MC Digital 10.12.22

Megan Thee Stallion

Michigan Chronicle

The Smith-Pickard Friendship and Alliance Scholarship Program

Detroit! Armada! East Lansing! Florida! The Bahamas – demon strated the true spirit of Harambee – an African term that means” “All Pull Together!” These locales gave Michigan and Bahamian students a powerful foundation for their Fresh man 2022-2023 Academic Year at Florida A&M University (FAMU). The two-day event began with dinner, in formation, and a Blanket of Support Trunk presentation in Detroit.

Dr. William F. Pickard and later His Excellency Governor General C.A. Smith offered per sonal greet ings and encourage ment and charged students to give 110% because per formance beyond ex cellence is required for success! They were requested to continue building on the legacies of these gentlemen and countries while establishing their own within their communities upon graduation!

Dr. LeQuita Booth, Scholarship Committee Chair, offered valuable insight into Academic Responsibil ity. She explained as young adults; they are expected to complete as signments timely, ask for help from FAMU and Scholarship Committee, stay in touch with parents, support each other and focus on excellence.

Mr. Karl Bell, Managing Direc tor of GAA New Ventures, LLC, ex plained that budgeting is done from what they have – not what they expect or what friends suggest. Dis ciplined decisions must be made –eating with a meal plan instead of DoorDash; Digital or used books when possible; never spending all their Money.

DPD Officer Eric Hill informed the young men and ladies how to prevent dangerous campus inci dents. Don’t go out alone at night. Stay within curfew! Leave any situ ations where arguing or trouble is starting. Don’t accept food or bever age from a stranger in any situation. Always let someone know where you are and when you will return.

Wayne State University School of Social Work Interns Rhonda Adams and Chermaine Odom offer strong mentorship through the maze of college life.

Scholars were presented with almost everything they need beyond tuition; personal hygiene items, linens, printers, microwaves, power strips, PPE, and laundry supplies, which allows them to begin their academic year with 100% focus on studying!

The power-packed next day was sponsored by Smith-Pickard Friend ship & Alliance Scholarships’ part

POT PARDON

Biden Pardons Federal Marijuana Convictions

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

President Joe Biden has issued a pardon to all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession, fulfill ing a campaign promise of getting rid of possession con victions and loosening the drug’s federal classification.

“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 in a statement.

“Criminal records for marijuana possession have also imposed needless barriers to employment, hous ing, and educational opportunities,” the president con tinued.

“And while white and Black and Brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and Brown people have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at dis proportionate rates.”

Biden vowed to encourage governors to take simi lar steps to pardon state simple marijuana possession charges.

According to a Pew Research survey, wide majorities of Black adults support legalizing marijuana at least for medical use (85%).

The survey found that most favor reforms to the criminal justice system, such as releasing people from prison who are being held only for marijuana-related charges and expunging marijuana-related offenses from the criminal records of individuals convicted of such crimes (74% each).

According to FBI data, Black adults are dispropor tionately likely to be arrested for marijuana-related of fenses.

Researchers at Pew noted that, although non-Hispan ic, single-race Black and White Americans used mari

juana at roughly comparable rates in 2020, Black people accounted for 39% of all marijuana possession arrests in the U.S. despite being only 12% of the U.S. popula tion.

Further, in a separate study, Pew noted that police of ficers made about 663,000 arrests for marijuana-related offenses in the 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2018, amounting to 40% of the 1.65 million total drug arrests in the U.S. that year (the most recent for which data is available).

The second-largest category of drug arrests involved “other” drugs (29%), followed by heroin, cocaine, or their derivatives (25%), and synthetic or manufactured drugs (6%).

The District counts among the growing number of places where marijuana use is legal.

Biden’s actions grant full, complete, and uncondi tional pardons to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have committed or been convicted of simple possession violating the Controlled Substances Act.

The U.S. Justice Department praised Biden’s an nouncement.

“The Justice Department will expeditiously adminis ter the President’s proclamation, which pardons indi viduals who engaged in simple possession of marijuana, restoring political, civil, and other rights to those con victed of that offense,” department officials wrote in a statement.

“In the coming days, the Office of the Pardon Attor ney will begin implementing a process to provide im pacted individuals with certificates of pardon.

“Also, in accordance with the president’s directive, Justice Department officials will work with our col leagues at the Department of Health and Human Ser vices as they launch a scientific review of how marijua na is scheduled under federal law.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Brings Treatment Options to Forefront in Black Community

Black women are twice as likely to be diag nosed with triple-negative breast cancer than White women, according to cancer.org.

They’re also 30% more likely to die from these cancerous tumors because of lower rates of surgery and chemotherapy.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many messages surrounding prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment options are being heard loud and clear, along with addressing prevalent disparities.

The wide disparity in breast cancer death rates between Black and White women likely reflects fewer cancers being diagnosed at a lo calized (early) stage (57% in Black women com pared with 67% in White women), as well as less access to high-quality treatment, accord ing to the American Cancer Society.

Cancers diagnosed at a later, more advanced stage are typically more complicated to treat. Black women have a lower 5-year survival rate overall and for every stage of diagnosis. About 82% of Black women live at least 5 years after their initial breast cancer diagnosis, compared

death rates from breast cancer

and other

of

incidence of triple-negative breast

Other figures are equally as troubling

breast cancer alone accounts

3 most common

of cancer

colorectal—account

cases

287,850 women will

diagnosed with invasive breast cancer

Incidence rates have

slightly—by about 0.5% a year on average—since the mid-2000s. This may be due in part to increased obe sity and women having fewer children or

Dr. William F. Pickard

having their first child after age 30.

An estimated 12% of women who are screened for breast cancer have an abnormal mammogram, but only 4% of these women have cancer.

About 43,250 women will die from the disease in 2022. For women, the death rate declined 42% between 1989 and 2019.

Statistics also show that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In Michigan, 9,000 new cases of breast cancer were reported in 2019 with 45 percent of those women residing in Metro Detroit.

“Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths for African American women,” Melanie Williams-Bow ers, a spokesperson for Susan G. Komen Foundation says.

“Younger Black women seem like they’re getting more aggressive types of breast cancer. It seems to be more invasive,” Williams-Bow ers explains.

Historically, doctors have urged women to begin screening for breast cancer at age 40, but with cases reported before age 40, many are requesting mammography ear lier.

“We as Black women have to fight and tell our doctors we want mammography and screenings sooner because it has no age,” Wil liams-Bowers urges.

Despite starting facts and fig ures, breast cancer is treatable and preventable, and the Detroit Medi cal Center (DMC) offers tips on how to get a handle on it.

“The best treatment is preven tion, which is why it is so important to be screened per your physician’s recommendations. Diagnosing breast cancer early increases the likelihood that your cancer will be treatable,” according to the DMC.

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer screening means checking the breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of it. There are three main ways to screen for breast cancer: clinical breast exam, mammography, and MRI.

Clinical breast exam - A clinical breast exam is an examination by a health care provider, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes in the breast or underarm.

Mammogram - A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. Health care providers use a mam mogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammo grams are the best test health care providers have to find breast cancer early.

MRI - If you have a family histo ry or genetic tendency for breast cancer your doctor may recom mend you get an MRI to screen for breast cancer in addition to mam mograms.

Expert opinions vary about when and how often a woman should have breast cancer screening. The American Cancer Society guide lines call for:

Yearly mammograms starting at age 40

Clinical breast exam about every 3 years for women in their 20s and

30s and every year for women 40 and over

Home Screening Exam

A breast self-exam is when a woman checks her breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape of the breast, or any other changes in the breasts or underarm. Breast self-exams do not replace regular screening mammograms. If you do breast self-exams, it is important to remember that breast changes can occur because of pregnancy, aging, menopause, taking birth control pills or other hormones, and during menstrual cycles. It is normal for breasts to feel a little lumpy and uneven. It is also common for breasts to be swollen and tender right before or during a menstrual period.

A proclamation on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month from President Joe Biden includ ed a rededication of his adminis tration to supporting patients and their families, boosting access to care, and raising awareness about the life-saving importance of early screening.

“We honor all those we have lost to this terrible disease and cele brate the courageous survivors and advocates fighting to beat it, along with the loved ones and medical providers who have their backs every day,” Biden said in his proc lamation, adding that transforma tive medical breakthroughs have al ready been made. “Groundbreaking immunotherapies and other new treatments have changed the prog nosis for so many, and early detec tion is our most important tool. … As so many families know too well, cancer can rip lives apart forev er. Beating it is one of the biggest things we can do — as individuals and together as a nation.”

Farm Credit Services

Farms

In 2021, Mrs. Beth any Barker of Green stone heard about the Smith-Pickard Scholar ship and immediately offered paid internships, employment, and sti pends. Hantz Farms pro vided mentorship and support with Greenstone. Mrs. Barker presented scholars with brand-new laptops, removing a sub stantial burden from par ents and students. The passion of Mrs. Barker, Greenstone, and Hantz Farms is helping young people see the tremen dous opportunities avail able in agriculture and business.

Mr. Peter Lemmer and Mr. Mike Score, who pro vide mentoring and sup port to scholars, told the

history of Hantz Farms purchasing hundreds of abandoned acres on De troit’s east side, trans forming them into inner city food sources.

Scholars, parents, Committee Members, and partners boarded a luxury MotorCoach to Wolcott Mill Metropark, Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Kutchey Family Market, and Planted Detroit. Ev eryone saw animals, farms, and processes for food from the field to the table!

Unavailable for this tour, participating board members Ms. Lisa Wil liams, Dr. Loston Rowe, Ms. Doreen Odom, and Mr. Paul Hubbard offer ongoing support, infor mation, and mentorship to scholars regarding Agri-Business.

The Smith-Pickard Friendship and Alliance Scholarship is the man ifestation of a dream through over 50 years of friendship between His Excellency Governor

General C.A. Smith and Dr. William F. Pickard. The goal is to address food shortages in the Ba hamas and the Greater Detroit area while provid ing excellent academic experience and financial support to those interest ed and qualified for the scholarship.

The entire scholarship body for this program is:

Class of 2021-2022

Two Bahamian students and four Michigan stu dents

Class of 2022-2023 –

One Bahamian student and three Michigan stu dents.

The two-day event cul minated in the scholars actively committing to each other to commu nicate and support one another. Regular Zoom and conference calls with the Committee and each other make sure each scholar graduates and moves up to their next successful career choice. They will demonstrate the Harambee commit

ment while at FAMU as they study, learn, live and work toward the goal of friendship toward each other and alliance with their communities.

Beyond the Money is more than a statement. It is the way of life with the Smith-Pickard Friendship and Alliance Scholars at tending FAMU.

For more information about the scholarship, requirements, partner ships, and success sto ries, call 313-849-3556.

Alonzo

Harambee Scholars

5 Ways Traditions Help Us Stay Healthy and Happy

(StatePoint) Health experts say that establishing and maintaining family traditions can boost overall well-being and vitality, especially as we age.

“As children become adults and move out of the house or away, the family traditions that bind us can sometimes get lost in the process,” says Aparna Abburi, president of Medi care and CareAllies with Cigna, which provides insurance to hundreds of thousands of older adults through its Medicare plans. “Forming new tradi tions or reigniting old ones can keep us connected to loved ones, ultimately helping us feel more fulfilled, happier and healthier.”

Here are some insights into the importance of traditions to well-being and vitality as we age, along with tips for keeping those connections going in your own circle of family and friends: Traditions help combat loneliness: According to a 2020 survey by Cigna, 61% of adults reported being lonely – a 7 percentage-point increase from 2018. That feeling was likely exacerbated by the pandemic that followed. Traditions can help to combat feelings of isola tion. Consider setting up weekly video calls or trading letters and notes with relatives who live far away. Regular trips to a favorite destination, such as a lake or beach, or celebrating import ant holidays together every year, can provide meaningful time together.

Roots.

Traditions pass on family values: Having shared values can help us feel connected to one another. Telling sto ries from the past or practicing cultur al, spiritual and religious traditions are great ways to pass these values down from one generation to the next. Traditions can make us feel young again: From cooking and gardening to sports and games, family traditions often evoke old memories and make us feel young again. Sensory memories can be particularly powerful. Whether it’s a cookie bakeoff, ballpark peanuts and hot dogs, or a singalong around the piano, family rituals that include special sights, sounds and aromas are often the ones we think of most fondly.

Traditions strengthen communities: Traditions are not just for families; they can also strengthen ties among friends and communities. Consider getting a group of neighbors together for morning walks or meeting friends for shopping excursions. Make visit ing the farmers market, attending free concerts in the park, playing commu nity center bingo and gathering for other recurring local events part of your routine.

For more information about how to stay healthy while aging, visit www. cignamedicare.com.

As you embrace the rituals that matter most to you, remember that traditions don’t need to be rigid or set in stone.

“Just as you might modify a family recipe to suit your dietary needs or switch from weekly phone calls to weekly video calls, don’t be afraid to tweak and expand on older traditions so they’re relevant and interesting today – and for years to come,” says Abburi.

Detroit’s North End: A Journey into the Past, a Look at the Present, and the Hope for its Future

Detroit’s North End: The First of a Monthly Series of Fea ture Stories Sponsored by the Knight Foundation

By Donald James Senior Writer, Real Times Media

Detroit’s North End, at least for the last six-plus decades, has been overwhelmingly comprised of African Americans, churches of multiple denominations, small-to-medium busi nesses, engaged community groups, and culturally affluent artists. Nevertheless, like most communities in Detroit these days, the North End has been victimized by urban blight, flight, and poverty.

To capture the true essence of the North End – past, present, and pro jected future - the Mich igan Chronicle, with the support of a grant by the Knight Foundation, will publish a feature story about the North End on the second Wednesday of each month beginning on Oct. 12, 2022.

According to the City of Detroit’s Planning and Development Depart ment, the North End is a community bordered by East Grand Blvd. to the South, the City of High land Park to the North, I-75 and the City of Ham tramck to the East, and Woodward Ave. to the West.

The North End was estimated to have more than 40,000 residents at one time. Today, that number hovers around 8,000.

The North End’s name is derived from its location, mean ing it was at the “north end” of Paradise Valley, the historic Black business and entertainment area for the historic Black residential community called Black Bottom. Both storied communities existed from around 1920 through the ‘50s.

However, in the late 1930s through the ‘40s, Black people moved into other sectors of the city, including the North End. At the time, the community was primarily Jewish and European immigrants who like many African Americans, mi grated to Detroit to work in the booming automobile manu facturing industry. As more Black people moved into North

End, Whites in large numbers found other communities in Detroit to live where Blacks hadn’t moved - yet.

However, the North End suited many African Americans just fine. The community placed them closer to the jobs at area automobile plants, including the Historic Highland Park Ford Plant and the mammoth Hamtramck Dodge Main Plant. In addition to the close proximity of the auto plants, African Americans found numerous places to worship.

“The churches in the North End have played vital roles in the North End prospering, regardless of their denomi nation,” said Rev. Jim Holley, who, in 2021 retired from the North End’s Historic Little Rock Baptist Church on Woodward Ave. after 50 years as senior pastor.

“The churches always had respect for each other. We never allowed our denominations to distract us from working together to build a better community.”

While Woodward Ave. has been a bustling thoroughfare border ing the North End on its west sector, decades ago, Oakland Ave. was a major street that boasted entertainment venues, stores, and other busi nesses. One venue on Oakland noted for bring ing National R&B acts to the North End was Phelps Cocktail Lounge.

Owned by Eddie Phelps from 1960 to the early 1980s, his club booked

While most of the businesses of yesteryear along North End’s Oakland Ave. are no longer open, it’s a different story on Woodward Ave. The corporate headquarters of First Inde pendence Bank, one of the nation’s largest Black-owned and operated banks, stands on Woodward at East Grand Blvd. South of First Independence is Black-owned Liberty Bank. And there are many new commercial construction projects

Justice Prevails: Third Circuit Court Judge Bradley Cobb Appointed

By Sherri Kolade

He’s a man of the cloth and the law.

Third Circuit Court Judge Bradley L. Cobb was re cently appointed to his post by Gov. Gretchen Whit mer who made the announcement official in mid-Sep tember.

“You can count on me to ‘do justice, love mercy and walk humbly’ as I serve all the citizens of Wayne County,” Cobb posted online recently. “I solicit your prayers during my pursuit to do what is right more now than ever before.”

Bradley has served the citizens of Wayne County as an assistant prosecuting attorney for 25 years. During his quarter century of public service, he has held several positions in the Wayne County Prosecu tor’s Office.

“I am proud to appoint Bradley Cobb to the bench in Wayne County,” Whitmer said. “A long-time attor ney with a range of experience, I am confident that Bradley will uphold the rule of law and serve the people of Michigan admirably.”

When Prosecutor Kym Worthy took over the Pros ecutor’s Office, Bradley was chosen to supervise the Diversion Unit and did so for over four years.

For the next nine years, he supervised the Com

munity Prosecution Unit and later the Violent Crimes Unit. In addition to mentoring younger APAs, Bradley maintained a large docket and tried several non-fatal shooting cases a year. Since late 2018, he has served as a Docket Attorney in the General Trials Division where he reviews cases for plea offers and trains new trial attorneys. He also serves as a Chaplain for the WCPO.

Bradley is a member of the ABA, Detroit Bar, the Wolverine Bar, NAACP, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists-Detroit Chapter, and Omega Psi Phi Frater nity, Inc.

Cobb, also a pastor at Mount Beulah Baptist Church in Detroit for over a decade, moved to the De troit area around 1989.

He is active in the community where his church is located, providing food, clothing and other resources to the less fortunate, and told the Michigan Chroni cle that he has met some defense attorneys over the years who were pastors but never in his role before.

“I’m the first prosecutor who has been a pastor and when people ask me and they kind of say, ‘Isn’t that kind of contradictory?’ I think it’s perfect, particu larly for an African American pastor. You come with cultural sensitivity, the compassion. You understand

acts like James Brown, “The Temptations,” “The Main In gredient,” B.B. King, “Gladys Knight & The Pips,” and more. Several blocks south of Phelps was the legendary Apex Bar, a blues haven where the likes of John Lee Hooker, Little Sonny, and others performed.

Detroit's North End

taking place on Woodward, anchoring the west border of the North End.

And, on residential streets in the North End, new afford able residential homes have either been recently built or are in construction mode, especially on Marston, Brush, and Mt. Vernon Streets.

The work of Develop Detroit led by the organization’s Pres ident & CEO Sonya Mays best demonstrates what a vision and strong development plans can do to change the look of streets once lined with blight caused by abandoned homes and vacant lots.

“Sonya is doing an incredible job of development in that section of the North End,” said longtime urban developer Emmett Moten. “She is giving new hope to a community that needs better and more affordable housing.”

Moten once worked for Mayor Coleman A. Young in the late 1970s into the 1980s, earning the title “the development czar” because of his commercial development success in Detroit. More than three decades ago, Moten helped broker a deal that allowed former Detroit Pistons great, former Detroit Mayor, and businessman Dave Bing, to build his corporation’s first super commercial complex in the North End. It was located on the corner of Caniff and Oakland Ave.

“It was a big deal for Dave, and a real big deal for the North End,” said Moten, who also revealed the complex for Bing’s company’s complex was built on 54 acres of land that had been sitting undeveloped in the North End since 1954. “It was the first and the biggest development in the North End in many decades.”

In the early 2000s, Bing and Moten partnered to build 40 units of “infill” single-family affordable houses in the North End. The homes infilled on Delmar St. are believed to rep resent the first residential project of its kind in the city, per haps Urban America. Moten explained that “building ‘infill’ single family affordable homes meant constructing on vacant lots between occupied homes.”

“It was a gamble on Dave and my part to build the infill res idential housing almost two decades ago,” Moten said. “Some

lending institutions thought we were crazy to do this type of development in the North End at that time.”

One of the growing initiatives in the North End today is Urban Farming, giving renewed hope to the people and com munity. While there are several farming and garden initiatives working in the community, the leader of the pack – by far - is Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, under the executive director ship of Jerry Ann Hebron. Her work has garnered nation al and international attention for branding the North End as “America’s first sustainable Urban Agri-hood.”

According to Hebron, Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, under the umbrella of North End Christian Community Development Corporation, is a 501 c (3). The mission is to grow healthy food, host educational programs, create cultural gathering spaces, operate a Farmers Market, and generate jobs for com munity residents. Hebron, who grew up in the North End, also sits on the powerful Agriculture Federal Advisory Com mittee on Urban Agriculture and is a Farm Service Agency Committee Member.

“Having a voice at the national level, as well as the state level, is very important to advancing what we are doing in the North End,” said Hebron, whose organization owns seven acres of land in the North End, half of which is allotted for food production. “For the work that involves Urban Agricul ture, it’s important for Detroit because we are the leaders in the industry when it comes to Urban Agriculture and activism work around food justice.”

In future monthly feature stories published by the Mich igan Chronicle, readers will learn more about the people, places, community and block club leaders and organizations, educators, elected officials, businesses and entrepreneurs, churches, muralists, other cultural ambassadors of the arts, events and issues – past and present – connected to North End’s history and evolution.

“I believe our job is to help provide resources to people and communities like the North End and get out of the way when the government is in the way,” U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow said at the Michigan Chronicle-sponsored forum ‘Pancakes and Politics,” held several months ago at North End’s Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. “There must be strong partnerships formed with federal, state, and local governments, neighborhoods, businesses, churches, and communities. It’s all of us partnering together that will make a positive difference.”

that justice is part of the Biblical text and context and so is mercy. So, I think that me leaning on that over the years has made me a better prosecu tor.”

Following his graduation from law school, Cobb worked as a pre-hearing attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals reviewing criminal and civil appeals and writing legal memoran dums.

Cobb earned his Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Wright State University. He lives in Canton with his wife, Bernadine, and their two daughters.

“I am so grateful to Governor Whit mer for appointing me to a seat on the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court bench that will allow me to continue to serve the citizens of Wayne County,” said Cobb. “I have committed myself to public service for over 25 years and in this new role, I look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of the entire Wayne County communi ty. I vow to be fair, cordial, seek jus tice, love mercy, and walk humbly as I carry out the duties of the office to which Governor Whitmer has appoint ed me.”

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which commenced on October 10, 2022, and expire at noon on January 1, 2025, following the resignation of Judge Lawrence Talon effective April 15, 2022. If Mr. Cobb wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Talon’s term, expiring January 1, 2027, he would be required to run for reelection in November of 2024.

Cobb told the Michigan Chronicle that his career highlights included trying so many different homicide cases, among others, but some things stick out more than others.

“Being promoted into management and being able to mentor young pros ecutors – those would be my high lights,” he said of his impact with others. “Trying to get them to see through the eyes [of the law] as best they can for the citizens of Detroit. … We’re there to serve all of Wayne county.”

Judicial appointments are not sub ject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Cobb said through it all, he wants his work to shine and be an exemplary template of what justice is all about.

“It’s about justice and being fair and having a system of being accessi ble to everyone no matter race, creed, color, convention,” he said.

For kids born just before and during the pandemic, the world has been very small But now that the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for those 6 months and up … it’s about to get a whole lot bigger.

Money.

Symposium Event Pushes for More Equity in Corporate Detroit

By Andre Ash

Bishop Edgar L. Vann and Wayne State University’s Damon J. Keith School of Civil Rights, hosted the Detroit Equity Symposium. The first annual event brought together some of Detroit’s business and civic leaders to the importance of equity and inclu sion in the city’s corporate communi ty.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II along with some of Detroit’s corpo rate and civic leaders was featured speakers and discussed ways to work together to increase equity and inclu sion following a report on said subject released by The Kresge Foundation.

Bishop Edgar L. Vann, a renowned faith leader and someone who has also been involved in years-long civic and corporate work. Earlier this year he launched, Detroit Equity Inc.(DEI), a non-profit hoping to bridge the com munity and corporate world and ulti mately connecting more Detroiters to opportunities.

“Detroit Equity Inc. is determined to keep equity and inclusion at the forefront until every Detroiter in every neighborhood has access to oppor tunity,” stated DEI CEO and Found er Bishop Edgar L. Vann. “The 2022 Detroit Equity Symposium bought together leaders from Detroit’s top companies with the diversity and in clusion community to foster the in novation and actions needed to create real progress in our community.”

The Symposium, supported by Henry Ford Health, the Detroit Re gional Chamber, The Skillman Foun dation and HAP, was recently held at the Wayne State University Student Center which included a networking breakfast, speakers and panel discus sion.

“We claim to believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are something worth spending time on and invest ing in because believe it will make the city and state stronger, said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrest ll, in his keynote ad dress to attendees. “My challenge to you is, how will you find within your self - within your institutions more way to try? More ways to put a foot forward.”

Lt. Governor stressed the impor tance of leaders taking on this equity challenge despite it being “complicat ed journey but not a complex one.”

Perhaps he’s referring to the chal lenging disparity of statistics brought fourth by the 2022 Detroit Equity Re port, released during the Symposium. DEI partnered with Wayne State Uni versity’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights to develop this report, funded by the Kresge Foundation. The report examined areas of inequi ty in Detroit and shares proven best practices to provide a road map for collective efforts moving forward.

The report delivers a wholesome collection of disparities in Black com munities compared to their white counterparts, cited by various stud ies and data. Such causes due to disinvestment in business and em ployment opportunities, education, healthcare, housing, and food re sources.

The Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2022 State of Education report found that only eight percent of Detroit stu dents are college ready - a 2021 De troit Future City study found Black Detroiters saw their median income increase eight percent compared to a

BEVI Recharges the Motor City

By Sherri Kolade

It’s a new era for Motor City 2.0.

In a city that pulled itself up by its bootstraps shortly after the turn of the 20th century, a hardworking, growing la bor force began to manufacture cars and subsequently built its respected auto motive culture that the world has come to know.

Detroit became an automotive indus try giant when “The Big Three” automak ers, Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler came on the scene shortly after 1910.

Detroit’s Motor City nickname had staying power as the booming automo tive industry, over time, attracted mil lions of immigrants. In addition to new comers and longtime residents -- and those who hailed from the south (during the Great Migration) – these determined Detroiters began working in this space where there was enough room for ev eryone to earn a living. Yet, despite the city’s rich and admirable automotive leg acy, Black people, many times, were left out of the conversation and were not tru ly seen as true contenders in this field – until now.

The newly formed, Black-owned and operated Blacks in Electric Vehicle In frastructure Trade Association (BEVI) has entered the chat and is the firstof-its-kind entity with prominent local companies pooling their talents togeth er. BEVI, launched at the North Ameri can International Auto Show Edition in mid-September, is poised to make ac cess to expert, diverse talent easy and ensure representation in the (electric vehicle) EV boom, according to a press release.

Created with a resolve to advance the equitable, inclusive, and sustain able presence of Black suppliers in the global EV infrastructure marketplace, co-founders Natalie King’s Dunamis Charge, Los Angeles-based Kameale C. Terry’s ChargerHelp!, Carla Walker-Mill er’s Walker-Miller Energy Services, Kwabena “Q” Johnson’s PlugZen, and William McCoy’s Vehya recently an nounced the official formation of BEVI.

BEVI is not only an acronym but a play on words with the word, “bevy,”

meaning a large group of people or items of a particular kind.

King came up with the name.

“When I think of bevy I think of abun dance and love it,” Walker-Miller, found er and CEO of Detroit-based Walker-Mill er Energy Services, (one of the largest African American- and woman-owned energy waste reduction firms in the country) told the Michigan Chronicle.

Walker-Miller added that she wants the trade association to create an abun dance of resources with (and for) Black professionals in this space where there currently is not. “The complaints we hear all the time is, ‘We can’t find peo ple. We can’t find Black people in … whatever the field is. That is one reason for forming BEVI. It was so that no one could say … (we) can’t find Blacks in this infrastructure.”

She added that the second reason for forming BEVI was to offer a collective voice in influencing the EV infrastruc ture and who has access to it.

“It is one of the things that keeps me up at night,” she said, adding that John son, the brainchild of BEVI, and she col laborated in the EV space 10 years ago. Also, through a past Michigan Chronicle Pancakes & Politics clean energy event (where she was a panelist) earlier this year she invited co-founders Johnson, Dunamis, and McCoy to attend, too.

“I ... gave them a shout-out from the stage. I don’t think most people realize Black people have really dedicated them selves to this industry,” Walker-Miller said, adding that moment in time “was the beginning” of the four of them be coming a collaborative force.

Johnson, founder of Plug Zen, a De troit start-up electric vehicle manufac turer, told the Michigan Chronicle pre viously it’s about recognizing the value of minority-owned businesses in this conversation.

“If you’re going to use equity diver sity, and inclusion,” said Johnson, “Ev eryone has to be in on it. If you look at that panel, some of us should have been on that stage. That’s what engagement looks like.”

Johnson said one of the gaps in com

munity needs when it comes to infra structure planning for EVs is the incon venience of charging stations that are planned to be spaced at every 50 miles.

“We need to focus on public level 2 charging stations,” said Johnson, “Plac es where people will convene like com munity centers and parks. Any place where your car is going to sit for more than two hours. It creates the incentive for business and property owners to get involved.”

The manufacturing ecosystem of the automobile spawned great generational wealth for many majority families and created America’s middle class. This is an important stride toward ensuring that all capable, exceptional, EV tech nology experts of all races have access to the unprecedented economic benefits that will be created by the proliferation of the EV industry.

The nascent trade association has an intentional mission to align African American-owned and operated compa nies specializing in the manufacturing, installation, maintenance, repair, diag nostics, resell, and distribution of Elec tric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).

In addition to making MBE-certified and other black-owned EVSE companies more centralized and procurable to key trade stakeholders, the BEVI Trade As sociation will host conferences, forums, and fireside chat discussions.

An MBE Certification is the process by which a business is verified as be ing minority-owned, managed, and con trolled according to the criteria set forth by the National Minority Supplier Devel opment Council (NMSDC).

topics will include:

Education

Engagement

Outreach

Contract Procurement

Justice

to Disadvantaged/

Business Expert Jacqueline M. Baker Shows Others How to Take the Lead in New Book

By Sherri Kolade

In 2021, nearly seven percent of com panies were led by female CEOs, and about 15 percent had female CFOs. Also, Black CFOs nearly doubled from 2020 to 2021, according to investopedia.com.

The path that it takes to become a boss or leader in a company is not al ways easy or paved with gold, especial ly for women and minorities – not to mention double mi nority employees.

Steps to becom ing an effective leader in an organi zation can be even more challenging – if one is up to the task. An effective leader harnesses their own power and bolsters the power of others in the form of excellent commu nication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to inspire others, according

“occupies spaces” to help others em brace the very same characteristics that make them an inner leader, while confi dently advancing to their next level.

Baker, founder of Scarlet Communi cations, a global leadership consultan cy, in 2012, positions herself to help thousands of students, Fortune 500s, and community organizations across the globe learn about leadership content creation and delivery.

“She evangelizes that leadership isn’t just a skill or concept reserved only for those in executive roles, but that we all have the power to lead in our own unique ways across both social and pro fessional settings,” according to a press release.

The author’s first book, Leader by Mistake: Becoming a Leader One Mis take at a Time, showed readers how to find their “inner leader” by learning from mistakes and developing skills that they already possess, to lead confidently.

Her new book, The Unexpected Lead er: Discovering the Leader Within You, released this fall, is about learning that effective leadership isn’t constricted to individual silos. “It appears everywhere, and sometimes in the most unexpected of places,” according to the book.

In the book, readers will find:

• Examples of how exemplary leadership can show up anywhere

• New strategies for implementing the latest leadership techniques

• Modern lessons on unique and au thentic leadership from people unex pectedly thrust into positions where great leadership was essential

Baker told the Michigan Chronicle that people hire her company to help their own organization’s leaders be “bet ter leaders.”

Baker said that she gave herself “per mission” to thrive as a native Detroiter who grew up on the eastside and didn’t come from money or resources.

The current Washington, D.C. Baker holds a Six Sigma Green Belt certifica tion in process improvement, which she uses to help clients develop systems and processes that will allow them to reach their strategic planning and lead ership development goals. Jacqueline also hosts the podcast, Just Start™: From Ideas to Action. Every chance she gets, she is an avid dinner party host and loves to convene meaningful groups of people for great conversation, idea sharing, and accountability, paired with delicious cuisine and wine.

Baker said that her desire for the book is to help people to allow the con tent to redefine them and the leader within, and not box leaders in at work.

“Our minds gravitate to the corporate workplace and hierarch and we’re ask ing people to think a little differently,” she said adding that leadership comes

BEVI co-founders Natalie King, ChargerHelp! CEO Kameale C Terry, Q Johnson, CEO of Plug-Zen, and Carla Walker-Miller the founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services. William McCoy (not pictured), is the CEO at Vehya and is a fellow co-founder.

Jacqueline Baker, author of newest book, The Unexpected Leader: Discovering the Leader Within You, released this fall.

With massive growth projected for the EV industry in the next 10 years and beyond, the “clean technology trailblaz ers” are in lockstep in their goal to en sure that Black people have a seat at the EV table and a fair opportunity to con tribute to initiatives and innovation in EV arenas, according to a press release.

With the organization of BEVI, that goal is one step closer to being realized.

McCoy is the founder and CEO of Vehya. The company is championing EV adoption through infrastructure and workforce development. Vehya is a startup based in Detroit, playing a big role in recruiting, training and deploy ing the green power workers of the fu ture – electricians who will be needed to install and maintain EV chargers across the country.

McCoy told the Michigan Chroni cle that the “synergy” behind BEVI is growing and building into a momentum where others are catching on.

“People are realizing what we do and (we are) a key part of the supply change and people are saying, ‘You fixed our problem,’” McCoy said.

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular each year as gas prices continue to rise and drivers want to reduce their environmental impact, and as automak ers produce more affordable options. Over the coming decade, it’s estimated that 15% of all drivers will be using elec tric cars, which translates to a growing market in the EV space for businesses – along with a continued push for equity and representation in this evolving field, which is where BEVI comes in.

King told the Michigan Chronicle that BEVI is here for bridging the gap.

“BEVI really is the birthing of a need that we as Black business, owners, Black innovators, and entrepreneurs in this EV industry see,” King said. “It’s a resulting effort to fill a gap.”

King added that one of her co-found ing members refers to the electric vehi cle industry (and resulting industries) as the next industrial revolution in this country and around the world, and she couldn’t agree more.

Also, BEVI is more than prepared to address the historical underrepresenta tion in the auto industry and to “carve a place” in this space in order to create wealth generation and a legacy for many years to come with EVs and EV infra structure.

“We know that there are trillions and trillions of dollars that will result from this industry and BEVI’s goal is to make sure there is inherent equitable and there is ...social and economic parity with respect to participation and oppor tunity in this industry,” King said.

Legislation like the Bipartisan Infra

Detroit Equity

From page

60% income increase of white Detroiters between 2010 and 2019. Also, a 2018 U.S. Equal Employment Commission report found the ratio of laborers and service workers to senior-level manage ment is 7:1 for white workers but 150:1 for Black workers.

These were only some examples of data points referenced in the Detroit Eq uity Report highlight several inequities.

Thought leaders gathered at The Symposium were determined to address some the equity barriers while also striving for collaborative solutions for more inclusivity for Detroiters. A panel moderated by Vickie Thomas, Director of Communications for the Mayor’s of fice, headlined, Closing the Equity Gap Through Inclusion, aimed to tackle this issue.

“I think it’s really important for the corporate community to dig deep,” said Rodney Cole, Vice President, DTE Ener gy Foundation, one the featured panel ists. “It must be very purposeful in cre ating access to opportunity. There must be a understanding of where each of our institutions can play a role in support ing that access.” Cole believes the De troit communities doesn’t lack talent or potential that other prosperous commu nities achieve. He pointed to the lack of access being an unfortunate factor. He called on corporate companies in De troit to find ways to create more access.

There is a case to be made histori cally on companies needing to do more to provide access and other paths of op portunity. But what does access mean or look like for a city with thousands

structure Law [BIL] and the Justice 40 Initiative are providing pathways toward equitable distribution of federal invest ments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities, to grow the economy sustainably and equitably, which is important when it comes to the Black and Brown communities being not forgotten in the EV movement.

King said that reducing barriers to EV fears and increasing reliability fac tors surrounding EV chargers is crucial, along with equitably building out EV infrastructure, including charging sta tions in Black and Brown communities.

“Another barrier is education, espe cially for Black and Brown communities and low-income communities,” she said of underrepresented communities that don’t always think electric vehicles are for them because of price points and ac cessibility.

“People see a Tesla down the street and think it is for high-net-worth peo ple,” she said, which is not true.

Walker-Miller agrees.

“I see an energy divide created with people who can afford EVs,” she said. “We are distinguishing ourselves by be ing on the front end.”

She added that affordability in EVs in the long run (with lower maintenance costs) trumps the upfront costs in com parison to traditional vehicles that are sometimes costly over time.

Walker-Miller added that Detroit’s economic base was built on the auto motive industry and why tens of thou sands of families became wealthy – not only from manufacturing but supplying the car industry from servicing parts to advertising.

“Black people were left out of that opportunity for generational wealth cre ation – we got jobs but we weren’t in a position to start (a business) and we still aren’t for the most part,” she said adding that the EV field is chock full of opportunities, “If we really latch on to electrification and the mobility transfor mation.”

“We should be innovating – Black people are innovators by nature,” she said. “We should be figuring out every opportunity … and creating and expand ing businesses to serve it.”

King said that the next step with BEVI is membership rolling out a mem bership campaign for the national or ganization that is setting its sights on becoming known worldwide.

“Ultimately, we want it to be interna tional, reaching multiple countries that have Black entrepreneurs that are in this space – this is a global opportuni ty,” King said, adding that it’s about con necting with other organizations and also attracting the next generation now. “We want to attract HBCUs, and high school students and tap into the next pool of talent. … We’re going to provide the platform … to make a huge impact and add value to the industry.”

of job openings and employers strug gling to find workers? Another panelist explained that access to opportunity works in-part when more people are ed ucated or trained for jobs which await them.

“We’re trying to make people get em ployment, but right there seems to be more employment than there are people, said Portia Roberson, CEO Focus-Hope. She states she is concerned by students graduating from the city’s public school system and not prepared to meet today’s job market. “I do a lot of training, ...but what I’ll like to see is the corporate community partner with Detroit Pub lic School Community District to make sure our kids are getting the same edu cation you would get anywhere around this country in suburban communities to make sure they are prepared for jobs that are out there right now but for ca reers that will last them a lifetime.”

“Bishop Vann’s vision of a more eq uitable Detroit is directly in line with Wayne State University’s mission to positively impact our local community,” said Wayne State President M. Roy Wil son. “We’re proud to add the universi ty’s talent pool and resources to support this worthy initiative in the pursuit of a more inclusive comeback.

Detroit Equity Inc., (DEI), founded by Bishop Edgar Vann and co-founded by Detroit Atty. Bertram Marks, is an organization focused on driving equi ty and inclusion in Detroit’s corporate community. Its board, chaired by Hun tington Bank Executive Chairman Gary Torgow, includes executives and leaders from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michi gan, DTE Energy, Wayne State Univer sity, Henry Ford Health and the City of Detroit.

The Unexpected Leader

From page A-5 in four styles:

• Self-leaders (self-driven, self-advocating)

• Leaders of others (par ents, bosses, etc.)

• Leaders of a communi ty (mayors, city council, etc.)

• Leader of movements (individuals over polit ical, religious, move ments and the like)

“All of the things I’ve done in my life personal ly that is a key leadership quality,” she said of dele gating tasks to children, organizing parties, and more which translate well as skillsets. “But why do I forget that when I walk in workspaces?”

“It’s very simple be cause we spend a lot of time waiting for permis sion,” she said, adding that the book is a wakeup call and a calling card.”

“Here is a template of tools (for you to) see yourself differently. … The world’s issues are waiting on us to manifest the answer to them.”

“The Unexpected Lead er provides a unique per spective on what it means to be a leader, whether at work, at home, or in the community, and provides a compelling case for why we are all everyday lead ers in life.

Jacqueline M. Baker masterfully out lines how each of us can strengthen our leader ship skills through tools,

frameworks, and real-life examples. In an increas ingly complex world, The Unexpected Leader is what we need now more than ever.”

KimArie Yowell, Chief Learning Officer, Rocket Central, said in a quote that The Unexpected Leader book is out “at the perfect time.”

“In a world where it’s important for everyone to understand that we all have the capacity to lead where we are, The Unex pected Leader provides practical tools for every one to lead effectively, no matter their role, po sition, or status in life,” Yowell said.

For more information or to purchase a book vis it jacquelinembaker.com/ unexpected.

NOTICE

GENERAL

TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022 DETROIT, MICHIGAN

TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualified elector of Detroit, Michigan who is not already registered, may register to vote at the office of the Detroit Department of Elections, the office of the Detroit City Clerk, any of our satellite/vote centers, the office of the County Clerk, a Secretary of State branch office, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the Detroit Department of Elections or the Detroit City Clerk’s office. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www.expressSOS.com.

The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, October 24, 2022. After this date, anyone who qualifies as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the Detroit Department of Elections, Detroit City Clerk’s office or any of the following satellite locations or vote centers:

District 1

WCCCD Northwest Campus 8200 W. Outer Drive Detroit, MI 48219

Greater Grace Temple 23500 W. 7 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48219

District 2 Northwest Activities Center 18100 Meyers Rd. Detroit, MI 48235

Tindal Activity Center 10301 W. 7 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48221

District 3

Farwell Recreation Center 2711 E. Outer Drive Detroit, MI 48234

Heilmann Community Center 19601 Crusade Detroit, MI. 48205

District 4

WCCCD Eastern Campus 5901 Conner St. Detroit, MI 48213

HOURS OF OPERATION:

• Satellite Vote Centers will open on Monday, October 17, 2022.

District 5

Butzel Family Recreation Center 7737 Kercheval Detroit, MI 48214

Department of Elections 2978 W. Grand Blvd. Detroit, MI 48202

City Clerk’s Office (Coleman A. Young Municipal Ctr.)* 2 Woodward Ave., Ste. 200 Detroit, MI 48226

District 6 Clark Park 1130 Clark St. Detroit, MI 48209

Kemeny Recreation Center 2260 S. Fort St. Detroit, MI 48217

District 7 Adams Butzel Recreation Complex 10500 Lyndon St. Detroit, MI 48238

*not open on weekends

• Regular business hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Department of Elections) Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (All other locations)

• Saturday, November 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Detroit will be voting in the General Election for the following offices:

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Secretary of State

Attorney General

Representative in Congress

Attorney General

Representative in Congress

State Senator

Representative in State Legislature

Member of the State Board of Education

Regent of the University of Michigan

• Trustee of Michigan State University

Governor of Wayne State University

County Executive

• Sherriff (Partial Term ending 12/31/2024)

• County Commissioner

• Justice of Supreme Court

• Judge of Court of Appeals (1st District, Incumbent Position)

• Judge of Court of Appeals (1st District, Incumbent Position, Partial Term Ending) 01/01/2027

• Judge of Circuit Court (3rd Circuit, Incumbent Position)

• Judge of Circuit Court (3rd Circuit, Incumbent Position, Partial Term Ending 01/01/2027)

• Judge of Circuit Court, (3rd Circuit, Non-Incumbent Position)

• Judge of Circuit Court (3rd Circuit, New Judgeship, 6-Year Term)

• Judge of Probate Court (Incumbent Position)

• Judge of Probate Court (Non- Incumbent Position)

• Judge of District Court (36th District, Incumbent Position)

• Judge of District Court (36th District, Non-Incumbent Position

• Judge of District Court (36th District, Incumbent Position, Partial Term Ending 01/01/2025

• Judge of District Court (36th District, Incumbent Position, Partial Term Ending 01/01/2027)

• Community Advisory Council (Districts 4 and 5)

• Board of Trustees Member Wayne County Community College

• Board Member Detroit Public Schools Community District

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Detroit will be voting on the following proposals as presented and listed below:

PROPOSAL 22-1: A proposal to amend the state constitution to require annual public financial disclosure reports by legislators and other state officers and change state legislator term limit to 12 total years in legislature.

This proposed constitutional amendment would:

•Require members of legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general file annual public financial disclosure reports after 2023, including assets, liabilities, income sources, future employment agreements, gifts, travel reimbursements, and positions held in organizations except religious, social, and political organizations.

•Require legislature implement but not limit or restrict reporting requirements.

•Replace current term limits for state representatives and state senators with a 12-year total limit in any combination between house and senate, except a person elected to senate in 2022 may be elected the number of times allowed when that person became a candidate.

Should this proposal be adopted?

YES O NO O

PROPOSAL 22-2: A proposal to amend the state constitution to add provisions regarding elections.

This proposed constitutional amendment would:

• Recognize fundamental right to vote without harassing conduct;

• Require military or overseas ballots be counted if postmarked by election day;

• Provide voter right to verify identity with photo

Invalidate state laws

Should this proposal be adopted?

Full text of the ballot proposal may be obtained

Woodward Ave., Room

YES O NO O

YES O NO O

County Clerk’s

We support the local news our communities need

That’s why Google partners with publishers like Bridge Michigan, a statewide nonprofit news organization headquartered in Ypsilanti that covers people, politics, and the economy.

Bridge Michigan increased traffic tenfold and grew recurring donation revenue 400% after participating in our audience development program, one of the many ways we work with local publishers nationwide to build a stronger future for news.

Learn more about how Google supports local news g.co/supportingnews/local

C ity. L ife

We’re Here for Black Men Getting Pampered

By Sherri Kolade

Gentlemen, you might as well book an appointment right now at the Just For Hym nail salon in Livonia.

Located at 28422 Five Mile Road, the Black-owned mani-pedi experience will soon be your go-to destination for selfcare.

Opened this past spring, the hus band-and-wife duo, Joanne and Rodrick Byrd, are all about giving quality, curat ed salon experience that is exquisitely and exclusively for men.

“We are owners of Just For Hym. Just For Hym is a nail salon that’s de signed for men only. We do manicures. We do pedicures, we do facials. We do beard trims. We do nose and waxing eye brows,” Joanne Byrd told the Michigan Chronicle in early October in her salon, which also sells treats for the fellas in cluding hot dogs, Cajun peanuts, and more. “We’re going to incorporate chair massaging and different services for the upcoming year.”

Joanne Byrd said that opening in May was an experience in and of itself after working toward this goal since the idea’s inception last year.

“It took us a whole physical year to open,” she said. “I didn’t know along the journey, how, you know, stressful or tenuous that it would be but once I looked at the long haul, I just said it was worth it.”

Joanne Byrd added that their grow ing, illustrious customer base includes politicians, police officers, and everyday men who are warmly welcomed by the all-female staff.

“We have gotten a lot of prominent people coming here. We’ve had a 36th District Court judge, attorneys come in … firefighters. … That’s what I wanted. And I tried to design the salon around that,” she said adding that clients of all ages are invited to come.

“We have fathers and sons (who are like five and three) come in,” she said.

The owners are not alone in their quest to bring needed beauty treatments to this sometimes-hesitant segment where it’s rife with disparities surround ing self-care and self-love, according to verygoodlight.com.

“While some can recall self-care prac tices being instilled in them as a young child with the help of strong role mod els, others said that self-care evolved over time,” according to the article. “From celebrity stylists to CEOs in this project of a diverse pool we hope their words can shine a light on a narrative that is often overlooked when it comes to them.”

Terrell Britten, a licensed estheti cian, told Very Good Light that when he

Style

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

Megan Thee Stallion Hosts Keynote Address at Forbes Under 30 Summit

By Rasha Almulaiki

The original “Hot Girl” Megan Thee Stallion graced the Detroit Op era House stage on Tuesday to deliv er the keynote address at the Forbes Under 30 Summit. The 27-year-old rap per, philanthropist, and entrepreneur shared her insights and experiences on building a successful business em pire.

“I feel like creating your own legacy and creating you own wealth is super important to me as a Black woman be cause I feel like originally, we didn’t have a lot of opportunities,” said the ‘Body’ rapper.

“Yes, even as a woman, but specif ically a Black woman we didn’t have a lot of opportunities. So, for me to be in this position today and be able to create generational wealth and cre ate a future for my family, I feel like I gotta go super hard because I know if my grandmother and mom could’ve did that for me, they would have…so I want to go extra hard for what’s not even here yet.”

The summit kicked off this week for the third and final time in Detroit for a four-day gathering of almost 3,000 young creatives from across the country. Ambitious young entrepre neurs and culture makers arrived in the Motor City to network and learn best practices from an A-list line up of speakers, including Hailey Bieber, Steve-O, and Lyft President and CEO, John Zimmer.

Attendees were offered an immer sive experience in entrepreneurial skill building discussions on man ufacturing and industry, marketing

and advertising, media, education, social impact, music, science, retail and commerce, big money startups, sports, and venture capital.

The most anticipated event of the summit was Megan Thee Stallion’s closing address.

Titled “Megan Thee Mogul,” the session hosted the heavy-hitting rap per in an exclusive interview by Forbes Chief Content Officer and Editor, Ran dall Lane.

The female emcee shot to stardom in 2019 with her first charting sin gle “Big Ole Freak” from her EP, Tina Snow. The track debuted at number 99 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. She first garnered attention as an college student at Texas HBCU Prairie View A& M University while posting videos freestyling on social media platforms. Her creative style is trademarked with unapologetically assertive in owning issues of female empowerment and sexuality.

Some of her hit singles include, “Body”, “Hot Girl Summer”, “WAP” (featuring Cardi B) and “Savage” (re mix featuring Beyonce).

Lane began by asking Megan Thee Stallion about her early forays into stardom as an entrepreneur and how your maintains a sense of grounding and purpose with a strong work ethic.

“I feel like when you just let peo ple give you things, you don’t get to learn. You didn’t have to go through the hardship,” said the rapper.

“You didn’t have to learn a lesson. You didn’t have to bump your head like it was nothing, that you actual ly gained from somebody giving you

something. I feel like for me actually being in every field, that I’m not just a rapper, when I’m taking on a new proj ect, I’m very hands-on. I feel like I’m learning and have knowledge, so that later on I could pass it on to somebody else.”

As a multi-talented entrepreneur, Megan Thee Stallion has ventured into other business interests, including big name brand partnerships with Revlon, Popeyes restaurant and Hot Cheetos.

Recently, she began dipping her toes in the film industry with a cameo in Marvel’s She-Hulk series as herself.

Last December, Netflix announced an exclusive deal with Megan Thee Stal lion to produce a new series and other projects.

“I’m doing a show kind of loosely based off my life and experiences that I’ve gone through and that I’ve seen other women go through and some of my friends,” said the Houston-raised entrepreneur.

“I feel like we see so many shows based off people from New York or from the West Coast. But my experi ences, I’ve never seen any show about anything southern for real, anything from Texas. I want to create this new era of Southern people being appreci ated and people from Texas, to see a glimpse of our life.”

A closing ceremony hosted by Megan Thee Stallion was held at Co merica Park with a catered selection of Detroit-based eateries, including Breadless and Shell Shock Tacos. The celebration included a special with a performance by the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC).

Detroit Streetwear Boutique Two18 Announces Detroit-branded Air Jordans

Two18, a luxe streetwear boutique adjacent to Detroit’s Eastern Market, was selected by Jordan Brand to re lease an exclusive Detroit-themed low-top Air Jor dan 2 sneaker and an apparel collection. The Designer says the collaboration is in spired by Detroit’s resilience. The highly anticipated Detroit launch will be held at Two18,1400 E Fisher Service Drive in De troit on Friday, October 14, beginning at 10 a.m. The collection will launch globally on October 21.

“The goal was to create a shoe for the streets, to honor Detroit’s entrenched sneaker culture.

We also want to appeal to those outside our borders who just love the city’s vibe,” said Roland Coit, owner of Two18. “That’s why the insole’s graphics also include cities around the area, shouting out Ponti ac, Southfield, Oak Park, Inkster, Highland Park and Flint.”

Air Jordan 2 is Michael Jordan’s second signature model, debuting in 1986 featuring a high-end luxury design. Since then, the sneaker world has watched it evolve and customize to advance innovative color pallets and style. The Two18 Detroit version continues in that tradition. Sneaker watchers have touted the rich earthy tones and luxe materials used through out the shoe, including nubuck, nappy suede, and a croc print.

The shoe will be accompanied by match ing apparel, including two unisex tee’s, a men’s hoodie and shorts, and a wom en’s jogging suit.

The shoe retails at $200 and will be available in Michigan at Two18 on Friday, October 14, 2021. To stay up-to-date on Two18 and the Jor dan release, follow on Instagram @shoptwo18 or visit online at shoptwo18.com.

Just For Hym Owners and wife and hus band Joanne and Rodrick Byrd

Megan Thee Stallion is the keynote speaker at the 2022 Forbes Under 30 Summit hosted at the Detroit Opera House. She is joined onstage for an interview by Randall Lane, Forbes Chief Content Officer and Editor.

Makeover Mavens: Navy B Rae is One-Stop Shop for the Luxe Life

By Sherri Kolade

Where can one go to get photo graphed, their hair done right, make up styled and wardrobe spruced up?

The ladies at Navy B Rae have your answer with their female-led photo experience company that is complete with a personal photographer, hair stylist, makeup artist, and wardrobe consultant.

The entire “Luxeperience” team, a collaborative group of profession al artists, with over 15 years of ex perience are all about taking pride in their creative work that results in photography sessions tailored with their clients in mind.

“It’s a transformational experience -- whether glam headshots or life style,” Young said. “A lot of time we have clients starting a business and need marketing materials.”

Located at 13555 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, the Luxeperience Collective offers service providers to “elevate your business.”

“I’ve done photography as a hobby since I was a child but made it an of ficial business at the end of 2019 and in creating the business I wanted to make sure it stood out and was some thing different and unique,” Brandi Young, who leads the Luxexperience Collective told the Michigan Chroni cle during a recent interview. “In do ing so I thought about my own experi ence when having photo shoots done and pictures were taken and it can be very stressful. I wanted to eliminate that stress for my clients. … makeup and wardrobe come with every shoot. Providing this holistic experience with every client.”

The other founders include Apryl Payne, hair stylist and makeup art ist; Shelby Wilder, wardrobe stylist; Dana Buford, stylist, and Shay Bailey, makeup artist.

The Luxeperience Collective’s resident glamour team has decades’ worth of combined experience in their professional work.

“Our group has brought the knowl edge and skillset we’ve acquired in our respective trades under one con glomerate and added a niche of exclu sivity and luxe to what we do,” they said on their website.

Wilder agrees.

“It is truly rewarding work that I do with this team,” Wilder said. “My ultimate goal as your photographer is to capture legacy, timeless images

that will be loved and enjoyed for a lifetime. … That is what really feels good. We recently had a client … that was just blown away by the experi ence. … Seeing people happy in the end makes it all worth it.”

In addition to being a successful luxe brand, they have had such an overwhelming response with their business experience model that they decided to provide training to other service-based businesses that have an interest in elevating their custom er experience.

They are launching their online course teaching other businesses how they too can elevate their busi ness and provide a phenomenal expe rience like they have found success in doing.

Their online course offers busi ness-to-business instruction on how to build a client-centered model for one’s business.

They also identify the client jour ney within that particular business model and convert one-time custom ers to lifelong clients.

Through systems and tools used to scale a business, they hope to grow others businesses in a similar fashion that theirs has grown.

“We’re gearing toward being able to expand our services to help other business owners being able to do the same thing,” Payne said. “We’ve been able to deliver time and time again on the customer experience.”

Bailey added that customer ser vice has always been at the forefront of their business.

“I like to provide customer-centric, customer-first,” Bailey said of the ex perience. “Just being able to work with a group of creatives who come from the same perspective when it comes to servicing clients is really rewarding itself. The fact that we not only collaborate that has us bring to gether our individual skill sets, but we are open to insight, and feedback. We support each other on set. … so the experience benefits the client first. … I look forward to all that is to come from that.”

Payne said that doing something she loves is great, and making an im pact is better.

“A lot of times we get that feed back from clients,” she said of the experience. “It’s great feedback.”

For more information visit wnavy brae.com.

Just For

was 14 when he found his calling with skin care.

“Every time I would get paid or received mon ey from my grandparents, I would end up in the skincare aisle,” he said. “After graduating high school, I just knew I couldn’t let society choose my path on how I should look, or act, or even talk because they aren’t me, I’m me. By living in a box that society tries to put you in, you begin to realize that you can’t evolve into your higher being. With this in mind, I decided to follow my passion for skincare and pursue a career as an Esthetician. Eight years later, you can find me across Sephora campaign ads all across the United States. … All in all, selfcare is simply what you make of it, it’s what gives you peace of mind. Beauty is a big part of my identity and it fuels me to help others feel more confident, fearless, and more powerful about themselves as well.”

Calvin Quallis, CEO of Scotch Porter, agrees in the article.

“I was taught the basics, get up shower, brush your teeth, wash your face, and comb and brush my hair,” he said. “Today, I spend a little more time in the mirror, with the belief that men should not have to break the bank to look and feel like a boss. I began to develop products that disrupt the multicultural groom ing space, utilizing my collections to pro mote the importance of health and wellness amongst men globally. So, getting up each morning, and spending time, whether that’s 5 minutes for some or 30 minutes for others, in front of the mirror taking care of your hair, beard, and skin to me is an expression of selfcare and wellness.”

Joanne Byrd said that she is noticing that a younger generation of guys is beginning to pamper themselves.

“You’d be surprised,” she said adding that her clients break the mold and stereotypes that men aren’t interested in getting pam pered. “I wouldn’t even be in business. … But these guys come and get pampered.”

The owner’s grandson, Adarus Chase, 19 of Detroit, told the Michigan Chronicle works at Just For Hym and uses its services.

“It’s been an enlightening experience,” Chase said. “I meet a lot of new people here. And people from different walks of life.”

He added that Just For Hym is an oppor tunity to go beyond any stereotypes and step into something new.

“Being hygienic is looked at as I don’t know, really feminine,” he said. “But like when you have a place like this, it makes it a bit more comfortable with your (self-care).”

Roderick Byrd agrees.

“Women like to see their man with well-man icured hands and feet,” he said. “If you give this one chance you will love it. This is an experience of a lifetime because what we try to do is not only try to make them feel com fortable, but we also this location is a judg ment-free zone.”

Navy B Rae is a collaborative group of professional artists with over 15 years of experience specializing in photography, makeup and wardrobe styling.

Second Ebenezer Church Women’s Week

Join Second Ebenezer Church and First Lady, Pastor Sheila Vann as she hosts one night with Dr. Anita Phillips. This is a night you don’t want to miss; an EMS Night. Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Healing will be the focus, and the doctor in the house will be nationally acclaimed trauma therapist, and In the Light Podcast Host, Dr. Anita Phillips. Dr. Phillips is recognized for her ground-breaking work at the intersection of mental health, faith, and culture. This versatile and dynamic speaker is bringing mental health and illness to the forefront in communities of faith and strengthening racial unity in the body of Christ. One night only, Second Ebenezer Church - October 21 at 7pm. Bring a friend and come get your healing.

Keeping

Informed At All Times Of The Day

Gretchen Whitmer*

Angelique Peterson-Mayberry*

Garlin Gilchrist* Warren C. Evans*

Dana Nessel* Jocelyn

Dr.

Gretchen Whitmer*

Angelique Peterson-Mayberry*

Garlin Gilchrist* Warren C. Evans* Raphael Washington*

Dana Nessel* Jocelyn Benson* Kyra Harris Bolden

MIKE

Speaker: Dr. Anita Phillips

Powertrain HiL Test Engineer

Detroit Diesel Corporation seeks a Powertrain HiL Test Engineer in Detroit, Michigan. This position will apply engineering principles to test and validate complex powertrain controls software, functions, and features that set the industry benchmark for performance, energy efficiency, cost, reliability, and safety, among other duties. Requires Bachelor’s in Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, or Mechanical Eng. and 1 year of exp. in a related position. To apply email resume to Rachel Rawson at rachel.rawson@daimlertruck.com; reference job number DT 4347.

Fleet Manager

Quick-Sav Food Stores, Ltd. has an available position of Fleet Director in Flint, MI. Position requires 36 months experience as a Client Services Manager &/or Operations Manager. Position also requires: Exp. must include: 1) 36 mos. exp. managing fleet of leased vehicles; & 2) 36 mos. exp. supervising drivers. Exp. reqs. may be met concurrently during the same time period. Job duties: Manage a diverse fleet of vehicles including leased vehicles for fuel delivery where safety is of paramount importance. Supervise 5-10 fuel delivery truck drivers. Ensure dispatch, utilization, safety, & maintenance of fuel delivery vehicles. Schedule drivers for fuel delivery. Review productivity & income goals of fuel delivery trucks & drivers to best meet requirements. Manage fleet of passenger vehicles that are needed for staff to complete the day-to-day operations including registration, safety, maintenance, & usage records. Ensure drivers meet all Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulations. Hire, coach, counsel, & train employees. Develop business opportunities with new clients & expand services to meet new client needs. Qualified applicants should send resume & verification of reqs. to Lisa Yott, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources, at lyott@quicksav.com.

PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE

CITY OF SOUTHGATE

NOTICE

Applications are now being accepted to establish an eligibility list for the following Municipal Employee Civil Service classification:

Starting rate $15.00 per hour

This classification performs unskilled operations in the repair and maintenance of streets, public works, recreation areas and utilities.

This classification may also perform minor automotive repair.

Qualifications as established by the Michigan Municipal League for this position include

• A valid Driver’s License

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• Must be 18 years of age.

A complete Job Qualification/Summary is available upon request at Southgate City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 14400 Dix-Toledo, Southgate, MI when you pick-up your application Monday through Friday between 9:00AM and 4:00PM. No resumes please.

Civil Service examination is required and test will be given at a later date. You will be notified of date, time and place of examination. Eligibility lists, once established by the Commission, will be effective for two years from date of establishment.

E.O.E.

DEADLINE FOR RETURNING APPLICATIONS: Monday, October 31, 2022 by 4:00 pm

Sam Galanis, Chairperson, Municipal Employees Civil Service Commission

WANTED

Join Our Team

Walker-Miller Energy Services is hiring!

Director of Mobility

Executive Administrative

Coordinator

Receivable

Detroit, MI

Detroit, MI

Detroit, MI

Detroit, MI

To apply

GRANT MANAGER

Our grant professional is part of our Development Team and will manage all aspects of the grant process, securing long-term financial and program support from government, public and private sources.

Responsibilities include research, grant writing, compliance reporting, assembling, and maintaining contracts, and interaction and correspondence with funding sources.

Requirements include: 3 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector, minimum 2 years’ experience as a grant writer/manager and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (or its equivalent) and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits, holiday and paid time off package, including parking. THAW has instituted mandatory vaccine requirements and temporarily works a hybrid schedule (minimum 2 days in the office/week).

Since its inception in 1985, THAW has distributed over $250 million in assistance to more than 300,000 Michigan households.

Learn more about THAW and this position at THAWFUND.org

In Loving Memory

Stanley Leo de Jongh

May 22, 1961 - September 20, 2022

Stanley Leo de Jongh was born on May 22, 1961, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

He was the second child born to Dolores Mae de Jongh (nee Webb) and John Percy de Jongh, Sr. Dolores and her sons relocated in 1969 from St. Thomas. U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) to Detroit, the home of her mother (Florence) and two brothers (Walter and Stanley) at the time.

In the early years, Stanley attended St. Leo’s Catholic school and the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science, Economics & Public Administration at Michigan State University. Following in his father’s career path, he graduated from Tulane University Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate.

Stanley began his legal career in 1988 as an attorney in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, at Birch, de Jongh & Hindels, PLLC working with his father, where he practiced general civil litigation, real estate, bankruptcy, and commercial transaction law. He later joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of the Virgin Islands & Puerto Rico in 1995 where he investigated and prosecuted violations of local and federal criminal laws in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. He returned to his hometown, Detroit, in 1998 to further his legal career in the City of Detroit Law Department where he was quickly promoted to Supervisory Assistant Corporation Counsel. He also served as a mediator with Wayne County Circuit Court (Third Circuit) Mediation Tribunal Association. Stanley held memberships in the State Bar of Michigan, the United States Virgin Islands Bar, and the American Bar Association.

Stanley was also an Adjunct college professor, both in Michigan and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the colleges and universities are Wayne County Community College and the University of the Virgin Islands. These are just a few of the many positions that he held in his 61 years. Stanley still took the time to volunteer with many organizations, to name a few: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, D. Augustus Straker Minority Bar Passage Program, and United Way USVI. Yet and still, Stanley found the time to support and volunteer for the Detroit City Chess Club / Young Thinkers organization.

The memorial services will be held at 5:30 pm Wednesday October 12, 2022, at the Charles Wright African American Museum of History.

Stanley was an avid reader and golfer.

He enjoyed grilling, swimming, basketball, watching all Song has ended, the Melody will linger on”

facility based on their own experiences, and that can be a helpful guide.

Getting

health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care.

Using online tools like “Find Care Providers” on Medicare.gov can make it easier to make comparisons and help choose doctors, hospitals, nursing homes and more for you or the person you are helping provide care to. Consider these benefits of using the comparison tools to narrow your options.

A Resource for Research

The website provides a simple search and compare experience that allows you to find providers near you. Simply put in a ZIP code and the type of provider to receive a list of providers, their contact information and a map of locations. The information even includes “star ratings” and services provided. The tool can be used to find all sorts of providers, including doctors, hospitals, home health care agencies, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation providers, hospice and dialysis facilities.

For example, two sisters needed to find a nursing home that was right for their father. This proved to be a difficult, emotional decision. They didn’t know what nursing homes were in the area where he lives, so they entered his ZIP code and searched for nursing homes. They then received a list of each one in his area, complete with ratings as well as staffing data and inspection reports.

Using a laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile device, you can see how patients rate their care experiences at the hospitals in your area and find home health agencies that offer the services you might need, like nursing care, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Contact information for local inpatient rehab ilitation facilities or long-term care hospitals is available, as well as hospice quality care ratings and specific care details, such as which dialysis facilities offer home dialysis training.

Finding Health Care Services

Many factors influence who you trust with your health care. In some cases, family, caregivers or friends may offer referrals to a doctor or medical

Whether you have referrals or are starting from scratch, you can compare health care providers near you using the Medicare.gov tool, pinpointing which category of services you need, whether it’s doctors and clinicians, hospitals, hospice and home health agencies, dialysis facilities, inpatient rehabilitation centers or nursing homes.

In addition to searching by your location using your address or a combination of city, state or ZIP code, you can search by provider type and keyword to generate a list of providers that could fit your needs.

Finding a Doctor Who Fits

When you’re looking for a new doctor and not sure where to start, the tool makes it quick and easy to find and compare doctors in your area. You can find contact information, practice locations, specialty and hospital affiliation as well as hospital ratings.

Selecting the “compare” button allows you to compare up to three different health care providers at once. When you’re ready to schedule a visit with a new provider, be sure to take time during your scheduling call to verify general information, like the office location, whether the office is accepting new patients with Medicare and whether you need a referral to be treated.

Comparing Nursing Homes

Whether you’re planning ahead or need to make an unexpected decision, there’s a lot to think about when choosing the right nursing home for you or someone else. Many family members and caregivers prioritize location so they’re able to check in and visit frequently, but there are many other important factors you may want to consider, too.

The comparison tool at Medicare.gov provides filtering options that allow you to personalize your results by sifting through the criteria that matter most to you, such as inspection results, number of beds, staffing data and more.

You’ll be able to check out the nursing home’s overall “star ratings.” The information can serve as a guide of a provider’s track record to help assist you with finding a home that best suits the person’s needs.

Visit Medicare.gov/care-compare to access the tool and find health care providers and services in your area that fit your needs.

Caregiver Guide

Making decisions as a caregiver can be challenging but taking advantage of available resources can help you feel more confident in your choices.

For example, Medicare.gov allows you to find information about health care providers, hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, home health agencies, dialysis facilities, inpatient rehab and long-term care hospitals near you.

The website also provides quality ratings, so you can see the provider or facility’s history of service, among other details that help you make the most informed decision on behalf of the person you’re helping.

Van