MC Digital Edition 4.12.23

Detroit Launches Downpayment Assistance Program with 13 Participating Lenders

Mayor Mike Duggan, City Council members and the Detroit Housing & Revitalization Department announced a landmark program today that will provide Detroiters who do not currently own a home with up to $25,000 in downpayment assistance to help them realize the American Dream of homeownership.

The program is available to lower-income earners who may be able to afford a monthly mortgage payment buy don’t have savings enough for a downpayment. For a single person to qualify, for example, they would have to earn less than $41,000 per year.

The program is part of a $203 million Affordable Housing Plan that Mayor Duggan and Councilmembers Latisha Johnson, Mary Waters, Angela Whitfield Calloway and Gabriela Santiago-Romero unveiled last July. Downpayment assistance was among Johnson’s contributions to the housing plan, with the issue being a major priority for the councilwoman, who spent 15 years in the community fighting for increased access to home ownership for Detroiters.

Funded by $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the Detroit Downpayment Assistance Program provides qualifying Detroit households grants of up to $25,000 for a downpayment. Funding also can be used for other home purchase-related expenses, including prepaids (such as escrow deposits for property taxes), interest rate buy-downs, closing costs and reduction in principal. The program is expected to help between 240 and 400 lower-income and middle-class homebuyers in the next two years, depending on the amount each family needs in downpayment assistance.

“It is vitally important that as property values continue to climb, people of varying incomes are able to buy a home,” Councilmember Johnson said. “Owning a home provides stability for them and their family. Having to move because your landlord has increased your rent means not only having to find a new place to live, but also uprooting your child from their school, leaving friends and relationships you have developed, and possibly leaving the community you love and call home. This program is about helping more Detroiters to remove that instability so that they can feel secure in their future.”

WHAT’S INSIDE

Hiring: How Amazon is Still Hiring Detroiters Despite Layoffs

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global economy, and many industries had to adjust to the changing landscape. The tech industry experienced rapid growth as people turned to online services and products, but as the world begins to recover, companies are reevaluating their business strategies.

On March 20, Amazon announced it would lay off 9,000 workers, adding to the 18,000 employees released in late 2022 and January of this year. The layoffs at Amazon have generated significant media attention, with many people questioning the company’s commitment to its employees. Some critics argue that Amazon is prioritizing profits over people, while others argue that the layoffs were necessary to ensure the company’s long-term viability.

Yet, Amazon continues to be one of the largest employers in the United States, and the company has made significant investments in its workforce. In 2021, Amazon announced that it would invest $700 million in employee upskilling and reskilling programs. The company has also pledged to invest $15 billion in new data centers and other infrastructure projects, which will create tens of thousands of jobs in the coming years.

However, despite the downsizing, Detroit at Work has been sending emails to its job-seeking clientele that Amazon is hiring. The hiring collaboration between Amazon and Detroit at Work made sense for reaching Black workers in the city, Amazon spokesperson Austin Stowe said.

By Andrea Plaid

It’s not like libraries have not experienced attempts to ban books; the entire first week of October is dedicated to commemorating the volumes of fiction, nonfiction and poetry that people have tried to remove from library shelves.

The difference is that nowadays banning has moved from intellectually insidious to physically dangerous. White nationalists and those who agree with them terrorize Drag Story Hour, where drag queens read to children usually with the parents’ or guardians’ knowledge, if not consent or presence at the event.

This newest drive started with the big-c Conservatives creating a boogeyman—and accompanying strawman arguments—out of Critical Race Theory, or CRT. What is an elective course studied in law school curdled into the 21st-century version of “reverse racism.” These conservatives also redefined the Black-from-way-back word “woke” to be a loose synonym for CRT.

With the twisted understanding of CRT constantly replayed on big-c Conservative

Detroit at Work is hiring for Amazon’s logistics side, or all the sites that help with getting packages to customers such as fulfillment centers. On March 16, Detroit at Work announced it had teamed up with Amazon to begin hiring for more than 1,200 full-time jobs in the new fulfillment center located on Woodward and Eight Mile. Amazon said recruitment efforts for this site remain on track and are not impacted by recent role eliminations.

The jobs at the new center start, on average, at $19 per hour, according to the announcement. The full-time positions also offer “comprehensive healthcare from day one…up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave, [and] full tuition coverage at six colleges and universities in Michigan.”

“As new employers consider making Detroit their home, Detroit at Work stays ready to build and offer a pipeline of jobready talent,” said Dana Williams, Detroit at Work’s chief strategy officer. ”The Detroit at Work partnership with Amazon is evidence of that. We deeply appreciate Amazon’s commitment to prioritize Detroit residents for the jobs at their Detroit location.”

According to Amazon’s 2021 statistics, 28.2% of their national labor force is Black, but the company did not provide demographic information of those who were laid off. The layoffs occurred in Amazon Web Services (its cloud services), People Experience and Technology (similar to a human resources organization), advertising, and Twitch (a popular streaming platform for people who play video games and for DJs). These areas were constricted due to “slower sales growth, a rare annual net loss, and a stock price that dropped by about 50% in 2022.”

The layoffs are the second largest in Amazon’s history and were a response to the pandemic. The retailer doubled its workforce due to the phenomenon, specifically because so many people were forced to stay home. They filled the time shopping, enjoying DJ sets, and other services Amazon provided. Since people are now venturing back outside, Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy cut jobs to cut costs.

“The overriding tenant of our annual planning this year was to be leaner while doing so in a way that enables us to invest robustly in the key long-term customer experiences that we believe can meaningfully improve customers’ lives and Amazon as a whole,” Jassy said in an internal letter to employees on March 20.

The layoffs at Amazon are part of a broader trend in the tech industry, with many companies downsizing their workforces. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced that it would cut 10,000 jobs in January 2023. Other companies such as Google, Logitech, and Indeed have also announced layoffs in recent months.. According to Crunchbase, the tech industry has let go of approximately 118,000 people in the last year; that number includes Amazon’s 27,000 staffers. The last time the tech industry cut so many jobs was during the dot-com bust in the early 2000s.

Overall, the tech industry is going through a period of significant change, and companies are adapting to the new realities of the post-pandemic world. As the economy continues to recover, it will be interesting to see how companies in the tech industry adapt to the new realities of the business landscape.

requests are often for multiple removals, and organized by national groups such as the conservative Moms for Liberty, which has a mission of ‘unifying, educating and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government,’” the PBS Newshour reported on March 23.

Not only that, but librarians reported being harassed and threatened with violence or legal action.

media and posted on social media, some felt justified in going after library books like the Nikole Hannah-Jones-edited “The 1619 Project “and author Angie Thomas’ “The Hate U Give.”

The American Library Association (ALA) reported a record-setting 1,200 challenges to books. The number was not only double from 2022, but also the highest number since they started collecting and keeping data about these oppositions in 1983.

What the ALA also noted was the number and, moreover, the method of the challenges.

“A few years ago, complaints usually arose with parents and other community members and referred to an individual book. Now, the

That’s exactly what happening in Lapeer, Mich., according to Christine Peele, who’s a librarian on Detroit’s West side and a member of the executive board of the Michigan Library Association.

“The prosecutor [John Miller] is considering filing charges against the library director [Amy Churchill] over the content on the shelves,” namely the book Maia Kobabe’s memoir “Gender Queer,” Peele said. Miller has attempted to walk back the charge, stating that his allegedly threatening Churchill with a four-year felony if the library didn’t remove the book was taken out of context.

Another Michigan library was outright

Downpayment

From page A-1

Boosting Detroit homeownership

This new effort to boost homeownership in Detroit comes six months after Detroit’s return to its status of being a majority homeowner city for the first time in decades. Mayor Duggan said the Downpayment Assistance Plan can build on that progress.

“There are a lot of Detroiters who are paying more in rent each month than the cost of a mortgage payment but need some help with upfront costs associated with purchasing a home,” Mayor Duggan said. “Thanks to President Biden and the American Rescue Plan Act, we can help hundreds more Detroiters own their own homes, create generational wealth and protect themselves from the increasing rents we are seeing as our city rebuilds. We are already seeing more people benefitting from the opportunity to become homeowners in Detroit, and this is a chance for more Detroiters to join them.”

Easy as 1-2-3

The mayor and councilmembers laid out three steps for Detroiters to follow to take advantage of the program.

Find a lender from among the 13 partner organizations in the program. The participating lenders are Bank of America, Chase, CIBC, Citizens, Fifth Third Bank, First Independence Bank, First Merchants Bank, Flagstar Bank, Huntington Bank, Independent Bank, Liberty Bank, PNC Bank and Rocket Mortgage.

Find

‘Game changer’ for Detroiters

The Downpayment Assistance Program is geared primarily toward renters, but also is available to those who lost their home to foreclosure in 2010-16 and are attempting to purchase a new one. The program will be overseen by the Detroit Housing & Revitalization Department and implemented by National Faith Homebuyers, a Detroit-based nonprofit that since 1996 has assisted metro Detroiters in buying a house or staying in their homes, including down-payment assistance, first-time homebuyer counseling, and financial literacy programs.

“I believe that this new downpayment program will be a game changer for the residents of the City of Detroit,” said Dina Harris, founder and president of National Faith Homebuyers. “This program will put homeownership back within reach of the families that want to own a home. We are honored to have been selected to serve the families in this great city and will spare no efforts to help them reach their goals. Kudos to the leadership of Detroit for launching this program at a time when it is so greatly needed.”

The Ownership Initiative, a Black-owned impact advisory firm headquartered in Detroit, helped design the program. Founded by CEO Krysta Pate, The Ownership Initiative has helped create more

than 30 initiatives across six states that have collectively deployed over $83 million into personal wealth building, affordable housing, and small-business empowerment opportunities.

“It has been decades since this type of home ownership support was available in the city,” Pate said. “Prior to the housing market crash of 2008, Detroit was recognized as one of the top cities in the nation for black home ownership. This was the Detroit that I grew up in and that I fondly remember, and that I want to see reclaim the generational wealth we’ve lost from that time. This program will go a long way toward helping us in that goal.”

Protection from rising rents

The program comes amid considerable increases to property values. Homes across Detroit are continuing a six-year trend of significantly rising property values, with increases larger than most surrounding communities. Detroit home values increased an average of 20 percent last year. Though this is great for those Detroiters who already owned property, it puts others at risk of increasing rents.

“The progress Detroit has seen has been incredible, but it also comes at a time of increasing lending rates that threaten that progress,” said Julie Schneider, director of the City of Detroit Housing & Revitalization Department. “We know that to keep the trend going, we needed to offer something that was going to have a major impact for Detroit families. We also are providing further tools and resources to those homebuyers to set them up for greater success.”

Eligibility and application process

To be eligible to apply for the program, Detroit residents must not have held an interest in property in the last three years. The total household income for applicants cannot exceed the following income limits per household size:

Applicants must prove they have lived in the city of Detroit for the last 12 months, or that they lost a home in the city due to property tax foreclosure between 2010 and 2016. From 2010 to 2014, the City’s residential property assessment process was broken, resulting in many homeowners being overtaxed.  Upon taking office in January 2014, Mayor Duggan immediately cut residential assessments by 22% his first month in office and continued to reduce assessed values over the next two years to reflect the market at the time.  Full program details and eligibility requirements are available at www.detroitdpa.org

All individuals receiving a grant must use the home as their principal residence for three years after the grant award or pay back the loan on a pro-rated basis, based on how long they lived in the home after the grant award.  The grants apply when the applicant is buying a home using a purchase mortgage or a purchase renovation mortgage.

To learn more about program details and eligibility requirements, and to apply, go to  www.detroitdpa.org or call 313-244-0274. The National Faith Home Buyers team can assist residents with detailed questions, and assistance with completing the DPA application

defunded due to the anti-LGBTQ scare of “grooming,” Peele said in a one-on-one interview with the Michigan Chronicle. The voters in Jamestown, located in Western Michigan, elected against funding the library. She said people donated to the library, but she doesn’t know how long the money will last.

Detroit has the opposite problem. “Our customers are more concerned about us staying open than these bigger controversies,” said Peele. “Our customers”— meaning the library patrons—”aren’t trying to limit but expand the book collection, the hotspot and computers. They’re more concerned about masks.”

As for the bigger controversy of CRT, Peele stated, “At the Detroit Public Library, every day is Black History Month. What people consider CRT is all over our shelves.”

The Michigan Chronicle asked Peele about what she believes is fueling the ongoing mess. She said that social media, Fox News and

“people passing along lists of books that they never read.”

“Even my more religious customers monitor what their children read. They aren’t having the kinds of conversations with the staff that [these other protesters] are having.”

She said that her library’s urban book collection is one of the most popular ones. The genre and the classics being the books by Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines, have graphic scenes of violence and sex. But no one’s tripping about it so far.

In the midst of knowing the community supports the library, she said that “I’m concerned about our safety sometimes, with someone wanting to argue with the staff and the encounter escalating to violence.

“But overall, our customers do appreciate the library and are glad that we’re here. They’re glad we provide the services we do to the community.”

Peele made this air-clearing statement: “One of the benefits of being a citizen of the United States is the opportunity to choose for yourself and your family what you want to read.”

$1 Million Gift Boosts Music Education in Detroit

MSU Community Music School in Detroit Receives

Funds Vital to Expand Access to Music Education

By Andre Ash

Greater access to music education in Detroit is being made available thanks to a $1 million gift from MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). MSU Community Music School-Detroit (CMS-D)is the recipient.

“CMS-D is an incubator for artistic excellence and cultivates a diverse and connected community by providing opportunities for lifelong education, college and career readiness, mentorship and belonging,” said CMS-D Director Kristopher Johnson. “We need partners who share our vision and are as committed as we are to removing barriers to music education in Detroit. I am extremely grateful that we have such a supportive partner in MSUFCU.”

Michigan State University Community Music School-Detroit (CMS-D), an outreach arm of the MSU College of Music, will use the funds to provide sustainable resources through the new Detroit Regional Engagement and Access to Music Endowment (MSUFCU DREAM) Fund.

“Music is great!” said Seth Sharp, 18, an aspiring musician and student at CMS-D. “My school doesn’t have any music classes, so this became my main source of music information.”

At CMS-D, students of any age can engage weekly in high quality and accessible sequential music education through early childhood music, music therapy, group and private lessons, youth ensembles, adult ensembles and music production classes.

“The vibrant cultural legacy within Detroit combined with access to inspiring music education is an undeniable recipe for the continued success of personal development, fostering enriched lives through the power of music,” Johnson said.

CMS-D has had a significant presence in Detroit since opening in 2009. With the MSUFCU DREAM Fund endowment in place, CMS-D will be able to strengthen its subsidized tuition program. Funds will also go toward instrument loans for CMS-D students in need, an MSUFCU Detroit Arts Leadership Engagement Program and an annual MSU On the Road at MSUFCU Detroit Concert Series.

Ringmaster Rubbing Oil Has Staying Power in the Black Community

By Sherri Kolade

The late longtime businessman Frank B. Sewell’s fabled legacy continues to live on through his family and the community he so faithfully served.

With the advent of his famous product, Ringmaster Rubbing Oil in 1950, Sewell’s topical liquid has a long history serving the likes of Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X and Eleanor Roosevelt, with an origin story involving the well-known Black inventor George Washington Carver, more on that later.

Sewell’s product has helped to soothe generations by relieving customers’ aches, pains, arthritis and more with the same formula since its creation.

Ringmaster is a medicated peanut oil, ”super rub” a careful blend of wintergreen and peanut oil. The product is aged for maximum penetration to treat arthritis, stiffness, joint friction, tight, sore muscles and restricted range of movement. The product is used as a lubricating rub that penetrates, lubricates and medicates.

The multi-purpose oil can be used with other mediums such as water, gels, creams, petroleum jelly and moist compresses and sells in varying sizes ranging from 2oz. to 8oz. bottles.

Sewell, a child of the Great Depression, set a goal in life to help the downtrodden, the poor and the disaffected people of our country.

After having a detailed vision of Carver instructing him on how to make Ringmaster, he created the product, which he massaged, prayed with, evangelized and counseled thousands of people who needed his medicine and special brand of insightful wisdom.

“Dr. Carver came to him and showed him how to mix the product. And that became the next thing that encouraged

Tuskegee Airmen Museum

By Andre Ash

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum recently showcased an event featuring an historic opportunity to hear first-hand accounts by Tuskegee Airmen Lt. Col. Harry Stewart.

The event was held at the Coleman A. Young International Airport in Detroit, home to a Tuskegee Airmen Airplane hangar, classroom and lab space, a ground school and the site of a new educational and event space.

“We get to stand on the shoulders of greatness,” said Shamalia Willis, political and education liaison at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum. “The Tuskegee Airmen have paved the way. We’re giving young people the opportunity to come here to learn how to become pilots. We also have a drone program and even an airplane maintenance program.”

Students from across metro

Unveils

him to make it,” Sewell’s son, Doug B. Sewell, president and CEO of Painexx, a Detroit-based business with 60 years of sales of the principal product Ringmaster Rubbing Oil.

“The results of his research are a collection of miracle stories of unique recoveries that provide the foundation and motivation to continue the family’s mission of helping those in pain. This short story is a snapshot of the lifework of Frank Sewell, in an effort to memorialize his memory and encourage others to join his mission,” according to the company website. “It is our hope that others will join our movement to spread the word of how this unique product, Ringmaster Rubbing Oil, has helped to improve the lives of thousands of people.”

Ever diligent, Doug Sewell, is doing just that. He told the Michigan Chronicle while inside his Southfield office on Wednesday, February 28, that his father created a legendary product, which he is proud to continue to build on.

“We’ve been making it for like 73 years,” Sewell said of the generations that are continuing in the tradition including his siblings, children and other family members. “Everybody has their job. You know, but it’s all been a labor of love, basically.”

Now, the product is in dozens of CVS stores locally and they have expanded distribution so it will be in close to 200 stores soon. He said the journey, though not easy, has always been worth it.

“We’re in a bunch of different obstacles and challenges. So, we’re in like 22 of the Meijer stores. Now we’ve been on Amazon for the last probably five years and we have about 500 reviews,” he said, adding that the rubbing oil is also in numerous beauty supply stores. “Because hairstylists develop carpal tunnel from doing hair.”

Sewell, who keeps a bottle for use next

to his bed, adds every time he becomes discouraged due to the sometimes obstacle-laden path, he runs into a customer who reminds him of why he is doing this.

“I just run into somebody, and they’ll tell me a story,” he said.

Sewell doesn’t have to look far either to find inspiration. His office contains historical jewels from the past success stories touting the product’s use. From briefcases filled with cassette tapes holding interviews with local media to customers sharing how using the product made them feel better among other anecdotes.

Sewell, a prudent record keeper, also has magazine, journal and newspaper filings and clippings of when he and his father were featured in or writing about the product and other health findings.

Not one to shy away from positive reviews, Sewell is also keen in keeping with the times and has enthusiastically gone about the community and received positive feedback on social media, with customers sharing how they love the product and how the generations before them in their family have used the product, too.

Keeping it in the family is the Sewell’s standby, too.

Inside the office building, a stone’s throw away, Doug Sewell ventured into one of the manufacturing rooms used to stir the oil. A large black steel barrel holds the famous oil. The small room smelled of about 100,000 opened packs of minty fresh gum as the primary ingredient, wintergreen, lingered in the air.

Wintergreen is a North American plant, which is extracted into strong oil containing methyl salicylate, used medicinally and as a flavoring.

Sewell, who said he was nose blind to the heavy aroma stirred his family’s prod-

New Multi-Million Dollar Detroit Facility

all-Black fighter pilot squadron, the Tuskegee Airmen. The museum has amassed the largest repository of Airmen memorabilia in the world while also investing in the future of our youth with outstanding STEM programs that have impacted thousands of students. Programs offered include drone pilot certification, pilot licensing, rocketry exposure and airplane mechanics familiarization.

“It was in the 70s when I took flying lessons,” said retired Detroit judge Craig Strong. “I was a lawyer at the time and I was I was in the military reserve. I was around airplanes. In the military I couldn’t fly an airplane but in the civilian world I could.”

Detroit come to experience the breath of the skillset they could acquire in the aircraft industry.

“My dad always encouraged me to pursue my dreams,” said Stephanie Johnson, the first Black woman captain at Northwest Airlines and currently captain and chief pilot for Delta Airlines. “I always thought

flying looked like it was something cool, but I didn’t know any pilots, but turns out my dentist was a Tuskegee Airman and I didn’t know until years later.”

She recounts how the Tuskegee Airmen didn’t receive jobs as pilots when they returned from the military; instead they

were forced to work regular jobs. Visiting the museum with her father was an important trip to make, recounting important lessons in history and further bonding moments with dad.

For over 20 years, the museum has been impacting the community by preserving the storied history of the first

Judge Strong recounts his flying lessons at the city’s airport, home to the Tuskegee Museum where he remembers how easy it was to get a plane in the air -- hard however to land it. He was present for the

Ringmaster Rubbing Oil is operated by family members of the late Frank B. Sewell. Doug Sewell, the current chairman and son of founder Frank Sewell, and Nicole Weldon, the current president and granddaughter of Frank B. Sewell.

The funds are part of a $5.5 million commitment from MSUFCU that will advance three MSU art programs over five years and bolster the university’s arts strategy.

“As MSUFCU celebrates 85 years of partnership with MSU, we’re proud of all we have accomplished together on behalf of campus and community,”

uct confidently. Just across the room in a cage held some of the varying sizes of the product.

“We mix the master product and record as needed as orders come in,” Sewell said.

Before being shipped off into different locations (also available online, at Walgreens, Whole Foods and elsewhere, the oil is prayed over by his sister to encourage healing in the users.

“My sister will come and pray over it, ‘God bless this product,’” Sewell, once a skeptic and now a believer of the power of prayer, said. “It took me a long time before I really began to believe that you could affect the molecules in liquid through prayer.”

Customer Clarence Adams posted on Facebook that the product gives him the “best relief” from muscular, ligament and deep tissue pain.

“It’s concentrated, so a dab will do,” he said. “Also good for soaking – a cap is all you need in the bath.”

said MSUFCU President and CEO April Clobes. “We’re pleased to continue our support through these creative and innovative projects that will enhance the lives of our members.”

The $1 million gift is part of a $5.5 million commitment from MSUFCU that will help three MSU art programs over five years and bolster the university’s arts strategy. It is also the latest in a line of significant support from MSUFCU for MSU College of Music programs.

Dr. Herman Glass II, a chiropractor in Detroit, told the Michigan Chronicle that he introduced the product over 40 years ago to the American Black Chiropractors Association, to help make the product grow in his network.

“I was one of the few doctors using it with patients back then,” he said, adding that as an avid golfer and skier, he uses it today, too. “Being a small business with… Ringmaster… and being a minority-owned and inventor ...it was important for me ... to promote

special event which honored the Tuskegee Airmen.

“This is a part of America’s history and we need to recognize their heroic efforts in preserving this country for democracy as well as the world.”

These sponsored programs have been especially important to underserved youth. Museum President Dr. Brian Smith shared exciting updates and unveiled plans for a portion of the museum’s multi-million dollar project

“Whether it be our highly successful MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program, our career-focused MSUFCU Entrepreneurial Musical Artist in Residence program or other initiatives over the years, the College of Music and the MSUFCU have an extensive history of creative, effective and sustainable collaborations,” said College of Music Dean James Forger. “The MSUFCU DREAM Fund is a continuation of that strong partnership and will have a significant impact on music education in Detroit.”

something that has a profile that looks like me.”

Ringmaster Rubbing Oil is available at local CVS and Walgreen locations on the pharmacy counter, Whole Foods, ACO Hardware, Detroit Medical Center and St. John’s Health Systems outpatient pharmacies, Sav-On Drugs, Binson’s Home Healthcare, independent pharmacies, retailers, beauty supply stores, medical supply companies, physician offices and therapy clinics. For more information, visit ringmasternow.com.

to expand the current Detroit museum footprint to include new construction, a state of the art STEM education and event facility, that is slated to be unlike any other.

At the special event, executives from both the State of Michigan and from international corporations Google, Amazon, the Detroit Pistons and other special guests enjoyed presentations by captains in the aviation industry who have been trained by the museum’s programs and who are now thriving in their fields. Guests heard from current students studying in the pilot, ground school, drone piloting and the airplane mechanics programs.

Nurse T Holding

Detroit on May 6 for Kids 6-13

Teberah “Nurse T” Alexander also launching first-ever doll in the image of a real nurse Teberah Alexander, RN, BSN, also known as “Nurse T,” today announced that registration is open for her Future Nurses Program for children 6-13 years of age. The event is being held on Saturday, May 6th from 1-5 pm at Renaissance High School (6565 W. Outer Drive) in Detroit in honor of National Nurses Week.

Nurse T’s Future Nurses Program will give children a hands-on experience of nursing and healthcare professions through interactive workshops. The program will introduce these crucial fields to kids directly from the source and celebrate that nursing is not only a job – it is a calling. The free program will also appeal to youth, nursing students, nursing instructors, health care professionals, hospital administrators, pharmacists, teachers, and the community.

Register for the Future Nurses Program at thenurseswhocare.com by April 27th. For more information, contact 248-3132273 or teberah@thenurseswhocare.com.

Alexander, the founder and CEO of Nurses Who Care, is on a mission to entertain children during playtime while encouraging their personal development skills through books, dolls and games. So, she used her experience and wisdom from her nursing career to also launch the Nurse T Doll, which is designed to instill a love for the medical field in young girls and boys, fostering ambitions to become the patient care professionals of the future.

In the spirit of playing with a purpose, the doll will help teach kids about a day in the life of a nurse because “we are counting on the next generation to connect with their inner enthusiasm and study nursing,” Alexander said. The Nurse T Doll is also the first-ever nursing doll in the image of a real nurse.

To purchase a Nurse T Doll, visit thenurseswhocare.com/doll.

About Nurse T

Nurses Who Care founder Teberah Alexander, RN, BSN, has more than 14 years of experience in clinical care. She is also an extremely successful businesswoman and the owner of Farmington Hills Adult Day Care and Excelling Nursing Academy in Michigan. Alexander formed Nurses Who Care to help like-minded people become exceptional nurses and forge successful careers in the healthcare industry.

Money.

2023 Women Of Excellence Class Celebrated

By Andrea Plaid

If the adage “when and where I enter” was a high-spirited event, the Michigan Chronicle’s 2023 Women of Excellence was it.

The pre-presentation, where the Michigan Chronicle’s staff checked in the guests, could be described as high-powered organized chaos, in the way the best block parties are—but more formally dressed. DJ Fingers spun a glorious mix of cuts that celebrated all things Black, female and Detroit. Attendees hugged, kissed cheeks, snacked on hors d’oeuvres and chatted in the lobby of and inside the Motor City Casino’s Conference Room.

The high energy became more elevated when the gospel group God’s Choir brought the Spirit into the room. With blessings in place, the President of Real Times Media News Group, Cathy Nedd took to the stage to introduce the 2023 honorees.

The women came through to a medley that included “Pretty Girls Walk Like This” by Big Boss Vette and to a standing ovation and fist pumps from the attendees.

“Tonight we are unapologetically Black,” Nedd said to the appreciative crowd.

Next to the stage was the irrepressible Frankie Darcell, who is a former Women of Excellence honoree. The former radio personality is now the host of the fastest-growing podcast on iHeartMedia, “Frankie Has a Big Mouth.” Darcell came back to the Motor City just to emcee this year’s Women of Excellence, and her enthusiasm of being back home shone through.

Property Is Power!

How Credit Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score

By Anthony O. Kellum

When seeking a mortgage, one of the most important factors taken into consideration is your credit score. Many things can affect your credit score, including your credit history, the amount you owe, and your mix of credit.

Credit inquiries are a point of confusion for many borrowers. There are both hard and soft credit inquiries. Credit inquiries have the potential to affect credit score, so it is wise for borrowers to understand the differences between the two types of inquiries. Credit scores are a key part in how lenders determine credit worthiness and the cost of a loan for the borrower If you’ve ever questioned opening a new credit card account because of the inquiry to your credit, or wondered how your credit score would affect your home mortgage loan, I will shed some light on a topic many perceive “murky” at best.

Credit Score 101

Before diving into the role of credit inquiries, it’s good to have a basic understanding of your credit score and how it works. There are several different credit scores available to consumers and lenders. Each credit bureau uses its own calculations. Your score may vary based on the bureau. Mortgage companies and banks, use the middle score of

“I encourage women,” she told the crowd. She gave her testimony of surviving breast cancer and advised the mixed-gender crowd to get their breast tissue checked as well.

Hiram Jackson, the CEO of Real Times Media and publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, followed Darcell. He continued encouraging the audience to freely enjoy themselves, especially the honorees.

“We know that you have done all the things that are expected of Black women,” he said. “And we see you. However, this is a licensed area to act a fool.”

Jackson gave a brief history of the 16-year-old event, from its start in Chicago to the night’s event. He told the crowd it was “the biggest one we’ve ever done.”

The next evolution of the Women of Excellence, said Jackson, is to connect all of the honorees across the United States.

Darcell came back to the stage and connected the past and current honorees to the potential ones. She asked the under-20 women guests to stand to be recognized. “They are being exposed to all this excellence. This is what we mean when we say that we see you!”

This year’s special honorees were: Byna Elliott, the global head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase and Kenyetta Hairston Bridges, the COO and executive vice president of Economic Development and Investment Services at DEGC who both received the Vanguard Award; Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, senior pastor at West Side Unity Church who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Justice Kyra Harris Bolden of the Michigan Su-

preme Court who received the Woman of the Year Award.

“I am grateful for this honor, for this award,” Hairston Bridges said. “I’m grateful to grace this stage with these amazing Black women. Thank you all for your support.”

Justice Harris Bolden, who is the first Black female justice on Michigan’s Supreme Court and a longtime advocate for those who suffered sexual abuse, said, “I feel so loved and so supported and so protected. It has been a long road to get to this point, from lynching to law school, from injustice to capital ‘j” Justice. I am so honored to represent that legacy, as so many of you in this room have.”

In between the special awardees, Darcell shouted out the Louisiana State University basketball player Angel Reese, who has been facing backlash from the court of public opinion because of her trashtalking her white NCAA tournament rival, Caitlin Clark from Iowa.

“We know who you are,” Darcell said. The attendees loudly applauded their agreement.

Dr. Rena Vassar, a former honoree, read the Women of Excellence creed as past and present members of the collectively described sisterhood held each other arm-in-arm as the rest of the room looked on.

To close the night, Tarshena Armstrong, director of Diversity Marketing & Development at General Motors and 2023 Class president, succinctly summed up the evening and the ethos of Women of Excellence: “Anything is possible. Dreaming is necessary, and faith without works is dead.”

Survey Outlook: Business Trends Mean Economic Success in 2023

By Sherri Kolade

From small firms increasingly using alternative funding sources to greater spending on digital marketing – a lot of 2023 business trends are coming online helping small businesses thrive in the first quarter and throughout the year.

Business News Daily reports that smaller businesses must adjust to a market that is always changing, which is true especially given the last few years during the COVID crisis.

Monitoring the trends that impact your company’s operations is essential if you want to meet client expectations and stay one step ahead of the competition, and there’s no better time to do so than now to set you up for small business success.

Earlier in January, JPMorgan Chase released its 2023 Business Leaders Outlook survey, which details insights from business leaders about their recession expectations, the impacts inflation has had on their approaches to pricing,

sourcing and running operations, and their outlook for the year ahead.

JPMorgan Chase’s Business Leaders Outlook poll was conducted online from November 14 to December 13, 2022, with small firms with annual revenues between $100,000 and $20 million and midsize businesses with annual revenues between $20 million and $500 million. Nearly 1,800 business leaders from diverse industries across the United States took part in the study in total. Data from the present is contrasted with data gathered in the fourth quarter of prior years to determine trends year over year. The results of this online survey are statistically valid, and at a 95 percent confidence level, the error rate for small businesses is plus or minus 3.1 percent, and for midsize businesses it is plus or minus 3.5 percent.

The survey revealed that while most small and midsize business leaders anticipate a recession in 2023 and many continue to face inflation-related challenges, they largely remain undeterred

when it comes to growth, hiring and expanding their businesses.

Black Business Owners Top-Line findings:

• 55 percent expect a recession in the year ahead, compared to 61 percent nationally.

• 79 percent are optimistic about their performance in the year ahead, compared to 72 percent nationally. Similarly, 75 percent are optimistic about their industry’s performance, compared to 63 percent nationally.

• 72 percent anticipate revenue and sales growth in the year ahead, and 69 percent expect their profits to increase in 2023.

• The top business challenges for Black business owners include inflation, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty.

• 55 percent anticipate hiring full-time employees over the next 12 months,

Anthony O. Kellum

Economic Outlook

From page A-5

compared to 51 percent nationally.

• To hire and retain employees, half (50 percent) of Black owners surveyed plan to increase wages, and 38 percent plan to offer upskilling and training opportunities, compared to 42 percent and 29 percent nationally.

“Inflation has been a challenging headwind impacting businesses of all sizes, across all industries,” said Ginger Chambless, head of research at JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking. “While we have seen some encouraging signs that inflation has started to moderate and should cool over 2023, businesses may still want to consider adjustments to strategies, pricing or product mixes to help weather the storm in the near term.”

Baxter E. Hall, insurance broker and advisor at Kapnick Insurance, told the Michigan Chronicle recently that as a client executive and benefits consultant, he sees a lot of business trends and changes.

“The rising costs of medical and prescription costs are at the top of the list. Along with the need for mental health resources and how to get better employee engagement,” Hall said, adding that staying afloat could mean different things to different people but connectivity is always key. “I think expanding your network is always important. Exposure to different people in industries and positions that are different from yours adds a wonderful perspective. Also, adding new skills and certifications to your toolbelt is always a good thing.”

He described the insurance industry as a “noble profession.”

“The chance to help people prepare for the unexpected, whether it’s commercial, personal or medical insurance is a privilege,” Hall said. “There are so many positions that fit many interests and skill sets that people are not aware of. Part of the work I do with NAAIA (National African American Insurance Association) is to expose Black/BIPOC [people] to the opportunities in the insurance industry and assist with making

it more diverse.”

Executives from small firms continue to have more optimistic economic outlooks than executives from medium-sized businesses, who indicated substantially more pessimistic views compared to this time last year, despite the widespread opinion that a recession will occur in 2023.

The forecast for the performance of small and medium firms is still positive, with 66 percent of small businesses and 72 percent of midsize enterprises expressing optimism for the coming year. More than two-thirds (69 percent) of small businesses anticipate rising sales and revenue in the upcoming year, while 65 percent predict higher earnings in 2023. Similarly, 51 percent of medium enterprises anticipate higher profits in 2023, while 63 percent anticipate higher revenue and sales.

“Following the challenges of the last few years, it’s encouraging to see the resilience

of small business owners and leaders,” said Ben Walter, CEO of Chase Business Banking.

“The next economic cycle is always right around the corner, so our role is to help small business owners plan ahead so they can succeed in good times and bad.”

Companies may want to concentrate on the following factors while planning for the remainder of 2023:

Maintain Awareness of Economic Trends: Business leaders will want to pay close attention to whether current trends regarding the Federal Reserve, consumer spending, inflation, labor markets and more continue, slow down or reverse in the upcoming year even though they are undoubtedly familiar with today’s top economic headlines.

Recession-Proof Your Company: No matter when or if a recession occurs, businesses may take action right now to maintain their flexibility, strengthen their balance sheet and even identify opportunities amid uncertainty.

Maximize Working Capital: In times of economic instabil-

Property Is Power

From page A-5

the three top bureaus. One of the oldest and most commonly-used credit score is Fair Isaac Corporation. “A FICO Score is a three-digit number based on the information in your credit reports. It helps lenders determine how likely you are to repay a loan. This, in turn, affects how much you can borrow, how many months you have to repay the loan, and how much it will cost (the interest rate).”

What does this mean for you? In essence, your chance of getting a loan that fits your needs is reliant on your credit score… a higher score shows that you handle credit well, which can improve the terms of your loan. Scores typically range between 300 and 850. So, what’s an “excellent” credit score versus a “poor” credit score? Here’s how credit scores generally break down:

• 800 or higher = Superior

• 740-799 = Very good

• 680-739 = Good

• 580-669 = Fair

• 579 and below = Poor

The following factors influence your score:

• Your payment history - Have you paid your bills on time?

• How much of your credit you’re using -

ity, sustaining working capital is even more important. Working capital is a significant measure of a company’s financial health. Businesses may want to think about using supply chain financing and dynamic discount solutions, putting in place more effective inventory management and revising present loans to minimize liabilities to manage working capital more effectively.

More social media acumen is needed in 2023, too, as using different platforms will increase this year.

The importance of social media advertising is growing, but so has the level of competition.

To develop an audience and raise brand awareness, small businesses should concentrate on a multichannel organic strategy. While advertisements can support organic growth, small businesses should refrain from engaging in a social media arms race with rivals when organic strategies like content marketing may provide a higher return on investment.

Marketers will use their top clients

Look for marketers to re-

Less is better when it comes to spending up to your credit limit.

• Age of credit - How long have you held the credit?

• How many types of credit you haveCredit card, auto, home and school loans, etc. all count as different types of credit.

• Recent credit applications - These are also called “hard inquiries,” and come from applying for loans or credit cards. The better your credit, the better you rate. If you have a higher credit score, lenders see that as a sign you are more likely to pay back your loan. A lower credit score makes a loan riskier for the lender.

What Are Credit Inquiries and How Do Credit Inquiries Affect You?

A “hard” inquiry is when a lender checks your credit as a result of your application for a new loan, credit card, or line of credit. When this happens, your credit score temporarily decreases. For FICO scores, this decrease is typically less than five points, and can disappear within months if you make your debt payments in a timely fashion. “Soft” inquiries are not related to lending you money. They may appear on your credit report, but they do not alter your score. For example, when you check your own credit or an employer checks your credit as part of the hiring process, these are considered soft inquiries. Your credit score is of the utmost importance when making large purchases that

sort to their most loyal clients as a source of income during uncertain market conditions. Strengthen the focus on current clients who show indicators of brand loyalty to boost sales and support companies through tough economic times.

“A great and cost-effective way to identify and take advantage of your biggest brand advocates is through strategic UGC [user-generated content] efforts,” said Zarnaz Arlia, chief marketing officer for customer experience platform Emplifi. “Brands can maximize the value of UGC by promoting it through exciting offers, branded hashtags, contests and even via their e-commerce website.”

User-generated content can produce spectacular outcomes while frequently costing less than more established forms of promotion. “Authenticity is what modern consumers are craving,” Arlia said, “and there’s nothing more authentic than the voice of the customer.”

For more information on the Business Leaders Outlook survey, visit jpmorgan.com and search “2023 Business Leaders Outlook: U.S.”

require a loan. A better score can save you big money long term. To prevent a slew of hard inquiries from negatively impacting your credit score, avoid applying for multiple credit cards or loans at one time. This could lower your score significantly, therefore decreasing your chances for more favorable terms. Instead, think ahead to big financial loans you have coming up, like a home mortgage or an auto loan. Then, ensure you haven’t applied for other new lines of credit within a few months of your loan application.

What To Remember When Considering a Mortgage

Generally, mortgage lenders require a credit score of at least 640 - 660 to receive a conventional mortgage loan. Conventional loans are not backed by a government agency, so qualifications are often tougher. However, they offer good rates, down payment options and flexible terms, which makes them an attractive option. On the other end of the credit score spectrum, if you have a credit score of 720 or higher, you’ll often gain more favorable terms and may need a lower down payment. To put it into perspective, a difference of 100 points on a credit score could impact your rate by 0.8%. This difference could cost you $10,000 or more over the lifespan of the mortgage! The key takeaway to remember... don’t double-dip on your credit inquiries. If you plan to apply for a mortgage, do not apply for a credit card at the same time. You could save yourself thousands of dollars.

C ity. L ife . Style .

Empire Kitchen and Cocktails Promotes Inclusivity with Mixed Crowd and a Menu Consisting of Variety

By Lynzee Mychael DIGITAL CONTENT WRITER

Empire Kitchen and Cocktails reopened on January 6th with a new attitude, new management, and a clear vision for the future. After minor renovations and tweaks to the food and drink menu, Empire has been striving to supersede the representation that has been built for the brand with a focus on quality, cleanliness and inclusivity. The new team is composed of restaurant and hospitality experts bringing a plethora of experience and expertise that General Manager Joshua McArthur ensures can be felt by customers and staff alike.

“Our goal is to be warm. We want people to walk in and feel good. Empire is for professionals and genuine people. We even expect these things during our hiring process. No negative energy, we are all about positivity. We don’t care what you look like, just bring good energy.”

Empire, which was purchased by the Hankerson Investment Group, is located at 3148 Woodward Ave in a prime location for bars and nightlife. This rustic and inviting place is perfect for date night, happy hour, networking, and winding down after a long day or week. With a wide range of food choices from salmon and steak to garden vegetables frittata, chicken wings, and oysters, there is something for everyone. Empire is even furnished with an authentic marble pizza oven that produces some of the best pizza in the city.

“We are really big on ambiance and our ambiance is amazing. Our food is great, and our drinks are beautiful and delicious. We’ve had customers who were regulars before we took over and they love our food and experience best,” says McArthur.

The new vision for Empire is to become an exclusive Detroit staple inviting celebrities, politicians, and business leaders to comfortably dine amongst Detroiters in the heart of the city.

Originally from Atlanta, McArthur brings 15 plus years of experience in the restaurant industry and credits working in multiple areas within restaurants as a way of understanding how to coach his team and drive results. His humanistic approach allows for constant change and correction, granting growth with processes, systems, and procedures. By making sure the inner workings of Empire are smooth and precise, customers can have an enjoyable experience repeatedly.

See EMPIRE KITCHEN Page B-2

By Andrea Plaid

Detroit Couple Promotes All-Natural Wellness with ‘Socialite Body Essentials

By Lynzee Mychael DIGITAL CONTENT WRITER

The desire for quality all-natural skin products has increased in demand since the pandemic. Black consumers are searching for options made with the Black experience in mind, by brands that have direct ties to the community. While mainstream corporations scarcely line shelves with shallow definitions of “Black” products, this has inspired change for some frustrated by these slim offerings.

Devoted couple Brandon and Selena Parker are the energy and love behind the Socialite Body Essentials brand. This all-natural skincare and body care brand is a joint effort of the pair, who started making body butters in their home to combat their daughter’s eczema outbreaks. After creating an effective product using all natural ingredients, the couple’s inquisitiveness led them on a journey of self-awareness and enlightenment. Selena said learning that most skin problems started internally sparked a personal inventory check within herself, catapulting her journey into health and wellness.

“We got in touch with our mental health and our internal body. That then translated into the herbal tea, the safe skincare, facial care, and hair. We just wanted to make good products without chemicals, and it just evolved from there. As we evolve, the company evolves too.”

Although the brand began as a skin-

care line, the Parkers quickly realized that their impact could expand beyond skin essentials and provide a complete wellness experience. Currently Socialite Body Essentials offers a wide range of products including body care, natural deodorant, haircare, herbs and fragrances. The couple advocates for their customers to get in alignment with themselves by listening to their body, learning about their well-being and reconnecting with nature. Selena said by connecting with nature she was able to

get back to herself with a better understanding of who she is.

“It wasn’t until I reconnected back to nature that allowed me to find myself. Reconnecting back to nature can rejuvenate you. And I think in our society we’re not balanced. We’re eating too much; we’re not working out enough. So, our products and what we offer can help spark a light in people because sometimes by the time your skin has

See SKINCARE Page B-2

Motown Witch Celebrates Spring With the Ancestors

“Spring cleaning is everything!” said Yvette Wyatt, who’s a witch, a conjure woman, lifelong Detroiter and owner of Motown Witch. The Michigan Chronicle reached out to her via email about how Vodun and Hoodoo believers celebrate the new season. Spring ‘started’ on March 20 at 5:24 p.m., according to The Farmer’s Almanac.

And Wyatt means not only cleaning one’s outside environment, but also one’s insides.

“Everything gets washed, and unused and broken things get thrown away,” Wyatt said. “My grandmother would also clean us out internally by giving us castor oil. I tend to still do this by juicing and eating fresh salad during this time.”

Vodun and Hoodoo join other earthbased or goddess-based faith practices such as Wiccans and Druids in marking Spring as the beginning of the new year. Spring is considered the restart of the natural—and, by extension, the spiritual--cycle, from the flowers and trees blossoming, green grass regrowing, farmers planting seeds and animals mating and having offspring.

Some Christian denominations

African traditional religions are about connecting with nature, venerating your ancestors and being an upstanding person, said Wyatt.

adapted aspects of the blooming season into the holiday of Easter, such as Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny. Some Biblical scholars have said that, according to the details of the Nativity story—specifically the mention of lambs—meant that Jesus was born in the spring and not in the winter.

According to Brittanica.com, civilizations that used calendars marked March 25 as New Year’s Day. The Roman king Numa Pompilius is commonly believed to have switched the day to January 1 during his reign around 715-673 BCE in honor of the Roman god Janus, who was the god of new beginnings. Other

scholars think January 1 became the official New Year’s Day in 153 BCE. Julius Caesar’s calendar, known as the Julian calendar, kept the first day of January as the start of the new year.

However, when the Roman Empire

See SPRING Page B-2

Spring

From page B-1

fell and Christianity took its place as a world power, they brought back March 25, along with December 25, as the new New Year’s Days. When Pope Gregory VIII tweaked the calendar to correct for leap years and to officially mark Easter in 1582, he designated January 1 as the beginning of the new year. The American colonies celebrated New Year’s Day on March 25 until the country adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752.

Considering that this was also the antebellum period, enslaved Africans and African Americans probably adapted their New Year’s Day clinging to whichever day, be it March 25 or January 1, Wyatt observed. She said her mother did her cleaning ritual on January 1, and her grandmother did her cleaning ritual in the spring.

Wyatt stated that the particular way that Black folks clean, especially Southern and Southern-descended folks like many Detroiters, is based on African traditional religions like Vodun and Hoodoo. One such activity is throwing out the old broom and mop and getting a new one for the new year.

Scholars trace the ritual of spring cleaning back to three cultures: The Jewish tradition, as stated in the Torah, of preparing for Passover by thoroughly tidying the home; The Persian ritual of ‘khane takani,’ a 3,000-year-old tradition of sweeping, dusting and removing clutter to prevent bad luck in the new year; and the South and Southeast Asian holiday of Songkran, a purification festival in which people completely wash down their homes as well as rinse each other with water. They also perform a sacred rite of pouring water over statues of Buddha to ensure blessings and good luck in the new year.

Though academics haven’t written much about the housecleaning rituals of different African nations, African American historians have reclaimed the history of enslaved Black people and how they maintained their homes from pioneering sociologist W.E.B. DuBois and his negative portrayal of how Black people kept their dwellings in the antebellum South. Scholar Tyler D. Parry states in Black Perspectives that the broom became one of the primary tools.

“Maintaining a clean environment provided order to a life often chaotic, and enslaved people used the surrounding [natural] materials to manufacture their brooms,” such as broom sage or tall weeds found in fields, he said. Enslaved Black people used everyday brooms to sweep the dirt floors in their cabins and to keep their yards tidy. Special brooms were made for the culture-famous wedding rite of “jumping the broom.”

Other rituals that Black folks do that are rooted in African traditional religions are, according to Wyatt, pouring libations, or pouring some liquor for the “homies not here”; ancestral veneration, like setting a plate at the table for a deceased family member and maintaining the grave site; and covering one’s head when doing spiritual work.

The unfortunate thing about this, Wyatt said, is the stereotypes some Black people have about the faith practices themselves.

“People fear what they don’t understand. So, Vodun and Hoodoo are viewed as evil and devil worship, although there are no ‘devils’ in African traditional religions. African traditional religions are about connecting with nature, venerating your ancestors, and being an upstanding person.”

For those who want to reclaim the spring rituals of African-based religions—besides throwing out the old broom and mop and getting new ones--Wyatt recommends:

Deep cleaning your house, including washing the walls, the windows, and the window treatments as well as throwing out unused and broken items.

Detoxing your body, such as doing a juice fast, water fast or raw food fast.

If possible, honoring your ancestors by cleaning the debris from their graves.

Skincare

From page B-1

a reaction there’s a lot of dam age that has been done internal ly. That’s why it’s so important to know what you are putting in and on your body.”

The couple prides themselves on knowing that their products work. Not only have they seen the results working on themselves and close family and friends, but they have also received numerous testimonies from their customers with positive updates and tearful messages of gratitude.

“You can look at our labels and read everything that’s in it [our products]. You can go to the store and buy everything that’s in [it]. There are not any big scientific words that you don’t know. So, outside of the fragrances, everything is all natural. That’s a huge thing for us in terms of customers who are looking for clean, natural ways to nourish their hair and skin,” said Brandon.

Brandon and Selena moved their oper-

Empire Kitchen

From page B-1

The Empire team does not disappoint, and McArthur says there were necessary changes made internally to ensure the proper blend and proficiency would be reflected within their restaurant walls.

Operations Manager Keanna Sawyers works alongside McArthur to set and enforce standards, bringing her experience and style to the heart of the business.

Terrence McDonald and Chris McClendon are the head chefs supervising and coordinating all of the incredible meals that are served at Empire. This immaculate team brings flavor, color, and tradition to every meal, making it hard to get the same thing twice. Tiara Demeyers, who is the acting bar director, oversees the craft drinks. All drinks are made with fresh ingredients and served in an eye-catching way. McArthur says customers drink their craft beverages with their eyes first.

“The Very Berry is a popular vodka drink that’s served with a bubble on top. It is a must try. My favorite drink is The Rare Situation. This drink has a pleasant yet unexpected taste that is heavy on the pallet. It is made with fresh passion fruit and delivers delicious flavor.”

Empire Kitchen and Cocktails hours of operation are Tuesday -Thursday 4pm12am, Fridays 4pm-1am, Saturday 11am4pm, and Sundays 11am-11pm. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays between 11am and 4pm. Visit empirekitchendetroit. com for more information and to make reservations.

ation from their home to a warehouse in Taylor, Mich., where they currently house their photography and gym studios. JMTPD hotography and A.W.O.L.F Fitness are two other passions the couple use to exercise their creative side and give back to the community. Selena started JMTPD after her grandfather passed to carry on his legacy of photography and family. Brandon, who has always had a love for fitness, offers personal training and online coaching.

“Our purpose is in this business. We’re touching people and we’re helping people feel better. And that’s invaluable to both of us. I know we become better people because the energy that we put into our products and with communicating with our customers is so much better. It’s so much calmer, it’s creative, and that reflects in our business. So, when you have one of our products it should make you feel like we do, which is good,” said Selena Socialite Body Essentials are available online for shipment at www. socialitebodyessentials.com. Actual products are available at Authentic Roots of Detroit and Hair Goals 313. For updates or to learn more about the product line follow them @socialitebodyessentials on Instagram.

FAMILY FEATURES

There’s more to maintaining a healthy heart than just eating right and exercising regularly. While these practices play an important role in both cardiovascular and overall health and well-being, getting a good night’s sleep is also key.

“Getting a good night’s sleep every night is vital to cardiovascular health,” said Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, M.D., Sc.M., FAHA, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and chair of the department of preventive medicine, the Eileen M. Foell Professor of Heart Research and professor of preventive medicine, medicine and pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “Adults should aim for an average of 7-9 hours, and babies and kids need more depending on their age.”

However, more than 1 in 3 adults in the United States are not getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition to increasing risk for cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack and stroke, lack of sleep may also put people at risk of depression, cognitive decline, diabetes and obesity.

While high blood pressure – a known risk factor of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 cause of death worldwide – can run in families, it is more common in non-Hispanic Black adults (56%) than in nonHispanic white adults (48%), non-Hispanic Asian adults (46%) or Hispanic adults (39%). Healthy lifestyle behaviors, including sleep, can help prevent the condition.

“We know that people who get adequate sleep manage other health factors better as well, such as weight, blood sugar and blood pressure,” Lloyd-Jones said. “The American Heart Association added sleep to the list of factors that support optimal cardiovascular health. We call these Life’s Essential 8, and they include: eating a healthy diet, not smoking or vaping, being physically active and getting adequate sleep along with controlling your blood pressure and maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol and lipids, healthy blood sugar levels and a healthy weight.”

What’s more, falling asleep at different times or sleeping an inconsistent number of hours each night, even variations of more than two hours a night within the same week, may also increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a cardiovascular condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, in those age 45 and older, according to research published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association.”

“Maintaining regular sleep schedules and decreasing variability in sleep is an easily adjustable lifestyle behavior that can not only help improve sleep, but also help reduce cardiovascular risk for aging adults,” said study lead author Kelsie Full, Ph.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of medicine in the division of epidemiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Education about healthy heart habits from the American Heart Association is nationally supported by Elevance Health Foundation. Some practices to improve sleep health and impact heart health include:

Observe Current Sleep Habits

Keeping a sleep diary to help track your sleep patterns and habits can make it easier to identify factors that may be helping – or hurting – your sleep quality. Monitor what time you go to bed, what time you wake up in the morning, how many times you woke up during the night, how you felt when you woke up and any variables, such as changes to your routine or sleeping arrangements. Having documentation over the course of several weeks can help you identify necessary changes.

Avoid Food and Beverage

Close to Bedtime

It can be more difficult to fall asleep if you’re still digesting dinner.

To help reduce sleep disruptions caused by food, avoid late dinners and minimize fatty and spicy foods. Similarly, keep an eye on caffeine intake and avoid it later in the day when it can be a barrier to falling asleep.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity during the day can have a noticeable impact on overall health and wellness but can also make it easier to sleep at night as it can initiate changes in energy use and body temperature. However, exercising too close to bedtime may hinder your body’s ability to settle; aim to have your workout complete at least four

hours before you plan to head to bed.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

Getting a good night’s rest often requires getting into a routine. Start by setting an alarm to indicate it’s time to start winding down. Rather than heading straight to bed, take time to create a to-do list for the following day and knock out a few small chores. Then consider implementing a calming activity like meditating, journaling or reading (not on a tablet or smartphone) before drifting off to sleep. Also set an alarm to wake each morning, even on weekends, and avoid hitting the snooze button to keep your biological rhythms synced.

Create a Comfortable Sleep Space

The ideal space for sleeping is dark, quiet and a comfortable temperature, typically around 65 F depending on the individual. Use room-darkening

curtains or a sleep mask to block light and ear plugs, a fan or a white noise machine to help drown out distracting noises. Remember, using your bed only for sleep and sex can help establish a strong mental association between your bed and sleep.

Avoid Tech Before Bed

The bright light of televisions, computers and smartphones can mess with your Circadian rhythm and keep you alert when you should be winding down. Try logging off electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime and use the “do not disturb” function to avoid waking up to your phone throughout the night. Better yet, charge devices away from your bed or in another room entirely.

Find more tips to take control of your blood pressure and create healthy sleep habits at Heart.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images