MC Digital Edition 12.21.22

Michigan Chronicle

Is President

Biden’s

Marijuana Pardon Enough for Black People?

By Sherri Kolade

Earlier this Fall, President Joe Biden pardoned a simple possession of marijuana in a proclamation.

In October, his act now grants an unconditional pardon to all current United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who committed the offense of simple possession of marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The pardon will restore to those convicted full political, civil and other rights.

Biden said in his speech that the intent of this proclamation is to pardon only the offense of simple possession of marijuana and not any other offenses related to marijuana or other controlled substances.

“This pardon does not apply to individuals who were non-citizens not lawfully present in the United States at the time of their offense,” Biden said.

Biden previously said that during his campaign for president, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.

“Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit,” Biden said. “Criminal records for marijuana possession have also imposed needless barriers to employment, housing and educational opportunities. And while white and Black and Brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and Brown people have been arrested, prosecuted and convicted at disproportionate rates.... There are thousands of people who have prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession who may be denied employment, housing or educational opportunities as a result. My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions.”

Biden is also urging all governors to do the same concerning state offenses because such as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the possession of marijuana, “no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.… Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

Justice Department Spokesman Anthony Coley said that the proclamation is making big changes.

“The Justice Department will expeditiously administer the President’s proclamation, which pardons individuals who engaged in simple possession of marijuana, restoring political, civil and other rights to those convicted of that offense. In coming days, the Office of the Pardon Attorney will begin implementing a process to provide impacted individuals with certificates of pardon,” Coley said. “Also, in accordance with the President’s directive, Justice Department officials will work with our colleagues at the

“When Africa Succeeds, We All Succeed”

By Sherri Kolade

Talks of peace were in the air during a multi-day U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C., and one couldn’t help but find the juxtaposition of African protestors shouting opposing viewpoints on a busy, barricaded road nearby an interesting contrast on day one of a long-awaited summit aimed at addressing security and stability needs for the powerhouse continent.

Amidst the throngs of protestors (many denouncing some of the very presidential leaders just a stone’s throw away at a hotel conference space), tensions ran high outside that blustery afternoon, though inside it was a different story altogether.

President Joe Biden invited 49 African countries and the African Union to attend the Summit which was held December 13-15 in the nation’s capital.

During one of the summit’s many events held throughout Washington D.C. and live-streamed at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Biden spoke about its convening.

A Long Time Coming

“This forum is about building connections. It’s about closing deals. And above all, it’s about the future, our shared future,” Biden said as hordes of journalists and political leaders, local and abroad, watched. “We’ve known for a long time that Africa’s success and prosperity is essential to ensuring a better future for all of us, not just for Africa.”

The African Union was represented by Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson for the Commission of the African Union, with other countries including Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Botswana, Central African Republic, Chad, Morocco, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, and many others.

Biden said that when he was vice president, serving with then-President Barack Obama, their administration hosted the first U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, including a U.S.-Africa Business Forum.

“We saw so clearly the enormous potential that we could harness if we did it together. And holding the first-of-itskind summit in 2014 was a watershed

moment to cement new kinds of partnerships between our nations, partnerships not to create a political obligation, not — or foster dependence — its dependence, but to spur shared success — I emphasize ‘shared successes’ — and opportunity. Because when Africa succeeds, the United States succeeds; quite frankly, the whole world succeeds as well.”

Eight years later while many things have changed in the world, some things have remained the same – and not for the better as many African countries are facing not only war and instability, economic and infrastructural challenges and climate issues, but also the COVID19 pandemic, which all need an immediate response.

“Each of these crises has only heightened — heightened the vital role African nations and people play to address the global challenges that drive our global progress,” Biden said. “We can’t solve any of these challenges without African leadership at the table, and I’m not trying to be nice, that’s a fact — African ideas and innovation helping to shape the solutions and [the African] population contributing to every step. So, the only question when I took office was not if we’d host another U.S.-African Leadership Summit, but when.”

When is right now, as pressing matters of boosting Africa’s economic powers throughout the country need to be addressed so other countries have better footing, also.

Technology-trending global online publisher Visual Capitalist reports that with Africa’s over 50 countries just five have more than half of the total wealth across the continent. While many people are familiar with the primarily stereotypical images of war-torn countries and poverty-stricken areas, that is not the case everywhere. Countries including South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and Kenya hold the lion’s share of wealth, now roughly $2.1 trillion. For comparison, the United States’ collective wealth dropped by over $6.2 trillion from a whopping $150 trillion in 2021, reuters.com reported.

For African countries who have faced challenges with infrastructure issues such as accessibility, basic transportation and internet connectivity, the summit can bring a sense of relief on what the future could hold from collaboration and synergy.

With his tone etched with optimism, Ugandan reporter David Lumu, of New Vision, told the Michigan Chronicle that he is looking forward to learning more from several Ugandan delegates in attendance who are bringing issues and solutions to the table to prioritize this East African country nestled near Rwanda and Kenya.

“I found it interesting that a number of our leaders on the continent are representing their country and signing deals and forging their way forward for a new Africa nexus,” Lumu said, adding that with hope he wants to continue seeing further connections and interest from America. “How will America help Africa overcome such challenges [like the lack of better intercontinental flight connectivity]? I should be able to move from Kampala in the morning to Abuja and return in the evening. Why does it take long to fly from Cairo? We need to break those barriers.”

Are Black Women Safe? The Shanquella Robinson Effect

By Sherri Kolade and Rasha Almulaiki

You already know her name.

Shanquella Robinson.

The bright, 25-year-old Charlotte woman who was tragically killed in Cabo, Mexico, while celebrating a friend’s birthday in late October with her reported friends, one of whom allegedly ended her life just 24 hours after arriving in Mexico.

Jealousy is as cruel as the grave and envy isn’t that far behind either.

Were those the motivating factors behind the death of Robinson who had a big heart and was financially well off? Some are saying yes.

Her parents were falsely notified that she died from alcohol intoxication, however an autop-

sy showed that she suffered a severe spinal cord injury and her neck vertebrae were misaligned.

A video that was heavily circulated after her death revealed Robinson being brutally abused by a woman apparently in the rented home they were staying in, according to reports.

One of the women in the group is a suspect in Robinson’s case, and Mexican prosecutors are requesting her extradition.

Toxic Friends Forever?

With one of Robinson’s friends a suspect, and with many murders nationwide being committed by someone the victim knows, it’s time to reexamine what toxic friendships really look like.

Health.com reports that toxic friends can create a some-

times-devastating ripple effect. “When one friend is toxic, it can influence you, but you also have the ability to take some time away and interact with other friends,” said Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of “Better Than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love.”

In a bigger setting, people are more likely to succumb to “group act,” which intensifies these unhealthy behaviors.

“People in a toxic group are more likely to act in toxic ways, even if that is not consistent with how they would act on their own,” Lombardo says. “In a sense, there is greater toxicity in the group.”

According to CNN, femicide is the “deliberate murder of women because they are

Reclaiming Africa’s Abundance

Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Vedant

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks about youth initiatives during the U.S.Africa Leaders Summit Dec. 13-15 in Washington D.C.

Biden and African Leaders at 2022 U.S Africa Leaders Summit

President Biden hosted leaders from Africa to discuss the importance of U.S.-Africa relations

Shanquella Robinson’s death shocked the nation and keeping travelers and women on guard to stay safe themselves.

Photo courtesy of Shanquella Robinson’s Instagram page, its. quella_

How to Mentally Navigate Being Home for the Holidays

By Sherri Kolade

For some, the holidays are a time of making memories, spending time with family and having fun – all in the name of Christmastime. For others, it’s also a season that can be the most triggering psychologically.

While many people are decking the halls with boughs of holly, some especially are preparing to grit their teeth and bear it during the week or two they are off work during this time meant for joy – although, for them, it’s anything but.

For others mourning or grieving around this time, different feelings crop up for them.

However, there is no time like the present during this season to learn and unlearn how to navigate issues that can range from complex trauma to mourning the loss of loved ones who passed, and remembering to thrive not just survive around the holidays.

Livonia resident Elaine Taylor knows all too well about trauma, especially during the holidays.

The buoyant, God-fearing mother of six, told the Michigan Chronicle that as a foster mother and a grieving mother who lost her two sons, she contacted a Detroit-based counseling service, Southwest Counseling Solutions, to assist her with grief and trauma.

“My [birth] sons, both of them were murdered in Detroit, one of my grandsons was murdered in Detroit and my sister was murdered in Detroit,” Taylor said, adding that the tragedy happened over the span of 15 years. “I thank God I have the kids…I’ve been fostering for 21 years… during that time. They gave me a reason to keep going. When you lose [people and have such a] tragedy, you have a purpose. All I can say is God brought me through it.”

The Detroit-based nonprofit, Southwest Counseling Solutions, which also helps provide affordable housing and economic opportunities for families in southwest Detroit, helped Taylor as she fostered countless children in their times of need.

“The children who have come through Elaine’s home are thriving – eight of her adoptive sons graduated from high school…with four graduating from college,” Southwest Counseling stated in an email to the Michigan Chronicle. “Elaine was able to give her foster children a home to eat, sleep and play in, but more importantly, a home to hold in their hearts forever.”

“The holidays can be an extremely stressful time for families, whether that’s having high expectations of what the holidays should look like or large family gatherings where everyone doesn’t share the same viewpoints,” said Jamie Ebaugh, executive director of Southwest Counseling Solutions. “Southwest Counseling Solutions works with families, like Ms. Taylor’s, to provide practical tips and resources to help manage stress during the holidays.”

Ebaugh adds, “Our experienced and highly-trained staff work to understand client needs and help them reach their goals and no one is ever denied care due to an inability to pay.”

For others facing traumas like family-related mental illness, addiction or in-

Remembering Delores Bennett:

North Ends’ Trailblazing Advocate for Youth Empowerment

By Donald James Senior Writer, Real Times Media

It’s impossible to chronicle all of the majestic, empowering, trailblazing, and life-changing deeds of Delores Bennett. After all, for parts of seven decades, she created and facilitated powerful initiatives and unique pathways that uplifted and advanced the lives of children in Detroit’s North End community and beyond. Bennett passed in 2017 at the age of 84.

In the early 1960s, long before the City of Detroit created or sponsored summer employment and year-round programs for inner-city youth, Bennett launched the North End Youth Improvement Council (NEYIC), a non-profit 501 (c) 3. The organization continues to provide employment and mentorship to young African Americans living in the North End community bordered by E. Grand Blvd. (south), Woodland St. (north), Interstate 75 (east), and Woodward Ave. (west).

According to NEYIC’s website, the organization was created by Bennett to “engender a sense of value, hope, self-esteem, self-worth, and self-respect in young people.” NEYIC’s mission is to address the needs and concerns of youth through available social, educational, employment, and financial assistance resources. Program strengths include mentorship, tutoring, computer literacy, drug awareness, peaceful conflict resolution endeavors, and constructive recreational activities.

One of NEYIC’s signature activities created by Bennett is the Annual Adopt-A-Child Christmas Program. The event’s goal is to ensure underserved children – 12 and under – receive Christmas gifts like toys, bikes, clothing, and other items of need. The gifts are presented to the children by caring individuals, corporations, and non-profits under the guise of the kids’ “adopted parents.”

This year’s festive event was held

at Eastern Market’s Shed 5 on Friday, December 2. More than 1,000 children reportedly receive gifts from their “adopted parents.” The event began 62 years ago at the North End home of Bennett before she moved it to the nearby Considine Recreation Center.

At the time Considine was owned by the City and later Historic Little Rock Baptist Church under Rev. Jim Holley.

When the event became too big to hold at Considine, Mayor Coleman Young, in the mid-1970s, arranged for Bennett’s gala to move to downtown Cobo Hall (now Huntington Place), where 10,000-plus people could attend. Bennett’s event was held there for decades. Since the pandemic’s beginning in 2020, the Adopt-A-Child Christmas gala has been a drive-thru event at Eastern Market. Nevertheless, it’s believed that Bennett’s annual Adopt-A-Child Christmas extravaganza has brought joy to approximately 50,000 children since its inception.

Detroit Breathes Renewed Life Into Cultural Kwanzaa Celebration

By Sherri Kolade

There’s a lot to celebrate this year as 2022 draws to a close. Before the new tides of 2023 come, however, the Kwanzaa holiday is approaching with big festivities planned for the city of Detroit.

Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson recently partnered with Alkebu-lan Village and Downtown Detroit Partnership to build the world’s largest Kwanzaa Kinara in Campus Martius.

A kinara is a candle holder for seven candlesticks celebrating the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

The Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara is under construction currently.

Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, honors the communities, culture, and heritage of African Americans, although all are welcome to celebrate it.

The candles are solar-powered and designed to

light each day until the full Kinara is lit.

A full program to announce the new Kinara, outline the principles of Kwanzaa and celebrate the lighting of Day 1 is planned for 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 26.

Nearly a year ago, Councilman Scott Benson contacted local authorities to inquire about the process of erecting a structure to commemorate Detroit’s seven-day Kwanzaa celebration. Construction on the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara, which will be the tallest Kinara of its kind in the world once it is finished and reaches a formidable 30 feet in height, began after many weeks of meetings and planning.

“Kwanzaa is about celebrating and reflecting on unity, community, collective work and other principles,” said Councilmember Scott Benson, who represents Detroit’s Third District. “These principles bind us together and help us build a better tomorrow. Kwanzaa is a celebration that benefits us all. That is why I want Detroit to recognize Kwanzaa, reminding us that none of us can stand alone. We need one another.”

Benson told the Michigan Chronicle that Kwanzaa is an “extraordinarily important” celebration and the upcoming display in the city embodies culture and community.

“It is a great way to incorporate the seven prin-

Scott Benson serves as the Detroit City Councilperson for District 3 and is a champion for Kwanzaa in Detroit.

Rendering of the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara. Photo courtesy of the City of Detroit.

“Mrs. Bennett’s event is a true blessing,” said a single mother of three young children who asked to be identified by her initials T.W. “I didn’t have money to buy gifts for Christmas, but thanks to the Adopt-A-Child Christmas event, my children received very nice gifts.”

“It’s an honor to continue engaging in and expanding my mom’s legacy by raising the bar of excellence, which she continuously did in her life,” said Mary Bennett-King, who now gives leadership to NEYIC and its signature AdoptA-Child Christmas Program. “After all these years, we are still here in spirit and flesh to move her initiatives forward.”

Delores Bennett’s body of work to uplift children and families in the North End was profound. To honor Bennett for her vast contributions in the North End, a city park bearing her name was created.

The park, bordered by Smith, Brush, Bethune, and Beaubien streets, was once a vacant and profusely littered dust lot owned by a church. After a 13year push for the lot to be converted into a park, the beautiful Delores Bennett Park opened in 1977.

Delores Bennett Park has amenities like bathrooms, a state-of-the-art basketball court courtesy of the Detroit Pistons, exercise equipment, picnic tables, and colorful futuristic-looking playground equipment for children. A solar panel generating electricity is in the park. And free Wi-Fi is available to park attendees. It’s believed Delores Bennett Park is the first and only park operated by the City of Detroit ever named for a person who, at the time of dedication, was still living.

“Delores Bennett dedicated her life to helping children and doing so much for the community,” said Rev. Dennis Talbert, NEYIC board member, former chair, and a youth member of the organization decades ago. “So it’s only appropriate that the park was named after her because she was a living icon in the North End.”

Born in Tennessee before moving to Detroit in the 1950s, Bennett is credited with reducing gang activities in the North End in the 1960s and ‘70s. According to Talbert, Bennett regularly invited rival gangs to her North End

home and facilitated interactive talks to broker peace and harmony. And when her park opened in 1977, not far from her home, Bennett showed up daily. Talbert said Bennett wasn’t afraid to confront anyone who didn’t follow her park’s rules, primarily meaning no drugs allowed, no cursing, no littering, and refraining from starting trouble.

“She was fearless and talked directly to people who were out of line at the park because she wanted a safe space for youth and the community to gather,” Talbert said. “It didn’t matter how tough they were, Mrs. Bennett didn’t back down, and they respected her and her rules for Delores Bennett Park.”

The park continues to be a summer location for NEYIC youth programs and other community events.

Talbert called Bennett a pioneering drug intervention advocate because in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, when crack cocaine and addiction were gripping young people in the North End, she made a difference. Talbert recalled Bennett presenting Mayor Young with an innovative proposal to create a drug program for the community. The mayor found money to start the program, and Bennett did the rest.

“She was a mover and shaker and committed herself unselfishly to help people,” said Talbert. “She was like a saint. There was a Saint Theresa, but on the North End, we had Saint Delores.”

Bennett found other ways to empower the North End and communities across Wayne County when she was elected Wayne County Commissioner (District 8) in the late 1970s and early ‘80s.

“She was a remarkable woman and advocate,” said Pamela Martin-Turner, President & CEO of North End’s Vanguard Community Development. “She was a Vanguard board member and devoted much of her time making sure the community was improving, and the children were being empowered. We miss her!”

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan agreed.

“There will never be another Delores Bennett,” Duggan said in a statement issued shortly after her 2017 death.

“She was a tireless fighter for her North End neighborhood and for all the children of Detroit. For more than 50 years, she brought together people of diverse

backgrounds for the sole purpose of bringing joy to thousands of children every year through her Adopt-A-Child program. Detroit is a better place because of her work.”

While Bennett never sought recognition for her work, she received many accolades for her effectiveness as a youth advocate and community influencer. A few honors received included the Youth Sports and Recreation Commission Lifetime Achievement Award, the FBI’s Youth Service Award, the Erma L. Henderson Distinguished Community Service Award, and Michiganian of the Year.

The roots planted by Bennett in the North End more than 62 years ago remain strong. Bennett’s daughter Mary, an executive management specialist and computer system analyst, has created innovative technology platforms to direct NEYIC as it moves forward to serve young people and the entire community. However, Bennett-King is thankful for the pathways of excellence that her mother created to brilliantly empower youth for six-plus decades.

“She was an outstanding mother and strong community activist,” said Mary, who assisted her mother in NEYIC-related endeavors for 45 years. “It’s an honor to build on her legacy. We at NEYIC will continue to fight the good fight to help young people, families, and the North End succeed. That’s what my mom would have wanted.”

To learn more about the late Deloris Bennett, North End Youth Improvement Council, and Adopt-A-Child Christmas event, log on to www.NEYIC.org.

ternal family struggles, it’s important to have grace with oneself and extended relatives during this sometimes-stressful time. Some experts say some simply might need more “emotional education.”

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Hilary Jacobs Hendel noted in a National Alliance on Mental Illness article that oftentimes emotions triggered from family interactions take people back to when they were younger – exactly as how they felt as little children.

“It’s how the brain works,” Hendel said. “My patients work hard not to get triggered. … [by] the lack of emotion education in our world, combined with the resulting lack of self-awareness and not remembering to use empathy makes it easy to unintentionally do damage.”

This holiday season do what is good for you with self-help strategies, a therapist or a close confidant who can help.

“We don’t get to pick our families. And sometimes relationships can become strained and just not what we want or need,” Hendel said. “Remember you have options: you can decline an invitation, accept an invitation but set firm boundaries, implement selfhelp strategies to better manage, see a therapist to prepare or you can create a different kind of holiday with friends instead of family and see how that feels. Most of all, remember to validate your feelings. It’s natural to feel sad during the holidays, especially if your family relationships disappoint you.”

Troy resident Ashley Cowser-Mitchell, a busy mother of two young children, told the Michigan Chronicle that while she enjoys her children and family, she finds her peace, too, during the holidays by having quiet time, exercising and watching movies. She balances it out and it helps her recharge by actively spending time with her children.

“I enjoy relaxing with the kids doing some arts and crafts around the holiday time,” Cowser-Mitchell said. “I find it relaxing and therapeutic for myself and the kids just showing some creativity, being silly…nothing too serious.”

ciples of Kwanzaa, which can be adopted and used and applied to everyone’s life,” Benson said, adding that the downtown holiday celebration adds a special touch to the city. “Detroit is such a diverse city and it is important that everyone’s culture can be displayed. … We have a giant red kettle, a Menorah, and now the world’s largest Kinara.”

“The Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara is an embodiment of the principles of Kwanzaa – the unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, commitment to purpose and creativity it took to organize this effort has been a display of extraordinary faith,” said Gregory McKenzie, project manager.

A team of professional architects, engineers and electricians have developed a design that features a durable framed wall structure counterweighted by two tons of metal plates to ensure the sculpture can withstand the high Detroit River and skyscraper-induced wind loads at Campus Martius. The design and construction of the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara have been carried out in coalition with Black architects, engineers, carpenters and contractors from the local Detroit community. Of notable mention are Develop Architecture and JMS Engineering Services, both of which are Detroit-based firms. “Each one teach one is what the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara is all about; from grassroots to global,” said Marvis Cofield, CEO and founder of Alkebu-lan Village.

Created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, the celebration of Kwanzaa was formed as a way to help Black people identify with their African heritage during the Christmas holiday.

The holiday encompasses symbols that include a decorative mat (Mkeka) on which other symbols are placed, corn (Muhindi) and other crops, a candle holder kinara with seven candles (Mishumaa Saba), a communal cup for pouring libation (Kikimbe cha Umoja), gifts (Zawadi), a poster of the seven principles, and a black, red and green flag. The celebratory colors were chosen for their symbolic nature: red for the struggle of Africans and their descendants, green for the land and the future, and black representing the people.

Lisa Reynolds, principal at the Detroit School of Arts, celebrates Kwanzaa and told the Michigan Chronicle previously that the holiday is about family and tradition.

“It has made us go back to family –our small communities,” Reynolds said.

During the holiday, each of the seven days is dedicated to recognize one of the seven principles called the Nguzo Saba.

In addition to being the point of origin for the city’s coordinate system, Campus Martius symbolizes the vitality of the city’s public sphere. Year-round festivities draw hundreds of thousands of Detroiters and visitors to this special place in the city’s center. The Kinara will reside (seasonally) in the SW Garden of Campus Martius and will add a new monument for the celebration of

“We’re expanding our recognition of the various holiday traditions in Campus Martius. The holidays are a joyful reminder that being together brings us closer as a community,” said Eric B. Larson, Downtown Detroit Partnership’s CEO. “Adding the Kinara to Downtown’s celebration of the holidays will be an opportunity for more personal connections to what makes the holiday season so meaningful.”

“Detroit is a city that embraces its rich diversity. We are thrilled that this year we will have on display the world’s largest Kinara, which will join the world’s largest Menorah and our state’s largest Christmas tree, as people of all backgrounds come downtown to celebrate their faith and culture this holiday season,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Displaying this 30-foot Kinara at Campus Martius is a perfect way to demonstrate our city’s pride in African-American culture and the seven principles of Kwanzaa.”

Reynolds adds that the African-centric holiday is all about realizing how every person is “intersected and important.”

Also, for those who have a broken or fractured family, the holiday can reveal hurts and hardships when reflecting inwardly but there is always an “opportunity to heal.”

Those interested in making a tax-free donation to help build and manage the upkeep of this first of its kind Kwanzaa Kinara may go to: www.alkebulanvillage. com/kinara or request a sponsorship package via email at david.cowan@downtowndetroit.org.

With support from the City of Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department, on December 26 at 5:00 p.m., the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara will be officially introduced to the public in a small ceremony.

Visit www.alkebulanvillage.com/ kinara for information about the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara. For more details about this project and upcoming events, contact Gregory McKenzie at (313) 5781300 or email at gmckenziejr@alkebulanvillage.com.

Black life, community and culture to the park’s holiday landscape, alongside the Christmas tree and Menorah erected each year.

Property Is Power! Paperwork Required for a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Even though many mortgage brokers are still quoting quick 10-minute pre-qualification over the phone or online, a true mortgage approval that holds any weight is one that has been issued by an underwriter who has had an opportunity to review all of the necessary documents.

With a constant stream of new lending guidelines, volatile mortgage rates and tightening regulation very few real estate agents will show new homes to a First-time-buyer without at least a pre-qualification letter.

Pre-Approval Letter will help you in three ways:

• It lets you know how much mortgage you can qualify for

• It gives you an estimate of what your total housing payment would be

• Submitting a strong “Pre-Approval” letter with a purchase offer will give the seller more confidence about your ability to complete your end of the agreement.

Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage It’s obviously a good idea to get your paperwork prepared ahead of time so that the pre-approval process is as thorough as possible. In order to get a pre-approval letter, you’ll start by filling out a loan application and submitting a few documents for the loan officer and / or underwriter to review.

Common Loan Pre-Approval Documents:

■ Last 2-year W2s and Tax Returns

■ 2 most recent Pay Stubs

■ 2 most recent Bank Statements, 401(K), Liquid Assets, Investment Accounts

■ Income / Assets for Self-Employed:

■ Last 2-year Tax Returns – Business and Personal

■ Last Quarter P&L Statement

■ Letter of Explanation For:

■ Employment Gap or New Line of Work

■ Late Payments / Judgments / Bankruptcy on Credit Report

Other:

■ Bankruptcy Discharge

■ Child Support Documentation

■ Lease Agreements (If own other Rental Properties)

■ Mortgage Payment Coupons (If own other Real Estate)

■ Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Most borrowers also want an opportunity to learn more about the loan officer before digging up all of these personal documents. Spend 15 minutes on the phone asking the loan officer to explain how mortgage rates work, quizzing them on some basic industry vocab or just to see if they know what to prepare your agent for ahead of time. The Q&A session can be more than just a mortgage broker qualifying you, as long as you’re prepared to ask the right questions. Either way, you’ll definitely want to have the above list of approval documents ready once you’ve decided on the right loan officer that you trust will meet your expectations.

Negotiating While Black

By Sherri Kolade

That lucrative job offer does not always fall into one’s lap without effort paving the way.

It takes intentionality, grit and, many times, irreplaceable soft skills that go a long way in the developing the art of negotiation.

Whether negotiating a new salary, job duties, buying or selling or attempting to reduce the price of a new car, knowing how to maneuver to get the best bang for one’s buck is worth the formal haggling process.

Proper negotiating also can mean the difference between earning a living and scraping by for some pockets of people disadvantaged right out of the gate.

Data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (2014) shows that Black households have fewer than seven cents on the dollar compared to white households. The white household living near the poverty line typically has about $18,000 in wealth, while Black households in similar economic situations typically have a median wealth near zero, meaning that many Black families have a negative net worth.

On the other side of the financial coin, Black households make up less than 2 percent of those in the top one percent of the nation’s wealth distribution. Meanwhile, white households make up more than 96 percent of the wealthiest Americans and are among the nation’s wealthiest households.

Also, even if one is adept at negotiating, the skill could be put to the test in surprising, sometimes detrimental ways.

According to a report, Bargaining While Black: The Role of Race in Salary Negotiations, the negotiation waters are a bit muddied when race enters the picture, which is a topic not often explored. The report notes that in three studies it was discovered that Black job

seekers (when bargaining with someone who tends to be more racially biased) are seemingly punished with lower compensation outcomes since they are unfairly thought to negotiate less than their white counterparts.

“We predicted that Black negotiators who behave in counter-stereotypical ways encounter greater resistance and more unfavorable outcomes from more biased evaluators,” according to the report, which adds that when Black negotiators “violate those expectations” they receive lower compensation. “Collectively, our findings demonstrate that racially biased perceptual distortions can be used to justify the provision of smaller monetary awards for Black job seekers in negotiations.”

Despite some monumental stepping stones making negotiating seemingly impossible for some Black job seekers facing biases, it can be done.

Forbes reported that in order to negotiate to get what you want, it’s time

Four Steps to Achieving Financial Independence

Financial independence means different things to different people. For some, it means having a savings account that’s flush with cash, or building generational wealth that will change their family’s future. For others, it’s a life free of credit card debt and mortgage payments, or a life full of travel. The definition is uniquely yours – depending on your long-term financial vision.

Achieving financial independence is attainable with clear steps and a strong focus. It starts with setting goals; creating and managing your budget; paying down debt and saving; and evaluating your progress regularly.

Whatever financial independence means to you, today is a good day to start developing habits that will help set you up for a solid financial future. To help you start, here are four simple steps that you can take

today to better manage your money and give you better peace of mind.

Step 1: Set achievable goals. The first step to achieving financial independence is to define what that means to you. What does your ideal lifestyle look like? Does a specific idea or goal come to mind? If so, think about it as something you can work toward. Perhaps it’s early retirement or eventually downsizing to a less expensive living situation, which leaves more flexibility in the near-term.

Having a better sense of your future desires will help you set more achievable goals – shortterm, midterm and long-term –a crucial first step to achieving financial independence. Know what you’re working toward and then you can plan around that – your budget, debt management and investments.

Step 2: Create and manage

your budget. Once you’ve set goals, create a budget. Your desired lifestyle will help you decide how much money you need to allocate to assets like savings, retirement and investments to reach your goals on time. View budgets as a living document that fluctuates over time as spending evolves from month-to-month.

This could be a good time to work with a financial advisor for a more holistic approach to your finances. Your strategy is unique to you, so your advisor should evaluate your full financial picture and offer research-based recommendations on investing, banking and lending needs. Your advisor will also explain how certain life events and market cycles might affect your path forward, and help you adjust your strategy to stay on track.

Step 3: Pay down debt and start saving. It’s difficult to be

to think about what you need and press forward regardless of who is on the other side of the table.

International investment leader and entrepreneur Codie Sanchez noted that investing is about asking for what you want all the time.

“You will hands down never get what you don’t ask for,” she said. “When you remove the fear from your ask, you are more thoughtful, you consider how to make it a win-win and you become less emotional.”

Solopreneur, business coach and wealth-building guru Pamela Owens agrees. She told the Michigan Chronicle that negotiating is more than a notion – and for Owens, who has etched out a lucrative path for herself, said it’s about standing one’s ground.

“Whether you are going for a salary or what you are negotiating for ...know what your boundaries are,” she said, adding that in her professional life clients and customers have told her that her fees are too much. Her response was, get somebody else to do it. “I’ve had people say I can’t afford that.... I came to the realization that not everyone can afford me and that is fine [because] I’d still be doing the same amount of work but for less money.”

From standing your ground and knowing your worth to even staying silent – the details within negotiation is all about not playing games, Owens said, adding that, however, nothing’s wrong with playing chess.

“When you’re in the negotiations position and both of you on either side have stated their cause the next person who speaks loses,” she said.

The trick to maintaining one’s cool?

Don’t get nervous, let the other person speak first and even if the negotiation deal falls through, walk away knowing that rejection doesn’t define someone.

“Not only know your worth but your value,” Hilliard said.

free of financial hardship when you’re burdened by debt, and rising inflation and interest rates have fueled a 13% cumulative year-over-year increase in credit card balances. Paying down debt is an essential com-

ponent of your financial independence, and more than eight in 10 (83%) Americans prioritize paying down debt rather than saving for the future.

Anthony O. Kellum

Solopreneur, business coach and wealth-building guru Pamela Owens says it’s time to play chess when negotiating.

(StatePoint) When it comes to customer retention, 82% will take their business elsewhere simply because they don’t think you care, according to a survey by The Rockefeller Corporation. Don’t leave your current and prospective clients feeling down in the dumps. Here are a few tips to spread holiday cheer and show them how much you appreciate them all year.

Cut the Sales Talk

Holiday greetings should be about thankfulness and appreciation –so leave the sales pitches for another day. Instead, use your holiday greetings to build meaningful connections and foster personal relationships. Incorporate messages that focus on how much you truly value their partnership and connection, not their money.

Make it Personalized

Rather than sending the same gift or greeting to every client, make your messages more impactful with unexpected levels of personalization. This can be as simple as addressing your clients by their names or including small gifts or exclusive offers you know they’d enjoy. Showing them you listen to their preferences or remember individual interactions provides an extra touch of thoughtfulness.

Also, check out exceptional subscription-based services. American Greetings, for example, offers a plethora of personal, creative ways to send messages with SmashUps and Creatacard — and you can even add a gift card to these special greetings.

SmashUps are highly personalized, smile-inducing shareable videos that can be personalized in a variety of ways, including adding their

name or a message right into the audio and graphics. With tons of holiday themes, messages from celebrities and more, they’re sure to entertain, surprise and delight your clients. Additionally, with SmashUps you can schedule delivery ahead of time to stay on track with deadlines and reduce the “out of office” emails around the holidays.

For a more modern twist on a classic holiday tradition, Creatacard is a new, personalized virtual greeting card that includes the most-loved features of paper cards.

Unlike eCards, Creatacards are designed to “virtually” look and feel like traditional cards: they arrive in a virtual envelope that opens; feature folded or flat designs that open or flip over like a paper card; but also include unique digital features such as animation, video or music. In just a few easy steps, you can create, personalize, and even sign your favorite digital cards.

Avoid Holiday-Specific Messages

With an abundance of different cultures and traditions around the world, not everyone celebrates the same holidays. When creating your holiday greeting recipient list, make sure your messaging is appropriate for your client – or to be safe, use more generic and

inclusive sayings such as, “Happy Holidays,” “Season’s Greetings” or “Warm Wishes.”

Send a Custom Gift Package

If you’re a more traditional company, embrace your roots and in addition to your digital greetings, send a physical gift package to your customers and prospects. Receiving a gift filled with branded items, a bottle of wine or spirits, assorted baked goods, or gift certificates can really showcase how much you care about them.

Don’t Forget the Assistants

Consider sending cards to your main contact’s assistants, partners or other critical team members. A little can go a long way when showing your appreciation to every integral team member of their business – from the assistant to the CEO.

Sending holiday greetings is a smart way to keep your business top of mind before employees go on vacations around that time of year. Companies can get in the groove of sending out the same messages year after year, or get busy with other work, which can lead to pressed time and less ingenuity. Get inspired this holiday season with more creative, personal ways to show customers and prospects you care.

Finding Savings Where You’re Already Spending

(Statepoint) At a time when Americans are keeping a closer eye on their expenses, finding more value where they are already spending on the essentials is more important than ever.

In a recent study from Morgan Stanley, 64% of Americans said they plan to cut back on overall spending in the next six months as inflation continues to rise and impact wallets. And while many are making cuts in their everyday life, wireless shows no sign of being scratched from the monthly budget. With more than 60% of households having cut the cord to their landline, Americans increasingly rely on their mobile connectivity. This may be why that when it comes to prioritizing monthly bills, the same Morgan Stanley study showed that wireless was top ranked alongside other life essentials, with respondents saying that keeping their connectivity was nearly neck in neck with paying their mortgage.

Another survey, by opinion analytics and research firm CivicScience, had Americans weigh the importance of their wireless service compared to other popular out-of-pocket expenses.

When asked whether they’d rather give up wireless or a video streaming service, 77% said they’d give up streaming and continue binging their mobile connectivity. When it came to choosing mobile service over a food delivery service, 93% said they’d sacrifice food delivery. Even America’s favorite pastime was no match against reliable connectivity, with 86% saying they’d gladly give up attending a sporting event rather than part with their wireless service.

So, we know people would sacrifice spending on some of life’s little luxuries

to stay connected, but do they really have to?

Inflation can be deflating, but you don’t need to be powerless against it. Simple money saving techniques can make a difference, and as it happens, if you have the right wireless service, you may not need to slash spending after all.

Designed to get the most for your money, T-Mobile offers an unlimited wireless plan, Magenta Max, featuring unlimited talk, text and premium data— so your smartphone data won’t slow down no matter how much you use— nationwide 5G coverage, a dedicated customer service team and more. The savings don’t end there. T-Mobile customers get $225 each month in extra stuff on the Magenta MAX plan with two or more lines. For the 94% of Americans concerned about inflation, having Netflix , Apple TV+, in-flight Wi-Fi and data in 215+ countries, plus a year of AAA on us, and Scam Shield protection all included can mean some serious savings.

In a time of increasing sacrifice, you can be selective about your wireless phone provider, especially when it offers benefits your family can’t afford to live without.

Financial Indepence

While paying off debt is important, establishing savings is also a critical component of financial freedom. It can be the cushion you need for unexpected expenses or emergencies that arise. Building savings doesn’t just happen though, you have to be intentional about putting money aside. Big goals start with small progress: If saving seems overwhelming, start small by committing to putting aside one dollar every day. At the end of the month, deposit that $30 into your savings account and start the next month with the same strategy – you’ll be shocked at how much you’re able to save over time if you stick with it. And with automatic tools like Chase’s Autosave feature, you can schedule transfers from your checking account to your savings account, at an amount and frequency that’s most comfortable for you.

Step 4: Evaluate your progress. As-

sessing your spending with what you planned to spend on a regular basis will help you better manage your spending habits, adjust your savings and monitor progress toward your long-term financial goals. It will also provide valuable insights into the areas where you’re spending the most money and if there is opportunity to revise. Review your budget regularly and monitor and evaluate your spending habits at least once a month.

Remember, achieving financial independence takes time and it’s important to regularly look for areas of improvement and determine what’s working and what’s not. Over time, you’ll find that managing your finances will become easier and more effective, creating a better financial future.

Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Ascension Michigan cardiologist shares three steps to discovering heart disease risks

There are two questions Dr. Delano Small often asks his African American patients: Who has the greatest risk of high blood pressure and stroke? Who has the highest risk of kidney failure and being on dialysis?

He says all of his patients answer these questions correctly — the African American community is at a much higher risk for heart disease than other populations.

Dr. Small, an interventional cardiologist at Ascension Providence Hospital for over 30 years, has often seen risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity, in his African American patients.

“African Americans seem to have the highest incidence of hypertension, which is a significant risk factor for cardiac disease,” he said.

Although African Americans may be at higher risk for heart disease, Dr. Small believes that finding and preventing heart disease is achievable in three basic steps.

1. Talk to a doctor about risk factors for heart disease Dr. Small has encountered two types of heart disease risk factors in his patients: those that can be modified and corrected with a healthier lifestyle or medication, and those that are inherited. Understanding your risk for heart disease starts by talking to a doctor.

“High blood pressure can start very early in young adulthood,” said Dr. Small. “If it’s identified by going to your doctor and being able to modify this risk factor at a very early age, then we can decrease the incidence of other ills that can come from it.”

Illnesses, such as kidney disease and stroke, can result from risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes, if not treated early. That’s why Dr. Small suggests patients take steps to lessen the risk factors they can control.

“Follow a good low-salt diet, exercise and watch your weight,” he suggests. “You don’t have to exercise vigorously to have a cardiovascular workout. Walking three times a week for at least 15 to 20 minutes helps.”

2. Understand your family’s history of heart disease When talking to your doctor, know your family health history and risk for heart disease.

Your family history can help doctors identify genetic heart risk factors. Dr. Small recommends that a person with a parent or grandparent who had heart disease in their 20s or 30s should talk with a doctor about their risk factors. Other conditions that could be inherited from a parent include the thickness of the heart, valve function and irregular heartbeats.

If you know a family member who has died at an early age from a massive heart attack, Dr. Small recommends considering how that will affect your heart health when nearing that age.

“You have to start suspecting that there may be a genetic component to this. This could be a familial form of high cholesterol that needs to be addressed earlier,” Dr. Small said.

3. Simple heart screenings can detect major risks Getting heart care sooner can help catch things before they get worse. A simple heart scan can help you and your doctor better understand your heart health. A heart scan is a non-invasive, imaging test (CT scan) that is used to find out if you have heart disease. It helps find calcium buildup in the arteries of your heart, which can be a sign of heart disease. Talk to a cardiologist at Ascension Michigan to see if a heart scan is right for you.

“I would say that if you have a history of hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and a family history, this test may be something you want to do to find out whether or not you’re at an increased risk,” Dr. Small said.

Calcium buildup in arteries can be caused by diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other pre-existing medical conditions.

“We will try to address whatever problem that is most imminent and may cause patients to have life-threatening problems in the near future,” Dr. Small said.

Knowing if you’re at risk for heart disease could help save your life

Now is a great time to check your health, including your heart. That’s why Ascension Michigan heart doctors may recommend a heart scan for men and women over age 40. Delaying screenings may impact your health. Heart screenings can help care teams get a clearer picture of your health and work with you to address any concerns.

Heart care close to home in Michigan

Heart doctors and care teams at Ascension Michigan start by listening to deliver the care that’s right for you. Your doctor may recommend starting with a screening. And if needed, you’ll be connected to more advanced heart care — our nationally recognized heart program is the leader throughout Michigan in minimally invasive heart valve procedures.

Talk to an Ascension Michigan cardiologist about screenings and a heart care plan personalized for you. ascension.org/DetroitHeart

Delano Small, MD Interventional Cardiology

iStock via Getty Images Plus

East Side nonprofit seeks to highlight businesses hurt by streetscaping

By David Sands

Moore is the owner of ZAB Cultural Collective, a co-working space and art gallery located on East Warren Avenue on the city’s East Side. Streetscape construction, which kicked off in June, has led to a slowdown in business and even forced her to close down operations for a month and a half.

“They tore up the very front of our building to work on the sidewalks,” Moore says. “We couldn’t even get in the building, so it was kind of bad. There were big stretches of time when there was no one walking down the street at all.”

The $8.2 million dollar streetscape project happening along East Warren Avenue is part of a public-private Strategic Neighborhood Fund plan to improve 10 neighborhood business corridors around the city. The plan aims to create resident-focused streets that assist and attract businesses and encourage community development.

Once completed, the East Warren streetscape, which will stretch between Cadieux Road and Three Mile Drive, will include new sidewalks and road pavement, bike lanes, crosswalks, pedestrian isles, on-street parking, enhanced transit stops, and other amenities. It will also feature a new $1.5 million parking plaza on Courville Street. It’s expected to be completed by spring 2023.

While the construction has been difficult for East Warren business owners like Moore, she’s thankful to have an ally in a local nonprofit, the E. Warren Development Corp (EWDC).

“They really have helped a lot of businesses on the corridor to coordinate information, so everyone can know what’s going on. And they have a lot of resources for us also, so that’s sort of it.”

Founded three years ago, EWDC is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the East Warren commercial corridor between Mack Avenue and Alter Road and the adjacent neighborhoods of Morningside, East English Village, and Cornerstone Village. The nonprofit has its sights set on fostering 100% business occupancy along the thoroughfare with a diverse mix of establishments serving the local community.

According to Joe Rashid, EWDC’s executive director, the East Warren corridor has been “fairly resilient” during the pandemic, something he attributes to the majority of businesses owning the properties where they are located. He acknowledges, however, that streetscaping has been challenging.

“There’s never going to be a time where construction doesn’t impact business, but we’ve tried to find creative ways to kind of mitigate that and support businesses in different ways,” says Rashid.

In addition to facilitating communication between the city and local business owners about the project, EWDC has secured about $50,000 for streetscape mitigation funding from Invest Detroit in partnership with the City of Detroit and Blue Cross Blue Shield to help bolster local businesses. Of this $13,000 has been used for direct grants to seven local businesses. They were given a number of different options for how to use the grants, including professional development, events to

get people in their doors, and lighting and signage improvements.

“To our surprise, all seven of them applied for facade improvements, so I think we’ve created a kind of a micro facade improvement program,” says Rashid.

Beyond these grants, EWDC has also been profiling local businesses in a series of different videos that are available via the nonprofit’s website and YouTube page. The project evolved out of a relationship between EWDC, professional photographer Mark Rutherford, Joshua Arntson of Motor City Ground Crew, Andrew Iannacone, Librarian at the East Warren Tool Library, and Ulysses Newkirk, a local graphic designer and artist-in-residence at the tool library.

The four men — who are all affiliated with E. Warren Community Studio, a podcast and audio/ visual production studio located at the tool library — originally worked together to produce a short video for a local clothing boutique and have produced several more since July.

Holy Moly Donut Shop, a one-stop breakfast and brunch diner at 17101 E Warren Ave., is one of the profiled businesses. But Mario Williams, the restaurant’s owner, says the video hasn’t really helped make up for the losses he’s suffered during the streetscaping, which he says have cost him nearly

Resilient Neighborhoods is a reporting and engagement series that examines how Detroit residents and community development organizations are working together to strengthen local neighborhoods. This story was originally produced and published by Model D Media and

half his average business.

“I got a lot of shares on it. But, no, the video hasn’t helped people come in really,” says Williams.” It’s just let them know I’m here and we’re open.”

Moore is more gung ho about her promotional video, remarking that it does a great job of communicating what ZAB Cultural Collective is about to those who may be unfamiliar with the concept of a co-working space.

“I love it,” she says. “I’m hoping it will let everyone know that we are still here and to come and venture out. Even though it’s a little challenging to get to the businesses, there is a way.”

In addition to Holy Moly Donut Shop, ZAB Cultural Collective, and Tavira and Co, EWDC has also created promotional videos for Warren Cafe and Be Her Detroit. The nonprofit wants to produce 10 to 15 more videos highlighting businesses along the corridor over the next several months. And is looking into getting additional grants for local business owners as well.

“We’re not going to just stop with seven businesses giving a $2,000 grant. We need to be able to help support more businesses along the corridor,” he says. “It’s not just about new businesses coming, but it’s about bolstering existing businesses and making sure that they are getting support as well.”

is reprinted in New Michigan Media newspapers through a partnership supported by the Kresge Foundation.

PHOTO CREDIT: NICK HAGEN

Mario Williams makes donuts at his E. Warren eatery

Detroit’s streetscape program is aimed at reinvigorating commercial corridors across the city, but for business owners like Denise Moore, the construction involved has brought some short-term frustrations.

Mario Williams offers donuts and a whole lot more at his diner

Denise Warren sits at a table at ZAB Cultural Collective

Zab Cultural Collective has experienced a slowdown in business tied to Er. Warren's streetscape work

Art and merchandise on display at ZAB Cultural Collective

C ity. L ife

5 Tips to Help Families Manage Holiday Stress

(Family Features) ‘Tis the season for holiday parties, travel, hosting and more. While it is a joyous time of year, the never-ending to-do lists and school being out of session can make everyone feel a little overwhelmed, children included.

Consider these five practical tips from the experts at KinderCare to help families proactively manage holiday stressors.

1. Manage expectations. The commotion that often comes with the holiday season can be stressful for young children, but you can help alleviate worries by familiarizing them with what’s to come. Talk to them about upcoming travel arrangements, who they’ll see at events and what to expect throughout the season. If they are cautious in their current developmental stage, let loved ones know beforehand to give them a little extra space at festivities. Parents can also begin familiarizing little ones with relatives through photos and phone calls.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

2. Empower children. It’s important for children to understand they have a choice - and family members are willing to respect that choice. Parents should acknowledge their children’s body language and empower them to say “no” in uncomfortable situations. Parents can help by proactively asking questions such as, “Do you want a hug?” and if they say “no,” support them in their decision. This also helps establish healthy long-term social skills.

3. Maintain your schedule. Children thrive on consistency, and during the holidays it’s important to at least try maintaining as much of what they’re used to as possible, such as naps, meals and playtime. Changes in schedule can result in more tantrums, so be sure to allow space for them to safely work through their emotions.

It’s also important to note that children feed off their parents’ energy, so make sure you’re in tune with your own emotions. When overwhelmed, openly discuss how you’re feeling and involve your children when taking breaks. For example, “It’s loud in here, would you like to go sit outside with me?”

4. Have fun. Make time to spread joy and integrate activities to bond as a family, such as reading holiday-themed books, crafting, playing games, singing or baking. Whether old traditions or new, these are moments your child can cherish for years to come.

5. Keep others in mind. While it’s important to set children up for success ahead of the holidays, parents should also teach children the holiday season can look different for others. Putting a focus on experiences rather than the gifts can help them have more to discuss with their peers when returning to school. It’s also a good time to consider donating toys to make room for new ones or volunteering at a local charity to show children joy can be experienced through more than just gifts.

To find more tips to help manage holiday stress, or to access additional resources around social development, setting boundaries and routines, visit KinderCare.com.

Distinguished Gentlemen

Why These Men Live Out Loud

By Sherri Kolade

“The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.” Writer and Civil Rights Activist James Baldwin’s apt words about revolutionizing the world couldn’t be clearer – get out there and do the thing, whatever that is you do best.

Whether through their work and passions or songs and creativity, Black men walking in their divine greatness is no small feat.

The Michigan Chronicle spoke with such three distinguished metro gentlemen who are gifts of their craft professionally, spiritually, and musically.

The gifts of their crafts, talent and passions are evident in their bodies of work that the world, or at least Detroit currently, continues to see and is impacted by. Let’s meet the men.

LaTrell’s Take

Metro Detroit resident LaTrell Bell vividly recalls a fire that almost took his life – but God stepped in.

At 11 years old while at home, his house caught on fire, and even at that young age, he knew that faith had

to arise if he was going to make it out of his house alive.

“My mother just left and went to the store and I heard the spirit [of God] talk to me,” he said, adding that he felt led to go downstairs where he saw his sister’s bedroom (she was not there) on fire. “My whole house burned. I said, ‘If God is God, He will bring me out of this thing.’ And sure enough, I came out of the fire without burns, [or] smoking conditions.”

He added that shortly after his mother came back, she astonishingly met him with the police and fire departments who said that they don’t know how he got out alive and that he “should be done.”

Bell, who has an old soul and a speech steeped with warm sophistication, said from that moment on he never looked back on his calling from God, which started years earlier when he was six, when God showed him a vision of his future.

“I grew up in church,” he said, adding that he “definitely” knew he was going to be a lawyer or a politician, but the Lord had other plans. “At an early age, I had a vision … the Lord showed me speaking in a mass auditorium of

Gift ideas to delight tech lovers

Explore more tech-based gift ideas (and maybe even some inspiration for your own wish list) at Qualcomm.com.

Game Like a Pro

Crafted with the spirit of adventure, the ROG Phone 6 reaches beyond its cyberpunk roots. With its fusion of geometric simplicity and cutting-edge technology, this next-gen gaming phone is a hightech companion for journeying through space and time. With power and performance enhancements from the Qualcomm Adreno GPU and Kryo CPU, users experience amped-up gameplay. A class-leading thermal system improves stability for demanding

Find a Whole New (Virtual) World

Grab a ticket to the metaverse (and so much more) with the Meta Quest 2 VR headset. Whether gaming, meeting up with friends or enjoying immersive experiences in virtual reality, users can experience industry-leading graphics and immersive audio. With 1832x1920 pixels per eye, everything from multiplayer games and productivity apps to 360-degree videos look incredible. Every detail is engineered to make virtual worlds adapt to player movements, allowing for awe-inspiring games and experiences with unparalleled freedom. The redesigned controllers feature improved ergonomics and intuitive controls that transport gestures, motions and actions directly into virtual reality. No PC or console is required, and with backward compatibility, players can explore new titles and old favorites in the expansive content library.

Tackle the Day with a 2-in-1

The Surface Pro 9 5G with Microsoft SQ3 enables fast performance and connectivity

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Winston Coffee is here for the youth.

Hezekiah Savage moves in boldness through sound. LaTrell Bell leads with God-given intentionality.

(Family Features) Tech gifts are almost always on trend but keeping up with the latest gaming and entertainment products isn’t easy. From palm-sized entertainment enabled by powerful smartphones to an ultra-flexible laptop-meets-tablet device ideal for unleashing creativity, you’re likely to find a tech gift that fits everyone on your list this holiday season.

games and a 165Hz display offers a revolutionary visual experience that supports low-latency gaming and ultra-responsive input. For total control, there’s the AirTrigger 6 system and the Armoury Crate app, and for marathon gameplay, there’s a 6,000 mAh1 battery. What’s more, players can personalize the lighting with a huge selection of colors and several preset mood-lighting schemes.

10 Best Films 2022 & Best Of The Best

By Dwight Brown NNPA News Wire

Call it a comeback! In 2022 the movie industry roared back with high-quality films, stellar performances and great artistry. For the record, movie theaters aren’t dead yet and streaming is a part of the equation and not the whole picture. These noteworthy films and artists will vie for awards in weeks to come. Check out the best in cinema in 2022. Enjoy.

Best Feature Films:

Avatar: The Way of Water (****)

A human turned avatar and his family flee from an elite team of soldiers. They find refuge in an ocean-bound territory among amazing sea creatures. Writer/ director James Cameron and his tech crew have taken the art of fantasy film to a new level. Nothing you’ve screened previously—not even the first Avatar— can prepare you for the images you will see, journey you’ll take and feelings that will envelope you. The most visually astounding film of the year.

The Banshees of Inisherin (****)

Best friends in an isolated village on a small Irish isle go through a rough patch. Colm (Brendan Gleeson) decides Pádraic (Colin Farrell) is dumb and beneath him. Colm: “I just don’t like you anymore!” Things go awry, escalating into an abusive, emotional psychological war. Writer/director Martin McDonagh magically crafts a toxic bromance for the ages. Layered, perceptive, simple and oafish. It’s a bitter tale that heads down an increasingly macabre path. Farrell’s vulnerability breaks hearts. Gleeson’s relentless vitriol shocks. Kerry Condon as Pádraic’s concerned sister and Barry Keoghan as the court jester and son of an abusive father add to the excellent ensemble acting. Evocative cinematography and a gorgeous score make this is a spellbinding men-gone-wrong fable.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (****) Leave it to filmmaker extraordinaire Ryan Coogler to find the most compelling way to respect the demise of the first Black Panther and eulogize Chadwick Boseman. Both their souls live on in this ingenious and beautiful (cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw) sequel that invites Mesoamerican warriors into the mix. Angel Bassett owns the screen. Tenoch Huerta Mejía introduces a dynamic element. And Letitia Wright holds it down as the legend of the African king becomes an immortal spirt.

A Jazzman’s Blues (***1/2)

Tyler Perry tucked away his light comedy sensibility to create a serious work of art. Two young, star-crossed lovers (Joshua Boone, Solea Pfeiffer) in the deep south try to weather all the complications of racism. But can’t. Perry takes this fated notion to the highest level with a complex and melancholic script that is complimented by exquisite music, art direction, production design, costumes and cinematography. Adult romantic melodramas don’t get much better than this. No wrinkles. No mistakes. Perry the consummate auteur? Who knew?

She Said (***1/2)

The #MeToo movement and its ramifications are on view in this powerful feminist ode. Screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewiz and the very astute director Maria Shrader retrace the steps New York Times journalists Jodie Kantor (Zoe Kazan) and Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan) took to investigate Harvey Weinstein allegations. It’s a journey of

discovery that’s consistently awe-inspiring. The reporters help witnesses and victims of Weinstein’s sexual abuse coalesce and make damaging public accusations. Taut editing, powerful acting. A thriller, a cautionary tale and a day of reckoning for one of the movie industry’s biggest bullies.

Till (****)

The very savvy director Chinonye Chukwu and brilliant co-writers Michael Reilly and Keith Beauchamp have respectfully turned the tragic death of Emmett Till into a galvanizing story of courage. The era and places are meticulously recreated. The most gruesome aspects of the incident are wisely recollected off camera. It’s a choice only filmmakers with the greatest sensitively for the subject, family and viewers would make.

Till’s murder sparked a new era in the civil rights movement and stirring performances by Danielle Deadwyler as Mami and Jalyn Hall, as her sweet son, keep that history alive.

Top Gun: Maverick (***/12)

Tom Cruise single handedly carries the weight of this gigantic action/drama. As a top naval aviator pushing 60-years-old, his character Maverick trains the next generation of fighter pilots, and it isn’t easy. Director Joseph Kosinski’s (TRON: Legacy) and cinematographer Claudio Miranda’s (Life of Pi) make the footage’s daring aerial displays stunning. A multi-ethnic young cast breathes new life into a 30 -year-old premise. Miles Teller, Monica Babaro, Manny Jacinto Raymond Lee and Jay Ellis (Insecure) shine. Fun to look at, always entertaining and often exhilarating.

The Whale (****)

Sometimes a small set, a few actors and a tiny character study are all you need to make a big statement. That’s the case with this intense look at a man battling depression and weight issues. Playwright Samuel D. Hunter wrote the stage play and screenplay. Director Darren Aronofsky transforms the script into a gripping personal drama. Actor Brendan Fraser wears the lead character’s misery and vulnerability on his sleeve. Supporting cast of Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins and Samantha Morton surround Fraser and the lead character with love, anger, fear and hope in a fine collaborative effort. Dark and haunting. Quite excellent.

The Woman King (***/2)

They once were warriors. From the 1600s to1800s, in West Africa, the mighty women of the Agojie militia protected their empire. A highly creative team of female producers, a masterful storyteller (screenwriter Dana Stevens) and a gifted director Gina Prince-Blythewood bring that tale of bravery to a 21st century audience. Viola Davis heads a cast that battles. Well shot and choreographed action sequences impress. The raw emotion and determination on view is enough to make you stand up and cheer. Bold and joyful.

Women Talking (****)

Women talking about what needs to be fixed, becomes an astounding stream of thought for 1h 44m in this consciousness-raising allegory. Wives and mothers in a remote Mennonite community discover they’ve been abused and act on those findings. Canadian writer/director Sarah Polley guides a co-op of brilliant actors who spill their characters hearts out as they contemplate a remedy. Superb acting and dialogue so rich in context you hang on every word. Gorgeous B&W cinematography (Luc Montpellier) with hints of color. A parable for our times.

Gizmos & Gadget

From page B-1

plus up to 19 hours of battery life with Snapdragon power. Whether its job is work, stream or play, this 2-in-1 has the flexibility of a tablet with the performance of a laptop. Unique artificial intelligence features such as Voice Focus and Portrait Background Blur take video calls to the next level while Windows 11 makes it simple to organize apps for expressing creativity, accessing favorite games and relaxing with streaming entertainment, all in one ultra-portable device. A virtually edge-to-edge 13-inch touchscreen and built-in kickstand make it easy to sign, sketch or navigate whatever work or play comes along. Accessories like the Surface Slim Pen 2 and Surface Pro Keyboard help complete the experience.

Mobile Multitasking All Day

A phone that can carry you through the day regardless of what your schedule brings is a powerful tool for crossing tasks off that to-do list. With a long-lasting 3700mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is the phone that claps back,

giving you plenty of power for group

video chatting, flexing your photo skills and sharing via social media. This sleek, pocket-sized smartphone allows you to snap hands-free photos with Flex Cam, makes checking notifications a breeze with its cover screen and comes in a wide array of colors. Plus, you can take selfies with the rear camera while the cover screen gives you a real-time preview.

Sound Shaped for Your Ears

As the next generation of wireless listening, you can enjoy a solution that’s perfectly yours with Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. A strong combination of sound with noise cancellation offers high-quality listening behind CustomTune technology, which auto-adjusts sound to your ears’ liking. Additionally, Quiet Mode provides pure bliss when you silence background noise while Aware Mode is perfect when it’s time to pay attention, allowing enough transparency to hear your surroundings or engage in friendly conversation. Maintain energy throughout the day with up to six hours of battery life in a single charge paired with a charging case that holds three additional charges.

Distinguished Gentlemen

From page B-1

people and just declaring His word.”

Those thoughts came to fruition as Bell has spoken before thousands of people, started a Bible study in Detroit Public Schools District, and witnessed miracle after miracle in and out of the church as a youth pastor.

He said that what keeps him going is if someone is called to a purpose, they’re called to a cause but sometimes people will do “a lot of things” but it’s without cause and it’s without purpose.

“When you remember your why and purpose and your job in the earth to do, you’ll figure out that is what keeps me focused,” he said. “I realize I may be a little bit different but that’s okay.”

Winston’s Work

Winston Coffee, college success coach at the non-profit Midnight Golf Program, told the Michigan Chronicle that there are not a lot of Black male college liaisons in his field, and he doesn’t mind breaking the barriers and meeting the needs of the youth.

“I help navigate young people … building relationships with different institutions around the country to create opportunities for young people to land safely,” Coffee said, adding that most students of color don’t have access to golfing programs. “Golf can open up doors ... and once they learn golf soft skills, they learn in that game ... You’re making space to transition into college.”

Coffee said that he never saw himself in the position he was in while in college, but now he can’t imagine anything else.

“To be a part of other peoples’ village and help them along their way and offer insight and information is extremely valuable,” he said. “I’m so proud when I see a young [Midnight Golf Program] alum representing the brand and using the tools they were taught during the program. I get excited thinking that

these are the future leaders and all of them are from metro Detroit. A lot gets said about this generation and even more about young people from Detroit, but these young people are dispelling those ideas on a daily basis and that makes me beam with pride.”

He’s a Savage

Metro Detroit resident Hezekiah Savage, a local gospel artist on the heels of his recent concert, told the Michigan Chronicle that he comes from a musically inclined family and those roots run for generations.

“My grandmother, she used to direct a lot of choirs, she was a musician,” he said, adding that although he never got to meet her, their mutual giftings have made room for him. “I started singing worship in church.”

Savage said that he realized he loved singing and after starting off playing drums he just “kept going.”

Savage, who used to dabble in secular or worldly songs, said that he felt conviction about going down that path.

“I still love all genres of music,” he said, adding that his true love of gospel music led him to release his EP, “Journey To,” earlier this year.

“I put that out and then this year actually, like early in the year, decided I want to do a live recording and so again I decided I’m going to redo some of the songs that people love from the EP and just add a couple more songs,” he said, adding that creative process over the last couple of months has been a journey. “I ended up doing a live recording … it was a huge turnout.”

He added that being set apart and unique means deciding to do things differently.

“Consulting another voice [God] about their decisions,” he said. “Asking Him to lead you. Some of the most powerful leaders are the best followers. So, learning to follow God to be the best leader I can be.”

Step Up Gifting with Fashion-Forward Footwear

Brrr-ing Gifts of Warmth and Good Cheer

Give loved ones

and

that brings a

It’s a

to recipients’ faces each time they don those warm layers to face a blustery day. What’s more, with all the options for personalization, it’s an affordable way to show you care. When choosing the perfect duo, keep your loved ones’ tastes and preferences in mind.

FAMILY FEATURES

There’s nothing quite like the joy of watching a loved one’s face light up when opening a gift you selected with care, but holiday shopping can be a chore.

If you’re a shopper at heart, it may be a challenge you enjoy, but if the idea of holiday shopping brings out the Grinch in you, consider these ideas for gifts to delight those you love this holiday season.

Look for more ideas to make this holiday season magical at eLivingtoday.com.

Holiday Sweets for a Good Cause

Holiday Shopping Hot List

Turns out, Santa may be onto something. Making your list and checking it twice can help you save money (and your sanity) during the holiday season.

1. Set a budget and stick to it. Remember to include all your seasonal expenses, including Secret Santa and teacher gifts, ingredients for

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Cooler Weather Means Cozy Family

FAMILY FEATURES

After families across the country began cooking more at home during the pandemic, that trend has continued as loved ones seek comfort in the kitchen in the form of their favorite recipes and time spent together.

In fact, according to the “Hunter Food News Study,” cooking continues to change as more Americans come together at the dining table with recipe usage up 21% and dinners cooked from scratch up 14%. Around half (54%) of Americans are cooking more than they were before the pandemic, and 35% said they “enjoy cooking now more than ever,” according to “Harvard Business Review.”

If those closest to you are looking for home-cooked comfort, you can turn to satisfying family meals like Plant-Based Meatloaf Sandwiches or Chicken Souse. These hearty recipes make it easy for loved ones to involve everyone in the cooking process from preparing vegetables and handmixing meatloaf to seasoning chicken and simmering ingredients.

Cooler Weather Means Cozy Family Food

With 65% of consumers saying they’re most likely to purchase a whole week’s worth of groceries when shopping, according to research from Datassential, opportunities abound for families to enjoy delicious, comforting dishes together. Find more family meal inspiration by visiting Aramark’s Feed Your Potential website, fyp365.com.

the country began cooking more at home during the pandemic, that trend loved ones seek comfort in the kitchen in the form of their favorite recipes together.

“Hunter Food News Study,” cooking continues to change as more at the dining table with recipe usage up 21% and dinners cooked Around half (54%) of Americans are cooking more than they were before said they “enjoy cooking now more than ever,” according to “Harvard

are looking for home-cooked comfort, you can turn to satisfying family Meatloaf Sandwiches or Chicken Souse. These hearty recipes make it easy everyone in the cooking process from preparing vegetables and handseasoning chicken and simmering ingredients. saying they’re most likely to purchase a whole week’s worth of groceries to research from Datassential, opportunities abound for families to enjoy dishes together.

inspiration by visiting Aramark’s Feed Your Potential website, fyp365.com.

FEATURES

1

pinches dried thyme leaves 1 small bay leaf 1 1/2 cups thawed mixed vegetables, drained

Season chicken with 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Cover and chill 2 hours, or overnight.

In saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion and celery; saute 2 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds. Add chicken and saute until browned.

Stir in broth, potatoes, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, jalapeno pepper, lemon juice, ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, thyme and bay leaf; heat to boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender.

Stir in mixed vegetables and simmer 10 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

Tips: Serve souse with griddled corn cakes and saltine crackers. Make vegetarian by replacing chicken with canned drained and rinsed black-eyed peas or red or white beans.

Find more family meal inspiration by visiting Aramark’s Feed Your Potential website, fyp365.com.

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided

2 pinches dried thyme leaves

1 small bay leaf

1 1/2 cups thawed mixed vegetables, drained

Season chicken with 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Cover and chill 2 hours, or overnight.

In saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion and celery; saute 2 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds.

Add chicken and saute until browned.

Stir in broth, potatoes, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, jalapeno pepper, lemon juice, ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, thyme and bay leaf; heat to boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender.

Stir in mixed vegetables and simmer 10 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

Tips: Serve souse with griddled corn cakes and saltine crackers. Make vegetarian by replacing chicken with canned drained and rinsed black-eyed peas or red or white beans.

Cooler Weather

vegan sauteed

Heat oven to nonstick cooking In bowl, thoroughly onion, bell pepper, white pepper mixture into over meatloaf.

fter families across the country began cooking more at home during the has continued as loved ones seek comfort in the kitchen in the form of their In fact, according to the “Hunter Food News Study,” cooking continues to change Americans come together at the dining table with recipe usage up 21% and dinners from scratch up 14%. Around half (54%) of Americans are cooking more than the pandemic, and 35% said they “enjoy cooking now more than ever,” according

Bake 1 hour, Slice meatloaf bread. Top each and sauteed onions slices. Using sandwiches until Tip: Pairs

If those closest to you are looking for home-cooked comfort, you can turn to meals like Plant-Based Meatloaf Sandwiches or Chicken Souse. These hearty recipes for loved ones to involve everyone in the cooking process from preparing vegetables

With 65% of consumers saying they’re most likely to purchase a whole week’s when shopping, according to research from Datassential, opportunities abound for Find more family meal inspiration by visiting Aramark’s Feed Your Potential website,

1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste, divided 2 pinches dried thyme 1 small bay leaf 1 1/2 cups thawed mixed vegetables, drained

Season chicken with 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder and onion powder. chill 2 hours, or overnight.

In saucepan over medium-high Add onion and celery; saute tender-crisp. Add garlic and Add chicken and saute until Stir in broth, potatoes, tomatoes, paste, vinegar, jalapeno pepper, ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, thyme to boil. Reduce heat. Cover or until potatoes are tender. Stir in mixed vegetables and utes. Remove and discard bay additional salt and pepper, to Tips: Serve souse with griddled and saltine crackers. Make vegetarian replacing chicken with canned rinsed black-eyed peas or red

Plant-Based Meatloaf Sandwiches

Another boost in the fight against hunger

Supporting community wellness and doubling employee donations.

Bank of America proudly continues to support our employees’ health and safety while addressing food insecurity in our local communities, which typically spikes during the winter months.

Our employees are taking action to support the important work of our local food banks. For those who let us know they’ve received a coronavirus booster and/or a flu shot, we’ll donate $50 for each to a local hunger relief organization. In addition, employees can double the impact of their personal donations to fight hunger with our matching gifts program. Through these efforts, we’ll donate more than $8 million to address food insecurity in our local communities.

The team here in Detroit recently presented Gleaners Community Food Bank and Forgotten Harvest with checks totaling $75,000. This contribution is in addition to our long-standing philanthropic support to help fight hunger and food insecurity across the country. We are proud to be able to help our community as we work together to move forward.

Matt Elliott President, Bank of America Detroit