Michigan Chronicle Digital Editon 4-17-13

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Volume 76 – Number 32

WHAT’S INSIDE Privatizing more costly (Page A-2)

As Emergency Finan­ cial Manager Kevyn Orr works to balance Detroit’s budget in the wake of a state-declared financial emergency, reports indicate he may attempt to raise cash by privatizing Detroit’s drink­ ing water and wastewater systems. But there are those who say privatiz­ ing the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department would be a shortsighted mistake.

April 17-23, 2013

michiganchronicle.com

Ben Carson Insults Black Voters Famed Detroit-born surgeon tells Glenn Beck’s newsmag that support for Obama ‘trumps rational thinking’

Since taking over one of the largest municipal governments in the country as Detroit’s emergency financial manager, on March 25, Washington, DC bankruptcy attorney Kevyn Orr is settling into his new position by issuing directives on how both the Detroit City Council and the Office of the Mayor will function under an emergency manager.

Orr issued three executive orders, clearly defining how he intends to move forward for the next 18 months as he embarks on taclking the city’s fiscal crisis.

His first order was to retain the salaries and benefits of both the Kevyn Orr mayor and city council in place, a move some observers called smart in order to maintain a healthy working relationship between Orr and Detroit’s elective body.

For the third con­ secutive year, Comerica Bank, with the help of the Detroit Tigers, set out to make baseball and softball season even more special by awarding two public high schools with a $10,000 Grand Slam Grant each. One of the grants went to Cass Technical High School, in Detroit, and the other to Holland High School.

In the order, Orr, indicated that the mayor and council will play a vital role in the collaborative process of addressing the city’s financial emergency. Because of that, he wants to cooperate with the council, noting that he’s not an elected official.

Dr. Ben Carson

By Bankole Thompson

tions, it appears that he is departing with a different kind of mark.

CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

Dr. Ben Carson is one of the world’s leading medical professionals whose brilliance stands out among his peers.

For the fourth con­ secutive year, Leon C. Richardson, president and CEO of Chemico­ Mays, accepted General Motors’ Supplier of the Year award at a cer­ emony at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

The award is given to a select few of GM’s more than 18,500 suppliers worldwide.

By Patrick Keating CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Comerica Bank presents grants to high schools (Page B-1)

ChemicoMays receives GM Supplier of the Year award (Page C-1)

Detroit EFM Orr taking charge with executive orders

A distinguished neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Carson, who hails from Detroit, has an incredible story that every struggling child in the inner cities of America can identify with.

He grew up poor, raised by a single mother. At age Bankole 33, he became the director Thompson of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, the beginning of a meteoric rise for a man who came out of Detroit to command the global stage in scientific research in medicine.

A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Carson is the quintessential American success story and just like the story of President Obama, Carson’s life also reflects “the audacity of hope.”

He is leaving labeled as the newly minted right wing darling who in an interview with TheBlaze, founded by the conservative firebrand Glenn Beck, said African American support for President Obama has little to do with vetting the president’s actual policies, but rather the roots of oppression of Blacks.

“It’s created by a long history of oppression and they’re very proud (of Obama) and that pride trumps rational thinking.

I totally understand it, but I’m hoping at some point a more rational thought process will take over,” Carson said of Black voters.

Those remarks seem to suggest that Carson believes that support for Obama

by Black voters was not based on the competence, ability and qualification of the president, but rather Obama’s connection to the Black vote by blood and ancestry.

While it is true that the history of the African American pilgrimage inspires pride among Blacks regarding the Obama presidency, it is insulting and conde-

But as Carson retires from one of the world’s most prestigious medical institu-

See CARSON page A-4

“Council are the representatives of the people,” Orr told the Chronicle during his first sit-down interview with the newspaper, adding that he’ll be gone one day and there will still be council members and a mayor.

“I want them to be partners with me,” he said.

Orr’s second order approved the financial contribution of ambulances and police cruisers by corporate donors; and his third stated that the final decision on the budget and other such matters won’t become valid until Orr or his designee agrees in writing.

Orr’s appointment by Gov. Snyder has resulted in various protests, including one inexplicable and ill-conceived one last week involving slowing traffic on I-75.

One group of protestors, led by Rev. Charles Williams II, pastor of Historic King Solomon Baptist Church, traveled to Cleveland to hold a rally outside the Jones Day law firm, where Orr had been a partner.

Protesters in Detroit included Tellis Chapman, pastor of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, one of the city’s most respected religious figures.

Even the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition denounced the apppointment of an emergency financial manager saying it is not right way to address the government in financial crisis. Jackson, who described what has transpired as the usurpation of democracy, is calling for a “major non-

See ORR page A-4

In first historic meeting, Transit Authority sets to meet goals

By Donald James

As board chair Paul Hillegonds began the meeting, he announced that the agenda would include the election of officers, establishment of committees, authorization to expend startup grant funds, hear public comments, approval of legal counsel, schedule of future meetings, and establishing the process for seeking, reviewing and approving members of the Citizens Advisory Committee.

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Spotlight: Byron Allen (Page D-1) It would be difficult to not know who Byron Allen is because in one capacity or another, he has been a consistent presence on television for decades.

Wednesday, April 10, was a cold, gloomy and rainy spring day.

However, bright rays of hope radiated from the Rosa Parks Transit Center in downtown Detroit, where a large group of longtime regional transit advocates gathered and marched several blocks to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments’ (SEMCOG) 14th floor office, located at 1001 Woodward Ave. The short trek was to attend the first board meeting held by the recently formed Regional Transit Authority for Southeast Michigan (RTA). With colorful balloons, pro transit signs, jubilant chants, and even a birthday cake, advocates filled the room to hear RTA’s strategic transit plans.

LIVING

WELL

Brave Battle

Brain Tumor survivors Ronald E. Hall, and Kaitlyn Berg hope to help others

Hitting Home

Why Detroit PAL Baseball is a kid’s best friend

Is “D” Key? Bring It

Body & Soul and the Blues Community Challenge takes hold in Detroit

$1.00

Sr.

Paul Hillegonds

Curtis Ivery

Attending advocacy groups included Transportation Riders United (TRU), Metropolitan Strategy Enabling Strength (MOSES), Michigan Suburbs Alliance, Transportation for Michigan, Metro Coalition of Congregations, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, and Sierra

Mark Gaffney Club of Southeast Michigan.

In addition, transit riders, faith leaders, business leaders, students, job holders and many others who have pushed for a viable regional transit system participated in the march and attended the board meeting.

“We have a full agenda,” said Hillegonds, a DTE executive.

“It’s important, however, that we adopt the slate of officers and develop our committees so that we can get to work, and there’s a lot of work ahead.”

Established in December 2012 after legislation was created and

See transit page A-4

LivingWELL

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

Brave Battle

Brain tumor survivors Ronald E. Hall, Sr. and Kaitlyn Berg hope to help others

Hitting Home

Why Detroit PAL Baseball is a kid’s best friend

Is “D” Key? Bring It

Body & Soul and the Blues Community Challenge takes hold in Detroit

news

April 17-23, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page A-2

Michigan Association of CPAs offers educational and career advice to Detroit students

By Fred Cizauskas Michigan Association CPAs

programs discussed their experiences and how the attendees could prepare for college life.

of

Isra Haider, a junior who recently returned to school from an internship at a local accounting firm, explained to the students about how vital college internships can be.

Andika Powell, who is completing his Master of Science in Accounting, discussed how he started his educational career in engineering, but switched to finance and accounting.

Nearly 150 high school juniors and seniors recently had the chance to explore the wide variety of career opportunities available in accounting at the annual Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) High School Leaders Conference at Wayne State University. The event helps prepare students for success in college and beyond.

Students and teachers from 10 high schools participated.

Among the Detroit schools were Cass Tech, Crescent Academy, Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, Medicine and Community Health Academy at Cody, and Northwestern High School.

Because many CPAs say they made their career choices in high school, the annual conference provides students and educators with a realistic representation of what the profession is all about. From tracking down corporate fraud for the FBI to working in the world of sports and entertainment, the

STUDENTS gathered in impressive numbers for this year’s Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) High School Leaders Conference at Wayne State University CPA profession offers a variety of job opportunities.

Much to the excitement of representatives from the school, speakers at the event included two Cass Tech alumni, the Honorable Lisa Howze and CPA and former state representative LaRon E. York. Howze was there to discuss her journey to career success while York told the students that they might find their calling as a CPA after

working in another profession.

Until early 2012, he was an officer with the Detroit Police Department. “Our High School Leaders Conference at Wayne State University is one of the most unique and informative programs available for high school students,� said Peggy Dzierzawski, CAE, president and CEO of the MACPA. “Not only do we educate the students about

what to expect in college and as they begin their careers, but we also give them real life advice and the tools to put in place now, so they have a more successful future.�

During a session moderated

by Wayne State’s Department of Accounting chair and MACPA’s Board chair Randolph Paschke, CPA, CGMA, four current Wayne State students studying in bachelor’s and master’s

Every year, the event has received outstanding feedback from the schools, with many teachers returning year after year. Ken Krause, a business teacher at Fitzgerald High School in Warren, estimates that over the years he has brought approximately 200 students to the program.

This year, he had an exciting announcement — one of his former students who had attended the High School Leaders Conference became interested in the accounting industry and is now in the process of taking her CPA exam.

Privatizing Detroit Water & Sewerage Department more costly than loan As Emergency Financial Manager Kevyn Orr works to balance Detroit’s budget in the wake of a state-declared financial emergency, reports indicate he may attempt to raise cash by privatizing Detroit’s drinking water and wastewater systems.

But “Borrowing Trouble: Water Privatization Is a False Solution for Municipal Budget Shortfalls,� recently released by the consumer advocacy organization Food & Water Watch, shows that taxpayers ultimately suffer when water systems are privatized, and that leasing or selling these essential systems simply masks, not alleviates, local budget shortfalls. “Privatizing Detroit’s water and sewer system will do nothing to alleviate the city’s financial problems,� said Tia Lebherz, a Detroit-based organizer for Food & Water Watch. “Doing so would amount to a one-shot ploy to obscure larger money woes, and would ultimately come back to

haunt residents in the form of higher bills.�

Although more than 80 percent of water systems worldwide are publically owned and controlled, the collapse of global financial markets in the 2000s has led many governments around the world to consider privatizing these assets through arrangements such as concession contracts, where a municipality retains ownership of a system, but the corporation that has assumed control is responsible for setting rates and financing system upkeep.

In these deals, the private company will give a local government what is effectively an upfront loan for control of its water system, while ratepayers, not the municipality, are expected to repay the loan through rate increases and other fees. ratepayers Because must repay the loan from the company leasing their water system, water bills will increase. The more

money a local government receives from the deal, the more households and local businesses will pay through their water bills. privatization “Water is an inequitable and unjust way to fill the city’s budget holes as it will disproportionately affect lower-income families across Detroit who are already struggling to keep up with water rate increases,� said Ann Rall of the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization. “Our water system should provide the highest quality service at the most affordable price to ensure that all can have access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The regressive rate hikes that would occur with privatization would place an unfair burden on those less able to pay.

Privatization would also increase the already-staggering level of unemployment in this region.�

Concession contracts are far more expensive than the common form of government borrowing

on the municipal bond market. The upfront loan can have an interest rate of 14 percent or higher, while local government debt typically has an interest rate of about 4 percent.  For similar reasons, concession contracts have also been shown to drive up the cost of system improvements, adding $0.8 million to $2.5 million onto the total cost of every $1 million investment. “In Detroit, both the Emergency Financial Manager and the Board of Water Commissioners have expressed that they are interested in pursuing the privatization of DWSD, either through the sale or lease of the system,â€? said Ken Gray, member of AFSCME Local 207. “However, we know, and this report confirms, that such an irresponsible and short sighted decision will not create a balanced budget but rather will dig Detroit into a deeper hole of long term financial instability.â€?Â

The event, open to all senior drivers, will include stone chip repair for windshields and VIN (vehicle identification etching), a proven auto theft deterrent. Trained technicians will also offer battery and electrical system testing on cars, with a free diagnostic report provided to

each participating driver, and CARFIT, with experts checking to ensure the vehicle “fits� the driver properly for maximum safety and comfort.

No need for reservations — interested drivers should show up in their vehicle, rain or shine.

Anyone in line at 1 p.m. will be served.

AAA Michigan’s nearly a century of hallmark traffic safety support includes programs for people of all ages – from children to teens to mature drivers.

Turning Point tackles prevention April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Turning Point Inc., Macomb County’s only domestic violence and sexual assault services agency, is calling attention to some disturbing statistics about trends relating to assault. Sexual assault is a crime of power and control. Teens and adolescents are at greater risk for sexual assault than any other age group and least likely to report the assault or seek help. Turning Point believes that education is empowering.

By promoting public knowledge and the importance of preventive education, the goal of Turning Point and SAAM is to show communities how to stop abuse. This year, in conjunction with award winning author Danielle McGuire, Turning Point will tell the story of Rosa Parks involvement with the special battle African American women faced fighting sexual assault and violence. While much has been written about Rosa Parks and civil rights, little has come forth on her heroic stance on abuse of women.Â

McGuire tells this story in well

Working women who engage in feminist activism report more experiences of gender harassment on the job, regardless of whether or not they identify themselves as feminists, a new University of Michigan study indicates. “A woman who personally adopts the feminist label may not ‘out’ herself as such to others,� said Kathryn Holland, the study’s lead author and a graduate student in women’s studies and psychology. “Women openly engaging in activism for women’s rights may pose a more obvious threat to the existing gender hierarchy—a hierarchy that grants more power to men than women.�

U-M researchers examined how feminism relates to women’s experiences of unwanted sexual and sexist conduct in the workplace.

They assessed two indicators of feminism: self-identification as

“feminist� and engaging in feminist activism. “Feminism directly questions male privilege, so men may perceive feminist women as a source of threat,� Holland said. “Men may therefore feel greater motivation to sexually harass women who endorse feminist ideology.�

The study also measured sexual harassment and gender harassment.

Holland and her co-author Lilia Cortina, an associate professor of psychology and women’s studies, analyzed data from 424 women about their work experience. More than half—219 women, or 53 percent—identified themselves as feminist. About 40 percent—or 167 women—engaged in some form of feminist activism, such as signing a petition or giving money to a cause.

Among those who indicated they were feminists, 78 percent reported they did not engage in any form of activism while the remaining 22

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researched detail and will speak at Turning Point’s Spirit Of Leadership Awards dinner on Thursday, May 16. Details at www.turningpointmacomb.org. “We are dedicated to bringing these issues before the public: One in four girls and one in six boys age 18 & under are victims of sexual assault,� said Turning Point’s CEO, Sue Coats, “and surprising enough, most victims know and even trust their abusers. While sexual violence is prevalent, especially among the young; it is preventable.�

Study finds women active in feminist causes harassed more at work

By Jared Wadley

Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible

Entertainment news......... Ext. 241

AAA offers free ‘Senior Safety Day’ To help mature drivers be safer drivers, AAA Michigan is offering a firsttime free “Senior Safety Day� from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the AAA Headquarters parking lot, located at One Auto Club Drive (Hubbard Drive at Southfield Freeway), Dearborn.

Food & Water Watch recommends that Kevyn Orr reject the idea of privatizing Detroit’s local water and sewer systems, as doing so will not provide a real, sustainable and responsible solution for the city’s financial shortfall. Policymakers should grant the public access to all information regarding potential privatization contracts, encourage public input and require a referendum on any proposed lease, concession or sale of a public drinking or wastewater system.

percent did.

About 79 percent (335 women) described at least one sexual harassing work experience during the prior year.

While feminists reported less gender harassment than women who did not identify as feminist, feminist activists experienced more harassment compared to non-activist women. Holland says a possible explanation is that feminist activism is an observable behavior (which could trigger harassment), but feminist identity is not.

In addition, perhaps other negative work experiences (such as gender discrimination or poor family-friendly policies) motivate women to engage in feminist activism and leading them to feel dissatisfied with their jobs.

The findings appear in the current issue of Psychology of Women Quarterly.

“When you shall come to the land you shall plant trees.� – Leviticus 19:23

A tree has been planted in Israel

Show them you care...

Plant a Tree in Memory of a Loved One 5BLF QBSU JO B +/' UJNF IPOPSFE USBEJUJPO and plant a tree in Israel as a living tribute of your loved one.

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news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 17-23, 2013

Page A-3

President Obama paves way for second Detroit bridge

By Donald James SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

pletion date sometime in 2020.

The jubilant governor told those in attendance to “just be happy.” He emphasized, however, that there was much work to be done, which includes buying land on both sides of the border. Snyder pointed out, however, that most of the Canadian land needed to construct the span has already been secured by the government of Canada.

After more than a year of publicized debates, intense town hall meetings, citizen protests and major lawsuits, all pertaining to the proposed construction of a second bridge that will connect Detroit and Windsor, Gov. Rick Snyder announced at an April 12 press conference that President Barack Obama has officially endorsed the New International Trade Crossing (NITC).

He said it is now time to buy land on the Detroit side, specifically meaning in the southwest neighborhood of Delray.

“Today is a special day and I’m pleased to announce that the Department of State, President Obama’s administration has issued the presidential permit to move forward with the bridge,” Snyder said to a cheering audience. “This is a huge project for Michigan. We are calling it a bridge; but if you think about it, it’s much more than a bridge. It’s about jobs and our future in the state.”

The press conference was held at the world headquarters of James Group International, which operates global logistics, inter-modal distribution and supply chain companies, located near downtown Detroit just blocks from the Ambassador Bridge.

Government officials and other stakeholders were on hand to hear the governor’s announcement, inclusive of Eddie Francis, mayor of Windsor; Lisa Raitt, Canadian labor minister and member of Canada’s Parliament; Jeff Watson, member of Canada’s Parliament; Dave Van Kesteren, member of Canada’s Parliament; David Jacobson, United States Ambassador to Canada; Gary Doer, Canada ambassador to the United States; John A. James, founder, chairman, CEO, James Group International; and Lorron E. James, vice president of

When asked about Michigan’s taxpayers footing the bill for the bridge’s construction, Snyder quickly said, “We will not be using Michigan taxpayers’ dollars to build the bridge. We will be helping to facilitate the process.” Officials on both sides of the border maintain that Canada will pick up most of the construction tab, with the U.S. government making some financial contributions.

Barack Obama

Rick Snyder

business affairs, James Group International.

presidential permit comes 10 months after Gov. Snyder and Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed a historic agreement in Detroit to build the bridge.

“With the presidential permit, we are now closer to a bridge that will support our trade and our traffic,” said Raitt. “We now have all the necessary approvals in both countries to proceed with construction. This project is one of Canada’s national infrastructure priorities, not just for Ontario, but for the entire country of Canada. The project will create thousands of jobs on both sides of the border and that’s what we want to see in both Windsor and Detroit.

It is our intention in the government (Canadian) to complete this crossing as soon as possible.”

President Obama’s issuance of the

Tax Politics: Rep. Durhal on middle class tax relief months, Democratic state representatives heard the concerns of struggling Michiganders during their Real State of Our State Listening Tour. After the tour’s completion, legislators used this feedback to construct Michigan’s Middle-Class Plan, including the following tax initiatives:

CHRONICLE STAFF REPORTS

State Rep. Fred Durhal Jr. (D-Detroit) announced that House Democrats’ plan for middle class tax relief. The bills, based on Michigan’s Middle Class Plan, are focused on restoring tax credits and deductions to middle-class families and repealing taxes on retirees. Legislation included in the plan will relieve the tax burden on Michigan families when next year’s tax season rolls around.

“Today is the day many Michiganders will feel the pain of the tax increases that took effect last year,” Durhal said. “Forcing families and seniors to pay more in taxes isn’t right for Michigan, and that’s why we’re introducing these proposals.”

Last session, the Republican-led Legislature made severe changes to the Michigan tax code punishing middle-class families and seniors, including imposing a tax on retirement income, eliminating the Homestead Property Tax Credit for many families, a drastic cut to the Earned Income Tax Credit and the elimination of the $600 per-

• Repeal the new tax on senior retirement income

Fred Durhal

child tax deduction and tax credits for charitable donations. These changes were made to fund nearly $2 billion in tax breaks for big corporations, effectively making Michigan’s low-income and middleclass families pay for a handout to big corporations. The new taxes took effect in 2012, and many taxpayers became aware of them for the first time as they filed their state income taxes this year.

“Budgets are tight for families across Michigan, and many of those families plan on a tax refund at this time of the year,” Durhal said. “Instead, those families are seeing a reduced refund, or perhaps no refund at all.”

Over

the

past

• Require employers to inform employees about the Earned Income Tax Credit • Restore the Earned Income Tax Credit to 11 percent in the first year • Restore the Homestead Property Tax Credit • Restore the child deduction.

Along with these initiatives, the House Democrats pledge to continue fighting against tax increases on the middle class and seniors every time a new, harmful tax is introduced to the Legislature, and to keep Michigan taxpayers aware of the changes through a series of town halls held across the state.

two

Both officials, along with Denis Lebel, Canada’s minister of transportation, infrastructure and communities, agreed at the signing that the bridge will fix border gridlock, while enhancing the $120 billion in annual trade activity that crosses the river both ways.

According to plans, the $3.5 billion bridge, which has not been officially named, will be erected two miles southwest of the Ambassador Bridge. Snyder said that construction should begin in a couple of years, with a projected com-

On jobs for Detroiters: “We have had discussions about how to do training programs right here in Detroit so that people in the neighborhoods can get the opportunity to be a part of this project,” said the governor. “We will be helping to facilitate the process. It will be a winwin for everyone.”

The United States Ambassador to Canada agrees: “This is a big deal for Windsor, Ontario and Canada, and this is a big deal for Detroit, the state of Michigan and the United States,” said Jacobson. “It’s a big deal because of the thousands of jobs that will be created, first with the building of the bridge, and followed by the hundreds of thousands of jobs and perhaps more that are dependent on the infrastructure that will be here for generations to come.”

Black conservative Swimp calls for repeal of Jim Crow law ‘Davis Bacon Act’

reduces the number of minority workers in the construction industry by 25,000 each year.

Stacy Swimp, president of the Frederick Douglass Society, has released a new video indicting and calling for the Repeal of the Davis Bacon Act, which he says is the “lone remaining Jim Crow Law in America today”

Swimp stated that he believes the reason the Law remains in existence today is “because unions lobby for it and spend millions of dollars to fund the campaigns of politicians, Republicans and Democrats, who then vote against all efforts to Repeal this discriminatory law.”

The Davis-Bacon Act, also known as “Prevailing Wages,” was originally passed in 1931. Since then it has been suspended — even by presidential executive order — and then reinstated several times.

Swimp says he created the video to “increase At inception, The Davis awareness in the general Bacon Act was promoted as public and to hopefully inspire Americans, particua means of protecting work- Stacy Swimp ers on federal construclarly Black Americans, to tion projects like the Mississippi Levee contact their representatives and ask Project. Newspapers like The Pittsburgh them to support the repeal of the Davis Press ran stories about the “beating and Bacon Act.” slugging of Negro workers, forced work In 2012, Congressman King introof from 12-18 hours a day, wages run- duced an amendment to prohibit the use ning from 75 cents to $2, and ‘intoler- of funds to administer the wage-rate reable’ camp conditions.” (Dec. 7, 1931) quirements of subchapter IV of chapter

Swimp says that the Davis-Bacon Act was “implemented based on racial motivations, namely the notion that minority workers should not be able to underbid White construction workers for government construction jobs.”

Studies have found that Davis-Bacon requirements have a negative impact on minority work opportunities. According to the Black Chamber of Commerce, the complexities and inefficiencies of the Davis-Bacon Act discourage many qualified small and minority-owned businesses from bidding on public projects.

One study estimates Davis-Bacon

31 of title 40, United States Code (DavisBacon Act), with respect to any project or program funded by this bill.

The amendment was defeated by a vote of 235-182 (Roll Call 486). Stunningly, 50 Republicans “crossed over” and voted with Democrat Representatives to help defeat Congressman Steve King’s mission to put an end to racial discrimination in labor, unnecessary tax increases, and enormous losses in construction jobs annually.

Swimp says very plainly, “Jim Crow must go.”

Memories from Birmingham Jail with MLK titudes toward the president. So many cannot accept the fact that a Black man has achieved the highest office and is in the White House. They demonstrate their attitudes when they show disrespect for the office of president.

Fifty years after King wrote “Letter From Birmingham Jail,” a man arrested with him recalls the moment.

Rev. Jonathan McPherson went to jail for the first time in his life on Friday, April 12, 1963. It was Good Friday in Birmingham, Ala. Blacks on that day were defying an injunction outlawing protests, and under the leadership of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth continued mounting a fierce but nonviolent challenge to segregation. For McPherson, King, Shuttlesworth and others, that challenge led to a paddy-wagon ride and lockup in cold cells with concrete floors.

McPherson was about 29 at the time and on the faculty at historically Black Miles College. McPherson’s father bailed him out the next day. King was locked up longer, in isolation, and there he wrote his famous “Letter From Birmingham Jail,” responding to white clergy who had questioned the need and method of protest in Birmingham.

The letter was first made public on April 16, 1963. Exactly 50 years later, on April 16, 2013, McPherson joins several others in a progressive reading of that letter at Miles College.

McPherson, who has written a book about his experiences, is now a 79-yearold pastor and funeral-home owner.

He spoke to The Root about how not enough has changed since his days in the civil rights movement and what it was like being jailed with King. He also shared some choice words about today’s black clergy and the GOP. The Root: What was it like going to jail with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?

TR: When did you learn of the “Letter From Birmingham Jail” and what was your response at the time?

Rev. Jonathan McPherson

Rev. John McPherson: When we got out of the paddy wagon and were going into the jail, it was already crowded with others who had been arrested and jailed for marching. We could hear them singing. We knew this was something we had to do. When I asked an elderly gentleman in the cell with me why he was there, he said: “I’m here ’cause I want to see what the end is gonna be.”

The man was a regular in the marches.

His name was Brother Meadows. He was in his seventies or maybe eighties, but he said he was going to stick with it all the way. If he had lived longer, he would have seen this city elect its first black mayor in 1979. A while later, he would have seen our first African-American president, Barack Obama.

TR: If you were to write a “Letter From Birmingham” today, what issues would you address?

J M: I’d address some of the same issues. Too many people today have the same attitudes they had 50 years ago.

Eleven o’clock on Sunday morning is still the most segregated hour in America. You don’t have colored water and white water, but we need not be deceived by the fact that we have a black man in the White House.

Sometimes I am asked, “What happened to the Ku Klux Klan?” or “What happened to the White Citizens’ Council?” I say look in the Republican Party, and you’ll see those attitudes raising their ugly heads. It shows in their at-

JM: I learned about the letter after it was made public. I didn’t know Dr. King was writing it while in jail. When I read it, I embraced it. I followed the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights, led by men like Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and Rev. Abraham Lincoln Woods. I worked at Miles College under the leadership of Dr. Lucius Pitts. The letter represented the prevailing attitudes in the Christian Movement and at Miles. If the letter had not been picked up by the national press, it would not have risen to prominence. That’s how it is. We don’t embrace something until it’s embraced by the majority culture. Dr. King, in writing the letter to our white brothers, gave classic respect and displayed great courage.

TR: Do you see the same fervor for social justice in ministers today as what was displayed in Rev. King, Rev. Shuttlesworth and other civil rights leaders?

JM: No. Now the emphasis for young African-American clergy is on materialism. Too many are focused on high salaries, jewelry, cars, large members. They attempt to seduce those who are not knowledgeable so they can get to the pocketbooks. The emphasis on serving the masses of people, helping those in need and fighting for social justice is not where it was or where it should be.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Carson

From page A-1

scending to suggest that Obama was only supported because he is Black.

That is a narrative that’s recently been the bane of argument from those who are not imaginative or creative enough to find ways to make the Republican Party more appealing to Black voters.

Michael Steele, the 64th chairman of the Republican National Committee and its first African American leader, tried but got kicked out before he created any major changes at the helm of the GOP. Does Carson believe that the 2012 GOP presidential nominee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was more qualified and had better policies than Obama?

Does Carson believe that Romney had better policies for women’s advancement, including support for reproductive rights and equal pay in the workplace than Obama?

Does Carson believe that in 2008, Sen. John McCain was more competent than then-Sen. Obama on the issues both men campaigned on for president?

For a man with sterling credentials and a medical pioneer to all of a sudden descend to the same level of gutter thinking of political operatives and hacks while at the same time denouncing “political correctness” is shocking.

to express his opposition and speak out against any proposal coming from the Obama administration or Democrats.

But I expected that as an intellectual and a brilliant doctor who solves medical issues all the time, Carson would take it upon himself to deliver similar balanced criticisms of the conservative movement whose ideas he now seeks to embody.

When Obama was faced with detractors questioning his faith, including prominent right wing evangelists like the Rev. Franklin Graham, coming out publicly and saying they were doubtful of the 44th president of the United States being a Christian, where was Carson?

Did he speak out against the “political correctness” and the silence by leaders within the conservative movement who disagreed with the further questioning of the president’s Christian faith by their own colleagues?

Where was Carson when the GOP leadership, after the first inauguration of Obama in 2009, vowed to not work with him and make Obama a one-term president?

“It’s created by a long

Does Carson also believe that Obama won because, according to Romney, the president promised gifts to certain segments of the electorate who voted for him since they could not think for themselves?

history of oppression and they’re very proud (of Obama) and that pride trumps rational thinking.

I totally understand it, but I’m hoping at some point a more rational thought process will take over.”

—D r. Ben Carson in an interview with TheBlaze

But Carson’s sud­ den transformation from being a star in the medical world to becoming a divisive political figure did not stop with insulting Black voters.

In an interview with Fox News, Carson compared gay marriage to bestiality and pedophilia. He tried to take back his remarks but it was too late and the damage had been done.

“My thoughts are that marriage is between a man and a woman. It’s a well established, fundamental pillar of society and no group, be they gays, be they NAMBLA, be they people who believe in bestiality, it doesn’t matter what they are. They don’t get to change the definition,” Carson said.

The outcry against his remarks about gay marriage has been unending. In fact, it forced Carson to not only apologize but voluntarily withdraw as the 2013 commencement speaker for Johns Hopkins Medical School. Many of the students protested his remarks which the school dean, Paul Rothman, described as inconsistent with the values of the institution, while acknowledging Carson’s right to free speech.

But the rapid controversial issues with Carson did not start there. It began with his harsh and unmerited criticism of President Obama’s policies at the National Prayer Breakfast in February, during which he took Obama, who was sitting with Michelle Obama a few feet away, to task on issues such as health care and taxes.

As the headline speaker at the annual breakfast, Carson politicized his speech at the National Cathedral, setting up the stage for obvious mass support from ultra-conservative activists and major conservative figures alike, extremely excited that finally another highly accomplished African American male can take the first Black president to task to his face on a prominent platform. Watching the entire religious ceremony, it appeared Carson came to church to fight with President Obama.

Denouncing the notion of taxing the wealthy at the highest rate, Carson, proposed a flat tax, citing tithing in the Bible. Without specifically mentioning the Affordable Health Care Act, he said the best health reform would be to give every child a health savings card at birth.

“Here’s my solution: When a person is born, give him a birth certificate, an electronic medical record, and a health savings account to which money can be contributed — pretax — from the time you’re born ’til the time you die,” Carson said at the National Cathedral.

Since his criticism of Obama’s key policy accomplishment at the 61st Annual Prayer Breakfast and his crude and senseless remarks about gay marriage, Carson has become the Marco Rubio for Black conservatives and a hero in the recovering conservative movement whose hopes were dashed by Obama’s 2012 overwhelming reelection.

In fact, Carson has been mentioned not only as a potential 2016 presidential challenger but also as a possible GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, to replace the outgoing Sen. Carl Levin. We’ll see if that is just political fantasy or a real dream been pursued.

The Conservative National Journal wrote, “If conservatives are looking for a political outsider with an inspiring ragsto-riches story and who could effectively challenge President Obama’s policies on health care and taxes while also quoting Scripture and criticizing political correctness, look no further than Ben Carson.”

I have no issue with Carson criticizing the president. He should criticize constructively as any level-headed individual would do if he disagrees with certain public policy issues. He has every right

To be a credible voice and an equalizer on either side of the political movement, it would behoove Carson to deliver stinging criticisms of the conservative movement as well when necessary.

His failure to do so renders him nothing more than a political hack who risks being judged by his remarks on gay marriage, criticizing Obama to his face, Blacks being irrational, instead of his tremendous accomplishments in the medical world, and that is a shame.

Carson needs to sit down with Gen. Colin Powell and learn from him about how to be an effective political voice while keeping your reputation intact.

Since his decision to enter the political world by speaking at the CPAC-Conservative Political Action Committee Conference and addressing conservative audiences earnestly seeking new leaders and heroes, Carson has been a lightening rod but one whose remarks could very well work to undermine the different groups that he would need if he is seeking political office anywhere.

Alienating African Americans by linking their support for Obama to irrational thinking for a doctor who ought to engage in rational thinking, and comparing gay marriage to bestiality, is the wrong route for Carson to start in politics no matter how much money die-hard conservatives are willing to put behind him.

Gov. Romney learned that lesson the hard way, when he abandoned the civil and human rights legacy of his father, George Romney, former governor of Michigan, in search of extreme policies and statements revealing how little he understands the growing need for gender diversity when his only response to the need for women in leadership during his tenure as governor in Boston was to turn to “binders full of women.”

Gen. Powell, who from time to time calls his party to task, is very pragmatic about his support of any issue. Powell doesn’t belong to just one party, which is why his voice and endorsements are respected.

Carson’s challenge is whether he can measure up to Powell. He is already squandering that opportunity by the kind of remarks he thinks would make him likable by those who think and act like him politically.

April 17-23, 2013 Page A-4

Transit passed by the state legislature, and subsequently signed by Gov. Snyder, RTA moved quickly to form a 10-member board.

The board’s goal is to plan, create, implement, oversee and improve methods of mass transportation in Wayne County, as well as in the counties of Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw.

Lisa Franklin, president of Warriors on Wheel, was chosen to represent Detroit.

Wayne County’s representatives are Dr. Curtis Ivery, president of Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD), and Mark Gaffney of Michigan’s AFL-CIO. Each of the other participating counties has two RTA board members.

While the creation of RTA is not meant to usurp SMART, DDOT, the People Mover or AATA, it will, however, oversee and coordinate the aforementioned entities.

Realizing that it needs vast cooperation from the city of Detroit and Wayne, Macomb, Oakland and Washtenaw counties’ stakeholders, RTA board members heard from more than a dozen citizens and regional transit advocates, all of whom voiced their expectations for the new RTA. “I’ve been on this battlefield for a long time and I want to congratulate those of you who have been supporting and working with me and for me to make this happen,”

From page A-1 said Cindy Reese, a Detroiter who co-chairs the transportation task force for MOSES. “Today is RTA’s birthday. It’s been a long time coming. My motivation has always been to get regional transportation so that one day my grandson, my future great-grandchildren and many other people will be able to get around the region.”

Others agree.

“Public transportation is a justice issue for our community and region,” Louise Ott, pastor of Congregational Church of Birmingham, told the board.

“Public transportation is an economic issue and a developmental issue, not only for Southeast Michigan, but for the entire state of Michigan. Therefore, we are walking with RTA because we know that you will not get in the way of delivering a true mass transit plan that will serve the common good of the region.”

While the first RTA board meeting was productive in accomplishing some issues, board members know that the months ahead are important. RTA must find ways, inclusive of proposing a transit tax to voters to raise in the neighbor of $100 million to improve and expand transit systems throughout the region; hire a CEO to take over daily operations; and continue to build unprecedented collaboration that engage residents of all races, business owners, governmental bodies,

civic and community entities, transit agencies, and other stakeholders from Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw counties.

Megan Owen, executive director for Detroitbased Transportation Riders United, hopes the board will remain open to hear from the public and will continue to listen to the voices of local and regional transit advocacies.

“I encourage you (the board) to take into account that there are many people here today, and hundreds more that would have loved to be here if schedules and transportation allowed, that have ideas on various transit issues,” Owens said from the podium facing the board.

“Although there are 10 intelligent members on your board, I hope that you will identify and incorporate others’ ideas, thoughts, suggestions and voices in the decisions that you will be making.”

On the search for a CEO: “While I know the board has some financial constraints, I hope you will do everything to bring in the best expertise from around the country for your CEO,” Owens said.

“We don’t want or need the same people doing the same thing and coming up with the same solutions. There are people across this country with proven regional transit experience, and that’s why you need to conduct a national search for your CEO.”

Mayor’s budget must meet EFM approval Chronicle Staff Reports According to published reports, Mayor Bing’s 2013-2014 $1 billion budget would cut funding to the council and leave unfilled positions as they are.

For the most part, police and fire avoided serious cutbacks, as did the public lighting department and blight removal.

However, 28 civilian police positions would remain unfilled, as would a score of firefighting jobs.

City workers would also have one unpaid day off every two weeks from June 30 to next February.

The council’s $11.2 million budget would be cut by $4 million. Each council member would be reduced to one full-time staffer. Council members have criticized this decision in light of the fact that several will be elected in districts next year.

One hundred currently vacant positions will remain that way. In addition to the police and fire jobs, these positions

include the deputy mayor and jobs in such departments as transportation and finance.

On the other hand, people would be hired to fill 40 EMS vacancies.

The amount set aside for operational restructuring has been reduced from $28 million to $15 million.

In his presentation to the council, Bing indicated that the city’s deficit could rise to $380 million — a $50 million increase — as a consequence of avoiding draconian cuts.

The mayor’s budget, if passed in its current form, would have little effect on reducing the city’s deficit of $327 million. A deficit expected to increase by $60 million by the end of the fiscal year.

User fees for licenses and what not would increase anywhere from 15 to 50 percent.

The budget is due at the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Deliberations are set to begin this week.

However, the final decision will belong to Emergency Financial Manager Kevyn Orr, who declared on April 11 that “any orders, ordinances, resolutions, appointments, approvals, terminations, appropriations, contracts, permits or other related actions of the Detroit mayor and city council from and after March 28, 2013, shall be submitted to the emergency manager for consideration, but will not be valid or effective until or unless approved by the emergency manager or his designee in writing.”

The order, issued under the aegis of Public Act 436, was established as being retroactive to March 28 and could be modified or rescinded at any time.

Mayor Bing and Council President Charles Pugh expressed confidence that Orr would respect the process by which the city’s elected officials work out the budget.

Gutter politics and exploiting racial politics for the benefit of media coverage and brand positioning within a certain ideological spectrum do not belong anywhere near those who claim to rise above the fray.

Carson has created a narrow ideological space that now confines him to an anti-intellectual, anti-Black, anti-historical narrative of meaningless political discourse. He is becoming the new vehicle of a movement that was thrown into disarray by Obama’s reelection by the very groups that he is now insulting.

Engaging in pseudo intellectual discourse to replace historical facts to satisfy unjustifiable policies that undermine the advancement of Blacks and people of color, women, gays and lesbians will not pass the truth test.

In Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion, “for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.” Dr. Ben Carson should know that no one has a monopoly over the facts and that for every attempt to distort the facts and the historical body of evidence there will be an equal reaction to correct the facts.

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 WDET-101.9FM (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.

Orr

violent demonstration” to resist Orr’s appointment.

Jones Day is also the center of controversy, given that contracts were pending with that firm and council members had questions about whether Orr, who left the firm when hired as the emergency financial manager still maintains ties to his former employer.

Orr, in his position as EFM, has the final say in whether the city enters into contracts with Jones Day or some other entity.

Andre Smith photo

From page A-1 Mayor Bing advocated that Jones Day serve as the city’s restructuring counsel.

all options are open on the matter of getting the city’s financial house in order.

According to reports, the president of the Michigan chapter of the National Action Network, Rev. Charles Williams II, claimed that Jones Day would be the actual EFM.

In a recent interview with the Chronicle, Council President Charles Pugh stated that he’s always been an optimist, and that with Orr’s presence, the city can make the best of a bad situation.

In interviews, Orr has indicated that his goals include helping business by cutting red tape for permits and licenses.

Orr has indicated that

He also indicated that the city will be stronger on the other side of its debt restructuring.

April 17-23, 2013 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Page A-5

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE April 17-23, 2013 Page A-6 news D. C. Wiggins releases debut book about the hidden complexities of relationships

By Amber L. Bogins

Detroit author Dr. D. C.

Wiggins is releasing her debut novel, “Their Darkest Hour.” It is a revealing tale chronicling the hidden complexities of relationships. Not wanting to perpetuate the romanticized myth of marriage, “The Darkest Hour” offers a tale of a woman who is emotionally malnourished, mentally stressed and physically drained.

Inspired by true events, Wiggins tells the story of Desiree and Malik. The

D.C. Wiggins

Unequal wages cost Detroit area women

A new analysis released

for Equal Pay Day reveals that the Detroit area’s gender-based wage gap is punishing local families and the economy.

Women who are employed full time in the Detroit area are paid 74 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to a yearly gap in wages of $14,378. Collectively, this amounts to a loss of more than $7.5 billion in income every year – money that could strengthen the local economy and provide critical support to the more than 244,300 Detroit area households headed by women.

The National Partnership analyzed the wage gap in the country’s 50 largest metropolitan areas and in all 50 states. It found that, statewide, women in Michigan are paid 74 cents for every dollar paid to men.

“This new analysis illustrates the great harm to families, states and metropolitan areas caused by the pervasive genderbased wage gap,” said Debra L. Ness, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families.

“With most women serving as essential breadwinners for their families, the loss of this critical income has devastating consequences. Local, state and federal lawmakers should make ending gender discrimination in pay and promotions a much higher priority.”

According to the analysis, if the gap between men’s and women’s wages in the Detroit area were eliminated, each full-time working woman could afford to pay for food for 2.3 more years, buy 3800+ more gallons of gas, pay mortgage and utilities for 10 more months or pay rent for 18 more months.

These basic necessities would be particularly important for the nearly 81,600 women-headed households in the Detroit area that currently live below the poverty level.

Nationally, women who hold full-time jobs are paid 77 cents for every dollar paid to men who hold full-time jobs. African American women and Latinas fare worse, being paid 64 cents and just 55 cents, respectively, for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men.

This wage gap has been closing at a rate of less than half a cent per year since passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963. At that rate, it is estimated that women will not be paid equally for more than 40 years.

“Fifty years ago this year, the Equal Pay Act became law. Yet a punishing wage gap persists for women across the country,” Ness continued. “We must do more to close the wage gap, which is present in every part of the country and every industry, and affects workers with every level of education. Congress and the president can and must do more. We are urging Congress to prioritize passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act and urging President Obama to take executive action to ensure that federal contractors do not discriminate in pay.”

couple’s relationship begins to disintegrate following Malik’s recovery from a surgery to remove a brain tumor. Instead of leaning on Desiree for support during the difficult time, Malik shuts her out and finds himself more and more frustrated with his wife and himself. The couple’s journey takes them through the depths of temptation and forces them to learn the importance of truth and

wisdom despite their circumstances.

Dr. Wiggins, born De’Andrea Wiggins, has had a love for reading and writing since she was a young girl. She is an author, speaker and facilitator who has presented at corporations, universities and churches around metro Detroit. She has been an educator for over 15 years. She is committed to helping people grow spiritually and excel

professionally.

Currently, Dr. Wiggins is a blogger and book reviewer for the Tyndale Blog Network, Waterbrook Multnomah and Thomas Nelson Publishers. She is an independent contributor for the Examiner.com as the Detroit Christianity and Culture Examiner.

She is also the interim director of diversity and enclusion at Wayne State University’s School of Medicine. Her diverse

background and interests coupled with a long-held passion for literature and fiction give her a unique perspective as a fiction writer.

A book signing for “Their Darkest Hour” will be held on Sunday, April 14, at 1:00 p.m. at the gymnasium at Impact Church located at 12844 Elmdale at Dickerson on Detroit’s east side.

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April 17-23, 2013

Comerica Bank surprised Cass Technical High School with a $10,000 grant towards its baseball and softball programs. Pictured from left at a surprise assembly are Dejah Darkins, Cass Tech softball player; PAWS, Detroit Tigers mascot; Toia Dennis, Cass Tech softball player; Julie Schneider, head softball coach; Mike Ritchie, incoming Comerica Bank–Michigan president; Janice Tessier, president of Comerica’s Charitable Foundation; Lisa Phillips, principal of Cass Tech High School; Julius DuBose, Cass Tech associate baseball coach; Elaine Lewis, vice president of public affairs and strategic planning for the Detroit Tigers; Richard Miller, Cass Tech head baseball coach; Tom Ogden, president, Comerica Bank–Michigan; Dominick White, Cass Tech baseball player; Edward Tomlin, Cass Tech athletic director; and Ken Snapp, Cass Tech baseball player.

Comerica Bank presents $10,000 Grand Slam Grants to Cass Tech and Holland high schools

Springtime in Michigan is a time of uncertainty. For many, “Can I wear shorts or will I need my hat and scarf today?” is a common question. And when the forecast reads, “sunny and 60, with a chance of evening snow,” Michiganders aren’t surprised; it’s just a fact of life. Through all its uncertainty, spring always marks the start of baseball and softball season for communities across the state, including our own Detroit Tigers. Rain, snow or shine, you’ll find people breaking in their gloves, lacing up their cleats and dusting off their ball caps.

For the third consecutive year, Comerica Bank, with the help of the Detroit Tigers, set out to make baseball and softball season even more special by awarding two public high

Andy Dirks, to select this year’s Grand Slam Grant recipients.

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HOMEFRONT schools with a $10,000 Grand Slam Grant each. This year’s recipients were Cass Technical High School and Holland High School.

“The funding for high school athletics continues to dwindle. We applaud our partner Comerica Bank for stepping

Patti Griswold, senior vice president, West Michigan retail banking for Comerica Bank, poses with West Michigan Whitecaps mascot CRASH after a special surprise assembly announcing Holland High School as the west Michigan recipient of the Grand Slam Grant.

up to the plate and awarding the Grand Slam Grant to the baseball and softball programs at Cass Tech and Holland high schools,” said Elaine Lewis, vice president, public affairs and strategic planning with the Detroit Tigers. “The financial support provided to each school assists

the teams with resources to foster a love for the great game of baseball.”

Starting in February, Comerica sent out a call for applications to high schools in southeast, central and west Michigan.

Coaches, athletic directors and administrators got word of the

Grand Slam Grant program and more than 60 applications were submitted. Next, Comerica selected the top three schools from southeast Michigan and another three from central/ west Michigan. With the finalists chosen, it was up to the Detroit Tigers, including celebrity judge

The fun didn’t end there, Comerica and the Tigers planned surprise pep assemblies at each school to announce the $10,000 Grand Slam Grant to students.

Cass Tech’s announcement came first. Students, including the baseball and softball teams, filed into the auditorium with no idea why they’d been summoned for a midweek assembly.

Thomas Ogden, president of Comerica Bank–Michigan, called both teams on stage where he announced Cass Tech was the southeast Michigan 2013 Grand Slam Grant recipient. Detroit Tigers mascot PAWS, the DTE Energy Squad, DJ Kenny Valentino and Fox Sports Detroit celebrity emcee Shannon Hogan

See GRANTS page B-2

Comerica Bank surprised Holland High School’s softball team with a $10,000 grant to help fund field improvements, new equipment and a training camp.

Pictured from left with members of the Holland High School softball program are Janice Tessier, president of Comerica’s Charitable Foundation; John Porterfield, Grand Rapids region president for Comerica; John Anderson, head softball coach; Justin Jennings, Holland High School principal; CRASH, West Michigan Whitecaps mascot; and Patti Griswold, senior vice president, West Michigan retail banking for Comerica.

31st Annual Metro Detroit Youth Day July 17 at Belle Isle The 31st annual Metro Detroit Youth Day (MDYD), which draws more than 30,000 area youth, will be held July 17 on the athletic field of Belle Isle. The event emphasizes the need for education, mentorships, guidance and the need for future leadership for our youth.

“The theme this year will emphasize the need for greater safety for our kids by stopping crime and bullying, and more emphasis on ways to reduce obesity and how to become an entrepreneur and own your own business,” said Ed Deeb, co-founder and chairman of the Youth Day event, and founder and chairman of Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA). “The kids are our future. Now more than ever the community needs to rally around them to save their lives and prepare them for the future. We also want to build a spiritual net around them to help our youth build our communities and become future leaders.

“Most importantly, we want to keep our kids in school and keep them in Michigan after graduation from college. We must come together now more than ever to protect, respect, educate and support our young people.”

Dignitaries invited to participate include area elected

Youngsters at Metro Youth Day learning martial arts from board member Dr. Al Haywood. officials, clergy and community leaders.

“When we started Metro Youth Day 31 years ago, it was to instill peace in the community following altercations,” said Deeb. “It is truly a success story about people and organizations working together for harmonious relationships and a better community. We must continue to work together to also protect our youth and inspire them to do the most good.”

For more information, contact the Metro Detroit Youth Day office at (586) 393-8800.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

COMERICAHOMEFRONT

Grants were on hand to provide entertainment for the students during the surprise assembly. The students received a congratulatory video message from Detroit Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks.

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index was essentially unchanged in January, up 0.1 points to a level of 103.0. The January index reading is 43 points, or 72 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. December’s index reading was revised from 102.7 to 102.9.

“Wow, this is giving back to the community at its best,” said Lisa Phillips, principal at Cass Technical High School.

“It touches my heart that Comerica Bank and the Tigers would look down the street to Cass Tech and offer such support to our baseball and softball programs.”

“The Grand Slam Grant represents an opportunity for Cass Tech to be able to sustain its success as a program and allows us to give back to our community by offering an improved little league program,” said Julie Schneider, softball coach at Cass Technical High School.

The following day, Comerica representatives headed to Holland for the second surprise in as many days. Students poured into the Dutch Dome, Holland High School’s unique dome shaped gymnasium, for what they thought was a simple pep rally and nothing more. West Michigan Whitecaps mascot CRASH and celebrity emcee DJ Internio of 104.5 WSNX had the students pumped up throughout the assembly. The Dome erupted in applause when John Porterfield, Grand Rapids region president for

West Michigan Whitecaps mascot CRASH helps John Porterfield, Grand Rapids region president for Comerica Bank, surprise Holland High School with a $10,000 grant for its softball program.

Comerica Bank, announced Holland had been awarded the grant to finance field improvements, equipment and establish a training camp program.

“This creates more opportunities for the softball program to grow and will help us improve our facilities and equipment,” said John Anderson, softball coach at Holland High School. “The more good things we have, the more girls will probably want to come and play, and the more players we have the better things are going to get.”

In addition to the $10,000 grant, both schools received 60 tickets to see the Detroit Tigers take on the New York Yankees on April, 6 at Comerica Park, where they were recognized on the field. Coach Julie Schneider of Cass

Tech and John Anderson of Holland threw out the ceremonial first pitches.

The Comerica Bank Grand Slam Grant program was created in 2011 to help public high schools in Michigan create, expand or improve a baseball or softball program. Past winners include Kalamazoo Central High School, Lincoln Park High School and Detroit Renaissance High School.

“At Comerica, we’ve enjoyed watching the Grand Slam Grant program grow to help so many community baseball and softball programs across Michigan, said Thomas D. Ogden, president, Comerica Bank-Michigan. “It’s inspiring to see the dedication and passion of local school administrators, coaches and future allstars.”

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 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.

“Following a strong December, our Michigan Index was mostly flat in January.

The index components were mixed, with payrolls, hotel occupancy, construction and motor vehicle production stronger. Exports, sales tax revenues and claims were weaker,” said Robert Dye, chief economist at CoRobert A. Dye merica Bank. “Auto sales have remained solid through the first two months of 2013, 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.

Incoming Comerica BankMichigan President Mike Ritchie gets ready to toss a Grand Slam Grant T-shirt Bank and Detroit Tigers representatives present the $10,000 check to Cass Technical into a sea of cheering Cass 1 Comerica UNI_CBP_3037_Heloc_MC.pdf 3/15/13 10:06 AM High School administrators and coaches, as well as the baseball and softball teams.

Tech students.

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Michigan Index Flat in January

From page B-1

“Comerica Bank is a proud supporter of Michigan’s hometown teams,” said Thomas D. Ogden, president, Comerica Bank-Michigan. “Cass Tech’s plans to use the Grand Slam Grant to fund much-needed equipment and uniforms and to increase participation in youth baseball and softball programs will prove to be a great value to the students and the community.”

April 17-23, 2013

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

Community

April 18

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 20

The Detroit Medical Center Safe Baby University Workshop 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.

McClaren Hospital 50 N. Perry, Pontiac This is a workshop designed to teach expectant parents and caregivers the basic injury prevention practices necessary to keep their newborn infant safe after arriving home from the hospital.

To register, call (313) 745-0072.

The Detroit Historical Museum April Scholar Series featuring Tuskegee Airmen Colonel Alexander Jefferson 6 p.m.

The National Research Summit on Reserve Component Military Families

2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

While successful intervention programs have been launched across the country to support military families, there remain few opportunities for clinicians and researchers to share and discuss this information on a national scale, with none focused specifically on the special challenges faced by Reserve Component families. This summit represents an effort to increase discussion and awareness surrounding the challenges faced by the families of National Guard and Reserve members.

1510-12 W. Grand Blvd. and W. Warren.

For more information and for tickets, call (313) 895-6744.

April 21

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.

Detroit Historical Museum 5401 Woodward Ave. Colonel Jefferson will provide share his memories of World War II and how his Tuskegee Airman status contributed to his life during the Civil Rights era.

For more information, call (313) 833-1801.

April 19

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.

April 24 Free day at the zoo

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

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Detroit Zoo 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak

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.”

Senior citizens living in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties are invited to enjoy a free day at the Detroit Zoo on Senior Day. Senior Day will feature live music, tractor train tours, bingo and a senior resource area. The day’s activities will also include animal enrichment and zookeeper talks highlighting some of the Zoo’s senior animal residents. Seniors 62 and older and a caregiver willreceive complimentary admission and parking.

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

Free and open to the public

For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.

Marygrove College Madame Cadillac Building 8425 West McNichols

April 25-26

Carter Metropolitan CME Church Women’s Day Committee invites the public to share an afternoon of enjoyment as they present “Ten Virgins” (a play adapted from Matthew Chapter 25).

Hartford Memorial Baptist Church Presents A Poetry/Spoken Word Month Celebration

April 17

April 17 - 23, 2013

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

For more information, visit http://m-span.org/ conferences/national-research-summit-on-reserve-component-military-families/.

Page B-3

vendors, health-related giveaways, informative health-related sessions, refreshments, free parking on Cobo Roof, entertainment, and much more.

For tickets, call (313) 224-0810 or visit www. waynecounty.com for more information.

May 16 The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is hosting the Fourth Annual Tribal Economic Forum 9 a.m.

Radisson Lansing Hotel 111 N. Grand Ave., Lansing During this two-day conference speakers will address a variety of topics including tribal business development, energy, agribusiness, funding programs and contracting.

This event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend but registration is required For more information, visit http://www.regonlince.com/TribalForum.

April 27 Children’s Hospital Michigan Smoke Alarm Installation Program

May 17

9 a.m.- 2 p.m.

After Christ Christian Center 3331 Fenkell

Dossin Great Lakes Museum’s Re-opening Gala

Kohl’s Injury Prevention Program at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan will partner with volunteers in the community to go into homes to educate and install working smoke alarms. If you are in need of this service, or would like volunteer, call (313) 745-0072.

April 30

6 p.m.

Belle Isle Park 100 Strand Dr. Come and celebrate the recently renovated facility on Detroit’s historic shores of Belle Isle Park.

For more information, call (313) 833-1980.

Wayne County Free Health Expo for the Uninsured

May-June (all month) Detroit Children’s Choir registration

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cobo Conference Center, Michigan Hall 1 Washington Blvd.

Have you had your annual health exam or physical? Uninsured or underinsured? If you haven’t, don’t put it off. This free annual Wayne County community health event features essential health and dental screenings and health education,

Detroit Children’s Choir is an inclusive choir program focused on providing high quality choral music to metro Detroit area children from 8-14 years of age.

For more information, visit www.detroitchildrenschoir.org.

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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

April 17-23, 2013

Page B-4

Detroit’s first lady: We must keep fighting breast cancer

By Yvette Bing The mayor and I are looking forward to the May 18 Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure at Comerica Park. Since Detroit’s first Race for the Cure in 1992, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has been the local presenting sponsor. Over the years, the event has raised more than $23 million for the fight against breast cancer with some remarkable results.

Dave and I join fellow Honorary CoChairs Governor Snyder and First Lady Sue Snyder (a breast cancer survivor), Senator Carl and Barbara Levin, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Congressman John and Debbie Dingell, Congressman John Conyers, and Congressman Gary and Colleen Peters in lending both our names and our commitment to this fight.

Breast cancer touches all of us in some way. My friend and colleague, Sue Ray, who has been with Dave and me for 26 years, is a breast cancer survivor. My late twin sister, Yvonne, had breast cancer. I know many other women who are courageously fighting now and, sadly, too many who have lost their battle.

Most of us know that all women are at risk for developing breast cancer, and that men can develop it too. We’ve certainly heard that early detection really does make a difference. Every woman should learn about her family history with this disease, and understand what’s normal for her. Talk to your doctor about the importance of regular screening, including mammograms, in order to detect cancer at its earliest, most curable stages.

What may not be as widely known, however, is that breast cancer can be a greater challenge and often a deadlier disease for African American women.

While White women are diagnosed with breast cancer more often, African American women die more often from the disease. One of the reasons is that for African American women, their cancers are more likely to be found later, after they’ve begun to spread.

Here in metro Detroit for example, African American women are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed at stage 3 or 4, meaning the cancers have already begun to spread to other parts of the body. This also means their treatment is more difficult and more costly. It’s always awful for someone to hear “You

have breast cancer,” so much worse to learn it is not early-stage disease.

There is no question that great progress is being made. Yet, even progress milestones include some level of disparities. For example, since 1975 the fiveyear relative survival rate has increased significantly for African American women, yet there remains a substantial gap between us and White women.

Currently, the five-year relative survival rate is 77 percent for African Americans compared to 90-plus percent among white women. And fewer of us report that we are getting our mammograms than do other women.

There is much to be optimistic about, however.

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) is widely available in the city of Detroit, providing free screening for women who are uninsured and under-insured. Money raised by the Komen Detroit Race funds grants that are providing an even tighter safety net, including six programs across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties that are working to provide access to early detection and quality care. Susan G. Komen has also funded cutting-edge breast cancer research. Several of their projects at Karmanos, Wayne State University and Henry Ford are delving more deeply into the scientific mechanisms behind racial disparities of breast cancer.

Every one of us can do something to make a difference. We can talk with our families and share medical histories. We can talk with our doctors to learn our own personal risk. We can transform that knowledge into personal care plans, with earlier or more frequent screenings if we are at greater risk. We can learn more about breast cancer and its impact on our community, then share what we know. We can be vigilant about our own health — getting more active, eating sensibly and reducing stress.

It can be as simple as a morning walk shared with 40,000 others who believe as I do, that one day, we will see a world without breast cancer. I’ll be at Comerica Park with the mayor on Saturday, May 18. I hope you will join us.

Contact Komen Detroit Race for the Cure at raceforthecure@karmanos.org or call 248.304.2080. Register at www. karmanoscancer.org/komedetroit.

‘No one change the change’ ladies. She is dealing with real American challenges, such as military families and childhood obesity. She is out making speeches and inspiring women of all backgrounds.

By Dr. E. Faye Williams The state of equality and justice in America is shameful, especially since the election of President Barack Obama. Unlike many of my friends who think America is going to hell in a handbasket, and have given up thinking things will get better for those who’ve been marginalized for so long, I still have hope for a better day.

With people who could not stand all these positive scenes and unbelievable accomplishments, insanity set in, and instead of grinning and bearing the strides America was making, they began trying to set us back When Barack Obama to what they called “the was running for president good ol’ days.” Some make of the United States, a close every effort to send Black friend said to me, “Mark my people to the back of the word. When Senator Obama E. Faye Williams bus, send immigrants of is elected, some people will color back to from whergo absolutely crazy, and after he’s re- ever they had come, send gay people elected, they will go mad!” back into the closet, and force women His rationale was that the average to go back to the kitchen! They began White person had never had the oppor- talking about taking back their country tunity to wake up every morning and see as though they didn’t take it from the a brilliant Black man on television who Native Americans and as though immiis the most powerful man in the world. grants and enslaved people had done Unless they were wed to FOX News and nothing to build this country. the O’Reilly, Hannity, Beck,Von Sustern Many in the U.S. House of Represenprograms, they would learn so much tatives and the U.S. Senate tried to block about us, so many good things they had everything President Obama supported, refused to acknowledge before. even if they had supported the same So many of our people are brilliant things in the past. They were tone deaf in what they do, but never had a fair to the phrase “Where there is no justice, chance to be seen in a positive light in there will be no peace.” With a president daily newspapers or on mainstream tele- who truly tries to make all levels of govvision or heard on major radio stations. ernment look like America by appointNow, here we are after the Obama vic- ing women, Hispanics, Asians, gays and tories. He’s there every single day. The lesbians, Democrats and Republicans madness really swung into high gear and being totally inclusive of all of us, with the Tea Party, Michelle Bachman, those who’ve gone mad do not underSarah Palin, Senator Ted Cruz and a stand that you cannot put a genie back whole lot of others. Some I didn’t men- in the box. tion because they are already on the list We may be going through a rough of what most of us have come to know as period as far as progress on equal“the crazies,” such as Rush Limbaugh ity and justice, but I still believe there and his horrible ilk. are enough good people who will work Black women like our first lady, Mi- through their prejudices and biases with chelle Obama, had not often been seen which they were reared as they underon the evening news, except when they stand that those of us who’ve previously were there crying over a son or daugh- been left out won’t turn back. I still have ter who’d been shot or accused of being hope. No one can change the change for involved in some kind of wrongdoing. which we’ve worked so hard.

Now, here she is — beautiful, smart, Dr. E. Faye Williams is national “mom in chief,” presiding over social chair of the National Congress of Black events for world leaders and their first Women.

Children of color disadvantaged by structural bias

YVETTE BING (left), race chair Mo Keenan Meldrum, Mayor Dave Bing and race co-chair Katrina Studvent. — Patricia Ellis photo

Irate reader responds to Bill Johnson commentary Mr. Johnson, you need to get in your car and head to Windsor by way of the Ambassador Bridge. Halfway across the bridge, pull over get out of your car and jump. You will be doing more for Detroit that way.

You talk about the ministers, UAW, NAACP.

If the governor wants to help Detroit,, give up some money. He started taxing state retirees, now spend the money to help, at least with crime. You talk about people who never ran a business. Well, you have a governor who once owned Gateway. Where are they now? A mayor who once owned Bing Steel.

His company went under, If they couldn’t help their own companies, what can they do for Detroit?

What have you done for the community to stop crime, to stop folks from leaving? Nothing. All you do is run your mouth, just like everyone else. You really sound like a Repub I have never agreed lican, one who thinks it’s Bill Johnson with any of your opinions.

OK to violate the rights of I know we are in America voters. I understand the city is in bad and everbody has a right to express their shape, but I bet your parents would want opinions, but I would love to never hear to kick you dead in your behind about from you again. — Guy Stanley right now.

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

By Dr. Gail Christopher

uct.

In an often expressed dream for a better America, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called upon Americans to honor “all God’s children” and their rights to equality and justice. His powerful voice and leadership would be welcomed in the turbulent world around us.

But the statistics don’t tell the entire story.

Forty-three years after the March on Washington, Dr. King’s dream of equality for all remains unrealized – the impact of racism persists and children of color still live with the consequences of the racial divide embedded in American society.

Our leaders face mounting fiscal challenges, yet we urge the nation not to abandon children in need. As the struggling economy brings fear and despair to families and communities, America must marshal its resources to assure that our children have opportunities to thrive.

There is an intersection between Dr. King’s dream and efforts by government, non-profit advocates and communities working to improve the quality of life for vulnerable children.

Recent census data soundly demonstrates the challenges we face, as a nation, in assuring that future generations can succeed. The poverty rate for children in the U.S. is at 20.7 percent, with 35.7 percent of African-American children living in poverty, 33.1 percent of Hispanic children, 17.7 percent of white children and 14 percent of AsianAmerican children.

Even more disturbing is that those numbers are rapidly increasing. The census also found that 1.4 million children fell into poverty for the first time in 2009.

There is an emotional toll on Americans when we recognize that our nation is failing our children. We cannot relegate millions of children to a future without opportunities, a destiny of poverty and social exclusion. That is not the American Dream, and it is an anathema to Dr. King’s dream for our nation.

Furthermore, the nation must also address the legacy of the mythology of racism that fueled the nation’s early economic engines, jumpstarting the United States’ meteoric rise to its position as a world power. Racism played a critical role in the development of this country. Its hallmark was systematic dehumanization codified into law for centuries.

Related inhumane, destructive and exclusionary practices left indelible impressions in the minds and hearts of people. These impressions or beliefs became feelings and memories (both conscious and unconscious) that have been passed down through generations.

Related behaviors are encoded in the patterns of families, communities, ordinances and organizations.

The legacy of our racialized past remains embedded in today’s societal structures, continuing to negatively impact children of color.

Persistent residential racial segregation and seemingly intractable disparities in life expectancies, disease burdens, poverty levels, incarceration rates and unemployment levels are symptoms of vestiges of centuries of structural bias in our society, made possible by the mythology of racism.

Efforts to revive the economy will grow even more difficult in the future if the nation doesn’t address child poverty.

The Center for American Progress says that in 2007, even before the recession, the economy took a $500 billion hit from child poverty because of increased costs for health care and criminal justice, and decreases in productivity.

Dehumanization and denigration or privilege and separation defined the lives of millions of families and their children in America, for most of our existence as a country. Resilience, courage and success against engrained odds are often the untold story for many families of color.

In fact, economists estimate that child poverty resulted in a 4 percent decrease in the U.S. gross domestic prod-

Dr. Christopher is vice president of program strategies for the W. K. Kellogg Foundation

It’s time for America to change.

community

April 17-23, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

STAR CHART ARIES

LEO

Your careless ways with money are going to be apparent this week. Financial mistakes you’ve made in the past will be especially painful.

Don’t conceal the pain from yourself. It is a warning that you should take steps to prevent future financial crisis.

The link that you’ve established with your spiritual self will be strengthened by the people who come into your life this week.

This week is a week for seriousness about a relationship. Discuss your deepest thoughts with others.

They’ll understand and thank you for sharing intimate parts of yourself.

Soul Affirmation: I let my friendships guide my way.

Soul Affirmation: Faith keeps me calm in the storms of life.

Lucky Numbers: 13, 22, 35

TAURUS

Lucky Numbers: 44, 49, 51 You’ve done some of your own love homework. Hopefully you’ve had an opportunity to learn a new way of seeing the world and in that way you’ve found a way of loving that is more natural for you. The combination of sexiness and joyful focus can create you a wonderful love experience.

Soul Affirmation: I change who I am by changing where I am going.

Soul Affirmation: I get joy from giving good things.

Lucky Numbers: 2, 12, 23

Lucky Numbers: 11, 17, 37

VIRGO

Share in the glory of your friend who has been recognized for outstanding work. Plan a small gettogether to celebrate the occasion.

Your time will come, and you will be placed on the pedestal. Your intimacy radar is sensitive. Watch out for a new romance that might come along. Expect the unexpected! You will be pleasantly surprised.

Soul Affirmation: The slowness of my week gives me time to refresh my energy.

Soul Affirmation: Love is easier than breathing.

Lucky Numbers: 15, 26, 36

Lucky Numbers: 16, 30, 50

CANCER

SCORPIO

The bond that you established with your spiritual side works well in your relationship with a special person. Speak of the reality of the intangible qualities of life. Your lover will understand. Keep attention on the financial matters you’ve been dealing with.

You’ve done a lot of things in life that no one has agreed with at the beginning. Finding agreement this week will be difficult, but it should not deter you from moving forward.

Feeling sorry for your loneliness will discolor what you are doing. Be happy that you are alone.

Soul Affirmation: I obey the rules this week and avoid hassles.

Lucky Numbers: 1, 14, 24

Lucky Numbers: 14, 28, 39 Some say optimism is fantasy.

Suppose the good thing you’re optimistic about never comes. This week you’ll know that the joy of anticipating it is joy enough. Just the certainty of coming goodness is present goodness. The joy of tomorrow is available this week.

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Soul Affirmation: This week is the week the Lord has made. I rejoice in it.

Lucky Numbers: 22, 36, 38

AQUARIUS

LIBRA

Stay positive, don’t let negative people get inside your head. You know that things will work out well.

Ease rapidly away from anyone who is a naysayer. During the week, things may seem hard at times but soon life will be filled with fun.

Enjoy!

Soul Affirmation: Time is the greatest peacemaker of them all.

CAPRICORN

Take advantage of the great weather and spend time outdoors enjoying and relaxing with Mother Nature.

Learn a new sport, and spend time with family and friends. Don’t take travel matters into your own hands.

Seek a professional who will be able to plan a wonderful vacation for you without breaking your bank. Cook up some goodies for your loved ones.

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

Eternal optimist, eternity is now.

Get in touch with your hopefulness and be a beacon to others. Try not to be taken in by promises made by others or promises you’ve made to yourself. Concerning your own affairs, avoid contemplating lofty subjects and seeking long ranged solutions.

Week’s Best

You might be looking into the buying or selling of a piece of property, and this week seems to be a favorable week for this type of negotiation. Be careful with the intricacies of the matter. Pay attention to details or it could cost you a great deal later.

Soul Affirmation: I care deeply about the feelings of others.

Lucky Numbers: 11, 21, 35

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PISCES

What a blessed week this will be.

Spend it meditating on all that God has given you. This week think hard about some form of worship.

Curtis Mayfield wrote a song titled “Who Do You Love?’’ Someone should write one titled “How Do You Love?’’ For your love lesson, the second song would be the one you should sing.

Soul Affirmation: I get joy from giving good things.

Soul Affirmation: New intuitions create new plans and a new cast of characters.

Lucky Numbers: 2, 10, 31

Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 25

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A ‘SAD’ state of affairs looms If you do not eat healthy We have to be vigilant and eat the foods that will keep us mentally and physically healthy.

By Timothy Moore The winter months were relatively mild — not too frigid for Southerners like myself.

The hardest part about any of this is trying to strike a balance. A good diet is germane, but you also must exercise, drink plenty of water and change your lifestyle.

Winter, it seems, is relative. The common denominator for us all is that being cooped up inside during the winter without the sun’s warm glow bathing our skin can lead to emotional discomfort and depression.

If you are experiencing SAD, I can assure you that if you focus on eating healthy, your state of mind will change.

Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health described this problem in 1984 as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It is a syndrome that causes people in cooler climates — where the nights are long and the days are short — to lapse into a state of depression until the return of spring and summer.

According to Mayo Clinic, the clinical description of SAD’s symtoms is social withdrawal, hopelessness, lethargy, over-sleeping and weight gain. SAD generally eases its assault on the sufferer when daylight is extended and rigid temperatures are vanquished. But no one will forget the aftermath of mental depression and emotional upheaval.

One in 55 Americans has some type of emotional disorder, news reports have shown. If you’re like the majority of people, it should come as no surprise that a lot of individuals may need a warm hug, someone to love and much-needed attention as they contend with SAD. Do you feel trapped sometimes in a cold, dark place that reminds you of being in a tight closet, or in some deep, dark hole

Timothy Moore is also a medical doctor. This article originally appeared in the Tri-State Defender.

away from everyone and everything? This is what SAD feels like, I am told.

Grow

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edunomics: Read Less,

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) 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.

new tax credits (c-6):

The motortown Revue (d-1): 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.

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.

But that is not the case in places

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

313.963.5522

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Coming Soon White House XChange

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.

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.

When the educational system does not have the public confidence

See edunomics page A-4

Jim Murray

Accelerating the speed of business growth AT&T commits $19 billion to support area business growth

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

Set your clocks &/27!2$ one hour

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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

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

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.

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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

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

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Beulah Cooley and more.

Vendors will be onsite with food, jewelry, accessories, cosmetics and more.

Proceeds will benefit the College Boosters Scholarship Fund.

For tickets and more information, call (313) 8331072.

Church and politics What should the Church do in the area of politics?

The issues can be so complex, the politicians so deceiving and the results so frustrating that to some, it can often seem better to just pray with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and otherwise stay out of the political mud-slinging all together. And the whole separation of church and state almost dictates that the Church stay out of politics doesn’t it?

I would hope that the mandate which Christ gives the church — to be in the world but not of the world, to be the salt and light that preserves and enlightens, calls us to be actively involved in the social, political, economic as well as the religious life of our community.

We are not critics who stand outside the process and point fingers. We are the builders of a new and better society, one which reflects the justice, equality and equity priorities of God, as we discover them through the study of Scripture.

Surely we do not expect secular minded people to create a spiritually nurturing society. If it is to be done, it will be the people of God who embrace this responsibility that do it.

In no way, however, does it prohibit or discourage people of faith from being involved in the activities of our government. Just the opposite.

In order for our government to truly be “of the people, by the people and for the people,� we who believe that fairness, justice, equity and equality should be the goals of public policy must make sure that we pray up, stand up and speak up!

Rev. Dr. Kevin Turman If the issues are complex, the church should study and discuss them together. If and when politicians disappoint, hold them accountable for their failures including when necessary, putting them out of office. When the results disappoint, pray harder, work harder and build a larger coalition. We may very well be the people that God and our community are waiting for.

As to the “separation of church and state,� let me encourage you to think of this more as two separate blocks in a community connected by a one way street. More accurately, we should think of the separation as “state and church� in that the Constitution protects people of faith from government involvement or interfer-

Carter Metropolitan CME Church welcomes Holmes Carter Metropolitan CME Church, 1510-12 W. Grand Blvd., will host Judge Shannon Holmes as its women’s day speaker on Sunday, April 21, starting at 11 a.m.

The theme is “Faithful Women: For Such A Time As This.�

ence in their worship and service lives.

By Kevin Turman

Page B-6

Judge Shannon Holmes

‘Jazz at the Ship’ The Friendship College Boosters will present “Jazz at the Ship� on Saturday, April 27, at Friendship Baptist Church, 3900 Beaubien Ave. (across from Children’s Hospital), starting at 4 p.m. The event will feature live jazz by Inner Spirit, a silent auction and fashions by world-renowned fashion designer

April 17-23, 2013

Yes, there are certain things we cannot do as churches — endorse certain candidates; allow one to speak from our pulpit and not another; tell members how to vote on some ballot issue or election, because to do that is to endanger the charitable, tax exempt status of the gifts which the church receives. But we can and should discuss what we believe are the Biblical mandates of God as they relate to immigration, health care, education, incarceration and other issues.

Our God and God’s Word are far too broad to be understood so narrowly. As we thoughtfully and prayerfully open ourselves to the guidance of God’s Spirit, we will find that there is much we can accomplish in the political arena.

The Rev. Dr. Faith A. Allen is pastor of Carter Metropolitan CME Church.

For information, call (313) 895-6744.

Praying For Detroit

People and churches around Detroit will join in prayer for our city at noon on Thursday, May 2. This National Day of Prayer event titled “Praying Hands Around Detroit� is sponsored by The Metropolitan Christian Council. Rev. Priscilla Carey-Tucker is executive director of the council.

The kickoff for the event will be a Prayer Rally & Press Conference at 10:30 a.m. at Historic Little Rock Baptist Church where Rev. James Holley is pastor. our be For further information, call (313) 870-9550, visit the council website www.metropolitanat christiancouncildw.com or e-mail the council at councilweb@att.net.

.IGHT !LASKA 3AWYER 'LACIER #RUISE On Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas

Pugh returns with ‘I Believe You Most’ Stellar Award nominated recording artist Earnest Pugh has joined forces with J. Moss and his PAJAM production team to create a soul-stirring new single titled “I Believe You Most.� The power ballad that Pugh cowrote with PAJAM tells a story of maintaining faith in God in the face of life’s obstacles. “Over the last year, life has thrown me many challenges, transitions, and adjustments but I still have my faith because with every test I’ve learned how to stand on the warranty and authority of God’s word,� Pugh said. “Each test refined the faith within me, bringing forth the lyrics in this song. “Make no mistake about it, faith must be tested but daily study and preparation keeps us on point for every test.� “I Believe You Most,� a rousing tune, is somewhat different in style and feel from Pugh’s previous hits. It is headed to radio stations this week and serves as the lead single from the CD “Earnest Pugh: Live in the Nassau, Bahamas,� scheduled for July release. It will also feature a live� version of the single. This project is Pugh’s first offering via his newly formed P-Man Records label that is dis-

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The singer, best known for the hits â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rain on Usâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Need Your Glory.â&#x20AC;? is scheduled to record the live CD in Nassau on Friday, May 3, at the Atlantis Hotel, produced by Grammy Award winner Cedric Thompson during Radio Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s One Love Get-Away.

Pugh is excited about the recording that will feature surprise cameos by other gospel stars and a special tribute to the late choirmaster Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Landa Draper who died prematurely in 1998 at the age of 34. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The

most

moment of the live recording that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to is the Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;landa Draper medley,â&#x20AC;? Pugh said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most people know that he was my mentor and really encouraged me to go beyond the four walls of my church and to accept engagements as a soloist when I was as young as 14. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thrilled to be in a position to help the next generation get to know Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;landaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music and to keep his name and music alive.â&#x20AC;?

For more information regarding the live recording visit www.onelovegetaway.com.

special

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dancing to the Finish Lineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Making It To The Finish Line, a nonprofit organization, will host its annual fundraiser, themed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dancing to the Finish Line.

It will take place 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

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praiseconnect.com

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 17-23, 2013

Page B-7

The wise and the foolish builders

Light and Awareness (self and God awareness).

Truth be told, God sees it anyway, waiting for you to see it so God can heal it.

By PJ Banks-Anderson D.Min, LCDR, CH, USN (RET)

“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”

Bruce Lee

Surprise 80th birthday celebration

Dorothy L. Hopkins (seated center) was feted by friends and family at a surprise celebration of her 80th birthday held at the VFW Hall in Southfield. Among those expressing well wishes to the honoree were (seated) Dominique Hopkins, a granddaughter; Damien Barnes Jr., grandson, and Kimberly Hopkins Barnes, daughter, and (standing) Charlie Griffin, Gina Butler, granddaughter; O’Neil D. Swanson Sr., president/CEO of Swanson Funeral Homes Inc. and a family friend; Adesuwa Eweha, granddaughter, and her pastor, the Rev. Lawrence T. Foster of Calvary Baptist Church.

Spiritual and physical health

By Rev. Grimmett

Carter

M.

As we begin this conversation on spirituality and health it is appropriate to make some observations and set some expectations for our conversation. I want this to be a positive, honest and shared experience; not a one way, “you tell me everything” column. I will be making suggestions, pointing out issues that we often refuse to face, as well as asking you to share struggles and successes as it relates to your body and your health.

Christian Stewardship is not just about managing money, or our environmental responsibility, it is also about managing our health.

We know how important it is to establish a routine of prayer, study, praise and spiritual practices and habits. We know how important it is to live a “Christian Life.” We are often intentional in our efforts, and we draw strength from our personal relationship in Jesus Christ and the support from our body of Christ, the church. So why is there such a big disconnect in our faith journey when it comes to faithful stewardship of our spiritual temples, “our bodies”?

We can easily and rightfully, “blame it on the devil.” We can’t see the adversary at work because “the devil is in the details” and we are busy looking at the big picture.

In the church we often talk about good health.

We host an array of health initiatives, activities and screenings. In an effort to be biblical we Rev. Carter M. s e a r c h the bible Grummett to find scriptural support for special dietary practices, from fasting to the “Daniel Diet” (fruit and water diet).

But the devil is in the details!

The African American communities in the United States have the highest rate of high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes and obesity. The African American population in Detroit has one of the highest obesity rates in the country.

The devil is in the details!

With our great intentions to support good health, we pat ourselves on the back about how many at risk people we found in our heath fair screening, then we reward ourselves and celebrate with a church or community-wide fried fish, fried chicken, and bar-b-que rib dinners.

With a significant number of congregants afflicted with these issues, we must model the spiritual health behavior that supports the community and the church for seeking a fuller and more complete life in Christ.

The Bible provides scripture and guidance regarding the treatment of our bodies and living both a spiritual and healthy life.

It is imperative that we understand that living a life that is obedient to God’s word does include living in a way that honors and respects the vessels that we have been blessed to inhabit.

While we have not covered everything, I will encourage you to share your thoughts with each other and vent your frustrations as you seek help support and understanding, but try not to make excuses.

With that being said, I trust that this will provide some observations and helpful information which may, in part on whole be a reality in your faith life and spiritual setting and assist you in moving towards a more healthy lifestyle.

Be in the Spirit.

Rev. Carter Grimmett is a native Detroiter, and the pastor at Peoples United Methodist Church in Detroit. Rev. Grimmett studied at the historic Tuskegee (Institute) University in Alabama majoring in social work; graduate school of social work at Wayne State University. Rev Grimmett earned his Masters of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities Rev. Grimmett has served his denomination as fitness instructor for the 2011 Michigan Area School of Pastoral Ministry.

‘You : : Reign’ now available

Ebony Omar’s new gospel single, “You : : Reign,’ is out on digital release (Amazon, iTunes and Rhapsody). Omar’s debut album, “All That I Ever Need,” will be released this spring.

Visit his Facebook page for more info.

Ebony Omar REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS The Public Lighting Authority

is seeking sealed Requests for Qualifications from Qualified Firms for System Design and Program Management Services Related to the Design and Construction of a Public Lighting System.

RFQ Documents may be obtained from the Public Lighting Authority c/o the Allen Law Group, P.C. 3011 West Grand Boulevard 2500 Fisher Building Detroit, MI 48202 (313) 871-5500 Sealed documents are to be submitted no later than 5:00 pm, Friday, April 26, 2013 (Easter Standard Time).

No late, fax, email or other electronic method of submission will be accepted.

Developing messages on the Kingdom of Heaven, which is interchangeable with the term Kingdom of God, is a bit of a challenge. Why? Because Jesus informs us on a number of occasions that the Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of God is within. We also discovered in our studies that the Kingdom is also that place where the King of Kings has complete reign. If God is to have complete reign, then Kingdom Builders are charged with making the invisible visible, the intangible tangible, and the untouchable touchable. How do we do that?

Let’s start with the Kingdom within. Marian Wilkerson, author of “A Course in Miracles,” reminds us to “reclaim your disowned self.” Carl Jung came up with the shadow concept. He said it was like a sub-personality. It’s the disowned parts of us. It’s the part we had to push down because we had to cope. As a children,

PJ Banks-Anderson

many of us were in dysfunctional families and we had to learn coping strategies that don’t work once you become an adult. Plus, you have to do something with all that energy that you pushed down because it is still in there.

Reclaim your shadowself. That part of you that is hidden and pushed down from years of denial.

Since we are expressions of God, it is often God’s Light, not our darkness that frightens us the most.

Be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to shine the Light on your darkness. Face them, surrender them, and make room for more

The Parable of the Wise and the Foolish Builders may help to make the point of what happens when you get to the foundation of a matter and when you don’t. Matthew 7:24-29 tells the story of a wise builder who built a house on bedrock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house and it didn’t fall because it was firmly set on a foundation. On the other hand, the fool built a house on sand. The fool’s house was exposed to the same inclement weather.

It fell and was completely destroyed because the foolish builder did not get to the foundation of the matter.

The point?

Ask God to shine the Light on the foundation of your being so you can be the wise, not the foolish builder.

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

Local church launches more services to focus on family Prayer Temple Missionary Baptist Church has launched a special series of services each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. Prayer Temple is located at 27350 West Chicago, in Redford.

All are welcome to attend as Prayer Temple strives to heal, restore, and revive families by exploring theological answers and providing biblical principles. The church will open its doors to the public to receive the entire worship experience. Admission is free.

The church known for

Five

“Taking Believers Beyond Belief” has seen tremendous growth and new developments by launching their own sign language ministry, hosting an annual diversity concert to benefit the Redford Interfaith Relief, feeding the homeless, ministering to nursing homes, developing a children’s ministry and more. The pastor and membership at large is dedicated to ministering to the entire Redford and metro Detroit community.

With all that’s happening, family members murdering each other, Prayer

Temple’s Pastor, Anthony Johnson is committed to connect families again.

Life can become stressful but every problem can be addressed in these services. Guest and members will enjoy Praise and Worship, performances from the choir, and the minister. All attendees are encouraged to take good notes, but most importantly, implement and apply the message to their life.

For more information, call (313) 414-1054 or visit website at http:// www.ptmbc.net.

big reasons to consider

Stinson Funeral Homes:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

We work harder to earn your business.

We can’t afford to provide anything less than impeccable service, or to leave you with less than the best impression possible.

You’re not just our client, you’re our boss.

We don’t lose sight of who we’re working for.

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.

We like meeting families, not goals.

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

We spend time with you.

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

Two Locations to Service You: Stinson Chapel 16540 Meyers (313) 863-7300 Stinson-Diggs Chapel 1939 S. Fort St. (313) 386-8200 www.stinsonfuneralhomes.com

Rev. Gleo Wade, General Manager © adfinity

community

April 17-23, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

Page B-8

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT Roland Odeleye Many of us take for granted simple things like growing up with running water, sturdy shelter, quality health care and access to education. But Roland Odeleye, vice president of information services at Comerica Bank, grew up in southwestern Nigeria before moving to the States in 1981 and has firsthand experience with the daily struggles faced by a lot of people in Nigeria. This personal experience has played an important role in his choice to serve those less fortunate.

“If it was possible, I would be out volunteering every day,” said Odeleye.

Roland’s father, Abel Ogundokun Odeleye helped lay the foundation for his life of service. Abel Ogundokun Odeleye dedicated his life to serving those in need and motivated his children to do the same.

2013 Sarah Rose Mother and Daughter Tea and Fashion Show Jacqueline Northrop of Scarlet Communication, Charlotte Jackson of A Prop Shop and More and Loretta Smith, Comerica Bank vice president, enjoy the 2013 Sarah Rose Mother and Daughter Tea and Fashion Show. The event, presented by Exquisite Affairs and Comerica Bank, included financial literacy and etiquette lessons.

Patricia McCann (right), vice president and national civic affairs manager for Comerica Bank, is one of the Comerica employees mentoring Martin Luther King, Jr. High School students through the Gleaners Community Food Bank Power Up Program. Power Up pairs women business leaders with young women for mentoring, networking and community involvement.

Gerald Watson, entrepreneur and marketing expert and Comerica Bank, vice president, Sharon Taylor enjoy networking at the recent event, “Creating Contracts, Not Just Contacts III” sponsored by Comerica Bank and Joint Cities Development Corporation. Attendees had the opportunity to network and connect with other professionals, enjoy an elevator speech contest, and hear strategic insights on building a business.

Anna Guerra, manager of Comerica’s Brownstown banking center, teaches students at Trillium Academy the importance of saving money on opening day of the Comerica Youth Savings Program at the school.

“Volunteering is in my blood,” said Odeleye. “My father taught us Roland Odeleye that giving back, especially to the underprivileged, is not a choice but a responsibility.”

Odeleye, who is in his 24th year of service with Comerica, appreciates working for an organization that promotes community involvement and volunteerism.

“My values align perfectly with Comerica’s commitment to the community, a significant reason for my long tenure at Comerica,” said Odeleye.

As a youngster growing up in Nigeria, Odeleye would travel from the city back to his hometown, with his parents and siblings, to share his knowledge and skills with the local children, as well as teach them how to produce clean water because clean water sources were scarce.

“We had a small library and we would read to the local kids and teach them how to read and speak English,” said Odeleye.

Comerica Cares volunteer Roland Odeleye tends to an elderly woman getting her blood pressure checked at a health fair in Nigeria.

Today, Odeleye continues his work in Nigeria through the Abel Ogundokun Odeleye Foundation (AOOF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit he started to honor his father who passed away in 2003. AOOF is a 10-year old grass-roots organization in a remote part of Nigeria that offers scholarships to indigent but deserving students and provides healthcare services to children and adults. AOOF also works with government and local leaders to build schools, boreholes and hospital facilities that help strengthen the infrastructure. Odeleye also spends time volunteering with the Comerica Cares program, working with organizations including Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, United Negro College Fund, National Conference for Community and Justice, American Red Cross, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Capuchin Soup Kitchen and Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. He also spends time teaching financial literacy to students of all ages at Golightly Career and Technical Center in Detroit.

Why do you volunteer?

“It was my father who instilled in me the belief that it was my duty to help those who are down on their luck but when I moved to the United States I found that people were quite generous in giving back. I raised my level of volunteering to match the level of the people I met here.”

What is most rewarding about volunteering?

Detroit Service Learning Academy and Comerica partner for Career Day Comerica’s African American Network colleagues recently partnered with Detroit Service Learning Academy to offer their first career day event, helping the students prepare for academic success and learn leadership skills and the importance of service to the community.

The James Tatum Trio Plus recently performed the “Great Detroit Renaissance” composition at Orchestra Hall in celebration of the 26th Anniversary of the James Tatum Foundation for the Arts (JTFA). More than 40 artists performed the composition to raise money for the JTFA Scholarship Program.

James Tatum Foundation has awarded almost $350,000 in college scholarships to more than 500 Metro Detroit high school graduates majoring in the performing and visual arts. Over 95 percent of past scholarship recipients are now professional educators or artists around the world.

Students from Detroit Cristo Rey High School had an opportunity to meet Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Association, at a recent Detroit Economic Club (DEC) luncheon through Comerica’s sponsorship of the DEC.

“I love getting notes, emails and letters from people whose lives I’ve touched and hearing about how they are doing now. It makes me feel like the time and effort I put in is truly making a difference in their lives. Hearing stories of courage and perseverance allows me to reflect and be thankful for what I have.”

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

www.facebook.com/ComericaCares.

2013

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.

9ec[h_YW @WlW @Wpp CWo ('" ,0&& f$c$ :[jhe_j FkXb_Y B_XhWho Å CW_d B_XhWho +(&' MeeZmWhZ 7l[dk[" :[jhe_j" C? *.(&(

Saxappeal Born and raised in Detroit, the young saxophonist Saxappeal, has been playing since the age of seven. Now in 2013, the amazing twenty something musician continues to bring that same energy to concert stages from coast to coast.

Saxappeal has performed with Virgin Records recording artist, Dwele since 2005. To add to his list of accomplishments, Saxappeal has formed a highly energetic band of his own, duly named 1oh1. In an effort to form his own style, which he calls ‘SaxSoul,’ Saxappeal’s music is diverse with a blend of jazz, hiphop, soul, and R & B. This young artist has been humbled by his opportunities and eagerly awaits more. He is truly an illustrator of life with a potent message in his music that promises to leave his audience as high as he will soar.

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April 17-23, 2013

michiganchronicle.com

Jeff Rubleski BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan

Giving employees a better ‘shopping’ experience

By Jeff Rubleski More than half of all American consumers bought something online last holiday season. And retailers went all out trying to make the shopping experience simple, helpful and trouble-free. According to a recent study commissioned by Foresee, overall customer satisfaction with online shopping was 79% with Amazon again leading the pack with a score of 88%.

If your company offers several health plan options, how satisfied are your employees when they “shop” for coverage? Is it easy for them to evaluate their options? Are they guided to the plan that best meets their needs? Do you help them make their decisions? Do they even understand the most basic health care terms and concepts?

Probably not, says Jennifer Benz, a benefits communications consultant, in a recent Employee Benefits News article.

“So much of health care education has to be on a basic level. It never ceases to amaze us when we do focus groups with employees: You can talk to bilingual, minimum-wage workers or PhD-level executives and they have the same misunderstandings about how health care works. I’ve worked with PhD-level engineers who can’t tell you the difference between a copay and coinsurance.”

Research supports her point.

In a national survey of more than 6,000 workers, nearly three out of four said that, when thinking about their choices for major medical insurance, they only sometimes or rarely understand everything that is covered by their policy.

Also, as more companies offer health benefits through defined contribution plans and private exchanges, their employees’ “shopping experiences” will become increasingly challenging. These plans typically will enable employees to select benefits from a wide variety of major individual medical plans as well as supplemental insurance products. According to the 2012 Employer Health Plan Study by J.D. Power and Associates, 47% of employers say they “definitely will” or “probably will” switch to defined contribution health care.

Here’s another sign of things to come: As of January 1, more than 135,000 employees at both Sears and Darden Restaurants (whose chains include Olive Garden and Red Lobster), will be given lump sums of money to use in choosing their medical plans from a private exchange. A big, but ground-breaking health benefits move for such large organizations.

As we continue to move through a year of change, BCBSM will continue to communicate about decision-support tools for defined contribution plans, and how they may be able to help your business.

GlidePath: A new defined contribution, private exchange offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Rising benefit costs is a challenge for all companies. GlidePath, a new solution from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, offers your midsize company an innovative way to manage spending and risk. It can transform the way you finance your company’s health insurance coverage. With GlidePath’s defined-contribution solution, you can determine your company’s health benefit budget and simplify the administrative work that goes along with offering health benefits.

Jeff Rubleski serves as director of sales strategy for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and is a certified healthcare reform specialist. He serves as the GlidePath™ go-tomarket lead in implementing this defined contribution solution for active and retired members.

LEON C. RICHARDSON, ChemicoMays president and CEO.

ChemicoMays receives fourth consecutive GM Supplier of the Year award Damon Autry Leon C. Richardson rose from his chair recently at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History amid cascading applause. He strolled onstage in his finely tailored blue pinstripe suit where he was greeted by General Motors’ Kim Brycz and Tom McMillen. There, the president and CEO of ChemicoMays graciously accepted the automaker’s Supplier of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year.

The award is given to a select few of GM’s more than 18,500 suppliers worldwide. In fact, ChemicoMays was one of only 83 suppliers acknowledged — or less than one-half of one percent of GM’s suppliers.

“We put our focus every day on doing the best job we can for our customers,” Richardson said. “That’s our core mission. So being recognized by GM for our efforts is an honor and a testament to the dedication and hard work of our employees across North America. We’re really humbled by this acknowledgement.”

General Motors recognizes the significance of ChemicoMays’ presence as a premier automotive supplier.

“ChemicoMays played a critical role in GM’s success in 2012 through their outstanding work and commitment to quality,” said Grace Lieblein, GM vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “We are thrilled to recognize ChemicoMays, who we consider to be a world-class supplier.”

To fully appreciate the breadth of ChemicoMays as a leading chemical management company, one must know how the company came to be. Richardson worked as a salesman during the ’80s for one of the foremost chemical management companies in the country at the time. He ascended to the top of the 18-person sales force, becoming the company’s most successful salesperson. His stellar performance and huge commission checks began garnering the attention of company executives, who surprised him not with words of encouragement and pats on the back, but rather with a condescending message aimed at

LEON C. RICHARDSON (second from right), ChemicoMays president and CEO, and Dave McLeod (second from left), ChemicoMays executive director, receive award from GM’s Kim Brycz (left) and Tom McMillen.

Richardson’s knack for outperforming his colleagues.

The owner of the company, Richardson recalls, told him that his success was overshadowing the other salespeople. “You’ll never be the president of this company, so don’t even try,” the owner said. “Just concentrate on being a good salesman.”

Company executives soon decided to reconfigure the commission structure as a result of Richardson’s achievements.

Any sale over a certain dollar amount, the new company mandate stated, Richardson had to split the commission with the entire sales force. Richardson received 50 percent with the other half divvied between the others. Surprised, angry, yet deeply motivated, he completed a big sale soon thereafter that netted

him $50,000 in commission, which he split with the 17 other salespeople. But Richardson took his $25,000, walked away from the company and started his own firm in September of 1989: Chemico Systems, Inc. The company started as a manufacturer of nonhazardous chemical products for use in the automotive industry, primarily for use in the painting process.

“With the knowledge I had gained, I felt that I was well equipped with everything I needed to start my own company,” he says. Six years later, in a strange and mortifying twist of irony, Richardson’s former employer began experiencing financial troubles and ultimately filed for bankruptcy. Richardson then decided to

See Richardson page C-2

Community ventures:

A new solution to long-term unemployment

By Michael Finney

1,000 participants before the end of the year.

President and CEO Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

It is early to claim a breakthrough, but we are collecting success stories. Here’s one, highlighting the good work of Detroit Chassis (DC) in partnership with a wraparound service provider, Children’s Aid Society.

One of the most difficult problems we face in reinventing Michigan and innovating our way out of a prolonged economic downturn is addressing the plight of the long-term unemployed.

I am happy to report that a new approach we are taking at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, called Community Ventures, or CV, is already showing results. This is a public-private partnership created to hire at least 1,000 structurally unemployed residents in distressed neighborhoods. Initially the program is focusing on Detroit (including Highland Park and Hamtramck), Flint, Pontiac and Saginaw.

ing structurally unemployed people to long term employment and creating jobs by promoting social enterprise.

It turns out that providing a community benefit can also be a good business practice.

Since October 2012, we have signed up businesses, nonprofits and entrepreneurs committed to partnering with us in providing real jobs for people with few employment options. With the help of local partners we are connect-

Currently we are partnered with over 40 employers who have already employed more than 380 people, at an average hourly rate approaching $10 hour. With our growing employer network we aim to meet or better our goal of

Michael Finney

Detroit Chassis is an assembler of motor home chassis, niche vehicles and subassemblies, located on Lynch Road in Detroit. The company has hired 58 CV participants this fiscal year, 18 percent of them ex-offenders. The onsite employee support model developed through Community Ventures enables them to retain around 90 percent of employees hired under the CV program. That’s a higher rate than the company’s overall employee retention rate.

Carol Cain of CBS-Detroit has filmed a program on the story to be aired on national TV. Now let me tell you how open we are to leveraging additional public and private resources in ways you may find surprising.

The MEDC is partnering with Michigan Corps and Great Lakes Entrepreneurs’ Quest (GLEQ) to promote a business competition, the Pure Michigan Social Entrepreneurship Challenge.

One prize is a $25,000 cash award to the entrepreneur who makes the most effective impact on “structural unemployment” by hiring at least five new employees from Detroit, Flint, Pontiac or Saginaw. If you missed the deadline for this competition, there will be others.

Our pledge to businesses, entrepreneurs, communities and economic developers is this: we will continue to work like never before – in dog years as Governor Snyder says -- to put in place the kind of strategic relationships, tools and initiatives that enhance business growth and create jobs in Michigan. When all is said and done, we will be moving further and faster to bring about a genuine transformation. Michigan can again become what it once was, the prosperous engine of the U.S. economy.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 17-23, 2013

Page C-2

Who’s Who In Black Detroit

ATTENDEES at last year’s Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! Career Expo.

Detroit Branch NAACP to host 8th Annual Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

The Detroit Branch NAACP will match opportunity with potential when it hosts the 8th Annual Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

– A Super Career Expo.

The career fair will be held on Friday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Chapel Dome located at 7707 W. Outer Drive.

The career expo is free and open to the public and will feature several workshops that will focus on interviewing and résumé writing skills, workers rights, social media and the workforce, career paths to entrepreneurship, and a strolling fashion show on dressing for success. A computer resource center will be onsite for individuals to apply for jobs online. On the spot interviews are likely so all attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately in professional attire.

“Economic empowerment is one of the core initiatives for the NAACP,” says Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, president, Detroit Branch NAACP. “Our

METRO DETROITERS receive tips on job search tactics. annual job fair helps us to serve as a conduit to quality jobs, resources and training opportunities.”

For those companies and employers interested in participating, the deadline for the early bird registration is Friday, April 19. An example of some the companies that have signed on are Beaumont Hospital, U.S. Steel and Ypsilanti Public Schools.

The early bird registration fee is $150. Companies interested in participating should send an inquiry to jobsjobsjobs@detroitnaacp.org.

presented by the Detroit Branch NAACP along with its bronze sponsor McDonalds.

Additional partners are the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC), Detroit Public Library, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Jackets for Jobs and the State of Michigan – Talent Connect.

The Detroit branch of the NAACP is the organization‘s largest branch. For more information please call (313) 871-2087 or visit www.detroitnaacp.org.

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! is

Richardson

From page C-1

purchase his former employer from bankruptcy.

“So the company that told me I’d never be more than a salesperson, I ended up buying,” he said with a muted sense of pride.

And what happened to the former owner of the company? “Oh, he worked for me,” Richardson revealed matter-of-factly.

In an effort to expand his company’s reach, Richardson merged with Mays Chemical in 2006 to create ChemicoMays LLC, the largest African American-owned chemical management company in North America. “Our coming together helped blend Mays’ purchasing, logistics and distribution experience with our research, development and technological know-how,” Richardson said. “It was the best of both worlds.”

ChemicoMays has operations throughout North America, and Richardson, being the handson corporate leader he is,

LEON RICHARDSON talks about navigating the procurement maze at a supplier diversity forum. travels more than 100,000 miles annually to keep tabs on the growth and development of the business. He realizes, too, that the viability of his company is rooted in the productivity of his workforce. Richardson rarely utters the words “I” or “me” when it comes to his

business; rather, it’s “we” and “our.”

It is this corporate mindset, in addition to delivering top-notch products and services, which helps position ChemicoMays as a premier chemical management company.

Suzanne Shank

Financial firm’s CEO manages billion dollar deals

By Tamekia N. Ashford There’s something distinctive about Suzanne Shank. Her name is synonymous with Wall Street and the public finance industry. Essence magazine, Black Enterprise and the U.S. Banker have all acknowledged her success. She is not in the limelight in the traditional sense, but perhaps the world should take a closer look. Shank is the woman that so many girls dream of becoming. She is brilliant, beautiful and the leader of a firm that manages deals totaling more than $800 billion for state and local governments across the country. It is no surprise that she was invited to the White House to meet with President Barack Obama and key leaders of the business world.

Suzanne Shank is the president, chief executive officer and partner of Siebert Brandford Shank and Co., LLC, a national underwriter of municipal bonds with offices in 22 cities. The company has achieved significant rankings, including being the top ranked Minority Women Business-owned Enterprise (M/WBE) since 1998, becoming the first M/WBE to rank in the top ten among all firms in 2010 and 2011 and ranking in the top three for Michigan transactions. She has led and been actively involved in a variety of large scale transactions, including transportation and redevelopment projects, water and sewer projects, convention centers, sports facilities, jails and schools.

“I never expected to be an entrepreneur,” said Shank. “I was actually an engineer during my first career. This was nothing I planned, it was serendipity. When we started the firm in 1996, the hardest thing to do was to convince people to hire a start-up firm. The financial crisis allowed us

to recruit from large Wall Street firms and we were able to attract a talented team. I have faith in my partners and employees.”

Shank grew up in a small town and had no choice but to work very hard. She is a graduate of The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, with a Masters of Business Administration degree in Finance and the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

“My mom and dad worked hard,” said Shank. “I guess I was destined to work hard too.

I’ve always been motivated and had a strong drive.”

She credits much of her instinctive financial savvy to her mother, “She was a prudent spender and big time saver.”

“I try not to worry about what’s next,” said Shank. “When I turned 40, I began to understand the real priorities in my life — healthy kids, great parents, friends and happiness.” And how does she balance it all? Kickboxing, a personal trainer and organic foods minus the red meats seem to be the answer to staying fit and reducing stress.

Shank’s commitment to Detroit is evident in her numerous civic and charitable affiliations. She founded the Detroit Summer Finance Institute, a summer internship program, and serves on the boards of the Detroit Institute of Arts and Regional Chamber.

Whether Suzanne Shank is catching a 7 a.m. flight to New York, D.C., Atlanta or Connecticut, or managing billion-dollar deals, her most important deal and piece of work to be done is to arrive back home to check on her kids before they go to bed. “I want to know how their day was, how was practice, what did they eat?” she said. “They’re the deal of a lifetime!”

People On The Move

Channing Bennett

Dr. De’Andrea Wiggins

Sharlonda Buckman

Raquel R. Robinson

Linda Burgess

Channing Bennett, PA-C, MPAP, has been appointed as manager, Surgical Midlevel Provider Services at HFWBH. Her appointment is effective March 5, 2013. She has worked at HFWBH for the past two and a half years in orthopedic service where she has played an important leadership role in establishing a surgical assistant program as well as in supporting day-to-day operations.

In her new role, Bennett will oversee all of the surgical MLP services at HFWBH which include the White (Orthopedics), Gold (Neurosurgery/ Neurology/NICU/SICU), Blue/Red (General Surgery, Surgical specialties, ENT) and Orange (GYN, Urology) services.

Dr. De’Andrea Wiggins, who uses D.C. Wiggins, as her pen name recently released her debut novel “Their Darkest Hour.” She is a blogger and book reviewer for the Tyndale Blog Network, Waterbrook Multnomah, and Thomas Nelson Publishers. She is an independent contributor as the Detroit Christianity and Culture examiner for examiner.com. Also, Dr. Wiggins is a dynamic speaker and facilitator who has presented at corporations, universities and churches around Metro Detroit. She is an educator with over 15 years of experience.

She holds a doctorate in Religious Education, Master of Theology and Bachelor of Science in African American Studies.

Sharlonda Buckman is chief executive officer of Detroit Parent Network, a premier nonprofit organization that transforms parents to make Detroit a better place to raise and educate children. Buckman, born and raised in Detroit, earned her master’s degree in Community Economic Development from the University of New Hampshire. She has been a powerful agent for change in the human service field for more than 20 years. She is recognized as a leader in Detroit’s education landscape, serving on the boards of Communities in Schools, New Detroit, Michigan Future and Excellent Schools Detroit.

Raquel R. Robinson is the president and CEO of the Southfield Community Foundation with more than 20 years of executive nonprofit and higher education leadership specializing in organizational performance improvement and capacity building.

Robinson has served in executive level positions at nonprofits and universities in Indiana, New York and Michigan. As an entrepreneur, she is the co-founder of Making a Change LLC Coaching and Consulting where she works with individuals and groups to close the gap between present and ideal performance. She is author of the book “Renew, Refocus and Recover! A Road Trip to the Life You Deserve” (Salem Communication, 2006).

Linda Burgess has enjoyed 34 years of success in the travel industry, helping her clients explore the world. As CEO of The World of Travel in Bloomfield Hills, she specializes in trips for churches, clubs and organizations, planning destination weddings, and class and family reunions. In addition to vacation and group trips, her company services corporations throughout Metro Detroit with their business travel needs. She loves to cruise and has experienced 119 different cruises throughout her career. Burgess’ travel column, “Destinations,” has been featured in the Michigan Chronicle for over 20 years.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 17-23, 2013

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Wells Fargo survey:

African Americans optimistic about their financial future

A

frican American investors report high levels of confidence in their financial future, along with optimism about the political and economic future of the country, according to a recent Wells Fargo nationwide survey. Despite proactive planning and intentional cuts in spending, African American investors remain focused on day-to-day living expenses, with a large majority concerned about having enough money to retire.

Three in five (60 percent) African American investors express confidence in their own financial future, slightly higher than the national response (52 percent), while half (52 percent) report they are better off now than they were three years ago, same as the general population.

“The optimism and confidence articulated

by African American investors is encouraging, particularly as those surveyed are feeling financially better off than they were three years ago,” said Jeff Cosby, financial advisor and vice president, investment officer in the Bloomington, Minnesota office of Wells Fargo Advisors, Wells Fargo.

“Where we see the biggest opportunity is helping people really consider how they are approaching saving and planning for retirement. It is important for financial advisors to help investors think through long-term strategies for investment planning, while also providing guidance on common concerns like how to balance paying off debt while continuing to save for retirement.”

While African American investors have made progress in retirement planning and preparation, most are concerned about having enough money to retire. African American investors are taking

necessary steps toward preparing for retirement, as 45 percent of those surveyed have cut back on their spending to put away money for retirement (compared to 36 percent of the national population), and two in five (40 percent) non-retired African American investors have a retirement savings plan in place (similar to the national population, 42 percent). Among nonretired African Americans, having a plan is most prevalent among those earning over $100,000 annually (68 percent earning more than $100,000 have a plan vs. 35 percent of those earning less than $100,000).

Compared to the US overall, African American investors are less likely to consider themselves financially comfortable (38 percent vs. 51 perecent overall). More than a third (36 percent) of nonretired African American investors surveyed report that their biggest financial concern is paying their monthly bills; saving for

retirement ranks second at 22 percent, followed by healthcare costs at 15 percent. Three in five African American investors are more focused on debt reduction (59 percent) than saving for retirement. And just over half

(52 percent) of those surveyed are concerned they won’t have enough saved for retirement (similar to all adults). African American investors less than 50

years old are particularly concerned (64 percent, vs. 39 percent of those ages 50 and over).

Just over a third (36 percent) of African American investors are confident in knowing where to invest in today’s market (similar to the national population, 31 percent).

“All investors — regardless of age or level of savings — should be focused on planning for retirement, and turning plans into actual saving and investing,” said Cosby.

“Many African American investors, much like the general population of overall investors, find investing in today’s economy daunting. It’s important to seek advice from a trusted professional to help navigate the ups and downs of the market, with an eye on long-term financial goals. It can be scary, but with all the resources and tools available, it can be done.”

“The optimism and confidence articulated by African American investors is encouraging, particularly as those surveyed are feeling financially better off than they were three years ago.”

Living in multi-generational households also has a significant impact on African American investors’ savings, as a number of respondents are caring for their own children, as well as aging parents or grandparents.

One in five (20 percent) African American investors surveyed report living in three-generational households. Three in four (77 percent) African American adults surveyed who live in three-generational households are concerned they will not save enough to support themselves in retirement, compared to just 46% of those outside of multi-generational households.

Almost three quarters of African American investors (73 percent) are optimistic about the political direction of the country, significantly higher than the general population (43 percent), while four in five (83 percent) feel the U.S. economy will improve in the next two years (compared to 47 percent of the general population). Seventy-two percent of those surveyed expect their local economy to improve in the next two years (compared to 45 percent of the overall adult population), and nearly three in four see improvements in their local housing market (71 percent, vs.

54 percent nationally).

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 17-23, 2013

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New app lets you carry the Detroit Zoo in your pocket

By Cornelius A. Fortune MANAGING EDITOR

If you’re looking for a new way to experience the Detroit Zoo, the new Detroit Zoo app might be the perfect fit.

Ever been overwhelmed by your last trip to the zoo, or found yourself in a situation where you really didn’t cover as much ground as you would have hoped?

The Zoo’s new and improved smartphone app helps guests plan their visit, find their way, learn more about their favorite animals and even go on a wildlife scavenger hunt. The app is available for both the iPhone and Android.

Women, minority students encouraged to apply for video game scholarship program

By Cornelius A. Fortune MANAGING EDITOR

Sometimes even the best gamers need help making it to the next level. That applies to the real world as well.

The Entertainment Software Association (ESAF) is currently accepting applications for its 2013-2014 scholarship program. The program is open to women and minority students who are pursuing computer and video game-related degrees at accredited fouryear colleges and universities in the U.S. All applications must be submitted

by May 15. The winners will be announced this fall.

“Since its inception, the scholarship program has supported more than 140 exceptional students, enabling them to realize their academic and professional dreams while contributing to the diversity of the video game industry,” said Jenny Lai, vice president of ESAF, the video game industry’s philanthropic arm.

Established in 2007, ESAF’s scholarship program awards up to 30 annual

scholarships of $3,000 each, providing students with an opportunity to study video game-related subjects such as graphic design, computer science, animation, programming, digital entertainment, or software engineering. ESAF typically awards half of its scholarships to high school seniors, and the other half to students currently enrolled in a full-time program.

According to the ESAF, research shows that an increasing number of U.S. colleges and universities offer computer and video game-related curriculum to students. As the gaming industry has expanded, so too, the academic reach of videos, with 381 American colleges, universities, art and trade schools offering courses, professional certificates, undergraduate or graduate degrees in video game design, development, and programming.

filtering and details about each location • Information about upcoming Zoo events • Reminders that can be set in the phone’s calendar through the app • A searchable database of every animal, habitat, attraction and facility • A “Z-tector” QR code scanner for exclusive content, including video of zookeepers talking about the animals The new app retains some of the core features of the former app, including Detroit Zoo hours, pricing information, the ability to purchase tickets and memberships and a GPS-enabled map with a “Near Me” function to help find habitats, attractions, restrooms, concessions and gift shops.

The new app was designed for the Detroit Zoo by Detroitbased Doner.

“The new app allows users to plan their visit as well as enrich their experience once they arrive,” said Detroit Zoological Society CEO and Executive Director Ron Kagan.

“One exciting feature allows kids to become ‘secret agents’, using their imagination and special clues to discover the Detroit Zoo in a whole new way.”

Included is an interactive scavenger hunt with the Detroit Zoo’s mascots, Junior Z and the Zooper Heroes. By checking in at various locations throughout the Zoo and answering questions about the animals, kids can complete “Z-missions” and become Zooper Heroes as well.

Some other key features of the redesigned Detroit Zoo app include: • A demo with instructions on using the app • A map featuring clickable locations,

“We wanted to develop an app that was not only practical, but that would also completely enhance the visitor experience,” said Doner co-CEO and chief creative officer Rob Strasberg.

“The unique functions of this new and improved mobile app provide Zoo guests of all ages with another fun and engaging way to get their dose of Vitamin Z.” The Detroit Zoo app is available for download at the iTunes App Store and Android Market (search for “Detroit Zoo”) for $1.99. Proceeds from the sale of the app benefit the zoo.

For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.

Students interested in applying for the 2013-2014 ESAF scholarship can visit http://www.esafoundation.org/ scholarship.asp for additional information and to fill out an application form.

For more information about ESAF, visit www.esafoundation.org or on Twitter: @ESA Foundation.

BIG FOUR FORUM 3 Promoting regional CooPeration Thursday, May 16, 2013 • 7:30 a.m. townsenD HoteL

100 Townsend St Birmingham, MI 48009

Dave Bing

Mayor City of Detroit

roBert Ficano

Wayne County Executive

PANELISTS Dave Bing, Mayor City of Detroit roBert Ficano, Wayne County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive Mark HackeL, Macomb County Executive Tickets $75 To purchase tickets go to www.michiganchronicle.com

L. Brooks Patterson

Oakland County Executive

Mark HackeL

Macomb County Executive

For sponsorship information call Stephanie Washington (313) 963-8100 Ext. 303

April 17-23, 2013 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Page C-5

ANYTHING

With four different tickets, and a chance to win from $400 up to $4,000 a week for life, Cash for Life® instants are freedom to do whatever.

Meaning you could turn an instant into a lifetime of almost anything!

Top prize Cash For Life® winners will receive their prize payments in annual installments over their lifetime or over 20 years, whichever is greater, unless within 60 days from the date they claim their prize, they request the Cash Option method of payment. Overall odds of winning $1 Cash For Life: 1 in 4.53. Overall odds of winning $2 Cash For Life: 1 in 4.25. Overall odds of winning $5 Cash For Life: 1 in 4.03. Overall odds of winning $10 Cash For Life: 1 in 3.89. If you bet more than you can afford to lose, you’ve got a problem. Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help.

Page C-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • April 17-23, 2013

At t EN t I o N Em PLoy EE S AND R E t IR EE S o F t h E CI t y o F D E t R o I t, Po LI CE AN D FIR E

Join Flagstar Bank for an exclusive retirement and pension planning event.

Flagstar will be discussing practical tips for planning and portfolio guidance to help current and former City of Detroit employees meet their retirement goals.

Please RSVP no later than Friday, April 26. Space is limited.

Call (248) 312-5799 or register online at flagstar.com/pension

RSVP today at flagstar.com/pension

Event locations: Bistro–one Detroit Center 500 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48226 Sessions: tuesday, April 30, 5:30–7 p.m.

Wednesday, may 1, 5:30–7 p.m.

Doubletree Suites by hilton Detroit Downtown–Fort Shelby St. Aubin Room 525 West Lafayette Boulevard Detroit, MI 48226 Session: thursday, may 2, 5:30–7 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Securities and insurance products are offered through Essex National Securities, LLC., member FINRA & SIPC, which is not affiliated with Flagstar Bank. Certain insurance products are offered through Douglas Insurance Agency, Inc., doing business as Flagstar Investment & Insurance Services, which is affiliated with Flagstar Bank.

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April 17-23, 2013

michiganchronicle.com

Reflections

By Steve Holsey

Controversy Brad Paisley, country superstar, has sure stirred up a hornet’s nest with his new song, “Accidental Racist,” featuring a guest performance by, surprisingly, rap superstar (and actor) LL Cool. Talk about two very different genres! That’s a good thing, though. And by the way, they are friends.

In case you haven’t heard the song, it is about a White man and a Black man sharing views on one of our country’s most delicate subjects.

Paisley sings words like, “I’m just a White man comin’ to you from the southland, tryin’ to understand what it’s like not to be. I’m proud of where I’m from, but not everything we’ve done, and it ain’t like you and me can rewrite history.

“Our generation didn’t start this nation.

We’re still pickin’ up the pieces, walkin’ on eggshells, fightin’ over yesterday...I try to put myself in your shoes, LL Cool J and Brad Paisley. and that’s a good place to begin. But it ain’t like I can walk a mile in someone else’s skin.”

LL raps in response, “Now my chains are gold, but I’m still misunderstood. I wasn’t there when Sherman’s March turned the South into firewood. Feel like a newfangled Django, dodgin’ invisible white hoods.

So when I see that white cowboy hat, I’m thinkin’ it’s not good. I guess we’re both guilty of judgin’ the cover, not the book. I’d love to buy you a beer, conversate and clear the air.”

And on it goes and, yes, sometimes what is said is likely to make many (perhaps most) people uncomfortable. But ultimately, the song is about two people from different backgrounds communicating with honesty.

All of this made me think of something one of the all-time favorite philosophic writers, the late Sydney J. Harris, once expressed in one of his syndicated columns, “Every race has much to be proud of and much to be ashamed of.”

While many may view “Accidental Racist” as being overly simplistic, the fact remains that bitterness only hurts the person feeling that way. It’s toxic.

The past has a great effect on the present, and ignoring seldom makes anything go away. But life is too short to wallow in bitterness. As LL Cool J put it during an interview last week, “Don’t be bitter, be better.”

Neither artist regrets having recorded the song — and they shouldn’t because it is what they were feeling.

USHER really embarrassed himself recently on national TV when he said “Nashville is a state.” But that is not the likable star’s first nationally televised blunder.

A while back he performed McFadden & Whitehead’s No. 1 hit from 1979, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” on a television special.

One line goes, “We’re gonna get ourselves together, we’re gonna polish up our act.”

Usher

But Usher sang, “...We’re gonna polish up our back”! And to make it worse, he was motioning as though he was rubbing his back with a towel! Exactly how does one “polish up their back”?!

Andre 3000 (of OutKast) and Beyoncé have recorded a song together, a rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black,” to be featured in a movie, a new version of “The Great Gatsby,” scheduled for May release.

IT SEEMS strange — and proves how time flies — that there are now “oldies but goodies” shows featuring five or more rap stars who peaked “back in the day.” An example is the show coming to the Fox Theatre next month, featuring Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte the Sugarhill Gang, MC Lyte, Whodini, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick and Rob Base.

And speaking of rap, the group De La Soul (remember “Me, Myself and I” from 1989?) is celebrating their 25th anniversary. That includes “Get Away,” their first new album in nearly a decade.

Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, Nia Long, Morris Taye Diggs Chestnut, Sanaa Lathan and Harold Perrineau were among the stars

See Reflections Page D-3

By Steve Holsey

I

t would be difficult to ima­ gine anyone not knowing who Byron Allen is because he has been a consistent presence on television for several decades.

He was practically a kid when he was part of the ensemble cast of “Real People” that aired on NBC from 1979 to 1984. It was essentially a comedy talk show, one that spotlighted people with unusual hobbies and occupations. The program was “on the road,” so to speak, but sometimes the guests would come to the studio.

Byron Allen Former Detroiter made a name for himself in television...independently

That show was in prime time, but Allen is usually seen on late-night TV. Among his latest programs is “Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen.” Comedy is his forte, and he does stand-up, but he is equally as well known as a television producer who works apart from the networks.

That is a major challenge, but it makes it possible for Allen to be the one to call the shots.

“IF YOU look at the history of TV, the independents are the ones who’ve made the breakthroughs,” he said. “They are the ones who have to go the extra mile to do shows that cut through.”

Among the popular independently produced shows, past and present, that he cited, which are or were aired via the networks, are “Entertainment Tonight,” “Oprah,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Judge Judy” and “Star Search.”

Allen explained why operating independently is even more of a challenge today, even a daunting one, than it was, say, 20 years ago.

“With the increasing media consolidation, it’s become tougher for independents to get shows on the air and keep them on the air,” he said. “But we really want the independents to continue to shine. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Don’t think sprints. Think marathon.”

BYRON ALLEN FOLKS was born on April 22, 1961 in Detroit although the family had relocated to Los Angeles by the time Allen had reached his teens.

He had a natural inclination for comedy and as a teenager began doing stand-up.

His mother worked as a publicist for NBC, located in Burbank. She would regu-

larly take young Byron to the studios with her which further piqued his interest in show business.

One of his favorite activities was going on the “Tonight Show” set when no one was there and sitting behind Johnny Carson’s desk, envisioning himself hosting a show of his own.

Allen got his first break, surprisingly, from comedian Jimmie Walker who had seen Allen’s standup act. Although he (Allen) was only 14 at the time, Walker asked him to join the comedy writing team he was a part of, as were Jay Leno and David Letterman.

LATER, at age 18, Alllen made his television debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” That was a huge breakthrough, and Allen has the distinction of having been the youngest stand-up

comedian to ever appear on “The Tonight Show.”

His clean, non-racial jokes (in the “observational comedy” category), pleasant personality, relaxed style and fresh good looks made him a natural, and an instant hit. Amazingly, the very next day he was offered a job as one of the co-hosts of a new NBC program, “Real People.”

But Allen didn’t want to just perform. He wanted to produce television shows as well.

“It all started from the dining room table,” he quipped.

From there he called television station owners, programming directors, advertisers and others. He wanted to know everything, including how syndication works.

In 1993 he founded his own company, Entertainment Studios, and soon launched “Entertainers With Byron Allen.” The weekly, one-hour show featured interviews with a virtual who’s who of show business.

Entertainment Studios grew dramatically. Today the company produces, distributes and sells advertising for over 30 series and is the world’s largest producer/distributor of first-run syndicated programming.

Among Allen’s shows are “Comics Unleashed,” “The First Family,” “Cars.TV” (Emmy winner), “America’s Court With Judge Ross” (Emmy nominated), “Mr. Box Office,” “Justice For All With Cristina Perez” and “Who Wants to Date a Comedian?”

Allen, who is married and has two daughters, wouldn’t deny it if you referred to him as a workaholic. But it feels good, the results are gratifying and he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

lifestyle

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 17 - April 23, 2013

Page D-2

Editor’s Taste Note

DETROIT RESTAURANT WEEK RETURNS FOR SPRING 2013

“Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.”

— Voltaire

Detroit Restaurant Week is back and the two-week celebration of the culinary scene in Detroit is not to be missed.

Top rated restaurants (yes, the ones you’ve been dying to visit) will open their doors and provide exquisitely prepared meals for a very reasonable price.

So grab a friend and those pants with a little Lycra, and get ready to experience the best dining bang for your buck without sacrificing good service or quality.

Stepping in Style,

It’s that time again! Detroit Restaurant Week returns Friday, April 19, and runs through Sunday, April 28. Nineteen of Detroit’s finest restaurants will once again offer specially-priced threecourse dinners for only $30 per person.

The Detroit Restaurant Week concept was created in 2009 as a partnership project between Paxahau Event Productions, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) and its partner organizations in Midtown, Corktown, Eastern Market and New Center to support and promote fine dining restaurants in greater downtown Detroit. Since its inception in 2009, almost 230,000 people from across metro Detroit and beyond have enjoyed Detroit Restaurant Week, generating over $4 million in sales.

This year, three new establishments have joined the spring event, including Greektown Casino Hotel’s flagship Brizola, the freshly-updated formerly Mosaic space Santorini Estiatorio in Greektown, and Wolfgang Pucks Pizzeria & Cucina at the MGM Grand Detroit.

RJ Barnhill Lifestyle Editor

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina’s menu includes rustic and cozy Italian classics like Tuscan White Bean Soup, Antipasti Salad and Hand Made Fettuccine with Wild Field Mushrooms and Truffle Oil. “Our Detroit Restaurant Week menu is meant to showcase a wide sampling of the food we offer,” said Executive Chef Marc Djozlija. “The restaurant opened last November as a casual Italian destination with wood oven baked pizzas and handmade pastas. Its bar offers domestic and international beers and a comprehensive selection of wines, many from Italy, which complement the menu.

Newcomer Brizola is set to provide a fabulous and distinctive food experience. The signature restaurant, located just off the casino floor, features a progressive wine menu, including new and old world wines, a large bar complemented with bold design and city views. The menu boasts mouth-

watering cuts of prime beef, the freshest seafood and decadent side dishes and desserts. Brizola’s General Manager Frederick Nikolovski Amady says, “We look forward to the DRW crowds and are excited to be apart of all the action this year.

Detroit Restaurant Week is presented by Shinola, the Detroit-based manufacturer of premium Detroit-built wristwatches and bicycles as well as other consumer products. Quicken Loans returns as supporting sponsor.

Call ahead to restaurants for reservations and visit www.DetroitRestaurantWeek.com for the latest updates about menus, upcoming events, and to sign up for the exclusive Detroit Restaurant Week e-newsletter. “Like” Detroit Restaurant Week on Facebook and follow @dineDRW on Twitter.

fors! d ea tion h a l va The restaurants participating Calreser in the eighth installment of the

➥

fine dining event are:

24Grille Westin Book Cadillac Detroit 313.964.3821 Andiamo Detroit Riverfront GM Ren Cen 313.567.6700 Angelina Italian Bistro Downtown 313.962.1355 Atlas Global Bistro Midtown 313.831.2241 Brizola Greektown Casino Hotel 313.309.2499 Cliff Bell’s Downtown 313.961.2543 Coach Insignia GM RenCen 313.567.2622

Detroit Seafood Market Paradise Valley 313.962.4180 Fountain Bistro Campus Martius Park 313.237.7778 Iridescence MotorCity Casino-Hotel 313.237.6732 La Dolce Vita Palmer Woods District 313.865.0331 Rattlesnake Club Stroh River Place 313.567.4400 Roast Westin Book Cadillac Detroit 313.961.2500 Roma Cafe Eastern Market 313.831.5940

Cuisine New Center 313.832.3408

Santorini Estiatorio Greektown 313.962.9366

Da Edoardo Foxtown Grille Foxtown 313.471.3500

The Whitney Midtown 313.832.5700

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina MGM Grand Detroit 1.877.888.2121

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 17-23, 2013 Page D-3

MOTOR CITY ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar

JUSTIN BIEBER, Joe Louis Arena, July 28. Tickets at Joe Louis box office and Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 800.745.3000.

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

CHARLES BRADLEY & the Extraordinaires, Magic Bag, May 10.

For more information, call 248.544.3030.

PAULA DEEN (“An Evening With Paula Deen”), Sound Board at Motor City Casino, April 25. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com.

WAYNE BRADY, the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, May 25. For ticket information, visit www.caesarWayne Brady swindsor.com or call 800.991.8888.

CHENE PARK: Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, June 18; Patti Austin, Althea Rene, June 12; Tamia, Eric Robeson, Bilal, June 19; Summer Jamz, June 22; B-52’s, Go-Gos, June 25; David Sanborn, Bob James, June 26; Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, June 28; Spyro Gyra, Swing Out Sister, July 3; Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Fred- Anthony Hamilton die Jackson, Howard Hewett, July 6; Ultimate White Party, July 7; Jonathan Butler, Sheila E., Alan Trotman, July 10; Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Rachelle Ferrell, July 13; SOS Band, Rose Royce, July 17; Brian Culbertson, Kimmie Kimmie Horne Horne, July 24; Tyrese, Ginuwine, Tank, July 28; Rahsaan Patterson, Kindred & the Family Soul, July 31; D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Aug. 4; Will Downing, Maurissa Rose, Aug. 7; Ramsey Lewis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Aug. 14; Sergio Mendes, Aug. 21; Michael McDonald, Toto, Aug. 25. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. Visit www.cheneparkdetroit.com.

CHICAGO, the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, May 19. For ticket information, visit www.caesarswindsor.com or call 800.991.8888.

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.

DOWNTOWN Hoedown, Comerica Park, May 31-June 2. Tickets on sale soon.

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

DIONNE FARRIS & the Russell Gunn Quartet, Jazz Café, April 26-27, For ticket information, call 313.887.8532 or visit jazzcafe@musichall.org.

LEGENDS OF HIP Dionne Farris HOP, Fox Theatre, May 18, featuring Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, the Sugarhill Gang, Rob Base, MC Lyte, Whodini and Slick Rick. 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, Thursday, *April 18.

Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com.

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.

RECESS FAMILY Music Festival, featuring the Laurie Berkner Band, Ralph’s World and others, Meadow Brook, June 22. Tickets available Palacenet.com and Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

DAVID SPADE, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, June 6. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com.

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 (in Albion), June 9. Free admission. For more information, call 313.921.9577.

EARTH IS A MEMORY WORTH FIGHTING FOR

Jazz in the groove Esperanza Spalding (right), the Grammy Awardwinning jazz artist, recently presented her Raido Music Society Concert at the University Music Society Michigan Theatre, in Ann Arbor. Afterwards, she signed autographs for fans, including Detroiters Ray Watson and Marva Lawrence.

— Barbara Orto photos

‘The Joy of Gospel Music’ Dr. Michael Walker, singer, composer and musician, is presenting a series of concerts that are revivals and celebrations of gospel masterpieces written by such famed artists as Walter Hawkins, Clara Ward, Roberta Martin, Thomas A. Dorsey, Edwin Hawkins, Donald Vails, Andraé Crouch, James Cleveland and Mattie Moss Clark, among others.

“The Joy of Gospel Music” concerts

will take place at St. Peter AME Zion Church, April 21; St. James Lutheran Church, May 19; and Leggett Chapel AME Zion Church, 806 N. Albion St., Albion, June 9.

There is no admission charge and there is a light repast following each concert.

For more information, call (313) 921-9577.

Reflections of “The Best Man,” a 1999 film. Now in pre-production is a sequel, “The Best Man Holiday.” The four actors and two actresses will reprise their roles.

Despite his denials, there is little doubt that Ray J’s new song, “I Hit It First,” is a rather crude dig at Kanye West with regard to Kim Kardashian, who Ray J used to go with. Ray J and Kardashian also made a show-everything sex video.

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW...that rock icon Jimi Hendrix, early in his career, played guitar in the Isley Brothers’ back-up band. The band was called the I.B. Specials.

MEMORIES: “More Love” (Smokey Robinson & the Miracles), “Silky Soul” (Maze featuring Frankie Beverly), “Tossin’ and Turnin’” (Bobby Lewis), “Lovin’ Is Really My Game” (Brainstorm), “It Seems to Hang On” (Ashford & Simpson), “Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)” (Luther

From page D-1 Ingram), “M’Lady” (Sly & the Family Stone), “I Am Love” (Jennifer Holliday), “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” (Aretha Franklin and George Michael), “After the Love Has Gone” (Earth, Wind & Fire).

BLESSINGS to Mary Grace Wilbert, Sheila Grant, Ronald A. Pride, Duane Parham, Craig Monroe, Huel Perkins, Mildred Gaddis, Robert McTyre, Carmela McTyre, Maceo Hampton, Phoebe Hampton and Jill-Day Foley.

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Rickey Minor: “Your biggest adjustment may be knowing when something has run its course. A better way to look at it is to recognize that it’s time to get off one train and jump onto a new one.”

Let the music play!

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

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA A CHERNIN ENTERTAINMENT/MONOLITHMUSICPICTURES/RADI CAL STUDIOS PRODUCTION A JOSEPH KOSINSKI FILM EXECUTIVE DAVESCREENPLAY MORRISON JESSE BERGER JUSTIN SPRINGER TOMPRODUCEDCRUISE “OBLIVION” OLGA KURYLENKO ANDREARISEBOROUGH NIKOLAJ COSTER-WALDAU BASED AND MELISSA LEO BY M83 PRODUCERS ON THE GRAPHIC NOVEL ORIGINAL STORY BY JOSEPH KOSINSKI

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Obituaries I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 11 Timothy 4:7

Robert P. Heidelberg Jr. Friends, family, colleagues and countless beneficiaries of his medical skills and humanitarianism were among those celebrating the life of Robert Prentice Heidelberg Jr. at services held Saturday, March 23, at Westminister Presbyterian Church. Officiant was the Rev. Kevin Johnson, pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church.

Dr. Heidelberg, preeminent Detroit dermatologist, made his transition Saturday, March 16, at the age of 74.

“An extraordinary man” his obituary proclaimed and the ensuing account of his life, along with personal testaments at the service, brought ample witness to that pronouncement. Spoken of was his lifelong love of music and voracious appetite for reading, his unrivaled clinical acumen, strong moral convictions and spirituality; his keen wit and willingness to engage in spirited discussion on any subject within his wide sphere of knowledge; his generosity and, above all, commitment to his family and profession.

Born Aug. 12, 1938, in Laurel, Miss., he moved with his family to Detroit and was a gifted student at Northwestern High School.

He attended Wayne State University with a music scholarship but after graduation from WSU, realizing that although music was his passion medicine was his calling, he opted for admission to Howard University College of Medicine where he continued to excel academically.

Dr. Heidelberg began his internship at Detroit’s Grace Hospital but was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. After his discharge at the rank of captain, he returned to Wayne State for training in his specialty, dermatology. He opened his practice in 1971 and soon built a large clientele with his easy rapport and trust he instilled in his patients, most of whom affectionately called him “Dr. Bob.” During his 40 years as a physician, his practice serviced more than 1.5 million patients , all of whom received the same dignity and care despite the inability of some to afford specialized and extensive treatments.

Dr. Heidelberg married the former Vera Currie and they had two daughters. Karen Heidelberg Barnwell followed her father in the medical profession, also specializing in dermatology, and joined his practice 15 years ago. Her sister, Tanya Heidelberg Yopp, is an attorney and businessperson.

In addition to his wife of more than 50 years, Dr. Heidelberg is survived by two sons-in law Roger Yopp and Dr. John Barnwell; two granddaughters, Savannah Louise Yopp and Vera Ann-Marie Barnwell; his sister, Darnell Heidelberg Barton; brother-in-law, Sherman; cousin, Annette Johnson, and many other relatives.

Entombment was in the Rosa Parks Chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery. Handling arrangements was Swanson Funeral Home Inc.

Genevieve Springer Services for churchwoman Genevieve Pamela Springer were held Wednesday, April 3, at Solomon’s Temple. Officiant was Bishop David Maxwell and master of ceremonies was Elder Gary Gay. Ms. Springer, who devoted much of her life to working in various capacities at the churches she attended, made her transition Tuesday, March 26, at the age of 62.

Her early Christian journey began at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church where she helped to orchestrate holiday programs. She served on the usher board at Rising Star Missionary Baptist, was baptized at Pentecostal House of God and later united with Greater Grace Temple of the Apostolic Faith, where spent nearly 21 years serving with various auxiliaries including her favorite, Usher Board #3. At Solomon Temple she was a member of the Missionary Department.

During her marriage to Leon Johnson, she had two children, son Derrick Azariah, now a minister at Solomon’s Temple, and daughter Alese JeNal, a member of True Worship Church. Her spiritual walk with God also inspired some of her 10 siblings to become born-again believers.

A gifted artistic individual, Ms. Springer was a heavily soughtafter designer and creator of fashion wardrobes. Her artistry really received recognition during her employment as production manager with the Michigan Chronicle when she became the first in that position to win three first-place awards in Best Layout and Design from the National Newspapers Publishers Association.

Among the accolades she received for her extensive charitable and civic work was the Hampton Award for Volunteer of the Year from the Black United Fund, where she was an integral member of the Planning Committee, and honorable mention letters from Gov. Jennifer Granholm and former interim Detroit Mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr. At the time of her death she was a member of the administrative team at Children’s Hospital as a medical secretary and pediatric administrative assistant.

Ms. Springer’s educational journey paralleled her spiritual journey. A product of the Detroit Public Schools system, she held an associate’s degree in business administration from the Detroit College of Business, bachelor’s degree in business administration from Davenport University, where she placed twice on the Dean’s List. And a master’s general administration from Central Michigan University. She also took liberal studies at Jordan College and calligraphy at the Center for Creative Studies.

She is survived by her mother, Mary R. Springer; son Derrick, daughter, Alese, two grandchildren, Temar and Austin; goddaughter, Davina; ten siblings, Carole, Shirley, Jacqueline, Marion, Bernice, Willard Jr., Douglas, Cecil, Curtis Sr. and Rosalie, and many other relatives.

Burial was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements were by O.H. Pye III Funeral Home.

Daniel Robinson Services for Daniel Robinson were held Friday, March 22, at Oakland Avenue Missionary Baptist Church. Officiating was the Rev. Bernard Robinson.

Mr. Robinson, a Detroit trailblazer in tool and die making, died Thursday, March 14, two weeks after his 87th birthday.

Primarily reared in Detroit, he joined Church of Our Father at an early age. He loved learning and valued education, becoming an outstanding student Miller High School, where he excelled in mathematics. His scholarly achievements earned him a coveted opportunity to attend Henry Ford Trade School where he was the only African American student in his class. After earning a certificate in tool and die making in 1942, it took him five years to land a job at the Ford Motor Co. where he plied his trade until retiring in 1990.

Mr. Robinson married Betty Mitchell and they had a son, Eric, who preceded him in death. He later Married Mary King and they reared eight children.

A World War II Army veteran, he was an active member of the American Legion until his death and served as an assistant Boy Scout master. He enjoy reading science fiction , solving crossword puzzles, traveling and attending family picnics locally and reunions across the nation.

Among Mr. Robinson’s survivors are two sisters, Luvie Carter and Pat Kellum; his children, Brenda, Bernard, Ramon, Gail, Robert, Gregory, Christopher and Pamela; 27 grandchildren, 19 great-children and many other relatives.

Burial was at Detroit Memorial Park East in Warren. Handling arrangements was Swanson Funeral Home Inc.

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Edith Brown Services for Edith Brown were held Saturday, March 23, at Faith Temple Baptist Church. Pastor Eddie J. Patterson officiated.

Ms. Brown succumbed to an extended illness Sunday, March 17. She was 62.

A native of Perry County, Ala., she was baptized at an early age and she received her formal education in the Gasden City Public Schools system. After moving to Detroit she united with New Greater Zion Hill Church.

Affectionately called “Sis,” she was an outgoing, fun-loving and generous person who had a gift for fashion and flowers.

She is survived by a daughter, Lakeshia Felton; sons, Christopher, Cornelius and Roddrell Brown; her mother, Martha Brown; sisters, Catherine Dobbins, Lucy Sears and Karen Carlisle; brothers, Jimmy, Johnny, Walter, Frank and Benny Brown; ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, an aunt, Annie Pearl; uncle, Dennis; special friend, Derrick Prince, and many other relatives.

Burial was at Elmwood Cemetery. Arrangements were by Swanson Funeral Home Inc.

Doris S. Gray A celebration of the life of Doris Senola Gray was held Friday, March 22, at St. Stephen AME Church, with Pastor Michael L. Cousin officiating.

Mrs. Gray, an active member of St. Stephen, made her transition Thursday, March 14, at the age of 80.

Born Oct. 19, 1933, in Detroit, she was baptized at St. Stephen in 1935 and officially joined the church in 1945. Educated in the Detroit Public Schools system, she graduated from Northwestern High School in 1952.While working at Yob Engineering Co., she met and subsequently married James Arnold Gray Jr., a 56-year union in which they had and reared six children.

At St. Stephen Mrs. Gray was a long-serving officer on the Board of Trustees and active member of the Historical Remembrance Committee, Pastor’s Aid Club, Bereavement Committee and the Spivey Redevelopment Organization.

Mrs. Gray is survived by a sister, Bernice Bonner; her children, Carla Heath, Karen Sheffield, Leslie Fields, James A. III, and Jeffrey and Kelli Gray; three grandchildren, Justin Gray, Jordan Heath and Lauren Fields; three great-grandchildren, Justin, Joshua and Chloe Gray, and other relatives.

Burial was at United Memorial Gardens. Handling arrangements was Swanson Funeral Home Inc.

Carrie Jane George Friends, family and others paid tribute to Carrie Jane George at services held Wednesday, March 20, at Universal Liberty Christ Temple.

Officiating was Pastor Naomi Gatlin.

Mrs. George succumbed to an extended illness Wednesday, March 13, at the age of 70.

A native Detroiter, she was born Dec. 31, 1942, and was educated in the Detroit Public Schools system. She attended Warren Avenue Baptist Church and later joined Universal Church where she sang with the choir including solos during the church’s Sunday night broadcasts.

The mother of a one son, she married Henry George in 1968 and they lived in Japan for three years while he was on military assignment. After her retirement from Detroit Riverview Hospital, where she worked as a material management technician, Mrs. George devoted more of her time to the activities she loved, namely traveling, church activities, entertaining and dining out with friends.

During her illness, Mrs. George was ably cared for by her companion of 30 years, Ruth Hunter, with whom she had three godchildren, and received exceptional service from Dorothy Young, one of her caregivers.

In addition to her son, Tyrone, Mrs. George is survived by four sisters, Deloris Edwards-Bradley, Cecil Edwards-Mitchell, Delore Robinson and Thelma Daye; a grandchild, Dimetria Simpson; two great-grandchildren, Victoria and Asia Shipman; her companion, Ruth Hunter, and many other relatives.

Final arrangements were handled by Swanson Funeral Home Inc.

George Calvin Hill A celebration of the life of Dr. George Calvin Hill was held at Plymouth United Church of Christ with the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood officiating. Delivering the eulogy was Dr. Hill’s daughter, the Rev. Dr. Georgia Hill.

Dr. Hill, a prominent surgeon and occupational medicine physician, passed Tuesday, March 26, at the age of 87.

Born Aug 29,1925, in Johnstown, Pa., he was an outstanding student throughout his scholastic career, graduating at age 16 from Fifth Avenue High School in Pittsburgh, Pa. He considered both medicine and the ministry as careers before commencing studies at Morehouse College.

After only a year at Morehouse, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy and while stationed in Moscow, Idaho, was able to continue his studies at the University of Idaho. Upon his discharge, he returned to Pennsylvania and complete his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh.

In 1958he graduated from Meharry Medical College, an institution with which he maintained a close relationship throughout his life. In 1963 he was presented Meharry’s President’s Award in recognition of his service to mankind and the college and was later named a Meharry “Guardian of the Legacy.”

Dr. Hill married the former Valentine Kay Johnson in 1959 and they had three daughters, Georgia Ann, Janet Marietta and Ellen Valentine.

Dr. Hill opened his surgical practice in 1963, transitioning to occupational medicine in1983 and serving in various capacities at Ford Motor Co., Chrysler and General Motors Corps., the U.S. Postal Service and Detroit Edison. He was the author of more than 30 published articles and won several awards in surgical research. A member of the board of directors of numerous organizations and adjunct clinical instructor at Wayne State University School of Medicine for over two decades, he retired from the practice of medicine in 2011.

A highlight of his life came during Desert Storm when he was deployed as a colonel in the Army Reserves to Fort Bliss, Tex., where he was assistant director of the Surgical Trauma Unit.

In 1978 he joined Plymouth Church where he was later ordained a deacon and served as deacons chairman. He also served in other capacities including chairman of fundraising church renovation campaigns and member of the Outreach Ministry team. He and Mr. Hill became members of the church Pilot Club.

An avid golfer and voracious reader, “Daddy Hill,” as he was fondly called, especially loved the Agatha Christie mysteries and playing bridge and checkers.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Valentine; daughters Georgia Hill, Janet Talbert and Ellen Zeringue; sons-in-law Aaron Talbert and Anthony Zeringue; brothers-in-law Ishmael Johnson Jr. and Barry Johnson, and many other relatives.

Renee Rawlings The homegoing service for Renee Rawlings was held Monday, March 18, at Greater Grace Temple with Bishop Charles Ellis officiating.

Mrs. Rawlings made her transition Tuesday, March 12, following an extended illness.

Born Renee Ferguson in Memphis, Tenn., she was a graduate of the Memphis Public Schools system and attended Memphis State University.

After moving to Detroit, she joined Greater Grace and was a devoted member, serving on the Senior Usher Board until her health began to fail.

Mrs. Rawlings is survived by her children, Cheryl and Jaclyn Walker, and Frederick and Katrina Rawlings; 11 grandchildren, Shara and Narre Walker, Keta, Gabrielle, ToKara, Seriah and Gibran Rawlings, Telia Hines, Christian Brown, Telawrence Hymes and Tylee Walker; 14 great-grandchildren, three sisters, Narda Johnson, Inda Griffin and Althea Williams, and many other relatives.

Swanson Funeral Home Inc. handled arrangements.

April 17 - 23, 2013

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Geraldine Bates and Santangela Williams Services for Geraldine Bates and Santangela Williams were held Saturday, Feb. 23, at Kadesh Baptist Church.

Delivering the eulogy was Bishop Donnell Foster.

Mrs. Bates, 68, and Mrs. Williams, 49, mother and daughter respectively, died Friday, Feb. 15. Both were native Detroiters and both attended the Detroit Public Schools.

Born Geraldine Golden Sept. 19, 1944, Mrs. Bates was baptized at House of God at an early age and later headed the church’s Mothers Board. She married the late Ricky Shine and they had three children. She worked at National Clearing until electing to devote full time to raising her family. She married James Bates and later had a daughter, Starlet.

Mrs. Williams, born Santangela Deandra Shine May 18, 1963, received her GED in 1991. She attended Henry Ford Community College, earning associate degrees in science and nursing, and worked as a nurse at Huron Valley Correctional Facility. Affectionately known as “Pookie,” she was an outgoing personality.

She married Anthoy Williams and they were the parents of three children.

Mrs. Bates is survived by two daughters, Rickie “Keda” Shine and Quiana “Starlet” Jones (a son, Ricardo, preceded her in death); four grandchildren, Jerrell Sr., Dee, Jerray and Cara; three great-grandchildren, Amera, Ja’Velon and Jerrell Jr.; a brother, Charles, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Anthony, Mrs. Williams’ survivors are three children, Jerrell Shine Sr., Jerray Rogers and Shantangela R. Williams; two grandchildren, Krystopher Frazier and Jerrell Shine Jr.; two sisters, Rickie Shine and Starlet Jones; two stepdaughters, Jasmine and Jermani Williams; stepson, Momar Wallace; five stepgrandchildren, Maxine, Lavar, Wynter, Miquel and Lecia.

Interments were at Westland Cemetery in Wayne.Arrngements were handled by Swanson Funeral Home Inc.

Martinneze Moore A homegoing service for Martinneze Moore was held Monday, March 18, in the Eastside Chapel of Swanson Funeral Home Inc. The Rev Daniel Garfield officiated.

Mr. Moore, a retired truck driver and more recently a medical administrator, died Monday, March 11, approximately a month after his 50th birthday.

Born Feb. 9, 1963, in Detroit, he was educated in the Detroit Public Schools system and later earned degrees in broadcasting and culinary arts.

After retiring as a truck driver for Ryder Co., he began a career as a medical administrator at Great Lakes Wellness and Home Health Inc. Mr. Moore married his wife, Barbara, in 1988 and they had two sons.

He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and working with seniors in maintaining their health.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Chisa Moore, Kyle Rushing, Etoshia Williams and Martinneze, Danell and JaVon Moore; 13 grandchildren, his mother, Jessie Clark; five brothers, four sisters and many other relatives. His father, Arlue Moore, and two sisters, Michelle and Shuron, preceded him in death.

Burial was at Lincoln Memorial Park in Clinton Township.

Viola E. Mason A celebration of the life of Viola Elizabeth Mason was held Tuesday, March 19, at Solomon’s Temple, where Bishop William L. Bonner is pastor. Officiant was Bishop William Hall and master of ceremonies was Apostle Fred Rubin.

Mrs. Mason, a retired General Motors seamstress, made her transition Monday, March 11, approximately a month before her 81st birthday.

Born Viola Elizabeth Pate April 3, i932, in Bramwell, West Va., she was a product and graduate of the West Virginia Schools system.

After moving to Detroit, she met and married the late Arthur Mason Jr. and they had six children.

Mrs. Mason, affectionately known as “Sister” or “Pate,” grandchildren, Blair, Alshasang with the Goodwill Youth Ensemble. In 1959 she became a member of Solomon’s Temple and served with dedication for ore than 50 years. After her retirement from General Motors she devoted more time to her favorite pastimes, traveling, sewing, and socializing with her Progressive Mixers church club and family.

She is survived by her children, Christina Williams Roberts, Arthur III, Mark, Bruce, Candy McGee and Wendy Matthews; grandchildren, Blair, Alisha, Kelly, Arthur IV, Ashleigh, Mark II, Tyrone, Nakiela, Tiffany, Reuben, Angel, Christian, Dwight, Ryan, Kiarron and Delilah; several great-grandchildren, sisters, Trudy, Goldie and Ida Mae; her caregiver, Laura, and many other relatives.

Bianca K. Upshaw A memorial service for Bianca Katerri Upshaw was held Saturday, March 16, in the Swanson Funeral Home Eastside Chapel. Delivering the eulogy was Pastor Walter Allen Steen.

Miss Upshaw died Sunday, March 3, at the age of 43.

Born Nov. 4, 1969, to the late Homer and Minnie Upshaw, she professed her faith in Christ at an early age and attended the Detroit public schools. Described as humble and giving, she always tried to help the less fortunate.

In addition to her parents, Miss Upshaw was preceded in death by two brothers, Myron and Jackie, and a sister, Jeannette. She is survived by a daughter, Princess; son, Plas; three sisters, Sonya, Sandra Jones and Nedra; four brothers, Homer, Andre, Shawn and Demetrius, and other relatives.

Cevellia M. Wilder Services for Cevellia M. Wilder were held Friday, March 22, at Allen Temple AME Church with the Rev. Dr. Darren K. Penson officiating.

Mrs. Wilder died Thursday, March 14, three weeks before her 89th birthday.

Born Cevillia M. Starks April 4, 1924, she moved with her mother to Detroit at an early age. She attended the Detroit public schools and later beauty college while helping in her mother’s salon.

In 1941 she married the late William B. Wilder and joined the “Rosie the Riveter” ranks, working in the auto industry while her husband fulfilled his military duty during World War II. She also worked for 20 years at Whaling Men’s Clothing Store, retiring as head cashier.

At Allen Temple, Mrs. Wilder was a member of the Usher Board, served with other church auxiliaries and volunteered at soup kitchens throughout the city. A world traveler, she also enjoyed crosscountry driving trips, shopping, cooking and entertaining friends and family.

She is survived by her daughter, Rosemary Brown, grandchildren, Sylvia Davis, Jewel Denby and Anthony Brown; ten great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren and other relatives.

Burial was at Elmwood Cemetery. Arrangements were by Swanson Funeral Home.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The Detroit Public Library Commission is seeking sealed competitive Requests for Proposal for the Digital Asset Management Portal Implementation at the Detroit Public Library located at 5201 Woodward Avenue , Detroit, Michigan 48202.

Bid documents may be obtained from the Purchasing office located at 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, 48202,313-481-1325. They may also be obtained from the Detroit Public Library website at detroitpubliclibrary.org.

Sealed documents are to be returned to the Purchasing office no later than Thursday, April25 , 2013 at 2:30PM (Detroit Michigan Time). No late, fax, e-mail or any other utilization of an electronic method to respond to this request will be accepted .

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.

The Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is dedicated to helping transform distressed neighborhoods into healthy and sustainable communities.

LISC is seeking Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for Project Managers, Developers, and Financial Managers to work with Community Development Corporations and for-profit organizations in Detroit LISC investment neighborhoods.

Detailed RFQ Information may found on the Detroit LISC website at www. detroit-lisc.org. Sealed documents may be returned no later than April 29, 2013 at 5:00 pm. No late responses to this request will be accepted.

Public Notice Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Remediation and Redevelopment Division (RRD) Notice of Intent to Approve “No Further Action” Reports The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has received two proposed No Further Action (NFA) Reports for Phase IIIA and Phase IIIB of Gardenview Estates (former Herman Gardens) addressing environmental contamination from the former operations and placement of contaminated fill on the property. Gardenview Estates, Detroit, Wayne County is bounded to the west by Southfield Road, to the north by Joy Road, to the east by Ashbury Avenue, and to the south by Tireman Avenue. The NFAs and postclosure plans describe the use restrictions and the actions taken to prevent contact with contaminated soils. These include the placement and maintenance of permanent cover consisting of buildings, asphalt, concrete, and clean soils.

The proposed NFA reports will be available for public review from April 17, 2013 through May 3, 2013 at the following location(s): Gardenview Estates Management Office 16461 Van Buren Detroit, MI 48228 Phone: (313) 582-9505 Written public comments will be accepted by the MDEQ until 5:00pm on May 3, 2013. The MDEQ will carefully consider and address significant public comments before a final decision is made. Written comments should be sent to: Ms. Jeanne Schlaufman MDEQ-RRD 27700 Donald Court Warren, MI 48092-2793 schlaufmanj1@michigan.gov INVITATION TO BID The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting proposals for an Email System.

Proposal forms for RFP Control No. 13-1230 may be obtained beginning on April 17, 2013 from www.mitn.info.

Proposals are due by 3:00 PM ET, May 15, 2013.

INVITATION TO BID The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting proposals for a Mobile Video Surveillance System.

Proposal forms for RFP Control No. 13-1313 may be obtained beginning on April 15, 2013 from www.mitn.info.

Proposals are due by 3:00 PM ET, May 13, 2013.

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RIVER ROUGE HOUSING COMMISSION INVITATION TO BIDDERS SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES ISSUE DATE: APRIL 11, 2013 PROPOSALS DUE: MAY 3, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.

Issued by: River Rouge Housing Commission 180 Visger Rd. River Rouge, MI. 48218 PRE – BID MEETING TUESDAY APRIL 16, 2013 @ 12:00 NOON HELD @ HYACINTH COURT 460 ½ LENOIR COURT

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

PROPOSALS DUE: MAY 3, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.

CITY OF DETROIT Planning and Development Department 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 1200 Detroit, Michigan 48226 Telephone: 313.224.0472

Issued by: River Rouge Housing Commission 180 Visger Road River Rouge, MI. 48218

TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS In accordance with 24 CFR 58.70, this notice shall satisfy procedural requirements for activities undertaken by the City of Detroit.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ISSUE DATE: APRIL 11, 2013

863-853-2752

NOTICE OF HEARINGS REGARDING MATTERS TO COME

Page D-5

INVITATION TO BIDDERS COMPREHENSIVE MAINTENANCE/REPAIR SERVICES

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

April 17 - 23, 2013

On or about April 26, 2013, and in accordance with 24 CFR 58.71, the City of Detroit will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Detroit Field Office for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-383). Once provided the appropriate authorization, the City of Detroit will commit these funds to the following project:

PRE-BID MEETING WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2013@ 10:00 AM HELD @ HYACINTH COURT 460 ½ LENOIR COURT INVITATION TO BIDDERS PEST CONTROL, EXTERMINATION SERVICES ISSUE DATE: APRIL 11, 2013 PROPOSALS DUE: MAY 3, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.

Southwest Wellness Center Rehabilitation Project Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), 2011 $100,000.00

Issued by: River Rouge Housing Commission 180 Visger Road River Rouge, MI. 48218

PROJECT SCOPE

PRE- BID MEETING THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2013 @ 12:00 NOON HELD @ HYACINTH COURT

The Southwest Wellness Center Rehabilitation Project will construct of a parking lot at 3881, 4007, 4013, and 4019 35th Street, 48210, to allow for accessory parking with landscaping and an opaque fence to the serve the existing Wellness Center located at 5716 Michigan Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48210.

Southwest Non-Profit Housing Corporation will serve as the primary sponsor of this project. The offices of Southwest Non-Profit Housing Corporation are located at 1920 25th Street, Detroit, Michigan 49216.

DETERMINATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This project is Categorically Excluded from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), per 24 CFR 58.35(a)(3), and the preparation of an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. However, this project is subject to the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5 and 58.6.

The City of Detroit Planning and Development Department has prepared the Environmental Review for this project, and the Environmental Review finds that this project complies with the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5 and 58.6.

In accordance with 24 CFR 58.38, the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department prepared an Environmental Review Record that documents the Environmental Review of the above-named project. The Environmental Review Record is 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 for environmental review, decision making, and action. Upon approval of the request for release of funds and certification, the City of Detroit may commit the Community Development Block Grant 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 project for consideration. The Planning and Development Department should receive such comments at the address listed at the top of this notice on or before April 25, 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 choice-limiting action on the above-named project prior to April 26, 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 step applicable to the program in the environmental review process; (c) That the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds 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 release of funds and certification on a basis other than those stated.

All interested agencies, groups or persons must prepare and submit objections in accordance with the required procedures outlined in 24 CFR 58.76. Potential objectors must address their objections to:

Ms. Ellen Chung, Senior 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. Ellen Chung at 313.226.7900, extension 8058, 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.

INVITATION TO BIDDERS GENERAL LABOR SERVICES ISSUE DATE: APRIL 11, 2013 PROPOSAL DATE: MAY 3, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.

Issued by: River Rouge Housing Commission PRE-BID MEETING, FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2013 @ 10:00 AM HELD @ HYACINTH COURT, 460 ½ LENOIR COURT INVITATION TO BIDDERS PLUMBING MAINTENANCE/REPAIR SERVICES Issue date: April 11, 2013 Proposals Due: May 3, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.

Issued by: River Rouge Housing Commission 180 Visger Road River Rouge, MI. 48218 Pre-Bid meeting, APRIL 16, 2013 @ 10am HELD @ HYACINTH COURT, 460 ½ LENOIR COURT INVITATION TO BIDDERS LAWN MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING SERVICES ISSUE DATE APIL 11, 2013 PROPOSALS DUE: MAY 3, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.

Issued by: River Rouge Housing Commission 180 Visger Road River Rouge, MI. 48218 PRE- BID MEETING TUESDAY APRIL 16, 2013 @ 2:00 PM HELD @ HYACINTH COURT, 460 ½ LENOIR COURT INVITATION TO BIDDERS HEATING & COOLING/REPAIR SERVICES ISSUE DATE: APRIL 11, 2013 PROPOSALS DUE: MAY 3, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.

Issued by: River Rouge Housing Commission 180 Visger Road River Rouge, MI. 48218 PRE – BID MEETING THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2013@ 10:00 AM HELD @ HYACINTH COURT, 460 ½ LENOIR COURT INVITATION TO BIDDERS JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR MAIN OFFICE & HYACINTH COURT ISSUE DATE: APRIL 11, 2013 PROPOSAL DUE DATE: MAY 3, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.

Issued by: River Rouge Housing Commission PRE-BID MEETING, THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2013 @ 2:00PM HELD @ HYACINTH COURT, 460 ½ LENOIR COURT

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: April 17, 2013

ALL BID PROPOSALS ARE $75 DOLLARS PER PACKET MAKE PAYABLE TO: RIVER ROUGE HOUSING COMMISSION PRE-BID MEETINGS ARE HELD @ HYACINTH COURT 460 ½ LENOIR COURT, RIVER ROUGE, MI. 48218 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR OFFICE @ 313 382-1414

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE 313-963-5522

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April 17 - 23, 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Page D-6

ANNOUNCEMENTS ATTENTION QUALIFIED GENERAL CONTRACTORS April 17, 2013 The City of Detroit is inviting qualified General Contractors for the following:

DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT DAVE BING, MAYOR CITY OF DETROIT ANNOUNCEMENTOFREQUESTFORPROPOSALS FOR DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTS - DWS-886 AND DWS-887 EAST SIDE AND WEST SIDE CITY OF DETROIT SEWER REPAIRS CONTRACT FOR INSPECTION AND IN-PLACE REHABILITATION OF EXISTING CIRCULAR AND NON-CIRCULAR SEWERS The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) is seeking a qualified firm to provide design-build services under a negotiated fixed-price contract. The firm is to perform and provide, as a single source of responsibility , all services, disciplines , limited management services , and administration for the design and construction of the project.

The intent of this project is to provide all labor, materials and equipment to fully perform the work of television inspection, cleaning and rehabilitation/lining of circular and non­circular storm and sanitary sewer and water main lines 8-inch thru 120-inch diameter by using the relining methods of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), slip lining or pipe bursting conforming to the requirements of the current standard specification for lining sewers and water mains. This announcement is for two (2) separate Contracts . The Projects are generally described as: DWSD CONTRACT NO. DWS-886 ‘The East Side City of Detroit Sewer Repairs Contract for Inspection and In-Place Rehabilitation of Existing Circular and Non-Circular Sewers” and DWSD CONTRACT NO. DWS-887 “ The West Side City of Detroit Sewer Repairs Contract for Inspection and In-Place Rehabilitation of Existing Circular and Non-Circular Sewers”. More detailed information is provided in the Proposing Documents.

Services to be provided by the design-builder generally include field investigation , identification of DWSD requirements , design professional and related services , engineering, management services , permitting, coordination , procurement , equipment installation, construction, quality control, start-up, testing, documentation preparation, construction close-out, record documents and all other activities necessary to complete the work.

In addition to the requirements stated in this Request For Proposals (RFP), each element of the following minimum qualifications is required to be met by at least one member of Proposer’s team: (a) a minimum of five (5) years of experience in performing inspection and in-place rehabilitation of existing sewers by using the cured­in-place pipe method, with an annual business of at least $2,000,000, (b) ability to identify and implement DWSD’s requirements and procedures during the performance of the work, (c) knowledge of local conditions and DWSD requirements and procedures , (d) ability to work with regulatory agencies, (e) knowledge of associated regulatory requirements, (f) knowledge of standards and specifications required in this RFP. The lead firm is required to demonstrate available performance and payment bonding capacity in the amount of the proposal price.

The executed contracts pursuant to this solicitation shall include signed affidavits acknowledging that the prevailing wages shall be paid under the terms of the contract by the contractor and subcontractors throughout the term of the contract.

The D/B Contractor and all subcontractors will be required to obtain clearances from the Detroit Human Rights Department and the Detroit Finance Department.

Proposers are asked to submit non-economic and cost proposals to be evaluated for selection based on the criteria set forth in the RFP. Following the evaluation of the proposals, DWSD will enter into Contract negotiations with one or more Proposers. Should DWSD determine , in its sole and exclusive judgment, that Contract negotiations are unproductive, DWSD may terminate negotiations with any Proposer and initiate negotiations with another Proposer.

Beginning April 22, 2013, a RFP package may be obtained from the DWSD Contracts Section, 15th Floor of the Water Board Building, 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226 on business days between the hours of 8:30 a.m.

A non-refundable $75.00 fee in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the and 4:00 p.m.

“Detroit Board of Water Commissioners” is required to secure the RFP package.

Please call Yolanda Pippen at (313) 964-9548 for further information on distribution of the RFP. A mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held at 10:00 a.m., Detroit time, on May 8, 2013, in the 16th Floor Conference Room of the Water Board Building Building, located at 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226 . The meeting will consist of a DWSD presentation on the scope of work followed by a question and answer period.

Proposals are due on June 5, 2013, at 12:00:00 noon at the place indicated in the RFP package. Any questions should be directed to DWSD’s contractual representative , Mr. Daniel Edwards at (313) 964-9471, Contracts Section, 15th Floor of the Water Board Building, 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226

PROJECT Public Facility Rehabilitation Project for The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter, Inc. LOCATION 18516 James Couzens, Detroit, MI 48235 OWNER The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter, Inc., a Non-Profit Corporation GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION Interior alterations, roof repair and exterior signage to existing office building.

ARCHITECT Crutcher Studio Architects, PO Box 22, Farmington, MI 48332 GENERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Contractors desiring to bid shall demonstrate the following minimum qualifications: At least three years experience in their relative trade(s), licensed as required by the state or local law. A completed Contractor’s Qualification Statement and Cost Breakdown must accompany the Bid, the form of which is attached to this Bid Announcement.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS Public Liability with the City of Detroit named as an Additional Insured, Auto Liability, and Worker’s Compensation to limits specified in the General Conditions of the Contract.

BID PACKAGES Bid Packages are available at: Engineering Reproduction, 13550 Conant Ave., Detroit, MI 48212.

(Reference Crutcher Studio Project #K2011-08), from 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday except holidays, throughout the bidding period. The phone number is (313)366-3390.

Bidders will be responsible for charges associated with obtaining documents.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE A pre-bid conference will be held at: The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter 18516 James Couzens, Detroit, MI 48235 at 12:00pm Wednesday April 24, 2013. Attendance is mandatory prerequisite for submitting bids.

BIDDING Bid Proposal Forms are due by 3:00p.m.May 1, 2013 at The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter 18516 James Couzens, Detroit, MI 48235 and will be received at the main reception desk 9:00am to 3:00pm daily, excluding holidays, throughout the bidding period.

Bids submitted after the due date and time will not be considered. The owner reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any bid or to reject any or all bids should it be deemed for its best interest.

PROJECT FUNDING The contract will be executed under the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund program as administered by the City of Detroit’s Planning and Development Department.

WAGE AND EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS The successful contractor will be required to comply with federal laws governing equal employment opportunity, with prevailing wage requirements of the Federal Labor Standards Act which also incorporates Davis-Bacon requirements, will have to be cleared and approved by the City of Detroit, and comply with Mayor’s Executive Order No. 2007-1 Utilization of Detroit Residents on Publicly-Funded Construction Projects, as follows: Per Executive Order No. 2007-1: at least fifty-one percent (51 %) of the workforce must be bonda-fide Detroit residents. In addition, Detroit residents shall perform fifty-one percent (51 %) of the hours worked on the project. Workforce and project hours shall include work performed by Detroit residents in the various job categories: officials and managers, supervisors and forepersons, professions, technicians, sales workers, office and clerical, skilled trades, craft workers, operators, laborers, service workers, apprentices, and on-the-job training positions.

The contractor shall be required to comply with the “Section 3 Clause” (24 CFR Part 135). All contracts (subcontracts) shall include the Section 3 Clause.

BONDING REQUIREMENTS The successful Bidder is required to furnish Payment (Labor and Materials) and Performance Bonds in the amount covering the faithful performance of the Contract and the payment of all obligations arising thereunder, in the amounts of 100% of their contracts, executed by a surety acceptable to the Owner and which is licensed to do business in the State of Michigan

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DWSD LOCAL CONTRACTS ADVERTISEMENT 1.Bids – The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) will receive sealed Bids for the Work delivered to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, Contracts and Grants Division, Rm. #1510, Detroit, Michigan 48226, until 2:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time, on Thursday, May 16, 2013, when all Bids duly received will be opened publicly and read aloud. Bidders should arrive in a timely manner.

2.Project Description - The Work, Pumping Station 1 Rack & Grit and MPI 1 & Jefferson Sampling Stations Improvements, Contract No. PC-789 includes, but is not necessarily limited to: PS-1 Rack & Grit (R&G) Building and New Building Additions •Replacement of existing eight (8) bar rack, sixteen (16) grit collection units, Screenings Belt Conveyor #1, Screenings Belt X-Conveyor # 2, Grit Belt Conveyor # 1, Grit Belt X-Conveyors #1 and #2 and Grit Flight Conveyors #1 and #2.

•Demolition of Grit Screw Conveyor #2 and Grit Screw X-Conveyor #3.

•Replacement of existing secondary final effluent piping and all necessary fittings and appurtenances.

•Replacement of doors, frames, and hardware.

•Construction of new south off-load and north conveyor buildings including electrical, lighting, HVAC and plumbing work.

•Replacement of four (4) existing sump pumps and the installation of a new sump pump in the new south off-load building.

•Restoration of the existing concrete structural elements.

•Modifications to MCC-1, MCC-2, and MCC-5 and replacement of all high bay light fixtures and control panels.

•Replacement of walls, ceilings, flooring finishes and toilet fixtures and accessories of the Control and Toilet Rooms. Work includes all associated electrical, lighting, HVAC and plumbing.

•All necessary site utility relocation and restoration work.

MPI 1 Sampling Station •Replacement of two (2) existing sampling chopper pumps, piping and sampling tank situated in the basement with new chopper pumps and piping system. Also, the replacement of an existing in-line axial fan and external mounted motor unit.

•Replacement of two (2) existing samplers, sink and piping and the installation of a back flushing system and a faucet/eyewash in the main floor.

•Restoration of the basement concrete structural elements.

Jefferson Sampling Station (JSS) •Replacement of two (2) existing grinders, two (2) sample pumps, two (2) sump pumps and piping with new chopper pumps, sump pumps and new pipes and appurtenances situated in a caisson located within the Marine Pollution Control (MPC) property on 8631 West Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48209.

•Demolition of an existing 14’x14’ building located at the Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant at 9300 West Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48209 and construction of a new 20’-8”x15’-2” masonry block building with brick exterior. Work includes related process, electrical, HVAC and plumbing work.

Note: Contractor shall be fully responsible for the abatement and disposal of all hazardous materials and contaminated soil associated with the construction activities related to this project.

The sites are located at the Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Marine Pollution Control Corporation at 9300 and 8631 West Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48209, respectively.

3.Bidding Documents - Beginning Tuesday, April 16, 2013, Sets of Bidding Documents may be obtained from the DWSD Contracts Section, 1504 Water Board Building, 735 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226 on Business Days between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Copies may be obtained upon the payment of $100.00 per set, in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Detroit Board of Water Commissioners (which will not be refunded).

Bidding Documents will be shipped only if the requesting party assumes responsibility for all related charges.

4.Bid Security – Each Bid shall enclose Bid Security, as specified in the Instructions to Bidders (and Section 00310, Bid Bond), in the amount of five percent (5%) of the Bidder’s Bid. 5. Pre-Bid Conference and Site Tour - A pre-bid conference will be held at 9300 West Jefferson Ave. Administration Building, 2nd Floor, NAB Conference Room, Detroit, MI 48209, on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 11:00 A.M., Eastern Standard Time. For information on the pre-bid conference call Daniel Edwards at (313) 964-9471. A site tour will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 9:30 A.M., Eastern Standard Time. For information on the site tour, call Parvez Jafri at (313) 297-0200. Addenda may be issued, in response to issues raised at the pre-bid conference or as the DWSD and/or Contracting Officer may otherwise consider necessary.

6.Local Contracting Requirements – Local requirements applicable to this contract are reproduced in their entirety and available for review on the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department’s website: www.dwsd.org. Potential Bidders are specifically directed to review requirements of this contract before submitting their bid. Note: Prevailing Wage Rates must be updated and paid each year by the contractor and subcontractors for the duration of the contract.

7.Contract Times – The Contract Times are specified in Exhibit A, General Description of Work and Project. The associated liquidated damages are specified in Article IV, Paragraph 4.02 of the Agreement.

8.Award – Subject to any agreed extension of the period for holding Bids, Bids shall be open for acceptance by the DWSD for 180 days after the date of Bid opening. In addition, the DWSD expressly reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, waive any non-conformances, to issue post-Bid Addenda and re-Bid the Work without readvertising, to re-advertise for Bids, to withhold the award for any reason the DWSD determines and/or to take any other appropriate action.

Provide specialized office assistance, coordinating procedural business or service activities for a complex program. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years progressively responsible office experience, including direct experience in office coordination, prioritizing work assignments and maintaining work flow to meet deadlines. This is a full time, clerical-technical position, salary is $39,108.00 annually. See online posting for additional position requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by April 25, 2013.

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

Ubiquiti, Inc. has an available position of Senior Analytics Engineer in Ann Arbor, MI. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Industrial Engineering or Engineering Physics or Applied Physics & 24 months experience as an Analytics Engineer. Exp. must include: 1) 24 mos. of exp. configuring & customizing semantic software ontologies; & 2) 12 mos. of exp. performing data-based root-cause analysis for aerospace & automotive system failures. Exp. reqs. may be met concurrently during the same 24mo. period. Job duties: Work with team of analytics engineers responsible for configuring & maintaining software ontologies for customer data sets. Perform ontology-based data analysis for early detection & root-cause identification of problems in aerospace & automotive systems. Integrate Ubiquiti software with analytic reporting packages.

Qualified candidates should send resume and verification of requirements to James Lee, Senior Systems Architect, Ubiquiti, Inc. at lee@ubiquiti.com.

Ubiquiti, Inc. has an available position of Ontology Engineer in Ann Arbor, MI. Position requires a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Industrial Engineering or Engineering Physics or Applied Physics & 12 months experience as a Data Engineer. Exp. must include: 1) 12 mos. of exp. developing ontology-based analytics; & 2) 12 mos. of exp. programming in C/C++ for experimental data mining & assessment. Exp. reqs. may be met concurrently during the same 12-mo. period. Job duties: Develop & maintain ontologies that are used with Ubiquiti’s proprietary software for converting repair text narratives into structured data. Implement mining algorithms in C/C++ to identify failure patterns in repairs data. Assess accuracy for aerospace & automotive diagnostic software through empirical means.

Qualified candidates should send resume and verification of requirements to James Lee, Senior Systems Architect, Ubiquiti, Inc., at lee@ubiquiti.com.

HELP WANTED Senior Telematics Systems Engineer General Motors Co. seeks Senior Telematics Systems Engineer -Warren, MI, responsible for developing detailed test procedures from Telematics / Systems Functional Specification and Requirements for Wi-Fi / network protocol related procedures; author and manage specifications related to Wi-Fi, network protocols, wireless and systems requirements; utilize test equipment to validate systems functionality in a variety of operating conditions; among other duties. Min. BS & 4 yrs. exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. # 4026060, 300 Renaissance Center, M/C 482-C32-D46, Detroit, MI 48265-3000.

ADMINISTRATIVE/PROJECT ASSISTANT Immediate contractual position Contractual Wage Range: $15-$17 Hours Per Week: 24 - 32 Qualifications: Minimum associate’s degree and 2+ years of program and/or office experience. Skilled in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel (Access experience desirable), internet, written and verbal communication and general functions consistent with administrative or program offices. References and work product required. Must have very good typing skills, accuracy and ability to learn and perform independently and in a team setting. The administrative/project assistant will: a)Assist and participate in the development of presentations, small events and program outreach (print, web and other vehicles) b)Track and update calendar scheduling, project activities c)Assist with events: logistics, content, AV and electronic tools In addition, will provide overall program and/or administrative support: a)Assist with office organization: retrieving and distributing daily mail, filing, sorting documents, materials, graphics, and correspondences b)Assistance with and/or writing and typing of documents, emails, making and taking phone calls, assisting and/or corresponding with copying, packaging of multimedia materials c)Data entry, tracking reports and reconciliation, tabulating and updates in Excel, Word, Access or On-line tools d)Assist with development, updates, distribution and/or delivery of program materials as requested e)Research, retrieve and report on items as requested f)Participate and contribute in program direct service meetings and /or presentations and perform other duties as assigned.

WCHAP is actively seeking professionals who are Knowledgeable, Skilled, Creative, Results-Focused and Passionate Change Agents. Experience in collaborative programs preferred. Bi-lingual skills a plus. Must be flexible and willing to work and learn in a high performance team with flexible hours and a dynamic environment.

To Apply - forward a letter of interest, resume and 3 references to: wchapjobs@gmail.com Attn: Amanda Lamar, Administrative Coordinator or call 313 863-2427.

(Join our team!)

lifestyle

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

April 17 - April 23, 2013

Page D-7

Out & About

Style File

Events This Week: 4/17 - 4/23

By Cieara Wilson MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME April 18, Sound Board at Motor City. The colorful lead singer and the group, The Time, who made the phrase “What time is it?” famous will be in concert this Thursday night. For more information visit soundboarddetroit.com or ticketmaster.com.

DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS April 19, The Fillmore. Presented each year by the Detroit Music Awards Foundation, the 22nd annual Detroit Music Awards is a chance to nominate, vote and award Detroit musicians and talent from many genres. For more information pertaining to the awards show visit detroitmusicawards.com.

WSU JAZZ NIGHT April 21, Cliff Bell’s. Cliff Bell’s has been dubbed by the New York Times as “The best place to be in Detroit” and Sunday night it will definitely be the place to be when the Wayne Statue University Big Band performs. No cover fee. For more information visit cliffbells.com or call 313-961-2543.

FOR THE LOVE OF READING April 17-21, Ferndale Public Library. Visit this art exhibition dedicated to artwork and book covers drawn and created from famous stories and books.

For more information call 248-546-2504.

EXPOSURES: PHOTOGRAPHY April 17-26, Lawrence Street Gallery. Ferndale’s Lawrence Street Gallery is the main stage for the work of Juror Bruce Griffin. Come experience the stunning art and photographs. For more information visit lawrencestreetgallery.com.

The Dirt Label opens ‘Pop Up Shop’ in Greektown

By RJ Barnhill “Manipulate your life as you see fit” is the mantra behind The Dirt Label, a contemporary men and women’s apparel, accessory and lifestyle brand consisting of T-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, jackets, shorts, fitted caps, snapback caps and iPhone cases.

Founded in 2008 and designed by Christen St. James Morris, the brand fuses fashion and art without artistic limitations.

Morris opened his intimate art gallery–themed store, located at 319 Washington Ave. in downtown Royal Oak in 2010. The Dirt Label brand is garnering an upsurge of attention, not only for its ability to blend vibrant art and loud messages in apparel form, but also for its celebrity following.

noticed his manager rocking our camo shorts and requested 10 pairs for himself, and Lupe picked out one of our tees when he did his own styling for a magazine shoot in Detroit.”

While the celebrity attention has been great, Morris credits his success to his loyal local customers and the edgy urban concept behind the attire.

“The Dirt Label is a lifestyle brand that consists of apparel and accessories. When we came up with the name, we were trying to figure out how we could leave a mark on the fashion industry. We thought, What better way to leave a mark than with dirt?”

Due to the success of the Royal Oak store, The Dirt Label has launched their first-ever ‘POP UP SHOP’ in downtown Detroit.

“I started the line in 2008 in my mother’s basement,” Morris said. “The Dirt Label went by the moniker Abstraction Fashion at the time. We featured hand-painted garments and were well received locally. As the brand grew, we reinvented ourselves and generated a national buzz.”

“The brand originated in Detroit and is naturally drawn to the city’senergy and culture. The design of the ‘Pop Up Shop’ takes inspiration from Detroit’s gritty, industrial origins with products displayed on wooden pallets with a contemporary touch,” said Morris.

That buzz got the attention of international celebrities and The Dirt Label has made its way into the closets of the hip-hop elite. “Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, and B.o.B. are big fans of the brand. Lil Wayne

The “Pop Up Shop’ is located at 531 Monroe St. in Greektown. It will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m. For more information and product photos please visit www.thedirtlabel.com.

NIKKI PEARSE April 19, Jazz Café. Detroit’s own jazz vocalist who has opened for musical talents like Gladys Knight, Johnny Gill and others, will be in concert at the Jazz Café in the Detroit Music Hall. For more information visit jazzcafedetroit.com.

POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD April 21, Hartford Memorial Church. If you’re in the mood to hear inspirational words and thoughtprovoking messages, look no further than “A Night of Poetry and Spoken Word” at Hartford Memorial Church. For more information visit hbmc.org or call directly at 313-861-1300.

BALLROOM DANCING April 23, The Carr Center. Tuesday night at the Carr Center is ballroom dancing time, Detroit style.

Come and be a part of an evening of cool sounds and cooler moves. For more information visit thecarrcenter.org or call 313-965- 8430.

Affirmation “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

—Virginia Woolf

Radar n

Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 12, 2013

10:30 AM - 2:30 PM $38.95* Children 5 - 12 $14.95* Children 5 and under complimentary

‘The Ultimatum’ — New stageplay that explores love, marriage and the disapointments in between

By RJ Barnhill

Writer, director, actor and native Detroiter Kamal Smith is back on our radar with his latest installment of hit stageplays with “The Ultimatum” which is the 7th play written and directed

by Smith.

This thrilling play features an ensemble cast of talented performers including comedian J. Bell, VH1 Reality TV star and singer London “Deelishis” Charles, hip-hop artist K-Deezy and Hot 107.5 FM radio personality Dj Bj. “The Ultimatum” is a riveting and intriguing play that takes a look at marriage, relationships and the one thing every woman wants — the ring.

Fueled with humor, deception, and captivating storylines, the dramedy play will also provide a message that will heal the soul.

Past plays written, directed and starred in by

Smith include “The Representative,” “Rules to the Game,” “Pictures on the Mantle” and “Cougars.”

Smith opened up about his latest stageplay saying, “This is by far my biggest production. From the venue to the set to even the attention it is getting, it’s very exciting.

“One thing about ‘The Ultimatum’ that I am totally in love with is the main storyline.

For this being my seventh production, I really wanted the script to be nothing like any of the others I’ve written and I feel some women reach that age where they start thinking about marriage and their biological clock, so the storyline is is one that many people in the audience may relate too.”

Like many of his other works, Smith hints there will be twists and turns along “The “Ultimatum’s” storyline.

“The cool part is, if you know me than you know the ending won’t be as you thought it to be.”

Continuing to debut and produce his plays in his hometown of Detroit, Smith said “After putting out a movie last year, I’m excited about returning to the stage where it all started.

“Right now Detroit’s theater scene is really on the rise and I’m just humbled to be in apart of the movement.

“I want to bring Hollywood to Detroit and utilize the vast talent that exists here.”

“The Ultimatum” will run Mother’s Day weekend May 10-11 at the Millennium Centre, located at 15600 J.L. Hudson Dr. Southfield.

Advance tickets are $25 and may be acquired by going to KamalSmith. com. That is also the address for additional information.

Salad Station Spinach Salad Garden Salad Caesar Salad

Entrees Roast Prime Rib BBQ Salmon Fried Catfish Baked Ham

Omelette Station Green Peppers Bacon Onions Cheddar Cheese Spinach Mushrooms

Accompaniments Roasted Redskin Potatoes Julienne Vegetables Mashed Potatoes with Gravy Spring Medley of Vegetables

Breakfast Station Eggs Bacon Sausage Hash Browns Grits

Dessert Chocolate Fountain with Cubed Honeydew Marshmallows Assorted Cookies Cantaloupe Pineapple

Assorted Pies, Cakes, and Brownies

For Reservations, dial (313) 863-3000 *plus tax and gratuity

Hotel St. Regis 3071 W. Grand Boulevard Detroit, MI 48202 www.HotelStRegisDetroit.com

Page D-8 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • April 17-23, 2013