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Three Thirteen

appeal puts Detroit collectibles on blast

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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 81 – No. 25 | Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018

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Popular public servant Burton Leland dies

By Lee Claire Burton Leland, a longtime public officeholder who served as a “warrior” for social justice in the state House and Senate, and as a Wayne County commissioner, died Sunday morning after a long battle with cancer, his family said. He was 69.

His son, Detroit Councilman Gabe Leland, confirmed his death.

His father was in hospice for recurring prostate cancer, which was diagnosed 10 years ago, he said.

“It was aggressive,” Leland said of his father’s cancer battle.

“He had an opportunity to go through some radiation, and the cancer Burton Leland came back pretty strongly about three years ago. He fought it with chemo and hormonal therapy and more radiation. The warrior lost the last battle.

“It’s really unfortunate. He was such a brave man, a lot of passion for social justice and community service. He tried to see the best in everyone. He would go against the grain.”

“It’s sad to hear of the passing of Burton Leland,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “He passionately served the public for many years and always stood up for what he believed in. Our thoughts and prayers are with Commissioner Leland’s family and loved ones.”

Leland, a Democrat from Detroit, announced on Dec. 21 that he would resign from the Wayne County Commission effective Jan. 10, after 11 years on the board.

He spent 37 years in public office, starting as a state representative in 1980. He also spent eight years in the state Senate.

The beloved statesman recommended longtime activist and popular radio personality Reggie “Reg” Davis to fill his seat.

Renowned for his dynamism, charisma and irreverent nature, Burton was a tireless campaigner who loved knocking on doors to meet his constituents. Notably, in the early 1980s Burton passed a bill in the House that became known as the Lemon Law, a consumer ad-

See BURTON

LELAND page A-2

The St. Regis Hotel, a Midtown jewel

By Roz Edward The St. Regis Hotel, a posh boutique hotel on W. Grand Blvd. just west of Woodward, will undergo a major upgrade in the coming months. The Invictus Investment Group recently announced that it will make a substantial financial commitment to one of the city’s most historic community assets in Detroit’s newly expanded Midtown area (formerly New Center) to enhance the hotel’s appeal for business travelers and tourists to the Motor City. Invictus partner Tony Saunders said former GM Executive Roy S. Roberts also is investing with Invictus in the St. Regis and that a previous owner of the St. Regis, the O’Neil D. Swanson family, will continue with a significant ownership position in the hotel.

“We are excited by the potential Invictus brings to the future of the hotel,” said O’Neil Swanson, president and founder of Swanson Funeral Home and a co-owner of the hotel. “We share their vision for updating its facilities and believe with their involvement and leadership we will achieve the goals for the hotel that my family envisioned when we took an ownership position several years

ago. We look forward to working with them.”

The popular hotel, noted for its old-world craftsmanship, contemporary charm and architectural design, sits across W. Grand Blvd. from the former General Motor’s headquarters and is a short walk from nearby Henry Ford Health Systems and the Motown Museum.

“It’s a gorgeous building with a lot of history and when you look at all of the energy that is shifting into the New Center area at this time, we feel it has the potential to be an anchor institution for the area,” Saunders said.

“We are looking to create a dynamic experience that will keep people coming back for more.”

The cultural landmark, which incorporated the elegant Mauna Loa restaurant — one of city’s finest dining attractions in the late ’60s — remains a popular venue for Motown icons. The exclusive venue for “Motown the Musical’s” theater after-parties, where performers on the rise rub shoulders with mu-

See ST.

REGIS page A-2

WHAT’S INSIDE

Detroit native helps train the Navy’s best pilots at

TOPGUN Root. B1

Forbes names Detroit to Top 10 ‘Coolest Cities' list

By Roz Edward

$1.00

Detroit, long known as the Motor City, and during more dire times the “Murder Capital," can add the moniker of “the Coolest City” to its image portfolio.

Forbes magazine, which recently released its Top 10 list of coolest cities to visit in 2018, named Detroit the number three urban locale, behind Louisville and Philadelphia.

According to Forbes, “Detroit’s renaissance is a testament to the city’s resilient, creative locals who’ve revived the once moribund metropolis and set the stage for a compelling, quirky place to explore.”

The article mentions the Heidelberg Project, described as “a remarkable outdoor art space, (that) has taken over vacant lots and abandoned homes, creating

beauty in an unexpected place.”

The impressive architecture of residential and commercial structures like the once opulent Michigan Central Train Station and the Inn on Ferry Street are, along with more contemporary gems like Shinola Detroit, “done (their) part to bring industry to the area and has expanded its offerings beyond watches and into an ambitious, and impressive, new hotel due to open soon."

Shinola and Detroit-based real estate company Bedrock will open the first Shinola Hotel, at 1400 Woodward Ave. in downtown Detroit. The boutique hotel is a new lifestyle concept which will combine the best of both brands – Shinola’s high-quality, American built craftsmanship and Bedrock’s development and urban revitalization expertise.

See DETROIT page A2

Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com •

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018

DETROIT SEVEN-DAY FORECAST SHOWERS

RAIN/WIND

PARTLY CLOUDY

SUNNY

SUNNY

RAIN/SNOW SHOWERS

SHOWERS

WED. FEB. 28 52°/38°

THUR. MARCH 1 42°/31°

FRI. MARCH 2 38°/24°

SAT. MARCH 3 40°/25°

SUN. MARCH 4 43°/29°

MON. MARCH 5 42°/35°

TUE. MARCH 6 43°/34°

REGIONAL NEWS GMAR Realtors® invest in restoring Northland Art Collection The Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors® (GMAR), a local trade group representing nearly 8,000 Realtors® across metro Detroit and based in Southfield, recently announced a partnership with the City of Southfield to provide grant dollars to restore pieces of the former Northland Mall Art Collection.

“It’s often said, ‘Realtors® sell communities, not just homes or properties,’ and at GMAR we believe that to be true. When buyers come to Realtors® in search of their new homes, one of the first things they consider about where to look is sometimes largely based on if there‘s a sense of community,” said James Iodice, President of GMAR. “We are grateful to GMAR for its willingness to help see this project come to fruition. In collaboration with the Southfield Arts Commission, we raised over $500,000 private dollars to purchase the Northland Art Collection—but these last few grant dollars will help us get over the finish line to display this beautiful art,” said Southfield Mayor Ken Siver.

“GMAR’s Placemaking Grants are really unique because it helps foster an environment where collaboration, from the bottom-up, can create vibrant gathering places,” said Vickey Livernois, Chief Executive Officer of GMAR. “Southfield has worked diligently to be an attractive city for buyers who are looking for a place to belong. The Northwestern Highway Pedestrian Plaza, where the art will be displayed upon completion, is the ideal Placemaking project for us because it’s creative and helps instill a sense of place amongst Southfield residents.”

To find out more information on the program or to apply for a grant, visit www.gmaronline.com/placemaking.

Publication No.: USPS 344-820

Detroit General Services Department to hold hiring fair to fill seasonal positions

By Meagan Wilson The City of Detroit will hold a hiring fair on Saturday, March 3, to fill 100 seasonal employment positions within the General Services Department (GSD). The jobs include vehicle operators as well as park maintenance workers who will help to keep the city’s network of neighborhood parks looking good.

The positions range in skill level as well as qualification requirements, but the city is making sure positions are available to returning citizens and those with other barriers to employment.

Seasonal jobs will begin in April and could end in September (unless summer temperatures carryover into the month of October at which time

employment will be extended). Job seekers who are interested must register to attend the job fair on March 3 at the Edison Public Library located at 18400 Joy Road and complete an online application at www.detroitmi.gov/employment. The job fair starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. For additional information, applicants can call 313 224-4419.

Job opportunities include: Vehicle Operator I

• Valid Commercial Driver License with Class A or B Designation & Air Brake Endorsement • Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving Starting Hourly $14.35/hour

Rate:

Laborer A/Park Maintenance Helper • Ability to understand and follow oral instructions • Valid State of Michigan Operator License, State Identification Card or D-ID Starting Hourly Rate: $10.14/hour

The event offers guests the opportunity to network with local business owners, residents and city of Southfield staff and elected officials. Tickets are $45 per person for Southfield chamber members, $50 for non-chamber members including lunch. Tickets purchased after March 1 are $50 per person for chamber members and $55 for non-chamber members. Tickets will not be available after March 14.

The 2018 Southfield State of the City Address is sponsored by the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Lawrence Technological University, the city of Southfield, Denso, St. John Providence, Ascension and The Better Business Bureau.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce at (248) 557-6661 or visit www.southfieldchamber.com.

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Burton Leland

From page A-1

vocacy law that gave car buyers a brand new replacement if a defect was found that could not be fixed.

“Today, we lost one of Michigan’s and Detroit’s most memorable political characters," Wayne County Commission Chairman Gary Woronchak said in a statement.

"Burton Leland was quirky and unfiltered, passionate and outspoken, and an outstanding public servant. He knew how to reach the people he represented and how to take good care of them."

Leland was born and raised in Detroit, gradu-

Detroit From page A-1

"While Detroit has seen the launch of new hotels over the last few years, we still see a gap in the boutique hotel market," said Dan Mullen, executive vice president, Bedrock. “The Shinola Hotel will be strategically located in the now burgeoning shopping district on Woodward Avenue. We know out-of-town visitors will appreciate the central location and unique experience the hotel will offer, while local Detroiters will want to stop in for a dinner or drink while shopping downtown."

Scout Hollow will be the only campground available in the City of Detroit, and will provide outdoor education opportunities not otherwise available to children in the city. The Kresge Foundation contributed $200,000 to prepare the 17-acre site and to help pay for sleeping bags, tents, and other camping gear.

Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a plated lunch with dessert at 12 noon and the State of the City Address at 12:30 p.m. The event will include Mayor Siver’s overview of the past year as well as his vision for the coming year and beyond. Lathrup Village Mayor Kelly Garret will also make brief remarks on Lathrup Village. The State of the City will include the annual update Mayor Kenson Siver from the Chamber of Commerce featuring Executive Director Tanya Markos-Vanno and the induction of the 2018 Chamber Board of Directors.

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Detroit Parks and Recreation is reopening the Scout Hollow campground in Rouge Park after a closure of more than 10 years. The campground will offer group camping for Detroit children. The project is funded by $200,000 from the Kresge Foundation. The funds will prepare the 17-acre site and pay for sleeping bags, tents, and other gear. “This is going to give the kids an experience not like any other they’ve been able to experience,” says Keith Flournoy, Detroit Parks Director.

Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver will deliver the 2018 State of the City address at the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Monday, March 19, at 12:30 p.m. at Shriners Silver Garden Event Center, 24350 Southfield Road.

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Southfield State of the City address set for Monday, March 19

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“These are very desirable seasonal positions that provide many workers the opportunity to work outdoors during the spring and summer,” said GSD Director Brad Dick. “For the park maintenance position, we are waiving the GED requirement to make these jobs available those who want to work, but may have difficulty finding someone to hire them.”

Detroit campground reopens after 10-year closure

37

WEEK’S BEST LOTTERY

St. ­Regis From page A-1

sical legends like Berry Gordy, Smoky Robinson and Stevie Wonder, has become a destination point for first-time and returning tourists as well as business travelers and corporate affairs.

The W. Grand Blvd. and Woodward community is bordered by the John C. Lodge, I-75 and I-94 freeways. Supporters at an election party for mayoral incumbent Mike Duggan noted that the New Center community is key to developing a Motown-Midtown intersection.

“The fact that it is located close to the last stop on the QLine adds to its attractiveness and the impact it can have on the area,” explained Saunders.

Architectural firm McIntosh Poris and Associates, whose most recent projects include converting the city’s downtown Fire Department Headquarters into the Detroit Foundation Hotel, have been contracted for the St. Regis project.

Connected by skywalk to the landmark Cadillac Place and Fisher build-

ings, the 124-room hotel’s $6 million renovation is expected to begin

by June.

Rockford Construction has been selected along with Kyle Evans Design will serve as project designer for the new lobby bar, as well as upgrades to guest rooms and the hotel conference center. A redesign of the already elegant La Musique will open up the space to the large exterior patio looking out onto W. Grand Blvd.

Hotel guests have included such notables as Noble Peace Prize winner Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to rock superstar Mick Jaeger and from the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin to President Bill Clinton.

“One of the features I like best about this hotel is that it is really a testament to the city,” said Valerie Shepherd. a regular St. Regis guest. “It's clear that the hotel has been treated with loving care, and the holiday soirees hosted by the Swansons are always great. There’s an outdoor park just across the boulevard and the proximity between the neighborhoods and downtown is just right.”

The Forbes article references “the palpable authenticity to Detroit,” an observation that is heard more frequently in every corner of residential and business development.

“Detroit is a global city with a proud history and people. Its full recovery depends on the strategic leveraging of all assets, including its legacy as one of the nation’s original centers for innovation and entrepreneurship, and its position on one of the richest trade crossings in the nation,” said Julie Egan, an Obama era deputy director of the White House’s Detroit Federal Working Group.

“It is time to tell the Detroit story, to put Detroit back on the global map, and to encourage innovators from around the world to come join the entrepreneurial movement in Detroit led by Detroiters. As the mayor of Detroit (Mike Duggan) said, entrepreneurs are rebels, and entrepreneurs from Detroit are extreme rebels.”

The Forbes Top 10 designation is especially noteworthy, considering that Detroit only emerged from bankruptcy three years ago, and since that

ating from Mumford High School. He earned a business degree from Wayne State University and a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan.

He entered politics in 1980 as a state representative. He later served in the state Senate. In 2006, he was elected to the Wayne County Commission.

Woronchak said Burton Leland was a warrior on the campaign trail "and on behalf of social justice for the most vulnerable among us.

“Most sadly, his family lost a husband and father, and I and many others lost a true and loyal friend.” time dozens of major development projects have been constructed around the city, encouraging expats to return and providing career opportunities and enhanced quality of living options for a growing number of young people.

The opening of the QLine and plans for extended mass transit services in the region have also helped generate billions in construction-related economic development projects along the Woodward Corridor and surrounding neighborhoods. Plans are under way for improving the transit system in Detroit, connecting with DDOT, SMART, the People Mover and Amtrak to give Detroiters easy access to work and leisure, as well as hospitals, shopping and educational institutions. Amazon officials cited the lack of regional transportation as a key factor in Detroit’s elimination as a contender for the retail giant’s new world headquarters.

The Top 10 Coolest Cities, listed in order of coolness, are Louisville.

KY; Philadelphia, PA; Detroit, MI; Savannah, GA; Portland, ME; Columbus, IN; Richmond, VA; Lancaster, PA; Baltimore, MD and San Antonio, TX.

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-3

Survey Says: African Americans open their wallets for family and friends despite daily financial concerns

Pension paybacks for Detroit district employees may show up in March

By Henry Ward

By Amanda Rahn

“I ain’t got it,” might be a common refrain in the African-American community. However, a new survey by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) reveals that African Americans are more likely to try to help family and friends financially – even if doing so could place them in a financially precarious position.

Chalkbeat

Thousands of Detroit district school employees may reap the benefits of a lawsuit over pension funding as soon as March.

School employees who worked for Detroit’s main district between 2010 and 2011 can expect refund checks in their mailboxes soon, district leaders say, but making sure the money ends up in the right place will be difficult.

The reimbursements are the outcome of a controversial move during Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s administration to withhold additional money from employees’ paychecks to pay for retiree health care benefits.

This new body of research reveals that nearly half (48 percent) of African Americans think about their financial well-being daily, the highest of any racial group polled by MassMutual. They are more likely to track spending, develop or revise budgets and track progress toward financial goals compared to their Caucasian counterparts.

However, in spite of financial concerns, the survey also reveals the vast majority (90 percent) believe it is important to look out for one another. More than 60 percent have supported someone in their community in time of financial stress. Almost a third (32 percent) have been supported by someone in times of their own financial stress.

MassMutual conducted the nationwide survey to explore the intersection of community involvement and financial well-being. While it reveals blacks and whites are almost equally as anxious about their current financial well-being (39 versus 38 percent, respectively), the major differences are their views toward community involvement and realities of financial support of others.

"Throughout history, African Americans have had to rely on each other – often times to survive," said Evan Taylor, African American market director, MassMutual. "Therefore it is not surprising that helping each other lies at the heart of their beliefs about community and finances. Although no strangers to tough economic times, sacrificing to support each other, particularly family and friends, is a huge part of black culture and community."

The survey reveals 80 percent of African Americans agree community involvement is important to their overall well-being compared to only 66 percent of whites.

When asked to define communities, family, friends and schools came in as the top three.

Religion, children, work/professional networks, and towns/city or region are also important, in that order.

"What this shows is what people care about and the philanthropic role of finances in their lives," said Taylor. "There is significant opportunity to adopt new attitudes, habits and actions to strengthen personal financial health as a way to build what can be shared with the communities most important to them."

Another interesting finding reveals how African Americans lag behind Caucasians in sharing information about their finances with other people (32 percent versus 55 percent, respectively).

"This indicates there is a need for African Americans to open up dialogue with each other and their communities about the steps necessary to build strong financial foundations and create generational wealth that can help the larger community in the long-term," added Taylor.

The survey was conducted online between September 7 through September 28, 2017, using a nationally representative sample of 10,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and above, including 720 African Americans.

Former state rep. Shanelle Jackson joins the field for Congressional Race On Friday, Feb. 23, Former State Representative Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit) formally announced her candidacy for U.S. Congress in Michigan’s13th Congressional District.

“I’m running for Congress because nearly fifty-percent of workers in Wayne County can’t afford basic necessities for their children after a forty-hour work week. That number is even higher among working Detroiters. In Wayne County we’ve gone from putting America on wheels, to needing Meals on Wheels- just to survive in many instances,” said Jackson. “No matter your gender, age or race, these are sad and unprecedented times for working people across the county. I’ll fight hard to get the federal resources we need to fix this now.”

Jackson, who was joined by family, friends, neighbors, clergy and community leaders for the announcement, said that she is proud to have the opportunity to make her announcement at Stef-N-Ty Coffee Shop. Community businesses like Stef-N-Ty Coffee Shop are the heart and soul of Detroit and they represent the entrepreneurial spirit that anchors our neighborhoods. “Small businesses not only provide jobs but they are real-life superhero’s who make a positive impact on communities every day.”

“I’m born and raised in Northwest Detroit and Western Wayne County has always been my home,” Jackson

For more information, call 313.963.5522 or

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said. “Our community is strong but we’re hurting. Now more than ever, we’ve got to have a voice in Congress that actually lives in the 13th district and knows our day-to-day struggles firsthand-because they’re living them too. The time for electing leaders based on family legacy, name-recognition or the ability to rouse a crowd is over,” said Jackson. “The 13th Congressional District deserves an experienced policymaker who’s savvy enough to navigate the Republican- led Congress and capable of securing the resources that we need to change lives here at home,” said Jackson. “As a State Rep. I created and passed strong laws that produced tangible results in Michigan.

In the private sector I’ve led the charge at my company to invest millions into Detroit and Romulus- helping put hundreds of everyday people to work in good paying jobs.”

“We need a Congresswoman with the energy, courage and strategic skills to effectively fight the Trump agenda; a woman who will clearly and unabashedly speak truth to power. I’m equipped and I’m ready to serve,” said Jackson.

The 13th Congressional District includes portions of Northwest Detroit as well as Ecorse, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, Romulus, Garden City, Redford Township, River Rouge, Wayne, Westland and a portion of Dearborn Heights.

The Michigan Supreme Court upheld a ruling by the state Court of Appeals that the withdrawals were unconstitutional. As a result, the state is giving back $550 million to school employees with interest. The amount employees get depends on what they were paid at the time, either 1.5 or 3 percent of their salary.

While every district in the state is charged with handling the refunds, the Detroit district has a larger burden, tasked with processing 13,416 refunds totaling $28.9 million.

Some of the employees no longer work for the district and do not have an updated address on file, the district said, so employees have been asked to update their information by Feb. 28.

Another challenge: The district is trying to fill five positions in the financial department, the area charged with issuing the checks.

Jeremy Vidito, the district’s chief financial officer, said the state did not allocate extra dollars for additional support staff to help with the task, so the department is working overtime to process the checks.

“It’s prioritizing,” he said.

“So there are items that we are going to push back to make sure this happens. It’s also … asking people to do more with less.”

Despite the challenges, the district said it plans to begin mailing checks starting the third week of March.

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Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018 | Page A-4

After Black History Month, let’s continue to fight for equality

By Virgie M. Rollins DNC Black Caucus Chair

When we think about black history, we rightly use it as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our nation. We honor scientists and entrepreneurs, artists and activists, public servants and individuals from all walks of life. We remember centuries of heroes who have broken down barriers of inequality — from those who shed blood for abolition and civil rights to today’s young people who made the election of Barack Obama possible and who continue to assert the fundamental truth that our black lives matter.

But we cannot be content with simply reflecting Virgie M. Rollins on the progress we’ve made. Black History Month is also an opportunity to recognize that our journey toward racial equality is far from complete. It’s a chance to confront the fact that the echoes of slavery still reverberate throughout our society.

the progress of the past, but to continue fighting for a brighter future. From Detroit to New Orleans to Atlanta, we’ve got to combat the relics of injustice that remain. And we must continue to expand opportunity and seek equality for the black communities that are failed by this administration every day.

That’s what the Democratic Party is doing every single day. We’re working to elect leaders who truly represent our communities and fight for the issues that matter to us. And as the Democratic National Committee’s Black Caucus chair, I know that African-American voters have long been critical to these efforts.

Just look at what happened two months ago in Alabama. Black voters proved once again why they are the backbone of our party. They turned out in record numbers, not only to reject an unapologetic racist, but to build a better future for all Alabamians by electing a true leader in Doug Jones.

Our victory in Alabama is yet another example of what happens when we invest early, organize in our communities and lead with our values. The DNC knows black voters are a force to be reckoned with at the ballot box, and that’s exactly why we invested nearly $1 million to Despite our great forward strides, help mobilize Alabama’s African-Amerisystemic discrimination persists in our can, millennial and faith communities.

We provided nation.

We transportasee it in courtrooms and “It pains me every day that our chil- tion to the for stuclassrooms, dren have to watch the president of the polls dents at a in doctors’ ofof fices and job United States on live television peddle number Historically interviews, at racist lies and give a platform to white Black Coltraffic stops leges and and awards supremacists.”

Universities ceremonies, (HBCUs) and in the air we breathe and the water we drink. And we engaged communities through calls, see it in the places we can and can’t live door knocking and digital outreach. due to residential segregation. For far And we deployed dozens of our own staff too many people, the American Dream and volunteers to Alabama to work with black leaders and organize voters. remains out of reach.

Our people understand that Trump and his corrupt White House are not looking out for our communities. We’ve seen this in every aspect of his presidency — from his efforts to keep people of color away from the ballot box to his policies that take away resources and health care from people who need it most. It pains me every day that our children have to watch the president of the United States on live television peddle racist lies and give a platform to white supremacists.

And in perhaps the most egregious offense of them all, his education secretary continues to fight for the status quo of inequality by weakening our public schools and threatening the intellectual growth of our children. By pushing cuts to federal education and financial aid, Betsy DeVos is effectively keeping our black daughters and sons locked out of a brighter future.

That’s why the best way to honor our black history is not to simply celebrate

Without question, Black voters are the reason Democrats won last year, and we’re the reason Democrats will keep winning in 2018.

If we want to protect our rights at the ballot box, we need to organize with Democrats. If we want to meaningfully reform our criminal justice system and law enforcement practices, we need to organize with Democrats. If we want to ensure that health care is a right, that we raise wages, create good-paying jobs and build an economy that works for everyone, we need to organize with Democrats. If we want to ensure our kids have a shot at a future on par with their white schoolmates, we need to organize with Democrats.

As proud black Americans, that’s how we honor Black History Month and that’s how we should continue to push for equality. That’s how we make a difference. That’s how we carry on the struggle to form a more perfect union.

Fifty years after Fair Housing Act, we still have a long way to go

By Jeffrey W. Hicks We have come a long way toward building black homeownership since the Fair Housing Act was signed into federal law 50 years ago. In commemorating that milestone, we recognize and emphasize that, with fewer than half of black Americans owning their homes, we still have a long way to go to reach economic parity through black homeownership.

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) has advocated for black American homeownership since it was founded on the principle of “Democracy in Housing” in 1947. We were at the forefront and in the trenches of this movement prior to April 11, 1968, when this act signaled a new Jeffrey W. Hicks level of commitment to self-determination and empowerment for black people.

NAREB was there, active in ensuring that the law passed. Today, we continue working to ensure that fair and equitable treatment for black Americans under the law remains intact as we work to increase homeownership in black communities, nationwide.

The importance of the Fair Housing Act cannot be overemphasized as vital to the journey to full fair housing for all Americans. Recognizing this history helps to fortify us for the next stage of this ongoing movement. The obstacles to achieving fair housing may have changed over the past 50 years, but NAREB remains vigilant and ready to challenge any institutional and systemic barriers to increasing the rates of affordable and sustainable homeownership for black Americans.

We recognize the challenges. Today, black homeownership is at a very low 42 percent. At its peak in 2004, bhomeownership stood at 49 percent. We’re working to return to and surpass that level.

“Democracy in Housing” represents something far different today — the systemic obstacles of increasingly economically-segregated communities. We fully understand that de jure segregation and institutional racism remain pervasive problems throughout the United States.

We will continue to use all available tools in 2018 and in the future to increase black homeownership as a pillar of the American Dream. We will keep advocating for supportive policies and educate our community about the inter-generational wealth-building power of homeownership.

NAREB will host a series of events and activities throughout 2018 to educate and inspire the public about the never-ending struggle for equality and true Democracy in housing. Our continuing movement to increase black homeownership signals our unshakable conviction that this pillar of the American Dream is still achievable, desirable and affordable for African Americans.

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (NAREB) was founded in Tampa, Florida, in 1947 as an equal opportunity and civil rights advocacy organization for black American real estate professionals, consumers and communities in America. The purpose of NAREB is to enhance the economic improvement of its members, the community at large and the minority community that it serves. Although composed primarily of black Americans, the association embraces all qualified real estate practitioners who are committed to achieving our vision of “Democracy in Housing.” For more information, visit www.nareb.com.

Jeffrey W. Hicks is the 30th president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher ■ CATHY NEDD Associate Publisher ROZ EDWARD Managing Editor SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

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LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

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Quote of the Week

“We’re going to fight against this president and his racism, and for fairness and justice.

We’re going help this country move to the point where they’re going to get rid of this president.”

— Rep. Maxine Waters

In response to DPD Chief James Craig’s support for armed teachers

By Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo Recently, Detroit Police Chief James Craig gave an interview stating that he felt some Detroit teachers should be armed in schools, in the wake of the shooting in Parkland, Florida. In response, state Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: I do not even know where to begin with the absurdity of Chief Craig’s as- Sherry Gay-Dagnogo sertion because it is an emotional, and ultimately not well thought out, response. Regardless of how well-trained any particular teacher or staff member may be, there is simply no evidence to support that they would be useful in that kind of situation. An educator’s excellence is dependent on the trust they build with their students, and it is impossible for any person that emotionally invested to predict how they would react if someone — especially, God forbid, one of their own

students — walked into school with a gun.

Further, I’m not sure where he thinks we should get the funding for these weapons when we’ve been told there isn’t money to fix schools that are quite literally falling apart. As the leading law enforcement agent representing the city of Detroit, these type of statements are irresponsible. His message should reflect greater concern for children’s safety by lobbying for roofs that don’t crumble, heating that works and by all means, the mental health services that our entire country can benefit from.

As Chief Craig saw himself last month with the tragic death of Officer Glenn Doss, the good guy with the gun does not always win. To propose that we preemptively bring weapons into school in the arms of our teachers is a knee-jerk reaction to a devastating and complicated issue. It is not what our students need, and I will continue to push back against anyone who says otherwise.

I’m thankful for the students all across America who are courageous enough to lift their voices to discuss what truly makes them safe, and look forward to welcoming the Detroit delegation to our Capitol on March 14.

Stronger gun laws not the answer

By Raynard Jackson (NNPA Newswire Columnist)

Here we go again. Another school massacre and another overreaction by liberals who want to play politics with the Second Amendment.

On Valentine’s Day, 17 students were murdered by a former classmate at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, a small community west of Boca Raton.

As tragic as the murders were, sometimes I am confused by the way people react to tragedies.

In the aftermath of a mass shooting, many people want the government to immediately pass new Raynard Jackson gun control laws.

The hard truth is that there is nothing the government can do to protect you from tragedies like the horrific massacre in Parkland.

Tragedy, by definition is, “an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe.”

Sometimes good people are beset by tragedies, randomly and without warning.

If you ban guns, do you really think violent tragedies will go away? One need look no further than Japan to find the answer. In Japan, it is illegal to possess, carry, sell or buy guns. So, it is extremely rare, if ever, for a shooting death to occur there.

For example, in 2014, Japan had six gun related deaths compared to 33,599 in the U.S. In 2016, however, 19 people were killed and 26 injured in a stabbing massacre in Tokyo, which was Japan’s deadliest mass killing since World War II. In 2008, a man ran over a group of people with his truck and then stabbed 18, killing seven in Tokyo’s Akihabara gaming district. In 2001, eight children were killed when a former employee entered an elementary school in Osaka and stabbed them to death.

So, the point is that even if guns were outlawed in the U.S., a person determined to commit an act of violence will always find a weapon of choice to unleash their diabolical schemes.

Irresponsible mainstream media outlets take advantage of these crises, broadcasting the anguish and misery of distraught family members to boost their ratings. As they say, “If it bleeds, it leads.”

Let’s game out one of the liberal arguments that outlawing guns is the solution to these mass shootings, that seem to happen with more frequency.

So, Japan has outlawed guns. Now, killers in that country use knives and

cars to inflict massive carnage upon their fellow citizens.

If the U.S. outlawed guns and preemptively banned, let’s say, ice picks and utility knives, then individuals who are committed to killing other people will simply use whatever else they can get their hands on. Cars and trucks might become the weapons of choice.

Should we ban them too? If we go down that road, where will it end?

What liberals refuse to address is the lack of values and morality in our society. Religion instills in a society a sense of right and wrong and demands some type of structure in our lives, but liberals have run prayer out of our nation’s schools, and any mentions or references to God in the public square are questioned, mocked or maligned.

Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, can anyone legitimately argue that the Ten Commandments are not good standards for any society to live by? Thou shalt not murder, lie, covet, etc.

In American society today, many people have bought into the notion that man, not God, is the measure of all things. There are no rules. No restraints. American society has cast the traditional nuclear family by the wayside. For liberals, normal is whatever you feel like doing at any given moment.

Liberal Hollywood elites, the most vociferous advocates for gun control, refuse to take responsibility for the violence and lack of morals that are constant themes in their movies and TV shows. Most of them won’t acknowledge the negative effects that their industry has on the minds of young people.

The result is generations of children who become desensitized to violence and mayhem, who then lash out in real life, without ever considering the repercussions of their actions.

These kids don’t wake up one day and decide to go on murderous rampages at their schools simply because someone picked on them during lunch or they experienced a bad breakup. We have all gone through that as teenagers and young adults and we got through it without killing and maiming dozens of our classmates.

What is different now? Today, it’s very hard to get teenagers and young adults to think critically about the world they live in. No one wants to accept personal responsibility for anything that happens in their lives; everyone gets a trophy; everything bad that happens to them is someone else’s fault.

The State of Florida and the FBI are going to spend millions of dollars trying to figure out why this kid killed students and faculty members at that school in Parkland. In reality, there are no simple solutions to most problems that we wrestle with as a society.

Unfortunately, sometimes bad things happen to good people, and banning guns won’t change that.

Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future (BAFBF).

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-5

African American employees play a major role in freeing detained immigrants

By Curtis Bunn Urban News Service

T-Ann Johnson saved a client’s life.

That’s when she knew the job was more than just a job.

It was a calling.

Saving lives was not in the job description. But, as Director of Empower and Serve by Nexus, it came naturally as one would drink water when thirsty, an intricate part of the established work culT-Ann Johnson ture.

The former co-founder of On The Wings of Angels Ministry, which helped women offenders reenter society, Johnson functions as much as a social worker as an administrator, and, often as a blessed angel.

“We give people hope where there is none,” she said when asked to explain her job. That simple sentence defines the nature—and reward—of what she does.

Johnson is one of more than 200 employees in 20 cities that work under the umbrella of Libre by Nexus, the controversial but wildly successful bonding company that has revolutionized the trade by using ankle bracelet GPS tracking devices to keep up with clients. The company – which has bonded out more than 20,000 people, many of them un-

documented immigrants – charges $120 a week, which critics have deemed too much.

While their use of innovative technology has received wide attention, Libre by Nexus’s employees insist their more important contribution to the bail bond business is their human touch.

Through hiring practices focused on developing a diverse and caring workforce and programs aimed at helping clients once they are back on the streets, Libre

by Nexus claims it is not just interested in getting clients out but helping them move on and up.

Johnson cited the case of a client named “Michael” that she met over the phone and grew to be close enough that she calls him friend. He had a $1,000 bond for an offense Johnson could not identify.

In minutes, she contacted a bails bondsman to get him released.

“Now, that’s not how we ordinarily work. But there was something in my heart about Michael,” she said. “I just decided we’d do all the paperwork on the back end.”

Johnson said she appreciates that empathy is part of her job description.

Sometime later, Michael’s father died; his emotional state led him to commit another crime, Johnson said. “He called me and said, ‘T-Ann, I’m in trouble.’ “ Johnson said she went with the client to turn himself in. And when he appeared in court, she testified as a character witness. She explained to the judge that Michael would be in the Nexus

program, which helps offenders regroup and reenter society through counseling and services, which would be better for him than prison.

“The judge agreed,” she said, “that working with me, with us [was a solid option]. Instead of getting up to 20 years in prison, he served 90 days. And now he’s made extraordinary leaps in his life.”

Stories similar to Johnson’s are plentiful at Libre by Nexus. “We build relationships with clients,” Johnson said.

Co-founder Michael Donovan has intentionally created this culture. First, his national staff is very diverse, an all-American mix of whites, like him as well as African-Americans, like Johnson, Mexicans, Africans, Hondurans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and others.

At their 2017 company retreat in Orlando resembled a United Nations session. Many staffers are immigrants or the children of immigrants, so they, too, have an up-close-and-personal perspective on the challenges that come with being detained. His staff also include ex-offenders, the idea being they will have the deep empathy required to extend themselves to help clients, having been incarcerated.

“If they have been to jail, they are more likely to get an interview than not,” said Donovan, who founded the company after spending seven months in jail for writing bad checks. He could not afford bail and was freed only when, in a deal, he pleaded guilty to several felony counts after seven months.

“We are all governed by systems,” Donovan said at the retreat. “But we are in a system built by people who think far differently from us. It’s a system based on racism, segregation and genocide ... .

We’re here to change the system.”

Libre by Nexus has vaulted to the top of criminal bonding business in part because of its innovative GPS tracking system for clients. Detractors have complained about the cost of the ankle bracelets ($120) and their size. But Donovan co-founder Richard Moore announced the company was using new, lighter ankle bracelet and wrist GPS devices that resemble a FitBit. All that aside, what makes the company work are the people who work there.

“I never heard of the U.S. as a place of incarceration, but I was detained as soon as I set foot here at the airport in Newark (N.J.),” said Fernando Manu, from the Congo in Africa, a former United Nations worker. “After three months, Libre bailed me out, ending my torture.”

Soon after, Manu was hired by Libre

by Nexus as a new client case worker.

“The best thing that could happen to me,” he said, “because I care about the people who call us. People need people who treat them like humans and who understand what it’s like to be in jail.

I’m able to give them the hope they need to keep going. I spend as much time on the phone with them as possible, to offer them comfort.

“I go home after work with peace in my mind because I know what if feels like to be helped when you had no hope.”

House Democrats unveil Building Opportunity agenda

By Amelia Beard House Democrats unveiled their Building Opportunity agenda at a press conference in the Capitol Building, outlining their key priorities for 2018. The Democrats’ Building Opportunity agenda calls for a new focus on working families, prioritizing legislation that would drive the state economy forward and give Michiganders the freedom to build the life they want, with the good-paying jobs they need to support their families and retire comfortably.

“After seven years of missed opportunities and mismanagement in Lansing, Michigan families deserve the opportunity to build a better life for themselves,” said House Democratic Leader Sam Singh. “For nearly a decade, special interest groups have rigged the system against working Michiganders,

and House Democrats are ready to fix that. We’re fighting for our shared values and the things families care about: better roads, better schools, a better economy that works for us all.

Our plan gives families the freedom and opportunity to build a life that allows all Michiganders to thrive.”

House Democrats outlined four major initiatives for the year: Building an economy that works for everyone — Increased training for workers to learn the 21st century skills they need for the good-paying jobs they want, putting Michigan workers and companies first, supporting the small, neighborhood businesses that fuel our local economies, and fighting for a better deal on taxes that ensures everyone pays their fair share.

Making healthcare affordable

— Supporting families by tackling skyrocketing prescription drug costs, protecting seniors by ensuring they are able to retire with dignity, and protecting the Healthy Michigan program.

Supporting student success — Providing a quality education through the support of great educators, reining in classroom sizes and giving students the freedom to choose their path in life by offering a community college promise to all Michigan residents.

Building quality infrastructure — Fixing local roads while creating good-paying jobs, expanding and strengthening broadband access for families in every corner of the state, and holding corporations that pollute our natural resources accountable.

“The Snyder-Schuette administration has allowed Republican leadership in this

state to continuously rob working families of the opportunity for success,” said House Democratic Floor Leader Christine Greig (D-Farmington Hills).

“House Democrats know that together, we’re capable of building something different. That starts with prioritizing the needs of everyday Michiganders, not special interests and corporate donors. The things we’re fighting for won’t just help families today, they’ll strengthen Michigan tomorrow.”

In 2017, House Democrats released plans to lower skyrocketing prescription drug costs, protect seniors and people with pre-existing conditions from health care cuts coming from Washington, and give Michigan-owned businesses and their workers a fair shot at contracts with state and local governments. In the coming months, House Democrats

will introduce legislation to support their Building Opportunity agenda, including a community college promise, tools to support small businesses, protection for Healthy Michigan and an infrastructure plan that actually fixes Michigan roads while creating thousands of good-paying jobs and driving the economy forward.

“For too long the scales have been tilted in favor of special interests groups,” said state Rep. Fred Durhal III (D-Detroit), Democratic vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “This state has been prioritizing the success of the few at the expense of the many, placing an undue burden everyday Michiganders. House Democrats want to reverse that.

We’re putting working families first and fighting for the things they need most to be successful.”

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Heart to Heart: Let’s talk about cardiovascular disease

By Dr. Tiffany Sanford Chief Medical Officer at The Wellness Plan Medical Centers

The month of February is all about love, from Valentines circulating school classrooms to chocolates on display in every convenience store. This year, The Wellness Plan Medical Centers is challenging metro Detroiters to push the conversation further and talk about our hearts a little differently. February is also American Heart Month, and there is no better time to get a dialogue going with our loved ones about how they can be the healthiest version of themselves.

Heart disease is the leading global cause of death, and nearly every one of us — whether directly or through a loved one — is affected by the disease.

According to the American Heart Association, an average of one person every 38 seconds Dr. Tiffany Sanford dies of heart disease in the United States. We have the power to change that statistic by raising awareness and taking preventive measures for ourselves and our loved ones. The following are simple steps everyone can take to improve heart health.

Stay Active This preventive measure is an obvious one, but exercising — even for just 90 minutes a week — can do wonders for keeping your heart healthy at any age. Take it even further by working out most days for 30 minutes or more, and it will encourage weight loss, improve your cholesterol and lower your blood pressure — all major factors in heart health.

Have Regular Wellness Exams Although heart disease is more apparent the older you get, having scheduled, reoccurring medical checkups is a great way to monitor your health at any age. Having this exam helps improve rates of early detection of any health issues that may arise.

Know Your Family History Having a relative with heart disease increases your risk, so sitting down with a family member to go through your family tree will be helpful in knowing if you are at greater risk. When you learn your family history of illness, it is important to tell your doctor so they can monitor your heart health accordingly.

Take it Easy Being stressed out from work, relationships or any other life choice is not only exhausting, it’s bad for your heart health. Stress raises your blood pressure and your heart rate, which can have negative long-term effects on your heart. Eliminate the stressful aspects in your life, or practice calming exercises like mindfulness and meditation to reduce unnecessary stress on you and your heart.

Learn the Warning Signs

Petty Officer 2nd Class Maryam Thomas

– Photo by Gary Ward, senior chief mass communication specialist

Detroit native helps train the Navy’s best pilots at TOPGUN

By Lt. Bridget Mitchell Navy Office of Community Outreach

In Nevada’s high desert is the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center, home to the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center and it’s Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, known to the world as TOPGUN. A 2001 Southeastern High School graduate and Detroit native is part of the Navy’s finest aviation fighter training facility in the world.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Maryam Thomas is an aviation ordinanceman working with the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center stationed aboard Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada.

A Navy aviation ordnanceman is responsible for storing, servicing, inspecting and handling all types of weapons and ammunition on Navy aircraft.

“I joined the Navy to discover new opportunities and find a career outside of Detroit,” said Thomas.

TOPGUN began 48 years ago with the determination of nine pilots, the skepti-

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke or a heart attack can help you determine if you or a loved are in danger. Not everyone experiences the chest tightness and body numbness that most people associate with a heart attack. Ensure you are educated on all the warning signs, including face drooping, difficulty with speech or shortness of breath.

Five Detroit nonprofits have been chosen as finalists in a competition for $50,000 in free business help, and now it’s up to each to see who can best tell their organization’s story in just five minutes.

In addition to showing your loved ones extra affection this month, keep these preventive measures in mind and start a dialogue about heart health with those you care about. If each one of us is conscientious of signs and symptoms, together we can eliminate heart disease as the leading cause of death in the world.

The finalists are Clark Park Coalition, Build Institute, Detroit Horsepower, Mosaic Youth Theatre and the Detroit Food Academy. Representatives from each group will highlight the good that they do for the community during the March 15 Impact Squared Story Slam created by JFM Consulting Group.

cism of the government and almost no budget as history would recall. In the early years it turned the tide of a losing air war in Vietnam, revolutionized military doctrine, inspired a Hollywood blockbuster and attracted and trained the best allied pilots and air crew from all over the world.

Thomas plays a crucial role in the overall mission that flies over 5,000 adversary sorties per year in support of the Navy and Marine Corps Active and Reserve fleet and replacement squadrons, carrier air wings and marine aircraft groups including the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard and Canadian Forces.

“Nowhere in the world does the Navy have the ability to train as we do in NAS Fallon,” said NAS Fallon Commanding Officer Capt. David Halloran. “The Navy specifically chose NAS Fallon as the location for TOP GUN and the Naval Special Warfare Tactical Ground Mobility Training Center because of the desert climate, mountainous terrain and ranges available in northern Nevada. Every Carrier Air Wing and Navy Seal Team is required

to receive the essential training provided here prior to being deployed in theater.”

According to Navy officials, TOPGUN is highly competitive and exposes Navy and Marine Corps pilots to the most demanding training scenarios in fighter aviation led by some of the most talented pilots in the world. Each pilot is hand-selected for air-to-air and air-to-ground training and subsequently, as a TOPGUN instructor.

“Several of my family members have served in the Navy,” said Thomas. “I also am proud of the Navy Achievement Medal I received.”

Thomas also said they are proud to serve at the center of excellence for naval aviation, training and tactics development.

The future of U.S. aviation depends on the Navy’s ability to achieve their vision for defeating tomorrow’s air threats with the support of the ground crews and pilots.

“Serving in the Navy means sacrificing some of my personal liberties so that others can continue having theirs,” added Thomas.

Select nonprofits participate in special event The 6-8 p.m. event at the Gem Theatre in Detroit will be free and open to the public.

Audience members along with judges will help pick three winners who will each receive thousands of dollars’ worth of business help donated by multiple local small businesses.

The Detroit Food Policy Council, one of last year’s winners, was helped by three businesses with strategic planning, marketing and branding and fund development.

“Impact Squared has given us access to services and information that will help

strengthen our organization as we continue our work to ensure that Detroit’s food system supports residents’ physical and economic health in an equitable way,” explained Winona Bynum, the program’s executive director. “It has also given us tools to connect more effectively with more Detroit­ ers.”

Businesses that are providing services to the winning nonprofits are: • Beyond a Logo • The McMillion Group • Christie S. Peck & Associates

• McConnell Communications • Tellis & Company • Trent Creative “The Impact Squared Story Slam is a fun evening that shines a well-deserved light on the contributions of Detroit’s nonprofit community, and also highlights how committed our small businesses are to the city,” said Jane Fran Morgan, president of JFM Consulting. “Without them, Impact Squared would not be possible.”

For more information, go to www.jfmconsulting.net.

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New program for high school diplomas, career opportunities launches in Michigan

By Amelia Beard A new, state-funded initiative is launching for Michigan residents who do not have a high school diploma.

The goal is to provide a flexible, well-supported and educationally meaningful path to living wage jobs and career advancement for adults 23 years of age or older — at no charge — through the Michigan 23+ Adult Diploma and Training Program (“Michigan 23+” for short.)

“Nearly three-quarters of a million Michigan adults over the age of 23 haven’t graduated from high school. That’s a population greater than the entire city of Detroit,” said Ron Klausner, CEO of Graduation Alliance which has partnered with Michigan’s Talent Investment Agency (TIA) to facilitate the program.

“These people have such promise, and this program is all about unleashing that potential.”

Robotics programming expands in DPSCD

By Donald James

eastern.

Special to the Chronicle

“We want as many students as possible to have access to great programs like FIRST that will build their interest in STEM careers,” said Roger Curtis, who serves as co-chair of the FIRST Robotics World Championships Detroit Steering Committee. “When you watch a competition and see the excitement and the partnerships with experts working in the fields, you know you are watching the next generations of our state’s engineers and leaders.”

In its quest to better prepare students for the vast opportunities associated with robotics, STEM and other technological disciplines and advancements, Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) has continued to expand its robotics programming. Thanks to the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotic grant presented recently by the Michigan Department of Education, DPSCD students will be more involved in inquiry-based and hands-on learning through robotic clubs.

The $112,000 grant helps to defray the costs for hands-on robotics kits and afteeschool coaches to oversee robotics clubs. The grant and other monetary streams within DPSCD have paved the way for the number of robotics clubs in the district to increase from 17 last year to 53.

“Our vision is to prepare our students to be competitors in a global economy, and having them participate in robotics programs accomplishes that goal,” said DPSCD Superintendent Nikolai Vitti.

“Our ultimate goal is to offer this type of programming to every student districtwide. This commitment excites our parents and the business community which is yearning for future employees with STEM skills.”

A robotics showcase and demonstration was held recently at Greenfield Union Elementary-Middle School on W. 7 Mile Rd. in Detroit. This was a precursor to the 2018 FIRST Robotics World Championships, to be held April 25–28 at Cobo Center. The World Championships are expected to draw approximately 60,000 students and 700 teams from across the country.

DPSCD is slated to enter 53 robotics teams into the national competition. Each team is comprised of eight students. DPSCD is already home to the award-winning all-female robotics team at Detroit International Academy for Young Women, Cass Tech and South-

FIRST was formed in 1989. Its mission is to engage students in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, as well as foster well-rounded life capabilities, including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

Graduation Alliance provides schools and communities across the nation the resources and support needed to help individuals reach their educational and career goals.

“It is critical that in today’s economy that everyone have a high school diploma or equivalent,” said Wanda M. Stokes, director, TIA. “There are fantastic career opportunities available to everyone if they make the effort to take advantage of programs such as those being offered by Graduation Alliance.”

During the first year of the program, Graduation Alliance will offer a free high school diploma pathway as well as unique opportunities for those interested in construction and healthcare professions.

The program is currently open to adults age 23 and older who have completed at least tenth grade.

“We know from our work with students across the country that they leave school for all sorts of reasons,” Klausner said. “These individuals were

At Cooke S.T.E.M. Academy, on the city’s west side, students in grades 3 through 6 are being prepared to meet the demand of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). They are also learning to build and program robots.

“They have discussions and video lessons about real world usage of robotics such as Amazon’s packing and shipping process and how robots can impact productivity,” said Karlyn Singleton, a DPSCD educational technology instructional specialist. “Technology has become an integral part of the 21st-century classroom, and I strive to make sure students use technology tools and resources as a means to enhance the learning process and differentiate instruction beyond the textbook.”

Buffalo Soldiers celebrate 25-year anniversary The American Veterans (AMVET) Colin L. Powell Post #910 were bequeathed with the former U.S. Secretary of State’s name 25 years ago. The AMVETS are men and women who have retired from the U.S. Armed Forces and have continued to serve their country by volunteering and assisting those in need. The AMVETS have vol-

Students interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare sector have the opportunity to take advantage of Graduation Alliance’s training resources, post-secondary pathways and employer relationships to jump start their careers.

Those interested in the construction trades will be able to earn a free industry-recognized credential through the National Center for Construction Education and Research and begin employment in some of Michigan’s most in-demand jobs.

“There is a tremendous need for more people who have a foundational education that prepares them for work in the skilled trades,” said Jimmy Greene, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. “The jobs that are available are great ones that pay a living wage for work that is enjoyable and fulfilling.”

The Michigan 23+ program is based, in part, on a similar program in Ohio that has given thousands of adults an opportunity to earn their high school diploma.

For more information on enrollment, visit Michigan23.com or call 248-6004094.

About Graduation Alliance Since 2007, Graduation Alliance has given schools and communities across the nation the resources and support needed to help individuals reach their educational and career goals. In partnership with school districts, local governments, non-profits, workforce development boards and community colleges, Graduation Alliance develops highly effective alternative education and workforce training programs.

For more information about Graduation Alliance, visit www.graduationalliance.com.

Currently, 39 DPSCD schools are home to robotics and/or FIRST LEGO League programs/teams, and district robotics and STEM programs are not only for high school students. FIRST Lego League teams are comprised of students from first through fifth grades, with each team, and their adult coaches, charged with researching and solving common world problems.

Subsequently, the teams design, build and program a robot using a Lego Mindstorms Kit.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority appreciation dinner On the Feb. 11, the Michigan State Greek sorority organization led by State Director Tonia Jenkins hosted a surprise appreciation dinner to honor all Zetas and Amicae that have served our country.

The event was held at St. John’s Banquet and Conference Center in Southfield.

The program recognized women in the military by way of videos that showcased their dedication and service to this country. Each honoree received for their courageous service a gift of grati-

By Amelia Beard

so close to reaching an important educational milestone. We’re going to help them get across the finish line.”

unteered at hospitals, churches and throughout the community.

The organization celebrated its 25th anniversary this month at the Northwest Activities Center.

AMVETS is the most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization which represents the interests of 20 million veterans and their families.

tude shadow box.

To complete the special occasion, the youth auxiliary of Inkster presented a tribute of military history followed by the honorees receiving a finer salute from the members of the Michigan State Organization and the youth auxiliary.

Every wife, mother, daughter, friend and sister who served is recognized as a hero and thanked for their service.

In the words of “As a Man Thinketh” author James Allen, “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”

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Detroit Sip serves coffee, pours hope Lauren Hood Neighbors Staff Writer

Jevona Watson pleads guilty of doing what most people do in their neighborhoods.

“As a resident, I too have been guilty of minding my own business to the detriment of the community,” says Watson, an attorney, who decided to do something to improve the Bagley neighborhood on Detroit’s west side where she has lived since 2005.

She opened a coffee shop—Detroit Sip—to “bring people together over a cup of coffee.”

Initially, she simply wanted to give University of Detroit Mercy and Marygrove students a reason to venture outside of their gated communities to truly experience the neighborhood.

“Pretty early on, I realized the potential that the coffee shop had to do so much more,” she says.

Her vision became a reality in November when Detroit Sip, located at 7420 W. McNichols, opened to much fanfare.

Since the grand opening, which attracted hundreds, she struggles to attract a steady clientele.

By Roz Edward

“I find stability and safety in my 9-5, but I now recognize that there’s an inexplicable freedom and gratification in being a business owner in my actual neighborhood,” she says. “I feel a moral obligation to be an active contributor. It feels good to see the pieces come together.”

— Owner, Jevona Watson But she’s fulfilling the vision of being more than a coffee shop. Various functions are held there regularly.

Students from the colleges tutor neighborhood kids. The space acts as a kind of undercover catalyst for economic development as pop-up shops and local vendors periodically offers goods and services there.

A couple recent examples: Restaurateur hopefuls Tamu and Charles McKaye hosted a sampling of their sweet and savory crepes for their catering company and creperie, Crepe City. The event helped raise funds for their own brick and mortar.

A writers workshop, free and open to the public, was held last Saturday (Feb. 24). It offered residents help with a variety of writing styles from “from resumes to rap,” says workshop facilitator writer Khary Frazier.

Watson, who works fulltime as an attorney in family court in Macomb County, says she has wanted to offer such a place since 2004. She saw the power of coffee shops to bring diverse people together when she lived in East Lansing.

Making that dream a reality required courage to step out of her comfort zone, commitment to stick to it through challenges and support from family, friends and nonprofits that support local entrepreneurs.

Among those who assisted was her close friend Ernest Smith of American Property Management Services, who did a lot of the remodeling and construction work. He continues to pitch in, even learning to make lattes and cappuccinos.

Her two teenaged children can sometimes be found working in the shop as well.

Working at Detroit Sip balances her legal work.

“In my legal career, I see a lot of broken people dealing with broken pieces trying to navigate an imperfect system.

The coffee shop brings me gratification when I see pieces come together, connections being made , strangers sitting at tables together , mindsets about Detroit and its people being changed.”

The business requires sacrifices, especially her time and money. But she has no regrets.

“As I continue to grow older and wiser, I appreciate that everything we do in life has a price. The sacrifices that we make are pretty accurate illustrations of our priorities and the price that we are willing to pay for them.”

“I work hard but for the first time in my adult life I’m in love with my work.

Successful retailer and brand expert Clement “Fame” Brown of Three Thirteen apparel is on an upward trajectory … professionally and personally.

Already a tour de force in the world of fashion retail, the confident designer has established himself and his brand as true to life representatives of Detroit style.

“I started making and selling clothes in the city of Detroit when I was 12,” explained Brown, who at 38 looks young for his age, but is infinitely wise beyond his years. “I started out in my parents’ basement and sold clothes in school and around the neighborhood, first on foot and then out of the trunk of my car. By the time I was in my twenties I was experiencing tremendous success.”

Brown’s entrée into entrepreneurship and putting the Three Thirteen brand on the map is an African American success story in and of itself. The polished professional makes mentoring and small business development with his peers an important factor in his equation for success.

“I think people innately take pride in how they dress and their demeanor, and in where it comes from,” explains Brown about the spin on Detroit’s 313 area code. “Most of the brands that we carry are local brands, and there are some national brands.” Detroit statement wear fans will appreciate the shelves of the phenomenally popular Detroit vs. Everybody gear, Detroit Hustles Harder street wear along with

Clement “Fame” Brown, owner of Three Thirtreen — Korry Woods photos some of the more obscure brands like Filthy Americans and the iconic What Up Doe line.

In January, a group of less enterprising millennials drove a van through the front of the store in the commission of a burglary. And while Brown and his band of entrepreneurs suffered damages to the building and business, along with a hit on the inventory – much of it consisting of handmade goods and products – they’re not discouraged. In fact, Three Thirteen will open a second store on Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion in

the upcoming weeks. “Yes, the breakin was a dramatic event, but the bigger story is the number of customers and community members who contacted me before I even knew we had been robbed,” says the well-respected shop owner. “People felt compelled to reach out to me and have some ‘dialogue,” he noted.

Determination as well as perseverance are hallmark of his success, Brown is distinguished among his

See THREE

THIRTEEN page B4

National Business League and SBA cut red tape for African-American entrepreneurs

By Curtrise Garner Cutting the red tape, or at least limiting the amount of red tape, is what the partnership between the National Business League and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Michigan District is all about. The two organizations signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum, an agreement to assist African-American entrepreneurs with all aspects of business, but particularly credit and financing, two key components that are imperative to help a business thrive and grow.

Dr. Kenneth Harris, CEO of the National Business League (formerly the Michigan Black Chamber) and Constance Logan, district director, SBA Michigan Office, signed the New Strategic Alliance memorandum and both stated their commitment to helping African-American businesses grow and prosper.

“I always say that Booker T. Washington had it right” said Harris. “The National Business League is a 118-year old business that has access to 29 million black businesses. This merger is a chance to put Armor-All® on it. A

Dr. Kenneth L. Harris, CEO, National Business League, Inc. and Constance Logan, District Director, SBA Michigan District Office sign a Strategic Alliance Memorandum to show their commitment to provide assistance to African-American businesses. From left: Mark Hands, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Logan, Harris and Rob Scott, Regional Administrator, SBA Region V. national platform is in place today that sparks an agreement with government and a way to deploy resources, which is our objective.”

the number of loans granted to African Americans was very low in proportion to overall loans.

Harris said that a few years ago there was a survey that showed that

See ENTREPRENEURS page B4

In 2017, the SBA granted 81 loans

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-4

small business spotlight

Big Three Auto keeps it in the family

By Branden Hunter If he would not put the car in his own driveway, Big Three Auto President Kevin Miller Sr. will not put it in yours. He prides himself in selling the best pre-owned vehicles possible, since he started the business in 2001 with sons Kevin Jr. and Rofeal.

Hence the name “Big Three.” It is a true blackowned family business in Detroit, which has been a staple on East Eight Mile Road near the corner of Kelly Road.

“I wouldn’t want to be in business with anyone else,” said Rofeal Miller, who is the sales manager.

“People think that you can’t go into business with your family but we have defied that. With my father and older brother, there is no shady business or backstabbing. We are dedicated to serving our community and selling quality cars.”

Medical

Not only do the owners of Big Three Auto value their strong family bond but they also value their customers as family. Without the consumer, there is no business. And since a large percentage of their business is through referrals, the satisfaction of every person who comes to buy a car is put first.

Big Three Auto also prides themselves in serving the community. The Miller family hails from Detroit and they have kept their car business in the same

Entrepreneurs From page B-3 to Michigan-based black businesses for a total of $14,370,100.

In 2016, the organization granted 52 loans, totaling $8,278,200.

Comparatively, the SBA granted 2,700 loans overall in 2017 for a total of $1.087 billion.

Although the numbers for African-American businesses are increasing, the disparity in those numbers alone prompted Harris to contact the SBA to discuss how the number, amount of loans and overall support of black business could be increased. Logan pointed out that when all states are accounted for, about one third of borrowers are African Americans and that the SBA is very committed to help business and African-American business.

“It’s important to make official our relationship with the SBA,” said Harris. “This is a national operation that operates in other places, cities. And this is a perfect opportunity to utilize tax dollars to grow the African -American economy.”

Logan said the SBA

and Harris strategically chose February (African American History Month) to sign the agreement.

The first order of business is to identify areas that need leveraging and create programs around them. She projected that the SBA will host a lenders roundtable within the next 60 days.

Logan said that she also wants to increase participation in its 8(a) program, which is designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to the economic mainstream of American society. The program helps thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs gain a foothold in government contracting.

“We want to put our feet on the street and share information about market research, business plans and make sure that African-American business owners are connected to the right resources,” she said.

Connection and access is key to the success of any business. The National Business League’s seven principles of prosperity include access, advocacy, capacity building, cooperative economics, resource deployment, sup­plier development,

Three Thirteen From page B-3

business counterparts for the authenticity and profound humanity he brings to the world of retail business. “I wake every morning knowing that I am doing what I am supposed to do, and that’s fulfilling,” Brown reflects. “The real deal is to cultivate this organic energy that we have going to grow and build other Detroit brands.”

A self-made mogul, he credits his father for being a role model and his work ethic guide during his formative years. “My father is from Ghana, and he’s always been into numbers and finance. I would go to sleep and he was up working, and I’d wake up and he was up working, and between my father and my godfather, I learned to be an asset to people.”

The Three Thirteen brand, with its all-things-Detroit approach to clothing and collectibles, is making its impact on the national and international stages in urban fashion centers. When Forbes magazine announced this week that Detroit made the No. 3 spot on its list of “The 10 Coolest Cities,” insiders recognized the contribution young entrepreneurs are making in rebuilding and shaping the city’s image.

“Strangers see our hustle and they want to be a part of that,” Brown concluded. “I’ve relied on that support and my budget of hope to make all of this happen.”

Daniel Brightwell, the City of Southfield’s council president, was recently tapped to serve as a fellow for the Class of 2018 Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP), sponsored by Michigan State University. The courses start this month. Twenty-four people from across the state of Michigan have been selected.

The MPLP Class of 2018 is com­ prised of legislative directors, township trustees, attorneys, a minister, a teacher, library director, a firefighter and a police captain. The Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State UniverDaniel Brightwell sity is a bipartisan program that identifies individuals from across the state committed to community service and brings them together to engage in public policy and leadership curriculum. MPLP’s curriculum incorporates practical politics, public policy analysis and process, personal leadership development and effective governance, giving fellows the expertise to tackle public policy issues.

When Miller and his sons, Kevin Jr. and Rofeal, sat down at the kitchen table to discuss their business plan over 15 years ago, they started with just a few cars. Big Three Auto’s inventory is now well over 100 cars, in a variety of makes and models. The car business has been great for the Miller family

“I had a pretty good experience with them,” said Aja Hawkins. “ My credit situation wasn’t the best at all and my husband had decent credit but he had no income. I don’t know how they did it but I only had to put down $500. They are for their people and they made a miracle happen for me.”

Government

As an MPLP fellow, Council President Brightwell will be travelling to communities across Michigan, touring established and up-and-coming businesses, visiting nonprofit organizations and learning what makes successful leaders and winning political campaigns.

“My family worked in the automobile industry for Chrysler and GM and they were car connoisseurs,” said Miller. “I was too and I always had aspirations of owning my own business. So me and my sons decided to start our own business selling cars, and that’s what we do.”

“I have had my car I bought from them for four years now,” said Christine Edwards. “When something goes wrong, they refer you to Big Red’s in Roseville, and they fix it under the warranty that I have with them. I had bad tires when I first purchased my car in 2011Impala and they referred me to a place on Mt. Elliott and I was able to get new tires. Big Three Auto is like a family and they remember their customers.”

POWER MOVES

Owners of Big Three Auto, Kevin Miller Jr. and ­Rofeal Miller. area of the city since its inception, even with the ever-changing climate in the neighborhood, with the declining of Eastland Mall. The car selling business has its ups and down, and Big Three Auto certainly has felt the blows. But their reputation in Detroit as a quality car dealership remains strong and they do not plan on that changing anytime soon.

“You don’t remain open for as many years as we have if people don’t swear by your product,” said Kevin Miller Sr. “Is this business, your name is everything. Being a black-owned business in this city is not easy, especially with the larger dealerships in the area. But we take pride in taking care or our people and our business is built on the amount people that return to do business with us.”

talent placement and acquisition.

“Our No. 1 goal is to make sure that AfricanAmerican businesses have a seat at the table and to make sure that federal resources are applied properly; especially access to capital,” said Harris.

Vickie Lewis had a seat at the table after completing a few SBA courses, including 8(a) and the Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) program. Her company, VMX International, transports and recycles waste.

Her goal is to implement

a zero waste initiative for the federal government and thanks to the SBA, she has been able to grow and sustain her business.

Harris said the agreement between the two organizations will ensure that federal resources are applied properly, especially when it comes to access to capital.

“We find business solutions for business opportunities.” Said Harris.

“We will position businesses to effectively get from A to Z with the least amount of stress, and be more proactive that way.”

Michigan Medicine has named Deloris (Dee) Hunt, M.S., chief human resources officer. Hunt brings more than 20 years of human resources executive experience in the health care industry, most recently at the Detroit Medical Center. During her 12 years as DMC’s chief human resource officer, Hunt led the system through major changes, including ownership and personnel transition from Vanguard Health Systems to Tenet Healthcare. She was also critical in the implementation of a best-in-class leadership development program, organization-wide talent growth and development, and restructuring to enhance services while reducing costs.

Prior to her time at DMC, Hunt was a system director at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System for six years. In this role, she integrated the HR departments of three hospitals into a cohesive department and redesigned and trained staff to meet the business needs of the organization. Also under Hunt’s leadership, an integrated applicant tracking, payroll and Kronos system was implemented. Before joining St. Joseph, Hunt spent 20 years at Henry Ford Health System in roles with progressive and increasing responsibilities.

Deloris Hunt

Non-Profit The Detroit-based McGregor Fund has announced the election of Sheilah Clay to its Board of Trustees. Clay has served as president and CEO of Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), a $24 million human service organization, since 2000. This $31 million nonprofit human service organization provides mental health, addiction treatment, crisis intervention/suicide prevention, homelessness, early childhood education, youth leadership and workforce development and violence prevention, supportive housing development and much more to individuals and families in Wayne and Oakland counties. Clay is the visionary Sheilah Clay leader of a $52 million awarding winning restoration of the former Michigan Bell Building, which now provides 155 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.

Do you have good news to share? A new promotion, opened a new business, authored a new book, landed a contract? Let us know at the Michigan Chronicle so that we can share your accomplishments.

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We look forward to hearing from you and sharing your news.

The Renaissance Center’s atrium has transformed into GM World

By Amelia Beard In mid-January, when international media attention shifted to Detroit for the 2018 North American International Auto Show, General Motors Co. (GM) unveiled a new experiential installation in its global headquarters, the Renaissance Center.

Engineered over the past two years, the project is a collaboration between GM and a Who’s Who of design and creative partners. Spanning five stories, 17 massive-scale LED surfaces are fed by an artificial intelligence-driven Interactive Content Engine (ICE) capable of delivering an infinite array of hallmark branded content, resulting in unique experiences in the space every day.

The iconic experiential development welcomes visitors and employees with a visual brand voice interspersed with immersive spectacle.

The creative challenge of GM World was presented in a request for proposal, with the winning concept coming from Neumann/Smith Architecture and experience marketing house EWI Worldwide. EWI executives including Chief Creative Officer Chuck Bajnai then tapped Bob Bonniol of MODE Architectural (MA) to contribute creative in the design development phase.

“This development fuses architecture with stunning, future-forward media applications to showcase the themes of craftsmanship, community and global impact,” Bajnai said. “At GM World, every moment of every day, those who visit will find themselves immersed in the values and culture of General Motors in profound and uplifting ways.”

The opening of the space corresponded with the celebration of Chevrolet’s 100 Years of Trucks.

With this as a core theme, the objectives were to combine epic cin-

ematic sequences, custom brand pillar experiences and the immersive assets created for auto shows for GM and its Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick GMC brands.

Drawing from his high-level involvement with the technical and creative development process for GM World — which builds on his role leading creative direction for Chevrolet’s auto show installations from 2014 through 2016 — MA’s Bonniol shared some insights into the partners’ biggest challenges, as

well as their solutions.

“Naturally, a great deal of attention went into creating all of the screen content for GM World, where the stories of GM’s roles as innovators, environmental stewards and manufacturers are crafted at the highest standards and then made immersive,” Bonniol began.

As media content creative director and producer, Bonniol worked with EWI and his frequent collaborators at Ant Farm, melding original live-action production with animated content, all of which was mastered to resolutions exceeding 28k. “One of my favorite things about working with the team at GM is their consistent willingness to push creative limits,” Bonniol said.

In addition to the brand pillar content, eight spectacular themed productions were brought to life, taking over the entire space with

vision and atmosphere. Examples include the Rube Goldberg-inspired “Rube,” a glorious, peaceful immersion into an old growth “Forest,” and “Crankshaft,” a sophisticated, cinematic vig­ nette transforming a giant engine into a heartbeat of action at a massive scale.

As a next step, Bonniol and his colleagues addressed the challenge of managing a vast array of premium content in an intelligent way. The team channeled GM’s attention to innovation in creating new software to deliver performances that are deftly curated by machine learning, while also providing far-reaching programming capabilities for human curators.

For instance, on any given day, a curator might choose to exclusively showcase the Chevrolet brand, with an emphasis on trucks and common activities for truck owners. Spearheaded by Bonniol together with Ant Farm’s Rob Troy, the aforementioned ICE is their bespoke solution.

“At any given time, the ICE is able to sort through its entire library and select clips matching the relationships defined by all parameters it’s given,” Bonniol added. “It then assembles them artfully – which is where it has to be intelligent. Applying a variety of rules to edit clips together, ICE creates live mosaic edits of the sequences that play out across the 17 screens.”

Rounding out the technical details, the installation’s playback system uses Pandora’s Box from Christie Digital, programmed by UVLD’s Cameron Yeary; its show control layer uses Medialon Manager, programmed by Pablo Molina.

The ICE system was prototyped and programmed using Touch Designer from Derivative by Keith Lostracco.

In the project’s creative development and previsual phases, MODE made extensive use of Maxon’s Cinema 4D, Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

Three key reasons your investment property won’t sell

By Anthony Kellum There is a notorious real estate term ascribed to some homes known as a “high DOM number.” This is real estate jargon for a home that has spent a high number of “days on market” — the number of days since a property was originally listed. The problem: the longer your investment property sits on the market, the Anthony Kellum more potential buyers assume something seriously wrong with the property or its overpriced. Neither of these need to be the case for this perception to affect your ability to sell the home without drastically reducing its price. You may have an appealing property that you are trying to sell, but one mistake could send you into a high DOM tailspin that investors want to avoid.

Three reasons why: 1. The property is overpriced: This frequent and detrimental mistake is behind many high DOM or hard-to-sell property.

The sell price should reflect the current local market, not

last year’s or even last quarter’s market, not what you would like to get for your house, and not what people are getting in other areas. A good realtor will have this data available and will be completely honest with you because while a quick price correction soon after the home has listed can turn the tide, it’s best to get the price right the first time. A price that starts out too high and sits on the market for a while only to be reduced much later is hard on the property and much tougher sell.

2. Poor marketing strategy: Twyonna Adams with Keller Williams said, “We often listed homes that were previously listed with other realtors and there was nothing wrong with the price. The difference was that we implemented a solid marketing strategy and sold the homes quickly. There are several marketing mistakes that can lead to investment property being overlooked by potential buyers.

3. The house upkeep: If you are selling your home with beautiful pictures in pristine condition, but then haven’t been able to maintain it at that level, buyers will feel like your home does not live up to the hype.

They may feel that they have been let down or worse, lied to.

While it might be a challenge,

contact with your home will be through photographs and video and those images will make a critical first impression of your home.

• Photos and videos should be professionally handled and strategic. There should be an abundance of excellent images, highlighting the best qualities of the home.

• When interviewing a potential realtor, ask if aerial photography is included in their offering and then ask to see samples to ensure it’s the highest quality possible.

do your best to maintain a picture-perfect home at all times.

Keep the lawn trim, and the house as clean and clutter-free as possible.

To all my real estate entrepreneurs and stake holders that believes property is power, I strongly recommend working with a realtor who is strong, dedicated and professional who can help you find solutions to beat the high DOM stigma. Your realtor should be proactive and

work with you to identify opportunities to make your property stand out above the rest.

Adams offers helpful tips: • You should select a realtor who offers free, professional, three-step home staging so that your photos and video are stellar. All the marketing in the world won’t help you if your home isn’t being showcased to the best of its potential. A potential buyer’s first

• Your realtor should be listing your home across multiple marketing platforms in order to reach out to the biggest pool of potential buyers.

Simply listing a realtor is not enough. Today’s homebuyer is tech and social media savvy, so your realtor should be too.

Anthony O. Kellum, president of Kellum Capital Group, LLC and Kellum Mortgage, LLC can be reach anthony@kellumcapitalgroup.com or anthony@kellummortgage.com Connect with him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/propertyispower. Serving under-privileged families and distressed communities remains his chief focus with the launch of his new “Property is Power” speaking series.

Detroit named finalist in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ 2018 Mayors Challenge

By Amelia Beard After sifting through more than 320 applications, the City of Detroit’s mentoring and education program was selected as a finalist in the 2018 U.S. Mayors Challenge. The Challenge, sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, is made up of 35 Champion Cities that are selected from a nationwide competition that encourages city leaders to uncover bold, inventive ideas that confront the toughest problems cities face.

The Champion Cities will now begin a six-month testing phase where they will conduct public prototypes of their ideas with grant funding of up to $100,000 per city, a new addition to the competition this

year. The Mayors Challenge returns to the U.S. as the first investment in the American Cities Initiative, a $200 million suite of new and expanded programs that will empower cities to generate innovation and advance policy that moves the nation forward.

As part of Detroit’s winning proposal, 400 Detroit students across five high schools will be placed into summer jobs and directly supported on their career development path by a team of career specialists.

Detroit now advances to the six-month “Test, Learn, and Adapt” phase of the competition. Cities will refine their ideas during this process with up to $100,000, as well as per-

sonalized support from innovation experts, to test and begin building support for their urban innovations and submit a new application in August 2018.

In October, four cities will receive $1 million awards and one will receive a grand prize of $5 million to bring their ideas to life.

“We received hundreds of bold and creative ideas from cities around the country in response to the 2018 Mayors Challenge, and these 35 really stood out for their potential to improve people’s lives. The next six months are a great opportunity for the cities to test their ideas and make them even more innovative and effective,” said Michael R. Bloomberg,

founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term mayor of New York City.

The 35 Champion Cities performed the best against four key criteria — vision, potential for impact, implementation plan and potential to spread to other cities. A selection committee cochaired by former Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and former Xerox Chairman/CEO Ursula Burns and comprising distinguished policy experts, artists, academics, business executives and social innovation leaders assessed the applications.

“Our success as a city depends on making sure all of our residents have the opportunity to participate in Detroit’s re-

covery, and with this generous grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies for our Grow Detroit’s Young Talent Program, we will continue to work towards that goal,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “I’m so pleased that Detroit is one of the winning cities of the Bloomberg Mayors Challenge and I look forward to promoting our city and our initiatives as the competition continues.”

The 2018 Mayors Challenge builds on the success of previous Bloomberg-sponsored Challenges in the U.S. (2013), Europe (2014) and Latin America and the Caribbean (2016).

For more information, visit mayorschallenge.bloomberg. org and @BloombergCities on Twitter and Instagram.

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Edison head coach Brandon Neely talking to his players during a timeout.

City title puts Edison boys basketball on the map

By Branden Hunter

B

oys varsity basketball has been played in the Detroit Public School League for over 90 years and no charter school had ever won a city championship. But history was meant to be rewritten, which is what Edison did when it beat PSL powerhouse Pershing by 37. The Doughboys have won eight city titles since1963 and Edison has only had a basketball program for seven years, so it was kind of a David and Goliath moment when they won.

“I thought it was kind of set up great for us to have to go through Pershing, with their prestigious basketball tradition,” Edison head coach Brandon Neely said. “In history, there has always been a beginning and an ending point. Pershing’s era could be ending and ours could be just beginning. They had a lot of their success years ago and I think we can definitely see things shifting.”

Edison is still a fairly new school and basketball program and does not have the same name recognition as Cass Tech, Renaissance and Pershing, three traditional city powers they had to beat in the playoffs. But even they had to build their basketball programs up to what they are now. Neely has done that in his fives years at Edison, at a pace even he did not think they we do it at.

“It was very gratifying when we won,” said Neely. “I was under a lot of scrutiny when I lost Dave Dejulius and it was pretty tough to recover from that.

But we were fortunate enough to have Pierre Mitchell and Gary Solomon wanting to come over here and it gave me the opportunity to get right back to where I

Left to right: Edison superintendent Ralph Bland, Edison player Pierre Mitchell, Edison head coach Brandon Neely, DPS employee Willie Burton. was. It was gratifying to win it all, after going through so much to get what we were trying to get.”

The Pioneers came into the season as one of the top teams in the state, so they were expected to contend for a city title. That did not play out as smoothly as they had hoped, limping into the city playoffs with a losing record in league play and not playing up to their potential. With three Division I players in Mitchell (Central Michigan), Solomon (LIU-Brooklyn) and Deante “Spider” Johnson (Cleveland State), more was expected of them early on. But they

peaked when it mattered the most, leaving the city shocked when they were the ones hoisting the championship trophy at Callahan Hall.

“Everybody laughed at us during the season because we went 2-6 in conference play,” said Mitchell, who had 19 points in the city championship. “Now it feels good to prove the doubters wrong because we’re top of the city now.”

Last season, Edison made it all the way to the Class C semifinals at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, falling to eventual champion Flint Beecher.

Over the past three season, the Pioneers have continued to make history, winning district and regional titles last season. Now they only have one thing left to accomplish, a state title, something the girls program did last year, the first in its history as well.

“I’m having anxiety attacks just wanting to get to the tournament,” Neely said with a laugh. “We’re very excited to start the state tournament and we’re very optimistic about our chances of giving back to the Breslin Center. This time we want to come back with the trophy. If we can get a city and state championship all in one year, I think that will catapult our program to a level that we’re looking to get to.”

Edison will play the winner of the Catholic League in the Operation Friendship game March 1, a game that has been traditionally played between Catholic and public schools. But since Edison is not either, it will be the first time a charter school has ever appeared in the game. Playing on that stage will introduce Edison basketball to another group of basketball fans, furthering their goal of making the state know what basketball at a small school of 300 near Eastern Market is all about.

“We’re relevant now,” Neely said.

“When you’re talking about athletics in Detroit, you have to mention DEPSA. It’s so funny that earlier on in my coaching career here, I would always look at rankings and wonder why we weren’t there.

And deep in my heart, I knew why. We had yet to do anything then but at least now we know that we are a championship caliber program and that was the goal when I got here.”

Vantane Garrett wins Miss PSL despite adversity

By Branden Hunter Communications and Media Arts senior guard Vantane Garrett was the winner of the 2018 Detroit Public School League’s Miss PSL. The award goes to the best girls high school basketball player in the city.

In 2015, she did not think accomplishing this feat was possible, when she suffered a devastating ankle injury just three games into her sophomore year.

She had broken and torn all the ligaments in her left ankle and was not sure if she would come back the same player as before.

Horatio Williams with Miss PSL winner Vantane ­Garrett of Detroit CMA.

harder than what he think I could handle, rehabbing two days a week for three months. Basketball was my getaway and I was not going to let this stop me.”

Once Garrett was done with her rehabilitation, she slowly made her return to the basketball court. She missed out on playing AAU the summer of 2016 but had a productive junior season at CMA, which catapulted her onto the local basketball scene.

She played AAU basketball last summer for One Nation, one of the top programs in the state, and was right back to where she was prior to her injury.

“The doctor basically told me that I probably “When I first got wouldn’t walk normal Vantane, I thought she again,” said Garrett. “He was really underrated,” also said that I probably The Miss PSL trophy said her AAU coach wouldn’t be able to play with One Nation, Jarvis again, which devastated me. I was Mitchell. “Coming from a smaller heartbroken and shocked.” school like CMA and overcoming Garrett took that negativity and her leg injury, she had a tougher turned it into the steam that pow- road than most but she could play ered her dreams of playing basket- with the best. We played on a naball. Her sophomore campaign was tional circuit last summer and she over before it started, but there was had a games where she scored 30 a lot of work left to be done if she points. She can play and because of wanted to return to the hardwood. circumstances, no one knew that.

Garrett began to rehabilitate her But she is a strong person, despite ankle and was determined to play what she has gone through.” basketball again one day.

Garrett was a relative unknown “I went extra hard during my last year but the city knows her rehab,” said Garrett. “I even asked name now. She has CMA going my physical therapist to push me

strong at 13-3 on the season, she was named first team All-PSL and won Miss PSL. Three years ago, none of this was forseeable, but with some adversity and some hard work, anything is possible. When Garrett received her Miss PSL award the night of the boys and girls city championships, it was the culmination of all the trials and tribulations she had gone through since breaking her ankle.

“When I went to the table to get my all-city award, Horatio Williams asked me what my name was and told me I had won Miss PSL,” said Garrett. “I was shocked but happy at the same time. I knew I could win it this year but didn’t know if I would. This accomplishment was big for me and I will let my mom keep the trophy. She was just as happy as me.”

College is up next for Garrett, who has a few programs looking her, but because she had that injury and plays at a smaller high school, is still unknown to most of the bigger programs. But Garrett is no stranger to overcoming obstacles and plans to go off to college to play basketball and study to be a physical therapist.

“Vantnae is for sure a Division I player,” said Mitchell. “On the court, she is a pure scorer and someone will be happy to have her.

Schools are big on kids who have big names. She doesn’t have that, but she has a big heart and deserves a chance to show what she can do in college.”

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-7

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• When: Times vary, Feb. 12-April 2 • Where: 3424 Woodward Ave. and 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit • Cost: $15-$20 • More: 313-577-3508, DetroitRaisinCycle.com Lead by a production of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, Wayne State’s Department of Theatre and Dance will also present productions of two other spin-off plays: Beneatha’s Place by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris. All three plays tackle topics including race relations, urban renewal and gentrification.

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The Committee & Friends

The Honorable Judge Craig Strong, Chair Robin Anderson Yvette Barrett Julius Bender Delphia J. Burton Ben Carter Leon Cohen Francis R. Davis

Tyrone Davenport Dial Delaney Margo Diomande Sherman Eaton Barbara Favors Taffy Gaudy Abena Hogan

Dr. Mable Jones Barbara Mapson Thaddis Pouncey III Paris Ross Raymond Solomon Sr. Johnnie Washington

MARCH

6

Love Will Host March Six O’clock Town Hall Series

Michigan Chronicle Digital Daily at Your Fingertips!

Where: Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit, MI When: 6:00 pm State Rep. Leslie Love (D-Detroit) announced that she will again host a series of town hall meetings to discuss important issues with her constituents.

The March 6 O’clock Series will feature 90-minute town hall meetings starting at 6 p.m. every Monday in March.

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Black has tappeOwned Media Allian publisher d Hiram E. Jack ce Chronicle of the Mich son, , and Chief igan Officer Executive of to delive Real Times Media, 3rd Annur the keynote at the al Get to Media: Know A tive Strat Symposium on Black egies for EffecDigital and Socia Advertising, keting.

On Sept. l Media Mar14, symp attendees Adrienne will convene osium Performin Arsht Center at the for the g Arts of County Miam – ater locat Carnival Studi i-Dade o Thepestigioused in Miami for the event.

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www.michiganchronicle.com

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about wher One way e is Detro they see or anoth had it on it now, Detroit er, Kevin where do help to going, and Ryan has days at his mind ever supp since his the Unive sible recov ort an inclu how can Ford he was college rsity of sive going to Michigan help peop ery, and not just and acces make a hometown that le thrive differ of Detro in the cityrecovery but it. A big ence for his “To me of Detro Today, difference. what succ it. like in beginning approximately ess woul a one mont a deepe year is we at Ford Foun his tenure as h after Ford would look r knowledge direc of datio d have the relati tor of the n’s and unde first time onsh rstan the organDetroit office activity office in that exist ips and networks ding – the ization the aimed at s here in has had and ready swim city since 1953 creating an troit. ming in – Ryan this new Detroit that’s pool as And that vision for he begin the deep end is al- these our grant Defor how values s of maki desig the ng aroun the found ning strate around its mass accessibili d inclusiven reflects gies ive resou ation can best ess and ty.” being a utilize Born and comebackrces to assist Detro raised in zens, not his famil city for it in Detro just a privil all cations y lived in sever it, Ryan said eged few. of its citi“How around al differ 6 Mile the ent loof Detro can we contribute and Fenm city, including it that we Southfield ore “righ near that we want to to that kind t near want to Schaeffer, Freeway,” and troit wher see. That envision and also 7 Mile the before his relocate and everybody e everybody is inclusive Defamil to supported years old. Southfield when y decided to has oppo work or and ucati The move Ryan education rtunity, whet onal was most was 11 her it’s ,” he said. ly Currently reasons reasons, but there werefor edas well.

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10/6/17 12:37 PM

A-4

APRIL 7, 2018 The 57th Annual

BARRISTERS’ BALL

Join over 1500 Attorneys, Community and Civic Leaders as we “Party with a Purpose” In support of the Wolverine Bar Foundation’s Pipeline Programming

Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center - Renaissance Ballroom 9:00pm - 1:00am

2018 Award Recipients

Little Miss Flint ~ Chief James Craig ~ Flyback Productions ~ Nir Saar, Principal, Mumford Academy

For Ticket and Sponsorship information visit: www.wolverinebar.org

Page B-8 • michiganchronicle.com • Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018

2018 Honorees ▪ Andrea S. Roberson, COO, The Wellness Plan ▪ Anika Goss-Foster, Executive Director, Detroit Future City ▪ Brenda Marshall, Senior Director, Global Diversity Solutions, Kelly Services, Inc. ▪ Cassandra Alston-Childs, Chief Operating Officer, Bridgewater Interiors ▪ Cassandra Jackson, Manager, Community Health Division, St. John Providence ▪ Chapri Paulateer, Strong Families Coordinator, Wellspring Lutheran Services ▪ Cheryl Ajamu, CEO, The Ajamu Group ▪ Debra Williams, CAO, Lawrence Tech ▪ Dee Hunt, Chief HR Officer, Michigan Medicine ▪ Dorethia Kelly, President & CEO, Dorethia Financial Coaching ▪ Dr. Candace Kimpson, Emergency Medicine, Garden City Hospital ▪ Dr. Eleanor M. Walker, Radiation Oncologist, Henry Ford Hospital ▪ Dr. Jonnie Perryman-Hamilton, Manager – School Based Health Centers, St. John Ascension ▪ Dr. Marilynn Elaine Bell, Co-Owner & Chief Learning Officer, Multi-Training Systems ▪ Dr. Missy Johnson, CEO, CTC Premier Coaching ▪ Edythe Hayden Friley, President, Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy ▪ Jeanette Abraham, President & CEO, JMA Global, LLC ▪ Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, Director of Real Estate and Financial Services, DEGC ▪ Keona Cowan, Senior Vice President, Invest Detroit ▪ Kerry Buffington, Co-Owner, Kapstone Employment Services ▪ Larmender Davis, Program Manager, Wellness Plan Medical Centers ▪ Lenora Hardy-Foster, President & CEO, Judson Center ▪ Linda Cash, VP, Quality and New Model Launch, Ford Motor Company ▪ Linda Wesley, Community Relations Manager, Detroit City Council, Council President Brenda Jones ▪ Malinda Jenson, Senior VP of Governmental Affairs and Board Admin, DEGC ▪ Melody Magee, Chief Talent Officer, Mechanical Contractors Association ▪ Michelle Johnson-Tidjani, Esq., Senior VP and General Counsel, Henry Ford Health System ▪ Michelle Sourie Robinson, President & CEO, MMSDC ▪ Natalie King, President & CEO, Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, LLC ▪ Nicole Sherard Freeman, President & CEO, Detroit Employment Solutions ▪ Nina Abubakari, CEO, Advantage Health Centers ▪ Palencia Mobley, P.E., Deputy Director & Chief Engineer, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department ▪ Pamela Lewis, Executive Director, New Economy Initiative ▪ Pamela Martin Turner, Executive Director, Vanguard CDC ▪ Pamela Rambo, Post Master, United States Postal Service ▪ Patricia Adams, CEO, NPD & Associates ▪ Rajoielle Register, Head of Cross Brand Strategy and Growth Audience, Ford Motor Company ▪ Rev. Dr. DeeDee Coleman, President, Council of Baptist Pastors; Pastor, Russell St. Baptist Church ▪ Robbyn Ennis, VP Media Director, Carat ▪ Rosie Reebel, Director, Marketing & Community Outreach, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan ▪ Shanari Williams, Financial Executive, Wells Fargo ▪ Sherikia Hawkins, City Clerk, City of Southfield ▪ Stephanie Mitchell, VP, Comerica ▪ Stefanie Smith, Alumni Relations Manager, Detroit Country Day School ▪ Tamberlin Golden, Plant Manager, General Motors ▪ Tawania Foster, Executive Director, The Fountains at Franklin ▪ Tawnya Rose, VP of Community & Economic Development, 5/3 Bank ▪ Tiffany Daniel, VP Administration and Operations, New Center Community Mental Health Services ▪ Tiffany Walker, CEO, Walker HealthcareIT ▪ Tiffany Washington, Manager of Foundation and Corporate Involvement, DTE Energy ▪ Tracey Barnes, COO, Heritage Vision Plans ▪ Victoria Inniss Edwards, Director of Human Relations, Wayne County

Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Induction Ceremony Friday, March 23, 2018 | 5 PM Marriott Hotel Detroit : For Info: 313-9635522

City. Life. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

C1 | Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018

michiganchronicle.com

Reflections

By Steve Holsey

Good motive, bad title No one has more of a right to tell their story than Joh’Vonnie Jackson, and certainly it is an interesting one. She is the daughter of Joseph Jackson, patriarch of the iconic Jackson family, but unlike his other nine children, her mother is Cheryle Terrell, a woman he had an affair with, not Katherine Jackson.

Joh’Vonnie understands Mrs. Jackson’s hurt, but has always felt a lot of hurt of her own because the family, with the exception of Rebbie, shunned her. She was reportedly almost 30 before she actually met Joh’Vonnie Jackson Michael.

Joseph Jackson with daughter Joh’Vonnie The treatment was wrong because the children in situations like this are without guilt. Nevertheless, the book should have been titled something other than “Bastard Child.”

Joh’Vonnie Jackson is now 43 years old.

LUTHER VANDROSS once informed us, in song, that “you can’t tell love what to do,” and Smokey Robinson didn’t feel correct grammar was required when he recorded “Love Don’t Give No Reason.”

Toni Braxton and Birdman We said that to say this: Toni Braxton is engaged to the rough-looking rapper Birdman (real name: Bryan Christopher Williams). They look odd together and because of many basic differences, it’s difficult to imagine them staying married, if they do tie the knot.

Still, if this is what they want, best wishes to them.

5Things

'

Every Single Chick

Should Know' is a must-read for single ladies

By Shannon Stecker I met AJ Williams at TheHappening Collective Brunch back in 2015. Her short, colorful hair, bright lipstick, talk of self-love and black women’s empowerment commanded everyone’s attention.

She was promoting her new blog, “Single Black Chick.” I subscribed to her blog and after reading a few posts, I thought to myself, “This is the black Carrie Bradshaw and I am here for it.”

AJ Williams No, but seriously. The Michigan Chronicle’s City.Life.Style editor, event host, blogger, speaker, self-loving, fashion enthusiast womanist is truncating her experiences with love into her new, free eBook titled “5 Things Every Single Woman Should Know.”

See SINGLE LADIES Page C-2

UNAPOLOGETIC Fergie ONE OF the worst things I have ever heard was Fergie, best known as a member of the Black Eyed Peas, “singing” — no, make that butchering — the National Anthem at the NBA All-Star Game. It was so awful in every respect that it was funny, and she was only on key occasionally. I felt kind of sorry for her. You can watch it on YouTube.

It comes as no surprise that the No. 1 album in the country, R&B and pop, is “Black Panther: The Album, Music From and Inspired By.” Based on what is being reported, comedienne-actress Mo’Nique has gotten herself into serious trouble with the IRS, dating back to 2013.

The figure given is $560 thousand.

We hope she pulls out of it, but why do these money-making celebrities allow themselves to get into these predicaments? People

See Reflections Page C-2

and self-love by asking yourself the following questions:

Love Yours

By Shannon Stecker

“No such thing as a life that’s better than yours. No such thing, no such thing…But you ain’t never gon’ be happy till you love yours” J. Cole “Love Yourz” As black women, we are the warriors of our communities and the glue that bonds our families. You will find us teaching our children to be kings and gueens, supporting our lovers on their journeys to success, pushing our friends to believe in themselves, and warning our foes never to underestimate us. We are raised to be leaders in the classroom, in the community and the home. We are built to speak when others are silent and to fight when others have given up. We are a force: resilient, strong and capable.

Unfortunately, we spend the better parts of our lives fighting for and investing in others, and in doing so, we put their needs before our own and forget

Shannon Stecker to nurture our most important assets — ourselves. But when the sun sets and the raging battle against stereotypes, double standards, finances and common core homework quiets in the night, who will be there to fight for us?

As black women, we can be our biggest foe. We spend so much time focusing on and investing in others that we tend to lose ourselves in the chaos of life by living in the shadows of what’s best for everyone else. But what’s best for you? It’s time you reevaluate yourself through the challenges of self-discovery

1. Who are you?

2. Do you exist outside of the expectations of your family?

3. What is your weakness or, in other words, areas in need of improvement?

4. Do you embrace them?

5. How can you overcome them?

6. How often do you put yourself first?

7. When is the last time you did something for yourself?

8. When your body talks, do you listen?

9. What makes you passionate about life?

10. What are your dreams?

Remember that it will take you to look past the narrative of being told who you’re supposed to be to see who you truly are. Love that person. Granted, when the world is on your shoulders, there isn’t room for selfishness. But what’s at risk when you don’t indulge in the smallest amounts of self-love?

Your sanity. Inside every strong woman is a girl that is fighting to be valued and loved. Appreciate her and you will never lose sight of who you are.

4.94 in.

Page D-2 • michiganchronicle.com • Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018

#BeScene Featured Event:

10.5 in.

GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC

Detroit Symphony Orchestra 40th Anniversary Classical Roots Celebration

KEYSHIA COLE

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) will honor trailblazing tenor and educator George Shirley and visionary leader and academic Earl Lewis, president of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, at the 40th annual Classical Roots Concert, March 2-3, 2018. Classical Roots honors African-American composers, musicians, and educators for lifetime achievement and raises funds to support the DSO’s African-American music and musician development programs.

WITH SPECIAL GUEST ELIJAH BLAKE

The Classical Roots Celebration, including the 8 p.m. concert and pre- and post-performance receptions, takes place on Saturday, March 3, at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center. A concert-only performance is also scheduled for Friday, March 2, at 10:45 a.m. in Orchestra Hall. Joseph Young will conduct.

For information and tickets, visit www.dso.org

APRIL 5

Joseph Young, conductor SOUNDBOARDDETROIT.COM

Single ladies From page C-1

I could tell you that the 15-page self-awareness guide will have you soul searching whether you’re single or married, but you’d have to read it yourself to understand. I chatted with Williams about the newly released eBook to give you a preview of what you should expect: Shannon: What was the inspiration behind ”5 Things Every Single Woman should know”?

AJ: This was my way to overcome my fears, redevelop myself as a writer, and create a prelude to a much larger project I’m working on, “A Chick’s Guide to Living a Kick-Ass Life.” I wanted to create a quick, easy, relatable read that would resonate with women who want to become more self-aware.

Shannon: What is the ultimate goal?

AJ: I just want women to be happy no matter what stage of life. It started off as an inspirational chicken soup style quote book, but it developed into some-

Reflections From page C-1

like Ron Isley and Wesley Snipes, both of whom had to serve time.

THOM BELL will go down in music history as one of the most prolific producers and writers.

He was a key figure in the success of a wide array of artists, including the Stylistics, the Delfonics, the Spinners, Deniece Williams and so many others. He often worked closely with the equally proThom Bell lific producing-writing team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, founders of the legendary Philadelphia International Records.

Bell is alive and well but has completely dropped out of the music business. He even gave his gold records and other memorabilia to his children and grandchildren.

“That’s another life,” he said. “Good memories, but I’m finished with it now.”

Thom Bell and his wife, Vanessa, live peacefully and happily in Bellingham, a city in Washington State near the Canadian border.

PEOPLE are wondering why the wonderful, multitalented Jill Scott would post a video of herself on the Internet in a deep state of intoxication.

These things can happen, but the world doesn’t need to see the evidence.

I’m not sure what to think about Omarosa Manigault-Newman. She is a total enigma for me.

I ran into Laura Lee recently at

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thing women can refer to when they need a reminder that they are not alone.

Shannon: Your audience views you as a relationship expert although you hate that title. What would you prefer to be called?

Page B-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Nov. 29 – Dec. 5, 2017

DIGITAL DAILY DIGITAL DAILY

AJ: There isn’t a cookie cutter way to go about relationships. I am simply an “expert at experiencing relationships.”

Knowledge comes with experience, and 18MFN0031_A-MFN I will never be able to tell you, unapoloMotorCity Casino getically, what it takes to do something MI Chronicle that I’ve never done. I only use my platClose 2/26/18; Insert 2/28 form to share my experiences in hopes that someone else will find them useful.

4C Newspaper Shannon: You made a reference to CD: J.Guide Fetterman your larger project, “A Chick’s to Living a Kick-Ass Life.” What should your readers expect?

WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

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AJ: People should anticipate more funny, in-your-face, flat-footed girl empowerment.

Excited? Subscribe to Single Black Chick to learn more about the author, AJ, and your free download of “5 Things Every Single Chick Should Know.” the supermarket. With her gravely, ultra-soulful voice, she started out in gospel, but switched to R&B and had numerous hits starting with “Dirty Man” in 1967 and including “Rip Off,” “Women’s Love Rights” and “If You Can Beat Me Rockin’ (You Can Have My Chair).”

Laura Lee Lee later returned to gospel, although I don’t think she’s singing professionally now. She looked great and, as always, was “dressed to the nines.”

(circa 1985)

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By Roz s sa rth, bein ism teens, sta ast Can k, "Thast canvi, Micgram of e in her ed to ndi she was higa placry, anbein g lo is so sing with Brande Edward and hig at a Nat ng cer Su e Bla cer ary quee invitand sur an, e fo d wag wi yal met rviv n Hun nc the legen lish ionwid viv He to n of gosp al ck Maha ter hron mys That r al ntinlling th hing de Cri aling GuideWoma or way ed by lia l A n’s e formed Jackson. el music, elf and also Praege sis," in the , Under Dr. m Amer g to to de co I un icle town resurgent min teache r, AB was in uc Willia Fac he fe untry de claim her own She later Detr hea ic appr h down ori th .c By e oit has ed rs an lp nd some oach C-C jus lth s m Pic at I om Keith Meditatio gospel highly acthing s. mak it of tand and ty hea course LIO t pubof developm es to comm Wild Sen karqu for smal . Ho of a become welln lth iss s C defin unde Wh n Sing group, the ior Edi Monday A. Ow ent is breercia e it if ne your . on. thd erad -eye O en ers. ess ues on wo lloBut through panies, l start magnet tor ast l MM ition rsta catch a be ce in from 11:00 . diseat and men d, en up com tha ingcanshe Thurs sjoyed as much g nd corp s quarters t pub day Th tte orate a.m. to th as I co as fla EN . cer was as she singing Rath . p.m. tha bla We ree lic , Ho dia r had a 7:00 I ns enste cuisine. and even headgospel, in at ki e. on majoer than nic n wo ck wome pa g-wa T in llow gno rn colleg 50 me focu clud Reese outside yearning itie Friday And wh fect nd And ider triot vin AR yea Mic e bud n hav ay sed fine sing ness n box anchr chains can s to and Satur selves rs ago hig and finanwhile busi ism g lu Y e ad ere s a of lu wh a cer for aggof oth e a discov with ing poinof that field explore 11:00 an die debate day from may be or storean’and en frie er hig a.m. to tha ce expe and made Unives who en ult . A turn fu s 40tbig t was t canressiv races her ered sc nacy talent is nacy 8:00 p.m. wasy whic to attrathe best strat all ndship woefullybig on savin rts me a pro rsi to ho Sundays winning re tru teac lly so , was hhbirthd occure forms and risk in her contest that can gs, mis ty neat at egies do succee would each to bour ct new met mas and the short on ed sponsted he grow ol, a 5:00 p.m. from 12:00 firs cer but of breethay. so, bef oth e to business rly one of singing for resulted to the hi wh ch ucat sibi wi rs ar n and d, and endure personal char the er encla geoning savvy ast men t diagnoIn fact, ore a ng ir com a week mves down business Atouc — the hel co ildre ing lity th th e wo she , clubs Detroit’s best lon Stores pop-up in set up entreprenica mu y wo p eac they their h, at the was sed witDr. Ho mwill close n Can gtim town Las eurs e a nsid n, know nities uld wo Show time, llo39 ise t we is appa shop phen , the Thanksgiv for the down 30 smalpor n all h oth uld cer e volun tentdise er it th youn of ter have yea h bre l shop town omen give rently er first Bar. She the Flame rs old ast the — a ek, the . of Christmas ing and discrimin s in Society teer DetrHo to the on iallyase no en g a good recording signe bac to ir ima pro oitllow for . needs bre ay mamm From the to cater d her bu t holidays. k to mis pow 1953. and left: fit for ating the ers. ast workers, ir cont of bo Acco da t a only I Tres Asdowncandecide ogr Am a consumowne nam alm gining e kep er of tha am r a ferven were Her two bigge ract in a blatown er- Deal And muc day shop visitotha de th lo rd nger po s of cer d to ing a ma s — t bey “And rstand ED t pro t for me -Gal nt in sup st ck Gallo ou by affe inv Me” and othe ca cer h pers.hea somholiond hits Hi ndo lowa That like g mwoma cts way, - a at est wome Tres r em ter witwas hon s th Ston usleduc Reminds “Don’t all ProdWMU y, daugn, e ony se lls Ea l an to lth The in Detr new deve so many bla igate y genator, h re e Ch ore of You Know . idea about car wome n,lowa fro she y, ck howhter, 11; fouuctio oit, unco lopments conv daug ns;mMad Rees co at la was st M d na se at ero Thanka dor d at wohter, n e entional may andnde an .” tive ask unus ison mit nventiona r and truste be major e continue sys are feaunder men. 9. In St uld st we repo iddl tionavera .

MaK s ey and hard ing front tem e Wilcontrib to a ory notis Allian ayla l rfu sta re one no ek rte e Sc l, l ne CEGalOne strides in d to make See Tylerce, Ju See DETR O to questio and l of nds of the her caree liam ution treent onl re citin Ch t to by dly ho a sixt ws Ruth the, 9.of Glo being ran y Pickar ns.

Su anita ret the OIT pageSURVIVOR r.

Pic to ot st of g th aney lera som ya ol in h gr re the firsthighlights tories ce Yet icent prem M d’s unvei bal Au kard, ican A-2 was 'S TAL re her the e Pl wa te th e cr nked Fa ad ports , butof the last bla ling lon woman African Ame tom as te ck e Moore “The E pag to gues on ac kids edge s no e id azy ou rmin e stu- , and gtime thosetwo comname reveal orToni he frie ary , Di . abo teac t e A-4 gt Johnny ght Show t host DennMichig nds of his panion to “She From r lo. Th of t st ea of on ve ed Wilsrect Al an th he e She also Carson” Starring fou is Arc an Su, forme two sa get dor the th st fo le di at r his st nde clo on or, Ch miin 1970 at id. up. arts e De her llowi gian ng yo who Detro had show r, chaher, preme r Detro se at . of her a daily wh me “She I ju ye tro min ng ce up ung water it-base irm and the Court it Ma and De arle

By Roz that aired talk own, it d da lik an to sp st lli tro s H. fla y.

Jus yor Interi d autan and late Edward to Marc from June “Della,” it Ho W g.

I to ge eed kept ng at Free for thy, ye e th d Ron tice Dr. for om ors “Da I h 13, and pled ld t up wa do m Downtow , LL otive mer Ha Pr e t an e he’ Bra d wo 197 episo mec right 1970, 9, 1969 Willia es sa C. CEO ll, on On nde day trans uld n Detr tio s a par a total ge her . Shlks ing e, des. nob s: me m Pic n jus om M Hunter firm Bridge of n,” co ad e of of to th ov m te ody formation oit’s center lun unpa Altho ing useu said t of thi t lov legion kard, Go at e wa er y wolling had in nclu min the che to e ralle s from Ro even ued to ugh she to gt I 20 m d kn AnFrn on si is te land brou has imp on eve in nled more spoke bust an do nted m rk,” me 17 , Sa sing, Hall,holion tra where ort owing continbust ght cro later ove becom our r hea Fa eeHall and e, to be Rees to ling Pu of tiv ache d to n’t he busi op lva Jr. ant rec that fam beca rd exact scores of wdling bot ness a lar . Wint rs en the r the e the of Pres blDe at an ogn my pled to knyells ily m rm on actin me moree’s career an e — er ge Park visito Wonhdering dor en inare nni he s ic Sc leav ha for the to Campus “I can rs — ge ow i- get lessonyears tapestth and focused fa gt in ear s pre and on man g. She t and s 40,0 the city’s Arc her the on st veher e nigh Salo most storie Martsha sa s tha as Danorye rig 00 plusapp Arc lier or hool be mily to appe y TV st of our to my yingfabSctty s andiusre Mod Dr. ling history. dazz d wo rt-Po t and Beac .” a t t in ht – penden ric y. ty rec her s, igat “Da Squad,” shows — ared Thfor self this so wit uld , “Thoolbut iati of fam wh Pic holidadv on The ac ioMo uca d mup Son,” ay exhib “The th pas h you ns andgegro inz plac ve ilyhe s e suthe “San n nte ew lea tion very ms e da ea “L.A tall Norwmain attra tea en Makard wa ent g Mil ed the peco , Di al it t my s He by mu ch rd tio in elv ha ure Law,” ford and to on ler tha so wh he yor sed di nal th pho s stil s ily st in rect rin 20,000 egian Spruction oleinges. Fa rec ch app bro th thet rne as was a , as “DesignSee DELL a the Archer fro t tho of d tospi ud stric , re rm e tos perto No leas colorful ver eivedvio Th rec e hers. or ce, decostun ritutend ning wa l Wil m wh se impI can rem a pled entha A REES son t -jus over Cam guy y us e iate 60-fo De light ar relie ge t tot.t fully edal. fir ou her rated en the— t eco E page s the from ot- lie [an en ic ortanc em proud He ,”“He with tro me to down pus Mart s and orna nom s.Broepaat std the teda t of ber wa A-2 tre att f. pa Tw wh Cas near of nta st e guy pa Nonco rt, We d] the ain it In ius Park , town’s men ain icwasrti supp at s a big l, em ic, ly sop rt rn. theschBu me of eduThheattalk te or ste eals increasing t it quo h is ci , addin ts, towers olis they tha founda stitu of nt pr ool obel erionanyed ac. As at Not pao orts and cat tha iever e is chabo he lonleg thecat ob st tefin ofte fon ly vibra g its mark te Beaconto be outd t climt anybodtional Th ionleing d of and r an ut get e or nt scen m ill of one (read sim ild the ast heprob . He thrunhow b to not Park aca an do in y tha it e inter C O he yw wit lea es gs se wapl lik Ar e. talk esthed pres get frowh : outs M E e onco s y dem ts he it hsh lerne e m d re. ed n’ way letting t Mark R I towth moany hone), By treal’sactive holiday ented equa no th- at we teac the C A re the an abo aw t ou seis ard su gro nd rea By DTE’s of Ke lly hagro d fo light lad lly ex ous , ev re th ay fro ut all you your Sen ral ith Quartier tarile tegreate heneepa ind pp up s thld Kei e ob m Se r edu ior EdiwintA. des Spec displays impressive be ivid ac os ertim rtder cuse win rs ds rm the er Ow r nio ca the y event, JPMorga opp . ual natiotor hi ed from of in . er tacles Ate e g ob to r Ed th up - s nally cla things Monenswhile hom ca reer chos ng lyortar noun n Chas at e th ver crisis aninrig un the ht vi-in a who youssroom reno ito A. Firheat ced Wedn y tim wned e egrownits inaugufa ll th . So e th prof knowi-su e pry gra . Am r st with cou to ver Ow dis is De inves talents y hea esday & Co. anpen of all, brilliant but inter tment St ce whem ho e te essi soppos oble tifyingerica e. wantry ... tempes for not troit en com se See rd a $900 turn on able perfo se w can A to m See on ed City ac to him s in ed du e supp Th m s rman infra ,000 in th by may Pad ical deswithHOLIwe of rin Ch en lves do th hing an ethi lyWMisU th DAY ces at up the crisis ey we tuDetroit. structure ort sust to loo th g hu at m any ad DED the Nov. be g th an they te ish dock, cripti the jusFEST t ple IVITI Posh Revival Rebirth + . It re projects ainac ese pr d wh ng ed retrofittinIn addit ul at ICA qu is ci rdle ajor mea an e Pl ey of killinthe guy on of perver ase ES page TION k back was Deux of Art: ality ty s ity ns ov ha don’hers so-c es o voabou ts g over ion, the firm in re sel A-2 Chase Se ed deth g Ste a pag wh y er so ew 59 See e M ge d a t ev with alle sion lun- t e A-4 ur of succ at nepopuan ov wh LED branches 70 percent is peo o jus phen Ev Comerica Las Pag ce its ISTR of Al right en a d ad as el in the lights ple t of e D3 ent wi Beca s fo pu ess ed latio erwh min Mana as Vegas and finCompanyBank, The Para EA legi no knowstra ults a juring geme and new city with a r bl bl stor to be n. elm gly no thou us inscr ‘lone before nt TE the ig an t ic Build offer de Syst Tw tio t e mo firm’s ibe glimpse ac D pa ce to th ht 527 s the wolf.’ killin re por n a si with k schoy fo deal o ofingl blac $150 ems. As parting ment into holidexclusive million ge ? Whestan at to soc trays him ma That g him in in Last of bl gn ou entre ol r all t wi th y su k ci nomic Detroit’s n See Page ay magic A-4 comm of th d pr s an or th e pr cces ty, Jill fro g, an we ack ifica t ac dar ially aw as and hardly self, recovery long-term iter en in its bu its comm B-1 k sid ce pra d nt sym m im pr ek sf Fo dekward ro En eu ac re or and build ecot og st ss th ev pat ctically e. rs ce si de ary ul ci it tainable itment ous en omfu e ci en , on .A het re ak to But fo tre rd (ri ing . to ss de r to lo ty ner ic and ma fa trepr l of ty’s t wh the ss in e in a de om lotta white – unde pren gh across solutions advance on n’s the blo d wit to nts flic Ke r eu t), wh for clien susMich ca ctor en bl ex ich fin De th ce ca ar mak guy ha are gun vestm its operation ted hand, ody tra ith of Im rshi pita e ts e on , fro and ents fro l to y in eurs ack pats en al da tro e lo nt ed o iga act just, s in a s wit ged A. Detroit’s are desig s, these and l anthe n Ch ual, we hot hO a pa p In head a Suso ma m his the hor y by st m the Cork m expa in cour y of it is cal uc inny ct itia re Trov ter we wh d car ll, cra el roo ror recovery. continue ned to boos po rugg thos loca to et du ts the ag the a no econ atio inn 32nd flooror he this con nday ro Am tiv s th nicist youd-carr zy. mnswhole Di leas e be res tent lin e d econ l en wn rin an city es t nDe om n, Te cally.cert waevenin ocent To r per inph erica es, e Ci le sh scre ed ing omic ial g smwho tre to di g a d loca ’s activ tro star y, and app ying chwh ponRe be o “Sus in din she It wa s com g cou civilians ch, gr are dom an oto To No fo po live ga owin tionath Fu terv ty of al ha pr sc br e noen ow e it Ho ter. the is critictainable l ntly est lo you grtsto mo er, un s an mittedntry mu at nd ie De firYou th o m t surp r ex l bu ve eneu us eakf bu th pa fo n ra g pur ry s. m re st gies snu a hig have ic continuoal to the infrastruc at ws Riha tha adulteract tha dom sic and ly ey ne any ris pans sine man ria s so ast sine an rtici ecom th r di nks that posIne. anhav ff out her ture to ,e De Ke troit’s n to business us oper efficient ion. ss aged l co me evenss le d re patio th De wh ed loca ingl cal tion onlook 20,000ated t wre estiam e ci scre No No co nu In tro sh give nna’ ation bi and ing envir ake to m of te st m al c.behacra all tho les it Ho a CaInno ne tro en co to l bl y, th $1.00 1 am jus comm nig all of ers alik mu terror M on ty of tioana.ter d of smal hi to mun the t he ader rth, n s bl s Fe Tr s zy wit se att e onmenta htm ercia and gh m things ju urs it ha mpathe ack e co ld s citieichigag m De mec sh vatio unfold are us wh e. Nosic lov on ry roron Detroit,” l activ to revitalizin l solutions ha ist e any St ove ac nt st of bod lly sust gr ake ity, issu at and a an s m re capi bu m ajoryou , o va Se ud tro ity to n on g ers in in t al k CE y ab ow n y wit s Detroit.” g said Matt ing hav om d an es Th throu ainab So… an head the co e all M ’re ygets e Pa girl Be nes to me it goi ichi . ve st m ou sm ore d to tal sine mon th the d “The ghou le pand it sho to In ly. am alsotercitie e of ing O an d me, tostAm Do new eri nsed ra ng bu le to criti - ca. to Morgan sustainab Arnold, globa t of Sust City of atbe ge shadauty su stm ajor t an all than wh they sses deno s as ing the mestic thi ki com The ong doplrorist, uld me as 20 d s nk es ear Th be sine ap hear Detroit D1 Chase. le finan infra ainab it wa s wo dom log ? This l Morg th itacrig nathesn to wh 17 be th rviva ent, ity y ot busi its ite ne do m scope . Ter lieve e! fle nd to e St Tr to es tio for ce, ned ese No ilean an ss from .

Office ing structure co ed n’ in “We s that ror an Chas ility appla uld estic ically sou of he ne of the ov eAm To ht; .

Am rie ct re in ud to . .green fiv atnw goo wi the hear sustainab firmly JP- in tic on l modwhic th r m ss fair mpa to t ha ator ma e practices and green uds $1.00 perica! e for ter be nds th least5 dne ericanIf e h es aj es m s, co gion corpy “Al Bu 10 e (Go is the ex ve is its leade JP- throu sh Di Gre ility lies be- throuenergy and • Branthe terror ke Pad rorismclassi like ss’ sm ide. growth t of long t ju othe e wh mea e bu or , pr ar nies pa th m th sc or ho ost -term ch onl st al or lah rship Chas ghout theit is enga build- Morg od) Photo all ” yell “Desake at and gh their sust tio Retro ist. Bu dock . Wh fied reatnaSat e er r bring and we are of nd e on econ ns si city op e st ged in tio tionac me accu of diffeatBu fir pra e da be city, aga threat an nary, inefit: or ing our Me As tpart branch ainability sust e serves cou th pers e th th ness in ortioof bl sim , es acce ey. excited omic orga support liv st ise ro acc a dom ich nad! an! (Be “De ath with terrorChas in as an JPMorga rte expertise e’s rria on ey ey a polinst the of vio ther ss pay rate inandrenct ta ordJP- esm We of abou ism the es the na ack ila peci ss nizationsof Detroit retrofits mak ainable busi k n cond Current, colla exam wi it’sesherthe’sof itsry(Best!) tter)” ath ing cuce e sy of of ly thig, an in adva t rani bora attackitically state len ple is true def ing bst powe Se abou – may ll neare can’ counlly m entrer si alkin ness ,” said non-profi uct ar 77Sla or re s wa tion ”.

Heer indaat rethe ncer to in ze teAmmu or latoesp e HO e m 8 oc ve d ta t that will an environm in Detr of lighting the worl “thred by ini t t e un Joel oth or coe motiva or ability, es, direc be ve pe s sa del . rs eci GE dicd’s large oit th cothe Howbenefit enta an ally cu isericsical con m pub la -icate, er tor of installatio law tioto MEC how . r be rpetuaattratry. Bue thpreCity of stall rcion. th xeas cou pa a an st ful n of somIn oth all Detr l impact lic y 22, ac erted signif Build e e di th an e cer to - ntr but thing, ct Highlight ab Detroit. sustaintio OM the ci ffe atas cost woicatake t, the y ing Manan and to LEDuse ted ethinger wo th co” unareme oiter tems ans sin an t th le lly 000 nsatt tainability s of “By exrds e acro e to stuc y ING ty’s no re ofhighwe-o by the firm’ s.” . rkernt nu n myweste ce is retro ss bran gement inin corort th ot nc hi ligref-lTru cra likely , ter troit inclu inves ivi Wend rn es mb a s k Syspa re st ches ees s la me hi zy he fittin gue ht tments mp sus- Detr isme er , nd ac mb ng ge mor in lon to be of de: wa effe rs th ro geer ofca’s lebas in the of tho ss in De- acro oit. The g 13 bran the firm e wo com nt A-4 scap livisn e laud e. mo ne tha se ches in ’t ct thaatn ss lf mu mit ss Detr retrofits signAnd ra ien lo e co in g of taakecire bas tiefrolm tpa ce if I oit will of branches rde - or Pad an wer ul taxe twe r$1 See INVE my e,ifiI ca idendoc ets, cut light thinkwere d k into .00 ce d no than Chn.ose say tio nt I’d STMENT ing nt ing tif s is, ndiffe “D how n Gu lowe page A-2 See y thon becel ho the one et LASe enaus ro awfuly renc De Som r.” usin natio ofI wo VEG uld g ex na ofASablin ci it in troit, e of es ra alclud wh pagg tie nk pe l by th 201 s s at ewo ns aver 7 Th e thand e m wh in oc th A-4 es m De cu ey rker en the e e fo Mic ajor 7 peage cr ajor troit ea s to it to llo higa fin Th Qu rPa rn co p ec wi cu etio citie ra ,” e ad ke Th ng n ge ding nk pa na no o, sa ep mes h: tio ry s na s is sp ■ Le y W W ne s fo id fin logi co-fo mor to ns inco tio No ra r ill Sa M e es ds ce un lly ec th . icha e lc la , F me nw . 5 , ial arn er nt hi rie of e re that In der el ab ome eatu pu ac ide am of pe age, gh s in pe affo st of Detroc. ro fo on blic ou ns rd “O Tr ss r di g ex rcen houser th Detro atio t sc You re C es ab the it bl ur ove pe t all sns lo ing an th it co ility co ow re Te o r n w ho oc es we ex e are min , un s se ch m De ill be lars App lleg g with try away arch - si ajor tro 6.7 r, an pens natio 3.5 e in pe d it in es na pe inse hip ap lica s A rc at hous te the an ons: citie ra en non- are l av rtio n nk 28 in rm rte in (N d t d in plicat ns d U pe g ex s m o. repa stal s fo s hi lowehous 27.9 rc ions Un niv ne en - an ent, 3), ir latio r th ghly r. ing t xt n, es de ers d sp ar (N wee tra or ts, o. 2) m e amon rgra itie ns ts desi , aint prof g k’s ■ S po an du s W ee Se pa rta d gn, prod enan ese IN a pe tio med en uc ce ho h te r an n te tio CO w & oW an ia (N rta n ME d w yo in d pa mato. 4) ill be u ca Gra ant ge du Yo er , A-4 dist n ob ia u

MEMORIES of Motown (the early years): “I Want a Love I Can See” (the Temptations), “Let Me Go the Right Way” (the Supremes), “I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying” (the Miracles), “Bye Bye Baby” (Mary Wells), “Playboy” (the Marvelettes), “Contract on Love” (Little Stevie Wonder), “Stubborn Kind of Fellow” (Marvin Gaye), “Quicksand” (Martha and the Vandellas), “Ask the Lonely” (the Four Tops).

BLESSINGS to everyone reading this right now.

nd

– Nu

mber B Novemb 4 and lack wom er 22-21, 201 7 aw

Della Re ss ese (1931-2 017

By Stev e Hols ey Detr

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ay, www.

Octo besti ber 16th nblac kdetr oit.co m

Win r in D heats te up dowetroit ntown Winter

shopping in Detroit hours are:

F stu armin d g b ent ton kno y tea mistr Hills win che eate g h rs fo d is r r igh ts

Hall.

Arch er. P icka rd.

Thre e nam es et ched into legacy at

Wes tern Michi gan U nivers ity

Let festiviti the es begi n

Will

No, slau g this pau hter in announ se is ces invest only Las V ments to inte e support rmis gas COMM Detroit’s wak WHsio ENTA economic AT’ n u RY e us recovery S IN ntil SID The E Next up?

Tim Mic e. hig an No .1 for dis cre tio nar y in com e

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WHA T’S IN SIDE

JPMorg an Chase

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At At Your Your Finger Finger Tips!

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LO OK FO R IN FO RM AT ION

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te rib ta To 28 uted in ‘fr Prog Kn , 20 thro ee ram ow 17 tu ug ho ition s ut the ’ co mm un ity .

Let the music play!

Steve Holsey can be reached at svh517@aol.com, navets517@gmail. com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

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UAW-FORD’s

Section C-3

Feb. 28 - Mar. 6, 2018

Mumford High School

helps students win in the game of life!

Making positive Detroit history begins today: Exposing all segments of the school’s student body to a wide range of career opportunities was the goal of the second annual Mumford High School Career Fair & Expo.

Second annual Career Fair & Expo was a ‘championship’ effort Operation Hope awarded a $500 prize to a student in Mumford’s Special Education Program. The competition with Operation Hope involved students writing business plans that were presented to a panel, with the winner receiving a $500 start-up prize. Along the same lines, Kimberly Harrington, a Mumford alum and the owner of the Phlebotomy Express Training Center (located across the street from Mumford) presented two scholarships to students as incentives to become certified phlebotomists.

By Scott Talley Special to the Michigan Chronicle The trophy case at Mumford High School recently welcomed a beautiful addition, when a determined group of young women brought home the school’s first city championship since 1978 in girls’ basketball.

However, even before the Lady Mustangs hoisted the championship trophy at Calihan Hall, Feb. 16, 2018 was amazing for Mumford students because on this day the second annual Mumford High School Career Fair & Expo also was held on school grounds. During a special time when Black History Month was being celebrated throughout our community, Mumford’s Career Fair & Expo also was preparing students for future success.

“It was important to have this event in February as many of the businesses were represented by African Americans,” said Mumford

High School Principal Angela Prince, whose school located at 17525 Wyoming has long been an anchor institution in one of our city’s proudest neighborhoods.

“We want our students to see what is possible for them by seeing owners of businesses right here in our city that look like them.”

Principal Prince added: “We asked our students to dress for success on this day as this could be a potential interview for them because they never know what someone has to offer them. Some of the students received internship offers and one student, Jane Ferguson, actually appeared on TV as a result of the career fair with (local on-air personality) Sheri Jackson, who also was the MC of our program.

We wanted our students to know that anything is possible if they work hard and put forth the effort to make it happen. We want them to know that Mumford High School is here to support them every step of the way.”

And just as the Lady Mustangs

earned their title on the basketball court by working hard, Principal Prince said the Career Fair & Expo participants also had their marching orders, during an event that was open to all of Mumford’s roughly 900 students.

“For the Career Fair, we had 85 vendors sign up to participate and the students had to complete a ‘learning passport’ for class credit,” Principal Prince said. “In the passport they had to visit a minimum of six vendors and write down what they learned or found interesting about the company, which required obtaining a signature from the vendor.

“The biggest vendor we had this year was DTE Energy. They brought a team of 30 people that represented every aspect of what DTE Energy does. It was amazing, they brought models, and trucks, meters and more, and many of the people on their team were Mumford alumni.”

From Principal Prince, the “Best of Young Detroit” also learned that

The value of community partnerships was evident throughout the Career Fair & Expo, two area restaurants, Cutter’s Bar & Grill and Pop’n Smoked BBQ provided lunch for the vendors; local chefs from BRAVO Cucina Italiana conducted a food demonstration for students; the Michigan Barber School provided free haircuts to more than 35 students; and, Michigan Works!

Association provided a Work Force One Mobile Unit on site.

Last, but certainly not least, the Mumford High School Career Fair & Expo demonstrated the importance of good teachers in our community, including an exemplary special education teacher named Andria Bellamy, who Principal Prince proudly credits as the Mumford staff member most responsible for beginning and continuing an extremely beneficial tradition at the school.

“In the first stage of planning (in 2017), it originally started as just an information day for my students with special needs because I have found that ‘we’ are too often overlooked across the career spectrum,” said Ms. Bellamy, who has worked tirelessly to develop relationships with area businesses and organizations to put on the Career Fair

& Expo. “As I began to sketch out the plans, I realized that the general student population citywide did not realize the ‘other’ options that are available to them next to college, hence ‘Career Expo.’

“My drive is to make sure students are aware of the skilled trades options. Another push for me was to make sure there was a majority presence from African American males in professional/ entrepreneurship leadership roles.”

The “Best of Young Detroit” applauds Ms. Bellamy, Principal Prince and the entire Mumford High School family for providing ongoing programming that uplifts students.

Ongoing and upcoming positive activities at Mumford include the renovation of the school’s weight room by UAW-Ford, which also has involved student volunteers that have helped paint the room.

Also, this Thursday (March 1), Mumford will host the “Beyond Basic Literacy Summit.” And on Friday (March 2), Mumford will host its second annual “Roots to Branches Black History Performance,” which will occur on the same day the Mumford gymnasium will be dedicated to former coach Dwight Johnson, who continues to work with students and helped lead the Lady Mustangs to the city crown.

In addition to programming for the Mumford student body, Mumford High School is also one of two sites (along with Detroit Collegiate Prep at Northwestern) for “Saturday Schoolhouse in the D,” which also is sponsored by UAW-Ford and provides free core and enrichment classes for students across our area. Please come back to the “Best of Young Detroit” for continued coverage of positive, uplifting activities taking place at Detroit schools.

UAW-Ford’s Best of Young Detroit

Student Voices Presenting a positive image and sports are important to our contributors

For this edition of “Student Voices,” we return to the youth that participated in our writing workshop at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. This week, we are proud to introduce a fifth and seventh grader—Brooklyn Ellis and James O’Neal. Brooklyn titled her submission “Black Representatives” and through her writing she makes a poignant case that all young African Americans should strive to be the best they can be because their actions impact the way other young African Americans are judged. James, like many youth, is passionate about sports, and his submission hints that he could be a young sports writer in the making.

Brooklyn Ellis, 5th grader, Mound Park Elementary: “Sagging, swearing, using incorrect English; these are some ways of young African Americans.

Many young African Americans are totally opposite, and are educated and smart, but some Brooklyn Ellis in our society see and hear the ones who do wrong and they say: ‘See, I told you they were nasty, gross and

uncivilized.’ This needs to stop. Everyone has the right to a good education. Everyone should learn the difference between right and wrong. Every African American is a representative of who we are. We cannot let people think we are savages. I believe everyone can be smart if they believe they can be.”

James O’Neal, 7th grader, John R. King: “My topic is sports and my main two sports are football and basketball. My favorite football team is the Carolina Panthers and my favorite basketball team is the Golden State Warriors. Cam Newton is James O’Neal my favorite player on the Panthers and Stephen Curry is my favorite player on the Warriors. The reason why Cam Newton is my favorite football player is because he is energetic and loves to have fun, but the reason why I like Stephen Curry is because he is a great three-point shooter.

That is what I like and what I am interested in.”

Feb. 28 - Mar. 6, 2018 Page C-4

Student-athletes from Detroit will join Horizon League ‘Madness’ It has been billed as “Motor City Madness” and from the perspective of the “Best of Young Detroit,” “Madness” is a good thing because a collection of student-athletes from Detroit will be a part of the action when the Horizon League holds its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in downtown Detroit. The tournaments will take place March 2 through March 6 at Little Caesars Arena. The Horizon League’s basketball membership includes 10 universities, including the University of Detroit Mercy, Oakland University, Cleveland State University and the University of IllinoisChicago. The number of key players from the Detroit Public School League would be even larger if not for season-ending injuries to Oakland University’s Brailen Neely (Western International) and Martez Walker (Pershing), who is one of the very best players in the league. Despite those absences, the Detroit PSL will be well represented as the teams battle for an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Following are some of the top players from Detroit high schools that are expected to be in action during the Horizon League Tournament.

Kenny Carpenter, Cleveland State/ Cass Tech, the senior guard has been an offensive catalyst for the Vikings all season and enters the Horizon League Tournament averaging a team-leading 12.7 points a game to go along with 5.1 rebounds a contest.

Terrell Hales, Cleveland State/ Frederick Douglass, the senior guard has appeared in 22 games entering the Horizon League Tournament.

His season highlights include an eightpoint, four-rebound performance in an 86-78 victory against Illinois-Chicago on Feb. 10.

Josh McFolley, Detroit Mercy/ Western International High School, the junior guard will have to play well if the underdogTitans have any chance of upsetting the field at the Horizon League Tournament. He enters the tourney averaging 11.1 points and is coming off a career-high 34-point performance on Feb. 24 at Calihan Hall against Green Bay, whom the Titans face Friday (March 2) in a first-round Horizon League Tournament matchup.

Zoey Oatis, University of Detroit Mercy/Cass Tech, the sophomore guard/ forward has appeared in 28 games entering the Horizon League Tournament. Her season highlights include a 22-point, seven-rebound performance against Youngstown State on Dec. 28.

Tia Tedford, University of IllinoisChicago/Martin Luther King, the freshman guard has appeared in 21 games entering the Horizon League Tournament.

Her season highlights include scoring a team-leading 15 points in a 71-52 victory against Youngstown State on Feb. 10.

Building on History!

Detroit Mumford’s Lady Mustangs, winners of the PSL basketball crown, added another championship trophy with a 41-38 Operation Friendship Championship victory on Feb. 22 against host Birmingham Marian. Mumford earned the right to play in the Operation Friendship Championship by capturing the school’s first PSL title since 1978. That talented 1978 team included Detroit High School Hall of Fame inductee Debra Walker, one of the greatest players of any era to play high school basketball in the state of Michigan.

“Best of Young Detroit”

Lady Mustangs win Operation Friendship Title!

George Trapp had shining moments during a special time in Pistons’ history

Following are some of the top performers in recent high school basketball games involving teams in the Detroit Public School League.

GIRLS Tiara Earnest, Mumford, the junior guard scored 11 points in a 41-38 Operation Friendship championship game victory against Birmingham Marian on Feb. 22.

Zamaria Polk, Mumford, the senior center pulled down 15 rebounds and scored nine points, including what turned out to be the game-winning basket in the Lady Mustangs’ Operation Friendship victory against Birmingham Marian on Feb. 22.

Adoreya Williams, Mumford, the junior guard contributed eight points including a free throw which gave the Lady Mustangs a three point lead in the closing seconds of the Operation Friendship championship game on Feb. 22 played at Marian High School.

BOYS Brandon Green, Mumford, scored 22 points in a 65-45 victory against Detroit Catholic Central on Feb. 24.

Anthony Taylor, Mumford, contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds against Catholic Central on Feb. 24.

Tyson Acuff, Cass Tech, scored 17 points in a 68-56 victory against Loyola on Feb. 23.

Randy Gilbert, Cass Tech, contributed 15 points against Loyola on Feb. 23.

Joshua Wilson, Henry Ford, scored 18 points in a 51-48 victory against Ecorse on Feb. 22.

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

The date was Feb. 28, 1974 and the Detroit Pistons suffered a 113-90 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks despite the efforts of a six-foot-eight long-distance shooter named George Trapp (July 11, 1948 – Jan 21, 2002).

On that night, Trapp, a Detroit native playing for his hometown team registered 17 points to go with four rebounds in just 21 minutes of play.

The Pistons may have lost that contest, but the 1973-74 campaign was actually one of the best season’s in the earlier history of the franchise. Guided by Ray Scott, one of the earliest African American coaches in the National Basketball Association, the Pistons posted a 52-30 record, which earned Scott the league’s “Coach of the Year” award.

Scott was the first African American to receive that honor. Scott, standing to the left of number 31 George Trapp in the team picture above, was the first African American to receive that honor.

Trapp, who was affectionately known as “Instant Heat” by many loyal fans during the team’s Cobo Arena era, was a consistent contributor to the 1973-74 squad and other Pistons teams. Playing during a time when

there was no three-point shot in the NBA, Trapp, nonetheless, let the deep balls fly and had an uncanny ability to score points in quick flurries off the bench in a reserve role.

Trapp’s basketball odyssey included starring at Highland Park High School and then he ventured out west to Pasadena Junior College before landing at Long Beach State, where he was a two-time Pacific Coast Conference Most Valuable Player. The Atlanta Hawks selected Trapp fifth overall in the 1971 draft, but after two seasons in Atlanta, the Hawks accepted a first-round pick from the Pistons, reuniting Trapp with his native city to the delight of many true Detroit fans.

With his healthy Afro, and often devastating outside shot, Trapp would no doubt fit in well in today’s game. Longtime fans can only wonder how many more points he could have scored if the NBA had the three-point line during Trapp’s Pistons days. Those extra points could have meant additional wins for the Pistons, too, but for the fond memories he provided, Mr. George Trapp should always be remembered as a local school-boy star who had some shining moments with our hometown team.

Classified OBITUARIES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

ATTENTION QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQ 18-2613 R134A Freon. RFQ packages will be available after February 23, 2018 at www.mitn.info This bid is due on March 15, 2018. At 3:00 pm Eastern time.

NOTICE

Detroit Community Schools, a Michigan public school academy, is now accepting applications for a member of its Board of Directors for the 2018-19 school year.

Meeting locations are at the high school building and generally take place one afternoon each month. Being a member of the Detroit Community Schools Board of Directors is an excellent way for you to become involved in your child’s education.

Naomi Rosetta Cash On Saturday, Feb. 10, a homegoing celebration for Naomi Rosetta Cash took place at Greater Burnette Baptist Church with Rev. Herman Griffin III officiating. She passed away on Feb. 3, 2018.

Mrs. Cash was the beloved wife of the late Rev. Dr. Lonnie C. Cash, First Lady of Highway Missionary Baptist Church for over 38 years, retired teacher in the Detroit Public Schools, beloved mother of the late Dr. Frances Cash Ugwuegbu, the late Linda Ruth Cash, Naomi Williams (Lonnie), Krista McGee Champion (David) and Dr. Pauline Cash-Smith; also, Nathan (son-in-law, deceased), Ira Maddox (Phillip), adopted daughter Sheila Wheaton siblings Ruth Houser, Dorothy Ethleyand Rev. Dale Troupe.

Naomi Rosetta Troupe Cash was born on Feb. 4. 1928 in Stamps, Arkansas, the eighth of the 11 children of Rev. General Troupe and Pauline Davis Troupe. After graduating from high school, she attended Arkansas Agriculture Mechanical and Normal College, now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s in Education from Wayne State University.

On Dec. 25, 1947, she married Lonnie Cash and they were blessed with six daughters. They married for 53 years, until his passing in January 2001. Mrs. Cash, who had long been active in the church, enjoyed chatting on the phone, checking up on friends and spending time with her children and grandchildren, including road trips. She also enjoyed movies, traveling and participated in programs designed for seniors. At various times, the family owned the Rush and Cash dry cleaners, a coal yard, a confectionary and a laundromat, among other business ventures.

Naomi Rosetta Cash is missed by her daughters, Naomi Williams (Lonnie), Krista Champion (David), Dr. Pauline Cash-Smith and Ira H.E. Cash-Maddox (Phillip) and adopted daughter Sheila Wheaton; two sisters, Ruth Houser (Thomas) and Dor-othy Etherly (John); a brother, Dale Troupe; 22 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, five great-greatgrandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

The e-mail address is pcash714@gmail.com.

Arrangements were handled by O.H. Pye III Funeral Home.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

RRHC Project: MI008-002, 003, & 004 Community Center Building.

The project consists of Security Camera System installations within the River Rouge Housing Commission Common Hallway Areas/Exterior.Designated by the Executive Director and/or Contracting Officer.

Walk- Through Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 10:30am

Applications may be downloaded from the DCS website: www.detcomschools. org or picked up at the Main Office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Applications must be submitted to the school office no later than Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

RFP #DPL-CL-1807 – Lawn Care Maintenance Services for All East/ Central Detroit Public Library Branches and Locations for a Three (3) Year Period The Detroit Public Library is seeking sealed competitive proposals for Lawn Care Maintenance Services for All East/ Central Detroit Public Library Branches and Locations for a Three (3) Year Period, RFP #DPL-CL-1807. Proposal documents may be downloaded from the Library’s website, www.detroitpubliclibrary.org or through the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network (MITN) website, www.bidnetdirect.com/mitn.

There will be a mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202. Sealed proposals are to be returned to the Purchasing Office, 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 no later than 2:00 PM (Local Time) March 20, 2018. No telephone, electronic, or facsimile proposals will be accepted. Late proposals will not be accepted or considered.

Please note: The Library is closed to patrons on Monday however, the business offices are open. Access to the building on Monday is through the Staff Entrance on Putnam Street.

There will be a mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202. Sealed proposals are to be returned to the Purchasing Office, 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 no later than 2:00 PM (Local Time) March 20, 2018. No telephone, electronic, or facsimile proposals will be accepted. Late proposals will not be accepted or considered.

Please note: The Library is closed to patrons on Monday however, the business offices are open. Access to the building on Monday is through the Staff Entrance on Putnam Street.

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Sealed bids will be received by the River Rouge Housing Comm.,& will be opened and read at the Owner Discretion. Bid Proposals will Received at: River Rouge Housing Commission, 180 Visger Road, River Rouge, MI. 48218.

(313) 382-1414 office (313) 382-0228 fax.

BIDDING:

In order to receive consideration, make bids in strict accordance with the Project manual and include, what the Bid form, the following: a. Representations, Certifications, and Other statements of Bidders HUD-5369 A. b. Non-Collusive Affidavit c. Bid Bond d. Section 3 Implementation Plan

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Proposals shall be made according to the contract documents as Prepared by ASC ARCHITECTS LLC.

“Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real.”

- Tupac Shakur

A mandatory pre-bid meeting and examination of the premises will take place at the project site (66 Peterboro. St. Detroit, MI 48201), on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 @ 10:00 A.M Sealed bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at. Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas No bids will be accepted after this time. All bids must be submitted by trade and line item.

All bids will be publicly opened on March 20, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas 550 East 9 mile Rd. Ferndale, MI 48220. All interested parties are invited to attend. Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas will award a contract to the lowest, most responsive and responsible bidder – however, Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas, reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any bid or to reject any or all bids should it be deemed for its best interest.

The contracts will be executed under the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund administered by the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department, CDBG Initiatives Division.

The successful contractor(s) will be required to comply with federal laws governing equal employment opportunity, with the prevailing wage requirements of the Federal Labor Standards Act, which also incorporates Davis-Bacon Act requirements; will have to be cleared and approved by the City of Detroit; and comply with: Executive Order No. 2016-1, which states, in part, that all City of Detroit project construction contracts shall provide that at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the workforce must be bona-fide Detroit residents.

Bidders are required to furnish a bid guarantee equal to (5%) of their bid. The Bid guarantee shall be in the form of either a bid bond or a certified check, made out to Detroit Central City Community Mental Health.

The successful bidder is required to furnish payment (Labor and Materials) and performance bonds in the amount covering the faithful performance of the contract and the payment of all obligations arising thereunder, in the amount of 100% of their contracts, executed by a surety, which is licensed to do business in the State of Michigan.

The contractor will be required to comply with the federal government Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 3 Act (24 CFR Part 135). All contracts (subcontracts) shall include the “Section 3 Clause” found in the City of Detroit Section 3 Plan template. The Section 3 program is administered by the Department of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity (CRIO). For information and questions, please contact CRIO directly via department web page on the City of Detroit website, email CRIOsection3@DetroitMi.gov, or phone 313-2249515, program manager, Patricia Ford.

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PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

LICENSED JM ELECTRICIANS

The Detroit Public Library is seeking sealed competitive proposals for Lawn Care Maintenance Services for All West/ Southwest Detroit Public Library Branches and Locations for a Three (3) Year Period, RFP #DPL-CL-1808. Proposal documents may be downloaded from the Library’s website, www.detroitpubliclibrary.org or through the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network (MITN) website, www.bidnetdirect.com/mitn.

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Detroit Central City Community of Mental Health, Inc. is seeking qualified contractors to perform the following. 1.) Contractors to perform various renovations in its office located at 10 Peterboro St. Detroit, MI 48201. Work includes obtaining City of Detroit alteration permit, Furnish and installs car operating panels and hall push buttons, furnish and install new door equipment, hoist way doors at each floor including door operators, Provide City of Detroit inspection approvals and return elevator to service. 2.) Qualified contractors to perform Construction for 25 new spaces parking lot located at 25-31 Peterboro St. Detroit, MI 48201. Work includes obtaining City of Detroit permit, Remove debris and clean lot, grade lot per plans, Install sewer and catch basin for parking lot, Install new lighting, Install 6 inches of concrete and curbs per plan, Install fencing around perimeter of lot, Stripe lot, Clean lot of debris and Final approval from City of Detroit. Contractors desiring to bid shall demonstrate the following qualifications: At least 5 years’ experience in their relative trade, licensed as required by state and/or local law. Insurance: General Liability and Auto Liability with Central City Integrated Health., and The City of Detroit named as Additional Insured. Workman’s compensation insurance is also required. Bid packets will be available at: Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas., 550 East 9 mile rd. Ferndale, MI 48220. Contact James Pappas at (248) 543-4100, or jpappas@fsparch.com (e-mail) with questions regarding project specifics as found in the bid packet.

HELP WANTED

RFP #DPL-CL-1808 – Lawn Care Maintenance Services for All West/ Southwest Detroit Public Library Branches and Locations for a Three (3) Year Period

Location:

BIDDING DOCUMENTS:

Feb. 28 - Mar. 6, 2018

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

To enhance awareness and further the brand of the university by developing and creating visual storytelling across multiple platforms, using both photography and videography to inform and engage past, current and prospective students and support Oakland University’s communication and marketing goals. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree with concentration in the areas of journalism or writing, marketing, and video production or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Special skills required include information technology savvy with an emphasis on interactive media.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Refer to online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 8, 2018.

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

Electrical Machines Controls Engineer

BorgWarner PDS (USA) seeks an Electrical Machines Controls Engineer in Auburn Hills, MI, responsible for developing modern controls algorithms and simulation and modeling including instrumentation and characterization of electric machines, among other duties. Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, software or mechanical engineering or computer science and five yrs. of experience in the job offered or a related occupation. Will accept master's degree and three yrs. of experience. Any suitable combination of education, training, or experience is acceptable. Please send resumes to: Ms. Catherine Wood, Resume Processing/JO#8488330, BorgWarner, 3800 Automation Avenue, Auburn Hills, MI 48326.

Diagnostics Systems Engineer

Warren, MI, General Motors. Engineer, dvlp &execute diagnostic strategies for passenger vehicle advance electrical architectures including Body Control Module (BCM), Electric Power Steering system, Engine Control Module (ECM), Advance Park Assist, &Front Camera Module (FCM), using Rational Rhapsody, Rational DOORS, &Synergy tools.

Use &apply corporate standards incldg diagnostic communication protocols such as CAN bus, UDS, diagnostic infrastructure, &corporate common diagnostic parameter mgmt processes. Review diagnostic reqmts documented in Subsystem Technical Specifications &provide feedback to reqmts authors to improve clarity &consistency with diagnostic strategies. Collaborate with reqmts authors &Service Engineers to ensure high quality, executable Subsystem reqmts.

Collaborate with ECU Design Responsible Engineers (DREs), Tier I Suppliers, &Component Service Engineers for clarification/correction/enhancement of the functional diagnostic reqmts related to the ECU supporting diagnostic reqmts described in SSTS. Master, Electrical Engrg, Embedded Software Engrg, or Control Systems Engrg. 6 mos exp as Engineer, engrg &dvlpg diagnostic strategies for passenger vehicle advance electrical architectures incldg BCM &ECM, using Rational Rhapsody, Rational DOORS, &Synergy tools. Mail resume to Ref#2418-203, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

$1.00

WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

2/27/18 12:53 PM

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• michiganchronicle.com •

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2018

Calling all Detroit High School Seniors

The Michigan Chronicle is awarding scholarships up to $10,000 Apply by April 2, 2018 The Michigan Chronicle presents the 3rd annual S.W.A.G. Awards in Detroit. S.W.A.G., which stands for Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness, is a scholarship program recognizing outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to community, integrity and service. Current students that live and attend school in Detroit or theMetro Detroit area and planning to attend college or a trade school are eligible to apply.

presented by

To Apply visit: https://michronicleonline.com/2018/01/03/swag-awards-2018/ For more information, email swagawards@michronicle.com NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY. 2017-2018 Michigan Chronicle S.W.A.G. Awards entry period starts at 12:00 AM ET on 1/2/18 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 4/2/18. Open only to 12th graders who are 16 and older who are legal residents of City of Detroit or Metro Detroit area who: (a) attend a public, charter, or private Detroit or Metro Detroit high school; (b) will graduate in spring 2018; (c) have at least a 2.5 grade point average (or equivalent); and (d) are in good community standing. Visit www.michronicleonline.com/swagawards for entry instructions. Submission requirements prizes and complete details. Only one (1) Submission per entrant. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.