wright Rock Family of Sanya Companies would be an active leader in addressing racial inequity, police brutality and inclusion. I was honored to join Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and eight other CEOs from across the city – all of whom made similar commitments on behalf of their respective organizations and team members.

In my remarks, I announced that we were developing a six-point plan in the wake of the murder Jay Farner, CEO, of George Floyd and Rock Family of other recent events of systemic racism Companies – because the lives of our Black team members, residents of Detroit and all Black lives matter.

Today, I am laying out our plan, but more importantly, the underlying commitment it entails. As the largest employer in the largest Black city in America, and because of the For More Than Profit philosophy driven by our founder and chairman Dan Gilbert, it is imperative that we are an active leader in effecting change within our organization as well as driving meaningful, systemic reforms outside of it.

As a husband and a father, I want to do everything I can to help shape a world I can be proud of. That my children can be proud of. As a business leader, these last couple months have been as transformative as they have been difficult. I’ve learned more than at any point in my life about just how far we have to go as a society.

For the Rock Family of Companies, I am hopeful this plan will serve as another step in the right direction.

First, we are intentionally enhancing our ability to attract, engage and hire diverse talent. We will continue to partner with HBCUs and organizations like Urban Alliance. More than relationships, we are having real self-reflection internally to ensure that every aspect of our hiring process is free of any bias.

Second, we are engaging with our team members and encouraging them to express concerns, frustrations, feelings and recommendations to leaders without fear of reprisal. We are facilitating town halls, have dedicated team member resource networks and are providing other opportunities so that we can continue to learn from each other.

Third, we are auditing our leadership development processes to ensure that our team members of color have equi-

See COMMITMENT

Iranetta Wright

KimArie Yowell

Tahirih Ziegler

KimArie Yowell Tahirih Ziegler

Powered by Real Times Media | michiganchronicle.com

KimArie Yowell

Tahirih Ziegler

Monica B. Thompson

Karissa Wallace

Iranetta Wright

KimArie Yowell

Tahirih Ziegler

Karinda L. Washington

By Scott Talley

the pandemic.

Earlier Monday, the Michigan Chronicle received a previously issued statement from the DPSCD School Board and Superintendent Nikolai Vitti addressing the DFT’s vote to approve a potential safety strike. The statement read: “While we acknowledge the action taken today (Aug. 19) by DFT, we are also confident the School Board and the District in discussion with DFT will result in a safe reopening of schools.”

It has been said that “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.” But as a poignant video dealing with the coronavirus’ disproportionate impact on Detroit released by the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) also states: “one death is one too many.”

And it is this issue of how to best educate all Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students in the safest manner possible for everyone involved that remains unsettled as the District nears its Sept. 8 start date for students.

DFT members voted overwhelmingly (91 percent of votes cast) on Aug. 19 to authorize a potential “safety strike.”

According to a press release issued by the DFT, the safety strike is aimed at pressing the Detroit Public Schools Community District to implement basic science-based safety protocols before schools reopen during the continuing coronavirus pandemic.” The release goes on to say: “The vote to approve the authorization for the safety strike means that members agree to teach and work remotely, while not endangering their safety. It is not a work stoppage.”

On Monday (Aug. 24), DFT president Terrence Martin spoke with the Michigan Chronicle, and the focus of the conversation remained on safety.

TO CHANGE page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

Education Collides With Health And Safety, As First Day Nears Iranetta Wright

Angela Thompkins

“The actions of the DFT are primarily guided by health and safety concerns that we have for students and staff returning for face-to-face instruction

Detroit Federation of Teachers President Terrence Martin in the fall,” said Martin, whose union is negotiating a collective bargaining agreement for DFT members.

Martin explained that while DPSCD classroom teachers were given a choice to perform face-to-face or virtual (distant) learning, that same choice was not extended to other DPSCD staff members that also are DFT members, including social workers and other specialized staff.

“We want to respect the professionalism of all of our members, by making sure all members have the same level of choice,” said Martin, who makes the case that DFT members are the District’s “front-line workers” and should receive the same respect that other front-line workers have received during

Roots. A3

$1.00

SAFETY page A2

Civil Rights Leaders Claim Trump Using USPS to Suppress the Vote for November Election

By Whitney Gresham

Local Detroit Organization Celebrates Five Years in the Community

The statement sent to the Michigan Chronicle by Chrystal Wilson, the District’s assistant superintendent of communications and marketing, was followed by a link to the District’s “reopening” plan on the DPSCD website.

As of Tuesday morning, much of the language regarding safety indicates planned measures, but it is unclear from the information provided on the site how many of the measures have been performed. For example, a Q&A section addressing safety in high traffic areas reads: “The District plans to provide staff with a supply of disinfectant wipes, and mobile hand sanitizer dispensers throughout buildings.

The District is also working to install plexiglass barriers at frequently visited spaces.” Another Q&A section addressing temperature taking reads: “The District is working to install contactless walk-up devices that will scan for higher-than-normal temperatures at entries and may also rely on trained staff with forehead-style thermometers to check temperatures upon entry.”

See STUDENT

vices in an effort to undermine citizen’s faith in the vote by mail process. Given the fallout from the deadly and highly contagious COVID-19 pandemic election officials are expecting to see a record number of ballots cast by mail during the November 2020 Presidential Election.

Is President Trump and his Administration attempting to sabotage the November election by undermining the U.S. Postal Service ability to process election ballots cast by mail due to nearly all the polls show him badly trailing his Democratic challenger, former Vice-President Joe Biden?

That question was at the heart of two days of Congressional testimony Friday and Monday when lawmakers called U.S. Postmaster General Louis De Joy before them to answer questions about an onslaught of complaints from citizens across the country regarding slow delivery service since he was appointed to his position

Derrick Johnson President and CEO of the NAACP. in June by the President.

The hearings were prompted by fears the Trump Administration is using the newly appointed Postmaster to suppress the vote ahead of the election by sabotaging postal delivery ser-

Karissa Wall

Patrice Suggs

OP-ED:

Karinda L. Washington Tahirih Ziegler

Tahirih Ziegler

Trump, has angrily and falsely denounced the widely used voting process as corrupt and said its use will result in a rigged election against him – although he, his family members, and member of his Administration regularly use the option to vote themselves.

ship with the U.S. Post Office.

At his hearing Friday, Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee which oversees the U.S. Postal Service, questioned the rational for De Joy’s ordering the postal service to remove hundreds of mail sorting machines, and mailboxes throughout many urban communities along with the denial of overtime for workers in the midst of a deadly public health pandemic and on the eve of what is expected to be a record number of votes cast in a U.S. Presidential election.

De Joy, a major Trump and Republican Party donor, was appointed to the position with no prior experience or relation-

See ELECTION page A2

He noted that his office has received more than 7,500 complaints from people in Michigan

Tahirih Zieg

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Election From page A-1

and across the country who have seen harmful mail delays under De Joy’s brief tenure and cited reports of delayed medication, lost customers and revenue for small businesses and challenges voting by mail. Peters also shared the stories of constituents whose health and businesses have been severely impacted by delays, including a constituent who was hospitalized after having to ration her medication when her refill did not arrive by mail on time...

“For more than two centuries, Americans have been able to count on the Postal Service. But in less than two months as Postmaster General – you have undermined one of our nation’s most trusted institutions and wreaked havoc on families, veterans, seniors, rural communities and people across our country,” he said.

“The country is anxious about whether the damage you have inflicted so far can be quickly reversed, and what other plans you have in store that could further disrupt or damage reliable, timely delivery from the Postal Service,” Peters said.

In the nationally televised hearing De Joy flatly denied is agency was deliberately undermining the vote by mail process and vowed the Post Office will deliver the nation’s election mail “securely and on time,” calling it a “sacred duty.”

“There has been no changes in any policies with regard to the election mail for the 2020 election,” he said.

However, he promised to suspend any further actions that might result in the slowing of service to the public. He did not promise to reverse changes made that caused the disruption.

Leaders of the civil rights community reacted with skepticism to De Joy’s testimony, his reassurances to the legislators notwithstanding.

A group of civil rights organizations led by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights recently filed a lawsuit over the changes at the USPS noting that on August 7, De Joy announced a hiring freeze and a request for voluntary early retirement, effectively preventing the alleviation of existing staffing shortages resulting from the pandemic.

The lawsuit notes in the week following that announcement, the civil rights groups pointed out it came to light that USPS had begun removing mail sorting machines from postal distribution centers across the country. It ultimately decommissioned 671 high-volume sorting machines—fully one-eighth of nationwide USPS capacity, together capable of sorting 21.4 mil-

lion pieces of mail per hour.

Internal USPS planning documents confirm that this targeted reduction in mail processing capacity included between a 20% and 40% reduction in the number of sorting machines located at facilities in the Great Lakes region, including significant reductions in Indiana.

Also revealed was the removal of neighborhood mailboxes across the country which, combined with a reduction in hours at local post offices, may make it more difficult for individual voters to timely cast and place their ballots in the mail.

The lawsuit was filed less than two weeks after De Joy fired or reassigned more than 30 members of the top leadership and managers at the USPS. Mark Brewer, a Southfield-based civil rights attorney and voting rights expert said Michigan has been directly harmed by De Joy’s actions.

“There have been a number of press reports that indicate three mail processing facilities in Michigan there have been mail processing machines removed,” he said.

“Pontiac has the biggest processing machine in the country. It processes mail in Michigan and for part of Ohio and processing machines have been moved in Grand Rapids and two in Pontiac, and maybe more.”

Brewer said it has definitely created a backlog throughout the state and he for the fall anywhere from 60-75 percent of Michiganders may be casting their votes by absentee ballot.

“And you combine that with De Joy taking over and mail getting suddenly slowed down he is a big contributor, so, the circumstances speak for themselves notwithstanding what Trump and De Joy are saying,” he said.

According to a report in the Detroit News about 2.5 million people voted in Michigan recent primary, exceeding the previous primary record of 2.2 million voters in 2018.

Nearly 1.6 million absentee ballots made up more than 60% of the ballots cast. In Livingston, Oakland, Kent, Ingham and Wayne counties, Democratic absentee participation ranged between 70% and 80% of overall Democratic turnout, while Republican absentee use ranged between 45% and 55% of overall GOP ballots.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has estimated that more than two-thirds of the ballots cast in November could be absentee, due in large measure to the COVID19 pandemic.

And civil rights advocates argue that reliable mail service is a basic public good and an essential part of American democracy. And, like Benson, they claim amid the COVID-19 pandemic, mail-in voting is more important than ever, as it allows for voters to maintain social distancing while casting secure

ballots. Indeed, historic levels of mail-in voting are expected for the November 2020 election, for which over three-quarters of Americans will be eligible to request a ballot by mail.

Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, told the Chronicle on Monday that even as the country faces an uphill battle against COVID-19 and systemic racism, we’re witnessing a significant onslaught against our postal system at a time when prompt mail delivery matters more than ever, especially for voters of color.

Noting President Trump’s ardent opposition to Black voting rights and vow to veto the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which restores the 1965 Voting Rights Act which was badly emasculated in 2013 by the U.S. Supreme Court, and his Department of Justice failure to take any meaningful action to stop widespread voter suppression since he took office, Clarke said the motives behind the disruption of postal service is obvious.

“Postmaster General Louis De Joy has wreaked havoc across the country with reckless policies intended to disrupt the timely delivery of mail just weeks in advance of a general election,” she said.

“Without question, De Joy is weaponizing the United States Postal Service (USPS) to disenfranchise Americans who choose to vote by mail amid an unprecedented pandemic gripping the nation. We are filing this lawsuit to stop actions that were adopted unlawfully and that were intended to cause delays intended to disrupt the November election. De Joy’s statement vowing to suspend changes rings hollow in the absence of remedial action taken to address the damage that his actions have caused.”

Still, despite election experts insisting there is no proof to the allegation, Trump, who the Washington Post fact-checker verified has blatantly lied or misrepresented facts to the public more than 20,000 times since becoming President, continues to claim that voting by mail-in ballots during the Presidential election would result in voter fraud.

Which Clarke and other civil rights leaders said is nothing less than another attempt by him to suppress the vote.

“This willful and blatant attempt to obstruct the mail system amid a pandemic and on the precipice a pivotal election is a threat to the people of this nation to exercise their right to be heard in a fair and free election. The NAACP is committed to fighting for its members and the people of this nation to ensure we all have unfettered access to the ballot box, whether through in-person or mail-in voting,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP.

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Commitment To Change From page A-1 table access to trainings and pathways to leadership. The Rock Family of Companies’ biggest strength is our team members and the diverse viewpoints they bring – those varied perspectives must be present at every level of our organization.

Fourth, the Rock Family of Companies is leveraging its culture and scale to lobby for systemic policy change in support of racial equity at the local, state and national levels. When the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently proposed a policy that would make proving discrimination in housing more difficult, Quicken Loans Vice Chairman Bill Emerson wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development encouraging them to reconsider their proposal and leave existing protections in place.

This is just the beginning of our efforts to ensure we are removing hurdles to equality and opening the doors to opportunity.

Fifth, we are expanding our engagement with the Detroit Police Department (DPD) and fostering transparent dialogue with key stakeholders and the community. DPD Chief Craig recently joined our Chief Security Officer Chuck Wilson and me for a virtual townhall with our team members, where

Student Safety From page A-1

Martin said any grey areas surrounding the implementation of safety measures would be unacceptable.

DPSCD Student virtually attending class from home.

“We need confirmation,” said Martin, who went on to say that all CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines must be met to ensure a safe physical return to DPSCD schools for students and staff.

The urgency and complexity of the safety issues being discussed by DPSCD and DFT as Sept. 8 get closer it’s also being felt by parents, including Ta’Mara Williams. A parent liaison at Noble Elementary-Middle School and a proud product of Detroit Public Schools, Williams does not hide her passion and support for the District and its administration. However, in a conversation Monday evening, she confided how challenging the days have been.

“You just have to rock the boat slow and hope it don’t tip over,” said Williams, who has three daughters at DPSCD schools.

Williams said if she had not received notice that Marygrove High School—the school attended by her 10th grader Zyairah—would be beginning the school year online that she would have been okay with face-to-face learning, if that was her daughter’s choice, given high school student’s ability to follow safety protocols and the smaller enrollment size of Marygrove. But Williams said it was a totally different decision when it came to her two daughters at Noble (Ta’Leah, second grade) and Lyric (kindergarten), and that virtual learning was the only possible route given the young age of both girls and the affection that the kids have at their school.

“You can’t stop the love they have for each other; that love is something you can’t deny,” said Williams, who explained that the young students at Noble would have even more difficulty staying apart physically and not hugging, given that they have been away from each other for months.

Williams said she believes that virtual learning

we discussed policing, proposals for reforms and other difficult subjects.

Opportunities like this are important because it allows us to advocate for change as well as be active participants in the process.

Finally – and why I’m sharing this here – is that we are communicating this commitment so we can be transparent with, and accountable to, our 30,000 team members, our clients and our community.

Saying “Black lives matter” simply is not enough. We need to hold one another accountable in this pursuit of racial equity, and acknowledge that we will only succeed if we stand together.

We hope this plan, in conjunction with our historical diversity and inclusion efforts in housing stability, entrepreneurship, education and mentorship, employment and more will drive impactful change here in our hometown of Detroit and across the country.

I invite all businesses across the country to set a course of action that will be the impetus for change that is far overdue in our country.

We will stand beside you.

Jay Farner CEO, Rock Family of Companies

can be successful for all DPSCD students if parents and families make the most of the resources provided by the District, for example, the Connected Futures Project enabled 51,000 students and families to receive wireless tablets and internet access for in-home use; and to connect with DPSCD teachers utilizing online learning resources.

“DPSCD is doing a very good job of providing the tools that we need to get started this school year,” said Williams, who explained that now each of her daughters can go online when they need to for school lessons. “They’re (DPSCD) planning for success when it comes to the children; we just all have to work together.”

Williams also says there is a vital role for the greater community to play to ensure that all District students receive the most successful educational experience possible regardless of where the learning takes place. She calls this concept “family and community engagement” and defines it as a desire to not only take care of your own children but also everyone else’s children. And Williams’ way of thinking is embraced by other community members, including Carl Hardin, a financial systems administrator for the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network.

When the educational year was interrupted in March at the beginning of the pandemic, Hardin used the opportunity to launch a book club for an enthusiastic group of Detroit young men, ranging in age from 9 to 16, through the Sigma Beta Club.

The book club has carried on, and its members are about to begin their third selection, “Static”

by Eric Laster.

Hardin said he is proud to do his part to provide additional enrichment to Detroit students during these challenging times, and he said Detroit children have what it takes inside to make the upcoming school year successful.

“My wish for all Detroit students is that they use this a positive and find a way to excel and achieve even more than they would have if they were going to school under normal circumstances,” Hardin said. “Adversity builds greatness, and I believe our kids are smart enough and creative enough to find a way. And our kids are not only smart; they’re caring too—they are our future leaders.”

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| Aug. 26 – Sept. 1, 2020

Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

Local Detroit Organization Celebrates Five Years in the Community

By Megan Kirk Once ravaged by blight, economic downfall, and business failures, the city of Detroit, is now a city on the rise. In recent years, Detroit has made a turn-around, and its partly due to its citizens.

As Detroit continues to show its resilience, businesses are filtering back into the city, and its economy is building.

Strategic Community Partners, an organization that strives to ensure the Black community and its leaders can impact change in their neighborhoods, celebrates its first five years of serving in Detroit.

Standing on values of passion, excellence, and integrity, SCP works to provide a more equitable community for those most underrepresented.

Coping with Depression and Grief as a Black American

By Whitney Gresham

ternal and child health for nearly three decades. “I have sat through too many funerals knowing that had certain interventions been in place, this person could still be alive. And I’ve heard many rationalizations, ‘she is in a better place,’ ‘he suffers no more,’ as a means to deal with the inequities that cause our mourning.”

Recently former First Lady Michelle Obama admitted she was dealing with “low-grade depression.”

Chanel Hampton Founder and Chief Executive Officer Chanel Hampton began her career as a teacher and shifted gears to impact the city she grew up.

“I was gone for about 15 years before returning to Detroit. I returned in 2014,” Hampton says.

Specifically geared towards the Black community in Detroit, Strategic Community Partners has one goal in mind.

“One of our unapologetic commitments is how to get a seat at the table and stay there. Part of our work is making sure people who look like us have a seat at the table,” Hampton explains.

While committing to the Black community, SCP has partnered with multiple organizations to bring about opportunity and change.

“Detroit was named an impact community by President Barack Obama. We worked with President Obama during his time in the White House hosting the Boys and Young Men of Color Opportunity Summit, where over 1,800 young men joined, and over 300 young men gained employment,” Hampton says.

In addition to working with the former President, Strategic Community Partners has also worked with United Way to exposes high schoolers to higher education, Mayor Mike Duggan, and other community leaders in securing a 1 million dollar grant as well as Teach 313, an initiative to bring teachers to the city.

In 2019, Strategic Community Partners opened a community center operating out of the Fitzgerald neighborhood on Detroit’s westside to be accessible to the community they serve. It provides a space for other Black-owned businesses and organizations to work and operate free of charge.

“We opened and renovated a community center with no loans or grants. We were intentional in buying property and making sure people know it’s Black-owned, and we aren’t leasing or renting this space,” Hampton explains.

Strategic Community Partners has grown to become a national organization with offices in St. Louis and Washington, D.C. “We’ve accomplished more in the first five years than I envisioned sitting in my living room writing the business plan,” Hampton says.

As COVID-19 shifted how many businesses operate, Hampton explains her first concern was her employees.

“The world stopped overnight.

We brought in mental health professionals and added an additional

See COMMUNITY page A-4

“I’m waking up in the middle of the night because I’m worrying about something or there’s a heaviness,” Obama said in her “The Michelle Obama Podcast” last Wednesday. “I try to make sure I get a workout in, although there have been periods throughout this quarantine, where I just have felt too low.”

COVID-19 is disproportionately killing the Black community, with nearly 23 percent of deaths attributed to African Americans despite only making up 13 percent of the population. While the number of Black deaths is tragic, it shouldn’t come to a surprise. The COVID-19 pandemic provides the latest statistics to join a disturbing pattern that illustrates all too clearly that despite over 50 years since passing the Civil Rights Act, America still doesn’t value Black lives as much as their White counterparts.

A tragic combination of a widespread pandemic, race relations inflamed and exacerbated by the President and his trafficking in the mayhem, discord, and division has created a toxic social and political climate that is remarkably stressful for everyone she noted.

“These are not fulfilling times, spiritually,” Obama said. “I know that I am dealing with some form of low-grade depression. Not just because of the quarantine, but because of the racial strife. Just seeing this administration, watching the hypocrisy of it, day in, day out is dispiriting.”

She’s not alone. According to a recent CNN report, a Census Bureau survey found that one in three Americans reported symptoms of depression or anxiety, more than three times the rate from a similar study conducted in the first half of 2019.

However, Obama’s confession reflects a larger struggle taking place in the Black community these days. The sense of depression and grief due to the disproportionate death in the Black community caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the grim reality of the profound and seeming relentless institutional racism that has exposed the shocking racial disparities that continue to plague our country.

“

I know that I am dealing with some form of low-grade depression. Not just because of the quarantine, but because of the racial strife. Just seeing this administration, watching the hypocrisy of it, day in, day out is dispiriting.” – Michelle Obama

The tragedy is the loss of lives, the insurmountable grief – or what public health expert Stacy Scott, Ph.D., MPA calls “Black grief” – and trauma that these deaths bring to family, friends, and community.

“All of my life, I’ve seen the devastating impact of premature death on my family and friends,” says Scott, who has been working to eliminate disparities in ma-

As of late spring, Detroit’s 10,000+ cases of coronavirus cases have stemmed from predominately black or low-income communities. According to research

by Bookings.edu 90% of zip codes with the highest number of coronavirus cases come from populations that are at least 80% black.

With the numbers of COVID-19 cases growing in the black community, internet donations, and local charities almost entirely fund medical assistance in these areas. Lower-income communities in these cities have predominately black populations where social distancing is not a viable option. Essential workers commuted by public transportation and crowded housing situations that consist of small children and senior citizens living under one roof raises the risk of spreading COVID-19 through situations that cannot be easily changed.

It all adds up to a crisis that, for many, is almost too much to bear.

See DEPRESSION page A-4

Michigan Governor Endorses Stancato and Dewaelsche for Wayne State University Board of Governors Other Major Endorsements: Seven Former WSU Board Members; Premier US Association of Governing Boards

Past President and CEO, The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB). “I have advised and consulted with the Wayne State Board and institutional leadership on a number of occasions in the recent past.

Shirley Stancato and her colleague Eva Garza Dewaelsche (de-WALSH), both candidates for Wayne State University’s Board of Governors, today welcomed the endorsement of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB).

“I enthusiastically endorse Shirley Stancato and Eva Garza Dewaelsche for Wayne State University Board of Governors. These two women have proven track records of strong leadership and the progressive values to guide the direction of Wayne State University. Join me in voting for Shirley and Eva at the MDP convention,” said Gov. Whitmer.

Stancato and Dewaelsche were also thrilled today to receive the heartiest of endorsements from AGB, the country’s premier membership organization that strengthens higher education governing boards and the strategic roles they serve within their institutions.

“As the past president of the national organization that supports and educates

Shirley Stancato higher education governing boards, and as someone with almost 40 years of experience working directly with the governing boards of well over 500 colleges and universities, I am pleased to provide my endorsement to Shirley Stancato and Eva Dewaelsche as candidates for the Board of Governors of Wayne State University,” said Richard Legon, Immediate

“It has become abundantly clear to me that the service of several members of the eight-person Board is compromised due to their own self-interest, conflict-of -interest, and a fundamental lack of awareness of their fiduciary responsibilities. At this tipping-point moment for higher education across the country, effective and collaborative governance will determine the future sustainability of most colleges and universities. I urge the delegates of the Michigan Democratic Party state nominating convention to recognize the need to refresh and renew the governance of one of the country’s most outstanding institutions, led by an internationally respected president, and to nominate two outstanding leaders, Eva Dewaelsche and Shirley Stancato, for seats on the Wayne State University Board of Governors.”

Additionally, seven former members of the Wayne State University Board Governors released a statement wholeheartedly endorsing Stancato and Dewaelsche

See ENDORSEMENT page A-4

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • Aug. 26 – Sept. 1, 2020

Endorsement

Detroit Families With Children Under 5 Have Low Response Rates To The 2020 Census Children in the United States are likely to be among the most undercounted in the once-a-decade population count of everyone who lives in the country, the 2020 Census.

In Detroit, the challenge is no different. According to an analysis of statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and current response rates to the 2020 Census, households with children under five in have lower response rates so far to the 2020 Census. Neighborhoods that have more children under 5 have a response rate of [49.3%] compared to neighborhoods with less children [63.7%].

The net undercount rate for young Black children, in particular, is 6.3 percent which is about 50 percent higher than the net undercount rate for all young children. A very large segment (48 percent) of young Black children are living in Census tracts where there is a very high risk of a young child net undercount in the 2020 Census.

That’s why the Census Bureau is making an extra effort to urge parents, grandparents, foster parents, and other caregivers to be sure to include all children in a household when they respond to the 2020 Census—including babies born on or before April 1, 2020, even if they were still in the hospital.

Through local and national partnerships with children-focused groups, young children and their families are being educated about the 2020 Census in fun and engaging ways. And through the Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools (SIS) program, educators, parents/caregivers, and students have access to hundreds of free materials to learn about the importance of the 2020 Census and how it can shape our future.

It is important for every

From page A-3 while also denouncing the behavior of four members of the current board. “ …Their behavior has attracted the scrutiny of the university’s major accrediting agency and drawn criticism from higher education experts, including the immediate past president of the Association of Governing Boards.

child to be counted because the 2020 Census will help determine how much money communities receive for the critical resources like schools and education programs and others that children and families will depend on for the next 10 years—basically, an entire childhood. About one million children under age 5 were not counted in the 2010 Census, the Census Bureau estimates.

The more children there are in a community, the greater the need for programs such as health insurance, hospitals, food assistance, SNAP/WIC, schools, and early childhood development. Support for those programs is impacted when babies and young children are not counted.

Children at risk of not being counted in the census tend to live in multigenerational or extended family housing, with foster families, homes with limited English, or if their families have recently moved or do not have a permanent home.

If a child’s time is divided among multiple homes, count them where they stay most often. If their time is evenly divided, or you don’t know where they stay most often, or if they are just staying at your home temporarily, count them where they were staying on Census Day, April 1, 2020.

Whether you’re a relative, family friend, or unrelated to the children staying in your home, it is important to count everyone—including young children—under your roof.

It’s not too late to respond to the census online at 2020census.gov, by phone in English at 844334-2020, or by mail. When people respond on their own before August 11, it’s less likely that a census taker will need to visit them to help ensure they are counted. Learn more and respond at 2020census.gov.

Depression From page A-3

Scott is hosting a free, virtual discussion, The Collective Repast: Grieve, Fellowship, Celebrate, Heal on Friday, August 28, 2020, at 1 -2 p.m. on Zoom. The hour-long event is a conversation with several guests – everyday people, public health professionals, academics, faith ministers, and others – to talk about their observations and experiences in the cycle of Black grief.

Grief from the mounting loss during the COVID-19 pandemic compounds existing adverse health outcomes in the Black community continues Scott. Persistent grief can increase the risk of depression, substance use, suicide, and other severe health conditions like heart disease and cancer.

Health and wellness aren’t determined by race or ethnicity. Instead, they can access quality education, work in a safe environment, live in

Community From page A-3 stipend in addition to their salaries to do what their souls needed,” Hampton shares. “We’re continuing that indefinitely, adding additional stipends for health and wellness.”

As Strategic Community Partners works to give the Black community a voice in decision-making processes, Hampton has a vision for the organization’s next five years.

a safe neighborhood, breathe clean air, and drink clean water. The Black community disproportionately experiences adverse health outcomes because, too often, they don’t have these opportunities. For over 400 years, African Americans have had to navigate a system that is stacked against people of color—a system defined by institutional racism that privileges White people, upholds White supremacy and promotes discrimination and social injustice.

“Always, but right now especially, we need to find ways to support Black grief,” says Scott. “And to do that, we must take a long look at the historical and contemporary experiences around death in the Black community and recognize that Black grief is unique because of these experiences. Our grief has been compounded and exacerbated by racism and discrimination, beginning in enslavement and evidenced in nearly every race-related news story we see today.”

“We have a strategic plan of where we hope to grow. I want to hire the same young people we’ve worked, and I want our staff to continue to evolve and continue working with communities across the country,” Hampton shares.

In addition to her plan, Hampton hopes others with a goal will work hard to see it through to the end.

“The first year and a half of business, it was just me. People don’t always have to see your vision. Do the work and remember why you’re doing it.”

“Wayne State University cannot continue to be led by a divided board, particularly with members who don’t respect the boundaries of their governance role and have inappropriately inserted themselves into the university’s administrative functions. The university community needs and deserves change at the board level to break the logjam that threatens Wayne State’s future. Perhaps more than any other time in the history of the university, Michigan Democrats need to pay very close attention to the candidates we nominate to serve on the board of this venerable institution. That’s why we are proud to endorse two very talented leaders who are seeking the Michigan Democratic Party’s nomination:” The endorsement letter was signed by Michael Einheuser, Denise Lewis, Annetta Miller, Eugene Driker, Paul Massaron, Gary Pollard and Kim Trent.

Other endorsements Stancato has received include: Michigan AFL-CIO United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Former Mayor and Supreme Court Justice Dennis Archer 13th Congressional District Democratic Party Organization MEA Democratic Educators Caucus EMGAGE Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus To view the endorsement letter visit www.stancato4wsu.com

if this is uncomfortable... imagine this.

Wearing a mask, washing your hands and social distancing helps protect everyone from COVID-19. By not wearing a mask, you could now be fined or denied entry to public places.

So mask up, Michigan. Together we can slow down COVID-19.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/MaskUp.

Michigan Chronicle

What is a of Excellence?

Women of Excellence are those who exemplify the stature, poise, and grace that characterize the essence of womanhood, all while maintaining the delicate balance of filling the roles of helpmate, mother, teacher, and professional.

In character, in manner, and in style, we believe you embody virtues of not only excellence, but self-confidence and dignity as well. We celebrate you for your personal code of ethics, exceptional courage, unwavering conviction, and extraordinary grace. It is truly an honor to induct you into our society of Women of Excellence.

Congratulations on being named a

2020 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence honoree! michiganchronicle.com

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020

Page A-5

Racheal Allen COO Marygrove Conservancy

T

his year, the Michigan Chronicle commemorates the 12th anniversary of the Women of Excellence Awards. For over a decade, we have been celebrating excellence, building dynamic networks, and creating many unforgettable memories. Created in 2008 to celebrate the accomplishments of African American women, this prestigious event has cultivated an extraordinary sisterhood of support. With the induction of the 2020 class, the Michigan Chronicle will have celebrated the accomplishments of more than 600 African American women in Southeast Michigan. These women rule in board rooms, executive offices, and legislative chambers.

They are trailblazers, leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs and their many accomplishments are worthy of continued recognition, honor and applause.

I invite you to learn more about the Women of Excellence Class of 2020. You will be inspired not only by their professional accomplishments, but by their dedication to improving life in our communities. The stories of their personal journeys and unwavering commitment to excellence are epic.

I would like to thank this year’s sponsors Brasscraft Manufacturing Company- A Masco Company, General Motors, GreenPath Financial Wellness , and Wayne County Community College District for their support. We appreciate your dedication in assisting the Michigan Chronicle in recognizing and highlighting these unique women and the stories of their successes and accomplishments.

Hiram E. Jackson

Chief Executive Officer Real Times Media Publisher - Michigan Chronicle

Racheal Allen is chief executive officer of Operations School, a boutique style consultancy firm specializing in small business and nonprofit operations; and, chief operating officer for the Marygrove Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that manages and stewards the 53-acre Marygrove College campus in northwest Detroit as a resource for high-quality uses in the community. She is also a lean six sigma master black belt certified, entrepreneurial leader with over 15 years of senior executive level operations experience.

Racheal’s experiences reflect competencies in organizational leadership by way of building and leading high performing teams, crafting and implementing policy and tactical procedural reforms to promote efficiency and planning the strategic allocation of resources to support growth and sustainability.

She specializes in practicing heart centered leadership to build trust and improve measurable results. She previously served as general manager for the Downtown Detroit Ambassador Program; and, as a senior director of operations and finance for the EAA of Michigan. Racheal received her B.A. in. English from Marygrove College.

Yvette McElroy Anderson District Director of Government Affairs, Wayne County Community College District

Yvette McElroy Anderson is district director of Government Affairs at Wayne County Community College District. She has been with the district for nearly 15 years, and held positions as Associate Dean, Chief Academic Officer and Campus Vice President. In her current role she is responsible for monitoring actions of the legislature and representing the district at civic, community and governmental events while enhancing the district’s mission.

Yvette has also worked for the State of Michigan and taught at Lewis College of Business.

Her personal passions are education; making a difference in the lives of young people and those who are often overlooked by the political process. She lives her passion through mentoring programs, social justice and political activism. In 2005, Yvette completed the Michigan Political Leadership Program, Class of XXXII. In 2013, she was recognized by the Women’s Informal Network. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Fellowship Chapel, and serves as field director for the Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee.

Gail Barnard Deputy Ombudsman, City of Detroit

Gail Barnard has worked for The City of Detroit, Office of The Ombudsman for 15 years. She has served as the deputy ombudsman for the last five. The Ombudsman’s Office is an independence body that is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating complaints while identifying issues that lead to poor city services. Gail stated, “We work with block clubs and residents to ensure their quality of life is good.”

Gail attended Western Michigan University and Spring Arbor University. Gail’s B.A. in social work has enabled her to skillfully turn many lives around as she works tirelessly with the most vulnerable populations. Her efforts include combating homelessness, assisting with disadvantaged families, supporting battered women, and serving the needs of senior citizens. She is a member of the United States Ombudsman Association, serves on the School Advisory Council at Davison Elementary, and regularly donates and volunteers with Pathways to Potential and Legacy of Literacy. Gail belongs to Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit.

Adrienne Bennett Chief Executive Officer & President, Benkari LLC Plumbing and Water Conservation Contractor

Adrienne Bennett is chief executive officer and president of Benkari LLC Plumbing & Water Conservation Contractor. She holds the proud distinction of North America’s first licensed female master plumber and plumbing contractor, plumbing inspector, medical gas inspector/contractor and graduated United Association five-year plumbing apprenticeship.

In 2018, Benkari LLC was honored as Michigan’s 50 Companies To Watch, “Thank You” Award Detroit Longstanding Neighborhood Small Business, Spirit of Detroit Award, 2017 & 2018 AGC of Michigan’s Outstanding Safety Performance Award, 2019 recipient of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Michigan Women’s Owned Small Business of the Year Award and the FANN Ground Breaker Award.

The proud mother of three and grandmother of one enjoys giving back to the community which has remained her mission and has resulted in numerous public speaking opportunities and consistent community service involvement. Adrienne is looking towards the future with sustainability in mind, and in 2018 implemented a plan to help preserve our most precious resource, water.

Brooke Blackwell Chief of Staff, Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network

Brooke Blackwell is chief of staff for Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), the largest public behavioral health provider in Michigan. She is the liaison between the president/CEO, elected officials, board members, lobbyists, community stakeholders, nonprofit groups and religious organizations. Brooke is responsible for the oversight of community education and outreach initiatives and customer service functions that benefit nearly 75,000 individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders in Wayne County.

Brooke has been instrumental in the marketing, re-branding and re-organization of the mental health system in Wayne County to a landscape that is more user friendly and reduces stigma for persons served. She oversees DWIHNs facilities management department, and the design and construction of buildings and real estate development as the organization prepares for a more integrated system to provide an improved continuum of care combining behavioral healthcare with physical care. Brooke earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Laura Castone, AVP Community Development Market Manager, East & Southeastern MI Chemical Bank a division of TCF National Bank

Laura Castone is AVP, regional community development market manager, Southeast and Eastern Michigan at Chemical Bank a division of TCF National Bank. She has worked over 22 years in the banking industry. Laura spent several years in the nonprofit sector managing literacy and self-sufficiency programs while also working with MSHDA and local governments.

During this appointment she received recognition from the housing authority as ‘Counselor of the Year’.

Currently, Laura is the market leader for community development efforts. She is tasked with aligning the banks outreach to meet community needs and active performance goals. She engages with community partners and stakeholders to develop strong and complex relationships within the banks’ strategic priorities. She also manages the bank community giving efforts in 19 counties across the state. In addition, to her work as market manager, Laura is board chair of the Oakland County CRA Association, a board member with Community Housing Network and an advisory board member with Life Remodeled.

Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com • Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020

Ebony Cochran

Cheryl Greer

Senior Consultant, Blackwood Credit Services

Program Manager, General Motors Defense

Ebony Cochran is senior consultant of Blackwood Credit Services, her humanitarian-forward company that has consulted more than 4,000 people and has driven the successful execution of over $35 million in debt elimination, and launched 200 businesses. She is an action-driven serial entrepreneur and community change agent who is proudly proclaimed as “The Debt Survivor” and is bridging the gap between community opportunity, low-barrier access, and conscious exposure to credit and financial achievement. Ebony owned, operated and sold a six-figure tax business to H&R Block Company, in addition to owning and selling over 100 residential and commercial properties in Detroit.

Dedicated to paying it forward, she created The Clean Closet, an initiative that garnered over $5,000 in its inception and led to the building and placement of hygiene closets in high schools throughout Detroit. Ebony is also a contributing writer for Rolling Out Magazine. She has been named to the 2018 Michigan Chronicle’s 40 under 40 class.

She holds three associates degrees and earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Michigan University.

Rochelle Collins President, Oreco Consulting, LLC

Rochelle D. Collins is an accomplished business professional with more than 25 years of experience in government relations, organizational management, workforce development and business retention. The native Detroiter has built a reputation of embracing the core values of integrity and self-improvement. “Hard work yields great results”, is the lesson she learned at an early age. Through leadership and influence, Rochelle continues to develop and implement programs thus far resulting in the placement of more than 1,000 residents directly into skilled trades or pre-apprentice, empowering individuals to establish a career.

The proud mother of nine is married to Oreese Collins Jr. She volunteers her time to support family initiatives and nonprofits. Rochelle is known as knowledgeable, supportive and caring with the ability to connect with everyone she meets. She is a graduate of University of Phoenix with a master’s degree in business management.

Joey Combs President, SEIU Local 517M

Joey Combs is president of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 517M. Local 517M represents approximately 8,000 public employees in Michigan. Their members work for the State of Michigan, school districts, and local governments. When Joey was elected in June 2018, she made history by becoming the first black president of 517M. Since 2011, she has been at the forefront of fighting against legislation and policies that harm working people in Michigan especially, public employees. Joey makes sure the members are involved in the fight. She believes that leadership is the ability to reach back, reach down and pull up.

Joey is an executive board member for Metro Detroit AFL-CIO, CLC. She also serves as vice president of the Detroit/Downriver APRI Chapter and co-chair of the Detroit Chapter of the Black Women’s Roundtable. She is a proud graduate of Cass Technical High School and Michigan State University.

Jan Harrington-Davis Vice President of Talent Acquisition, Workforce Diversity & EEO, Workforce Solutions, Henry Ford Health System

Jan Harrington-Davis is vice president of Henry Ford Health System’s Talent Acquisition and equal employment opportunity coordinator/Workforce Diversity and Workforce Solutions, Jan oversees talent acquisition and workforce diversity initiatives. She designed and implemented hiring strategies to attract and retain top talent. Jan deployed a workforce development strategy to align diversity initiatives across the health system while removing barriers to employment and promotional opportunities.

Jan works with City of Detroit representing their Workforce Development Committee - Special Populations of the board and serves as president-elect of the Michigan Healthcare Human Resources Association. She is a board member of Michigan Diversity Council, and chair of the Diversity Council for the National Center for Healthcare Leadership. Jan is a nationally recognized speaker on diversity and inclusion topics of unconscious bias, privilege, institutional racism and sexual harassment. Jan earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Detroit Mercy. She holds a certification in labor relations and is a board-certified executive coach.

Donna Doleman Dickerson Dickerson, Chief Marketing Officer, GreenPath Financial Wellness

Donna Doleman Dickerson leads the national brand initiatives of GreenPath Financial Wellness with a deep customer-centric and creative expertise. Upon taking the role in 2017, she quickly designed transformative marketing strategies that have become an organizational pillar. She now oversees an integrated marketing strategy that generates measurable impact on GreenPath’s mission - reaching more people than ever before with services for financial wellbeing.

Previously, Donna was senior vice president of marketing for Ann Arbor SPARK. She also served as Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals’ first Michigan regional marketing leader, founding executive director of DMC/WSU Community Health Institutes, and as founder of DLA Group LLC, a business strategy consultancy. In addition, Donna founded the award-winning Natural KidsÒ in 2006 to support sustainable practices for children. Currently, she is on the statewide boards for Make-A-Wish and Trinity Health Michigan. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in health care administration from Florida A&M University and MBA from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Chenita Gary Founder & Lead Efficiency Director, Optimal Virtual Staffing Solution, LLC

Chenita Gary’s determination and perseverance empowers others to achieve success. Whether it is showing people how to optimize their operations or improve their communities, she excels in various settings. She is the founder and lead efficiency director of Optimal Virtual Staffing Solution and founder and executive director of Our Own Wall Street nonprofit organization. Her over 20 years of executive administration experience spans diverse industries including nonprofit, corporate and government sectors. She previously served as executive assistant to Mayor Michael E. Duggan.

The long-time community advocate participates in several areas of social justice, activism and civic engagement. She is Black Women’s Roundtable Detroit co-chair; Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan board member, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO Excel Mentoring) treasurer and trustee, and former Pretty Brown Girl Club leader. The Detroit native mentors young girls. Chenita is affiliated and volunteers with organizations such as Sister Friends through the Detroit Health Department, and the NAACP. A devoted mother of three, she edifies people so businesses and communities thrive.

Cheryl Greer is program manager for General Motors Defense. She is the 2019 recipient of the BEYA STEM – Modern Day Technology award. Her first introduction into STEM was through the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP). Her curiosity for engineering was heightened while attending Cass Technical High. She has a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering from Western Michigan University, MBA from University of Detroit Mercy, social media management certification from Georgetown University, and a Design for Six Sigma - Black Belt certification.

Cheryl’s love for technology is intertwined with her passion for community service. She awards two scholarships annually to Detroit students. She also mentors, trains, conducts social media and professional development sessions. Cheryl is a member of EM Management digital media services, DAPCEP, Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, Third New Hope Church, Bloomfield Hills Women in the Neighborhood, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Detroit Chapter and Inforum-Michigan. Cheryl and her husband, Todd, are the proud parents of Cameron, Nicholas & Kelsey.

Karen L. Gunn, D.D.S. Owner & President, Gunn and Associates, P.C.

Dr. Karen L. Gunn is the general dentist, owner and president of Gunn and Associates, P.C. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Gunn and her staff provide ‘optimum dentistry with care and concern’. Her wholistic and mercury free approach to dental care has enabled her to maintain a successful dental practice in northwest Detroit treating families locally as well as those that travel from out-of-state. Dr. Gunn is also a professor at Wayne County Community College District in the dental hygiene program.

The magna cum laude graduate of Howard University received her dental degree from the University of Michigan. She is a member of the Wolverine Dental Society, National Dental Association, Detroit District Dental Society, Michigan Dental Association and American Dental Association. Dr. Gunn is a member of the Plymouth United Church of Christ, and Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She resides in Detroit with her husband, Reginald Dozier. She is the proud mother of Reginald II and Karla.

Toya Hankins Chief Executive Officer Project Producers LLC

Toya Hankins has nearly 30 years of professional experience in project and client management services in areas spanning sports and entertainment, to health and wellness. Toya operates her own Detroit-based entertainment company, Project Producers LLC, which offers a number of entertainment services. The native Detroiter’s career includes launching the Grammy-nominated artist, Kem; reigniting the career of Grammy-nominated artist, Eric Benét; and managing singing sensation, Cam Anthony, who is signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Records.

Toya’s lengthy entertainment career includes writing and producing more than a dozen music videos and short films including Kem’s, You’re On My Mind, which was nominated for a 2013 NAACP Image Award. Toya has contributed to several major moments in Detroit history including the grand opening of DTE’s Beacon Park, Ford Field, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

She produced the famed “Kem Presents Mack & Third Live” and the African World Festival. Her professional career in health and wellness started in 2017 as a mixed modality, natural healing practitioner and wellness coach.

DeShannon M. Henry Financial Center Manager, Bank of America

Shannon M. Henry is financial center manager and assistant vice president at Bank of America (BOA) with responsibilities for administering, directing and managing the smooth operation of the center and its team. Shannon is tasked with delivering robust banking services and identifying and nurturing talent that delivers for the dynamic needs of a diverse client base in Detroit. She began her 25 years of financial industry service at Michigan National Bank. Her journey has taken her from teller to leader while allowing her to mentor others, and advance BOA’s Better Money Habits.

She volunteers for Detroit Windsor Dance Academy, Alternatives for Girls, and Westside Cubs. She is also active with Burton International PTA, and a member of BOA’s Black Professionals Group. Shannon attended Wayne State University where she studied accounting and business management. Her passion is to empower and improve life situations for those around her. Shannon does this work in her roles as a dedicated wife, mother, doting grandmother and service professional.

Congratulations to all of the 2020 Women of Excellence.

We celebrate our honoree, Donna, on her accomplishment.

Your dedication and leadership INSPIRE us.

Donna Doleman Dickerson CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI, GreenPath has been empowering people to live financially healthy lives since 1961. Learn more about us: GREENPATH.ORG

Moon Reflections Photography

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-7

Darienne Driver Hudson Ed.D., President & Chief Executive Officer, United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Dr. Darienne Driver Hudson is a high-energy nonprofit executive and life-long educator serving as president and chief executive officer of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Before joining United Way, she spent four years as superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools. Dr. Hudson began her career as an elementary school teacher in Detroit Public Schools. At United Way, she is purposefully and intentionally developing and initiating programs to improve the lives of children and families in Southeastern Michigan. Dr. Hudson believes strongly in the power of collective impact and in the importance of public-private partnerships to solve societal issues.

Dr. Hudson proudly serves on the Mayor’s Workforce Investment Board, Detroit Children’s Fund Board, Detroit Public Schools Foundation Board, and the Board of Overseers for Harvard University. She was named a 2019 DBusiness Powered by Women Honoree. Dr. Hudson holds a master’s degree and a doctorate from Harvard University, and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. Her undergraduate degree is from Spelman College.

Sonya Jacobs Chief Organizational Learning Officer University of Michigan Sr. Director, Faculty and Leadership Development University of Michigan Medical School

Sonya Jacobs is chief organizational learning officer and senior director of faculty and leadership development for Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan (U-M). As U-M’s first chief organizational learning officer, she is responsible for creating curricula and strategies to build the capabilities of staff, faculty, and leaders across the university. This includes the development of education, training, interventions, and programs to further U-M’s initiatives around creating an inclusive and equitable environment. As senior director of faculty and leadership development, she is responsible for supporting faculty in achieving their professional and career goals, recruitment, on-boarding, and retention.

Sonya is co-founder of Leadership Summit for Women in Academic Medicine and Healthcare, and Rudi Ansbacher Women in Academic Medicine Leadership Scholars Program and founded the Executive Coaching Certification program. She serves on the Key Bank Key4 Women Advisory Board and is a member of The Ann Arbor Chapter of The Links. Sonya has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, and master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.

Alexis Kerr Head of Multicultural Marketing, Cadillac

As Cadillac’s head of Multicultural Marketing, Alexis Kerr leads the organization’s efforts to increase opinion, consideration and market share amongst diverse consumers. She also manages Corporate Social Responsibility and Music efforts which are directly aligned to the brand’s global marketing strategy.

Previously, the New York native served as the luxury brand’s head of operations for “BOOK by Cadillac” at the New York City global headquarters. “BOOK by Cadillac” was the first-ever mobility start-up in the industry’s subscription service space. In 2016, she was asked to create and lead the customer experience team in General Motors Middle East Operations managing Dubai’s expansion of culture throughout the entire organization.

That experience led to training the dealer body of eight Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia. Recently, she was responsible for managing and leading the creative agency execution of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade reveal short film with Academy Award winning filmmaker, Spike Lee. In her spare time, she enjoys jewelry making, blogging and traveling internationally. Alexis is very active and passionate about wellness, community and youth.

Edwina S. King, J.D.

Policy Analyst, Office of Council Member James E. Tate, Jr. Detroit City Council-District 1

Edwina S. King, J.D., is a native Detroiter that has made it her mission to give back to the city that gives her so much. With over a decade of experience, she serves as a policy analyst for the Honorable James E. Tate, Jr. - Detroit City Council-District 1. She advises Council Member Tate on policy affecting public safety, quality of life, budgetary issues and auditing issues affecting Detroiters. Edwina serves as co-manager for ­DI$COVER D1, a small business initiative aimed at improving economic revitalization through community engagement within Detroit City Council District 1.

The proud Howard University alumna has a B.A. in political science, and University of Detroit Mercy School of Law-Juris Doctor. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, New Leaders Council, NAACP, UNCF-DIAC, and the Michigan Municipal League.

Edwina is the recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award, Wayne County Certificate of Leadership Award and 2019 Spirit of the Dream Award from the United Negro College Fund.

Sandra McNeil Global Manufacturing, Chief Engineer, General Motors

Sandra McNeil has over 24 years of experience with General Motors, spanning multiple disciplines including Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Strategic Manufacturing Planning, Product Development and Program Management. She has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility within five manufacturing plants and has lived abroad during three international assignments in GM Europe, GM International and GM China.

Presently, Sandra is the global manufacturing chief engineer for Performance and Midsize Sport Utility Vehicle programs. She is the first African-American woman in this capacity and leads several manufacturing engineering teams across the globe who are responsible for integrating and driving world-class manufacturing capabilities for product programs allocated between ten manufacturing sites throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, China and Korea. Sandra oversees multi-year program manufacturing budgets totaling more than $585 million USD, supporting more than 1.3 million units of annual production volume. Sandra is fluent in German and English. She holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from the University of Dallas.

In Loving Memory

Brenda Perryman President & Executive Producer, Brenda Perryman’s Actors Source Workshop

Brenda Perryman has been called a Renaissance woman. The award-winning theatre educator closed the curtain on her teaching career and hasn’t missed a beat.

A performance poet, playwright, film and theatre director, journalist, and television talk show host, Brenda never wearies of new challenges and adventures. She has directed over 100 theatrical productions and three short films. As an educator, she designed, directed and toured dramatic programs with her students that centered on teen dating and violence prevention.

Brenda is a motivational speaker, author of four books of poetry and has been blessed with the opportunity to tour and speak nationally at colleges and universities. She’s the writer/ director of the acclaimed historical play, Dr. Sweet’s Tinderbox, commissioned by The Michigan Humanities Council. Brenda is the host of two weekly television programs in the metro-Detroit area titled, The Brenda Perryman Show and TableTalk with Brenda Perryman.

Brenda is the proud mother of Heather, Ryan and Courtnee. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Anything is possible when you stop believing it’s impossible.

Life doesn’t provide warranties and guarantees, it only provides possibilities and opportunities for those who dare to make best use of it.

– Brenda Perryman

Alisha M. Moss Chief Executive Officer & Founder, VM3 Consulting Corporation VM3 Construction, LLC

Alisha M. Moss is chief executive officer and founder of VM3 Consulting Corporation established in March 2014. VM3 is a Detroit-headquartered, small, minority, disadvantaged, woman-owned consulting firm that leverages mixed industry Fortune 100 corporate experience in capital planning, procurement, project management, and business process optimization. VM3 becomes trusted advisers within the heart of their client’s organizations. VM3 entered the real estate development segment to provide consulting and development life cycle support services in Detroit.

VM3’s customers select them often as an owner representative or capital program manager to build out and lead high performance teams to ensure project success.

Alisha founded READ, Real Estate Association of Developers, to empower super-majority minority developers in Detroit to ensure the developer base more accurately reflects the city’s diversity and successfully delivers projects that truly serve and retain its majority population. Alisha has taken the role of COO of LoveOnly Inc, a Detroit-based public charity that provides hot meals to Detroiters in need every week. Alisha has one son, Bakari.

Kimle Nailer President, Nail Rite Construction

Kimle Nailer is founder of Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S. She is a dynamic speaker, author, and life coach committed to empowering women. She’s a heart-centered entrepreneur helping women transform their self-worth to net worth to succeed in business. As president of Nail Rite Construction Company, she provides residential and commercial services specializing in drywall finishing. She worked 20 years as a senior business analyst at MORPACE International, J.D. Powers and Associates, and GTB. Using her marketing expertise, she leveraged Detroit’s revitalization trends for growth and re-launched Nail-Rite Construction Company. Kimle partnered with Turner Brooks, secured a contract at Little Caesar’s Arena, and redeveloped 50,000 square feet of retail space for Forman Mills. Committed to impacting change in Detroit, she employed 25 workers to complete the project. Nail Rite contracted with The Brinker Team on the Detroit Piston’s Training Center in 2019. Kimle serves as the national president of the National Association of Black Women in Construction.

She encourages women to pursue careers in the trades and empowers youth and returning citizens with construction training.

Kristi D. Plain VP Global Talent & Sales Support, Brasscraft Manufacturing - A Masco Company

As a business leader whose career has spanned industries and professions, Kristi D. Plain has been described as a change agent who inspires others to achieve. As vice president of global talent for Brasscraft Manufacturing, she is responsible for aligning talent strategy with business objectives for the international Masco company. She has been a champion of diversity throughout her career, mentoring countless men and women to reach for new opportunities through focus, effort and resilience. Prior to Brasscraft, she enjoyed a successful career as a reporter, editor and HR leader.

The Kentucky native has supported multiple nonprofit organizations in Michigan since relocating here for work almost 20 years ago including the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation and the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP). She serves as vice president of the board for Spaulding for Children. Her dual passions of coaching and fitness fueled a drive to earn trainer certificates in CrossFit and weightlifting. Above all else, she values family and faith.

Dr. Carla Postell Director of Curriculum Integration and Instruction, Hazel Park Schools

Dr. Carla Postell is director of curriculum integration and instruction for Hazel Park Schools. Previously, she was principal of Hazel Park High School and assistant principal at L’Anse Creuse High School-North and Ypsilanti High School. She has also served as an adjunct professor. Because of her experiences and background, Dr. Postell has been extended the opportunity to present at conferences for National Alliance of Black School Educators, The Teachers College at Columbia University and the American Education Research Association (AERA).

Dr. Postell was a fellow in the Gerstacker Fellowship Program through Saginaw Valley State University and is presently a fellow in the African American Leadership Fellows Academy created by MASA and MASSP. She earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in education from the University of Michigan, and her Doctor of Education from Western Michigan University. Dr. Postell is a charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Omega Xi Omega Chapter in New Haven where she currently holds the elected office of vice president.

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com • Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020

Dr. Lisa A.Reeves Chief of Staff, College of Education, Michigan State University

Carla Louise Tinsley Smith Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Dr. Lisa A. Reeves is chief of staff at Michigan State University’s College of Education. She oversees the areas of finance, human resources, facilities and technology. Spirituality, service, education and leadership are integral parts of Lisa’s identity. The seasoned public speaker is recognized as an excellent orator, and has extensive experience promoting and supporting teaching and learning of all students.

Carla Louise Tinsley Smith’s professional background spans public relations, advertising, and diversity and inclusion. Carla is a community advocate and youth enthusiast at heart. She uses every opportunity available to encourage young people to explore the world beyond their block and to always remember where they came from.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Lisa attributes her passion for education, spirituality and leadership to her early upbringing. While attending public schools, she witnessed inequities amongst school districts educating people of color, and of varying socioeconomic statuses. Lisa has a B.S. in finance, M.A. in training/development, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership. Her research focuses on Black women’s spirituality and self-determination in senior-level leadership positions in predominantly White institutions of higher education. Lisa is a member of Plymouth United Church of Christ and serves in multiple capacities including trustee and worship leader. She and her husband, Julius, are the proud parents of two young-adults, Lauren and Julian.

Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. acknowledged Carla with a Community Activist of the Year award. She co-founded the Mack Alive Ambassador Art Collection and the Cadillac Boulevard Revitalization Initiative. The Detroit native serves on the Advisory Council for the Michigan Diversity Council, Board of Commissioners for The Greening of Detroit, and the Board of Directors for Mack Alive. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in public relations from Florida A&M University where she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Carla credits her passion for community to her parents, Alberta Tinsely-Talabi and Cecil Williams; love of art to her husband, Richard Todd Smith, and hope for the future to her son, Sir Richard Tinsley Smith.

Choi Portis Deputy General Counsel, City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

Detroit native Choi T. Portis is deputy general counsel for the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage department. She handles complex litigation matters, supervises outside counsel, reviews department contracts, and serves as counsel to the department director and the board of water commissioners regarding various legal issues.

Choi is a member of the executive counsel for the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers section. She is secretary of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and will serve as the division chair in 2021-2022. Choi is admitted to practice in the State of Michigan, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and United States Supreme Court. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She dedicates her time to service projects in the Inkster community as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Eta Iota Omega Chapter. Choi was the 2017 Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Barrister’s Honoree and member of Michigan Chronicle’s 2017 40 Under 40 class.

Rhonda Rowe Owner, Rowe Trucking

Rhonda Rowe is owner of Rowe Trucking based in Detroit. Seeing big things were on the horizon for the city she loved so dearly, she convinced her father, Arthur Rowe, to come out of retirement and explore new career opportunities for the company that he built from the ground up, Arthur L. Rowe Trucking. After having a conversation with her father, Rhonda committed to researching how to build on the foundation her father laid, focusing on quality customer service and superior trucking experience. They then came together to form a father/daughter trucking company, Rowe Trucking.

Rhonda runs the business on a day to day basis handling everything from billing and bidding to networking and building working relationships, while her father serves as an experienced advisor. Rowe Trucking specializes in hauling asphalt, dirt, broken concrete, sand and gravel, and have a team of experienced drivers that operate their three tri-axle dump trucks and semi. In addition to her drivers, Rhonda has put together a team of brokers which allows her to take on large jobs.

Alisa Marie Shannon Deputy Court Administrator - Criminal Division, Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan

Alisa Marie Shannon has been an employee of Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan for 30+ years. Since 2013, she has been the deputy court administrator of the criminal division where she is responsible for managing the largest criminal courthouse in the state.

She has represented the court on the Michigan Diversity Council Advisory Board since 2019. Alisa is an active member of St. Clare of Montefalco Athletic Committee ensuring that each student is given the opportunity to excel in the CYO sports programs. As a charter member of the Pierians Incorporated Detroit Michigan Chapter, Alisa has devoted her time and talent to an organization dedicated to promoting and encouraging the study and enjoyment of the fine arts. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in administration of justice, has a Master’s certification in business leadership and management from Michigan State University and earned facilitation certifications in crucial conversations and restorative practices.

Alisa is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Marina L. Shoemaker Director – Global Diversity and Inclusion Strategies, General Motors

Marina L. Shoemaker is the director of global diversity and inclusion strategies for General Motors.

She is responsible for helping shape a workplace culture that applies diverse and inclusive teaming to advance how the company thinks about the needs of customers and employees worldwide. Marina was the first woman national director for the GM Dealer Development Program with responsibility for the profitability, growth and retention of 400+ minority and women-owned dealerships with annual sales of more than $11B. To encourage a more gender-inclusive retail culture, Marina established a dealer-funded scholarship program, Drive to Succeed, to attract talented women desiring non-traditional career options.

Since its inception in 2011, scholarships have been awarded to more than 51 women in the U.S. and Canada. Marina holds an MBA from The University of Michigan-Ross School of Business. She serves on the Board of Governors for Schoolcraft College, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and past president of the Ann Arbor chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Crystal T. Smith Vice President of Philanthropy, Junior Achievement for Southeastern Michigan

Crystal T. Smith is vice president of philanthropy at Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. She has managed and maximized major fundraising campaigns to secure significant financial goals including a $6 million endowment campaign. She has consistently acquired six-figure grants, initiated bequests, increased sponsorships and led multi-year campaigns to reach aggressive goals. She brings a wealth of nonprofit management and philanthropic experience from a diverse background of major metropolitan Detroit nonprofit organizations and specializes in major gifts, signature events and volunteerism. Crystal is known for her tenacity in creating new partnerships and developing new relationships with key stakeholders.

Crystal is on the board of Spaulding for Children and has served as fundraising event chair for the past ten years. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Greater Detroit Chapter, Graduate of Leadership Macomb IX, Optimist Friend of the Year nominee, and a member of the Detroit Children’s Choir’s Fundraising and Marketing Committee. Crystal holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and journalism from Western Michigan University.

Maria B. Stanfield Utilization Review Director and Staff Psychologist, Black Family Development

Maria Beth Stanfield was raised in Detroit. She serves as the staff psychologist and utilization review director at Black Family Development, Inc. Maria is also the founder and operator of My Sister’s KEYPers, Inc., Maria B. Entertainment, and Success Life Publishing, LLP. She is a published author of a book entitled, You’ll Be Back, stemming from her upbringing in the city of Detroit.

Maria was awarded the Michigan Chronicle’s Best in Black Promoter of the Year. The only woman thus far to be bestowed that honor. Maria is an avid runner and ambassador for Black Girls Run! She is a graduate of Western Michigan University and University of Detroit Mercy. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Maria is married to Warren Stanfield Jr. and is the proud mother of Warren Stanfield III and Anita H. Stanfield.

Patrice Suggs Launch Manager, SEEL

Patrice Suggs is launch manager at Detroit-based company, SEEL, where she develops and leads startup strategies to support contractual and programmatic targets. Patrice is an aggressive planning, development, and outreach management professional with several years of organizational leadership and administrative experience. She is equipped to develop unique approaches to program implementation. Patrice is experienced in managing programs for utilities, municipalities and nonprofit organizations. Patrice has led multi-million-dollar program launches with responsibility for planning and coordinating with various partner organizations and internal and external teams to design the project approach and plan. She has also managed programs servicing over 25,000 customers annually.

Patrice believes that teamwork makes the dream work and is a strong believer in collaboration to meet the shared goals. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, African American and Blacks in Energy, Detroit Youth Choir board member, and holds a Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification. Patrice has a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University.

Linda Taliaferro Vice President Global Quality, Meritor & Founder, The TEE, The Extra Effort

Linda Taliaferro is the first African American female vice president of global quality for Meritor, Inc. She is also the founder of The TEE - The Extra Effort. Meritor, Inc. is a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industry markets. Linda has oversight for 38 sites including joint ventures located in 18 countries on five continents. She has served as the director of quality for both the suspensions and powertrain business units, director of quality, operational excellence and program management.

The TEE – The Extra Effort, LLC is a career advisory service-based business helping professionals get unstuck and strengthen key interpersonal skills in order to change the trajectory of their careers within corporate America. Linda was a member of Jack and Jill, Inc., Motor City Chapter, Greater Wayne County Chapter of The Links, Inc., and Pi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Kimberly Tandy District 2 Manager, City of Detroit

Kim Varner Tandy is district 2 manager for the City of Detroit Mayor’s Office, Department of Neighborhood working on the quality of life issues for District 2. Previously, she was the program manager for University Commons Organization, a nonprofit organization working to revitalize the Livernois/McNichols business corridors. Kim was also project manager for Little Caesar’s Enterprises where she worked on Tiger Stadium and Hockeytown Café.

While working with her family business, Varner & Associates, Kim was the project manager on a variety of projects including The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, The School of Social Work U of M and Hospice of Michigan New Corporate Office. Kim is a graduate of Detroit’s Cass Technical High School. She has a master’s degree in architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology. Kim is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated. She is the president of the West Side Cubs. Kim is a lifelong Detroiter where she still resides with her husband, William, and her two children, Michael and Lauren.

Dr. JuJuan C. Taylor Professor & Department Chair, Department of Communication Arts Schoolcraft College

JuJuan C. Taylor, Ph.D. is professor and department chair of the Department of Communication Arts at Schoolcraft College in Livonia where she teaches fundamentals of speech, interpersonal communications, discussion, and communications for leaders.

Dr. Taylor has also taught The Harlem Renaissance for Wayne State University’s African American Studies department, and in Wayne State’s Graduate School of Teacher Education. She has served as a longtime member of University Bound which provides resources and academic support to college bound students, and connects Schoolcraft College to Wayne State University granting various academic opportunities.

Dr. Taylor has been instrumental in bringing several speakers to Schoolcraft College to engage with students including Fox 2 News anchor Huel Perkins and the Honorable Richard H. Bernstein, Michigan Supreme Court Justice. Previous speakers include Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Detroit Police Chief James Craig.

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-9

Regina Thomas Judge, Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan

Judge Regina Thomas was elected to the Wayne County Third Judicial Circuit Court on November 2018 and is assigned to the criminal division.

Judge Thomas has practiced law for over two decades. Prior to taking the bench, she spent most of her legal career providing civil legal services and indigent defense to under resourced people in her community.

She was most recently employed with Lakeshore Legal Aid as the director of its Counsel and Advocacy Law Line. She has a Bachelor of Science from Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Vanderbilt School of Law. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves on the board of the Youth Connection, Inc. Judge Thomas is married with two children.

Angela Thompkins.

Executive Director: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Strategic Talent Pipeline Development, Consumers Energy

Angela Thompkins is the executive director of diversity, equity, inclusion and strategic talent sourcing for Consumers Energy. In this role, Angela is responsible for the development and execution of the company’s comprehensive diversity, equity, inclusion and strategic recruitment strategies. She also serves as the advisor to the company’s employee resource groups. Under her leadership, the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have been recognized

by Forbes, DiversityInc, Military Times, Best for Vets, Corporate Equality Index, Corp!

Magazine and National Organization On Disability.

Her previous experience includes various positions within human resources in the automotive and food service industries, automotive lobbyist, trial attorney, and adjunct professor. Angela serves on the board of directors for the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, Equality Michigan and American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Michigan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science; a juris doctor and an LLM in labor and employment law.

Monica B. Thompson Principal - 5th-8th grade, Washington-Parks Academy

Monica B. Thompson is the principal of grades 5th8th at Washington Parks Academy in Redford. A product of Detroit Public Schools, Monica prides herself in being a lifelong learner. She is a 26-year veteran in the field of education serving as teacher, professional school counselor, director of education, assistant principal and principal. Monica is also an entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Parent Pledge. The mission of Parent Pledge is to accelerate parent engagement in metro Detroit.

She has served as a scholarship committee chair for Zeta Phi Sorority, Inc., Eta Lambda Zeta Chapter, and scholarship committee member for the National Council of Negro Women. Monica received a bachelor’s degree from University of Michigan and master’s degree from Spring Arbor University. She is currently a candidate for a Doctorate of Education at Walden University. She is the wife of Marvin Thompson Jr. and the proud mother of Dylan, a recent graduate of Anderson University, and Cole, who is in his junior year at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Karissa Wallace Senior Counsel, Rock Ventures

Karissa Wallace serves as in-house counsel at Rock Ventures, LLC and provides legal advice on a variety of investments owned by Dan Gilbert. She has more than ten years of experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sector assisting organizations of all sizes from a variety of legal and business perspectives. In her prior attorney roles at DTE Energy and Honigman LLP, she focused on M&A transactions and serviced clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups receiving their first round of funding.

Karissa was elected to serve on the 2018 Detroit Charter Revision Commission where she oversees the process of potential revisions to the City Charter. In 2013, she was elected to the Brush Park Citizen’s District Council, and appointed to the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the District Detroit in 2015. She is a lifelong southeastern Michigander and earned her B.A. in communication studies from University of Michigan Ann Arbor, law degree from Wayne State University Law School, and MBA from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad School of Business.

Karinda L. Washington Chief of Staff, Office of Partnership and Engagement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

.

Angela M. Wright Owner/Operator, Wright Hospitality Group/Global Equities/DJ

Angela Wright Vincent was born in West Germany.

In college, Angela began disc jockeying and was known as DJ Lynda Carter where she became a wellknown club, concert and corporate DJ. She pursued a career in real estate and entrepreneurship and started Wright Hospitality Group. Angela is the sole owner of two Detroit bar/lounges and entertainment venues - MIX Bricktown and Lockeroom Lounge. She is also the owner of Global Equities, a real estate holding company. Angela is also an adjunct professor at Wayne County Community College District.

Angela sits on the boards of Virtual Dialysis Support Center and University District Community Association. She is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business & Leadership Detroit Alumni. She received her undergraduate degree in secondary education from Western Michigan University where she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Angela received a master’s degree in education with a concentration in instructional technology at Wayne State University. During her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, playing video games, and extreme sports.

Iranetta Wright Deputy Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District

Iranetta Wright serves as deputy superintendent of schools for Detroit Public Schools Community District. She has strategic leadership over schools, principals and principal supervisors, special education, arts, music, physical education, leadership development, guidance and counseling, JROTC, athletics, school improvement, climate and culture, homeless services, safety, police and mentoring. Iranetta served at Duval County Public Schools for over 25 years as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and chief of schools.

Iranetta is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and served the community as a past board member of Jack and Jill of America’s Jacksonville chapter, UNCF Leadership Council, Clara White Mission, Florida Humanities Council and National Task Force for Trial Urban District Assessments. Iranetta has been recognized as a City Year Champion of Education and an Innovator in Education by the United Negro College Fund. For all of her accomplishments, Iranetta is most proud to be the mother of two daughters.

She aims to live her life so they can be equally as proud of her as she is of them.

KimArie Yowell VP, Talent Development, Quicken Loans

KimArie Yowell is vice president of talent development for Quicken Loans. Headquartered in Detroit, Quicken Loans is the nation’s largest mortgage lender and is obsessed with enabling the American dream of home ownership. KimArie is responsible for developing and implementing the corporate talent development and organizational effectiveness strategy. She has more than 20 years of experience in client service, sales, and corporate education focused on impacting organizational success.

KimArie was recognized as “40 Under 40” by the Michigan Chronicle for her exceptional achievements and community service. In 2019, she was recognized as one of Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Women in Corporate America. She serves as a trustee on Siena Heights University Board of Trustees. KimArie holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration, Master of Arts in adult education and training, Master of Management in administrative sciences, and a Master of Business Administration. Presently, she is a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania.

Tahirih Ziegler Chief Executive Officer, Detroit LISC

Detroit native Tahirih Ziegler is executive director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). She leads a team that has deployed over $150 million of LISC grants, loans, and resources into Detroit’s revitalization. Tahirih leads the Detroit Affordable Housing Fund, a $125 million, five-year initiative to create, protect, and preserve 12,000 units of affordable housing to prevent resident displacement. She has advocated for African American wealth providing over 500 homeowners with access to capital to reinvest in their homes. With over 25 years of community development and nonprofit experience, Tahirih honed her leadership skills by rising through the LISC ranks working in eight Michigan communities.

Tahirih serves as the Detroit CDFI Coalition chair, Touchpointe for Youth board president, and Invest Detroit Advisory Committee member. She is frequently asked to speak as an expert on equitable, urban investments and public-private partnerships. Tahirih earned a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in construction management from Michigan State University. She is the proud parent of Faziah, Runako and Ramir.

Karinda L. Washington is chief of staff for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE) in Washington, DC. She manages the daily operational complexities of OPE, advises DHS senior leadership on public-private partnerships, and champions social impact initiatives department-wide. Previously, Karinda served as external affairs specialist in the DHS Private Sector Office where she implemented the DHS Loaned Executive Program.

Before DHS, Karinda served ten years and held multiple positions for Michigan Legal Services assisting families facing foreclosure. She continues to assist grassroots organizations dedicated to rebuilding Detroit’s north eastside where she was raised. For 11 years, she co-chaired her alma mater, Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior High School’s Annual MLK Legacy March and Awards. Karinda earned a bachelor’s degree in English: written communication from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in communication: public relations and organizational communication from Wayne State University. She is a Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellows alumna.

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Sanya Weston Chief Executive Officer, Your Premier Travel Services

Sanya Weston has been an entrepreneur and community leader in Detroit for over half of her life. A third-generation business owner, Sanya is chief executive officer of Your Premier Travel Services, the oldest African American owned travel agency in Detroit. Sanya has appeared as a travel expert on local news stations and in leading publications like Michigan Chronicle, American Black Journal, BLAC Magazine, Crain Detroit, and the Detroit Free Press. She displays the value of hard work and legacy to her two handsome sons, her beautiful teenage daughter, and her two thriving granddaughters.

Sanya has volunteered for Michigan State University Community School – Detroit AMP Music Program where she is dedicated to recruiting students and fundraising. As a Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business alumna, she is dedicated to giving back by educating other entrepreneurs on international business development. Sanya has expanded her passion for travel and founded the nonprofit, Young People Travel Global Edge, an international mentoring program that partners with local organizations like Detroit PAL, Pretty Brown Girls, and Detroit Lacrosse.

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Page A-10 • michiganchronicle.com • Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020

Congratulations, Kristi Plain!

Congratulations, Kristi Congratulations to Kristi Plain,Plain!

Vice President of Global Talent & Sales Support

at Brasscraft Kristi Manufacturing Company, for being recognized as a 2020 Women ngratulations, Plain!

Congratulations to Kristi Plain, Vice President of Global Talent & Sales Support at Brasscraft Manufacturing Company, for being recognized as a 2020 Women of Excellence honoree. of Excellence honoree.

atulations to Kristi Plain, Vice President of Global Talent & Sales Support sscraft Manufacturing Company, for being recognized as a 2020 Women Thank you for leading with courage.

Your dedication to developing women in leadership Thank you for leading with courage.

Your dedication to developing women in leadership while also serving in our community is inspiring. We are proud to have you on our team! ellence honoree.

while also serving in our community is inspiring. We are proud to have you on our team!

you for leading with courage. Your dedication to developing women in leadership On behalfisofinspiring.

Brasscraft Manufacturing ouron Women’s Leadership & Development group, also serving in our community We are proudCompany to haveand you our team! we congratulate all the other influential women who have been recognized. Keep climbing!

On behalf of Brasscraft Manufacturing Company and our Women’s Leadership we congratulate all the other influential women who have been recogniz

On behalf of Brasscraft Manufacturing Company and our Women’s Leadership & Development group, we congratulate all the other influential women who have been recognized. Keep climbing!

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

B1 | Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020

michiganchronicle.com

2020 Ford Fireworks

The 2020 Ford Fireworks, one of America’s most celebrated fireworks displays, will be celebrated as a special televised-only show. The special broadcast on WDIV Local 4 will honor Detroit’s frontline workers and heroes on Monday, August 31 from 8-10 p.m.

In response to this unprecedented time and with public safety as a top priority, the fireworks will not be held downtown or viewable from the downtown area. Similar to other major cities, this year’s fireworks will be a pop-up display, at a location which will not be announced.

“The Parade Company has an unwavering commitment to this important tradition and bringing great events to our community,” said Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Company.

“We are proud to come together with the City of Detroit and our partners to make this event possible each year.”

This year’s Ford Fireworks show is themed, We Are One Together. The Ford Fireworks is produced by The Parade Company and is in its 62nd year as Detroit’s beloved summer tradition. The Parade Company selects the musical arrangement and works exclusively with Zambelli Fireworks to stage more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects. For more information, please visit theparade.org.

WHAT:

2020 Ford Fireworks televised-only special WHEN: Monday, August 31, beginning at 8PM WHERE: Televised-only display broadcast LIVE on WDIV Local 4 ***The Ford Fireworks will not be held downtown or viewable from the downtown area***

Fly | Drown - Cybelle Codish courtesy of The Kresge Foundation.

AXD’s ‘LIVING X’ Celebrates The Adaptability OF Detroit Communities Through Art

By Ashley Stevenson AXD’s ‘LIVING X’celebrates THE Adaptability OF DETROIT COMMUNITIES through art The great thing about artists is that they can bring beauty to anything for anyone to behold. This is precisely what Kresge Art Foundation and roofoftwo are doing as they bring Detroiters together through art, amid the pandemic.

Last week, Kresge and roofoftwo celebrated its well-received run of 22 commissioned Art X Detroit art projects entitled “Living X,” a collective exploration of Detroit’s ever-changing landscape and neighborhoods.

The celebration took place virtually via zoom and featured an eclectic variety of talented artists and captivating performances. Amongst the featured artists was the dynamic storyteller and griot Marsha Music, who read an excerpt from her newest piece, “The Detroitist.” A tale of Detroit-based experiences, power-packed with inner-city imagery.

Senghor Reid, Aquatic Messaging Photo by Montez Miller. Courtesy of The Kresge Foundation.

The program went on to Highlight the locations of the ‘Living X’ Exhibit that took place in various locations across Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck (the full map of locations can be found at (https://www.artxdetroit.com). Each artist in the exhibit was chosen by a distinguished panel of curators, writers, and filmmakers to receive a $7,000 grant to assist them in bringing their vision to fruition.

The goal of the ‘Living X’ was to “challenge artists to create exhibitions, performances, and events that reflect the significance, ambiguity, resilience, and uncertainty of this contemporary moment under the curatorial banner of Living X. The collective took place in June of 2019-February 2020. Three of the selected artist’s exhibits that were due to take place in spring and summer of 2020 were halted by COVID 19.

In addition to the celebration of its success, AXD, a successor to the biennial Art X Detroit festival, announced the launch of its Podcast.

The “Living X Podcast” will be hosted by choreographer and curator Ryan Myers Johnson and will feature the

Ronald Ford Jr. aka QWNTYM, Jit the Funk Up and Dance! Photo by ­Cybelle Codish. Courtesy of The Kresge Foundation. many voices of AXD artists. This is a timely response to society’s restrictions as a direct result of COVID 19 that will satiate the need to provide an artistic expression for the artists.

“We’ve seen our partners at rootoftwo, reimagine Art X to connect the energy of Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Award winners

not only with audiences in Midtown but with neighborhoods and residents across the city. Now there are further connections to be made through this volume and the AXD podcast” - Official statement from Kresge, AXD, and roofoftwo For further information on theAXD Podcast, visit artxdetroit.com.

2020 TEDxDetroit Goes Virtual with Free Tickets

Coming soon to a screen near you, TEDxDetroit presented by United Shore will share ideas worth spreading on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020.

For its 12th year, to ensure the safety of all involved, the highly anticipated event has pivoted to a new format and will go virtual. Also, for the first time, registration will be free of charge to all who attend.

“The virtual nature of this year’s event will allow for experiences we couldn’t even dream of - with everyone being in one place,” said Terry Bean, executive producer. “We’re thrilled to be exploring the possibilities and excited to be making this event so widely available.”

Though the experience will look and feel a little different this year, the virtual format affords access to speakers who have not been avail-

able to appear previously.

Among the new-to-TEDxDetroit featured speakers, you’ll find creatives like Al Jean, a Farmington Hills native and screenwriter best known for his work as executive producer of The Simpsons and Journalist LZ Granderson of ESPN and CNN plus great entrepreneurial minds like Yelitsa Jean-Charles, founder of Healthy Roots Dolls, Jillian Blackwell, enterprise cloud consultant with AWS and Andy Didorosi, founder of Detroit Bus Company and newly-developed Detroit Hand Sanitizer Company.

Organizers and sponsors are working hard to make the experience more personal and meaningful to all who join the online event this year.

“Twenty-twenty has pushed us

See TEDxDETROIT Page B-2

Good Cakes and Bakes Founder April Anderson appeared on stage in 2019.

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020

TEDxDETROIT From page B-1

harder than ever before to be more creative and innovative,” said Mat Ishbia, president and CEO of United Shore. “Sharing ideas and pushing the envelope has never been more important and United Shore is proud to be part of TEDxDetroit.”

As in years past, TEDxDetroit will feature three sessions of content. This year’s virtual format provides the flexibility to try some new ideas. Speakers are free from the confines of the stage, so we may see new locations highlighted in their talks.

Attendees will have an opportunity to dive deeper with live Q&A sessions. And we’ll check in with previous TEDx presenters for updates on their ideas worth spreading. It’s all designed to bring speakers and attendees closer together, even when we’re physically farther apart.

The speaker list will be announced closer to the event date as programming is finalized. TED is an acronym for technology, entertainment and design – three fields that spur innovation across the economy. TEDxDetroit operates at the local level under a license granted by TED, an idea conference that originated in 1984 in California.

Health and Wellness at UrbanYou

By Lindsay Keener

Health and wellness establishments in the state have focused their efforts on tending to the Michigan population.

UrbanYou – Modern Beauty and Wellness, a medical spa and beauty bar equipped with the latest in wellness therapy, has made it their goal to offer innovative assistance to Michigan consumers.

UrbanYou’s mission statement reads as follows: “The mission: to provide a trendy, clean, inviting space that all guests feel they belong in, with affordable pricing for essential beauty and wellness services. Confident. Carefree.

Connected.”

Entrepreneur and wellness enthusiast, Nicole Gregory is the CEO of UrbanYou. A re-

structuring of goals led Gregory, and fellow health experts at UrbanYou, to offer clients an individualistic approach to wellness services.

“We decided at the latter part of 2019 that we really wanted to focus on the whole person,” said Gregory.

Clients are welcomed into UrbanYou where they are instructed to fill out a medical questionnaire and connect with a wellness expert.

“Each client we have comes into one of our locations and they spend about half an hour with one of our providers,” said Gregory. “We also ask them, ‘How are you doing? How are you feeling and what do we have that we can offer you that will help you?’”

People of all demographics

are encouraged to experience UrbanYou as a consumer or an employee.

“We are extremely inclusive and encourage diversity in our organization. It’s an important part of our brand because we do want to be the brand that people can trust, whatever the color of their skin is or [their] background or sexual preferences,” said Gregory.

UrbanYou is utilizing modern technology to help Michiganders achieve their best mental and physical wellness.

“There are a couple services we have [to best suit our clients]. We have one called NuCalm, we’re the only people in Michigan who offer that service…” said Gregory. “You put on a big vest, you sit in a dark room, it’s really quiet, and

there’s a neurotransmitter… it allows you to stay strong and be focused.” UrbanYou also offers the Shape House Sweat Lodge, a promoter of weight loss, revitalized skin, less stress, etc.

TEDxDetroit has previously featured such notable speakers as Humanitarian Najah Bazzy of Zaman International, Pixar Director Jim Murphy, NASA planetary scientist Cathy Olkin, Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Luis Resto, Graphic Designer Aaron Draplin, journalists like Fox 2 Detroit’s Lee Thomas and Roop Raj, former ESPN anchor Jemele Hill and TV personalities from Rehab Addict’s Nicole Curtis to Dr. Partha Nandi of Ask Dr. Nandi.

With locations in Northville and Grand Rapids, UrbanYou strives to help clients confront their stressors head on with healthy coping mechanisms and promote the preservation of their mental state.

“The level of anxiety [had by a potential client] who doesn’t know what they’re going to get with UrbanYou goes down when they come in because they know they’re going to get taken care of. We want to help them become their personal best” said Gregory.

Register now to attend the first free and fully virtual TEDxDetroit presented by United Shore at tedxdetroit. com.

For more information visit www.theurbanyou.com

Tips for Healthy and Sustainable Outdoor Dining (StatePoint) The fall season is the ideal time of year to dine outdoors. To create a healthy and sustainable outdoor dining experience, consider these tips:

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

5 Ways to Save Big on Everyday Essentials (Family Features) With many Americans spending more time at home, they are also using more common household items such as cleaning supplies, pantry items and snacks, among other things.

According to a Harris Poll survey, Americans are concerned about the economic impact the pandemic will have on their lives. These economic concerns are leading shoppers to seek out more ways to save.

With the convenience and flexibility online shopping provides, many customers are turning to e-retailers to find those musthave items.

To help busy and budget-conscious shoppers, Woot!, the Amazon-owned daily deals site, launched a grocery and household category to offer deals on everyday essentials.

Consider these five ways shoppers can save time and money when making household purchases.

Compare prices. One benefit of shopping online versus in-store is you can look across different brands to compare prices in real time. By seeing available brands and pricing in one place, you can save more and make the best purchase choices for your household.

Take advantage of deals.

When you shop in a store, you’re confined to the deals and selection the store is offering at the time of your trip.

When you shop online, you aren’t limited to the store’s offerings, often allowing you to score better deals and browse a larger selection. For instance, you can check out deal sites like Woot.com to get new daily deals on household musthaves on your list for lower prices than you typically find

in brick-and-mortar stores.

Save time exploring virtual aisles. Shopping at a store can be time consuming. Innovations like Woot!’s virtual grocery and household aisles allow you to quickly and easily shop various categories and find the best deals. Unlike in-person aisles, these virtual aisles hide categories when selection is unavailable so you won’t waste your time and can be confident items you’re looking at are available at a discount.

Customize your shopping experience. The flexibility and convenience of shopping online can save you time. Since you aren’t shopping in-store, you don’t have to worry about store hours and locations, giving you the flexibility to shop at all hours and from any location, as long as you have Wi-Fi and access to a computer or mobile device. With the ability to shop around your schedule, you can gain precious time to spend with the people you love, doing the things you love.

Benefit from membership perks. Another perk of online shopping is being able to leverage membership benefits to save more. Some retailers offer member-based programs or partner to offer members of certain programs discounts.

One example is Woot.com, which offers exclusive deals and free shipping for Amazon Prime members who shop on the site.

Between the vast selection, price options and convenience of shopping from home, there are many ways shoppers can save big on time and money as they shop for everyday essentials and household musthaves. Learn more at Woot. com.

• Reduce and reuse/ditch the plastic: Ditch the single use cups, plates and utensils and instead, serve meals using reusable dinnerware made from sustainable, shatterproof materials designed for outdoor use. Use rimmed plates to help reduce spills and wine charms or a set of glasses with unique colors to make it easy for each person to identify their glasses.

• Cook completely outdoors: Set up your cooking and prep stations outside for an authentic start to finish al fresco experience. Consider going beyond the grill and turning a portion of your backyard into a full outdoor kitchen, complete with coolers and storage and working space. This will not only make you a more versatile outdoor chef, but also, it eliminates the need to rush between the kitchen and your outdoor set-up, enabling you to enjoy more fresh air, more time with your family and a streamlined food prep experience.

with a reusable water filter pitcher that doesn’t ruin your outdoor look. One great option is the LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher, which protects against over 30 contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, microplastics, lead, mercury and chemicals, including PFAS and chlorine. The sleek and sustainable design is available in 7-cup and 10-cup sizes made from either glass or BPAfree materials. Available at LifeStraw.com, Walmart.com and Target.com.

• Stay hydrated but ditch the bottled water: Bottled water contains microplastics and contributes to waste. Consider a more sustainable option

• Highlight fresh flavors: Fall can actually be prime planting season. Cultivate an organic garden for access to herbs such as mint, basil and dill,

which you can toss into meals for a fresh and nutritious burst of flavor, as well as use to create herb bouquets for an aromatic tablescape.

• Beat bugs: Evening meals are often enjoyed at dusk, which is, unfortunately, the most active time of day for biting bugs.

Fend pests off naturally and keep diners comfortable safely with a citronella candle or other natural solutions like lemon eucalyptus, peppermint oil and lemongrass oil.

This fall, make your outdoor space the heart of the home by transforming it into an area where you can enjoy healthy, sustainable meals with your family.

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

Where City Meets

LIFE STYLE and Life Meets

In Print & Online

michiganchronicle.com

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com •

The 2021 TUCSON, it’s like dancing in the streets.

With a bold design and advanced technology, it has smoother moves than others in its class. Built for comfort and depended upon for reliability, this is an SUV that busy people like you can count on. Just relax and let the music play. The Tucson is better at its best.

Options shown. For J.D. Power 2020 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2020 Hyundai Motor America.

# 1 Compact SUV

in Initial Quality -J.D. Power, 2020

Page B-3

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020

Thursday, August 27, 2020 • 6pm-7:30pm Facebook Live @ MichiganChronicle Sponsored by

2020 HONOREES Racheal Allen

Yvette McElroy Anderson

Gail Barnard

Adrienne Bennett

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Laura Castone

Ebony Cochran

Rochelle Collins

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Jan Harrington-Davis

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Chenita Gary

Cheryl Greer

Karen L. Gunn, D.D.S.

Toya Hankins

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Darienne Driver Hudson, Ed.D.

Sonya Jacobs

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Edwina S. King, J.D.

Sandra McNeil

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Dr. Carla Postell

Dr. Lisa A. Reeves

Rhonda Rowe

Alisa Marie Shannon

Marina L. Shoemaker

Carla Louise Tinsley-Smith

Crystal T. Smith

Maria B. Stanfield

Patrice Suggs

Honorable Regina D. Thomas

Angela Thompkins

Monica B. Thompson

Karissa Wallace

Iranetta Wright

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Tahirih Ziegler

Linda Taliaferro

Kimberly Tandy

Dr. JuJuan C. Taylor

Karinda L. Washington

Sanya Weston

Angela M. Wright

Classifieds

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5 PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RIVER ROUGE HOUSING COMMISSION OPEN POSITION

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting quotes for Bus Vapor Shields & Wheelchair Restraints. Solicitation forms for RFQ Control No. 21-3207 may be obtained beginning August 17, 2020 from http://www.mitn.info.

Responses to RFQ 21-3207 are due September 11, 2020, 3:00 PM, EST.

(Open to the Public) TITLE:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

REPORTS TO:

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

NATURE OF WORK The Executive Director will have general supervision over the administration of the business affairs of the River Rouge Housing Commission and will be charged with the management and direction of the housing sites and programs developed and operated by the Commission. The Executive Director shall be subject to the continuing direction of the Commission and subject to the policies and procedures established by the Commission.

The Executive Director will have the ability to direct, supervise and coordinate both the activities and functions for the Commission and to maintain the confidence and credibility of the Commission and the residents and participants. The Director will assist the Commission in establishing policies and procedures and will be responsible for their implementation. The Executive Director is responsible for determining all work procedures of the Commission employees and for supervising their performance.

The Executive Director will serve at the needs of the Housing Commission.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The Executive Director will have a general knowledge of federal, state and local legislation and of HUD regulations, policies and procedures relating to the administration of the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs.

The Executive Director will have the ability to establish and maintain an effective working environment, have a broad knowledge of business principles and have a proven ability to work effectively with other employees, public officials and the general public.

DUTIES • Act as secretary to the Board of Commissioners.

• Draft, complete and sign all reports required by HUD and the commission. Ensure all reports are accurate and timely.

• Establish goals and objectives for Commission and ensure goals are objectives within five-year plan.

• Prepare, monitor and submit all financials of the Commission and its programs.

• Maintain and ensure accuracy of waiting list for all programs.

• Draft, update, request approval and implement all policies governing the operations of the Commission.

• Sign all checks of the Commission.

• Maintain good public relations with the various governmental agencies and other groups that maybe helpful in the development of housing and well-being of residents/participants.

• Employ all personnel, handle employee grievances and take necessary disciplinary actions when appropriate.

• Ensure all programs are in compliance with HUD regulations and requirements.

• Conduct inspections as required for all assisted units and property.

• Continuously seek means to improve the quality of living for all residents.

• Responsible for the maintenance of property.

• Meet regularly with staff to provide direction, training, and general insight of the Commission’s plans.

• Ensure annual audits are completed in accordance with regulations.

• Maintain knowledge of new regulations and notices from governmental and regulatory agencies and implements to such in a timely manner.

• Host and attend monthly Board of Commissioners meeting and ensure meeting is held in compliance with all regulations QUALIFICATIONS

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Senior Software Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Design, dvlp code, review, integrate, test, verify, &deliver embedded systems SW &OTA update packages for psgr vehicle embedded telematics &infotainment ECUs, incldg In Vehicle Infotainment, Control Gateway &Center Stack Modules, using C/C++ programming language, in Android, Linux &QNX multi-threaded RTOS, in Agile methodology, for future vehicle programs &global markets (Europe, China, N.A. &RoW), to meet vehicle specific electrical architecture, sys, security, safety &encoding reqmts. Use Remote Reflash SDK to design &dvlp the Vehicle Device Mgmt Client.

Execute source control, issue tracking &static anlys using Git, Gerrit, Coverity, Jenkins, IBM DOORS/ Synergy/ RTC/Rhapsody, Parasoft, CANalyzer, CANoe, VSpy &Wireshark tools.

Bachelor, Electrical Engrg, Cptr Science, Cptr Engrg, Electronics &Communication Engrg. 60 mos exp as Engineer, Technical Leader, Consultant, Developer, or Programmer Analyst, designing &dvlpg SW or middleware for embedded systems using C/C++ &Linux, or related. Mail resume to Ref#35145-202, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Senior Power Electronics Validation Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, design, dvlp, release specs, &validate current &future in house critical &purchased critical BEV &Plug-in Hybrid EV power electronics compnts, incldg Power Inverter, On Board Charger, & Accessary Power Modules &associated key compnts incldg Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), Charging Inlet Ports, High Voltage Battery Status Sensor Module, Battery Disconnect Units, low voltage connectors, high voltage connectors, Onboard Charger Modules, DC DC Converters, Traction Inverters &Wireless Power Transfer Modules, using Reliasoft, CEMENT, MATLAB, PSpice, Mentor Graphics, Teamcenter, Global Document Mgmt, &ECM tools, for Electrified Propulsion Syss. Author Component Tech. Specs for Global EVs. Plan engrg dvlpmt, dvlp &estimate work packages, &prepare timing plans for Power Electronics compnts. Lead effort to commonize approach for electronics HW Anlys, Dvlpmt &Validation to ensure qlty product is delivered to customer. Master, Electrical Engrg, or related. 24 mos exp as Engineer, designing, releasing &validating EVSE, or related. Mail resume to Ref#42138, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Diagnostic System Engineer Diagnostic Modeler Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, dvlp &model diagnostic (DIDs) &routine identifiers (RIDs) &Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for psgr vehicle advance electrical architectures including Transmission, Engine, &Body Control Modules, Electric Power Steering Sys, Advance Park Assist, &Front Camera Module, using IBM Rhapsody/DOORS/Synergy tools, in JavaScript &Python languages, to improve overall vehicle HMI &module functionality. Engr, perform rationality assessments, &model diagnostic cmpnts &diagnostic signals by psgr vehicle domains incldg energy, engine, transmission, thermal, body, infotainment, telematics, electrification, &chassis, in the Diagnostics Library in Rhapsody, performing baselining &propagation of diagnostic objects &signals for current &future psgr car, truck &SUV architectures. Use &apply corporate standards incldg diagnostic communication protocols such as CAN bus, UDS, diagnostic infrastructure, &corporate common diagnostic parameter mgmt processes. Bachelor, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Engrg, or related. 24 mos exp Engineer or related, implementing DIDs, RIDs &DTC. Mail resume to Ref#2007-107, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Senior Finance Analyst, Investor Relations General Motors, Detroit, MI. Dvlp &analyze quarterly &calendar-year earnings reporting.

Organize &coordinate investor conferences.

Analyzing analyst research reports. Manage dpmt budget &forecast process. Support manager in dvlpmt of CFO internal &external presentations.

Member of team represents GM to security analyst community. Create CFO analyst deck for qtr earnings calls w/ security analysts &media &provide backup for CFO. Communicate w/ automotive security analysts &major institutional investors (includes communication of important views from analysts back to leadership). Support execution of fixed income &equity investor targeting plan. Draft notes to top mgmt on such topics as earnings. Support maintenance of Investor Relations website &relevant content.

Coordinate &participate in security analyst visits w/ top mgmt. Answer inquiries from institutional investors. Master, Bus. Admin. or Finance. 12 mos exp as Analyst, Associate, Junior Associate or Consultant, or related, dvlpg financial models to value debt &equity for capital raising transactions, &using financial models &market data to perform valuation methods incldg comparable companies, or related. Mail resume to Ref#555-1810, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Please visit our website for more classified ads.

www.michiganchronicle.com

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in Public Housing or Housing Choice Voucher administration; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Public Housing Managers (PHM) Certification must be obtained within six months of hire from an accredited agency.

August 26, 2020, marks

• Valid driver’s license.

• Successful completion of background check which includes drug screening.

• For purpose of Employment Standards, this classification is “Exempt” from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act. TO APPLY:

Please submit resume with cover letter which includes salary requirements to: River Rouge Housing Commission; ATTN: Board of Commissioners; 180 Visger Rd; River Rouge, MI 48218 or rogersray@comcast.net Submission deadline is September 30, 2020 or until position is filled by qualified applicant.

The River Rouge Housing Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

“Equal Housing Opportunity”

13 years since your ascension into heaven, my angel DELOSE. Still our eternal twin love bond and ancient Egyptian history (GT, GI and GA) memories steadily bring me joy, joy, joy.

“DD,” we all love you and miss you terribly because you are too good to be forgotten.

Your Twin Sister,

Deloyace (And Davis Family)

Michigan Chronicle DIGITAL DAILY

Keeping You Informed At All Times Of The Day

michiganchronicle.com | DQE

Page B-6

• michiganchronicle.com • Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020

Comerica is here.

These past few months have been trying. But, despite the setbacks, uncertainty and challenges we’ve all experienced, one thing is certain. Comerica is here. We’re standing by you with the financial support and know-how our communities need to keep moving forward.

We invite you to talk with an experienced advisor today and see how we can help refinance debt or free up much-needed cash with a home equity line of credit.

To find a banking center in your community, visit Comerica.com.

®

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Loans are subject to credit approval. CB-271820-06-01 06/20