MC Digital Edition 5.19.21

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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 84 – No. 37 | May 19-25, 2021

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COMMENTARY

Why Does DTE Energy Invest in So Many Community Causes?

By Jerry Norcia DTE President and CEO

People ask me from time to time why DTE Energy pushes beyond its well understood core mission – producing clean, affordable, and reliable energy for our customers – to serve many other community needs. The questions come with hint of skepticism and go something like this: “Why did DTE give $1 million in grants to 45 domestic violence shelters across Michigan?

Why did you give computers and free internet service to 51,000 Detroit public school students? Why did you order your supply chain team to locate and donate 2 million KN-95 masks to hospitals at the height of the COVID19 pandemic? Why did you publicly condemn the murder of George Floyd, and why do you support voter rights?”

These are fair questions, and they deserve an answer: The are several reasons why we stand for what is right and good in the communities we serve.

Jerry Norcia First, DTE’s 10,000plus employees live in those communities and they deserve DTE’s support outside the workplace. They are your neighbors, your family, and your friends; their children attend public schools and their families suffered through the pandemic; they are crimes victims and they own small businesses; they are voters, and they know people who are forced to choose between buying prescription drugs or paying their electric bills. Our committed and dedicated employees are one reason why DTE Energy and the DTE Foundation invests millions of dollars in programs that serve people in need.

Another reason DTE Energy strives to be a force for good is because a corporation must consider itself a citizen with all the responsibilities that come with citizenship. Most people don’t care about our bottom line – and they shouldn’t. But most people will judge us based on how well we serve our customers who need us the most.

For me, as DTE’s president and CEO, this is personal. My grandmother, who lived in a poor rural village in Italy and had no education and none of the comforts of heat or running water, often told me when I was growing up, “Doing good on to others opens doors and creates prosperity. Not doing these good things closes doors and reduces prosperity.” While far from perfect, we at DTE firmly believe that being good to our employees and our communities has been fundamental to much of our success as a company.

With those explanations, allow me to flesh out a few recent examples of how we strive to meet our responsibility to our employees and our communities.

• During an intense six-week period, our public affairs and supply chain teams worked with the state’s county emergency relief agencies to buy and distribute 2 million KN-95 masks during a critical shortage of the life-saving gear.

• The DTE Energy Foundation invested $21 million to support COVID-19 relief efforts in 2020 alone. These efforts included supporting more than 500,000 families with basic

See COMMUNITY

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WHAT’S INSIDE

The State of Mental Health in

Black America

By Donald James Special to the Chronicle

May is Mental Health Month. Since its creation in 1949 by the National Association for Mental Health, now known as Mental Health America (MHA), the month of May has been designated to raise acute awareness to better educate the public about mental health and wellness concerns in America.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is defined as “a state of psychological, behavioral, and emotional well-being in which an individual realizes his or her abilities to cope with the normal stresses of life.”

While WHO’s definition seems ideal, the “state of psychological, behavioral, and emotional well-being” in the Black communities of America is not easily defined. Simply put, in today’s atmosphere of heightened hatred, discrimination, violence, and poverty, all rooted in systemic, blatant, and unadulterated “racism,” the “state of well-being” for far too many Black people is one of depression, hopelessness, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, and other mental conditions.

Most mental health experts conclude that there is a direct link between racism in America and the mental health and wellness of Black people. And experiencing prolonged scenarios of racial discrimination and injustices can take a heavy emotional toll and trigger chronic stress, depression, racial trauma, which could lead to physical illnesses.

“There are many stressors that impact Black Americans on a daily basis, one of the most deleterious being that of racism,” said native Detroiter, Dr. Riana Anderson, an assistant professor of health behavior and

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Comerica’s Christine Moore Honored for Notable Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Work

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Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, Mike Brown, Freddie Gray, Philando Castile, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd.

Many mental wellness experts agree that when Black people continually see the horrifying images of police brutality unfold – in person or on televised news shows or social media platforms, internalizing the injuries and violent deaths can lead to severe mental health issues, increasing the risk for depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and the gravitation to substance abuse.

Last year, the horrific murder of George Floyd helped deepen the mental anguish that Black people, especially Black men in America, know so well. There for the entire world to see was an unarmed Black man, in handcuffs, lying face down in the street with a White police officers’ knee planted on his neck for more than nine minutes. While Floyd’s murder appeared to be just another unarmed Black man killed, and the story would go away to wait for the next episode, that wasn’t the case. The ex-police officer that killed Floyd was found guilty of all three charges, which included second-degree murder.

In the eyes, hearts, and souls of people around the nation and beyond, Floyd’s death and trial ushered in the birth of a sweeping advocacy of movements clamoring for and demanding real change against police brutality not seen in this country…maybe ever.

So when will police brutality end and the physical and mental safeness of Black people be upheld? Many hope that H.R. 7120, also known as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, will be the “quantum leap for national change.” The Bill addresses sweeping policies and issues sur-

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HEALTH page A2

Officer, Why Are You Stopping Me?

By Chief Ralph L. Godbee, Jr. (retired)

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health education at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health.

“Racism, both for Black adults and youth, impacts virtually every element of mental and physical health.”

Anderson believes that various acts of racial discrimination, whether separate or part of a larger systemic pattern in America, are linked to Black people feeling that they are not safe in their communities and elsewhere.

“The idea that I may not be here tomorrow is a pervasive fear for Black residents,” Anderson said. “whether it be at the hands of police officers, racist groups, the COVID-19 pandemic, or shorter life expectancies in atrisk and underserved Black communities.”

Such mental dispositions of Black people are not new because racism in America is not new. Since 1619, when Black enslaved men, women, and children were first taken out of Africa and transported to the New Land, Blacks in this country have been marginalized, oppressed, and disenfranchised more than any other race of people. As a result, the people who are darker than blue have unique concerns, trauma, stress, obstacles, and challenges due to their historical experiences, cultural differences, and social disparities caused by being Black in America.

Perhaps one of the most pervasive experiences that has constantly placed an immense spotlight on racism in America is police brutality, defined as the violent, excessive, and unwarranted use of force against a human being, a violation of one’s civil rights. There have been thousands and thousands of cases of police brutality against African Americans just over the last decade. The list is too long to compile. However, the shortlist includes Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Trayvon

Traffic enforcement at its inception and viewing it from a pristine point of view is at its essence a means by which this new phenomenon called the automobile could be operated in a manner on public and in some cases private thoroughfares that is safe and minimizes the chances of vehicle and pedestrian accidents, a public safety measure.

When I say new phenomenon, it is from the perspective of world history; January 29, 1886, Carl Benz applied for a patent for his vehicle powered by a gas engine.

Mass production of combustible engine vehicles in the iteration that is most familiar in American automobile history began circa 1908 when Henry Ford introduced the Model T and William Durant founded General Motors.

The traffic stop in the American lexicon has been described as one of the most dangerous yet routine tasks of the many enforcement options that an American police officer can engage in during one’s course of duty; in most if

not all instances a discretionary stop that is left totally up to the officer as whether to initiate a traffic stop or opt not to initiate the stop of a motor vehicle driver. Although discretionary I would opine that any reasonable person would have an expectation or even believe that Ralph Godbee an officer was duty bound to intervene either by the officers’ personal observation or by a report of a driver operating a vehicle in a manner that is objectively reasonable to believe could cause serious injury or death; if there is not a concerted effort by law enforcement to interdict and mitigate the reckless operation of a motor vehicle by attempting a traffic stop.

There are ostensibly two types of traffic violations; first there is a moving

violation, for example excessive speed or disregarding a traffic signal and secondly there are administrative violations that are codified in state law or city ordinance delineating qualifications for operating the vehicle and for specifications of vehicles that are to be licensed and permitted to operate on public thoroughfares; for example obtaining a driver’s license; or operating a vehicle with automobile insurance; or proper registration of the vehicle. In summation, there are some things codified in a state or local jurisdiction’s motor vehicle code that have no primary enforcement prioritization that directly speaks to if a motor vehicle in the moment that the officer engages the vehicle is being operated in a manner that is unsafe and presents any imminent danger on the roadway.

If one is to accept the inherent dangers of the traffic stop as espoused by law enforcement and universally agreed to; albeit the Bureau of Labor Statistics may disabuse one of that accepted belief as law enforcement is not in the top 10

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Traffic Enforcement From page A-1

professions for on the job deaths per 100,000 employees; it would stand to reason that reducing traffic stops would be the goal of both law enforcement and the citizenry; particularly communities of color where there is a disproportionate amount of contact between police with black and brown residents. This would be for the mutual benefit of officers and the communities they serve.

With the advent of red-light cameras and automatic license plate readers it has been demonstrated and accepted that technology can aid in the area of traffic enforcement. After a trip to the NBA All-Star festivities in Phoenix, AZ in 2009 I was made acutely aware of the advances in traffic enforcement relative to cameras and their ability to police speeders, receiving a citation in the mail that was assessed to my rental vehicle. I was not assessed personally as the driver however the rental car company held me strictly liable for the vehicle that I rented. No traffic stop, no assess-

ment of my race nor ethnicity, no criminal intent projected upon me because of implicit bias, no altercation that needed de-escalation; simply a fine assessed to me as the person responsible for the vehicle’s adherence to the speed limit.

No potential of me reaching for my wallet and it being misinterpreted as me reaching for a weapon.

No reason for an officer to misinterpret my intent and “fear for his life” because he had to make a quote unquote split-second decision. No belief by me that I am only being stopped because I am “driving while black”.

Again, removing all the variables that could make a traffic stop for a civil infraction the recipe for a deadly encounter.

Is it an unreasonable premise to offer an alternate solution for officers to whom upon initiation of a traffic stop for a non-criminal offense; manufacture a scenario by which the officers’ own industry has pre-determined as unsafe before it even happens?

It is counterintuitive to engage in an activity

Mental Health

From page A-1

rounding policing practices and law enforcement accountability.

“The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act seeks to hold our system of justice accountable at a time when transparency and liability are lacking,” Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, said in a statement issued by the organization’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. “We’ve witnessed far too many deaths at the hands of law enforcement with little to no recourse. It is long overdue that we reimagine public safety in our communities and rethink policing…this piece of legislation aims to do just that.”

Johnson, a native Detroiter, added that “Police officers need more training in how to de-escalate situations,” he said. ”And there need to be more financial resources for

mental health support, social workers, and programs for young people, many of which have been cut as law enforcement budgets have swelled.

Reform in all those areas, including the police, can help society.”

Johnson speaking on the need for mental health support to help stem the titanic tides of racism is essential. There must be clear pathways forward in the core mission of establishing and implementing credible mental health support. And to move forward, there must be the will to overcome the stigma attached to an individual who seeks help for mental issues.

“People of color, particularly African Americans, feel the stigma more keenly,” Bebe Moore Campbell, the late author and founder of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Urban Los Angeles Chapter once

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that is pre-determined to be unsafe by its very nature for a non-moving violation; that at best requires an administrative remedy; then articulate your fear for your life as a justification for deadly force. If in fact the danger is that foreseeable then it is negligent that police leaders and politicians have not mitigated the inherent risks for frivolous yet potentially deadly encounters. This solution is only unreasonable if the reason for traffic enforcement, for other than moving violations, is not in fact for management of traffic in a safe manner on public and private thoroughfares; but it is in fact a ruse and these measures are a pretext for getting into the vehicles of black and brown motorist to further their intrusive tendencies to stretch the boundaries of the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution in a very selective and unequitable manner?

My 2009 Phoenix AllStar weekend experience led me down a proverbial rabbit hole of wondering why are we subjecting officers and citizens, particularly black and brown citizens to such potentially deadly interactions said. “In a race-conscious society, some don’t want to be perceived as having yet another deficit.”

Anderson agrees, “Culturally, Black people may also feel like they must both maintain strength and should not air their dirty laundry’ for others to see,” said Anderson. “And certainly, Black community members not only have less access and quality care for mental health provision but given the reasonable distrust of health providers from medical abuse, may utilize services less.”

Anderson points out that there are many resources available to help relieve mental health stressors in the Black community. Some require insurance, but others are free or offered at a low cost. Anderson said social media outlets and virtual mental health platforms are available to help, such as Our Mental Health Minute, Black Mental Wellness, and Black Emotional and Mental Health. In addition, many churches and faith-based organizations offer counseling.

Anderson said the National Alliance on Mental Illness also offers some resources for finding a practitioner.

To learn more about the several organizations that promote mental health and wellness, log on to www.nami. org, www.mhanational. org, www.blackmentalhealth.com, or www. touchstonemh.org.

when there is a safer and more objectively reasonable way to achieve traffic enforcement and compliance; once again, if that is truly the goal of traffic enforcement?

Sometimes the most effective solutions are far less complicated than we tend to make them. Establish laws that require strict liability for vehicle owners so that the operation of the vehicle resides with the owner; regardless of who is driving the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle is cited for the violation and the vehicle owner is liable for the penalties associated with the violation and any requisite redress associated with the infraction; thus, negating the obligatory back and forth between officer and driver as to “why are you stopping me”.

Record the vehicle information ascertain that the vehicle is not stolen; allow the vehicle to proceed and send the citation to the registered vehicle owner.

If the vehicle reaches a threshold of non-compliance; by court order place a boot on the vehicle similar to the enforcement measures used in municipal parking. The camera in my Phoenix experience did not identify a “black driver” it identified a speeding vehicle. The camera did not unreasonably impede on my right as a free black man to move about unobstructed by implicit bias and in some instances outright racists beliefs relative to my full rights as an AMERICAN citizen in my God given right to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Traffic stops must be ratcheted back to a standard of an absolute necessity of clearly articulable imminent public safety reasons or violent criminal activity.

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PICKS 513 659 505 364 257 WEEK’S BEST LOTTERY

280 251 872 508 601 479 907 9515 0520 113 10 45 53 63 67 3 Community Causes From page A-1 needs; funding more than 3 million meals; working alongside 40 faith-based partners in more than 20 zip codes to support community initiatives, including COVID-19 testing; and matching $2 million in donations to the Michigan Association of United Ways and Michigan Community Action.

• The DTE Foundation awarded $1 million in grants to all 45 domestic violence shelters funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to help alleviate the significant financial and operational stress the shelter system has sustained due to COVID-19.

• Bridging the digital divide in America’s least-connected city, DTE worked with other corporate partners to raise the $23 million needed to equip Detroit public school students with free tablets and internet service. These students’ mothers and fathers quickly benefited from the connectivity, enabling them with the ability to apply for jobs, shop, and secure services that Detroiters without internet struggle to obtain.

• We found new, innovative ways to help vulnerable populations pay for their energy needs during the pandemic. In March, we suspended disconnects for non-payment.

Then we went to work to create a Personalized

Service Protection Plan to help at-risk customers reduce their arrears. We also worked closely with the State of Michigan to secure an additional $23 million in financial aid for eligible customers who needed energy assistance.

• We’ve launched and led several initiatives to keep businesses running – and people working – across Michigan. We led the development and launch of Detroit Means Business, an online resource hub through which small businesses can access valuable resources, including personalized technical assistance, small business loans and assistance obtaining personal protection equipment.

• Amid a national reckoning on police abuse and systemic racism, we knew we had a moral obligation to be part of the solution – to stand against racial injustice and oppression and take steps to build a more just organization, state and nation. That’s why we supported voters rights, and launched an internal campaign to improve our efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Should an energy company be a force for good?

Should DTE Energy serve our employees in their communities and be a solid corporate citizen?

These are good questions, and they deserve an answer: Absolutely, unequivocally, yes.

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To the Heart of the Matter

Comerica colleagues walk to fund raises and promote STEM activities in support of American Heart Association.

In April and May, Comerica supported programs related to matters of the heart—heart health and subjects close to the hearts of aspiring students.

For the eighth consecutive event (2020 was cancelled due to pandemic), Comerica has participated in the annual American Heart Association Heart Walk, raising much-needed funds to help fight heart disease.

Of course, like many events that were previously in-person, this year’s Heart Walk went virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One the eve of the Heart Walk, Comerica raised over $36,000. The bank’s corporate total ranked third overall among all participating companies.

Comerica’s fundraising effort culminated in the 2021 Metro Detroit Heart and Stroke Walk/Run Digital Experience on Saturday, May 15.

Conducted on Zoom this year, instead of hitting the streets in large groups, participants individually raise donations matched to the distance they walk, all organized on a special activity tracker and movement challenges on a special mobile app.

“Our long-time commitment to the Heart Walk is an example of our employees’ commitment to the community. The last year has shown us how resilient we can be and understand that we can still make a difference and raise the expectations of what a bank can be,” said Patricia McCann, Comerica Vice President, Sr. Diversity Consultant – Social Impact – H ­ uman Resources.

STEM Goes Red On April 19th, Comerica participated in the American Heart Association’s annual STEM Goes Red event. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.The program is aimed to provide young girls insights into the possibilities and potential they possess to make a real impact on the world around them through STEM. Three members of Comerica’s team whose areas of expertise and responsibility revolve around technology, held virtual career sessions for students at the Detroit International Academy for Young Women.

That’s a break from the past when Comerica’s presentations focused on financial education, ac-

See STEM page A-4

Members of Comerica’s Leadership Team are: Larry Sommers, Executive Champion; Chairs Colleen Woof and Renee Dalou; CoChairs Charise Key-Gray and Nancy Heaston.

With this year’s totals, Comerica has now raised nearly $320,000 to fight heart disease and stroke during its 11 year participation in the fund raising event.

In support of the 2021 Metro Detroit Heart and Stroke Walk/Run Digital Experience, colleagues in Southeast Michigan donned red on the eve of the annual event to raise funds for the American Heart Association. Overall, Comerica raised over $36,000, which was the third highest among all corporate participants.

Comerica’s Christine Moore Honored for Notable Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Work

Christine Moore

Christine Moore, Executive Vice President, is General Auditor for Comerica Bank. As the Executive Sponsor of Comerica’s African American Network Michigan Chapter for the last five years and current Executive Diversity Committee member, Moore has had a tremendous impact on Comerica’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey.

portunities and making sure her succession management has a diverse pool of talent,” said Nate Bennett, Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President, Head of Talent Acquisition.

As Comerica’s Chief Auditor and member of the C-Suite, Moore not only serves in these roles, she is also a vocal and lead-by-example champion of the bank’s diversity strategy.

“Christine is an exceptional leader, executive, mentor and role model for our entire organization,” said Curt Farmer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. “She leads the Audit division with exceptional integrity, which drives results throughout our internal and external auditing processes and regulatory management.

“Christine’s success in building a diverse workforce is attributed to her efforts in striving to achieve a diverse pool of talent from entry point. It begins with diverse talent for her intern program, ensuring women and minorities are actively engaged in professional development op-

Diversity is among Comerica Bank’s core values and Moore has recently been honored by Crain’s Detroit as a Notable Executive in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“She is an outstanding champion of building

and cultivating an inclusive environment that strengthens the fabric of who we are and what we want to be. Her commitment to diversity inspires her staff and Comerica colleagues, and that inspiration positively impacts how we serve our customers and communities.”

Moore also serves as chair and executive board member of Alternative for Girls, an organization that assists homeless and high-risk young girls and women through resource programs.

This includes minors who are in the care of their young mothers as a result from the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

Her involvement began in 2012 and she’s held a variety of roles throughout her time being a part of this important community resource.

See CHRISTINE MOORE page A-4

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Detroit Empowement Weekend to Benefit Students and Families

Comerica Bank partners with National College Resources Foundation on three-day, free virtual series May 20-22 featuring STEAM Expo, Latino College Expo™ and Black College Expo™

Comerica Bank and the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF), have partnered to bring Detroit Empowerment Weekend to the Midwest May 20-22. The three-day virtual series, free of charge, presents opportunities for high school students to have their college application fees waived – as well as chances to earn acceptance and receive scholarships to colleges on the spot.

Informative seminars and workshops for K-12 students and their families will also be available.

“Coming together with the National College Resources Foundation is a natural fit for Comerica Bank’s continued commitment to helping young people and the communities they live in, especially in response to many challenges that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.” said Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank Southeast Michigan Market Manager. “Ensuring we provide the next generation of leaders opportunities to better themselves and further their education is critical, and this virtual Empowerment Weekend is a step in the right direction to make that happen.”

The virtual Detroit Empowerment Weekend consists of the following series of events.

STEAM Expo (Thursday, May 20, 2:30-4:30 p.m.): Features hands-on 3D-printing, coding, esports, programming activities and more for K-12 students and families.

From 2:30-4:30 p.m., students can get an inside look at the history of Black aviators in flight, featuring The Tuskegee Airmen and presenter Chauncey Spencer, Jr. – son of Chauncey Spencer, Sr. Spencer, Sr. was a legendary Black aviator responsible for integration of the U.S. Air Force when he and Dale White convinced President Harry S.Truman to allow Black individuals to fly in the military in World War II – resulting in the formation of the Tuskegee Airmen, which later became known as the Red Tails.

Games are also available for students to strengthen their math and life skills.

Empowerment Series (Thursday, May 20, 5-8 p.m.): Comerica Bank executives and other professionals will be in attendance to share knowledge, wisdom and insights into entrepreneurship, growing your money and internship/employment opportunities.

Latino College Expo™ (Friday, May 21, 4-6 p.m.): Some colleges will be accepting students on the spot. In addition, students can receive information about college funding and planning, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and financial aid and scholarships from Dr. Gloria Ponce-Rodriguez, a national leader and advocate in college and career planning.

Notably, Dr. Ponce-Rodriguez is a NCRF Executive Board member and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) committee member. Seminars include “Funding Your College Education and DACA” along with “Preparing for College During and PostCOVID-19.”

Black College Expo™ (Saturday, May 22, 12-3 p.m.): During this expo, colleges will waive application fees, as well as offer scholarships and accepts students on the spot. Seminars include “How to Find Money for College”, “How to navigate College During and Post-COVID-19”, “Why attend an HBCU” and “The 411 for the Student Athlete.”

The virtual Empowerment Weekend is free to attend, and students throughout the Midwest are welcome to join.Those interested in attending can register at www.thecollegeexpo.org/ncrf-events/em-

powerment-series.

NCRF was founded in 1999 – and one year later, the nonprofit hosted its inaugural Black College Expo™, an event that highlights Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) and other postsecondary institutions to provide admissions and scholarship information to attendees. NCRF’s mission is to curtail the high school dropout rate and increase degree and/or certificate enrollment among underserved, underrepresented, at-risk, low resource, homeless and foster students.

“We are excited to partner with Comerica Bank,” said Dr. Theresa Price, founder and executive director of NCRF. “It so refreshing to work with corporations that share the same values and beliefs as NCRF – which is all about creating positive change for our communities. COVID-19 has hit our community hard, furthering the gap in educational achievement, workforce, and economic disparities. We know that events like the Detroit Empowerment Weekend bring hope to our community.”

NCRF connects students to positive post-secondary pursuits – providing resources and services to help students prepare for, enroll in and graduate from a degree and/or certificate program.

It continues to work toward its vision to close the gap in educational achievement, workforce, and economic disparities with the goal to end racism and racial inequality – and, to date, NCRF has hosted more than 160 college expos nationwide, including 23 virtual events since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NCRF has helped more than 500,000 students get into college, secured more than $1 billion in scholarships and grants for students, yielded a 100% graduation rate among Black students (93% for all students) in the Movement Enrichment Program and secured a 95% success rate of its scholarship winners finishing college.

“Comerica Bank looks forward to building upon this incredible partnership with the National College Resources Foundation and helping students achieve their goal of attending college after high school,” Nosegbe added.

Comerica Bank’s partnership with NCRF is the latest in a storied history of alliances with Black and minority-owned businesses and nonprofits nationwide, to provide financial education, small business support, COVID-19 relief and more. Most recently, Comerica Bank moved $10 million in deposits to Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) across the country, including $2.5 million in Michigan and provided $1 million to the National Business League for financial resources and technical support.

The bank launched collaborations with the Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO), Mackenzie Noble Community Collaborative Drug Free Coalition (MNCC-DFC), The Masters Commission, Citadel Community Development Corporation and Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan to deliver Comerica’s signature Money $ense Program.

Since the summer of 2020, Comerica has hosted virtual Small Business Bootcamps to aid local businesses and entrepreneurs impacted

by COVID-19, and partnered with several community partners to host sessions aimed at small business recovery, including Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), Your Own Uniqueness, Inc. (targeting women-owned small businesses), Community-Up, QT Business Solutions/Black United Fund of MI, Payne Pulliam School Of Trade-Commerce Inc and Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp.

To support Latinx-owned businesses, Comerica hosted bilingual Business $ense Bootcamps with Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) and Puente Cultural Integration LLC/New Michigan Media.

Financial Education Benefits to Members of Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan Comerica Bank, metro Detroit’s largest banking employer and the only institution with at least 20 banking centers in the city of Detroit, continued to build upon its existing relationship with longtime partner Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan by hosting a series of virtual financial education events to benefit Urban League members.

During the Urban Seniors Jobs Program (USJP) on Thursday, Feb. 25, Comerica Bank colleagues LaToya Rowell and Linda Nosegbe held an hour-long conversation about Comerica’s longtime relationship with the Urban League and the important role it plays as a community organization in the region. Rowell and Nosegbe also discussed how the Urban League provides critical services like the USJP to the disadvantaged people residing in black and brown communities, as well as its work to organize in the name of social justice and equality.

The USJP is for adults age 55 and older residing in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties who meet the U.S. Department of Labor income eligibility guidelines. Participants receive training and are placed with government, nonprofit, faith-based and community organizations to develop their skills.

“The strong relationship Comerica has with the Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan is a testament to our continued emphasis on providing sound, solid financial education to the metro Detroit community,” said Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank Southeast Michigan External Affairs Manager. “Comerica also prioritizes diversity and inclusion as a top initiative, and the Urban League’s commitment to helping disenfranchised communities and people of color is a value that we share and align with.”

Comerica Bank provides ample resources to customers to help prevent and solve elder financial exploitation.

Anyone can be the victim of elder financial exploitation.

Those who commit fraud can look like: internet scammers, telephone and email scammers, medicare scam operators, caregivers, and persons with Power of Attorney or legal authority.

So, what are steps you can take to minimize the risk of elder financial fraud?

• Protect your social security number and debit card information, and never provide this information through phone, fax, letter, or email.

• Protect your incoming and outgoing mail – try to use a locked mailbox or another secure location.

• Sign up for direct deposit.

• Keep your financial trash “clean” by using a crosscut shredder before disposing of bank statements.

• Closely monitor your financial statements and online bank account to flag any unauthorized purchases.

For more information and additional resources on financial tips and insights, visit the Comerica Knowledge Center online at https://www.comerica.com/knowledge-center.html.

Comerica colleagues celebrate participation in Metro Detroit Heart Walk.

STEM From page A-3

cording to Linda Nosegbe, Vice President, External Affairs Market Manager of Southeast Michigan for Comerica Bank.

Christine Moore

From page A-3

Along with overseeing the strategy, direction and management of Internal Audit and Asset Quality Review, Moore is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective communications and working relationships with external auditors, regulatory examiners, and senior and executive management. She reports to the Audit Committee of the Comerica Inc. Board of Directors.

After beginning her accounting and auditing career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she earned her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designations, Moore has accumulated more than 20 years of experience with

Comerica’s Commitment to Diversity and ­Inclusion As one of Comerica’s Core Values, our respect for diversity permeates everything we do. Our diversity standards recognize behavior that: ■ Uses and values similarities and differences in people to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking and solutions.

■ We stand for social justice and racial equality for all communities and against policy and actions that create inequities within our communities.

■ Recognizes and leverages the benefits from a broad range of ideas, viewpoints, and backgrounds working together to produce superior products and services for a diverse marketplace.

E mbraces the inclusion of all talented and qualified individuals, regardless of differences in beliefs, experiences, backgrounds or physical characteristics.

■ Treats all colleagues, customers and suppliers fairly, with dignity and respect.

Comerica and has earned Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified Fiduciary and Investment Risk Specialist (CFIRS) designations while with the bank.

She was named to her current position in May 2016.

Moore holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Marygrove College and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Detroit ­Mercy.

In addition to her service and support for Alternative for Girls, Moore is and a member of the Michigan Association of CPAs, Institute of Systems Audit & Control Association, Institute of Internal AuFor more information: https://www.comerica.com/about-us/ ditors and Association of Certified corporate-responsibility/corporate-responsibility-information/ Anti-Money Laundering Specialists. diversity-commitment.html

“This time, I wanted to do something different and highlight our technology department because when you think about banking, no one thinks about engineers, people in automation and mobile apps and robotics, they just think tellers. It was a way to show we also have these amazing opportunities if you’re interested in STEM technology and engineering,” Nosegbe said.

Those opportunities range from engineering to automation to app development.

The session, titled “Where Banking Meets STEM,” was facilitated by Padma Sengupta, Comerica Product Technology Manager. Serving as mentors to the student were Shaelese King, Project Manager, AVP of the Technology Engineering Collective Rotation Program, Anita Childs Averette, Vice President and Manager of Colleague Field Services for Michigan and Florida, and Linda Bridges who oversees Comerica’s help desk. They all discussed their roles, the importance of STEM education and career opportunities in banking it can provide.

“The girls were very excited because they got to hear something they were interested in, like mobile apps,” said Nosegbe.

Indeed, Nosegbe was heartened to have the opportunity to get the word out there’s more to banking than a building, saying, “a bank is not just brick and mortar, meaning a branch.

There are other amazing departments.”

A5

| May 19-25, 2021

Money.

michiganchronicle.com

Detroit Means Business with ‘BuyDetroit’ Program Just weeks after BuyDetroit’s official launch, the program is connecting businesses in Detroit’s supply chain community and posting actual opportunities for Detroit-based suppliers to pursue. To date, nearly a dozen major corporate buyers and 121 Detroit based buyers have registered on the program’s procurement portal. There have been 18 opportunities posted, one of which includes another 20 spin-off projects.

Through this exclusive procurement portal, BuyDetroit has become the City’s central hub for buyers and sellers, helping to grow Detroit businesses and increase the overall spend with local companies.

BuyDetroit program manager Keyra Cokley said more and more businesses are registering on the portal, uploading new opportunities, and seeking to make connections in the procurement ecosystem.

“Everyone is very pleased with the interest we’re seeing in the portal and in the BuyDetroit program as a whole,” said Cokley. “It’s important to know that the portal is just one element of the BuyDetroit program. It is helping to facilitate business-to-business relationships and small business growth, drive supply chain diversity and create jobs in the City.”

Cokley is creating a variety of technical resources to help Detroit-based suppliers compete for new opportunities, including scaling and capacity building.

A series of expert workshops begins May 25 with a virtual session on Business Negotiation featuring Mori Taheripour, a globally recognized expert in negotiation and business development. She will lead businesses through a discussion on procurement contracts and ways to negotiate successful deals.

Topics for upcoming workshops in the series include Pitch Training/Capability Statements, Financial Management, Digital Training, RFP Completion and Food Manufacturing. Cokley said the workshops will be held monthly throughout 2021.

To participate in the workshop, businesses must be located in the City of Detroit. Please register on the BuyDetroit portal or Eventbrite to participate in the event. The first 100 businesses to register will receive a free copy of Taheripour’s book, Bring Yourself.

“By making real opportunities accessible to all Detroit businesses, BuyDetroit is helping grow the small- and mid-sized business community,” Cokley said.

Steering the BuyDetroit program is the Buyer Council, a group of top purchasing executives from for- and nonprofit organizations poised to increase their own local buys.

“BuyDetroit is driving access, inclusion, job growth and new investment in local firms,” said Anthony Tomczak, DTE Chief Procurement Officer and member of the Buyer Council. “There are hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts available every year from the City of Detroit.

BuyDetroit is working to ensure a greater portion of those contracts are won by local and diverse businesses.”

“Every business is both a supplier and a buyer,” said Cokley. “BuyDetroit is about creating a commitment to local procurement. When local businesses bid on and successfully secure new contracts, we are strengthening our economy.”

BuyDetroit is a program of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and Detroit Means Business. The “Let’s Talk

See BUY

DETROIT page A6

Saundra Little

Building Detroit: The Black Architects of Detroit

By Megan Kirk What do the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Millender Center and the People Mover’s stations all have in common? Their projects were all master crafted by some of Detroit’s most accomplished Black architects. Though populating a small portion of the profession, Black architects have had their hand in some of Detroit’s most notable structures, parks and neighborhoods.

In 2018, The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards records lists over 113,000 licensed architects across the country; of those, Michigan has 5,300. According to the Directory of African American Architects, which keeps a record of a growing list of Black architects in the U.S., just 2,300 Black architectural designers are identified in the white, male-dominated industry.

Rainy Hamilton Jr. is a member of this elite group. Established in 1994, his firm, Hamilton Anderson Associates has had its hand in several notable projects across Detroit including The Little Caesars Arena, Quicken Loans Corporate Headquarters, YouthVille and the MGM Grand Detroit.

“A couple of the largest is the Detroit School of Arts. It was a $125 million facility, $50 million for technology and $75 million for brick and mortar,” says Hamilton, the principal-in-charge and president of Hamilton Anderson Associates. “One of the other ones is Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.

The church body chose me, my firm, to design the facility.”

Rainy Hamilton Jr.

Karen Burton

Black architects were really given their time to shine beginning in the 1930’s when Donald White became the first African American to graduate from the University of Michigan’s School of Architecture. A short time later becoming the first Black licensed architect in the state of Michigan, White helped pave the way for others to follow in his footsteps. Launching a firm with friend and fellow University of Michigan alumni, Francis Griffin, the duo went on to lay the foundation for many of Detroit’s Black architects of today.

Nathan Johnson worked on the team at White and Griffin during his start and grew to become one of the city’s most prominent architects for Black churches. After starting his

own firm and designing multiple projects, Mayor Coleman Young appointed Johnson to head the design of the People Mover Stations. He used the opportunity to employ other Black architects as subcontractors like Sims and Varner.

“Nate Johnson is definitely one of my heroes. He’s still living which is a blessing. But also, there’s Harald Varner and Howard Sims, the Sims-Varner team, Roger Margerum was another. These were the trailblazers that allowed me to stand on their shoulders,” says Hamilton.

Karen Burton and Saundra Little are co-founders and partners in Noir Design Parti which works to show-

See BLACK

ARCHITECTS page A6

MassMutual Great Lakes and First Independence Bank Announce Strategic Alliance Expanding Insurance And Investment Access MassMutual Great Lakes (MMGL), a Southfield-based firm offering a wide range of financial products and services, is pleased to announce a strategic alliance with Detroit-based First Independence Bank (FIB), the only African American-owned bank headquartered in Michigan and the 7th largest in the country.

The alliance will enhance FIB’s ability to provide comprehensive financial services to its retail and commercial clients in Detroit and nationwide, many of whom have been historically underrepresented when it comes to accessing these services.

“At MassMutual Great Lakes, we believe every individual, small business owner and corporation deserves the right to financial services and strategies designed to create stability,” said Manuel Amezcua, president and CEO of MassMutual Great Lakes. “Our commitment is to develop meaningful relationships that reshape the financial well-being and success of a diverse group of individuals and institutions in the communities we serve.”

MassMutual Great Lakes helps pro-

tect the needs of individuals, families and businesses through insurance, wealth accumulation and investment planning, business, retirement and estate planning, trust services and more.

MMGL Wealth Management Advisor, Maurice Miller, Jr. CFP®, ChFC®, and Detroit resident, will serve as an onsite advisor at the 7 Mile branch location.

Starting in May, he will be available virtually 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekdays and by appointment on Saturdays.

To kick off this partnership, an initial series of virtual financial wellness educational sessions is being offered starting in May. These complimentary sessions are open to FIB employees, clients and the broader community. Topics include: Understanding Life Insurance; Envisioning Retirement; and Setting Financial Goals. Interested participants can register directly at MassMutual Great Lakes website.

“We are thrilled about our new partnership with MassMutual Great Lakes.

Together, we will help move the financial literacy, stability and mobility of our

See ALLIANCE page A6

Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com • May 19-25, 2021

Black Architechs

From page A-5

case the design, history and projects of Black architects in the city and throughout Michigan.

Giving flowers to what is referred to as the Trailblazer Generation like Johnson, White and Griffin, these women who are also architects, work to ensure their stories and legacies never die.

“There aren’t many black architects now and there were so few back then, but they seemed to find each other to collaborate on projects together. They were really instrumental in being a proving ground and allowing people to get experience,” says Burton.

Although the number of Black architects is small, the force is mighty.

Starting with the first generation of architects, these greats managed to break barriers and provide beautiful structures that span the city, the state and the country.

The next generation of Black architects will have big shoes to fill, but with a legion of seasoned veterans behind them, the future looks bright. In order to expose children to architecture as a career, programs are in place at the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA.) The organization also has goals in place that will help grow the national pool of minority architects.

“One of the goals for NOMA is to double the amount of licensed architects by 2030,” says Little, who is also Mid-

Buy Detroit From page A-5 Business Negotiation” workshop is sponsored

by DTE. To access the procurement portal, along with training videos, eligibility requirements, registration details and other information visit https:// www.degc.org/buydetroit/

west Vice President of the NOMA. “Another thing is to make it searchable online where they can look up Black architects.”

Hoping to make an imprint on children who express interests in the various aspects of architecture, Little and Burton launched so future gen-

Alliance From page A-5

Detroit community and beyond,” said Kenneth Kelly, chairman & CEO of First Independence Bank.

“This ongoing partnership, where MassMutual Great Lakes holds equal measure of commitment and lends its resources to serve FIB customers and our surrounding community, will add value to all involved.”

“The investment and advisory products that will be made available through this alliance will complement our current product offerings to our retail and business banking customers,” added Dimitrius Hutcherson, executive vice president, CAO, CTO, First Independence Bank.

First Independence Bank opened its doors nearly 51 years ago in

Michigan Chronicle

erations could see Black architects and aspire to become one.

DIGITAL DAILY

“Just the impact of those trailblazer architects, there were many of those to look up to when we were kids saying that’s what we wanted to do and that’s one of the reasons we started Noir Design Parti so students could see designers who look like them,” says Burton.

Keeping You Informed At All Times Of The Day

May of 1970. While many things have changed, there is still a significant racial wealth gap in the U.S. According to the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances conducted by the U.S. Federal Reserve, the 2019 median wealth of Black households in the U.S. was $24,100, compared to $189,100 for white households.

“For more than five decades, First Independence Bank has played an important role in addressing economic inequality and helping to create economic stability,” said Gina Coleman, MMGL Chief Sales Officer. “We are excited to form this alliance with FIB to increase financial education opportunities and access to financial products and services while enhancing the level of convenience offered to the bank’s clients and the surrounding community.”

michiganchronicle.com | DQE

Becoming a homeowner could be $10,000 easier.

Classifieds ANNOUNCEMENTS OPEN ENROLLMENT LEGAL NOTICE DETROIT SERVICE LEARNING ACADEMY DISTRICT The Detroit Service Learning Academy District announces the 2021/22 open enrollment period for grades K-8 through Monday, June 30, 2021 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Detroit Service Learning Academy 21605 W. 7 Mile Rd. Detroit MI 48219, the Redford Service Learning Academy 25940 Grand River Ave. Redford MI 48240 or Oak Park Service Learning, 21700 Marlowe, Oak Park, MI 48237 (Grades K-7). In the event, student enrollment applications exceed available space, a random selection drawing will be held if needed on Monday, August 30, 2021 held at 21605 W. Seven Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48219 This institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and disability.

See: www.detroitservicelearning.org

We always love helping homeowners. With our new MI 10K DPA, you may qualify for a down payment assistance loan of up to $10,000 to cover the down payment, closing costs, and prepaids. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Homeownership.

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1.844.984.HOME (4663)

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Find out more at Michigan.gov/Homeownership.

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COMMUNITY ENERGY CENTER

America’s Pandemic Recovery Relies on Energy Energy Workers And Company Leaders Are Supporting the COVID-19 Relief Support Effort: • Providing supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE); • Philanthropic community efforts to provide fuel gift cards, sanitizers, clothing, face coverings, and meals to hospitals, fire and police departments throughout the U.S.; • Supplying jet fuel at no cost to critical companies and airlines to transport PPE deliveries and restore air service to remote communities; • Providing fuel discounts to first responders and others who serve their communities; • Donating ultra-low temperature freezers to health organization to help keep vaccines at their required storage temperature.

To learn more about how energy helps your community, visit CommunityEnergyCenter.org

The Community Energy Center, a cooperative with the National Newspaper Publishers Association and National Association of Hispanic Publications Media, will provide information and perspectives on the integral role of the energy sector in daily life for American families in a wide range of communities.

ON MA SA Y LE 4!

May 19-25, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-7

Introducing new Jumbo Cash Instant Games from the Michigan Lottery. There are top prizes up to $2,000,000 and over $185 million in total prizes.

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Knowing your limits is always the best bet. Call the Michigan Problem Gambing Helpline for confidential help at 1-800-270-7117.

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com • May 19-25, 2021

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT

Summer Faussette Creating and building relationships with the African American communities it serves has long been a key priority for Comerica Bank. Now the company’s efforts in that regard have been strengthened even further by the appointment of Summer Faussette as its National African American Business Development Manager. Her new responsibilities are an extension of her current role as Vice President, External Affairs-Arizona.

“Comerica’s hallmark is building relationships, and this role will allow us to continue strengthening partnerships with nonprofits and community leaders who do so much for our communities,” said Faussette. “I am also honored to accept these new responsibilities and broaden Comerica’s reach in our communities.”

The Master’s Commission team members

Money $ense Program Provides Financial Literacy Needs through The Master’s Commission

One of the many ways Comerica Bank supports the communities it serves is by providing financial education. After all, earning and saving money is one thing, but doing the right things to preserve and grow those savings is quite another.

That’s why in April, Comerica sponsored the four-week “Money $ense Bootcamp” in conjunction with Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple and its community outreach arm, The Master’s Commission.

Each week, Comerica personnel led virtual sessions on Zoom and Greater Grace Temple’s Facebook page, covering subjects such as credit reports and scores, savings and budgeting, Banking 101 and borrowing, and bankruptcy, debt and foreclosures.

have access to cash through the stimulus checks,” said Bishop Ellis.

“It could be well over $3,000 that people receive, and we want to hurry up and jump on that before people take those monies and do not so wise things with them. We wanted to make sure people had a lot of options and information, so when the checks were coming, there are some things to take into consideration.”

About 100 people participated in each session from all over the United States, according to Bishop Ellis, who also noted sessions were lively and informative with great questions coming from attendees.

All but the first session is available to view on demand on the Greater Grace Temple Facebook page.

Of course, Comerica’s support for this important financial education program was vital, but in keeping with the company’s core values.

“We wanted to bring financial literacy to our community. We don’t ever want to take for grant- Greater Grace Temple Bishop Charles H. Ellis III Not surprising, said Bishop ed that people know things that they don’t know,” said Greater Grace Temple Bishop Charles H. Ellis, who appreciatively recalled the strong and understanding support Comerica gave his church when it endured some financial Ellis III. Of concern, said Bishop Ellis, in some sectors of the commu- challenges of its own. Those challenges included creating a managenity, individuals still in their teens are finding themselves with chil- able mortgage payment plan during times when church attendance dren of their own, what he termed “kids raising kids” which could is lower, and Comerica provided support. It’s what he calls having a “community banking relationship.” create financial hardships.

In addition, two divergent challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic are also adding urgency to the need for financial education.

“Not only are people going through economic hardships, people

When you combine that sort of sensitive support for its customers and desire to provide valuable financial education for those who live in the communities it serves, it all adds up to Bishop Ellis’s enthusiastic conclusion, that “These people really understand. Hey man, Comerica gets it.”

Specifically, Faussette’s additional duties include working with Comerica’s African American Business Resource Groups, Chief Diversity Officer Nate Bennett and Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford, Jr. to build external partnerships with African American nonprofit organizations across the bank’s national footprint.

“Summer brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, which will benefit us as we continue to support initiatives that engage African American communities across our markets,” said Ashford, Jr. “Summer has demonstrated a passion for working in our communities and will serve to play an instrumental role in developing ways to strengthen our racial equity efforts internally and externally,” added Bennett.

Indeed, Faussette has more than 17 years of financial services industry experience giving her a valuable foundation and insight for success in her added role as well as her already full portfolio.

She’ll continue to oversee Arizona’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) activities. Those activities include CRA volunteerism, civic and community relations, internal and external CRA strategic planning and building community partnerships and investments.

Faussette takes on her additional duties as many of Comerica’s outreach efforts pivoted to virtual activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its Business Bootcamps and Comerica Money $ense programs.

But in late 2020, Comerica also showed its support for minority communities by moving $10 million in deposits to Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and established mentoring relationships with those institutions. MDIs work with minority and underserved communities to build economic viability in those areas.

With an experienced and motivated leader in Summer Faussette, Comerica’s long-standing commitment to supporting minority business and communities in the areas it serves, has become even stronger.

For more information on how Comerica colleagues are giving back to our community, visit

www.facebook.com/Comerica.

Comerica Bank’s Teresa Whalen LeFevere Receives Honor Comerica Bank’s Teresa Whalen LeFevere has been tirelessly serving the community for decades. Recently, she was honored by Crain’s Detroit Business as a 2021 Notable Nonprofit Board Member for her role on the Dominican Literacy Center (DLC) Board, where she has served in a variety of roles, including president and vice president for 20 years.

Teresa Whalen LeFevere

As part of the planning and fundraising committee, she helped launch DLC’s Spelling Bee Fundraiser in 2019. In 2020, she helped shift the event to be virtual. Her work included reaching out to corporate sponsors, rallying board members to create matching funds and securing a professional storyteller. As a result, the event raised twice as much as in 2019. As a member of the selection committee, LeFevre also helped DLC find an executive director candidate.

She’s made a true impact in so many ways with this incredible organization.

LeFevre joined Comerica Bank in 2011 as the manager of supplier diversity, a title she still holds today, in addition to now also being a vice president.

Covid 19 essential items donated by Comerica Bank. Items included hand sanitizers, cleaners, masks, hand soap and toilet paper.

She serves as Comerica’s liaison and representative to the minority and women’s business enterprise advocacy organizations on both a local and national level. LeFevre also works to identify and facilitate the utilization of diverse suppliers to provide goods and services for the Bank.

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

B1 | May 19-25 2021

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

Black in Hollywood:

Detroit Actors Doing It Big in Hollywood

By Megan Kirk What happens when the glitz and glamor of Tinsel Town collides head on with the grit and persistence of the Motor City? An equal combination of unique talent, drive and “it” factor that all Detroit-bred Michiganders possess.

With several top musical artists making a name for the city and themselves, famed actors and actresses have also emerged from the city and are appearing in some of television and film’s greatest works.

Actress Kron Moore has appeared in several small television and film roles in productions like “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” as well as in various Tyler Perry films and projects, including “The Haves and the Have Nots.” The actress landed her first starring role as the First Lady of the United States of America. Again, teaming up with Perry, Moore plays the no-nonsense, persuasive and underhanded First Lady Victoria Franklin. The role shines a dark light on the actress whose character gets what she wants by any means necessary.

Rooted in Detroit, Moore attended Southfield High School and went to Western Michigan University, later transferring to the University of Alabama. Moore then graduated at the top of her class from Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts Video program and went on to pursue a fruitful career in front of the camera, but taking the city with her wherever she steps. “[I admired] our Motown favorites -- Aretha, all of the Motown gang. We love Detroit,” Moore tells fellow Detroiter Loni Love on a 2020 appearance on television talk show “The Real.”

Broadway, the big screen and television -- Detroit-bred Courtney B. Vance has graced each and gave both iconic and memorable performances. Appearing in “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” “Six Degrees of Separation” and notably portraying famed lawyer Johnnie Cochran in the 2016 FX drama “The People vs. O.J. Simpson,” this actor has a career that spans multiple decades and genres.

Growing up just eight house from Hitsville USA and graduating from Detroit Country Day High School in 1978, this Detroit actor went on to graduate from two Ivy League schools: Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and Yale School of Drama. The acting bug bit while the performer was still attending Harvard where he would book work with the Boston Shakespeare Company.

Now, while his career steadily grows with roles in HBO’s “Lovecraft Country,” Netflix drama “Uncorked” and playing the father in “Genius: Aretha,” National Geographic’s series about powerhouse singer Aretha Franklin, Vance’s work stands the test of time. Engrossed with the character he played, C.L. Franklin who was a prominent reverend across the country who also played an active role in his daughter’s upbringing and subsequent rise to stardom. Becoming engrossed with his character, the actor learned much more about the dynamic singer and her music.

“I’m from Detroit so I was raised on it and I know all her music. I didn’t know she had to struggle so hard to find her way, and that, to me, is the core of who she is: that she would not be denied,” Vance said in an interview with Variety.

FX’s “Snowfall” has made its mark in Black television culture and has been compared to the likes of “The Wire.”

Actress Angela Lewis, who plays main character Franklin Saint’s ride-or-die Aunt Louie, acknowledges her success is due to the upbringing she received in the city.

Attending Cass Technical High School and furthering her education

See DETROIT ACTORS Page B-2

Tiffany “T Barb” Barber has lived to tell of her challenges and triumphs that pushed her to a greater purpose that she knows comes with making others laugh. Photo provided by Tiffany “T Barb” Barber

Queen Comediennes Reign in Detroit

By Sherri Kolade They grace the stage with their presence first, then their larger-than-life personalities grab you next when they take the mic and do their thing.

These local comediennes are gifted at their ability to make others smile, laugh and feel good – all the while you’d never know that they’ve survived (and are surviving) their own hell.

But their pain has a purpose which they use as a stepping stone to tell themselves and others that it’s gonna be more than okay as long as there’s something to laugh about.

And there always is.

On Borrowed Time

into her acts and still fosters the relationships she builds with her audiences regardless of the size.

Inspired by her mother’s rough upbringing, Barber chose to initially work in adult protective services to help other children and adults with their hurts. She later switched to comedy after her friend inspired her to do an act during an open mic which she naturally rocked.

“This month is my fiveyear anniversary,” she said, adding that her wellknown mentor, Coolaide showed her the ropes and gave her constructive feedback.

Barber, who owns a hot dog stand, Delicious Dogs, among other ventures, said that what inspires her is wanting to see people happy.

Talk to Detroit resident Tiffany “T Barb” Barber, 39, and you will come out What’s up next for her the other end smiling and is gaining a bigger reach laughing with her. Barber’s by being featured on televiinfectious, bubbly persion with her show, “Gettin sonality, though, doesn’t Off,” with seasons one and match her story because two available on Amazon she grew up in the unPrime. It is also available imaginable which, by all on the brand-new Blackaccounts, should have left her sad. Her parents faced Shanie D., self-proclaimed Empress of Comedy, tells it like it is owned streaming service, Rugo, which will premiere drug-related troubles, with a side of funny truth along the way. Photo provided by Shanie in the fall. mental health issues and more which resulted in D. Did we mention she’s neglect for Barber and her got books? This busy entrepreneur is doing things and insiblings. Through those experiences Barber found her voice spiring others through her stories, “Faith Over Fear: Tales of through the darkness, etched a unique career path for her- a Retired Hoodrat” and “The Hoodrat Kitchen Vegan Cookself and is living out her purpose – giving others a chuckle book.” They are all available on Amazon, Kindle and her along the way, too. website tbarbisfunny.com.

“Comedy is so subjective and there are so many differShe added that no matter what type of comedienne you ent lanes of comedy that when you’re a stand-up comedian want to be in Detroit, the first step is to start hanging around you don’t see it that way,” Barber said, adding that she had comediennes. to expand her brand during the pandemic to include virtual “First off, Black girl magic itself is a whole vibe,” she said, shows, upping her social media presence and more. “We’re adding that despite how gifted Black comediennes are, they apart but still together now the kids at home every day and the stuff I used to sneak and do, my sons looking through are still the “lowest on the totem pole.” crack of the door.”

“But because we’re so talented you never She added that she now incorporates her family and sons See BRING THE FUNNY Page B-2

The Underground Railroad

By Dwight Brown NNPA News Wire Film Critic

For anyone who tunes into The Underground Railroad on Amazon Prime Video, it’s important to understand the genius of what you’re watching. It’s equally important to understand that you may not like what you see—to the point of revulsion.

The award-winning novel by Colson Whitehead has been adapted for the screen by screenwriter Jihan Crowther with an assist by director Barry Jenkins, Jacqueline Hoyt, Nathan Parker Allison Davis and Adrienne Rush. On the earth, there is constant drama and strife centered around the institution of slavery. Cora (Thuso Mbedu) is a runaway slave in a perpetual state of escape. She’s hunted by an evil white slave tracker Ridgeway (Joel Edgerton, Loving) and his diminutive, 11-year-old Black sidekick Homer (Chase Dillon). The three are involved in a violent cat-and-mouse game that plays out through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Indiana in the 1800s. During this

chase, Cora’s psyche resides in an inner netherworld filled with PTSD and her incessant trauma is charted in 10 episodes.

For many viewers, especially during the first five chapters, determining how long they will stick with the streaming series depends on their threshold for sadistic images, killings, child abuse, beatings, attempted rape, extremely racist language, lead characters unable to see what’s coming next and forced slave breeding. Says Cora to her mate: “We better have sex or master gonna be mad.” So, beware. Grit your teeth.

Take the gut punches. Or don’t.

Experiencing this sadistic slave/master dynamic is like watching The Birth of a Nation on an endless loop.

Not the tragic but inspiring one made by Nate Parker in 2016 that eventually displayed enough valor to leave behind a spirit of empowerment. Closer to the hopelessly cruel silent movie made by D.W. Griffith in 1915 that marveled at white supremacy and blacks suffering like it was predestined.

Seemingly the images of corpses standing in cotton

fields, people floating down holes and slaves gathering to watch other slaves lashed and burned to death may have an ulterior motive. As if dragging viewers’ emotions through a living hell will lead to epiphanies. That may be a social, psychological goal of the book and the film, but it will be curious to see if viewers feel that the emotional debt they’re ringing up ever has a justifiable payoff. There are scenes and plot devices where Blacks have created sanctuaries for runaways and opportuni-

See UNDERGROUND RAILROAD Page B-2

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • May 19-25, 2021

Bring The Funny From page B-1 think so,” she said, adding that regardless of if you’re on the stage or in regular life, Black people have to show up and do more with what’s perceived by others as less.

But don’t worry, boo, they got you and they bring the funny each time.

“When you a Black woman already fighting through adversity, it makes it super special,” she said of the rawness that comes out in comedy where the pain is turned into relatable and sometimes hilarious experiences.

“We’re probably the funniest out of all the comedians because we have no choice but to be.”

What keeps her going is looking at life like everyone is on borrowed time, and it’s important to make the most out of things regardless of the circumstances.

“I think if we choose to dwell on it versus using it as a teachable moment to get better, we’re really being disrespectful to God at that point,” she said. “I don’t want to waste my time ...so my son doesn’t have to go through the same things I did.”

A Minister and Empress of Comedy Collide Shanie D. That’s it.

Her name is a sentence in and of itself because more than likely you know her, have watched her shows or maybe she made you laugh without even trying to. That’s how it goes for Shanie D. -- a vibrant, quick-witted woman (self-described as the empress of comedy) -- and you better put some respect on her name because she will gladly do it for you.

“I am the empress, which is like somebody that’s been in the game for a minute,” Shanie D. said, adding that there are a lot of awesome comics in the Detroit area. “And comedy wasn’t something that I ever believed in, something I would be involved in.”

Shanie D., who was always an entertainer, said that she knew how to

Detroit Actors From page B-1 at the University of Michigan, the actress received her bachelor’s degree in Theater Performance and has taken to the stage and the screen by storm.

Moving to New York and later to Los Angeles, the Detroit-born and -raised actress was cast in late filmmaker and director John Singleton’s “Snowfall.“ With gigs in plays and small roles

take the stuff God gave her and “mold it and sell it the way it should be sold.”

“I think one of the most important things in life is to be able to laugh at what the devil sends to kill you,” Shanie D. said, adding that she is a minister, too, where she helps people laugh even during their worst times.

“Comedy is a ministry to me -- that’s what it is. I’ve been good at it from day one.”

Shanie D. said that her first time doing comedy was during a funeral and she received a “standing O” or a standing ovation.

“That is how I know God chose me to do something great,” she said, adding that she’s just trying to figure out what, when and how to use it with “so many distractions in the world.”

Shanie D. pulls no punches and says it like it is with no filter when she discussed her thoughts on everything from the pandemic (which she called a plandemic) to how we’re living in the book of Revelation today.

“I think it’s population control,” she said, adding that her deep thoughts could get her in trouble but she walks to the beat of her own drum.

“I’m saying some powerful stuff – I’m saying some stuff [that] could compromise who I am. The powers that be they don’t want us to know the truth.

I am a truth-teller. When they hear me telling the truth it wakes them up.”

What she told The Michigan Chronicle she also tells on stage.

“I’m an open book -- my life is an open book,” she said, adding that the storm she is in right now is the COVID-19 pandemic, but she doesn’t fret. “I was a daughter of a king and my father is named Jesus Christ.”

Shanie D. has a book coming out soon (the title is in the works), which she narrates.

“It is more powerful when I tell my story, when people hear me tell my story,” she said. Her story involves on HBO’s “The Big C,” Lewis earned a spot guest starring on “Law and Order: Special Victim’s Unit” before landing her acclaimed role as Aunt Louie.

“Snowfall” has just been cleared for its fifth season and is sure to give you more drama, and more Angela.

Another Detroit-bred actor who made it big in Tinsel Town plays characters known in several box office comedies. Ice Cube’s “Friday” series, an animated voice on “Bebe’s Kids” and “The Boondocks” along with the

having people close to her die including her brother and father.

“People couldn’t believe I was … taking care of him [my dad], going to do shows and coming home,” she said, adding that everyone is going to leave the earth one day. “I’ve seen a lot of people die without living, and a lot of people take without giving.”

Shanie D. said that she’s living and all comedians have been through some stuff.

“Not nobody that took the title as a comedian that has not been through some stuff,” she said. “But we tell our story, [it is] medicine for us.”

Shanie D. said that during the pandemic she got sick, lost some loved ones and lost opportunities to be on stage.

“This is when I realized how important the stage was to me when I couldn’t get on the stage anymore,” she said, adding that one day she got frustrated and shaved her hair off with some clippers. “I was cleansing; I was removing everything old what the plandemic did.”

Her cleansing got her off on the right foot professionally because in late April she went to Los Angeles for the first time and had another standing ovation. When she came back to Detroit she received calls and offers to write for comedienne Kym Whitley and more from people who want to know when she is coming back.

The 50-year-old got some plans up her sleeves, though, to keep people laughing, whether that is routinely in Los Angeles or in Atlanta where she is thinking about laying down roots.

“I think I’m at right now where God wants me to be,” she said adding that she might travel cross country on show tours in an RV. The future, suffice it to say, looks bright for Shanie D. “2020 was a year of vision for me -- tomorrow is not promised. Laugh hard,” she said, adding that she now hugs people tighter than ever – but if your breath stank, please feel free to keep your mask on, she said chuckling. television show “The Wayans Brothers,” are all projects to which John Witherspoon has loaned his talents.

Born and raised in the city, Witherspoon’s brother later became a writer for Detroit’s Motown Records, while other siblings assumed roles in local news and pastoral leadership. Before launching into acting, the Detroiter modeled and had a lucrative career as a stand-up comedian.

Now deceased, the actor’s memory lives on through each Hollywood project he appeared in.

OUR BEST HOPE IS THE COVID-19 VACCINE. See how to get yours.

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It will save lives and help Michigan move forward. Protect us all, by getting your dose of hope.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine or call the COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 535-6136 and press 1.

Underground Railroad From page B-1

ties for the maligned to tell their stories. But still is the crass humiliation on view ever equally balanced enough by human payback or divine retribution?

Bullwhips cracking on black skin start the movie. Bullwhips cracking on black skin practically end the movie. Yes, there are incidents in this film that were probably routine in the slave era and the filmmakers may be trying to make an honest attempt at exposing that harsh past. But don’t be surprised if some skeptical viewers may feel like they’re watching over-the-top slavery porn. The storyline is fiction, the characters too and the railroad train barreling through an underground tunnel is a metaphor. What is done for realism and done purely for effect is a creative decision. Nothing more.

Regardless of anyone’s trepidation, a great reason to at least peek in on this series is the incredible work of the gifted artists who give this allegory their best effort. Chief among them is director/writer Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk). He keeps a consistent tone and pulls the finest performances from his entire cast. His style, eye and sensibility are less like a filmmaker, more like a painter.

Every frame of this film is astonishingly beautiful, eerie or dreamy. Cinematographer James Laxton ((If Beale Street…) is Jenkins’ brush. Art director Richard L. Johnson is the paint. Production designer Mark Friedberg (If Beale Street…) provides the canvas. Set decorator Lisa Scoppa arranges the objects. While costume designer Caroline Eselin (If Beale Street…) adds clothes to the subjects and Nicholas Britell’s score haunts every crevice.

The cast exhibits impeccable ensemble acting, shedding light on the sympathetic and/or despicable characters. With special accolades to the three leads. Equal praise to Aaron Pierre and William Jackson Harper as Cora’s lovers. Peter Mullan for playing Ridgeway’s father and Fred Hechlinger for portraying the young Ridgeway. Sheila Atim makes Cora’s mom bright but enigmatic. While Amber Gray and Peter De Jersey embody the ultimate power couple lording over a Black utopian homestead. Says De Jersey interpreting the role of John Valentine in Episode 8 in one of the few instances of fiery rhetoric: “I would rather burn it (the farm) to the ground than give it away. If you give a white man a piece, he’s coming for all of it.”

The Underground Railroad is not like Harriet or Twelve Years A Slave, where there is a clear reward for watching misery. It’s not shallowly exploitative or shamelessly titillating like Tarantino’s Django. This ingeniously crafted ode to the enslaved is meant to share pain and enlighten. How successful it is at doing either will spark a lot of conversations.

As will the debate about whether the crass humiliation on view is ever fairly balanced by any human payback or divine retribution.

May 19-25, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com •

YOU JUST GAVE WARRIOR STRONG A WHOLE NEW MEANING. No one expected this last year to be what it was. But, true to form, you accepted the challenges and ended up one of the 4,100 new graduates of Wayne State, a premier urban research university. The only one that can call Detroit home. Where a Warrior isn’t just a mascot. It’s how you handle what life throws at you. And it’s how you’ll handle the next challenge that comes your way. Just like before, you’ll be smart, you’ll be curious and you’ll be Warrior Strong. Congratulations.

wayne.edu

Page B-3

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • May 19-25, 2021

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Learn more at TCFBank.com/WelcomeHome All loans subject to credit approval and program guidelines. ©2021 TCF National Bank. Member FDIC

Once you get your dose of hope, mask up while others get theirs.

One day in the future, we won’t need to wear masks. But for right now, we all need to keep wearing masks. Even after you get vaccinated. The virus is still out there. Help protect your friends, family and neighbors.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine

Classifieds

May 19-25, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

COVENANT HOUSE ACADEMY DETROIT EAST CAMPUS 9100 Gratiot, DETROIT, MI 48213 Phone: (313) 267-4315 Fax: (313) 267-4320

Research Assistant in Detroit, MI

Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year will be available at the school for enrollment and re-enrollment from May 17 through May 28, 2021.

An Answering machine is available for messages.

Applications will be accepted for grades 9-12, serving students ages 15-22. Should applications exceed available space, a random selection drawing will be held on June 4, 2021 at the school.

COVENANT HOUSE ACADEMY DETROIT CENTRAL CAMPUS 2959 MLK JR. BLVD., DETROIT, MI 48208 Phone: (313) 899-6900 Fax: (313) 899-6910 Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year will be available at the school for enrollment and re-enrollment from May 17 through May 28, 2021.

An Answering machine is available for messages.

Applications will be accepted for grades 9-12, serving students ages 15-22. Should applications exceed available space, a random selection drawing will be held on June 4, 2021 at the school.

COVENANT HOUSE ACADEMY DETROIT SOUTHWEST CAMPUS 1450 25th STREET, DETROIT, MI 48216 Phone: (313) 297-8720 Fax: (313) 297-8730 Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year will be available at the school for enrollment and re-enrollment from May 17 through May 28, 2021.

An Answering machine is available for messages.

Applications will be accepted for grades 9-12, serving students ages 15-22. Should applications exceed available space, a random selection drawing will be held on June 4, 2021 at the school.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Request For Proposal The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP for No. 21-3386 for Disaster Recovery Consultant.

RFP forms may be obtained beginning May 19, 2021 from http://www.mitn.info. RFP is due by 3:00 PM ET, June 21, 2021.

Request For Proposal The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFPs for Hein Building Construction for Bus Simulator, Control No. 21-3410. RFP forms may be obtained beginning May 21, 2021, from http://www.mitn.info. RFPs are due by 3:00 PM ET, June 22, 2021.

Request For Proposal The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFPs for Implicit Bias Training, Control No. 21-3402. RFP forms may be obtained beginning May 19, 2021, from http://www.mitn.info.

RFPs are due by 3:00 PM ET, June 11, 2021.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Associate Systems Engineer III Nexteer Automotive Corporation seeks an Associate Systems Engineer III in Saginaw, MI, to create algorithm design of EPS functions at an Electrical Systems Level; among other duties.

Min. bachelor degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering and two years of experience in the job offered or related.

Mail resume to: Angela Passariello, Nexteer Automotive, 3900 E. Holland Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601, Ref #11596948.

Project Manager Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC seeks a Project Manager, in Troy, MI to lead and execute assigned Direct Material Optimization (DMO) programs & inventory initiatives to achieve the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) of procurement organization; among other duties. Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Material Planning, or Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Applied Science, Chemical, Material Science, Aerospace, Automotive, Civil, Industrial, Systems Engineering, or related and four years of experience in the job offered or related. Mail resume to: Ms. Sarah Trautmann, Meritor, Resume Processing/JO#11637325, 2135 West Maple Road, Troy, MI 48084.

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Wayne State University has an available position of Research Assistant in Detroit, MI. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology & 36 months experience as a biotechnologist. Position also requires: Exp. must include: 1) 24 mos. exp. studying expression of corneal stromal, epithelial, & limbal markers; 2) 36 mos. exp. running Real-Time (RT) PCR assays; & 3) 36 mos. exp. maintaining tissue culture facilities. Exp. reqs. may be met concurrently during the same time period. Job duties: Conduct research on the eye. Run RT PCR of ocular tissues. Provide tissue culture for ocular cells.

Assist in publication of data. Qualified candidates should apply through the WSU Online Hiring System for posting # 045554 at https://jobs.wayne.edu.

Detroit Community Schools, Michigan public school academy,

is now accepting applications for a member of its Board of Directors for the­ 2021-2022 school year.

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

Applications may be downloaded from the DCS website:

www.detcomschools.org or picked up at the Main Office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Applications must be submitted to the school office no later than Friday, May 28,2021.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Software Developer – Connected Core Applications General Motors, Detroit, MI. Dvlp, debug, &validate psgr vehicle current &new U.S. &global in-vehicle customer facing apps, incldg Terms & Conditions, Analytics, Subscription Mgr, Server Push Notification, &AppShop, in Android OS, using Java &Kotlin languages, Agile methodologies (incldg user stories, sprint, &backlogs), &Git, Jenkins, Android Studio, Gradle, Room Database, TFS &Fortify tools, &ensure E2E secure infotainment exp. to customers. Dvlp secure Android IDL to provide key customer subscription &terms acceptance data to 3rd-party apps on vehicle incldg Speech Rec &Navi apps. Dvlp consumer RESTful webservices using Retrofit, OkHttp, Gson &OAuth libraries interacting w/ Back Office web services securely. Dvlp core Android cmpnts incldg Content Providers, Broadcast Receivers &Services handling business logic in multiuser/multi-profile environment. Apply MVVM, MVC, Observer, singleton, &MVP patterns for apps dvlpmt. Bachelor, Computer Science, Electrical Engrg, Electronics &Communication Engrg, or related. 24 mos exp as Developer, Engineer, Systems Anlyst, Solution Architect, or related, dvlpg or validating psgr vehicle in vehicle or web apps, using Java language, &Git, Jenkins, TFS, &Fortify tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2855-115, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Test/Validation Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Test &verify Telematics Communication Platform (TCP) SW apps for conventional &Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) psgr vehicle embedded telematics &infotainment ECUs, incldg TCP, Center Stack Module (CSM), Control Gateway Module (CGM), Body Control Module (BCM), Engine Control Module (ECM) & other vehicle modules, using Auto Test Tool (ATT), Development Programming System, &Global OnStar Global Sim. Perform Telematics Vehicle Interface tests on Integration Vehicle, incldg OnStar Remote Start/Stolen Vehicle Slowdown/Remote Ignition Block tests, &Long Range MyBrand Application test. Devise &execute testing &validation procedures of wireless functions &apps of telematics products for GM global vehicle programs, incldg interface, functionality, &reliability testing in-vehicle &on test bench. Analyze &collect logs &data of CAN &TCP using VSpy tool, neoVI FIRE 2 HW, &using ATT. Bachelor, Computer Science, Software Engrg, Geographic Information Systems, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer or related, testing &verifying Product Life Cycle of SW apps for psgr vehicle embedded ECUs, incldg TCP module, CSM, CGM, &BCM, using ATT, or related.

Mail resume to Ref#749, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

HELP WANTED

GRANT MANAGER

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) in Detroit has an opportunity for a mid-career level Grant Manager.

To apply visit www.thawfund.org/careers or apply on Indeed.





HELP WANTED

Senior Electromagnetics Engineer Nexteer Automotive Corporation seeks a Senior Electromagnetics Engineer in Saginaw, MI, for electromagnetic analysis, modeling and design of electric machines, electromechanical actuators, and sensors for steering and hybrid systems; among other duties. Min. doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical and Computer Engineering and three years of experience in the job offered or related.

Mail resume to: Angela Passariello, Nexteer Automotive, 3900 E. Holland Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601, Ref #11556384.

Base Engine Engineer Detroit Diesel Corporation seeks a Base Engine Engineer in Detroit, Michigan. This position will develop and validate complex powertrain components for heavy- and medium-duty diesel internal combustion engines that set the industry benchmark for performance, fuel efficiency, cost, reliability, and safety, among other duties. Requires Bachs in Mechanical Engineering. Position also requires 3 yrs of exp. in job offered/any related engineering position, which must include exp. in: internal combustion (I.C.) engines; medium and heavy-duty diesel engines; testing, verifying and validating base engine components and systems; design, stress analysis, FEA and manufacturing processes with base engine components; statistical tools used in gathering and analysis of fixture, functional, and engine/vehicle test data; root cause analysis; and teaching others engineering concepts and tools.

Email resume to Camille Bowie at camille.bowie@daimler.com; reference job number DAI0000EE9.

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Mary Ida Wortham (Johnson) February 2, 1925 Chicago, Illinois May 6, 2021 Dayton, Ohio Mary Wortham was born February 2, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Carsue and Mary Francis Johnson. She was the second of eight siblings all of whom preceded her in death. Mary spent her childhood in Marvel, Arkansas but considered Detroit, Michigan home for 69 years. As a part of the southern migration, Mary was instrumental in planting the seed for many of her brothers and sisters to migrate to the Motor City.

Mary found her passion for cosmetology and pursued her cosmetology license from the Detroit School of Cosmetology.

Striving to keep her beauty services affordable to African American working women in the community was always her goal.

PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY | MICHIGAN CHRONICLE 313 963-5522

HELP WANTED

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER POSITION OPENING The CITY OF GROSSE POINTE WOODS is establishing an eligibility list for a full-time Public Safety Officer – starting salary of $52,611. Responsibilities include performing the duties of a Police Officer, Firefighter, and Medical First Responder. Interested individuals must be in excellent health, highly motivated, preferred minimum of two years of college (60 credit hours) or five years as a police officer and MUST be MCOLES certifiable. Police Officer, Firefighter, and Medical First Responder certification and/ or previous experience in a municipal setting are preferred. All candidates will be required to complete an oral board, submit to physical and psychological evaluations as well as a background investigation.

Applications will be accepted until May 28, 2021 and should be emailed (jkosanke@gpwmi.us) or forwarded to the Director of Public Safety, City of Grosse Pointe Woods, 20025 Mack Plaza Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. For an employment application, visit www.gpwmi.us. No phone calls. The City of Grosse Pointe Woods is an EOE, FMLA, and ADA compliance employer.

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE 313 963-5522

As an entrepreneur, Mary owned a couple of businesses including a mini mall flea market and most notably Wortham’s Hair Fashions which she operated for 47 years. Her business allowed cosmetologists in the community the ability to blossom their careers while utilizing her shop.

Mary loved her family and was known to financially help out with large family holiday events, do “pop calling” during the holidays all over Detroit visiting various relatives, and she was always excited to attend a family reunion.

Health and travel were very important to Mary as she became a vegetarian (before it was trendy!) and enjoyed studying eastern medicine and massage. Mary also traveled all over the world learning about new cultures. A few of her favorite places to travel were; Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, Kenya, Thailand, India and Western Europe.

Faith was also very important to Mary and she was an active member and volunteer at Renaissance Unity Church.

Mary leaves behind two children: Rozaa and Forest (Laurie), two granddaughters Himerria and Nicole (Kevin) and two great grandsons, Xavier and Oliver.

Please visit www.NewcomerDayton.com to leave a special message for Mary’s ­family.

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• michiganchronicle.com • May 19-25, 2021

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14

2-Year No Cost Maintenance Plan

VISIT YOUR LOCAL MICHIGAN TOYOTA DEALER TODAY! FOR ALL TOYOTA OFFERS AND TO FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU 1. Toyota vehicles and components are built using U.S. and globally sourced parts. 2. Customer Cash direct from Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. 3. New 2021 Highlander (includes hybrid) 2.9% APR for 60 Months with $17.92 per $1,000 borrowed* 4. New 2021 Highlander L FWD Model (Model 6935). Lease based on net cap cost of $31,954. Lease end purchase option $24,390.** 5. New 2021 Camry (excludes TRD, but includes Hybrid). 1.9% APR for 60 Months with $17.48 per $1,000 borrowed.* 6. New 2021 Camry LE 2532. Lease based on net cap cost of $21,902. $500 Toyota Financial Services Lease Subvention Cash included in lease deal. Lease end purchase option $13,899.** 7. New 2021 Corolla (excludes hybrid), New 2021 Corolla Hatchback, and new 2021 Avalon (excludes hybrid). 0.9% APR for 60 Months with $17.05 per $1,000 borrowed.* 8. New 2021 Corolla Hybrid and new 2021 Avalon Hybrid 0.0% Apr for 60 Months with $16.67 per $1,000 borrowed.* 9. New 2021 Corolla LE Model 1852. Lease based on net cap cost of $17,853. $500 Toyota Financial Services Lease Subvention Cash included in lease deal. Lease end purchase option $12,971.** 10. $1,000 Bonus Cash available on new 2021 Avalon AWD Models Only (3555 & 3564). Bonus Cash through Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. and can be combined with Customer Cash, TFS Subvened APR or TFS Subvened Lease incentives and must be applied to deal. 11. New 2021 Avalon XLE AWD Model 3555. Lease based on net cap cost of $31,222. $1,000 AWD Bonus Cash included in lease deal. Lease end purchase option $18,936.** 12. Qualified military personnel and household members of eligible qualifying military personal are eligible for rebates in addition to all other incentives, depending on model, through Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc., when leased or financed through Toyota Financial Services. Must take retail delivery from select new dealer stock. The Toyota Military Rebate Program is not compatible with the Toyota College Rebate Program. See participating dealer or visit buyatoyota.com for complete details. 13. The Toyota College Rebate Program is not compatible with the Military Rebate Program. See participating dealer or visit buyatoyota.com for complete details. 14. ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Certain models require a different maintenance schedule as described in their Maintenance Guide. 24-hour roadside assistance is also included for two years and unlimited mileage. Roadside Assistance does not include parts and fluids, except emergency fuel delivery. See Toyota dealers for details and exclusions. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. * For 3, 5, 7 & 8 – Subject to approved credit through Toyota Financial Services Tier 1+ & 1 only. Not all customers will qualify for lowest rate – see dealer for terms and conditions. ** For 4, 6, 9 & 11 – NO SECURITY DEPOSIT. Subject to approved credit through Toyota Financial Services. Not all customers will qualify – Tier I PLUS customers ONLY. Excludes state and local taxes, tags, registration and title, and insurance. License and applicable fees are extra. Other options and dealer charges extra. Your payment may vary depending on final price. Lessee may be charged for excessive wear based on Toyota Financial Services standards for normal use and for mileage in excess of 30,000 miles at the rate of $0.15 per mile (10K low mileage leases). $350 Disposition Fee is due at lease termination. For 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 11, 12 & 13 – Must take retail delivery from new 2021 dealer stock between 5/4/21 and 6/1/21. APR, Customer Cash & Lease offers may not be combined. See participating dealer for complete details. Individual dealer prices and document fees may vary. VEHICLE IMAGES USED FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. Expiration for these offers is 6/1/21.

May 19-25, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com •

Lets take a fresh look at how we should move our City forward.

KOFI BONNER CEO BEDROCK

JACOB COHEN PARTNER DETROIT VENTURE PARTNERS

DR. DARIENNE HUDSON PRESIDENT & CEO UNITED WAY FOR SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

SHAWN WILSON PRESIDENT & CEO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Page B-7

Page B-8 • michiganchronicle.com • May 19-25, 2021

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