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Rhonda Walker Foundation’s program participants enjoy Cirque Dreams Holidaze thanks to Comerica Bank Fox Theatre Partnership

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Michigan Chronicle Vol. 85 – No. 20 | January 19-25, 2022

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COMMENTARY

Michigan State Police Must Do Better

By Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony The announcement by the Michigan State Police of racial and ethnic disparities in the frequency of traffic stops impacting African Americans is revealing but not surprising. Many of us in the civil rights community have been saying this for years. It is also an indication of what is happening in many local police departments across the state. Prior to COVID19 on any Monday in court rooms across Michigan related to traffic citations and arrests, they were often filled with African Americans and people of color. They were lined up before a judge hoping to get an elimination of fines or reduction in costs with few points added to their driving record. The state police are correct in publicly announcing their issue Dr. Wendell internal that has creatAnthony ed an external crisis for much too long. Colonel Joe Gasper is to be recognized for his openness to deal with this problem. The 5-point program outlined to address these issues, hiring an independent firm to review MSP policies, more listening and engagement with the very people who are negatively impacted by this systemic injustice, making more data available, issuing more cameras and devices to expose contact with citizens, greater training on de-escalation, cultural and racial competency, and mental health is all critical. This can lead to a necessary change of a culture rooted in militarism, old-boy-ism, nepotism and a kind of blue tribalism. The mentality of its “us against them” is outdated and must be changed.

We commend the department for exposing its flaws. Now let’s work together to advance its cures. The training and education is most valuable. Perhaps a relationship with Wayne County Community College District is in order. It can serve two purposes.

One purpose would be a class or partnership to teach and learn cultural sensitivity, de-escalation techniques, and the true side of law enforcement. It would add a greater exposure to the police among the very people who are often impacted by the nature of their engagement with the MSP. It could help to bring a better understanding among the citizens and the department. It’s called Breaking Down Barriers. On the second part, it could serve as a base for recruitment of potential members of the state police from a much-needed community reflecting diversity and inclusion.

Finally, it’s not enough to take responsibility.

Responsibility with no accountability is simply

See DO

BETTER page A2

EXCLUSIVE:

VP Kamala Harris Talks Ending Voter Suppression to Black Press

By Sherri Kolade From protecting voting rights in America and ensuring safer roads for pedestrians to lowering insulin prices for diabetics and creating better Black maternal care solutions -- Vice President Kamala Harris addressed recently several hot-button issues that especially impact Black communities nationwide.

During a nearly 30-minute Zoom meeting on Friday, January 14, with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Harris outlined her wins and high-level accomplishments over the past 12 months during her historical tenure as vice president.

The exclusive NNPA live-streamed interview also coincided with NNPA celebrating this year its historic 195th anniversary of the Black Press of America.

Harris kicked off the interview with Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., NNPA president and CEO, asking her to touch on the important issue of protecting and insuring voting rights in the country on the heels of the Biden-Harris visit to Atlanta this week to speak on voter suppression.

“What message can you provide to Black America that can give a sense of hope?” Chavis asked Harris.

Harris quoted Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young when she said that “freedom is a constant struggle” and given recent voting rights consternations and issues, it’s not time to “give up.”

“The point is we don’t give up -- that is where I am,” she said.

Voting Rights Harris took on that stance after Sen.

WHAT’S INSIDE

Dawn N. Ison is the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

HAIRSPRAY

Runs at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre City.Life.Style. B1

$1.00

Photo courtesy of the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Michigan

Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) chose to not move forward with Biden’s plans of progressing the cause of voting rights, as reported by The Hill. Sinema said she is not going to vote to change the Senate’s filibuster rule (which Republicans are using to block voting rights legislation) even though she supports voting rights, according to The Hill.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who also says that he supports voting rights, is not interested in changing the Senate’s filibuster rule.

The Hill reported that Sinema said that new state laws prohibiting access to voting “are symptoms” of the “more deeply rooted problem” of political divisions in the country and removing the filibuster would not make things better.

Harris said there has been a lot of focus on Manchin and Sinema but people should also be looking at the “50 Republicans who took an oath to defend the United States.”

She added that it’s not the “beginning of the end” when it comes to voting rights in America.

“It’s the beginning of a movement for voting rights,” she said, adding that she has a plan of action moving forward so access to the ballot box is not obstructed. “I am bringing in folks to my office from every walk of life that will be affected. ... We will continue to build a coalition around this issue. … We cannot be tired even though we are frustrated and yes, disappointed and angered.”

Across the nation, voting rights advocates have wanted federal voting protections to be put in place for a long time and the Senate is neglecting to act on two important pieces of legislation that would

put those protections in place before the midterm elections, Black Information Network (BIN) reported.

During Biden’s speech in Atlanta on Tuesday, January 11, he called out Georgia’s voter suppression law passed last year after the record voter turnout helped turn the state blue, according to BIN. The president gave remarks about the historical push for voting rights, asking the Senate to change filibuster rules to get the legislation passed. He addressed members who opposed the legislation so far, saying that history will remember their stance on the issue.

Harris said during the interview that she has met with many world leaders who talk about the importance of democracy as opposed to autocracy, which gives absolute power to one person.

She added that even Angela Merkel, former chancellor of Germany, sat across from Harris’ desk not too long ago and asked her, “What’s going on with voting [rights] for America?”

Harris said that backing down from voting rights for all in America would take America off the map as a role model for what democracy looks like.

“Part of our strength is we fight for the ideals -- even though we have not reached it,” she said adding that part of democracy is for and by all the people. “Voting is one of the most important pillars of a democracy and they’re [other nations] watching.”

A Step Forward Chavis also talked to Harris about playing an “enormous role” in helping

See VOTER

SUPPRESSION page A2

Dawn N. Ison Changes the Game as Michigan’s First Black Female U.S. Attorney

By Sherri Kolade When Dawn N. Ison was sworn in as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan by Chief United States District Judge Denise Page Hood recently she made history as the state’s first Black woman in that role.

Ison, who most recently served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Public Corruption Unit, is now heading up one of the largest U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the country. The office currently employs around 221 personnel in three

locations (Detroit, Flint, and Bay City) and serves over 6.5 million residents.

“I am very honored,” Ison told the Michigan Chronicle. “There are so many other women and Black men and women alike who were qualified to serve in this role. We have had two Black men in this role (before me).

They created a path for me and I am happy to create a path for those who follow. I might be the first but I (will) not be the last.”

See DAWN

N. ISON page A2

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He’s one of the top five high-ranking Black men leading the way at the White House.

He is none other than Detroit’s native son Jamal Simmons and he was recently tapped as Vice President Kamala Harris’ new communications director in early January.

Simmons, a political analyst (who has appeared on national news networks like MSNBC and CNN), is no stranger to the spotlight or diligently working behind the scenes.

Within Harris’ administration, he was also tapped to work under President Joe Biden making sure the nation’s leaders continue to run a tight ship as they cross the one-year mark of taking on their roles as first and second-in-command.

Simmons, a graduate of Cass Technical High School, has deep family roots in Detroit spanning back for generations including Jamal Simmons when his father, the Rev. Larry Simmons (a pastor at Baber Memorial A.M.E. Church in the Brightmoor neighborhood) worked for then-Mayor Coleman A. Young. His grandfather was also a Civil Rights activist in Detroit decades prior.

Simmons’ influential family has also graced the pages of the Michigan Chronicle many times for their works, political impact, and community activism.

Simmons, who comes from good stock, has followed in his family’s footsteps – while making leaps and bounds of his own — with moves in his professional career that led him to Washington, D.C., and into the White House. He stands on the shoulders of many who still cheer him on in Detroit and beyond.

With a wealth of experience leading many presidential campaigns (including Bill Clinton’s and Al Gore’s), the Morehouse College and Harvard University graduate’s impressive résumé speaks for itself.

Despite his passion for disenfranchised communities, Simmons, however, has faced some unfortunate public backlash as of late.

In November 2010, Simmons posted several tweets, which came to light recently about “undocumented folks” and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) coming to get them.

The tweets surfaced days after Simmons was hired in Harris’ administration. It is more than fair to say that Simmons’ commentary was taken out of context and was not malicious — it was in fact twisted by others who had an agenda to try to defame his name and prestigious position in the White House. His tireless pro-immigrant standing shows the negative commentators where he really stands – for the people.

The Michigan Chronicle Editorial Board, and the institution that is the Michigan Chronicle, supports Simmons, who has made it known to naysayers that even though he made an error, his stance on immigration has been crystal clear: he cares for the Latino/Hispanic community and protecting immigrants’ rights, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and “easing the pathway to citizenship.”

“Sometimes I have been sarcastic, unclear, or just plainly missed the mark. I sincerely apologize for offending those who care as much as I do about making America the best, multi-ethnic, diverse democracy it can be,” Simmons said in a response tweet.

Voter Suppression From page A-1 usher in a bipartisan infrastructure bill.

“How will that legislation make a difference?”

Chavis said that the infrastructure deal involves working on expanding public transit, especially for African Americans who are four times more likely to take public transit than white workers. “It’s a big issue,” Harris said.

Increased funding for public transit means that the Biden-Harris administration is infusing $90 billion in this sector to add more buses on city streets and adding more accessible and affordable broadband.

Harris said that 30 percent of Black children had no internet access, which was highlighted during the pandemic. The infrastructure deal will change those figures significantly.

Vice President Kamala Harris

From lead pipe removal to job creation, Harris said these positive changes come with job creation and a need for skilled workers like carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

“A lot of good work that needs to happen ... is going to happen because of this law,” Harris said.

Harris also highlighted that since the Biden-Harris administration took the helm, 200 million Americans were fully vaccinated with 75 million receiving the booster, which is a significant role in getting the economy back on its feet. Also, 95 percent of public schools reopened, and six million jobs were created last year.

The first-ever announcement from Harris’ camp also includes a new, national roadway safety strategy that will put $6 billion into state and local governments to improve safety on the roads and prevent car accidents and improve crosswalk safety. “[It’s a] very big thing when you talk about the quality of life ... of communities [that] rely on public streets to get to the bus, get to church, to be safe,” Harris said, adding that she is also making strides in addressing Black maternal morality at the national level and protecting mothers’ mental and physical health.

“I’m so proud [to put this issue on the] White House stage. … [It is] something that many of us know about [but] don’t talk a lot about.”

It’s unfortunate that even though he has expressed his remorse for unintentionally offending his allies in this off-color tweet, pro-Right-Wing camps, among others, try to ignore or downplay his true intentions while dragging his name through the mud.

Thankfully, he has since received acknowledgment and understanding in response from members of the Latino/Hispanic community.

Luckily, his track record stands tall of all the evidence of his pro-immigration position and his efforts to bolster the Latino community. In 2007-2008 Simmons assisted the Nevada Caucus making sure issues faced by the Latino community were prioritized by leadership and registering and encouraging the Hispanic vote.

As a principal at the Raben Group (a diverse collection of professionals with law and progressive public policy experience) for nine years, Simmons joined forces with colleagues who supported immigrant rights groups and developed media strategies.

Also, as a podcast host and media interviewer, Simmons provided a platform to immigrant rights activists, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Latino strategists to make their case directly to the public.

In various media appearances, Simmons highlighted his concerns about how unfairly Mexican immigration has gotten a bad rap including on CNN’s PAULA ZAHN NOW show on January 24, 2007.

Simmons told Zahn that no one complains about a waitress from Poland who has overstayed her visa.

“I grew up in Detroit across the border from Canada. Canadians come over into Michigan all the time. Nobody complains about them sticking around and going to school and doing whatever else it is they want to do,” he told the media personality. “People are complaining about Latin Americans, Hispanics who are crossing the border from the south, and whether — and — and the fact that they’re in school with their children. That’s the issue…This is about Mexican immigration.”

Even more recently, last October on CNN’s Erin Burnett Out Front he called out the immigration debate and opposed a border fence.

“Let’s be clear. What we’re talking about is not just immigration reform. It’s Hispanic immigration reform,” he said adding that Americans, for the most part, are concerned about Mexican Americans, Hondurans, and “others” coming across the border.

“We talk about that fence; some estimates have it at $4 million per mile for a 2,000-mile fence, which is about $8 billion for — and by the way, we’re not even having a lot of immigration come across right now because our economy is doing so poorly…So the immigration trickle has really slowed,” Simmons said.

“So, we just don’t need to start spending $8 billion on something when we can do something much better with it.”

He’s also been known to say that Trump’s “Make America Great Again” was actually a euphemism for “Make America White Again.”

One thing is for certain, Simmons is head and shoulders above the noise, the unfair critics, and the opposers who want to only highlight the past.

The Michigan Chronicle Editorial Board, and the Michigan Chronicle, stand with Simmons and recognize him for his well-deserved role in the Biden-Harris administration and all his works and future endeavors.

Dawn N. Ison

From page A-1

Ison, who served as an assistant United States Attorney for over 19 years, said that her position serves as the “pinnacle” of her career, according to a press release.

“We will continue to work hard to ensure the protection and safety of every citizen in this district and make sure the people of this richly diverse community feel valued,” the press release added.

President Joe Biden nominated Ison two months ago on November 12, and she was confirmed by the Senate on December 14. Ison succeeds Saima S. Mohsin who was appointed as the Acting U.S. Attorney in January.

When Ison served as an assistant United States attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, she prosecuted drug trafficking offenses at the highest level in the Office’s Drug Task Force Unit, according to the release. She also served as chief of that unit, which is the largest unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Since 2014, Ison has served as the Office’s District Election Officer, and also represented the Office in the federal court’s alternative to prison program. Early in her career, Ison spent 12 years as a criminal defense attorney.

Throughout her career, Ison has accomplished numerous notable moves including handling largescale, complex, multi-defendant prosecutions. Ison’s work has been nationally recognized on several occasions by the Department of Justice and more recently by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the press release added. She has also received U.S. At-

torney’s Awards for Outstanding Service and for Superior Performance by a Litigation Team. During her career, Ison has taken more than 50 cases to trial both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney.

After law school, Ison served as a Prehearing Attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals. She graduated from Spelman College in 1986 and received her law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1989.

Ison told the Michigan Chronicle that she is “grateful” for all of the people who mentored her along the way. Her main goal throughout her career has stayed the same: Helping provide opportunities to other who wouldn’t otherwise be considered and those qualified at all levels.

“I want to help them the way I’ve been helped to have this incredible opportunity (to serve) Detroit -- my community,” Ison said, adding that she is also proud to serve other areas of Michigan including Flint, Saginaw, and Pontiac.

Ison also said that her not-so-easy life was made stronger after the murder of her father and being raised by her mother (raising three children) who was a postal worker.

As the wife of a retired police officer and mother to a Black son, Ison said through her lived experiences she knows how vitally important the role of a public servant is.

“I’ve had family members who have struggled with addiction and family members with brushes with the law,” she said. “All these experiences I bring to this role in addition to extensive professional experience... (as) a public servant.”

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Do Better From page A-1

an exercise in futility. We know not all officers are violating their trust. However, those found guilty of abusing the privilege to be a state trooper by un-fair stops and arrests must be disciplined. There must be certainty of holding violators accountable.

Everyone must know this is not a game, this is real life. For those who believe they are not racists, while that may be true, your negative actions have a very negative racial impact. The results are still the same, racial dis-

parities. The consequences of your lack of sensitivity to these issues is hurting a large segment of our citizenry. We can and must do better.

Today is a step in the right direction. Let us continue to move forward to fix this situation. We believe in the mission of the Michigan State Police when they say, “to provide the highest quality law enforcement and public safety services throughout Michigan.”

Their Value Statement is “a proud tradition of service through excellence, integrity and courtesy.”

We agree, in the words of Nike, “Just Do It.”

STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION **** NOTICE OF HEARING FOR THE GAS CUSTOMERS OF DTE GAS COMPANY CASE NO. U-21064 • DTE Gas Company requests Michigan Public Service Commission’s approval of a gas cost recovery plan and authorization of gas cost recovery factors for the 12-month period April 2022-March 2023.

• The information below describes how a person may participate in this case.

• You may call or write DTE Gas Company, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226, (800) 477-4747 for a free copy of its application. Any person may review the documents at the offices of DTE Gas Company or on the Commission’s website at: michigan.gov/mpscedockets.

• A pre-hearing will be held:

DATE/TIME:

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM

BEFORE:

Administrative Law Judge Katherine Talbot

LOCATION:

Video/Teleconferencing

PARTICIPATION: Any interested person may participate. Persons needing any assistance to participate should contact the Commission’s Executive Secretary at (517) 2848090, or by email at mpscedockets@michigan.gov in advance of the hearing.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (Commission) will hold a pre-hearing to consider DTE Gas Company’s (DTE Gas) December 17, 2021, application requesting the Commission to: 1) approve a Gas Cost Recovery (GCR) plan and a maximum base gas cost recovery factor of $3.29 per Mcf that can be adjusted to a new maximum GCR rate by the monthly NYMEX-based contingency factor matrix, to be reflected in DTE Gas’s monthly gas customer billings beginning April 1, 2022, and continuing through March 31, 2023; 2) approve a SOLR Reservation Charge of an additional $0.40 per Mcf that is billed to GCR customers while the Reservation Charge billed to Gas Customer Choice customers will be $0.27 per Mcf; 3) determine that DTE Gas’s 5-Year (April 2022March 2027) forecast of gas requirements, supplies and costs, and Gas Supply Plan does not include any cost items that the Commission would be unlikely to permit DTE Gas to recover in the future; and 4) grant DTE Gas other and further relief.

All documents filed in this case shall be submitted electronically through the Commission’s E-Dockets website at: michigan.gov/mpscedockets.

Requirements and instructions for filing can be found in the User Manual on the E-Dockets help page. Documents may also be submitted, in Word or PDF format, as an attachment to an email sent to: mpscedockets@ michigan.gov. If you require assistance prior to e-filing, contact Commission staff at (517) 284-8090 or by email at: mpscedockets@ michigan.gov.

Any person wishing to intervene and become a party to the case shall electronically file a petition to intervene with this Commission

by February 1, 2022. (Interested persons may elect to file using the traditional paper format.) The proof of service shall indicate service upon DTE Gas Company’s attorney, Carlton D. Watson, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226.

The prehearing is scheduled to be held remotely by video conference or teleconference. Persons filing a petition to intervene will be advised of the process to participate in the hearing.

Any person wishing to participate without intervention under Mich Admin Code, R 792.10413 (Rule 413), or file a public comment, may do so by filing a written statement in this docket. The written statement may be mailed or emailed and should reference Case No. U-21064. Statements may be emailed to: mpscedockets@michigan.gov. Statements may be mailed to: Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, 7109 West Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917. All information submitted to the Commission in this matter becomes public information, thus available on the Michigan Public Service Commission’s website, and subject to disclosure. Please do not include information you wish to remain private.

For more information on how to participate in a case, you may contact the Commission at the above address or by telephone at (517) 284-8090.

Requests for adjournment must be made pursuant to Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules R 792.10422 and R 792.10432.

Requests for further information on adjournment should be directed to (517) 284-8130.

For more information on how to participate in a case, you may contact the Commission at the above address or by telephone at (517) 284-8090.

The Utility Consumer Representation Fund has been created for the purpose of aiding in the representation of residential utility customers in various Commission proceedings. Contact the Chairperson, Utility Consumer Participation Board, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, P.O. Box 30004, Lansing, Michigan 48909, for more information.

Jurisdiction is pursuant to 1909 PA 300, as amended, MCL 462.2 et seq.; 1919 PA 419, as amended, MCL 460.54 et seq.; 1939 PA 3, as amended, MCL 460.1 et seq.; 1969 PA 306, as amended, MCL 24.201 et seq.; 1982 PA 304, as amended, MCL 460.6h et seq.; and Parts 1 & 4 of the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules, Mich. Admin Code, R 792.10106 and R 792.10401 through R 792.10448.

DTE1673 | 2022 Print Ad Customization/NOHs/NOH U-21064

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| January 19-25, 2022

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Special guests of the Rhonda Walker Foundation take in the grand lobby of the Fox Theatre prior to the Cirque Dreams Holidaze show in December.

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Rhonda Walker Foundation’s program participants enjoy Cirque Dreams Holidaze thanks to Comerica Bank Fox Theatre Partnership In September of 2021, 313 Presents announced Comerica Bank as the exclusive proud partner of the iconic Fox Theatre in the heart of The District Detroit.

Several Detroit teens over two nights took in the Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Fox Theatre thanks to the Rhonda Walker Foundation, Comerica Bank and 313 Presents.

This innovative partnership includes the cultivation of community-focused ­engagements with one of the goals to empower and connect them to the theatre for, perhaps, the very first time.

This started with supporting a nonprofit that is near and dear to the city’s heart.

For the 2021 holiday season, Comerica Bank donated 50 tickets to the Rhonda Walker Foundation for the Cirque Dreams Holidaze show at the Fox Theatre.

The tickets donated by Comerica were distributed to the inspiring girls who benefit from the foundation’s services.

“The Rhonda Walker Foundation teens were extremely excited to attend the Cirque Holidaze hosted by Comerica,” expressed Ruselda Villanueva Johnson, CEO, the Rhonda Walker Foundation. “It’s partnerships such as with Comerica that help our inner-city teens thrive in many new areas. We appreciate their kindness and support.”

Comerica Bank’s Lori Walker (third from left), vice president-DEI compliance and education programs manager, hosts several young women who were guests of the Rhonda Walker Foundation at the Fox Theatre.

The teens enjoyed the performances while accompanied by Rhonda Walker Foundation volunteers, mentors and alumna, including Johnson and Senior Marketing and Communications Director, Holly Murphy.

“It was such a joy and so much fun to

see the bright, young women from Rhonda Walker’s foundation have such a great time experiencing the Fox Theatre and seeing the incredible Cirque Dreams performances,” said Patricia McCann, Comerica Bank vice president and social impact, national employee volunteer program manager. “We launched this partnership with 313 Presents with a focus on the community, and we are thankful that we were able to offer this type of opportunity to a great group of kids who hopefully will remember this for a long time.”

Since 2003, the Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF) has transformed the lives of inner city teen girls in Metropolitan Detroit.

Its award winning, comprehensive five-year Girls into Women program provides 8th –12th grade girls with bi-monthly personal development, college prep, and career development workshops, seminars and retreats.

The program focus also includes health and wellness, etiquette, financial literacy, summer and winter camps, cross-country college tours, weekly SAT/ACT test prep, tutoring, community service and exposure to art and cultural events.

Every RWF teen is also matched with a professional mentor and can earn a college scholarship upon successful completion of the five-year program. RWF proudly has a 100% high school graduation and college enrollment rate among teens who successfully complete the five-year Girls into Women program.

Comerica Bank brightens the holidays for local families in need

Comerica Bank District Retail Manager Charise Key-Gray and Banking Center Manager Tieann Lynn Pearson (center) collaborate with members of Detroit 300 Community Action Team to distribute Christmas gifts at Eastern Market as part of the annual North End Youth Improvement Council (NEYIC) Adopt-a-Child for Christmas Program.

Comerica Bank continued its gift-giving tradition to families and children in need across metro Detroit through its participation with the North End Youth Improvement Council’s (NEYIC) Adopt-a-Child for Christmas Program.

The 61st annual event, which took place at Detroit’s Eastern Market in early December, is one of NEYIC’s biggest initiatives throughout the year. For the second year in a row, the charitable benefit was turned into a drive-thru event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Each year, thousands of volunteers band together to donate funds that help provide winter coats, clothing, books, toys and other non-perishable items to more than 3,000 low-income children up to 12 years of age.

NEYIC is a volunteer-based community organization with the mission of addressing the needs and concerns of young people in the region. The group also coordinates and sponsors year-round educational and recreational activities within the community.

In 2021, Comerica Bank colleagues sprang into action to adopt 12 families and more than Pearson volunteers during Adopt-A-Child and is 20 children.

See NEYIC page A-8

one of several Comerica Cares volunteers who supported this year’s program.

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • January 19-25, 2022

NEA Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Certification Program Set for Cohort Two

The National Entrepreneurs Association (NEA) and Comerica Bank held its first virtual graduation ceremony for the inaugural class of their Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Certification Program back in December, and now the non-profit has turned its attention to reach more entrepreneurs.

Due to the success of the inaugural program, applications for Cohort Two are now being accepted.

The training is open to the public however interested participants must currently be an entrepreneur or small business owner in the U.S. to participate. All sessions will be held on Monday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET beginning with a free, virtual orientation on January 24 at 6 p.m. ET via Zoom.

The program was created to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of entrepreneurship.

“The goal of the program is to give entrepreneurs the skills and resources necessary to succeed. We help them develop a realistic view of what it really means to be an entrepreneur,” said ZaLonya Allen, PhD, National Entrepreneurs Association president.

“Too often all of the focus is on the product or service and selling. As a result, entrepreneurs are missing key pieces to the puzzle.This program gives entrepreneurs those missing pieces so that they can see the entire picture which increases the likelihood of success.”

The program consists of nine modules taught by experienced entrepreneurs, banking professionals and college professors with real world experience. Topics covered include, leadership, marketing, legal matters, technology, funding, financials and more.

Representatives from Comerica Bank provide financial literacy training as part of the program.

“We felt that it was important to not just work along-side NEA but also to bring in our own internal experts to participate as well,” said Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank vice president and southeast external affairs manager.

The program concludes with a certification exam.

On December 6, 2021 Co-

The Ajamu Group Spotlight on Michigan Black-Owned Businesses presented by Comerica Bank The Ajamu Group Spotlight on Michigan Black-Owned Businesses presented by Comerica Bank showcases extraordinary business owners throughout the state. This installment features SavannahBlue Detroit, a restaurant offering traditional southern dishes with a northern twist, served with southern hospitality.

SavannahBlue Detroit, located at 1431 Times Square in Detroit, was launched by business professionals with successful traditional careers and over 20 years combined experience in the hospitality industry through other ventures.

Ronald Scott, an engineer, owned a building. Roger Yogg, an engineer, had a liquor license. And John David Simpson, an attorney, had a restaurant concept. Togeth- LaShawn Jimenez, Lynsai Barnes, Mesheka er six years ago, they decided to Coach and Cheryl Ajamu meet up recently at Sacombine their resources to cre- vanahBlue Detroit. ate SavannahBlue Detroit.

The Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Certification Program presented by the National Entrepreneurs Association and Comerica Bank is a nine-week course that will help participants understand entrepreneurship from A to Z, avoid common pitfalls, accelerate growth and achieve business goals faster than thought possible.

Modules are taught by experienced entrepreneurs, college professors and banking professionals with real world experience. Attend the Jan. 24 information session to learn how business owners can take advantage of this powerful virtual training program.

To learn more or to register visit www.nationalentrepreneurs.org/certification.

NEA is a 501c3 non-profit corporation created to empower entrepreneurs through quality networking events, annual training conferences and educational programs.

For additional information please visit www.nationalentrepreneurs.org or contact NEA President, Dr. ZaLonya Allen at 248.416.7278 or 326176@email4pr.com. hort One, which consisted of 27 growth stage entrepreneurs, graduated from the 9-week intensive training program to become the first group of NEA Certified Entrepreneurs.

Upon completion participants from Cohort One consistently provided rave reviews.

“Because the program is blended with the expertise of NEA and Comerica Bank with some truly highly qualified presenters, it is really applicable

for those who are starting out as well as those of us who are more well-established business owners. The information we heard was extraordinary and highly valued,” said Tisha Hammond, The Small Business Cheerleader.

Recently, Comerica Bank’s LaShawn Jimenez, Trust Advisor and Cheryl Parks Ajamu met with SavannahBlue Detroit’s ownership and Management team to discuss banking and financial education for black-owned businesses.

“Black businesses need to be educated on the financial documentation and the preparation that is required to successfully apply for bank loans,” said John David Simpson, co-owner. “Most of us are first generation business owners. We need information on how to scale our businesses or duplicate our business model in other cities…. level the playing field, so I can compete! There’s not much I like or dislike about banks, because they haven’t extended themselves to be my friend.”

The succession plan for SavannahBlue Detroit is hiring the next generation of African American youth from the culinary and hospitality industries to Manage the restaurant in preparation for ownership.

Mesheka Coach and Mone’t Wilson are general managers and Lynsai Barnes is an assistant manager for SavannahBlue Detroit. They have worked in various positions at the restaurant and are grateful to have real-time management and entrepreneurial experience.

“Being in our twenties and thirties, we need to know where to go to learn about setting up a business,” said Mesheka Coach, SavannahBlue Detroit General Manager. “No one is really teaching us about financial literary, unless you are fortune to work in an establishment like SavannahBlue Detroit that offers opportunities to gain experience using these skills.

Many young adults they feel like they are stagnant because we didn’t grow up seeing financial management and ownership and in some cases our parents weren’t able to teach us.”

Comerica Bank now offers financial literacy for small business, schools, and youth to change the SavanahBlue is located at 1431 Times Square financial conversation and banking in Detroit. experience for communities of color.

Entrepreneurs who successfully complete the training will receive a certificate of completion from the National Entrepreneurs Association and the distinction of being an NEA Certified Entrepreneur.

Comerica Bank and Detroit Lions Complete Fifth Season of First Down Program Partnership Moving the Chains at Ford Field yields $16,100 for local charities; $87,300 distributed since 2017

Comerica Bank and the Detroit Lions finished their fifth season supporting local charities through the First Down Program, which makes Lions first downs at Ford Field not only matter on the field but in the community as well. In 2021, eight community partners in metro Detroit received a total of $16,100.

Each Lions first down gained at Ford Field translated to $100 that aided one of eight selected community partners through the Comerica Bank Lions First Down Program partnership, which included: Detroit Police Athletic League, Inc. (Sept.12 vs.

49ers); Capuchin Soup Kitchen (Sept. 26 vs. Ravens); Life Directions (Oct. 17. vs. Bengals); Citadel Community Development Corporation (Oct. 31 vs. Eagles); Abigayle Ministries (Nov. 25 vs.

Bears); Lebanese American Heritage Club Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities (Dec. 5 vs. Vikings); Detroit Organizations of Black Organizations (Dec. 19 vs. Cardinals); D.E.F.Y. Program (Jan. 9 vs. Packers).

“The Lions First Down Program has been an exciting partnership focused on uplifting our communities and supporting numerous organizations that help

meet critical needs of residents, families and neighborhoods,” said Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank Southeast External Affairs Manager.

The Lions kicked off the 2021 First Down Program by accumulating 31 first downs in the season opener against San Francisco, which resulted in $3,100 donated to Detroit PAL. The Lions 31 first downs netted the highest single-game donation in the five-year history of the program, surpassing the $2,900 (29 first downs) that was added to the total that supported Winning Futures in 2019.

the past five years. Previous recipients include: Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Charles H. Wright Comerica Bank, the Ajamu Group, LLC and SavanahBlue Detroit connect as Museum of African American part of the The Ajamu Group Spotlight on Michigan Black-Owned Businesses History, LA SED, Detroit Public presented by Comerica Bank. Pictured (L-R): Comerica Bank Vice President Schools Foundation, Alternaand Trust Wealth Advisor and African American BRG Chair LaShawn Jimenez, tives For Girls, Ruth Ellis Center, Assistant Manager Lynsai Barnes, Founder and CEO The Ajamu Group LLC HAVEN, Focus: HOPE, Winning Cheryl Ajamu, and General Manager Mesheka Coach. Not pictured: General Futures, Beyond Basics and The Manager Mone’t Wilson.

CB-258244-01 (3) COVID-19 Community Comerica Ad MM.pdf 1 4/8/2020 9:59:01 AM Children’s Center.

During the Lions three-game home winning streak that concluded the 2021 season, the Lions gained a total of 64 first downs and $6,400 went to three organizations which were LAHC, DABO and D.E.F.Y. Program.

Comerica and the Lions have partnered on the First Down Program since 2017. In the five years of the collaboration, Detroit’s first downs at Ford Field have resulted in a total of $87,300.

In all, 18 southeast Michigan community partners have benefited from the Comerica Lions First Down Program over

Comerica means Community.

At Comerica Bank, the well-being of our customers, employees and communities is our priority. For over 170 years, we’ve been helping customers weather every economic climate. As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has had an unprecedented impact on the businesses and the people in our communities, we stand ready to help.

Let us Raise Your Expectations® of what a bank can be in times like these.

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CB-258244-01 04/20

A5

| January 19-25, 2022

Money.

michiganchronicle.com

Uber and Visa Announce Grants to Support Small Businesses Uber and Visa announced Grants for Growth, a program that will provide $1 million in grant funding to small businesses in 10 U.S. cities that are currently active on Uber Eats. The program will be administered by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Focused on restaurant recovery and entrepreneurship, the program was created to support merchants when they need it most.

“We know that this year has been trying for many and that independently-owned businesses continue to face significant business challenges. From natural disasters to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uber and Visa are committed to supporting SMBs, especially through unexpected events, when they may need us most,” said Sarfraz Maredia, VP of US and Canada Delivery at Uber.

Restaurants active on Uber Eats since January 1, 2022 in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Miami, Detroit, the NYC metro/New Jersey area, the San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, and Boston are eligible to apply for the program. Grant recipients will be independently selected by LISC, using criteria to give preference to veteran, minority, women, and LGBTQIA+ business owners. For a complete list of eligibility criteria visit lisc. org/uber.

“Independent restaurants are a vital and vibrant part of their communities, and the pandemic continues to impact far too many of them,” said Mary Ann Reilly, SVP and Head of North America Marketing, Visa. “Together with Uber, we’re proud to help give merchants the support and funding they need, now.”

“The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce applauds our partners at Visa and Uber for launching this important grant program. Small businesses, especially minority-owned businesses, continue to struggle to survive during this pandemic and are working to overcome new challenges,” said Ramiro A. Cavazos, President & CEO, USHCC. “As small businesses reopen their doors and look towards recovering, they need access to capital as well as resources and tools now more than ever before.

This program comes at the perfect time.”

Through Grants for Growth, 100 merchants will receive grants of $10,000, which can be used toward immediate needs such as payroll, paying outstanding debt to vendors, upgrading payment technology infrastructure, and other immediate operational costs. In addition to financial support, selected merchants will receive placement in the Uber Eats app and disaster recovery and resiliency guides from Uber and LISC. Merchants interested in applying for the Grants for Growth program can apply at lisc.org/uber from January 17-24, 2022.

Additional details about eligibility and the Grants for Growth program can also be found at lisc.org/uber.”

Duggan, KeyBank Announce $10M Commitment to Create

Affordable Housing

Affordable housing is becoming more of a tangible reality in the city of Detroit.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Detroit and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced on Wednesday, January 12 a $10 million investment from KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) toward the creation and preservation of affordable housing in the city through the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund (DHFF).

The DHFF, which was announced by Duggan in 2020, represents the largest single private commitment to affordable housing in Detroit’s history.

This historical move is being led by the DHFF -- a private investment fund managed by LISC that promises to invest private capital into affordable housing projects in need of gap financing to move the developments forward, a press release added. With a sixth project also announced on January 12, DHFF projects representing about $40.7 million in total development costs, with a combined DHFF investment of more than $12.7 million, have been approved since the fund’s launch in the fall of 2020. Together, the deals represent the creation or preservation of a combined 224 units of affordable housing in neighborhoods across the city. The DHFF is a part of the larger Affordable Housing Leverage Fund, which is an initiative of the City of Detroit’s Housing & Revitalization Department.

“KeyBank is committed to the communities we serve. This investment is a key part of our efforts to create more strategic partnerships with Community Development Financial Intuitions across the nation and build on the success of our National Community Benefits Plan,” said Derek Reed, vice president of KeyBank CDLI, in a press release. “We are proud to help LISC Detroit and the City of Detroit with their shared goal of creating and preserving affordable housing, and to making sure

that no one is left behind as Detroit continues its latest renaissance.”

“Leading change for the better and being a responsible corporate citizen is at the heart of KeyBank’s purpose in Detroit and all of the communities we serve,” said David Mannarino, KeyBank Michigan Market president and commercial sales leader. “We look forward to continuing to support affordable housing and community development projects, small business and home lending in low- and-moderate income communities, and philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development and creating safe, vital neighborhoods.”

The Duggan administration has made affordable housing a crucial priority as it works to help Detroiters stay in their homes amid increasing rents as the city’s turnaround continues. The administration set a goal of preserving 10,000 units of existing affordable housing and the development of 2,000 units of new affordable housing through multiple public and private housing initiatives including DHFF. As of today, nearly 1,300 new affordable housing units have opened or are under construction in the city while nearly 5,700 existing affordable units either have had their affordable rents extended for another 15 to 30 years or are in the pipeline to have them extended.

gan. Since 2017, KeyBank has invested more than $152 million in its Michigan Market through its National Community Benefits Plan. Highlights include: • A $300,000 grant to Michigan Ability Partners to support homeless veterans.

• $17.4 million in financing through KeyBank Community Development Lending & Investment for Selinon Park Apartments in Portage, a 75-unit affordable housing complex targeted to serve people with special needs or those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“The affordable housing shortage is one of the biggest issues facing our city right now,” said Tahirih Ziegler, Midwest Program vice president of LISC. “KeyBank’s $10 million contribution will go a long way in helping us to make a more equitable Detroit and provide quality affordable housing for Detroiters. LISC believes that all Detroiters, regardless of their economic means, deserve to live in quality affordable housing and that affordable housing is key to ensuring Detroit remains a place for all.”

In addition to the $10 million investment by KeyBank CDLI, LISC Detroit also announced that day the sixth project to tap the fund.

“We are seeing major progress in neighborhoods across the city, but we have to ensure that all Detroiters can benefit from our city’s comeback, especially those who stuck with the city during its toughest times,” said Mayor Duggan. “KeyBank’s generous commitment helps ensure that all Detroiters, no matter their income, will have the opportunity to live in quality housing and in any neighborhood they choose.”

The Weber Apartments, a currently vacant historic apartment building at 655 Hazelwood St. in the Piety Hill neighborhood, will be completely renovated. The Weber, built in 1927, will feature 44 units and be 100 percent affordable housing, with six apartments at or below 50 percent area median income (AMI) and the remainder at or below 80 percent AMI. This translates to rents between $750 and $1,200 a month for one-bedrooms.

That commitment to community lines up with one of KeyBank’s main missions. KeyBank has a long history of lending, investing and providing charitable support in Detroit and Michi-

The developer, Hazelwood Partners LLC, received a $2.9 million loan through DHFF for the $4.4 million project. The renovations are expected to be completed late this summer.

Data Driven Petram Analytics Recalibrates Focus for Companies, Customers

By Sherri Kolade

Petram Analytics CEO Jibreel Lockhart.

Photo courtesy of Petram Analytics

How much data is created every day on a computer?

About 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created every day by every person who uploads information to their computer from documents to keyboard clicks, according to statistics.

This information on its own is useless, however, without the proper context. When compiled and organized in a digestible way, that is when data analytics comes in to play– to give structure and meaning to the massive data.

With an eagle eye on addressing data and analytics work for Detroit’s professional realm and beyond, local businessman Jibreel Lockhart wants to harness that data through companies he works with strategically to ensure his high-profile customers and clients are growing their potential online and off.

Petram Analytics (formerly Petram

Data) announced its new name in late November, with Lockhart at the helm as CEO since 2020.

Petram Analytics primarily operates with data science and analytics to help mid-sized businesses improve their customer acquisition and profitability Lockhart told the Michigan Chronicle.

“We’ve helped local companies like Regina Andrew Design, Priority Health and Shinola and national brands like Allegiant Airlines,” Lockhart said.

Well-structured data informs clients in three ways through: • Descriptive data, which helps people understand what happened in the past.

• Predictive data, which uses data to predict what will happen in the future.

• Prescriptive data which tells people the most efficient way to operate their businesses.

One of the goals of the team at Petram Analytics is to use that data to help businesses take their customer data

and use it to be more efficient, more profitable, and better for their customers, according to their website.

“We’re launching Petram with a simple purpose - simplify how you apply data science to grow your business,” Lockhart said of the Detroit-founded company. “We’ve assembled a team of expert data scientists and strategists that can apply the power of predictive analytics to dramatically improve customer acquisition, customer loyalty, and profits for business. Companies like Facebook and Airbnb run thousands of data science experiments every month to improve their digital business.”

With 15 years of experience in sales, marketing and product development under his belt, Lockhart has held his own while carving out a path for himself to lead companies through consulting and more by “using data to unlock business opportunities.”

See PETRAM

ANALYTICS page A6

Page A-6 | January 19-25, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Petram Analytics From page A-5

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Vasyl Dolmatov / iStock via Getty Images Plus

What Every Small Business Owner Should Know Today (StatePoint) Given how much has changed about the way people do business over the last few years, experts say it may be time for entrepreneurs to rethink how they store and protect company data, and collaborate with their teams.

According to Brian Mallari, a marketing director in Western Digital’s hard drive business unit, a shared storage or network attached storage (NAS) solution can help, and here’s why: • Cost: As every owner of a small- or mid-sized business (SMB) knows, cutting costs without cutting corners is key to protecting the bottom line.

While cloud storage fees can incur ongoing costs, adopting a NAS solution is a great way to pay once while keeping sensitive data local to the office or home.

• Capacity: Before selecting a storage solution, consider your needs. From wedding photographers to graphic designers, many businesses need a storage solution that can grow over time. Popular NAS storage drives for small and medium businesses, such as the WD Red family of products from Western Digital, range in capacity from 1 terabyte (TB) to 18TBs, making them a good solution for those who work with large amounts of data.

• A shifting workplace: With hybrid and remote workplaces becoming the norm for businesses of all sizes, this has added new challenges for business owners and their

staff wishing to easily collaborate, edit files and work with shared files and databases.

With a NAS storage system, all users’ PCs and laptops can be assigned permission to access the storage solution, giving them the ability to load files and data wirelessly or via connected ports. What’s more, such a system can help protect your team’s work and data against loss from a network outage or potential cyberattacks, as remote/home data can be backed up to the storage device itself at the office. Because NAS solutions use several hard drives, they can provide protection of data via redundancy, also referred to as RAID. In other words, should one drive fail, the data lives on.

• Getting set up: Getting set up with a SMB NAS storage system is easy. The solutions are available at consumer electronics stores and online, and you can choose from a NAS system that includes from two to 24 slots or “bays” for hard drives to make sure all your data is covered. Most NAS solutions, especially two- and four-bay solutions, can simply plug into an internet router via Ethernet.

To learn more about NASready data storage options, visit westerndigital.com.

“In today’s world, smalland mid-sized businesses need both reliable, affordable data storage solutions, as well as tools that allow for collaboration among workers near and far,” says Mallari. “Rethinking how data is stored can help entrepreneurs achieve both these goals.”

As an engineer turned data-driven marketer, Lockhart also capitalizes on using technology and data to decode customer behaviors and uncover the inefficiencies of traditional advertising.

Lockhart told the Michigan Chronicle that he wanted to make a company name change for rebranding and restructuring purposes -- but their mission stays the same.

“We are a marketing analytics company that leverages data science to help companies improve the effectiveness of their marketing when it comes to using their data and third-party data tactics,” he said.

Lockhart added that his company is responsible for answering one of many questions including, “how do we reduce their customer acquisition cost?”

He also assists companies by reducing the internal turnover of existing customers, which he is no stranger to.

In 2005, Lockhart moved to New York to work at American Express where he led a marketing strategy team, marketing product management team and product innovation team, which earned him an international spot in London for a year leading product innovation.

“That was kind of my experience building products,” he said adding that in the United Kingdom he worked closely with data engineers and scientists responsible for understanding the behaviors and habits of millions of American Express cardholders across the world.

“Data scientists [are] studying what are the patterns.”

Looking at dining and spending patterns to offer customers more personalized services among other things is the name of the game for Lock-

hart’s work at closing the loop for businesses’ customers.

“I became fascinated with this whole world of data analytics and science and [how it] could transform... how businesses communicate with customers,” he said, adding that during that time he realized that he wanted to run his own business. “I felt I needed to find the right opportunity from corporate into entrepreneurship through working with an already established small business.”

Petram Analytics got its start when Lockhart and his University of Michigan alumnus friend Donald Scott Jones Jr. (a former football star) joined forces.

“He called me and said, ‘Let’s get together and we started talking about what we wanted to do and felt there is an opportuni-

ty in the analytics space,” Lockhart said, adding that they worked on a business plan in 2017 and formed then-called Petron Data in 2018 and officially opened their doors in 2019.

Lockhart said that from growing the business to up to $2.5 million in revenue and around 15 million people -- Petram pivoted quickly after its start with a leadership shift to facing COVID-related business uncertainties, which could have been the end for the nascent company.

“I was faced with, “do I shut the company down, do I take a job somewhere -- do we continue to do it the way we been doing it or shift and rethink the business?”

Lockhart chose the latter and is now focusing on the consulting aspect of the analytics side of the business with data monetization for midsize companies.

Petram’s smallest

company currently operates at an annual revenue of $30-$40 million.

“That’s kind of the right size [company] who have enough customer data files,” he said.

Having the “most direct control” with the data allows Petram to control its own destiny.

“Our clients started to really tell us what they needed, and it was a little different than what we originally thought was needed,” he said adding that Petram’s niche is helping companies know that there is value in data and being able to identify marketing effectiveness.

“The thing I’m excited about [with the restructure] is we have the right people ...focused on the right kinds of value propositions for mid-sized companies. … You have to have already built some level of trust with customers and team members.

That trust is kind of a hidden factor that makes the pivot possible.”

michiganchronicle.com | January 19-25, 2022 | Page A-7

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Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com • January 19-25, 2022

COMERICA IN THE

COMMUNITY

COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT

Toya Sankey A passion for people and a knack for mentoring and teaching.

Those are the attributes Toya Sankey says have contributed to her success and long-standing career at Comerica.

Sankey, a learning and development consultant at the Comerica, is responsible for creating and implementing management training and development programs. Specifically, workshops that are geared toward assisting managers become better communicators and delegators of tasks.

It’s a dream job for Sankey, who joined the company in 1978 as a commercial teller after graduating from Highland Park high school.

“When I started, Comerica was operating as Detroit Bank & Trust,” she said. “I counted money all day long, but it was a wonderful experience. I did that for six years and the rest is history.”

Sankey says one of her most notable accomplishments during her 42-year tenure at the bank was launching a training program in the information services department called “Movie and Popcorn.”

Comerica Bank teamed up with Latino Press and community volunteers to help families in need.

Comerica Supports Latino Press Holiday Food Box Project

“Each month, we gathered teams to watch educational videos on topics related to Comerica’s core values and offered popcorn as a snack. We dissolved the initiative in 2008, but people still ask me to this day if the program is coming back.”

Toya Sankey

Members of Comerica’s Michigan Hispanic Business Resource Group, led by team chair Yolanda Serra volunteered at the Latino Press’ annual Holiday Food Box Project in December.

Sankey says many elements of that training are still present throughout the organization today and have helped others advance their careers.

Colleagues prepared boxes of donated food items that will be distributed to families in need.

Volunteering for this activity has become a tradition during the holiday season for many of the members of the Hispanic BRG. Over 200 families will receive their food boxes during a social distance drive-through event.

Not only did Comerica Colleagues help with boxing the donated food, but Comerica also served as one of the event sponsors.The Latino Press Food Box Project has provided food to needy families in Southwest Detroit and Pontiac during the holidays for 15 years.

“I want to bring out the best in everyone and a big part of my dedication stems from my faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.” she added. “Having the opportunity to teach and mentor people has been rewarding and humbling over the years.”

Over 200 families received food boxes put together by volunteers during the annual Holiday Food Box Project.

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED AND SACRIFICED ★

★★★

★

Comerica pays tribute to fallen service members Comerica Cares volunteers laid dozens of wreaths across the graves of military veterans last month as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. “They may have fallen, but they are certainly not forgotten,” said Denene Smith, Comerica retail district manager and chair of the Veteran’s initiative. “It’s a small token of appreciation for the men and women who fought for our freedom and paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Smith attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Romulus Memorial Cemetery on Dec. 18, where she was joined by several of her Comerica colleagues. At that ceremony alone, approximately 380 veterans dating at the way back to the Spanish American War have been laid to rest.

In southeast Michigan, Comerica also supported services at Cadillac Memorial Gardens in Clinton Township and St. Hedwig Cemetery and Mausoleum in Dearborn Heights.

Wreaths Across America arranges annual ceremonies at more than 2,500 locations across the U.S., including at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

The nationwide initiative aims to remember fallen heroes, honor those who have served and teach children about the value of freedom.

According to its website, the organization’s mission is to touch the lives of thousands of school, scout, civic and religious groups across the country through fundraising for wreath sponsorships.

Comerica Cares volunteers participate in National Wreaths Across These sectors help the non-profit ensure that it reaches its goal to place a wreath on each hero’s grave. In return, America Day and supported the organizations mission to Remember, they receive fundraising dollars that assist in furthering Honor and Teach. their own goals and projects.

The annual tradition was formed in 2007. And the following year, Congress unanimously voted December 13, 2008, as “Wreaths Across America Day.” In 2008, more than 300 locations held ceremonies in every state, including Puerto Rico and 24 overseas cemeteries.

Since then, hundreds of thousands of wreaths have been placed on the headstones of fallen service members with the help of volunteers nationwide.

“During each ceremony, you say the name of each veteran out loud,” said Smith. “It’s a humbling experience to be in the presence of individuals that fought so hard for our nation.”

Residents and city officials gather to remember fallen heroes at ­Romulus Memorial Cemetery.

Denene Smith, Comerica Retail District Manager, places a wreath across the grave of a military veteran at Romulus Memorial Cemetery.

A wreath is placed on the grave of a fallen service member by John Marecki at Resurrection Stephen Pente, a Comerica Cares volunteer, honors a fallen service Cemetery in Clinton Township. member.

While her career at Comerica spans more than four decades, Sankey added that she has no plans to hang up her hat any time soon.

“You know you love your job when you would do it for free,” she said. “That’s how I feel about my position at Comerica and I’m in no hurry to retire.”

In her free time, Sankey says her life is further enriched by volunteering through the Comerica Cares network. One organization that is near and dear to her heart is Forgotten Harvest.

The non-profit organization aims to fight hunger and food insecurity for people across metro Detroit.

Aside from her community involvement, Sankey enjoys spending time with her loved ones, shopping and working out.

“My family, friends, faith and career have made me who I am, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Sankey added that she wants to continue to help her colleagues, especially newcomers, reach their full potential and carve our lasting careers at the bank.

“Comerica has been my university. It has taught me everything that I need to know about the retail banking industry. It’s truly a great place to work and I’m living proof of that.”

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

www.facebook.com/Comerica.

Charise Key-Grey hands out gifts at Adopt-AChild in December.

NEYIC From page A-3

“This initiative supports well over 500 families every year,” said LaTonya McDonald, professional development committee co-chair of Comerica’s African American Network. “For some kids, it may be the only gift they receive during the holidays.”

McDonald, who has helped spearhead Comerica’s involvement with the effort for the past several years, says the bank wants to grow its participation and sponsorship of the program in the future and hopes the event will return to in-person in 2022.

“Several departments within the bank stepped up to make this year’s event a success,” she added. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part a movement that is helping so many families within the community.”

Comerica Bank has participated in the North End Youth Improvement Council’s Adopt a Child program event for more than 15 years. The event works to ensure low-income families in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties have gifts of clothing, books and toys during the holiday season.

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

B1 | January 19-25, 2022

michiganchronicle.com

Got The Winter Blues?

Have an Attitude of Gratitude

By Miss AJ Williams Winter can be a dreary season of cold, short days, and even longer nights. After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the time from January until April can seem dull and, at times, downright depressing. Add to that the current energetic climate of the world going into the third year of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic; at times, it can be too much to bear mentally.

The stress of life and the past few years is precisely why it’s time to turn to a simple yet effective remedy — practice an attitude of gratitude.

Yes, something as simple as a daily practice of gratitude studies show can rewire your brain to fight the depression associated with the Winter Blues.

According to an article from Harvard Health Publishing — Two psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the UniverMiss AJ Williams sity of Miami, have done much of the research on gratitude. In one study, they asked all participants to write a few sentences each week, focusing on particular topics. After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. Surprisingly, they also exercised more and had fewer visits to physicians than those who focused on sources of aggravation. The results proved that gratitude affects brain function on a chemical level, and its practice promotes feelings of self-worth and compassion for others.

Beyond the scientific evidence, there is a connection to enhancing your spiritual wellbeing through gratitude. Being able to master your mental and spiritual wellness can be a critical factor in an overall general sense of calm, contentment, and joy — giving a sense of peace amid the storm of life.

Although there are many ways to practice gratitude, here are two of my favorite ways to cultivate a practice of gratitude: Gratitude meditation: In the morning, before your mind is flooded with possibly lower vibrations of emails, Instagram, and duties of your day, take a moment with your favorite cup of coffee or tea to sit in a quiet place. Once you’re comfortable, visualize one moment in your life where you were happy. This moment doesn’t have to be grandiose; it can be something simple, like the smile of your child—the smell of fresh flowers, the feeling of the sun on your face. Once you have the moment visualized, then hold in the space. Be sure to take note of all of the beauty surrounding that moment, any sounds, recalling any smells. Once you’ve sat in the moment for at least five minutes, breathe out and say, “I am grateful for that moment and my life. Finally, hold that energy throughout the day.”

Journaling: The Five-Minute Journal by Intelligent Change is one of my favorite ways to stay consistent in practicing an attitude of gratitude.

Created for those who want a simple, quick yet effective way to rewire their brain towards thankfulness — the journal gives scientific explanations on how it works and the importance of this practice for your overall health. It takes only five minutes in the morning and once again at night to make this a part of your spiritual and mental wellness routine.

I am an advocate for living life fully through cocktails and good food, and even using these methods as a means of comfort during times when the winter blues is upon me, and I am feeling somekindaway — but the benefits of practicing gratitude don’t widen your waistline or stretch your wallets — it’s something free that can immediately show a positive impact! Try it today!

Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad alongside Andrew Levitt as Edna Turnblad Toneisha Harris as Motormouth ­Maybelle

Runs at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre

By Megan Kirk Big hair and even bigger dreams, Tracy Turnblad is coming to the Fisher Theatre stage with the Broadway production of “Hairspray.” Based on the story of a 16-year-old finding her own way through 1960’s Baltimore, “Hairspray” combines music, dance and comedy for the perfect coming of age story.

Niki Metcalf stars as Tracy Turnblad in this adaptation of “Hairspray”. Set in 1962, Turnblad is determined to be featured on TV’s most popular dance show, the “Corny Collins Show.” Her mother Edna Turnblad, as portrayed by Andrew Levitt aka Nina West from RuPaul’s Drag Race, is full of nerves as her daughter steps out to explore the world for herself. Destined to shake things up, Tracy embarks on a journey of self-discovery and breaks barriers while bridging the gap between her mother’s desires and realizing her own destiny.

“Edna has this -- she’s really reticent. She’s really slow to want Tracy to step out and more so not necessarily achieve her dream. She’s just afraid Tracy is going to face disappointment,” said Levitt.

From the 1988 film, which originally starred Ricki Lake in the lead role, “Hairspray” takes viewers on a ride filled with highs and lows displayed through the eyes of the rebellious teen. In June 2002, the original play “Hairspray” premiered at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater.

Becoming an instant hit once it landed on Broadway, the show won eight Tony Awards in 2003, including Best Musical. Its stay made it the longest-running musical to play the Neil Simon Theater with 2,642 performances from July 2002 until January 2009.

In 2007, the film was remade and featured A-list actors like John Travolta, Queen Latifah and Michelle Pfeiffer. Each adding their own touch to the iconic characters portrayed in the adaptations before it, “Hairspray” remains a success more than 30 years after its original production.

Along with it being a coming-of-age story, “Hairspray” infuses race at a time when Black and white integration was taboo. Toneisha Harris, known for her commanding sound on NBC’s “The Voice,” shines as Motormouth Maybelle. Played by Ruth Brown, Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah before her, Harris now adds her personal touch to the character.

“People know me as a singer. Not many people have

gotten to see me in the acting world because I had stepped away from it. I had not done that in such a long time so having the opportunity to grace the stage again in this way is a huge honor for me,” said Harris.

More relevant than ever, the scenes concerning race show what can happen when just one person takes a stand against injustice.

“It has a different meaning today than it did in 2002, than it did in 1988. The original movie came out in 1988, the original musical in 2002, the John Travolta movie musical in 2006, the live [show] in 2016. All of those were different points in our history. Right now, more importantly, I think, about race than it ever has been,” said Levitt.

The musical score features lyrics that are sure to resound with audiences. It is through song that Motormouth Maybelle shows Edna true beauty is not measured in weight. Big, Blond and Beautiful is one of the most notable songs sung by Maybelle and displays the character’s zest for life.

“The message and the stature that Motormouth holds and the message that she tells is so important and pivotal in this show that it’s really amazing that I get to be a part of it in such a tumultuous, uneasy time,” said Harris. “It’s a story and a message that is still very needed and very relevant.”

“Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” are each a part of the music that captivates audiences. More than the songs, the actors want audiences to leave the show feeling empowered to believe in themselves and unafraid to live life out loud.

“I want people to walk away thinking. I want people to walk away inspired. I want them to not just look at me as an artist and a fan of mine only, but I want them to be inspired and encouraged that they too can pick up the torch and change the world,” said Harris.

The ensemble also includes Christopher Swan as Wilbur Turnblad, Billy Dawson as Corny Collins, Will Savarese as Link Larkin, Emery Henderson as Penny Pingleton, Brandon G. Stalling as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Kaelee Albritton as Amber Von Tussle and Addison Garner as Velma Von Tussle.

The show will be at the Fisher Theatre January 18-30, 2022.

Say Om: Detroit TikTok Influencer Om Shanti Brings Wellness to the Center Detroit resident and social media influencer Ashanti (Om Shanti) Barber, 31, has a lot to say about spirituality and wellness and is about bringing it back as a Hoodoo priestess.

embedded into Barber’s upbringing, as her father worked as a minister who shared spirituality practices with her.

Growing up Barber also attended various spirituality training taught by the notable Queen Afua to Dr. Sebi, which helped build the foundation for the work that she continues to do to this day, according to a press release.

Typically found in North America, Hoodoo practitioners practice a form of African folk magic incorporating Roman Catholic saints or biblical characters.

Barber, a rising TikTok and Instagram influencer found a sweet spot of success through her social media following after educating her followers on the history and meaning behind various spiritual practices that can be traced back to ancient African faith and religion, according to a press release. To her surprise, many people took to her messages.

Barber, who describes her mother as a “universal woman” told the Michigan Chronicle that brought her around a lot of people growing up.

“I’m not going to lie -- I thought I was a weirdo so to speak,” she said. “I was widely accepted. [People] really, really quickly took to me.”

Detroit resident Om Shanti, a Hoodoo priestess, has a massive following of people looking to create the best version of themselves. Credit_ DeAndre Dean

Barber added it took her “quite a while” to put herself out there and say, “This is who I am and this is what I do.

I never knew there was a thirst for authentic knowledge.”

Tok and over 28,000 followers on Instagram, Barber continues to build a strong presence on social media that her followers look to for credible advice in a space that’s becoming increasingly popular. Spirituality has always been

With nearly 85,000 followers on Tik-

“She taught a new moon class when I was much younger. She brought me around influential people,” Barber said of working with greats in the spiritual realm. “I was around these very influential people. I had my eyes wide open since I was very young.”

Currently, Barber works with other icons in the healing community such as Malidoma Patrice Somé and Linda Amina Johnson. Since 2018, Barber has grown her business to include services such as intuitive readings and products such as spiritual bathing mixtures, healing crystals, spiritual body butters, health books and more. Barber wants to

encourage her followers and customers to shop local with entrepreneurs and business owners who have a long history in the spiritual and healing industry.

“I’ve been working in this industry for over six years and since I’ve been in this space, I’ve watched major retailers try to capitalize on spiritual practices because they see it as more of a trend rather than for the history and purpose,” said Barber. “If you’re looking to learn more about spirituality and healing, it’s important to use items that are authentic and not just mass-produced by a big box retail company.”

On social media, Barber teaches her followers about the history and meaning behind spiritual practices and even spotlights some of the leaders in her family and community that have helped build her knowledge in healing and spirituality. This holiday season, Barber will be offering multiple healing crystal sets, her top-selling spiritual body butter, and discounted intuitive readings.

Individuals interested in learning more or purchasing any of her products can visit www.SeekingPeaceWithShanti. com.

Page B-2 | January 19-25, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Miami Gardens Announces Star-Studded Lineup for Annual 2022 Music Festival

By Sherri Kolade

down in Miami Gardens, a primarily Black city, are looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate this time around.

Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) has announced the highly-anticipated 2022 lineup for the 15th anniversary of the popular jazz and R&B music festival held annually at Miami Gardens in Florida.

“From here to the Bahamas and all over the United States [people are] just ready to get it going,” he said adding that there is no time like the present to enjoy the city’s typically 85-degree days while moving to the music at the festival. “Where else would you want to be?”

The roster of A-list celebrities includes Mary J. Blige, H.E.R, Rick Ross, The Isley Brothers, SWV, The Roots with special guest T-Pain, Stokely, Johnathan McReynolds, Mike Phillips and Mark Allen Felton, with local performers (to be announced).

He added that a lot of midwestern concert-goers have attended and he is looking forward to the anticipated wonderful time to be had.

Syndicated radio host and comedian Rickey Smiley is set to also return as the host for the 2022 JITG.

“Jazz in the Gardens turned into an event [that is] benefitting an entire region,” he said of South Florida.

Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris told the Michigan Chronicle that in 2020, like most things, the annual event had to come to a halt a mere two days before the doors were on tap to open.

Now, nearly two years later, the 2022 festival represents a comeback as the City of Miami Gardens’ signature event and is anticipated to be an even better experience for the thousands of ticket buyers who are coming from all over the world. Entrants will be required to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or a negative COVID-19 test. Social distancing protocols will be observed and face masks will be strongly encouraged.

Brittany Flores, president of Live Nation Florida, said that the “staple event” is one that she and other entities have joined forces on.

“We are happy to announce the return of Jazz in the Gardens in the City of Miami Gardens. In an abundance of caution, the festival did not happen for the past two years due to COVID-19. It’s coming back in 2022, and we will do so

in a safe way following all the CDC protocols. We are also excited about bringing talented, award-winning artists to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the festival that showcases music and the culture and diversity of Miami Gardens.

We look forward to celebrating with our residents and people from all over the world on March 12th and 13th,” Harris said.

“As a manager, my clients have played this festival several times over the past

decade,” said Shawn Gee, president of Live Nation Urban, “so when presented with the opportunity to work alongside the city to produce the event this year, I was super excited. Jazz in the Gardens is one of the most important live events in the culture of Jazz and R&B music, globally. Our goal is not only to produce a stellar event but to let the world know about the hidden gem that the City of Miami Gardens has with this event.”

Harris added that the good folks

‘We are honored to partner with Mayor Harris and the City of Miami Gardens on the 15th Anniversary of Jazz in the Gardens,” said Flores. “The event is a staple here in South Florida and we are beyond excited to help continue the tradition and usher in the next chapter of this amazing event.”

The 15th Annual Jazz in the Gardens also showcases an eclectic mix of goods and buys in the Merchandise Village.

Tickets on sale now at www.jazzinthegardens.com - Follow @jazzinthegardens For more information visit www.­ miamigardens-fl.gov.

Glow On with Better Winter Body and Mental Health Care

By Sherri Kolade Gentlemen, this read’s for you, too.

Okay, now that we got that out of the way -- what better gift is there than to enter 2022 with clear, bright, beautiful skin (and a healthier immune system) this winter season?

According to www.mindbodygreenpath.com, there is a lot to upping one’s skin and mental game during the winter, including starting from the inside out: 1. Eat a nutritious diet.

The skin can be a fickle thing that needs things like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (not only for good health) but improving the immune system and one step toward getting beautiful skin.

Integrative family physician Dr. Bindiya Gandhi said that immune-system-boosting foods can do a great job for overall wellness.

“Get lots of vitamin-C-rich foods, like bell peppers, oranges, carrots,” Gandhi said. “Pumpkin seeds and oysters are rich in zinc and great to support your immune system.”

2. Get to Movin’ - Physically and Beyond It’s wintertime and it doesn’t matter what the weather is – get moving inside (and outside) so that general health reflects the inside with the outside.

“Managing stress is always the key when talking about supporting your immune system,” Gandhi said.

“Make sure you have carved out time weekly for self-care and to do things that nourish your soul!”

• Acknowledge what is presently impacting your health.

• Eat nutritionally dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, lean meats, whole grains, etc.

• Exercise in fun and easy ways like walking or dancing.

• Rest/relax by getting adequate

sleep, doing breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, stretching, or praying.

• Connect with others safely in person and via social media, calling/ texting, joining online support groups, writing letters to friends and family.

3. Still Breathe (Despite it All) Detroit-based counselor Patrece M. Lucas said previously that mental health issues, especially in the Black community, can typically take a toll in this community used to bearing the brunt of things.

“African/Black Americans globally suffer at a higher rate than non-Blacks on good days and on bad days,” Lucas said. “When white people catch a cold, Black people get pneumonia.

What this speaks to is the greater impacts on our community because of how our community is already suffering in oppressive conditions.”

4. Get Some Good ZZZs Reduce Blue Light Exposure in the evening. That means you, you

late-night scrollers. Exposure to light during the day is beneficial, but nighttime light exposure has the opposite effect — it tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. This reduces hormones like melatonin, which helps you relax and get deep sleep.

There are several popular methods you can use to reduce nighttime blue light exposure. These include: Wear glasses that block blue light.

Download an app such as f.lux to block blue light on your laptop or computer.

Install an app that blocks blue light on your smartphone. These are available for both iPhones and Android models.

Stop watching TV and turn off any bright lights 2 hours before heading to bed.

Don’t Consume Caffeine Late in the Day. Yes, you probably need an afternoon boost during the long day, but caffeine, when consumed late in the day, can stimulate your nervous system and may stop your body from

naturally relaxing at night. In one study, consuming caffeine up to six hours before bed significantly worsened sleep quality.

Reduce Irregular or Long Daytime Naps. A power nap is, well, powerful, but it can negatively affect your sleep if they are too long or irregular.

Consider Supplements. Several supplements can cause relaxation and help you sleep, including: • Ginkgo biloba • Glycine • Valerian root • Magnesium • L-theanine • Lavender Make sure to only try these supplements one at a time to boost sleep.

“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation. Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration,” American novelist Paul Theroux said.

Indeed, relax, rest, and be ready for what’s to come in 2022. Happy New Year!

While we’re doing the big stuff you can help with the small stuff and make a big difference.

Cleaning your catch basins of leaves, dirt and trash.

Dumping your fat, oil and grease in a disposable container.

Disconnecting your downspouts and rerouting the water.

Periodically cleaning leaves and trash out of your catch basin will help reduce clogs and better handle stormwater flows that will reduce flooding. It’s surprising what you’ll find doing the small stuff.

Don’t put fat, oil, or grease down your drain; eventually, it will build up and create blockages in your drains and pipes, and may cause a backup into your home.

Have your delicious cooking stick to your ribs and not to your pipes.

Disconnecting your downspouts and directing rain and snowmelt runoff into lawns and away from the city’s sewer system reduce potential flooding. Who knew how much fun this could be.

WORKING HARD FOR YOU. Learn more tips at detroitmi.gov/watertips

michiganchronicle.com | January 19-25, 2022 | Page B-3

NEARLY A PERFECT SCORE THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION! With a score of 124/125, Kimberly Feaster, a WCCCD’s Anesthesia Technology Program graduate was just one point shy of a perfect score on the program’s national exam Kimberly Feaster, a mother of two girls, ages six and 12 is passionate about helping and caring for others. She has always had a desire to work in the medical field.

This year, Kimberly graduated virtually and received her degree. “I graduated with honors from Wayne County Community College District in August 2021 and I currently work at Henry Ford Hospital as an Anesthesia Technician.

But the real story is when Kimberly nearly aced the Anesthesia Technology Program’s She examination. national received 124 on the 125 questionnaire of the exam given by the National Certification Examination provided by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT). She missed acing the exam just one-point, and her score was the highest in the nation.

“My girls mean the world to me and they are the inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field to enhance our quality of life. So this is only the beginning of what I plan to achieve for myself and for them too!

How did she do it with two children, beats all odds? “I am a single mother that works full-time, so it’s difficult to find time to study. However, with discipline and determination, I manage to study at least five hours a day. I always strive to give my best effort in everything I do, and to be a high achiever.

“So after I graduated, I began to prepare for an examination to be a certified anesthesia technician. At every free moment I had, which was not very much, I studied every resource that I could to prepare for my big examination day.

“I’m proud of my accomplishment because I am able to show my girls that they can achieve whatever they put their mind to.”

“When I was informed that I scored the highest in the nation, I was so shocked, but grateful! I praised and thanked my Lord and Savior-Jesus Christ because He made all this possible for me.

“To be honest, I have passed many examinations in my process, but this exam was by far the most important one for me personally. When I shared the amazing news with my friends and family, they were all so happy and proud of me, and that made me feel so good!

“When I found out that I missed just one question and that I was only one point away from a perfect score, I honestly knew immediately which question I missed. All in all, I am just thankful and extremely proud of myself ! The long sleepless nights, hard work, dedication, and discipline paid off.

“I’m proud of my accomplishment because I am able to show my girls that they can achieve whatever they put their mind to. The one thing I hope they take away from watching their Mom study and work so hard is to keep striving for your goals and never give up.

“With God’s grace I passed my examination! Now, I am considering going back to school to pursue a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists or an Operating Room Nurse.

Marc McGaffic, MS, BS, Cer of Dean Campus ATT, Anesthesia Technology has nothing but praise for Kimberly’s hard work and dedication. “Kimberly is a graduate of great integrity, remarkable moral compass, and is a natural born leader. She started the Anesthesia Technology Program, fall 2019, with an eagerness for learning and she quickly became an astonishing student. Kimberly was a keystone stakeholder within her graduating class – creating and implementing study groups, on a virtual platform – at the beginning stages of the COVID Pandemic.

“Kimberly would also drive to student’s homes, entering in full PPE, so they may arrange an in-person study session.

She was the rock that many leaned on when they needed support or help from a peer.

Kimberly was selected for student of the quarter summer 2020 by the Anesthesia Technology department. She has been selected as the Anesthesia Technology Graduate of the Year 2021.”

Page B-4 | January 19-25, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Career Now In High Gear; Thanks to WCCCD’s Truck Driving School!

Elijiah Hardgrove, 48, is a graduate of the Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD’s”) truck driving school on the Eastern Campus. He lives by a code: “It's all in your attitude. You can be your own best friend or your worst enemy.”

“If you think you can do it, you're right. If you think you can't, you're right,” said Hardgrove, who has nothing but praises for WCCCD’s truck driving school and its instructors. “The truck driving school at Wayne County Community College District’s Eastern Campus is at the top of the pyramid. They insure that classes are small so that students get in a lot of actual driving time. The instructors have about a hundred years of experience between them, probably more.

Since its inception in 2017, WCCCD’s CDL (only college in Michigan) program has graduated over 500 residents and students with an 82% completion rate and 84% hired or placed in jobs within 30 days of completion.

Some of WCCCD’s business partners/employers include the Detroit Talent Hub, Faygo Beverage (Detroit, Michigan), Teamsters Local 337 companies, US Xpress Enterprises (Toledo, Ohio), Universal Trucking (Detroit, Michigan) and Schneider International (Green Bay, Wisconsin).

When I tested for my Class A Commercial Driver’s License, my road examiner commented on how smooth my driving was. It was the excellent tutelage of Paul Turner, Elbe Dunston and Bernard Andrews that got me there.”

Hardgrove, who is one of the success stories of the program, said that he’s a living proof that it's never too late to learn a marketable skill. He jumped on the news right away when he heard through a grape vine at an employment agency that the WCCCD’s truck driving school was accepting students. He enrolled and because of his hard work and dedication, he completed the five-week course and received his class A certificate even before the course end date.

“Learning to drive a truck with a 10 speed, manual transmission was difficult at first, especially downshifting,” he said. “It's nothing like driving a single axel automobile. Automatic trucks are easier to drive but I trained and tested on a stick shift to give myself more job opportunities.”

Today, Hardgrove is employed at Hi-Lex Controls Inc.; supplier, where he is earning $25 per hour. “In March (next year) I'll have the three months experience needed to move to a more established company like JB Hunt or Dart; they pay around $1,500 per week starting salary. My goal is to start my own logistics company so that I'll have a bit more freedom as owner/operator and, hopefully, a lot more money,” he said. The father of two, a stepdaughter and three grandkids, Hardgrove loves to ride his motorcycle and go to church when he is not working.

Bernard Andrews, the Regional Training Center CDL coordinator says it was a pleasure having Hardgrove as a student. “He impressed me with his ability to articulate and execute difficult concepts. Elijah was an active participant in the classroom and on the road. He diligently supported his peers and instructors,” he said.

Andrews added that Hardgrove was awarded with his class A certificate even before the course end date. “He (Hardgrove) was recruited and initially hired

by Faygo Beverage Corporation soon after. I am certain that Elijah will continue to do great things in his future.”

Classifieds ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jalen Rose Leadership Academy 15000 Trojan Detroit, Michigan 48235 313-397-3333 Applications for the 2022-23 school year for grades 9th-12th are being accepted from February 7, thru March 31, 2022. Should applications exceed available space a random selection drawing will be held on April 6, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the school. Applications are available online at www.jrladetroit.com.

Orchard Academy, a New Tuition-Free Public School Academy, announces its Open Enrollment Period for the 2022-2023 school year for grades K-2.

Applications may be picked up at 10301 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202 (313-653-2500) or online at https://www.orcharddetroit.org/.

Hours to pick up applications will be January 24, 2022 thru February 7, 2022 from 10 am to 3 pm Monday- Friday; Thursday January 27, 2022: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm; Saturday January 29, 2022: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

If applications exceed the number of available spaces, a random selection will be held at 10301 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, on February 21, 2022 at 3:00 pm.

michiganchronicle.com | January 19-25, 2022 | Page B-5

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

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Assign technical objectives, supervise, &evaluate performance of Bus Analyst, &SW Dvlprs &external SW Dvlprs. Provide support to U.S. &global regions (NA/SA, China, &RoW) in deployment &root cause anlys. Design REST based web service apps in collaboration w/ SW architects &multiple teams to enhance current APIs identified by PAPI applications &create new Partner applications using Microservices Architecture methodology to add new features for B2B clients. Bachelor, Electrical, Computer, Electronics &Communication Engrg, or related.

60 mos exp as Engineer, Developer, Technical Lead, or related, designing or dvlpg REST web services in Spring framework using Agile methodology, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2021-108, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

HELP WANTED

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Walker-Miller Energy Services is hiring!

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Santranella “Nell” Anderson, a devoted mother of three and faithful friend to many, passed away on January 8, 2022. She was 80 years old.

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Born the second of Daniel and Verlenia Thomas’ three children on October 12, 1941, in Mathews, Alabama, she moved to Detroit when she was one year old. She attended Palmer ­Elementary School, where she was advanced 1.5 grade because of her precociousness, and went on to graduate from Hutchins Junior High School. She was a member of the National Honors Society at Cass Technical High School and graduated from the school in 1958 at age 16.

Her vibrant personality attracted many friends when she was an undergraduate student at Wayne State University. In the winter of 1961, she pledged Beta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., forging lifelong ties with sorority sisters like Denise Wellons-Glover and Alfredine Jordan Wiley. She earned her degree in social work from the university in 1962.

While at Wayne State, she met and was courted by fellow undergrad Curtis Anderson Sr. The couple married in 1964 and settled on Detroit’s west side. In one of her first post-college jobs, she served as the first black clerical worker at General Motors’ Tech Center, but she put her career on hold to raise the couple’s three children until they entered school. Later, she took on several part-time jobs, including stints as a social worker, surveyor and Detroit Public Schools employee.

Mrs. Anderson and her husband were civic and community minded. For years, she was involved in the Democratic Party, attending district meetings and working on several political campaigns. She and her husband were also active in the Detroit Branch NAACP, being early members of the group’s Sip-In Committee.

HELP WANTED

Seeking Seeking Assistant II SeekingADMINISTRATIVE Medical ASSISTANT III atOFFICE Oakland University SECRETARY

For years, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson attended Allen Temple AME Church, where they served as youth workers and she was a Sunday school teacher. She later affiliated with Oak Grove AME Church.

In later years, she joined Ebenezer AME Church, then helmed by her son-in-law and daughter, Byron and Sharon Moore, who served as senior pastor and assistant pastor, respectively. As a member of Ebenezer AME, she confessed Jesus Christ as her savior.

ATGraham OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Customer Experience Center Rep – Detroit, MI at Oakland University Health Center Senior Director, Program Operations – Detroit, MI Mrs. Anderson was a gracious and generous host whose home School ofSchool Education Human Services of and Medicine Coordinate clinical processing To providethe responsible secretarial services in a was a hub for family and friends. Her generosity was legendary. She Energy Advisor – Detroit, MI and operational assistance clinic byoffice performing a an variety was known for giving to those in need even when it stretched her Energy Advisor – Grand Rapids, MI Tomedical provide specialized office forassistance, assistant or associate dean, chairperson, financially or physically.

Energy Specialist – Detroit, MI of multi-step processes according director or procedural principle administrator of a to a or coordinating business school,framework department, institute, or adminis- and She leaves to cherish her memory daughters, the Rev. Sharon D. IT Salesforce Developer – Detroit, MI specified of complex procedures service activities for aQualifications: program Moore trative unit. Minimum High (Rev. Dr. Byron) and Dr. Rhonda J. Smith (Flynn); son, Curtis Marketing Coordinator – Detroit, MI regulations, to serve an informationschool graduation or anas equivalent combiarea involving processing, implementing, Anderson Jr.; goddaughters, Arilette Green and Janet Gracie Hector; Outreach Manager – Detroit, MI nation ofwithin education andclinic experience.

Four al source the in addition grandchildren, Joshua, Nathaniel and Justus Smith and Candace, yearson, general office work including experiadvising and reporting specialized Outreach Specialist – Detroit, MI to maintaining the as a deadmedical Chloe and Caleb Moore; brother, Rev. Dr. Mickarl Thomas Sr. (Carol ence in prioritizing workrole and meeting Proposal Manager – Detroit, MI subject matter.

Minimum Qualifications: lines.

Ability to effectively with theQual- Ann); nieces, DaVonne Bolton, Dr. Lorna Farquharson (Jerome) and assistant in the clinic. interact Minimum Recruiter – Detroit, MI public, students, faculty, and staff. Salary Michelle (Junior) Thomas; and several beloved relatives and friends.

ifications: High Schoolorgraduation or High school graduation an equivalent is $42,123.00 annually. See online posting an equivalent combination of educafor additional position requirements.

First combination of education and experience. Services for Mrs. Anderson were held on Saturday, January 15, consideration will be given to those who ex- 2022 at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Detroit. Funeral arrangements tionyears and experience.

Three years’ progressively apply by February 1, 2022. responsible Must apply on- office were handled by Swanson Funeral Home.

PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Four perience a medical assistant or in line to: as https://jobs.oakland.edu including direct experience in MICHIGAN CHRONICLE 313 963-5522 experience, a directly related field with experience office coordination, i.e., prioritizing work HELP inWANTED medical office clerical functions. Exassignments, workand flowobtainto meet perience inmaintaining venipuncture deadlines. is a full time, clerical-technical ing basicThis patient information including Manager – Material Supply Systems blood pressure, electrocardiograph position. Salary is $43,718.00 annually. measurements and urine specimens.

In Southfield, MI See online posting for additional position This is a part-time clerical-technical po(StatePoint) In the past couple of years, we’ve FirstSupply consideration will be Dürr Systems Inc. has available positions ofrequirements.

Manager--Material Systems in Southfield, MI. had to switch up so much in our routines, and from sition, working Monday-Friday, 10:00 working from home to virtually visiting doctors, our Although the Manager--Material Supply Systems will inp.m., Southfield, MI, Manager--Material given to those who30apply bythe March a.m.

– work 5:00 hours per week.23, devices have been there with us through it all.

Supply Systems will be required to travel 35% of working time to customer sites throughout North 2020.

Salary is $30,973.00 annually. See Yet, there’s America as well as to parent company in Must Germany.

Position an Associate’s apply posting online to: requires https://jobs.oakland.edu online for additional posi- degree in one switch that To apply please visit wmenergy.com/careers-2/

Is it Time to Switch Wireless Companies?

Mechanical Engineering & 36 months experience as a project manager.

Position also requires: tion requirements.

Must apply online Exp. must include: 1) 36 mos. exp. managing the project planning, installation, & commissioning of to: https://jobs.oakland.edu Piggable paint systems; 2) 24 mos. exp. performing conceptual design, bid proposal management, & preparation of customer workshops for material supply systems including Piggable paint supply systems; & 3) 24 mos. exp. creating process flow charts & process animations of Piggable material 2col.thexsame 4.75time period. Job duties: supply systems. Exp. reqs. may be met concurrently during Propose & direct design & layout of material supply systems for both high & low viscosity materials & Piggable Systems (special paint supply solutions) used in the automotive & general industry for manufacturing. Introduce & market Piggable Systems to the U.S. market, & define technical reqs.

Support customer account manager with all material supply-related questions. Support customers with creating bid specifications. Provide technical solutions based on customers’ needs & requests.

Create bid packages including bid text with detailed technical description, system flow charts, animation, & cycle time studies of Piggable Paint Systems, deviation lists, & drawing packages.

Conduct flow & pressure calculations in order to supply the proper amount of fluid to the right destination. Create Request for Quotation (RFQ) documents for subcontractors. Define international project interfaces with other Durr subsidiaries. Process change requests during running projects.

Support ongoing projects with technical expertise. Provide internal & external workshops & training for material supply systems. Direct engineering & fabrication of material supply systems in Mexico.

Provide feedback on market needs/reqs. to teams in Germany & Mexico. Supervise 3 Durr Systems employees: Mechanical Project Engineer, Material Supply System Proposal Engineer, & Material Supply System Project Manager. We are an equal opportunity employer & all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition or disability, height, weight, or any other protected status. We maintain a drug-free work place & perform pre-employment drug & alcohol testing. Qualified applicants should send resume & verification of reqs. to Rachel Bennett, Human Resources, Dürr Systems, Inc., 26801 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48033.

Michigan Chronicle

DIGITAL DAILY

Keeping You Informed At All Times Of The Day

most people shy away from: switching wireless companies.

While the process can seem daunting, there are many potential benefits to switching plans. (c) ViewApart / iStock via Getty Images Plus Perks can include helping paying off your current device, and depending on your current plan, you could receive a lower monthly plan cost or increased benefits and services.

Unfortunately, misconceptions about switching plans persist. Some common ones include: 1. It takes too long: Switching plans doesn’t need to be time consuming. For example, in most cases, you can switch to T-Mobile in 30 to 60 minutes.

2. You can’t keep your phone number: You should be able to bring your current phone number to any wireless carrier when making the switch.

3. Your current device won’t work: Most smartphones in the last five years work across all networks, meaning you can bring your current device with you when you switch.

4. The network won’t be as good: Recent third-party studies found T-Mobile, America’s 5G leader with the largest 5G network, has the fastest average 5G download speeds. Plus, you can even Test Drive its nationwide LTE network before switching.

5. Switching is too expensive: Switching carriers could actually save you money. Right now, when you switch to T-Mobile, you can keep your phone number and eligible device and they will help you pay off your current device.

Here are some steps to help make the switching process as easy as possible: • Pick a plan: Learn about what plan work best for you and your family. T-Mobile offers plans for military and first responders, customers age 55 and over, family specific plans and more. Learn more at t-mobile.com.

• Compile your current plan information: There are a few pieces of information you need on hand before you visit a store. They include the name of your plan with your current provider, your account number and PIN or pass code, your phone brand and model, and any financial information or credit locks in place that need to be removed.

• What to bring with you: A copy of your latest bill in printed form or even a simple screenshot, a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID, your social security number or Tax ID and your phone. If you’re switching multiple lines, the primary account holder will be able to do that for all lines.

• Pick a phone or keep your own: To get the most out of the network, you may want to bring your eligible 5G phone or you can upgrade to a new device. Look for deals on new devices ahead of time to see if there are any you are interested in.

These steps will take the hassle and headache out of making the switch to another wireless company.

michiganchronicle.com | DQE

Page B-6 | January 19-25, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

During the 14th Annual Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Awards and Induction Ceremony, the Vanguard Awards, Man of the Year Award and O'Neil Swanson Lifetime Achievement Award will be bestowed upon these five outstanding pillars of the community.

Join us in celebrating their accomplishments on Thursday, January 27, 2021, 6 pm at the International Marketplace in downtown Detroit.

KIRK MAYES

GERALD JOHNSON

BISHOP J. DREW SHEARD

CEO, Forgotten Harvest

Executive Vice President Global Manufacturing and Sustainability General Motors

Chief Prelate and Chief Apostle Church of God in Christ

RAY CURRY President UAW

DAVE BING Former Mayor, City of Detroit Founder, Bing Youth Institute

THURSDAY | JANUARY 27, 2021 | 6 PM International Marketplace | 400 Monroe, 8th Floor | Detroit, MI 48226 TICKETS, TABLES AND SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.

CALL 313-963-5522