MC Digital Edition 10.25.22

Beyond Fixing Potholes

Needs

Michigan Chronicle Michigan Chronicle Endorses

Atty. General Dana Nessel and Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson for Reelection

By Michigan Chronicle Editorial Board

Michigan Attorney General Dana

Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson were elected to their state offices in 2018 and began serving in January 2019. The Michigan Chronicle Editorial Board believes the two elected officials’ bodies of accom plishments are worthy of a second term.

Nessel, a former criminal prosecu tor and civil rights attorney, is Michi gan’s 54th Attorney General (AG). As the state’s top law enforcement official, Nessel was in the national spotlight during the 2020 Presidential Election. The nation saw her as a strong, no-non sense AG who stopped individuals who attempted to change the rightful election outcome in Michigan by spreading disin formation and “unfounded allegations” of widespread voter fraud at the behest of Donald Trump. Nessel also has been a champion in fighting to protect the en vironment and Great Lakes by holding those who abuse and pollute account able.

With strong beliefs that equality for Michigan citizens must be enforced on all levels, Nessel launched special units to advance equal protection under the law. Such launched entities included the first-of-its-kind Hate Crimes Unit, Conviction Integrity Unit, Consumer Protection Division, Elder Abuse Task Force and the Fraud Investigation Unit. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nessel aggressively went after scammers and price-gougers attempting to take advan tage of Michiganders in a time of crisis.

Earlier this year, Nessel appeared in front of the Michigan Supreme Court to argue that the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 in Michigan does not allow discrimination based on race, religion and other protected classes, including people who identify as LGBTQ.

Running against Nessel is Republi can Matthew DePerno – a loyal Trump supporter. During the 2020 Presiden tial Election, he spearheaded failed legal efforts in Michigan to challenge and overturn the election results in favor of Trump. DePerno, with his extreme views on multiple issues including abortion in Michigan, is currently under investiga tion for his alleged role in a voting-sys tem breach. Libertarian Joe McHugh and U.S. Taxpayers Party’s Gerald T. Van Sickle are also candidates in the AG race. Nevertheless, DePerno, McHugh and Van Sickle, in the Michigan Chronicle Editori al Board’s opinion, are not qualified can didates for the job of AG, unlike Nessel.

“I’ve spent my career defending the rights of Michigan residents, and that’s also reflected in the work I’ve done since being elected Attorney General,” Nessel, the first openly gay person to win a state office in Michigan, said in a released statement. “My determination to fight for equality and fundamental democratic ideals has never been stronger. I prom ise to always be the tenacious advocate for justice that all Michiganders deserve and stand up to anyone who threatens our hard-won progress.”

Benson, since taking office, has un veiled many policies and initiatives to improve the Secretary of State’s services to the people. She is credited with mod ernizing the state’s voter registration system to include more accessible path ways to vote in-person and online. In addition, Benson has made it possible for people to do 60 percent of all trans actions online, eliminating the need to visit branch offices of the Secretary of State. She added more than 160 self-ser vice locations across Michigan, mostly in grocery stores, to provide convenient services for customers. And if people choose to visit branch offices, Benson has devised and implemented procedures to get people in and out in 20 minutes –

or less – on the average.

As a gatekeeper for secure elections and champion for the democracy of all Michiganders, Benson unveiled Advanc ing the Vote, Protecting Democracy, a leg islative agenda that lays out initiatives to ensure equitable access for voters, strengthen Michigan’s elections infra structure and guarantee the security of elections throughout the state. In 2020, she oversaw the safest and most secure election in Michigan’s history, which turned out a record-breaking 5.5 million voters. And Benson stood tall under the intense scrutiny by Republicans – led by Trump – in failed attempts to prove widespread election fraud swung the election to Joe Biden. Time after time, all attempts to prove nefarious activities took place in Michigan to steal the Pres idential Election from Trump have been debunked.

“We’ve made Michigan a nation al model for free and fair elections,” Benson, the former dean of Wayne State University Law School, said in a state ment. “Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or an Independent, my top priority is to protect your vote no matter who you vote for. That means making sure every voice is heard and every valid vote is counted, so our elections contin ue to be transparent, safe and secure for everyone.”

Benson’s Republican opponent is Kristina Karamo, who is relatively un known across the state. What is known is Karamo is an educator from Oak Park, who, according to her website, is running for Michigan Secretary of State to fight to make sure that elections are decided by legal votes, not manipulation and cor ruption. Endorsed by Trump, her views on the 2020 Presidential Election echo much of what the former president “false ly claimed” about why and how he lost

Substance Use Disorder Hits Close to Home for Detroit Residents

By Sherri Kolade and Rasha Almulaiki

This article is part two of a two-part series for October’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Awareness Month. Part one ex plored the outlook of SUD health and drug use for Black Detroit, and part two delves into the jour ney to recovery of two Detroit men.

Substance abuse is a real and tragic disorder that impacts mil lions of people every day.

In late June 2020, 40 percent of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health or substance use, according to the CDC.

From economic stress, a lock down, loss of jobs, domestic and social violence, and reduced availability of health personnel, the rise of opioids was a factor for many.

October is Substance Use Dis order (SUD) Awareness Month, a time to mindfully check in with

people, families and the larger community on how to break down the misunderstandings of drug use and the people in our lives that engage in daily battles on the road to recovery.

The brain disorder stems from an addition that is considered a form of mental illness, with drug addiction being the most severe.

While September was Nation al Recovery Month, recognizing the millions of Americans who have recovered from substance abuse and addiction disorders is a timeless achievement. The Salvation Army Southeast Mich igan Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) helps year-round those in need of assistance in their so briety journey to regain the mo tivation to change, reaffirm their self-worth and find forgiveness.

Full rehabilitation from sub stance abuse goes beyond tra ditional detox treatment. People need individualized emotional, social and spiritual assistance to maintain a strong and healthy

path on their journey – and all of that takes time. The ARC takes a holistic approach to substance abuse rehabilitation as they focus on behavioral change by redirecting addictive thoughts and replacing addictive habits.

The program is made possible by those who donate goods and pur chase items from The Salvation Army Thrift Stores which fully fund the program and services.

Detroit resident Larry Carter told the Michigan Chronicle that his journey through drug addic tion came with numerous highs and lows.

“My family wanted the best for me … and I wanted the best for me,” he said. “That is when it really started working.”

Carter added that moving from Atlanta and Arizona, and later to Detroit, gave him a perspective that helped him change his life which had been filled with re lapses, bad mistakes and prison stints.

“I looked up and said I don’t

want this anymore,” Carter said, adding that since joining The Salvation Army, he took another journey into being free.

“I became a soldier, manag er, supervisor, counselor, got my counseling degree, a senior soldier,” Carter said, adding that he had to relearn to live. “This recovery life afforded me to have a wife in my life; people that will count on me and look for me to support … I got my entire family back.”

In recognition of Recovery Month, the White House is work ing to address rising drug over doses and mental health con ditions in America with local businesses, non-profit organi zations, elected officials and government agencies rallying together to promote and educate about addiction recovery and center the voices of those im pacted most by the addiction and overdose crisis.

Powered

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson

Mobilize Recovery

Month Bus Tour has been traveling across the coun try engaging communi ties in conversation and providing information on prevention and programs.

On one of its latest stops, the bus visited Washing ton D.C., making a trip outside the White House.

In an exclusive interview with iHeartMedia’s Black Information Network (BIN), Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and newly appointed Director of National Drug Control Policy Dr. Rahul Gupta spoke to BIN Reporter Morgyn Wood about the importance of Recovery Month and the steps the Biden-Harris administra tion is taking to address America’s addiction and overdose crisis.

“This is something that all Americans need to focus on each and every day, not just on Recov ery Month,” Emhoff told BIN. “This administration through Dr. Gupta and his team and the entire Biden-Harris administra tion, we have their backs …we are going to be there for this community each and every day, not just during Recovery Month, because it’s so important. We need to save lives.”

Recovery and Treatment Centers Detroit

Individuals with sub stance use disorders and/ or mental health illnesses too often find themselves at a crossroads with the criminal justice system.

According to the key findings of the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, there were approximately 26,000 DUI-related arrests in Michigan in 2020.

Despite the criminal ization of illicit drug use, incarceration of those struggling with addiction fails to sustainably heal the root of the problem.

In 2018, the PEW Charitable Trust released a brief, “More Imprison ment Does Not Reduce State Drug Problems,” with data showing the rise of drug-related ar rests and the lack of re storative impact on those struggling with addiction.

The research found, “The absence of any rela tionship between states’

the election in Michigan, claims which have been roundly and repeatedly discredited for almost two years.

Three other candidates representing the Green, Libertarian, and U.S. Tax payers Parties, are on the November ballot. How ever, very little is known about them.

In conclusion, the Michigan Chronicle Edi

rates of drug imprison ment and drug problems suggests that expanding drug imprisonment is not likely to be an effective national drug control and prevention strategy.”

Detroit has several jail diversion programs meant to curb the crimi nalization of people that need space and resources to heal from addiction.

One such program is housed at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries’ (DRMM) Christian Guid ance Center. The organi zation provides addiction recovery services to local men through a jail diver sion program partnership with the Michigan Depart ment of Corrections.

“We basically take in dividuals that have been switched from jail to us for drug treatment and counseling and hopefully prepare them to have a better release to society,” said Charles Momon, building manager at the Christian Guidance Center.

The Center current ly serves 25-30 men (19 to 75 years old) who have been mandated by a judge’s order for inpa tient recovery from addic tion from a range of drugs including crack cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. The organization continues to deploy mobile units for COVID testing of res idents and provides quar antine housing at another location.

DRMM also has a sep arate treatment center for women and children at Genesis House Three.

Momon shared that one of the barriers for people in the program is low education. The Center is working on de veloping literacy classes for patients to address the difficulty of job place ments and upward mobil ity.

Substance Use Dis order is a mental health and medical condition, and is often influenced by various types of environ ments a person is living in. Society still holds a powerful stigma that sur rounds those who are on the road to recovery, which is often internal ized as shame and hope lessness.

torial Board believes that Nessel and Benson have the right and best qualifi cations to serve and em power Michiganders. We believe, based on their first four years as elected state officials, Nessel and Benson, both of whom are pro-choice on abortion rights and ferocious fight ers for democracy for all people, have demonstrat ed that they are deserving of another four years to continue implementing their visions, policies and initiatives on behalf of the people of Michigan.

Momon believes the key is knowing how to craft an approach that is both informative and compassionate.

“Too many people I’ve met think they’re the only ones that have an addic tion or need psychological help,” said Momon. “My philosophy is to tell them it’s okay not to be okay. You’ve got to talk to them as people and as if they’re not in the system. Giving them advice on how to

sustain themselves and restrict themselves from getting caught up...we get through I would say about 85 percent of folks.

They need to under stand that to live a better life, that means not look ing over their shoulders all the time, and the people in your life that love you need you at your best.”

Black Information Net work contributed to this report.

TO: ALL ELIGIBLE DISABLED VOTERS

Federal Public Law 98-435 requires that polling places be accessible to disabled voters.

If a polling location is not disabled accessible, this law allows the assignment of an alternate polling place. However, several polling places which were previously inaccessible are now accessible to disabled voters.

Disabled voters are entitled to vote at the polls within the precinct where possible. Pollworkers are obligated to provide whatever assistance is needed to facilitate the voting process.

Disabled voters with an inaccessible polling place are eligible to vote without notice at the:

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

until the close of voting at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

If additional information is needed, or to confirm disabled accessibility, please contact the Department of Elections office at (313) 876-0190.

Janice M. Winfrey City Clerk & Chairperson Detroit Election Commission

GINA C. AVERY-WALKER Director

GINA C. AVERY-WALKER Director

JANICE M. WINFREY, City Clerk Chairperson, Election Commission 2978 W. Grand Blvd. Detroit, Michigan 48202-3069 (313) 876-0190 Fax (313) 876-0053

MELISSA D. KING Deputy Director

MELISSA D. KING Deputy Director

NOTICE TO DETROIT ELECTORS – PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST

NOTICE TO DETROIT ELECTORS – PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST

The Detroit Department of Elections will conduct a Public Accuracy Test on Thursday, Novem ber 3, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. The automatic tabulating equipment to be used for the com pilation of ballots at the General Election on November 8, 2022 will be tested.

The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the computer program used to record and count the votes cast at the election meets the requirements of law.

The Detroit Department of Elections will conduct a Public Accuracy Test on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. The automatic tabulating equipment to be used for the compilation of ballots at the Primary on August 2, 2022 will be tested.

The Zoom webinar information is as follows:

When: Thursday, November 3, 2022 @ 9:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the computer program used to record and count the votes cast at the election meets the requirements of law.

The Zoom webinar information is as follows:

Topic: Department of Elections - Public Accuracy Test for the Tuesday, November 8, 2022 General Election

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/86880196728

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/84824944699

Or One tap mobile : US: +12678310333,,86880196728# or +13017158592,,86880196728#

Or One tap mobile: US: +13126266799,,84824944699# or +12678310333,,84824944699#

Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 267 831 0333 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 213 338 8477 +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799

Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 267 831 0333 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 213 338 8477 or +1 253 215 8782

Webinar ID: 868 8019 6728

Webinar ID: 848 2494 4699

International numbers available: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/u/kb8dfYYNOn

International numbers available: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/u/kceqKKpyAq

JANICE M. WINFREY City Clerk

JANICE M. WINFREY City Clerk

JANICE M. WINFREY, City Clerk Chairperson, Election Commission

Roots.

DTE Energy emPOWERing the Community

DTE Energy’s Month of Caring

While

Here’s a high-level look at DTE’s impact across Michigan during this year’s Month of Caring:

16,183 hours volunteered

1,034 team members volunteered throughout August

253 organizations supported across 97 cities

team was especially active in Detroit with a vari ety of organizations:

Volunteers of America – Detroit Veterans Housing

Volunteers of America Michigan, a 501(c)(3) non profit agency, specializes in providing critical services, shelter and food for veterans, affordable housing for aging seniors, and supportive services for struggling families.

In Detroit, DTE’s VETS Employee Resource Group had volunteers onsite at Volunteers of America’s Veter an Housing Clinic in Detroit to re move weeds, plant flowers and install new mulch in the organiza tion’s Veteran’s Garden. A few of DTE’s Tree Trim team members also jumped in to support by sup plying additional mulch when sup plies ran out. Fol lowing the gar den installation, the team on-site grilled and host ed a picnic.

Andre Mason, DTE electrical maintenance journey man says, “the veterans were very thankful for all the volunteers’ time, service and dedication.”

The Minority Freedom Community Fund

The Minority Freedom Community Fund is a non profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of African Americans in the U.S. through economic sup port, social programs, and holistic wellness.

Detroit Tree Equity Partnership aims to go from blight to beauty

It started with a hole. Nearby, a young tree was waiting to take root in its new home on a median across from St. John Lutheran Church in Detroit, a crowd watch ing as an urban forestry specialist expertly planted it in the ground on a warm fall day.

Far from a typical landscaping project, this tree is among the first of thousands to be planted across targeted areas of Detroit as part of the Detroit Tree Equity Partnership, a $30 million investment in the city that will grow the tree canopy and add 300 urban forestry jobs to the local economy that was formally launched on Oct. 11.

The partnership brings DTE together with American Forests, the City of Detroit, the Greening of Detroit, the Erb Foundation and other partners with the ambitious goal of ensuring every urban neighborhood has enough trees so that every person benefits. Detroit was once known as tree city but, over the years, some neighborhoods’ tree cano pies have shrunk. Trees have many benefits – social, economic and environmental – and Chairman and CEO Jerry Norcia immediately recognized the importance of bringing trees to targeted areas that need them most.

During Month of Caring, DTE employees hosted the nonprofit organization at its headquarters in De troit for a skills-based volunteer session to assist with best practices, in addition to tips and tricks on iden tifying and executing organizational goals. At DTE, skills-based volunteerism consists of team members sharing knowledge-based insights specific to the or ganization’s needs.

Grow Detroit Young Talent

In partnership with Communities in Schools Michi gan, over a dozen students from Grow Detroit Young Talent participated in mock interview sessions with DTE volunteers to help simulate the process for fu ture professional experiences and real-life interviews. While at DTE locations, the students not only took part in multiple mock interviews but had the opportunity to network with DTE professionals for additional career advice.

“DTE is proud to have been a leader in developing the Detroit Tree Equity Partner ship as a way to partner with our community and improve the lives of thousands of Detroit residents,” Norcia said. “Investing in the right trees in the right places in Detroit not only improves air quality — it helps neigh borhoods stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing energy costs

for the city’s residents. It’s a win for all of us.”

While the initiative was officially launched with an event on Oct. 11, planting began in late September, with 200 trees planted before the event even began. The trees are sourced from a nursery based in Detroit and are planted and maintained by Detroit residents hired and trained by the DTEP, en suring the benefits of the program reach far beyond just the neighborhoods where trees are planted.

“For me, it’s an opportunity to go forward in my life,” said Alex Rosario from Greening of Detroit, who works planting and maintain ing trees for the DTEP, said. “It’s an opportu nity to grow in knowledge and the opportu

nity is so awesome.”

The DTEP is starting as a five-year pilot but plans to continue beyond the initial 75,000 tree goal, growing the city’s tree canopy and investment into a cleaner future for everyone.

“It really does exemplify our purpose which is we improve lives with our energy,” Norcia said. “Planting trees in areas where there are tree inequities can really go at our purpose…. The idea of beautifying Detroit as well as the environmental benefits of planting trees – the cooling benefits as well as the carbon capture benefits – just create a lot of inspiration and excitement for us to re ally move forward with this exciting project.”

Making history for a cleaner tomorrow

The Detroit Historical Society has been around for more than 100 years, working tirelessly to ensure the preservation of the

Historical Society. “Sustainabili ty issues of all kinds are import ant to us, and because we are a public entity with a lot of visitors, we have the opportunity to walk the walk, set the precedent and be as energy conscious as pos sible.”

Enrolling in MIGreenPower is a major component of a series of sustainability initiatives the Detroit Historical Society is un dertaking. They’re currently in the process of switching all the museum lights to more efficient options, a task Rebecca says is particularly relevant for their purposes.

“Lights in museums are very

important in terms of both pro tecting and displaying the arti facts,” said Rebecca. “Lighting is a huge indicator of what the visitor experience is going to

be like. When you see an object and it’s lit beautifully – especially the smaller or older artifacts – it changes the perception of that object completely.”

is also preparing to install elec tric vehicle charging stations in the museum parking lots. In a way, this brings them full circle, as the museum has electric vehi cles in their collection from over 100 years ago. It also speaks to the Detroit Historical Society’s vision – to integrate the past with the present while taking steps toward a brighter future.

“As an organization that is firmly steeped in history, we want the work we do right now to be looked back on kindly,” said Rebecca. “We’re very cog nizant that everything we do to day is making history for tomor row. This is the era where small improvements can be instru mental in changing the future.”

Bishop Edgar Vann Leads Initiative to Deliver

Bottled Water to Jackson, Mississippi

By Donald James Senior Writer, Real Times Media

In response to the severe water crisis in Jackson, Miss., Bishop Edgar Vann, senior pastor of Second Ebenezer Church on Detroit’s east side, led an initiative to collect needed bottled water for the city’s residents. For much of August and into Sep tember, Jackson’s residents and busi nesses have been without clean run ning water following a series of storms that crippled the city’s main water treatment facility. As a result, more than 11 million bottles of water have been sent to the Mississippi capital city, with a Black population of 84 per cent, from across the United States. Yet, more clean water is needed.

On Wednesday, Sept. 28, the mas sive donation drive for bottled water spearheaded by Vann concluded. At

WHAT’S AT STAKE

coalition partners Tanya Adair (United Way for Southeastern Michigan), Frank Zolenski (Absopure), Frank Kudik (Focus: Hope), Ronald Lockett (Detroit Association of Black Organizations), Pastor J. Moss (Living Waters Church) and Dr. Allison Folmar (Empowerment Church).

“We are sending over 120,000 bottles of water from the city of Detroit through this great partnership all the way to Jackson, Mississippi,” said Vann. “It’s being sent to help the need of a tremen dous water and infrastructure crisis that exist in Jackson. We saw a great need in Jackson for Detroiters to weigh in and help. Behind me, you can see the three semi-trucks being loaded and will be heading to Jackson soon.”

“We are coming together to help our neighbors, whether it’s next door or halfway across the country,” said Adair. “We’ve had our own water crisis right here in Southeastern Michigan, and others helped and supported us. We are coordinating our efforts of delivering and distributing the bottled water with United Way of the Capital Area in Jack son, as well as Jackson State Universi ty and faith-based partners there on the ground in Jackson. The water delivered won’t solve the problem in Jackson, but will provide much-needed relief to so many people and families.”

A special thanks was given to Ryder System, Inc., commonly known as Ryder, for the trucking company’s ef forts to caravan three truckloads of bot tled water to Jackson. It was stressed many times during the press conference that “the right to clean water is not a privilege; it’s a right.”

“We were so blessed to have many churches come in and partner with us,” Vann said. “It was a real enterprise of reaching out to churches and churches reaching out to us, many of which don’t always take the opportunity to work to gether. I want to emphasize when people of good faith come together great things can happen. I believe whatever takes place in our world can be resolved by the power of partnership.”

“When you see Bishop Vann’s number on your phone, you pick up on the first ring,” said J. Moss, senior pastor of Living Waters Church on Detroit’s west side, who is also a gospel recording artist. “I’m blessed to be a part of this today. We are a small church, but we wanted to pack a big punch to help our brothers and sisters in Jackson because we all are connected. We were able to account for about 200 cases of water.”

Moss ended the press conference by praying for the unity shown during the initiative, the 961-mile transportation of the bottled water and safety of the truck drivers, and the recovery of the people of Jackson.

on prop

TO RESTORE ROE AND STOP THE 1931 LAW THAT WOULD BAN ABORTION IN MICHIGAN

the fundamental right to reproductive freedom – to make and carry out decisions without political interference about all matters relating to pregnancy, including birth control, abortion, prenatal care, and childbirth.

Prop

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have

health

politicians from getting

their

a press conference held at Second Ebenezer, Vann stood with a coali tion of partners that collected enough

bottled water to fill three semi-tractor trucks to transport to Jackson. Join ing Vann at the press conference were

Money.

Here’s What to Ask When Saving For The Unexpected

Finances are different for everyone, and so are the life events we all go through. An emergency fund is your financial line of defense against life’s lemons. Although there are many financial rules of thumb, there is no “normal” way to handle your emergency fund.

The bottom line: saving money is the first line of defense to financial wellness, especially when the unexpected happens. While nobody can predict the future, every one can prepare for it. What is the reason for my emergency fund?

Your emergency fund is a safety net that can help you avoid getting into a difficult financial situation due to a loss of income or unexpected, one-time expenses. Having one in place can reduce stress, anxiety, and other emotions that could make han dling the non-financial aspects of an emer gency much more difficult.

Beyond Fixing Potholes Detroit Needs Infrastructure for the Future of EV

It may seem a little obvious that an emergency fund is for emergencies. How ever, one of the challenging aspects of an emergency fund is knowing what expenses qualify as an emergency. This fund’s sole purpose is to prepare you for costs that you cannot or would not typically plan out. For example, oil changes and new tires are predictable vehicle expenses you should plan for in your regular savings. However, you wouldn’t typically plan for costs that you could incur on the off chance that you need to make emergency home repairs or pay for emergency medical expenses. You would cover these from your emergency fund.

How much do I need?

How much would a new furnace cost? If you could not work, how much would you need to cover essential expenses until you could? Asking yourself these kinds of questions will help you set a goal amount for your emergency fund.

The general rule of thumb is three to six months of essential expenses. However, you can always start with a goal you find achievable. Say, $1,000. Once you reach that goal, aim for three months of rent, then three months of essential expenses, and so on.

Tracking your spending can help you estimate monthly expenses. Completing this exercise can also help you figure out how much you can afford to save toward your emergency fund each month.

How do I save that much?

Start small: If you haven’t started, con sider putting $25 from every paycheck into a savings account. Even a few dollars can make a big impact in the long run. Check your budget or spending plan to see how much you can save after you’ve paid essential expenses and before bud geting for discretionary spending.

By Rasha Almulaiki

The Motor City is leading the charge for the green energy transportation movement, particularly in future-mind ed innovations in electric vehicle infra structure planning backed by billions in federal and state funding.

For too long, Michiganders have come to accept crumbling roads and potholes as a fact of daily life. Last year, steps were taken to “fix the damn roads” through a federal infrastruc ture bill and the bond-financing road funding plan at a cost of $3.5 billion. But more is needed for the future.

The Michigan Chronicle spoke with local and state mobility and infrastruc ture leaders on what strategic plans were necessary for the city.

“We have to move from fixing the band aids,” said Beverly Watts, infra structure business consultant and former director of Public Services in Wayne County. “Temporary fixes are not enough and keep us behind. We need to look toward new city designs. If we look at California, it’s more ad vanced so we need to move beyond the pothole dialogue and get the brain trust of county leaders and stakehold ers into a space to think of an asset management plan. When you think of cars you think of the Motor City, and that’s something to capitalize on.”

In November 2021, the Infrastruc ture Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law by President Biden. The federal policy provides funding for infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, water and electric vehi cle charging. The IIJA authorizes fund ing of $550 billion over five years, with Michigan in line to receive $4.3 billion in additional funding over time.

Watts said short-sightedness in strategic planning and design threat ens Detroit’s ground zero advantage in the early market days of electric vehi cle infrastructure preparedness.

“Lagging behind what’s coming to morrow will inevitably hurt our econo my,” said Watts. “There is a lot to con sider -- access to EV charging stations everywhere, solid investments in core infrastructure, even costs of insur ance…with the Big Three auto compa nies transforming EV commitments, we can’t afford not to have roads and infrastructure ready.”

At this year’s Detroit Auto Show, President Biden announced first steps in a plan to invest $900 million toward building a national grid network of charging stations for electric vehicles. The funding will help build charging stations in the first 35 states, includ ing Michigan.

A Peek Into Detroit’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness

Trevor Pawl is the Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan and leads Michigan’s Office of Future Mo bility and Electrification.

He said Detroit’s mobility ecosys tem is primed for an innovative re charge.

A quick Google Search shows 20 electric charging stations available in Detroit, most of which are clustered downtown and up Woodward Ave to ward New Center.

Additional charging station loca tions are being discussed with effec tive policy recommendations in mind to better reach other neighborhoods outside downtown.

“We subscribe to this idea of mar keting by doing,” said Pawl. “That

means installing charging stations at the local Kroger. We have a partner ship with Volta (Charging) and DTE, because a lot of times these charges go where they’re going to make some money. It’s the basic principles of cap italism of free markets.

“We’re trying to create situations where that’s not the case. It’s almost a signaling exercise to put charging sta tions in areas where maybe there’s not a ton of electric vehicles. To remind folks, you can have this electric vehi cle and you’re not going to get strand ed, they’re going to fit into your daily life.”

Recently, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced a partnership with an Israeli startup, Electreon, to roll out a one-of-a-kind initiative to build a one-mile pavement in Michigan that will wirelessly charge EVs as commuters drive through.

Pawl told The Michigan Chronicle this project is slated to be in Detroit on Michigan Ave, in front of the Michi gan Train Station.

Whenever new auto technology hits the market, the average consumer wor ries about affordability. Pawl told The Michigan Chronicle that the high ex pense of EVs is a misconception.

“There’s a couple of myths out there that I think in time will go away but do stand in the way of making electric vehicles feel like they’re for everybody. And that’s a big problem,” said Pawl.

“The first is the average cost of a used car right now is $33,000 and you can get an EV starting at $27,000. The Ford F150 Lightning, the first EV pick up truck, actually is the lowest cost to own over the life of the vehicle. So, by

NSO and State Senator Hollier Lead Effort to Address Affordable Housing

By Andre Ash

Led by the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), a group which pro vides wrap-around social services, an Affordable Housing Summit was held recently at the Charles H. Wright Mu seum for African American History in Detroit. Over 100 attendees gathered along including gamechangers and key stakeholders from across the city. The summit hosted candid conversations as participants and guests worked to con front what some leaders and residents deem as an affordable housing crisis.

“We have an affordable housing cri sis at every income, at every stage,” said State Senator Adam Hollier. “If we don’t have enough housing for people who are high income, they are going to take upper middle-income housing,” he add ed. The state senator highlighted one of many housing issues in which people with high income levels are buying up the market and, in some cases, paying more for homes and in cash, squeezing and creating a trickle effect for people in the middle and lower end of the income levels.

The summit included sessions fo cused on a variety of topics including data on the state of housing in Detroit,

creating a statewide housing plan, ways to navigate the complex housing system and finding solutions to create housing equity.

“We need more advocates for the De troit Housing Trust Fund,” said Mary Sheffield, president, Detroit City Coun cil. “This is near and dear to my heart. We need more funding and I’m always advocating for it as we sit at only $4 million right now.” The trust fund or dinance was started following a study

commissioned by the City of Detroit which found the greatest need is assis tance for a Detroit resident making at or below 50 percent of area-median income or an individual making no more than $32,000 annually, the funding is avail able for people who meet those qualifi cations. This ordinance also helps res idents making as low as $19,000 a year.

Speaking before the audience, Coun cil President Sheffield also touted other city ordinances which aim to address

affordable housing including an ordi nance which sets aside housing for in dividuals making 80 percent of the ar ea-median income or making no more than $50,000 annually.

Another legislative sticking point addressed was the newly passed Right to Council ordinance which allows res idents the right to be represented by an attorney when facing a housing case that goes before a court such as foreclo sure or eviction.

Currently, the Council President’s of fice is also drafting an ordinance which re-examines the current area-median income for Detroit, one that would ex clude the count for suburban income and focus exclusively on the city.

The number of people who experience homelessness is doubled when includ ing people who are not counted on the streets or inside homeless shelters or facilities. What drives people to become displaced from housing are a variety of factors. It’s the reason NSO welcomed a variety of stakeholders in banking, housing developers, policymakers and community and social organizations to the summit in an effort to address De troit’s housing issue.

Chevy Trailblazer electric vehicle debuted at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show.

AFP via Getty Images

Keep it separate: Open a separate savings account to help you resist the temptation to dip into it. Remember, this account is for emergencies, so keep it away from your daily spending accounts and separate it from vaca tion and holiday savings. This method will help you stay organized, visualize your progress, and provide peace of mind.

Automate your savings: One way to automate is via direct deposit. You may be able to instruct your employer to deposit a portion of your paycheck di rectly into your emergency savings ac count every pay period.

Alternatively, you can set up an automatic transfer from your primary checking account to your emergency savings account on payday. Both methods save you from adding a manual transfer to your to-do list that may be overlooked if things get busy!

Will I ever need to change the amount?

As your life changes, the amount you need in your emergency fund will

change as well. It’s a good idea to re visit your emergency fund plan every six months or any time you experience a life event that impacts your income.

Marriage, starting or adding to your fam ily, buying a home, and divorce are just a few examples of when you may need to increase your emergency fund. A good savings plan can roll with the punches right alongside you!

How do I prioritize emergency savings against debt and other goals?

Deciding whether you should pay down debt, save for other goals, or grow your emergency fund is all about the big picture. Everyone has different fi nancials, so that picture will vary per son-to-person. What will impact you the most financially? Paying down debt and saving money long term or having a plan B that allows you to keep making minimum payments if you lose income? There is no right or wrong answer.

Your emergency fund is there to help you expense the unexpected. So, make a plan and be ready for whatever comes your way!

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tomakers produced the most emissions and had the worst MPG (miles per gal lon) ratings of all major producers in model year 2020.

and large, across the board, EVs are go ing to be a lot cheaper to own over time.”

Pawl said the second factor to consid er in affordability is wagering the cost of fuel versus electric charging, particular ly in this era of high inflation.

“To fill up in some cases, like the Ford (Mustang) Mach-E, for example is 12 bucks for a full charge. Tesla’s Nis san Leaf is eight bucks and you’re gon na be getting more miles for your mon ey,” said Pawl.

The clean energy prospects of the electric vehicle culture shift are expect ed to have a high impact on Detroit’s carbon footprint due to the toxic byprod uct of vehicle exhaust pollution.

“When you take that same methodol ogy [of reducing cost] and think about the future work vehicle and off-road equipment,” said Pawl, “It plays out the same way, with things becoming cheap er, but also your air becomes cleaner.”

According to the U.S. Environmen tal Protection Agency (EPA), an aver age passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of CO2 (carbon dioxide) ev ery year. Car-related pollution accounts for 41 percent of global transportation emissions.

In 2021, the EPA released its annu al Automotive Trends Report showing vehicles built by Detroit’s Big Three au

“Areas in Detroit were heavily emit ting [air pollution], you have a chance with electric vehicles to really begin to change,” said Pawl. “As of 2017, emis sions from transportation passed emis sions from built infrastructure, like homes and factories, as the biggest cause of climate change. We have a chance to really change the world again, like we did 100 years ago, not just put ting it on wheels, but really stopping it.”

Affordable Housing

“Disruption is happening and today is the day we are bringing solutions to thwart this housing crisis in Detroit,” said Linda Little, CEO of NSO. “People signed commitment cards. They are committed to different work groups. People will work to create more housing units; people will work on funding and policy.”

Little believes these are the main fac tors that will drive solutions and based on the information gathered from stake holders in the breakout work groups, NSO plans to reconvene another summit during the first quarter of 2023. The goal will be set on further developing the po tential solutions to address affordable housing and by next summer – being able to implement action items.

Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), Senator Adam Hollier, and Real Times Media hosted an Affordable Housing Summit, which brought game changers and critical stakeholders from around the city together for a candid conversation about the Affordable Housing crisis.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUMMIT

We want to hear from YOU!

How have you been impacted by increasing costs?

No clear sign that the cost will level out.

There are signs that rising costs are affecting households across income ranges.

It's your turn. We want to hear from you! Submit your real-life story. Scan the QR code or visit michiganchronicle.com/affordablehousing

Senator Adam Hollier

Relationships

DIVERSITY IN CLINICAL TRIALS EQUALS BETTER TREATMENTS FOR EVERYONE.

Improving Health Outcomes through Equity and Access

Better access to healthcare equals better health out comes. Biogen strives to increase access and address the barriers that patient popula tions face. Oftentimes, health outcomes depend on factors be yond the control of patients and their doctors. Disparities across age, gender, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic level are some examples. One of the key parts to Biogen’s approach involves researching and understand ing these issues as well as their compounding factors, such as, in adequate representation in clin ical trials and limitations to ac cessing care. Overall, the goal is clear: improve health outcomes for Black, African American, His panic, Latino and other under served communities in Biogen’s main disease areas.

Research and Collaboration

Issues of culture awareness and mistrust remain prevalent alongside a host of other consid erations prior to enrollment in a clinical trial. To address these issues, Biogen uses a multi-chan neled health equity strategy which includes incorporating di verse community perspectives and insights into our drug devel opment and engaging with the community by partnering with organizations to educate, build awareness, establish trust, and drive health equity.

In partnership with the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), Biogen formed a Com munity Advisory Board (CAB) of patient advocates from un derserved and underrepresent ed communities who co-develop honest and transparent educa tional assets for patients, HCPs and clinical trial sites to discuss the importance of diversity in clinical trials. The CAB has also advised on various program and study designs as well as the de velopment of Biogen Trial Link, a publicly facing website to learn more about and find clinical tri als.

In collaboration with the Na tional Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), Biogen launched the Clinical Trial Index and Clini cal Trial Learning Community (CTLC) which uses U.S. heat maps of Medicare/Medicaid ben eficiary data by patient demo graphics and maps them against clinical trial site locations. This information seeks to identify the right sites in the right locations to meet patient needs. The CTLC launched as a virtual space for local stakeholders and subject matter experts to integrate rou

tines in local care networks to increase underrepresented and underserved population partici pation in clinical trials.

Clinical Recruitment and Specific Disease Areas

As the clinical study recruitment begins, Biogen teams track and report their progress toward the study targets that represent the epidemiology of their respective disease. Given this commitment, 2021 had 100% of Phase 1–4 studies in the U.S. including a plan to recruit participants from underrepresented communities to ensure the study population is representative of the intended treatment population. They also launched an Internal Participant Demographic Distribution Dash

dence Generation in Alzheimer’s Disease.” It highlights how re al-world evidence can include larger patient populations that are historically underrepresent ed in randomized controlled tri als.

In Lupus, Biogen collaborat ed with Saira Z. Sheikh, M.D., Director of University of North Carolina (UNC) Rheumatolo gy Lupus Clinic and Director of the Clinical Trials Program at UNC’s Thurston Arthritis Research Center, to gather in sights on barriers to clinical tri al enrollment among underrep resented groups. These insights are being used to inform Bio gen’s clinical development pro grams in lupus and address eq uity in study participation. For

ers involved in clinical trials. In 2021, they joined the Associa tion of Clinical Research Profes sionals (ACRP) as part of ACRP Partners in Workforce Advance ment™, which works to expand the diversity of the clinical re search workforce and to set and support standards for workforce competence.

Additionally, Biogen has fostered employee collaboration to in crease awareness of health equity needs cross-functionally. In 2021, they introduced a Health Equity Ideas Cafe Series to deepen or ganization-wide understanding of Biogen’s commitment, includ ing representation in our clinical trials and equitable access. The three-part series engaged inter nal and external guest speakers on themes of lupus awareness, patient voices and community partnerships, and equitable ac cess to healthcare. In addition, Biogen hosted an event with John Sawyer, Ph.D., ABPP-CN and a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist of the Ochs ner Neuroscience Institute; and Donnie Batie, M.D., on success ful approaches to caring for un derrepresented patients.

From their research into health care disparities and patients’ needs, Biogen’s approach to health equity is guided by the mo tivation to help those who have historically been underserved. Concretely, this commitment to health equity looks like: clinical trial diversity, empowering un derrepresented groups, engaging employees, and launching new tools to improve accessibility.

board to track and measure the demographic distribution of par ticipants across programs and studies, and to compare directly to epidemiology targets. With in certain disease areas, Biogen has built community and faithbased outreach and education programs for disease awareness and general clinical trial educa tion with trusted organizations such as HEAL Collaborative and Proximity Health Solutions.

In Alzheimer’s specifically, they have sponsored the Bright Focus Foundation’s Virtual Commu nity Outreach Series, bringing sustained Alzheimer’s disease and clinical trial education and access to communities with an underrepresented focus. Addi tionally, Biogen co-developed a paper with the NMQF titled “A Roadmap for Real-World Evi

the Phase 3 studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Bio gen set enrollment targets that reflect the prevalence of SLE in Black or African American and Hispanic and/or Latino commu nities to achieve appropriate representation. Through part nerships with community-based Proximity Health Solutions and faith-based HEAL Collabora tive, along with expert panels of community leaders, HCPs and patient advocates, they partici pated in seven events across the U.S. in 2021 to educate commu nities about lupus and clinical trial research.

A Holistic Approach to Inclusion and Equity

Beyond this commitment to the patients and their specific needs, Biogen also focuses on the work

Visit Biogen Trial Link to learn more about clinical trials and how you can support equity and access efforts such as these.

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

We support the local news our communities need

ife

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

Good Grub: Black-Owned Pizzerias in Detroit Celebrate

National Pizza Month

By Sherri Kolade

“Do good. Be nice. Order pizza. Repeat.”

What’s better than a piping hot slice of delicious pizza?

October is National Pizza Month and the multi-layered, cheesy good ness of pizza culture runs deep in Detroit.

Dating back to 1984, the unoffi cial yet widely celebrated national holiday honored the inaugural annu al event in Indiana.

About 80 years earlier in 1905, America got its first pizzeria in New York City.

A little bit closer to home, the Michigan Chronicle is celebrating the Black-owned pizzerias that keep the community fed and a little clos er. Here are just a few.

When Pizza Cat opened in Greek town over the spring to “keep pizza weird,” the unique restaurant, which features Midwestern-style pizza, chicken wings, chicken chunks, bagel sandwiches, snacks and des serts, has held good on its word.

Described as a new twist on pizza, the custom pizza restaurant, located at 407 E Fort St. in Detroit, embrac es its unique, fun, colorful, local and throwback qualities.

Pizza Cat encourages imagination and diversity, with over 1,962,273 pizza combinations possible, with outer space being the limit.

Pizza Cat Co-Partner Andre Rob inson told the Michigan Chronicle on a warm fall day in mid-October that the customers keep coming back for more.

“The city has really embraced in our weirdness [and the] customers,” Robinson said, adding that many of the pizzas are top sellers. “When we first started the coney dog was a fa vorite. It kind of mimics like a coney dog – but without hotdogs on it, we didn’t want to do that. It’s actually a vegetarian pizza if you really want no meat flavors.”

Robinson said some people come as far as Toledo to grab a slice.

To be a part-Black-owned estab lishment, he said he and other local, Black-owned businesses in this in dustry are in it for a couple of rea sons.

“I think that all of us are in this business to make money. I think the difference is, with us being Blackowned is that I’m able to support my people,” he said. “I’m able to, you know, give them jobs. I’m able to promote within. I’m able to, you know, make them managers and then give them the aspiration and inspiration.”

Robinson, whose been in the restaurant business since 2006, added that overall, his pizza place simply just comes down to staying true and staying weird – especially when ordering up a slice.

“However you create yourself ev ery day, you can eat that every day,” he said of ordering pizza to be as original as you are and meeting cus tomers, which goes well beyond Na

How Black Female Influencers Are Changing the Social Media Game

By Rasha Almulaiki

What does it mean to be a female social media influencer in Detroit?

The Michigan Chronicle spoke to two innovative women on their craft as creatives and on how they build their brand and following in the worlds of music, design and lifestyle content/blogs.

Check out the Q&A below about their business savvy methods in mak ing waves in Detroit’s creative scene and learn how they leverage their plat forms to challenge setting the tone as Black women creatives.

Music & Design

Nyambura Njee (aka “Problematic Black Hottie”)

Nyambura Njee, 29, is a first gen eration American DJ and visual art ist based in Detroit. Her creative work explores what it means to be “between two cultures” – that of the United States and Kenya. Known by her stage name “Problematic Black Hottie,” Njee is a versatile DJ playing around the city’s popular music spots from Spotlite Detroit to Leland City Club.

Check out her Instagram at @ problematicblackhottie

Q: What motivated you to become a DJ and did you see yourself devel oping a following as a cultural cre ator?

Njee: “I don’t know, DJ-ing kind of

called to me and that’s really what made me want to dip my toes into my creativity and DJ-ing just unlocked something in me.

“I have always had great taste in music and I just know going out to parties and events, I realized the music scene was very male focused. The male DJs didn’t care for women’s tastes or pref erences. Man, these dudes are never gonna play no Britney Spears!

“You know, as every Black woman has at least said once in her life, let me do it myself!”

Q: As a visual artist, how would you describe your personal style and ar tistic expression?

Njee: “It’s about beauty when it comes down to it, and as Black woman just really wanting to be self-assured in my own beauty because that’s not something you get from the outside world. I am creating the kind of world where a Black woman like me could feel comfortable, safe, beautiful, fem inine.

“These are the kind of imagery of Black women I want to see as bold and colorful, especially seeing this with dark-skinned and bald Black women like myself.”

Q: What were the challenges you had to navigate along the way?

Njee: “I realized after getting into it, nine out of 10 DJs are men and so thinking about it from a sociological and anthropological point of view, DJs shape a lot of reality for people

Bag Secured – Women Want More Than Money in Relationships

By: Sherri Kolade

Many women want to know what men are thinking in relationships but is the question ever asked, “What do women want?”

From relationships to intimacy –healthy love is more than a notion for many women looking for something more than a partner who has a big bank account because women have already secured the bag for themselves.

Statistics know it, too.

According to USA Today, over half of the U.S. workforce are comprised of women who are also the family bread winner.

Half of those working women report edly out-earn (or at least make the same amount) as their husbands or partners according to a survey from TD Ameri trade.

That is a major transition from gen erations ago when just 3.8 percent of women outearned their husbands in 1960, according to the Pew Research Center.

These financially fierce ladies are the whole package and no longer need just someone else’s coin to survive in to day’s modern society. Are men up on the times, too, and understanding if their partner makes more bread than them? It takes mutual understanding.

April M. Boyce Cobb, owner and prin cipal designer of Tender Moments, LLC, and executive producer and host of the

From Yes to I Do Bridal Show, told the Michigan Chronicle that before getting married, people have to ask questions.

“Can you handle if this person makes more money?” Cobb said. “Can you han dle that she’s ambitious, has her own business, and is successful? All these things [make a difference].”

Since the onset of COVID, the pan demic highlighted new ideas for mar riage and relation ships, and couples are putting love at the top of the list.

There’s trouble in paradise also for some couples who are calling it quits.

According to legaljobs.com, the current divorce rate in America is dropping but fewer people are getting married, too, in com parison to pre-1990.

The U.S. divorce rate is also the third highest in the world and celebrities are not exempt.

Actress Tia Mowry filed for divorce from her husband actor Cory Hardrict in early October after 14 years of marriage.

The two, married in 2008, have a son Cree, 11, and a daughter Cairo, 4.

Mowry, 44, cites irreconcilable differ ences.

“I have always been honest with my fans, and today is no different. I want ed to share that Cory and I have decided to go our separate ways,” she wrote on Instagram. “These decisions are never easy, and not without sadness. We will maintain a friendship as we co-parent our beautiful children.”

Earlier this year in January, actor Jason Momoa and actress Lisa Bonet also split up, among many other couples.

Before saying “I don’t” in a re lationship and di vorcing, breaking up or parting ways – women are tak ing a long, hard look at themselves and buckling down for a healthier journey into partnership and marriage for the long run.

Statistics back up this good news, too.

According to statistics, millennials are less likely to have unrealistic expec tations from marriage. As earlier gener ations typically married at a younger age and were less likely to cohabit before that, this contributes to their higher di vorce rates.

Where are the men left in this con versation? Some are unhappy with their

women making more than them, accord ing to reports.

CNBC reported that a study from the University of Bath suggests that women making more than their male partners (in heterosexual relationships) is men tally impacting them. The study exam ined 6,000 American heterosexual mar ried couples and over 15 years men were “anxious” when they were the sole fam ily breadwinner and the “least stressed” when their women partners contributed 40 percent to the household income. However, as women made more money beyond that, they became “increasingly uncomfortable” and stressed, according to the research. Why? Because tradi tional gender norms were flipped on its head that says men should be the bread winner.

Cobb, happily married for 16 years, said that when she plans weddings sometimes, she takes a pause and offers advice to couples looking to tie the knot to ensure they make it beyond their big day.

“There is work to it [being married] and I think sometimes people don’t kind of realize that,” she said, adding that in relationships people have to build a strong foundation where at least their values match.

“For me, as a Christian, that founda tion is having Christ at the center,” Cobb said, adding that she is not shy about doling out advice. “Just like I refer vid

See

Nyambura Njee, aka Problematic Black Hottie, is a Detroit-based DJ and visual artist. This photo was taken at her Hottie’s World event at Spotlite Detroit with guest DJs (left to right): Shacoi @justshacoi, Oscar Vasquez @ooze.official, @problematicblackhottie and Cashley @cash.moneyrecords. Photo by @deathtomermaids

AaLona Robinson is a certified nurse who runs a luxury lifestyle blog @aalona and founder of @blackgirlunboxing. Photo by Michael Alexander

tional Pizza Month. “I’d rather be here to make sure that I can meet people day to day. … And I can touch every table, [ensure great service] and make sure that we just continue to grow and get better at it.”

For more information visit pizzacat.com.

Billy and Kimberly Owens, owners of Flamz Pizzeria, know good food.

Located at 16369 E. Warren in Detroit, the neighborhood staple food spot told the Mich igan Chronicle in an emailed statement that buying local pizza is “extremely important.”

“[Especially] as we think about our local communities and the importance of building them up not only now, but in the future,” the owners said. “When you buy local, you are putting your money back into and supporting the community where you both work and live. Opening Flamz allowed us to help provide access to different dining options in a neighbor hood that was lacking options to new dining experiences.”

Growing up in the commu nity, the duo wanted to make

sure that they continued con tributing to the revitalization of the area by investing in their own community.

“The neighborhood contin ues to expand and by support ing Flamz you are also playing a role in helping us to employ individuals that live in this community, particularly as we’ve been the first employer for many teens where Flamz has been their first job,” they said.

Similar to the Owens,’ an other Black-owned pizzeria is all about giving back.

Since the spring, the De troit Pizza Bar made its de but on the Livernois-Six Mile (Live6) neighborhood as the latest Black-owned establish ment with a 4,500-square-foot restaurant at 7316 W. McNich ols.

The stylish pizzeria features quick and full service with lux ury amenities like a rooftop terrace when available.

From job creation to eco nomic revitalization co-own ers Marcus Jones and partner Akunna Olumba described their passion for pizza and work in the once-forgotten cor ridor as making a difference on this “stretch of McNichols.”

Olumba, who has a work force development back

Black Female Influencers

From page B-1

to learn socialization and cul ture. If men are in control, that means they’re controlling the music and the crowd and atti tude is being shaped.

“It’s really the gatekeeping and cliques you find in scene and just the music industry. It’s a hard reality to contend with, even though you know you’re likely just as, if not, more tal ented… you learn how to stand on your own and not take dis respect by showing up as a pro fessional and killing that show doing what you do and letting the crowd, your fanbase and your performance speak for you.”

Lifestyle Blog

AaLona Robinson

Born and raised on De troit’s eastside, AaLona Rob inson, 35, is a certified nurse who runs a luxury lifestyle and self-empowerment blog.

Amassing over 24,000 follow

ers, Robinson believes Black women should be unapologet ic and deserve celebrating self and luxury.

She is the founder of @ blackgirlunboxing on Insta gram, a community page featur ing unapologetic Black women unwrapping purchases or gifts from everyday items to expen sive name brands to share the joy of the finer things in life.

Check out her Instagram at @aalona and @blackgirlun boxing

Q: You promote @blackgir lunboxing page as a safe space, why did you feel it was important to create a commu nity around un-boxing?

Robinson: “I started Black Girl Un-boxing because I knew a lot of girls like myself that worked and saved their money and took a leap and bought them selves nice things or maybe got a gift or something. There was always this perception that we were scammers, or we have

ground, previously said that it was important that the pizzeria be a sit-down establishment for people to enjoy in the neigh borhood, and that it was em ployed by locals.

“I started in workforce de velopment and came back to Detroit and everybody was looking for a job but didn’t know what skills they needed to have,” she told the Michi gan Chronicle the day of the opening, adding that she went throughout the Detroit Public Schools Community District and helped students learn to become entrepreneurs and they learned to make T-shirts

rich boyfriends. Like, naw. We just live our lives, and we work hard. How Black Girl Un-boxing came together was it was where we got to be excited about our selves and a space where other people just got it. It’s not about bragging or flexing, it’s about being proud we work hard and achieve hard for ourselves...we needed a space where Black women trust Black women and know what it’s like to work overtime to get that bag and treat yourself well for it.”

Q: How does your content challenge misconceptions and stereotypes of Black girls and women?

Robinson: “I think we really have to visualize ourselves to [achieve] the best potential. We didn’t really have many imag es of ourselves growing up to see what we deserve. I’m 35, so I’m at the top of the millenni als and growing up even seeing dark-skinned girls on TV was not common and maybe nowa days its more inclusive to see the differences for Black peo ple living.

and more. “That moved me into workforce development — something I love dearly.”

Olumba added that as a Black-owned business, she en courages other Black-owned places to “keep moving.”

“It’s OK to be African-cen tric and you will still succeed. We were very intentional about hiring workforce development and employing people in the city and employing people who look like me,” she said.

For more information on the Detroit Pizza Bar, follow them on social media at facebook. com/DetroitPizzaBar.

“We had ‘The Cosby Show,’ but still the quote ‘luxury Black girl’ was like Hilary Banks and Tony Childs. It was fun but far and few between and I feel like there wasn’t really a space for us to have that kind of life be cause it’s not associated with Black people or Black women in particular. Like, how dare you? Why do you think you de serve that? There are still com ments we receive on the page like ‘oh, she used her welfare check to buy this thing or she’s in debt or if she didn’t have a man, she wouldn’t have that.’

There’s always a negative con notation of Black women hav ing stuff. This page is for us, though. To visualize and moti vate and support a community center for knowing our worth.”

Q: If Detroit was a content brand, how would the city be styled?

Robinson: “Detroit is classic, refurbished luxury. Still have to be careful with it in some spots because it’s vintage, but in other areas it’s brand new. It’s your new, old favorite.”

Relationships

eographers and cake makers I refer marital counselors and officiants – it’s important to not just get so caught up in the event that we don’t think about life beyond [that day]. Taking the time to have some critical conversation before you say ‘I do’ about everything from life style to finances to children.”

Mind Body Green says that women in modern relation ships want different things, but the consensus includes someone who is:

• An intuitive and empathetic listener

• Communicative and honest

• Respectful of other women

• Values personal space

• Affectionate

• Generous

• Kind

• Emotionally intimate with others.

Michigan Chronicle Rasha Almulaiki weighed in on the conversation and said as a 31-year-old Detroiter in a rela tionship, she is looking for an equal partner that’s not strictly into gender roles or is insecure if she makes more money.

“As women, we are used to being the nurturer, and the maternal person to show up or support them and be the person behind that man’s suc cess, and I expect the same thing reciprocally -- that is re ally a team.”

Almulaiki added that in the dating phase, relationships are all about exploring each other and discussing expectations, and more.

“I think that sometimes we look for a relationship to kind of fill us – make us feel whole, take care of us and that’s not something I’m looking for per se,” she said. “Emotional ma turity is very important to me. Being able to handle difficult conversations, uncomfortable conversations.”

She added that especially with finances, find out from a partner where their values stand if the woman makes more. For her, emotionally mature men don’t mind either way.

“My success and what I bring in is your success and what you bring in,” Almulaiki said.

HELP WANTED

Seeking ATHLETIC TRAINER at Oakland University For Athletics Administration

This position reports directly to Asst. AD for Athletic Training. Duties include, but are not limited to, prevention, clinical evaluation, immediate care, treatment, rehabilitation, use of therapeutic modalities and bracing/taping for athletic injuries under the direction of a physician. Instruct, plan/program, and evaluate therapeutic exercise programs to help decrease pain and increase function of student athletes. Help organize, schedule and execute surveillance testing and pre-participation physicals for student athletes. Traveling with assigned team(s) is required. This is a full time, Administrative Professional position with multiple openings. See online posting for additional position requirements. Must apply online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

Seeking CUSTODIAN II/HOUSINGOakland Center at Oakland University

Perform cleaning activities and maintain assigned areas in the residential housing buildings and the Oakland Center. High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience, ability to use and/or mix various cleaning chemicals, perform physically active work, requires frequent lifting of up to 60 lbs., may work in various weather conditions with extremes heat & cold, also may require a MI driver’s license acceptable to the University’s insurance carrier. Salary is $15.00 per hour. See online postings for additional position requirements. Must apply online at: https://jobs.oakland.edu.

BUSINESS ANALYST

The University of Michigan has an available position of Business Analyst, Senior in Ann Arbor, MI. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial & Operations Engineering or Industrial Engineering or Operations Engineering & 60 months experience as a Business Analyst &/or Industrial Engineer. Position also requires: Exp. must include: 1) 60 mos. exp. using Microsoft SharePoint & Forms for workflow creation; 2) 60 mos. exp. using advanced Excel formulas for creating staffing models; 3) 60 mos. exp. creating process & report automation using business intelligent tools; 4) 60 mos. exp. maintaining SQL databases & using SQL for querying data to identify improvement areas; 5) 24 mos. exp. using Lean & Six Sigma methodologies to drive operation improvements; & 6) 24 mos. exp. using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure performance. Exp. reqs. may be met concurrently during the same time period. Job duties: Analyze operational trends & current business processes to uncover areas for improvement. Apply problem solving & operation improvement skills utilizing Lean & Six Sigma approaches & methodologies. Formulate actionable insights & strategy, & coordinate analytic efforts across various hospitals & departments. Automate reports & engage in Dashboard Development using business intelligent tools & SQL databases. Troubleshoot technical issues with reports & business systems. Interpret data & make recommendations. Develop & implement new processes & tools to drive performance improvement. Create KPIs to measure & monitor Department performance. Use Microsoft SharePoint & Forms for workflow creation. Use advanced Microsoft Excel formulas for creating staffing models for analysis & schedule recommendations. Michigan Medicine conducts background screening & pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer. University of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty & staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine. Qualified candidates should send resume & verification of reqs. to Lisa Muscat, Senior Business Systems Analyst, muscatl@med. umich.edu.

Please visit our website for more classified ads.

FEATURES

If you’re like many Americans who put a priority on well-being, choosing simple yet healthy snacks and ingredients is an easy first step. For example, grapes are a popular and convenient fruit that can also be an ally in wellness, offering an abundance of health benefits that can help you get (and stay) on the right track.

The next time you enjoy an outdoor adventure, pack along a healthy snack such as California grapes. They can go with you on hikes and bike rides or to the gym as a healthy and hydrating source of energy. Heart-healthy grapes also deliver beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols and are a good source of vitamin K, which supports bone and heart health. With no need to peel, cut, core or slice, grapes are perfectly portable when you’re on the go.

As an easy, versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of recipes, grapes offer delicious taste, texture and color – plus a healthy boost – that make them an appealing addition to snacks and meals. An added bonus: Grapes help support heart, brain, colon and skin health.

Crunchy Salad Pizza on Cauliflower Crust is a simple way to get your fruits and veggies in a fun, tasty recipe. When it’s time for a filling yet nutritional dinner, Warm-Spiced Chickpeas and Couscous with Grapes and Arugula makes for an ideal vegetarian meal. Plus, this easy-to-make dish includes 8 grams of fiber to help support colon health.

Grapes and seafood are a classic combination, and this Roasted Salmon and Grapes with Pistachios Over Fresh Greens is no exception. A perfect dish for family dinners or inviting guests for a meal, it offers antioxidants and other polyphenols from grapes along with healthy omega-3 fats from fish.

Whatever your path to health, eating well and encouraging healthy habits can be deliciously easy with the benefits of grapes. Find more health benefits and good-for-you recipe ideas at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Crunchy Salad Pizza on Cauliflower Crust

minutes

time:

time:

Roasted Salmon and Grapes with Pistachios Over Fresh Greens

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 7-8 minutes

Servings: 4

4 wild sockeye or coho salmon fillets (about 5 ounces each)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/3 cup dry white wine

1 cup green California grapes

1/4 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley

5 ounces baby spinach

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

tablespoon white wine vinegar

Heat oven to 400 F. Lightly oil shallow, 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

Pat fish dry and place skin side down in pan. Brush fillets lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour wine in pan, scatter grapes around and sprinkle pistachios and parsley on fish.

Roast salmon 7 minutes for medium-rare; 8 minutes for medium.

In large bowl, toss spinach, onion, remaining oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; toss again and divide among four plates.

Place fish on top of greens. Spoon roasted grapes around fish.

Nutritional information per serving: 360 calories; 31 g protein; 12 g carbohydrates; 19 g fat (48% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 65 mg cholesterol; 105 mg sodium; 2 g fiber.

calories from fat); 4 g saturated fat (7% calories from saturated fat); 30 mg cholesterol; 380 mg sodium; 4 g fiber.

Warm-Spiced Chickpeas and Couscous with Grapes and Arugula

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

1 cup Israeli pearl couscous

3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 1/2 cups water

1 can (15 ounces) no-salt-added chickpeas, drained

1 cup red California grapes, halved 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley freshly ground black pepper, to taste

4 cups lightly packed baby arugula lemon wedges

In large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and allspice; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add couscous and stir 1 minute to toast lightly. Add turmeric and water; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until couscous is tender, about 15 minutes.

Stir chickpeas, grapes and cilantro into couscous then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer couscous-grape mixture to large bowl, add arugula and toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges.

Nutritional information per serving: 370 calories; 12 g protein; 61 g carbohydrates; 9 g fat (17% calories from fat); 1 g saturated fat (2% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 160 mg sodium; 8 g fiber.

While

Crunchy

Salad

Pizza on Cauliflower Crust

Roasted Salmon and Grapes with Pistachios Over Fresh Greens

DISCOVER NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

No matter what stage your business is in, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is here to help you succeed. By connecting you to the resources your business needs, granting access to necessary capital and introducing you to the right partners, the MEDC helps your business reach new potential.

Find out how we can help propel your business forward with customized support at michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership