Michigan Chronicle Digital Edition 3/20/13

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Volume 76 – Number 28

Gov. Snyder signs Blue Cross conversion bills (Page A-2) Gov. Rick Snyder and Daniel J. Loepp, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) president and CEO, celebrated the signing of Senate Bills 61 and 62, enabling BCBSM to transition into becoming a nonprofit mutual insurer. The bipartisan supported bills are expected to yield better policy pricing and more coverage options to Michigan consumers.

Online tutoring program (Page B-1) These days, business professionals are connected to colleagues and customers whether they’re in the office or at home. One nonprofit, Innovations For Learning (IFL) is taking advantage of technology to benefit kids. The organization teaches reading and writing skills to at-risk students in underserved communities.

Dr. Curtis Ivery named to Regional Transit Authority Dr. Curtis Ivery, Wayne County Community College District Chancellor, has been appointed to serve as a board member on the newly created Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano recently selected Dr. Ivery to represent the county Curtis Ivery on the 10-member board.

The RTA is comprised of Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw counties and will coordinate existing transit networks, seek state and federal grants and implement a high-speed bus system connecting the region.

Over 30 individuals were recommended and considered for the position and in selecting Dr. Ivery, Ficano stated that he is experienced and will bring “a strong commitment to regional cooperation on transportation.”

The RTA is tasked with overseeing a proposed 110-mile rapid transit bus system that would include 36 stops spread evenly between the member jurisdictions on four main corridors and run along Gratiot, Woodward and Michigan avenues and M-59 and would connect to Ann Arbor and Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Detroit in uncharted waters As Kevyn Orr seeks to rescue Detroit’s finances

Fast forward to July 3 ... What will Kevyn Orr achieve?

By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

Bankole Thompson

See detroit

finances page A-4

Following are excerpts from that interview.

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: What is there about you that we don’t know?

KEVYN ORR: Not much at this point. It’s really not much about me. I’m just a guy who had the good fortune of falling into a couple of jobs that led me to restructure and practice and has me here. So really it’s not about me. It’s about somebody who can come in to do the hard work of looking at the numbers, statutes, making decisions but also being sympathetic to the fact of real world impact. That’s what it’s about.

MC: You said that this is the “Olympics of restructuring.” Is this the biggest assignment for you so far?

KO: Not in dollar value. We’ve done bigger cases. The reason I say it’s the Olympics of restructuring is most Chapter 11 restructurings have to do with taking a business that’s in crisis, coming up with a reorganization plan to restructure, getting stakeholders to agree to a struc-

KEVYN ORR, Detroit Emergency Manager and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder speak with Bankole Thompson, editor of the Michigan Chronicle, during an interview in the governor’s office last week.

— Andre Smith photos

“The elephant in the room is bankruptcy. And I really mean what I said. If we are able to work on this collegially we can avoid a bankruptcy filing.

Good parties in good faith can agree to anything that they want to.” ture that works and getting that plan voted on and the operating system running it again.

The thing that’s different here and is different in Chapter 9 definition is there is a bystander as the citizens and the constituents of a municipality. In a sense the balance sheet aspect of what we have to do is pretty straightfor-

ward as I keep saying. The math is the math: maintaining city services, dealing with efficiencies, addressing people’s fears and anxiety, public safety and the employees. Detroit is one of the largest employers in Wayne County, if not the largest. That’s what makes it so difficult and doing that in an environment

where you recognize what you do is going to have consequences to people.

When I’m in a business deal, this is business. This isn’t personal.

There is some single mother out there who is gets up at 4:30 a.m., gets on a bus, drops her kids off on the way to her first job at 3 p.m. She has a14 year old who is going to take care of her 12 year old and 7 year old. She gets home at 9 p.m., tired, hopefully they haven’t got in trouble, get something to eat, their homework. She starts it over every day. I recognize that’s a hard way of living. That’s how my grand-

See kevyn

orr page A-4

An emergency manager can resolve some of Detroit’s problems

By Steve Holsey Drastic situations drastic actions.

call

for

For far too long, Detroit has been a “poster child,” so to speak, for cities en- COMMENTARY tangled in mismanagement (financial and otherwise), deplorable crime statistics, more people moving out than moving in, inadequate public education, eyesore neigh-

WELL

How Bishop Gregory Davis went from fat to fit

Challenging Condition

Kidney transplant recipient Sheila Jackson helps others cope with kidney disease

Shame Them?

Blame Them?

michiganchronicle.com

That the voting right is so sacrosanct they say that

Kevyn Orr, the Washington, D.C. bankruptcy attorney named

by Governor Rick Snyder as the Emergency Financial Manager of Detroit beginning March 25, said during an exclusive interview with Bankole Thompson, editor of the Michigan Chronicle, that everything is on the table to get Detroit’s finances straightened out. That includes bankruptcy, city assets, pension funds, retiree benefits, city creditors and every other stakeholder tied to the financial wellbeing of the city.

He Did It. And You Can, Too…

$1.00

Last week at Cadillac Place, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder named for the first time an emergency financial manager for Detroit, a move that was strongly opposed by those who saw it as a blatant disregard for the voting rights of Detroiters who through the ballot box for decades have been electing their officials through the power of the vote.

Kevyn Orr: ‘Everything is on the table’

LIVING

WHAT’S INSIDE

March 20-26, 2013

michiganchronicle.com

Teen pregnancy ads shame and insult teen girls

Slow Down on the Salt!

borhoods, outrageous insurance rates, certain civic leaders more concerned about themselves than serving the city, and on it goes.

Many, if not most, of the citizens who love Detroit and have chosen to stay here, or have no choice in the matter, are fed up with all of the above and more.

They are also tired of being embarrassed. To them the arrival of Kevyn Orr as emergency manager is a breath of fresh air, sym-

bolic of there being hope in one or more crucial areas.

Which is not to suggest that one man can wave a magic wand and eradicate anything close to all of Detroit’s most serious problems. His work will center on financial matters. However, in a sense, everything is connected.

Orr is fully qualified, eager to roll up his sleeves and get started on this incredibly challenging job, but without some of

the roadblocks that have hampered Mayor Dave Bing. In addition to having the right attitude, including favoring collaborative efforts whenever possible, he surely knows that he will face a lot of opposition. But the man is tough. He has to be.

Still, I shudder of think of him speaking at one of those “town hall” meetings where closedminded, conflict-loving people engage in their carefully planned

See detroit page A-3

LivingWELL

Look inside this week’s Magazine insert and discover what people are talking about.

He Did It. And You Can, Too…

How Bishop Gregory Davis went from fat to fit

Shame Them? Blame Them?

Teen pregnancy ads shame and insult teen girls

Challenging Condition

Kidney transplant recipient Sheila Jackson helps others cope with kidney disease

Slow Down on the Salt!

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 20-26, 2013

Page A-2

VOICES ON THE

STREET

Detroiters react to emergency manager

Gregory Autry, United States Marine Corps “It’s time to move, get out of the way and try something else. Too many people are affected by this city. Failure means no ability to move ahead. Bring in the emer­ gency manager! If he is a Republican, give him hell but follow his lead. If he is a Democrat, give him hell but follow his lead.”

Gov. Rick Snyder and Daniel J. Loepp, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) president and CEO, cel­ ebrated the signing of Senate Bills 61 and 62 enabling BCBSM to transition into becoming a nonprofit mutual insurer. The bipartisan supported bills are expected to yield better policy pricing and more coverage options to Michigan consumers.

A better Blue

Gov. Snyder signs Blue Cross conversion bills

By Jackie Berg

William Polk, retired, UAW “My honest opinion is that Detroit is not in the bad shape they says it’s in. The city has debt, but it’s not something we cannot get out of. If you look at history, the federal govern­ ment bailed out New York when it suffered a similar situation.

And as far as the emergency manager law goes, we voted it out in December. How can it return just because it has been reworded?”

June Nickleberry, transportation station worker “I’m against an EFM. One reason I’m against it is because of the city’s services. I don’t see an EFM coming in, giving us money and financial assistance. The state has been taking monies from us that could have gone toward street lights and different things throughout the city like the trash being picked up on time.”

More policy options, better pricing — that’s what Michigan consumers can expect to see following the signing of Senate Bills 61 and 62 which enable Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) to transition to the status of a nonprofit mutual insurer.

The bill enactment changes the way BCBSM is now regulated and moves Blue Cross under consistent guidelines with other insurers, while sustaining its nonprofit social mission through contributions of $1.56 billion from BCBSM over 18 years to a new nonprofit foundation established by the law.

“This is a big day for Michigan because Blue Cross is a critically important company to Michigan residents,” Snyder stated, noting that Blue Cross has been operating as the “insurer of last resort” under Public Act 350 since 1980.

The move is expected to retain the strengths of Detroit’s leading employer, while removing market barriers that prohibited the insurer from competing on a level playing field, according to Daniel.

J. Loepp, president and CEO of BCBSM. “We at Blue Cross take our nearly 75-year

heritage very seriously,” Loepp said. “Changes in how we are regulated will not change our company’s character or commitment to Michigan. Our customers can rest assured that the coverage they have today will remain in place during this transition.”

The signing of these bills will protect seniors on Medigap for years and years to come, according to Senator Joe Hune (R) referencing the $120 million Blue Cross will provide to subsidize payments for seniors’ Medigap coverage.

“And, the change ensures that the state’s largest insurer will continue to grow and pay more taxes in the city of Detroit,” noted Sen. Virgil Smith, Jr. (D), who joined a bipartisan group of legislators applauding the effort.

BCBSM, which will pay an estimated $100 million in annual state and local taxes, did not ask for any new business incentives, tax abatements or other special treatment in their efforts to move toward a more even competitive field, according to Smith.

Higher rates are not anticipated to result as a result of the bills’ enactment. The company expects to reduce its rate proposal approval process from a cumbersome 9 to 18 month process down to a 30 day process,

according to Loepp.

“We expect to be more nimble and competitive moving forward,” stated Loepp. “This is a price sensitive market and we intend to compete in it.”

BCBSM expects to receive board approval on transition process steps in the summer months which include forming a new nonprofit mutual insurance company by filing articles of incorporation, submitting a plan of merger for regulatory approval and merging BCBSM into the new nonprofit mutual structure for an effective date of Jan. 1, 2014.

“Changes required to become a mutual insurance company will be small in scope compared to the changes we have been and will be implementing to conform to the federal health reform law,” Loepp said. “Federal health reform is impacting every aspect of our

industry and will continue to be the driving force behind changes our customers and stakeholders will experience throughout 2013 and 2014. Blue Cross will be ready to lead this change, thanks in no small measure to the vision of Gov. Snyder for modernizing our regulatory system here in Michigan. We salute the governor for this landmark legislative achievement and applaud the Michigan House and Senate for working diligently to complete work early this year.”

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is critical of the legislation, which he says is “insufficient to help seniors pay for Medigap or Medicare supplemental policies, after 2016.

Editor’s Note: Jackie Berg is the CMO of the Michigan Chronicle newspaper and publisher of LivingWELL magazine.

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Vanessa Fluker, attorney “If Detroit could regroup some of the monies lost from the very banks that put it in this position through the foreclo­ sure crisis, bonds the city is responsible for, population loss and property tax law... if the city could recover its losses, it wouldn’t need any financial help. The city would have hun­ dreds and millions of dollars to be able to support their finan­ cial obligations and move forward.”

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Ben Loyd, retired, United States Air Force “The mayor and city council need to serve and defend this city. We’ve waited too long to react, and that’s my concern.

It takes everyone in the city to say ‘no’ to the EFM. We need to galvanize a force that will change the tide. We have some officials that want to, and some who don’t. The problem is, we don’t have a united front. If the leaders we have are not united, it’s going to be a hard fight.”

Go online to www.michiganchronicle.com for more Voices on the Street.

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news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 20-26, 2013 Page A-3

With arrival of Kevyn Orr as Detroit’s emergency manager, Gov. Snyder puts democracy under siege

By Wendell Anthony

sity does matter and that input from the community is essential.

If ever the words of the Declaration of Independence authored by Thomas Jefferson were screaming out loud today in the state of Michigan – and more specifically in the city of Detroit – it is now! In case you have forgotten, let me remind you what the framers of our Constitution and ultimately these United States declared to the world:

As we travel down this road of emergency manager, we must remember that the Chrysler Corporation – which Mr. Orr helped to restructure - had 2 ½ financial bailouts going back to Lee Iaccoca and President Jimmy Carter.

The second beginning with President George W. Bush on his way out and being enhanced by President Barack Obama during his first term in office - providing billions of dollars in aid to the cor-

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

The key phrase here is “consent of the governed”!

The Governor of the state of Michigan has imposed upon the citizens of Detroit what amounts to be one man with the power to dictate their very future and quality of life in this city. Mr. Governor, you did it! And now you must own it!

Mr. Kevyn Orr has credentials that any mother or father would be most proud to claim for their own. It is not the man, it is the plan and the process by which he has arrived in town. Lest we forget 2.3 million Michiganders by a margin of 52% - voted to repeal Public Act 4!

The Governor of the state and certain members of the state legislature went against the consent of the people, changing the law to suit their own purposes and to enshrine a repeal-proof law in which the people would have no say. Yet the people will always have their say!

For those who say that democracy and the right to vote is not a factor in this equation: You are totally wrong! Read your constitution! Remember how we got here in the first place! Many folks stayed home and did not vote from around the state. Many voted against their own interests leading to policies which are choking the quality of life out of their communities today.

One cannot reduce the value of the right to vote today and then expect to motivate the people on the value of their vote tomorrow! Mr. Orr knows that voting matters because he worked with the Obama campaign during the last election on the issue of voter protection.

Wall Street bond investors. Where is the new revenue? Where are the new jobs? 18 months is not long enough to erase a 50-100 year problem.

The issues that confront us must not result in the creation of 2 Detroit’s; a Detroit for those who have and another Detroit for those who have not. Our security lies in citizens being prioritized, their voices being heard, and their quality of life being budgetary made the number one issue. Mr. Orr appears to be a nice gentleman. But this is

“Let us be clear. The individual

WENDELL ANTHONY, President of the Detroit NAACP How can he now ignore the fact that the city of Detroit – under his tenure – may very well become the nation’s “olympics” of voter suppression.

City services such as public lighting, police, fire, water, education, economic access are all vital to our community.

tions? Are we headed down the road to suggest that due to economic distress, you are not entitled to the educational benefits, national healthcare or the guarantees of the Constitution of the United States?

Emergency managers perform 3 particular func-

“One cannot reduce the value of the right to vote today and then expect to motivate the people on the value of their vote tomorrow! Mr. Orr knows that voting matters because he worked with the Obama campaign during the last election on the issue of voter protection. How can he now ignore the fact that the city of Detroit – under his tenure – may very well become the nation’s “olympics” of voter suppression.’’

They are obtained and provided in many cases by the public policies of those whom we elect to office. Our right to elect public officials to represent our community should not be traded on the bargaining table of economic distress. For many, this is a new poll tax. One can simply make the argument that based upon your inability to pay your bills, you should – in fact – lose your right to engage in the electoral privileges of our nation.

Where will this slippery slope end? Will some legislature introduce a bill that suggests that since some municipality is under financial distress that they should no longer be able to participate in national elec-

Detroit “grandstanding,” all the more so if television cameras are rolling.

And Orr has my prayers as he deals with certain obstructive members of Detroit City Council.

Not that Detroit could ever, save for a miracle, become a “great city” again, but at least it seems that some things can be improved upon. Some would argue that in certain respects there is “no place to go but up.”

Former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick did more than his share to bring the city down. He and his cronies are responsible for giving Detroit a black eye that will take decades to fully heal.

Is Kevyn Orr a “messiah”? No. Part of Gov. Rick Snyder’s plan to “take over” Detroit? No. A “dictator”? No. Someone to help straighten out a complicated, long-festering mess? Yes. One more question: Is this a racial

tions: Cut, Slash and Sell!

Our city cannot cut its way into the future or slash its way into stability or wind up selling every asset that it has to stimulate growth in the economy. What in Detroit will you sell to the highest bidder? Will the time for the Emergency Manager be extended for 18 months at a time because the Governor does not like the plan of the City Council when submitted, thus eliminating the Emergency Manager?

Mr. Orr represents Wells Fargo – one of the nation’s largest banks engaged in foreclosures in the United States. At least 7,800 foreclosures are occurring right now on Wayne County’s new list. Mr. Orr represents the Amway Corporation –

— Andre Smith photo From page A-3 issue? No. Anyone who insists on playing the (tired) race card at this critical juncture should be ashamed of themselves.

As most of us know, there are also many great things about Detroit. It would take the entirety of this newspaper to expound on even a fraction of them. However, alongside the new developments already functioning and the solid plans that are in place, are damaging issues that must be firmly dealt with — now. Delaying is not an option.

But Detroit is a tough city and the people who love it, or at least like it, have been through many types of adversity before and survived all of it — stronger, wiser, committed, even cautiously optimistic.

We will continue to survive, and hopefully thrive, and if the emergency manager can help in any way — and I believe he can — I wish him Godspeed.

in which Richard DeVos, a founder – was a lead voice in implementing the right to work effort which is now law in the state of Michigan. Coming from the Jones Day law firm with at least 828 partners and 2400 attorneys throughout the United States, Europe and Asia – they are among the world’s most prominent firms.

whose hands are directly tied to the future of our city is the Governor of the State Rick Snyder. Mr. Orr may be out front, but behind the scenes calling the tune is our dear friend “The Nerd” - Governor Snyder! not about a nice, efficient, articulate and U of M Wolverine named Kevyn Orr.

Yet on the issue of diversity in the state of California, their firm was given an F for diversity by the Greenlining Institute for having one black partner in the state. In their Washington, DC office – a city with a majority of African American residents - where 239 attorneys practice, they only have 4 African American partners and 2 African American associates.

poration. No, we do not regret or resent the auto companies for any loans or aid they received. We support the US auto industry – just as they were instrumental in supporting our nation during a time of war where Detroit was known as the arsenal of democracy. Mr. Orr also was a key factor in the restructuring of the banking industry leading to 1.7 trillion dollars in bailout monies (TARP) supposedly to be invested in financially distressed communities which has not yet found its way into cities like Detroit.

In the city of Chicago, with a major African American population – out of 179 attorneys, they have one black partner and one black associate. It is important to remember when coming to a city like Detroit with a majority African American population that diver-

If Detroit is truly “the olympics of restructuring,” according to Mr. Orr then where is the bailout money for this city?

Anyone who attempts to restructure Detroit must also engage in some restructuring of the banks, the job providers, the state legislature and the

Let us be clear: The individual whose hands are directly tied to the future of our city is the Governor of the State Rick Snyder. Mr. Orr may be out front, but behind the scenes calling the tune is our dear friend “The Nerd” - Governor Snyder!

Everyone must be at the table! Everyone – particularly the citizens of Detroit who have never left this city – must be included! The people have a right to protest, declare unfair and challenge this imposed dictatorship on the city of Detroit. Remembering the words of Marvin Gaye where many Detroiters have simply caught the Inner City Blues which “which makes you wanna holler and throw up both of your hands.”

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news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 20-26, 2013 Page A-4

Kevyn Orr parents live.

MC: So what about a single mother who’s skeptical about city services because she has in the past had no EMS service, inadequate public safety?

KO: To that person just an awareness that we’ve got to improve city services, to put these lights up because there’s a difference between October and May. Kids walking to school in the dark, that sort of thing. That’s the person I’m really talking to when I say the Olympics of restructuring because it’s not just on the business angle, it’s really the substance here.

MC: You sounded a consensus note in your first press conference. What would you specifically asked the Detroit City Council to do?

KO: I want to cooperate with city council. I’m emergency financial manager. I’m not an elected official. Council are the representatives of the people. They know their constituencies. They live here. I’m the guy coming in from outside. I think they have a very real and very substantive role to play both in communications and also recognizing my time frame is fairly short. I’m going to gone someday.

There are still going to be council people, mayor.

In fact, if I get this done quickly enough they get to dimiss. So what I want from them? I want cooperation. I want them to be partners with me in recognizing this is not easy, not their preferred route but partnering with me in getting this job done.

That’s what I really want.

MC: You are a successful lawyer. Stepping into this role, you are also stepping into history. This is now part of the Kevyn Orr legacy. How much impact does that have on you as you begin March 25?

KO: It really doesn’t because the reality is my life’s been a process of sort of getting opportunities and taking care of them. And each time I just try to do that job.

That’s what I’m focused on. There is a task in front of me. It’s a hard task and whatever comes from that hopefully will flow from having success with that task. The broader process of history and all that context, I can’t even focus on that right now.

MC: You’ll let historians decide your legacy in Detroit?

KO: You know historians will always decide that.

It’s up to them. I just want to get this job done.

From page A-1

“I’m in no illusion that the long-term problems we need to deal with — growing the city, city services — are going to happen in 18 months. I’m just merely an architect trying to design a process that can be put in place to make it sustainable.”— Andre Smith photo MC: How would you tackle retiree benefits?

KO: I’ve always said this is going to be data driven.

I have to look at inflows and outflows of the city with some of the data regarding the city’s debt service, retiree benefit service, long-term obligations, under state law. I have to look at that and see, frankly, an analysis of what needs to be done so that we can put this city on a sustainable path for growth and development going forward.

Obviously you are going to want an inventory of all of the various components of the employee, retiree benefits and compensation sides, the debt service and city service.

I hope what I do is get some data that sort of informs my approach and concern, and approach the stakeholders in this case with an effort to try to negotiate some adjustments that may be necessary.

MC: How would you bring creditors to the table in addressing the fiscal crisis?

KO: To a degree the creditors have already been at the table. There has been forbearance agreements, just the declaration that Detroit is in an emergency situation and the appointment of an emergency financial manager might be in some circumstances covenant default. I understand there’s been ongoing negotiations with creditors.

I saw some blog, I’m not a defender of the banks. So everybody calm down and then we’ll approach it in a very deliberate process.

It doesn’t matter whether it was me or someone else. Creditors know that something has to be done because the current path simply isn’t sustainable.

MC: You’ve said Mayor Dave Bing is going to be your partner in this.

What’s your impression of him?

KO: First of all, I have to acknowledge that Mayor Bing is a historical and iconic figure in the country’s history, a great basketball player. I was actually very interested in meeting him. He’s inducted into the Hall of Fame.

And watching history, Mayor Bing was drafted to run for mayor. He’s done very well for himself and hadn’t bothered anyone.

And given the circumstances at the time of the prior mayor, he stepped into the frying pan. So I view him as a very courageous figure. I think it was very commendable of him to decide to become a partner at some risks and criticism from his own colleagues. So I’m very impressed with the mayor and the mayor’s courage.

I look forward to working with him.

MC: The elephant in the room is bankruptcy, and it’s being talked about many times. Explain what would trigger bankruptcy for you?

KO: You’re right. The ele-

phant in the room is bankruptcy. And I really mean what I said. If we are able to work on this collegially we can avoid a bankruptcy filing. Good parties in good faith can agree to anything that they want to. What would make me consider bankruptcy?

Some of them might be consensual. Oftentimes in certain plans of reorganization, parties enter what’s called “pre-pack,” a deal that everyone has essentially agreed to or the majority of stakeholders have agreed to.

Maybe some outliers, they feel that by going through the bankruptcy process they’ll get the overlay of the court’s approval, they’ll get the court’s jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the package that they need as fiduciaries to make a decision. So sometimes it’s not that there has been a strong carmel’s back that makes a bankruptcy filing, it could be that strategically for all parties it is something they want to do in a quick way. That happens quiet frequently.

MC: What role would the federal government play here given your role as a former member of President Obama’s 2012 campaign finance committee?

KO: I’ve worked with the campaign. I know people in the administration. I don’t know if I’m closer to them on that level. I think certainly he is president of the United States. I don’t know if that gives me any

opportunity to request federal help than anyone else in other cities.

MC: Have you gotten calls from the White House?

KO: No. I would like to think that we might have the ability to receive some federal help in some fashion. I don’t want to try to guesstimate it, presage it.

There are many programs out there we already may be receiving some funding for. I think it’s fair to say that given Detroit’s position in the world and the status, that this is a significant matter worthy of attention.

MC: Detroit in the past has received federal dollars in grants that were returned unused. How would you deal with that?

KO: Part of the analysis is what tools and opportunities we have available that we haven’t been using. I would hate to see the city having received grants and haven’t found a way to use them. I’d certainly look into that.

MC: What was instructive in the Chrysler bankruptcy process?

KO: People keep going back to Chrysler. We have to remember that Chrysler was a private sector deal. This is different. Chapter 9 is different. What struck me at Chrysler, frankly, was the ability of the parties, even adversaries, to work together quickly and efficiently, and the ability of the federal bankruptcy court system to administer that case in a record-

Detroit finances nothing should abridge that right, no matter what the consequences are.

On the other hand, it was welcome news for those who saw the arrival of the new sheriff in town, Kevyn Orr, as a needed exercise to get the city’s finances in order, save a major American city from collapse and the ruins of inept city leadership amidst the naked dwindling of city services that often have forced residents to move out.

Inadequate public safety, including the frequent no-show EMS services and a struggling police department that is battling morale for changing so many police chiefs sunk in scandals in four years like musical chairs, coupled with the unacceptable deaths of babies and children, the victims of guns in Detroit, according to supporters of an emergency financial manager for Detroit, should serve as an impetus for Orr’s arrival.

What can I say?

The future is uncertain despite what both the pessimists and the optimists say about Orr’s arrival. This is high stakes for Detroit, a clear indication of how the city is transitioning in so many phases. Yet it presents a different Detroit than what the Motor City was decades ago.

Orr is here for an 18-month assignment. The governor has made his appointment. The city and its leaders must deal with the fact that he’s here now. No amount of pressure will force the governor to back away from this appointment because he’s made it clear that he wants Detroit to succeed even though the city did not vote for him.

He said if Detroit succeeds it’s a story that all of Michigan can celebrate.

So he appointed a lifelong

Democrat and a member of the Obama 2012 campaign finance team to come and restructure the finances of the city.

True, it is a bitter pill for the city’s elected leaders who strongly believe anytime a Republican administration reaches out to help a heavily Democratic base, it must be greeted with a sea of skepticism because history often has shown that the desire to assist the city was not rooted in sincerity.

But Snyder has maintained very strongly that he is indeed sincere about helping Detroit, starting with his election victory party at the Westin Book Cadillac in downtown Detroit as opposed to Grand Rapids, as well as inviting Detroit Mayor Dave Bing to moderate his inauguration as governor.

His public backing of a lighting authority to turn the street lights on in Detroit, and a regional transit authority, both of which have huge significance for Michigan’s largest city his supporters say show a governor who unlike others in the past (except Governor William Milliken) wants to have a Detroit agenda.

Yes, history has shown that deep ideological battles have divided Detroit and Lansing, and the perception that has been created by politicians on both sides of Eight Mile have not helped to bring the region together to fully embrace its most significant city, home of the American auto industry.

Despite its role as the engine of Southeast Michigan, Detroit is still shaped and defined by its past both, by leaders representing this majority African-American city and those representing suburban cities. Any attempt to define Detroit in its current dispensation is met with resistance and angry responses that seek to drag the city into the

setting time. From filing of the case to the sale, the reorganization of the company was 42 days.

That was pretty exceptional. Now past performance is no guarantee of future outcomes.

MC: Comparatively speaking, how does the financial crisis that hit New York and Baltimore fit in the Detroit equation?

KO: Well, I see a group of concerned people coming together, focused in good faith, really attentive in terms of trying to make a decision as far as what you do for the interest of the city, and then executing on it and having results. I’m in no illusion that the long-term problems we need to deal with — growing the city, city services — are going to happen in 18 months. I’m just merely an architect trying to design a process that can be put in place to make it sustainable so that the inheritors of that process, the elected officials that come later, will take that up and have the ability to achieve the results we’ve seen in Baltimore, Pittsburgh and other cities.

MC: Let’s talk about generating revenue for Detroit.

KO: Well, I think everything is on the table for me as emergency financial manager. Certainly looking at ways, cashiering, collection, looking at ways that we can generate revenue is part of the job.

MC: Now let’s discuss city assets. Part of the criticism about your appointment is that it is believed you are here to sell Detroit’s assets, like the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. What do you say to that?

KO: Well, I think I said everything is on the table.

I think I’ve also said we’ll try to use the data to make reasoned decisions that provide a net benefit to the city. If you look at a city that is cash strapped in and can’t get things done in certain ways. If you have the opportunity to enhance the revenue stream from existing assets without loosing that asset, you have to examine that. At least be open to the concept. If you can generate from a system $50 million in net cash flow per year, in ten years that half a billion dollars. That’s a lot of money. So everything has to be looked at. But I’m sensitive to the fact that people are very concerned about an emergency manager coming in selling everything off. But there may be ways to increase value (of the assets) for the benefit of the city.

From page A-1 past, not into the future.

In fact, a suburban leader once lamented to me at a meeting that “anytime we reach out to support Detroit and programs in the city, we were always told, we don’t need your help, stay away.” He blamed part of that to the attitude of some of his colleagues in their political posturing on issues that cut across communities.

A case in point has been the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, the only city entity that doesn’t bleed a deficit. The water department, which provides fresh water for regional communities, has long been a racial powder keg by politicians who use it to stoke the fears of their constituents as well as those who cleverly utilize it for political grandstanding.

That explains why the water department has been a symbol of conflict instead of cooperation because using it as a wedge issue proves beneficial for politicians who have nothing else to pander to but to fears of their voters.

The opposition to Orr’s appointment is fueled by that history, laden with a litany of instances where Detroit wrongly got the shaft, and still is recovering from that history as it undergoes a new dispensation.

It’s a new day and Detroit cannot be stuck in the past even as the past provides a logical and historical framework from which to gauge the current dispensation. If our leaders were truly honest and worked to bridge the divide, shown interest and concern for the majority of those who are innocently trapped in inexcusable social malaise, we could be much further ahead.

However, Snyder’s support of right-to-work legislation after his promise to stay away from

any such “divisive” issue only helped to heightened suspicion and did not help the governor quell his skeptics in Detroit.

Even though some of the governor’s supporters argue that right-to-work — the result of the deal that went bad between labor leaders and the governor’s office — belongs exclusively to labor and should not be generalized as an issue specifically tailored to a certain group of people or community.

Yet, the fact remains that the city is a creature of the state and we don’t expect the state to abandon Detroit at its most economic perilous time.

Sometimes political decisions are gambles, just as President Obama gambled with the auto industry by coming in to rescue General Motors and Chrysler. And it paid off for the president during his reelection campaign in Ohio and Michigan and sunk the campaign of his chief opponent, Mitt Romney, whose gamble that the auto industry should be left to go under did him no good during the campaign. His own words written in a Wall Street Journal editorial came back to haunt him and the Republican nominee could no longer defend himslf. He kept putting new spins on his comments, but Obama prevailed.

If Orr succeeds in financially restructuring Detroit and city services become more efficient than they have been, Snyder will be vindicated.

Change sometimes is needed, but the question is, what kind of change?

Mother Theresa said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

Is Orr the stone that will create ripples in Detroit?

What will Orr achieve on July

3, when he will mark 100 days in office?

We know Detroit’s problems are many but can neighborhoods where children walk in the dark from school finally be lit?

Will local government reprioritize to ensure that we open recreational centers in neighborhoods where residents are have families or plan to?

Will senior citizens continue to be prisoners in their own homes because their neighborhoods are so ridden with crime and they no longer bother to call the police because of past experiences?

How many of the city’s books can Orr straighten out in 100 days?

How many abandoned buildings that are safety hazards can be demolished in 100 days?

What will the city be pointing to in terms of generating revenue in 100 days?

If Orr can find an answer to some of these questions, the city and its residents will be far better off.

Bankole Thompson is editor of the Michigan Chronicle and the author of the forthcoming book “Rising From the Ashes: Engaging Detroit’s Future With Courage.” His book “Obama and Black Loyalty,” published in 2010, follows his recent book, “Obama and Christian Loyalty” with an epilogue by Bob Weiner, former White House spokesman. Thompson is a political news analyst at WDET101.9FM (NPR affiliate) and a member of the weekly “Obama Watch” Sunday evening roundtable on WLIB-1190AM New York and simulcast in New Jersey and Connecticut. E-mail bthompson@michronicle.com or visit his personal page at www.bankolethompson.com.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 20-26, 2013

Page A-5

26TH Annual Damon J. Keith’s Soul Food Luncheon

The president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, George Jackson, Jr., was honored with the Soul and Spirit Humanitarian Award, presented at Judge Damon Keith’s annual Soul Food Luncheon.

Now in its 26th year, the luncheon was created by renowned U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith as a way of bringing together the community’s leaders.

This prestigious award is presented to a member of the African American community during Black History Month for their positive impact on local citizens.

The Honorable Damon J. Keith.

Judge Damon J. Keith and his daughter, Gilda Keith.

Richard T. White, Judge Damon J. Keith and Judge Eric L. Clay.

Andrew Henry, Jr., Carmen Harlan and Judge Damon O’Neil Swanson, Judge Damon J. Keith and Hiram E. JackJ. Keith. son.

Mitch Albom and Judge Damon J. Keith.

George Jackson, Jr. with Detroit Economic Growth Corporation staff members.

Governor Rick Snyder, honoree George Jackson, Jr., Mayor Dave Bing and Judge Damon Keith.

Kenneth Barrett, Vivian Rogers-Pickard, Mayor Dave Bing and George Jackson, Jr.

Nathan Conyers, Judge Marilyn Aitkins and Judge Damon J. Keith.

Kimberly Kendrick, Dorothy Vinson, Marcia Carter and Mae Doss.

Garrett Jackson, George Jackson, Jr., Judge Damon Keith and George Jackson III.

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE March 20-26, 2013 Page A-6 news McDonald’s honors Thrower with prestigious award

By Stefani Olds Romulus is home to one of the nation’s top McDonald’s restaurant managers. Marissa Thrower recently received the Ray Kroc Award, an annual performance-based award that recognizes the top 1 percent of McDonald’s restaurant managers in the country. Named after McDonald’s Corporation founder Ray Kroc, the award was established in 1999 to honor hardworking restaurant managers, those who make Ray Kroc’s vision of excellence come to life in restaurants and for customers each day.

A select 140 managers from across the U.S. were chosen this year to receive the Ray Kroc Award, an honor that comes with a cash prize, a Ray Kroc award trophy, ring and pin and a trip to Chicago for an awards gala on April 16 hosted by McDonald’s USA president Jeff Stratton. The banquet will take place at the Fairmont Chicago.

“McDonald’s is more than just my job, it has been a huge part of my life since I was a small child,” said Thrower, who is the daughter of McDonald’s owner/operators. “It is my passion to wake up every morning and put a smile on the customer’s face, and to receive the Ray Kroc Award puts a smile on my face.”

Ray Kroc built the McDonald’s business on the belief that greatness can only be achieved through the dedication and support of a company’s people. The award was named after him based on his commitment to people and recognizing their contributions to the organization he helped establish. Each year, this prestigious award is given to the top performing McDonald’s U.S. restaurant managers to recognize their superior performance and achievement.

“Marissa is always creating a positive work environment by recognizing shift performance and constructively coaching and praising the crew, which is one of the

Performance ranked second highest in nation The Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) produced the second-best investment performance among 49 direct-sold 529 college savings plans sponsored by states nationwide in 2012, according to SavingForCollege.com.

MESP also achieved the best three-year performance among 43 plans ranked by SavingForCollege.com and the seventhbest five-year performance among 42 plans the website analyzed.

“While we’re pleased with this recognition, it’s even more gratifying to know that the plan’s inperformance vestment benefited thousands of families who entrust MESP to help them save for college,” said Michael Noone, president of TIAACREF Tuition Financing Inc., which manages the plan on behalf of the state of Michigan.

SavingForCollege.com is an independent company that aims to help consumers and professional advisers better understand the challenge of paying higher education costs.

It describes its rankings as potential resources for investors when selecting which 529 plans are right for them.

Direct-sold 529 plans (named after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, which created these types of savings plans) are those that investors can enroll in without using a broker.

SavingForCollege.com prepares its rankings by comparing a subset of portfolios from each 529 savings plan. It selects portfolios based on their mix of stocks, bonds and money market funds, which allows for an applesto-apples comparison in seven asset-allocation categories: 100 percent equity, 80 percent equity, 60 percent equity, 40 percent equity, 20 percent equity, 100 percent fixed and 100 percent short term. The plan’s overall ranking is determined by the average of its percentile ranking in the seven categories.

reasons she is deserving of this coveted Ray Kroc Award,” said Romulus McDonald’s owner/ operator Jim Thrower. “We are proud of Marissa’s accomplishments and leadership and commend her on this amazing accolade.”

Marissa Thrower

Marissa Thrower has been working at McDonald’s since she was 13. She became the general manager at the Detroit Metro Airport McNamara Terminal McDonald’s in 2012. While fulfilling her managerial duties, she also is involved in Mc­ Teacher and McFamily nights, Ronald McDonald House Chari-

ties (RMHC), volunteer work and Detroit Public Schools youth athletic guidance that reinforce her commitment to being a contributing member of the community as well as a valued McDonald’s employee.

Winners of the Ray Kroc Award run high performing, profitable restaurants that meet McDonald’s critical customer standards of quality, service and cleanliness. They have strong business knowledge and achieve superior results in restaurant operations, people management and building the business. As a recog-

nized leader in the restaurant, they develop a restaurant team, focused on ensuring customers have a fast, accurate and friendly experience every visit.

McDonald’s owner/operators and/or regional staff nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Award to recognize their hard work, dedication and commitment to McDonald’s.

From there, a selection committee of representatives from McDonald’s Operations, Training and Human Resources select the top 1 percent of McDonald’s restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Award.

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HOMEFRONT First grader Kenneth Cain II, 6, can hardly wait for his teacher, Angela Alexander, to help log him in to the TutorMate program from a classroom at Ronald Brown Academy in Detroit.

Comerica Cares volunteer Tamika Webb, working out of Comerica Bank’s Auburn Hills location, follows along on the computer as her student works through a reading exercise on the TutorMate program.

Ronald Brown Academy first grader Malik Ansley, 6, happily demonstrates how students use TutorMate headsets and laptops during tutoring sessions.

Online Tutoring Program

Connects Comerica Volunteers with DPS Students

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hese days, business professionals are connected to colleagues and customers whether they’re in the office or at home. Advancements in technology have made many professionals completely accessible 24/7, creating a fast paced world of transactions, notifications and emails. While technology has made it easier to close a deal, it often results in people working more than a traditional 40hour week, leaving less time for extracurricular activities including giving back to the community.

One nonprofit organization is taking advantage of technology to support its mis-

sion. Innovations for Learning (IFL) teaches reading and writing skills to at-risk students in underserved communities, mainly through tutoring programs. Realizing that many professionals just don’t have the time to travel to and from schools, IFL came up with a solution that uses today’s tech to connect some of the brightest minds in the business world with the classroom.

The program, aptly named TutorMate, allows Comerica Cares volunteers working from offices throughout metro Detroit to tutor students without ever leaving their desks. An online platform allows students and volunteers to see the same computer

screen, where together they can complete activities geared towards improving reading and spelling skills.

Detroit schools participating in this year’s TutorMate program, include Ronald Brown Academy and Bennett Elementary School of the Detroit Public School (DPS) system, as well as New Paradigm Loving Academy, a DPS-authorized charter school.

Although this is only Comerica Bank’s second year in the program, its popularity is growing. The bank started with only 12 volunteers, a number that has grown to more than 50 this year.

“Comerica has the largest number of volunteers of any Detroit company taking part in the TutorMate program,” said Dan Weisberg, national director – corporate alliances for Innovations for Learning. “What’s unique about Comerica is the bank’s commitment to its volunteers. Not only are they enthusiastic about the program but the company is cheering them on.”

Each Comerica tutor is paired with a student for the duration of the school year. Signing on once a week, at a scheduled time, they work together for 30 minutes. For that half-hour, the student has the tutor’s undivided attention.

“It’s much like a meeting,” said Mark Fontana, project manager and coordinator of the Innovations for Learning program for Comerica Bank. “I block off the time on my calendar, shut my door and really try to connect with my students.”

The program exposes students to new opportunities, allows interaction with employees of large corporations and offers a sense of consistency that might otherwise be lacking in their lives.

“It’s beneficial for our students to have exposure to experiences outside the norm,” said Damon Sewell, principal of Ronald Brown Academy. “I’m glad that Ronald Brown Academy is a participant because it’s advantageous to our students’ pursuit of a better education.”

The exclusive pairing of students with volunteers helps build a strong bond. The students, who usually start off nervous and quite shy, begin to open up after a few sessions. Their confidence builds to a point where they become excited for each approaching meeting.

“The change in students’ attitude is highly noticeable,” said Fontana. “By the second and third week they can’t wait to get you on the phone, and many times don’t want to let you off.”

Upon completion of each session, the Comerica volunteer maps the student’s progress by providing feedback. This process helps quantify the student’s improvement from beginning to end.

And the students aren’t the only ones who are benefitting – Comerica tutors are also getting a lot out of the program.

“I have heard from many Comerica Cares volunteers just how rewarding the TutorMate program is,” said Fontana. “Mentoring others, providing these students with positive feedback and nurturing goes a long way in helping build confidence and

See Online Tutoring page B-2

Detroit Institute of Technology — Marvin Shaouni photo (www.marvinshaouni.com)

Sustainability: The Next Generation

By Matthew Piper Detroit kids are into transformational change, getting turned on by green living science projects and taking positive ownership of their neighborhoods.

When I ask 8-year-old Detroiter Taneesha Fashion what sustainability means to her, she answers, after a brief pause, “to do things that can keep going on, and they work, and they’re productive, and they help the Earth.” When I ask her how she practices sustainability in her daily life, she tells me, “I recycle plastic and cardboard, I eat fruit in the mornings, and I take care of my baby sister.”

There’s something remarkably clear and direct in what young Detroiters have to say about sustainable living. They have a knack for cutting to the chase, for simplifying what grown-ups easily overcomplicate: Sustainability means thinking long-term. It means caring for yourself, caring for

others, caring for the planet. It means taking personal responsibility.

Under the guidance of some heroic adults, many young Detroiters are busy transforming their city into a greener one. In school, after school, and at home, they’re growing and selling food, taking ownership of their neighborhoods, and learning how to conserve natural resources.

They’re learning about alternative energy and energy reduction, landscape design, neighborhood mapping, and, of course, the classic three R hierarchy that bears repeating, because it remains

so clear-cut and essential to a better shared future: Reduce consumption first, reuse materials second, and then, finally, recycle what you can’t reuse.

years ago with support from the Venture Fund and United Way.

On the city’s west side, near Rouge Park, students enrolled in the Detroit Institute of Technology (DIT) get a robust education in sustainable thinking under the guidance of teacher and environmentalist Ramona Gligor. DIT is an independently managed school on the Cody High School campus, part of the “small schools” program that the Detroit Public School system started five

With the support of principal Mary Kovari and help from several other committed teachers and administrators at the school, Ramona has developed an in-class and after-school sustainability curriculum that is truly remarkable in its scope.

From nutrition classes complemented by handson gardening activities, to design projects led by visiting landscape architects, to field trips to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge to plant erosion-fighting trees and shrubs, these kids are immersed in hands-on sustainable thinking.

The program targets schools with high dropout rates in neighborhoods marked by acute levels of poverty, crime, and violence. It’s an attempt to restructure the education process in those neighborhoods in order to successfully graduate more students and get them into college. There are 365 students enrolled in DIT this year.

See Sustainability page B-3

community

March 20-26, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page B-2

COMERICAHOMEFRONT

Michigan Index Improves in December Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index saw a bounce back in December, rising 1.7 points to a level of 102.7. The December index reading is 43 points, or 71 percent, above the index cyclical low of 59.9.

The index averaged 103 for all of 2012, 12 points above the index average for full-year 2011.

Robert A. Dye

“Although the Michigan index saw an uptick in its December level, to 102.7, the index is still more than five points off of its recent July peak of 107.8. Index components for December were mostly weak, with only motor vehicle production and sales tax revenues notching positives for the month,” said Robert Dye, Chief Economist at Comerica Bank. “Auto sales remained solid through January, even as other consumer spending suffered from increased federal taxes. Looking ahead, Michigan remains vulnerable to reduced federal spending, as well as slower growth in the manufacturing sector compared with earlier in the recovery cycle.”

The Michigan Economic Activity Index consists of seven variables, as follows: nonfarm payrolls, exports, sales tax revenues, hotel occupancy rates, continuing claims for unemployment insurance, building permits, and motor vehicle production. All data are seasonally adjusted, as necessary, and indexed to a base year of 2004. Nominal values have been converted to constant dollar values. Index levels are expressed in terms of three-month moving averages.

Comerica Bank, with 216 banking centers in Michigan, is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Michigan and

From page B-1

A group of first graders and Innovations for Learning participants at Ronald Brown Academy utilize what they’ve learned during weekly 1 3/15/13 10:06 AM sessions with Comerica Cares volunteers while reading in class.

Change your address or your countertops.

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With rates this low, now’s the time to buy, refinance or remodel.

To learn more about our special lending offers, visit comerica.com/home.

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To find Comerica on Facebook, please visit www.facebook.com/ComericaCares.

Online tutoring

UNI_CBP_3037_Heloc_MC.pdf

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Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, and Florida, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico.

To speak to a Comerica representative and apply for a loan, stop by your local Comerica banking center or call 800.292.1300

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MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER. Loans are subject to credit approval.

skills. Knowing you are making a positive impact in a child’s life, is unbelievably rewarding.”

Unlike other reading or spelling computer programs, TutorMate is completely interactive.

The student wears headphones and is in constant contact with the tutor. This customized approach allows tutors to meet the individual needs of each student. Tutors work at the students’ pace and no matter what their skill level each student is getting the help they deserve.

“Comerica volunteers have demonstrated an immense amount of patience,” said Weisberg. “When the students know they are working with someone who cares it immensely improves their confidence and comfort.”

At the end of the school year, tutors and students finally get to meet face to face. An experience that’s exciting for both,

Comerica volunteers go into the classroom and read for the students whose faces light up.

“The bond you build is amazing,” said Fontana. “When we meet the students in person and they don’t want us to leave the classroom, that’s what makes it all worth it.”

The TutorMate program is about five years old and continues to grow in urban settings like Detroit. With similar programs in Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami, Seattle, New York, Denver and Oakland, Innovations for Learning is looking to empower teachers to leverage this technology in other cities across the United States. It’s the support of established companies and professionals that will ensure the program’s continued growth.

If you or your company are interested in participating, visit www.innovationsforlearning. org.

community

March 20-26, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page B-3

Social Security cuts hit women especially hard

By Jacqueline Morrison AARP Michigan State Director

We are reminded during Women’s History Month about the economic struggles women have endured over the years, particularly African American women.

Women in general and African American women in particular have always earned less than men on average and they are more likely to be poor. Women are more likely to rely on Social Security and less likely to have other sources of retirement income, such as pensions and savings.

That’s why when talk in Washington turns to pushing a budget proposal that would cut Social Security benefits, such a plan unfairly hurts women. The current buzz in the nation’s capital is focused

on the so-called “chained CPI,” which would lower the yearly cost-ofliving adjustment for Social Security, reducing benefits by $127 billion over 10 years.

Women would be hit especially hard by the chained CPI because of the reasons listed above and because they Jacqueline Morrison typically live longer than men. Cost-of-living cuts would start now and get bigger every year.

The statistics show women, as they

Sustainability

create change in their communities,” in the words of founder Noam Kimmelman.

(His business, Fresh Corner Cafe, is currently based out of the Green Garage.)

Sustainability means thinking long-term. It means caring for yourself, caring for others, caring for the planet.

When they finished their neighborhood work, the students then performed an energy audit on their school, presenting their findings to the Detroit School Board. (“They caught us not turning our computers off at the end of the day like we were supposed to,” Ramona admits.)

Taejah Mixon and Alexus Ridley, also DIT seniors, are equally enthusiastic about their work with the Detroit Youth Food Brigade, through which they spend summers learning about vegetables and selling them at Eastern Market. Neither knew much about vegetables or had spent much time at the market before their involvement with the Food Brigade, whose intent is “to use food entrepreneurship as a vehicle to encourage kids to

Social Security kept about 38 percent of older women out of poverty in 2011, compared to 32 percent of older men. More than two-thirds of Social Security beneficiaries age 85 and older are women.

Join AARP in opposing the chained CPI. Washington should focus on finding responsible ways to address our nation’s budget challenges, not proposals that will hurt retired women and generations to come.

Call (800) 323-2230 and tell Washington to reject any budget proposal that cuts hard-earned Social Security benefits.

From page B-1

DIT seniors Antonio Williams, Keymari Eddings, and Damarr Byrd are all enthusiastic about describing the work they did over the summer with the Detroit Youth Energy Squad. After a semester long after-school training period, they and around 50 other students visited houses all over the city to teach residents about energy efficiency and to help make their homes more efficient.

Visiting about four homes per day (for a total of more than 1,000 over the summer) they went over residents’ energy bills with them, changed light bulbs and faucets, installed door sweeps and weather stripping, and repaired broken windows.

The work was done for free, and all of the students were paid for their time, with each receiving an additional $1100 grant to apply toward college tuition.

age, rely more on Social Security for their basic needs, such as paying for groceries, health care and heating bills. Older women in Detroit know what I’m talking about.

In the program’s second year, each student’s responsibilities were expanded to include selling vegetables at neighborhood markets, too, as well as interning at a local food business. They were also paid for their time. The experience, Alexus maintains, helped her develop practical math and business skills, as well as introduced her to vegetables she’d never even heard of (Arugula?).

In the program’s second year, each student’s responsibilities were expanded to include selling vegetables at neighborhood markets, too, as well as interning at a local food business. They were also paid for their time.

In addition to significantly increasing her awareness of environmental concerns, which had never much been on her mind, Taejah, who is hearing impaired, also describes how the experience of interacting with market customers helped her work through her shyness. She became so comfortable speaking in public that she confidently presented her work at a recent, student-led conference at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. According to Ramona, who beams as she tells me, Taejah knocked it out of the park.

Editor’s Note: Matthew Piper is a writer for Michigan NIGHTLIGHT, an editorial partner of the Michigan Chronicle newspaper. For a full view of Piper’s more extensive exploration of the program, visit: www.michigannightlight.com

2013

“I am a grandmother. I am a widow. I am a woman.

I am not a line item on a budget.”

Detroit has long been known as a great jazz town. Celebrating its 13th season, Comerica Java & Jazz continues the tradition of providing a monthly after work concert series that showcases some of Detroit’s finest creative talent.

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The B. Williams Experiment Jazz Appreciation Month is April and what better way to celebrate it than to present this talented musician. On the music scene since he was 12 years-old, B. Williams’ career has been an amazing musical journey. A direct protégé of Grammy and Billboard super producer Michael J. Powell, B. Williams is a powerhouse of musical knowledge from producing to arranging and everything in between. Known as one of the premiere drummers on Detroit’s live music scene, B. Williams is considered a “go-to” music guy because of his ability to play numerous instruments and his versatile repertoire. But don’t believe us; experience the B. Williams Experiment for yourself as we welcome this great talent to the Comerica Java & Jazz concert stage.

Hiram E. Jackson Publisher

A Real Times Newspaper 479 Ledyard – Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 963-5522 Fax 963-8788 e-mail:chronicle4@aol.com

JACKIE BERG Chief Marketing Officer BANKOLE THOMPSON Senior Editor cornelius a. fortune Managing Editor

SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011 JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997 LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

March 20-26, 2013

Page B-4

Health professionals must rise above any appearance of discrimination in the workplace

By Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom

Free Press, Hurley said the incident “was trigged by conduct which is not consistent” with the hospital’s policies. “We regret that our policies were not well enough understood and followed, causing the perception that Hurley condoned this conduct.

As healthcare professionals one of the ethical tenants that govern our behavior is primum non nocere which is Latin for First, Do No Harm. We hear these words spoken regularly during our medical training, on graduation day and those same words reverberate throughout the hallowed halls of institutions where we practice.

“Hurley Medical Center is fundamentally opposed to any form of racial discrimination.”

The terms of the settlement were not released, and the hospital now faces a new lawsuit by another Black nurse arising from the same incident.

What’s ironic is, there isn’t a reciprocal code of respectful conduct that Kimberlydawn Wisdom governs the behaviors of patients we are called to serve. What exists in the patient’s/family member’s toolkit It’s difficult to imagine, whatever a to safeguard health professionals from hospital’s formal policy may be — or being the victims of abusive language, even in the absence of an explicit code bursts of anger and verbal threats or of conduct _ that anyone in 21st century America would agree to provide care aceven actual physical violence? cording to racial preference.

Last Halloween — an ironically suitable day for such a twisted occurrence Hurley officials reportedly said the — a man tattooed with a symbol of father’s white supremacist tattoo frighthatred walked into a hospital neonatal ened and intimidated some staff memunit while a nurse stood at the bedside bers, as though the incident could be explained if not excused. of an infant the man claimed as his.

News reports tell us that the nurse asked to see the wristband of all new parents are given to identify and connect them with their child, and he immediately demanded to see her supervisor.

The man was White and tattooed with a swastika. The nurse was Black and highly experienced in caring for newborn babies, human beings as yet unmarked by a sometimes cruel and hateful world.

Their encounter took place in Hurley Medical Center, the venerable teaching hospital in Flint, a city largely populated by African Americans. And what happened next became the subject of a lawsuit filed by the nurse that drew national attention and was recently settled with only an implied admission that it even took place.

The tattooed man demanded that black nurses be kept away from his infant and, according to the lawsuit, the hospital agreed, posting a note to that effect on an assignment board and keeping African American nurses away from the child for about a month.

When the lawsuit settlement was announced, as reported by the Detroit

But there is no excuse or explanation that can mitigate such an outrage.

Hatred deserves no accommodation anywhere, and certainly not in a place where medical care is the reason for being. The most basic tenet of medicine “First, do no harm” should go both ways.

When racial preference is practiced or accommodated, when skin color is used to judge human worth and decide treatment, there is a victim, someone who has been judged and found guilty of unsuitability or inferiority.

Harm is done.

In a society where health professionals are governed by “First, do not harm”, I espouse the additional tenant for those that we serve of “Second, do no harm too - and if you have done harm — have the heart to apologize” to those trusted, highly-credentialed professionals — whether Black, gay/lesbian or diverse by any measure — who work tirelessly 24/7 to serve all-comers, during their most vulnerable moments.

Kimberlydawn Wisdom, MD, MS, senior vice president of Community Health & Equity Chief Wellness Officer, Henry Ford Health System.

‘Congress’ voting rights power is in the Constitution’

By Robert Weiner and Richard Mann In the oral debate over cutting down the power of the Voting Rights Act – the law designed to assure enforcement of no discrimination against minorities’ right to vote – Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia stated last month, “This is not the kind of a question you can leave to Congress.” He called the bill, “perpetuation of racial entitlement.” He added, “It is very difficult to get out … through the normal political process.”

The Court could make a decision as early as June.

The justice apparently missed that the 15th Amendment to the Constitution states, “The right of citizens to vote shall not be abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” The extremely significant next sentence of the 15tth Amendment states, “The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was recently asked if Congress has the power to enact and amend the Voting Rights Act. She responded, “Yes, it’s there in the 14th and 15th Amendments.” To assure she meant the directness of her answer, she was asked if people are just wrong to say Congress does not have the power. She repeated, “It’s in the 14th and 15th Amendments.”

The 14th Amendment specifies that no group’s vote should be “denied” or “in any way abridged” and that if any state does so, the state’s congressional “representation shall be reduced in proportion” to the group’s voter reduction.

We asked former House Speaker Newt Gingrich last week if he still believes the Constitution gives Congress the power, since he had presided over and voted for extensions of the Voting Rights Act, and he said “Yes.” He asked us what we thought was Scalia’s reasoning to question it, and we told him about Justice Scalia’s assertion that Congress was politically pandering. Gingrich, unfazed, responded, “All the Founding Fathers won elections and understood that – they all were elected.” One may often disagree with Gingrich’s policies and politics, but as a congressional and constitutional historian, he is informed.

It’s not as though discrimination is dead and we no longer need the Voting Rights Act. After the Civil War and right through to 1965, many states enacted Jim Crow laws to try to subvert the freedom of former slaves and the right of African Americans to vote. That was what gave birth to the Voting Rights Act and its extensions.

The Voting Rights Act and its extensions have been among the most bipartisan and overwhelmingly supported votes in American history, including the 25-year renewal in 2006 by 98-0 in the Senate and 390-33 in the House.

There is a window. Perhaps Scalia’s earlier comment that “this Court doesn’t like to get involved in racial questions such as this one… that can be left to Congress” will be his better side and will be the Court’s attitude. The 15tth Amendment says “Congress shall have the power.” However, if the Supreme Court knocks the law down or diminishes it, this should be one of those rare circumstances where the Congress effectively reverses the Supreme Court and reenacts the bill, perhaps changing a word or two so that it can say there is a difference.

Some weeks ago we went out and bought a little pamphlet for a couple of dollars with the text of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

The whole thing is about 1/20th a normal paperback novel’s length. You can read and circle phrases in it in an hour or two. There is much talk these days about the Constitution. Some people try to make it seem complicated. That’s just a way of keeping we the people from our power. There is also enormous biased usage of the wording. We want an informed electorate, and everyone should read it and even carry the small pamphlet around. And that includes the justices themselves.

Robert Weiner is a former White House spokesman, communications director for committees headed by Reps.

Conyers, Rangel, Pepper, and Koch, aide to Senator Kennedy, and a congressional committee chief of staff. He wrote the epilogue to Bankole Thompson’s groundbreaking book, “Obama and Christian Loyalty.” Richard Mann is senior policy analyst at Robert Weiner Associates, Solutions for Change.

A trinity of leaders for Detroit

By Tom Watkins

Perhaps the days of pretending and spending, going back decades, will come to an end in the city of Detroit with the appointment of Kevyn Orr as emergency financial manager.

Stop the anchor behavior that is weighing down the city and region, keeping it from truly taking off. Become a sail, not an anchor.

Three leaders stepped up that day:

1) Gov. Snyder. The If you have a hole in your governor could have found roof, pretending to fix it will a away around stepping up not keep the rain out. Deand leading on this issue troit has been behaving like which many of his prede“Fantasy Island” for far too cessors have done before long. Sadly, its fantasy behim. He saw a problem, havior has been enabled by he stepped up and dove in pandering politicians at the with a solution. Agree or state level for decades as Tom Watkins disagree, he is a leader who is leading. well.

It was apparent in 2005 that the City 2) Kevyn Orr. The man is obviously of Detroit was paying its Visa Card with bright and capable and he will gladly its Master Card, yet the Granholm ad- take the leadership baton from Snyder ministration allowed more long-term and run with it. He has the ability to help borrowing to allow the pretending and turn around the city of Detroit — and we all should offer a helping hand. spending in the city continue.

This on top of years of financial fool- 3) Mayor Dave Bing. “Say what?, you ishness as the world shook beneath the ask, befuddled. Yes, Mayor Bing. The feet of Detroit’s elected political lead- mayor behaved like a true team player, willing to slide down the bench when a ers. new “star” player joins the team.

Elected leaders at both the local and state level have been kicking the city Mayor Bing deserves praise for suckof Detroit’s financial troubles down the ing it up and pledging to work with Mr. road for some time. They have run out of Orr to get the city working again. Even the best player can’t score without ascans and road. sists from teammates, all playing impor Finally, Gov. Snyder said “Enough is tant roles, subordinating themselves for enough” and pulled the trigger on the the overall advancement of the team. appointment of an emergency manager Especially, juxtaposed to the disfor Detroit — Kevyn Orr. graced former mayor of Detroit Kwame No, Mr. Orr did not walk up the De- Kilpatrick being led off to 20 or more troit River to take on this challenge, but years in prison, Mayor Bing earned a his résumé equals his debut at the press spot on the City of Detroit all star team conference announcing his appoint- that day. ment.

A new era has begun in Detroit. It is Bright, confident, thoughtful, articu- up to us all to help re-imagine and begin late and driven all the while — engaging the hard work to create the new Detroit. and expressing a willingness to “work with” not simply “work on” Detroit’s Welcome back to Michigan and to the elected leaders not simply to cut, slash city of Detroit Mr. Orr. Please know that and burn but to restore services that the many will do all they can to help you citizens of Detroit need and so desper- succeed. ately deserve.

That day was another clear reminder The time for blame and finger point- that leaders truly matters and that real ing needs to come to an end and every- change requires real change. one needs to roll up their sleeves and Tom Watkins is a former elected pitch in to help make Mr. Orr a success. Wayne County Charter CommissionIf he succeeds, we all benefit and if he er from the city of Detroit. He led two fails we all lose. major departments of state govern For the naysayers, stop. Stop at- ment: mental health and education. tempting to tie two-ton weights around He is a US/China business and educathe new emergency manager’s ankles tional consultant and can be reached before he even dives into the financials at tdwatkins88gmail.com. woes facing the city.

The Black Slate opposes an emergency manager for Detroit We of the Black Slate and the East Side Community Slate feel compelled to speak about events surrounding the how, when, and why of Gov. Rick Snyder’s Detroit emergency manager decision, why we can’t give up the fight, and how we can work to move forward.

First and foremost, we know that Detroiters, like most voters across the country, were elated about President Barack Obama’s 2008 election victory.

Unfortunately, too many of us thought that that was enough, and during the 2010 didterm elections, too many of us stayed home.

Add in the fear mongering and racial overtones of having a Black man in the White House and the result was a swing of the American and Michigan vote to the right. Consequently, the 2008 Democratic vote was greatly diminished, resulting in a 2010 midterm onslaught of Republican victories in state and federal elections throughout the nation.

In Michigan, Rick Snyder and many Tea Party Republicans were swept into office. Both the state House and Senate were taken over by these right wing conservatives. Since then, the notions of cutting safety nets, suppressing voters’ rights and taking over municipalities have dominated the agenda both in Washington, D.C., and most certainly in Lansing.

us in Detroit and communities throughout Michigan, there can be only one answer to this unacceptable dilemma: vote. But even more importantly, you must be an informed, intelligent voter who votes in every election.

That is because we believe that politics, however ugly and troublesome it may be, is sacred. Moreover, everything that touches our lives and the lives of the children of a loving, caring, giving and forgiving God (be it economics, education, finance, politics or whatever) is sacred.

Furthermore, history has shown and continues to teach us that, in the U.S.A., whenever a vast majority of the people vote, the more likely democracy, fairness and justice will win out. And we know this to be absolutely true with voters across the great state of Michigan.

So the answer is to vote. Encourage your family members, co-workers, friends and co-students to be informed, to register and to vote in every election. Additionally, another way to be informed is to attend our Black Slate First Wednesday Community Educational Forums held at 700 Seward on the first Wednesday of every month.

The Black Slate Committee and the East Side Community Slate.

We, as a collaborative, believe that for

How To Write Us:

The Michigan Chronicle encourages letters from readers. Expressed opinions must bear the writer’s signature, address and phone number (only the names will published with the letters).

Write: Reader’s Speak, Michigan Chronicle, 479 Ledyard, Detroit, MI 48201 or email the editor at chronicle4@aol.com

Community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Knight Arts Challenge Information Meeting

March 21 Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan Celebrate the 34th Annual Salute to Distinguished Warriors Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center 400 Renaissance Center Dr.

7:45-9 a.m.

Northland Mall 21500 Northwestern Hwy Southfield

4-6 p.m.

The Carr Center 311 East Grand River

Winship Community Association Meeting

Attend this informational meeting with the Knight Foundation to learn about the Knight Arts Challenge. It is a great opportunity to learn about the application process and how the challenge works. This meeting is free and open to the public.

Anyone who is interested in the arts scene in Detroit, whether it’s visual, performing, or something in between, can attend the meeting to learn how they can win funding for their project.

7-9 p.m.

For more information, call (313) 965-8430.

The annual dinner will recognize individuals for their significant human and civil rights contributions to our community.

For more information, call (313) 832-4600.

Westminster Church of Detroit 17567 Hubbell (corner of W. Outer Dr.) The community is invited to attend a meeting concerning the safety of Peterson Park. Attendees will also discuss strategies for residents to protect themselves against crime.

For more information, call (313) 273-6130.

March 22 Wolverine Bar Association 52nd Annual Barrister’s Ball

March 23 Roz on the Rocks Entertainment Celebrates Detroit Arts and Music 8 p.m.

UDetroit Café 1427 Randolph (Paradise Valley)

Westin Book Cadillac 1114 Washington Blvd.

The theme for this year’s Ball is “Investing in Our Future Leaders.” WBA will honor members of the legal profession who have made significant contributions nurturing and developing the talents of aspiring lawyers.

For more information, call (313) 962-0250.

Attendees are encouraged to meditate and pray while exercising.

To RSVP, e-mail Smacprayerwalk@yahoo.com.

March 27 American Heart Association presents the “2013 Workplace Wellness Forum” 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center 15801 Michigan Ave. Dearborn Don’t miss this free engaging forum focused on employee health. Walk away with best practices around corporate wellness and simple steps to help employees get healthier and bring down healthcare costs. Dr. Frank McGeorge, WDIV Channel 4 Good Health Correspondent, will deliver the keynote address.

For more information, call (248) 936-5828.

Come celebrate Detroit’s art and music scene with musical performances, food, and spoken word performances from Jennifer Sheffield and Brianna Crowell. This event will be streamed live. New and emerging artists are encouraged to attend for an opportunity to appear on the Roz on the Rocks website.

9 p.m.

March. 20 - 26, 2013

March 30 Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole Singers and Musicians Arts Conference 3k Prayer Walk 7:45-9 a.m.

Northland Mall 21500 Northwestern Hwy Southfield Attendees are encouraged to meditate and pray while exercising.

March 26 Detroit Medical Center Diabetes Alert Day

To RSVP, e-mail Smacprayerwalk@yahoo.com.

Noon-4 p.m.

Page B-5

April 19 Marygrove College Proudly presents the Bauder Contemporary American Authors Lecture Reading and Book Signing for author Terrance Hayes 8 p.m.

Marygrove College Madame Cadillac Building 8425 West McNichols For its 25th anniversary celebration, Marygrove College welcomes National Book Award-winning poet Terrance Hayes, author of the four collections of poetry, “Musical Music,” “Hip Logic,” “Wind in a Box,” and “Lighthead.”

For more information, call (313)927-1383.

Free and open to the public

April 26 Hartford Memorial Baptist Church Presents A Poetry/Spoken Word Month Celebration 4-6 p.m.

Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, 18700 James Couzens The event will be hosted by hip-hop artist Joel “Fluent” Greene and poet Jessica Care Moore will be the headlining performer.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Donations will be accepted to support Hartford’s Hunger Task Force.

For more information, call (313) 758-1648.

Email Your Upcoming Events to

DMC Sinai Grace Hospital 6072 W. Outer Dr. Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole Singers and Musicians Arts Conference 3k Prayer Walk

events@michronicle.com

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N3020127D.indd 1

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March 20-26, 2013

Nominations for Marriage & Family Awards now being accepted Do you know a child who is a good example to others in his home, church or school?

Do you know a married couple who are public minded in their service to others?

How about a family that does good work for their church or community?

We are accepting nominations for our 11th annual True Family Values Banquet Awards program.

The categories are: • Outstanding Daughter, • Outstanding and

Son

or

Parents

• Outstanding Family.

Founders Day speaker “Continuing the Legacy in a Global Society” was the theme of the 56th annual Founders Day Luncheon of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Detroit Section, recently held at DeCarlo’s Banquet and Conference Center in Warren.

Addressing the theme was guest speaker Linda E. Swanson (seated, center), executive vice president of Swanson Funeral Homes, Inc. She is shown with NCNW officials Marion H. Lewis (seated, left), parliamentarian, and Sandra D. Young, president, and (standing, from left), Shirley Tolliver, luncheon chair, Pearline Teamer, historian, and Alma Hardy Simmons, treasurer.

For us…by us

By Derek Smith

because it is in control of the “…money (that) answers all things.”

“A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry, but money answers all things.” — Ecclesiastes 10:19.

In his recent Michigan Chronicle article, “Django Unchained, Detroit in Chains,” Pastor David Alexander Bullock rightly notes the presence of a lingering psychological self-loathing that dogs a significant portion of Black America, only to miss the mark by citing the recent Quentin Tarantino movie, “Django Unchained,” as evidence of that self-loathing.

Surmising that Jewish America would never permit a similar revisionist take on Jewish suffering, Pastor Bullock casts himself as the cinematic neophyte who’s unaware that Tarantino has already delivered Django’s Jewish predecessor in the similarly unchained Brad Pitt movie, “Inglourious Bastards,” a “Django”like story about a fictitious band of Jewish soldiers who wreak havoc on their Nazi tormentors in a manner parallel to Django’s terrorizing of the slave master.

But Pastor Bullock redeems by correctly noting the sad reality that Blacks can still do precious little without consent of America’s White power structure. Just think, when in the average African American’s lifetime has he achieved even one part of the American Dream without a white person’s involvement in the decision-making process?

Dr. King dreamed that freedom would one day reign in African America, but true freedom cannot exist apart from the sort of economic equality that will remain unattainable until Black America reconciles its misconception that the only answer to racial injustice is the “either/or” proposition of mass separation or total integration. True freedom requires the uncompromised ability to say “no”

Derek Smith without fear of marginalization, and Black America will taste this level of freedom only after baking our own economic pie.

Until then, our antagonists remain secure in the knowledge that, having few economic options, we have little choice but to say “yes” to whatever size slice of their pie they choose to serve.

In the 1940s, whole neighborhoods of self-sufficient Black-owned businesses prospered until the realities of 1960s integration forced them to close. Black America’s claim ticket to the spoils of its civil rights victories was also its foreclosure notice to many Black proprietors unable to sustain their businesses after the loss of so many Black customers to newly integrated competitors.

Black America has the cumulative resources to control its own destiny, but this will not occur without a new game plan.

We simply cannot compete against an opponent with a 400-year head start who, by design, keeps us mired on first base because it controls all the money.

To advance toward home plate where fulfillment of “the dream” awaits, our focus must shift from base hits to home runs, from owning a few businesses to controlling the money that funds many businesses.

So true is this point that even the Bible says our dreams won’t be realized until we own the bank

‘Dancing to the Finish Line’ Making It To The Finish Line, a non-profit organization, will host its annual fundraiser themed, “Dancing to the Finish Line” on Saturday, April 27, at EARS Financial Showplace, 2140 Holbrook (formerly UAW Local 235), in Hamtramck.

Festivities start at 7 p.m.

They are also seeking vendors for the event. Fee

and registration form are on the website and can be downloaded from www. mittfl.org.

Registration form and fee is due by Friday, April 12.

For more information, you may contact Gladys Pearson at (313) 4600596. Fee is nonrefundable. Registered early space is limited.

Imagine the possibilities of Black-owned wealth deposited in Black-owned banks that consistently loan, invest and partner with African American businesses and communities. Notice would finally be served to mainstream banks which welcome our deposits but prove allergic to sustained investment in the Black community, that Black America now holds the reins of its own financial destiny, and as such, will decide whether to “separate” or “integrate” – business-wise – based solely on our own best interests.

Money circulates up to 15 times before leaving other ethnic communities, yet exits the Black community at almost the moment we get it. Caucasians control the majority of financial institutions in America, and Asians, Jews, Middle Easterners and Hispanics all have dedicated banking interests, both here and in their native lands. The common denominators in their financial success are cohesive networking and delayed gratification, a mastery of which is mostly foreign to post1970s Black America.

There is certainly some truth to the thought that Black America’s overspending and inability to delay gratification is part of the generational effects of a slave system that forbade our ancestors from reading, writing or openly acquiring the best goods in the marketplace. But if our propensity for burning through wealth as soon as we get it is the result of overcompensating for years of material denial, why can we still so easily refuse to pick up a book?

Derek Smith is a freelance Christian author, speaker and columnist.

Queries and comments are welcome and can be sent to divine.connection@yahoo.com.

March is National Red Cross Month

The event, sponsored by the American Clergy Leadership Conference, will be held Saturday, April 27, at the DeCarlos Banquet Center in Warren.

Award winners will receive a certificate and a gift at the program.

To receive a nomination form, or for further information, call Rev. David Kasbow at (734)546-4395 or e-mail him at kasbow@ earthlink.net.

True Awards

Family

Values

American Clergy Leadership Conference 22021 Memphis Warren MI 48091

Rd.

(586) 755-7090 www.aclc.info

March is National Nutrition Month

Page B-6

praiseconnectdetroit.com

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

City’s newest centenarian

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” is the favorite Scripture of Detroit centenarian Elizabeth Roy Hendrick, who turned 100 years on Tuesday, March 19. A native of Bolivar, Tenn., Mrs. Kendrick lived on Bassett Street in Southwest Detroit for many years and currently resides at the American House Apartments in Southfield.

She has been a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Ecorse since 1932, serving under three pastors, the Revs. E.L. Todd, Joseph Barlow, Jr. and Damon L. Pierson. She organized the church’s Nurses Guild and served in many other capacities with the Mission Department, Senior Usher Board and Trustee Board.

Married to the late Dock Hendrick, she had one son, Nathaniel Lake Sr. Her son and daughter-in-law, Mildred,

Northeast Guidance Center launches ASPIRE The Northeast Guidance Center is expanding its mental health services to cover developmentally disabled children on Detroit’s east side with the ASPIRE program. ASPIRE covers youth who have been diagnosed with a lifelong condition or disability such as Autism Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, Down syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis or Cerebral Palsy. In conjunction with services, NEGC is in the process of fundraising $150,000 to

www.michronicle.com VOLUME 74 – Number 26

March 9-15, 2011

313.963.5522

479 Ledyard • Detroit MI 48201

edunomics: Read Less,

WHAT’S INSIDE sampson appointed (A-8) Mariners Inn recently announced the promotion of David Sampson to the position of chief executive officer. He has been with Mariners Inn since 2002 and held several positions.

Pay More

mubarak played religion card (A-2)

Our readers take center stage on national issues Following his series of sit-down interviews with President Obama, and his successful 2010 interview-based book “Obama and Black Loyalty Vol. 1,” editor Bankole Thompson is upping the ante with the start of a new special report “White House XChange” March 30. The report will deal with issues tied to Detroit and Michigan that the Obama administration is tackling. It will introduce readers to issues raised in White House media conference calls. The report will invite our readers to weigh in on the debate about what the Obama administration is doing by having their opinions and views reflected in the report.

Ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak portrayed himself as a paradigm of stability in a country he once described as a “powder keg” of sectarian unrest. Yet far from promoting stability, his regime may have actually been the source of much of the religious strife.

Home repair Program (B-1):

Elizabeth Roy Hendrick

blessed her with six grandchildren; two are ministers, Valerie Crump and Nathaniel Lake Jr. Mrs. Kendrick also has 14 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great grandchildren and a godson.

Rebuilding Together Detroit (RTD) is seeking applications from low-income homeowners in Southwest Detroit who are in need of minor home repair assistance.

Academic excellence honored (c-1): The Final Five Elite High School Football Players were recently lauded for their Athletic and Scholastic Excellence at the 20th Annual Franklin D. Watkins Awards held at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles.

new tax credits (c-6): A new 25 percent state Small Business Investment Tax Credit, designed to encourage investments in start-up and early-stage Michigan technology companies, is aiming to help Michigan entrepreneurs secure capital and reduce risks associated with a new business or novel technology.

The motortown Revue (d-1):

Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

The current state of the Detroit Public Schools is a mockery of Brown v Board of Education and it exposes the deep inequities in education.

Just because your child is not enrolled in the Detroit Public Schools does not mean you shouldn’t be concerned about the fate of the district before it heads toward implosion.

COMMENTARY

like Detroit where a national reading report card places the city at number 56 out of the 75 largest metropolitan cities in the U.S. surveyed. That means literacy is shamefully low in the city and we are doing little or nothing to change the deplorable situation.

The latest study conducted by Central Connecticut State University, according to Data Driven Detroit, ranks the “culture and resources for reading” and it examines not wheth-

Your ability to get the Bankole Thompson best education for your child should not be based on geography, income or ethnicity but, rather, on the simple principle that every child regardless of their background should have an empowering education that equips them for a brighter future. Each child should have access to a meaningful education that would not leave them trailing behind in the dust children in Japan, India, China and other countries move ahead.

By Pastor PJ BanksAnderson

nation or impression made on the imagination by the thing to which we are tempted/Delight in viewing it (imagination by the thing to which we are tempted)/Consent of the will to perform it.”

D.Min, LCDR, CH, USN (RET) “When you help someone up a hill, you’re that much nearer the top yourself.”

James 1:15 reads, “The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flareup of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood and becomes a real killer.”

PJ Banks-Anderson logically, than anticipating that God would lead us into temptation. That is not the kind of God we serve. In James 1:13 – New Century Version – it is written, “When people are tempted, they should not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ Evil cannot tempt God, and God does not tempt anyone.” Matthew 4:1 infers that a person may be tempted without entering into the temptation, whereas entering into temptation suggests embracing it.

According to Adam Clarke’s “Commentary on the Bible,” the process of temptation is often as follows: “A simple thought/A strong imagi-

Having a relationship with God and knowing the nature of God helps especially when you find yourself in trouble, having a trial, or in a tribulation, or faced with a temptation. This is the time to call on the Lord; not to make God the heavy. God not only has control over humanity and the ego, but also the willingness, the desire to keep this promise. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” You can trust this petition: Leave us not.

Please pray for American and Coalition soul’s killed in action, their families and especially their children.

Four streams of income for churches unveiled at the IGED Promotional Party The vision of the International Gathering and Expo in Detroit, IGED June 6 – 8, at Cobo Center was shared with Pastors in the Greater Detroit Area on March 2, at the beautiful home of Bishop Clarence B. Haddon and wife Dr. Joyce R. Haddon. Guests were welcomed with opened arms and shared in the fellowship and delicious meal with others in attendance.

Eric Huang, the chairman and CEO of Detroit International Auto Salon (DIAS) shared the vision of IGED to the audience and unveiled the four methods churches can benefit and earn income by participating in IGED. IGED’s mission is to foster restoration of Detroit and Glorify God through spiritual gathering and showcasing products from all around the world.

IGED is a charity event organized by Detroit International Auto Salon, DIAS and supported by Christian churches, ministries and businesses in the greater Detroit Area. DIAS has partnered with Bishop Clarence B. Haddon and Dr. Joyce R. Haddon founders of High Praise Cathedral Church in Inkster, Kingdom Culture Church in Detroit and the Fellowship of Pentecostal Outpour International to bring forth manifestation of the IGED vision.

All churches that support and participate in IGED will have an impact on the revitalization of Detroit and benefit through bringing funds to their churches.

Four streams of income were explained to the Pastors and leaders present. Each church will be given a 10’ x 10’ ft booth at the Expo and keep 100 percent of sales. Churches are allowed to secure corporate sponsorship from businesses for $2,000, $5,000 or $10,000

$1.00

Coming Soon White House XChange

er people can read, but whether they actually do read.

Detroit’s 56th place in the 2010 study is the same spot it occupied in a similar report in 2005. The highest rank the city got was 50th in 2007.

Washington, D.C., was rated the most well-read city in the nation and following that were Seattle, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, St. Paul, Denver, Portland, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Boston.

Its is also noteworthy that these cities are among the most admired places in the nation and they have, in fact, become meccas for those seeking greener pastures. When young people are making the exodus from the state, more than likely they are moving to one of the cities mentioned in this report.

Yes! I want to receive the Michigan Chronicle for 52 weeks Check if Renewal – Renewal Acct. #____________ for only $50.00

These cities are not only a paragon of a reading culture, they also offer other incentives that we are not offering in this city.

There is no possible way we can bank on attracting young families to the city if basic amenities like recreational centers are not available on a full scale.

Jim Murray

Accelerating the speed of business growth

When the educational system does not have the public confidence

See edunomics page A-4

But that is not the case in places

Check if Renewal Renewal Acct. #________________

AT&T commits $19 billion to support area business growth

Leave us not…

Therefore, “lead us not into temptation” is the sixth, not the third as previously written, of the seven petitions in the Lord’s Prayer. Lead is often interpreted to mean leave us not into temptation. And, perhaps makes more sense, theo-

build a playroom for the ASPIRE children at its Kelly Road location. Without ASPIRE, many children from lower economic families would not get the specialized support they need to reach their highest potential. ASPIRE will provide assessments, support coordination and referrals to enable persons with developmental disabilities and their families to improve their quality of life. For more information, call (877) 242-4140.

S The Motortown Revue, the legendary shows that toured the nation by bus for almost the entirety of the ’60s, is recalled by someone who never missed a revue and, like so many other Motown fans, cherishes the memory.

During our season of Lent, we are examining the Lord’s Prayer and its meaning. I received a confirmation this past Sunday from an Ohio sister-church that is also using prayer themes during this time. From them, I learned that the first three petitions address God; that is to say petitions one, two, and three are: 1. Hollowed (holy) is your name; 2.

Your kingdom come; 3.

Your will be done. The next four petitions have to do with humanity’s needs and apprehensions: 1. Give us this day our daily bread. 2. Forgive us as we forgive. 3.

Lead us not into temptation. 4. Deliver us from evil.

Page B-7

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Tributes to her life included “An example for young people to follow,” a “true Christian, great mentor and virtuous woman,” a “person of great wisdom” and “an inspiration to talk to.”

Mrs. Kendrick’s favorite colors are pink and white and her hobbies include cooking (her favorite food is her buttermilk pound cake), sewing and being an immaculate housekeeper. One of her fondest wishes is to travel to Hawaii.

March 20-26, 2013

By C.L. Price Area businesses sloshing through Michigan’s sluggish economic recovery will soon receive much-needed infrastructure support, thanks to global communications leader AT&T’s network improvement plans announced last week.

The improvements — to expand backhaul, enable 4G speeds, increase mobile broadband capacity and upgrade hundreds of cell sites — are predicted to accelerate the pace of area business growth.

Why invest now?

Gov. Snyder keynotes Pancakes & Politics Gov. Rick Snyder kicked off the Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics season at the Detroit Athletic Club on March 3 with a candid conversation built around reinventing Michigan. At left, Snyder chats with Curtis Ivery, Wayne County Community College Chancellor, Betty Brooks, community leader, and Shaun Wilson, Vice President, Director of Client and Community Relations, PNC Bank, and Ric DeVore, Regional President, PNC Bank. See page C-7 for photo highlights.

“We feel very confident about Detroit’s economic recovery,” stated Jim Murray, president of AT&T Michigan.

“As a consequence, we’re committed to making sizeable investments in this

See AT&T page A-4

WCCCD is largest urban community college, with record enrollment numbers Daylight Saving BEGINS on

3UNDAY -ARCH¬ ¬¬

Set your clocks &/27!2$ one hour

www.michronicle.com

Curtis Ivery

Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) is the largest urban community college in Michigan, with record enrollment numbers for the spring 2011 semester.

Nearly 32,000 students registered for credit classes at all five of the District locations and online. Additionally, the District expects more than 40,000 non-credit students to register as well for a total of nearly 72,000 served in all programs.

WCCCD, the multi-campus district serving 32 communities in Southeast Michigan, has seen exponential growth as degree and certificate programs have been expanded, infrastructure improved, and

investments in students, services and technologies increased.

“In this economy, post secondary education and training is the ticket to competing in today’s changing workforce.

Access to higher education-especially community colleges--is critical,” said Dr. Curtis Ivery, chancellor. “WCCCD is an integral economic and social catalyst to the health and welfare of this region and state.”

A recent economic impact study reported that WCCCD’s students generate more than $122 million in taxable income annually to the region and state. Every dollar that is invested in WCCCD returns

Five

$22.80 in benefits to all Michigan residents.

Having been recognized as one of the fastest growing community colleges in the nation and the largest urban community college in Michigan, WCCCD was forced to cap enrollment during the spring 2010 semester. This year, under the direction of Dr. Ivery, WCCCD lifted the enrollment cap to make certain that no student was turned away in spite of WCCCD’s funding challenges.

WCCCD gives students the opportunity to train in emerging technology and high demand fields, allowing them to become competent professionals helping to position the

state for vibrant growth and a strong economic future.

Community colleges across the nation face difficult decisions in a climate of limited resources. The commitment of WCCCD in assuring that the doors to educational opportunities remain open is a direct result of the determination of faculty, staff and administrators.

“Our students and all those we serve need us to work as hard as we can for them. If we can’t be the difference between success and a future of limited options, we are not living up to the mission and vision of this institution,” said Dr. Ivery.

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After all, you’re the one we answer to.

We arrange funerals, we don’t sell them.

It is our responsibility to honor your wishes and respect your budget.

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Like you, we are a part of this community supporting our neighbors when they need us.

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Arranging a fitting tribute is important to you, and you don’t deserve to be rushed.

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and the church may keep 100 percent of the sponsorship amount. Churches may ask for donations to support IGED and may keep 100 percent of the contributions.

Each participating church may also receive a percentage of the profits from IGED. The plan was well received by the Pastors present. As a Christian living in the last days, it is our duty and love to fulfill The Great Commission through the most effective way – a combination of a spiritual gathering and EXPO at the same time.

“IGED is totally focused on bringing back to this region of the world a renewed economy through exposing some of the finest creations of men and women around the world” Bishop Haddon said.

IGED will bring people together in Detroit, which is strategically located for doing business. Exhibit spaces are available to businesses in general commodities, light industrial, general consumer products, electronic applications, food and beverage products, churches, ministries and missionary organizations just to name a few. Exhibitors can expect Purchasing Managers from super markets, chain stores, shopping malls in Southern Michigan and other Midwest locations, retail storeowners in the Greater Detroit area, international customers and the general public to attend IGED. This will be a perfect opportunity for a business or church to network to find new products for their business or church and new buyers for their unique products and services.

OPEN ENROLLMENT HOPE ACADEMY is a Free Public Charter School at 12121 Broadstreet Avenue Kindergarten thru 8th Grades New enrollment period is March 18-March 29, 2013 Newly Renovated Building All Certified Teachers and Highly Qualified Strong Academic Program With Common Core Standards Caring staff Small Classes Uniforms Safe & Secure Environment We offer Music, Computers, Spanish, and Physical Education Track & Field, Cheerleading, Basketball and Friday Clubs

Applications are available 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monday thru Friday in the School Office For more information call Phone: 313-934-0054 Fax 313-934-0074 Website: hopeacad.org

IGED is well positioned for success led by leaders who are passionate about helping restore Detroit and are committed for the long haul. — ADV

March is National Mental Health Month

Soaring Beyond Expectations

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

March 20-26, 2013

Page B-8

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT Melinda Sherman No one will argue that being a mom is a full-time job.

Moms everywhere balance their careers with raising a family while trying to find some time of their own. Melinda Sherman, corporate records management business analyst with Comerica Bank, has managed to perfect this balancing act. And somehow, she finds time to give back to the city in which she was raised, Detroit.

While growing up in the city, Sherman attended and graduated from Northwestern High School. During her senior year, through a business co-op program she was placed with Detroit Bank & Trust, known today as Comerica Bank. Thirtythree years later, she has turned her high school job into a career, and today manages the secure information destruction program for Comerica Bank. In 2011, Melinda Sherman Sherman was honored for exceptional role model behaviors in teamwork and drive for results with the Transformation Recognition Award.

Zetterberg distributes smoke detectors to local fire departments Comerica Cares volunteers were on hand for the assist as Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg distributed more than 3,650 smoke detectors to local fire department representatives following a recent team practice. The fire departments plan to donate and install the smoke alarms in the homes of low-income residents throughout Metro Detroit, who could otherwise not afford one.

A single mom, she was determined not only to provide for her daughter, but to be actively involved in her life. When her daughter wanted to join the Girl Scouts, she became a Girl Scout leader and ‘cookie mom.’ When her daughter joined the high school band, she began fundraising, traveling and helping with anything pertaining to the band.

“I am very close to my daughter and wanted to be involved,” said Sherman. “She is my best friend and I’ve always wanted to make her happy and set a good example.”

During the team’s 11th annual Smoke Detector Collection presented

by Comerica, fans donated smoke detectors and monetary donations at two in-game collections last month. In addition, smoke detectors were also collected at Comerica banking centers in Southeast Michigan. This is the seventh season Zetterberg has served as the team spokesman for the initiative.

Zetterberg personally matched the fans’ donations again this year, making an $11,471 donation to purchase addi- lection began in 2001 in memory of former tional smoke alarms.

Red Wings player Brendan Shanahan’s father, The annual Smoke Detector Col- who was a firefighter. Since the program’s in-

Although she no longer sells Girl Scout cookies or chaperones field trips, Sherman spends time volunteering with Comerica Cares through various organizations including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Alzheimer’s Association, the Michigan Humane Society, COTS, Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center and the Arc of Livingston County. She plays an essential role in facilitating Comerica Bank’s annual community shred day. Sherman also supports the community through Unity Baptist Church in Detroit, where she has been a member since 1980.

Why do you volunteer?

“I find it important to do my part. It’s not enough to just get up and go to work, I want to help better my community in some way. I might be one person but when I volunteer I am part of something bigger. I am part of a collective group that wants to help make the community and the world a better place.” ception, the Red Wings have now distributed more than 23,000 smoke detectors to local fire departments and agencies.

What is the best part of volunteering?

“The best part is spending time with my daughter, my family and community members who all have the same goal, to make a difference. I’m especially happy to see my daughter following in my footsteps and volunteering at such a young age.”

Do you plan to continue volunteering?

“Absolutely, I will volunteer for as long as my body allows.

There is no need for me to slow down just yet and I honestly enjoy spending time helping others, raising awareness or fundraising. I will continue to do anything I can for a good cause.”

Comerica’s Alexis Dishman Named 2013 Woman of Excellence Twelve-year banking veteran Alexis Dishman was recently honored as one of the Michigan Chronicle’s 2013 Women of Excellence, which celebrate local African-American women who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and participation in community service.

Dishman serves as Vice President and Alternate Group Manager of Small Business Banking for Comerica and is recognized as a leader for her men- Alexis Dishman toring and coaching of others in support of career development and success at Comerica.

Dishman also leads Comerica’s Michigan African American business development initiative.

Under her leadership, the team has increased its programming and expanded their outreach to include the Grand Rapids and Lansing communities. Through those efforts, the initiative team exceeded the business goals for the African American community last year.

Comerica Cares volunteer Melinda Sherman wraps gifts for metro Detroit families in need during Comerica’s annual holiday adopt-a-family program.

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

www.facebook.com/ComericaCares.

Comerica Hosts Students At Detroit Economic Club Meeting Comerica Charitable Foundation President Janice Tessier (far right) hosted students from East English Village Preparatory Academy at a recent Detroit Economic Club meeting featuring U.S. Congressmen John Dingell and Michael Rogers. The Honorable John Dingell represents Michigan’s Twelfth Congressional District, serving parts of Wayne and Washtenaw Counties and all of Monroe County. The Honorable Mike Rogers represents the Eighth Congressional District and chairs the House Intelligence Committee.

Comerica Bank Sponsors Kick’s Education & Advocacy Exhibition

An active member of the community, Dishman has been a member of the Urban Financial Services Coalition Detroit Chapter for a number of years, holding several positions including Financial Secretary, Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee and the Chairperson of the Community Education Committee. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the non-profit Accounting Aid Society and the Community House in Birmingham.

Dishman’s community outreach also extends to younger members of the community. As a volunteer presenter for Banking on our Future, Dishman has provided numerous presentations to children in grades 1-12 about budgeting and money management.

Kristin Impastato and Robert Hammond (center) of Comerica joined KICK executive director Curtis Lipscomb for the organization’s Education and Advocacy Exhibition.

Comerica Bank recently helped sponsor the Education & Advocacy Exhibition, an LGBT college conference, sponsored

by KICK, The Agency for LGBT African Americans.

Comerica Cares volunteers (left to right) Henry Agee, Deborah Hardison Hill, Holly Windom and Dora Baltrusaitis, spent the afternoon greeting guests and taking a stand against heart disease at the recent American Heart Association’s annual ‘Go Red for Women’ luncheon at the MGM Grand Detroit.

The Education & Advocacy Exhibition allowed LGBT students, allies and their families the opportunity to interact with colleges and universities in a safe and supportive environment.

The exhibition featured mini workshops, lectures, activities and information sessions focusing on a variety of topics specific to LGBT participants. Admission officers, counselors, and financial aid professionals from colleges, universities, technical/ vocational schools, and training agencies were also available to answer questions and provide information.

section C

Business Powered by Real Times Media

March 20-26, 2013

michiganchronicle.com

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil

Women rule

As I write, Chaka Khan’s empowering “I’m Every Woman” loops in my head – like a soundtrack. (By the way, have you seen her lately?

All slim, trim and more fabulous than ever.) It’s Women’s History Month and the lyrics to that iconic anthem should be resonating with all women, and those who love us, as we celebrate ourselves and the countless contributions we make every day — both large and small — that keep the world turning.

No matter how small or far-reaching the radius of your world is, every choice you make is important. Nielsen shines the light on women’s choices and our dynamic impact as consumers with two new global reports: “Does Gender Matter?” and “10 Things to Know About Today’s Female Consumer.”

I’ve said it before: “Vive la différence!” Yes, we know that girls are just as smart as boys and women can do pretty much everything a man can but, like it or not, our brains are wired differently. And, that’s OK. Women are master multitaskers and there’s a scientific reason for that. Who knew, right?

Nielsen’s NeuroFocus research shows that “ability” is driven by what happens to developing brains in the womb.

Traits like big-picture thinking and multitasking are hard-wired in women’s brains, along with “gut” reasoning, social and verbal skills and the worry/empathy tendency.

We balance work (either outside or in the home), take care of our families — nurture, budget, shop, schedule, run hither and yon — and keep it tight with ourselves as best we can. Men’s brains, on the other hand, are preconditioned for concrete thinking, goal-oriented tasks, logical solutions and competition/defense.

(Cheryl’s translation: Give them one thing to do at a time if you really want something to get done).

How we think and respond influences the way companies and advertisers design their messages to us to achieve their economic bottom line. See how much power we have?

These types of insights tell them that women respond to concepts that are authentic. Touch our hearts and you might earn our dollars. Even those of us who may be tomboys at heart, messages that focus on conflict simply aren’t going to resonate.

And you know how we love a bargain and will hunt high and low to find the best price? That’s something American women have in common with our sisters around the world. A Nielsen survey of more than 29,000 people with Internet access in 58 countries shows that we women are browsers, no matter where we live — going for the best deal while men are more likely to pay a higher price. That’s because men are typically on a mission to just win.

(Get the item no matter what.)

Here and across the globe, women are responsible for $12 trillion of the $18 trillion of global buying power. So, if marketers want our business, they need to offer products and services that See Women

rule page C-2

Governor Snyder speaks at the 2012 opening forum of Pancakes & Politics.

Season Eight of Pancakes & Politics kicks off to a sold-out crowd Governor Snyder headlines Forum 1

Health Alliance Plan, PNC Bank, Rock Ventures/Quicken Loans, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Comcast, and corporate contributors Compuware, St. John Providence Health System and UHY.

By Cathy Nedd

Additional Pancakes & Politics breakfast forums are scheduled for April, May and June. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.michiganchronicle.com, or calling (313) 963-8100. Individual tickets are $75.00; $700 for a table of 10. Sponsor opportunities are available.

The Michigan Chronicle will kick off the 2013 season of Pancakes & Politics, a fourpart breakfast forum series hosted by the newspaper to discuss a variety of current and pressing business, civic and political issues. The first forum, which will take place next Thursday, March 28, at the Detroit Athletic Club, will feature Governor Rick Snyder as the guest speaker.

“The ‘Pancakes & Politics’ series is designed to attract a diverse group of policy and decision-makers in Southeast Michigan to generate dialogue and debate around the issues that affect the economic and social well-being of the community,” said Hiram E. Jackson, publisher of the Michigan Chronicle. “The series’ overall goal is to provoke thought and generate new ideas in various sectors that will continue to push our community forward.”

No stranger to the series, having also headlined the opening forum for the past two years, Governor Snyder is expected to talk frankly about the state’s economic recovery and changes that have been made over the past year.

The sold-out event will include questions from the audience of Southeast Michigan’s business and political leaders.

Emmy Award-winning senior producer and host of CBS 62’s “Michigan Matters,” Carol Cain, is moderating the breakfast forum.

Since its inception, Pancakes & Politics has grown to become the preeminent speaker’s forum where substantive topics are explored in-depth by those who contribute to the region’s business community and those seeking solutions to inspire its growth.

Carol Cain The next session of the four-part series will be April 25, at the Detroit Athletic Club.

Confirmed panelists include Dan Gilbert, chairman of Rock Ventures, LLC, and founder and chairman of Quicken Loans; Sue Mosey, president of Midtown Detroit, Inc.; and George Jackson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Once again, the third session will be held at the Birmingham Townsend Hotel on May 16, for the annual “Big Four.” Regional leaders, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel will come together to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the Southeast Michigan region.

The final series will return to the DAC on June 20, 2013.

Now in its eighth season, Pancakes & Politics is presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions, Bank of America and Real Times Media. Additional event sponsors include

Forum 1 – March 28, 2013 Governor Rick Snyder Detroit Athletic Club 241 Madison Avenue Forum 2 – April 25, 2013 Dan Gilbert, Sue Mosely and George Jackson Detroit Athletic Club 241 Madison Avenue Forum 3 – Mary 16, 2013 The Big Four Townsend Hotel in Birmingham 100 Townsend Street Forum 4 – June 20, 2013 Detroit Athletic Club 241 Madison Avenue Breakfast served at 7:30 am when doors open for forums

Faygo introduces new ginger ale, Faygo Gold

By Amber Bogins Detroit-based beverage company Faygo Beverages Inc. recently announced its newest flavor — Faygo Gold. Faygo has more than 60 flavors, and Gold is different than the dry ginger ale they currently have on the market. Having gone to local superstores and speaking to consumers, Orlando Woods, a Detroit native and regional sales manager for Faygo, discovered that there is a strong market for a ginger ale like Gold.

“We’re the flavor king, and consumers requested a spicy ginger ale. We decided to create something different, something with a richness,” Woods said.

That desire for richness inspired the name Gold and the soft drink company’s newest promotion and partnership with Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry and Tapper’s Gold Exchange.

Gold has been on the Faygoflavor table for roughly a year, biding its time for release.

Timing, is what Woods says ultimately dictated the release of the new ginger ale.

The launch of the new flavor was coupled with a St. Patrick’s Day promotion and a partnership with Tapper’s Jewelry featuring the tagline, “At the End of the Faygo Flavor Rainbow…is Gold”.

The promotion features op-

portunities to win a “Pot of Gold” — a cauldron that includes Faygo Gold pop, T-shirts, and a 24K solid gold bar from Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry and Tapper’s Gold Exchange.

“With a 105-year history of pop innovation, Faygo fans have come to expect new flavors that are bold and unique,” said Al Chittaro, executive vice president of Faygo Beverages, Inc. “Consumers are already voicing rave reviews for Faygo Gold, a rich, zippy, ginger ale. Our partnership with another celebrated Michigan brand, Tapper’s Jewelry, is a great way to celebrate the launch of Gold with our loyal fans.”

In order to be eligible for the “Pot of Gold,” Faygo fans are asked to take a photo of “what” or “who” is most valuable to them and upload the photo to Instagram with the hashtag, #FaygoGold. The contest started March 15, 2013 and runs to March 29, 2013. The winners will be announced on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The first place winner’s “Pot of Gold” will include a solid gold bar valued at $250; second place, $100; and third place, $50.

In addition to the St. Patrick’s Day promotion, the release of Gold lines up perfectly with the Easter holiday.

“It’s the time of year when

Orlando Woods Easter is coming and people like a spicy ginger ale to bake their hams,” Woods said.

Faygo Gold is on its way to being a new holiday favorite.

Orlando Woods has been with Faygo Beverages, Inc. for 24 years.

Faygo Beverages Inc., originally named after its founders, the Feigenson brothers has several different types of soft drink beverages, and a variety of flavors, including Detroit favorites Red Pop and Rock & Rye. The Feigenson brothers are credited with coining the regional term “pop” because of the sound that the soda makes when it is opened. Their headquarters have been located at 3579 Gratiot since 1937.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

MEDC announces planning grant program for Michigan communities The Michigan Economic Development Corp.

(MEDC) has announced the application process for the Downtown Development Planning Grant program, which is aimed at helping Michigan nonentitlement communities develop plans to increase the viability to improve a property, create economic opportunities to revitalize and stimulate job creation and investment within the downtown.

“Improving our downtowns will ensure the continued vitality of communities and strengthen our ability to attract and retain young professionals and small businesses,” Gov. Rick Snyder said. “This funding will help Michigan communities develop plans for new development and economic growth in their downtowns.”

The DDA grant, a federal

Community Development Block Grant program, is designed to provide a planning study that can demonstrate the planning grant will likely lead to an eligible implementation project. The maximum grant awarded to a community is $100,000. A total of $500,000 in grant funds is available through the grant program.

The program is intended for Michigan non-entitlement communities — communities that do not receive funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Funding priority will be given to projects that have a significant local match, demonstrate an impact that will lead to private investment and job creation, and include elements that foster a sense of place in the community.

• Women worldwide are optimistic about their roles, with 90% reporting they believe their role is changing for the better.

• Worldwide, 70% of women surveyed have cut household spending over the past year in clothes, gas, electricity and entertainment outside the home.

• Women in the U.S. spend significantly more time on social media sites than men. We’re online users of social media 44% more than men; and visit social media sites on our mobile devices 39% more than men.

• African-American women between 18-35 are 72% more likely to publish a blog or express our preferences online via links or “likes” than the average adult in this country.

• In the United States, African-American households are 127% more likely to

Page C-2

Who’s Who In Black Detroit

All Michigan non-entitlement communities are eligible for funding.

For more information on the grant program, visit www.michiganadvantage. org/DPG. Electronic or hard copy submissions are due by 5 p.m. April 26. Applicants must address all items on the Part I application to be considered for funding.

There will be a question-answer period regarding the applications, with questions accepted until March 29. Answers will be posted weekly online at www.michiganadvantage.org/CDBG. Questions should be directed to CDBG@michigan.org.

The MEDC markets the state with a focus on business, talent, jobs and helping to grow the economy. For more on MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org.

Women rule reflect our needs. Consider these facts:

March 20-26, 2013

From page C-1 include a single parent — usually a woman. (These are my people as I am one of them and I live by the mantra, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”)

• Women in the U.S. talk 28% more and text 14% more than men every month.

• Globally, women are 25% more likely than men to rely on friends or family for personal finance advice.

There’s so much more wonderful information on www.nielsenwire.com that affirms women’s power and influence as consumers. Take time to visit the site during March, and feel free to belt out a couple of lines along with Chaka, “I’m every woman. It’s all in me . . .”

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of public affairs and government relations for Nielsen. For more information and studies go to www. nielsenwire.com.

Deierdre L. Weir, president and chief executive office, Legal Aid Defender Association.

Legal Aid CEO believes that all people should have access to legal representation For close to three decades, Deierdre L. Weir, president and chief executive officer of Legal Aid and Defender Association (LAD), Inc., has successfully headed Michigan’s oldest and largest non-profit public interest law firm. Her success is based on the premise that all people – regardless of their socioeconomic status – should have access to legal advice, counsel and representation in civil and criminal matters on both state and federal levels.

To effectively operate LAD, Weir oversees an annual budget in the neighborhood of $18.5 million that allows the organization to render legal services to about 12,000 cases annually in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb Counties and the Eastern District of Michigan. In addition, she renders great leadership to approximately 140 employees, the majority of whom are attorneys and other legal personnel.

Interestingly, Weir is not an attorney, yet she is a national trendsetting executive in the field of law. Weir explains that many similar law firms across the country are beginning to look at non-lawyers as chief executive officers to oversee respective firms.

“One reason is because there needs to be a skill-set that lawyers don’t typically bring in terms of efficiently and effectively managing a law firm as a business,” says Weir. “So more than 25 years ago, my board decided that it wanted me to run the business aspect of LAD.”

COMING September 2013 Special Tribute to the Artists and Educators Submit Your Headshots and Bios to detroit@whoswhopublishing.com

While Weir’s job is extremely demanding, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love the work that I do and the people I do it for … as well as the people I work with,” says Weir. “I always wanted to work in a non-profit or educational environment where I knew I could make a real difference.”

Prior to serving as LAD’s top officer, Weir was a special education teacher in the state of California, as well as owned a private practice in speechlanguage pathology. To prepare for what has been a fulfilling career, she earned a bachelor’s degree in speechlanguage pathology from the University of Michigan, and holds two master’s degrees: speech and language pathology (the University of California Santa Barbara) and human resources administration (Central Michigan University.)

Weir has a great love for education and teaching, but saw a greater need to help people who could not afford legal representation. Ultimately, LAD won out over teaching. “When you think about how important the legal system is and how important it is for people who can’t afford legal assistance to have access to justice, it poses a great challenge,” says Weir, the mother of one adult son. “So my experience at Legal Aid and Defender Association has been a constant reminder that lives can be hanged for the better or worst based on what happens when a person is in the legal system.”

While Weir is constantly busy with executive responsibilities pertaining to LAD, she makes time to give back to the community and her church.

She is most committed to Black United Fund (BUF), where she serves as a board member. In addition, she is a trustee and serves on numerous committees at Plymouth United Church of Christ. One of her greatest passions is mentoring and empowering women. In 2011 Weir authored the riveting fictional novel, “Women are Like Teabags.” She is working on a follow-up to the novel due out in the summer of 2013.

People On The Move

Sharon Banks The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation Board and board of trustees have elected Sharon Banks as chair of the Detroit Jazz Festival Board of Trustees, a 19-member board that helps to support the festival. Banks replaces Dr. Stanley M. Berry of Meridian Health Plan, who served two years as the chair and will remain on the board. President and CEO of Bankable Marketing Strategies, Banks has been involved with the festival for decades and has served on the Board of Trustees since 2008. As chair, Banks’ goal is to help preserve the legacy of the world’s largest free jazz festival for future generations.

Thomas E. Kimble

Monique Marks

David Barfield

Thomas E. Kimble, a veteran AARP volunteer and retired General Motors executive, has been appointed state president of AARP Michigan for a two-year term. In that posi­ tiion, Kimble is the lead AARP volunteer in Michigan, which is home to 1.4 million AARP members. He serves as chair of the Executive Council, an all-volunteer panel made up of team leaders from regions across the state. Kimble will partner with AARP Michigan State Director Jacqueline Morrison and work with staff and volunteers to help achieve AARP’s vision, mission and strategic priorities. He also will act as the principal volunteer spokesperson.

Monique Marks, president and CEO of the Franklin-Wright Settlements, was recently recognized

by RESULTS Mentoring, a tutoring and mentoring organization geared to assist educational facilities and parents with at-risk students.

Marks was recognized for her significant contributions to young people in the community. Franklin-Wright Settlements is a leading human services agency meeting the needs of families, children and youth. The agency provides a variety of services including therapy, grief and loss, counseling, after school programming, senior services and early childhood education. Marks joined the agency as a clinical social worker in 1997 and held various leadership position prior to becoming president.

David Barfield, president and CEO, Bartech Group was recently elected to serve on the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) Board of Directors. The NMSDC is one of the nation’s leading corporate membership organizations dedicated to advocating for increased procurement opportunities for Asian, Black, Hispanic, Women and Native American businesses in the global corporate supply chain.In addition to serving on the NMSDC board, Mr. Barfield also serves on the organization’s Corporate Plus Management Committee (CPMC). Corporate Plus is a national membership category for NMSDC-certified minority business enterprises (MBEs) designed to recognize their national capabilities, bring them to the attention of more National Corporate Members.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 20-26, 2013

Page C-3

An app worth having…

Efax Cost: free Have you ever been out of the office and needed to receive a fax?

It would seem that in the year 2013 faxes would almost be a thing of the relatively early digital past, but the need for live signatures and reproduced documents with the “human touch” are still very much alive. And if your office is becoming more mobile by the day, maybe it’s time to consider Efax.

You can fax by e-mail, search faxes with a keyword, synch with your contacts and more. And with the digitized signature feature you can drop and drag your signature straight onto a document.

The Belkin NetCam with Night Vision is part of a new line of products which expand your smartphone’s humble features.

Belkin NetCam with Night Vision helps you to keep a watchful eye

By Cornelius A. Fortune MANAGING EDITOR

Your smartphone just got smarter.

As we depend more on technology for the simplest tasks from recipes to finding directions, our smartphones are an integral part of our lives, and shouldn’t we be able to see what’s going on at home even if we’re hundreds of miles away?

That’s the conceit of Belkin NetCam with Night Vision, which is now available from Verizon Wireless.

The Belkin NetCam Wi-Fi Camera with Night Vision makes it easy to check in on your kids after school, or keep an eye on your room while you’re away, and the camera connects to your Wi-Fi router without the need of a computer.

Think of it as a stand-in for your home monitoring system. Although the box doesn’t come with multiple cameras, you can at least set it up in a “hot spot” of your choosing.

Simply download the free NetCam app on your iOS or Android device to keep an eye on your home anytime, anywhere.

The camera’s wide-angle video captures large spaces while its clear digital audio keeps you from missing conversations or noises. With night vision for recording in low light, NetCam is also ideal for baby monitoring.

With access to your home from wherever you are, this camera is not only a cool gadget to add to your arsenal of gadgets, it has plenty of practical applications worth diving into.

It also lets you save video directly to your mobile device, so you can share your favorite memories. NetCam requires a Wi-Fi router with an Internet connection and an Apple device with iOS 4.2+ or an Android device with version 2.2+.

While the Belkin NetCam certainly wouldn’t replace your home security system, it does function as a plausible add-on worth considering if you’re looking for something unique, or even a conversation piece over dinner, the NetCam is obviously ground zero for a bigger technology round the corner.

Additionally, you can send faxes using your camera, email attachments, or documents stored in the cloud. You can also: • View faxes received and even add your signature electronically • Contact books: send faxes from your device or eFax contact book • Find faxes using a keyword search of fax contents or your own tags • Share faxes with others via email.

Though the app is free, you can also sign up for premium packages, which include sending faxes and other services. The app is available for iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android devices.

– Cornelius A. Fortune, managing editor

No more phone lines or big, clunky fax machines with Efax.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 20-26, 2013

Page C-4

7-Eleven Stores plan up to six new Detroit locations

By Jackie Berg The purveyor of the Big G(ulp) is on its way to the D, according to Stephen Oliver, regional development director for Dallas-based 7-Eleven, Inc., who was among the 800 participants attending the Detroit Policy Conference earlier this month.

ing environments rank high among top contenders in 7-Eleven’s franchise system, which often is not a good fit for individuals who prefer a pure entrepreneurial environment devoid of the kinds of constraint franchise systems are known for.

Although the company avoids any

The nation’s largest beverage retailer — which serves a whopping 38 million gallons of fountain soda, 365 million cups of coffee and 156 million Slurpees annually — hopes to quench the thirst of Detroiters as early as this summer.

Oliver reported that the company is negotiating four to six sites around the Renaissance Center and Comerica Park and will be seeking qualified fran- “In the course of reviewing several systems, I found 7-Eleven®. The chise candidates complete-store systems essentially run the day-to-day tasks so I can to operate them.

focus on high-level management. It has made the transition to full-

The retailer time business owner easy.” has earned high marks from – Clement Osimetha, attorney turned 7-Eleven franchisee Forbes magazine, which statements promising ROI, many of its ranks 7-Eleven No. 2 among its “Top franchisees operate their businesses for Franchise for the Money,” in addition a lifetime. No layoffs are in the offing for to earning top spots on America’s Best business owners who must come to the Franchisers and Franchise Direct Top table with an average up-front total in50 franchise lists annually. vestment of $239,000, which includes One of the surest signs of a solid the store’s opening inventory, supplies, franchise system —the migration of em- business licenses, permits, bonds, cash ployees to successful franchise owners register fund, franchise fee and gasoline and high multi-unit operations — is fee if applicable. in evidence in Detroit, where a number If the franchisee chooses, he can of Great Lakes region employees have make a down payment on the purchase become franchise owners and more than 50 percent of its independent owners are of the intitial inventory, and the company mutli-unit operators, according to Mike will finance the remainder, making the average intial cash investment approxiDutrieux, 7-Eleven franchise director. mately $197,000. The 7-Eleven franchise Successfully operating a 24-hour, system provides ongoing financing for $1M+ business unit from its opening day the inventory and operating expenses. forward requires a well-honed system, Although it’s been decades since the which 7-Eleven expects candidates to company operated a store within Detroit follow. city limits, 7-Eleven has a proven track Candidates who possess an MBA, record with urban store operations nacome from systems-based and market- tionally.

The chain’s return to Detroit provides evidence that development efforts are taking hold.

Editor’s Note: Jackie Berg is the chief marketing officer at the Michigan Chronicle and publisher of LivingWELL

magazine. Candidates interested in obtaining information about franchising a 7-Eleven store can contact 7-Eleven Franchise Director Mike Dutriuex at 248.219.3611 or visit: www.franchise.7Eleven.com.

Connect to the Sisterhood of Power Join Us In Celebrating the 2013 Women of excellence

Back By PoPular DemanD

Friday, March 22, 2013 3 pm to 6 pm

Westin Book Cadillac Hotel 1114 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI Admission: $60 per person $650 per table of ten

Kim Coles

Special Celebrity Host

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 20-26, 2013

Page C-5

The highs and lows of repairing your credit their own report, which is what makes credit repair specialist so attractive. You know you could change your own oil in your car, but one thing for sure is that most people will not do it.

Have you ever wondered if credit repair was something you needed? And if so, should you learn to do it yourself or hire a professional?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Following are insights on both options that may clear up some things about credit repair.

Although some things are done better yourself, only you can determine if doing your own credit repair will work for you, which is why understanding the advantages of both sides is important.

According to the Federal Trade commission (FTC) “everything a credit repair professional does legally to remove negative items from your credit report you can do yourself� and while that is agreed upon with the FTC, most consumers do not have the time, patience or know how to repair

1)

AGENT SPOTLIGHT

REFERENCES:

Any legitimate company or professional should be able to provide you with a least six references, and if local you should be able to call them. Ask friends or family members if they know a credit professional or company that has had positive results. Also, if your credit repair specialist is not attorney assisted or supervised, it may take longer to improve your credit rating since all correspondence will be looked at by clerks, not by decision makes

monthly fee are falling well within the guidelines of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) that regulates credit repair professions and companies in mandating that payment be made after work is complete with the exception of an initial nominal set up fee.

4) CUSTOMIZATION: The most

advanced and successful credit restoration practice is to customize all dispute letters and not use “boiler plate� correspondence. While this is the most effective approach, it normally comes with a higher cost.

If you cannot find someone to meet all the above criteria, then it is suggested that you take matters into your own hands and learn all you can to repair your own credit like a professional.

If you want to learn more or receive a free credit repair book, go to: www.goodcreditnow.com.

2) CONTRACT: Unlike paint-

Agent Angela Hughes 14511 W McNichols Road Detroit, MI 48235-3935 Landmark: Find us on the south side of McNichols just east of Hubble Right next to Nu Wave Chicken Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 After hours by appointment Phone: (313) 862-7800 About Angela‌ • MSA Healthcare Concentration, Central Michigan University, BAS Siena Heights University, Nursing home Administrator license and AAS in Occupational Therapy • Member of New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church • Member of AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) • Member of NBOTC ( National Board of Occupational Therapy Association) • Member of ACHCA (American College of Health Care Administrators) • Chamber of Commerce Affiliate

Agent Dwight Jones 29521 W 9 Mile

Farmington Hills, MI 48336-4803 Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tues. Evening until 8:15 p.m.

Other Hours by Appt. Only

ing a house or doing some handy work, credit repair or restoration will vary in results of a very broad scale. Therefore, the use of a contract is important. Most likely your credit issues did not occur overnight and they will not be improved overnight. A good contract protects you as well as the credit professional or company by outlining what is to be expected from the service you are paying for.

3) PAYMENT: Those companies or individuals that have a

Advice from an expert

Phone: (248) 476-0030 About Dwight‌ • Central Michigan University, BS • Central Michigan University Graduate Studies • Ambassadors for Life Qualifier • National Convention Qualifier • Life Honor Club Qualifier • Member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Suze Orman, widely respected financial advisor, author, television host and motivational speaker, always has much to say about credit spending.

Following are some of her quotes. “I have always advocated doing everything possible to pay off credit card balances. It’s good financial management and the ticket to a strong FICO credit score.� “Your goal should be to pay off your credit card bills in full at the end of each month and set aside

money toward your emergency savings.� “I get so frustrated when people tell me it is unrealistic to create an eight-month emergency savings fund, or have money saved for a home down payment, or pay off their $5,000 credit card balance.� “Late payments also hurt your FICO score.

And never, ever take out a cash advance on your credit card.� “A big part of financial freedom is having your

heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life.� “Here is my gift-giving rule: Respect your current financial situation.� “I want you to give to yourself as much as you give of yourself. By taking care of yourself financially, you will be able to to take care of those you love.� “No one has every achieved financial fitness with a January resolution that is abandoned by February.�

Give yourself a tax break.

Open an IRA by April 15.

An IRA could reduce your taxes and it’s a great way to invest in your future.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.ÂŽ CONTACT AN AGENT TODAY.

John Cash 19203 Grand River Ave Detroit, MI 48223 Bus: 313-537-1200

Ivy Fields-Releford 2925 Walton Blvd Rochester Hills, MI 48309 Bus: 248-375-0510

(ULF ' +XÇĽPDQ ,QV $JF\ ,QF C Knight Insurance Agcy Inc (ULF ' +XÇĽPDQ Charlotte Knight 3031 W. Grand Blvd.

7100 W Seven Mile Rd Detroit, MI 48202 Detroit, MI 48221 Bus: 313-875-3172 Bus: 313-340-9000

John Little 3O\PRXWK 5G Detroit, MI 48239 Bus: 313-535-1100

Teleese O Nobles 19145 Beech Daly Rd. Redford, MI 48240 Bus: 313-948-3900

Angela Hughes 14511 W McNichols Road Detroit, MI 48235 Bus: 313-862-7800

Eugene Hawkins III 577 E. Walton Blvd Pontiac, MI 48340 Bus: 248-377-1776

Daryl L Gilliam 29500 Telegraph Road 6RXWKĂ€HOG 0, Bus: 248-213-0091

Dwight E V Jones 29706 Grand River Ave )DUPLQJWRQ +LOOV 0, Bus: 248-476-0030

Angie Mapp 417 E 4th St Royal Oak, MI 48067 Bus: 248-398-2222

9HURQLFD 5 0XUÇĽ 24360 Novi Rd Novi, MI 48375 Bus: 248-380-6446

Shirley Redrick 2140 Washtenaw Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Bus: 734-482-6570

6WDWH )DUP %ORRPLQJWRQ ,/

Jackie Davis 6069 Rawsonville Road Belleville, MI 48111 Bus: 734-480-7348 Fax: 734-480-7333 ZZZ DJHQWMDFNLHGDYLV FRP

Patricia Ouellette 3564 W Vernor Hwy Detroit, MI 48216 Bus: 313-554-1500

Colleen Kerner Beverly Lochard Glenda McGuire Ins Agcy Inc 5005 E 14 Mile Rd 18601 15 Mile Rd. Glenda McGuire Sterling Heights, MI 48310 Clinton Township, MI 48035 26600 Gratiot Ave. Bus: 586-979-3600 Bus: 586-296-1616 Roseville, MI 48066 Bus: 586-771-4050

Vev Tripp Ins and Fin Svcs Inc Lisa L Rich Vev Tripp 4319 Metropolitan Pkwy 24530 Gratiot Ave Sterling Heights, MI 48310 Eastpointe, MI 48021 Bus: 586-979-9700 Bus: 586-772-7474

statefarm.comÂŽ 0901199.1

Kenya Wells Ins Agcy Inc Kenya Wells 20021 Kelly Road Detroit, MI 48225 Bus: 313-822-5948

Tony Massey 15 E Kirby St Detroit, MI 48202 Bus: 313-873-3334

Page C-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • March 20-26, 2013

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Reflections

Memorable Motown album covers

By Steve Holsey

Hair down to there If there is a category in the Guinness Book of World Records for longest dreadlocks, the acknowledgement would likely go to Damian Marley, son of the late, legendary — and still king of reggae — Bob Marley.

His hair comes within a few inches of touching the ground!

It is easy to understand why Marley would quip, “We grow our hair because of our faith, but it’s getting heavy!”

Marley has won three Grammy Awards and one of his albums, “Welcome to Jamrock,” was certified Gold when it reached the 500,000 sales Damian Marley mark. His mother, who is White, is a musician and in 1976 was Miss World.

Of Bob Marley’s 11 children, three were with his wife, Rita (including Ziggy Marley), two adopted from Rita’s previous relationships, plus six others with various women.

Among Bob Marley’s best known songs is “Lively Up Yourself.” Evidently he did a lot of “lively-ing up.”

TAMAR BRAXTON, one of the four sisters of Toni Braxton, has been signed by Epic Records and plans to have something out soon. Because they never had a smash, most people are unaware that the Braxtons recorded two albums Tamar Braxton as a group, “Good Life” and “So Many Ways.” Toni was only on the first one.

It’s interesting that Toni is so much shorter than Tamar, Traci, Trina and Towanda.

Here is an interesting quote from Samuel L. Jackson who, by the way, has been in nearly 150 movies: “We’ve come a long way in our thinking but also in our moral decay. I can’t imagine Dr. Martin Luther King watching ‘Real Housewives’ or ‘Jersey Shore.’”

Soul crooner Will Downing’s just-released CD, “Silver,” is not just another album. It represents the acknowledgement of this being his 25th year in the business.

FANTASIA has made it clear that reading is not one of the things she does best, but for the sake of career sustainment and self-preservation there are times when what one “likes” to do is of little importance.

“I hate to read,” said Fantasia bluntly. “But one thing I do read are my contracts because I will not allow anybody to mess me up.”

Fantasia

In a recent column I wrote about a hair designer from Detroit, from “Hair Wars,” who calls herself “Katrina the Glam Tech,” winning the big Bronner Bros. hair show competition in Atlanta in the Fantasy category.

Well, the person in the picture was Katrina the Glam Tech (right) actually one and her prize-winning cre- of Katrina’s models. So ation. this week we are printing another picture.

On June 13, Berry Gordy will receive the Pioneer Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony in New York.

Gordy wrote songs such as “Lonely Teardrops” (Jackie Wilson), “Do You Love Me?” (the Contours), “You Got What It Takes” (Marv Johnson), “Try It Baby” (Marvin Gaye) and was part of the team that Berry Gordy wrote most of the early Jackson 5 hits.

Gordy joked that he thought he was pretty good until Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie emerged as songwriters. “Then,” said Gordy, “I went into free fall.”

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW...that in the summer of 1964 Motown released an album titled “Stevie at the Beach,” featuring mostly “beach themed” songs.

MEMORIES: “Caught Up in the Rapture” (Anita Baker), “Knock on Wood” (Eddie Floyd), “Get on the Dance Floor” (Rob Base

See Reflections Page D-3

March 20-26, 2013

By Steve Holsey

M

otown, the most celebrated record company in the history of recorded music, and with the most enduring impact, comes up short in very few areas.

Primarily in the earlier years, album cover designing was one of those areas, but it got better.

Album covers have long been recognized in certain circles as art, particularly when vinyl was king and album artwork could be fully appreciated. (It just wasn’t the same with CDs due to the reduction in size.)

Sometimes the art design was so creativelly conceived, well-crafted and pleasing to the eye that the covers were suitable for framing, and sometimes actually were.

While it is not likely that unimaginative LP artwork could result in an album failing, it has been shown that creative packaging can enhance sales of an already good product.

Moreover, album artwork, in essence, became an industry within itself, with talented photographers and illustrators — not necessarily from inside the music industry — hired to provide services.

Interestingly, in 2013 there was a documentry film made

by Eric Christensen titled “The Cover Story: Album Art,” that traced the history and intricacies of album artwork.

Motown made spectacular music right here in Detroit — the whole world knows that — but the company was not generally known for great album designs. If one was looking for great album artwork, the real masterpieces, they would usually have to look elsewhere.

Even some of Motown’s biggest hits, such as Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life,” had less than inspired covers.

That said, there have also been a substantial number of eye-catching Motown album covers as well, some of which we are showing here.

So, to paraphrase from the first hit of Martha & the Vandellas, “Come and share these memories.”

lifestyle

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

RJ Barnhill

Page D-2

Taste

Editor’s Letter

When Michelle Obama unveiled her “49th-birthday cut” earlier this year a thick, blunt fringe, it inspired women everywhere to schedule an appointment with their hair stylist.

I also got in on the trend and am pleased to unveil my new look for spring, the season that is synonymous with new beginnings. And while the temperatures are certainly not where we would like them to be, there is still a sense of hopefulness in the air. In spring we look forward to the infinite possibilities that come with a new season and new life.

Soon enough the daffodils will sprout from the ground and the days will grow a little longer.

Until then, I urge you to bundle up and commit to trying something new for spring. Warm days will be here before you know it!

Stepping in Style,

March 20-26, 2013

MGM Grand Detroit pastry chef creates gourmet cupcakes

By RJ Barnhill

MGM Grand Detroit Executive Pastry Chef Orlando Santos is using his creative dessert talent to create signature gourmet cupcakes and many other specialty desserts for Palette Dining Studio.

Before joining MGM Grand Detroit in 2012, Chef Santos starred on Bravo’s hit show “Top Chef Just Desserts.”

Trained in the classical and contemporary art of pastries and artisanal chocolate, he is originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands and incorporates that style as well as French and American flavors into his desserts.

When asked what his favorite cupcake is, he answers that it is with his Chocolate Strawberry Champagne Sensation paired with his Orange Pineapple Sauce. He shares the recipe below.

Chef Santos went on to say, “I love creating unique flavor combinations to make people happy. Using my passion to make decadent desserts is fun and rewarding. It helps that they are a delicious treat and make thoughtful gifts.”

The cupcakes are sold inside the property’s buffet and are available in the classic chocolate and vanilla flavors, as well as options including strawberry and mocha. They can be purchased to enjoy while dining in and are among the few items that can be taken out. An order of one gourmet cupcake costs $5, and an order of four costs $18.

Chocolate Truffle Cupcake • 12oz Sugar • 4oz Butter • 3oz Salad Oil • 9 oz Cake Flour • 2oz Cocoa Powder • 1tsp Baking Soda • 2 tsp Baking Powder • 8oz Whole Milk • 6 Whole Eggs • 1tsp Vanilla Extract Combine the butter sugar and salad oil in a mixing bowl and whip until light and fluffy. Sift together all dry ingredients. Add the whole eggs and vanilla extract one at a time till combined. Add dry ingredients and whole milk alternating in mixing bowl to achieve a smooth cake batter. Place in cupcake tins and bake at 350 F for 45 minutes.

Buttercream Icing • 2 lbs Butter • 8oz powder sugar • 5oz granulated sugar • 2oz egg white • 1oz Strawberry Champagne Compound mix Combine butter and powder sugar and whip until light and fluffy. Combine pasteurized egg whites and granulated sugar together and make a meringue. Add the meringue to the whipped butter and powder sugar mixture. Flavor the mixture with the strawberry champagne compound. Spread on cooled cupcakes. MC

Style File

Fringe Fest

By RJ Barnhill

Forget clothes. The trend that is popping up everywhere is bangs. After First Lady Michelle Obama stepped out with her blunt cut face-framing fringe, many celebrities seemed to take their style cues from our fashionable FLOTUS. From retro cuts to side bangs to full-on, blunt fringes, it is clear bangs are having a moment. The best part about this trend is bangs are an easy and inexpensive way to update your look. But which style will best suit you? Worry not, we’ve hand-picked five of the best celebrity fringe hairstyles to inspire your next salon trip.

Blunt Bangs The most popular and flattering style for any face shape is wearing a fuller, long bang with any length hair. This style brings out the eyes because the length of the bang ends exactly where your eye starts. It is a youthful look because the thickness of the bang hides any lines on the forehead. This style is best for straight hair as the bangs need to fall flat on the forehead.

Michigan humidity can curl any type of hair so the use of a flat iron to keep hair straightened is suggested.

Frame Work Kerry Washington’s bangs are cut in a horse-

❶ Michelle O ba

❷

shoe shape around the face, with the longest pieces falling below her cheek bones. This keeps her face open. The contrast of soft layered curls and pin straight face framing bangs also makes Kerry Washington’s shoulder-length style feel feminine and relaxed.

Hide and Peek In the early 1940s, screen siren Veronica Lake popularized a longer, textured “peekaboo bang.”

Side-parted over one eye and worn with a wave, the sexy style has recently made its way onto Kelly Rowland’s glossy mane. This look really works for Kelly because it helps to draw attention away from her more prominent chin and instead draws attention to her framed peepers.

Retro Revival In 1955 Bettie Page’s iconic raven fringe, worn curled under and slightly shorter on the sides, was more naughty than nice. Here, Nicole Scherzinger continues to rock the vampy pinupinspired hairstyle. Scherzinger paired the short bangs with victory rolls and long tendrils gracing her shoulders. With the bangs cut shorter on the sides, the fringe appears to arc towards her hairline making her cat like eyes more noticeable yet mysterious.

Wispy Waves Rihanna is a hair chameleon and never sticks with one cut or color for long. But now she’s rocking curly, blonde locks with wispy bangs, and it is a nice departure from her edgier cuts.

If you have a diamond-shaped face or an angular jaw, wispy fringe can balance your look. This style is also has effortless summer appeal. To achieve the wind blown beachy look be sure to cut into the bangs vertically to eliminate bulk on the ends.

ma

n o t g n i h s a W y Kerr

❸ Kelly Rowland

❹ r e g n i z r e Nicole Sch

❺ Rihan n

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entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 20-26, 2013 Page D-3

MOTOR CITY ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar

BLUES FESTIVAL, Masonic Temple, Saturday, March 23, featuring Bobby “Blue” Bland, Bobby Rush, Denise LaSalle, Shirley Brown and others. Tickets sold at the Masonic box office or visit www. masonic.com. For more information, call 313.832.7100.

GEORGE CLINTON, P-Funk All Stars, the Bar-Kays, the Dazz Band, the Ohio Players, the Mary Jane Girls and Con Funk Shun. Fox Theatre, April 27. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and the Fox Theatre box office. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

MORRIS DAY & THE TIME, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, April 18. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com.

Keyshia Cole

Najee

KEYSHIA COLE, Chrisette Michele, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, April 11. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com.

NATALIE COLE, the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, April 26. For ticket information, visit www.caesarswindsor.com or call 800.991.8888.

EARTH, WIND & FIRE, the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, May 12. For ticket information, visit www.caesarswindsor.com or call 800.991.8888.

EASTER JAZZ Spectacular, featuring Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Najee, Boney James and Incognito with Maysa, Fox Theatre, March 30.

Tickets sold at all Ticketmaster locations and the Fox Theatre box office. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

RACHELLE FERRELL, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, April 4. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com.

ALICIA KEYS, Miguel, Joe Louis Arena, April 17. Tickets to be sold at the Joe Louis Arena and Ticketmaster locations. You will be able to charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000.

O’JAYS, Whispers, Stylistics, Enchantment, Fox Theatre, May 4. Tickets sold at all Ticketmaster locations and the Fox Theatre box office. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

“OLDIES AND MORE” BYOB parties for older adults, St. George Cathedral Cultural Center, 18405 W. Nine Mile Road, April 26 (one-year anniversary party), May 10, May 24, June 14, June 28, July 26, Aug. 9, Aug. 23, Sept.

13, Sept. 27. Call Bobby Green at 313.530.2933 for more information.

RIHANNA, Joe Louis Arena, March 21. Tickets sold via Ticketmaster locations and the Joe Louis box office. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

JAMES TATUM 26th Anniversary Classical/Jazz Benefit Concert, Detroit Orchestra Hall, April 14, featuring James Tatum Trio Plus, Jeanetta Carr, DSA Vision Male Ensemble, Legacy Dancers and Narration. For ticket informatioon, call 313.255.9015 or visit jamestatumfoundaton.com.

MIKE TYSON, “Undisputed Truth,” Fox Theatre, April 6. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and the Fox Theatre box office. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

DR. MICHAEL WALKER, “The Joy of Gospel Music,” St. Peter AME Zion Church, April 21; St. James Lutheran Church, May 19; Leggett Chapel AME Zion Church, June 9. Free admission. For more information, call 313.921.95577.

‘The 20/20 Experience’ Justin Timberlake is back in a major way.

“The 20/20 Experience” leaves little room for misinterpretation: it’s brimming with huge ambition. This one is meant to be Timberlake’s “Sgt. Pepper,” namely, he’s pushing an experience that’s album-centric, not single-minded. Nearly everyone recording in pop music today aims for the single (download). It’s how most consumers purchase music. However, “The 20/20 Experience” is really meant to be felt, grooved to, and enjoyed as a continuous musical journey, one track after the other.

You might already be spinning (is there a digital equivalent for that word?) “Suit & Tie,” but there are plenty more tricks up Mr. Timberlake’s sleeve. The standouts are “Pusher Love Girl,” a song that harkens back

Bobbie Smith (top, left) with the Spinners.

Singer dies Bobbie Smith, an original member of the Spinners, died on Sunday, March 17, in Orlando, Florida, from complications of pneumonia and influenza. In addition, the singer had been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Although the Spinners enjoyed their greatest success with Atlantic Records, they did have a few successful records at Motown.

For more information, call (313) 272-9000.

Reflections

“The 20/20 Experience” bears listening and re-listening, because you simply won’t believe the level of sophistication residing within this hour-long excursion

and D.J. E-Z Rock), “Haven’t You Heard?”

(Patrice Rushen), “Cool Jerk” (the Capitols), “Stop Your Weeping (the Dramatics), “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show” (the Honey Cone), “Leaving Me” (the Independents), “Another One Bites the Dust” (Queen), “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” (Nina Simone), “Spirit of the Boogie” (Kool & the Gang).

After a six-year absence, it never hurts to reach for the sky even if that means falling or failing. But it’s a gamble most artists have to take at some point in their career. “The 20/20 Experience” is Timberlake’s musical role of the dice. And the odds are stacked in his favor.

— Cornelius A. Fortune, managing editor

BLESSINGS to Keith Owens, Pam Owens, Joan Rogers, Clyde Brooks, Michael Winans, Regina Winans, Theresa Hill, Anthony Neely, Marcus Amick, Terry Cabell,

to Curtis Mayfield and luscious Barry White strings, lushly decorating the tapestry and “Blue Ocean Floor,” which has the distinction of being eerie yet beautiful. With eight more tracks to explore, you’ll find plenty to love, and best of all, the quality’s even throughout.

The funeral wlll take place at St. Stephen AME Church, 6000 John Hunter Drive, on Monday, March 25, 11 a.m. with the family hour at 10. Viewing is from 3 to 7 p.m. at Swanson Funeral Home, 14751 W. McNichols. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Swanson Funeral Homes, Inc.,

Melody Moore and Eric Merchant.

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Patti LaBelle: “Life doesn’t come with a rewind button. If you want to live genuinely, you have to free your-

From page D-1 self from the opinions, beliefs, attitudes and judgements of others.”

Let the music play!

(Steve Holsey may be reached at Svh517@aol. com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.)

AN EVENING OF LOVE WITH CALEB MERRITT MARCH 29, 2013 8:00pm

BOLL FAMILY YMCA THEATER

1401 Broadway, Detroit

Free Refreshments/Limited Seating Tickets $20 Contact Caleb Merritt 313721-2146 or Carlethia Robinson 313-808-7953

classifiedTHE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE Beaumont offering program for women at risk for cancer

Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak is offering a spring Silver Linings Program, an eight-week wellness program, for women who are at high risk for cancer.

“This speprogram cial is for women who have a genetic mutation, such as being BRCA positive, or a very strong family history of cancer,” said Ruth Lerman, M.D., facilitator, Silver Linings and Beaumont breast cancer specialist. “Reof gardless whether or not these women have had cancer, all those at risk are welcome.”

Silver Linings is free to participants. All interested participants must attend one information/registration session at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2 or April 9 at the Rose Cancer Center on the campus of Beaumont, Royal Oak. Those interested in attending either information/registration session are asked to RSVP with Pam Jablonski at 248-551-4645 or pjablonski@ beaumont.edu.

Program participants will meet for eight Tuesday evenings and one Sunday for a day-long retreat.

While there is no charge, registration is required and space is limited. Participants will receive four CDs to facilitate home practice.

“Our research has shown that program parexticipants an perience improved quality of life and decrease in cancer-related symptoms,” said Lerman, an experienced teacher of meditation and yoga and three-time breast cancer survivor.

Beaumont’s comprehensive cancer program combines the expertise of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists to offer cancer prevention counseling, diagnosis and treatment in hospital and communitybased settings.

The Beaumont Cancer Institute is one of only 49 Community Clinical Oncology Programs in the country designated by the National Cancer Institute to propatients vide with access to leading-edge cancer clinical research trials.

Beaumont is designated as a Blue Cross Center of Distinction for the Treatment of Rare and ComCancers. plex Beaumont, Royal Oak and Troy are recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “high performing” hospitals for cancer care.

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 20-26, 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Page D-4

help wanted

Planning Positions

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS City of Detroit Planning and Development Department 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 2300 Detroit, Michigan, 48226 Telephone: 313.224.0472 TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS In accordance with 24 CFR 58.43 and 58.70, this notice shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities undertaken by the City of Detroit.

On or about April 5, 2013, and in accordance with 24 CFR 58.71, the City of Detroit will submit requests to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Detroit Field Office for the release of Federal funds authorized under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1998. Once provided the appropriate authorization, the City of Detroit will commit these funds to the following projects:

Charlotte Apartments Project 2009 HOME Investment Partnership Program $1,200,000.00 Coronado Square Project 2009 HOME Investment Partnership Program $4,025,000.00 PROJECT SCOPE The Charlotte Apartments Project will rehabilitate an apartment building located 644 Charlotte Street, 48201. The rehabilitated apartment building will include twenty-seven (27) apartment units for rent to low-income households, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Project also includes the rehabilitation of a parking lot and drive way at 630 and 650 Charlotte Street, 48201.

The City of Detroit will commit one million, two hundred thousand ($1,200,000.00) dollars in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds to cover eligible hard and soft costs associated with the rehabilitation of the project site. The total development costs for this Project are $5,521,799.

Charlotte Apartments Limited Dividend Housing Association (LDHA), Limited Partnership (LP), will serve as the primary sponsor of this project. The offices of Charlotte Apartments LDHA, LP, are located at 43850 Wabeel Lane, Northville, Michigan, 48167.

The Coronado Square Project will rehabilitate an apartment building located 275 Merton Road, 48203. The rehabilitated apartment building will include forty-five (45) apartment units, with thirty-three (33) units available for rent to lowincome households, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The City of Detroit will commit four million, twenty-five thousand ($4,025,000.00) dollars in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds to cover eligible hard costs associated with the rehabilitation of the project site. The City of Detroit will also commit one million, eight hundred and forty-seven thousand, three hundred and fifty ($1,847,350.00) dollars in Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) 3 funds to cover eligible hard and soft costs for this Project. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the Authority to Use Grant Funds for NSP 3 funds on September 27, 2012. The total City commitment to this Project will be $5,872,350, and the total development costs for this Project are $7,822,350.

Coronado Square Limited Dividend Housing Association (LDHA), Limited Partnership (LP), will serve as the primary sponsor of this project. The offices of Charlotte Apartments LDHA, LP, are located at 8445 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, 48214.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Environmental Assessments for the above-named projects were prepared consistent with 24 CFR 58.40, and the Environmental Assessments find that these projects will have no significant impact on environmental quality. Therefore, the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.

In accordance with 24 CFR 58.38, the City of Detroit prepared Environmental Review Records that document the environmental review of the above-named projects. The Environmental Review Records are on file with the Planning and Development Department at 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 1200, Detroit, Michigan, 48226. The records are available for public examination and copying, upon request, on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS AND CERTIFICATION Through the Request for Release of Funds and Certification (form HUD 7015.15), the City of Detroit certifies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that the City of Detroit has fulfilled and will continue to fulfill its responsibilities for environmental review, decision making and action. Furthermore, the City of Detroit and Mayor Dave Bing, or other official approved by HUD, consent to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to environmental review, decision making, and action. Upon approval of the request for release of funds and certification, the City of Detroit may use the HOME Investment Partnership Program funds, and HUD will have satisfied its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and related laws and authorities.

PUBLIC COMMENTS The City of Detroit invites all interested agencies, groups and persons to submit written comments concerning the above-named projects for consideration. All submissions should identify: (a) the specific project that the comments address; AND (b) either the Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact or the Notice of Intent to Request for Release of Funds as the subject of the comments. The Planning and Development Department should receive such comments at the address listed at the top of this notice on or before April 4, 2013. The City of Detroit will consider all such comments so received, and the City of Detroit will not request the release of Federal funds or take any action on the above-named projects prior to April 5, 2013.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS For a fifteen (15) day period following receipt of all required documentation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will accept an objection to its approval of the release of funds and certification only if the objection is based upon one of the following claims identified in 24 CFR 58.75: (a) That the certification was not in fact executed by the Chief Executive Officer or other officer of the applicant approved by HUD; (b) That the applicant’s environmental review record for the project indicates omission of a required decision, finding, or action applicable to the project in the environmental review process; (c) That the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR 58 prior to approval of a release of funds and certification by HUD; or (d) That another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. HUD will not consider objections to the request for release of funds and certification on a basis other than those stated above.

All interested agencies, groups or persons must prepare and submit objections in accordance with the required procedures outlined in 24 CFR 58.76 and must address those objections to: Darlene White, CPD Representative Detroit Field Office U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 477 Michigan Avenue, 16th Floor Detroit, Michigan, 48226 Potential objectors should contact Ms. White at 313.226.7900, extension 8051, to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION The City of Detroit does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, handicap, national origin, race, sex or sexual orientation. Persons or groups with discrimination complaints may file those complaints with the City of Detroit Human Rights Department, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1026, Detroit, Michigan, 48226.

The applicant for this project is:

CITY OF DETROIT Dave Bing, Mayor Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1126 Detroit, Michigan, 48226 Notice Date: March 20, 2013

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments seeks individuals with degree in planning, civil engineering, public administration, or related field.

Knowledge of planning issues including transportation, environment, land use and economic development. Successful candidate will have Excellent quantitative, interpersonal, and communication skills. For more information, go to www.semcog.org/Careers.aspx, or call 313-324-3419. EOE

RN’S & LPN’S No Recession in Casper, Wyoming We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. Casper Wyoming has something for everyone including many indoor and outdoor sports. If you love the wide open spaces, then Casper is your place.

Shepherd of the Valley Healthcare Community is looking for RN’s & LPN’s.

Send your resume to: khartman@missionhealthcare.org or call 307-472-8752.

EOE, Drug Free Workplace

LOOKING TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE CALL NOW (313) 963-5522 Seeking

Technical Support Coordinator at Oakland University School of Nursing This position will advise the leadership on strategic direction, management and policy issues related to information technology for the School of Nursing. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or closely related filed.

Five years of experience with information systems and packaged solution support in project coordination, program design, development, testing, maintenance, data integration between systems and quality control. Salary is up to the low $60’s annually. Refer to online posting for additional minimum qualifications.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 26, 2013. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu Seeking

Java Developer Analyst at Oakland University

UTS Database Applications This position seeks an energetic and highly skilled developer for work on a variety of application systems and solutions in support of the university mission. The core application systems are Banner, uPortal, uMobile, LDAP and CAS. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or closely related filed. One to three years’ experience in enterprise system support and application development. Salary is up to the low $50’s annually.

Refer to online posting for additional minimum qualifications.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 26, 2013. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland. edu Seeking

Executive Office Assistant at Oakland University

Office of the President

Minimum Qualifications: Associate’s Degree in business or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years general experience including experience in prioritizing work and meeting deadlines. Superior keyboarding skills. Demonstrated MS Office proficiency. Knowledge of proper grammar, spelling & punctuation and ability to compose routine correspondence. Detail oriented with ability to track deadlines.

Ability to effectively communicate with the public, students, faculty, and staff. Ability to work well with senior management and on highly confidential matters. Salary is up to the low $40s annually. See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 29, 2013.

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

Classified

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Ludella McNair Services for Ludella McNair were held Friday, March 8, at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams officiating.

Mrs. McNair, affectionately known as “Della,” passed away Sunday, March 3, six days before her 99th birthday.

visited and delivered Christmas gifts to nursing home residents, Easter baskets to children at the Children’s Aid Society, and organized reelection campaign fundraisers. Years later the committee was renamed Women in Community Action, enabling it to assist other aspiring candidates and incumbents.

Born March 9, 1914, in Hopewell, Miss., she moved to Detroit in 1935 and was employed as a seamstress at Reed Sports Wear. Fashion conscious, she designed and made a lot of her outfits.

She was a great social butterfly with an overriding passion for politics. She worked in many political campaigns, most notably those of Congressman John Conyers Jr. and former Mayor Coleman A. Young.

classified

After helping Conyers to win a seat in Congress fron

Mrs. McNair was friend and supporter of Mayor Young from his years as a state representative and continued to work in his behalf after he became the first Black mayor of Detroit. the new First District in Detroit, Mrs. McNair and other campaign supporters, including Conyers mother. Lucille Conyers, Rosalind Murray, Marie Furcron, Joan Barrow, Frankie Smith, Jonnie Williams and Ruth Featherstone, formed the Women for Conyers Committee. The group

Mrs. McNair had been a member of Hartford Memorial since 1963, and served on its Mothers Board for many years. Her survivors include a goddaughter, Ashanti Webb, nephews, Mitchell and J.C. Funchess; a niece, Thelma THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE Funches; other nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Paint-on Advertise Now 313-963-5522 plastic MICHIGAN CHRONICLE electronics: Alignannouncements ing polymers for CAREER TRAINING PUBLIC NOTICE high performance DETROIT EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS CORPORATION Semiconducting polymers are an unruly bunch, but University of Michigan engineers have developed a new method for getting them in line that could pave the way for cheaper, greener, “paint-on” plastic electronics.

“This is for the first time a thin-layer, conducting, highly aligned film for high-performance, paintable, directly writeable plastic electronics,” said Jinsang Kim, U-M professor of materials science and engineering, who led the research published in Nature Materials.

Kim’s group approached the problem by making smarter semiconducting polymers. They wanted a liquid polymer solution they could brush over a surface, and the molecules would automatically align with one another in the direction of the stroke, assembling into highperformance semiconducting thin-layer films.

First, they designed the polymers to be slippery—ordinary polymers glom together like flat noodles left in the fridge, Kim said. By choosing polymers with a natural twist, the team kept them from sticking to one another in the solution.

But in order to align during the brushstroke, the polymers needed to subtly attract one another. Flat surfaces would do that, so the team designed their polymer to untwist as the solvent dried up.

The work is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Two authors of the paper were partly supported by National Science Foundation and WCU program of National Research Foundation of Korea. The university is pursuing patent protection for the intellectual property and is seeking commercialization partners to help bring the technology to market.

A Michigan Works! Agency, in cooperation with the DETROIT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS WORK READINESS, LITERACY SKILLS, AND DEMAND-DRIVEN TRAINING THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF EMPLOYMENT The Detroit Workforce Development Board (DWDB), in partnership with the local Chief Elected Official, is directly responsible and accountable to the Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan (WDASOM) for the planning and oversight of all workforce training and services in the workforce development area.

Effective July 1, 2012, the Chief Elected Official, the Detroit Workforce Development Board, and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) became parties to a Governance Agreement dated June 28, 2012 pursuant to which DESC became the depository and primary administrative and fiscal agent for workforce development funds available to the Board for use and disbursement in the local workforce development area.

DESC’s goal is to provide a comprehensive program that places WIA-eligible participants into employment through the provision of work readiness, literacy skills and training in high-growth, high-demand sectors. This goal is to be met through the provision of a wide array of offerings to customers that (1) have been unable to obtain or retain a job through WIA core and intensive services, (2) deemed eligible for participation through the Detroit’s American Job Centers (also known as One-Stop Career Centers), and (3) will choose a training program directly linked to employment opportunities in Detroit or the surrounding metropolitan area.

DESC is seeking one to three training providers to provide work readiness, literacy skills, and Career Education Consumer Report approved demanddriven training that will help eligible individuals overcome barriers to academic and employment success. The contract period will be May 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. The contracts for Work Readiness, Literacy Skills, and Demand-Driven Training will operate with funds from the Title 1 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, and other sources of funds that may become available.

THERE WILL BE NO PRE-PROPOSAL BIDDERS’ CONFERENCE. Questions are being accepted. ALL questions must be submitted in writing via email to rshimkoski@detempsol.org no later than March 22, 2013.

All DESC Bid Packages will be sent via email only. Bid packages will not be available for hardcopy pickup and will not be mailed by U.S. mail. Requests for the RFP package may be emailed to Robert Shimkoski, Jr., Manager – Planning Unit at rshimkoski@detempsol.org. In order to receive an RFP package, qualified vendors must submit the following information via email: company name, address, office phone number, fax number, contact person’s name, and valid email address.

Sealed bids must be received at the DESC’s Planning Unit, 707 W. Milwaukee – Second Floor, Detroit, Michigan 48202, no later than April 2, 2013, 4:00 p.m.

Each vendor is responsible for ensuring that its bid is received by DESC on a timely basis. Late bids will not be accepted.

DESC shall not extend the due date for bids on the basis that the U. S. Postal Service or another mail courier has lost or failed to deliver the bid. DESC is not responsible for bids delivered to the wrong location. Faxed bids will not be accepted. Bids received late will be returned unopened.

DESC reserves the right to waive any irregularities in any bid or to reject any or all bids, should it be deemed in its best interest.

DESC, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, does not discriminate in employment or in the provision of services based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, arrest without conviction, political affiliation or belief, and for beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in any federally assisted program or activity.

Auxiliary aids and services will be made available upon request to individuals with disabilities (TTY Number: 1-800-649-3777). Information contained in this document will be made available in alternative format upon written

request to DESC. DAVE BING, MAYOR DAVID BAKER LEWIS, ESQ., DWDB CHAIRMAN CALVIN SHARP, DESC BOARD CHAIRMAN PAMELA J. MOORE, DESC PRESIDENT/CEO JOSE REYES, DESC CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM FUNDED BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, STATE OF MICHIGAN AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES (TTY NUMBER: 1-800-649-3777)

March 20-26, 2013

Page D-5

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NOTICE OF HEARINGS REGARDING MATTERS TO COME before the City Council of Detroit. Advertisements for bids and contracts for purchases by the City of Detroit appear daily in the Detroit Legal News. Copies are available at the City County Bldg. and at 2001 W. Lafayette, Detroit.

Louisiana Rootman Brother Harris Call Anytime 1-313-341-0145

Specializes in Dressing Roots For Health, Love, Money, Etc. I don’t care what problem maybe I’ll fix it.

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announcements

PUBLIC NOTICE DETROIT EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS CORPORATION A Michigan Works! Agency, in cooperation with the DETROIT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS WAGNER-PEYSER EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND RELATED RE-EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF EMPLOYMENT The Detroit Workforce Development Board (DWDB), in partnership with the local Chief Elected Official, is directly responsible and accountable to the Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan (WDASOM) for the planning and oversight of all workforce training and services in the workforce development area. WDASOM administers Wagner-Peyser Employment Services (ES) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) through local Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs). MWA subcontracts with service providers to deliver services in their local area.

Effective July 1, 2012, the Chief Elected Official, the DWDB, and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) became parties to a Governance Agreement dated June 28, 2012 pursuant to which DESC became the depository and primary administrative and fiscal agent for workforce development funds available to the Board for use and disbursement in the local workforce development area.

DESC is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations to provide ES and related Re-Employment services and TAA services to jobseekers and employers at Detroit’s American Job Centers (also known as Detroit One-Stop Service Centers).

Applicants must be merit-staffed public organizations that are a unit of the state of Michigan, a local unit of government, special purpose unit of government, school district, intermediate school district, public community college, public college, or public university. The contract period will be July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. The ES contract will operate with funds from the Wagner-Peyser, TAA, and other sources of funds that may become available.

Based on service performance, contracts may be extended for up to two (2) one-year periods.

A Bidders’ Conference is scheduled for March 26, 2013, 2:00 p.m. at: Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, A Michigan Works! Agency 707 W. Milwaukee 1st Floor – Orientation Room Detroit, Michigan 48202 ALL questions must be submitted in writing via email to rshimkoski@detempsol.org no later than March 20, 2013 by 4:00 p.m.

All Bid Packages for DESC will be sent via email only. Bid packages will not be available for hardcopy pickup and will not be mailed by U.S. mail.

Requests for the RFP package may be emailed to Robert Shimkoski, Jr., Manager – Planning Unit at rshimkoski@detempsol.org. In order to receive an RFP package, qualified vendors must submit the following information via email: company name, address, office phone number, fax number, contact person’s name, and valid email address.

Sealed bids must be received at the DESC’s Planning Unit, 707 W. Milwaukee – Second Floor, Detroit, Michigan 48202, no later than April 2, 2013, 4:00 p.m. Each vendor is responsible for ensuring that its bid is received by DESC on a timely basis. Late bids will not be accepted.

DESC shall not extend the due date for bids on the basis that the U. S. Postal Service or another mail courier has lost or failed to deliver the bid.

DESC is not responsible for bids delivered to the wrong location. Faxed bids will not be accepted. Bids received late will be returned unopened.

DESC reserves the right to waive any irregularities in any bid or to reject any or all bids, should it be deemed in its best interest.

DESC, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, does not discriminate in employment or in the provision of services based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, arrest without conviction, political affiliation or belief, and for beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in any federally assisted program or activity.

Auxiliary aids and services will be made available upon request to individuals with disabilities (TTY Number: 1-800-649-3777). Information contained in this document will be made available in alternative format upon written request to DESC. DAVE BING, MAYOR DAVID BAKER LEWIS, ESQ., DWDB CHAIRMAN CALVIN SHARP, DESC BOARD CHAIRMAN PAMELA J. MOORE, DESC PRESIDENT/CEO JOSE REYES, DESC CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM FUNDED BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, STATE OF MICHIGAN AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES (TTY NUMBER: 1-800-649-3777)

community ARIES

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

STAR CHART

Make sure you take care of the emotional side of life. You’ve been doing a lot of thinking about things, but it is time to let your feelings do the talking. Calm yourself and experience how you really feel about things around you and then move toward what feels peaceful, calm and joyful.

Soul Affirmation: I use my emotions as my guide Lucky Numbers: 7, 40, 45

TAURUS

Hello! Destiny is at the door. Let it in and enjoy the change of pace.

You’ll be happy to make a few adjustments for this most welcome guest. Follow through on instincts and hunches.

Soul Affirmation: My spirit makes all things new.

Lucky Numbers: 8, 41, 50

GEMINI

Let someone else make a few decisions this week. Take a backseat and enjoy the respite from doing all the driving. You’ll enjoy the ride more this week if you just admire the view as it goes by.

Soul Affirmation: I enjoy living in my dream.

interior decorating. Be ready to accept a great opportunity at work.

Money doesn’t matter this week.

Don’t make finances more important than they need to be.

Soul Affirmation: I appear to others what I know myself to be.

Lucky Numbers: 21, 29, 36

VIRGO

Keep everything organized this week. No mixing work with fun or business with pleasure. Save your affection for the homefront and stay focused on the work in front of you on the job. Things are working out perfectly.

Soul Affirmation: This week I find joy in the gifts that life has already given me.

Lucky Numbers: 11, 18, 54

LIBRA

Why not take each perfect moment as it comes? You are struggling to find a solution that time can and will provide. Perform your tasks cheerfully this week and let the future take care of itself. Give yourself the opportunity to enjoy each now moment Soul Affirmation: Worry will only create more worry. I stop all worry.

Lucky Numbers: 31, 40, 51

Lucky Numbers: 18, 30, 43

SCORPIO

CANCER

This week is a week to let your diplomatic side work for you. Forcing will get you nowhere. No man or woman is an island. Focus on togetherness even if you are annoyed with people.

Your anxiety about an important issue can now be seen as needless.

You don’t have to worry! Have faith that things are working out perfectly and they will. This week especially consider all options before you make decisions.

Soul Affirmation: Charm is my middle name this week.

Soul Affirmation: I am uplifted by the presence of friends.

Lucky Numbers: 6,8,19

Lucky Numbers: 12, 17, 28

LEO

You have wonderful ideas about

SAGITTARIUS

You can be discreet and cut down

on some of the envious comments you are attracting. Or you can continue to flaunt it since you’ve got it.

Your choice this week! Watch for a pleasant change in a romantic partner’s attitude.

Soul Affirmation: The winner is me.

I smile for the cameras.

Lucky Numbers: 3, 39, 41

CAPRICORN

Sometimes you imagine that everyone needs to hear your sensible opinions on all matters of significance. And other weeks you know that you are wise and generous enough to listen to others as they share their good ideas. This week is a week for listening. You’ll learn much.

Recently I had an opportunity to visit a friend who had been hospitalized for a serious illness.

He was caught by surprise — something strange was hapening to his body. He recently turned 60 and expressed concern regarding the transition of his body from physical fitness to uncontrollable pain.

discomfort and there is swelling of the hands, feet and shoulders. It becomes essential for the senior to have good insurance to cover the cost of treatment regarding aging issues.

Another concern for seniors is fading vision which will affect us in time.

In preparation for this condition, seniors need to be prepared to adjust with the expenses of chang-

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Lucky Numbers: 5, 39, 43

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AQUARIUS

Anybody may occasionally have a week when their energy is low.

Your natural good health will see you through a possible down time if you just go with the flow and let yourself relax. Rest if you have the chance and you’ll feel like your wonderful self in no time flat.

Soul Affirmation: I calm my emotions by forgetting about the past.

Lucky Numbers: 12, 41, 45

PISCES

You are the center of attention this week and while you’ll be very busy you’ll love every moment. Enjoy your time in the spotlight! You may want to indulge yourself with some emotional theatrics this week.

Soul Affirmation: All vibes are good for me this week!

Lucky Numbers: 3, 12, 39

mobility of seniors, and in many cases we must recognize the need for mobility enhancement. That may require the use of canes, walkers and wheel chairs. Wheelchairs can be expensive but in many cases we must be prepared for the transition of not having mobility and making adjustments to remain independent.

Also, in dealing with the aging process we should consider the effects of certain mental changes. For exaample, forgetting of keys and difficulty remembering names and directions.

Just like my friend in the hospital, becoming a

senior can be a shock to the body and mind but most seniors would agree on one thing — that life is a blessing, despite the changes that come with aging.

Arthur E.. Nowlin, LMSW, CAADC, and Kim Logan-Nowlin, Ph.D. LPC, BCCPC, MFT, are a husband and wife Christian counseling team and owners of the Kim Logan Communications Christian Family Counseling Clinic in Detroit: www. kimnow.com, www.familylifelrc.com, drkimklc@ gmail.com, aenowlin@ yahoo.com, Psychology Today,Youtube.com; 313-898-8200.

Page D-6

P I CK S

Soul Affirmation: I listen with an open heart.

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March 20-26, 2013

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lifestyle

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Kenny Watson in the role of Jesus.

March 20-26, 2013

Page D-7

Out & About

Events This Week: 3/20-26 FOR THE LOVE OF READING March 20-April 24 Ferndale Public Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road. Readers and book lovers will love this exhibit showcasing artwork from memorable and famous book covers and stories.

For more information call the library at 248-5462504.

‘DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE’ March 20-24, Varner Recital Hall. Come out to enjoy a wickedly amusing theatrical play about a woman who answers a dead man’s cell phone and the drama and questions that ensue as a result. For more information or tickets visit Oakland.edu/mtd or call 248-370-2030.

RIHANNA March 21, Joe Louis Arena. Seven-time Grammy winning Rihanna is in Detroit one night only as a part of her Diamonds World Tour with special guest A$AP Rocky. For more information visit ticketmaster.com or call the Olympia Entertainment box office at 313-471-3200.

COLBIE CAILLAT March 21, Sound Board at Motor City Casino Hotel. Two-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter most known for her singles “Bubbly” and “Realize” will take center stage Thursday evening. For more information or tickets visit ticketmaster.com.

Culture

‘The Cross and the Light’ debuts at the Music Hall, March 24-31

By P. VanDyke

“The Cross and The Light,” an acclaimed musical dramatization of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ, will debut at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

This production has been described as the “Broadway version of the ‘Passion of Christ’” because of its original music score, extraordinary stage production, special effects, and high‐caliber actors. “The Cross and The Light” is running for 11 performances from Palm Sunday, March 24, to Easter Sunday, March 31. “‘The Cross and The Light’ has continually evolved over the years as we have drawn inspiration from personal experiences and thousands of audience members,” said Kelly Nieto, executive producer.

“We’ve developed a production that has received critical acclaim and are thrilled to have grown and revamped the production for its debut at the Music Hall. New audiences will love this and returning fans will have something new to experience.”

Nieto began producing “The Cross and The Light” in 2002, at which time it was named “Living Stations.”

The original music score was written by Nieto and songwriter Nick Dalbis of Crossroads Productions. This production chronicled the passion and death of Christ, and captivated audiences with its powerful musical and theatrical interpretation of the timeless Biblical story.

In 2011, the production moved from Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington, Mich. to the iconic Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, where it attracted more than 22,000 audience members.

After rave reviews and inspiration, Nieto decided to continue the story beyond the death of Christ and added a second act, which depicts Christ’s Resurrection to the Pentecost. The union of “Living Stations” and the second act became “The Cross and the Light.”

The cast consists of approximately 45 professional and amateur actors, including Kenny Watson, famed Detroit vocalist who is playing Jesus, and Candice Jackson, portraying Mary Magdalene. Annie Klark, music director of “The Cross and The Light,” said, “We completely recast the show this year and we’re blown away by the caliber of talent we were able to attract and place in the roles. The score is incredible and the cast’s voices are enchanting.”

• • • • • • •

Performance schedule is as following: March 24 Palm Sunday – 7:30 p.m.

March 26 (student day) – 10 a.m.

March 27 (senior day) – 10 a.m.

March 28 (family day) – 3 p.m.; 8 p.m.

March 29 Good Friday – noon; 8 p.m.

March 30 3 p.m.; 8 p.m.

March 31 Easter Sunday – 3 p.m.; 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for “The Cross and The Light” range from $35 to $100 and are on sale now.

For groups of 25 or more tickets, a 20 to 30 percent discount applies when purchased through the group sales department at 734.788.7073.

For more information about the production, show times or to purchase tickets, visit www.crossandlight.com or www.ticketmaster. com. MC

ALVIN AILEY March 21-24, Detroit Opera House. Nationally recognized Alvin Ailey Dance Theater will light up the stage with soulful music and vibrant dancing. For more information or for tickets visit michiganopera.org or call the Opera House at 313-237-7464.

2013 NCAA DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP March 21, The Palace of Auburn Hills. March Madness and the Palace will be a great place to be to watch the fun. One ticket will give you access to all three sessions on Thursday, the 21st, and Saturday, the 23rd (six games). For more information visit palacenet.com.

BLUES FESTIVAL March 23, Masonic Temple. Saturday night is a time for the grown folks. It’s a bluesfest featuring artists like Shirley Brown, Bobby Rush, TK Soul and others. For more information or tickets visit ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

‘FLAUNT’ March 23, The Townsend Hotel Ballroom, the annual “Flaunt” Hair & Fashion Show. Get a sneak peak at the 2013 spring trends as metro Detroit’s top salons and designers showcase their latest work. Drink, dance and mingle the night away with the social elite. Doors open at 9 p.m. Show begins at 10:30 p.m.

JEWEL March 24, Sound Board at Motor City Casino Hotel. With over 27 million albums sold worldwide, pop singer Jewel will be making waves in Detroit in concert on her Greatest Hits Tour. For more information or tickets visit ticketmaster.com V-DAY March 24, “Vagina Monologues,” International Institute, 111 E. Kirby. It is a theatrical play with women speaking candidly and humorously about sexuality and the strength of women. For more information visit vday.org or call 313-8718600.

-coming soonThe award-winning Brazeal Dennard Chorale, directed by Dr. Augustus Hill, will present their third annual Legacy Concert on April 13 at Orchestra Hall. The concert will celebrate the musical legacy of African Americans featuring sacred Negro spirituals sung by the Brazeal Dennard Chorale and performances by tenor Rodrick Dixon and soprano Alfreda Burke. Tickets for the 4 p.m. performance are $50 (box seats), $30 (general admission), and $20 (balcony), and can be purchased by contacting the Chorale office at 313-331-0378 or 313-823-5278.

Affirmation “I’m glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility.”

— Nikki Giovanni

We want to hear from you!

We welcome news items and photographs from the community. To submit your story, email Renglish@realtimesmedia.com

Page D-8 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • March 20-26, 2013