Michigan Chronicle Vol. 89 - No. 17 by Real Times Media

Is Detroit’s $400 Million Investment in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Accessible for Black Detroiters?

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Comerica Celebrates New Generation Joe CLouis Kitchen 35 Years of Supporting O of M Black ESouthern R Tennis I C A Stars

the Nation’s Largest Expands to Southfield with New HOMEFRONT City.Life.Style. B1 UNCF Walk for All-Day Breakfast Menu Education Scholarship Roots. A3

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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023

Fundraiser

All Black Everything:

Vol. 89Vol. – No. | December 24-30,20-26, 2025 2023 8717 – No. 3 | September

We GotUAW a Lot Done for Strike ATriple Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Michiganders Against Detroit ThisAutomakers Year—And By Ebony JJ Curry We’ll Keep Going SENIOR REPORTER

By Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Late Thursday night, Sept. 14, a historic moment unfolded in American labor relations as As 2025 comes to a close, I know the United Auto Workers (UAW) many people are feeling the weight of union initiated a strike against the moment we’re living in. Around the Ford, General Motors (GM), and world and here at home, political diviStellantis. For the first time, sion can feel exhausting and ever-presthe union took simultaneous ent. Too often, it can feel like the loudaction against all three major Deest voices drown out the real needs of troit-based automakers. The action everyday people. That’s why this year; involves approximately 13,000 I stayed focused on what matters most: UAW members in assembly plants getting things done for Michiganders. across Michigan, Ohio, and MisThis souri, was my seventh year astheir gover-jobs who walked troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By Ebony Curryoff nor, andafter in 2025, weJJproved that exexisting labor again contracts their city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER progress pired at 11:59 p.m. is still posingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From sible when you’re Shortly before midnight on of talent, determinaAs the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundn a breathtaking willing to celebration work Sept. 14, released a statement tion,GM and unyielding withthe anyone to de- spirit of Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who expressing disappointment with the Michigan Chronicle liver results. Lead- marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crethe strike action,40despite offering 40 Under event Thursday evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 ership isn’t about what termed anin“unprecedented soirée,it drenched who getsthe thetheme credit,“All Black Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. economic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended but about makingexpectations and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated golden gems sure the families are within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. of Black excellence. Hosted “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said better off than theyby the charismatic duo of Andre Ashwere and Lynzee before.Mychael Be- from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s cle’s Finallycause Friday, of the the night work was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentGov. Gretchen of Detroit and its vibrant of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. we’ve done community this Whitmer fessionals.year, they are. I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid Theweevening with a golden promise as we and I always knew that I would have a business, but I In 2025, securedsparkled the largest igan deservesbrand a world-class education—noDPD Chief James Renewing the Top-10 Detroit’s name business, By Jeremy celebrated remarkable individuals from various Allen walks never knew it would be White Says Increased roads deal in Michigan’s history, investStrategic Education Plan matter their background, ZIP code or cirso I take a lot of pride in the fact that our business repEXECUTIVE life.$2 Among honorees brilliantEDITOR and viing moreofthan billionthe every year to were the cumstance. The mission that guides me is Police Culled CentralPresence to Maleyko’s visionViolence is renewsionary co-founders of Detroit finally fix the damn roads! I was proud Hives, Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” simple: Students First.Award This work is not ing and strengthening Michigan’s Top-10 As Michigan continues to wrestle with Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence was to deliver on the promise I ran on back By Andre AshEducation Plan, the state’s longabout titles Engagement or positions. It Strategic howfarming to strengthen workforce, landscape beekeeping in De-its economy, Dannis Mitchell, Director of politics, Community atis about in 2018,the building on theofrecord invest-and urban DIGITAL ANCHOR unifying behind the principles of public term roadmap for education improvement. and quality of life, leaders across sectors ness district that had been the lifeblood of towards mending the wounds inflicted on troit but also exemplified the transformative impact Barton Malow. ments we have already made. Our new, in By Ebony JJ Curry also expressed disappointment education and ensuring that every child in While the plan has guided progress ina recent know that the future of the state runs diBlack Detroiters and restoring sense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. bipartisan roads deal means safer com“It is so important to recognize that there are young SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying the company A years, stringlonging of shootings Maleyko must evolve to every many community hasborn the here opportunity toinjusrectly through its K-12leaders classrooms. thatbelieves wasinso itcallously torn away in mutes for workers, smoother drives on It’s a history marred by pain, “Together we have created a social, environmental, across the country, that are in immediately went into contingenGreektown in mid-April left meet current and future challenges. succeed.” the past. For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or both state and local roads, and tens of That theme echoed recently during a tice,nationally and economic and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. Lind- Detroit. I represent our city and I devastation. tell people, More than cy mode to protect its operations. both visitors and residents of to a broad, Leader Grounded in Black, I-375, has long been just another stretch of from Thecommitted I-375 Boulevard Projectinclusive is about more thousands good-paying construcMichigan Chronicle Pancakes seymore followed that sentiment with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents, were He has ‘Yea I’m &a Politics: D-girl I’m theA west-side ofprimarily Detroit,’” The UAW has branded the inthis bustling downtown desapproach, which engages the Stateinjustices; Board it’s Michigan’s Classrooms urban highway, concrete artery connectthan just correcting historical tion jobspartnerships across Michigan. and collaborative efforts that we exist inawhere Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able Overdrive session, business, educaforcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination in awe. One of these of Education, Michigan Department of Eding different parts of the city. To some, it’s about redefining the future. It will connect over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milto have experiences within an industry that not many of tion, and nonprofit leaders emphasized that generational wealth was obliterated, and a Maleyko brings three decades of experiWe Strike,” delivered another balanced, focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimedtoparents, ucation staff, students, families, a movement mere on convenience; to others, it’s an unre-ence downtown Detroit surrounding neighborlionbudget honeybees – humbly speaking our has us, specifically women of color, have the opportunity to thriving community was torn asunder. The focusing K-12 education is essential to bipartisan that puts kids and from Dearborn Public Schools, Michwithin each automaker. UAW the life of hoods, a popular and the beeducators, business partners, markable part of their dailyas commute. bridging gap thatlawmakers, was placed upon inspired others nationally, and even internationengage in I’veHowbeenigan’s thewounds youngest person in the room, inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranpropelling Michigan forward aand competitheir families first. Welocally, keptstated, feeding third-largest district by enrollment. President Shawn Fain “This loved security guard followunion leaders, and community stakeholders ever, there’s state. a deeper, far more troubling the city decades ago. ally toand takelunch on similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in scending the physical barrier of a freeway to tive, innovative free breakfast to all 1.4 milOver 30 years, he served as a teacher, buildstrategy will keep the companies ing a across disputethe with a patron. state. story beneath the surface of this seemingly the room, and I reallying had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very ofadministrator, Black Detroiters. lion public school It students, no organization Today, the resurgence of Paradise Valley Detroit Hives, a because pioneering founded bybackdrop principal, central office It is against that that Dr. Glenn guessing. will give our nationThe male suspect allegedly ordinary freeway—a story of pain, displaceshowing givingand chances when others won’t, That emphasis on listening child should haveand to learn on an empty stands as testament to themirrors indomitable Lindsey Jackson, harnesses of urban bee- hisof a This decade (2015-2025) as and superintenpainful legacy can be traced back Maleyko steps into new role asup, Michial negotiators maximum leveragethe power shot the guard beforea fleeing ment, and theCity. lastingbeing impactpersistent.” on Black Detroitrailblazing Black woman thrivthemes raised during the Michigan Chronstomach.and Weflexibility made a in record $10,000And spirit ofhis Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in thesuperintendent Motor has been shaped not program just to His the career nation’s interstate highway gan’s of public instruction,As adent. bargaining. the scene, while female ters. issues like ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, herrealities icle’slegacy Pancakes & Politics: Overdrive, per pupilif investment ourout, kidswe and of Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative only addresses critical discussions, butthat by daily of 1956—a program aimed to companion connect we need tointo go not all will. pledging collaboration, renewed vision, and by policy is accused of concommitmentthe toclassrooms fortifying the connections The tale begins inunwavering what is now panelists stressed that education continued free pre-K and once vibrant for Black businessenvironmental conservation but alsoaprovides valuable DPD Chief James White and school country but often didbuildings. so at the expense Everything is on thecommunity table.” Union laser focus on putting students first.Lafayetteinside cealingwhere the trict, weapon in aher bra. hub businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark,toonce known Black Bottom—a neighpolicy be shaped not in isolation, college so everyhave student isindicated set up forthat es must and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education andalso employment opportunities Black De- as between of marginalized In thewill case of leaders That grounding,communities. Maleyko said, Speakingrooted during a recent panel and These unfolded during an days. unseasonably borhood in African-American culture but incidents through meaningful engagement with success from childhood into a career. that harkens back to its glory The deadditional plants could be targetI-375, it meant carving a path through the inform how he approaches the state’s top during his first State Board of Education warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffictorn and and history. Named after its dark, fertile those closest to students and communities. struction of Black Bottom may have We also realwaves action to lower ed intook future if negotiations heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregaeducation challenges. Selected by the State heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown meeting, just one day after officially assumsoil, Black Bottom flourished during the mid- tion, and perpetuating inequality. Leaders at the forum underscored thatthe longapart a thriving community, but resolute costs forremain families. This year, we constalled. area. termdetermination ing1900s, the role, Maleykothe called for unified lead- Board of Education on Aug. 26, he succeeds nurturing dreams and aspirations economic growth on a strong of adepends new generation of entretinued rolling back the Fain clarified the retirement union’s stratFor one to aptly there-harm F. Rice, who recognize led a major ership across Michigan to strengthen public TheK-12 surge in crime and the influxis ofreclaiming visitors Deof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young,Dr. Michael foundation that prepares students for tothat preneurs and visionaries tax, putting about egy: “I want$1,000 to give aa year majorback shoutcausedofbyMichigan’s such projects, it is vitalstrategy to note that education education andand ensure every child has accessleg-vamping troit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the DeJoe Louis, numerous other Detroit college, careers, and civic life. lost legacy. into theout pockets of thousands more than of 500,000 to the members some and of the planners and politicians behind retired in October. Dr. Suetroit C. Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat to ends. opportunity, regardless geography or inin 2020 But in the name ofofurban renewal households. another huge In the heart of Paradise Valley, BlackLiteracy as a Cornerstone whoWe aredelivered on the picket lines right thosewho projects them directly through Carnell, servedbuilt as interim state supercircumstance. off guard. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was Workingnow Tax ownedMaleyko’s businesses not just flourishing Housing Resource Helpline in communi- Among topare priorities, improvfighting forCredit all ofcheck, us. The ByFamilies Andre Ash the heart of vibrant, populated intendent, will remain with the department systematically dismantled, erased from The summit also featured panelists from the response to the challenges that James White, Chief ofoffering Police for the Detroit Police Deaveraging $3,800 Strike to 650,000 families, but thriving, diverse services, proding student literacy stands out as foundaStand-Up is a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed DIGITAL ANCHOR chief deputy superintendent. map, and replaced by a lifeless of as-asresidents Mississippi talking about how stretch the state partment, helping to parents stay on their feet. And ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the face in navigating the to replace tional. Connected to Goal 2 of the Top-10 striking. Instead of striking all sometimes asofpart of a direct effort phalt. State Board Education Dr. right out the Bypaving designthe we way wentforinto the spring historically turned around its literacy outnew thisplants year, at weonce, ended statelocals taxeswill on be pastgate. while a prosperous complex system of neighborhoods. housingPresident serStrategic Education Plan, literacy is viewed select or eliminate Black Homelessness continues to deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployPamela Pugh welcomed Maleyko’s appointcomes, and what states like Michigan can While the residential areas bore the brunt Social Security, overtime, and tips befuture. From jazz clubs to soul food vices. The helpline provides a as the gateway to success across all subjectrestaucalled to stand up and walkwith out plagueonurban communities, Butemphasized now, after shared decadesgoals. of enduring theand rants, ment, saw we say an uptick in violence that first ment and learn from their work. of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, cause working people and seniors dethe Black Press, and art galleries to single point of contact for people areas and grade levels. on strike.and This is our generation’s families individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” its thriving business center, remained largely serve to answer keep more of what they earn. fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing “I’m excited to work with ourand new state “We are at an important moment for seeking housing assistance to the movement that built Maleyko plans to build upon new literwith the challenges of making on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White untouched. Restaurants, theaters, attributes the violence in Greektown to life into the very essence of what once made Pugh said. “We stand onChief public education—a moment thatclubs, callsandsuperintendent,” Evenour in aunion challenging national eco- cliconnects them with the resources –inthe sit-down strikes of acy and dyslexia measures already underends meet today’s economic transform this once-divisive freeway into a bars—the very places that brought Detroit’sthe a combination weather conditions andcultural a surgeepicenin popthis of neighborhood a vibrant common ground of putting students for collaboration, listening and shared nomic landscape, Michigan kept win1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. mate. Whether it’s struggling to that seeks to righta the of theSeeter. Black community together—were ulation. NEW SUPERINTENDENT It’s K-12 a resurgence that extends beyond purpose,” Maleyko said. “I accepted concenthis firstvision and making Michigan Topwrongs 10 state ning. For the third year in and a row, we 14 was the deadline we meant Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and mortar; it represents thethat resurA-4 Page were named a Top 10 state for business, He explained, “ We saw numbers downtown we role because I believe every child in Michfor education.” it. gave the soaring companies ourcosts ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor We coping with rental and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. genceever. of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. reachingnomic our highest ranking ever. All have not seen, People are emerging from COVID demands eight weeks ago tion, which has pledged $10 milin a housing market marked by by more than $100 million Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it took more than a month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal over three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the See A LOT DONE FOR Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with downtown and the to come get to the table.” III,venues representing District 7, reasons where Eastern Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the growproject making way for the Julie construction of I-375. and other partners, this ambitious down withMarket all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, MICHIGANDERS Page A-2 union is pushing for a comSchneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn aims to create jobs, remove barriers to eco- of This marked the final blow, sealing the fate hundreds and,inin young “It’smore still people very early theparticularly, process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This helpline, making it accessible to housed. of Black Bottom and signaling the beginning nomic growth, and reconnect the neighborfolks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.” all Detroit residents. This initiative simplifies access to the See INVESTMENT Page A-2 Historically, shelterspage have provided a temporary respite of the end for Paradise Valley, the Black busi- hood with the rest of Detroit. It is a Responding step See UAW STRIKE A2 swiftly to the surge in violence, DPD for those in need, often serving as the first or second option City’s various housing services, ensuring that residents in adjusted its deployment plans. Rather than waiting for after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or need can easily find assistance. mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself family. Shelters offer a place to rest one’s head and a warm “The city and its partners offer a lot of great services to address the situation. meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t Heidi saidisinevident By Ebony JJ Curry TheMDOC rise inDirector visitors to the Washington Greektown area being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said announcing the change. Washington said in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company SENIOR REPORTER settings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners the department’s focusand is on staff and resbecause of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights By Lynzee Mychael The causes of homelessness are as diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, identgeolocation-enabled safety. “These pose a great risk From weredrugs alsomobile coming because Black through devices. Michigan’s prison system is preparing MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right to our27, staff andpeople thosewas living inmillion our doing somefacilistuff. When May 1-Aug. 2022, there were 1.3 visits and for a major shift in howhousing incarcerated people resource and a growing number of programs to Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat this issue. ties;visitors this is atocommonsense policystart thattodoing will did Black people things 655,000 Greektown, according Placer.ai. legal Fromreceive the days of mail. the Greathelp Mi- them.” the chance of and by doing “Providing services and high-quality housing to persons Black inyear, thesickness city?numbers Theydeath started In the reduce same period this these increased to gration when The thousands Michigan of Department of CorrecThe Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment those who come in contact with these subat risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key things in this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and 670,000 visitors. families tions flocked to Detroit in search (MDOC) announced this week that $500 it stances.” involves pledging million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, Director In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs better life, toall the pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract willabegin treating confidential legal docDetroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. The new process will require staff to they were doing in Detroit is they otal roleuments they played in the city’s residents and visitors, the police department has implethe same as standard starting being a mail significant part of their contribution. photocopy legalwere documents in the the leaders in the fightthe against “This means focusing on building pipeline of supculturalthe and musical heritage, mented various enforcement measures topresence manage inJanuary 5, citing an increase in synthetic of the intended recipient. The original mateslavery. The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of Black Detroiters have left an increased population. Notably, metal detectors have been drugs entering facilities through envelopes rials will thenthroughout be immediately shredded to is the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiCare What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark city. However, strategically placed theto Federal disguised as privileged material. preserve confidentiality while preventing all of this Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion and prevention proin recent years, Detroit has expeillegal carrying of firearms. MDOC has long required that general Bureau of Justice Statistics has document- contraband from Government Shutdown inside facilisee circulating coming later.” housed and entered the City’s community response system. grams. It also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, have strategically placed them at key points, “ mail be photocopied before reaching incar- ed a steady increase over the past decade“We ties. In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Musical legends like Aretha Chief White explains. It has been a deterrent for some, cerated people — a policy created to stem in the presence of synthetic cannabinoids housing stability though comprehensive service offerings MDOC says Franklin, the system is designed toand the the displacement of long-standing Marvin Gaye, According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a the flow of contraband and reduce staff for Detroiters? and other lab-made substances inside cor- protect legal privacy while closing a docavailable through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a that setting sound emerged Defiscal to 2021, Detroit facilities. saw a 28%These decrease in often the come weapon and carrying Motown a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re exposure to drugs canyear be 2019 absorbed rectional drugs umented loophole though acivil rights for the and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit,Legal and Black troit,—providing soundtrack through touch. mailSee historically re- HOMELESSNESS into prisons through page paper soaked in chem- groups COMBAT A2 See POLICE PRESENCE Page A-2 nationally have raised concerns in inspirDetroiters are reclaiming their place civil rights movement and In May 2023, the City of Detroit launched mained the Detroit exception. Those documents ical sprays, something corrections systems similar cases about access to original docin the city, despite the challenges ing generations. Motown Records, were delivered in their original form to proin at least 18 states have publicly acknowluments and thefounded risk ofbymisplacement or was not posed bytect gentrification. Berry Gordy Jr., attorney-client confidentiality, a core edged. and west sides. Over time, these long after our current phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of miscopying. During the Great safeguard in bothMigration, state and federal law. Michigan officials they are seeing neighborhoods became centers of say trification. Black excellence and empowerment. Contraband-related health emergencies thousands MDOC of Black families from says that exception Black is now fuel- and the same pattern. culture entrepreneurship. “Black people were coming to Deremain a significant issue within U.S. pristhe South to Detroit searchharder-to-detect However, as Detroit faced ecoingcame a pathway forinnewer, “Illicit drugs According to Historian Jamon have troit fundamentally because Black churches were ons. The Centers for Disease Control and of jobs in the booming automobile nomic decline and population loss substances. changed in over include syn- were here, and in the late 20th century, many therecent city years here,toblack schools industry. Despite facing discrimina- Jordon Black resilience Synthetic drugs havevi-reshaped prison See PRISON’S LEGAL MAIL thetic sprays areDigital easily Daily hasScan roots that QR extend far before thestrips its which was Black businesses here,” said the Code toand Sign Up for the Newsletter tion and segregation, they built $2.00 contraband trends across the country. The added and concealed in were mail,”coming of course Page and to willpaper persist Jordon. “They brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration SeeA-4 LEGACY page A2 $1.00 CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Greektown Had 1.4 Million New K-12 Superintendent Targets Literacy, Visits This Summer and Equity in Michigan’sInvestment EducationNoAgenda Shootings Can Reparative Finally

Heal the Wounds Left by I-375?

All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness A Holistic Approach to Providing Shelter and Support for Detroit’s Unhoused People

WHAT’S INSIDE

Michigan WHAT’S INSIDE

MDOC Updates Prison’s Legal Mail Procedures Ahead of January Policy Shift

Senate Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy Restores 634M After GOP Cuts in Funding Money. A5

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Right To Choose

From page A-1

the rights of all women are continued. “PPMI has been preparing for this moment since the results of the 2016 election were final. We recently filed a lawsuit to stop the 1931 law from going into effect, and we’ve also asked the state courts to affirm that the Michigan constitution does already contain a right to abortion. Our advocacy arm, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, is a founding member of the coalition that launched Reproductive Freedom for All, a ballot initiative to affirm the right to abortion and reproductive freedom in the state constitution,” said Vasquez Giroux. “The bottom line is that we will do everything in our power to keep abortion legal in Michigan, and if SCOTUS makes that impossible, we will do everything we can to ensure our patients can access the care they need.”

Elected officials are also working to keep Roe v. Wade intact thus holding off Michigan’s 1931 trigger ban. Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement saying, in part: “The words ‘Roe overturned’ are no longer theoretical. I want every Michigander to know— no matter what happens in D.C., I’m going to fight like hell to protect access to safe, legal abortion in Michigan…” More than legal implications, overturning Roe v. Wade would impact several systems across the spectrum. With the potential to drive both foster and adoption numbers upward, a ban on abortions could leave many women to choose a less safe route restoring ‘back alley’ and illegal abortion practices, including self-abortions. Moreover, African American women and women of color, who already have a long-storied history with access and inclusion in medi-

cine and healthcare, may be adversely impacted by the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. “What we are really concerned about is the impact on our patients. Access to abortion is already out of reach for far too many Michiganders, especially Black people and people of color who face additional barriers to care as a result of systemic inequalities and institutional racism. Losing access to legal abortion will impact those communities most, forcing people to become parents or expand their families against their will. Being able to decide and control if, when and how to become a parent is central to building and living a healthy, happy life,” said Vasquez Giroux. Beyond the scope of pro-choice versus prolife, the fight for reproductive choice is one of freedom. As Michigan officials work to ensure each woman who finds herself in the position to choose has access to care without the threat of legal action, many wonder

what the Supreme Court will rule in the upcoming days. Despite the decision, advocates on both sides of the argument are willing to continue their pursuits. “Overturning Roe v. Wade would be a terrible break with nearly 50 years of judicial precedent and – more importantly – a blow against individual freedom. It is my hope that the majority of justices will reject the findings of this draft. If that is not the case, we need to stand with Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Gov. Whitmer in support of their efforts to preserve the right to reproductive freedom,” said Chair Alisha Bell, on behalf of the Wayne County Commission.

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New K-12 Superintendent

Sheffield’s Chief of Staff Brian White Selected as Deputy Mayor

By Sam Robinson

presidential election, as political director for America Votes The health committee Michigan, and held the role of Michigan local advocate for recommends the Advancement reviewing Project, a Washington, D.C.-based voting statecivil licensure policies to and rights policy organization. address barriers that and African American studies White the studied economics Black psychologists face at his alma mater, the University of Michigan. in obtaining licensure in “Brian has been my chief of staff for more than a decade Michigan. and I’ve seen firsthand his unwavering commitment to the Ensure equitable dispeople of Detroit,” Sheffield said in a statement. “He undertribution of state health stands that the work of governing is about the people and he funds: Ensure all Michishares my vision for an administration that listens, learns gan communities with a and leads with compassion. As Deputy Mayor, he will play significant Black popualation crucialreceive role in helping lead this city forward by assisting adequate me withtoexecuting rigorous and transformative policy funds address the mental agenda I set forth during this past election cycle.” health issues. White has long been a Detroit resident, where he raises Protecting Black voting his family; his wife, Toi, and their three children, Brian, Jr., rights: Urge state officials Nala, and Jaden. to remain vigilant in the “I am deeplyschemes honored to fight against to continue serving the people of Detroit in this new role,” said White. disenfranchise Michiganders of color. “For more than a decade, I’ve worked alongside Mayor-elect Sheffield as wehave pushed for a city government that “BLAC members listens its residents and fights for fairness, opportunity workedto hard to identify and believe wholeheartedly in her vision the dignity needs for of all. theI Black for an administration community and we rooted feel in transparency, community partnership and equitable progress. I am eager to continthese recommendations willtheprovide a started solid first ue work we to deliver on the Mayor-elect’s peostep towards breaking policy agenda which will help ple-centered and pro-growth down barriers educaDetroit’s progressin reach more Detroiters and deeper into the tion, community safety, neighborhoods.” health and You can reachbusiness,” Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com. said BLAC Co-Chair Dr. Donna L. Bell. BLAC will hold a virtual town hall meeting to discuss its policy recommendations on Thursday, May 12 at 4 p.m. Join people believe that they BLAC and a virtual audiFrom page A-1 need to for themselves ence in discussing the the chancellor embraces. and others to live better recommendations to support the Black communi“I think of transfor- lives.” ty. mational leadership as a “Chancellor Ivery is thoughtful approach that a true transformational BLAC is housed in the causes people to change leader and an outstand- Michigan Department of but also causes the sys- ing CEO, who is more Labor and Economic Optems and circumstanc- than worthy of the CEO of portunity. Members repes they are operating the Year Award he just re- resent many professional in to change too,” Ivory ceived, “ said Prof. James backgrounds, including said. “Transformation- C. Mays, who teaches economics, law, public al change doesn’t just entrepreneurship and safety, health and wellask people to do cer- supply chain manage- ness, arts and culture and tain things; it asks them ment at WCCCD’s Corpo- media. They leverage their to change their view of rate College. “In his 27 experiences and expertise what’s possible and ex- years at WCCCD, Dr. Ivery to make recommendacites them to drive that has elevated WCCCD to tions to the governor on change together because become nationally recog- critical issues affecting they believe that what nized for excellence and the Black community. they’re doing will create innovation and preparing To learn more about positive change for every- our students profession- BLAC and this upcoming what comes next. Because leadership one. That’s how entire ally and personally to do event, visit www.michiisn’t about one year or one person, it’s systems change because great things in the world.” gan.gov/BLAC. about showing up every day, doing the From page A-1 We will continue to stand up for work, and never losing sight of who year long, we announced tens of thou- reproductive freedoms, protect equal you’re fighting for. sands of good-paying jobs in auto rights for all, and defend personal priIn a divided world, Michigan made manufacturing, clean-energy, and ad- vacy and dignity, so everyone can feel progress. As this year ends, I’m more safe, respected, and free to be themvanced technology. Our economy is confident than ever that our best days growing, more small businesses are selves in Michigan. As I prepare to enter my eighth are still ahead. I hope we all enjoy the opening their doors, and Michigan is and final year as governor, I’m proud holiday season with our families and showing the country what’s possible. Another bipartisan win this year of what we accomplished together in then start 2026 ready to get things was Selfridge Air National Guard 2025. But I’m even more focused on done. Base, where we landed a new F-15EX fighter mission. Getting this done proper-based mail. tected thousands of jobs and provided MDOC says the January 5 shift stability for hundreds of military famis part of a broader effort to reduce From page A-1 ilies in Macomb County. contraband, improve staff safety, and The new mission will also strength- Prevention has reported elevated rates limit overdose risks inside facilities. en our role in national security and of overdose deaths and drug-related The department has not announced preserve $850 million of annual eco- medical incidents in correctional set- whether it plans to track the effecnomic impact. Together, we showed tings, tied in part to the rise of synthet- tiveness of the new policy or issue peeach other what’s possible when we ic substances that are potent in small riodic public reports on reductions in work across party lines and with our amounts and difficult to detect. In drug-related incidents under the new Michigan, MDOC disciplinary records protocol. federal partners to get things done. On housing, we also met our goal show hundreds of drug-related violaWhat remains clear is that the to build 75,000 new homes and raised tions each year across the system’s 26 policy represents an expansion of seour statewide goal to 115,000. We are facilities. curity measures shaped by the growcontinuing to take meaningful steps to The department maintains that ing presence of synthetic drugs in reduce the housing shortage and lower photocopying all mail — including correctional spaces, raising ongoing costs for renters, buyers, and young legal mail — has become necessary to questions about how Michigan balancpeople who are looking to find their match the evolution of those substances safety, due process, and communifirst home. And in a time when fun- es. The policy mirrors steps taken by cation rights for the nearly 32,000 damental rights are under attack in correctional systems in Pennsylvania, people currently incarcerated in its many parts of the country, Michigan Missouri, and Iowa in recent years prisons. remains committed to being a place after their own investigations traced Ebony can be reached at ecurry@ where everyone is welcome. synthetic-drug exposure back to pa- michronicle.com.

Report

islature adopts it. SENIOR REPORTER Increase school funding: Statutory changes to Detroit has selected Brian FromMayor-elect page A-1 Mary Sheffield Aid White, her longtime chief ofincrease staff, to the serveSchool as Detroit corporate boards to have Fund revenue by at least Deputy Mayor and senior advisor. more diverse representa- $3.6 billion and establish Typically, mayors perform key administrative tion and passdeputy the legislaa have permanent work. In Detroit, deputy mayors lent their weighted hand to a tion. funding formula based on broad range of municipal activities. Better collection and student and community In a press on Monday, Sheffield’s transition team and universal preanalysis of release criminal jus- needs said that willrecomsupport an incoming school (0-3).administration tice data:White BLAC that is focused community-centered and transparent mends data on collection Reject censorship in government. and professional analy- history instruction: Enwill serve as the a senior advisor toGov. the Whitmer incoming sisWhite be initiated with couraging assistance of ourMayor, Attor- White mayor. As Deputy will oversee to ensure the Sheffield’s goal for ney General, Michigan state and federal policy agenda,Michigan labor relations, andshould the opschools Commission Law erational functionon of city government, a releaseinstruction said. be history Enforcement Standards that is as presented proWhite has worked with Sheffield her chief by of staff (MCOLES), fessionals with for more than aAssociation decade. He led her team when shethe was subfirst of Michigan Prosecutors ject asmatter expertise, elected to the city council and later Detroit City Council and other stakeholders pedagogical skills, and president. to collaborate, collect and judgment necessary to “White played a pivotal role in Sheffield’s mission to analyze data strategically. present complex inforchallenge the status quo and advocate for Detroit’s marBan no-knock war- mation to students that ginalized communities, helping to deliver wins on: affordrants: Urging the House are grounded in provable housing, economic development, property tax reform, able facts and add to the Government Operations ethics and transparency efforts, and for workers orunderstanding of and modCommittee to hold hearganized labor,” a spokesperson for Sheffield’s Rise Higher ings on HB 5013 and other ern-day America. transition effort legislation that said. would ban Increase mental health White’s background roles shaping or limit the use of includes no- supports for government, the Black policy, and He served as state for the knock or community. quick knock community:director Recommendwarrants, and urging the ing Michigan Election Protection initiative duringsetthea 2004 Michigan goal state legislature to pass of increasing the number meaningful reform and of Black mental health advise Gov. Whitmer to service providers by 20% sign the bill after the leg- each year over five years.

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WEEK’S WEEK’S BEST BEST LOTTERY LOTTERY

From page A-1 way following legislation signed in the fall of 2024. Those laws strengthened early literacy materials, expanded professional development and coaching, and now require dyslexia screening and intervention. “Literacy is a cornerstone of any state’s success. It leads to better outcomes for kids, families, and communities,” said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to help more kids read, from tripling literacy coaches to Science of Reading legislation requiring educators to use teaching methods that are proven to help students read better than they can today. But as a state, we have so much more to do to address this long-standing crisis. Going into my final year, literacy is my No. 1 education priority. Let’s get this done and help every child read.” The Michigan Department of Education also led the push to provide Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional development, rooted in the science of reading. Maleyko has indicated he wants the training to be mandatory, reinforcing consistent, research-based instruction statewide. “For Michigan’s business community, early literacy is an economic imperative because it directly shapes students’ ability to succeed in school and in life,” said TalentFirst’s Mike Jandernoa, who is also a founding partner of 42 North Partners. TalentFirst is an alliance of CEOs working with educators, workforce leaders, policymakers, and others dedicated to making West Michigan a leader in world-class talent. “When children struggle to read, they face barriers that follow them into adulthood, affecting workforce readiness, productivity, and long-term economic growth. The Michigan Literacy Summit is an opportunity to advance proven solutions that reverse alarming early literacy trends and ensure every student has a chance to succeed.”

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Supporting Student Health, Wellness, and Attendance Beyond academics, Maleyko emphasized the importance of student health, safety, and wellness—key elements of Goal 3 of the state’s strategic plan. That includes expanding mental health supports and tackling chronic absenteeism, which has emerged as a pressing issue in districts across Michigan. Educators and community leaders have increasingly pointed to the connection between mental health, attendance, and academic performance. Addressing those challenges, Maleyko said, will require coordination among schools, families, health providers, and community organizations. Building Strong Pathways to College and Careers Strengthening pathways from K-12 education to postsecondary success is another major focus, aligning with Goals 4 through 6 of the Top 10 plan. Michigan has already seen record-high participation in dual enrollment, early college programs, Career and Technical Education, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate offerings. Graduation rates are also at historic highs, but Maleyko says the work is far from finished. Expanding access to these programs—particularly for students in underserved communities—remains a priority, ensuring that all students graduate with meaningful options for their futures.

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Funding Equity and Workforce Stability Adequate and equitable school funding, connected to Goal 8 of the plan, is also front and center. While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature have made significant investments in recent years, Maleyko pointed to findings from the Michigan School Finance Research Collaborative showing that public education remains underfunded by billions of dollars. He has called for funding levels aligned with those recommendations, with a strong emphasis on at-risk categorical funding, English language learners, and students receiving special education services—areas where high-achieving states consistently invest. Equally critical is strengthening Michigan’s educator workforce. Under Goal 7, Maleyko plans to support teachers and support staff through improved mentoring, competitive compensation, and efforts to grow the educator pipeline. Listening to Shape the Future In the months ahead, Maleyko plans to launch a statewide listening tour, visiting schools and communities across every region of Michigan. “In the coming months, I will launch a Statewide Listening Tour,” Maleyko said. “I will visit schools across Michigan, meet with educators, students, families, support staff, school board members, and community partners, and attend events across every region. This Listening Tour, with support from the State Board of Education and Michigan Department of Education staff, will directly inform a major statewide initiative: the renewal and enhancement of the Top 10 Strategic Education Plan through broad stakeholder engagement. “High-achieving states build strategies through deep listening—and we will do the same. As Wayne Gretzky said: ‘I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.’ Our Listening Tour will help Michigan skate toward the future of education,” he added. As conversations like those at Pancakes & Politics: Overdrive continue to elevate K-12 education as a cornerstone of Michigan’s progress, Maleyko’s early message is simple. Collaboration, literacy, equity, and student-centered leadership will guide the state’s next chapter in public education, he says.

A3 | December 24-30, 2025

Roots.

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Driving Change: How DTE Energy Foundation Helps Families Put Food on the Table

The DTE Foundation is continuing its mission to strengthen communities by committing $300,000 to address rising food insecurity across Michigan. The funding will support trusted partners like Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Food Gatherers, Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners Community Food Bank, United Way, and Feeding America West Michigan – organizations that work tirelessly to provide nutritious meals and expand distribution efforts for families in need. “Families across Michigan continue to face real challenges putting food on the table,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “We’re proud to stand alongside our partners to make sure nutritious meals reach those who need them most. This is about caring for our neighbors and strengthening the communities where we live and serve.”

Tips to save this holiday season “Our fondest memories, strongest traditions and most heartfelt celebrations often have one thing in common: the meals we share with one another,” said Gerry Brisson, president and CEO, Gleaners Community Food Bank. “When we come together to solve hunger, the investments we make in our neighbors lift up the whole community, not just the people we’re helping. We’re grateful for partners like the DTE Foundation, whose support will feed families today and tomorrow.” “With the support of amazing partners like the DTE Foundation, United Way’s Every Family Fed Fund will help ensure those harmed by disruptions in critical nutrition programs like SNAP can continue to put food on the table,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We are grateful for all our donors and community partners like DTE who have answered the call and amplified their giving in this time of incredible need.”

This commitment builds on the Foundation’s year-to-date impact: $1,062,000 invested in 39 organizations fighting hunger statewide. From the Upper Peninsula to Southeast Michigan, the DTE Foundation is helping ensure every family has access to healthy food. Learn more about our partners and how you can support: • Food Bank of Eastern Michigan www.fbem.org • Food Gatherers www.foodgatherers.org • Forgotten Harvest www.forgottenharvest.org • Gleaners Community Food Bank www.gcfb.org • United Way for Southeastern Michigan www.unitedwaysem.org • Feeding America West Michigan www.feedwm.org By joining forces with local organizations and neighbors like you, we can ensure that no family goes hungry and every child has the nourishment they need to thrive.

Is your home ready for the holidays? While you enjoy the season, your appliances and other devices work extra hard to keep up with increased use. Learn more about what adds to your energy bill and learn ways to save. Holiday contributors to your energy bill: • Holiday lights • Kids being home from school • Hosting guests for the holidays • Extra cooking in the kitchen • Extra use of electronics and device charging • Colder than normal weather Easy ways to save this season Lower the thermostat: When you’re hosting, you’re opening doors more frequently, or opening a kitchen window when you’re working up a sweat in the kitchen. Turn down your thermostat a few degrees so your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard during this time. Watch the weather: Last winter’s extremely cold temperatures caused higher energy bills across Michigan. If we get a holiday cold snap, avoid dialing up your thermostat and use blankets to stay cozy. Avoid extra heating appliances: If your guests are spending time in your basement or garage this season, avoid using space heaters or gas fireplaces for heating. These items use a lot of extra energy, and can really add up on your bill. Energy efficient holiday lighting: Put your outdoor and indoor holiday lights on timers to make sure they don’t run any longer than you want them to. If possible, take advantage of holiday sales and upgrade to LED lights that use less electricity. Don’t just use the oven: Consider using slow cookers, air fryers or toaster ovens to keep your oven from running all day and using more natural gas. Don’t overload your fridge: If your fridge is packed, it will work harder to stay cold. Leading up to the holidays, consider a fridge cleanout to free some extra space. Make sure leftover food is completely cooled before putting it in the fridge. Headed out of town this holiday season? Your home still uses energy, even when you aren’t there. Take these steps before you leave town to save: Adjust your thermostat: Lower your thermostat – but don’t turn it off! Since no one will be around to feel the heat, you can drop your thermostat lower while you’re out of town. Monitor the weather: If you use a pro-

grammable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature in your home if extreme weather hits while you’re away. You can also turn up your heat right before you come home so you arrive at a warm house. Turn off and unplug: Unplug any unnecessary electronics and turn off lights that aren’t needed while you’re away. If you like to

leave lights on when you aren’t home, consider using a timer. You can look back on last year’s holiday energy usage in your home with our free Bill Analyzer Tool. Review your bill history, see what uses the most energy in your home and find ways to save. Learn more at dteenergy.com/staywarm.

Energy careers exhibit engages Detroit area youth Newly unveiled “Energy MVP” exhibit shares future proof energy careers with area youth 3, 2, 1 … SNIP! The DTE Foundation, in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, unveiled a newly redesigned immersive learning installation at the JA Finance Park, located at Junior Achievement’s Southeast Headquarters in Detroit. The “Energy MVP – From Rookie to Legend” exhibit offers a dynamic experience highlighting careers in renewable energy, skilled trades, engineering and emerging technologies. Through hands-on simulations and real-world scenarios, students will explore pathways to high-paying, purpose-driven careers that power Michigan’s future. “This installation reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation for the energy careers of tomorrow,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “By partnering with Junior Achievement, we’re helping students connect their education to real opportunities in the energy industry, whether that’s in electric vehicle infrastructure, solar technology, or skilled trades.” Teams across DTE donated equipment and tools to the hands-on learning installation. The Energy MVP exhibit, estimated to engage thousands of students annually, came to life through employee donations. Capital Projects Manager, Lare Blum, donated several items, including personal keepsakes from his first engineering roles at Fermi 2 and Monroe Power Plant. “I’ve had a great career as an engineer at DTE. I enjoy the work, and I’m surrounded by colleagues who really care about serving our customers and communities. By sharing my tools of the trade to be part of the Energy MVP learning installation, I believe we’ll inspire Michigan’s next generation of energy professionals.” The JA Finance Park, housed within Junior Achievement of Southeast Michigan, features hands-on installations from many metro-Detroitbased industries. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with the DTE Foundation on this transformative exhibit,” said Jason Lee, president and CEO, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. “This partnership brings energy careers to life in a way that’s both educational and inspiring, helping students envision their role in building a sustainable future and aligning with the mission at Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan.” The DTE design and multimedia teams dedicated extra time and energy to create the hands-on learning exhibit. “We wanted to give students a real flavor for several great energy industry career options,” said Joy Neych, supervisor, DTE Design. “So, our team designed an exhibit featuring real, hands-on examples of in-demand energy careers for students, combined with the technology they use daily to guide their learning experiences.”

Shining a light on this year’s United Way campaign DTE Energy ended its 2025 United Way campaign with a powerful show of teamwork, creativity and compassion. Through spirited fundraising, volunteerism and new initiatives, employees across the company carried the torch in making a lasting difference. From cookoffs and raffles to trivia competitions and bingo, DTE teams rallied to raise funds and awareness for United Way. One of the most impactful ways employees supported United Way was through hands-on service projects like the backpack build in August. Employees gathered at Beacon Park to fill backpacks with school supplies such as notebooks, pens and pencils. “I wanted to give back to the community and volunteer for the kids,” said Caterina Jones, principal analyst on the Customer Service Strategy team and volunteer at the event. “Giving back like this is an example to inspire others, to show how important education is. Education helps people move forward.” Thanks to the generosity of employees and the DTE Foundation’s match, the campaign raised nearly $2 million to support United Way programs like 2-1-1, which connects people with vital services such as food, housing and utility assistance. This year’s campaign brought out creativity across the organization. One unique team fundraising event was Worktoberfest, hosted by Gas Operations. “Knowing what a good cause United Way is, our Leak Management team wanted to host an event that would raise awareness and funds for United Way and at the same time make it exciting and engaging to be part of. After some strategy, our team came up with

Worktoberfest,” said Samantha Raupp, principal supervisor for Gas Operations, Leak Management. “For the event, employees paid $20 to attend Worktoberfest, which included barbecue, cornhole tournaments, a bake sale, door prizes, quality time with peers and most importantly, raising awareness for United Way. This was one of the best fundraising events we’ve had!” Another successful event returning from last year’s campaign was a bingo fundraiser hosted by Human Relations. “This is our second year doing this event, and it’s extremely fun and engaging for those who attend,” said Hank Campbell, director of Human Relations. “Specifically, because the grand prize was two tickets to a Detroit Lions game.” DTE’s Project Management Office also hosted several fun events, including bringing back their popular wine raffle for a second year. For a $10 entry fee and a bottle of wine valued at $10 or more, participants had the chance to win a share of the wine pool. Thanks to the popularity of the raffle, the team was able to award first, second and third place prizes. “Participation is growing, and we’re hoping to exceed 50 bottles next year,” said Ayo Dawodu, manager in Distribution Capital Management. “We’re also exploring ways to open the wine pool across organizations so we can extend the invite to our colleagues in DO, Gas and beyond.” This year’s campaign featured several unique activities, including a pie smash and a karaoke party both led by Customer Service. And the yearly campaign staple, the crockpot cookoff, was a major hit. This year’s competition pitted the executives against the

executive assistants with the executive assistants bringing home the win and bragging rights until the next campaign season. The 2025 campaign was full of creativity, generosity and teamwork across the whole organization. The official campaign may have ended but the company’s commitment to giving back will continue to shine throughout the year. Check out other campaign highlights to see the impact we made this year.

Page A-4 | December 24-30, 2025 | michiganchronicle.com

RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS:

Adama Sow Ndiaye took three planes, many taxis and motorcycles, and walked miles during his journey to the United States.

Senegalese Immigrants Find Community of Support in West Detroit

Abstract: For immigrants from Senegal, Detroit’s religious communities are a source of spiritual grounding and practical support. The west side of Detroit has become a destination that many Senegalese now call home.

By Carole Hawke-Diop On August 13th, the courtyard of Khadimu Rassul Foundation is a colorful scene of men in kaftans and women in sequined robes and bright headwraps. It is Magal Touba, a feast commemorating the life and teachings of Ahmadou Bamba, a revered saint and leader of Senegal’s Mouride Muslims. On this day, a large group of worshippers from West Africa has gathered to celebrate together. For West Detroit’s sizable and growing population of Senegalese migrants, local religious communities are a source of spiritual grounding and practical support. From Senegal to Detroit Detroit has been home to Senegalese immigrants since at least the 1990s. When author and educator Abib Coulibaly moved to Detroit with his wife in the early 2010s, they were attracted by the feeling of home. “I had some connections living in Detroit. When I came here, I had a safe feeling. I said, ‘Oh, this is a Senegalese community.’ I felt at home right away. There were a lot of Senegalese. This was something I was not expecting.” says Coulibaly. This small community was bolstered by more recent arrivals, whose numbers have swelled in the past half-decade. An initial group arrived in Detroit via Brazil, where a large Senegalese population was hollowed out by an increasingly inhospitable economic and political climate in that nation. Crossing seven countries by foot, bus, and taxi and traversing Panama’s perilous Darien Gap, this wave of migrants journeyed for several months to reach the United States’ southern border, which they did beginning in 2020. Mhamadou Diop arrived in Detroit in 2021. Originally from Kaolack, Senegal, he lived in Brazil for seven years before leaving for the United States. Connections with the imam at Khadimu Rassul mosque brought him to Detroit. “When I came [to the United States], I didn’t know anybody here. I have one friend, whose friend [the imam] lived in Detroit. He said, ‘When you get there, he’s going to allow you to live there. They will help you with everything that you need.’ That’s why I came [to Detroit],” says Diop. Soon, a new route opened for migrants looking to avoid the Darien Gap. Many Senegalese who arrived between 2022 and 2024 flew from Senegal to Nicaragua and made the shorter trek through Central America and Mexico to the southern border. Adama Sow Ndiaye recounts three planes and countless taxis, motorcycles, and miles of walking as part of his journey before arriving in the U.S. in January 2024. Once here, he joined his mother, who was already living in Detroit. Many who selected Detroit as a destination cite family and community support. Coura Ndiaye is an example. She says, “I came first to New York City in 2021. After that I came to Detroit because it is safe and less busy. When I came here I saw that

Coura Ndiaye immigrated from Senegal to New York City in 2021. She later moved to Detroit and found a supportive community. there are very nice people, like Muslim people, they are together and aid each other. They help you. There are a lot of African people and people from other countries. That’s why I stayed here.” While the border is shut to new migrants and immigration concerns threaten the status of many asylum seekers, activist Seydi Sarr anticipates that the West African population in Detroit will grow in the short term as Senegalese in other parts of the United States find their way to Detroit. “Right now we are seeing more people coming. It doesn’t look like a crisis how it was seven months or a year ago because the community here has found their bearings and are now helping others,” says Sarr. Sarr references a span of months in 2023 and 2024 when local shelters and agencies were unable to keep up with the need for housing and services for the many migrants arriving in Detroit. “They are even telling their cousins to come here. ‘It’s too expensive in New York. Come here. I’ll talk to my boss, and we’ll make it happen. We live with 7 other people now, but once you start working, then me and you and so-and-so can move out.’ Now they know the network, they know how to move, they know how to regulate themselves,” says Sarr. Spiritual and Social Support Khadimu Rassul Foundation serves as a hub of religious and cultural life for many of the city’s newest residents from Senegal. Located on Schoolcraft and West Outer Drive, it is one of several Islamic Centers in West Detroit that serve the African population. Khadimu Rassul Foundation is part of a network of Mouride community centers throughout North America. Several orders of Sufis, a branch of Islam which empha-

sizes personal religious devotion, predominate among the large majority of Senegalese who practice Islam. Mouridism is one such order, founded in 1883 by Ahmadou Bamba, who was also known as Khadimu Rassul, or the servant of the prophet. Members of the order are called Mouride, and their goals include establishing centers throughout the country that can promote religious teaching and mutual care. Abib Coulibaly describes the role of Khadimu Rassul Foundation, saying, “In every big city [the Mouride] go, they have a building. We have a mosque, a conference room, and a classroom where people can learn religion. We can welcome people when they first come and have no place to sleep. We have a day in the month when we gather and talk about a religious theme. It reminds us where we come from, why we are here, and why we should help one another as a community. That’s why people know where to go. This is a place that puts us together. Sometimes it is what prevents most of us from being lost and confused. We can get spiritual help, financial help, and advice.” Although the property was purchased and dedicated in 2014, newly arrived migrants from Senegal have breathed new energy into the space. Whereas Friday prayers were once sparsely attended, now they are “full to the brim,” according to Seydi Sarr. The center hosts year-round food giveaways and special meals for the community during Ramadan. When local immigration agencies were overwhelmed by the number of newcomers in 2023, Khadimu Rassul hosted a town hall with city leaders. Networking promotes connections outside the structures of official religious activities. Apart from the charitable activities at Khadimu Rassul, many community members report giving and receiving help with transportation, employment, and housing from one another. Alongside these practical helps, newcomers attest to the significance of spiritual resources for withstanding the difficulties of migration. When asked how his religion helps him, Adama Ndiaye paused and reflected on the many challenges he has faced – hardships in Senegal, detention during his journey through Mexico, anxiety from his program of surveillance through ICE, and poor treatment from some Detroiters. Sustaining him in this has been a verse from the Qur’an, which Ndiaye explains to mean “Nothing bad can happen today that is not decided by God.” Ndiaye says, “Everything that happened to me, dealing with what I’ve been dealing with– if you rely on religion then you’re going to deal with those situations in a different way.” Something of Value to Bring to Detroit Although many Senegalese have been in Detroit for only a short time, the grounding of spiritual and practical support of their religious community bolsters their positive contributions to life in the city. The economic contributions of the new migrants are undeniable – they hold jobs as welders and construction workers, in factories, laundromats, restaurants, and community centers. Many have certifications or college degrees from Senegal and are working to transfer these to the United States. Many work multiple jobs. Serigne Bassirou Lo has lived in Detroit since 2022. He cites work ethic and kindness as two unique characteristics of Senegalese in the city. “People sometimes say, ‘Senegalese people, they are good. They are good, and they are good at work,” says Lo. Adama Ndiaye agrees, adding that Senegalese culture emphasizes respect for elders. He recounts lifting a heavy load of laundry for a senior citizen at the laundromat. What was natural for him was a surprise to the woman, who said that this was the first time anyone had helped her in this way. Coura Ndiaye beams with pride when asked how she helps people, listing her love for cooking for others, the translation she offers for friends as they seek jobs and healthcare, and the many people she has helped register for English classes. Coura encourages her fellow Senegalese to see that they also have something of value to give to Detroit right now. She says, “I want to help people to understand what they have to bring for the United States. We are not here just for finding money. The best thing we have to bring is our own experience, because we live here now. We can help people to find a good and safe place to live.” AUTHOR NOTE: For disclosure, Mhamadou Diop is my husband. I interviewed seven migrants who came to the U.S. between 2021 and 2024 for this article, but he was the only one who came via the Brazil route. Resilient Neighborhoods is a reporting and engagement series that examines how Detroit residents and community development organizations are working together to strengthen local neighborhoods. This story was originally produced and published by Model D Media and is reprinted in New Michigan Media newspapers through a partnership supported by the Kresge Foundation.

Mhamadou Diop and Serigne Lo (different Serigne Lo than quoted in article) outside of the Khadimu Rassul Foundation. The picture they are standing under is Ahmadou Bamba, the founder of Mouridism.

Photos by Nick Hagen

A5 | December 24-30, 2025

Money.

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Property is Power!

How Trump’s Assault on DEI Threatens Black Economic and Social Gains By Anthony O. Kellum CONTRIBUTING WRITER

There are moments in history when progress stalls not because people forget how to move forward, but because Donald Trump is actively working to push them backward. We are living in such a moment. Since taking office on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump has advanced a policy agenda that systematically undermines Black Americans under the guise of neutrality, legality, and “anti-wokeness.” These policies do not merely target programs or language; they target infrastructure the systems that allowed Black people to gain limited but meaningful traction in education, employment, housing, and wealth accumulation over the last sixty years. This moment should deeply concern anyone who understands how fragile Black economic progress has always been and how tightly it is tied to property ownership, access to capital, and institutional equity. The question before us is not simply political. It is structural: What happens to the Black housing gap and the Black wealth gap in 2026 when equity is no longer protected, diversity is criminalized, and silence is rewarded? Trump’s current agenda is Anthony O. Kellum neither accidental nor symbolic. It is deliberate and systemic. By dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, the administration is removing the scaffolding that partially corrected generations of exclusion. The attack on institutions like the National Museum of African American History is not merely cultural it is strategic. Removing Black historical figures from national websites, rolling back Department of Education funding that disproportionately affects HBCUs, and terminating DEI offices, equity-related grants, and workplace protections represent a coordinated effort to constrict Black mobility pipelines. These pipelines directly feed education attainment, income stability, and ultimately mortgage eligibility and homeownership. When equity mechanisms disappear, access disappears with them. The housing gap is not simply a matter of credit scores or interest rates. It is the downstream result of education access, job security, wage growth, and institutional support. DEI initiatives particularly in higher education, federal contracting, and corporate hiring played a measurable role in expanding Black participation in professional sectors that make homeownership attainable. By terminating these initiatives through executive orders and legal threats, the administration tightens the funnel that leads to ownership. Fewer promotions lead to fewer stable households. Fewer stable households lead to fewer qualified buyers. In 2026, this will not be abstract. It will show up in declining Black homeownership rates, increased rental dependency, and heightened vulnerability to displacement. The wealth gap widens when ownership becomes harder to reach. Wealth in America is built through assets, not income, and the most common asset is housing. The repeal of decades-old executive orders requiring federal contractors to take proactive steps against discrimination signals a return to passive inequality where discrimination need not be proven, only permitted. This environment rewards incumbency and inherited access, both of which have historically excluded Black Americans. Without intentional equity measures, wealth compounds upward and away from our communities. The absence of protection is not neutrality, it is regression.

Michigan Senate Restores $634M After GOP Cuts in Funding By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Pressure works — especially when it is rooted in community, clarity, and consequence. One week after a rare procedural maneuver by House Republicans wiped out hundreds of millions of dollars meant for Michigan’s most vulnerable residents, the Michigan Senate voted Dec. 16 to restore $634 million in work project funding. The reversal followed sustained pushback from impacted organizations, local governments, and a coordinated response led by the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, which convened a press conference demanding accountability and an immediate course correction. The Senate vote came after the House Appropriations Committee, controlled by Republicans, used a seldom-invoked provision of the state’s Management and Budget Act on Dec. 10 to unilaterally reject roughly $645 million in previously approved work

projects. Those funds had already been appropriated in the state’s 2025 budget and were awaiting routine carryforward approval after remaining unspent at the close of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. Five Republican senators joined Democrats in the 23–13 vote to restore the funding, signaling bipartisan discomfort with how the cuts were executed and who they harmed. The legislation now heads back to the House, where Speaker Matt Hall has defended the committee’s action while indicating some funding could still be reinstated. For members of the MLBC, the issue was never abstract. The eliminated projects cut across nearly every corner of Michigan life — funding for children undergoing cancer treatment, fire safety equipment in Hamtramck, environmental remediation, school infrastructure upgrades, and Rx Kids, the nationally watched maternal health initiative providing direct cash support to new

parents. Many of the affected programs serve Black, low-income, rural, and medically vulnerable communities that already face structural barriers to stability. Sen. Sarah Anthony, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emerged as a central force in the reversal. She framed the House action as reckless governance that disrupted already-approved commitments and undermined trust in public institutions. “The investments House Republicans so callously ripped away aren’t luxuries — they’re essential lifelines for people to survive,” Anthony said in a Dec. 16 statement. Anthony also sent a letter to Dana Nessel requesting a formal legal opinion on whether the provision of state law used by the House committee to claw back the funding is constitutional. The move signaled that the fight extended beyond budget numbers into questions of process, authority, and precedent. The original cuts blindsided grant recipients. Several organizations said they had already committed funds, entered contracts, or made purchases based on the state’s budget approval — only to be left without reimbursement or clarity once the funding disappeared. Because many work project line items bundle multiple grants together, state officials initially struggled to identify the full scope of what had been eliminated, adding to confusion across communities trying to plan for the new year. “The rules of the game shouldn’t have been changed midstream or applied retroactively,” Michigan Community College Association President Brandy Johnson testified after funds were pulled back for a “Local Heroes” program that helps steer students into high-demand careers, including law enforcement. “When we make promises to babies, we must keep them,” testified Dr. Mona Hanna, founder and director of Rx Kids, a Flint-based group

See BUDGET CUTS Page A-6

See BLACK ECONOMICS Page A-6

Tax Breaks for Michigan Data Centers Under Fire from Bipartisan Coalition By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

There’s a bipartisan coalition of Michigan lawmakers opposing the tax-abated construction of data centers, which are facilities used to house computer systems. Rep. Dylan Wegela, D-Garden City, is leading the introduction of a bipartisan package with Reps. Erin Byrnes, D-Dearborn, and Jim DeSana, R-Ash Township, to repeal tax breaks for data center developers. The Michigan Senate passed a bill package last year allowing large data centers operated by companies like Oracle and Google to be exempt from sales and use tax on equipment through 2050. Environmental advocates warn the facilities will increase energy rates and exacerbate Michigan’s reliance on fossil fuels. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and pro-business Democrats recently championed plans from DTE Energy, Open AI, and Related Digital, Stephen Ross’ company, to build a data center in Saline Township, describing the proposed facility as the largest investment in the state’s history.

“Michigan was chosen for the project, the largest one-time investment in state history, because of the state’s strong workforce, pipeline of local talent, and bipartisan legislation Governor Whitmer signed to lower costs for the construction of high-tech infra-

structure,” the governor’s office said in a statement. The governor said that the project will create 2,500 good-paying union construction jobs, more than 450 permanent high-skill, high-paying jobs on site, and 1,500

more in the community. But residents and critics of the facilities that manage cloud storage and process AI queries. Residents of Saline Township

continue to fight the data center after the township government agreed to a legal settlement with the developer to move the plan forward. Township officials say they’re hands were tied since they wouldn’t have been able to afford the legal fees necessary to fight the suit. The fight in Washtenaw County between the residents and billion-dollar companies represents a larger political battle playing out in rural communities across the country that are being purchased by large developers. Data centers have also been proposed in Lyon Township, Southfield, and Howell. Lawmakers say there are efforts to bring similar facilities to other communities that are yet to be announced. The debate over whether to attract data centers to Michigan is over 10 years old. In 2015, the Legislature 2015 passed bills giving data centers tax exemptions. Whether to support the large tech companies is now causing friction within both parties. Environmental advocates on

See MICHIGAN DATA CENTERS Page A-6

Page A-6 | December 24-30, 2025 | michiganchronicle.com

The investments “ House Republicans

so callously ripped away aren’t luxuries — they’re essential lifelines for people to survive.” Sen. Sarah Anthony, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee

Budgets Cuts From page A-5 that is expanding to provide cash aid to new parents across Michigan and had $18.5 million in unspent 2025 dollars pulled back in the action championed by House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township. Hall has argued that work projects have ballooned since the COVID-19 pandemic and described the accumulated funding as potential “slush funds.” He said many of the eliminated projects were tied to initiatives he opposes, including green energy and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. He also questioned whether some services should be funded by government at all, suggesting private charity or competitive bidding instead. That framing drew sharp criticism from lawmakers and community advocates who noted that many of the programs targeted by the cuts were created through bipartisan agreement and address needs the private sector has historically failed to meet. The MLBC’s response underscored that point. Standing alongside affected organizations, caucus members made clear that the funding fight was about survival, not politics — and about whose needs are deemed expend-

able when power is exercised without transparency. Five Republican senators — Jon Bumstead of North Muskegon, John Damoose of Harbor Springs, Mark Huizenga of Walker, Ed McBroom of Vulcan, and Michael Webber of Rochester Hills — joined Democrats in voting to restore the funds, reflecting unease even within GOP ranks. The Senate’s action does not end the conflict. With the legislation returning to the House, uncertainty remains about final implementation. But the vote marked a clear rebuke of unilateral budget cuts carried out without warning and without regard for their ripple effects. For the communities affected — new mothers, children battling cancer, families relying on public media, neighborhoods waiting on infrastructure — the restoration represented more than a fiscal adjustment. It was a reminder that organized resistance, led by lawmakers rooted in community, can interrupt harm before it becomes permanent. And it affirmed what Black legislators and advocates made plain from the start: budgets reveal priorities. When those priorities are challenged, solidarity matters — especially for the people most vulnerable and most often overlooked.

Michigan Data Centers From page A-5 the left say the facilities will undermine the state’s clean energy goals and will burden nearby utility customers. Pro-business lawmakers in both parties say the incentives are necessary to attract data centers, which represent huge investments for the state. There are approximately 3,000 data centers currently online nationwide, with around 1,000 more being proposed. There’s growing concern that Black Southerners may be facing the greatest negative impacts. A MediaJustice report found that data center projects often wind up in vulnerable communities that are already facing health and economic harm. “The richest men in the world are leading the push for Data Centers and AI. Technology that will surely lead to more consolidation of wealth and power as AI takes working-class jobs,” Wegela said in a statement. “As we have seen elsewhere, these data centers produce few jobs, raise utility rates, and put a major strain on our energy resources. We will never meet our clean energy goals if we continue to fast-track data centers.” Gov. Whitmer’s clean energy legislation aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040, a target advocates say is a lofty goal. Legislation signed by the

governor in 2023 requires utilities in Michigan to get 80% of their power from clean energy sources in 2035 through 2039 and 100% from clean energy sources beginning in 2040. “DTE and Consumers are foaming at the mouth with the profits they will make. Many of these deals have been put together behind closed doors and out of sight of the public. We need to fight back. We need to repeal the tax breaks that are encouraging these companies to flock to Michigan, and we have to demand strict regulation and public oversight of these projects,” said Wegela, who is viewed as one of the most progressive members of the Michigan Legislature. Wegela said the state must address concerns raised by the construction and operation of data centers, and ending the tax credits for the projects is “a good place to start.” “This bipartisan effort shows that working people in every part of the state, regardless of their party or their feeling about new technologies, know that these secret corporate deals are undemocratic and bad for the working people of our state,” he said. Byrnes of Dearborn said that Michigan families shouldn’t be the ones bankrolling handouts for big corporations and utilities. “For too long, big corporations and utilities have taken from our

communities while giving nothing back but higher costs, pollution, and health problems. That’s unacceptable, and it’s why I’m fighting to put people first, end the giveaways, and make corporations pay their fair share.” Public Acts 181 and 204 were passed during the last legislature. The bills together provide sales tax exemptions for data center equipment. Officials in the press release said they plan to introduce their legislation seeking to kill the incentives on Dec. 19. So far, $13 million in tax breaks have been claimed under this tax break, according to the House Fiscal Analysis. “However, this number is expected to grow exponentially with nearly two dozen data center projects in the works,” Wegela said. Rep. DeSana of Ash Township, a 7,800-person township in Monroe County, said storing data on prime farmland “is one of the most asinine things I have ever seen.” “The scar upon our rural Landscape that these Data Centers will create is long lasting and 100% negative for our rural communities,” DeSana said. “There are no benefits and even if there were any, they would be drastically outweighed by the water and noise issues they create.” You can reach Sam at srobinson@michronicle.com.

Black Economic From page A-5

Perhaps most dangerous is the reframing of equity as illegal and immoral. By forcing federal contractors and grantees to certify that they do not operate DEI programs, and by threatening corporations, universities, nonprofits, and foundations with legal action, the administration has created a chilling effect designed to silence institutions before they act. When corporations retreat from equity initiatives, Black professionals lose pathways. When philanthropic foundations withdraw equity grants, Black entrepreneurs lose capital. When universities scale back access programs, Black students lose opportunity. And when opportunity contracts, property ownership contracts with it. This is why the current moment demands Black political, civic, and economic voice. Silence has never preserved Black progress participation has. At the same time, political awareness must be matched with economic action. We must intentionally build and strengthen parallel systems of support. If fed-

eral equity mechanisms are dismantled, community-driven capital and Black-led financial institutions must remain visible and engaged across professional, educational, and civic spaces. Property is Power! is a movement to promote home and community ownership. Studies indicate homeownership leads to higher graduation rates, family wealth, and community involvement.

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michiganchronicle.com | December 24-30, 2025 | Page A-7

COMMUNITY VOICES

Michigan Legislature, Remember: Tis the Season of Giving Not Taking! By Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony GUEST COLUMNIST

The Michigan House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, led by Republican Matt Hall, appears to have the spirit of the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas. It is important to remember just as President George W. Bush said, “It is compassionate to actively help our fellow citizens in need.” The Michigan Legislature, Republicans and Democrats, have an opportunity to help organizations, institutions, and individuals continue to do the work to enhance the quality of life in our communities. Unfortunately, the non-approval of $644 million in allocated money already committed to various organizations, announced by the Republican led legislature, are some of the most tragic, non-compassionate, and cruel indications of those who have no heart. These cuts in funds such as local food infrastructure – $3 million, drinking water Rev. Dr. Wendell declaration of emergency to support Flint; $5 million, Rx Anthony Kids; $18.5 million, voting equipment refresh; $7.2 million, firearm safety and violence prevention; $1.8 million, along with cuts for firefighters, veterans, mothers and infants, the Museum of African American History, and the Detroit Zoo – make the Grinch look like a rank amateur. In case you have not noticed, this is not Whoville and we are not living in a fantasy. This is the state of Michigan with cities such as Detroit and many others who will suffer from neglect, disrespect, and a lack of empathy for those who are doing the work for those in need. These heartless cutbacks under the guise of fraud and waste is a mirror reflecting the wornout excuses often given by those who prefer profit over people and political interests over the needs of our citizenry. These cuts are shameless and every Michigander who believes that people deserve better should write, call, text, and stand up against such callousness. We as a people deserve better. It would appear that some of our Michigan legislators are supporting the whims of the President of the United States. President Donald Trump demonstrates daily that he possesses no empathy for the fundamental needs of the people in our cities. It is important to remember it’s not about the President; it’s about the residents. Remember, these are the people who elected you to public office. Their lives will suffer from the neglect of those who are charged with protecting and enhancing the quality of their living. Don’t let the spirit of the Grinch steal Christmas. It was President Lyndon Baines Johnson, 53 years ago who said, “I believe the essence of government lies with unceasing concern for the welfare, dignity, decency, and innate integrity of life for every individual.” This attack upon the funding of programs throughout Michigan does not and cannot respect the integrity and the quality of life for all people. Even the Grinch, when looking at his negative impact on the life of little children, changed course and grew a heart where none existed. We call upon the Michigan Legislature, led by those community minded Republicans to grow a bigger heart. Tis The Season of Giving, Not Taking!

DNC Chair: Trump is Costing Michigan Families By Sam Robinson SENIOR REPORTER

Democrats nationally are sounding the alarm on the impacts of President Donald Trump’s administration on the Michigan economy. The Democratic National Committee cited statistics from the Census Bureau and the Yale Budget Lab in estimates released Wednesday showing Michigan working families will lose a combined $1,060 each year from Trump’s tariffs and Republicans’ budget bill. The DNC claims Michigan families lost $691 in higher costs due to Trump’s inflation, according to data released last week from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Trump promised to lower costs for Michigan families on Day One, but he’s done the opposite,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement to Michigan Chronicle. “Trump has spent his first year wining and dining CEOs and billionaires while skyrocketing costs, killing jobs, steering our economy toward recession, and kicking millions of Americans off their health care. Families are worse off than they were a year ago, but Democrats are standing up to fight for them.” Martin said voters are rejecting Trump’s politics at the ballot box and will do so in next year’s Midterm election. In 2025, Democrats saw significant victories in toss-up races like the Virginia governor’s race, which saw Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeat Republican Winsome Sears. The party views Michigan as a key state in the effort to block Trump’s agenda through Congress. In the November 2026 election, voters in the Great Lakes State will elect a new U.S. Senator.

It’s been 1992 since Michigan voters sent a Republican to represent them in the U.S. Senate. “Working Americans nationwide are sending a message: Enough is enough. As Trump has his fun with gilded ballrooms and Great Gatsby parties while ignoring everybody else, Michigan families know Democrats will keep fighting on their behalf every day to lower costs and improve lives.” The fight in Washington has revolved mainly around the extension of healthcare tax credits that Democrats, and some Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene, say would triple monthly premiums. While the Trump White House blamed Democrats for the shutdown that it says cost the private sector as many as 62,000 new jobs nationwide in October, Democrats say that without the extension of ACA tax credits, a 60-year-old Michigander making around $63,000 would see their monthly premiums increase by an average of 151%. More than 470,000 Affordable Care Act marketplace enrollees in Michigan are at risk of losing enhanced ACA tax credits because of Republicans’ refusal to extend the tax credits, the DNC says, pointing to data from KFF, a San Francisco-based health policy research organization. “Since Donald Trump took office in January, this year has been a complete disaster for Michiganders. Under Trump, working families are struggling with skyrocketing prices and a dismal job market, rural communities are being gutted, family farm bankruptcies are soaring, and Michigan’s economy is taking a nosedive.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt points to a jobs report released Tuesday, Dec. 16, showing the

private sector has gained 121,000 jobs since September as evidence that the president’s agenda is creating a strong economy. “The strong jobs report shows how President Trump is fixing the damage caused by Joe Biden and creating a strong, America First economy in record time. Since President Trump took office, 100% of the job growth has come in the private sector and among native-born Americans — exactly where it should be,” Leavitt said. Democrats also point to proposed cuts to SNAP programs that could cause over 22 million families nationwide to lose some or all of their benefits. In Michigan, SNAP improves food security for more than 1.4 million low-income residents. The DNC cites data from the Urban Institute in its estimates that 796,000 of those individuals lose at least some or all of their benefits. “These programs are a cost-efficient means of ensuring those with the greatest need have access to vital health care services and nutrition, and are central to Michigan’s economic well-being,” the state’s Health and Human Services Department says. Polling shows 67% of Americans disapprove of his handling of the economy, and 61% disapprove of his job performance overall. “By nearly every metric, Donald Trump has been a disaster for Michigan. There’s a reason why Trump’s approval rating is plummeting to historic lows — his failed economic agenda has made the cost of living too expensive for Michiganders,” a spokesperson for the DNC said in a statement. You can reach Sam at srobinson@ michronicle.com.

Unlocking the Power of Your ID Card By Adam Hollier CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

One of the many horrifying lessons we’ve learned in 2025 is just how much power there is in our ID cards and driver’s licenses. Under the Trump administration, ICE agents have rounded up and imprisoned lawful U.S. Citizens, and those without proper IDs have faced detention or been threatened with deportation. These intimidation tactics and blatant misuse of power are a stain on our nation’s soul - but they are also a reminder of the power of our driver’s license, and the importance of electing leaders who will break down barriers to getting proper IDs and ensure that those who lose or misplace theirs are able to acquire new ones quickly and easily. Getting an ID shouldn’t require long and unpredictable waits at SOS Branch offices, force us to miss work, or cost us hard-earned time with our loved ones. You also shouldn’t be stuck with a photo you don’t like. It’s a simple thing, but you should be able to bring your own photo, just like you can for a passport, and have the photo you want on your ID. Here in Michigan, we rely on our Secretary of State to oversee this process. We’ve made big strides in recent years, but as our world changes, there is more we can still do. This upcoming election, we have the chance to strengthen and streamline our ID processes, improve overall services for every Michigander, and build a bulwark against those who threaten our families and our neighbors - whether it’s an identity thief,

scammer, or the President of the United States. We also have the opportunity to reinvent what our IDs can do for us. For me, it all comes down to two main goals: First, using your ID to enhance your own personal protection from fraud and identity theft, and second, using your ID to make it easier and more efficient to provide critical information for healthcare access, business transactions, and much more. This would all be by your own personal choice and have the same levels of security and verification that we use any time you travel abroad or apply for a loan or other financing. Imagine a world where your ID could help you sign documents online and prevent people from stealing your identity. Imagine if it could make business transactions safer and more secure. Where cashless payments and digital wallets can be tied to your ID. Imagine if you could choose to add information to your license that first responders could access to find out about critical allergies, blood types, or emergency contacts. Imagine a world where your ID would make it easier to provide insurance information at your doctor’s office, or if you find yourself in a car accident. It could save lives, money, and utilizing blockchain technology, make you more secure from hackers and info leaks. We’ve already seen companies and agencies using IDs and state-of-the-art virtual verification to confirm vital information about customers and reduce fraud. Now, we

have the opportunity as a state to take the next steps and once again lead the nation in innovation and ingenuity. We should also look into how to move beyond physical IDs. I know there are plenty of times I only have my wallet to have my ID. Imagine a world where losing your ID while traveling or while you are out on a run is just less of an issue because you can pull it up on your phone the same way you use your credit/debit card. Digital IDs are certainly coming in the near future and will allow for even greater security measures and identity protection. Once again, imagine if your ID didn’t have to only be a physical card, but a protected profile that you could bring up on your

phone or mobile device. You would never have to worry about losing your wallet or ID again. It would always be there, making updating and renewing it a seamless and inexpensive process. In a world where identity theft and online fraud are far-reaching, it’s time to create a state-issued digital ID that is safe and secure. All of these are ideas that are worth exploring in depth with security and consumer protection experts. They certainly won’t happen overnight and need a great deal of public input. The key here is that we strive to make our IDs not only the most secure in the entire country, but also the most convenient and dynamic.

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Joe Louis Southern Kitchen Expands to Southfield with New All-Day Breakfast Menu By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Southfield got a new breakfast destination this month as Joe Louis Southern Kitchen marked the grand opening of its second restaurant at 29649 Northwestern Highway, adding another footprint to a brand built around Detroit’s most enduring sports legacy. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The new Southfield location spans 5,300 square feet, seats 99 guests, and employs 35 staff members, according to the company. The menu keeps the focus on traditional breakfast staples— skillets, pancakes, French toast, and scrambles—plus additional healthy food and drink options aimed at customers looking for lighter choices without losing the

comfort-food feel. A gift shop is planned to open in January 2026 inside the Southfield space, featuring Joe Louis-branded merchandise such as t-shirts and hats. Joe Louis Barrow II, co-CEO of Joe Louis Southern Kitchen and son of the boxing legend, said the retail element is meant to give diners a tangible connection to the name on the door. “My father’s legacy is so strong throughout Detroit and the surrounding communities, we’re excited to feature commemorative items for purchase at our checkout counter – offering people the chance to take home a piece of that legacy after sharing a delicious meal together,” Barrow said. The restaurant’s co-CEO, Johnny Cannon, framed the expansion as a continuation of the community response to the

brand’s original Detroit location, which opened at 6549 Woodward Avenue in 2021. “It’s been wonderful to see firsthand how our restaurants resonate with guests,” Cannon said. “Our original location in Detroit has grown to be a staple of the community and we know those in Southfield will enjoy our unique dining experience centered around family, friends, comfort and connection.” A bar featuring brunch-centric drinks such as mimosas and Bloody Marys is expected in early 2026. Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver welcomed the addition, calling it “a great addition” to the city’s dining lineup. The name Joe Louis still lands differently in Metro Detroit because it comes with receipts. Joe Louis—born Joseph Louis

Barrow—moved to Detroit as a child and rose from the city’s working-class neighborhoods to become heavyweight champion in 1937, holding the title until 1949. That run included 25 successful title defenses, a record that shaped how boxing measures dominance. His legacy also sits at the intersection of sports and American politics. Louis’ 1938 rematch win over German boxer Max Schmeling became a national symbol during a period when the United States was watching Nazi propaganda tighten its grip overseas. Detroit remembers that era, and it remembers the way a Black man carried a country’s pride while still living under Jim Crow rules at home. Detroit has never separated Joe Louis from the city’s identity. A public monument known as “The Fist” has stood downtown since

1986. Louis died in 1981 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a reminder that his impact reached beyond Michigan even while his story remained deeply Detroit. With hopes of the restaurant succeeding in Southfield, it likely will not be because of branding alone. People show up for food, and they return for consistency. This concept also offers something else: a local table built around a name that still represents discipline, pride, and a Detroit kind of perseverance. “Patrons who come to our new restaurant in Southfield will truly experience the spirit of Joe Louis while they’re here and it’s inspiring to be the one sharing that with the world,” said Barrow. Ebony can be reached at ecurry@michronicle.com.

Michigan Grant Helps Preserve the Legacy of Detroit Architect Nathan Johnson

By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Lil Love Bugs Daycare Opens on Detroit’s East Seven Mile

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

A vacant building on East Seven Mile sat long enough for most people to drive past it and stop seeing it. Three years ago, Detroit native Irene Hamilton-Sparkman walked inside and pictured something the neighborhood could use right now: a safe, licensed place where babies and small children are cared for, taught, fed, and protected while parents handle work, school, court dates, doctor visits, and everything else that keeps a household standing. That vision is now Lil Love Bugs Daycare Center, an early childhood education facility at 13513 E. Seven Mile Road in Detroit’s Pulaski neighborhood. The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and the City of Detroit marked its grand opening on Dec. 4, 2025, after the center opened in July and began serving children from infancy through age 5. Safe childcare is not a luxury for Detroit families. It is a basic layer of stability. When childcare options are limited, unaffordable, or low-quality, parents make impossible decisions: missed shifts, reduced hours, job loss, leaving children with unlicensed providers, or piecing together care that changes week to week.

A regional plan summary for Detroit and Wayne County reports that licensed childcare slots in Wayne County can serve only 21% of children ages 0–12, and that 89% of Wayne County zip codes are considered childcare deserts for infants and toddlers. That gap hits hardest for families who need infant care, families without flexible work schedules, and families already navigating transportation barriers. Cost adds pressure. Outlier Media reported that childcare in Detroit likely ranges between $702 and $936 per month per child, a significant share of household income for many city residents. When the price is high and the supply is short, “choice” becomes a myth. Families take what they can find, even when it does not feel safe or consistent. Lil Love Bugs is one response to that reality, built with public-private support and community-level grit. Hamilton-Sparkman received a $50,000 Motor City Match grant through Round 27 to renovate the long-vacant property she purchased in late 2022. The work included heating and cooling systems, plumbing, flooring, doors, and architectural upgrades needed to transform the building into a licensed childcare facility. “I wanted to give back to my community,” Hamilton-Sparkman said. “I remember when

See LIL LOVE BUGS DAYCARE Page B-2

The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office of the Michigan Strategic Fund has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund Underrepresented Communities Grant program to support documentation and preservation of the work of Detroit-based modernist architect Nathan Johnson. The announcement was made by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and marks a significant step toward formally recognizing Johnson’s contributions to Michigan’s architectural and cultural history. The grant will fund the hiring of a preservation consultant to prepare a comprehensive study of Johnson’s career and body of work. The study will include a detailed survey of buildings designed by Johnson as well as the development of a historic context that places his work within the broader narrative of twentieth-century architecture in Detroit and the surrounding metropolitan area. Information gathered during this phase will be used to nominate at least one Johnson-designed property to the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the project will produce a Multiple Property Documentation Form, a tool that will make it easier to list additional Johnson-designed sites in the National Register in the future.

See DETROIT ARCHITECT NATHAN JOHNSON Page B-2

The one-time offices of Nathan Johnson’s architectural practice in Detroit. Johnson took two existing houses, added an addition to connect the two, and created a new exterior treatment following his preference for Modernist design.

Page B-2 | December 24-30, 2025 | michiganchronicle.com

Detroit Architect Nathan Johnson From page B-1

Lil Love Bugs Daycare From page B-1 this area was beautiful, and I wanted to bring a little bit of love back to this neighborhood.” She brings more than 23 years of childcare experience, starting in the kitchen of a Head Start program and moving into classroom roles before launching a licensed home daycare in Eastpointe in 2018. At Lil Love Bugs, the focus is on early learning and daily structure, along with care that parents can trust. “What makes us different is that we are not just a daycare. We are a learning facility. I believe kids can be taught at a very early age, especially when they are here every day,” said Hamilton-Sparkman. “My daycare is not just about making sure the kids are great, but supporting the parents, too. I want families to feel seen, supported and connected.” The center operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Children begin the day with conversation during meals, then follow a schedule that includes circle time with letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and Spanish vocabulary. Older children work on handwriting and name recognition. Infants receive developmental support that includes tummy time, sensory play, and guided physical milestones. Deputy Mayor Melia Howard connected the dots between safe childcare and workforce stability. “Quality early childhood education sets kids up for success, and Irene is bringing that to the neighborhood where she grew up,” Howard said. “When parents know their children are in good hands, they can focus on

their own careers and aspirations. That’s how neighborhoods grow stronger.” Lil Love Bugs currently supports three childcare jobs, with plans to grow. Hamilton-Sparkman has purchased two adjacent buildings and a nearby lot, with plans that include after-school tutoring for grades three through six, a new playground, and increased capacity. “Irene had the vision, the experience and the commitment to her community. Motor City Match gave her the financial backing to make it real,” said Sean Gray, vice president of DEGC’s Small Business Services, which manages Motor City Match. “Now she’s already thinking bigger – buying adjacent properties, planning new programs and creating more jobs.” Invest Detroit supported Hamilton-Sparkman during her search and purchase process, framing the project as both a childcare solution and a neighborhood reinvestment. “Growing from caring for 10 children in her home to serving more than 40 in this new facility, Irene has effectively quadrupled both her business and her impact… she’s also bringing new life and essential services back to her community,” said Derek Edwards, senior vice president of Lending, at Invest Detroit. Neighbors have noticed the shift on the block, Hamilton-Sparkman said, and the stakes feel personal because this is where she grew up. “They want to see good things happening on this block,” she said. “I think we have already brought some hope back to the area.” Ebony can be reached at ecurry@michronicle.com.

Together, the study and National Register documentation are intended to more fully tell the story of Johnson’s influence on architecture and urban development in Detroit. Project leaders say this work will also help ensure that Johnson’s legacy is preserved and accessible for future generations. Noir Design Parti, a Detroit-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to document the contributions of Black architects in the city, will serve as an advisor throughout the project. “Funding from the National Park Service’s Underrepresented Communities Grant program will allow SHPO to further its work in bringing broader awareness to the histories of underrepresented communities across Michigan,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker. “In partnership with Noir Design Parti, we will use these grant dollars to bring greater visibility to Nathan Johnson’s work and increased understanding of his lasting influence on architecture and design in the state.” Born in 1926, Nathan Johnson graduated from Kansas State University before relocating to Detroit in 1950, a period when opportunities for Black architects were limited nationwide. After arriving in the city, Johnson gained valuable experience working in the offices of Donald White, Michigan’s first licensed Black architect, as well as for renowned Los Angeles-based architect Victor Gruen. In 1956, Johnson opened his own architectural firm on West Grand Boulevard, positioning himself at the center of Detroit’s evolving built environment. Johnson first rose to prominence through commissions for small Black congregations across Detroit. These early projects allowed him to develop and refine a design approach rooted in Modernism, a style that would become a hallmark of his work. As Detroit grew and changed in the postwar era, Johnson’s reputation expanded, and by the 1960s, his firm was securing larger and more complex commissions. His portfolio came to include dozens of Detroit and Detroit-area churches, office buildings, commercial spaces, housing developments, and other civic and communi-

ty-oriented projects that reflected both modern design principles and the needs of the communities they served. In addition to his private practice, Johnson worked closely with the City of Detroit on a range of public initiatives. In 1965, he was appointed as the Board of Education’s first Black architect, a milestone that reflected both his professional standing and the gradual opening of opportunities for Black designers in public-sector work. During the 1970s, Johnson was also retained to design stations for Detroit’s People Mover, contributing to a major transportation project that remains a visible part of the city’s infrastructure. Throughout his career, Johnson was recognized not only for his architectural achievements but also for his commitment to supporting other Black professionals. He was a proactive voice in shaping the mid-twentieth-century landscape of Detroit and served as a mentor to many Black architects who followed him, helping to open doors in a profession that had long excluded people of color. He continued opening doors for people until his death in 2021, when he was 96 years old. “Documenting the legacy of Detroit’s Black architects is essential to telling a fuller and more accurate story of our city,” said Saundra Little, FAIA, NOMA of Noir Design Parti. “Nathan Johnson was an AIA

Detroit Gold Medal recipient and one of the most influential architects shaping Detroit’s modern landscape—a significant architect who also happened to be Black. His story deserves to be part of the official narrative of Michigan’s architectural heritage, and we are honored to support this effort to ensure his work is recognized and preserved for future generations.” Supporters of the project say the lack of documentation for his work has contributed to Johnson’s relative absence from official narratives of Michigan architecture, even as many of his buildings continue to serve communities across southeast Michigan. By conducting a formal survey, developing a historic context, and preparing National Register documentation, the project aims to correct that omission. In addition to increasing public awareness, the initiative is expected to simplify future efforts by property owners to nominate Johnson-designed buildings to the National Register of Historic Places. National Register listing can open the door to preservation programs and financial incentives, including tax credits and grants, that help owners maintain and protect historic properties. Project leaders say expanding access to these tools will be critical to safeguarding Johnson’s legacy and ensuring that his contributions remain part of Detroit’s physical and cultural landscape.

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michiganchronicle.com | December 24-30, 2025 | Page B-3

"The aim is to help young people tap into their full potential," says Vania Ruiz, UNI's senior director of Youth Workforce Development and Education.

RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS:

Preparing Southwest Detroit Youth for Power and Purpose Abstract: Urban Neighborhood Initiatives’ Leaders in Training program equips Southwest Detroit youth with career skills, mentorship, and leadership opportunities rooted in community development.

By Layla McMurtrie In the Springwells neighborhood of Southwest Detroit, a new generation of leaders is gaining skills, confidence, and community through the Leaders in Training (LIT) program at Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI). LIT supports youth ages 14 to 24 by creating a pathway—starting with early exposure in childhood and extending through paid internships and mentorship—that helps participants prepare for both careers and college. It’s part of UNI’s long-term investment in a neighborhood where young people often face systemic barriers to employment and education, aligning with the organization’s mission to “build a safe, thriving environment where people want to live, work, and play.” “The aim is to help young people tap into their full potential,” says Vania Ruiz, UNI’s senior director of Youth Workforce Development and Education. “Through personalized support, by providing them a success coach, career exploration, opportunities, hands-on paid and unpaid work experiences, barrier removal… the aim of the program, and our goal is, through all this, is to help young people build skills to help clarify future career pathways.”

The bigger picture

Leading by experience For 21-year-old Wayne State University student Melany Sanchez, that support has been transformative. “I think my favorite part of the program is that they help you explore who you want to be,” she says. “At some point I wanted to be a barber. And in the summer, they were able to place me within a barber shop, so they kind of help me navigate the things that I want.” Sanchez first got involved with LIT during her freshman year of college, after a supervisor from UNI’s after-school program encouraged her to apply. Since then, she’s become both a mentor and a role model for younger kids in the neighborhood, often ones who remind her of herself. “In the afterschool program, I was a peer mentor for the kids. We developed the schedules for the kids, and we developed what activities they were gonna do,” she says. “It makes me feel really good about myself. Sometimes I wish that I would have found the program sooner when I was younger, so I could have done it too. But I feel like I get to experience it through them, which is really cool.”

Year-round investment Ruiz says the program’s evolution has deepened its reach in the Springwells community. What started as seasonal job placements has grown into a year-round ecosystem of workforce development and leadership training. Thanks to funding from the Detroit Employment

Matters of Life and Death:

Make Your List and Check It Twice By Jehan Crump-Gibson CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Some of the biggest mistakes people make concern beneficiary designations. Either someone forgets to name a beneficiary on an account or forgets to update a beneficiary on an account. These mistakes result in a oneway ticket to probate court or in some cases, your money passing on against your wishes. A beneficiary is a person or entity that receives a benefit from something. Common examples of that “something” include trusts, wills, life insurance policies, retirement accounts and bank accounts. A lot of people, regardless of whether they have a will or trust, name beneficiaries on life insurance policies and retirement accounts. They may bear this in mind when they set up the account, or the institution may prompt

“We gauge success for a young person, really, by focusing on how many positive adult relationships that they have in their lives,” Ruiz says. “This is the program where we say, ‘Come as you are, wherever you are in your path, and our role or job is to help you explore different things and support you to reach whatever success means for you.’” Youth development is community development. Today, Ruiz says, former participants like Sanchez are helping lead the next generation. “Right now, out of the six career pathways that we have, five of those are being currently led by past program participants,” she says. To formalize that leadership pipeline, UNI is launching a credentialed Youth Development Practitioner apprenticeship. “This will give them an opportunity to earn an industry recognized credential through the Department of Labor,” Ruiz says. “So really trying to help set them up for success even further… giving them all the tools that they need to be able to be effective leaders in their community.” Sanchez, who grew up in Springwells, says working in the same schools she once attended makes her proud of the difference she’s making. “I think it’s because I grew up here, and I like to see [the neighborhood] grow,” she says. “These are the schools that I went to, and I get to work at these same schools. I get to make a difference in the kids that look like me.” Ruiz says this kind of neighborhood-based, youth-led work deepens commitment and builds long-term leadership. “Being part of a program that directly impacts the physical aspects of your neighborhood in a positive way will want to keep you here… and then you’ll continue to want to be a leader and be involved,” she says. Many participants, like Sanchez, stay connected through college and even return to lead. Through a new ambassador program, these participants become a bridge between UNI and their campuses, supporting peers with similar experiences and helping bring in new students to get involved.

Melany Sanchez first participated in Leaders in Training during her freshman year of college. olutions Corporation, the year-round model allows UNI S to build sustained relationships with youth and track their long-term growth. “Now we were able to work with young people year to year and actually see that progress from when they started to when they eventually went to college or got a job,” Ruiz says. That continued support, Sanchez says, has made a meaningful difference in her own journey, providing her with resources and encouragement that have pushed her to places she wouldn’t have been able to go otherwise. “A lot of the time they do help financially.” she says. “They’ve provided books for me, a backpack. They introduced me to a lot of scholarships that I’ve actually won.” She adds, “[The staff] definitely make me feel heard and seen. Every time I have a concern, I don’t feel uncomfortable reaching out to them. And that’s not just my success coach. It’s a lot of the people here; I reach out to them on a regular basis.” That kind of one-on-one connection is core to the LIT approach. them. Once this is done though, most people do not think about it again. In some instances, years down the line when they pass away, either their named beneficiary has already passed away, the relationship with that named beneficiary has soured or there are other life circumstances that suggest the named beneficiary should not receive the money. Let’s take Serena, who was married to her first husband Bill for 5 years until they divorced. Among other things, Serena had a life insurance policy and Bill was named as beneficiary. Serena meets Jim a few years after the divorce. Crazy in love, she completely forgets about the life insurance policy. Serena and Jim are married for 31 years until her untimely passing. They have two children, who are now young adults. Their daughter is in graduate school, studying journalism and their son is a police officer. He is expecting his first child. As Jim begins to pick up the pieces after Serena’s death, he comes across an old file in the basement that has insurance paperwork. “Wow”, he thought. “I wasn’t expecting this. I can give something to the kids to help them out!” He calls the insurance company, gives them the policy information and tells them he is the policy owner’s spouse. Before they tell him what to do next, they ask him to verify his name. Much to Jim’s dismay, they advise him that they cannot tell him who the beneficiary is, but it is not him. Then it hits him— Bill is still named on the policy. Shocked, Jim calls everyone he knows from his bike club. His buddies

Sanchez says she hopes people in power recognize how vital programs like LIT are for Detroit’s youth. “I feel like a lot of the statistics are against people in Detroit, and people in power should really fund programs like this because a lot of good things come out of it,” she says. “A lot of leaders come out of it, people who could be in office as well.” Ruiz agrees and emphasizes that these investments ripple far beyond the neighborhood. “Programs like this give young people opportunities that may be limited due to the stigma that is associated with where they live,” Ruiz says. “If these programs go away, it does not just impact the neighborhood, it impacts the local economy, and it impacts Michigan overall.” Still, if LIT is any indication, Springwells already holds the key to its future, especially when youth are trusted to lead. “I feel like a lot of people here don’t get seen,” Sanchez says. “But this program really shows us that we matter. That we can do something.” Resilient Neighborhoods is a reporting and engagement series that examines how Detroit residents and community development organizations are working together to strengthen local neighborhoods. This story was originally produced and published by Model D Media and is reprinted in New Michigan Media newspapers through a partnership supported by the Kresge Foundation.

Photos by Steve Koss connected him with an independent insurance agent and an attorney. He is told that there is nothing legally he can do about it. He is devastated. Certainly, Bill isn’t turning over the insurance proceeds. Herein lies the danger in not keeping up with these things when life events happen. There’s no way Serena would have wanted Bill to have the money. They had not spoken since shortly after their divorce. Had Serena checked her accounts and policies, she would have been able to catch this oversight, and her money would have gone to her beloved family. Don’t let this happen to your family, as there will likely be no way to fight it. Not even a Will or Trust can override a beneficiary designation! Whether you have an estate plan or not, double check the beneficiaries on your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, annuities, bank accounts, stock, the whole 9! Periodically, make a list of these accounts and beneficiaries— and check it twice! Attorney Jehan Crump-Gibson is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Great Lakes Legal Group PLLC, where she concentrates her practice in probate and estate planning, business and real estate matters. Great Lakes Legal Group is a growing black-owned law firm serving clients throughout the state of Michigan and in federal courts across the country. Jehan has served as Faculty for the National Business Institute and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education concerning business, probate and estate planning matters. She is a legal analyst with Fox2 Detroit’s The Noon and the author of the book A Matter of Life and Death.

Page B-4 | December 24-30, 2025 | michiganchronicle.com

Jan. 30 Deadline Nears for Motor City Contractor Fund Applications By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

MCCF program manager Shenai Jackson and MCCF Program Alumni, Contractor Maurice Wiggins of Wiggins Roofing and Fire Restoration.

PeerForward, Usher’s New Look Bring AI and Career Skills Workshops to Detroit Students By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

PeerForward and Usher’s New Look joined forces in Detroit this month to provide hundreds of high school students with hands-on, tech-focused workshops designed to prepare them for college, careers, and an increasingly competitive job market. The two nonprofit organizations hosted a series of workshops on Thursday and Friday at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Detroit Edison Public School Academy, and University Prep Schools. The sessions focused on helping students develop professional communication skills, define their personal brands, and gain exposure to emerging technology tools that are shaping the future of work. Led by alumni from Usher’s New Look, the workshops centered on “Creating Your Elevator Pitch Using Generative AI,” using the IBM SkillsBuild platform. Students participated in interactive exercises that challenged them to clearly articulate who they are, what they want to achieve, and how they can present themselves with confidence in academic and professional settings. Through IBM SkillsBuild, students were introduced to free, industry-recognized learning resources and pathways to earn IBM Certified Credentials. These digital badges can be added to résumés and LinkedIn profiles, giving students a tangible way to demonstrate newly acquired skills to colleges, employers, and internship programs. Organizers emphasized that the workshops were designed not only as a one-time experience, but as an entry point into longterm learning. Students can continue to use the IBM SkillsBuild platform after the sessions, gaining access to additional cer-

tifications and career development tools aligned with high-growth industries and future workforce demands. PeerForward’s participation reflects its long-standing mission to leverage positive peer influence to help students from low-income communities navigate pathways to higher education and meaningful careers. For nearly 30 years, PeerForward has trained young leaders to identify barriers in their schools and communities, organize solutions, and guide their peers toward college and postsecondary success. Formerly known as College Summit, PeerForward has supported more than 700,000 students nationwide. Its youth-driven approach focuses on building leadership skills, fostering a culture where continuing education beyond high school is expected, and empowering students of color to become agents of change within their schools. Usher’s New Look, founded in 1999 by Usher Raymond IV and his mother, continues its work to transform the lives of under-resourced youth by developing passion-driven, global leaders. Created in response to systemic challenges facing young people, the organization works to remove barriers to high school and college graduation while helping students identify their purpose and reach their full potential. Together, PeerForward and Usher’s New Look brought that shared mission to Detroit classrooms, offering students practical tools, exposure to cutting-edge technology, and a clearer vision of what is possible beyond graduation. The Detroit workshops underscored how strategic partnerships between nonprofits, schools, and industry leaders can help equip young people with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.

As Detroit continues to experience billions of dollars in development and revitalization, the persistent challenge of ensuring that Detroit-based contractors are positioned to fully participate in that growth is always present. With a January 30 application deadline approaching, the Motor City Contractor Fund (MCCF), along with its partners the Gilbert Family Foundation, Invest Detroit, and Barton Malow, is urging local contractors to apply for a program designed to help close long-standing gaps in access, capacity, and opportunity. The Motor City Contractor Fund was created to address the barriers that often prevent small and mid-sized contractors from competing for large-scale development projects, even as those projects reshape the city’s neighborhoods. Since its launch, MCCF has delivered more than $2 million in capital support, facilitated nearly $2.5 million in lending, and distributed approximately $365,000 in grants. Beyond the dollars, the program focuses on strengthening business operations and increasing readiness across Detroit’s contractor ecosystem so participants can compete for larger and more complex development opportunities tied to the city’s estimated $5 billion in revitalization investments. As the program prepares to launch its fourth cohort, MCCF is using the holiday season to highlight the structural hurdles contractors face when trying to formalize financial systems, build sustainable capacity, and gain access to capital on reasonable terms. The organization describes this as an often-overlooked economic story in Detroit, and says these challenges can determine whether a contractor is able to grow, hire additional workers, purchase equipment, or bid on transformative projects happening in their own neighborhoods. “This story matters because the success of Detroit contractors directly contributes to the strength and growth of Detroit’s neighborhoods. Capacity building and access to capital aren’t abstract ideas — they directly determine whether a small contractor can hire, acquire equipment, or take on their biggest project yet”, said Shenai Jackson, Program Manager, MCCF.

For many contractors, especially those who are Detroit-based and rooted in the city’s communities, the barriers are not a lack of skill or experience, but rather limited access to capital, bonding, and technical assistance that larger firms often take for granted. MCCF aims to change that equation by combining financial resources with handson support and a powerful network of partners committed to inclusive economic growth. Contractors accepted into the upcoming cohort will have the opportunity to access the same game-changing resources made available to previous participants, and more. The program is designed for Detroit contractors who are ready to strengthen compliance, financial systems, operational structure, and competitive positioning. Through tailored technical assistance, peer learning, and connections to lenders and developers, MCCF participants are better equipped to pursue and win contracts tied to Detroit’s ongoing development boom. The fund’s partners bring complementary strengths to the effort. The Gilbert Family Foundation and Invest Detroit have long focused on equitable development and neighborhood stabilization, while Barton Malow contributes deep expertise from the construction and development industry. Together, they are working to ensure that Detroit-based contractors are not sidelined as outside firms benefit from major projects and can be prepared to grow alongside the city. The impact of that approach extends beyond individual businesses. When local contractors succeed, the benefits ripple outward by supporting job creation, retaining wealth within neighborhoods, and fostering long-term economic stability. With the January 30 deadline fast approaching, MCCF is encouraging eligible contractors not to wait. The application process is aimed at identifying businesses that are ready to grow and willing to invest time and effort into strengthening their operations. For contractors who have struggled to break through to the next level, the fund offers a rare combination of capital, guidance, and access that can help turn opportunity into reality. Detroit contractors interested in applying for the upcoming cohort can find more information and submit applications at www.motorcitycontractorfund.org.

DEVELOPMENT, DISTRIBUTION AND ANALYSIS October 2022

Classifieds

BID # 07-01-2022 REBID

Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is seeking The Region The Detroit Transportation Corporation Office of Contracting proposals for a qualified consultant to work with Detroit LISC to michiganchronicle.com | December 24-30, 2025firms | Page B-5 has establis and Procurement requests proposals from qualified create, distribute and analyze customer service surveys to gather Enterprises to provide CCTV and network upgrades. This includes information about the services of the Detroit at Work One Stop 2025. This HELP WANTED ANNOUNCEMENTS modernization efforts for the CCTV system, Public Address (PA) HELP WANTED HELP WANTED System. The findings from the surveys will be analyzed and put parti system, Message Signs and Backbone American AxleWired & Manufacturing has openingsneutral for American Axle &Variable Manufacturing has openings for (VMS), into interim and final reports to be submitted to LISC.Eastern U.S. District Court, The Detroit Transportation Corporation, reflec Lead Software Engineers at its ATDC in Lead Network Software Requirements in Detroit,at each system, Engineers at the MCF, DPM station, and at facilitywhich Detroit, Michigan. Job duties include: Specifically, Detroit LISC is seeking those with proven experience Michigan. Job duties include: District of Michigan – Detroit People Mover contracts an substations described herein. 1. Responsible for design, development and testing 1. C ollecting and disseminating electronic system in the followingand areas: is solicitating bids for Times Square Tile Replacement Exit Space& Facilities Coordinator of software components including flashable The propos andAll embedded software requirements bids must be received byfrom the Detroit Transportation Corporation Stairwell Concrete Repair Service. There’s a Mandatory Walk-thru Vacancy Announcement at ✓ Evaluation ✓ Analysis bootloaders. customer level requirements. in accorda on January 8, 2026 at 10:30am ET at 360 State Street, Detroit, via Bidnet/MITN on or before 5:00 p.m. (EST) November 7, 2022. http://www.mied.uscourts.gov. 2. Develop AUTOSAR components by using regulations 2. Setting up and managing new projects and MI 48226. RSVP email cthomas@thepeoplemover.com. RFP ✓ Report Development A pre-bidinsite visit will be determined at configuration a later date, if necessary. ✓ Survey Creation, Located in Detroit, the employee tools. requirements IBM DOORS. 12.23.25 can be accessed on Bidnet Direct, www.bidnetdirect. is responsible for the management 3. Develop low level embedded software driversThe goal an 3. Writing software requirements for automotive Distribution and Collection ✓ Program Design Proposals can be accessed on the Bidnet Direct com//detroit-transportation-corporation. Proposals must be and oversight of space & facilities received electronically by Bidnet Direct on or before 5:00pm ET, maintenance, issues, and projects. Visit https://www.lisc.org/detroit/about-us/careers/ to downJanuary 30, 2026. EOE

load full RFP. Responses to this RFP are due Friday, October 21 and should be emailed to kgallick@lisc.org. LISC is committed to working with Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs). LISC encourages submissions from SBEs, MBEs, and WBEs.

REQUEST FOR QUOTES The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQs for Pre-Employment, Drug, and Alcohol Screenings Control No. 23-3659. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning October 19, 2022, from http://www.mitn.info. RFQs are due by 3:00 PM ET, November 11, 2022

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking proposals for Architecture and Engineering Services for Facility Master Plan Series 1 under RFP 23-0111.

Please visit our website for more classified ads.

A virtual Pre-Proposal Conference will occur at 10:00 a.m. October 21, 2022. Call-In#: 1 313-462-2305 Conference ID: 944 369 237# https://tinyurl.com/yfm35pw5

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MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

www.michiganchronicle.com The due date for Proposals is November 10, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.

If you have questions, please contact the Procurement Department at (313) 873-6531.

including complex device drivers. embedded systems, specifically drivetrain, for inspecti powerwww.bidnetdirect.com//detroit-transportation-corporation takeoff units, and rear drive modules; 4. Debug software issues using Lauterbach Friday at RT analyzing, prioritizing and defining verification debuggers. criteria for requirements. 5. Create detailed designs to link the software 1400, Detroi implementation to the requirements. 4. Organize and create requirement Mikerequirements Anderson days followi structure using previous experience creating or 6. Develop software code in C programming to Procurement Manager reading software architecture. The RTA wil implement software design. mandersonjr@thepeoplemover.com 5. Ensuring full bi-directional traceability (up to 7. Conduct unit and integration tests to validate the date of this customer / system requirements and down to software implementation. software implementation and validation test 8. Utilize CAN and UDS protocols to develop, test, RTA of Sou cases). and diagnose the embedded software. 6. Conducting requirement peer reviews between 9. Develop software to an ISO 26262 ASIL C/D 1001 Woodw software, hardware and validation engineers for level. Detroit, Mich feasibility, understanding and impact. 10. Develop software in an ASPICE compliant Or e-mail to: 7. Handling baseline requirement releases and process. Detroit People Mover/Detroit ensuring that change control process is adhered Transportation Corporation Position requires: Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic to. 535 Griswold St Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related 8. Ensuring that exit and entry criteria for the engineering field, or foreign equivalent education, Ste # 400 software requirement process steps are and 5 years of post-baccalaureate progressive Detroit, MI 48226 complete. experience working in the automotive software ACCU 9. Ensuring functional safety and adherence development field in the position of Software to ASPICE by following standard processes, Developer, Senior Software Development Engineer, To the qua BID # 08-8-2022 REBID procedures, and ISO26262. Principal Software Engineer, Technical Lead, IT Wayne Cou Analyst, Senior Software Design Engineer, Senior 10. Defining and executing tasks in IBM Rational TheConcert. Detroit Transportation Corporation Office oforContracting Software Engineer other Software Engineering Team that a Publ positions. years’ experience is required in each of andrequires: Procurement requests proposals from5 qualified ContracPosition Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical that will be the following: or Electronic Engineering, Electrical and Computer tor/Firm(s) to provide annual geometry measurements of the Tuesday, N 1. Working with C programming. Engineering, Mechanical, Electro-Mechanical LIM rail height, or power rail tolerances, running rail height and 2. Working with AUTOSAR components and October 25 Engineering, or equivalent foreign education, and 5 gauge. progressive experience configuration tools. yearstrack post baccalaureate room (lowe working in the automotive software development 3. Developing low level embedded software The initial information and subsequent trending information on field in the position of Algorithm Engineer, Design drivers including complex device drivers. Robe the Systems rate ofEngineer changeor of the measured4.parameters ofintegrating the Detroit Engineer, other engineering Implementing and complex device position is required. 5 years’ experience drivers. and utilized as part People Mover (DPM) trackis required will be reviewed in each of the following: Working vehicle communication of the existing detailed maintenance5.plan towith ensure long term CAN and 1. Writing software requirements for automotive UDS protocols. safetysystems. and availability to the riding public. embedded 6. Working with Lauterbach debugging tools. 2. Working with IBM DOORS. The Publi 7. Developing in an ASPICE environment. All bids must be received by the Detroit Transportation Corporation 3. Defining / disseminating electronic systems or 8. W orking with ISO262627, ASIL C/D level. that the c via Bidnet/MITN on or before 5:00 p.m. (EST) November 2022. embedded software requirements. Experience may be obtained concurrently. cast a A pre-bid site visit is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 4. Creating or reading embedded software Applicants should apply online at careers.aam.com architecture. 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (EST). and reference jreq-219203. 5. Working with IBM Rational Team Concert. can besystems. accessed on the Bidnet Direct 6. Working withProposals automotive embedded Published Every Wednesday www.bidnetdirect.com//detroit-transportation-corporation 7. Working with ASPICE. 8. Working with safety standards including ISO26262. Mikemay Anderson Experience be obtained concurrently. Procurement Applicants should applyManager at careers.aam.com and reference jreq-219386. mandersonjr@thepeoplemover.com

313 963-8100

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PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED BSW Engineering Manager Meritor Electric Vehicles LLC seeks a BSW Engineering Manager in Troy, Michigan. Note, this position does not require travel. Duties include: Lead a team of SW engineers to develop base software; MCAL, service layers, AUTOSAR interfaces, and complex device drivers in new ECU’s for electrified drivetrain systems; Develop software requirements specification (SRS) and design verification plans; among other duties. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, or Computer Engineering and seven years of experience in the job offered or related. Apply to job reference number 220000KW at: meritor.jobs.net/search

Senior Digital Sculptor

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Staff Design Release Engineer - Wiring

EXPERIENCED HAIR STYLIST NEEDED

Warren, MI, General Motors. Engineer, design, develop, &release conventional ICE, BEV &AV psngr Part-time position vehicles electrical wire routing &packaging syss, &multi-branch wiring harnesses, incl. wire, terminals, Must be able to style all hair textures but, connectors, coverings &attachments, using Tc preferably Black Hair textures. Vismockup, ECM, ECR, &Auros tools. Design &release electrical wire routing &packaging syss to ensure proper functioning of electrical modules such inside Royal Oak Manor Co-op Apts., as OnStar, LRR, cybersecurity syss, &other required A Senior apartment building located at vehicle electrical syss for AV. Ensure that electrical 606 Williams St., Royal Oak, MI 48067. harness routings meet U.S. FMVSS. Apply GD&T, CAE, DFM/A, DFMEA, DRBTR, Red X, DFSS Applications are available in the Royal Oak processes to design &validate wiring harness branch Manor office Mon-Fri from 9:00-12:00 pm. points for multi-branch harnesses, pin level, cavities, 610-9203 Recipe courtesy ofCall the (586) American Heart Association with size, &thermal resistance specs &rqrmnts. Bachelor, with questions Eggland’sand Bestto schedule interview. Electrical or Automotive Engineering, or related. 60 support from mos exp as Engineer, engineering, releasing for Servings: 5Please bring examples of your work. production, &continuously improving conventional We are hoping to fill the position soon. psngr vehicle &BEV electrical wire routing Nonstick cooking spray &packaging syss, &multi-branch wiring harnesses, 1 medium sweet potato, peeled using Tc VisMockup tool, or related. Mail resume to Ref#3882, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance 1 teaspoon canola or corn oil Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265. 1 medium yellow onion, diced

Rania’s Hair Salon

Turkey Bacon and Spinach Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust

PROCLAMATION

Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan &perform advanced PROCLAMATION surfacing concepts &development of Class A surface 6 slices uncured, nitrate-free turkey bacon, thinly of full vehicle exterior syss. Interpret &define design DECLARATION OF NON-CITIZEN sliced intent of designer while collaborating w/ engineering, Senior Design Release Engineer – NATIONALITY 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed packaging, human factors, &tooling teams. Design Fuel Systems (FS) & Evaporative 3/4 teaspoon dried dillweed, crumbled &develop 3D Class A surfaces of ICE, diesel, BEV Section 302 of Public Law 94-241 Emission Control (EEC) System &AV full vehicle psgr car, truck &SUV exterior cmpnts 1/4 teaspoon salt incl. front &rear fascias, grills, head/taillamps, doors, DeIamond Carpre Henson, being duly 1/4 Iteaspoon freshly ground pepper Warren, MI, General Motors. Engineer, design, fenders, ABCD pillars, skid plates, liftgates, truck affirmed [sworn], hereby declare my &develop FS &EEC syss, incl. fuel tanks/lines/ vapor 4 large egg whites beds &detailed exterior cmpnts incl. door handles, transfer lines, emission control canisters, &filler pipes to be a national but not a citizen 2 intention large eggs mirrors, lamp internals &exhaust tips, using Autodesk for psgr vehicles incl. Premium Luxury/Mid-Size Cars 1/4 cup fat-free milk of the United States. Alias AutoStudio, Autodesk Maya, NX &VRED tools, &Large psgr &Cargo Vans, &Incomplete truck) for U.S., global &emerging markets. Interpret, define, 1 1/2 tablespoons fat-free feta cheese prgrms, according to vehicle program timing rqrmnts, Notice: all executive and judicial officers FAMILY FEATURES ready-made or traditional made with butter, andto meet conceptualize &execute unique solutions to technical fromcrusts concept to production, &aligned Preheatboth ovenoftothe 400 F. Lightly pie pan with United Statesspray and 9-inch of the several challenges &provide creative proposals capture it cantobe served with slices of honeydew or berries performance, safety (U.S. FMVSS),for &strict technical hen planning meals, particularly nonstickStates cooking spray. design intent from initial concept thru mass production &regional rqrmnts &standards, using NX, Tc, Tc an added touch of sweetness. breakfasts, thereachieved are a few critical factors in various stages according to GVDP, while Vismockup, ETAS INCA, &ECM tools. Conceptualize, In medium bowl, using box grater, grate sweet potato. For a protein-rich dish any day of the week, many families consider: taste, 1091Gently of Title 18,sweet United States collaborating withsimplicity engrg, packaging, human factors, design, validate &release engine FS &EEC sys MeasureSection out 2 cups. press potato on Broccoli and Cheese Egg White Scramble on and nutrition. Eating healthier &tooling teams todoesn’t assure minimum radii/draft, tooling cmpnts to meet SSTS of propulsion system projects.bottom Code, prohibits genocide whether and up sides of pan, forming crust. Sweet potato Muffins can help you solve critical emission control technologies &safety reqrmnts in compliance w/Whole-Wheat U.S., European EnglishBenchmark have to be complicated or out of reach. With the right in hold timetogether of peace time of will be committed loose but will onceorcooked. &recommend fuel injection HW to meet emission EPA &China standards. Bachelor, Transportation or the morning rush. Or for a true timesaver, these Egg inspiration, healthy food can be delicious, nutritious and Bakewar. 20 minutes, or is until crust is Genocide defined in cooked. section Remove 1091 &UNECE regs. Master, or Automotive Industrial Design. 60 mos exp as Digital Sculptor, “Muffin” Cups with Turkey Sausage and Mechanical Mushrooms convenient. Engrg. 36 mos exp as Engineer, developing from oven. stand to violent cool. Reduce oven temperature Digital Modeler, or related, designing or developing and Let includes attacks with the can be made over the weekend and frozen or &releasing evaporative emission canisters for OEM to 350 F. By choosing ingredients like eggs,A which easy 3D Class surfacesare of full vehicle psgr vehicle specific intent to destroy, in whole or in refrigerated for quick, go-to meals throughout the prgrms, from concept to production, &aligned to meet incl. fascias, grills, head/taillamps, to use and versatile, you canexterior make cmpnts healthy living In medium heatethnic, oil overracial, medium-high heat, part, askillet, national, or religious performance, safety (incl. U.S. FMVSS), &strict week.using Alias doors,table fenders, fit into your life at the breakfast as ABCD part ofpillars, &liftgates, swirlinggroup. to coat There bottom.isCook onion 6 minutes, or technical &regional rqrmnts &standards, using NX, Federal jurisdiction if theuntil NX &VRED tools, for U.S., global Remember, healthy eating isn’t just about one food a balanced diet. For example,AutoStudio, these egg-inspired Tc, &Tc Vismockup tools, or related. Mail resume to almost translucent, stirring frequently. Add turkey bacon. &emerging markets, or related. Mail to a combination – resume it’s about of wholesome ingredients offense is committed the begin Unitedto Ref#201, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Cook 3-4 minutes, or until onionwithin and bacon recipes are part of the American Heart Association’s Ref#1827-201, GM Global Mobility,to300 Renaissance make well-rounded Center, meals.MC:482-C32-C66, For example, eggs States. There is also Federal extraterritorial Detroit, MI 48265. brown, stirring frequently. Add spinach, dillweed, salt and MC:482-C32-C66, Healthy for Good Eat Smart Center, initiative, nationally Detroit, MI 48265.

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can be included as part of a heart-healthy diet that when the is from a national pepper. jurisdiction Cook 1-2 minutes, or offender until water spinach is supported by Eggland’s Best. emphasizes vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds, released. Remove from heat. Transfer mixture into sweet of the United States In addition to the social and emotional benefits whole grains, lean protein and fish, according to the potato crust. FORM: LPN #RE345528665US of dining together, shared family meals can helpValidation Engineer Vehicle michiganchronicle.com DQE In medium bowl, whisk egg whites, eggs and milk. American Heart Association. Eating eggs alongside promote healthier choices at the table. Backed by foods high in saturated fat – like bacon – is different Warren, MI, General Motors. Perform &execute Pour over mixture in crust. Sprinkle feta over top. To help expert nutrition guidance, recipes suchvalidation as Turkey electrical of BEVs in GVDP Vehicle thanforeggs eaten with steamed veggies, whole grains Bake 35-40 minutes, or until knife inserted into center the years to Motion Embedded Body Bacon and Spinach Quiche with Sweet PotatoControls Crust (VMEC), or a side of fruit. comes out clean. Transfer to cooling rack. Let cool 10 Electronics, Safety (AS), telematics, are wholesome, flavorful and fast, perfectActive for busy the newest To find more healthy eating tips and recipes that minutes before cutting into wedges. the weekdays or anytime you need&infotainment. a nutritiousReview, boost. analyze &coordinate help you eat smart, move more and live healthier, testing &modification of BEV system &cmpnt level SW • PERS, al The sweet potato crust offers aforbetter-for-you twist on &AS visitsyss Heart.org. electrical validation of VMEC incl.

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Long/Short Range Radars, Rear Vision/360/Driver monitoring cameras, antennas, Body & Vehicle Integration Control Modules, &features incl. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Driving Features, Emergency Braking, Collision Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association with support Eggland’s Mitigation, Alerts, &related module from &feature validation Best status plans for vehicle prgrms, using PQMS, NX, Servings: 4 vSpy, Teamcenter (Tc), &ECM tools. Perform on time &HW validation of embedded module ECUs, thru Nonstick cooking spray SW design/production/SW iteration validations. Bachelor, 1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh Electrical, or frozen broccoli florets, thawed if frozen Computer, Mechatronics, or Mechanical 1/4 cup water Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, testing or verifying 8 extra-large egg whites embedded telematics &infotainment embedded ECUs, using Tc &vSpy tools, or related. Mail resume 1/2 cup fat-free milk to Ref#407-1175, GM Global Mobility, 300 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Renaissance 1/4 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheeseCenter, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Broccoli and Cheese Egg White Scramble on Whole-Wheat English Muffins

2 whole-wheat, low-sodium English muffins Lightly spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Cook broccoli and water 4-5 minutes, or until broccoli is tender. Remove from heat. Seniorskillet Designclean. Sculptor Transfer broccoli to dish. Using paper towels, wipe In large bowl, whisk egg whites,Warren, milk and pepper Motors. until combined. MI, General Plan &perform advanced Lightly spray skillet with cooking spray. concepts Heat over medium-high heat. Pour in surfacing &development of Class A surfaces of fullor vehicle Interpret &define design with egg white mixture. Cook 2-3 minutes, untilexterior almostsys. firm, stirring constantly of designer whilefrom directlyheat. collaborating w/ spatula. Stir in broccoli and cheddarintent cheese. Remove engineering, packaging,Transfer human factors, &tooling Just before serving, split and toast English muffins. to plates. Spoon egg teams. Design &develop 3D Class A surfaces of mixture onto muffins.

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conventional ICE, diesel, BEV &AV full vehicle psngr car, truck &SUV exterior cmpnts incl. front &rear fascias, grills, headlamps, taillamps, doors, fenders, A,B,C &D pillars, skid plates, liftgates, truck beds &detailed exterior cmpnts incl. door handles, mirrors, lamp internals &exhaust tips, using Alias AutoStudio, Maya, NX &VRED tools, for U.S., Recipe global &emerging courtesy of the American markets. Interpret, develop, &perform physical Heart Association with support from sculptures, &evaluate physical surfaces &digital Eggland’s sculptures in Alias (surfaces to mill), interpret Best Servings: 6 clay sketches &drawings, &develop interior &exterior models of full vehicles (full-sized models) &cmpnts (and cmpnts in steel, carbon fiber, wax, low Nonstick density cooking spray foam (Renboard), rubber &wood) &scale 1/2models, tablespoon canola or corn oil working on 1-3 new concept psngr vehicles, facelifts 1 yellow onion, finely chopped &show cars at any one time. 36 mos exp as Sculptor 1 package (8 ounces) sliced or Designer, designing &developing 3D Class A mushrooms surfaces of conventional &BEV full white vehicle psngr vehicle exterior cmpnts incl. fascias, grills, lamps, doors, fenders, pillars, &liftgates, using AutoStudio, Maya, &VRED tools, for U.S., global &emerging markets, or related. Mail resume to Ref#455, GM

Egg “Muffin” Cups with Turkey Sausage and Mushrooms

1 package (6.4 ounces) frozen, cooked, nitrate-free turkey sausage links, thawed 7 large eggs 1/4 cup fat-free milk 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. In medium nonstick pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook onions

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“True in and mushrooms 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally. mind for y Warm turkey sausage according mons. “By to package directions. Chop turkey a virtual sa into bite-size pieces. Stir into onion in a safe e mixture until well blended. Spoon into loved ones muffin cups. In small bowl, whisk eggs, milk and pepper. Pour egg mixture into muffin cups. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake 25 minutes, or until eggs are set. Remove from oven. Let cool slightly. To easily remove muffins from pan, run knife around edges of each muffin.

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