cause she gets to be a part of the voice of our community. “I get to be a champion for causes that matter to us. I get to be a part of the machine that ensures that news and information that may otherwise not reach our community is indeed shared,” Need said adding that during Black History Month it is nice to amplify those stories all the more.

“Even though the accomplishments of African Americans should be shared all throughout the year, it is nice to take time out of our busy schedules to recognize the many African Americans who have blazed a trail for others to follow. We never want to forget the contributions of some of Detroit’s own heroes like Mayor Coleman A. Young, the Honorable Damon Keith, or Councilwoman Erma Henderson, to name a few.”

Atlanta-bred journalist Amir “A.R.” Shaw, executive editor of the Atlanta Daily World told the Michigan Chronicle that the Black press has always served as a “pillar of the Black community.”

“With the distinction of being the first Black-owned daily publication in America, Atlanta Daily World (ADW) has pro-

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Visit cdc.gov/coronavirus and click the “COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters” button for more information.

Individuals who are immunocompromised or live with chronic illnesses, or who have family members at a higher risk for severe illness from infection, may want to consider taking additional preventive measures, including masking in public places and reducing exposure to large crowds.

With much activity concentrated indoors during the winter months, and the increased likelihood of COVID transmission with the XBB.1.5 variant, some Michigan workplaces and schools are returning to some preventive protocols, such as masking and social distancing.

The CDC continues to recommend the following guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoiding contact with others who are sick, especially those who are sick with COVID

• Following CDC guidelines if you have been exposed

• Getting tested for COVID

• Improving ventilation indoors

• Seeking treatment for COVID if you are at a high risk of severe illness

• Staying home if you are sick vided a voice for the Black community for 95 years while also setting a standard when it comes to journalism and media coverage,” Shaw said adding that there have been multiple ground-breaking moments throughout ADW’s history including in 1945.

“ADW continues to make history and impact culture. In 2022, it was an honor to represent ADW as the only reporter from a Black-owned publication to cover the NBA’s first game in Abu Dhabi,” Shaw said. “The Black media will always play a role in highlighting Black stories and voices. And the Atlanta Daily World will continue this legacy.”

Dyanna Knight Lewis, regional vice president of Real Times Media (RTM), and Chicago Defender publisher, told the Michigan Chronicle that representing one of America’s oldest black newspapers (founded by Robert Sengstacke Abbott in 1905 and started with an investment of only $5) “exemplifies excellence.”

Given that the paper got its start during Jim Crow and The Great Migration and continues to feature news and information about the Black community and spotlights Black History 365 days a year is a story in and of itself, Lewis said.

“The Chicago Defender is known for being the defender of the African American community,” Lewis said. “The Chicago Defender was the information vehicle

• Staying up to date on COVID shots

For some already facing health challenges, COVID infections are all the more serious, especially for the elderly and those most susceptible.

Rates of COVID cases and deaths among nursing home residents and staff nationwide increased sharply in December, while most residents and staff nationwide are still not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, according to AARP’s Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard.

Nationwide, it’s estimated that tragically more than 175,000 residents and staff of nursing homes have died due to COVID-19.

Per the Dashboard, rates of COVID-19 cases among nursing home residents nationwide increased 57 percent in the four weeks ending December 18, compared to the previous four weeks. There was also a 53 percent increase in staff cases during the same period. Here in Michigan, resident cases are up by 21.5 percent in the four weeks ending December 18, compared to the previous four weeks, with staff cases up nearly 9 percent during the same period.

The new data also shows most nursing home residents and staff are also not up to date on their vaccinations.