Who Got Next? Local Community Leaders Carry The Torch of Dr. King’s Dream City.Life.Style. B1
Michigan Chronicle
Vol. 84 – No. 19 | January 13-19, 2021
Powered by Real Times Media | michiganchronicle.com
“A Tale of Two Countries” Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Jr. In 1963 in his famous “I Have a Dream” Speech, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. prophetically spoke of a beloved community: “that day when all of God’s children, Black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing…Free at Last!” He concluded by making the following prophetic statement in his final speech 5 years later: “I may not get there with you, but we as a people will get to the promised land!”
COMMENTARY
Well, that dream was no better realized than on Tuesday, Steve Bland, Jr. January 5, 2021, when Georgia, where he believed “one day… the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood,” birthed two U.S. Senators in a Special Election: one Black, one Jewish! Both represent the classes of individuals that were the primary victims of hatred when Dr. King spoke those words. Amazingly, Rev. Raphael Warnock, a native of Savannah, GA, and the current Senior Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta, once pastored by Dr. King, won a U.S. Senate seat over a wealthy white female incumbent who owns a WNBA team, the Atlanta Dream. Jon Ossoff, an American Jew, won a U.S. Senate seat over a wealthy white male incumbent who is CEO of Dollar General. Both are stories that symbolize that King’s dream is slowly becoming a new reality! What is even more significant is the power of Black voters that led the way for turning Georgia Blue. 93 percent of Black voters in Georgia’s Special Election voted for them and turned out in record numbers. This was accomplished mainly by efforts of women like Stacey Abrams led the way. She turned her angst into organizing after her Georgia gubernatorial bid was denied her. However, on the same day this historic moment was announced, we witnessed another historic moment that occurred at of all places, at the U.S. Capitol Building, while our democratically cast votes were being officially certified by Congress. The same certification process that was conducted in only 36 minutes four years ago when Trump lost the popular vote, was led by now President elect Joseph Biden. This time though, it was interrupted and had to be reconvened by determined lawmakers in a late-night session because over 2,000 Trump-inspired individu-
See TWO
COUNTRIES page A6
WHAT’S INSIDE
Stay Woke and Keep Fighting: For Black America The Fight for Dr. King’s Dream Continues
“Our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.” – Martin Luther King Jr. from The World House chapter of his book, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” published in 1967.
By Whitney Gresham Given all the country has been through the past four years under the disgraceful Trump Administration, those prescient words from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are as wise and appropriate today as when they were first written 53 years ago. This is especially in light of the recent insurrection and attempted takeover of the U.S. Capitol by a huge mob of Trump supporters made up largely of neo-Confederates, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and far-right militia members. While the chaos occurred just two weeks before the historic inauguration of President elect Joe Biden and Vice President elect Kamala Harris, it also broke out just three weeks before the 34th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Black America should have been preparing to celebrate the first African American female – and HBCU graduate – elected as the Vice President of the United States – and getting rid of the most racist President in American history – the same week as MLK Day. Instead, it had to witness a profane orgy of violent white radicalism instigated by the President of the United States. And this on the eve of the inauguration of a new president who was swept into office largely on the votes of African Americans. Nevertheless, in spite of this appalling situation, as MLK Day nears, it is important for Black America to step back and reflect on what it managed to achieve over the past year in spite of Trump. And, most importantly, how it managed once
again to save this country from itself. By taking advantage of the right to vote which Dr. King and the late Congressmen John Lewis for which they sacrificed their live, Black America was the deciding factor in electing Biden and Harris to the highest offices in the land, while making the extremely dangerous and profoundly racist Donald Trump a one-term president. While in the process, Georgia elected to the U.S. Senate the Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock as the first Black man or woman and Jon Ossoff as its first American Jew from its state. At the same time voters took out the two incumbent neo-Confederate senators who preceded them. And, for the ultimate trifecta, their election gave the Democratic Party the two extra seats needed to take control of the U.S. Senate. President elect Biden and the Democratic leadership has promised that among their first legislative acts will be to push for the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Restoration Act and an anti-lynching bill. The current Republican Senate Majority leader Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, has been blocking both bills from coming to the floor for a vote. All of this was made possible by the hard work and energy of the former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and a myriad of grassroots organizations who led a massive statewide get out the vote effort which led to a record turnout of African American voters. All of America owes her and the other voting rights champions a debt of gratitude for their commitment and dedication to the cause. The nationwide mobilization of the Black vote and the clout it demonstrated in many ways is part of the fulfillment of the dreams of Dr. King and John Lewis and all those early Civil Rights leaders. It not only underscores the importance of the vote to the Black community, but it also illuminates the fact that far too often it is African Americans who show the most fealty to Democratic principles in
Detroit Celebrates Life of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. By Megan Kirk As the city prepares to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., many community organizations are hosting events to commemorate the day. While some events are unable to be held in person due to social distancing efforts, organizers are looking to bring a sense of pride and community as they honor the prominent Civil Rights Movement leader.
ADetroit Touch of Black: Painter and Digital Artists
Creates Soulful Imagery With a Purpose
City.Life.Style. B1
$1.00
The Umoja Fina Arts Gallery is hosting an art exhibit celebrating the life of Dr. King and today’s social justice movement. Established in 1996, the art gallery is paying tribute to Dr. King through a series of works by artists Priscilla Phifer and Marcel Stewart. Entitled “Black Lines Matter: Atatiana,” the 24”x36” acrylic portrait by Phifer depicts Atatiana Jefferson, a 28-year-old Miami, FL, resident who was shot and killed in her home by police in 2019. See MLK
EVENTS page A2
this country. And precisely from whom so many white people from presidents to Supreme Court justices down to state and local officials try so hard to keep the vote from. So, it’s important to distill the reason for all the chaos by Trump supporters down to its bare essence. And it comes down to three short words: Black voting rights. Or more precisely, the fear of Black voting rights. Again. The very reason Trump and so many of his militant supporters were upset to the point of violence in the first place was the failure of the state and federal courts to go along with his lies that President elect Biden and Vice President elect Harris were fraudulently elected. His entire claim was largely predicated upon the lie that voters in major urban cities such as Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia and Milwaukee -- all cities with large Black populations -- engaged in election misconduct which resulted in his not receiving the number of votes due him. There was never any evidence to support such claims. Just Trump and his maliciously racist supporters’ conjecture which went nowhere in the court system, both at the state and federal levels, where proof is required to prevail. In fact, his legal team lost in the range of 60 different lawsuits and appeals to that argument, including in many courtrooms headed by judges appointed by Trump and other Republican presidents. The President, however, is a liar incapable of distinguishing fiction from fact. He followed the playbook of the old deranged segregationist politicians of the South who built their political careers upon oppressing African Americans and keeping their constituencies whipped up in a constant state of fear, anxiety and anger over racial progress during the 1940s, 50s, 60s and the 70s. Like the segregationists King confronted, Trump is a privileged white male
See KING'S
DREAM page A2
Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com •
MLK Events From page A-1
“She was just one of many women who’ve been killed by the hands of police,” Phifer says. “She represents a lot of other women.” A part of a nine-part series that features George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the abstract artist uses lines to depict people and bring visual interpretation to the forefront. “We know that art imitates life. Artists have a responsibility to depict change and not just for Black people, but for all people,” Phifer shares. “King galvanized the movement by making change through nonviolence and being persistent.” Stewart’s portrait, a 36”x48” acrylic on canvas, pulls inspiration from numerous quotes from Dr. King. The work entitled “Still Uncivil” links Dr. King’s legacy with today’s social injustice.
January 13-19, 2021
community to learn more about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beginning January 18 through January 22, students, faculty and the community will be able to take part in a series of events highlighting the legend while providing aid to community organizations in their continued fight for equality. In addition to its week of events, the university will also celebrate its 28th year of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Day of Service. The day will feature virtual service opportunities including knitting hats and scarves for the homeless and live virtual book readings. Registration for the day of service is open. Participants are encouraged to register early through the university’s website. A local church is also looking
“This specific piece is the second of an ongoing piece called Modern Day America,” Stewart says. Using art as a political statement and a means for activism, artist works are charged with emotion and often reflect current and historical events. For Black artists, shedding light on decades of oppression through various art forms allows for expression of political and social beliefs. “I believe the expression of art and activism are tied directly together,” Stewart says. “We put those things out to bring awareness to issues we see at the surface.” The event will be January 18 with the unveiling beginning promptly at 1 p.m. Open to the public, registration for the event is required as social distancing efforts will be in place. Eight guests will be permitted each half hour and masks are mandatory for entry. The University of Michigan’s Dearborn campus is holding a week of events to allow students and the
to educate the community on the accomplishments of Dr. King while also honoring current social justice efforts. Hope United Methodist Church will host a mobile parade. The Driving for Justice Parade, presented by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Task Force, will take place on January 18. Led by the theme Justice Now, the event will also feature a virtual peace walk in conjunction with the parade. Participants are asked to register as the event is open to the first 250 cars to sign up. Members are asked to stay in their cars during the parade as the caravan makes its way from the church grounds to the Southfield Pavilion on Evergreen Rd. Signs, banners and car decorations are highly recommended.
Two Countries
From page A-1
als, many acting as insurrectionists and domestic terrorists, stormed in and ravaged our nation’s Capitol, while Congress was in session! This was a planned uprising whose flames were fanned by a sitting U.S. President literally sending them to confront and resist the certification process! By Twitter he stated, “Big protest in DC on Jan. 6! Will be wild!” In person he charged them by saying, “You’ll never take back our country with weakness”! Whose country? Does the land of the free and the home of the brave belong to mobsters who storm past U.S. Capitol Police, weaponize metal barricades, bust out windows, scale the Capitol walls, use metal pipes, chemical and automatic weapons, as well as use physical violence? Can they descend with zip ties, overtake Congressional offices and ransack them claiming their taxpayer dollars gives them rights and privileges to sanction and commit these egregious acts? These were not peaceful protestors like we’ve seen in many historic gatherings in Washington, D.C., even dating back to Dr. King’s 1963 speech 57 years ago, but those that resulted in the death of five persons including a U.S. Capitol Police officer. This rebellious breach was unlike anything seen dating back to early days of British resistance or the Civil War in 1834. Even then, we didn’t see Confederate flags allowed to be flown in the U.S. Capitol or gallows with hangmen’s nooses erected on its grounds! Notice there were no National Guard present, no human barriers in battle fatigues prepared to resist their advance like it was with the Black Lives Matter rally, and no shots rubber bullets fired against any of these aggressors because they were afraid for their lives. Black American citizens like Eric Gardner, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless others have been killed by police for far less than the massively aggressive actions we witnessed against the police by this mob. On this same day, a verdict was rendered that no charges would be filed against an officer who
shot Jacob Blake in the back seven times while getting in his car, stating he was afraid Blake had a knife the officer could not see. The National Guard was called out swiftly in response to mainly peaceful protests in Wisconsin, Detroit and other cities, but mysteriously they were not called in after several hours of the violent ravaging of the U.S. Capitol, viewed in real time on TV networks and social media, and was clearly planned in advance! There was no spraying them back like was done when clearing the way for a photo-op in front of a D.C. Church recently. The President reluctantly calls for the mob’s retreat by saying, “We love you...you’re special.” Did I mention we’re still fighting a global pandemic and over 4,000 people died from it that day? More people died from COVID-19 in a 2-day span of these events than died in the Pearl Harbor attack and 9/11 combined! Did any Leader tell their families they were loved and special while this angry mob gathered unmasked and not socially distanced as virus super-spreaders? I observed this same behavior by persons wanting to storm the TCF Center to stop the certifying of duly cast Detroit votes, to demonize Wayne County votes to canvassers for hours, and also while I was in Lansing for the state-wide certification of votes, so these aren’t isolated incidents but an intentional buildup of what finally exploded in our nation’s Capital. This was incited by false claims of a stolen election by the President, although refuted by over 57 courts from the District circuit to the Supreme Court. Outgoing President Trump was rightly permanently taken off Facebook and Twitter, private companies, for inciting violence, but should he still have access to nuclear codes? Steps to seek his removal from office whether by impeachment or invoking the 25th Amendment must be sought if he refuses to resign from office. Running out the clock over the next remaining days does not make an official record of his misdeeds, but impeachment can also prevent him from running for future positions includ-
The parade is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. while the virtual peace walk is set for noon. To commemorate more than 900 streets across the nation named after Dr. King, the Detroit Historical Society’s Black Historic Sites Committee and the Detroit Historical Museum is hosting a virtual event that will take a dive deep into how race and geography were an instrumental component in naming streets after the visionary; and if those streets have measured up to King’s dream. The event is free and will also feature a sneak peek of the 15-minute short film, King Blvd. Guests will have the opportunity to listen in on a panel discussion with the film’s writer and producer, Earl Hardy, and a local historian, educator and founder of The Black Scroll Network, History & Tours, Jamon Jordan. The panel will also include commentary from Dr. Derek Alderman who has written about streets named after MLK since the early 1990’s. Guests are encouraged to register for the event taking place on January 18 at 1:00 p.m. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is also joining the ranks of hosting virtual events to honor Dr. King’s memory. The showcase will feature presentations from various civil rights activists, Teen Hype, a local youth group focused on developing the city’s young people, and the Detroit Police Athletic League. There will also be a gospel performance from Ebenezer Missionary Church. Together with Eastern Michigan University, the Wright Museum will also feature a keynote message from Yamiche Alcindor, PBS NewsHour White House Correspondent. The theme for the message, “Let the People Speak: No Justice No Peace,” is virtually open to the public and is set to take place January 18 at 1:00 p.m.
ing U.S. President. I attended an earlier peaceful rally that was held in D.C. on August 28, 2020, commemorating the 57th Anniversary of the March on Washington I earlier spoke of, but it required multiple levels of security clearances, social distancing, requirements to clean up, not to mention significant police presence and without one violent act. I wonder if the same requirements to meet were given to this event, but two things were clear; there was nowhere near the police presence there and they didn’t clean up at all afterwards! Whose Country is it? Is it one that can be claimed by all of its citizens regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age or class? Is it one where the voice of democracy can determine its leadership and legislative representation through voting? Is it one where different does not mean deficient and the Latin phrase “e pluribus Unum, out of many, one” can be believed? The truth is there is not equal protection under the law for America’s Black, Brown and white citizens. The truth is what is a vision for the promised land for the growing majority of American citizens is still a mindset of protecting power and privilege for the diminishing others! The sad reality is while there is what we want to believe is a vocal minority representing anarchist, misogynistic, and racist acts, there is still a silent majority who may view them with private and occasional vocal disgust, but still support and even vote for them because they are passive beneficiaries of their privileged mentality and behavior. We can never address what we choose not to confess! The Internet and the President announce a “wild” event will occur, and with 32 branches of Police and Security in DC and with the Nation’s Vice President and 535 members of Congress in session, these persons make it all the way to the 3rd Floor Gallery where 30 to 40 members of Congress were in hiding and in fear! Only one shot was fired at their advances. This is what justifies the claims of many about white supremacy and privilege: when we view a system that says for some people we protect and serve and for others we exert law
and order. “We are not asking that you shoot white citizens like you shoot Black and Brown citizens as much that you don’t shoot us like you don’t shoot them!” Charles Dickens spoke in the “Tale of Two Cities” about the French Revolution, and it being the best of times and the worst of times. We saw the best in Georgia’s historic special election, but the worst in the uprising at the nation’s Capitol while over 8,000 Americans died in two days! I choose to see better days ahead for our country, but they will not be realized nor enjoyed if we don’t continue to speak up vocally, prophetically and politically through exercising our right to vote and saying enough is enough! You must use the ballot box in order to sit in a jury box to determine justice. As I stated in an MSNBC interview, when this reality was being birthed in our National Elections November 3, 2020, “We’ve Gone from Picking Cotton to Picking Presidents.... and now U.S. Senators too!” So, let’s work together to transform and transpose the song from “This is My Country” to “This Is Our Country!” Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Jr., President, Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity, President, Michigan Progressive Baptist State Convention, Sr. Pastor, Liberty Temple Baptist Church of Detroit
37
PICKS 420 135 654 006 856 WEEK’S BEST LOTTERY
512 277 469 193 173 845 904 6381 5527 382 10 14 30 51 62 12
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1452 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226 • Phone: (313) 963-8100 Publication No.: USPS 344-820
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Closed Sat. and Sun. The Michigan Chronicle is published every Wednesday. Periodical Postage, paid at Detroit, MI. Price $1.00 and other post office. MEMBER OF AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATION
ADVERTISING DEADLINE Classified: 3 p.m Friday Copy, corrections and cancellations, preceding the Wednesday publication.
Display: 12 p.m. Friday preceding the Wednesday publication. For all news and calendar items: Deadline is two weeks prior to event.
Weeks that contain holidays, deadline is Thursday prior to publication date.
POSTMASTER — Send address changes to:
MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • 1452 Randolph • DETROIT, MI 48226
King's Dream
From page A-1
incapable of accepting the fact that he cannot always get his way. Couple that mentality with a cult-like following of supporters who are already bigoted and inclined to automatically believe the worst about African Americans and you have a very combustible situation. Wrap those psychological dynamics in the politics of white grievance and anyone could have seen a violent confrontation brewing with thousands of these people called by Trump to Washington to protest Congress performing its Constitutional duties to certify the election results. Just like the white mobs who attacked Dr. King and other civil rights activists and freedom riders who went into the south to register Black voters and advocate for desegregation, nether Trump nor his supporters possess the will or ability “to face the challenge of change” as King wrote in 1967. The people cavorting through the halls of Congress were the psychological, political and moral spawn of the white mobs who violently resisted the civil rights movement. They also viciously discount efforts by Black Americans to have our say in how we are treated by school systems, police departments, and other institutions that receive our tax dollars, and businesses that accept our money. It is no wonder one prominent former Republican strategist, Stuart Stevens, referred to the gang of U.S. Senators and Trump sycophants pushing to reject the cer-
tification of the Biden victory and nullify the votes of more than 80 million voters based on Trump’s lies, as the “Jim Crow caucus.” Stevens, from Mississippi, and author of “It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump” told the journalist Jonathan Capehart that the 12 Republicans senators opposed to certifying Biden’s victory represent, “a new Jim Crow caucus.” He said it all was just an attempt “to discredit the votes of African-Americans.” The whole ordeal reveals. yet again, the painful dichotomy of being Black in America: the constant struggle to assert our humanity, value, and rights as citizens, in the face of constant resistance from a large plurality, if not a majority of white citizens. But, also earning just enough quality victories -such as electing the first Black president and first Black female vice president to keep the faith. And, sometimes, even leveraging our collective voting power to often elect a white president who isn’t inherently hostile or indifferent to our ambitions. Which makes the effort worthwhile, in spite of the frustration, anger and exhaustion. So, as MLK Day approaches, Black America must once again, in the spirit of Dr. King, continue to dig down deep enough “to face the challenge of change” even when that change seems to be a repeat of the same old history when it comes to combating racism. Yet, we fight and keep our eyes on the prize, for a change, although slow in response is progressing.
We have your mortgage needs covered!
Rodney Drew Neighborhood Mortgage Specialist NMLS ID: 277691 P: 248.647.5409 | C: 248.755.9593 RDrew@ibcp.com Beverly Hills | 32800 Southfield Rd. IndependentBank.com | 800.285.3111
A3
| January 13-19, 2021
Roots.
Who Got
Black Motherhood in 2021:
Next?
Why We Still Make Dr. King’s Dream a Reality for Our Children
Local Community Leaders Carry The Torch of Dr. King’s Dream
By Sherri Kolade His tiny brown newborn hands curled around my index finger. It was a wrap, then. I stared deeply into the squinty, beautiful dark eyes of my firstborn son in 2015. I cradled all nine pounds and six ounces of this perfect little curly-haired being after I gave birth to him. To my amazement, my protective mama bear instincts immediately kicked in. I grew from a woman to a mother at that moment while the world continued on like any other normal day -- but I was forever changed that September 3rd. Four years later when I held my second son’s warm, tightly swaddled body for the first time -- and they laid this little weighty being atop me (still slightly medicated and numb from my c-section) -- I hazily fell in love all over again. But I was nervous to hold my baby only minutes old. Were my arms strong enough? What were the doctors thinking? But with my free hand, unshackled from cords and medical equipment beeping in the background, I brought him close to my heart and kept him there as they wheeled us down into our room. Young motherhood is seemingly a continuation of my birth experiences in the hospital -- full of love, pride, and sometimes pain and fear. It’s also, seemingly, a blur filled with long nights, early mornings, and often wiping bits of random food stuck to their chubby cheeks made even more pronounced when they smile at you after their umpteenth snack for the day. Young motherhood is finding mismatched socks no bigger than the palm of your hand all over the house [and sometimes in my car] pulling them over growing feet that you can’t help but tickle to their squealing delight. And down the line, Black motherhood (and fatherhood) as we all know is also having two talks with your children in America: one about the birds and bees and one about racism and interacting safely with police. In 2021, raising Black children is somewhat different from the 1960s -- around the time when my mother and father were born. But yet, some things never change. My paternal grandparents (born and raised in the south) came here to Detroit in the 1950s searching for better opportunities to raise their family. My maternal grandparents met here in Detroit then left for Chicago to pursue ministry while raising my mother and uncle. They lived next door to Rev. Jesse Jackson (my grandfather attended seminary school with Jackson) in multicultural Hyde Park. This was during the blossoming social revolution moments around the Operation Bread Basket era, now named the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. During the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s, Black households had conversations about racism, law enforcement brutality and legitimate concerns over Black bodies being abused and mistreated. Those same topics are still being
See OUR CHILDREN page A-4
michiganchronicle.com
© Marc Klockow 2020 Nakia-Renne Wallace
By Megan Kirk As the nation looks to celebrate the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, his dream of equality and peace continues to be an ongoing battle for Black communities. With a growing rate of police brutality, unjust and inhumane treatment and medical neglect, African Americans, while making several advancements, still have a long road ahead to obtain equal human rights. Community leaders across the city are continuing the fight for Black and Brown populations. Maintaining the dream of King, these leaders are making an impact in their own way while keeping lessons of the past in the forefront. Nakia-Renne Wallace, co-founder of Detroit Will Breathe, uses her platform and knowledge of the city to lead her community on issues of police brutality, social justice and systematic racism. A catalyst in Detroit, Wallace believes that to effect meaningful change, one must provoke it. “The point of protest is to be disruptive. If you are marching through downtown Detroit in the middle of the workday, if you are holding a rally outside of a city or county building, or you are calling into city council Zoom meetings, that’s not a peaceful action and it’s not meant to be,” Wallace says. For the Detroit native, the city has long played an instrumental role in the resurgence of Black and Brown communities. “Detroit has a really strong foundation in the Black radical tradition and Detroit has always been a pivotal place and a pivotal battleground in the fight for Black liberation and in the fight towards equality,” Wallace says. “What we see now is not necessarily a new phenomenon in terms of Detroit. In fact, if we were to look at the history of activism in the city, it actually makes perfect sense the role that we’ve taken on this summer and last year.” In progressing, the importance of fact-based conversation around the Civil Rights icon is key in leading the Black community to current day civil rights resolutions. For Wallace, creating a system of equal rights, sustainability and adequate resources for people of color is how she is continuing the fight. “Housing, food, water and healthcare
James “Screal” Eberheart Jr.
Curtis Renee
are human rights; that’s what we envision. We envision a world where people have the right to live and be treated as human beings,” Wallace says. “We envision a world where the state does not have the power to not only murder you but to starve your community of resources and that be okay.”
dive back into activism.
Community visionary for FORCE Detroit, James “Screal” Eberheart Jr, is taking a different approach to achieving Dr. King’s dream. An organization that focuses on criminal justice reform, community and police accountability, as well as human trafficking, FORCE Detroit also leads the community in narrative building as well as youth and millennial organizing. Also affiliated with Own Your Story and New Era Detroit, the community activist uses an approach like Dr. King’s to address the needs of the people. “I never was taught to hate so that’s where I embody King’s vision because he led with love and peace,” Eberheart says. “I take that and use his principles.” Mental health and its impact on the community is a cause near and dear to Eberheart. Educating neighborhoods on the effects of racism on mental health, he left a career in corporate America to
“The reason why I started off doing what I’m doing in the community is because of mental health. That’s the main thing,” Eberheart says. “Racism is a mental aspect, it’s a mental health aspect.” Self-sustainability is essential in advancement according to the community visionary. Using the formation of successful Black cities as the blueprint in furthering Dr. King’s dream, reestablishing spaces of Blackness will help to move African Americans towards economic and social stability. “In order for us to move and progress and get to the next level, in my mind, build our own and support our own,” Eberheart says. “We had Black Bottom, we had Tulsa, we had Greenwood, we had all these prominent locations and thriving communities throughout history that showed us the resilience and the generational wealth that was there.” Through his reach in the community, Eberheart is able to spread the knowledge of King and continue his efforts with youth. “We have to continue to teach them
See WHO GOT NEXT? page A-4
Next in Line: Mentors Share Their Experiences on Helping Bring up Tomorrow’s Black Leaders By Sherri Kolade
lege that he takes seriously. Before COVID-19, Ferguson and the Project Success team would meet at an area community college on Saturdays and learn from one another.
Don Ferguson had a full-circle moment in 2018. The 68-year-old Lake Orion resident is the project coordinator for the 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit, Inc. - Project Success program. He was awarded several years ago with the 100 Black Men of America’s Nation Mentor of The Year.
“We want to provide them with the assets they need to move forward and grow,” he said adding that his mentorship curriculum includes learning about etiquette, proper relationships, dressing for success, and more. With a 95% retention rate, the popular program has a loyal following in the Black community.
“I was mentored when I was younger ... by way of Boy Scouts,” Ferguson said, adding that while his loving mother and father raised him, they weren’t always able to do things that his scoutmaster could do. So Ferguson became an Eagle Scout in 1969. Fifty-some years later the person handing him that award was none other than his scoutmaster. “I think I got the tape of when they gave me the award and he said, ‘Wow -- 50 years ago’ he was mentoring me and he is still mentoring,” Ferguson said. “When I won the award they asked me what made me start mentoring … I mentor because somebody did it for me. That is why I mentor.” Project Success programming helps Black male students with their learning environment to guide them and their ed-
Detroit native Tallette Kitchen, center, is an area mentor who mentored at Mumford High School in December 2019. – Photo provided by Winning Futures ucators toward even greater success. January is National Mentoring Month and two mentors reveal why they give back in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s altruistic ways.
sists of business and community leaders throughout the metropolitan Detroit area. The organization has developed many programs with a laser focus on impacting the lives of Black youth, according to their history.
The 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit, Inc. established in October 1993, is one of over 113 chapters of 100 Black Men of America. Their membership con-
Ferguson, who has mentored since leaving the army after college, said that mentorship, especially mentoring other Black men, is an honor, joy, and privi-
Right before things closed down last year due to the pandemic, Ferguson and his team purchased laptops and tablets for the mentees not realizing that would be their virtual mentorship lifeline for months to come -- and even still to today. Ferguson added that he learned through mentoring the boys online that many of them didn’t have desks to work at -- some were laying on their beds, on their floors, or sitting at the kitchen table during mentoring sessions. “We get to see a lot of different things in Zoom you don’t see in the classroom,” he said. Ferguson also has his mentees read-
See MENTORS page A-4
Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com •
January 13-19, 2021
Teen HYPE receives Ford Motor Company Fund’s Men of Courage Game Changer Award in honor of Marlowe Stoudamire Ford Motor Company Fund – the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company – is celebrating organizations going above and beyond to impact their community and further the narrative regarding African American males with its newly launched Men of Courage (MOC) Game Changer Award. Three organizations, including Detroit-based Teen HYPE, were selected out of hundreds from across the country. Online nominations were accepted last fall from eligible 501c(3) nonprofit organizations in partnership with the Brotherhood Crusade and Los Angeles Urban League.
Since 2004, Teen HYPE has reached more than 35,000 Detroit-area youth with programming designed to help prepare them for the world. Every year, hundreds of students in dozens of schools receive adolescent health education that promotes future-oriented thinking, avoiding risky behaviors and honoring their voice. Teen HYPE will receive a $5,000 grant to support its programs. Other organizations to receive the MOC Game Changer Award include
I am A Gentleman of Chicago and Brother Let’s Talk of Birmingham, Ala. The awards were presented virtually by Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Back Jerome Bettis in partnership with his The Bus Stops Here Foundation. View the video here. Men of Courage is a national grassroots program designed to build communities by advancing the narrative of Black men through storytelling. Learn more at fgb.life/men-of-courage.
During his time with the organization, he served as a trusted mentor and consultant and helped develop the concept for the organization’s Courageous Conversations event which showed adults how to have authentic dialogue with youth about difficult topics.
Mentors From page A-3
ing “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” book, where there is discussion afterward. They also discuss cultural issues that crop up. Ferguson said that one of his mentees told him that white people are all bad and that “they’re here to hurt you.” Ferguson, who lived around the country and world [before retiring from his corporate job at General Motors] had a different perspective. He replied to the young man and said that meant he didn’t like his wife, who is white. The young man then said that wasn’t true. “He said, ‘She’s different,’” Ferguson said, adding that every year he would invite the young men to his home where there was good food to eat, an opportunity to go swimming, and his wife would lovingly prepare some homemade sweets.
Who Got Next? From page A-3
what’s tangible,” Eberheart says. The Black Lives Matter organization has played an instrumental role in the fight for social justice across the country. As a result of the 2013 murder of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, Black Lives Matter took to the streets to march and protest racial injustice. Since then, expansions have formed in many largely Black cities across the country. As colead organizer for Black Lives Matter Detroit, Curtis Renee believes Dr. King’s memory serves as a reminder to base efforts in love. “I think his legacy is a reminder of how important love is and how strong of a force it is,” Renee says.
From page A-3
talked about today. “We shall overcome” and “Black Lives Matter” are old and new expressions that unify generations of the same movement. As a late ‘80s baby, I grew up with semi rose-colored glasses on thinking as the late Rodney King was brutalized by police in 1991 that this tragic incident will soon pass. The stories of racial injustices my family and past generations faced were unfair hardships I learned and gleaned from. And even my own experiences I grew from -- we’re certainly beyond that now, right? I was wrong. Now as a mother with two Black boys whenever I see stories about our Black men, women, and children who are senselessly killed or injured at the hands of someone out to destroy them it hits me differently. I think about how Emmett Till’s mother must have felt in 1955 when her 14-year-old son was destroyed at the hands of wickedness. Today, many more names easily roll off our collective tongues; unfortunately, of others who have died and their mothers and family mourn. Why? Just because they’re Black? It’s an injustice felt through the generations.
Teen HYPE received the award in honor of the late Marlowe Stoudamire, who Marlowe Stoudamire served on the organization’s advisory board. Stoudamire passed away last year from COVID-19.
Ferguson said that through that conversation, the young man learned that just because a person has been told something it doesn’t make it true. “In my home, we often discussed Dr. King’s dream – I understand the Dream, we lived it. My wife is from Germany and my children have been called ‘mixed,’” he said, adding that his children are very comfortable in their own skin. “All because of a dream.” Ferguson said that he lives out Dr. King’s dream every day and he’s been married for 41 years. “Together, we have seen a lot in 41 years,” he said adding that the couple lived in his hometown of Virginia, throughout New York, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, Europe, and Detroit and they’ve received negative looks among other things. “That is when you learn that it’s not what people call you, it’s what you answer to. And if you are strong and if you do the right thing people forget your color. … If you become
Our Children
an upstanding citizen they see the upstanding citizen. “If you can dream it, that can become a reality. This is exactly why the 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit, Inc. says, ‘What They See is What They Will Be,’” he said. Native Detroiter Tallette Kitchen, 44 of Canton, volunteers through nonprofit organization Warren-based Winning Futures, which empowers metro Detroit high school students to achieve their best educationally. Kitchen, who has been with Winning Futures for the past four years, said that as part of the program curriculum, pre-COVID-19 she went to different Detroit high schools and helped students with workforce preparation, making smart goals, and more. She added that while COVID-19 put a “damper” on the program, she still reaches out to those she formerly mentored and motivates them, and they reach back out to her. “I find myself thinking
From organizing marches to feeding the neighborhood locally grown produce from the city’s urban farms, Renee and BLM Detroit engages with the county to support social activism and food sovereignty. “With BLM really, specifically, we’ve delivered over 400 CSA boxes, which is community supported agriculture which is really wonderful because a lot of the produce came from Black farms within the city of Detroit,” Renee says. As the education system faces constant change, digital divides in Black and Brown communities, and high failure rates in urban neighborhoods, spreading knowledge about Black history and its icons is essential in community building. “The education system is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do, so to think
about them a lot, knowing their stories,” Kitchen said, adding she helped one of her teens in the past positively deal with her emotions during a mentoring session after losing her mom. “Mentor/mentee relations are about the relationships -- that’s the foundation of it. In these times it’s needed now more so than ever.” Kitchen also said that she was only one decision away from being a statistic, a casualty -- but her mentors, her family, her environment helped her. “When I think about that I think of the various people … to influence my life,” she said of her parents, a grocery store clerk, church mother, or someone else. “Whatever it was that nudged you in a different direction and guided your path … I feel it is important to me to be that person; be that change in people’s lives.” For more information visit https://www.100blackmendetroit.org/. For more information visit https://winningfutures.org/.
that it is broken is incorrect. That means we need to create our own systems in educating our youth and, also, educating ourselves,” Renee explains. Embracing ideas and collaborative efforts from multiple participants during the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King met and spoke with other community leaders to enrich the lives of Black people. Despite varying approaches, Dr. King and his peers strived for the same common goal. Aligning with the same concept, the BLM activist believes together, leaders can guide the Black community to the next level in equality. “It’s really important for us not to solely depend on one leader,” Renee says. “What we all bring to the table as a collective is what we will need to make change and to create the world that we imagine around us.”
But there’s hope. I think about my strong Black mother and father and their gentle teachings of love and strength found in our beautiful skin; my Black husband bringing up the next generation of powerful Black boys. We got this. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have been 92 years old this month if he wasn’t assassinated in 1968. I wonder what he would think of the plight of Black America today? I think he would look at the injustices and urge us to keep going despite it all, and he would tell mothers, especially new mothers, to not be weary. A new generation brings about new change with people looking through a new lens at the same problems with better solutions. Motherhood helps bring about that change. That spark when we continue to hold on tight to our babies no matter their age even if we are afraid that our arms aren’t strong enough to carry them through their tangle of problems -- we are. And if we cling to faith from on High for better days, our babies will be more than all right. And they will one day make a difference, too, in the communities they grew up in, attended school in, and raised their own culturally-conscious children in. Dr. King is quoted as saying, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” I am proud to be a part of the movement of motherhood where I can help actively shape my children’s sense of integrity, strength and compassion through my love; and educate them on the greats like Dr. King. It’s a big job that I feel through Jesus, and my village, I know can be done -- it’s been done before and I see the fruits of those works thriving in our community today. That’s what Black motherhood is to me -- another opportunity to continue building on a legacy of empowering my Black sons to rise boldly when their time comes to stand for justice in an unjust world. My elders back in the day who draped themselves in multicolored dashikis with moisturized afros that scraped the sky would agree and with fists held up high I can hear their roaring proclamation, “Right on, sister.” Right on, my sisters and brothers, indeed.
A5
| January 13-19, 2021
Money.
Martin Luther King Day:
A Day Of Remembrance And Civic Engagement Many ways to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy The 35th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Jan. 18 - bears significant weight in light of the country’s social justice movement. DEGC seeks to fulfill Dr. King’s dream through a number of initiatives to combat racism and provide inclusive and accessible opportunities for all Detroit residents. This includes helping Black-owned businesses succeed, attracting new investments that create good jobs for local residents, and helping Black developers shape our city. Dr. King’s commitment to peaceful protests as a fundamental form of civil disobedience helped secure civil rights for Black Americans. Standing against endless provocation, Dr. King and his followers remained steadfast in their peacefulness and his nonviolent action worked to overturn systemKevin Johnson ic segregation and racism. This lesson is more important than ever as we witness protestors peacefully challenging racially motivated violence by police, and those who don’t respect a peaceful transition of power and who incite violence at the U.S. Capitol. Although celebrations honoring Dr. King will shift primarily online due to the continuing pandemic, the importance of this day is not diminished. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is hosting a day of activities to virtually explore and commemorate Dr. King. This includes a keynote address by PBS NewsHour White House Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor embracing the theme, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” Additional activities can be found on the Detroit MLK Day and DetroitIsIt websites. A “day on, not a day off” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. AmeriCorps, which has been leading the MLK “Day of Service” for the last 25 years, encourages all Americans to pitch in. Through its website, interested volunteers can find local opportunities to serve, including elder care, veteran assistance, food pantries, community clean-ups, grant writing, curriculum building and even web design. “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve,” said Dr. King. “You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” As we celebrate the principles Dr. King advocated during his lifetime, we must take responsibility for the work yet to do – racial justice, economic equality, access to housing, healthcare and jobs, and inclusion in shaping our nation’s future vision. Revisiting Dr. King’s words and deeds is the perfect spark to raise our nation’s consciousness and drive us to much-needed civic engagement. We need this awakening now to confront the challenges of making this country a more perfect union.
michiganchronicle.com
Breaking The
Glass Ceiling: How Businesses Can Make Money in 2021
By Megan Kirk
work and collaborate. For me, this looks like hosting weekly events to build community.”
Creativity and persistence are two main ingredients in launching a business. In a traditional setting promotions and raises are clear signs of professional achievement. Entrepreneurs, despite success of their company, must often push in new ways to expand their business model while continuously reinventing.
Aside from social channels, creating on-going experiences with quality products is one more way the entrepreneur plans to continue growing the brand.
Defined as a metaphor used to describe an invisible and unbreakable barrier that prevents advancement, glass ceilings are often the cause of stagnant business plans. Generating revenue in the New Year will take some innovation, however, more businesses are looking to gain traction and break the creative glass ceiling for 2021.
“I offer people the opportunity to enjoy those moments even more by incorporating a product range inclusive of body care, self-care planners, affirmation mugs, and sensual room sprays -- all which lead to heightened experiences,” Farmer says. “This marketing technique is not only innovative, but it enables people to change their perspective around self-care,” Farmer says. Although skin care is not a new to the business world, the overall notion of self-care has become an unending trend with increased attention to mental health. As COVID-19 continues to ravish the nation with strict social distancing measures and stay-at-home mandates, self-care has become a key component in surviving this pandemic.
Carmen Farmer, owner of Achilles’ Love Body Care, is looking to shift the narrative of basic skin care needs. The Detroit-based small business provides daily self-care essentials for intimate moments and reflection. “Common skin care practices oftentimes solve a surface level problem like dry skin. However, frequently when using skincare products, we are in our most vulnerable state and those moments are the most quiet and reflective moments of our day,” Farmer shares. “When I tell my brand story, people are drawn to the idea of an experience, not just the product, and immediately create an emotional connection.”
Fear is another factor in breaking the imaginary limits to business. To combat concerns that may include failure and disappointment, remaining true to the brand’s mission and focusing on the intended target audience is essential in moving forward. “I focus on my why. I’ve worked hard for everything I have in life and I wouldn’t have made it this far without determination to provide a better life not only for myself, but for my children and family,” Farmer says.
Launched in 2020, the skin care brand is working to create new conversations around selfcare and shatter limitations. “Breaking the creative ceiling for me as it relates to my business is challenging the skin care narrative and Carmen Farmer pushing a different agenda,” Farmer explains. The business owner is also leaning on networking as one of the ways to break through creative limits. Social media continues to be a main source for business branding. With the emergence of a new platform, Clubhouse, entrepreneurs are using the talk-only space to jump into meaningful conversations around business and gain helpful tips from industry leaders. “The second I learned about Clubhouse, I created a profile and immediately asked myself how could I leverage it for my business,” Farmer shares. “The answer was simple: net-
To stay motivated she has collected a band of influencers and role models is key to which also helps the brand stay relevant in the business market. “Hands down, Detroit native, Mia Ray. Though I do not know her personally, her willingness to share knowledge freely, leading by example, and uplifting others is evidence that she truly and genuinely wants to see other people win,” Farmer shares. Breaking barriers in business requires determination and a willingness to overcome obstacles along the course. Adding transparency, commitment to uplifting others, creativity and grit to the tool kit, the Detroit entrepreneur believes are the keys to success in any business. “I believe these characteristics are essential in being a leader and running a successful business,” Farmer says.
Clubhouse: How to Monetize the Audio-Only Space By Megan Kirk A new social media platform has entered the chat and is causing a buzz. Clubhouse is taking networking to a new level with its real-time conversation stages. The app is creating accessibility to business tips, collaborations with industry professionals and insight into making money right into the palms of entrepreneurs across the globe. Known for its exclusivity, gaining access into the Clubhouse is not as easy as creating a profile. To join, members must be invited by current users. Subscribers can also be waitlisted using the “side-door” option. There, potential users have the option to sign up for the app, reserving their place, and wait for a friend to let them in. Only available for iPhone users, once in, Clubhouse allows users to create a profile and follow others, similar to Facebook and Instagram. Users are then able to join different chat rooms and have live conversations covering everything from politics to do-it-yourself projects. Business professionals have now began using the app to monetize their business, build their brand and expand their reach. With tons of free tips and shared knowledge, business elites and new start-ups are turning to the app to help create revenue streams. Jackie Palmer, a partner in The Goodlife Agency
which focuses on branding and development consulting, has over nine years of experience in the marketing industry. Joining Clubhouse in October of 2020, the native Detroiter became active on the site in late November. In just under two months, The GoodLife Agency gained over 1,800 Clubhouse followers and over 600 new followers on Instagram. “I don’t know about anybody else, that’s not crazy, but that’s good enough for me considering I only talk on there maybe once or twice a week,” Palmer says. Still in its private beta phase, Clubhouse is taking the notion of social media marketing and reinventing its dynamics. With a vast number of rooms to join, growing business portfolios through direct access to industry leaders proves to be one of the reasons the app may revolutionize the scope of social media. “Understanding this is a faster funnel to me because someone feels like they have a direct connection very quickly because they got you on the phone, even though they do not have your phone number,” Palmer says. With over 600,000 registered users and valued at over $100 million, learning to monetize Clubhouse differs from the use of other
See CLUBHOUSE page A6
Jackie Palmer
Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com • January 13-19, 2021
Clubhouse From page A-5
social media platforms geared toward photo-based posts. While apps like Instagram allow followers a bird’s eye view of pictured moments, the audio-only Clubhouse lets users openly exchange business savvy across multiple stages. “If you are on there and not figuring out how to monetize or grow your potential target audience, you’re doing it wrong,” Palmer says. “I can personally say that I’m not a big photo taker. I use Instagram more so to showcase the type of work that we do.” KP Management and Design Agency, a Detroit-based business specializing in managing small businesses, agrees marketing is the biggest gain for entrepreneurs on the app.
To assist subscribers in establishing goals and monetizing Clubhouse, the marketing firm suggests completely setting up the business account on the app. “Setup your account completely. Be sure to highlight the key things you want people to know about you, your business/brand, and how you can best service them,” Paige says.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
“Post and market to your other social media sites, website, email and text lists about you being on Clubhouse.” Security and protected money exchange are key concerns for any entrepreneur looking to send and receive money digitally. Linking digital payment networks like Cash App, PayPal or Venmo, while permitted, may not present the safest method of payment. Allowing clients to pay using secured means can help to curb fear of fraud.
“From my perspective, it allows you to instantly engage with your target market along with cross engaging with other people’s audiences within the same industries,” Kendra Paige, owner of KP Management says. “This allows you to market yourself and services in real-time in a way that intimately connects directly to potential consumers while driving traffic to your other marketing channels such as your website, blog, email list, etc.”
“I’m an invoice person through and through,” Palmer shares.
Offering goods and business services is one way the branding executive suggests monetizing Clubhouse. With rooms dedicated to buying, trading and selling stock, real estate, niche business audiences and freelance work, the financial opportunities are endless.
Though the app is largely used for business, subscribers should be aware all rooms are not created equal. Allowing for time to enjoy the platform, aside from business matters, will subsequently lead to a more well-rounded experience on the app.
“I think there are a ton of ways you can do it [monetize Clubhouse]. It doesn’t have to be extremely structured in the way that most people think about entrepreneurs,” Palmer says.
“Have fun and let the conversations flow naturally; however, be sure to recenter on what the initial topic is throughout the conversation and allow it to be a productive space for people.”
As Clubhouse gains more traction, users can be sure opportunities for mass entrepreneurship will continue to progress. “Create a weekly schedule of topics you would like to cover and moderate with people in the same or similar industries to tap into their audience,” Paige says.
Get your weekly home delivery of the
Michigan Chronicle Subscribe Today! Call (313)
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
Today, Oakland County reflects on the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. May we honor his achievements, vision and legacy with actions and intentions that create a better more equitable Oakland County.
963-5522
“
”
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. dr. martin luther king jr.
™
At MSHDA, we’re driven by our guiding principle to pursue equitable housing outcomes for underserved populations.
January 13-19, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-7
Building stronger communities together Flagstar Bank makes diversity, equity and inclusion a priority for our business— because it matters and because it makes us better.
flagstar.com/diversity
flagstar.com
Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC
Detroit at Work is proud to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We stand ready to help Detroiters find employment, training and supportive services. Providing Detroiters opportunities to build their careers and community.
detroitatwork.com 313-962-WORK (9675)
Powered by Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, a Michigan Works! Agency. An Equal opportunity employer/program. Supported by the State of Michigan, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Proud partner of the American Job Center network. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-WORK. TTY: 711.
Girls’ nights IN are gonna take COVID-19 OUT. We don’t get enough laughs these days. But, wherever they are, our friends are as close as a click. Vaccines are coming. But until enough of us are vaccinated, we still need to slow the spread. We can watch our distance, and not let COVID-19 keep us apart. Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus
Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com •
January 13-19, 2021
Feel-Good Moments Made More Affordable.
Whether it’s seeing your child’s face when they get their first bike or a date night just for two,we all live for the feel-good moments. And when you have Total Health Care USA, you can afford more of them. Feel what it’s like to have access to… Affordable, comprehensive plan options to meet your specific needs.
FREE virtual visits, so you can see your doctor from the safety of your home.
A strong network of thousands of in-network physicians and specialists and 28 in-network hospitals.
When your health care plan costs less, you can afford more feel-good moments.
Learn more at THCmi.com TOTALLY THERE FOR YOU
Total Health Care is a state-licensed, nonprofit corporation
THC_Individual_Michigan_Chronicle_JAN_2021_v2.indd 3
1/11/21 8:16 AM
City ity.. Life ife.. Style. B1 | January 13-19, 2021
Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style
michiganchronicle.com
Detroit artist DeAnn Wiley created this piece, “Grown Folk Bidness,” about what grown folks talk about and experience that little kids don’t need to be eavesdropping in on. – Photo and artwork by DeAnn Wiley
A Touch of Black:
Detroit Painter and Digital Artists Creates Soulful Imagery With a Purpose By Sherri Kolade
Detroit artist DeAnn Wiley created this piece, “Sit Still” depicting an intimate moment at home with her mom. – Photo and artwork by DeAnn Wiley
A bright light cascades down on three subject matters. A Black mother, her daughter, and either a toddler girl or a baby doll. That conclusion of who the third subject might be is up to the viewer in self-taught painter and graphic artist DeAnn Wiley’s artistic piece, “Sit Still.” “It’s about the intimacy between Black mothers and daughters and doing hair,” the native Detroiter said. “The picture is intended to be interpreted by the viewer so it can be a doll or another child.” If pictures are worth a thousand words, then digital paintings surely must go for the same price if not more. Wiley’s piece can easily evoke warm emotions, feelings of nostalgia, [and maybe even a wince or two in recalling getting their hair done] as the digital painting shows the mother pulling a section of her daughter’s hair taut preparing to comb it out to put pink rollers in. The daughter already has several rollers placed on her Blue Magic-slicked coils. Wiley’s sharp eye for details doesn’t go unnoticed as the daughter holds onto a comb that is missing teeth with hair barrettes and balls strewn about. As the seemingly stoic mother dons a colorful head scarf sitting near an African-esque painting. “I remember my butt hurting from sitting on thin pillows, tight scalps, and that feeling when mama was done and you looked in the mirror and just knew you were all that,” Wiley said in a Facebook post about her artwork. “I wouldn’t trade those times sitting between my mama’s legs, waiting for it to be over, for nothin’ in the world.” Wiley is a new face on the art scene but a needed voice with her inspiring work. She joined this creative world not too long ago after wanting to put more
Detroit artist DeAnn Wiley. – Photo by DeAnn Wiley Black-inspired artwork in the world. Wiley also said she couldn’t particularly relate to historic artists who didn’t look like her. In Wiley’s latest series is called the “Memories Collection” she created scenes from her childhood. “My work is centered around Black, queer women. It focuses on celebrating fat, dark skin, women as well. When people see my art I want them to feel seen, worth being the subject of many paintings,” Wiley said. “It’s important for me to reflect my values in my art and to be intentional about who I center in my drawings.” Wiley also uses her funds from her art to donate to Black transgender funds and individuals. “I also donate to Black women in need,” she said. “I use my art to uplift and cele-
See WILEY Page B-2
Second Season of Discovery Channel’s Hit Show, Undercover Billionaire, Airs By Megan Kirk
given to you. Nothing is set up for you.”
The Discovery Channel is back with the second season of the hit show, Undercover Billionaire. This season, the show features three entrepreneurs who must build a $1 million business from scratch. Given just 100 dollars, a cell phone, and 90 days to reach the $1 million mark, each entrepreneur must work to fund the launch of the new business and turn their ideas into a reality. To add to the pressure, contestants are dropped off in a new city and must navigate life in unknown territory. In addition to the show’s difficulties, a new curveball was introduced this season -- COVID.
As COVID-19 began to sweep the nation, businesses across the country were forced to close their doors. With social distancing practices in order in Tacoma, restrictions on paper money were also in place to limit direct handling.
Monique Idlett-Mosley
Landing in Tacoma, WA, cameras will follow Monique Idlett-Mosley. Founder and CEO of tech fund Reign Ventures and founding The Mosley Music
Group alongside ex-husband Tim “Timberland” Mosley. The mogul must establish a life in the new town, conceal her identity and use her secrets of suc-
“We were in the middle of a pandemic and everything was closed down. In Tacoma, some places weren’t even taking (paper) money,” Idlett-Mosley explains.
cess to launch the business.
Faced with mounting obstacles, the businesswoman turned to an unlikely source for help. Finding a place of worship, she quickly enlisted the help of a community staple to help guide her.
“Let me tell you, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Idlett-Mosley says. “Nothing is
“I went to the church and asked them for help,” Idlett-Mosley says.
Drawing inspiration from life experiences and equipped with knowledge of startup companies, the entrepreneur began her 90-day adventure to open her latest company. Using both business and life lessons to complete the challenge, Idlett-Mosley committed to establishing a life in Tacoma. “Everything I’ve been through as a child, young adult and grown woman allowed me to take the lessons learned and apply them to this 90-day challenge,” Idlett-Mosley shares. As the show follows each entrepreneur and shows that despite many challenges the strength of human adaptation shines through. “Undercover Billionaire is about the human spirit,” Idlett-Mosley says. “It shows the community and its impor-
See HIT SHOW Page B-2
Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • January 13-19, 2021
“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy, instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it.”
“The ultimate weakness ofcrucial violence “Nonviolence is the answer to the is that itmoral is a descending begetting political questions of spiral, our time.” the very thing it seeks to destroy, instead – Martin Lutherit.” King, Jr. of diminishing evil, it multiplies
Detroit artist DeAnn Wiley created this piece, “Let me just Bump the Ends’’ depicting her experiences getting her hair done at home with her home. – Photo and artwork by DeAnn Wiley
Wiley
From page B-1 brate the Black community.” Her artwork is prominently featured on Facebook under her page, DeeLashee Artistry, with nothing but rave reviews from folks who connect and appreciate her work [which includes her artwork on phone cases, pillows, and more] on a deeper level. She creates images from her life with inspiration from her granny with artwork depicting scenes of Wiley’s grandmother making rolls in a piece titled, “Passing it Down.” “Traditions mean a lot to me and I believe it’s what makes the holiday so special,” she said in her post. “I remember helping my granny make rolls. Using an empty can to cut the perfect circles. It was always so many traditions, so many recipes, so much love to pass down,” she said. Her artwork invites the viewer to take a journey in the imagery and with so many shades, shapes, sizes, hairstyles, and moments in these depictions one
Hit Show From page B-1
tance to lead humanity.” This season will also feature Grant Cardone, motivational speaker and best-selling author, and Elaine Culotti, a real estate developer and founder of House of Rock. As each entrepreneur strategizes, comfort levels are tested with each developing personally and professionally. “I would recommend that every single entrepreneur take a challenge of making
[especially the Black audience] cannot help but see themselves in the work of art. “Let me just Bump the Ends’’ is another image in a kitchen where Wiley is getting her hair done by her mother. The kitchen is filled with familiar knickknacks that some in Black households grew up with: a framed Bible verse [Joshua 24:15] hanging up; Lawry’s seasoning salt displayed on an askew shelf, a hot comb on a stove eye, lightly sizzling once it rakes through the brown locks of the subject who sits cross-armed as her ends are being lightly curled. “Sometimes I think my mama used to play on purpose. Girl, I said bone straight,” Wiley said in a teasing tone in another Facebook post. “This series has been so amazing for me because I’ve been talking to my mom asking her, ‘What was that sign granny always had up?’ Or texting my sister like, ‘Remember when we used to be mad when our hair didn’t turn out right?!”. It’s been great just connecting with myself and family this way.” For more information or to see Wiley’s artwork visit https://www.deelasheeartistry.com/.
“Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political moral questions of our time.” --Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Fair Housing Act was signed into law just one week after Dr. King’s assassination. The Fair Housing ActHousing was signed into of law just At the Fair Center one week after Dr. King’s assassination. Metropolitan Detroit, we remain committed,
now more than ever, to Dr. King’s legacy
At the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit, of fair housing, nonviolence, and equal we remain committed, now more than ever, to opportunity for all. Dr. King’s legacy of fair housing, nonviolence, and equal opportunity for all.
Please contact us if we can be of assistance Please uswould if we can assistance to us youin to you contact or if you likebetoofpartner with or if advancing you would like partner with uscivil in advancing fairtohousing and rights. fair housing and civil rights.
themselves uncomfortable,” Idlett-Mosley shares. Now considering Tacoma a homeaway-from-home, Idlett-Mosley sees the once foreign city as a unique space. “I know I always have a family, a community, in Tacoma,” Idlett-Mosley says. “It’s a special place with special people.” To find out what happens, what businesses are formed, and if the 90-day challenges were successful, viewers will have to tune in. The show airs on The Discovery Channel each Wednesday atT:9.88" 8 p.m. EST.
(313) 963-1274
Learn the history you may not have been taught.
—
Let’s build a better future by knowing more about our past. In partnership with the DuSable Museum of African American History, we’re working together to shed light on untold stories of our country’s past. ©2021 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
T:10.5"
The first female self-made millionaire in America was Madam C. J. Walker, a Black woman.
January 13-19, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com •
Page B-3
‘We Are Here to Help:’
Nonprofits, Others Help in the Spirit of Dr. King’s Giving Legacy By Sherri Kolade “A wicked messenger falls into adversity; a faithful envoy brings healing.” That verse in Proverbs 13:17 might as well be written about Envoy Artee Lewis with The Salvation Army Temple Corps. Lewis, in his pastoral role and with his holy army, on Detroit’s West Side (at 3729 W. Chicago Blvd.), genuinely helps those most in need in a tangible way that everyone, in particular Black residents, can appreciate all year round. This is especially evident as so many give in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. as he is remembered for his loving messages and charitable works as his birthday nears. “The services we offer, we offer to the Black community,” Lewis told the Michigan Chronicle. “We want to make sure we let them know by the way we treat them; by what we offer. They are somebody and that is the message Dr. King conveyed: we deserve respect and services like anybody else.” Those services encompass food distribution, after-school programs, utility bill assistance, a Pathway of Hope Program which helps break the cycle of poverty by giving participants tools to be self-sufficient and providing job resources. Lewis added that The Salvation Army has church services there as well, along with everything from summer day camps to referrals. “Dr. King was out to, of course, help everybody and we want to definitely be a blessing to the community,” Lewis said. “I think one of the things we definitely want to do is let people know that we love them; that God loves them and we’re here to help … in their time of need.” Similarly, Rachelle Bonelli, vice president of programs for Gleaners Community Food Bank, told the Michigan Chronicle that giving starts in your backyard, and with insight from surveys and community partners, Gleaners did just that. They established targeted mobile pantries in and around Detroit to make sure distributions were equitable across geography and need. “We expanded food distribution services to meet the need and be as accessible as possible, as often as needed,” Bonelli stated. “Gleaners also part-
who were announced at Carvanafest, an annual event historically hosted to show appreciation for Carvana customers.
ties and making sure that they have access to nutritional food contributes to the betterment of the Black community.
Spanning departments and locations, all the 21 recipients had in common was being recognized for their hard work and inspirational points of view in the face of challenges big and small.
“We need to build up our communities,” Thomas said.
“Team Carvana, and the people who show up for each other every day, is why this vehicle giveaway is so meaningful,” said Ernie Garcia, founder and CEO of Carvana. “While this year has been challenging for millions, we recognized that within our Carvana family, there were additional challenges, and we feel so fortunate to be able to help our friends and co-workers out.” Eastern Market Senior Market Manager Lonni Thomas said that as a 34-year-old Black woman, she believes that selflessly feeding our communi-
Eastern Market Partnership’s vision statement is to “shepherd Eastern Market’s rich history to nourish a healthier, wealthier, and happier Detroit” she added “Being that we are located in a city where nearly 80% of its residents are Black, Eastern Market cannot hope to achieve its vision without addressing disparities in racial equity,” Thomas said. “Making sure that EMP plays a role in supporting Detroit’s Black-owned business by providing a platform through our public markets and consistent media support. I think we embody MLK’s compassion as we push toward making things easier during such a difficult time.”
A Salvation Army volunteer prepares to deliver a sealed, pre-packaged box of food to one of The Salvation Army’s corps community centers in metro Detroit. The nonprofit modified its food distribution services at corps community centers in order to comply with health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. – Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army nered with Detroit Public Schools Community District to support 14 HUB schools operating since December to provide mobile grocery distributions and food boxes that supported balanced nutrition. Food boxes also helped seniors in housing communities who were isolated to protect from community spread.” Bonelli added that part of their work was based on data from Feeding America that identified 15 communities throughout Gleaners’ five-county service area identifying disproportionate levels of coronavirus infection, poverty and food insecurity. Gleaners identified 26 agency partners with the ability to use additional resources to reach the community inside and surrounding Detroit. “We know food insecurity exists… the pandemic further revealed disparities in our region, and that access to healthy foods is disproportionately available in and around Detroit,” she added. “We also know that the Governors Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities recognized food insecurity as a health issue.” Through Gleaners’ focused efforts to expand access, they have been able to introduce more
food resources, and will continue to work toward expanding this access, Bonelli added. “[This is] to give the community a more equitable opportunity to stabilize households, improve health outcomes and reduce the stress of food insecurity holding many back from thriving,” she said. “For our region to survive and thrive beyond this pandemic, we need healthy communities – financially, physically, and mentally. Taking hunger off the table, especially in places where our neighbors have systematically been underserved by food access, provides a real opportunity for families and individuals to focus on other needs to stabilize their lives and achieve their potential now and toward future goals.” With Gleaners’ herculean efforts to help solve hunger locally, there is still more to be done, which they cannot do alone, Bonelli said. “We need the help of partners and community members to achieve the food security we know is possible,” she added. “We have the tools, and we have the means – community support is how we walk that last mile to meet our goals for our hungry neighbors. One
A volunteer with The Salvation Army Temple Corps Community Center (3729 W. Chicago Blvd., Detroit) prepares to deliver dozens of grocery items to community members. The Temple Corps is one of four Salvation Army Corps Community Centers located in the city of Detroit, and one of 13 across the metro Detroit area. – Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army
way of giving back to our community is to ensure those who are hungry know how to get food and know there is no shame in reaching out for help. We can all foster that sense of dignity.” The other way to give back is by donating to Gleaners at www.gcfb.org or hosting a virtual food drive with the organization. More recently, Gleaners created a team of people who are solely dedicated to creating programs and planning new ones with an equity lens so that when they do program evaluation, they are “ever mindful” of the goal to provide equitable programs at the core of their work and involve the community in feedback to reinforce that goal. “To achieve full food security in the region, we must always meet our hungry neighbors where they are and focus on what their needs are rather than what we think those needs are,” Bonelli added. Giving in the spirit of Dr. King also means giving a Carvana employee a new ride. Carvana welcomed 2021 by recently giving vehicles to 21 employees, including Detroit resident Sylvester Johnson, a father of five who works at the auto retailer’s Troy office. Carvana received hundreds of nominations and raked through those to select the 21 recipients
Whether you’re planning an event for your company, community or classroom, Beans & Cornbread’s shoebox lunch makes for the perfect lunch and learn experience. The box is covered with historical facts from the Jim Crow era. Call now to order shoeboxes for your next event.
Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • January 13-19, 2021
Honoring the man. Celebrating the Dream. AAA is proud to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his involvement in the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom to bring peace, equality and inclusion for all. TM
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
19-PR-0097
SCIENTISTS HAVE TAKEN HUNDREDS OF STEPS TO OPEN THIS DOOR. Developed by a proven process, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. Decades of research, followed by months of clinical development. Tens of thousands of diverse volunteers in clinical trials. Scientists and doctors worldwide have joined forces to bring us a safe, effective vaccine for COVID-19… and help give us our lives back. Learn more at Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine.
Classifieds
January 13-19, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
REQUEST FOR QUOTE The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQ for No. 21-3295A for Palo Alto Cortex XDR Pro and cloud storage. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning January 8, 2021 from http://www.mitn.info. RFQ is due by 3:00 PM ET, January 27, 2021.
BIDS RECEIVED Bid Proposals will be received until the time and place, as follows, where and when the opening of bid proposals will be conducted by the Owner in p ublic: January 25, 2021 TIME: 10:30 a.m. Sealed Bids will be received at the following location: Detroit Leadership Academy Annex 13600 Virgil St. Detroit, MI 48223 Attn: Kerri Smith, Chief Executive Officer Equity Education
PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Manufacturing Integration Manager
HIGHLAND PARK PLANNING COMMISSION
Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Building 12050 Woodward Avenue Highland Park, Michigan 48203 (313) 252-0050 ext. 251
Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Rezoning in the City of Highland Park Notice is hereby given that the on January 20, 2021 at 5:30 PM, the Highland Park Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Hamilton Corridor’s request to rezone the land. This public hearing is an opportunity for residents to communicate with City Council regarding Hamilton Corridor’s request. HIGHLAND PARK PLANNING COMMISSION Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Building Hamilton Corridor, LLC is developing a 30-acre site located within the City of Highland Park. TheWoodward project is Avenue 12050 located East of Thompson, West of Hamilton, South of Labelle and North of the DavisonPark, Freeway. The 48203 Highland Michigan purpose of the project is to redevelop this blighted area of the City for commercial use. To (313) achieve this, the ext. 251 252-0050 land within the project area must be rezoned.
Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Rezoning in the City of Highland Park Notice is hereby given that the on January 20, 2021 at 5:30 PM, the Highland Park Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Hamilton Corridor’s request to rezone the land. This public hearing is an opportunity for residents to communicate with City Council regarding Hamilton Corridor’s request. Hamilton Corridor, LLC is developing a 30-acre site located within the City of Highland Park. The project is located East of Thompson, West of Hamilton, South of Labelle and North of the Davison Freeway. The purpose of the project is to redevelop this blighted area of the City for commercial use. To achieve this, the land within the project area must be rezoned.
The land is currently zoned as “R2” for Residential. However, in order to complete the project and use the land for commercial use, the land will need to be rezoned as “IRD” for Industrial Research and Development. Meeting information can be found on the City of Highland Park Website: www.highlandparkmi.gov The public hearing will be held via Zoom meeting. Connect Online: https://zoom.us/w/361243988?tk=RHbZnjzB0VeMRJSegETuD7c8TQo_m3ggZ_RerfAvbmE.DQIAAAAAFYg lVBZXVWRPQVg2cVRUNnpDS05pQnhZa0dRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Phone Participation: 13126266799,,361243988# or +19292056099,,361243988# Webinar ID: 361 243 988 Participant ID: 1333218 The land is currently zoned as “R2” for Residential. However, in order to complete the project and use the land for commercial use, can the land will need Written comments be mailed to: to be rezoned as “IRD” for Industrial Research and Development. Highland Park Planning Commission Meeting information can be found on the City of Highland Park Website: www.highlandparkmi.gov c/o Community & Economic Development 12050 Woodward Avenue The public hearing will be48203-3578 held via Zoom meeting. Highland Park, Michigan Connect Online: (313)252-0050, ext. 251 https://zoom.us/w/361243988?tk=RHbZnjzB0VeMRJSegETuD7c8TQo_m3ggZ_RerfAvbmE.DQIAAAAAFYg lVBZXVWRPQVg2cVRUNnpDS05pQnhZa0dRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Published: January 5, 2021
Phone Participation: HIGHLAND PARK PLANNING COMMISSIONERS 13126266799,,361243988# or +19292056099,,361243988# Chair: Commissioner Barbara Willis Commissioner Samuel J. Billington Webinar ID: 361 243 988 Vice Chair Paul Motley Commissioner Beverly Jordan Participant ID: 1333218 Commissioner Cleo J. Pye Commissioner Jeff Glotta Commissioner Teshia Bursey Written comments can be mailed to: Highland Park Planning Commission c/o Community & Economic Development 12050 Woodward Avenue Highland Park, Michigan 48203-3578 (313)252-0050, ext. 251 Published: January 5, 2021 HIGHLAND PARK PLANNING COMMISSIONERS Chair: Commissioner Barbara Willis Commissioner Samuel J. Billington Vice Chair Paul Motley Commissioner Beverly Jordan Commissioner Cleo J. Pye Commissioner Jeff Glotta Commissioner Teshia Bursey
HELP WANTED
Join Our Team
Walker-Miler Energy Services is hiring! Several Positions Are Ready to be filled by Extraordinary Individuals!
Please visit our website for more classified ads.
www.michiganchronicle.com
Energy Advisor I – Jackson, MI Energy Advisor I – Farmington Hills, MI IT Manager – Detroit, MI Web Developer – Detroit, MI IT Desktop Engineer – Detroit, MI Business Development Manager – Detroit, MI Marketing Manager - Detroit, MI Talent Acquisition Manager – Detroit, MI HR, People Manager - Detroit, MI For a full list of qualifications please visit https://wmenergy.com/careers-2/ **Please note the location of the position when applying.**
Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan &assure successful &flawless light duty &full size trucks &full size SUV launches, emphasizing safety, cost, people, quality, volumes, timing &environment. Demonstrate strong leadership &interpersonal skills to build effective teams &work cross-functionally w/ teams from NA Region. Assure timely dvlpmt &execution of new, major 2025 MY &beyond Light Duty, Full Size, &HD Truck &Full Size SUV, &full size truck vehicle prgrms in U.S./Mexico, incldg implementation of Bills of Processes (BOPs), Design for MFg (DFM), &Design for Assy (DFA), &integration of all cmpnt mfg process such as cmpnt stamping, welding, &painting &vehicle assy, &integration of vehicle mfg &tooling requirements. Lead &set gates (engrg &launch) &standardized work, &lead meetings of Mfg Integration Team members consisting of 12-15 Lead Engrs, from Stamping, Welding, Paint, Ergonomics, IE, Assy, Vehicle Qlty &Dimensional Engrg areas (in U.S./Mexico) to ensure timely psgr vehicle launches w/ required qlty. Dvlp mfg strategies &targets for full size truck &SUV models for truck assy plants in NA–IN; MI; TX; &MEX. Facilitate U.S. engrg communication &interaction w/ plants &engrg areas. Bachelor, Mechanical or Industrial Engrg. 24 mos exp as Plant Launch Ops Mgr, Vehicle Launch Mgr, Plant Launch Mgr, or related, planning &assuring psgr vehicle (truck, SUV or car) launch, emphasizing safety, cost, people, qlty, volume, timing &environment, assuring timely dvlpmt or execution of psgr vehicle BOPs, DFM, &DFA at vehicle assy plant, &integration of cmpnt mfg process such as cmpnt stamping, welding, &painting, or related. Mail resume to Ref#971, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
HELP WANTED
RESEARCH SCIENTIST Wayne State University has an available position of Research Scientist in Detroit, MI. Position requires a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry. Position also requires: 1) Two peer-reviewed journal publications in algae species characterization with phylogenetic analysis. Job duties: Conduct research in chemical evaluation of algae. Design & execute experiments to determine novel chemical compounds from algae. Investigate the role algal chemicals play in stopping mussel reproduction using cancer cell lines. Study the impact of microplastics on algae & other aquatic organisms. Publish results of research in peer-reviewed journal publications & present at international & national conferences. Qualified candidates should apply through WSU Online Hiring System for posting #045334 at https://jobs.wayne.edu.
Paying Homage to our own Unsung Hero
Vincent Kountz Vincent L. Kountz, a trailblazer in elevating cooperation with governments, businesses and community-based organizations passed away in his home November 20, 2020 after a seven-year illness resulting from a hemorrhagic stroke. Vince was 64. Vince worked with both public and private, religious organizations and the media for both his work life and his volunteerism. A Little Rock, Arkansas native, Vince adopted Detroit 41 years ago. Vince loved Detroit and Detroit loved Vince! Throughout his time in Detroit, he made an impact to the city and the surrounding areas. Vince joined the U.S. Census Bureau in 1985 and held several positions over his thirty-year tenure, including Partnership Coordinator. He worked closely with congressional members, mayors, and community leaders to develop and implement strategies to promote Census products and services. Leading a team to design strategies for outreach, he conducted three Census counts – 1990, 2000 and 2010. A man who believes in “the count” he worked hard to cover his geographic responsibilities to make sure the people of Detroit, West Virginia and Ohio knew how important it was to be counted. It was during this period that Vince was also a Michigan Chronicle free-lance journalist. In 2013, Vince was presented with the Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Award. “He taught me the importance of not only networking and managing relationships, but he taught me the importance of making sure my net worked”, says Victor Greene, former Director of Community Relations, Wayne State University. As a philanthropist he helped design and implement the start-up of the Ford Foundation Detroit Family & Neighborhood Initiative (DFNI). He also served on the board for Latin Americans for Social & Economic Development (LASED). “He was a man of impeccable character”, remembers Harold Sullivan, a Census co-worker and life-long friend. Vince leaves to cherish his memory his wife, his mother, two sons and two grandsons. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hutchison Funeral HomeDetroit, MI.
Voice of the Community at your fingertips.
SeekingAssistant SeekingMedical Office Seeking AssistantIIIII OFFICE ASSISTANT III Oakland University atatOakland University
ATGraham OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Nursing Health Center
of Medicine To provideSchool office assisCoordinate thespecialized clinical processing in a tance, coordinating procedural busimedical clinic by performing a variety To provide specialized office assistance, or service activitiesaccording for a complex ofness multi-step processes a coordinating procedural businessto program area involving processing, im- or specified framework of procedures and service activitiesadvising for a on, complex program plementing, and reporting regulations, to serve as an informationspecialized subject matter.implementing, Minimum area involving processing, al source within the clinic in addition Qualifications: High school specialized graduaadvising on, andthe reporting totion maintaining rolecombination as a medical or an equivalent of subject matter. Qualifications: assistant in and the Minimum clinic. Minimum Qualeducation experience. Four years ifications: Schoolorgraduation or High school High graduation anoffice equivalent progressively responsible exanperience, equivalent combination of educacombination ofincluding education and experience. direct experience tion and progressively experience. years’ office exinyears office coordination,Three i.e., prioritizing Four responsible perience as a medical assistant work or in work assignments, maintaining experience, including direct experience in a flow directly related field with experience to meet deadlines. This is a full office coordination, i.e., prioritizing work intime, medical office clericalposition. functions. Exclerical-technical Salary assignments, work flowonline to meet perience inmaintaining venipuncture and obtainis $44,592.00 annually. See deadlines. a full time, clerical-technical ing basicThis patient information including posting foris additional position reblood pressure, electrocardiograph quirements. First consideration position. Salary is $43,718.00 annually. measurements and urine specimens. will be given to those who apply by See online posting for additional position January 21, 2021.clerical-technical Must apply on line This is a part-time porequirements. First consideration will be to: https://jobs.oakland.edu sition, working Monday-Friday, 10:00 given to those who apply by March 23, a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 30 hours per week. 2020. Salary is $30,973.00 annually. See Must apply posting online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu online for additional position requirements. Must apply online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu
Published Every Wednesday
MICHIGAN CHRONICLE 2col. x 4.75
313 963-5522
michiganchronicle.com
Voice of the Community at your fingertips michiganchronicle.com
DQE
Page B-6
• michiganchronicle.com • January 13-19, 2021
Faith is taking the first step,
even when you don’t see the whole staircase. – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Keep Marching The Michigan Chronicle Is Proud To Salute The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.