Michigan Chronicle Digital Daily 3.23.21

Cannabis Queens: Black Women in the Local Cannabis Industry Go Get Theirs Money. A5

Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 84 – No. 29 | March 24-30, 2021

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Through the Prism:

How Colorism Affects the Black Community

By Megan Kirk Through generations, the issue of colorism has plagued Black communities and has helped to create a divide between lighter and darker toned individuals. Like most history for African Americans, the issue of light versus dark gets its origins from slavery where there was a clear and distinct separation of tasks and responsibilities. Lighter skinned Africans were given domestic kitchen or other service jobs, typically in the Big House while Africans whose tones were rich in melanin were given a different set of standards and damned to a life of back-breaking tasks.

The issue of colorism is not only a problem in Black communities, it also saturates many communities of color where there is an array of shades for any one particular race. Affecting opportunities in career, dating and punishments in the criminal justice system, colorism enforces the white standard of beauty while giving a clear message of unworthiness to those with darker skin.

One Year Later COVID-19:

The Economic Fallout Part Two of a Three Part Series

By Donald James

“A restaurant closing for any length of time, longer than a week, can be a catastrophe, quite frankly,” Stephanie Byrd, co-owner of Flood’s Bar and Grill, The Block Restaurant and The Garden Theater, all located in Detroit, told The Michigan Chronicle last September.

“And when you are talking about small Black businesses that don’t have the type of capital or that type of cushion to withstand a temporary closing, it’s very difficult.”

which she co-owns with her sister Cristina, closed completely from March to June last year, in part because of the governor’s Executive Orders. Flood’s reopened first for carryout only services, followed by The Block in June. Both establishments are currently open and adhering to Whitmer’s early March 2021 Executive Order mandating that restaurants not exceed 50 percent capacity.

“At Flood’s we were able to get back to 50 percent capacity right away,” said Byrd., who is still contemplating when The Garden Theater will reopen. “At The Block, we are taking our time getting back, mostly because we haven’t been staffed up. Because of staffing, there are times we cut off at 30 percent capacity or 40 percent capacity.”

Not far from The Block is Yum Village located in Detroit’s New Center Area. Yum Village, an eatery inspired by West African and Caribbean traditions and dishes, has seen its business dip as much as 50 percent or more during the pandemic, after enjoying robust in-dining traffic before the onset of the deadly health crisis. With a steep dip in business, Yum Village changed its business model.

“We have evolved into an Afro-Caribbean marketplace environment to generate more revenue,” said Godwin Ihentuge, founder and chief villager of Yum Village.

“At the moment, we do very little inside dining. We mainly sell fresh produce, coffee, teas, dry goods, our own authentic spices and herbs, candles, soaps, lotions, and freshly made juices, all generic to the African diaspora.”

Byrd said Flood’s and The Block,

Ihentuge added, “About 90 percent

Special to the Chronicle

During the 19th and 20th centuries, practices such as the “brown paper bag test” were implemented to further perpetuate colorism and used to determine job placement and entrance into private spaces.

For individuals who were the same complexion as the bag or lighter, they would receive preferential treatment as opposed to those who were darker than the bag, who received no job nor were allowed into certain spaces.

“Colorism in the Black community has its origins in slavery, and even before that when we think about the hierarchy that white supremacy and colonialism created with regards to skin color,” says Raina LaGrand, therapist and clinical social worker.

Today, the issue of tone has plagued almost every aspect of life.

Recently, Meghan Markle, wife of British royal Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, unleashed a fury of commentary surrounding color in a two-hour televised interview with TV icon Oprah Winfrey as she claimed that while pregnant a member of the royal family made mention of the skin tone of

See COLORISM page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic one year ago, not only lives but many businesses across the United States have been severely disrupted.

While the virus has impacted every industry to various degrees, the hospitality industry, largely comprised of bars and restaurants, has been hit extremely hard.

The National Restaurant Association estimates that 110,000 restaurants in the United States closed for good in 2020, most due to the pandemic.

In Detroit, many Black-owned restaurants were unable to survive the rollercoaster rides of COVID-19, even with carryout only services. With a series of Executive Orders issued by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to slow the spread of the virus, an increased number of Black-owned restaurants found the orders of when to open, when to close and the number of patrons allowed in respective establishments led to spiraling profits.

of our transactions happen online right now,” he said. “ but people can come in for the marketplace experience of shopping for our unique items and merchandise designed in-house. We are still here to push the cultures of the African Diaspora.”

And it’s not just Black restauranteurs that have experienced difficult times at the hands of the pandemic, Black entrepreneurs in other sectors have searched for ways to stay open.

Shannon Reaves, founder, owner and operator of Bath Savvy Naturals, was forced to evolve her business shortly after her location of nine years at the Rust Belt Market in Ferndale temporarily closed at the onset of the pandemic. Her company, which specializes in making and selling bath and body care products derived from natural plant-based ingredients, was forced to pivot.

“Our pivot was to take our products and sell them strictly online,” Reaves said. “Surprisingly, we were pretty busy, but it wasn’t the same as having our own store. Our goal is to open a store again.”

The transition presented other business problems for Reaves. She began reaching out to organizations with resources that could assist her company.

“We applied for and received PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) money, which allowed me to keep employees. And the next round of PPP will assist us in moving forward.”

Reaves said there lots of sources that can help Black small businesses,

See ONE

YEAR LATER page A2

The Evolution of Black Women in Business: The Rise to the Top

By Megan Kirk

Un(Adult)erated

Black Boy Joy: Re-Socializing During COVID for the Grown Man

City.Life.Style. B1

$1.00

Black women have long since been the backbone of the family. Providing a nurturing home, Black women of the past held traditional responsibilities in the household such a cooking, cleaning and child rearing. Over the years, the role of Black businesswomen, in regards to entrepreneurialism, has continued to grow and evolve from the blueprint laid by historic female hustlers. Black women are kicking in doors and crushing glass ceilings while creating opportunities for other Black women to do the same.

The versatility of Black women in various arenas is undeniable. Not only are they showing they can cook the bacon, but Black women are also bringing it home as well. Women of color began to make an imprint in the working world through tenacity, perseverance and excellence. As a result, corporate America continues to get a dosage of Black Girl Magic.

Historically serving in domestic fields, Black women are no strangers to the

workforce. Through domestic labor, African American women typically took roles such as maid or seamstresses to help make ends meet. Whether lost from racial violence, the penal system or various historical wars, Black men were forcibly removed from family homes and the traditional family construct leaving the women to fend for the family and thus find means of generating revenue.

According to a 2020 report from Forbes, Black women are the largest growing entrepreneurial group with a staggering 42 percent of new women-led businesses and 36 percent of all Blackowned businesses. Though access to financial resources is a barrier, Black women are finding a way to push through and make their dreams come true.

Launched in early March, Relle’s Deli and Sweets in Southfield serves up decadent desserts and features deli-style dishes. While no stranger to entrepreneurism, Cherelle Mason, pastry chef and owner, with more than ten years in the business is pushing her brand forward and dispelling myths that Black women belong in the house.

“People have to stop living like it’s back in the day when the woman stayed home and was the housewife and the man goes to work and brings in the money because right now, there’s a lot of women making more than their partner because they have businesses or are in the higher

See BLACK

WOMEN page A2

Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com •

March 24-30, 2021

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hiring agreements which give Detroiters “the first chance” at getting good paying jobs. The companies are Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Dakkota Integrated Systems, New Center Stamping, FlexN-Gate, Spencer-Butcher and Universal Logistics.

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“These are six employers who said, ‘We will look to Detroiters first to fill our jobs before we open up to anyone else,’ ” Sherard-Freeman said.

“We are helping people of color in Detroit get the first opportunities that are coming as a result of large-scale workforce developments.”

One Year Later

From page A-1

but must be aggressively identified, researched, and applied for. She cited the Michigan Women’s Foundation as a source where her company received a grant.

In a bid to help small businesses across Michigan survive, Whitmer, to date, has awarded $52.5 million to almost 6,000 small businesses through the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program. One of the businesses that benefited from the program is Fit4Life, a full-service fitness studio located on Detroit’s northwest side. Its owner, Felicia Maxwell, held outdoor fitness camps and classes in attempts to generate revenue for the business.

However, she needed help, which she got as a recipient of the Survival grant.

“Until a large percentage of the population is vaccinated against COVID-19, I can’t get all of my clients back,” Maxwell said in a statement. “I’m dependent on grants and other assistance available to me. While I’m very thankful to be a Survival Grant recipient, I’d rather be fully back to business and helping my community get and stay healthy.”

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) has been a major source for helping Detroit

small businesses, especially Black small business owners – both before and during the pandemic.

“At DEGC, we do everything that we can to bolster our small businesses during this pandemic, especially for Black businesses which have been hurting,” said Pierre Batton, executive vice president of Small Business Services at DEGC. “In the last 12 months, DEGC is one of many organizations that understands the sense of urgency to assist our small businesses in Detroit.”

Batton points to DEGC’s Detroit Means Business initiative which was created to develop an infrastructure that connects small businesses to dozens of vital resources that exist for small businesses to grow. According to Batton, Detroit Means Business is comprised of 60-plus private, public and philanthropic partners ready to help the needs of Detroit’s small businesses.

“Detroit Means Business orchestrates the connections between small businesses to all the resources needed to help them get PPP (Payroll Protection Plan) loans and apply for grants, lowcost capital and technical assistance,” Batton said.

“We have got to solve the small business crisis in Detroit if we are going to

Colorism From page A-1

her now-son, Archie. While complexion continues to be a point of contention, efforts are being made to put an end to both colorist and colorism once and for all.

Lavoughnda White is a woman on a mission to spread love and positivity to all Black people, but especially those with richer hues of brown. Launching Nah I’m Just Pretty, a social enterprise company which educates, mobilizes and organizes around the issue of colorism, with the intent to give darker skinned African Americans a place to share their experience free from criticism and judgement.

“I started to educate myself on colorism -- the implications of colorism, how they impact you from an economic standpoint, from a societal standpoint, from a sociological standpoint. I needed to figure out how to give darker skinned people a platform to express their grievances in a safe space,” says White.

While marriage numbers are lower for Black women over any other race, rates are especially lower for women with darker skin. Published in the 2009 Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, Dr. Darrick Hamilton, a professor of Economic and Urban Policy in New York, used research from a 2003 multi-city study which resulted in findings that about 55 percent of lighter skinned Black women have been married as opposed to 23 percent of darker skinned Black women. For darker skinned women, like White, dating presents its own set of challenges to overcome. Black men sometimes romanticize the idea of a light-skinned Black woman leaving melanin-rich women to feel unwanted.

“I realized my beauty had to be approved first before being accepted by Black men,” says White.

While colorism is not a new concept, it is now being called to light for its cor-

be successful in growing and sustaining our economy.”

One of the hallmarks of Detroit Means Business is its “one-stopshop” website, www.detroitmeansbusiness.org.

“During the pandemic business owners were telling me that they had to go to 20 websites and had to figure out what’s real information from false information,” explained Batton. “They needed a trusted source, a website to go to and get valuable information like how they could apply for grants, what grants and loans were available, how to get technical assistance and more.”

Batton added. “DEGC will continue to get all the resources possible to help small businesses in Detroit, specifically Black and Brown businesses,” Batton said. “In the coming weeks, we will have more clarity as to what funding will be available to help small businesses through President Biden’s $1.9 trillion Stimulus Package.”

DEGC contracts with the City of Detroit and works closely with Mayor Mike Duggan’s jobs and economic development team, led by Nicole Sherard-Freeman, group executive of Jobs, Economy and Detroit at Work. In her quest to keep Detroit’s economy moving forward during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherard-Freeman has brokered six new

rosive and destructive effects. Author and psychotherapist Resmaa Menakem, specializes in racial trauma and relationships in Black families and society, and his work has been a source of study for many therapists, including LaGrand.

Menakem notes some traumatic events are absorbed and held onto in the Black community.

“Colorism is one of those traumatic retentions. It still plays a role, both within our community and outside it, and it’s sneaky,” says LaGrand.

As Black men are taught to not display emotion, their relationship with color seems to have a different effect.

Black men, too, face discrimination based on their skin tone. Often portrayed as aggressive, a thug or criminal, dark-skinned Black men are stereotyped as brutes, while lighter skinned men are more passive. A 2006 University of Georgia study also showed employers prefer light-skinned Black men as opposed to darker skin no matter their qualifications.

“I’ve definitely felt the pains of colorism, but luckily as we grow, we understand and we just try to get better and uplift each other,” says Christopher Thomas, owner of No Mind Left Behind Publishing House.

Around the world, individuals with darker skin are treated substantially different. In India, a famed skin bleaching cream is used by almost 38 million people worldwide. Statistically, darker toned Brazilians account for up to 60 percent of the country’s poorest. As the issue of colorism spans the world, education and conscious de-programming in the Black community can help to combat the effects of racism and colorism.

“We know colorism isn’t just a Black issue. Across cultures, people with darker skin are treated differently, but for Black people, we have to be educated on the history of America and really try to unlearn what we were programmed or taught,” says White. “We have to start there to really see how we were taught to hate ourselves.”

However, SherardFree­ man knows that to grow and sustain the local economy it goes beyond hiring Detroiters at larger companies.

“We must wrap ourselves around Detroit’s Black and Brown small business community,” Sherard-Freeman said.

“They are one of the largest job generators in the city when you take them in their entirety. There are 60,000 registered small businesses in Detroit. And about 12,000 of those small businesses employ somewhere between two and forty-nine employees.”

The recipe for workforce development success, according to Sherard-Freeman, is strategically bridging and growing small and large businesses.

“When we are successful, it helps reduce poverty and close the income gap between Black Detroiters and white Detroiters,” explained Sherard-Freeman.

“That’s the pathway forward for Detroit.”

Many businesses, economic and healthcare stakeholders agree that the pathway forward out of the pandemic is predicated on people receiving the vaccine to fight the coronavirus.

“We are encouraging our staff, encouraging our guests and encouraging our community to get vaccinated,” Byrd said. “I want to keep our community and our people safe.

And the vaccine is how to get Black businesses back on track.”

“We are excited that the vaccine is ramping up, and we want our small businesses to take part in it,” Batton said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has really devastated the Black community. The vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel for us, and we as a community must walk forward into that light. The sooner we are able to get everybody vaccinated and to be safe again, the sooner we can reopen and continue to grow our local economy.”

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Black Women

From page A-1

roles within companies,” Mason says.

Education and opportunity both factor into the advancement of Black women in business. From 2007 through 2012, Black women-owned businesses more than doubled their growth in comparison to other female demographics, 67 percent to just 27 percent. Black women are hurdling barriers and being sure to bring another sister along for the ride.

“It’s extremely important that as we move up in the ranks we lift as we climb,” says Alexis Dishman, Chief Lending Officer for Michigan Women Forward, an organization that helps support the growth of women-led businesses. “We need to make sure we are mentoring, that we’re reaching out to other women who are at the same level as us, but we are lifting each other up as we’re making moves because we have to prepare that next generation.”

The pandemic, an unexpected barrier for all small business owners, gravely impacted Blackowned small businesses.

Coronavirus aside, Black businesses were thriving nationally with a continuous flow of entrepreneurs joining the ranks. Jennyfer Crawford, a Detroiter born and raised, launched All Things Detroit to highlight small businesses across the city. Servicing over 14,000 customers with the help of more than 250 small businesses, the event is a one-stop shop to find gifts and artistry specific to the city.

Displaying the same tenacity and perseverance of early Black female entrepreneurs like Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, a famous seamstress for Black and white women including then-First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, and Annie Turnbo Malone, the woman credited for giving

the country’s first African American female millionaire Madame C.J. Walker her start in the hair industry, Black women in business gained momentum and have now become an indisputable force.

“Women have been starting businesses for years. Now with social media we’ve become the highlight of everything, but I feel like over the years it has grown because Black Girl Magic is the bomb anyway and we’re built to handle anything,” Crawford says.

“So, over the years, people who have had businesses before us have made it easier for us today to do it.”

Taking up space in an industry not intended for Black people, let alone Black women, the track to becoming an entrepreneur is laced with obstacles for people of color.

Be it financial access or redlining neighborhoods limiting prime real estate, Black business self-starters face a litany of other trials meant to deter them.

“Business, in a sense is a male-dominated industry,” Crawford says.

“There are so many things besides being Black is a barrier; how we wear our hair, being a plus size woman, how you carry yourself and preconceived stereotypes are all things that act as barriers.”

No matter the barriers, just like with anything, hard work and dedication will breed success.

Staying true to the brand, pushing boundaries and overcoming adversities are key to launching and succeeding in business.

“It’s all about you as a person. If you have the drive for this, passion and you really have a good product that you’re getting ready to push out, there’s no way that you’re not going to succeed,” Mason says.

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| March 24-30, 2021

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Why Don’t College Students Apply for Scholarships Contrary to popular belief, free money isn’t as attractive as some might think.

It’s scholarship season for several high school and college students who are looking for financial security against the overwhelming burden of looming tuition costs.

While many need-based scholarships are open and ready to accept applications from eager students, some organizations are not receiving the interest level reflective of their own efforts in reaching out to students.

Each year, the Michigan Chronicle partners with TCF Bank to hold the S.W.A.G. (Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness) Scholarship Awards, a program offering scholarship money to average high school students who live and study in the city of Detroit.

Up to $100,000 in scholarship money is set to be awarded to deserving students this year, but engagement is low.

The cost of college tuition and fees during the 2020-2021 school year for private institutions was $35,087, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Tuition for out-of-state public schools was a little over $21,000, and in-state schools were the least expensive option at $9,687 this school year.

With prices this high, it comes as no surprise that organizations have created financial scholarships to lessen the difficulty students have when trying to pay for college. Still, the question for many remains, ‘Why are students struggling to apply for scholarships?’

One expert says students who fail to turn in an application do so out of a fear of rejection.

“They are intimidated by the process and aren’t confident in their writing,” said Gwen Thomas, founder of Fresh Perspectives Seminars, a college and career readiness program serving the U.S. and abroad.

“Students who have a mid to lower grade point average or you have missed crucial classes that taught them how to write need additional coaching on how to respond to scholarship essays,” said ‘The Scholarship Queen.’

Others only focus on the scholarships that offer huge financial awards. Thomas says this can result in fear as well.

“Students simply don’t know [what to do or where to look],” said Thomas. “They think it’s necessary to go for the gusto and when they don’t get the money, they lose all confidence to apply for anything at all.”

For Thomas, the solution starts with the structure of scholarship applications.

“We need to be implementing out-of-the box thinking on how we can help and support these students,” said Thomas, who cites traditional scholarships as one of the common obstacles facing students today. “Students may not know how to write, but they may have other skills that are just as valuable - we need to be reaching these students a variety of ways and stop looking at the traditional means.”

Breaking the Generational Curse: Black Poverty in Detroit – Where Do We Go From Here?

By Sherri Kolade *The Michigan Chronicle is discussing generational poverty in Detroit, and its history, in this four-part series during Black History Month. In this fourth and final installment, we delve into two women’s stories on generational poverty and success and how we could collectively move forward.

Detroit resident Michelle Swain knows what it feels like to grow up in poverty.

“Not the worst kind of poverty; it was working-class poverty, but we didn’t have a lot of money, lived paycheck to paycheck,” Swain said. “There were five children and while we always had a roof over our head and food to eat it was a struggle for my parents. Living paycheck to paycheck does not allow for savings for things like college and buying homes.”

The real estate broker now heading her own Detroit company, Michelle Renee Swain, said that as a child growing up in that situation, there is a pressure to move out as soon as possible to release some of the pressure on family so there is one less mouth to feed.

As a real estate broker, she said that she finds that people who are in the best situation when buying a house are the ones who were able to live at home for a few years and save their earnings. “It is hard to do that when your family is poor. You have to contribute to bills, family emergencies,” she said.

Bridging the Gap Swain, who opened up her business in February 2020, (after obtaining her real estate broker license) is in her 18th year as a real estate agent. She primarily works with customers looking to buy and sell homes in Metro Detroit. Swain said that she knows that there is a financial gap between white people and Black people and it’s important to close the gap as much as possible.

“There is no question that the impact of slavery is still with us. Only by building generational wealth will we be able to close that gap, and working for someone else will not get you there.

You can gain financial security for yourself and your immediate family working for someone else but [to] build a secure foundation for future generations you have to build businesses and invest,” she said.

Swain added that redlining also contributed to generational poverty, which still has an impact to this day.

“Blacks who reached a level of financial success were still not allowed to buy a home in certain areas,” she said. “These were the poverty-stricken areas where the schools were lacking funding. [If] placed in another area, with a different environment, this is a family that could have started building that generational wealth.”

Tylene Henry, who has an MBA and is a registered broker with Mass Mutual, helps primarily Black families with generational wealth building. Photo provided by Tylene Henry able housing and generational poverty. When a family can’t find affordable housing or when 50 percent or more of their income is going towards housing, “it is like a trap.”

“How does that person ever save enough down payment to buy a house? Put their children through college? Help their children buy their first home? They can’t,” Swain said, adding that Black homebuyers are feeling the pinch.

She is working with buyers approved for $200,000+ and they are struggling to find a home despite having great jobs because they don’t have a large down payment.

“We are not able to put in a competitive offer because they are up against people with down payment money. My white customers in the past have had the advantage when bidding on homes,” she said. “I have had white customers who have bought a condo for their college-age child, I have never had a Black customer do that. That is the kind of thing that starts building generational wealth.”

Swain added that she would like to use her business as a

She added that there is a direct relationship between afford-

See BREAKING THE CURSE page A-4

Shine Bright: Local Teen Celebrity Pursues Acting and Future Activism

By Sherri Kolade We see them. They’re leading the way as influencers in their own right. Black talented youth who are ahead of the curve and serving in a lane, and league, all their own. This four-part series delves into who they are and what’s next for them. This is Part 3.

He’s 13 years old with an impressive résumé already under his belt.

Detroit native Chase McGhee, of Canton, has been acting practically as long as he’s been alive.

McGhee, who starred in his first-ever role with his dad at just four years old, shortly had an agent after that, and “jobs started rolling in’’ for commercials and scenes on television.

His early career work paid off because he was in Dolly Parton’s “Heartstrings” television series in 2019, “Dinner in America” in 2020 and “The Greatest Gift 2.0” in 2012.

“It’s pretty fun. I enjoyed it a lot,” McGhee said of acting, adding that since he was so young, he always had “so much attention on set.”

Detroit native and actor Chase McGhee and his family. Photo provided by Lance McGhee

McGhee said that he doesn’t bring up his acting life a lot unless someone asks him about it.

“Yeah, I’m pretty open with it and they want to know all about it and the jobs I’ve done. I like the attention-- it makes me feel better about my accomplishments.”

McGhee, who is very interested in public speaking and interested in social equality, activism, and “speaking out for what’s right” has his sights set on pursuing politics when he gets older.

“There’s been so much happening in the past year and I’ve been very in touch with it and I feel like I would be great for it with my leadership skills and ability to take action,” he said adding that at times on different sets he was the only Black person in the room in the predominately white field.

McGhee said that one of the great perks of his job is that he gets to rub shoulders with Hollywood giants, and the travel.

“Some of them aren’t as they seem on TV and stuff like that and they have completely different personalities,” he said, adding that he enjoyed working with some and having a “genuine connection.”

McGhee added that anyone at any age can pursue their dreams.

“It’s all about your determination and if you re-

See CHASE MCGHEE page A-4

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com •

March 24-30, 2021

Breaking The Curse From page A-3 catalyst for increasing the generational wealth in her family.

“Real estate is a sure way to build wealth that can be passed on for generation after generation. I want to use my business to encourage others in my family to do the same, take their talents and work and build for themselves,” she said. “As a people, we are so smart, so strong and have so much to offer, but we give it away. We slave for other people our whole life and the only thing we have to show for it when we leave is a bill and a GoFundMe. I want to see more of us take our talents and skills and use them to enrich their own family, not someone else’s family.”

Karen Burton, a designer, entrepreneur and co-founder, co-owner, and CEO of SpaceLab Detroit, a coworking and shared office space in downtown Detroit, knows, too, about creating generational wealth.

Chase McGhee is on set during a Dolly Parton production anthology called “These Old Bones.” He was one of few Black actors featured in the episode which also starred actress Kathleen Turner. Photo provided by Lance McGhee

Chase McGhee From page A-3

ally want to do it, try,” the Detroit native said.

McGhee’s father, Lance McGhee, said that his son reached a level of achievement at the age of 13, that most actors never acquire.

“He has been booked by some of the biggest clients on the planet for commercials. Clients such as Marvel and Netflix have booked him for TV. As his father, I’m proud to have watched his ascension and will continue to motivate him to be passionate about his craft,” he said, adding that this started when his son was 3 while watching Sesame Street. “One day he told me that he wanted to be on TV So I worked with his mother, found him an agent, and he has been working ever since.”

He added that Michigan is a very difficult state to be in for those that want to make it big in the acting business.

“Chase serves as an example that talent and hard work can afford you opportunities no matter where you are if you are passionate about what you want to do. He is a strong actor still perfecting his craft and an excellent student,” he said. “I’m extremely proud of Chase River McGhee.

So long as he remains committed to his craft, the sky is the only limit for him.”

Her grandmothers were a big influence in her life. Her maternal grandmother, Louise Tarver, was a registered nurse -- the first Black nurse supervisor in the city of Flint in the 1950s-1960s.

Her paternal grandmother, Iva Davis and her husband, Evans Davis, opened up a store in the southside of Flint around the late 1940s when her father was seven.

“It was across from an elementary school,” Burton said adding that when kids got out of school they would run to her family’s store and during the Great Migration her grandparents let Black families new to the neighborhood put groceries on credit. “When it was announced that one of the highways was coming to the neighborhood, they moved the store a couple of miles away. They later closed around 1976.”

The Great Migration was a major movement which saw almost five million southern Blacks move to the north and west between 1915 and 1960.

During the early wave, the majority of migrants moved to major northern cities such as Detroit, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and New York.

“We know that even with the federal government saying there is an urban renewal or bringing highways through the city, that impacted a lot of Black families -- people had to give up their houses that they worked hard to acquire,” Burton said. “Give up their business and sometimes Black families didn’t recover from that.”

Burton said that what happened in Flint to her family, happened in Detroit’s Black Bottom area, among other places in America.

Burton, who has worked on large-

scale architectural projects in Michigan and Las Vegas, Nev., said that it is important to break out of the cycle that is generational poverty whenever possible. “[It is] important to keep moving forward -- access all of the resources that are available and do some research if possible,” she said, adding that her paternal grandmother was around when she opened SpaceLab. “She was so excited and so proud that we opened this business,” she said. “When I was a kid I really didn’t think much about [having] several entrepreneurs in my family.”

She added that she tells the story about how her paternal grandmother had to start working when she was 10 years old -- her paternal grandfather, too, who didn’t finish the third or fourth grade had to work during the Depression.

“They were really poor,” she said, adding that later some of her family had relative success in their chosen professions.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as Burton is relishing in her success, and that came with a great realization: starting a business can be difficult, especially as a Black person decades earlier.

“I look at the resources that are available now for small business owners and just realizing back then my grandparents didn’t have that. My uncle who owned a business in the ‘80s didn’t have that. I feel really blessed and fortunate… I can look to those role models. They kept going.”

Where do we go from here?

A U.S Census study revealed that 14.1 percent of Michigan residents live in poverty. In Wayne County, 21.7 percent of residents live in poverty. Tylene Henry, MBA, a registered broker with Mass Mutual, wants to help bring that number down through the education of each of her clients that she helps document their financial goals and develop action plans to execute. A majority of her primarily Black clients in the metro Detroit region range in age, finances and professions.

Henry said that to truly move forward from generational poverty, multiple generations need to gain acumen from financial institutions geared to help families, in particular Black families.

“I think it is definitely a community conversation, a family conversation,” she said, adding that even if one person does all they can to build wealth and protect their assets, multiple external

factors, including family obligations and the like, need to be considered.

“If we don’t communicate and collaborate, we don’t benefit from having financial acumen in our communities,” she said, adding that she would not be in this space she’s in today for learning about wealth management. “That’s when I got exposed to what is estate planning, what is a trust -- what is the difference between whole and term life insurance … if I never had that exposure, if I was just operating in my silo, we would never really understand the benefits.”

Henry said that the characteristics of her most successful clients are: • Organized: They know their current situation (assets/liabilities), are clear on their goals, and have a written strategy.

• Educated: Not formal education, but empowered with information that is relevant to their goals and current situation.

Action-minded: They take action, establishing good habits and building upon them.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes clarity, time and persistence to achieve financial wellbeing and success.

“Good habits happen over several generations,” Henry said. “A majority of our counterparts didn’t get to where they were [it took] several generations.”

Omari Hall, a Learning Experience designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, said that millennials have over $1 trillion in debt, the most of any generation in U.S. history.

According to the Federal Reserve’s 2019 survey of consumer finances, the median wealth of white families is $188,200 compared to $24,100 for Black families.

“Centuries of racism and structural inequalities in the U.S. have contributed to this wealth gap,” he said, adding that “there is essential work that needs to be done to empower Black families, overcome systemic barriers and gain access to the knowledge needed to change this trend.”

“That’s why we highly encourage people to reach out to trusted organizations like GreenPath so that we can look at your entire financial picture and help devise a personalized plan,” Hall added. “When building generational wealth, we encourage individuals and households to look at how they are managing debt and liabilities, how you approach spending, managing assets, and homeownership. A home is not just a place to live, it’s also a valuable asset to your financial portfolio and gives you more financial freedom in both the short- and long-term.”

A5

| March 24-30, 2021

Money.

michiganchronicle.com

Detroit Means Business Pivots Its Focus for a ‘New Day for Detroit’

By Sherri Kolade In 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses locally, in particular Black-owned, struggled to survive as uncertainty hung heavy, like a thick plume of smoke. Then Detroit Means Business (DMB) was formed in response to COVID-19 and it etched out a path through the chaotic disruption with much-needed help for businesses in desperate need. Housed under the Detroit Economic Growth Club (DEGC), DMB was developed in partnership with a wide range of government, business, nonprofit and philanthropic partners to help small businesses in Detroit safely and successfully reopen last year.

“Just over a year ago as COVID-19 has totally ravaged our city … (it) left small business owners fighting for their lives and livelihood,” Carla Walker-Miller, founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services, said during the meeting. (A) coalition of more than 60 organizations rallied together.”

Mayor Mike Duggan also took attendees through a journey during the meeting and reminded them that supplies were hard to come by last year early on, especially for businesses.

“You couldn’t get the gloves or the masks the first few weeks,” Duggan said, adding that millions of crucial PPE were distributed through the DEGC and DMB. “We were keeping doors open -- very few businesses closed. … We are going to build a city that is going to be vibrant during the long run.”

Today, with the COVID-19 pandemic still impacting lives, communities, and the business sector, DMB discussed its fresh focus during a virtual meeting on March 16. Local officials and business leaders attended including Duggan, DTE CEO & President Jerry Norcia, representatives from Bank of America, Walker-Miller Energy Services, Bedrock, and Michigan Chronicle Publisher Hiram E.­ Jackson, also Real Times Media CEO. “This is about more than just small businesses -- this is about equity. This is about jobs -- about driving incredible outcomes in generational wealth,” Walker-Miller said, adding that she experienced her own issues as a business owner on top of COVID-19-related issues. “My journey and the journey of too many business owners (are) painful and sometimes diminishing. We truly are the change we want to see … we will do better starting now because Detroit means business.”

During the nearly-hour-long discussion highlights of DMB’s pivoting included the announcement of DMB’s new president Pierre Batton. He currently serves as the DEGC’s vice president, Small Business Services.

Also, major news came in the form of a $500,000 donation from the DTE Energy Foundation, which Norcia announced to help small businesses.

To date, DMB has received about $1 million.

“The announcement …. was multiprong,” Batton said in a follow-up in-

See NEW

DAY page A6

Teesha Montague and her mother, Christina Montague, are working together at their cannabis location in Ann Arbor. Photo provided by DHutson, LLC

Cannabis Queens:

Black Women Are Thriving in the Local Cannabis Industry

By Sherri Kolade

T

hey’re carving out a green path of their own -trailblazing Black women in the local cannabis industry doing the thing every single day.

Women who don’t look like the majority -- white men -- who have dominated this field disproportionately for years. But don’t worry -- they’re starting to make a lane of their own.

Women like Tatiana Grant, 36, of Farmington Hills.

This serial entrepreneur, investor, marketer, philanthropist and mother plays no games when it comes to her Detroit company, Cultivate MI Solutions, which holds a license for recreational cannabis events.

Grant founded Cultivate MI Solutions after strong recommendations of mentors and colleagues in the cannabis industry, she told The Michigan Chronicle.

The company provides services to licensees and service providers for everything from marketing to connecting client needs with prospective strategic partners and logistics support.

Grant, a name well- known in the local cannabis community, said that she opened up Cultivate in 2019 inspired by her mentor.

“I’ve owned a few different businesses back in 2018,” she said, including a food delivery service. I was able to acquire a liquor license to do liquor delivery and I was talking to one of my mentors and she said if you’ve figured out how to deliver food and liquor you need to figure out how to deliver weed.”

Grant, not one to pass on a smart business move, was eight months pregnant at the time and, while she liked the idea put it on the shelf for a moment.

“I pondered on it a little more and entered the cannabis space to do delivery and as I started doing more and more research, I thought not to do delivery but [have a] marketing events and licensed agency,” she said.

Grant said that Black women in this space are a “double minority” but like the resilient people they are, they keep pushing and thriving.

Enid Parham is taking on the cannabis culinary scene. Photo courtesy of Kenji Sasomaru

“There’s definitely not a lot of women, to begin with; not a lot of women owners and even … less Black women who are owners,” she said adding that there is a sisterhood. “If you are an owner or in a position at a company, I would say all of us really have kind of had

See CANNABIS

QUEENS page A6

Underpaid and Fed Up:

Black Women Level up Despite the Wage Gap

By Sherri Kolade “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman.

“The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman.

The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.”

Malcolm X spoke those words in 1962 during a speech on the power of Black women despite overwhelming struggles. A few generations later his words still resonate, especially when it comes to discussing Black women and the wage gap.

Typically, Black women in the United States are paid 38 percent less than white men and 21 percent less than white women, according to national reports.

According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), an equity-based organiza-

tion, women, especially Black and Latina women, were more likely to work in low-wage jobs.

The pay and wealth disparities that Black women face impact not only the person but the families they support. About 80 percent of Black mothers are the sole, coor primary breadwinners for their households, according to the report. And a good-paying job could mean the “difference between struggling and sustainability for a family.”

According to the Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C.based nonprofit public policy organization, the overall Blackwhite wealth gap over the past three decades has increased. The median wealth of white households grew from $106,900 in 1992 to $185,400 in 2007 which is 7.8 times more than the average Black household ($24,100). According

to the Federal Reserve, in the second quarter of 2020, white households—who make up 60 percent of the U.S. population—held 84 percent or $94 trillion of total household wealth in the U.S. In comparison, Black households—who account for 13.4 percent of the U.S. population—held just 4 percent or $4.6 trillion of total household wealth.

According to the U.S. Census, on average, Black women were paid 63 percent of what non-Hispanic white men were paid in 2019. To put into context, it would take the average Black woman 19 months to be paid what the average white man takes home in 12 months. That percentage is well below the national earnings ratio for all women, 82 percent, as reported in AAUW’s The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap.

See UNDERPAID page A6

Detroit resident Chantel Watkins, 30, is the lead organizer for Michigan One Fair Wage, part of a national organization that champions fair pay. Watkins wants Black women to be paid fairly. Photo provided by Chantel Watkins

Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com • March 24-30, 2021

Canabis Queens

New Day

From page A-5

From page A-5

camaraderie in trying to lift each other up.”

terview with the Michigan Chronicle. “The way Detroit Means business formed (was) as a reaction because we wanted to support small businesses in the middle of COVID. There was never a formal announcement (and there) wasn’t a long-term plan with DMB. We were in reaction trying to do everything we could to support small businesses in the city of Detroit.”

The March 16 meeting formally announced the group will act as a permanent anchor to support small businesses locally.

Batton added that DMB wants to also help small businesses navigate systemic issues that prevent them from “meeting their full potential.”

Fundraising was also discussed during the meeting and how financial support helps the DMB continue to in turn help small businesses grow.

Batton added that there have been a lot of questions about how DMB fits into the ecosystem. He said that it “brings everyone together.” “(It) paints a path and vision of DMB moving forward -- something we wanted to make sure we got across,” Batton said.

Batton added that DMB created 10 north star goals to help it move strategically to improve small businesses in the city.

“The pandemic has shown us (there) still exists a lot of opportunity to strengthen our small business ecosystem in Detroit,” he said. “We’re creating a transformational tool that has the power to lift Detroiters out of poverty, rebuild Detroit’s Black middle class. … If we maximize our collective power … we can create a more equitable, sustainable part in the city of Detroit.”

Detroit resident Enid Parham, like her fellow cannabis peers, is #BlackGirlMagic personified. She owns a cannabis-based food catering company, LuckyPistil, which she debuted publicly in 2019. She started it a few years earlier but due to prior Michigan laws, she stayed underground.

Now that she’s out in the open, she told The Michigan Chronicle that she encourages more women of color to get in the business and “build with those around you,” especially if they are in Detroit.

“The city has done a good service to ensure the people get a fair share of this booming business. The cannabis industry is expected to grow to $45 billion by 2025,” she said, adding that she’s seen a downside, too.

“The only thing I despise about it, [is that] growing up I watched a lot of people I know get locked up and families destroyed for selling cannabis, and somehow through all of this, there are still over 40,000 people incarcerated for cannabis crimes and a lot more with records that are hard to get expunged. That is a slap in the face to these people. How can you morally and ethically open this market up without addressing the people you persecuted for it first?”

Parham said that as a Black woman in any field one has to have a lot of perseverance, “because the cards are already stacked against you, most industries to this day are still dominated by men as far as corporate goes. The traumas that are put on you in your corporate working life of trying to be in leadership as a Black woman sometimes carry over into your dreams of succeeding to be an independent business owner, but you must be strong and believe.”

Mother and daughter team, Christina and Teesha Montague, have their feet firmly planted in Ann Arbor. Christina Montague was a social worker for the Ann Arbor Public Schools before serving as Washtenaw County Commissioner for over a decade, while Teesha Montague

Underpaid From page A-5

Chantel Watkins, 30, of Detroit, knows all about pay gaps. As the lead organizer for Michigan One Fair Wage, part of a national organization that champions fair pay. Watkins told The Michigan Chronicle that the organization is committed to fighting for $15 an hour for all hourly and tipped workers.

“We have people all over the country who work with legislators, workers, volunteers and organizers to get people a fair wage,” she said. “The people involved the most are actual workers, especially restaurant workers. People in the restaurant industry are paid minimum and a subminimum wage that has them living in poverty and putting up with work conditions they otherwise would not.”

These inequities didn’t happen in a vacuum.

Historically, Black women have been undervalued and even skipped over for opportunities although they are the most educated group in the United States according to national statistics. This is nothing new.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Black women had few career choices: maid, nanny, laundress or cook. Forty percent of Black women worked in some type of domestic job, according to information from the Detroit Historical Society’s (DHS) Detroit Historical Museum. Racial discrimination prevented Black women from being educated and employed fairly.

And when World War II began, Black women wanted the opportunity to have a good-paying factory job, like white women, but were often excluded from these positions, according to information from the DHS. “The Housewives League of Detroit, an organization focused on bettering the lives of Black citizens, fought against wartime discriminations. The organization held meetings asking why Black women weren’t being hired in the factories,” according to the DHS. In 1943, Detroit’s War Manpower Commission estimated that 28,000 Black women were available for work.

Watkins, similar to sisters before her, is helping people stand in the gap, too, when it comes to equitable employment.

“On a daily basis I am interacting with people, mainly women of color, to give them a fighting chance economically,” she said, adding that she knows what being underpaid feels like. “It sucked.”

Watkins, who worked at a spa for two years, said that she was overworked and underpaid and could not pay all of her bills.

“If I did not live with someone else, I wouldn’t have been able to survive,” she said, adding that places like the hospitality and restaurant industry ask for “back-breaking work with a smile for what equates to pennies.”

Watkins wants more women to openly tell other women what they make to ensure fair treatment and to see the wage gap closed for good.

“The wage gap [allows] Black women to be severely mistreated and

Vetra Stephens is a local cannabis leader. Photo provided by DHutson, LLC

Tatiana Grant is well-known in the local cannabis industry. Photo provided

coordinated events for the city’s annual African American Downtown Festival.

Now the duo is in the cannabis industry, and her mother owns Huron View Provisioning Center in southeast Ann Arbor, which opened in 2017, making Christina Montague the only Black woman to currently own a dispensary in Michigan.

“It’s been a rollercoaster,” Teesha Montague said of the regulations, taxes and red tape that comes with this business. Yet, she’s optimistic for the future. “So much has changed since we’ve entered the market. Things are evolving every day… we want to stay at the forefront of things.”

Teesha Montague suffers from scoliosis, according to https://pggroupmi.com/, went 25 years without pain pills because of cannabis, while her mother learned of the benefits through the use of CBD oils. Presently, she no longer takes any medications other than cannabis.

“In Michigan, we’re still leaving out the majority of Brown and Black people,” Christina Montague said in the post. “They’re trying to do some things, but it has gotten much better in Michigan because you have a governor who is aware and who is very supportive. She wants fairness and equity in this business and it’s definitely not that way right now.”

by DHutson, LLC

it is time it stops now,” she said, adding that due to centuries of racism and patriarchy Black women are still “stereotyped as less than.”

This longtime nationwide (even worldwide) issue is inspiring others to speak up. A Black woman, who has worked at Amazon since 2017 is suing the company for racial discrimination, according to a CBS News article. She says that the company doesn’t promote employees of color and pays them less than white coworkers. She applied for a higher-up job and though she was qualified she was passed over for someone else. The lawsuit was filed this month.

Retired Southfield resident Marilyn French Hubbard, who owns Church’s Chicken franchises in Ohio and had an illustrious career, can relate -- it happened to her, too.

Hubbard literally wrote the book on Black women getting better pay.

As the author of “Sisters Are Cashing In: How Every Woman Can Make Her Financial Dreams Come True” (penned in 2000), she, too, knows about being paid unfairly despite excelling at her job.

“Many times I was lowballed ... and (I) felt it was just because I’m Black and a woman. When a promotion was presented to me several times, I turned the promotions down ...I came in knowing my value and my worth,” she said.

Hubbard also formed the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs in 1980, which grew to 5,000 members.

Hubbard, in her 70s, had a 20year career in health care, and was

Entrepreneur Vetra Stephens, a “cannapreneur” continues to bring the healing powers of natural medicine, including marijuana, to all who venture into her store in River Rouge.

As the CEO and co-founder of 1st Quality Medz, Stephens takes pride in being the first recreational marijuana dispensary in Wayne County.

And she continues to break barriers by diminishing historical stigmas and celebrating wins, especially with the launch of her product line called The V-Affect line of CBD and THC products.

“I’m pretty excited about doing that; we’ve gotten a lot of recognition,” she said, adding that her trials and tribulations were well worth it. “When you are developing something from scratch it is going to be difficult.”

She added that she suffered from pain and insomnia like so many other people, and if she can sell a product that would help them with those ailments, why not? If she could also help a fellow Black woman navigate this industry, she is all for that, too.

“I’m going to offer as much support as I can and if they want to find financial freedom in their own lives by joining this industry, I want to be helpful in that way as well,” she said. appointed to leadership roles by Presidents Carter, Clinton and both Bush’s. She also served on a Presidential Transition team, two Detroit Mayoral Transition Teams, and more, she said in an interview with The Michigan Chronicle and reports.

Hubbard also recalls times when she, too, felt passed over after entering corporate America at 45 years of age. Back then she was a divorced, single mother with a teenage son.

Hubbard said that she started her organization because a lot of women couldn’t find jobs.

“And I was like let’s create our own,” she said, adding that the glass ceiling for Black women is a bit thicker. “Black women are trying to break … a concrete ceiling. We have to chop at it so it can really get shattered.”

Despite the challenges women are still facing, Hubbard is inspired by younger women (like Watkins) who are “stepping up to the plate.”

She added that Black women need to harness “our own power” like they did during the November election and take that into the workforce.

“I think it’s going to take us banding together supporting each other so some of this craziness goes away,” she said.

Detroit wants to address this issue during its “Equal Pay and Equality for Women” Facebook live discussion at noon Friday, March 19.

The discussion will feature Dara Walker, a talent acquisition specialist with the City of Detroit, and Barb Rozman-Stokes, chief talent officer with Campbell Ewald.

Find the event on the City of Detroit’s Facebook page.

The north star goals include: • Create and measure culture • Inject new capital • Access to new contracts • Facilitate job growth • Drive revenue growth • Create new small businesses (SMBs) (traditional) • Create new SMBs (new sectors) • Digital access and tools • Coaching and mentoring • Remove policy barriers Nefertiti Harris, owner of popular Textures

by Nefertiti hair salon, spoke during the meeting and said that her entrepreneurial journey started 20 years ago when she started to use her gifts.

“I started with no idea of what a blueprint for success looks like … I clawed and I scraped and more than two decades later I found my way,” she said, adding that she moved into a space last year just COVID began to ravage Detroit. “I am a fighter and eventually my business will be OK. The COVID crisis has shown we need much more support than what we have.”

Jackson (who said that he and the Michigan Chronicle plan to donate to DMB) mentioned that as a Detroit resident he has seen the economic impact of not having small businesses in Detroit.

“Up until a few years ago there was nowhere I could buy groceries. When Whole Foods came on board we started going to Whole Foods and some neighborhood stores. We had bike shops, small bakeries -- all kinds of things. And a couple of decades ago Detroit had serious swag of being the black capital around the world,” Jackson added that places like Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Houston, Texas now have that title.

But all is not lost -- Detroit is rebounding.

“There is a DNA in our city that represents Black business,” he said, adding that small businesses are everything in the city. “In my opinion, nothing happens unless you have Black businesses up and down our street.”

He added that it is more than just about small businesses making money, but they are the lifeblood of the local community.

“It really is about the quality of life … in those neighborhoods and it is demeaning when you have no small businesses that can support you in your neighborhood,” Jackson said.

“Black business owners like myself, we have to make it right.”

For more information on DMB call 844-3338249 or visit https://detroitmeansbusiness.org.

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LEADERS DO WHAT’S RIGHT

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are proud sponsors of the Michigan Chronicle’s 2021 Pancakes & Politics forum. Our shared commitment to strengthen local communities is a great reason to be confident in the future of Michigan.

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Now, we’re accelerating our efforts — tripling renewables, and cutting carbon emissions in half over the next ten years. Because leaders do what’s right, not what’s easy.

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March 24-30, 2021

BLACK HEALTH IN AMERICA C a r l o s Wa t s o n , H o s t

Rea l Ta l k Real Chang e is bac k w i th e pis o de t wo wh e re we d is cus s C OVI D, Pre gnan c y & Do c tor s i n the Blac k c o mmun it y.

OZY.COM/REALTALK

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

B1 | March 24-30, 2021

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

After-H(ours)

Access Equity and Opportunity in a 24-Hour Economy Series:

Storytellers

By Adrian Tonon, Jabari Jefferson, Andre Reed Photo Lil Monsterr In order to look back on these historical times, it is crucial to have those who document the stories of the people who are leading change and shaping the culture. Meet four story tellers and change makers who are preserving and championing moments that will live on in history forever.

AJ Williams / Managing Editor, Michigan Chronicle & City.Life.

Style My Black community is my “why”.

Historically, the black community story was not highlighted as newsworthy with the exception of violence and crime, which is why the historic black newspapers were started with the first being the “Freedom Journal” in 1827, following suit with The Pittsburgh Courier, Chicago Defender, and the Michigan Chronicle which used to be called the Detroit Chronicle just to name a few. These publications gave voice to the voiceless — the black community and told our stories and were at the foundation of being apart of cultivating change throughout our history from the civil rights movement all the way to the first black female Vice-President. This is my why!

As it is with anything in life, but especially with story-telling, you must have PASSION and your passion has to be about the story/person/project — not about you. When you make your mission the story and speak from an authentic voice, it all shines through and your audience feels every emotion behind your words.

As I stated earlier the core mission of writing and story-telling should be to give voice to those who might not otherwise be heard. I’ve never had dreams of working at larger mainstream publications because my passion is for black people and in my current role at my publication the black community is our passion and mission. The root of my job is based on creating equity and opportunity and highlighting those who are doing it best and those who need to step up to do it better.

Eric Thomas / Chief Storyteller City of Detroit In the past, I spent a lot of time watching things happen that I had predicted would happen. I thought, “I should start writing this down stuff so I can have a point of reference.”

Eventually, that evolved into a need to express my perspective on narratives that I thought were underrepresented. To me, storytelling is an expression of the human need to capture time and emotions in a bottle. Our ability to capture stories and pass them forward in time is one of the primary things that makes humans special. It’s sort of like a primitive time machine.

Most importantly, it’s so much bigger than writing. Oral histories, paintings and illustrations, and even dance have been used to capture the essence and identity of people. The best way to tell a story is the best way you’re able to.It’s inspiring to be a part of that lineage.Don’t let anybody tell you their way of storytelling is the best. Don’t let your fear of not being good enough stop you from starting.

Currently, I’m a graphic designer, public speaker, and writer dabbling in photography, video, and social media.

Writing for me was probably the hardest to start and is still the hardest for me to do. When I started writing, I tried to come at it from an educated “collegiate approach.” But fam, I dropped out of community college.

Detroit native William McCray’s Clawson-based Willpower Fitness Group was impacted by the pandemic shutdowns, but he powered through and continues to keep himself active by staying fit and socializing. Photo provided

by William McCray

Un(Adult)erated

Black Boy Joy: Re-Socializing During COVID for the Grown Man

By Sherri Kolade Fellas, what’s up with your downtime?

Have your social lives fallen off since the start of the pandemic? Dealing with issues and no real place to kick it with the guys? Yeah, we get it. You’ve been, maybe, for the most part, stuck at home with mounting, overwhelming responsibilities and want to take a break. Or, you’ve been on the frontlines working non-stop since day one and the casual time you’ve craved with your boys hasn’t truly come -- and Zoom can only do so much.

But during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s understandable to want to safely socialize --but it’s been near impossible to come together like old times.

However, with recreational activities and restaurants opening back up in the state, it’s time to dust off your outside gear and get it done (don’t forget your mask). Unsure though of where to go with your friends or what to do? Read on to get inspired by these metro Detroit men on what they’re doing (and

Shannon Cason, 45 of Detroit, spends time driving to relax and u ­ nwind. Photo

by Justin Milhouse

have done) during the pandemic to bring back some normalcy in the art of kicking back.

Detroit native William McCray, 36, owner of Clawson-based Willpower Fitness Group (for the past four years) typically has fun hanging out with his friends at his gym. But it was hard

Derrick Brooks, 50 of Grosse Pointe, is starting a cigar company to help others enjoy smoking socially like he does. Photo provided by Derrick Brooks

last March through September when state-mandated shutdowns impacted his business and social life. But for the past few months he’s been back at it with his boys.

See RE-SOCIALIZING Page B-2

See AFTER H(OURS) Page B-2

Ypsilanti Youth Introduces Reading Podcast for Kids

By Megan Kirk March is National Reading Month and a young boy from Ypsilanti is sharing his fondness for reading with kids near and far. With the help of technology, this fifth grader is hitting the airwaves and delivering some great book titles in the process.

Ten-year-old Joziah Joseph is not your average kid. Spending his time reading his favorites, fantasy and mythology-based novels, Joziah wanted to inspire other children and let them know reading is cool. Through his podcast R.E.A.D Books with Joziah, he serves as the host and introduces new titles and also gives the book a personal review.

Joziah Joseph

“In each episode of my podcast, I read a part of the book, explore some facts that the book inspired me to learn, share what I adored about the book and then discuss it with some friends and listeners,” says Joziah.

No stranger to podcasts, Joziah formally hosted a show alongside big brother, Joseph. When the brothers wanted to explore different interests, Joziah launched R.E.A.D, an acronym for “read, explore, adore and discuss.” With some encouragement and assistance, the podcast’s first episode debuted in late January 2021.

“A few years ago, my brother and I did a podcast together and then we stopped doing it. I wanted to start it again, but my brother didn’t want to do it. So, I had to think of a podcast that I could do on my own and my mom thought of the idea to do a reading podcast,” Joziah says.

A family effort, mom JaVon and dad Keith Joseph also assist in the process.

While dad handles the editing, mom helps Joziah develop material for his show.

They work together to produce the content, but ultimately, it is up to the young book aficionado what books will be cov-

ered. Listeners are welcome to call into the show and leave suggestions on the next covered titles.

“They can call in and leave a message on what they thought about the book and I’ll take suggestions if they want to leave one,” Joziah says.

In the short time since its debut, the podcast is gaining momentum with listeners not only in the states, but abroad as well. With listeners in the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Ireland and Australia, Joziah’s message and affinity for books is gaining support and is continuing to grow.

“He’s 10. I have to keep remining myself of that throughout this process,” says Keith.

Growing up a reader herself, Joziah may have earned his reading chops from mom. Expressing a love for reading at

See PODCAST FOR KIDS Page B-2

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • March 24-30, 2021

After H(ours) From page B-1

Collegiate is not really my bag. Like, what? So instead, I remembered that people liked to hear me speak. So I began to write like that. After I locked into my voice, the writing took off.I’ve always had the most success just expressing myself as honestly as I can. Honestly, I’d rather fail to do what brings me joy than trying to be somebody else and not working out.

I tend to write from the lens of the articulate and disenfranchised. My goal is to tell you exactly what’s not working, how it’s not working, and how it can be fixed if there is a will to do so. If I had to reflect on the method, it probably follows a path that’s something like reveal, reflect, and re-evaluate. To reveal, I paint a picture of the world we live in, while trying to peel back the layers to uncover what sinister thing might be lying beneath the surface. I then work with the reader to reflect on if this is the world we would like to, or even have to, live in. And invite the observer to re-evaluate their ideology and existence in the context of this new revelation.

I would hope that this work allows communities that I’m lifting to feel seen while helping outside communities understand, in some small way, why a mindset shift and resource reallocation could be important.When people feel seen, they are more open to receiving support. When outsiders feel on board into new ideologies, it’s easier to discard old thoughts without feeling attacked. I haven’t always been successful at both, but I continue to work to improve every time.

Mykeya Haygood / Founder of Unlocked With Keys The vehicle that drives the “why” behind my inspiration for Unlocking stories is the daily joy of connecting to someone with a story to tell that’s much different from my own or the guest prior.

Each time I am charged with the tasks to unlock something deep within each of us. That alone inspires me to share it with the rest of the world. There is a story to unlock in each of us. There is a testimony waiting to bring healing to us all.

I would urge them to surround themselves with people who share their same

Re-Socializing

From page B-1 “My number (one thing) is lifting weights. For me it’s therapy -- just being with the guys and talking and working out and feeling good, looking good. That has always been my go-to activity since 12, 13 years old,” McCray said. “That is what I like to do. Just kind of powwow and just talk about life. All kinds of conversations come up when lifting weights.”

McCray added that all his friends come to his gym and hang out. “(It’s) crazy when you think about the events that transpired last year and still continue -- it’s crazy to think about everything we’ve gone through,” McCray said.

“A part of what makes us human is the social aspect of our being. Our personalities, that touch all of that. And that was taken away for a year.”

McCray also said that the gym and bonding are important and when he was able to open back up it was exciting.

“Like the first day of school,” he said, adding that a lot of his friends and himself frequent cigar shops.

“I’m not a cigar smoker but I go just to hang out and relax and chop it up,” he said, adding that having a lot on one’s plate can wear one out. “If you don’t find a healthy way to deal with those stresses and get those feelings and talk about it it can kill you from the inside out. Talking with your peers, being with your peers who may be going through similar situations ... it’s vital to your survival ... even more for Black men who are kind of many times forgotten sector of the population.”

McCray’s friend Derrick Brooks, 50 of Grosse Pointe, makes it a point to unwind in his way -- and wants others to join him.

He is opening up in late May a home-operated business, PSSITA Cigar Company, an acronym for “put some smoke in the air.”

McCray, who smokes casually, visits two to three cigar bars to unwind, including The Loft Cigar Lounge, La Casa, and another cigar spot near his home.

Brooks, who follows guidelines on socializing during COVID-19, said that the pandemic’s restrictions impacted how he gathered, too, with his friends.

Podcast for Kids From page B-1

an early age, mom JaVon also explored writing fictional stories. Having a firstclass seat to life through her son’s eyes, this mom has been able to witness him evolve and mature.

“We’re just really proud. It’s been exciting to see how this has developed and he’s grown so much from this. Just over the short period of time that the podcast has launched, I’ve been able to see his confidence soar,” says JaVon. “It’s an amazing feeling to watch your child really make a dream come true.”

Planting the seed that created the spark, dad Keith attributes Joziah’s natural curiosity for books to a local neighborhood program. The Read to The Barber Program, an initiative launched in Ypsilanti where kids had the oppor-

Eric Thomas, Lil Monsterr, Mykeya Haygood, AJ Williams, Adrian Tonon. mission and goals for their career in storytelling. Also, I’d tell them to be sure that their intent is always pure and that they take the time to genuinely get to know their guest. Lastly, always be open to enhancing their knowledge and learning new skill sets that will help them communicate and bring about the best way to highlight someone’s story.

My craft creates equity and opportunity because it allows people of all walks to use my platform as a therapeutic outlet to unlock their stories. This then builds courage in others to do the same. Like most public platforms, the opportunity in this craft is endless for the participants and the host. Whether it’s more exposure or access to shared connections, collaborating with media platforms has endless benefits.

ing from a multicultural perspective: spreading the love, light, and beauty in the people/cultures through photography.

with others to create, vibe, and show the world what we can do when we work together. In that essence, showcase the Love and Light that lives in Detroit.

My advice for people interested in pursuing this career is to not let fear and laziness get in the way of your goals, ambitions, and productivity! The energy you put out there will reflect!

Arts Collectives; An arts collective is a group of artists, curators and supporters who work together to support and promote the work of every member of the collective.

In the next series meet four Detroit creative arts collectives that are leading the way to access, equity and sustainable change.

Through the lenses of equity and equality, as a multicultural female I strive to build a community and network alike. Providing and connecting

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

Where City Meets LIFE

Lil Monsterr What inspired me to tell stories is family. It was my family members and who shared with me their history, living, working, and growing in Detroit. Inherently, I want to reflect their passion and drive through my own work by rebuild-

“I don’t have a lot of family -- no brothers and sisters. My parents passed away at a young age,” Brooks said, adding that he has his friends and fellow fraternity brothers. “A lot of times I am a loner, homebody. … if I ever do choose to hang out is when I’m traveling between seeing my kids and cigar spots -- that is for me.”

Brooks said that even as Black men are powerful and strong, checking in with others socially and taking care of oneself is vital these days.

“With this pandemic taking place it is more prevalent for us as Black men (that) we are taking care of our physical being,” he said.

Shannon Cason, 45 of Detroit, likes to hop in his whip and safely take leisurely rides to visit new sites and unwind, especially during the pandemic.

“I’ve been home a lot -- but the one thing I do as an enjoyment for myself is drive,” Cason said, adding that over the past year, he rented a car and drove across the country (about 6,000 miles) visiting different areas including St. Louis, Dallas, Albuquerque, Los Angeles, and more. “The one highlight -- I watched and looked at the Grand Canyon. I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon and sat at the edge and just enjoyed that time. I did that amid COVID around my birthday time at the end of August.”

Cason still does that now but sticks closer to home and drives a few hours here and there listening to music, an audiobook, or work-related items.

“Just that relaxation of being alone with my favorite music in my car -- it refreshes me,” he said, adding that he has started connecting with past friends, too. Cason said that he and his old friends had a ‘90s hip hop group in Detroit and he’s getting the band back together. They have weekly Zoom calls discussing the past and future.

“To be able to have that outlet to talk to friends that I don’t see all that often … we can all get together and start a conversation,” he said of his equally busy friends who are married with children that carve out space to talk.

He also occasionally goes to a bar, like Norma G’s where he will get dinner and have a drink, or visit a cigar bar. “(I) gotta get outta the house sometimes and enjoy myself,” he said. tunity to read to the barber and receive a $2 off a haircut, was a place where Joziah could read and see an immediate benefit.

“That really planted some really deep seeds in Joziah and helped him with his love of reading,” says Keith.

With varying interest, Joziah is undecided on what he wants to be as an adult.

For his mom, Joziah’s love of reading and his natural curiosity can take him as far as his imagination will allow.

“I know whatever he wants to do in life he will be able to accomplish it. I see him continuing to inspire as he already has. Just inspiring many generations of people all over the world,” says JaVon. With no official announcement on National Reading Month plans, fans and newcomers can expect Joziah to continue to discuss books and produce new content for the podcast. The podcast is available on Apple Music and IHeart.

and Life Meets STYLE City. Life . Style.

Where City Meets

B1 | April 29 - May

Life and Life Meets

Style

michiganchronic

City. Life. Style.

B1 | June 10-16, 2020

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Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

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B1 | Septembe

r 9-15, 2020

MSU Scien Center Presece nts:

5, 2020

D.L. Hughley and Friends Host First-Ever Virtual Comedy Show, ‘CEEK VR presents The Laugh Experience’

Where City

Meets Life

. Style .

and Life Meets

Style

FuturePresent

michiganc

Michigan State University’s Gallery Detroit Science is pleased its third to PRESENT: annual exhibition, announce FUTURE which will Design in a Time of troit Monthopen on Sept. 11 Urgency, during Deof Design Dec. 11 at Bedrock’s and run through Building 1001 Woodward in tire season downtown Detroit. is free and The lic. open to the enpubThis year’s exhibition explore humanity’s theme will ship to various nuanced relationforms of impact it design has on the exhibition the future. and the will illustrate Further, themes as they relate three key pact of technology to design: and systemic on society; the imchange; and design ticipatory creating partainable design processes future. for a susinclude works FUTURE PRESENT will en national from more than and international one dozscientists, and researchers; artists, commissione and, four from three d pieces, including ists. Guest Detroit-based emergingthree artinclude Olgacurators for the troit, CézanneStella of Designexhibition Core DeSouth African Charles of rootoftwo, artist and and Borland. curator Ralph

tonames come Comedy’s biggest livestream VR presgether for a first-of-its-kind, event, “CEEK virtuvirtual comedy Experience.” The ents The Laugh opens with a star-studal comedy club D.L Hughley and ded lineup including and will be livestreamed Chris Spencer, (VR) on Frivirtual reality online and in p.m. EDT exclusively day, May 1 at 9:00 on the CEEK VR app and on CEEK.com App Store and Google (available in the for the livestream, visin account.

Play). To tune register for an it CEEK.com to a on CEEK is come“Livestreaming way to share “At game-changing Hughley said. world,” the inside dy with people are stuck a time when unknown, cope with the ever. and trying to now more than laughter is needed with CEEK VR and work evI’m excited to Experience’ with the are share ‘The Laugh comedy clubs eryone. Virtual future of entertainment.”

Creating During a

D.L Hughley

‘King of ComHughley, an original and syndicommentator the edy,’ political host, will headline cated radio show and piquant humor featurevening of punchy comedy line-up and from an all-star of Hollywood” ing “Real Husbands writer Chris Spencer BET Awards headBo Dacious and Ryan and comedians

Davis. digiaward-winning, virtuCEEK VR’s platform boasts music tal streaming the likes of al concerts fromPerry, Quavo Huncho, megastars Katy Lady Gaga, along with Snoop Dogg and and influencers for streamcelebrity athletes technology and solution. its immersive monetization library lined content features a diverse The platform including exclusive of experiences live concerts. and 360VR videos world to have these “We are honored exclusive enterclass icons sharing on the CEEK of tainment experiences during this time CEEK platform, especially and beyond,” social distancing Mary Spio said.

Founder and VR CEO of bringing artists is more “CEEK’s mission fans virtually excited closer to their than ever. We’re conimportant now in helping people exto play our part great entertainment home.” nect through staying safe at periences while adthe show’s online EnA portion of to will be donated mission cost Industry Foundation’s tertainment Fund for affected Response indusCOVID-19 entertainment members of the try.

when activities, and and into your daily Build time apart social distance from them, if work, that doesn’t is especially important surf about it. This sit in the car to don’t feel bad If you need to video and at this tension is high. of wine, or to whatever, of quarantine,at least once the or to have a glass woosah, do it. Refer partner It’s day 426, or to social media, looked at your friends, or just partner needs point you’ve likelyor all of the following: chat with your find that your number 1 if you and thought one on my damn nerves.” back to “You really get your the space.

With a side-eye, that speak to you this annoying?” acts of kindness do this by writing face, “How are Perform small With a confused You can understand.” helplove language. sigh, “I just don’t around the house, are partner’s leaving them With a frustrated a little (or high, tolerances a love notes and task, touching Emotions are with finish an important for them in the None of us do. another empty juice bottle to ing them by a little something find you are going binge, or bond lot) more, adding low, and if you online shopping of your a left in the refrigerator corner of juice Did they just finish the last cart during your at home. voice* fight somebody. hosting date night but not in quarantine hell naw!” *smokey sure, you relationship, snacks? “Aww, on us all for If you’re in a creative with how vidhas been hard relait’s time to be or This quarantine as a trap for some oth- with your partner, by phone, picture,gaps of be it interpreted for be Whether the but what could truly be a bonding experience do to communicate. harder to fill in you have to work do that is totionships, could of perspective. So what can In eo chat, you you choose to leaving your together. How the quarantine? ers. It’s a matter 30 not being relationship during not going to promote to act voice, “I surveyed maintain your up to you. I’m also not going “Family Feud” relation- tally partner, but I’m my Steve Harvey and unmarried) on how to home to see your you did. below: understand if couples (married The top 5 answers are listed like I wouldn’t quarantine presship quarantine.

The quaranperspective, this or create From a positive to reconnect and understanding.

Practice patience differently. While the extroverted beautiful opportunity There is no doubt that us bored, the ents a have a new level. tine is impacting relationships are always to a connection on has it been months?) few weeks (or socialites of the thriving from not feeling pressure us all. So, if you last on toll these its It’s taken or the itch homebodies are Understanding that these differences better. been a challenge. the distance growing leave the house. cater to your partner’s needs to rekindle and the fire dimming, you one of the above work- feel exist will help do not define could include call it quits, try these adversities the strength activities. This games, to rather, board or card Bond through reconnect. Remember, together, playing chores on the “honour relationships; by how well we reing on puzzles the strength of household are defined moves in exercising, tackling together or trying new of our relationships said adversities. to keep the ey-do” list, cooking simple things spond and overcome You know, the the bedroom. fire burning.

Crisis:

By Shannon Stecker

Exceeds goal, Raises

$321K for COVID-19

Black Muralist Sydney G. James To Recreate Iconic Malice Green Painting

By Ashley Stevenson During this time of Strange Fruit, Artist, and Muralist, Sydney G. James has found a way to hang her frustrations by re-creating the mural in honor of unjustly slain Malice Green, killed at the hands of Police Brutality.

History Repeats Itself.

In 1992, Detroit native Malice Green, a black man, died after 2 white police Detroit Police officers Walter Budzyn and Larry Nevers assaulted him. Green was unarmed and the officers were in plainclothes when they approached him. Five additional officers were called to the scene and witnessed Budzyn and Nevers beating Malice Green with their flashlights, one of the witnessing officers joined the beating. Although the ambulance was called to the scene of the incident, he was deceased by the time he arrived at Detroit Receiving

Relief Fund

All proceeds cancellations. additional rewill help ensure daily virtual sources to provide family wellness programming, plans to checks and facilitatefor essenClubs reopen select tial workers. the responsi“We all have BACK, REACH bility to TURN BACK,” said BACK, and GIVE Bridges.

“Ludacris” Chris to I’m so happy “That’s why & Girls Club partner with Boys Michigan on of Southeastern They share Big Sean the Virtual Club. youth suchelp our desire to them with a ceed and provide up.” hand sponsors Additional event Deerbrook included T-Mobile, Sterling InCharitable Trust,The Ludacris surance Group, RHP Properties, Foundation, the Flowers from Toyota, Trey Goodrum was a Detroit Lions, Niko Big Sean. “It Tigers, Matt see Foundation I am happy from the Detroit I think when people to fun-filled event and be a part of and Karen Cullen, Anthony Nation. by the stance.

Family able to Club and innovating Glantz been the Virtual have overwhelmed fighting to and you “We’re Laverde the The BGCSM you all.” they want to programming support we received from Trust. it. Blessings to meet your mission provides daily was somebusiness- Charitable breaks for that energy!” on the Community. Todayand families invest in BGCSM, like many and mental health For more information or to everyhave underyouth 8-18 years old. and nonprofits “I deeply appreciate Club youth ages mirrored the thing our funding BGCSM Club membership said BGCSM in the Vir- es bgcsm. will never forget,” H. one that participated gone a tremendous The fundraiser a donation, visit: Club experience President & CEO, Shawn to support and gap created by the COVID-19 make lub. daily virtual fundrais- tual Takeover in in Club org/bgcsm-virtual-C a live DJ, inter“Tripling our and families pandemic, resulting which includes skill challeng- Wilson. the im- uplift the kids said rapper & fundraising event demonstrates closures and active games and Club had 300 ing goal to move our community,” of the Sean Anderson portance of continuing es. Today’s virtual and over 1,000 forward regardless the circum- founder unique devices attendees.

Fundraiser + Celebrity-Filled Virtual Big Sean, Ludacris Clubs Girls The Boys & Michigan Southeastern of over $321K (BGCSM) raised first-ever BGCSM during their on April Virtual Fundraiser exceeded their 23rd – which goal. The viroriginal $100K celebrities tual event featured BGCSM’s newly “taking over” Club where launched virtual against each they competed youth in games other and Club Shazam and like Family Feud, Big Additionally, Bad Jokes. a sixteen bars Sean hosted for aspiring raprap challenge The winner, Mr. pers in Detroit.

Brown—BGCSM Jarvis-LaRue R. of the Matilda Director Club won a 30-minute Wilson Club, with Omar A&R consultation of RocGrant, the co-president

Hospital. In an expression of shock and indignation, City of Detroit’s Mayor at the time, Coleman A. Young, advised that the police “murdered” Green — Young was also the first Black Mayor of Detroit. In a prominent account of justice, Chief Prosecutor Kym Worthy tried the case and both officers were convicted of murder and sentenced to imprisonment.

On May 25, 2020, in a jarring resemblance to other accounts of police brutality, George Floyd fell victim. He too, died by the time he reached the hospital. The four former Minneapolis police officers identified for their involvement have been recently charged.

Derek Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, and the remaining former officers, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J Alexander Kueng are each facing charges of uninten-

See SYDNEY G. JAMES page B-2

“As we ry of the celebrate the 10th Detroit anniversaalso reflecting Month of Design, on the future we are the actions we into reality. needed to bring want and that future zations like The involvement of organithe Science allow us Gallery Detroit to explore plays in the vital helping cities, role design communities businesses, adapt to and es,” said Olga Stella, current challengof Design Core Detroit.executive director In light lery Detroitof the pandemic, Science Galto ensure is taking extra precautions ronment a safe and welcoming for visitors. enviexhibition Capacity per hour, will be limited to into the and visitors 30 guests free timed-ticket must in advance. reserve a will enjoy PRESENT, a 40-minute tour Attendees of FUTURE will sanitizeand the Science Gallery staff cial hours the exhibition hourly. have been Spebasis for seniors andreserved on a daily lations. In compliancevulnerable popunor’s executive with the goverorder, required to wear face attendees will be masks at While the all times. exhibition touch experience, The Siana will Treece Collection cess to a guests willbe a lowlaunch of smartphone have acclude videos, dresses forMy Skin My Sexy is proud to announce tour that will inCollection, to augment audio clips, the sianatreece.call flesh tones. Available a bevy and images exhibition tionally, exclusively of nude perfect “little om on Sept. 14, content.

Science online at AddiGallery of mediators body types. nude dress” for the collection provides women will work Detroit’s team The result real-time all sizes. remotely, is six modern of all skin tones the via and gage visitors telepresence robots, and in body-con dresses for in dialogue “I created to further explore helping themenof color and this collection exhibition to to solve a to make themes. process,” “A core problem for women said Siana them feel beautiful ing creativecomponent of design designer.

Treece, the and “The solutions is collection’s sexy in the lenges,” be associated word ‘nude’ or to complex findsaid Devon founder and ‘flesh-tone’ chalwith the Science Gallery Akmon, reality. It’s should color Detroit. “Ourdirector of taken an tiful shadestime to acknowledgebeige. It’s time to not only innovative embrace of nude.” and celebrate ing timely approach team has all the beauto designThe collection troit while and relevant exhibits includes es made mini formative presenting exciting in Deout of a programs satin-finishe and midi body-con featuring through a to a global and inbody-contou d milliskin dressrange of collaborative compression audience ring stretch fabric, ships.” lining. The seams, moisture-wic six colors, partnerdresses come king, and dresses willwith sizes ranging in be found in America. Let’s listen to all the black This wives,year’s six from extra-small styles and retail at $125. show kicks daughters and mothers who fear for the lives of their off with to 3X. The The Siana See husa SCIENCE Treece Collection bands, fathers and sons. It’s not just my wife. I work closely CENTER Page B-2 is known with the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. So I for its bold, See SIANA know first hand that this is a problem, coast to coast, year TREECE Page after year. They’ve been fighting this same battle and shedB-2 ding these same tears, for the past 100 years. When they started in 1920, it was the Spanish Flu pandemic, Bypost-War Ashley unemployment, and race riots burning coast to coast. Here Stevenson and higher we are, as they celebrate their centennial, and the Zetas Sean consciousne Don has Sean provides ss, again—"Detr are dealing with the same situation in 2020. Let’s listen to done it a view from Big nods to other oit 2” is “third eye” hits!as the pleas and demands of these black women with much his the artists that The full of moments recounting much-anticip way for him paved pivotal albumin empathy and patience as we listen to white women ated fifth like Diddy ofthis is also featured the Detroit-born, all while throughout his (who Tech alumnus, life country. humbly Cass age on the track paying hom- “Full Circle”), Big Sean’s to his hometown, bum dropped course, Kanye Jay-Z and, al- From There are so many other issues concerning and today Detroit. notBlack of staying in and he West disappoint. ered Big White relations we still have to address. So, so many.

This “Detroit did flat with his mom a two-family Sean. We’rewho discovrelease date of Big reminded is just one tiny step toward changing the rudimentary prin-was pushed 2‘s” Sean experiencing and aunt twice, and to tility Sean’s range and back dition” the time his first “auciples that have governed a certain group oftending people under as he switches versadancing in tracks for his his mental he spent All candid, the spirit of oppression since the conception of this to counlike “Lucky cadences palpable health is character-bufamily. “The Baddest.” in this Me” and moments try. with ilding some that lead Lyrically, spiritual project filled cess to of his today. it’s mindfulness storytelling, suc- parable his best work.

This must end. to Big Sean’s Combase to make and with enough Included This is America. album your trunk famed project are in this 21-track leased “Dark Sky Paradise”, rattle.

The album It’s time we live up to our beliefs. sweetly placed in 2014, re“Why Would starts off with ludes of other inter- the complexitieswhich explored artists — Shawn Stockman the listener I Stop?” response of his mind an apt moments with their regaling while he rose to those to fame.

The author, a Founding Member of Boyz II Men,tioned is currently scoring Motown 2” displays “Detroit entitled Sean’s abilitywho ques- Dave “stories.” grounded a more intentional, a film about the first 100 years of Zeta Phi Beta IncorpoChappell theSorority to same fire shares the Big he carried carry of the time rated. onset of story his artistry, Sean, matured he was in the his in and always moves throughcareer. Big Sean by Big Sean’s father.encouraged ciative of apprehis roots. other There are his first “Why would track: soned big names among “When God I stop? the seastoppable.” story tellers I’m unsaid let there including light, he made Sean,” be artistic flow With a beautifully Queen Erykah says Didof life experience legend Stevie Badu and living dy in “Full Circle.”

Wonder.

Big Sean Throughout has been attended vocal the album Sean mentalabout his battle openly porarily counseling and with temtook health, admitting his music to heal a step back from Sean is as much he traumas. a fighter from his is a lover, as he often referencing In true Detroitdaunting fashion his

SKIN DEEP : Designer Siana Launches Nude Treece for all Flesh Dresses Tones

Shawn Stockman Issues An

Open Letter to Police Officers of America Across the country, police officers are kneeling in solidarity with protesters against police brutality.

I have an idea.

Take off those uniforms. Before you were a cop, you were a human. The human being decided to become a cop. Right now, we need to meet that human being. See him. Sit down with him. Talk to him. Walk with him. Kneel, pray, protest, cry, laugh and march with him.

I have friends who are police officers. They are good people. So, of all people, I am not one who believes that all cops are cruel or evil. I know most are good. But that’s not what this is about. This isn’t really about police. It’s about police brutality.

And that’s great. But we also see that things still got tense between police and protesters after some of those demonstrations. Clearly, that symbolic gesture -- kneeling in uniform -- is not enough. To be honest, people are skeptical. Some think it’s just for show.

Why? There are just too many bad memories associated with those uniforms.

Let’s start on common ground. An even playing field.

Eye to eye. And heart to heart. If people could see the man -- outside of the uniform -- I believe that would make all the difference in the world.

Let’s have a real talk about police brutality.

Let’s listen to the people who are living this nightmare, year after year in city after city wherever black people can

Big Sean “Bosse d Up” on New

In Print & Online

Album “Detro it 2”

See DETROIT

2 Page B-2

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March 24-30, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com •

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There’s no better time to escape into your great big beautiful tomorrow.

Share the magic of Disney with your princess and give the queen she’ll become memories to last a lifetime.

Visit DisneyWorld.com/today

©Disney

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March 24-30, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5 ANNOUNCEMENTS

DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED RATES

For Fiscal Year 2021-22 Notice is hereby given that the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. As of the date of this notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be virtually.

Call in using your phone: United States: +1 301-715-8592 Zoom Meeting ID: 815 7263 5118 Zoom Passcode: 482262021 To attend online: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/81572635118 Zoom Meeting ID: 815 7263 5118 Use Passcode: 482262021 If any member of the public wants to speak during public comment, you must email dwsd-publicaffairs@ detroitmi.gov prior to 2:00 p.m. on the date of the meeting with your name, the phone number you will be using to call in, and a brief description of comments. Your phone number will not be revealed to anyone else dialing into the meeting. OR If you do not want to leave your phone number, you may email your comments to dwsd-publicaffairs@detroitmi.gov prior to 2:00 p.m. and your comments will be read into the record at the Board meeting during public comment.

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is a major pollutant, harming wildlife and people. With Earth Day around the corner, here are a few tips for reducing your plastic footprint at home that will also contribute to a healthier planet.

Start a Garden

CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN 2021 SEWER REHABILITATION & SEWER CLEANING PROJECT CONTRACT NO. WD-2021-02 The City of Highland Park is rehabilitating approximately 5,200 linear feet of sanitary sewer line, and CCTV and cleaning of designated sewers. The City is now accepting proposals for Contractors to perform work on up to all of the following project components: • Part A Rehabilitate approximately 5,200 linear feet of existing sanitary sewer by lining with cured-in-place sewer lining method and performing five (5) point repairs in the alleys between Colorado Street and California Street and between Woodward Avenue and Oakland Avenue.

• Part B CCTV and cleaning of designated sewer in the city.

From cartons of berries and tomatoes to individually-wrapped cucumbers, it can be difficult to avoid plastic in the produce aisle of your supermarket. By growing your favorite fruits, vegetables and herbs at home, you may avoid some of this waste and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time, as foods found in the store are often shipped from distant places.

Keep Your Produce Green

Contractors may bid on one or any combination of these project components. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Thursday, April 8th, at 10:00 a.m. Local Time online or at the following locations. Contractors/ participants will be notifietjjd at least 24 hours if in-person or online.

Highland Park Customer Service Center 14110 Woodward Avenue Highland Park, MI 48203

When you do have to grab a staple that’s not in your garden, bring some reusable produce bags with you.

Check out this cute set from Food52’s shop: food52. com. Then, stick to the loose fruits and veggies not already wrapped in plastic.

Green Your Hydration

Bids must be received by 12:00 p.m. Local Time on Monday, May 10, 2021 Ms. Brenda Green Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Building Office of the Clerk, City of Highland Park 12050 Woodward Ave Highland Park, MI 48203 Bid Opening and Reading — Monday, May 17, 2021, 7:00 p.m. (Local Time) Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Building 12050 Woodward Avenue Highland Park, MI 48203 Recommendation and Award — Monday, June 7, 2021, 7:00 p.m. (Local Time) Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Building 12050 Woodward Avenue Highland Park, MI 48203 This project is funded by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), and as such, Part A of the Contract will require Davis-Bacon/Prevailing Federal Wages and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements, as well as Debarment and Suspension Certification and American Iron & Steel (AIS) requirements. Part B does not involve construction and so does not need these requirements.

The Contract Documents may be obtained by emailing procurements@metroca.net.

Starting Wednesday, March 24, 2021, hard copies of the plans and flash drives containing the procurement/contract and specifications books may also be picked up at the Highland Park Customer Service Center at 14110 Woodward Avenue, Highland Park, MI 48203, free of charge for up to two (2) copies per contractor. Contractors must notify the City at procurements@metroca.net at least 24 hours prior to collection of documents. Additional hardcopies may be obtained at cost per copy. All qualified vendors are encouraged to bid on all City of Highland Park construction projects.

All bidders will be required to attend the mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 8, at the Customer Service Center (14110 Woodward Avenue, Highland Park, MI 48203) or online. Please submit the number attending in each bidder’s party in writing by Friday, April 2, to procurements@metroca.net.

A refundable bid deposit in the form of certified check, cash, or surety bond payable to the City of Highland Park for a sum not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the Proposal shall be required with each Proposal.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish satisfactory performance, labor, and materials and maintenance and guarantee bonds in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract price.

In the pursuit of having a constant source of great-tasting, healthy water at home, you may be stocking your fridge with bottled water. However, bottled water contains microplastics and is a significant part of the global plastic waste problem. To stay hydrated healthfully and sustainably, use a water filter pitcher.

One great option is the LifeStraw Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher, which protects against over 30 contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, microplastics, lead, mercury and chemicals, including PFAS and chlorine. To shop or learn more, visit LifeStraw.com, Target.com, or CrateandBarrel.com.

Rethink Garbage Collection Plastic garbage bags may seem necessary, but there are reusable alternatives available today that can help to drastically reduce your plastic waste. For example, Bagito makes durable, washable, water-resistant garbage can liners from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastics. They are available in three sizes that are ideal for bathroom wastebaskets, kitchen-sized trash cans and outdoor yard debris bins.

By doing your part to find sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic, you can reduce your contribution to a global environmental crisis right at home.

Keeping You Informed at All Times of the Day.

The City of Highland Park reserves the right to waive any irregularity, to accept or reject any or all bids, and to accept the proposals that, in the City’s opinion, are in the best interest of and to the advantage of the City of Highland Park. City’s decision will be final. No bidder may withdraw his bid within ninety calendar days after the date of bid opening. Project may be awarded as an individual phase or combination of phases.

Bids (Proposals) will not be received unless made on forms furnished by the City of Highland Park and delivered to the City Clerk’s office on or before 12:00 p.m. Local Time on Monday, May 10, 2021.

City of Highland Park Brenda Green, City Clerk

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• michiganchronicle.com • March 24-30, 2021

Classifieds

HELP WANTED ANNOUNCEMENTS

Section 000100 Advertisement for Bids CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN 2021 WATER MAIN & SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT CONTRACT NO. WD-2021-01 The City of Highland Park is replacing aging water main and infrastructure, including service lines comprised of lead and/or other material. The City is now accepting proposals for Contractors to perform work on up to all of the following project components: Replace approximately 39,100 linear feet of existing cast-iron water main with new C900 pipe with diameter sizes of 8inch, 12-inch, 16-inch, and 24-inch and replace roughly 390 service lines, consisting of public- and private-side water service line replacements. Replacement will include meter hookup, flushing, and testing, following regulatory guidelines for lead line replacements as necessary. The project is located in following six phases throughout the City. Contractors may bid on one or any combination of these phases.

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Phase 1 ■ Hamilton – (including tie-ins/stub outs) ■ Woodward – (Includes stubs to outside MDOT ROW) Phase 2 – E/W Streets (Hamilton stub to Woodward) Phase 3 ■ Glendale Phase 4 ■ Lodge Service Phase 5 – E/W Streets (Lodge to Hamilton stub)

For a full list of qualifications please visit https://wmenergy.com/careers-2/ **Please note the location of the position when applying.**

Phase 6 – 3 New Valves on the mains to the Plant ■ Phase 6A – Middle Route ■ Phase 6B – South Route ■ Phase 6C – North Route Coordination of all communication and scheduling required between customers affected by service line replacements, including following regulatory guidelines for lead line replacements as necessary. Contractors may bid on one or any combination of these project components. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 7th, at 10:00 a.m. Local Time online or at the following locations. Contractors/ participants will be notified at least 24 hours if in-person or online.

Highland Park Customer Service Center 14110 Woodward Avenue Highland Park, MI 48203 Bids must be received by 12:00 p.m. Local Time on Monday, May 10, 2021 Ms. Brenda Green Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Building Office of the Clerk, City of Highland Park 12050 Woodward Ave Highland Park, MI 48203

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Bid Opening and Reading — Monday, May 17, 2021, 7:00 p.m. (Local Time) Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Building 12050 Woodward Avenue Highland Park, MI 48203 Recommendation and Award — Monday, June 7, 2021, 7:00 p.m. (Local Time) Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Building 12050 Woodward Avenue Highland Park, MI 48203 This project is funded by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), and as such, the Contract will require Davis-Bacon/Prevailing Federal Wages and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements, as well as Debarment and Suspension Certification and American Iron & Steel (AIS) requirements.

The Contract Documents may be obtained by emailing procurements@metroca.net. Starting Wednesday, March 24, 2021, hard copies of the plans and flash drives containing the procurement/contract and specifications books may also be picked up at the Highland Park Customer Service Center at 14110 Woodward Avenue, Highland Park, MI 48203, free of charge for up to two (2) copies per contractor.

Contractors must notify the City at procurements@metroca.net at least 24 hours prior to collection of documents. Additional hardcopies may be obtained at cost per copy. All qualified vendors are encouraged to bid on all City of Highland Park construction projects.

All bidders will be required to attend the mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 7, at the Customer Service Center (14110 Woodward Avenue, Highland Park, MI 48203) or online. Please submit the number attending in each bidder’s party in writing by Friday, April 2, to procurements@metroca.net.

A refundable bid deposit in the form of certified check, cash, or surety bond payable to the City of Highland Park for a sum not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the Proposal shall be required with each Proposal.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish satisfactory performance, labor, and materials and maintenance and guarantee bonds in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract price.

The City of Highland Park reserves the right to waive any irregularity, to accept or reject any or all bids, and to accept the proposals that, in the City’s opinion, are in the best interest of and to the advantage of the City of Highland Park. City’s decision will be final. No bidder may withdraw his bid within ninety calendar days after the date of bid opening. Project may be awarded as an individual phase or combination of phases.

Bids (Proposals) will not be received unless made on forms furnished by the City of Highland Park and delivered to the City Clerk’s office on or before 12:00 p.m. Local Time on Monday, May 10, 2021.

City of Highland Park Brenda Green, City Clerk

HELP WANTED

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan – Chief Deputy of Operations Vacancy Announcement at http://www.mied.uscourts.gov.

Located in Detroit, a senior-level, professional, managerial position that oversees the day-to-day operation and administration of the Court Operations Unit.

EOE

Assistant to the City Manager for Human Resources and Purchasing

CITY OF EASTPOINTE Starting Salary: $50,464.00 To review the minimum qualifications and to apply, please visit our Employment Opportunities web page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/eastpointemi Those who are interested in this position must file an application online by 4:30 p.m. on April 18, 2021.

Senior Analyst

Published MICHIGAN CHRONICLE Every Wednesday 313 963-5522

(Family Features) The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health recently updated national guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and management of asthma. Asthma is a chronic lung condition affecting about 25 million Americans, 5.5 million of whom are children. The 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines aim to improve the care of people living with asthma. Together, people with asthma, their caregivers and health care providers can make informed decisions about asthma management based on this new guidance.

The guidelines contain 19 new recommendations in six key areas of asthma diagnosis, management and treatment. For example, they suggest that people ages 4 and up with moderate to severe persistent asthma use a single inhaler that contains an inhaled corticosteroid and the bronchodilator formoterol. The guidance recommends this treatment both as a daily asthma controller and as a quick-relief therapy. Inhaled corticosteroids are medicines that help control inflammation in your airways over time, and bronchodilators help keep your airway muscles relaxed. The guidelines also suggest that people ages 12 and up with mild persistent asthma may do well with inhaled corticosteroids along with a type of medication called a short-acting bronchodilator for quick relief.

People who are sensitive and exposed to indoor allergy triggers, such as dust or animal dander, may find that these allergens affect their asthma.

A few different strategies, used together, can help reduce symptoms. Using only one strategy often does not improve asthma outcomes. For example, using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration vacuum cleaner along with pillow and mattress covers that prevent dust mites from going through them could benefit those sensitive to dust. Using an integrated pest management plan may be helpful if you are allergic and exposed to cockroaches, mice or rats.

Talking with your health care provider about these and other updates to the asthma management guidelines is an important part of your asthma care and can help you make informed decisions about your treatment. Asthma is a serious condition, but with the right treatment, it can be controlled. Work with your health care provider to develop a comprehensive prevention and treatment plan that includes:

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

General Motors, Detroit, MI. Create, design, dvlp, test, &maintain SW apps using Java 1.7 &1.8, J2EE, Oracle 11g, Weblogic 12.3.x, Layer 7 Gateway 9.2.x, WebService using RESTful &SOAP, JMS, XML, XSD, WADL, WSDL, WLST, Python, puppet, SQL Developer, putty, WinScp, Oracle OEPE, Git, SoapUI, Teamforge, ant, Jenkins CI, Sonar, Microsoft Teams, Bitbucket, Artifactory, &CARA. Create, design, dvlp, test, &maintain dynamic object oriented Webservice apps emphasizing J2EE architecture &patterns.

Create, design, &modify app architecture, sequence &flow diagrams. Improve &tune existing app services for reliable &high-performance throughput. Dvlp Enterprise Application using industry standard OOPS coding standard &OOD patterns. Dvlp Web App w/ standard Model View Controller SW design pattern.

Provide technical expertise in architecture, design, implementation w/ integration. Work to create infrastructure design for Partner API. Implement new infrastructure to support all psgr vehicle types-ICE, BEVs &AVs-communicating w/ Global Public Key Infrastructure for secured connections w/ Back Office communication when calling BO vehicle services. 48 mos exp as Analyst, Programmer Analyst, Engineer, or related, creating &designing app architecture, sequence &flow diagrams, &dvlpg Enterprise Application using OOPS coding standard &OOD patterns, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2270-206, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

New Guidance May Change How You Control Your Asthma

• Taking prescribed medications • Addressing environmental factors that worsen symptoms • Learning skills to manage your asthma on your own (such as with an asthma action plan)

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• Monitoring your care to assess how well it’s working and how to adjust, if needed If you have asthma and are concerned about COVID-19, talk to your health care provider. People with moderate to severe asthma may be more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19. COVID-19 can affect the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs), cause an asthma attack and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease. For more information on COVID-19, visit CDC.gov.

Read more about the updated guidelines and find asthma resources and information from NHLBI’s Learn More Breathe BetterSM program at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/LMBBasthma.

March 24-30, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com •

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