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Volume 76 – Number 43

Mayoral candidate Lisa Howze said there is a need to have someone in the mayor’s office who is financially competent Lisa Howze and who knows how to address the city’s financial situation, and then align that to what emergency manager Kevyn Orr is doing. She believes that she is that person.

Andre Smith photo

Can

WHAT’S INSIDE Civility needed at city hall says Lisa Howze (Page A-3)

July 3-9, 2013

michiganchronicle.com

Detroit be saved?

Kevyn Orr

Largest Simultaneous Swim Lesson (Page B-1) Wayne County’s Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park established its inaugural year as the Official Host Location for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL) in 2013.

Alicia Boler-Davis: GM success factor (Page C-1) Alicia Boles-Davis was recently appointed to the position of General Motors senior vice president of Global Quality and Global Customer.

She is the Alicia second Boles-Davis African-American woman in automotive history to report directly to the office of the president.

Charles Pugh

Gary Brown

Benny Napoleon

Mike Duggan

City engulfed in scandals, financial crisis and leadership challenges

By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

The leadership challenges facing Detroit are begging for answers that are hard to find in this town.

Because failed political leadership, accompanied by an enabling resistant culture, is the order of the day, and people for so long have not demanded much from those who have been guardians of the status quo at city hall, it is difficult to believe that the current crop of candidates running for mayor and city council have answers for a city that is on the brink of bankruptcy and serious financial reform.

It’s problematic to even remotely suggest that those who are currently seeking to be en-

trusted with serving in Detroit government will offer anything different from the current political and economic turmoil that the city is faced with as a result of those in government today.

this titillating scandal, still, Pugh, as head of the largest municipal government in this region, owes Detroiters an answer.

And running away is not the answer for a man who was elected to serve on the council as well as be its president.

A reorganization is in Bankole order if Detroit is going to make any headway in Thompson When former mayor the public interest. The Kwame Kilpatrick’s scanpresent challenges are crippling dals began to unravel, he too the city politically as well as fi- disappeared from public sight nancially. and later surfaced at a church to Let’s begin with the sweeping render a televised apology for his scandal of Detroit City Council misdeeds.

President Charles Pugh disappearing from public sight and now under a police investigation, following allegations of inappropriate relationship with a teen.

Without knowing much detail in

and the city, at a time when it is facing tough choices on reform, should not be a victim to the personal choices of its leaders.

Added to the Pugh conundrum is the resignation of his deputy president on the council, Gary Brown, who grabbed a $225,000 job on the 11th floor of the Coleman Young Municipal Building working as top deputy for emergency manager Kevyn Orr.

When the going gets tough Detroit expects its leaders to face the difficult choices head-on, not to go into hiding.

In this unexplained and yet to be defined position, Brown will serve as chief compliance officer for the city, leaving a city council that is already in a political transfix, further rendering the legislative body toothless even though it’s mandated to take care of much day-to-day business.

Whatever is driving the scandal is Pugh’s personal issue

See DETROIT page A-4

We should not have a mayor by default and any serious candidate worth his or her salt ❝shouldn’t accept the tag of being a “mayor by default,” because what makes this process healthy and productive is creating a space where there is genuine competition and we raise the stakes in the election.

❞

County prosecutor, AG working to process untested rape kits

John Legend: Here to stay (Page D-1) John Legend is among those recording artists whose skills, track record and tenacity make it clear that they are in this business for the long haul.

“I want to move people,” said Legend, whose real name is John Roger Stephens.

By Patrick Keating CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Thanks to $4 million provided to the Michigan State Police Crime Lab, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy is better equipped to process thousands of untested rape kits found back in 2009.

Roy S. Roberts – Andre Smith photo

DPS manager Roberts speaks out

By Donald James SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Roy S. Roberts, emergency manager for Detroit Public Schools (DPS) and former high-level executive for General Motors, is not one for theatrics. During a recent editorial meeting at the office of the Michigan Chronicle, Roberts calmly discussed DPS’ strategic plans for the upcoming school year and beyond.

“We (DPS’ strategic planning team) firmly believe that we have to make bold moves and make them now,” Roberts said. “We believe that this is the most critical time in the history of Detroit

$1.00

See ROBERTS page A-4

Rape kits cost about $1,550 to analyze.

11,300 rape kits were discovered in August 2009, when Worthy received a communication from one of her assistant prosecutors, who had been on a tour of a Detroit Police property storage facility with the Michigan State Police, which had as- Kym Worthy sumed the duties of the Detroit Police Crime Lab. “That was the first time anyone in my office knew about those untested, ignored, stockpiled rape kits,” Worthy said.

Some of the kits date back a quarter century.

Asked how likely is it that present or future rape survivors won’t bother to have a rape kit done, in the belief that it’d be a waste of time because these kits sat untouched, Worthy said she’s hoping to show, via various interviews she’s given,

that her office is trying everything it can to correct the problem.

She also said most of the funds have been raised to test these rape kits.

“We are vigorously prosecuting any of the DNA hits we get as a result of the testing,” she said. “I’m hoping that makes more people come forward.”

She added that the prosecutor’s office has been taking the mat­ter seriously from the moment it learned about these untested rape kits.

“Rape is already among the lowest reported crimes, the lowest crime where arrests are made, and very hard to proseBill Schuette cute,” Worth said. “So I’m hoping now, with the attention this is getting and the work we’ve been doing on this for the last four years, that will embolden rape victims to come forward, more than before.”

Asked how much potential damage there could be in terms of people who’d been wrongly convicted filing lawsuits or other forms of redress, Worthy said it’s a possibility, but added that her office hasn’t come across such cases as yet.

See RAPE

KITS page A-4

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE news Mayor Bing appoints Portia Roberson corporation counsel Mayor Dave Bing has appointed Portia Roberson as corporation counsel for the City of Detroit, effective July 1, 2013.

The appointment was approved by the Detroit City Council and Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr. Roberson will lead the City’s Law Department as it provides legal counseling and representation to the executive and legislative branches of city government, as mandated by the City Charter.

Roberson is a Detroit native who graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1986. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1990 and a law degree from Wayne State University in 1993.

She has worked for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) since 2009, when President Barack Obama appointed her to serve as director of the DOJ Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

“I am pleased to appoint Portia Roberson as the City’s new corporation counsel,” Bing said. “Portia’s vast legal experience certainly prepared her to take on the challenges that face our Law Department. Portia exemplifies the best and

Portia Roberson brightest talent this city has to offer. I am grateful that after returning to her hometown for a special assignment, she was willing to leave her job with the Obama administration to help the city she loves.”

“I would like to thank Mayor Bing for this opportunity,” Roberson said. “I believe the essential role of law and government is to serve the public, and I look forward to serving the people of Detroit as corporation counsel.”

In November 2011, Roberson accepted an assignment with the White House Office of Domestic Policy Council and a position as Detroit team lead of the federal Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative (SC2). Detroit

was one of six cities chosen by President Obama to participate in SC2, which promotes federal collaboration with local and state government to develop regional partnerships that encourage economic growth. Roberson led approximately 15 team members from various agencies for SC2 Detroit, including individuals from the departments of Transportation, Education, Small Business Administration, and Commerce, among others. In that role, she worked with local and state officials on all issues related to the Justice Department.

Roberson has served as an assistant Wayne County prosecutor, where she was a principal in the community prosecution office. She also served as an associate general counsel at the Detroit Medical Center and as political director for Wayne County with the Michigan Campaign for Change.

Roberson is a member of various professional organizations, including the Wolverine Bar Association and the National Black Prosecutors Association. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and The Links, Inc.

July 3-9, 2013

Page A-2

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Veterans Affairs Council Created in New 13th Congressional District Congressman John Conyers, Jr. gathered with representatives of 20 organizations serving veterans of Southeast Michigan in his Detroit District office for the initial meeting of his newly created 13th Congressional District’s Veterans Affairs Council.

The Council was established to provide a means of communication between Washington and Detroit Veterans.

Congressman Conyers issued the following statement announcing the commencement of this Veterans Affairs Council: “Throughout my career, I have made it a priority to ensure veterans of all eras and their survivors are cared for during and after their service. The commit-

ment and service each veteran has offered to our country deserves nothing less than the highest acknowledgment and it is this recognition that drives me to serve my fellow veterans.

“In particular, the circumstances confronting returning Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers are challenging and complex. After more than a decade of war, where servicemembers have been deployed on long and repeated combat tours in brutal conditions, rates of severe physical and psychological injuries are high and rising. Upon discharge, veterans are facing unacceptably high rates of unemployment and are forced to wait for much needed benefits because of backlogs at the De-

partment of Veterans Affairs.

“Those who serve and advocate for veterans daily have the best knowledge of the problems confronting our district’s veterans, and they are the ones that can best educate me about needed reforms to Federal veterans’ policy. For this reason, I brought together the leaders of 20 organizations that serve our regions veterans to create the 13th Congressional District’s Veterans Affairs Council.

“It is my hope that by establishing an open line of communication with those serving Southeast Michigan veterans, I will be better prepared to fight for the needs of these heroes back in Washington.”

Small Business Association supports Healthy Michigan Healthy Michigan, the plan that would expand health care coverage to half a million low-income Michiganders, would save money for Michigan businesses and give our state a competitive advantage.

Those are two reasons why the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) believes the Michigan Senate should join in passing the plan.

“To miss this opportunity would be a shame for Michigan’s employers and for Michigan’s citizens,” said Rob Fowler, president of SBAM. Fowler spoke at a press conference urging the Senate to take action on Healthy Michigan, which has already been passed by the House.

He explained that by expanding coverage for the uninsured, the plan would help relieve the cost of uncompensated care, which falls in part on Michigan’s small businesses.

“Our members pay health insurance, and the cost shifting that goes on as a result of uncompensated care is one of the major drivers for the cost of health insurance for small business today,” Fowler said.

In addition, Fowler says that Healthy Michigan could help Michigan employers avoid $50 to 80 million in penalties under the Affordable Care Act if they don’t offer health insurance. Under

that law, some businesses could face fines of up to $3,000 per employee if they don’t offer that coverage by January 1, 2014.

Under Healthy Michigan, health care coverage will be expanded to workers who are in or near poverty (133 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit). With this plan in place, employees can enroll in Healthy Michigan and employers would not incur a penalty.

There’s one more reason Fowler says the Senate should pass Healthy Michigan: competitiveness.

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“What about the states that do pass Medicaid expansion? We believe that they’ll have a competitive advantage as it relates to the cost of health insurance in their state,” Fowler said.

“And certainly over a long period of time, that can be a significant difference in the cost of doing business here in Michigan relative to other states.”

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news

July 3-9, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page A-3

Women political influencers honored at 50th march celebration

By Lisa M. Wilmore SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Walk For Freedom March in Detroit, several community, civic, and social action organizations, churches and guests of all races, creeds and colors came together to honor individuals who have been at the forefront of social change in Detroit.

And the two organizations that partnered to pay tribute to key local individuals who have helped create long, impactful trails and long-lasting legacies of public service and political activism are the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus (MDPBC) and the Women’s Delegation for Peace and Change (WDPC).

The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus represents African-Americans across the state of Michigan, says Lavonia Perryman, chair of the organization.

“We were proud to stand with others to focus on rebuilding Michigan as we reflected on the timeless message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Perryman said.

Over 200 guests were in attendance to witness a very timely, yet long overdue event honoring industry leaders whose work impacts the community and beyond. Brandon Jessup and China Cochran were given the Emerging Leader awards. Judge Craig Strong installed the MDPBC elected officers and board members. Michigan Chronicle’s senior editor Bankole Thompson served as the emcee.

The highlight of the reception took place when the three special guest hon-

BRENDA HILL (left), Virgil Rollins, Lavonia Perryman and Monica Anthony. orees received their well-deserved recognition. These awards were given to three outstanding individuals who have made major contributions towards the advancement of social, civic, political and personal causes. The honorees are as follows.

First Lady Monica Anthony, wife of Detroit NAACP President Rev. Wendell Anthony, is a rising faith-based activist and current director of the Freedom Institute for Economic, Social Justice, and People Empowerment, as well as the James E. Wadsworth, Jr. Community Center, the community outreach arm of Fellowship Chapel. She received the event’s Rising Star Award.

Annette Rainwater, whose name is synonymous across the nation with grassroots movements, was former community liaison for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and executive director of Rainbow/PUSH. She was highly sought after for her tireless commitment to public service. She

For Blacks, the facts do not support an equal society

By David A. Bositis, Ph.D. There are demographic changes occurring in the United States that will change politics and public policy and make this country a more humane and equitable place. In another 20 to 30 years the U.S. will be a majority-minority country and White supremacy will be a discredited idea of the past. But we are not living in that future time. And for African-Americans, more than half of whom live in the southern states, the facts do not speak to a just or equitable society.

Black unemployment is twice that of Whites. The average Black income is much less. Black family financial assets are one-twentieth that of Whites. There are large racial disparities in health and access to health care and much higher high school dropout rates for African-Americans, and of course much higher incarceration rates.

“The gains that Afri-

can-Americans have seen since the Civil Rights Movement were substantially built on Black votes and civic participation. But despite the hardship and struggles that many African-Americans face, there are many who would oppose the progress and promise the future holds. This week, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder opened the door to widespread efforts in the South to diminish minority voting rights.

The gains that African-Americans have seen since the Civil Rights Movement were substantially built on Black votes and civic participation. But despite the hardship and struggles that many African-Americans face, there are many who would oppose the progress and promise the future holds. The recent U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder opened the door to widespread efforts in the South to diminish minority voting rights.

By invalidating Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, the court has effectively eliminated Section 5 federal oversight.

The current U.S. House of Representatives will almost certainly not provide a new definition for Section 4 coverage, and so Section 5 is out for the foreseeable future.

By next year’s midterm elections, there will likely be photo identification laws operative in all the southern states, and Blacks and Hispanics are much more likely than Whites to lack government issued photo ID. The changes will not only involve photo identification laws. There will be a headlong rush to change election laws across Section 5 jurisdictions in order to discourage minority voters. This will involve not only state governments but local ones as well.

Section 2 is still in effect, but with no preclearance provisions. What this means is that all sorts of election changes will be put into effect to diminish minority votes — moving and locating polling places, changing hours, the mechanics of voting, as well as extralegal intimidation — without federal intervention.

Even when these changes are challenged and the civil rights community “wins” the legal case, the minority community’s preferred candidate may still lose, and then the Section 2 cases result in consent decrees where the opposing side agrees not to do the same thing (actions to discourage minority voters) again — at least until the next election. The results of elections, even unfair elections, are rarely undone.

Following the election of President Barack Obama, some political observers (mostly conservative ones) suggested that the United States was now a post-racial society. At the present time, five years later, in the region of the country where a majority of African-Americans live, the South, there is strong statistical evidence that politics is resegregating with African-Americans once again excluded from power and representation.

Black voters and elected officials have less influence now than at any time since the Civil Rights Movement. Less than a handful of the 320 Black state legislators in the South serve in the majority in their legislative chambers.

And southern state constitutions invest in the state legislatures’ power over all aspects of government in those states, including local government.

Conservative Whites control all of the political power there, and they are enacting legislation and adopting policies both neglectful of the needs of minorities — in health care, education, employment — as well as some that are downright hostile to the rights of African-Americans , e.g., the assault on voting rights through photo identification laws and other means.

Last month, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies published a report based on a survey of the five deep South states (the states with the proportionally largest Black populations, (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina) on attitudes toward Medicaid expansion. Majorities of the populations in all five states, and large majorities of African-Americans in those states, favored expansion. The state legislatures in those five states oppose expansion, and the disproportionally uninsured Black populations of those states will suffer the consequences.

Has the United States become a more just and equitable society? Almost 50 years ago, around the time the Lawyers’ Committee was founded, Robert F. Kennedy gave a speech at the 1964 Democratic National Convention where he quoted from one of his brother’s favorite poets: “...But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.”

David A. Bositis, Ph.D., a senior research associate for the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, is a foremost expert on voting and Black political participation in America. This article — the 20th of a 20-part series — is written in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The Lawyers’ Committee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to enlist the private bar’s leadership and resources in combating racial discrimination and the resulting inequality of opportunity — work that continues to be vital today.

For more information, please visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.

was asked to serve on the presidential campaigns of John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and James E. Carter, Jr., as a Rev. Jesse Jackson delegate to the 1984 and 1988 Democratic National Conventions, and as a President Bill Clinton delegate, Democratic National Convention in 1992.

A humble Rainwater graciously received the event’s Pioneer Award to a cheering audience. Judge Greg Mathis who also sings Rainwater’s praises, delivered a surprise congratulatory video message to her.

Virgie M. Rollins deservingly received an award for a lifetime of work in politics. Currently she is the chair of the Democratic National Committee Black Caucus, the official arm of the National Democratic Party and National Federation of Democratic Political Action Committee. Rollins is one of the most powerful Democratic women in the country.

She co-chaired two Democratic Na-

ANNETTE RAINWATER (right) and Judge Craig Strong. — A.R. Alim Allah photos

tional Conventions and organized African-American leadership summits nationwide. Her tenure in Detroit was equally impressive.

Rollins was also a political strategist to the late Mayor Coleman Young, served as an assistant county executive of Wayne County, served as an assistant director for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation under Governor James Blanchard, and served as a liquor control commissioner with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

She has won many awards and sits on boards too numerous to name. Virgie M. Rollins proudly accepted the event’s Lifetime Achievement Award with a standing ovation from the audience.

Civility needed at city hall, Howze says

By Patrick Keating

things that are in the community, like our local businesses,” Howze said.

“When I know there’s police presence, I feel more comfortable going to the dry cleaners at the end of my block. I feel more comfortable getting gas in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning.”

CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Mayoral candidate Lisa Howze said there is a need to have someone in the mayor’s office who is financially competent and who knows how to address the city’s financial situation, and then align that to what emergency manager Kevyn Orr is doing.

She believes she’s that person.

Howze, who had previously served a single term in the State House, cited her background as a CPA, as well as a her legislative experience as qualifications for the job as mayor.

“Many of the issues that have been discussed have been ones related to our finances,” she said.

“That’s why we have an emergency manager.”

She also said her first client in public accounting was the city of Detroit.

“I was responsible for a multi million dollar grants management program in the city of Detroit,” she said. “I’ve also, in my corporate finance life, been responsible for performing audits for [everything from] major corporations down to your mom and pop shops.”

If elected, Howze will come into office with a plan that will address crime, the financial situation, and strengthening neighborhoods.

People tell her crime is their primary concern.

She also said that tied in with strong neighborhoods is making sure Detroiters have opportunities to earn a living in the city.

She believes the first priority of a government is to make sure the citizens are secure.

“When people feel safe, they keep their homes here,” she said, adding that when businesses feel that their employees, customers and property will be safe, they’ll open their establishments in Detroit and keep them there.

She also said crime has a direct impact on the insurance Detroiters pay.

Her plan to lower the insurance rate of both residents and businesses involves installing crime surveillance cameras in high crime areas. They would serve as a preventive measure, making a criminal think twice about breaking into a home, firing a gun or carjacking someone if they know there’s the possibility of being caught on camera.

Howze added the crime surveillance cameras

Lisa Howze

would also help create jobs because retired law enforcement officers and police reserves would be hired to monitor what’s taking place on the film.

“And keeping in mind the privacy of individuals, I want people to be clear that this is not a method to spy on the innocent, “ Howze said.

With respect to strengthening the relationship between the mayor and the city council, Howze said the main thing is that both sides have to put people first.

“We have to put personal agendas and politics aside and say that we’re coming together on behalf of the people,” she said.

The mayor/council relationship has to operate out of respect and trust.

“That means that if there is something that I want the council to vote on, I have to give them ample time to understand what that measure is,” she said, adding that there have often been “surprises” during the current administration.

She cited Belle Isle as an example, saying the council was asked to vote on the matter before either they or the mayor could review it and understand all the ramifications. That resulted in a lot of infighting, accusations and council members feeling as if they weren’t “in the loop.”

Asked if she’d like to see police officers walking a beat, she said “absolutely.”

“That type of police presence sends a totally different message than the type of message we’re sending today,” she said.

“It says that the police and the community have a relationship. The police can be looked upon as friends and something that children will aspire to become, again.”

She said no one aspires to grow up and become a police officer any more. Instead, they fear the police.

“And so it [having police officers walking a beat] will allow there to be more support for

She said that’s the type of message her administration would want to send to the city.

“When it can be that way in other communities, I ask myself why can’t it be that way in the city of Detroit,” she said.

“And so that’s what I want to make happen for our city.”

Asked if there’s another city or another elected official she views as a role model, Howze cited Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence. She said Southfield has both a strong business base and a strong housing market.

She also cited the leadership of former Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin.

“In many cases, you’ve seen the transformation of areas that have had similar problems as the city of Detroit,” Howze said.

In addition, she cited Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

“My attitude is if they can do it there, than surely we can do it here,” she said.

If elected, Howze said the first group of people she’d want to meet with — aside from her management team — would be the city employees.

“Because many times they’ve been beat down and left out of the conversation when it comes to how mayors have governed in relation to the employees,” she said.

She would also meet with other regional leaders within her first 90 days in office. She said she is receptive to regionalization as long as it doesn’t mean the marginalization of Detroit.

“We will come to the table as a strong partner or we won’t come at all,” she said.

Howze said Detroit is moving in a new direction with new leadership and a new vision, and that the status quo is over.

Asked what aspects from Detroit’s heyday need to be reintroduced, Howze said getting back to strong communities and business ownership, because when more people in the city were business owners, more people were in a position to control their own destiny.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Roberts

Detroit Since compliance by definition requires some regulatory certification or requirement, as former council member Sheila Cockrel rightly put it during a live broadcast of “Flashpoint,” WDIV’s Sunday morning political show, the public has yet to learn what in Brown’s background makes him the appropriate choice for compliance manager for the city.

From page A-1

Public Schools because if we don’t do it (make bold moves) and don’t do it right, Detroit Public Schools will go away.”

Roberts talked candid­ ly about a plan to boldly move DPS forward. He re­ vealed that over the past 10 years, the District had lost almost two-thirds of its enrollment. He also talked about the decline in state funding and shrinking annual budgets aimed at educating DPS children.

Would it have served the public better for Brown to stay on council until the end of his term and then announce his next public venture, in­ stead of jumping ship in the midst of a political crisis that’s already frac­ tured the legislative body for a highly lucrative po­ sition?

Yet, amid the paint­ ing of a gloomy picture that has negatively por­ trayed the school district for decades, Roberts is encouraged by how far DPS has come in the two years, and one month that he has served as the District’s EM, and he is heartened by where the District is going.

Roberts unveiled a strategic transformation plan for the upcoming school year and beyond, which was created after surveying and soliciting input from more than 600 educational stake­ holders. Those surveyed included students, teach­ ers, principals, adminis­ trators, staff members, parents, ministers, civic and community leaders and others.

The five-week plan­ ning process culminat­ ed to reflect the need to broaden services that address student needs, support parents and families, offer broad and high-quality programs, improve customer ser­ vice, provide quality pro­ grams in safe learning environments, transform central and school-based services to better serve customers, improve tech­ nology, minimize the impact of change, foster school-based leadership, celebrate and promote success, ensure fiscal stability, and implement a revised student atten­

July 3-9, 2013 Page A-4

Andre Smith photo

dance and code of con­ duct policy.

The completed stra­ tegic plan, titled “Neigh­ borhood-Centered, Qual­ ity Schools,” has 36 embedded objectives, in 12 major goals. The plan’s central themes are “starting earlier and working longer, work­ ing harder and working smarter, joining together and expecting more.”

From the strategic plan, numerous deliver­ ables are scheduled for DPS’ Sept. 3 opening, which will include the for­ mation of 10 community schools to open in DPS buildings; the creation of 42 new Pre-K classrooms; the implementation of new art and music en­ richment programs at all elementary and middle schools in partnership with city-area agencies; in re-investment the DPS career and techni­ cal centers; the expan­ sion of “Eyes and Ears

Citizen Patrols” to cover high priority zones; and the implementation of an individualized school marketing plan to at­ tract 5,000 new students which will involve school principals and teachers marketing their respec­ tive schools.

On the innovative mar­ keting approach, Rob­ erts said. “Every school knows the educational best path for its students.

Therefore, DPS will pro­ vide training at the school level so that principals and their staffs are better equipped to market their schools’ strengths and advantages.”

Roberts said the Dis­ trict’s aggressive sum­ marketing mer-long campaign is being im­ plemented to recruit the 5,000 new students. If it is successful, the in­ crease in the District’s enrollment will rise to 51,160 approximately students for the 2013-14

Rape Kits She also said the prosecutor’s office has partnered with the State Appellate Defender Association to review cases.

She added that it’s a detailed and time-consuming process; and said that if her office finds any cases where someone was wrongly con­ victed, it would take the proper steps. This could be releasing that person from custody or ordering a new trial.

“It doesn’t automatically mean that person would be released,” Worthy said, adding that it will take years to clear this backlog.

“We’ve already been working on it four years and we’ve gotten to the point where we have — and I’m just estimating — about 65 to 70 cases that we are investigating, after we’ve gotten hits,” she said.

She added that there are about a dozen cases where her office has either issued warrants and the per­ sons have been prosecuted or it’s in the process of issuing the war­ rant.

Worthy also said that when her office first started on this effort, there was no nexus between the rape kits and the police reports.

“So, this office had to look through every single kit, open the kit, get any kind of identifying infor­ mation out of the kit, like the name of the victim, where it happened and the date,” she said, adding that her office never touched the scien­ tific evidence.

lized by most major cities,i.e. cases where the complainant did not want to prosecute the case; cases where the prosecutor advised that testing of the kit was not necessary; cases in which the offender admitted that he had sex with the victim were not tested unless the prosecutor re­ quested it; cases where kits were not tested because the complainant refused to make a report or talk to the police; and kits collected prior to the establishment of the CODIS system (national offender database) in the late 1990’s- early 2000’s were not tested by any agency unless a suspect was identified), said Sgt. Eren L. Stephens, Detroit Police Department, Office of Public Infor­ mation.

“Detroit’s crime lab received FBI accredidation and started sub­ mitting profiles in the early 2000s and received its first DNA cold case grant (for sexual assault kits) to began testing historical kits in the mid 2000s after we began sub­ mitting profiles into the national CODIS database.”

Asked whether someone could or would be prosecuted if it turns out the kits were ignored, Worthy said her office’s focus has been on trying to solve the issue, not on de­ termining blame.

“There are no plans to investi­ gate anyone or charge anyone for that,” she said, adding that she can’t say, with absolute certainty, whether her office won’t do so in the future.

“If we saw any alarming evidence that would compel us into going into that direction, we certainly wouldn’t be opposed to that,” she said.

“This is a national problem,” she said. “We’re certainly not the first city or the first state that’s had this issue; it’s a 50 state issue. But certainly since it’s happened here most states that we’ve looked at, they were testing kits but they just got behind. It was backlogged.”

“So, again it benefits our office greatly,” she said. “There’s no question about that and we’re very grateful, beyond grateful that the attorney general and the governor did dedicate this money for this cause.”

“Over 2,000 kits were tested and Detroit followed the same nation­ ally accepted testing protocols uti­

Roberts talked about DPS investing in preschool programs and other school-based re­ sources that will prepare children for learning and the parents in better par­ enting skills.

If and when Orr exits after 18 months as emer­

raises the stakes because he and Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon viewed in polls as the two major contenders, it still does not end the litany of legal challenges Barrow is expected to present to the Duggan campaign.

With Duggan out of the race, neither Barrow, nor any of the other can­ didates will present any real significant challenge to Napoleon because of name recognition and a well oiled campaign struc­ ture, and the Napoleon campaign should embrace a tough and competitive race for their candidate.

The crop of candidates outside of Napoleon and Duggan lowers the cam­ paign bar and makes the race less competitive with no expressed stakes even though all of the candi­ dates have a deep love for public service demon­ strated by their willing­ ness to be in the race, and having previously served the public.

I prefer a competitive race and one that forces the candidates to make serious commitments to addressing the issues facing Detroit.

We should not have a mayor by default and any serious candidate worth

“There’s a great need to educate every fouryear-old in the city,” Roberts exclaimed. “All research conducted say that you have to take (four-year-olds) them because they can learn much faster. If our kids are further behind, why not take them on much earlier? So we are going to make education avail­ able to every four-year-old child in the city of De­ troit.”

Part two of the Roberts interview will be published in next week’s edition.

From page A-1

“And then we had to create the database between that and any police reports or police files we could find,” Worthy said. “That took us almost a year, to open up 11,000 kits. Again, we’ve been working consistently on this since 2009, so it’s going to be five years, probably, and that’s probably an ambitious guesstimate.”

According to an August 2010 Marie Claire article, more than 180,000 rape kits remained un­ tested nationwide. Worthy said her office doesn’t know if the kits were ignored or if the police didn’t have the resources.

school year, an increase of 2.68% over the last year, which is a step in right direction.

In the private sector you can change positions any time and in any way without much explana­ tion. It won’t merit a men­ tion in the media. But in the public sector, where taxpayer dollars are on the line, there is explain­ ing to do for these kinds of moves even if it is tactical and calculated for Brown, given his supposed rela­ tionship with State Trea­ surer Andy Dillon.

From page A-1

She also said the Michigan State Police crime lab will be taking the responsibility to find the best com­ petitive rates to have these kits tested.

In a press conference last month, Attorney General Bill Schuette said the rape kits were essentially stamped, “return to sender” and that the thousands of unexamined rape kits allowed violent attackers to remain loose.

In a written statement, John Sellek, spokesman for the attorney general, said, “The first and fore­ most focus of our efforts is to get

the kits tested to start down the road to justice for the victims of these attacks. And to take anyone off the streets who has committed violent crimes yet has escaped jus­ tice.”

In a statement, Inspector Marlon Wilson of the Criminal Investiga­ tions Bureau of the Detroit Police Department said, “The Detroit Police Department is currently working in conjunction with sever­ al agencies to address this matter.

The department, along with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, the Michigan State Police Crime Lab and victim advocacy groups are working collaboratively to research this issue so that we can identify the reason for the backlog which is aiding us in developing procedures to ensure that this type of situation does not reoccur in the future.”

Worthy said the Michigan State Police will either test the kits or send them out to be tested.

“They will be doing all the ne­ gotiation in terms of what lab it goes to, etc., and then providing us with the results so we can use the results to have the cases prosecut­ ed,” she said.

With the Michigan State Police Crime Lab having received that $4 million, Worthy said her office can now focus on raising the resources so that cases can be investigated and prosecuted after the kits are tested.

The one overriding thing Worthy wants people to know is that rape doesn’t stop at Eight Mile Road, nor does it stop at the state line. She said the rape kits processed thus far have produced DNA hits in Cali­ fornia, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Flor­ ida, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Alabama, North Carolina, Louisi­ ana and the District of Columbia.

These people either raped in those other jurisdictions before coming to Michigan or after leaving the state.

She also said that out of 413 cases that have been tested so far, 199 had CODIS (Combined DNA Index System.) hits, and out of that, 30 to 33 individuals were identifi­ able serial rapists.

Worthy wants rape victims to know that sexual assault is taken very seriously in Wayne County.

“We are spending a lot of time and resources and we are dedicated to making sure we can prosecute as many of these old cases as we can,” she said. “And we are dedicated to making sure this will not happen in the future.”

Andre Smith photo

gency manager and heads back to Jones Day law firm, is Brown being po­ sitioned or positioning himself to be the next emergency manager or de facto mayor until all of the reforms at city hall are complete?

While the motive be­ hind the Brown decision remains unclear despite his press release sent out last week, the coun­ cil took another blow in member Kwame Kenyat­ ta’s abrupt resignation only after his unexplained absence from city council was brought to light in a newspaper column.

Kenyatta had derided the council for lack of effectiveness under an emergency manager and dismissed any kind of role it could play moving forward with Kevyn Orr pulling the strings. But he was still on the public payroll until last week.

What is happening in Detroit reads like a soap opera, so it makes us wonder what, where and when will the next shoe drop.

“You can’t make this stuff up,” is the response I’ve been getting from people across the city.

But wait, it’s not over.

After been knocked off the Aug. 6 primary ballot, mayoral candidate Mike Duggan announced that he is going to mount an aggressive write-in cam­ paign, after urging from supporters like Strategic Staffing Solutions CEO Cindy Pasky, to finish second in the primary for the general election showdown in November.

Duggan was removed from the ballot following a challenge from opponent Tom Barrow who suc­ ceeded after two courts agreed with his position that Duggan wasn’t qual­ ified to be on the ballot.

Even though Duggan’s inclusion in the race

his or her salt shouldn’t accept the tag of being a “mayor by default,” be­ cause what makes this process healthy and pro­ ductive is creating a space where there is genuine competition and we raise the stakes in the election.

That all of the prob­ lems facing this city, from abandoned neighbor­ hoods and crime to re-en­ ergizing and bringing in new businesses, should be laid out on a compet­ itive table that allows for debates and the candi­ dates make public decla­ rations they will be held to should they be elected.

Detroit should not be victimized again because of inept leadership and candidates masking as possessing real desire to serve when the goal is to look out for their own in­ terests.

These candidates should lead by example.

That not usually being the case in the past, or in the present, is the reason why the city is where it is today.

Bankole Thompson is editor of the Michigan Chronicle and the author of the forthcoming book “Rising From the Ashes: Engaging Detroit’s Future With Courage.” His book “Obama and Black Loyalty,” published in 2010, follows his recent book, “Obama and Christian Loyalty” with an epilogue

by Bob Weiner, former White House spokesman.

Thompson is a political news analyst at WDET101.9FM (NPR affiliate) and a member of the weekly “Obama Watch” Sunday evening roundtable on WLIB-1190AM New York and simulcast in New Jersey and Connecticut. E-mail bthompson@michronicle.com or visit his personal page at www.bankolethompson. com.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 3-9, 2013

Page A-5

Mayor Bing officially opens new Detroit Public Safety Headquarters Detroit Mayor Dave Bing cut the ribbon to officially open a $60 million, state-of-the-art Public Safety Headquarters that will be the new home of Detroit’s Police and Fire departments.

The mayor was joined by Chief of Police Chester L. Logan, Fire Commissioner Donald Austin and other public officials and dignitaries at a special ceremony.

“The opening of this state-of-the-art Public Safety Headquarters is a defining moment for Detroit’s transformation,” Mayor Bing said. “Previous administrations talked about constructing a new headquarters, but we have succeeded in building a facility that will enable our police, fire, EMS and IT departments to operate more efficiently and better serve our citizens. The consolidated operations will save the city more than $2.7 million a year.”

In addition to Police and Fire, the Public Safety Headquarters will house the city’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and its Information Technology Systems Department, as well as the Detroit Building Authority. In addition, the State of Michigan plans to open a new Metropolitan Detroit Forensic Science Laboratory in the building in 2014.

The Public Safety Headquarters is a seven-story, 400,000 square-foot building that underwent an extensive, 2½ year redevelopment. It was originally designed and built in 1974 as a data center for the Internal Revenue Service.

MGM Grand Detroit used the building as a temporary casino from 1999 to 2005.

The City of Detroit bought the building in August 2010 for $6.3 million from MGM Grand Detroit LLC. The City’s redevelopment process included gutting the previous building’s interior and demolition of a parking garage, as well as all-inclusive design, engineering and reconstruction.

Detroit-based White Construction and Turner Construction Company formed a joint venture to lead the renovation as construction manager.

SmithGroupJJR was the architect and engineer of record for the project. The Detroit Building Authority handled site selection, negotiated the building purchase, and managed the development project as building owner. In addition, the Building Authority created a condominium from the main building and sold two units to the State of Michigan for its Metropolitan Detroit Forensic Science Laboratory. Hines Detroit Services is

the building manager. The Public Safety Headquarters is located at 1301 Third Street.

The Public Safety Headquarters consolidates operations from five separate locations that City departments formerly leased and owned. The State’s Forensic Science Lab also moves employees from other locations to the new build-

ing. City of Detroit occupants will complete their move into the Public Safety Headquarters by July 15, when normal business operations will begin. Citizens should continue to contact their local police precinct or fire station for most public safety services, and 911 should be called for emergencies.

The ribbon-cutting also included the

unveiling of six new police patrol cars, the first of 100 patrol cars to be delivered later this year. Mayor Bing announced in March that Detroit’s corporate community would acquire the new police vehicles and 23 new EMS ambulances with an $8 million contribution to his Active and Safe Campaign for improved public safety and recreation facilities.

Snyder signs sweeping reforms to Michigan’s indigent defense system Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation to bring sweeping reforms and improvements to indigent defense in Michigan, helping protect every citizen’s right to competent legal representation in criminal defense cases.

The legislation will enable and set statewide standards and accountability measures for public defense attorneys representing indigent criminal defendants and create a uniform process to verify that all 83 counties meet the standards.

“Every citizen has a right to competent legal counsel, regardless of the ability to pay. That is the meaning of ‘justice for all.’ For too long in Michigan, many indigent defendants have not received the level of legal representation that they deserve,” Snyder said. “Today, we’re taking action to fix that problem and improve the state’s public defense system, upholding our Constitutional responsibility to the accused and their families and ensuring justice and public safety as well accountability to taxpayers.”

“Serious prob-

lems have plagued Michigan’s indigent defense system for many years.”

House Bill 4529, now Public Act 93 of 2013, sponsored by state Rep. Tom McMillan, creates the commission. It will be housed within the judicial branch of state government and comprised of 15 members appointed by the governor with recommendation of the Legislature, Supreme Court, the state bar, and representing interests from the criminal justice system. The chief justice or a designee would also serve as an ex-officio non-voting member.

The commission will be charged with: • Collecting and compiling data necessary for the review of indigent defense services in Michigan; • Creating standards to ensure all systems providing indigent defense meet constitutional obligations for effective assistance of counsel;

Gov. Rick Snyder gence so those truly in need of a public defender will have access to one; and • Working with counties to implement plans to meet the standards.

“Serious problems have plagued Michigan’s indigent defense system for many years, wasting tax dollars, threatening public safety, stealing years of freedom from peoples’ lives and compromising every citizen’s constitutional rights,” said Marcela Westrate, executive director of the Michigan Campaign for Justice, a non-partisan coalition of groups that has worked to reform indigent defense services in Michigan.

“Now, with the governor’s signature, Michigan’s new permanent Indigent Defense Commission can begin its critically important work making our system more transparent, accountable, efficient and, most importantly, constitutional.”

Senate Bill 301, sponsored by state Sen. Bruce Caswell, revises existing law that requires a court to assign counsel to an indigent person charged with a criminal offense to conform to HB 4529.

It is now PA 94.

In 2011, Snyder issued an executive order that established a 14-member Defense Advisory Commission to examine how to improve legal representation provided to low-income criminal defendants in Michigan. The governor renewed his call to reform indigent defense in a March 2012 special message on public safety.

• Submitting for approval any new standards to the Michigan Supreme Court, creating an added layer of review;

The commission formed under EO 2011-12 made its recommendations in June 2012, calling for today’s changes to the state’s indigent defense system.

ª Developing requirements by which a person may establish a claim of indi-

Visit legislature.michigan.gov more information on these bills.

for

If not registered, you have until Monday, July 8th to register in order to vote in the Tuesday, August 6, 2013 Primary Election which is the (City Charter: Section 3-105) 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in August, for the Primary Election and in November on Tuesday November 5th for the General Election. Register at the Department of Elections on W. Grand Boulevard between Second and Third Streets (which is the easiest) or at any Secretary of State office. To vote in an upcoming election, you must already be registered or you My name is must register at least 30 days before that Lucinda J. Darrah, election; otherwise, you must wait until the a.k.a. Cindy Darrah. next election to vote. When you change I am running for the your state ID or driver’s license, it is best office of Detroit City to change your voting address. To verify your voting location, call (313) 876-0190, Clerk because it may have been moved since the last election. We are not in Florida; be thankful that felons who have served their time can vote and people who have lost their identification (i.d.) can sign an affidavit at the polls and vote. Please pass the word.

I will put the following on the city’s website, www.detroitmi.gov: 1. The agendas for the city council committee of the whole and individual committees agendas; 2. Immediate (unofficial) summary description of actions taken or to be taken; 3. Archived official approved minutes of these meetings; 4. Copies of proposed contracts and ordinances.

I will work to increase voter registration and voter turnout in clean elections where every vote is counted. We must be watchful as our voting machines are now like digital computers, unlike our old “connect-the-arrow-ballot “ analog machines.

Contact: Cindy Darrah at 313.414-5181 cindydarrah@gmail.com www.detroitvoters.org D for DETROIT…..D for DARRAH Darrah for Detroit City Clerk!

PLEASE DO NOT VOTE for the City Clerk incumbent I support David Bullock, Monica Lewis-Patrick for city wide City Council, KRYSTAL CRITTENDON for MAYOR, & Isaac Robinson for District 6 City Council.

OPPOSE the Sale or Lease of all City assets.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 3-9, 2013

Page A-6

Detroit Public Schools’ new budget emphasizes growth, student and family needs, fiscal stability The Detroit Public Schools proposed Fiscal Year 2014 Budget is based on a fall enrollment of 51,160, which is an increase of 2.68 % over the FY2013 Amended Budget.

The budget represents fewer school closures than in many recent years for a total reduction of four school programs. It also maintains class-size ratios at the same levels as the previous year with the exception of two grade levels, fourth and fifth grade, where averages will increase by two. And, it retains the class size set for the critical kindergarten through third grade, at 25, as well as for all

Roy Roberts grades six through 12.

“The proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget is a bold statement and a tangible example of a school district that will no longer plan to fail,” said Emergency Manager Roy S. Roberts. “This budget is balanced and adheres to our responsibilities to reduce expenditures while emphasizing stability and reducing the negative effects of change and ‘churning’ that have regrettably served as the hallmark of our district for a number of years.”

Overall, all expenditure line items will decrease, with a projected savings of $87.3 million or 11%. The only expenditure line item that will increase is Instruction.

Funding for Instruction will increase by $1.8 million, or 1%. Debt service will remain generally constant, at $53 million.

All Central Office Units participated in a Zero Base Budgeting process for the second consecutive year and presented strategies to reduce expenditures by 10-15% for each department. “Decision packages” were developed and final reductions represented those actions that would not negatively impact the educational programs or result in potential enrollment declines.

Through the implementation of Zero Base Budgeting throughout central administration departments, DPS has identified $27 million in cost savings and a reduction of 50 full-time positions.

Across the school district, net savings from an Employee Severance program currently in effect is estimated at $12.9 million.

The proposed budget represents the continuing need to evaluate central office services and all service areas to reduce costs and better serve customers while improving technology. For example, it is anticipated that utility expenditures will decrease by $3.2 million, or 17%, through continued development of the district’s comprehensive energy conservation plan.

The district will continue with the same methodology for the nine Detroit Rising Self-Governing Schools, with additional autonomy and schools not being restricted to the staffing formulas within this budget. The FY 2014 budget also assumes that the District will not borrow funds on behalf of the Education Achievement Authority (EAA).

“When we launched our new five-year strategic plan in April, which was the result of an intense community-driven effort, I shared with you that I truly believe that Detroit Public Schools is at the most important

crossroads in its history.

At that time, I said that we must make necessary and bold changes quickly in order to ensure that this district will not just survive, but thrive,” Roberts said.

“Collectively, we must work to create Neighborhood-Centered, Quality Schools that meet the needs of students and

their families with high quality educational programs in a safe environment that sets the school as the true hub or center of the community it serves. In light of increasing competitive challenges, as well as long term demographic trends, we must work to increase our “market share” of school-age children by

becoming the education provider of choice, and we must deliver real results.”

DPS Strategic Planning Implementation Teams are poised to deliver on the first phase of actions that will be evident to parents by the first day of school this fall. These include: Universal PreK for all eligible 4-year-old students; Arts and Music

enrichment programs district wide; Career Academies offering diploma, certification, associate degree and apprenticeships upon completion; Community Schools models; Safety enhancements; Customer Service programs and training; additional parenting programs including a new Parent University; and

new Attendance and Code of Conduct policies.

Combined with sustained academic progress as witnessed by MEAP score and graduation rate gains, along with fiscal responsibility, district officials note that these programs will create a sustainable course forward for Detroit’s public schools.

Community

S

section B

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michiganchronicle.com

July 3-9, 2013

Largest Simultaneous

wim Lesson Sends the Message

Swimming lessons save lives of millions around the world

By RJ Barnhill

W

ayne County’s Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park established its inaugural year as the official host location for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL) in 2013. This fun filled event provided swimming and water safety training as participants flutter kicked their way toward a new Guinness World record™.

Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), Tuesday, on June 18, to build awareness about the vital importance of teaching children to swim in an effort to help prevent drowning. On June 18, waterparks, pools and other aquatic facilities around the globe hosted local WLSL lessons simultaneously at 11a.m. ET (3 p.m. GMT) in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record™.

The nation’s top water safety and training organizations joined forces to present The World’s Largest

In 2010, the Inaugural WLSL

See swim lesson page B-2

Check out these NEW water features at Aquatic Center Kids of all ages will get to enjoy: ■ Splash Tower – The Splash Tower is more than 15 feet tall with four buckets dumping 8 gallons of water per dump.

■ Under-Brella – This feature is more than 9 feet tall and water rolls over the top of the dome creating a playful circular waterfall.

■ Air Sticks – Five bouncing streams of water that go up to four feet high.

“The Chandler Park Aquatic Center is a clean, safe place for recreational activity and a great place for children to cool off during the summer,” said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.

“Now in its 16th season, the water park is one of many ways Wayne County residents can enjoy the summer months in the county.”

Wayne County’s largest family water park sits on more than 22,000 square feet of beautifully landscaped grounds on Detroit’s east side. The facility also features a wave pool, two super-sized water slides, a children’s pool play land, a sundeck/picnic area and much more.

The Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park will be open daily through Labor Day weekend from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The entrance fee for Wayne County residents is $2 for children under 2 years old, $5 for children ages 3-12 and $7 for adults.

The Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park is located at 12600 Chandler Park Drive, Detroit.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 3-9, 2013

Swim Lesson

Page B-2

From page B-1

event established the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson ever conducted. Since then, more than 300 facilities representing 15 countries on 5 continents, including 45 states in the US, have participated and logged more than 24,000 kids and adults being part of the swim lesson that sends the message “Swimming Lessons Saves Lives.”™

Orlando served as the official headquarters for the international event and set an individual Guinness World Record™ for the largest swimming lesson ever held at one location with over 600 participants.

International support is showing strong growth with the largest number of participants coming from Mexico and Brazil.

Swimming is a life-saving skill for children and a vital tool to prevent drowning, the second leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-14. Research shows if a child doesn’t learn to swim by the third grade, they likely never will.

The Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park offers swimming lessons for much of the summer.

The lessons are available in two-week increments and started on June 24 and will run until August 16. The two-week programs cost $50 for Wayne County residents and $60 for non Wayne County residents.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ was created to serve as a platform to help local community aquatic facilities and the many different national, regional and state wide water safety and drowning prevention organizations work together to tell this important story on a local championed the events and national level. to help convey that loss Olympic Gold Medal- of life from drowning can ists and official WLSL be prevented through spokespersons Rowdy awareness and training.

Gaines and Janet Evans As parents, both athletes

feel a strong commitment to teaching children how to be safe in and around the water.

Mark C. Smith, CPA,

CPO, Mico Management president, said, “Just as parents know the importance of having helmets when riding a bycycle, swimming lessons are an

equally important water safety and awareness precaution.”

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Waterpark near

For more information, contact the Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park at (313) 822-7655 or go to the website at: www.cpwaterpark.com.

Information on other programs from Wayne County Parks is available by calling Wayne County Parks at (734) 261-1900 or visit www.waynecounty. com.

Community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 8 - 12

May - August The Detroit Public Library Celebrates the 70th Anniversary Lecture Series.

6 p.m.

Detroit Public Library.

5201 Woodward Ave. The E. Azalia Hackley Collection is part of the Library’s Special Collections Department. This lecture, titled “Don Cornelius: Riding the Soul Train,” will celebrate the contributions this iconic figure and his famous television show had on the music industry. This lecture is free and open to the public.

For more information call (313) 481- 1397

June - September

Vacation Bible School 6-8:30 p.m.

Second Baptist Church 441 Monroe, in Greektown Second Baptist Church invites the public to Vacation Bible School. There will classes for all members of the family and all ages.

There will also be music and other activities.

Validated parking will be available.

For more information, call (313) 961-0920.

July 9 - 15 Summer Learning Program

Detroit Rolling on the River Festival and Summer Concert Series, Erma Henderson Park, adjacent to Whittier Park. The festival will highlight local entertainment, some of the city’s best restaurant and community resource information for adults.

This event is free and open to the community.

For more information email detroitrollingontheriver@gmail.com

Help change a child’s life by tutoring this summer at The Educational Experience at St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center. Volunteers, who will receive orientation and training, are needed.

For more information, call (313) 535-9200.

July 14- Aug. 11 Transitional Training Program

July 4 - 7

8 a.m.

Duramis Outreach Ministries

Concert of Colors 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Several Midtown Venues The Concert of Colors is a community-enhancing free admission music festival with a heavy emphasis on diversity. This year it is moving from its traditional mid-July dates to July 4-7. The 2nd Tune Up Concert is set for Saturday, June 29. All venues are in Midtown.

This programs is for all 2013 high school graduates, helping them to transition to the next phase of life. Covers campus/social living, managing finances and maintaining your beliefs no matter what is going on around you.

For more information call (313) 270-2191 no later than July 1.

For more information visit http://www. concertofcolors.com.

Scan and Enjoy The Michigan Chronicle

July 3 - 9, 2013

July 24 - 27 Karmanos Cancer Institute Celebrates Cancer Survivor Week The Karmanos Cancer Institute kicks off Cancer Survivor Week with a lecture from author Teresa Kilpatrick, “So You Survived Cancer.”

She will speak about cancer survivorship and what to expect after treatment ends.

For a list of events, visit www.karmanos. org or call (313) 576- 9288. All events are free and open to all cancer survivors and their families.

July 27

Page B-3

Detroit Main Library Literacy Initiative — Detroit Reads! The literacy program offers literacy skills assessment, one-on-one tutoring, GED preparation, computer skills training, tutor training and certification, learner practice kits and resources for literacy service providers. The program is a dedicated one-to-one tutoring process and periodically offers selective smallgroup instructional sessions in other subjects such as mathematics.

To register or volunteer call (313) 481-1362.

August 8 Golfing For Scholarships

Walkathon For Marriage And Family 9 a.m.

Detroit Riverfront The Marriage Resource Center (MRC), a non-profit community-based organization, in association with other organizations and individuals, is presenting its 4th Annual Walkathon For Marriage and Family. Participants will start on the Rivard Plaza, then take a five-mile walk down the RiverWalk, up the Dequindre Cut, and back.

For more information, call (313) 288-8076 or visit MRCWalk@MIMarriage.org.

August 3

Links of Nov Golf Club Proceeds from the 87th annual golf outing will go towards college scholarships benefiting the Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation. More than 200 golfers are expected to participate For more information and tickets, call (586) 393-8800.

August 16 - 18 The 31st African World Festival 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

ARISE Detroit! 7th Annual Neighborhoods Day All Day Event ARISE Detroit! invites community organizations throughout the City of Detroit to participate by helping to clean up. Volunteers are needed.

For more information visit www.arisedetroit.org or call (313) 592- 1955.

Charles Wright Museum 315 E. Warren Detroit This three day festival will be celebrated once again on the grounds of the Wright Museum with performances, poetry, arts and crafts, African drumming and dance, hundreds of vendors, ethnic foods, and events for all ages, including an expanded Watoto Village for the youngest among us!

For more information visit www.thewright.org

Email Your Upcoming Events to events@michronicle.com

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N3050123E.indd 1 N3050123E.indd 1

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Hiram E. Jackson Publisher

A Real Times Newspaper 479 Ledyard – Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 963-5522 Fax 963-8788 e-mail:chronicle4@aol.com

JACKIE BERG Chief Marketing Officer BANKOLE THOMPSON Senior Editor SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011 JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997 LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

July 3-9, 2013

Page B-4

Democracy is still a dream for Detroit

By Rev. Dr. Tellis Chapman Galilee Missionary Baptist Church

Despite the crippling conditions that we may find ourselves in, there is still the positive possibility for things to change. Irrespective of a history that once hampered, or a present predicament that may seem to impede progress, or for that matter a future that looks inauspicious, and unfavorable, sometimes something happens that proves all over again that things can change for the better.

U.S. Supreme Court jeopardizes voting rights

By Jim Wallis The words above the Supreme Court read, “Equal Justice Under the Law.” This week, two Supreme Court outcomes dramatically affected the reality of those words.

But in America, they only get better by force, complaint, protest, or otherwise, an organized public demonstration that expresses strong objection to public policy and actions adopted by people of authority.

The 50th Anniversary Freedom Walk in the city of Detroit on June 22, commemorating the initial and now iconic “I Have A Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a descent indication of that objection, in that we are still dreaming...50 years later.

While tens of thousands walked down Woodward Avenue from Forest St. to Hart Plaza, side by side and hand in hand with blended voices, occasionally, there was still that familiar civil rights theme song significantly reverberating and resounding throughout the crowd, “We Shall Overcome.”

In 1963, 50 years prior to our commemorative walk down Woodward, Governor George Wallace of Alabama exclaimed, “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.’

Tellis Chapman ments to certain people because of the culture that produced them. However, history has presented quite a few others who erroneously embrace a totally different tenet. They have sipped on a rather archaic brew that has affected their thoughts and temperament, and has led them to believe that because of the color of their skin, their ethnicity, their social class, their genetic construct, cultural setting, or their political party alignment, that they are privy to exploit at will. This is all indicative of a mindset that is yet stuck on mundane methods and matters; post Civil War-plantation-1940s, 1950s and 1960s-master-servant kind of thinking.

Where was the emergency financial manager during the March? Is he not a recipient of the sacrifice of Dr. King And five decades later, there is still and others who fought and died for his the blatant and damnable disposition civil rights? Where was the lame duck of racism, anti-semitism, sexism, clas- session-back-door-dealing governor on sism, homophobia, Islam-a-phobia, and this historic day? Could he not face a systemic forces of segregation that’s no crowd whose democracy he has stolen? longer displayed with the velocity of fire Where were the conspicuously missing hoses, the bites of police dogs, twirling City Council members who were perhaps too young and unattached to have Where were the vestured pas- marched 50 years ago, but have become tors whose parishioners are too unpopular to even a gesture victims of the diabolical deeds of those express of gratitude to their by taking who occupy public office? Do they not forefathers just a few steps with fellow Detroiters? know that by their apathy they indi-

❝

Where were the vestured pastors whose parishioners are victims of the diabolical deeds of those who occupy public office?

Do they not know that by their apathy they indirectly participate in the conspiracy to repress and suppress our democracy? Are they yet that impervious to the takeover of Detroit? Do they yet have no political courage? Was Rev. C.L. Franklin and Dr. King, organizers of the 1963 march, not fellow preachers?

rectly participate in the conspiracy to repress and suppress our democracy?

Are they yet that impervious to the takeover of Detroit? Do they yet have no political courage?” police batons and posted placards.

But through a carefully crafted covert collaboration of greed-stricken race-bated, anti-democratic governance, against which we still have to fight, and against which we still have to march and protest, even in the city that put the world on wheels.

Most of us are proud and praising as to how things change. There was a time when people who looked like me were not allowed to participate in the patriotic process of American politics.

Though barred from economic opportunity, equity and equality, we eventually saw our faces on TV and in the public square, but only characterized in servant roles; classified as second class citizens; could not vote; could not occupy positions of power or policy-making decisions; and never thought that one, among so many, would come from so far behind, and against all odds, and yet emerge as a two-time president of the most powerful nation on the planet, 50 years after George Wallace.

This only happens when people of every race, class, and faith come together — African Americans, White, hispanic, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Jews — in organized public demonstration, and express strong objection to public policy and actions adopted by people of authority who still want us to keep dreaming.

To be candid, songwriters, speech writers and editors of history continue to keep Dr. King’s speech as a poetically circumscribed communication. But the true essence of that speech, along with so many others of his, was, “A Call to Consciousness.”

It was a speech that first echoed in the historic Cobo Hall that challenged all of America to wake up and live and work together in peace. It was a protest that emphasized that no single human being, or group of human beings, is any better or higher than any one else. Humanity has no superiors or inferiors. We are all equal. Our destiny is interwoven.

There is no better race. There are no best minds. And there are no entitle-

Our contemporary civil rights pioneers were there — protégés and contemporaries of Dr. King, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Dick Gregory, Tony Brown, Congressman John Conyers, and chief organizer of the Commemorative March, Rev. Wendell Anthony, just to mention a few, who took it personally enough to honor history and challenge the future, by marching...again. They had no problem walking the heat-laden landscape on a sun-baked day to say to Detroit and to America, we’re still dreaming.

Fifty years ago, in that same “I Have A Dream” speech, Dr. King demonstrated the practical way to freedom and democracy and declared, “This political disposition and social cancer will only be defeated through determined pressure.”

Talk is cheap. Unprofitable professions and proclamations of all to many who say one thing and do another, doesn’t help the cause. People who only utter empty, hollow, fruitless, and empty articulated commitments are still in “the ‘dream.”

We must be determined to exhibit a determined pressure, that we may preserve the great changes in our history, and for that matter, our future, and to keep following generations from repeating history and digressing into another era wherein people of minority-ranks run the risk of becoming further exploited, manipulated, and taken advantage of by the sordid, sinister, and satanic systems of society.

We have to indeed exhibit a determined pressure! We’re all on common ground. We can live together. We can work differently. We can worship together, and we can walk together, because God has put us all here together.

In the words of James Weldon Johnson, “Let us march on till victory is won.”

On Tuesday, in a 5-4 decision, a key component of the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965 was struck down, jeopardizing equal justice under the law, especially for Black, Hispanic, and low-income people whose voting rights have historically been assaulted.

In fact, Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act — which required parts of the country that have been especially egregious in racially motivated voter suppression to get federal approval of any changes in their voting laws — was specifically used in the 2012 election to prevent new voter suppression. That provision has now been struck down, and efforts to increase barriers to voting are already under way in several states.

The Supreme Court’s decision was morally shameful.

On the wrong side of the argument were Justices Thomas, Scalia, Alito,

Kennedy, and Chief Justice Roberts, with Roberts writing the majority opinion — appropriate, given his many years fighting against the Voting Rights Act. The decision revealed how politically partisan this bench has unfortunately become. In the past, Republicans have supported voting rights, and a bipartisan Congress has affirmed the Voting Rights Act several times. But the conservative justices have aligned themselves with the extreme right-wing politics that have taken over today’s Republican Party.

I was at a conference with NAACP President Benjamin Jealous when the decision came down. “Devastating” was Ben’s first word when we spoke about what had just happened.

America has made great progress on racial justice because of tireless and courageous efforts of many. But the illusory idea of a “post-racial” America is exposed as a lie by this nation’s criminal justice system, the many recent attempts at racially based voter suppression, and now in this decision by the United States Supreme Court. It is now time for communities of faith across the country to mobilize again on behalf of equal justice under the law.

Protecting and preserving the Detroit Institute of Arts

By Bill Schuette

MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL For far too long the people of Detroit have faced hardships unmatched anywhere in the state. It is important to recognize the serious financial troubles that face the city, the difficulties that the people who live and work in the city have endured for decades, and the many challenges facing the citizens of the city of Detroit. Fortunately, the long and difficult process of financial and operational reform has begun. Because of that reform, and the resiliency of the residents of Detroit, we expect a vibrant future.

Yet there are those who would like to avoid making tough decisions by taking a shortcut on the road to reform.

Some have even suggested selling off the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and its collection of artwork. They claimed the sale of a Matisse here and a Picasso there would make a big dent in the millions of debt owed by the city to its creditors.

This approach is not only a bad shortcut, but it is wrong because it violates long-standing state charitable trust law. That is why I issued a formal opinion (No 7272), clearly stating the legal framework and Michigan’s tradition of preserving the DIA’s artwork.

Selling one-of-a-kind assets like these is a short-sighted approach, and it is not one the citizens want to pursue.

In the 128 years since the creation of the DIA, at no time have the people demanded that their most precious cultural resources be sold in order to satisfy financial obligations.

That’s because public treasures are not financial investments like your 401(k) or mutual fund. The DIA is a cultural investment, one the people of Michigan have an interest in preserving for all state residents, present and future. Abandoning or selling the public’s unique assets would damage not only the city’s but the state’s cultural wealth.

Selling paintings to the highest bidder would ignore Michigan’s long tradition of valuing the DIA for the benefit of all of our citizens. Legislation first creating the DIA in 1885 defined its purpose as “…the public exhibition of its collection of works of art.” All Michigan residents, including our children, deserve to learn and grow from cultural treasures. The law goes on to declare “all gifts, devises or requests” be “faithfully used for the purposes” of the corporation, that no DIA members could profit from the endeavor, and that the museum is prohibited from selling its general art collection.

Although the museum’s legal structure and funding sources changed over time based on circumstances, the museum amassed a long track record of public support for its mission. In 1984, Attorney General Frank Kelley recognized the museum’s status as a unique cultur-

Bill Schuette al treasure in a formal opinion (No 6225) regarding the issuance of state grants to the museum. Kelley declared, “Unquestionably, and uniquely in Michigan, the Detroit Institute of Arts, as a widely acclaimed cultural facility, is utilized by the citizens of this state without regard to residency in the city.”

Viewing the DIA’s art as a revenue stream runs also counter to prevailing national standards governing the preservation of artwork in the form of a “public trust.” The DIA operates in accordance with the professional codes of ethics adopted by the American Alliance of Museums and the International Council of Museums. These standards strictly limit sales of art to advance the mission of the museum or continue care of the existing collection. Artwork cannot be sold for purposes that are entirely unrelated to the museum’s purpose and operation.

Michigan law governing charitable trusts echoes this commitment to preservation. After a thorough review of state law and court precedent governing charitable trusts, it is clear the people of Michigan are the legal beneficiaries of the DIA and its collection. The City of Detroit, in cooperation with the DIA’s Founder’s Society, are together responsible for protecting and preserving the collection. Based on these facts and charitable trust law, the City of Detroit cannot sell art for the purpose of satisfying debt owed to its creditors.

In Michigan, we have a proud tradition of appreciating our cultural jewels.

That is why I find it hard to imagine a federal judge authorizing the sale of those jewels to the highest bidder. Third World countries sell art to get by. Here in America, we protect our treasures, in charitable trust, for all state residents and their descendants.

I am optimistic that an agreement with be reached with creditors to turn the corner in Detroit. However, if for some reason the city is forced into bankruptcy, I am confident that a solution will be achieved that both improves Detroit’s finances and honors the cultural legacy established under Michigan law to preserve the Detroit Institute of Arts for generations to come.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Fathers can help sons avoid trouble, even if they aren’t under the same roof

By Cathy L. Antonakos, Shervin Assari and Daniel Kruger Dads who don’t live with their sons still can influence them away from risky behaviors, even if they reside in communities of high crime and poverty.

New research from the University of Michigan School of Public Health measured the impact of a federally funded program called Fathers and Sons, which strives to improve the parenting confidence and skills of nonresident fathers and prevent youth violent behaviors.

The program involved AfricanAmerican fathers and their 8-12 year old sons.

“The Fathers and Sons program improved nonresident African-American fathers’ ability to talk with their sons about avoiding risky behaviors, such as early sexual initiation and violent behaviors during late childhood and preadolescence,” said Cleopatra Howard Caldwell, associate professor of health behavior and health educa-

tion, who led the study that is featured in the July/August issue of Child Development.

“After improving fathers’ communication about risky behaviors, aggressive behaviors in their sons decreased,” Caldwell said. “An improvement in fathers’ parenting satisfaction increased their sons’ awareness of their father’s involvement in their lives. This connection was then linked to an increase in the sons’ intentions to avoid violence in the future.”

The program, funded with a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a partnership involving U-M-SPH, the local health department and several community based organizations in Flint, Michigan.

The study involved 287 AfricanAmerican father-son families who lived in separate households in two midwest cities with high crime and violence.

More than three-quarters of the fathers that participated lived with

their sons during early childhood and the majority had a current child support agreement. Most of the sons’ births were non-marital, and 56 percent of the fathers said they barely had or did not have enough money to get by.

The Fathers and Sons program particularly focuses on younger boys at ages when they are still attached to family and prior to them engaging in actual violent behaviors, Caldwell said.

“It is the child who is already engaging in very negative behaviors that most programs focus on, rather than on low risk youth,” she said. “We are one of few studies from an intervention perspective that has taken a strengths-based approach to involving nonresident fathers specifically in their sons’ lives to prevent youth violence in high risk communities.

Michigan has roughly 200 of those exemptions, many of which are hookah lounges or bars,” says Angela Minicuci, public information officer, Michigan Department of Community Health.

A hookah is a water pipe used to pass charcoal heated air through a tobacco mixture ending in a water-filled chamber the user inhales through a tube and mouthpiece.

Hookah use is seen among teens as an emerging trend that will only continue to grow.

A typical one-hour hookah session involves inhaling 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single cigarette, increasing health risks with high levels of carbon monoxide, heavy metals, tar and cancer-causing chemicals.

Due in part to the attraction of the many flavored tobacco options, studies from the American Lung Association reveal hookah use is quickly becoming one of the world’s largest tobacco epidemics.

In 2006, an estimated 300 hookah lounges were in operation in the U.S. The Michigan Department of Community Health recognizes that hookah lounges and bars are a growing issue in Michigan.

“Hookah lounges can operate legally under a tobacco specialty retail store exemption. Currently,

“People make their own decisions, but with the lack of information in today’s society many smokers are misinformed to believe hookah smoking is a healthier and less addicting alternative to cigarettes,” says Samuel Fawaz, M.D., internal medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. While hookah smokers often mistake this practice to be less harmful, hookah smoking and cigarettes actually carry many of the same health risks including lung cancer and respiratory disease.

Typically practiced in groups,

the same mouthpiece is passed from one person to the next making hookah smoking a fun, social activity for teens and their friends.

“It’s not just the harmful elements of nicotine and charcoal carcinogens that people should be aware of,” adds Dr. Fawaz. “Many smokers don’t realize they are facing the risk of transmissible and communicable diseases such as oral cancer, herpes and tuberculosis when they share the mouthpiece with others.”

“There are many ways we can help slow the growing trend of hookah use in our community,” says Dr. Fawaz, co-founder and organizer of the Hookah Community Coalition.

“With the expansion of our local partnerships, we plan to educate kids, teachers, parents, college students and the general public on the growing epidemic through multiple avenues including campaigns and seminars provided specifically in middle and high schools across Southeast Michigan.”

If I should die before I wake: Protecting our babies through safe sleep

By Loretta V. Davis, MSA, President and CEO, Institute for Population Health Each year in Michigan, an overwhelming number of infants die from a cause of death that is completely preventable.

A devastating number of our babies are literally being suffocated to death by crib blankets, plush toys, older siblings, and adult care givers.

Unfortunately in our community, sleep practices that parents think help infants sleep better are actually killing our babies.

It can be hard to believe that sleeping with your baby or placing them in a crib with toys and blankets is deadly, or that falling asleep with your baby on the couch to help her fall asleep easier is dangerous.

With summer heat, moving the baby out of the crib to a cooler location in the house is often desirable and more comfortable, but it too is risky. Even believing the baby sleeps better on his tummy rather than his back is unsafe. In fact, ALL of these things can lead to suffocation and infant death.

Over the past year, in Detroit, there has been a 50 percent increase in the number of babies who died of asphyxiation (or suffocation). This past March, Wayne County reported nine infant deaths over a two-week period due to unsafe sleeping conditions. These numbers are unacceptable – and scary. The good news is that these numbers can literally be changed overnight.

What do Detroiters need to do to keep our babies alive and safe?

Through education, we can help parents under-

stand how to change a few behaviors to ensure infant safety. The Safe Sleep campaign emphasizes sleep safety prevention messages. For instance, babies should always sleep in an approved crib, alone on their backs with nothing in their sleep area; this means no loose blankets, soft bedding, or toys. If parents want to sleep close to their infant, infant cribs can be placed next to parents’ beds.

This way parents can still keep an eye on their babies, while keeping them safe. When moving infants to cooler areas of the house, parents can transport cribs (not just a loose mattress), so infants can remain comfortable at higher temperatures.

It is equally important that parents decrease substance use, even drinking and smoking, to ensure full awareness and good decision-making when it is time to put babies to bed.

The Institute for Population Health (IPH) is making sure new parents and families have access to Safe Sleep resources to prevent sleep-related in-

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“This type of research led us to believe that many nonresident African-American fathers are viable, yet untapped resources for their sons.

Dangers of Hookah smoking: The latest trend in young adult activity Concerts and parties are among the most popular leisure activities for young adults. But this demographic is beginning to show an increasing interest in hookah lounges as another option.

July 3-9, 2013

fant death. The IPH currently conducts bi-weekly classes for low-income parents on Safe Sleep habits for their infants.

Despite the fact that 70% of infant sleep deaths take place in homes with a crib, parents receive a free portable crib to help ensure infant safety after completing training.

The IPH firmly believes that parents want to do the right thing for their babies; and that with the right education and support, they can. Within the past few months, approximately 60 participants have completed the IPH Safe Sleep program. The IPH hopes to expand the program to even more families.

If a family or caregiver is unsure about an infant’s sleep environment, the IPH has resources for them.

In addition to the IPH Safe Sleep program for parents, we maintain an IPH Safe Sleep hotline at 313-919-2740.

Residents can also access information on our website at www.ipophealth.org, or visit the IPH at 1151 Taylor Street, Detroit.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 3-9, 2013

Page B-6

85th birthday celebration

Naomi Whitney will treasure the memory of her recent birthday celebration that took place at Salter Park in Harper Woods. Church members from Mount Zion Baptist Church, including Pastor Sterling L. Jones (center, with collar, seated on left of the honoree) and First Lady Gwendolyn Jones, friends and family were in attendance. Special guest Linda Swanson, executive vice president of Swanson Funeral Homes Inc., is standing behind Pastor Jones.

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Celebrating a century and beyond Mrs. Susie Tharp, was born July 1, 1905, in Seneca, South Carolina. She moved to Detroit at an early age where she met and married Clarence Tharp. To this union one child was born, Sue Winston. However, if you asked her she would say she had two children because she took in her niece, Mildred, as a child and raised her as her own. Mrs. Tharp was a member of Shilo Baptist Church in South Carolina. She cherished her membership there, so just visited many churches in Detroit. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and she was known as the mother of the neighborhood. Everyone in the neighborhood would gather on Mama Susie’s porch for some of the best fried chicken, creamed corn and homemade coconut cake. She loved to cook and feed others. It was just Mrs. Tharp’s nature to take care of others. She cared for her mother during her illness.

She maintained a home for herself, her daughter Sue and late son-in-law Charles Winston. Mrs. Susie Tharp attributes her longevity to loving God, never smoking and never drinking, loving and caring for others, and she loves seeing after her daughter who is also a resident at Hartford Nursing and Rehab. To God be the glory for 108 years.

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PRESENTS

“THE BATTLE AT NEW BETHEL” (Come and get your blessing!)

Sunday, August 25, 2013 •Doors open at 5 PM Program 6 PM

Pastor Shirley Caesar

The Clark Sisters Dorinda, Jackie, Karen and Twinkie.

J.J. Hairston of Chicago, IL and Youthful Praise

Others to be announced

Tanya Blount “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”

Rev. Mother – Hostess

Rev. Wendell Anthony Pastor of Fellowship Chapel

Rev. Robert Smith, Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church

Buffet: 5 PM – until — Featuring ReeRee’s Hot Water Cornbread, Baked Chicken and Dressing, Black Eye Peas with Okra, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Gumbo, Fried Fish, Mac and Cheese, Aretha’s Ox Tail Soup, Homemade Ice Cream, Peach Cobbler, Banana Pudding.

NEW BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

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July 3-9, 2013

michiganchronicle.com

Jeff Rubleski BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan

Health reform made simple: The 3 big things you need to know now

By Jeff Rubleski Employers across Michigan have told us that, when it comes to health reform, there’s TMI (Too Much Information) and TLT (Too Little Time) to figure out what it all means. Confusion caused by TMI is why we offer employers a very brief and direct take on reform requirements. For example, a recent online survey of small business owners found one-third (34%) incorrectly believed they were required to buy insurance for employees in 2014 and another third (35%) weren’t sure what they had to do.

Since some of biggest health reform changes go into effect beginning January 1, 2014, it’s time for employers to clear away the clutter of misconceptions and get up to speed on what really matters. Here, in a nutshell, are three key things you should know about the Affordable Care Act to help you prepare.

Companies with fewer than 50 employees are exempt from employer responsibilities.

According to a government fact sheet (www.cms.gov), employers with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees (which includes full-time and part-time employees) are exempt from new employer responsibility policies.

Excise tax will not be imposed on these employers, and they do not have to pay an assessment if their employees get tax credits through a state-sponsored health insurance exchange.

Since some of biggest health reform changes go into effect beginning January 1, 2014, it’s time for employers to clear away the clutter of misconceptions and get up to speed on what really matters.

Exchanges are coming.

As you probably know, the new laws require states to offer these exchanges, which are essentially competitive marketplaces of qualified health plans. The exchanges allow smaller employers (for 2014, Michigan’s exchange will define small employers as entities covering fewer than 50 employees) and individuals to directly compare available private health insurance options on the basis of price, quality and other factors. Michigan will have a state-federal partnership exchange in 2014 with open enrollment beginning on Oct. 1, 2013.

Businesses can be fined for not providing minimum essential coverage.

This one’s a little complicated, but here’s the gist: Effective January 1, 2014, a benefits package must meet the criteria for minimum essential coverage or face potential fines. The basic guideline for this is offering a plan with at least a 60% actuarial value, which means the plan pays 60% of its promised benefits after factoring in deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. (Note: The actuarial value formula to judge the criteria has not yet been finalized by the U.S. Government at the time of posting.)

Most Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan health insurance plans meet or exceed this requirement.

When making a decision on how to manage spending and risk, one option for businesses to consider is GlidePath from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network. This tool allows companies to determine their company’s health benefit budget and simplify the administrative work often accompanying health benefit offerings.

For more information, visit www.predictablehealthcosts.com Jeff Rubleski serves as director of Sales Strategy for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and is a certified Healthcare Reform specialist. He serves as the GlidePath™ go-to-market lead in implementing this defined contribution solution for active and retired members.

Alicia Boler-Davis: The General Motors success factor is shifting gears

By Roz Edward

Title: Senior vice president of Global Quality and Global Customer

sight for GM operations worldwide. The new title is effective July 1, 2013.

Profile: Married, two sons

Boler-Davis, previously a plant manager at Orion Assembly and Pontiac Stamping plants in Michigan, hardly looks the part though. As I sat across from her in her relatively sparsely decorated office with Danish furnishings and a very futuristic phone on the conference table, the relatively petite and very ladylike automotive executive made it clear while she is GM’s highest ranking African-American female executive. She is the exemplification the C’s of leadership; commanding, competent and confident. Boler-Davis is only the second African-American woman in automotive history reporting directly to an auto company president.

Once upon a time, in better times, there was a popular slogan frequently cited by anyone remotely connected (and in Detroit and the Midwest that was pretty much everybody), “As GM goes, so goes the nation.”

Since then, a financial crisis of phenomenal proportions nearly wrecked the auto industry, leading to U.S. government bailouts and the day the car as king came to a (pardon the pun) crashing halt.

But on Thursday, June 27, in a heavily secured, but triumphant celebration at the General Motors Tech Center in Warren, Michigan JD Powers and Associates officials had an extraordinary announcement to make.

One that would make GM employees ecstatic and put industry insiders on notice.

In the 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, General Motors was named the best automaker in the world for initial quality and eight of its models placed first in their respective categories.

In 2012, Alicia Boler-Davis made history when GM combined two areas as an industry-first under her leadership.

On the challenges of being a woman in a man’s world...

GM supports diversity and you can see that with the number of senior leaders that we have on our executive operating committee and the number of women we have on our board. It’s a company that supports diversity and supports it through talk in action.

But you still have a number of people who have a more traditional view and view the auto industry as male dominated and have an opinion around what women can and cannot do. They may not just say it, so you won’t get anyone who says ‘you should not be here,’ but you see the initial surprise. There may be some condescending attitudes, but when you are capable you can change their

GM president Dan Ackerman appointed Alicia Boler-Davis to senior vice president of Global Quality and Global Customer.

The appointment makes Boler-Davis only the second African-American woman in automotive history to report directly to the office of the president.

And there would be one more historic announcement that day. GM president Dan Ackerman appointed Alicia Boler-Davis — the driving force behind General Motors remarkable accomplishments and new found cache — to senior vice president of Global Quality and Global Customer. The appointment makes Boler-Davis only the second African American woman in automotive history to report directly to the office of the president, and expands her customer experience role from a U.S. position to one of over-

See alicia

boler-davis page C-2

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 3-9, 2013

Alicia Boler-Davis minds. We have women every day who push through (the boundaries) and I am glad to be one of those women.

On the challenges of being a Black woman in a leadership role…

We know there are still people that have attitudes about Blacks and other minorities that are not always positive. So I believe that it adds another level of challenge, the same way I approach being a female in this position, is the same way I approach being a I Black female in this position.

I don’t focus on the negative, I focus on me and what I am supposed to do every day and how can I do my job better, and guess that the rest will take care of itself. If there are issues I confront them. If you don’t like me that’s one thing, but you still have to do your job,

whether you like me or not.

On the most important attributes for women in a leadership role…

You have to have the skills and the background and the capability. That’s just number one and you have to believe that you can do it. And then you have to get the results.

And I have also learned over the years that it is about your team and you have to inspire your team to follow and to lead. It’s not about you. You have to be okay with taking risks. Being capable and able doesn’t mean you have to be the expert in the room.

A typical work day…

I typically start in the office at 6 a.m. I spend time looking at our current product, how are we performing, identifying the issues and analyz-

Page C-2

From page C-1 ing our progress. I have as much interaction with the team as I can. A 12hour work day is normal.

And because I have a global team I quite often go home and have global conference calls.

The whole enterprise has to take part in order to be successful. It’s not just Alicia driving (the process). The whole enterprise has to come to the party. I have a repu-

tation for getting results and driving change. I like to work and I like to work hard.

Our goal as a company has been to be a recognized leader when it

comes to quality and customer experience, so we have a very robust goal.

What has made us get better is our customers’ expectations.

I also frequently get to talk to customers about their experiences. One of the things I like best about my role is that it goes all the way from design to the product. I am a handson type person and I love being in the plant. I want to feel the pace and the heartbeat of the plant.

How she got there…

I have been with the company for 19 years …

I worked in a number of roles in the plant and I worked in every department. I was at eight or nine plants over the years. That was a great example of the changes that we were driving at GM and how we are taking an integrated approach.

On the move Veteran banking officer Dolores Sturdivant joins Hantz Bank Board of Directors Former Fifth Third Bank vice president Dolores A. Sturdivant has been elected to the Hantz Bank Board of Directors. Sturdivant joins the board at a time of expansion for Hantz Bank, which started with a single location in Davison, Michigan, in 2000 and has since grown to six branch offices across the state.

Hantz Bank is a community bank that is affiliated with the Hantz Group family of companies. This affiliation allows the bank to provide, in partnership with its affiliates, a one-stop shop for almost any financial need its customers may have. These services range from car loans provided by Hantz Bank to comprehensive retirement planning by Hantz Financial Services, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC) to home insurance provided by one of the Hantz Group’s insurance agency subsidiaries.

Dolores A. Sturdivant

Sturdivant is the founder, president, and CEO of TDS Group, LLC, which provides access to financial and professional resources for banks, small businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals. Before founding TDS Group,

Sturdivant served as vice president and affiliate CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) manager at Fifth Third Bank, where she enjoyed an 11-year tenure in a variety of positions. Sturdivant created, implemented and monitored the bank’s Community Development Lending programs and Small Business programs, which worked to ensure that banks had programs in place focused on meeting the needs of borrowers across all segments of their communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. Sturdivant also served at Fifth Third Bank as vice president of nonprofit banking and as vice president, team lead for small business. Prior to her tenure at Fifth Third Bank, she served as vice president and relationship manager for business banking at Bank One in Detroit.

She chairs the board for the Youth Development Commission, a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting and expanding youth development programs. She also is a board member for the Detroit Development Fund, Southwest Solutions and The Children’s Center, a nonprofit dedicated

to helping at-risk children and families achieve health and economic and social mobility. As a banking and financial expert, Sturdivant has received numerous awards and recognitions, including The Women’s Informal Network’s 2013 Most Influential African American Woman In Michigan Award and Booker T. Washington Business Association 11th Annual Keys to Business Success Award.

Sturdivant, as a financial and banking expert, has committed her professional career to helping build a solid economic foundation in eastern Michigan. She is a strong advocate of entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. She is committed to the development of a strong Southeast Michigan region.

She was educated in the Detroit Public Schools, received a B.A. from Wayne State University, MBA from University of Detroit Mercy and earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Development from Lawrence Technological University.

Dolores Sturdivant lives in Detroit with her husband, Karl.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Minority Business Development Agency report shows record-breaking year in job creation The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) set new records in fiscal year 2012, as detailed in its FY 2012 Annual Performance Report, released this week. MBDA Business Centers helped minority-owned businesses obtain over $3.6 billion in contracts and capital and create or retain 16,730 jobs, the highest level in the agency’s 44-year history.

MBDA’s performance in FY12 builds on success achieved during the first term of the Obama administration. From FY09 to FY12, MBaDA helped its clients obtain $14.6 billion in contracts and capital. These efforts also helped businesses create or save 33,048 jobs. This marks the best four-year performance in the agen-

cy’s history.

“Today’s report illustrates the crucial role MBDA plays in helping U.S. minority-owned businesses grow and expand globally, particularly because of the quantifiable return on investment and impact these businesses have on our economy,” said David A. Hinson, MBDA National Director.

“In his 2013 State of the Union speech, President Obama outlined his vision for making America a magnet for investment, innovation, and economic growth. While we have made significant progress, much work remains to ensure that opportunities to prosper are open to all entrepreneurs who are pursuing the American dream, especially our minority business owners.”

In FY12, MBDA completed an agency-wide restructuring, making it leaner and more efficient. This enabled the agency to further expand their national footprint by launching new MBDA Business Centers in Anchorage, Alaska; Fresno, Calif.; Santa Fe, N.M.; Memphis, Tenn.; Bismarck, N.D. and Tulsa, Okla. With nearly 40 business centers nationwide, MBDA has also transitioned to a new operating model that is MBDA Business Center-focused and global in scope.

More details about MBDA’s performance, including the size and industry of firms assisted, sources of contracts and capital, and state-level data, can be found in the full report on the Agency’s website at http://www.mbda.gov/ budget-performance.

Wayne State president gives $1 million gift to WSU Gilmour and Jirgens are designating the gift for students needing financial assistance to complete their education.

Wayne State University President Allan Gilmour has announced gifting $1 million to the university. The gift will be in the form of an endowment, 25 percent of which will be in the name of Gilmour’s partner, Eric Jirgens.

By design, the $1 million gift is somewhat greater than the total after-tax compensation Gilmour earned as president during his tenure.

The endowment will pay out at a rate of 4.5 percent annually.

“Being President has been a fascinating and rewarding experience,” said Gilmour. “My three years have convinced me of the value of Wayne State — to the community, the state

“Student success is our primary focus at Wayne State,” said Gilmour. “We want this gift to help students, particularly those who need financial assistance to finish their degrees. These graduates will be our future citizens and leaders, in all fields, and they deserve our support.”

Allan Gilmour and, most of all, the students. It is unique among Michigan’s public universities and a valuable state asset. I am honored to be part of it and delighted I am able to give back.”

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.

July 3-9, 2013

Page C-3

Different generation, new way of looking at career advancement

By Lee Meadows Arguably, the economic downturn of 2007 did more to reshape the employment landscape than the combined efforts of Microsoft, Apple and Walmart.

Career historians would note the beginning of the “mindset” change when the meteor dropped in the middle of the Atlantic ocean known as the 1980s merger and acquisition “ride the wild wave” and thousands of “wave-riding” careerist were flung against a mile high coastal shoreline with nothing to show for their efforts but pieces of the “wave runner” they were awarded instead of the job stability behind door number 2.

The ripple effect of those “wave-riding” days have, finally, reached the shores and the children of the “wave riders” have moved into adulthood and the memories of that event completely reshaped the thinking around the pursuit of a career and the strategies for ongoing success. Prior to their being washed ashore by the “merger and acquisition” wave, the “wave riders,” in general, maintained a singular focus, within an organization, that was motivated by taking the prescribed steps up the career ladder. Time, tasks and testimony were the driving factors that helped move a “wave watcher” into the middle ranks of being a “wave rider.” The tranquil comfort of those peaceful waters created a lull creative thought in regards to professional career advancement.

As they rode the gentle wave of internal career security, they mistook the frantic gestures coming from people on the organizational shoreline as positive acknowledgements of their “wave-riding” success and not as warnings of the tsunami coming up from behind. The end result has flustered organizational leaders who chime and lament about the lack of loyalty to their employer, seemingly non-existent among the most recent generations of employees.

Yet, astute observers of career behavior as well as professional career strategists would argue that the most recent generations of employees are behaving exactly as anyone would who witnessed and felt the impact of a tidal wave. The resulting rethinking of career aspirations is rooted in that historical moment.

Consequently, careers are not seen as a single, perhaps lifetime pursuit up a career ladder in one organization, but as one stepping stone among many within a larger pond of opportunities. The focus, for many, is not the depth of time within a function that results in a move up, but the breadth of experience with-

Lee Meadows in a career discipline that comes from moving around. The loyalty to an organization is a secondary benefit that comes from having a primary focus on the skills, experience and education that blend together improve one’s “free-agency” status and increase the frequency in which opportunities appear. The dilemma for the organization is in deciding how much to invest in employees who see the experience as a stepping stone as opposed to an entrenched commitment. So the dance to the ROI (Return On Investment) concerto in C minor, is a delicate maneuver between two willful companions who are determined to be the one who leads and not the one who follows. Who determines the path, the choices and its outcome? Careers are made and broken by the slightest bump, head nod or attitudinal dislike. Most of which was endured as a consequence of the stability of wave riding in calm, peaceful waters.

The 2007 economic downturn, as seen through a historical lens, served to reinforce and magnify what had already begun as a change in the mindset of the subsequent generations of “wave dancers” that emerged from that storm.

In a career portfolio in which stepping stones represent thoughtful career choices, loyalty is seen as something earned in a larger context of give and take.

The current generation of “wave dancers” do not view loyalty to an organization as their primary method of career advancement. Instead, the view encompasses loyalty as part of their career development and career advancement is determined by loyal relationships within organizational settings that build on trust beyond the bottom line.

Nominate Your Favorite Artiste To RECOGNIZING

Artists & Educators In addition to the many business executives, community and government leaders who annually inspire the readers of Who’s Who in Black Detroit, the 2013 edition of Who’s Who will pay special tribute to artists, entertainers and 100 Top Educators in our community.

If you are a business executive, community leader, government leader, accomplished artist, entertainer, or educator Nominate yourself, or someone you know.

Email their headshot and 180 word bio to detroit@whoswhopublishing.com Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Call Cathy Nedd, Associate Publisher

(313) 963-8100

Page C-4 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 3-9, 2013

a

Salute to FirSt

adies L

Award Ceremony

Saturday, September 14, 2013 11:00 a.m.

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center

NOMINATION DEADLINE JULY 19, 2013, 5:00 PM

Call For NomiNatioNs The Michigan Chronicle’s Salute to First Ladies celebrates women who exceed their responsibilities as first ladies and encourages others through their leadership and active participation in the religious community.

For their success as dedicated wives, mothers, and leaders, the Chronicle’s readership is encouraged to submit nominations for this prestigious award.

We honor these women for upholding a tremendous foundation and faithfully supporting our religious leaders. Not only are they gracious supporters, they also lead their congregations with charisma, poise and eminence.

In 100 words or less, please tell us about your First Lady and why you think she should be selected to be honored as one of this year’s Salute to First Ladies.

NOMINATION FORM

Describe the nominee’s community service activity or organizational involvement.

Name of Nominee Title Church Affiliation Years of Service

NOMINEE CONTACT INFORMATION Address

How has the nominee mentored others?

City/State/Zip Day Phone Evening Phone Email

QUESTIONS TO BE COMPLETED Describe the specific accomplishments that demonstrate the nominee’s comittment to her congregation.

Meet the New Public Lighting Authority Be part of the plan to relight Detroit The Public Lighting Authority was created this year to develop a plan to improve public lighting in Detroit. The Authority is reaching out to the community for input on how the new lighting system should relight the streets of Detroit.

The community meetings will: Introduce the Public Lighting Authority and explain their role.

Give an overview of Detroit’s lighting system.

Ask for your input on options and ideas to improve Detroit’s lighting system.

• • •

The Public Lighting Authority will NOT be able to answer questions about specific nonworking lights.

Come to a meeting in your neighborhood!

North Central: Wednesday, June 26, 6 – 8 p.m.

Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Rd.

Southwest: Wednesday, July 10, 6 – 8 p.m.

Wayne County Community College Downtown District, 1001 W Fort St.

Northwest: Friday, June 28, 6 – 8 p.m.

Brightmoor Community Center, 14451 Burt Rd.

Central: Monday, July 15, 6 – 8 p.m.

Coleman A. Young Community Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Dr.

East: Wednesday, July 3, 6 – 8 p.m.

Samaritan Center, 5555 Conner St.

Northeast: Wednesday, July 17, 6 – 8 p.m.

Perfecting Church Cathedral, 7616 E. Nevada St.

West: Monday, July 8, 6 – 8 p.m.

Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. 7 Mile Rd.

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NOMINATOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION Name Title Church Affiliation Address City/State/Zip Day Phone Evening Phone Email

Submissions will be accepted until July 19, 2013 at 5 pm.

Submit by mail, visit www.michiganchronicle.com or email c/o Amber Bogins at abogins@michronicle.com.

Michigan Chronicle, 479 Ledyard, Detroit, MI 48201, 313-963-8100.

business

Success doesn’t just happen

By Ellis Liddell

legacy.

Even though the official Black History Month is over, what we do today will establish the Black history for our children and grandchildren.

Developing a strategy for success is critical, because without a strategy we are often wandering aimlessly, wondering why success is happening to others, but not us.

Have a contingency plan.

The easiest way to achieve this is through life insurance and annuities, both of which have a death benefit that could be used to sustain your family’s lifestyle and/or preserve your business.

Mutual funds, stocks and bonds can also provide income for your loved ones.

Set goals for success.

It is often quoted that the steps of a good man or woman are ordered and wealth transferring from one generation to the next is key to establishing a solid foundation.

Be able to plan for fifteen, ten, five and one year from today. Many people find it hard to set goals, but it is something that we have to do in order to be successful.

It’s time to internalize those quotes, plant them, give them water, and grow them to produce for us. No matter what your generation, from the baby boomers (1946–1964) to the millennials (19802000), the steps of planning for the future are consistent.

You should be in control of your life, not your life controlling you.

July 3-9, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

“Y

ou have to be willing to

spend some time helping someone else manage their business until you have the knowledge and resources to build and run your own. For those who already own a business, considering partnering with other businesses in order to grow your business.”

Begin the process by discussing with someone how you plan to achieve wealth through the various channels, such as an employer sponsored retirement plan (like a 401k/403b/457 plan), a Roth IRA, life insurance and/or estate planning.

Build your wisdom team. Surround yourself with people who can serve as advisors and create the ultimate success that you desire and deserve.

Seek out professional assistance from members of your community: accountants, bankers, financial advisors, lawyers, etc.

Build a relationship with a doctor or holistic healer.

Take care of yourself. You need to maintain your mental and physical health in order to be able to build your

Partner for success.

You have to be willing to spend some time helping someone else manage their business until you have the knowledge and resources to build and run your own. For those who already own a business, considering partnering with other businesses in order to grow your business.

Believe in some higher power than yourself.

For me, many of the verses of the Bible have proven themselves to be true.

For example, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

The kingdom represents understanding and God represents wisdom. My faith and spirituality have definitely sustained me and caused me to succeed in life and in business.

At ELE Wealth Management, we have instituted our Black 365 Program. This program is designed to keep you financially in the black while achieving the top three desires in retirement: traveling more, spending more time with family and friends, volunteering more and pursuing a hobby.

Retirement is one of the most powerful accomplishments we can prepare for.

Let’s plan now to retire in style later.

Ellis Liddell is the president of ELE Wealth Management, LLC in Southfield,.

He is also the author of “Wealth Management: Merging Faith with Finance.”

He can be reached at (248) 356-6555 or through his website: www.elewealth. com.

Page C-5

Bank of America Charitable Foundation connects local teens to summer employment in Detroit The Bank of America Charitable Foundation re­ cently announced that five metro Detroit area high school students have been selected to take part in the 2013 Student Leaders program, which awards a total of 225 community-minded high school juniors and seniors from around the country with paid eightweek summer internships at local nonprofit organizations.

Despite gains in the overall job market, teens still have the highest unemployment rate. One out of every seven young people is not in school or working.

Research indicates that teens who are gainfully employed have lower dropout rates, are more likely to continue their education to pursue longterm career goals and ultimately show an increase in lifetime earning potential.

That’s why Bank of America started the Student Leaders program. It is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to provide individuals with access and exposure to critical resources that will bolster their work and life skills while also benefiting the community.

“Service is an integral element to traditional education. Through this program, the bank focuses on meeting real-world training and educational needs for teens,” said Matthew Elliott, Michigan Market president, Bank of America.

“Our Student Leaders

program provides them with the opportunity to earn and learn while increasing the capacity of nonprofits to serve critical community needs.”

In addition to the paid internships, the students will attend a weeklong Bank of America Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., this month.

Summit activities include a service learning project and a series of interactive workshops, including Capitol Hill briefings and sessions on financial education and leadership development skills.

The students gain a deeper understanding of how service creates positive change and how corporate, nonprofit and government collaboration revitalize communities.

Participating local stu-

dents interning at Focus: HOPE are: Lamar Allen, a Detroit resident, and recent graduate of Chandler Park Academy High School; Bruce Brunson, a Detroit resident, and recent graduate of Renaissance High School; Charles Hurt, a Detroit resident, and recent graduate of Cass Technical High School; Apara Sivaraman, a Troy resident, and recent graduate of Troy High School; Vanessa Wong, a West Bloomfield resident, and rising senior at International Academy High School – Okma Campus The Student Leaders program demonstrates Bank of America’s longstanding belief that investing in leadership and fostering a culture of service is a way to revitalize the economic and social health of communities.

Extra effort yields big rewards More than 125 volunteers contribute to volunteer effort

Forgotten Harvest volunteer and Communicating Arts Credit Union staff member Jennifer Montgomery didn’t know what to expect from her Metro West Chapter of Credit Unions volunteering support, but what she discovered was a rewarding experience that will stick with her for quite some time.

“I was amazed to learn of all the tremendous work they (Forgotten Harvest) do. It was just a joy to play a small role in the large impact they have in the community,” said Montgomery.

Forgotten Harvest, the country’s largest food-rescue organi-

zation, works to “rescue” food — surplus that would typically go to waste — from establishments such as grocery stores, restaurants and food companies. The leftovers are then repackaged and distributed to emergency food pantries. Volunteers from the community and local businesses play a critical role in the daily operations at Forgotten Harvest as they are needed to help with a variety of tasks to assist in the organization’s continued success and outreach.

“It’s important that our chapter continues to uplift our communities in the De-

troit area. I’m elated to see so many credit union employees and members pull together to make a difference for the areas that need it most,” said Hank Hubbard, Communicating Arts Credit Union president/CEO. In an atmosphere filled with eager individuals ready to help, all 125 volunteers, prepped with hairnets and aprons, spent the day at Forgotten Harvest repackaging nearly 11,000 pounds of rescued surplus “meat snacks” from large 700 pound bins collected from the actual factory in Ohio.

“They’re one of our most

Jennifer Montgomery packaging meat snacks for families in need at Forgotten Harvest.

Credit Union volunteers gather around for a group photo.

popular items,” said Vince LaFata, senior volunteer coordinator of Forgotten Harvest. “They have protein that families can use for sustenance and they are a great tasting product.”

A touching moment occurred as volunteers learned that they would also assist Forgotten Harvest in preparing a convoy of food and supplies collected from around the Detroit area to help victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes that occurred in May. Two semi-trucks, full of donations including basic toiletries, cleaning supplies, clothes, and packaged foods, were sorted and boxed for shipment.

Marci Fitch, volunteer manager of Forgotten Harvest, said that what the Metro West Chapter is doing at Forgotten Harvest is wonderful. Volunteers are not just helping the people in Michigan, but the victims who need disaster relief in Oklahoma. The organization is really excited to have the chapter’s help.

Employees and members of the eight Metro West Chapter credit unions also worked in a collaborative effort to raise funds totaling about $13,700 which were donated to Forgotten Harvest.

Credit union branch manager LaWanda Houze presents a $13,700 donation to Forgotten Harvest.

Page C-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 3-9, 2013

Meet the New Public Lighting Authority Be part of the plan to relight Detroit The Public Lighting Authority was created this year to develop a plan to improve public lighting in Detroit. The Authority is reaching out to the community for input on how the new lighting system should relight the streets of Detroit.

The community meetings will: • Introduce the Public Lighting Authority and explain their role.

• Give an overview of Detroit’s lighting system.

• Ask for your input on options and ideas to improve Detroit’s lighting system.

The Public Lighting Authority will NOT be able to answer questions about specific nonworking lights.

ONLY FOUR MEETINGS LEFT Come to any meeting across Detroit!

North Central: Wednesday, June 26, 6 – 8 p.m.

Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Rd.

West: Monday, July 8, 6 – 8 p.m.

Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. 7 Mile Rd.

Northwest: Friday, June 28, 6 – 8 p.m.

Brightmoor Community Center, 14451 Burt Rd.

Southwest: Wednesday, July 10, 6 – 8 p.m.

Wayne County Community College Downtown District, 1001 W Fort St.

East: Wednesday, July 3, 6 – 8 p.m.

Samaritan Center, 5555 Conner St.

Central: Monday, July 15, 6 – 8 p.m.

Coleman A. Young Community Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Dr. Northeast: Wednesday, July 17, 6 – 8 p.m.

Perfecting Church Cathedral, 7616 E. Nevada St.

Morang

Davison

3

Park

94

Conner

Mt.

3

Dyke

Elliott

12

375

Jefferson

Livernois

Dix

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94

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Southwest: Wednesday, July 10, 6 – 8 p.m.

Wayne County Community College Downtown District, 1001 W Fort St.

Central: Monday, July 15, 6 – 8 p.m.

Coleman A. Young Community Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Dr. Northeast: Wednesday, July 17, 6 – 8 p.m.

Perfecting Church Cathedral, 7616 E. Nevada St.

West: Monday, July 8, 6 – 8 p.m.

Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. 7 Mile Rd.

Hayes

North Central: Wednesday, June 26, 6 – 8 p.m.

Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Rd. Northwest: Friday, June 28, 6 – 8 p.m.

Brightmoor Community Center, 14451 Burt Rd. East: Wednesday, July 3, 6 – 8 p.m.

Samaritan Center, 5555 Conner St.

Hoover

The Public Lighting Authority was created this year to develop a plan to improve public lighting in Detroit. The Authority is reaching out to the community for input on how the new lighting system should relight the streets of Detroit.

The community meetings will: Introduce the Public Lighting Authority and explain their role.

Give an overview of Detroit’s lighting system.

Ask for your input on options and ideas to improve Detroit’s lighting system.

• • •

The Public Lighting Authority will NOT be able to answer questions about specific nonworking lights.

Come to a meeting in your neighborhood!

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Meet the New Public Lighting Authority Be part of the plan to relight Detroit

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For more information, visit

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Powered by Real Times Media

SECTION D

Reflections

By Steve Holsey

Blues royalty

July 3-9, 2013

michiganchronicle.com

John Legend is here to stay

The passing of blues icon Bobby “Blue” Bland was a huge blow, not only to the blues world but also the music industry as a whole.

Bland was representative of the cream of the blues crop, alongside B.B. King, Little Milton, Albert King and a select few others. Listen to these blues belters and you are hearing the real thing.

It is too bad that blues no longer has the level of appeal it had in times past in the Black community, and almost no appeal at all to young Blacks. Hence, Bobby “Blue” Bland when giants like Bland leave us, there is literally no one to replace them. Indeed, as many blues artists will tell you, it is basically Whites who keep them working. The support is appreciated, but the situation is still sad.

Blues is part of the Black experience, created entirely by Black people. Same for R&B, jazz and gospel. We should be more appreciative and supportive on all fronts.

Bobby “Blue” Bland was responsible for some of the best blues recordings ever made, including “That’s the Way Love Is,” “This Time I’m Gone For Good,” “I Pity the Fool,” “Share Your Love With Me,” “Cry Cry Cry” and “I’ll Take Care of You,” among many others, plus two of his exciting uptempo R&B excursions, “Turn on Your Love Light” and “Don’t Cry No More.”

Speaking of uptempo, Little Milton used to sing “The Blues Is Alright.”

Well, one of the reasons for that is Bobby “Blue” Bland.

MARIAH CAREY’S new album, her 14th, titled “The Art of Letting Go,” was scheduled to be released in late July but she concluded that there was additional work to be done on it. No artist wants to compromise on Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon. what they deeply feel regarding their work. It has been called “the maintaining of artistic integrity.”

“I don’t feel it would be doing it justice to release it on July 23,” said Carey. “I’d rather not exclude meaningful songs. I want to give this album as it was meant to be heard.”

Although the first single from the album, “Beautiful” (featuring Miguel), is already a hit, Carey has not given a new release date.

The multi-talented Nick Cannon (Mariah Carey’s husband) says he is going to bring back “Soul Train” by way of his production company, NCredible. The new “Soul Train” will air on NBC. “It means so much for our culture,” said Cannon.

DICK GREGORY should be ashamed of himself. At the recent March on Woodward, the 50-year commemoration of the 1963 March on Woodward led

by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Gregory said some derogatory, disgusting, embarrassing things about White people.

What makes it even worse is that many Whites participated in this march just as they did in the original one.

Dick Gregory This was certainly not in the spirit of Dr. King. Sadly, at 80, perhaps Gregory is losing his grip mentally.

It was surprising to learn that R. Kelly is a major fan of the great Sam Cooke. He has even sung Cooke’s songs in concert. You can see and hear for yourself on YouTube. Kelly described Cooke as “real” and “powerful.”

Hopefully, Zoe Saldana will do a good job as Nina Simone in the biopic on the iconic and enigmatic songstress, but resemblance-wise, it seems India.Arie that India.Arie would have been a better choice. That is, assuming she can act.

Snoop Lion —the hardcore rapper formerly known as Snoop Dogg and before that, Snoop Doggy Dogg — may have recorded a

See Reflections Page D-3

By Jason Donovan When certain artists arrive on the recording scene, it is immediately evident that they will have an enduring presence. For example, Beyoncé, Usher, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake and Alicia Keys. And there are plenty of reasons why artists such as Smokey Robinson, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight are still going strong.

John Legend, singer-songwriter-musician, has what it takes to become a mainstay, just as one of his heroes, Marvin Gaye, was and would still be had he not left us.

“At the end of the day, there’s only a few major stars in the music business, and then there’s all these people that are aspiring to be that,” Legend said.

on “Everything Is Everything,” a cut on what would go on to become a hugely successful album titled “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”

One of the major elements of his consistent success is his voice, which bares no similarity to anyone else’s, present or past. With it, Legend can express the deepest of emotions and create any mood the song calls for. There is no more perfect example than “Ordinary People,” his 2004 breakthrough hit from the pivotal album “Get Lifted.”

JOHN ROGER STEPHENS was born in Springfield, Ohio, in 1978. Like so many other African American artists, he got his first singing experience in the church, but in his case it was at a very early age (7) and, amazingly, he started playing piano when he was only 4. He seems to have been born for this business.

People naturally wonder why he gave himself the name “John Legend” once he entered show business. Well, the decision was not ego driven. As he explained, it had much to do with the maturity of his voice.

“John Legend is a nickname that somebody started calling me,” he said, then added with a smile, “and part of it was because I sound like an old man when I sing!”

For the record, he is 34 although he looks considerably younger.

After graduation from high school he was offered scholarships to Georgetown University, Morehouse College and Harvard University.

However, he opted for the University of Pennsylvania, although he was not a music major; rather, he studied English with a focus on African American literature.

DURING HIS college years Legend was part of a group called the Counterparts. They sang

Legend describes this as his “first big break.”

Prior to that, he recorded a live album independently, “Live at Jimmy’s Uptown.” That was in 2001, and since there was no distribution arrangement, he sold the CDs at his concerts which is not an uncommon thing for new artists to do. jazz and pop a cappella as does Take 6. At one point the group recorded a song titled “One of Us,” with Legend on lead, that found its way onto a compilation album titled “Best of Collegiate a Cappella.”

However, pursuing a career alone was more to his liking.

“I always saw myself as a singer-songwriter, a solo artist,” he said. “That’s why working with other artists was never satisfying for me.”

So he began landing engagements in Philadelphia as well as Boston, Washington, D.C., and other cities.

Around that time he also had the good fortune to be introduced to Lauryn Hill who was launching a solo career following the disbanding of the Fugees. She asked him to play

After that he made a demo tape that he sent out to an array of record companies.

He got the chance to meet upand-coming artist Kanye West and subsequently signed with West’s record company. His style was, of course, nothing like West’s, nor was his personality or inclinations.

LEGEND’S FIRST album, “Get Lifted,” was released at the tail end of 2004, featuring production by West, will-i-am and Dave Tozer. It was an immediate success and sold an impressive 116,000 copies within the first week of its release. Once it reached the 500,000 mark, which didn’t take long, “Get Lifted” was certified Gold by the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA). It also sold well in several other countries.

See John Legend Page D-3

lifestyle Editor’s Note

PLAY

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE In the spirit of Independence Day, this week I wanted to drop you a note about liberation.

Liberating yourself from negative thoughts will help you greatly in building both a positive mind and a far healthier lifestyle.

The only purpose discouraged feelings serve, is to keep your thoughts focused on what you can’t do. And with your attention fixed in this fashion — on what seems impossible — there’s no room

for discovering what is possible.

Instead of falling into those feelings of futility over yourself, work to drop those discourage-filled thoughts that are holding you back.

Be fearless and discover the presence of a bright new power that lives within you.

Happy Day!

Independence

EAT

All the Best, Rian J. Barnhill

July 3-9, 2013

Page D-2

2013 Summer Theater Festival featuring ‘Passing’ and ‘I’mma Do Me’ Mayowa Reynolds

Summer barbeque recipies with Chef Mike Ebbs

The Charkes H wright Museum welcomes you to enjoy a stellar weekend of double-header performances featuring two fantastic one-woman plays.

“Passing” is the OffBroadway production based on the true story of one woman’s courageous and remarkable choice in the segregated South.

Starring Mayowa Reynolds, written by Dara

Harper and directed by Lumumba Reynolds, “Passing” has enjoyed several sold-out performances over the past two years at the museum, so don’t miss this limited engagement.

“I’mma Do Me” is a 15-character play that confronts the heartache and humor of poverty in America across several generations and diverse walks of life, and is writ-

ten and performed April Dae Rochon.

by

Tickets for each double-feature performance are $20 in advance or $25 at the door (special discount for Wright Museum members on door tickets). Purchase tickets online at TheWright.org or by calling (800) 8383006. http://thewright.org/ upcoming-events/eventlist.

SHOP

It’s hard to think of summer in Metro Detroit and not think of barbeque, according to Chef Mike Ebbs, barbeque master at MGM Grand Detroit who grills up barbeque favorites for Palette Dining Studio, Breeze Dining Court and TAP at the casino.

Chef Mike takes great pride in the delicious barbeque selections available at MGM Grand Detroit restaurants. In the char buffet section at Palette, all-youcan eat barbeque ribs and rib tips accompany rotisserie chicken cooked over natural wood. Catch the Tigers’ game and have a Michigan craft beer at TAP while enjoying barbeque ribs with your buddies. TAP patrons won’t judge how messy you get. Mouthwatering pulled pork and ribs prepared by Chef Mike are available in Breeze Dining Court.

Smokey Sauce. The tangy kick of Chef Mike’s Carolina Gold sauce pairs well with pork.

For a hassle-free barbecue meal, dine at MGM Grand Detroit this summer or try one of Chef Mike’s sauce recipes at home and come in to tell him how much you loved it.

Chef Mikes favorite BBQ recipies: Alabama White Sauce •

3 cups Mayo

•

1 cup Sugar

•

1Ž2 cup Distilled Vinegar

•

1 tsp Salt

•

2 tbsp Lemon Juice

•

2 tbsp Course Ground Black Pepper

“Barbeque is indicative of summertime with fond memories going back to childhood,” said Chef Mike. “We want to bring you back to those feelings at MGM Grand Detroit. I love the expression on guests’ faces when they bite into a good rib or taste our food for the first time.”

•

1 tbsp Cayenne Pepper

When grilling at home, Chef Mike stresses the importance of making sure the grates of the grill are well oiled to ensure the meat does not stick. He recommends using a rag soaked in vegetable oil to lubricate the metal.

Kansas City Sweet and Smokey Sauce

He also suggests using different temperature areas on the grill to help with the cooking process.

“Begin by dumping a large pile of coals on one side of the grill,” said Chef Mike. “Then spread the coals out in decreasing amounts across the bottom.

This will allow the meat to sear on the hot area of the grill and finish cooking on the lower temperature area.”

“Barbeque sauce compliments the flavor of cooked meat and adds a delicious finish to anything grilled,” said Chef Mike. “It is important to put the sauce on during the last 10 minutes of cooking because if the sauce is applied too early, it will over-caramelize and burn.”

Mix ingredients thoroughly in mixing bowl. Refrigerate for 2 hours to allow flavors to combine. Best served over chicken.

By Cieara Wilson Turning up on street corners and shopping malls everywhere is an edgy new trend adorning shoes. Six-inch heels, loafers and everything in between are experiencing a fun facelift in the form of gold, silver and brass studs and spikes. An instant eye-catcher and conversation starter, these bold studs and spikes make a confident statement all on their own and are an essential piece of a chic wardrobe. Here our top five picks.

1. Kelley 12 Black Studded Lace-Up Oxfords, $29 The causal oxford has gotten a fresh new look. The traditional preppy tie-up shoe now looks a tad boring compared to this one, bejeweled with gunmetal spikes.

This Vegan suede flat is available in whole and half sizes at lulus.com.

2. Vampiree by Steven Madden, $129.98 Steve Madden’s sky high ankle bootie is daring and brave. Its gold metal spikes literally pop out adding to this stiletto’s dramatic appeal. Six inches never looked so dangerous. Available at Steve Madden at Somerset Mall, 248-637-7510, and stevemadden.com.

•

2 cups Catsup

•

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

•

2 tbsp Unsulfured Molasses

•

1 tsp Kosher Salt

•

1 tsp Granulated Garlic

3. Aria Flat by Michael Kors, $149.95

•

1 tsp Chili Powder

•

1/4 cup Cider Vinegar

•

1/2 tsp Liquid Smoke

Possessing comfort, style, and fanciness, Michael Kors’ Aria suede flat is a classic look with a bit of embellishment.

Available at Nordstrom at Twelve Oaks, 248-504-5700, and nordstrom.com.

Combine ingredients into saucepan.

Simmer on low heat stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Pour into airtight container. Will keep indefinitely, best served with anything.

Carolina Gold Sauce •

2 cups Yellow Mustard

•

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

•

1/4 cup Distilled Vinegar

The chef went on to share his favorite recipes.

•

1Ž2 cup Tomato Paste

•

1/2 tsp Granulated Garlic

“One of the best sauces I’ve ever used for chicken is my Alabama White Sauce,” he said. “People usually don’t associate something light in color with barbeque, but this is excellent.”

•

1/2 tsp Course Ground Black Pepper

Looking for a more traditional barbeque? Try his Kansas City Sweet and

Studs, spikes and such

•

1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper

•

1/2 cup of Your Favorite Beer

Add ingredients to sauce pan, combine over low heat until sugar dissolves.

Chill. Best accompanies pulled pork.

4. “Battle-Spike” Pump by Jeffrey Campbell, $219.95 Razor sharp gold studs and spikes beautifully cover the toe of this curvy four-and-a-half inch heeled black pump.

Available at Nordstrom at Twelve Oaks and nordstrom.com.

5. Studded Lace-Up Wedge Sneakers, $41.10 This jeweled wedge sneaker is a perfect balance of height, sportiness and glam.

The back of this velvet wedge is designed to be encrusted in both silver spikes and studs. Available in four colors (black, cobalt, taupe and teal). This threeinch wedge is a must have. Available at gojane.com.

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

July 3-9, 2013 Page D-3

29TH ANNUAL

SAM LOGAN MICHIGAN CHRONICLE GOLF TOURNAMENT SATURDAY • JULY 27, 2013 At

Rouge Golf Course

GOLF COURSE

11701 Burt Rd, Detroit, MI 48228 Rob Johnson, Course General Manager

4 FLIGHTS CHAMPIONSHIP, 1ST 2ND, & 3RD Golf Cart, Refreshments, Etc. SENIOR MUST BE 62 & OLDER SUPER SENIOR 70 UP

Good times on the riverfront

START 8:00 A.M.

Detroit has its share of problems, but that doesn’t stop metro Detroiters from enjoying themselves on the ever-improving Detroit riverfront. The River Days Festival is always a huge attraction. Among the performers this year were two legendary acts, P-Funk master George Clinton (above) and the fantastic O’Jays. (It’s hard to get used to George Clinton, famous for wild, colorful attire, wearing suits!) —

$100 Proceeds to benefit the Sam Logan Foundation

At KARAS HOUSE 23632 Plymouth

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE GOLF NAME ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________ CITY _______________________ STATE ________________ ZIP ____________

Chene Park concert calendar Spyro Gyra, Swing Out Sister, July 3; Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewett, July 6; Ultimate White Party, July 7; Jonathan Butler, Maysa, Alan Trotman, July 10; Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Rachelle Ferrell, July 13; SOS Band, Rose Royce, July 17; Hezekiah Walker, Tye Tribett, Bryson Cage, July 20; Brian Culbertson, Kimmie Horne, July 24.

Tyrese, Ginuwine, Tank, July 28; Rahsaan Patterson, Kindred & the Family Soul, July 31;

D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Aug. 4; Will Downing, Maurissa Rose, Aug. 7; Three Dog Night, Aug. 8; Ramsey Lewis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Aug. 14; Toni Braxton, Aug. 17; Sergio Mendes, Aug. 21; Keyshia Cole, Lyfe Jennings, K’Michelle, Aug. 24; Michael McDonald, Toto, Aug. 25.

For tickets, call the Chene Park box office at 313.393.7128 or visit www.cheneparkdetroit. com. Tickets are also sold at Ticketmaster locations.

John Legend

From page D-1

That album earned Legend the first three of his nine Grammy Awards, but he was not focused only on his own recordings because he was featured on the albums of numerous other artists, among them Mary J. Blige, the Black Eyed Peas and Jay-Z.

By now it was clear that John Legend was in for the long haul, as proven by the success of his third release, “Evolv-

Entry Fee

Make Your Reservations Now! Make Check Or Money Order Payable To:

Barbara Orto photos

Legend’s highly anticipated second album, “Once Again,” was released in the fall of 2006.

It, too, was a critical and commercial success, and like its predecessor, crossed over onto the Pop charts. It received Platinum certification from the RIAA in recognition of reaching the million sales mark.

HURRY! Limited Number First Come, First Served!

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HILARIOUS! TERRIFIC! DELIGHTFUL!

ONE OF THE FUNNIEST MOVIES EVER! MOVIE GUIDE

er.” There was also an award-winning collaboration with the Roots (currently the house band on Jimmy Fallon’s late-night TV show) titled “Wake Up!” Legend, who does a lot of philanthropic work, is looking forward to Sept.

3, which is when his next album will be released.

Reflections

lot of crude recording and performed crudely on stage, but he evidently believes in marriage vows, even though there was a large snag in his marriage.

Snoop married Shante Taylor in 1997, filed for divorce in 2004, but then he and Shante renewed their vows in 2008. Interruption notwithSnoop Lion standing, so many marriages do not last 16 years.

Stevie Wonder says he is working on two albums, one with a symphony orchestra singing new versions of some of his hits plus new songs. The other is a gospel album, a tribute to his late mother, Lula Hardaway.

Jay-Z’s album, interestingly titled “Magna Carta Holy Grail,” comes out July 7. Of course, if you’re a Jay-Z fan you already know that. The birth of he and Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy, prompted him to stop using the word “bitch” in reference to women. Now if he would just stop using “the ‘N’ word.”

In a story he wrote titled “The 10 Most Annoying Concert Behaviors” for Rolling Stone magazine, Andy Greene said, “There is a real problem at theater and arena shows that attract fans over the age of, say, 40. Inevitably, there are some people standing right in front of

It had been scheduled to come out earlier, but Legend decided to push the release date back.

Perhaps what John Legend is about musically can be summed up in five words he once spoke: “I want to move people.”

Steve Holsey contributed to this story.

SMART, SILLY AND ACTION-PACKED. MSN MOVIES

THE MUST-SEE FILM OF THE SUMMER. MOVIE FANATIC

From page D-1 people who like to remain seated.”

How true!

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW...that it was Dick Clark’s first wife, Barbara Mallery Clark, who gave Chubby Checker his name. (His birth name is Ernest Evans.) Doing a play on the name “Fats Domino,” she said Evans was cute, “like a chubby checker.”

MEMORIES: “Stop Your Weeping” (the Dramatics), “I’ll Always Love My Mama” (the Intruders), “Since You’ve Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)” (Aretha Franklin), “Try a Little Tenderness” (Otis Redding), “We Are The Champions” (Queen), “He’s the Greatest Dancer” (Sister Sledge), “Don’t Leave Me This Way” (Thelma Houston), “Mighty Love” (the Spinners), “17” (Rick James), “When I’m Gone” (Brenda Holloway).

BLESSINGS to Greg Dunmore, Hugh Burrell, Saunteel Jenkins, Andre Spivey, Michael Fuqua, Ed Phillips, Claudette Robinson, Katherine Schaffner, Kim Trent and Ken Coleman.

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Jody Watley: “There is always negativity, so you’ve just got to stay focused and keep moving forward.”

Let the music play!

Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol.com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR AND SHOWTIMES STARTS WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 THEATERS DOWNLOAD THE MINION RUSH GAME NOW!

Classified

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

qObituaries q Betty Jo Smith

Services for Betty Jo Smith were held Thursday, April 4, at Gospel Temple Baptist Church. Officiating was Pastor Anthony E. Darrington Sr. Mrs. Smith, a Sinai Hospital retiree, died Wednesday, March 27 in Lahser Hills Care Center. She was 68.

Born Betty Jo Gainer Oct. 16, 1944, in Birmingham, Ala., she received her formal education in the Detroit Public Schools system and graduated from Eastern High School – now Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School – in 1963. She was employed as a phlebotomist at Sinai Hospital for 34 years.

Mrs. Smith is described as one who valued life and knew how to enjoy it. She liked dancing, watching Lifetime TV and HGTV programs, bowling, listening to Motown artists, socializing at her home with family and friends, and her greatest joy: “hanging” with her grandson Kyle.

Mrs. Smith and her twin sister, Carol Nolen, were the oldest in a family of close-knit siblings and were inseparable until Mrs. Nolen’s death in 2011. They loved their church family at Gospel Temple and both sang in the choir.

Mrs. Smith’s survivors include her son, David; three sisters, Merie Gainer, Ann Tyson and Darlene; two brothers, Jerome and Mark Gainer; her grandson, Kyle; her niece, Christine Nolen, who was like a daughter, and many other relatives.

Burial was at Grand Lawn Cemetery. Swanson Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Doris Floyd Services for Doris Floyd were held Saturday, April 6, at Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Officiating was Dr. William H. Murphy Sr. Mrs. Floyd died Thursday, March 28, at the age of 71.

Born August 22, 1941, in Wetumpka, Ala., she was baptized at Liberty Hill Baptist Church.

A graduate of Elmore County Training School, she married Edward T. Floyd Sr. and they had two sons.

After moving to Detroit in 1964, Mrs. Floyd united with First Mission Baptist Church. In 1978 she joined Greater Ebenezer where she became a member of the Nurses Board and soon served as its chairman and personal nurse to Dr. Murphy for more than 25 years. She also worked in the church’s kitchen and day care center. She especially enjoyed the Greater Ebenezer annual Palm Sunday concerts, bowling gardening and cooking.

Mrs. Floyd was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Edward Sr. She is survived by a son, Edward T Jr.; three grandchildren, Clifford DeShawn, Christopher Earl and Ashley Denise; two sisters, Annie Lois Hamilton and Mattie L. Lewis; two brothers, McKinley Means and David Lewis, and other relatives.

Burial was at Grand Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements were by Swanson Funeral Home Inc.

Joann Wedlow Homegoing services for Mother Joann Wedlow were held Saturday, April 6, at New Bethel Baptist Church. The Rev. Cambridge Smith delivered the eulogy.

Mrs. Wedlow, a Chrysler Corp. retiree, made her transition Saturday, March 30, three weeks after her 74th birthday.

Born March 9, 1939, in Jackson, Miss., she joined church at the age of 9. Her family moved to Detroit in 1951 and united with Alpha and Omega Church of Christ.

She completed her formal education in the Detroit Public Schools system and graduated from Northern High School.

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July 3 - 9, 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

REQUEST FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS:

POLICE OFFICER

Contractors are invited to submit proposals for the construction of a new parking lot. Keating Contracting LLC will operate as the owner’s representative for solicitation and bid qualification. Contractors desiring to bid shall have at least 5 years experience in their field and must be licensed per state and/or local law.

Canton Township is now accepting applications for Police Officer. Application Deadline: 4 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2013.

Job description with complete qualifications and hiring process is available on the Canton Township website: www.canton-mi.org.

(EOE)

Successful bidders will need to have general liability and auto liability insurance naming Keating Contracting LLC & The City Of Detroit as additional insured. Workers comp insurance will also be required.

All bid documents are to be downloaded and all associated printing charges are the responsibility of the bidder.

•Items for bidding: Soil erosion, demolition, barricading for safe work area, storm sewer, staking/surveying, cut/fill/ haul, site electrical, fencing/gate operator/loop detectors, stone base, concrete paving, asphalt paving & butt joint, asphalt curbing, striping, and landscaping.

•Project: Jackson Street Parking (Northwest corner of Jackson Street & 35th Street) Detroit, MI 48210 •Link to download drawings & documents: (type this into any internet browser download will begin automatically): http://www. mediafire.com/?ta30xa381d0lz5w •Pre Bid Meeting: A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on 7/10/13 @ 10:00am on the site. Interested bidders should attend. The owner has the right to reject or disqualify any bid with irregularities or any bid that is not in their best interest. Bids will be due 7/24/13 @ 1:00pm for a public opening at: Southwest Housing Solutions Corporation, 1920 25th Street, Suite A, Detroit, MI 48216. Please email all bid inquiries and questions to: keating.net@gmail.com The City Of Detroit Neighborhood Opportunity Fund administered

by The City Of Detroit planning and development department funds this project. The successful bidders will be required to comply with federal laws governing equal employment opportunity, with the prevailing wage requirements of the Federal Labor Standards Act which is incorporates Davis-Bacon Act requirements. Successful bidders will have to be cleared and approved by The City Of Detroit and comply with the following: Executive Order No. 2007-1, which states in part that all City of Detroit project construction contracts shall provide at least fifty one (51%) percent of the work force must be Detroit residents. Executive Order 2003-4, which states a minimum 30% of contract be awarder to Certified Detroit based Businesses. All bidders need to comply with the “section 3” clause (24CFR Part 135) and contracts shall include the Section 3 clause.

JULY 18-24: EVERYBODY DESERVES A MASSAGE WEEK NOTICE OF HEARINGS REGARDING MATTERS TO COME

before the City Council of Detroit. Advertisements for bids and contracts for purchases by the City of Detroit appear daily in the Detroit Legal News. Copies are available at the City County Bldg. and at 2001 W. Lafayette, Detroit.

Its pays to advertise in Michigan Chronicle

BLADDER CANCER AWARENESS DAY JULY 17

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JULY IS JUVENILE ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH

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Researcher General Motors Co. seek the following for its Warren, MI facility: Researcher to develop and use numerical models for internal combustion research and development; perform numerical simulation of reacting flow in internal combustion engines and analyze the results to support novel combustion system development for high fuel economy and better emissions characteristics; develop numerical models for novel engine components, including but not limited to, ignition device, fuel injection system and combustion mode, among other duties. Min. Ph.D and 2 yrs of exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. #4186202, 300 Renaissance Center, Mail Code 482-C32D46, Detroit, MI 48265-3000

Senior Cognos Developer AFI US, LLC seeks Senior Cognos Developer (Detroit, MI & Southfield, MI), to work with Business and IT stakeholders to understand project goals and requirements in order to quickly deploy reports and analytics that enable better decision making; estimate work effort, architect solutions, and provide development, testing, and sustain support; collaborate with business and IT partners to understand business requirements; develop a deep understanding of corporate, field, and dealer customer needs is vital, among other duties. Bachelorʼs degree in Computer Science or Analytics or related and 6 yrs. exp. *This job involves working out of both Detroit and Southfield locations*. Please send resumes to: AFI/Ally, L Hogg, Talent Acquisition Manager, 200 Renaissance Center; MC 482-B14-B76, Detroit, MI 48265

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DWS-884A CENTRAL SERVICES FACILITY (CSF) IMPROVEMENTS SECTION 00030 ADVERTISEMENT 1.Bids – The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) will receive sealed Bids for the Work delivered to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, Contracts and Grants Division, Rm. #1510, Detroit, Michigan 48226, until 2:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time, on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, when all Bids duly received will be opened publicly and read aloud.

Bidders should arrive in a timely manner.

2.Project Description - The Work, Central Services Facility (CSF) Improvements, Contract No. DWS – 884A, located at 6425 Huber St., Detroit, MI 48211, includes, but is not necessarily limited to: Structural: Provide structural support steel to new HVAC equipment, and patch roof deck, built up roofing, and rigid insulation; Provide fall protection guardrails along the perimeter of the roof.

Rework existing CMU wall penetration.

Mechanical (HVAC): Demolition of existing and installation of 13 Heating and Ventilation Units, 22 Exhaust Fans, and 1 rooftop AC Unit; Demolition and modification of new ductwork.

Electrical: Removing of existing power feeds and providing new power installation for the HVAC equipment described above; Providing starters, disconnects to all mechanical equipment and electrical installations; Disconnecting of existing and providing new Fire Alarm Devices for the new HVAC Equipment.

HVAC Controls: Installation of controls for the HVAC equipment described above, and provision to a new Building Management System.

“Please refer to Exhibit A, General Description of Work and Project for a more detailed description.”

3.Bidding Documents - Beginning Monday, July 1st, 2013, Sets of Bidding Documents may be obtained from the DWSD Contracts Section, 1504 Water Board Building, 735 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226 on Business Days between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Copies may be obtained upon the payment of $_100.00__ per set, in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Detroit Board of Water Commissioners (which will not be refunded).

Bidding Documents will be shipped only if the requesting party assumes responsibility for all related charges.

Digital Daily

- CAE Methods Engineer - Sr. Project Engineer General Motors Co. seek the following for its Pontiac, MI facility: CAE Methods Engineer to develop new analytical methods and tools in the areas of thermofluids, computational fluid dynamics and tribology for Powertrain applications; use 3-D and 1-D simulation software to conduct analyses of Engine and Transmissions, among other duties (Ref. #4180143); Sr. Project Engineer to generate technical solutions and specify requirements, execution and evaluation of designs, analysis, development, testing and validation of high pressure common rail diesel injection systems for various diesel engine programs, among other duties (Ref. #4181195). Min. BS, varying levels of experience Please send resumes to: GM Co., incl. Ref. #.

300 Renaissance Center, Mail Code 482-C32D46, Detroit, MI 48265-3000

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4.Bid Security – Each Bid shall enclose Bid Security, as specified in the Instructions to Bidders (and Section 00310, Bid Bond), in the amount of five percent (5%) of the Bidder’s Bid.

EDUCATION

5. Pre-Bid Conference and Site Tour - A pre-bid conference will be held at the Water Board Building, Room 1606, 735 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226, on Thursday, July 11, 2013, at 2:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time. For information on the pre-bid conference call Daniel Edwards at (313) 964-9471. A site tour will be held on Thursday July 11, 2013, at 10:00 A.M., Eastern Standard Time. For information on the site tour, call Vance Edgar at (313) 9993852. Addenda may be issued, in response to issues raised at the pre-bid conference or as the DWSD and/or Contracting Officer may otherwise consider necessary.

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED!

6.Local Contracting Requirements – Local requirements applicable to this contract are reproduced in their entirety and available for review on the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department’s website: www.dwsd.org. Potential Bidders are specifically directed to review requirements of this contract before submitting their bid. Note: Prevailing Wage Rates must be updated and paid each year by the contractor and subcontractors for the duration of the contract.

7.Contract Times – The Contract Times are specified in Exhibit A, General Description of Work and Project. The associated liquidated damages are specified in Article IV, Paragraph 4.02 of the Agreement.

8.Award – Subject to any agreed extension of the period for holding Bids, Bids shall be open for acceptance by the DWSD for 180 days after the date of Bid opening. In addition, the DWSD expressly reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, waive any non-conformances, to issue post-Bid Addenda and re-Bid the Work without re-advertising, to re-advertise for Bids, to withhold the award for any reason the DWSD determines and/or to take any other appropriate action.

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lifestyle

July 3-9, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Award-winning films and celebrities abound at 17th Annual American Black Film Festival

Page D-5

STAR CHART

By RJ Barnhill

Film Life’s 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) wrapped an engaging five days, June 19-23, of a substantive program of diverse films, industry panels and educational workshops and events. Celebrating 10 years in Miami Beach, the festival was created to support the promotion of diversity within the film and television industry, both in front of and behind the camera. The festival drew to a close with the ABFF Awards Presentation where this year’s film and talent competition winners were revealed.

The five-day celebration was heavily supported by Hollywood’s top actors and was led by this year’s Celebrity Ambassador, Omari Hardwick. Spike Lee, Robert Townsend, Bill Duke, Nia Long, Derek Luke, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Nick Cannon, Morris Chestnut, Boris Kodjoe, David E. Talbert, Roger Bobb, Sanaa Lathan, Anthony Anderson, Terrence Jenkins, Shaun Robinson, Reggie Bythewood, George Tillman, Jr. and Kevin Hart all participated in lively panel discussions and other festival events. This year’s ABFF was also attended by the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem and Lebron James, 2013 NBA Finals champions.

The ABFF Awards Presentation recognizes and rewards filmmakers, writers and actors for excellence through its Grand Jury Prizes and Talent Competitions, supported by major corporations.

ABFF founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc., Jeff Friday, presented the awards, along with corporate partners and filmmakers. In what was an emotional event, winners shared intimate stories about their personal journeys and diligent efforts to pursue their craft through moving acceptance speeches, which emphasized the importance of the American Black Film Festival’s mission to promote Black film and to expose Black filmmakers.

The first day of the festival commenced with a press conference and unveiling of the Miami Film Life Center at The Chapman House. Attended by Jeff Friday, City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones and ABFF’s celebrity ambassador, Omari Hardwick, it celebrated the recent collaboration of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPWCRA) and the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), along with the Black Archives History and Research

Horoscope

Symbol: The Crab

Your relationships have a very competitive quality at this time, and conflicts over power and dominance may erupt. You won’t want compromise with anybody. On the other hand, you may begin a new relationship or job now, boldly taking the initiative to pursue whatever it is you want.

Ruling Planet: The (ever-changing) Moon Element: Water Quality: Cardinal Mission: Domestic Bliss Famous Geminis: Nelson Mandela, Lena Horne, Della Reese

Spike Lee and GM Diversity Communications Manager Crystal Wilson presented the Cadillac Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature to Stephen Lloyd Jackson for ‘Sable Fable’

Cancer, this month you will look within and examine your emotions and motivations. Try to write down your thoughts in a journal to find out what may be the root of your fears. This may not be a comfortable process, but you will benefit from some soul searching or talking it out. Pluto, opposite your sign, will continue to bring chaos and transformation regarding your relationships. Career matters will be unpredictable again this month.

Cancer Weekly Horo­­­scope

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday, Crystal Wilson and Actor Anthony Anderson at the Cadillac Lounge “As an artist, do I glamorize the violence that is going on? I’m not going to diminish the value of life and I don’t want to create any art that diminishes the value of life. That’s genocide,” said Lee.

Jeff Friday with his wife, Nicole, at the ABFF Opening Night event sponsored by Cadillac

“It is deeply rewarding to be able introduce new storytellers and artists from all over the world and watch them ascend from here, through connections they make or awards they receive at ABFF. Our ultimate goal is to be the most direct pipeline to Hollywood for Black talent,” said Friday.

The festival was headlined by the opening day presentation of “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete,” courtesy of Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate company. The film, directed by George Tillman Jr., and written

by Michael Starrbury, received high praise for its poignant portrayal of two boys’ struggle to survive a summer without their parents in a Brooklyn housing development.

The red carpet ceremony was attended by Tillman, Julito McCullum, who stars as “Dipstick” in the film, Sufe Bradshaw (HBO’s “VEEP”), Nelsan Ellis (HBO’s “True Blood”) and others who came out to support the film, which was co-executive produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Alicia Keys.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cloves Campbell II, Jeff Friday, Jocelyn Allen, Hiram Jackson at the ABFF Opening Night event sponsored

by Cadillac.

Foundation of South Florida, and Film Life, Inc., to open the Miami Film Life Center (MFLC).

The center’s purpose is to develop awareness and accessibility of cinema and the art of filmmaking to the residents of the area, by providing resources, training programs and opportunities to network and connect to the industry in a progressive way. The press conference ended with an overview of the week’s power-packed schedule, as well as an in imperative to continue the dialogue of ABFF’s commitment to Miami and the Overtown community.

At the height of the Festival, Regina King, known for her charisma and dedication to her craft, was the very special featured guest of one of ABFF’s marquee panels, “A Conversation With...,” presented by American Airlines. King discussed her Hollywood journey, the arc of her ambitious career and exchanged advice and wisdom with festivalgoers.

Luxury automotive brand, Cadillac, sponsored the 2013 American Black Film Festival (ABFF), expressed a deep commitment to the African-American community

and proudly stood behind the ABFF’s mission to inspire and coach aspiring and active actors, filmmakers and industry executives.

Cadillac’s sponsorship of the festival included, co-sponsoring the opening night event with HBO, vehicle displays and shuttles featuring the brand’s latest products and sponsoring the Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature. On behalf of Cadillac, Spike Lee presented the award to Stephen Lloyd Jackson for his film “Sable Fable.” Lee and ABFF founder Jeff Friday also joined Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of Global Strategic Development, at “Cadillac Conversations,” a media dinner highlighting Cadillac’s support of the Festival and the brand’s strong ties to the African-American community.

Festival attendees also had the unique opportunity to learn from and trade ideas with Spike Lee, who is best known for his edgy and provocative films, during a panel presented

by Grab Media and HuffPost Black Voices, “The Artist’s Vision: Cultural Criticism and the Filmmaker’s Voice,” which discussed the question of artistic responsibility in Black filmmaking.

Another festival highlight and crowd favorite was the Alumni Spotlight Screening of “Fruitvale Station,” courtesy of The Weinstein Company. This film is a true story about the final day of 22- yearold Oscar Grant, who was infamously shot to death by a BART transit police officer in the San Francisco Bay area on New Year’s Day in 2008. In 2011, Ryan Coogler, who wrote and directed the film, was the winner of the prestigious HBO® Short Film Competition at ABFF for his film “Fig.” As if the ABFF weekend could not get any better, one of the most anticipated events of the week was the coveted closing night screening of “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain,” the concert film that captures one of the fast-talking, high-energy performances on Hart’s comedy tour of the same name. His celebrity friends, 2013 NBA Champions Dwyane Wade and LeBron James of the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls’ Rip Hamilton, rapper Flo Rida, actress Claudia Jordan, Spike Lee, music mogul Irv Gotti, Jeff Clanagan of Codeblack Films and actor Michael K. Williams walked the red carpet prior to the screening and showed support of ABFF and Kevin Hart.

The festival wrapped with the “Films Over Miami” Community Showcase, which was held on Sunday, June 23, at the Colony Theatre. The day consisted of a screening of local emerging filmmakers’ films, as well as two sold out premiere screenings of Robert Townsend’s “Playin’ For Love.”

This initiative between the ABFF and the Southeast Overtown Parkwest Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPWCRA), included 20 local Overtown students participating in the ABFF Youth Filmmaker’s program, as well as a tour for ABFF Filmmakers to the Miami Film Life Center to see key filming locations in the city of Miami.

The 17th Annual American Black Film Festival’s effort to educate, and entertain festival attendees and the ability showcase one of the best slate of films in recent years, affirms the festival’s support of Black film.

Showing your feelings may not be the best thing to do right now. Keeping to yourself could save you from unwanted entanglements.

Be staunch, do not stoop to complain, and you will gain the respect of all for your worldly reticence.

Love probability: 28% Lucky Numbers: 16, 22, 15, 44, 18, 19

Leo Weekly scope

Horo­­

Look to others, especially a close partner, for inspiration this week, as they may be a fountain of new and original approaches to life and circumstances. You may find them somewhat abrupt in explaining themselves, but that’s impatience born of the fact that they may see things very clearly at the moment.

Love probability: 20% Lucky Numbers: 5, 17, 16, 10, 13, 2

Virgo Weekly Horo­ scope At this time you are objective and can make some clear decisions about where you are headed or what the next step to achieve your important personal goals should be. Your judgment is sound at this time. You may have an important professional conference or a conversation about your career.

Love probability: 26% Lucky Numbers: 23, 18, 33, 2, 7, 13

Libra Weekly Horo­ scope Lack of confidence can put you in an emotionally bad place right now, so believe in yourself even when others don’t. Believe in yourself today and ignore the sometimes jealous remarks of others who would see you give up. Small, multiple moves are favored over big leaps; they mount up and you go just as far.

Love probability: 62% Lucky Numbers: 25, 14, 5, 1, 20, 45

Scorpio Weekly Horoscope Compatible energy surrounds you today and it pays not to make demands on others at this time. Welcome the help and share the wealth in whatever you have going on at the moment. Try to be diplomatic and considerate of others and you will get farther for it, so be on your best behavior.

Love probability: 21% Lucky Numbers: 18, 25, 11, 17, 8, 29

Sagittarius Weekly

Love probability: 90% Lucky Numbers: 48, 41, 8, 49, 18, 17

Capricorn Weekly Horoscope Make sure you plan everything completely before venturing forward. Some unexpected problems will disturb you and you’ll later realize that these could have been avoided with a little more forethought on your part. Someone you thought was going to be reliable will be a thorn in your side.

Love probability: 49% Lucky Numbers: 8, 10, 45, 35, 38, 27

Aquarius Weekly Horoscope Taking care of business is a major theme where your emotional orientation is concerned now. You crave organization and practicality and you want to get things accomplished. You aim to have a place for everything and everything in its place, and anything that gets in the way gets on your nerves.

Love probability: 87% Lucky Numbers: 10, 1, 33, 19, 27, 17

Pisces Weekly Horoscope There is an activation of your subconscious energies now that can result in a number of possible consequences. You certainly will encounter many events and situations that bring old, buried memories to the surface.

Love probability: 57% Lucky Numbers: 3, 30, 45, 10, 28, 14

Aries Weekly Horo­ scope Opportunities for friendship, pleasant associations and enjoyable social interactions occur now. Personal relationships are harmonious and rewarding. Also, financial transactions go smoothly for you and material benefits are possible at this time.

Love probability: 80% Lucky Numbers: 36, 42, 15, 21, 18, 11

Taurus Weekly Horoscope Small aberrations and wanderings from the main highway will get you everything. Explore those byways, there may be gold in “them thar hills.” Just off the well-beaten path you’ll find the scenic route where you can stake your claim ahead of the pack. In short, it’s time to cash in on the mildly unusual. Tune in.

Love probability: 70% Lucky Numbers: 13, 41, 44, 22, 1, 36

Gemini Weekly Horoscope Someone you haven’t set eyes on for ages helps you out regarding a favor you are desperately hoping for.

It’ll be a real thrill to catch up on old times and reconnect in ways that used to make you smile. An unexpected piece of news may make a trip in order.

Love probability: 71% Lucky Numbers: 40, 13, 19, 33, 24, 35

Page D-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 3-9, 2013

DIGITAL DAILY WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

Meet the New Public Lighting Authority Be part of the plan to relight Detroit The Public Lighting Authority was created this year to develop a plan to improve public lighting in Detroit. The Authority is reaching out to the community for input on how the new lighting system should relight the streets of Detroit.

The community meetings will: Introduce the Public Lighting Authority and explain their role.

Give an overview of Detroit’s lighting system.

Ask for your input on options and ideas to improve Detroit’s lighting system.

• • •

The Public Lighting Authority will NOT be able to answer questions about specific nonworking lights.

Come to a meeting in your neighborhood!

North Central: Wednesday, June 26, 6 – 8 p.m.

Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Rd.

Southwest: Wednesday, July 10, 6 – 8 p.m.

Wayne County Community College Downtown District, 1001 W Fort St.

Northwest: Friday, June 28, 6 – 8 p.m.

Brightmoor Community Center, 14451 Burt Rd.

Central: Monday, July 15, 6 – 8 p.m.

Coleman A. Young Community Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Dr.

East: Wednesday, July 3, 6 – 8 p.m.

Samaritan Center, 5555 Conner St.

Northeast: Wednesday, July 17, 6 – 8 p.m.

Perfecting Church Cathedral, 7616 E. Nevada St.

West: Monday, July 8, 6 – 8 p.m.

Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. 7 Mile Rd.

Morang

Davison

3

Park 94

Conner 96

10

Chandler

Grand

Mt.

3

Elliott

75 5

12

375

Jefferson

Livernois

Dix

Warren

Mack 94

Blvd.

96

94

Dyke

Grand

Warren

Van

Greenfield

River

Joy

Blvd.

Woodward

39

Oakland

Grand Plymouth

Cadieux

Evergreen

Schaefer

8

Hayes

Lasher

Van Dyke

Conant

Livernois

Mt. Elliot

7 Mile

Hoover

Wyoming

39

75

1

McNichols 5

Mound

10

7 Mile

94

For more information, visit Jefferson

publiclightingauthority.org

75

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