DMC’s 61 Day Health Challenge
BIG SEAN to receive entertainment trailblazer award at 40 Under 40 See page C-1
See page B-1 POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA
michiganchronicle.com
Volume 79 – Number 7
Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2015
WHAT’S INSIDE
Winter’s coming, don’t freeze
Touching Communities. Touching Lives.™ A PUBLICATION OF MGM GRAND DETROIT
October 2015
Burton International, MGM Grand Detroit celebrate education, diversity and fun during Count Day 2015 By Scott Talley Special to the Michigan Chronicle An early start to the workday is not generally a source of joy, but MGM Grand Detroit’s Oscar Davis was all smiles just a few hours after beginning his shift at 5 a.m.
Photo by Rogers Foster
The occasion was Count Day at Burton International Academy, and Davis, a sous-chef, took special delight in the surroundings and the young people who were eating his scrumptious cuisine.
Continue on page 3
Inside This Issue • MGM Grand Detroit team members continue a proud tradition with visit to Burton International Academy. • DAPCEP helps area youth aim high through STEM education with assistance from MGM Grand Detroit. • Greater Works Foundation aims to fill gaps in community services. • And much more!
Equality not yet reality (Page B-4)
By Keith A. Owens SENIOR EDITOR
In his hard-hitting commentary, Jesse Jackson states, “For all the progress we have made on race in this country, there is still a stark difference between black and white poverty,” adding that it is “morally indefensible and socially explosive.”
Remember the winter of 2013? Remember last winter?
Al Jarreau headlines fundraiser (Page B-4) Al Jarreau, five-time Grammy-winning singer and one of the most unique artists of all time, will perform on Nov. 7 at Don Bosco Hall’s 18th annual “Get Jazzy Evening.” Funds raised will go directly to supporting the organization’s various programs for youth and families. It will take place at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.
Blacks, Hispanics working together (Page C-4) The National Newspaper Publishers Association and the National Association of Hispanic Publishers have announced the formation of a national task force to educate marketers on the importance and benefits of the African American and Hispanic newspaper markets.
Monica Morgan photos
Black folks like art too By Keith A. Owens SENIOR EDITOR
#BlackLivesMatter. It has become the hashtag heard round the world, a reflection of the more visible rage and unrest that has been simmering in “urban” (code for “black”) America ever since the tragedy that was Trayvon Martin, and then on through Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and the ever-thickening forest of dead black bodies planted in the ground by police brutality. Name another hashtag that has elbowed its way through the fracas to become a front row issue in the 2016 presidential debate. There isn’t one. But black lives in America are about so much more than simply the rage and frustration with which too many whites are only recently becoming shockingly — and in some cases disbelievingly — acquainted. Being black in America, navigating the perpetually turbulent waters of a nation that still hasn’t quite figured out how to deal with us — or if it even wants to — is no simple task. Which is where art comes in. Which brings us to the “30 Americans” exhibit, which brings us to
the DIA, which winds up at the front door of One Nation Under A Groove’s Anointed Overlord of All That Is Funky, George Clinton. It is the artists who weave meaning out of the chaos. This all fits together. Honest. Valerie Mercer, who happens to be head of the General Motors Center for African American Art and also is the curator for African American Art, is visibly excited about the “30 Americans” exhibit now on display at the DIA as she takes a
See EXHIBIT page A-4
Well get ready because chances are we’re headed that way again once winter knocks on the door. And as good as it feels to be enjoying this last stretch of warm weather and breathing in the outdoors without the discomforting sensation of having your lungs freeze inside your chest, it might be advisable to set aside some time — and do a little preventive planning — to prepare for those terrifying energy bills that accompany that icy weather. Halloween may be just a few days away, but nothing is more frightening than a heating bill you can’t afford in the dead of winter. Indeed, inclement weather has led to increasing demand for financial assistance with heating bills, so Michigan 2-1-1 and the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm are encouraging residents to get help early. The group, including public service organizations, energy companies and governmental agencies, says that needs are likely to outweigh the available funding, and those seeking help are advised to consider their options as soon as possible. “The number one reason people call 211 is utility assistance. Roughly a third to 35 to 40 percent of our calls. People looking for help paying their gas or electric bill. So that translates last year to about 170,000 people called 211 for utilities statewide,” said Michigan 211 Executive Director
See HOME
Musical family soars, then crashes (Page D-1) There were times when the group DeBarge, the band Switch and solo artist Chico DeBarge were popular attractions. But they were, sadly, sidetracked by an array of personal problems, many of them drug related.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
ENDS
NOVEMBER 1ST
DNC denies Black Lives Matter its own presidential debate By Monique John
officer of the DNC, wrote:
REAL TIMES MEDIA
“We believe that your organization would be an ideal host for a presidential candidate forum — where all of the Democratic candidates can showcase their ideas and policy positions that will expand opportunity for all, strengthen the middle class and address racism in America…The DNC would be happy to help promote the event.”
Blacks Lives Matter (BLM) activists are now deliberating on whether they will accept an offer from the Democratic National Committee to host a presidential town hall meeting with candidates in the 2016 elections. This is following the DNC’s statement that they would not be providing Black Lives Matter with its own debate featuring presidential candidates. In the letter obtained by the Washington Post, Amy K. Dacey, chief executive
The day prior to Dacey’s notice, activists in the BLM network had contacted the DNC requesting a debate mandated to
See DEBATE page A-4
Look inside this edition of
Five Things to Know about the Health Insurance Marketplace
LIVING
WELL Magazine
and discover what people are talking about. $1.00
HEATING page A-4
Five Things to Know about the Health Insurance Marketplace Why the Affordable Care Act Matters to African Americans Tips for Traveling with Diabetes
Why the Affordable Care Act Matters to African Americans