Mc digital 3 9 16

Remembering

Touch of Class Catering,

Gil Hill:

touches taste in excellence

The ultimate public servant See page B-1

See page C-1

POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA

Volume 79 – Number 26

Pancakes and Politics begins new season, tackles Detroit schools

michiganchronicle.com

Bernie Sanders scores big in Michigan

The Michigan Chronicle will kick off the 11th season of the Pancakes & Politics Speaker’s Forum at 7:30 am on Thursday, March 17th, at the Detroit Athletic Club in downtown Detroit. Pancakes & Politics, a fourpart series, is one of the most anticipated business events of the due to its reputation for bringing timely and relevant issues affecting the state and region to the forefront.

The first forum of the season, A Crisis in Detroit’s Education System, will highlight the challenges and the successes within Detroit Schools.

The panel will include the region’s top leaders in education from various standpoints. The panelists include Ivy Bailey, Interim President Detroit Federation of Teachers; Senator Bert Johnson, Michigan Senate District #2; Tonya Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Skillman Foundation; John Rakolta, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Walbridge; and newly appointed Alycia Meriweather, Interim Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools.

A Crisis in Detroit’s Education System will focus not only on the challenges but viable solutions to ensure students receive the necessary tools to compete in the 21st century. More than 300 of the region’s policy and decision makers will join the Michigan Chronicle as we explore the future of Detroit Schools. This event is sold out but join the conversation on Twitter #PancakesandPolitics2016 and at facebook. com/michigan.chronicle.

WHAT’S INSIDE

Donald Trump

Defeating Donald Trump is all that matters

By Keith A. Owens Senior Editor

Last week, the Michigan Chronicle endorsed Hillary Clinton as our preference for who we wanted to see prevail in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. We made no endorsement on the Republican side for what should be relatively obvious reasons; there are bad choices, there are really bad choices, and then there are choices which no one should ever be forced to make.

COMMENTARY

Andre Smith photo

By Keith A. Owens Senior Editor

Looks like Michigan is feeling the Bern.

In what can only be described as a major upset for Sen. Hillary Clinton, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders turned in a narrow – and much needed - victory Tuesday night that gives him the momentum he was looking for to keep his campaign competitive. Although Michigan was not considered to be an absolute must-win state for Sanders, there is no question that Tuesday’s unexpected result is an energizing shot in the arm, and evidence that the young voters to whom he appeals most, including younger African American voters, turned out in the large numbers he needed. As for Clinton, this defeat is not enough to consider her frontrunner status to be in any kind of serious trouble, but no doubt her campaign has to be concerned after all of the extremely heavy campaigning she has done throughout this state.

Nate Silver’s 538 website, widely regarded as one of the most accurate polling/forecasting sites around, as late as Tuesday afternoon had predicted that Sanders had a less than 1 percent chance of prevailing in Michigan. Talk about going back to the drawing board…

Detroit Lion Calvin Johnson announces retirement

Page A-2

Daylight Savings Time Begins March 13 Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.

During Sunday’s Democratic debate in Flint, Sanders gave a relatively strong performance where he continued to drill home his message against corporate greed and income inequality, using every opportunity to connect the dots between the devastation

that has been wrought upon Flint and Detroit and those whom he refers to as the billionaire class who he paints as responsible for inflicting so much pain and anguish on the little guy.

While the first 20 minutes of the historic debate focused solely on the Flint water crisis, Sanders flexed his muscle, quickly moving to the Detroit public Schools crisis.

“Not only is there this tragedy in Flint, in Detroit the public school system is collapsing.”

Several Flint residents asked both candidates how they would restore citizen trust in government if they were elected. Leann Walters one of the first to report the water problem in Flint after one of her twins stopped growing and her daughter lost her hair, implored candidates to address water contamination around the country.

Sanders said he would make sue the EPA test every public water system in the country. 10 million lead service pipes deliver water daily to Americans across the country.

Clinton responded that she would commit to removing lead from water, soil and homes within five years of her taking office.

And then the love fest ended.

Cooper’s statement about other ills facing Flint and the rest of the state, particularly the lack of jobs changed the tide of the conversation. “This city is also facing a jobs crisis, 75 percent of Flint's manufacturing jobs have been lost in the last 25 years and about the same amount of time, Michigan lost 230,000

See SANDERS page A-4

Choosing between frontrunners Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio was one of those choices that was really no choice at all. There simply is no sane reason to endorse any one of them for any reason whatsoever. As for Ohio Governor John Kasich, he is certainly more sane than the rest, but it’s hard to rationalize jumping on board with someone whose ship isn’t just sinking but is chugging along at the bottom of the ocean.

More than any other presidential race in my lifetime, the outcome for 2016 could truly make the difference between American progress and American meltdown.

One only has to compare the content of the Republican presidential debates to the Democratic presidential debates to witness just how vast is the chasm between the two major parties. One debate generates headlines centering around issues that actually matter, while the other generates an embarrassment of riches for those residing in the lowest common denominator, including frat boy discussions about penis size, moonlight dancing with the KKK, and an overall loving embrace of hatred and intolerance.

Donald Trump remains the Republican frontrunner, and despite assorted ever-hopeful editorials and polls purporting to show that The Donald’s demise is about to happen any minute now (just you wait and see!), The Donald contin-

See TRUMP page A-4

Wayne State research team evaluates link between Flint water system and health problems Michigan Chronicle Reports

$1.00

March 9-15, 2016

Wayne State University announced today that it has formed the Flint Area Community Health and Environment Partnership (FACHEP). The research group, led by Wayne State researchers specializing in environmental engineering and public health, will conduct an independent study to evaluate the possible association between changes in Flint’s water system and public health, specifi-

cally the recent Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.

The first phase of the investigation is set to begin March 1, with FACHEP researchers engaging with the community to set up enhanced disease and environmental surveillance in Flint and Genesee County. Shawn McElmurry, an environmental and civil engineering professor in Wayne State’s College of Engineering, will lead FACHEP’s

See HEALTH

PROBLEMS page A-4

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 9-15, 2016

Page A-2

Detroit Lion Calvin Johnson announces retirement

Michigan Chronicle Reports

of football.

Breaking the heart of many a Detroit Lions fan, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, one of the team’s favorite players among fans, announced on Tuesday that he will be retiring.

Deciding against making his announcement via a press conference, Johnson instead issued the following statement:

“Let me assure you that this was not an easy or hasty decision. As I stated, I, along with those closest to me, have put a lot of time, deliberation and prayer into this decision and I truly am at peace with it.

“Let me begin by apologizing for making this announcement via a statement and not in person. While I truly respect the significance of this, those who know me best will understand and not be surprised that I choose not to have a press conference for this announcement.

“After much prayer, thought and discussion with loved ones, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Lions and pro football. I have played my last game

“I also want you to know that I have the utmost respect and admiration for the game of football. It has provided so much for me and my family and I will be forever grateful to the game.

Ford, who I was honored to know and play for before he passed away.

“While it would be hard to name them all, I would also like to thank all of my teammates past and present.

“I also want to thank all of my coaches who I played for, in particular Coach Caldwell for his support, wisdom and guidance over the past two seasons. I loved playing for Coach Caldwell.

“With the reality of my decision, I realize there are a lot of people I would like to thank. I must start with my family – thank you for all your love and support.

“There are so many other people I would like to recognize and thank for what they have done for me throughout my career, but rather than risk forgetting someone, I will simply say “thanks” to everyone.

“I also want to especially thank Mrs. Ford and the Ford Family for all their support over the years. They are tremendous owners and I loved playing for them. I would also like to recognize Mr.

“And finally, to the fans of Detroit and Michigan. I so appreciated your passionate support over the years and truly enjoyed playing for you.

I loved playing in Detroit and will forever be a Lion.

Andre Smith photos My biggest regret is that I wasn’t able to help give our fans a championship.

But I do believe the future of the Lions is bright and with the leadership from

people like Rod Wood and Bob Quinn, who I have gotten to know over the past few months, I am confident that our fans will soon be rewarded

with the championship you deserve.

“From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for everything.”

Two Super Ways To Save For Your Child’s Education

Michigan’s Section 529 College Savings Programs • Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury

Southfield State of the City address set for Monday, March 21 Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver will deliver the 2016 State of the City address at the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Monday, March 21 at noon at the Westin Hotel-Southfield, 1500 Town Center.

The 2016 Southfield State of the City Address is sponsored by the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Central Michigan University.

Registration will begin at 11 a.m., followed by networking/lunch at 11:30 a.m., and the State of the City Address at noon.

The event will include Mayor Siver’s overview of the past year as well as his vision for the coming year and beyond. Lathrup Village Mayor Frank Brock will also make

brief remarks on Lathrup Village. The State of the City will include the annual update from the Chamber of Commerce featuring Executive Director Tanya Markos-Vanno and the induction of the 2016 Chamber Board of Directors. The event also offers guests the opportunity to network with local business owners, residents and City of Southfield staff and elected officials.

Southfield Chamber of Commerce at (248) 5576661 or visit www.southfieldchamber.com.

Ticket prices are $45 per person for Southfield chamber members, $55 for non-chamber members including lunch.

Tickets purchased after March 1 are $50 per for person for chamber members and $60 for non-chamber members.

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Taylor Eagles to Host 17th Annual Soup Up Fundraiser for Hospice of Michigan Great soups, live music and the chance to support Hospice of Michigan will combine at the Taylor Fraternal Order of Eagles #3138’s 17th Annual Soup Up event.

The fundraiser will be held from 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 19 at Taylor Eagles #3138’s headquarters at 23900 Goddard Road, and it will feature assorted soups prepared by members and local restaurants. Live entertainment will be provided by musical groups The Rockabilly Devils, Knockout, Dirty Mind Detroit and Rival.

The event also will include live and silent auctions, 50/50 raffles and basket raffles of items donated by local businesses, including Handle Bar Detroit, The Henry, Belle Tire, Children’s Hands on Museum, Michigan Science Center, Better Made, and many more.

“Our organization has a deep commitment to giving back to the community,” said Barbara Kirby, co-chair of Soup Up. “We appreciate the great work

that Hospice of Michigan does each day, and this is our way to support them.

It’s an added bonus that the donations stay in our own community.”

The cost for the allyou-can-eat soup meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

“We are so fortunate to have an organization like the Taylor Eagles to continuing to promote our mission,” said Kim Ritter, major gifts manager for HOM. “They have developed a fantastic event that the community looks forward to every year. Their hard work allows HOM to continue its mission to provide comfort care for our patients, giving them quality of life at the end of life.”

Last year, the Taylor Eagles raised more than $13,000 for HOM. In the past 16 years, Soup Up has raised more than $93,000 for the nonprofit.

Organizations interested in hosting an event to benefit HOM should call Ritter at 313.578.6268.

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March 9-15, 2016

Page A-3

Creating spaces for women and girls in stem: the steminista project Driving Detroit to become a leader in STEM workforce development As Michigan’s economy and labor market continues to recover, it has become apparent the state needs to focus on building its talent pipeline, specifically in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. According to a recent study conducted by the state, STEM job opportunities are expected to grow by 11.8 percent through 2020. In an effort to engage more girls in STEM, the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) has launched The STEMinista Project, a comprehensive initiative designed to support and cultivate interest in STEM among 4th – 8th grade girls.

Alycia Meriweather named interim DPS superintendent Detroit Public Schools transition manager Judge Steven Rhodes has announced that he has named longtime DPS educator Alycia Meriweather to be the district’s interim superintendent.

Meriweather, who is a Detroit resident and DPS graduate, will lead day-to-day operations in DPS’ Academics, Talent and Strategy divisions, while Rhodes retains the balance of leadership responsibility for the district. They will work in partnership to transition the school system to local control as provided in legislation pending in Lansing.

“It was important to me that we looked within Detroit Public Schools, as well as the city of Detroit, to identify a qualified individual to fill the interim superintendent’s position,” said Rhodes.

“As a veteran educator who has served at many levels of Detroit Public Schools’ Academic operations, and has also played a key role in the strategic direction of the district over the last year, Alycia’s skills and experience make her uniquely qualified to serve in this critical leadership position.

“It is also important that Alycia has strong respect and support among her peers both inside and outside the district. I look forward to working with her.”

Meriweather, who began her career at DPS in 1995 as a science teacher at Farwell Middle School, most recently was executive director of the Office of Curriculum. Prior to her appointment to that position, she spent four years as the deputy executive director of the district’s Office of Science, as well as two years as the supervisor of Middle School Science. For the last several years, Meriweather has also led the Academic and Programmatic leadership over DPS’ Detroit Children’s Museum, as well as Camp Burt Shurly, the district’s overnight camp facility in Gregory, Michigan.

Additionally, for the last seven years, she has served as the director for the Detroit Mathematics and Science Center, one of 32 centers in the Michigan Mathematics and Science Center network.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Wayne State University, and is currently working on her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Wayne State.

“I have been with Detroit Public Schools since I was a four-year-old in the district’s Head Start program. I am a graduate of DPS and a lifelong resident of the city of Detroit. The success of DPS and its students is personal for me,” said Meriweather.

“Since I was a little girl teaching my stuffed-animal students in the attic of our house in Detroit, I knew that I would be a teacher in Detroit Public

Schools. My time at DPS has been the most rewarding experience of my life. To be able to bring my range of academic experience and incorporate educator insight and perspective is critical to Detroit Public Schools’ future. As a voting Detroiter, I am in full agreement with Judge Rhodes, that returning DPS to local control needs to happen as soon as possible.”

Potential candidates for the position of interim superintendent were submitted by a broad range of individuals and groups. All candidates were vetted jointly by Judge Rhodes and the Governor’s Office. Also, the leadership of the Detroit Federation of Teachers played a key role in identifying the most important qualifications for the position.

“I want to thank DFT leadership for their significant assistance in this process, and I look forward to their continued support and cooperation as we transition DPS to local control,” said Rhodes.

Meriweather did not initially seek the position. Her name was advanced to Judge Rhodes by both teachers within the system and members of the community.

“Research tells us that middle school can be a ‘make or break’ time in building interest in STEM and STEM careers,” said Dr. Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of MiSci. “This is an especially tough period for keeping girls interested in science and math. Nearly half of our workforce is made of women, but less than 25 percent of our STEM workforce includes women — that means significant a portion of our workforce is opting out of STEM careers. That is not a sustainable path to innovation or filling our STEM pipeline and we must begin focusing on this issue at early ages.”

The goal of The STEMinista Project is to defy statistics and raise expectations by sparking and maintaining an interest in STEM in elementary and middle school girls. The program will engage girls with authentic STEM experiences designed to increase their interest, confidence and skill sets in STEM. Additionally, the program has solicited STEMinista Role Models, women who have successful careers in STEM, to share their stories and motivate the young STEMinistas.

According to Seun Phillips, MiSci’s vice president of Education and Engagement, “through these encounters, we will inspire girls to leverage their interests and skills into the STEM careers and STEMpreneurship that support their dreams and create a meaningful impact in the world.”

As part of The STEMinista project, on March 4, in partnership with Detroit Public Television and ITC Holdings, MiSci hosted a special conversation on the challenges, successes, and progressive strategies in gender diversification within the STEM workforce. A thought-pro-

voking keynote from Major General Gwendolyn Bingham, Commander of the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command was followed by an exciting introduction of the STEMinista Project from Matthews, featuring female students from MiSci’s junior docent program. Key partners of the STEMinista Project were also present, including Founding Community Partners, Wayne State University and InForum.

This event also featured a panel of thought leaders from southeast Michigan’s leading STEM companies, including Diane Antishin, vice president of Human Resource Operations at DTE Energy, and Dr. Susan Smyth, chief science officer at General Motors Corporation.

“We are excited about our partnership with the Michigan Science Center and The STEMinista project,” said Rich Homberg, president and CEO of Detroit Public Television. “Engaging students in the STEM fields is critical to a successful workforce. With the power of public media and our partners, we are uniquely positioned at DPTV to provide parents, educators and kids with the learning tools and resources they need to explore new ideas and opportunities.”

MiSci and DPTV are also producing a video series called My STEM Hero. These profiles will be broadcast on DTPV and will be incorporated into The STEMinista Project role model database and curriculum. The video series is scheduled to launch this month on DPTV. For more information on The STEMinista Project or to sign up as a STEMinista girl or role model, visit Mi-Sci.org/ steminista-project.

The Michigan Science Center is a hands-on museum that inspires curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a creative, dynamic learning environment. The Science Center features five theaters, including Michigan’s largest screen at the Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre; the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium; the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater; the DTE Energy Sparks Theater; the Chrysler Science Stage; a 9,800 square-foot Traveling Science Hall for special exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; Kids Town just for pint-size scientists; along with, education and outreach programs.

For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, www.Mi-Sci.org.

“While I did not put my name forth for consideration, I am extremely honored that my peers and colleagues had such confidence in my abilities that they would,” said Meriweather.

“Moving forward, their continued support of me, and their ongoing support of the District they have dedicated their lives to, will be essential to making the changes necessary to bring about improved academic outcomes for all of our students.”

One of Meriweather’s top priorities will be visiting each of the district’s 97 school buildings. During these visits, she wants to spend time in classrooms with teachers and students to “see what they see, hear what they hear and experience what they experience.”

Banking that goes where you go.

She will also be focusing on standards-based academics, differentiated instruction, district culture and climate, career and technical education, early childhood literacy and improving experiential/alternative learning environments and opportunities for DPS students.

“The Detroit Public Schools still face large challenges, but with the talent and expertise of Judge Steven Rhodes and Alycia Meriweather at the helm, we will see a smooth transition to local control,” said Gov. Rick Snyder.

“And with the passage of my $715 million improvement plan for the district, that local control will start fresh with the resources it needs to provide a quality education to Detroit students and teachers in the environment they need and deserve to have.”

Automation Workz 4 U to Speed up Detroit Economy

By Ida Byrd-Hill Automotive companies have made record profits in 2015. Construction jobs abound due to major projects like The District Detroit. Even with the economy rebounding Detroit residents are still unemployed.

Employers are looking for people with math proficiency. Sadly, Detroit residents have been unable to prove they have proficiency on standardized math exams. They are afraid of math exams. Psychologists have named this debilitating emotional reaction to mathematics math anxiety. They are not alone.

solving but have difficulty passing a standardized math exam. Uplift, Inc. created Automation Workz 4 U. The goal is to deliver more math proficient participants able to secure skilled trade apprenticeships/jobs.

Having spent the past 12 years assisting K-12 schools achieve 70 – 300% on standardized exams, I have watched math anxiety transfer from teachers and parents to students. Schools have self-contained elementary classes where the teacher is “not good at math.” By the time those students arrive in middle school, they are “not good at math.”

• Female teachers can transfer fear of math.

Those students grow up to become parents who are “not good at math.”

Those parents often select jobs that do not require heavy math involvement.

Their avoidance is a symptom of math anxiety they unconsciously pass along to their students. They can no longer avoid jobs that require math as most high paying jobs require math proficiency.

• Parents’ math anxiety undermines children’s math achievement.

The metro Detroit community can no longer afford to dismiss math anxiety.

Many Detroiters have a working knowledge of mathematical problem

Join me in supporting Automation Workz 4 U.

• 50 percent of Americans suffer from “math anxiety.”

• 53 percent of people ages 18-34 state, “I can’t do math.”

• 62 percent of the women were anxious compared to 47 % of the men.

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March 9-15, 2016

Health problems efforts, along with epidemiological investigator Dr. Paul Kilgore from Wayne State’s Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

“Our number one goal at this early stage of the study is to connect with the people of Flint and Genesee County and build strong partnerships that will benefit the entire community,” said McElmurry. “Our team has been in contact with Mayor Weaver’s office and community organizations in Flint, and we look forward to working closely with these and other partners.”

As a leading expert in municipal water systems and surface water pollution, McElmurry has extensive experience working in Flint, where he has led multiple sampling campaigns and evaluated the area’s ongoing drinking water quality crisis.

He most recently served on the Flint Water Technical Advisory Committee.

“Senator Sanders was against the auto bailout. In January of 2009, President-Elect Obama asked everybody in the Congress to vote for the bailout to keep the industry from collapsing and taking 4 million jobs with it,” Clinton said gesturing toward Sanders.

“You mean the Wall Street bail out”, Sanders shot back, adding, “And some of your friends were part of that Wall Street Bail out. I will be damned if it’s the working people of this country who should have to pay for Wall Street greed.”

Co-moderator Don Lemon changed the conversation as he asked the candidates about their racial blind spots.

Sanders pointed to his long and storied involvement in the Civil Right Movement, while Clinton pointed to her record of creating working to improve quality of life for minorities and the poor.

“I think being a white person in the United States of America, I know that I have never had the experience that so many people … have had. And I think it's incumbent upon me to urge white people to think about what it is like to have ‘the talk’ with your kids, scared that your sons or daughters, even, could

Trump

Programs to help inform the Flint community about health issues related to Legionella will be led by WSU communication professor and crisis and emergency risk expert Matthew Seeger, while Dr. Marcus Zervos, division head of Infectious Diseases at Henry Ford Hospital, will focus on defining clinical cases, characterizing patient exposures and supporting strong partnerships with healthcare organizations in Flint.

“We fully expect the scope of our research to evolve as we get more input from the commu-

nity and government in the coming months,” said McElmurrry. “We have assembled a very talented group of researchers with different expertise and backgrounds so we can be nimble in our response to any change in direction the study may take.”

WSU is uniquely qualified to lead this investigation given its already established set of relationships and expertise in expertise in urban water issues, engineering, public health, and social science. Experts from the university’s Urban Watershed Environmental Research Group and NIH-funded Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors have been actively engaged in Flint, assisting in the evaluation of drinking water quality.

Residents living in the area who have been affected by the Flint water system can contact FACHEP by visiting flint. wayne.edu.

get in trouble for no good reason whatsoever like Sandra Bland and end up dead in a jail in Texas,” Clinton said.

Sanders, who is popular among young African American voters for gave an equally poignant and frank response.

“When you're white, you don't know what it's like to be living in a ghetto. You don't know what it's like to be poor. You don't know what it's like to be hassled when you walk down the street or you get dragged out of a car,” he said adamantly. “I believe that as a nation in the year 2016, we must be firm in making it clear. We will end institutional racism and reform a broken criminal justice system.”

When a mother young mother from Detroit Shaniqua Kemp shared the story of her 8-year-daughter attending substandard schools and receiving an inadequate education both Clinton and Sanders were eager to address the issue of education in Detroit and other distressed communities.

"A great nation is judged not by how many millionaires and billionaires it has, but how it treats the least among them, which are children and the elderly. And we should be ashamed that we cannot come up with the money to fix Detroit's broken educational system.

We have to change the priorities and invest in our children to have the best public school system in the world," Sanders said.

From page A-1

ues his push ever onward towards his goal of adding the presidency to his wall of trophies. He is the perfect candidate for this era of infotainment where showbiz reigns supreme. Trump’s dominance and ascendance represents the natural evolution of a Republican party that saw fit to embrace the extreme right wing ugliness of the Tea Party as an answer to the election of President Barack Obama and is now in freefall into the screaming abyss they dug for themselves.

It’s interesting to read this analysis from the Feb. 27 edition of The New York Times, which explored the degree to which Trump’s rise is causing all sorts of heartburn and panic within the Republican party: “At least two campaigns have drafted plans to overtake Mr. Trump in a brokered convention, and the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, has laid out a plan that would have lawmakers break with Mr. Trump explicitly in a general election. the

McElmurry will lead FACHEP’s three teams of technical experts: engineering and water quality, led by McElmurry; public health and epidemiological investigation, led by Kilgore, who also has led a number of investigations for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and community engagement, led by Kettering University’s Laura Sullivan.

From page A-1

manufacturing jobs,” Cooper stated.

And that’s when the gloves came off as Clinton sharply criticized Sanders for voting against the auto industry bail that President Obama urged approval of.

all

From page A-1

Montez Miller photo

Sanders

“Despite

Page A-4

forces

arrayed

against Mr. Trump, the interviews show, the party has been gripped by a nearly incapacitating leadership vacuum and a paralytic sense of indecision and despair, as he has won smashing victories in South Carolina and Nevada. Donors have dreaded the consequences of clashing with Mr. Trump directly. Elected officials have balked at attacking him out of concern that they might unintentionally fuel his populist revolt. And Republicans have lacked someone from outside the presidential race who could help set the terms of debate from afar. “[italics mine] Should Mr. Trump clinch the presidential nomination, it would represent a rout of historic proportions for the institutional Republican Party, and could set off an internal rift unseen in either party for a half-century, since white Southerners abandoned the Democratic Party en masse during the civil rights movement.”

For all those who year after year have been relentlessly praying to the skies above to be delivered from their woes by the Almighty Outsider, the non-establishment candidate who knows nothing about the establishment he plans to lead but who knows all about how angry they are about everything there is to be angry about, he has finally arrived in all his glory.

As the saying goes, be careful what you ask for because you just might get it.

Andre Smith photo

2nd Annual Women’s History Month Career Mastered Award honorees announced The Career Mastered Awards announced today that the Honorable Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence has been selected as the 2016 Women’s History Month Career Mastered Leadership in Action “Living Legend.” This year’s honorees will be celebrated on March 14 at the Crown Plaza Downtown Riverfront Hotel beginning with the VIP Gallery Reception beginning at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Leadership in Action Awards ceremony at 6 p.m.

Each year, Linwick & Associates, LLC. in conjunction with its sponsors celebrate the achievements of women who have made a compelling mark on business. In its second year in Southeast Michigan, honorees represent powerful women across diverse industries and disciplines. These women leaders are Game Changers who have mastered their work and have learned the necessary steps to move ahead and build successful careers. The honorees are exceptionally strong role models of what a woman can do.

The Class of 2016 honorees are: • Jeanette Abraham, Founder, President & CEO, JMA Global, LLC • Olga Alavanou, Executive Vice President, Yazaki North America • Tanya Allen, Founder, President & CEO, Forever Fresh, Partner & Vice President, HBF APU • Tiffany Douglas, SVP Market Manager, Bank of America

• Byna Elliott, SVP Regional Director Community Development, Fifth Third Bank • Dr. Rita Fields, Executive Vice President, Mosaic Youth Theatre • Marcy Fisher, Vehicle Line Director, Ford Motor Company • Tina Harmon, Founder & CEO, The Harmon Group LLC. • Susan Jones, Publisher, Impact Detroit Magazine • Marjorie Loeb, SVP General Counsel and Secretary, Fiat Chrysler Group (FCA) • Beth Morrison, President & CEO, HAVEN • Gail Perry-Mason, Sr. Director Investments, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. • Dr. Lisa Newman, International Renowned Breast Cancer Surgeon, Henry Ford Health • Patricia K. Poppe, SVP Distributions Operations, Consumers Energy • Theresa Randleman, Founder & CEO, T Rose Foundation • Tori Sachs, External Affairs Advisor, Governor Rick Snyder’s Office • Jennette Smith, Editor, Crain’s Detroit Business • Van Nguyen, Executive Director Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce • First Lady Jacqueline Wilson, Founder Helping Individuals Go Higher (HIGH), WSU • Alison Vaughn, Founder & President, Jackets for Jobs • Carla Walker-Miller, Founder, President & CEO, Walker-Miller Energy Services

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 9-15, 2016

Page A-5

Democrats and Republicans continue to ignore black voters

By Raynard Jackson NNPA

Another election cycle, another year of blacks being sold out by their media-appointed leadership.

Why am I the only one who seems amazed at how Hillary Clinton is so ostentatiously pimping black folks for her own personal gain? Clinton has spent more time in the black community in the past three weeks than she has in her entire adult life and has invoked the name of “Obama” more than the sum total of all blacks collectively.

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members, like the lapdogs that they are, have almost uniformly endorsed her candidacy. All the media-appointed civil rights groups and individuals have either outrightly or tacitly endorsed her.

Groups like the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), the NAACP, the National Urban League are nothing more than sycophantic supporters of all things Democratic.

I have a few questions for these groups that have blindly sold out the very black community that they claim to represent. Can anyone name me something specific that Hillary has done for the black community in her more than quarter of a century in public life? Why has Hillary, the self-avowed feminist who is married to the “first black president,” not

publically demanded Obama nominate or even just consider nominating a black female to the vacant Supreme Court seat? Why is it that the media-appointed black leaders are just happy Hillary shows up to meet with them and take photographs?

to try to get black voter turnout up. They know they have nothing of substance to say to motivate blacks to vote Democrat, but they also know that Republicans are totally inept when it comes to engaging with the black community.

Democrats will use the usual mantras: Republicans want to suppress the black vote, they want to repeal civil rights laws, they want to build more jails for blacks, etc.

Isn’t it amazing that she never addresses the high unemployment rate in the black community? Isn’t it amazing that she never discusses meeting with any black entrepreneurs? Isn’t it amazing that she never discusses black-on-black crime?

All the blacks she meets with make their living off the negative pathologies prevalent in the black community. If the black community actually started solving problems like unemployment, teenage pregnancy, poor schools, etc.; how and where would the NAACP, the National Urban League, and the CBC get their funding or justify their continued service in the United States Congress?

Observing Hillary’s interaction with the black community, one would conclude that all blacks are involved in some aspect of the criminal justice system. As shocking as it might seem to liberal Democrats, most blacks have nothing to do with the criminal justice system; but yet that seems to be all that she talks about relative to blacks.

Will she ever address how under Obama, the continued existence of Historically Black

Of course, none of these accusations are rooted in fact.

Raynard Jackson Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) is in doubt?

The average black voter has no allegiance to Hillary and the Democratic Party; this is why I am so frustrated with the Republican Party.

The average black voter is open to Republican solutions to black unemployment, stronger enforcement of housing discrimination laws, school choice, civil and voting rights legislation, etc.

The Republican Congress must begin to engage with blacks on substantive policy issues. Republican presidential candidates must begin to discuss black entrepreneurship, school choice, and racial disparities with an eye towards proffering solutions.

We already know that Hillary and the Democrats will use fear

Republicans will reflexively go to all the liberal black conventions (NAACP, Urban League, etc.) in their bizarre attempt to prove they are not racist; but they never demand any concessions from these groups like they would from a white group.

I have constantly advised Republicans to refuse to speak to any black conventions unless they agree to put black Republicans on their various panels throughout the week of their meetings. To my astonishment, their response is, “We can’t do that. We need them more than they need us.”

based on a set of shared values and interests.

Between both political parties, there have been close to twenty presidential debates; and no substantive discussion on the black unemployment rate, the decline of HBCUs, or black entrepreneurship. Why? Black media, especially black newspapers, are totally invisible in the presidential debates in both parties. Both parties are tripping over themselves with Hispanic media and addressing issues specific to that community, but with blacks, not so much.

This despite the fact that blacks vote at a much higher percentage than Hispanics and blacks have a much larger voting age population.

Both parties fear black people. The Democrats fear that Blacks won’t turn out without Obama being on the ballot.

Republicans fear blacks won’t vote for a Republican. Both are equally wrong.

Let me interpret that statement for you. They are afraid to play hardball with black groups because they “may” be called racist by the liberal media.

I am amazed at how much of the interactions Republicans have with the black community is out of fear of being labeled a racist, as opposed to engaging with the black community

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Page A-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • March 9-15, 2016

It’s our birthday! In celebration of the Michigan Chronicle’s 80th birthday, we’re combining our two Men and Women of Excellence events into one big colossal Celebration of Excellence Awards Ceremony and Alumni Reunion. We’re calling on all past Honorees to join us in the celebration!

May 13, 2016 Cobo Center – Grand Ballroom $85 Individual Ticket $850 Honoree Table $1,500 Corporate Table

EXCELLENCE ®

Nominations are closed Results are being tabulated STAY TUNED

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michiganchronicle.com

March 9-15, 2016

Remembering

Gil Hill: The ultimate public servant

By Keith R. Johnson

During some of the most troubling times in Detroit history, there was a shiny, guiding light of hope, faith and optimism who never believed that Detroit was a dead city, nor a city on life support. Rather he believed that by working together, believing in each other, and supporting each other, Detroit, taking small, incremental yet consistent steps forward would rise again.

That light may have died out with the passing of former Detroit City Council president and champion for Detroit, Gil Hill passed away on Feb. 29 at the age of 84, but not the resurrecting spirit he exhibited as one of Detroit’s most prolific civic leaders.

To know Gil, or to speak to him, one would never know he was not a native Detroiter, for it seemed he’d always been here. The truth is Gil was born in Birmingham, Alabama Nov. 6, 1931, moved to Washington D.C. with his mother, and actually didn’t arrive in Detroit until 1953.

His lifelong commitment to public service began when he joined the Wayne County Sheriff's Department in 1953. However, Gil became disenchanted with the lack of activity within the sheriff's department which actually directly benefitted the

citizens and joined the Detroit Police Department in 1959. His stellar career in law enforcement culminated with him retiring with the rank of commander in 1989.

So skilled and prolific was Gil, that the Atlanta Police Department recruited him to join a national team to solve the Atlanta child murders of the late 1970s Gil’s tenacity and leadership with the team resulted in the arrest and conviction of Wayne Williams for the murders. Gil returned to Detroit to resume his exemplary leadership in Detroit’s homicide division, solving murders and keeping up the morale of officers as Detroit’s homicide rate remained among the highest in the nation, as did its homicide closure rate, largely due to Gil’s leadership.

In the early days of his career, Gil never let some of the racist policies and practices within the police department impede him doing his job, never allowing himself to get consumed by the racism, nor defined by the racist. The courage of his convictions, his strength of character, as well as his determination to succeed not only allowed him to move through the ranks, it also served as an inspiration to other black officers to stay engaged, do their job

See GIL HILL page B-2

Renowned author of ‘Writing My Wrongs:

Life, Death and Redemption in an American Prison,’ Shaka Senghor, at Wright Museum

By Roz Edward

prison.

An appearance on Oprah’s “Super Soul Sunday” is usually an affirmation that the guest is officially recognized as an intellectual or a spiritualist who has transcended ordinary life experiences to join the ranks of the enlightened. They are typically the sages who’ve led stellar lives and have long been considered pillars of society.

On Monday, March 14, Senghor will appear at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to discuss the best-selling book about his experiences pre- and post- incarceration. Senghor’s book is one of familial intensity as he recounts his unconventional coming of age, the immense despair he experienced in the early years of his prison sentence and how he eventually emerged more enlightened and profoundly aware of the social dynamics that almost caused his demise.

But, award-winning author and motivational speaker Shaka Senghor joins that company of social commentators after taking a turn on the path to higher understanding, which led him to a 19-year stint in

Hear the turbulent yet tri-

umphant story of Shaka Senghor one day after the air date of his interview with Oprah Winfrey on “Super Soul Sunday” as he walks us through his 19year incarceration, which positioned him as a writer, community activist and inspirational speaker. Senghor’s new memoir, “Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death and Redemption in an American Prison” will be available for purchase and signing.

each other, I was already programed to kill. I had convinced myself it was better to shoot than be shot, that the handgun in my pocket was the only thing that could protect me,” Senghor writes in a letter to his victim in the prologue of his book.

“You have to understand the thinking of young inner city kids, mostly black and brown males who grow up in these very volatile environments.

“It takes strength to walk away from an argument. Back then, I didn’t have that strength.

I was afraid and I allowed my fears to dictate my actions. …

When you and I encountered

“And once you understand a lot of the abuses and the high level of gun violence they are exposed to and the proximity to death and danger, then you can begin to help them cope

and help them understand what their own cognitive processes are, what their emotional processes are and how they are psychologically damaged by their environment. You can fix that if you understand it.”

To meet the author and hear more of his riveting account of his ascension from prison to prominence, be there for an open discussion at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History on Monday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. The Charles Wright Museum is located at 315 East Warren Avenue in the Cultural Center in Midtown Detroit.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 9-15, 2016

Page B-2

Not as young as we used to be

By Steve Holsey

ful things in my life, and hope there are many more years to come.

We’ve all heard those comforting sayings — “Age ain’t nothing but a number,” “Youre only as old as you feel,” “50 is the new 35,” and on it goes.

There is some validity in these affirmations, but it’s not a good idea to get carried away with them because Mother Nature and Father Time work as a team and have a way of keeping us aware of reality. But it’s great in the sense that being here, and in generally good health, is a monumental blessing. Thank you, mysterious Creator!

Each person “of a certain age” has their own story to tell. This is mine.

I first noticed being older — not old — when about two years ago people started addressing me as “sir.” What's up with that? It happens all the time. Well, it’s said respectfully, so I can’t complain, really. But still...

Also, frequently people say, “You look good!”

To my way of thinking, that translates to, “You look good for your age.”

But okay, I'll take it. And then there is being addressed as “young man” by people who are not much older than I am.

There’s more.

Twice in recent weeks as I was entering a building, a man younger than me let me go first, even holding the door, saying, “After you, sir.” (There's that “sir” again.)

There are a lot of good sides to being “further along in life.” I feel more confident in who I am, what I like and don’t

Someone asked the iconic bandleader-musician-composer Duke Ellington if he planned to retire. He said, “Retire to what?” My sentiments exactly. I love getting up in the morning and heading to the workplace.

Steve Holsey like, what my basic orientations are, and where I want to go or not go. I don’t have to explain anything. A straight-to-thepoint but courteous “I don't want to do that” will suffice. End of conversation.

Then too, when I am going through something stressful, I think about all the other stressful things I’ve gotten through and take comfort in knowing, as the saying goes, that “this too shall pass.”

In 1972, Johnny Nash, most famous for his No. 1 hit from 1972, “I Can See Clearly Now,” recorded a song titled “There Are More Questions Than Answers.” How true that is.

There is so much to be grateful for, so many great friends, present, past and forever. So many great memories, with new ones being added all the time.

For a lot of years I have been able to do something I love that comes natural — writing — and making it even better is the fact that it usually involves one of my main passions, music. Can’t imagine not having these two wonder-

Another big plus factor in being older is that your opinion on many matters is more respected than ever. Sometimes younger coworkers and friends ask me things, professionally and otherwise, and what I say is usually accepted completely, or at least thought of as something to give serious consideration to.

I am the kind of person who stays up to date generally, but in some areas I lag behind because I tell myself, “I don't need that.” Believe it or not, I just got a cell phone two months ago. Honest. But, on the other hand, I love my laptop, especially the Internet, and cannot imagine life without my iPod. I have 995 songs on it at present, from nearly all genres and eras.

On the physical side of things, I sometimes get tired faster. But even so, I have more energy than several of my much younger coworkers. And oh yeah, I used to practically leap out of the bathtub. Now my body sometimes says, “Not so fast!”

But like James Brown said, I “get on up!”

I eat in a fairly healthy manner, but should do much better and be more consistent. But back away from potato chips? Not gonna happen. I’ve been a “chipaholic” since earliest childhood.

There are some celebrities who are sources of inspiration for very good reasons, one reason in particular — among them, Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, George Foreman, Loretta Devine, Richard Gere, Ahmad Rashad, Paul Schaffer, Pam Grier, Jeff Bridges, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Joyner, Meryl Streep and Don Johnson.

We’re kindred spirits because they are all still going strong.

All things considered, life is grand.

Gil Hill

and force the hierarchy to notice their talent and ultimately get rewarded for their tenacity.

Gil’s legacy was further expanded when, in 1987, Paramount Studios decided to film portions of the movie “Beverly Hills Cop,” starring Eddie Murphy on location in Detroit, which led to roles in the two “Beverly Hills Cop” sequels.

While Gil was now recognized in Detroit as a “movie star,” by no means was he about to get defined as such, so when his police career ended in 1989, he made the best of his newly found celebrity status and successfully ran for a seat on the Detroit City Council. Gil received the second highest number of votes, thus becoming president pro-tem. He would later serve two terms as council president getting the most votes in 1993 and 1997.

While on the council, Gil furthered his passion for helping people, with a particular emphasis on programs that benefitted senior citizens and young people. He made himself uniquely accessible, always willing to meet with church, community, social, and religious groups to get the “word from the street” about what council needed to address to

From page B-1 improve the quality of life for Detroit citizens.

The community access to Gil was magnified during the 1990s when he co-hosted “Back to Back,” a talk show on WQBH 1400 AM, where he invited leaders and just plain folks from within the community to bring forth their ideas, concerns and fears to the forefront for open dialogue.

Perhaps Gil’s greatest gift was his ability as a consensus builder, an invaluable role as the leader on the council. There were times when Gil and some of his colleagues may have been diametrically opposed to each other on issues, but rather than allowing the differences to keep them divided, Gil would focus on the aspects upon which they agreed and find a way to make it work for the good of the city.

Gil Hill did not make all of these signs of Detroit’s true Renaissance possible directly, but his spirit of never giving up on the city that never gave up on him was a catalyst that spurred belief and faith in the people of a once great city determined to be great again.

To read this article in its entirety please visit michiganchronicle.com.

How black Detroit played its part in the Civil War

By Betty DeRamus Special to the Michigan Chronicle

Nearly 200,000 black men fought in the Civil War. This is the story of a hard-fighting unit organized in Detroit.

Huddled inside Detroit's Camp Ward, the black volunteer soldiers slept on sacks of straw under leaking roofs in poorly ventilated rooms. Since their quarters had no flooring and no mess halls, they had to cook and eat where they slept. Recruits received only one dime-thin blanket each in 1863, a winter that chilled both their bodies and souls.

Fifteen died while still in camp and that was only the start of their troubles.

After the Secretary of War authorized the creation of one regiment of black Civil War soldiers in Michigan, black volunteers had streamed into Camp Ward from all parts of the state and magnolia-smelling pockets of the country. The unit they joined was known originally as the 1st Michigan Colored Regiment but eventually became the 102nd Regiment, U.S. Colored Troops. Its soldiers were mostly semi-literate and semi-skilled men, led by white officers but propelled by their own desire for change.

Some volunteers came from Detroit.

Others came from other parts of Michigan. More than half came from places where people knew the correct slantwise way to chop sugar cane or had spent their lives ducking mosquitoes and sloshing around in muddy rice fields.

The ranks of these volunteers even included Frank Robinson, a 10-year-old regimental drummer boy. Robinson is among 17 black members of the unit who rest in Detroit’s Elmwood cemetery.

Seventy-two volunteers for the 102nd came from Canada as well, a country to which so many already had run, rowed and maybe even crawled to reach freedom. Why did they return to America to fight for something they already had?

Some wanted to help kill slavery so freedom could grow new and sturdier roots. Others returned to liberate some of the people they especially longed to see walking proud: their parents, their spouses, their children, their friends and their former neighbors.

How did they know where to go to join the war they viewed as a struggle for freedom? According to the Detroit Tribune's March 22, 1914 edition, anti-slavery activist Mary Ann Shadd Cary...“personally

brought scores of the ex-slaves of her race from Canada to show them where to enlist.” Shadd Cary had helped make history before. Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, where she was the daughter of an Underground Railroad activist, she was both a teacher and a journalist. In 1853, she became the first black woman to run or co-edit a North American newspaper, The Provincial Freeman.

Yet she was not the only one who helped guide Canadian recruits to Detroit. “There were several others at or near Chatham, equally as active as herself in the work,” noted historian Norman McRae in his book, Negroes in Michigan During the Civil War. According to MRae, those guides at or near Chatham included “a blacksmith named Street” and Elijah Wills, father of an attorney in Detroit.

In the fall of 1863, anti-slavery preacher Sojourner Truth went door to door in Battle Creek, Michigan, collecting food, blankets and clothes for the all-black, all-volunteer 102nd Regiment, U.S. Colored Troops.

Truth couldn’t read or write but she had three powerful weapons: deep faith, a commanding appearance and the ability to make speeches that broke stereotypes and touched the hearts of listeners. At Camp Ward, the civil rights and women’s right advocate not only lifted despairing spirits. She likely saved lives.

According to a reporter who described the encounter, Sojourner “carries not only a tongue of fire, but a heart of gold.”

The regiment’s rolls contained 1,446 officers and men. In the Civil War, they fought hard, driving off Confederate troops in South Carolina, Eastern Georgia and Florida. Six died in battle. Five died from wounds, and 129 men and one officer died from diseases. The regiment returned to Detroit where they were disbanded in the fall of 1865.

They could say they’d survived the first war to use trench warfare and repeating arms that fired several rounds without reloading. They could say they’d lived through a conflict bent on destroying not only people but towns, transportation systems, properties and family relationships.

They could say they’d help provide the balance of power that enabled the Union Army to win the Civil War. And they could say they’d paid freedom’s cold and bloody price once more.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 9-13, 2016

Page B-3

IIMD celebrates 97 years of community service at Hall of Nations

The International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit is commemorating its 97th anniversary of serving the community in immigration, social services and global education. The theme for 2016 is “Unity in our Global Community,” a series of celebration events highlighting the achievements of individuals and groups who are making a difference in our community.

Rhonda Walker Foundation hosts annual Moving with Success brunch On Sunday, March 13, the Rhonda Walker Foundation will host its 10th Annual Moving with Success Empowerment Brunch, “Conversations with Men Who Empower Women,” at the Sound Board in the Motor City Casino Hotel.

This event promises to be inspiring to all who attend as they celebrate the accomplishments of some of metro Detroit’s most prominent, nationally recognized leaders who have empowered outstanding women in our

District 1 Community Meeting and Opportunity Fair Join Mayor Mike Duggan for the District 1 Community Fair and Opportunity Fair on Wednesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at Greater Burnette Baptist. The fair begins at 5 p.m. The community meeting begins at 7 p.m. and adjourns promptly at 8:30 p.m.

Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the church.

This is the first in a series of community meetings as outlined in the 2012 Detroit City Charter. For more information contact Linda Vinyard at 313-224-3876.

community.

For nine consecutive years, this highly anticipated occasion has earned its place as one of Detroit’s premier and meaningful fundraisers through honoring Powerful Women of Purpose, some of the most successful business and philanthropic leaders across metro Detroit.

These are women that have reached the highest levels within the automotive, legal, financial, technical, health, education and entrepreneurial fields.

From Andra Rush, Cindy Pasky and Vivian Pickard to Denise Ilitch, Florine Mark and Suzanne Shank, the honorees are women who have not only reached high levels of success in business, they have also mentored and in other ways helped others along the way.

It is in that spirit of mentorship that it was decided that for the 10th year to also comb the metro area to find the men are changing the paradigm and empowering women through mentoring, networking and promotion into executive and other important high level management and decision making positions.

The purpose of the event is not only to highlight the

The gala will take place in the Hall of Nations of the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, 111 E. Kirby, Detroit, on Friday, April 15, 5:30-9 p.m. There will be a marketplace with vendors, ethnic food, artwork and cultural performances. This fundraising event is

By H. Vance Stevens In today’s political and social climate, it is difficult to fathom that there was a time when the majority of black people in the U.S. aligned themselves with the Republican Party. That was before the party became arch-conservative, not inclined to reach out to minorities and those less fortune, and viewed as “the party of the rich” and even “the white people’s party.”

Since founding the Rhonda Walker Foundation in 2003, through the core five-year Girls into Women program, the mission has always been to empower inner city teen girls towards becoming strong, confident, successful and moral future leaders.

These realities and perceptions didn’t come out of nowhere, and there are also someone as unlikely as Donald Trump could become a serious presidential contender.

The organization is proud that 100 percent of the girls who complete the program graduate from high school and enroll in college.

This event provides a rare opportunity for them to interact with many of Detroit’s finest leaders. All revenue from the Moving with Success Empowerment Brunch will benefit the five-year Girls into Women program.

For more information on how to participate, become a sponsor or volunteer, please contact Nada Dalgamouni, Global Education Director:nada@iimd.org and cc: internationalinstitute01@gmail.com;

African Americans and the Republican Party

notable accomplishments of the honorees but to also have a panel discussion about the value of diversity, especially as it relates to women in executive positions and how others can take their lead and expand it to achieve more opportunity and equality for women in executive level positions.

Each of the teens is provided a mentor; career and personal development; yearround tutoring in all subjects; college test preparation courses; opportunities for cultural exploration, summer internships and jobs.

to support the International Club After School Program in metro Detroit, a global learning and cultural awareness program to help our children to think globally and act locally. It’s a collaboration of the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit and several businesses, organizations, institutions from our community and 91 ethnic groups throughout southeastern Michigan.

But at the same time, Trump’s candidacy and bombastic ways in nearly all situations has done serious damage to the Republican Party, and subsequently there is a strong possibility that Democrats will retain the White House.

and brown faces are few and far between.

The African American community tends to be “suspicious” of Republican African Americans. In their hearts they know that everyone has a right to believe as they choose and act on those beliefs, but the thought is still, “Why would you want to be a Republican?” To which a black Republican might retort, “Who said black people are ‘supposed’ to be Democrats? And the Democratic Party takes that black support for granted.”

To reiterate, there was an era when most black Americans were Republican, but as decades passed and situations changed, things began to shift. To illustrate, it has been reported that Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a Democrat, received 71 percent of the black vote when he was first elected in 1932, and the percentage continued to climb.

Republicans seeem to have virtually, or perhaps literally, given up on attracting Blacks and Hispanics, the assumption being that these two fast-growing minorities — both in numbers and in terms of political clout — are going to vote Democratic no matter what.

African Americans today being predominantly Republican is an impossibility, unless something beyond drastic occurs.

Considering things that have been done and said by Republicans over the years, Black and Hispanic “standoffishness” is understandable, and right.

Good point, but African Americans will never even consider the GOP as long as its representatives insult them, such as saying disparaging things about Barack Obama, the first black president and someone that nearly all black people are very proud of.

This great “racial divide” is never any more evident than when one views the crowds at the Democratic and Republican national conventions. The Democratic convention is a rainbow of ethnicities.

But on the Republican side, black

It could be argued that the Republican Party will never change as long as there are so few black people within its ranks.

The black community is over 90 percent Democratic and that’s the way it’s going to stay.

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(313) 963-5522 e-mail:newsdesk@michronicle.com March 9-15, 2016

Page B-4

SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011 JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997 LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

By Bill Fletcher, Jr.

African Americans.

NNPA News Wire Columnist

A precedent has been set and, as has been demonstrated time and again throughout the history of the United States, if the ruling elite — or a segment — wants to push through a nefarious measure, they first implement it in communities of color.

There are two items that immediately jump to mind and, believe it or not they both have to do with elections.

The first is, that in the state of Michigan, there have been a series of silent coups taking place in which black-majority cities are losing control over their own affairs to a white, Republican Bill Fletcher, Jr. Governor Snyder who intervenes supposedly in order to address various crises.

This matter most recently became very public in the context of the travesty surrounding the revelation of water poisoning in Flint. In the recent past, Flint was run by an emergency manager appointed by the governor.

Despite the existence of these silent coups, very little attention has surfaced in the mainstream media. Certainly part of the reason is that these are black-majority cities in question and, as a result, the problem of the deprival of democracy can seem to only affect black people.

I hate to put it that way, but that is the reality of the situation.

The fact that these silent coups have been taking place, and yet there has been little to no outrage in non-black communities, should alert us to a growing danger of declining democracy. That these cities can be deprived of local control and, in effect, disenfranchise the voters, means that such an approach can be taken in any city. This is not a problem limited to the situation facing

Once it is successfully implemented in communities of color, there are no longer any arguments about its legitimacy when used more broadly. The disenfranchisement of the black vote in the South with Jim Crow at the turn of the 20th century, which ended up disenfranchising much of the poor White vote, is a case in point.

Yet here we are in an election year, and there has been near silence about this effort to suppress the black vote.

These silent coups should be added to other mean-spirited efforts to restrict the ability of citizens to vote. Using the duplicitous suggestion of widespread voter fraud, the Republicans have whipped up a panic — largely among whites — about alleged illegitimate voters affecting election outcomes.

While the chances of voter fraud are less than the chance of being hit by lightning, the Republicans have met with success in moving various onerous steps to restrict voting times, days, as well as eligibility. These efforts gained renewed Republican vigor in the aftermath of the 2008 election of President Obama.

What a coincidence!

Here we are in the 2016 and this suppression of democracy has received almost no attention from the candidates.

While I would not expect the Republicans to highlight their own authoritarian moves, it is curious that this has not been a central theme for either Senator Sanders or former Secretary of State Clinton.

Apparently the conclusion is that we, the voters, will have to make this central to the 2016 election cycle.

Hillary and Bernie discover and rediscover black people

By James Clingman NNPA News Wire Columnist

One thing is for sure: Black folks are enjoying this latest political mating dance with Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton.

Sanders is discovering black people in South Carolina and Georgia, and Clinton has reopened the “leading blacks” vault to rediscover their loyalty and willingness to present her to the black electorate one mo’ time, y’all.

Sanders, after years without doing anything specific for the 1 percent black population of his state, much less for black people in general, has now James Clingman discovered, and some would say rediscovered his love and concern for us.

In the vast majority of cases it is really a case of black people discovering Sanders, because most blacks knew absolutely nothing about him prior to a few months ago, but for Ed Schultz and black folks’ penchant for watching MSNBC. Sanders started out by traipsing up to Harlem, cameras in tow of course, to sip tea with Al Sharpton at a black restaurant. I am sure that boosted his “street cred” bona fides with black voters.

Uncle Bernie then goes to MLK’s alma mater, Morehouse, and tells thousands of black folks how much he loves them now and how much he will do for them — now. It’s almost like he is waking up from his five-decade “I marched with MLK” respite and discovering that black people exist and, yes, they are important to court because he cannot win without them. He is pulling out all the condescending platitudes to get the black vote, and black folks are lovin’ it.

Hillary, far more knowledgeable and adept at getting black voters, reached into her bag of politricks and pulled out an old, tried-and-true, sleight of hand tactic. She met with the Great Triumvirate of Black “civil rights” leaders, folks who will hurt you if you get between them and a news camera, to subliminally suggest she is “down with the bruthas.”

Hillary called on old stand-by, John Lewis, to tell black folks that Sanders has no street cred, because Lewis “never met him” back in the days of fire-hoses, dogs, and billy clubs.

She then got members of the Congressional Black Caucus to endorse her,

“I have never known a person with a stronger sense of right and wrong in my life.”

KEITH A. OWENS Senior Editor

Why isn’t voter suppression being discussed during election year?

There are many peculiar things about the 2016 election cycle, but one of them is what is not being discussed.

Quote of the Week:

CATHY NEDD Associate Publisher

a monumental victory that will surely bring home the ultimate victory. After all, we cast from 93 percent to 95 percent of our votes for Barack Obama in both elections, and he won. Why not the same thing this year for Clinton?

Black folks are discovering and being discovered by Bernie. We are also being rediscovered by Hillary. And while we are making political campaign ads, going to rallies and cheering for the Democratic candidates, as Gil Scott-Heron said in reference to Richard Nixon and the Republicans, “All is calm and quiet along the white sands of San Clemente.”

In today’s political world that simply points to the Republicans’ continued strategy of ignoring black people by saying absolutely nothing on our behalf or in support of issues that specifically pertain to black voters. But why should they? We are “all in” for the Dems.

Hype is meaningless unless it is accompanied by real accountability and substantive results. If the black vote is so important and so precious, as we like to say, then why is it literally given away for a song and a dance or a rousing speech?

Saying how bad it is for Black people is not doing something about it.

Glad-handing and hobnobbing with two or three leading blacks is not doing anything to elevate black people to a state of economic empowerment, and not even political empowerment. Feeling our pain and walking in the streets with us does nothing to alleviate that pain or stop the injustices we suffer.

It is embarrassing to see our people fawning over folks who, when they get what they want from us, will return to the political status quo. If that were not true, we would have seen huge benefits by now. It’s always, “this time it will be different,” when it comes to black voters. One practical question to ask candidates who are running around our neighborhoods, churches, and college campuses seeking our votes: “How much campaign money have you spent with black-owned media, i.e. newspapers, radio?”

That’s just one of many acts of reciprocity and the bare minimum of what we should demand. If they do as the current POTUS did in 2012, spend onetenth of 1 percent with black media, don’t support them until they increase that amount, and then move on to the next demand.

Stop allowing them to use and insult you, and stop slobbering over this latest discovery process. Black people have been in this country since the show started.

— Bill Clinton,

speaking about his wife, Hillary

President Obama, one of the best ever

By Jeffrey L. Boney NNPA News Wire Columnist

President Barack Obama will go down in history, as arguably one of the most successful presidents of the United States. What he has been able to accomplish over his nearly eight years in office is remarkable, especially when you consider the level of obstructionism and racism he has had to endure.

It is no secret that his Republican counterparts have sought to fight President Obama since the Jeffrey L. Boney day he was sworn in to office. As a matter of fact, they wanted to make things so difficult for him, that they concocted a strategy and a plan to ensure that he would not make it past his first term.

Don’t believe me? Well, let me provide you with a little proof.

“The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.”

This was the bold statement made by U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell on October 23, 2010, prior to the midterm elections, in an interview with the National Journal.

Senator McConnell practically informed the world that he and his Republican colleagues had no sincere intentions or desire to work with President Obama to deal with the issues that America was faced with. Senator McConnell let us know that their only focus was seeking to make this newly-elected, African American president, a one-term president. It was shameful.

Going even further, author Robert Draper released a jaw-dropping book, “Do Not Ask What Good We Do: Inside the U.S. House of Representatives,” where he claims that the Republicans anti-Obama campaign began on the night of his inauguration. Talk about cold-blooded.

As President Obama was smiling, waving and dancing with First Lady

Michelle Obama at the numerous inauguration balls he had to attend, Draper asserts that top Republican lawmakers and political strategists held a secret meeting where they plotted and devised an elaborate scheme to bring the president down, and make things so difficult for him that the American people would never re-elect him for a second-term.

According to Draper’s book, a little over 15 of those lawmakers and strategists met up at a swanky, high-end establishment called the Caucus Room for several hours where they kicked around ways to not only take the White House back, but also win back political power in the House and Senate. One of the biggest items on their agenda, however, was developing a strategy to do everything in their power to collectively obstruct every single one of President Obama’s legislative agenda items on his platform.

In spite of these deliberate and concocted acts of obstructionism, President Obama never wavered. In his firstterm as President of the United States, President Obama accomplished a great deal.

While having a Democrat-controlled House and Senate during the first two years of his presidency, President Obama was able to sign several pieces of legislation into law and make many executive decisions that have helped move this country forward.

(Editor’s Note: Mr. Boney cited many of President Obama’s achievements, but space does not permit us to print them here. Please visit BlackPressUSA. com for the whole story.)

There are so many other outstanding things that President Obama has done.

Oh, and don’t forget that President Obama managed to get re-elected, in spite of the elaborate schemes and deliberate attempts by his many detractors, who were hell-bent on destroying his astonishing legacy before it truly even began.

Congratulations to President Obama, who I believe will go down in the history books as the most successful and impactful president America has ever elected. And guess what? His legacy will become stronger and increasingly more relevant as time passes on.

Mexico is our neighbor, not the enemy

By Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Presidential campaigns often turn raw. Politicians reach for sound bites that bite. Often they gain by playing on fears, winning by division, not by addition. In 2016, insult has become the coin of the campaign, particularly in the Republican primaries. And too often the enemy singled out has been Mexico and Mexicans.

Mexico has been burlesqued as a source of illegal immigrants, who are slandered as rapists and criminals. Mexico is accused of taking our factories abroad and Mexican immigrants of stealing our jobs at home.

Trumpets sound for building a wall Jesse Jackson across a 2,000-mile border, for deporting millions of Mexicans living in America, for booting out the Dreamers who were born here, and more.

We would be wise to step back and take a deep breath. Mexico isn’t our backdoor; it is our next-door neighbor. One hundred million people live in the 10 U.S. and Mexican states along the border region, and taken together these form the equivalent of the fourth largest economy in the world. Our ties with Mexico are deep, our peoples intertwined. They should not be reduced to a sound bite or an insult.

Thirty-four million Mexicans and Mexican-Americans live in the United States; about 22 million were born here.

Every day, the U.S. and Mexico exchange $1.4 billion in two-way trade. Mexico is our second largest export market (after Canada). Mexico buys more U.S. goods than all of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and Singapore) combined, nearly as much as the entire EU. Mexico is the third largest supplier of crude oil to the U.S. It is the largest export market for U.S. refined petroleum products and a growing market for our natural gas.

Cooperation between our two great countries is inescapable. We must and do coordinate on transportation, on legal entry points, on international orga-

nized crime, on trans-border infectious diseases and trans-border environmental challenges. In recent years focus has necessarily been placed on criminal activity — the flow of drugs coming north and the flow of guns and contraband cash going south.

We are the biggest market for illegal drugs in the world. Our appetites feed the criminal drug rings that threaten entire countries. We have an obligation and a national interest in bolstering enforcement on both sides of the border.

We don’t need a wall, we need a bridge. We are neighbors, bound together by geography and by history. Now we hear all these fulminations about undocumented workers.

People don’t leave their homes on a lark. They flee parched earth for green grass. For too long, we have exploited Mexican workers on both sides of the border. They pick our fruit and vegetables. They clean our houses.

They fight and die in our wars, hoping for a green card and a shot at an American dream. Mexicans didn’t take our jobs to Mexico; U.S. corporations used NAFTA to take our jobs to Mexico.

Mexicans don’t seek subminimum wages here. U.S. employers exploit the undocumented to pad their own pockets.

This furious debate about immigration is taking place as illegal immigration has virtually disappeared due to the lack of jobs in the U.S. The biggest flood of immigration came after NAFTA forced family farmers in Mexico to compete with subsidized agribusiness in the U.S. Many lost their lands and their livelihood and came north to survive. We need economic policies that work for working people on both sides of the border, not a policy of division and insult that allows employers to keep exploiting workers in both countries.

America’s strength is its diversity, and our security is enhanced by having close relations with our neighbors.

American workers have every reason to be angry about an economy that is rigged to work against them and a politics that is corrupted by big money. But our Mexican neighbors didn’t do that, and building a wall won’t change it.

The politics of insult ends up insulting us.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 9-15, 2016

Page B-5

Symposium to address race, racism and law at WSU Michigan Chronicle Staff Reports

The Journal of Law in Society at Wayne State University Law School will present its 2016 symposium, “A Tribute to Professor Emeritus Edward J. Littlejohn and his Work with Race, Racism, and the Law,” on Friday, March 11.

Habitat for Humanity Detroit honors 30 years of ‘stars’ at Red Carpet Bash Michigan Chronicle Reports Habitat for Humanity Detroit hosted its 5th Annual Red Carpet Bash at the Fillmore Detroit. The bash, Habitat Detroit’s largest annual fundraiser, began the celebration of Habitat Detroit’s 30th anniversary year, honoring Habitat “stars” — homeowners, volunteers, community partners and sponsors — for their support of Habitat Detroit in its efforts to build homes, community and hope in Detroit and surrounding communities.

The symposium will pay tribute to Littlejohn’s scholarship, work in the city of Detroit and time on the law school faculty.

Littlejohn is one of the leading experts on African American legal history, played an instrumental role in the implementation of the Detroit Police Commission and served on the law school faculty during tumultuous times in the 1970s.

Rachel Myung, journal editor-in-chief, Professor Peter J. Hammer, director of Wayne Law’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, and Judge Damon J. Keith, who serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and earned his master of laws degree from Wayne Law in 1956, will provide opening remarks.

“Our longstanding history in the city of Detroit shows our commitment to this great city. And we couldn’t do anything without the stars we are honoring at this year’s Red Carpet Bash. They are the volunteers who have helped build homes; the sponsors who have provided both financial support and labor for H.B. Sanders, emcee. our efforts; and our partners who are as committed to our communities as we are in making it safe and sustainable for years to come,” said Kenneth V. Cockrel, Jr., newly appointed executive director for Habitat Detroit.

The Red Carpet Bash, hosted by the Lear Corporation, was similar an Academy Awards celebration, where guests had a chance to be photographed on the red carpet, enjoy a strolling dinner, mingle with celebrity guests, and watch a special awards ceremony as the organization honored its “stars” with the Habbie awards. Awards include Volunteer of the Year, Homeowner of the Year, Sponsor of the Year, Community Partner of the Year and Faith Partner of the Year.

The event, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch, will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium at the law school, 471 W. Palmer St. The symposium is free, registration required. Parking will be available for $7 (credit or debit cards only) in parking structure No. 1 across West Palmer Street from Wayne Law.

Littlejohn will give the keynote address.

Panel discussion topics and panelists will be: • “The Past, Present, and Future of Michigan’s Black Lawyers and Judges” with Hon. Dennis Archer, chairman emeritus of Dickinson Wright PLLC; Hon. Dalton Roberson, retired Wayne County Circuit Court judge; Hon. Denise Page Hood, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and moderator Blanche Cook, Wayne Law assistant professor.

• “The Struggle for Racial Diversity in Legal Education” with Carl Edwards, Wayne Law class of 1974, partner with Edwards & Jennings PC, Ericka Jackson, class of 1997, Wayne Law assistant dean of admissions and student affairs, Michael Steinberg, class of 1989, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, and moderator Robert Sedler, Wayne Law distinguished professor.

• “Citizens’ Efforts to Hold Police Accountable for Misconduct” with Julie Hurwitz, partner with Goodman & Hurwitz PC; Barbara McQuade, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Yusef “Bunchy” Shakur, owner of Urban Network, and moderator Eric Williams, Wayne Law assistant (clinical) professor.

Hammer, Wayne Law Dean Jocelyn Benson and Symposium Director Sean Riddell will give closing remarks.

For the complete ­ ymposium s schedule, visit law.wayne.edu/journal2016.

Kenneth V. Cockrel, Jr., executive director

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MARCH 1-31

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BUSINESS Powered by Real Times Media

michiganchronicle.com

Michigan ranks No. 6 for major corporate expansions, job creation

March 9-15, 2016

CHRONICLE STAFF REPORTS

Michigan has been named the No. 6 state in the nation for major new corporate facilities and expansions in 2015 by Site Selection magazine, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced.

“Once again, the nation is taking notice of the bold reforms now driving Michigan forward. More companies are choosing to grow their futures in Michigan, creating more and better jobs here,” MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood said. “The best way to boost our state's economy and improve the quality of life for all is to create an environment that encourages business investment and innovation.”

Site Selection, a global business publication, verified 217 projects in Michigan that met capital investment, job creation or size standards as part of its annual Governor's Cup ranking.

This year, Michigan finished behind Texas, Ohio, Illinois, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Rounding out the top 10 were Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Indiana.

Major new corporate projects for Michigan in 2015 included expansions by leading automotive suppliers ZF (Northville Township), Detroit Diesel Corporation (Redford Township), and Sakthi Automotive Group USA (Detroit) Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Ann Arbor Township), Notions Marketing Corporation (Grand Rapids) and Carhartt, Inc. (Dearborn).

“This recognition sends a message around the world that Michigan's highly competitive business climate and tremendous workforce capabilities make our state a top location for new corporate expansions,” Arwood said. “Over the last several years, we have greatly improved Michigan's business climate and infrastructure, making it easier for businesses to find new paths to prosperity, and our changes are paying off.”

Notable achievements in creating a business-friendly climate over the past five years include elimination of Michigan Business Tax, building the state’s rainy day fund, elimination of state’s structural deficit and reduction of nearly 2,000 unnecessary regulations.

The state is also working to develop talent, working to connect schools and businesses to help students graduate with in-demand skills.

The reforms have led to top state ranking for major new and expanded facilities for four consecutive years; top 10 ranking for automotive employment, new manufacturing jobs, and education tech skills; and ranking as 13th among all states for overall business tax climate by the Tax Foundation.

Site Selection’s Conway Projects Database focuses on new corporate facility projects with significant impact, including headquarters, manufacturing plants, R&D operations and logistics sites, among others. It does not track retail and government projects, or schools and hospitals. New facilities and expansions included in the analyses must meet at least one of three criteria: (a) involve a capital investment of at least $1 million, (b) create at least 20 new jobs or (c) add at least 20,000 sq. ft. (1,858 sq. m.) of new floor area.

Site Selection magazine, published

by Conway Inc., delivers expansion planning information to 48,000 executives of fast-growing firms around the world.

Mandell Crawford and Lorenzo Spratling

Touch of Class Catering, touches taste in excellence

By Donald James Special to the Chronicle

When a company makes the decision to name itself Touch of Class, nothing less than excellence will suffice. According to chefs Lorenzo Spratling and Mandell Crawford, owners and operators of Touch of Class Catering, maintaining a standard of excellence is the only way to do business.

Since its inception in 2000, Touch of Class Catering, located at 10612 W. Nine Mile Rd. in Oak Park has been about the business of serving customers at the highest level. The company takes great pride in its ability to prepare and serve many types of food (soul, French, Italian and more) for an array of corporate, public and private events.

the synergy that Spratling and Crawford share has morphed into the company’s success story. Both men once worked together as culinary arts instructors for Detroit Public Schools’ Breithaupt Career and Training Center.

culinary arts, dates back to their youth.

Spratling, a native Detroiter, recalled as a teenager watching his mother cook.

He also took cooking classes while a student at Cody High School on the city’s west side.

“At DPS, Chef Spratling and I developed a good working relationship, good chemistry, and became good friends,” said Crawford who recalled meeting Spratling in 1997. “People were always asking us to make a pan of this or a pan of that for events outside of school. We got so many of these types of requests that people told us that we should start

“I was one of only two males in the cooking class at Cody,” said Spratling with a laugh. “The girls in the class couldn’t cook that well. The two guys in the class were the best cooks.”

“We have always provided excellence in service, quality cuisine, outstanding taste and visual presentation which are our focal points,” said Spratling. “Our goal is to always exceed our clients’ expectations.”

A short list of the company’s clients has included the ABC television series “Detroit 187,” The Skillman Foundation, radio talk show host Mildred Gaddis (WCHB), Johnson Controls, Detroit Public Schools Foundation, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and St. George Cultural Center. as well as other corporations, businesses, churches, civic/ community organizations and private affairs.

Crawford’s love for cooking dates back to his childhood growing up in Detroit. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking because I’ve always enjoyed eating,” Crawford said. “As early as I can remember, I wanted to be a chef.

“At five or six years old, I was cooking eggs in different ways. At eight years old, I had a subscription to Bon Appétit magazine and loved looking at the pictures of food.” a catering company. We decided to make a go of it in 2000.”

Like any company, Touch of Class Catering faces challenges, none of which, however, tarnishes its brand.

“We take pride in all our catering events,” said Crawford, who estimates that the company has about 25 employees. “We don’t ever want our clients to think that we favor one client over another, because we don’t. We consider all events important.”

“Actually, we challenge ourselves to maintain a standard of excellence that we’ve created and want to build upon,” said Spratling.

“The economy can always present challenges, but we just keep moving forward regardless of the situation.”

It’s not difficult to understand why

Spratling and Crawford’s love for the

Bradley Gayton, making an impact at Ford

By Keith A. Owens SENIOR EDITOR

One thing that is clear about Bradley Gayton: he is a Ford man. And judging by Gayton’s rate of ascent within the company, it’s safe to say his loyalty and dedication have paid off handsomely. But the payoff could never have happened without the wellearned skills that he has demonstrated throughout his career.

Gayton, who in January became Ford Motor Company’s first African American general counsel — and the only African American to hold this position among the Fortune 10 (Ford currently ranks No. 9) — is currently leading a global team of more than 250 employees. In this role, Gayton leads the company’s litigation, tax, corporate and intellectual property efforts.

He also advises the company’s Board of Directors and senior management on a wide range of legal issues, and oversees its General Auditor’s Office.

“When I came to Ford, I was in my

second year of law school. And the summer between my second year and my third year in law school, I actually worked here as a summer clerk, which is a very common thing that law students do between their second and third year,” he said.

“Typically, if that works out, you get an offer of full-time employment after that summer, so that’s what happened to me. …The thing that attracted me to Ford is the fact that the legal department is the size of a large law firm inside of a corporation.

And what became really clear to me as a student clerking is Ford does all of its legal work in house.

“You get to see issues from inception to completion, and you get to work on the full ­spectrum of legal issues as they develop. That appealed to me as opposed to being hired to work on a narrow issue for a short period of time. The practice here is you’re heav-

See Bradley Gayton Page D-2

After graduation, Spratling studied business administration at Eastern Michigan University and engineering at the University of Detroit. However, he wasn’t satisfied with his career paths, until a college advisor suggested that Spratling consider culinary arts. Spratling investigated the field and went on to earn an associate’s degree in culinary arts from Washtenaw Community College.

Crawford, who graduated from Redford High School, also participated in Breithaupt’s culinary program.

He subsequently enrolled at Schoolcraft College to study culinary arts. He also amassed extensive hands-on experience at many local restaurants.

While Spratling and Crawford continue to grow Touch of Class, they are available to give advice to others interested in pursuing a career in culinary arts, especially young people.

See Touch of Class Page D-2

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Political kingmaker: Bob Millender helped to elect city icons

By Ken Coleman During the early days of the historic 1964 John Conyers Jr. campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives, volunteers would talk often about a man who would enter the office during the wee hours of the morning and empty trash cans, remove scraps from tables and tidy up bathrooms.

As days turned into weeks, they were eager to meet him. They understood that his name was Bob but they had no idea who he was and why he dutifully did what he did.

One morning, however, he appeared.

“They were shocked to learn that he was Bob Millender,” recalled one of his daughters, B. Pennie Millender, now a 36th District Court judge.

“My father raised us to understand that we were no different than anybody else.”

Bob Millender, the late attorney and political campaign strategist, managed successful election efforts for Coleman A. Young, George Crockett Jr., Richard H. Austin, Claudia Morcom and Conyers, among others.

GREAT MIGRATION BABY BORN A CENTURY AGO Robert L. Millender, Sr. was born on December 8, 1916 in Chicora, Mississippi located about 50 miles east of Hattiesburg. His family moved to Detroit in 1921 and his father secured a job at Ford Motor Company. Detroit was a growing city at the time. Between 1910 and 1930, the city’s black population soared from 5,700 to 120,000. Young Bob graduated from Northwestern High School and married Louise in 1941.

He later took a job at the Roosevelt

The Millender family with Lani Guinier (front).

U.S. Post Office and served in World War II for 18 months in the 92nd Infantry.

After returning home from the war, Millender enrolled in the Detroit College of Law. He earned a degree there in 1952, was appointed to the Workers Compensation Board and became its deputy director in 1957.

LEADING CAMPAIGN ­STRATEGIST After helping to lead Conyers to a razor thin victory over Richard H. Austin (only 43 votes), Millender landed Austin as a client. Austin, a Detroit mayoral candidate in 1969, again suffered a narrow loss this time to Roman Gribbs, Wayne County sheriff. As much as Austin, the city’s first major candidate for mayor, wanted to play down race as an issue in the campaign, Millender offered a sober analysis: “Although, ideally, ability should be the sole criterion for electing an individual to office, we recognize that race has already become a factor in this campaign.”

The following year, 1970, Austin won statewide office as secretary of state with Millender again serving as campaign manager. During his later years, Millender became a partner in one of the nation’s first racially integrated law firms, Goodman, Eden, Millender & Bedrosian. He specialized in labor law.

“Bob Millender really brought the development of black politics into full bloom in the state of Michigan,” said John Conyers in 1984. “He came on the scene at just the right moment for many of our careers and made everybody better off.”

Millender died in 1978 while being treated at Harper Hospital to correct chronic circulatory problems in his legs. He suffered cardiac arrest and severe brain damage while receiving post-operative treatment. In a wrongful death suit, his law partners argued that Millender’s cardiac arrest was caused by a faulty respirator that did not deliver oxygen to him. The hospital paid a $1.4 million out-of-court settlement to Millender’s family.

Touch of Class “Research, locate and enroll in a good culinary school,” Spratling said. “Read lots of culinary arts books. Try to work in a restaurant that makes 95 percent of its items from scratch, because you want to learn how to cook from scratch.”

Crawford agreed.

“In addition to what chef Spratling has said, fully gage the passion that you have for this field,” said Crawford. “Ask yourself, do

From page D-1 you love this field enough to where you would work in it for free? But, if you’re good enough, people are going to use and pay for your services.”

“We used TOC for our reunion banquet,” said Rosalind Cox. “The service was excellent and the food was amazing. Everyone raved about the food.” Diamond Ciara added, “Excellent food. Loved it. They catered my graduation party and made

it fantastic.”

“A huge gratification for chef Crawford and for me comes from knowing that we made an event memorable,” Spratling stated. “Because many times, people talk more about the food than the event.”

For more information about Touch of Class Catering, call 248.996.3659, or log on to its website at www.toccatering.com.

March 9-15, 2016

Page C-2

Bradley Gayton From page D-1

ily integrated into the business and you get to see issues from start to finish.”

Gayton began his career at Ford in 1991 when he joined the general counsel. He’s held many roles within the company, most recently corporate secretary and assistant general counsel. While his main role is protecting the Ford brand, Bradley says his true passion is giving back. He has donated numerous hours helping to help support women in the community, whether it’s working with local organizations to help women get back on their feet in the community or larger national issues like battling human trafficking.

“The thing I’m most passionate about as a father of three daughters is making the world a better place for women and girls. My pro bono work is focused on helping women through a process called you U-Visa. It’s a process where if you’re the victim of a crime, if you help the authorities prosecute the person who committed a crime against you, and you’re not a citizen, this U-Visa process allows you to get on a path to potentially getting a green card,” he said.

“Once you’re granted a U-Visa permit, you can stay in the country legally, you can get a driver’s license, you can get a Social Security number, which means you can work, you can drive, and you no longer have to hide in the shadows. And my clients will generally have a family, so you’re not only helping that one woman, you’re usually then helping her family.”

Before becoming general counsel and vice president, Gayton was corporate secretary and assistant general counsel, a position to which he was named to in April 2012. In this role, Gayton had direct responsibility as secretary to the Board of Directors and for related governance and legal matters. He had legal responsibility for NYSE and SEC compliance and reporting, including annual and quarterly reporting, proxy statement and registration statements, as well as legal responsibility for supporting Ford’s Treasury operations in capital markets and debt financing transactions. He also led a team dedicated to providing legal counsel on privacy and data protection matters, including cross-border data transfers and data usage, and provided administrative oversight of Ford’s global compliance function. Gayton served as assistant general counsel and assistant corporate secretary since January 2011.

Gayton joined Ford’s Office of General Counsel in 1991. He has held positions of increasing responsibility within the Office of General Counsel including serving as director of Legal Affairs – Canada, Mexico and South America with responsibility for managing all aspects of Ford’s legal matters related to regional manufacturing, sales and service, and distribution activities. He also served as assistant Tax Officer with responsibility for U.S. federal and state compliance, analysis, transfer pricing, and all aspects of global indirect taxes including litigation.

Born in April 1963, Gayton holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

“It’s just such a privilege to practice law that I feel we have an obligation to give back and help people gain access to justice,” he said.

Coming Spring 2016

Announcing the Michigan Chronicle/Talmer S.W.A.G. Scholarship Finalists The special edition of ACHIEVE will display the finalists for the Michigan Chronicle/Talmer S.W.A.G. Scholarship Award. Stay tuned to find out who won a scholarship.

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities call 313.963.5522

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE business National Black Farmers Association opens 2016 scholarship application period MICHIGAN CHRONICLE REPORTS

The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) Scholarship Program has opened the application period for 2016 scholarships. The application site, https://scholarsapply.org/blackfarmersassociation, will remain open through May 2, 2016, or until 100 applications have been received, whichever comes first.

Funded through a grant from the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, the program provides scholarships of up to $5,000 to students pursuing agriculture-related study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.

“Higher education provides transformational tools, knowledge and resources,” said Lesley Slavitt, Head of Civic Engagement, FCA US LLC, and CEO of the FCA Foundation. “It is a privilege for the FCA Foundation to be a partner in ensuring that the next generation of African-American farmers receives the training and skills that will help them to thrive.”

Scholarship Applicants NBFA scholarship recipients are selected based upon several criteria, including academic performance, demonstrated leadership and participation in agricultural and community activities, and career goals and objectives.

“The scholarship funds went toward my tuition, which has helped to lift some of the financial burdens placed on my family and I,” said Michael Coleman, a 2015 NBFA scholarship recipient who is pursuing a degree in animal science at Alcorn State University. Coleman, a Raymond, Miss., native, was awarded a $5,000 NBFA scholarship.

Established in May 2015, the National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program awarded 19 scholarships nationally – a total of $87,000 – to support the development of a new generation of African-American farmers.

“In 1910, nearly one million black farm families owned over 15 million acres of land. Today, less than 45,000 black farm families own 3 million acres,” said John Boyd, Jr., president of the National Black Farmers Asso-

ciation. "The National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program is a huge step in the right direction for the survival of America's black farmers.

"Educating black farmers provides an opportunity to increase and advance agricultural technology, which will be passed on as a vital part of our rich farming legacy to future generations."

March 9-15, 2016

Page C-3

“ WHAT’S DTE ENERGY DOING TO MAKE IT EASIER ON BUSINESS?”

About the National Black Farmers Association The National Black Farmers Association is a non-profit organization representing African-American farmers and their families in the United States. As an association, it serves tens of thousands of members nationwide. NBFA's education and advocacy efforts have been focused on civil rights, land retention, access to public and private loans, education and agricultural training, and rural economic development for black and other small farmers.

The new interactive eBill from DTE Energy makes it easy to analyze energy usage and pay your bill. The new, simple layout shows your usage at a glance, gives you links to energy-saving ideas, and lets you pay your bill in a snap. There are even sections specific to your business that can help you understand and manage what you use, and pay.

About the FCA Foundation Since 1953, the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, has invested more $500 million in charitable organizations and initiatives that help empower people, and build strong, viable communities. The FCA Foundation invests in programs that generate meaningful and measurable societal impacts in the following areas: Education – programs that inspire young minds, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); Military – programs that support financial and basic needs of military service members, veterans and their families; Multicultural/Diversity – programs that promote inclusion and opportunity for diverse populations; and Youth Development – programs that help young people develop the skills and leadership qualities to succeed in school, at work, and in life.

Additionally, FCA US seeks opportunities to support communities through its Motor Citizens® volunteer program.

This innovative program enables FCA US salaried employees to use 18 hours of paid time each year to be an Engine for Change by investing their time and talents in community service projects.

Mr. Buck, Owner Mr. Buck’s Hair Pavillion

DTE0386 | Dropbox/Clients/DTE Energy/Creative/DTE0386 2015-05-01-Ethnic-Mr-Bucks-5x10.5-BW-R1.indd | Page 1 of 1 | Rev1 | 05/01/2015 Publication | 5x10 | No Bleed | Close 05/01/2015 REVISIONS DUE TO AGENCY 05/01/2015 DT ____ CR ____ TR ____ PR ____ AE ____

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 9-15, 2016

Page C-4

Thomas Moorehead rolls into the world of ultra luxury

Eric Easter

URBAN NEWS SERVICE

The world’s first African American Rolls Royce car dealer got there through hard work and perseverance, but only after disappointing his family.

Thomas Moorehead’s parents thought the key to respectability was a Ph.D. Both teachers, they lived by an old-school axiom that the one thing you never can take away from a man is an education.

Yet, with just a few credits and a dissertation to go, Moorehead abandoned his doctoral program, and his parents’ wishes, for an uncertain shot at learning the automobile business from the bottom up.

dealerships around the globe, an opportunity he accepted without hesitation.

The new store, Rolls Royce Motor Cars of Sterling, is the sole Rolls Royce dealership in greater Washington, D.C. and covers much of the mid-Atlantic, from Virginia to southern Pennsylvania. It sits just across from Sterling BMW and Mini, his other successful dealership, a fact that fills him with immense pride.

“These are the best cars in the world, and I’m honored to be able to bring them to my customers,” Moorehead says as he looks across the lot.

His dealerships thrive in one of the region’s wealthiest communities, filled with prosperous government contractors, newly minted millionaires from tech start-ups and the Washington Redskins’ nearby training facility.

But the opulence that Moorehead markets is a long way from his roots in Monroe, Louisiana, a town of 38,000 with a historic poverty rate twice the already poor state’s average.

During his youth, Monroe Colored High was the sole choice for black students in that segregated city. It was a time when, according to Moore-

It was a leap of faith, an offer from a fraternity brother and mentor, James Bradley of Bradley Automotive Group, who promised to make Moorehead a millionaire in five years — if he took the risk. But it wasn’t the promise that attracted Moorehead. “Teaching was a guarantee of a long career, but I always had a passion for business,” he says.

head, families like his could “offer you their good name, but not money.”

That upbringing drives a sense of humility that led Moorehead to keep his own name off the dealership’s logo.

“I always say the boss is the customer, not me. I don’t get caught up in having my name on the door,” he explains. “Actually, most customers who come in think I’m just another salesman, and that’s fine with me.”

In a world where demanding buyers have been known to add millions of dollars’ worth of custom details to their cars

to reflect their personalities (fur-lined shoe-holders, built-in picnic baskets, crystal cufflink holders), Moorehead’s low-key manner is a studied contrast, a contrast he believes helps him sell more cars. “I can talk about the features of the cars all day but, ultimately, people are buying good service,” he says At age 71, Moorehead still relies on the daily advice of mentors, who include Hall of Fame home run great (now car dealer) Hank Aaron and former National Urban League president John Jacob. He calls them “instrumental” in shaping his business’s success. “They marked their careers by quietly getting the job done, but also being the best at what they do,” he says While giving a tour of his office, Moorehead seems slightly embarrassed as he points to pictures of himself with presidents Obama and Clinton and an array of famous business leaders. That changes when he points out two items of which he’s most proud.

The Laurel Wreath Award, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’s highest honor for lifetime achievement.

His road to success required two years of apprenticeship with Bradley, the mortgaging of his home and the depletion of his savings to enter a training program, then eventually owning his first dealership, selling Buicks in Omaha, Nebraska.

And then something much less distinct: a small cardboard sign that lists more than a dozen vendors who, he says, have contributed to his achievements — architects, decorators, contractors, cleaning-service owners and even the guy who printed the sign.All are African-Americans, and fraternity brothers, people for whom he has paid forward the gift that Bradley gave him.

Moorehead built a strong reputation as someone dedicated to customer service, an essential value of the Rolls Royce brand. That reputation, and his sales record as owner of Sterling BMW in Virginia, sparked an invitation from Rolls Royce Motor Cars to join the exclusive club of only 33 dealers and 130

“This is really what it’s all about, bringing other people up and giving something back,” he says.

Moody’s Credit Opinion upgrades Wayne County to ‘stable’ Moody’s Investor Services’ general obligation limited tax (GOLT) debt outlook for Wayne County is now stable according to a Credit Opinion issued Feb. 19, reversing a previously negative rating.

The New York rating agency’s report identified several factors for granting Michigan’s largest county a more favorable outlook, including: Wayne County significantly reduced expenses over the past six months, positioning itself for financial stabilization.

Significant expenditure reductions through modification of retirement benefits, contraction of payroll and other operating efficiencies that correct a long-standing operational imbalance.

Enhanced control over expenditures was key to addressing the county’s fiscal concerns given limited options to raise revenue.

Along with other operating adjustments, including consolidation of facilities, renegotiation of service contracts, and reduction in per-

sonnel, county officials estimate a reduction in general fund costs of nearly $50 million for the current fiscal 2016 that began on Oct. 1, 2015.

Actuarial estimates peg annual savings associated with retiree healthcare reforms at nearly $20 million. The county estimates another $13 million of annual savings associated with pension reforms … that include a reduction in the benefit multiplier for future years of service and increased employee contributions. More than half of the annual savings will hit the county’s general fund.

“Moody’s decision to upgrade our credit outlook to stable is a step in the right direction,” said Wayne County Executive Warren Evans.

“Our successes last year in eliminating the structural deficit and reducing unfunded health care liabilities were definitely noteworthy, but, we aren’t resting on those successes. My administration continues to work to restore long-term fiscal stability to Wayne County.”

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans applauds Moody’s decision to upgrade the county’s credit rating. – Monica Morgan photo

business

March 9-15, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

AT&T to launch new ways to access and stream DIRECTV video content Later this year, AT&T plans to launch the ability for you to access and stream DIRECTV video services over a wired or wireless Internet connection from any provider and from virtually any device – smartphone, tablet, Smart TV, streaming media hardware or PC. The company’s three new affordable video offers will be designed for customers looking for premium content with choice and flexibility in what they want to watch and how they want to watch it. We plan for each service to come with a set number of simultaneous sessions. Also, these services will not require annual contracts, satellite dishes or set-top boxes.

Customers can expect to see these three new streaming options beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016: DIRECTV Now The company plans to offer a range of content packages, including much of what is available from DIRECTV today -— on-demand and live programming from many networks, plus premium add-on options. Customers will be able to access the service over a wired or wireless Internet connection and on Internet-enabled devices. Consumers can simply sign-up for the service, download the app and begin watching.

DIRECTV Mobile This affordable offer will deliver a mobile-first user experience for people wanting to watch premium video and made-for-digital content directly on a smartphone, regardless of the wireless provider.

Consumers can start watching video immediately after the same simple sign-up and app-download process.

Page C-5

Supplier Success appoints Glenda Gill as vice president Michigan Chronicle Reports

Supplier Success, LLC, a supplier finance company focused on improving the working capital of corporations and suppliers, has announced that Glenda Gill has been hired in the role of vice president.

DIRECTV Preview This free offer for anyone with a wired or wireless Internet connection will feature some of the quality programming available on DIRECTV today. The tailored ad-supported service will showcase content from AT&T’s AUDIENCE Network, many networks and other content sources, and millennial-focused video from Otter Media, a joint venture of AT&T and the Chernin Group.

“These new video subscription models reflect the flexible content choices, viewing options and simple, transparent pricing that consumers want.

AT&T intends to be the first company to deliver that flexibility, along with an effortless customer experience,” said John Stankey, CEO, AT&T Entertainment Group. “These offers will provide a broad range of customers with greater freedom and choice to watch, binge and even buy premium content, regardless of how and where they enjoy their entertainment.

“We are looking at these offerings differently than others in the market. We often hear from customers who want more content from streaming services, or who can’t get or can’t afford a traditional pay-TV service,” Stankey said. “We intend to offer customers a quality pay-TV experience, including top channels, sports and more, with increased value and flexibility of pure online streaming and no need for home installation.”

AT&T is a leader in video streamed over the Internet. We serve more than 60 million streams and downloads to our TV customers each month. Today more than 60 percent of our network traffic is video.

AT&T will continue to provide DIRECTV’s premium satellite TV entertainment service, which includes its industry-leading lineup of live and on-demand programming choices and optional addons such as HBO, Showtime and its exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket Package. Customers will be able to access their programming on virtually all mobile devices, as they have been able to do for many years.

AT&T also will continue to offer its U-verse TV and Internet service.

The addition of Gill solidifies Supplier Success’ position as a leader in the automotive industry, with a particular focus on diversity markets and assisting diverse businesses. In her new role, Gill will work with diverse suppliers to connect them to low-cost capital, in addition to directing Supplier Success' philanthropic efforts. Supplier Success has pledged to allocate 80 percent of its profits to projects that benefit the public good.

Gill joins Supplier Success after spending over 17 years at Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a multiracial, multi-issue, international non-profit committed to driving social change. There, she served as executive director of the Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project, a program promoting minority inclusion in hiring, boardroom representation, purchasing, and consumer relations across the auto industry. Under Gill’s leadership, the Automotive Project negotiated over $4 billion in business contracts for more than 100 minority businesses. She also served as lead negotiator in Toyota's 21st Century Diversity Strategy, a 10-year, $7.8 billion initiative.

“We are very fortunate to have Glenda, who has nearly two decades of expertise in the auto industry, on our team,” said Louis Green, CEO of Supplier Success.

“No one is better suited to deliver cutting-edge supplier finance solutions to an industry that

Glenda Gill badly needs them. And no one will fight harder for the well being of diverse suppliers,” added Mr. Green.

Glenda Gill will operate out of Los Angeles, where the company plans to open an office later this year.

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Reflections

By Steve Holsey

Essential books Some books are “must” reading for those who want to get a better understanding of a complex person, while simultaneously being entertained and provided with insight into the entertainment industry.

Among those that fit the criteria “Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye” by the award-winning David Ritz (he’s a master on such projects), as well as “Rage to Survive: The Etta James Story” (David Ritz and Etta James), “Miles: The

Bruno Mars and Beyoncé showed how it’s done during the Super Bowl halftime show.

Autobiography” (Miles Davis and Quincy Troupe), “Brother Ray: Ray Charles’ Own Story” (Ray Charles and David Ritz) “Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin” (David Ritz) and “Remembering Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped” (Cissy Houston).

And of the many books about Motown and its artists, four of the best are “To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown: An Autobiography” (Berry Gordy), “Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme” (Mary Wilson), “The A&R Man” (Mickey Stevenson) and “Berry, Me and Motown: The Untold Story” (Raynoma Gordy Singleton).

Rihanna raised eyebrows with this attention-grabbing gown at a 2014 fashion awards extravaganza. (This is all we can show.)

HOT!

By Steve Holsey

There are certain performances — on stage, in videos, on television, in movies — that are so “hot” that you can’t forget them and find yourself revisiting them time and again. It could even be the way someone was dressed on a particular occasion.

One of the most exciting performances of all time took place at the 2004 Grammy Awards, when two entertainers universally known for “bringin’ it” joined forces.

Prince and Beyoncé sizzled in a “Purple Rain” medley augmented by Queen B’s “Crazy on Love.”

All are available at Amazon.

KUDOS to Kevin Hart for taking the high road with regard to the nasty things said about him by comedian-actor Katt Williams. Among other things, he accused Hart of being “a puppet” and said he had achieved fame in exchange for sexual favors.

Kevin Hart Hart responded, “So many doors are opened from the success of one comedian, and when you see those doors open, you then have the opportunity to walk through them. It’s about helping one another, not trying to tear each other down.”

Beyoncé also set the stage on fire when she performed with Tina Turner at the 2008 Grammys. Tina, of course, is an icon and has been a major influence on Beyoncé.

Michael Jackson making history at “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.”

My guess is that this was nothing more than a ploy for publicity on Williams’ part.

Beyoncé, megastar, with Tina Turner, icon.

And then there was the recent Super Bowl halftime show featuring fast-paced, red-hot performances — separately and together — by Beyoncé and Bruno Mars.

(No, this whole story is not going to be about Beyoncé.)

During season three of “American Idol,” it was becoming increasingly clear that Fantasia had a good chance of emerging the winner. But one week she sang an amazingly passionate rendition of “Summertime,” and that clinched it for her.

There were goosebumps and tears across the nation, and oddly enough, Fantasia had never heard the song before but fell in love with it.

It would take the entirety of this page to spotlight even half of Michael Jackson’s amazing performances, such as the dancing in the history-making “Thriller” video, and when he morphed into a black panther in the video for “Black or White.”

Jamie Foxx captured the essence of Ray Charles in “Ray.”

But the iconic performance is “Billie Jean” from the “Motown 25: Yesterday,

Fantasia sang what may well have been the most passionate rendition of “Summertime” ever.

Angela Bassett and Michael Beach in a tense scene from “Waiting to Exhale.”

Chuck Berry and Etta James rocked hard on Berry’s “Rock and Roll Music.”

Today, Forever” special. This launched “Michaelmania” and sent “Thriller” album sales into the sales stratosphere.

No, Michael Jackson didn’t create the moonwalk, but this was the first time

See THAT WAS HOT Page D-3

Lionel Richie and Diana Ross Rolling Stone magazine recently posted what it considers to be the 20 greatest Best Song Oscar performances. Five of them are “Endless Love” (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, 1982), “Theme From Shaft” (Isaac Hayes, 1972), “Dreamgirls Medley” (Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson, 2007), “Take My Breath Away” (Lou Rawls and Melba Moore, 1987) and “Glory” (John Legend and Common, 2015).

Chris Rock

Prince sets the stage on fire with Beyoncé.

Chuck D

CHRIS ROCK — who was in some ways great and in all ways unique, though sometimes over the top with the “racial stuff” in his in-your-face Oscar hosting — opened and closed with

See Reflections Page D-3

Lionel Richie knows how to entertain an audience.

Luther Vandross, unsurpassed live and on record.

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 9-15, 2016 Page D-2

Black women and Rock & Roll

collide at the Wright museum’s Women’s History Month opening event

O

Jessica Care Moore recruited All-Star Talent to Play for Sold-Out Audience

n Saturday evening, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History and the jess Care moore Foundation presented the 12th Annual Black WOMEN Rock! (BWR!) Concert to a sold-out audience. Over 500 concert-goers showed up to the Museum to witness a rare performance from a group of internationally-known, African American female rock & roll musicians.

Performers included Kimberly Nichole (The Voice, Season 10 Top-10 Finalist), Divinity Roxx (bass player from Beyonce’s all-female band), guitarist and vocalist Kat Dyson (Prince, Musiq Soulchild, Cyndi Lauper, George Clinton) and jessica Care moore, founder and executive producer of the event.

Since 2010, BWR! has kicked-off Women’s History Month at The Wright Museum to a standing room-only audience.

A showcase of independent women artists of color who make a living in the rock & roll genre, the concert pays tribute to Betty Davis, funk artist and “pioneer rocker.” Moore stated on stage Saturday evening BWR!’s purpose is to celebrate and bring awareness to extraordinary artists who, although they have played to crowds around the world, are not publicized to mainstream audiences.

Photo Credit: Annistique Photography

“We have to create these platforms. And that’s why I’m creating this platform,” she said. “We understand that black women do rock, and I don’t mean just as in ‘we’re cool,’ but in a Rock & Roll kind of way.”

In addition to Saturday’s concert, this year’s events included a five –day art exhibition entitled “Nasty Gal” curated by Detroit visual artist Sabrina Nelson and “They Say I’m Different” artist talk to take place Sunday, March 6 at 12:30 PM at the Charles H. Wright Museum. Parents and caretakers are encouraged to bring children to the talk, which will include workshops, video presentations and a panel discussion. Admission is free and open to the public.

About Black WOMEN Rock!

In 2004, renowned poet and performer, Jessica Care Moore created Black WOMEN Rock!, a tribute to Rock Icon, Betty Davis, in conjunction with The National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta. BWR! aims to defy stereotypes of what a Rock & Roll artist looks and sounds like; featured artists have spent their careers breaking down barriers of image, politics and sexuality in the music industry.

Victor Ghannam World Music Quarter featured in Palmer Woods music series

Michigan Chronicle Reports

abic, Greek, Turkish, Jewish, Byzantine, Azerbaijani, Armenian, North African (Chaabi, Classical, and Spanish Andalusian), Somali and Middle Eastern music.

Take a musical journey filled with the magic of a spectacular historic home and an equally stunning ensemble of seasoned musicians from around the globe who call the Detroit-area their home. Begin this journey with Victor Ghannam's World Music Quartet at Palmer Woods Music in Home's concert on Saturday, March 19 at 8 pm.

Crossing genres from Middle Eastern, to jazz, Flamenco, rock’n roll, and exotic belly dancing music, Victor Ghannam’s dazzling command on the oud and qanoun has earned him worldwide recognition. He has performed with the Detroit Symphony on its Sounds of Babylon series, as well as on NPR's Prairie Home Companion. A founder of the National Arab Orchestra, he will perform with fellow members: Iraqiborn violinist Qusay Al-Ali, Ons Boukraa, one of Tunisia’s premier percussionists, and from

Victor Ghannam's World Music Quartet India, Gursharan Yash Singh Sandhu, who plays percussion instruments of classical Indian music with ancient Hindu traditions. It will be an evening filled with hypnotic sounds and global magic.

The oud is thought to have been created during the early pharaonic era; legend has it that it was invented by Lamech,

the sixth grandson of Adam.

The oldest pictorial record of a lute dates back over 5000 years ago, from the cradle of civilization, Mesopotamia. This beautiful pear-shaped stringed instrument has a long tradition of having magical and healing powers and expressing the souls of countries. It is often used in Persian, Ar-

This evening of rich culture includes a feast during intermission with food and desserts to reflect the flavor of music.

The concert home, a fabulous 5,200-square-foot 1926 English Tudor-revival, is eclectically decorated with modern, antique and handmade furniture and artwork of local artists, as well as the owner's photography.

Palmer Woods Music in Homes 9th season showcases world-acclaimed jazz, classical and world music artists with Detroit roots who perform each month through June in architectural gems — Detroit's Palmer Woods mansions, unique homes and gardens.

Here musicians enrapture their audiences with musical journeys of sounds, imagination,

traditions, and histories from the US, Latin America, Middle East, Asia, South Africa, and elsewhere.

Tickets for all concerts, $40 - $50, with discounts for groups of 10 or more, can be purchased at palmerwoods.org or by calling 313-891-2514. The address of the concert home in Palmer Woods is revealed when tickets are purchased. All concerts include receptions with creative and delicious menus that reflect the musical themes.

The 2016-17 series commenced in December with the legendary saxophonist James Carter and Ragtime pianist Taslimah Bey for the Mardi Gras concert in January. There are six more exceptional concerts, plus two free concerts for children with PUBLIQuartet's classical concert on April 9 and David Alan Grier Quartet's "Delta Blues, Broadway, Jazz & Beyond" concert on Saturday, June 18.

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

MOTOR CITY ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR

BEYONCE, Ford Field, May 29. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

BOYZ II MEN, Goodwill’s Harmonies and Hope Event Concert, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, March 17. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino. com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

CLASSICAL & Jazz Benefit Gala Concert, presented by the James Tatum Foundation for the Arts, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall, March 20.

For additional information, call 313.255.9015.

GEORGE CLINTON, Parliament, Funkadelic, Alise King, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, May 5. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino. com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

MIKE EPPS, Tommy Davidson, Jay Pharoah, Cocoa Brown, Joe Louis Arena, March 25. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

KIRK FRANKLIN, Fox Theatre, March 25. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations.

To charge by phone, call

Flex Alexander

Fantasia

Anthony Hamilton

1.800.745.3000.

To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

313.534.8318.

JOHNNY GILL, Christopher Williams, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, April 14. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino. com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

ANTHONY HAMILTON, FANTASIA, Fox Theatre, April 22.

Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

GLADYS KNIGHT, THE O’JAYS, Fox Theatre, May 8.

Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000. “LET’S DANCE,� Fox Theatre, March 18. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations.

BRIAN McKNIGHT, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, Friday, March 11. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino. com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

MOTOR CITY Blues Festival, featuring Bobby Rush, Shirley Brown, Sir Charles Jones, TK Soul, Theodis Ealey and Bigg Robb, Fox Theatre, March 19.

Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

THE MOTOWN Show, presented by “Hair Wars,� Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, April 17. Cash bar. For more information, call

For far too long, you’ve been holding back.

that set Rhimes back on her heels: “’You never say yes to anything.’�

Opportunities have presented themselves, and you’ve passed on them.

Chances have leaped in front of you and you skipped them, but you’re not sure why.

Some days, you feel like you’re in a ten-foot-deep rut; in the book “Year of Yes� by Shonda Rhimes, you’ll see how to Shonda Rhimes get out.

A few days later, after those words sunk in, Rhimes realized how wrong it was that her sister was right. Rhimes was “miserable� and knew that she shouldn’t be, so before she was tempted to let the idea go forever, she texted a friend and vowed to say “YES� to everything scary for one years’ time.

With two babies and a “tween� at home, several mega-hit productions, and hundreds of employees on her payroll, writer-creator-producer Shonda Rhimes had ample reason for turning down requests.

She was busy – and she was also terrified.

She said yes to letting go of outdated ideas about motherhood.

She became “a big social butterfly� before learning to say yes to play.

As an F.O.D. (a “First. Only. Different.â€?), she’d already said yes to “literally changing the face of television,â€? but she had to learn to watch the yeses she stuffed in her face‌ and she said yes to weight loss.

Rhimes is a private person, an introvert’s introvert. She hated publicity, interviews, and foofaraw, all of which scared her to the point of panic. “NO� was a much safer word until, on Thanksgiving Day a few years ago, her sister said six words

If Jamie Foxx had not won an Academy Award in 2005 for his portrayal of Ray Charles in “Ray,� it would have been one of the greatest travesties of all time. Foxx didn’t just “play� Ray Charles, he “became� Ray Charles —

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STYLISTICS, Stephanie Mills, the Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Ray, Goodman & Brown, Fox Theatre, March 26.

Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

TI, Young Dro, Kash Doll, Young Thug, Masonic Temple, Saturday, March 19. Tickets on sale at the Masonic Temple box office and Ticketmater locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

TYRESE, Monica, Fox Theatre, March 27. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations.

To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

Almost immediately, the “Universe� sent her the first challenge: an invitation to speak at her alma mater’s graduation. Next came an invitation to interview with Jimmy Kimmel and, said Rhimes when it was done, “I didn’t die.�

She said yes to those who inspired her.

She said yes to compliments.

She said yes to learning how to

appropriately say “no.�

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With all she has on her plate – one high-profile company, three kids, four hit TV shows - you should wonder where author Shonda Rhimes found time to write a book. And you should be glad she did.

With wisdom, wit sharper than a Ginsu knife, and the warmth of a BFF, Rhimes takes readers on her year-plus-long journey, from “It’s NEVER going to get better� to a life of joy, on a road filled with potholes of self-doubt, hairpin curves, and the realization that inviting fears into her life wasn’t going to kill her.

Yes, I loved it.

Inspirational?

YES, and because her TV creations are dramas, you’ll be surprised and delighted to find that Rhimes is a funny writer, too. She’s also thoughtful, and her experiences will make you think: maybe you do need play. Maybe you do need to learn when “no� is appropriate. Maybe you do need “Year of Yes,� no holding back.

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From page D-1

capturing his manner of speech, his movements, the nuances, all of it. No detail was too small.

Every Angela Bassett performance on screen is special, ranging from Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to do With It?� to Stella Payne in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,� and everything in between. She was riveting in “Waiting to Exhale� as Bernadine Harris, especially in her dealings with her husband once she found out that he was kicking her to curb for another woman.

The audience at a big event celebrating the 60th birthday of rock and roll

legend Chuck Berry got a real treat when another legend, Etta James, joined Berry for a thrilling rendition of Berry’s classic hit “Rock and Roll Music.â€? They really rocked it‌hard! (Check it out on YouTube.)

Lionel Richie came to Detroit in 1984 for a concert that proved that he is much more than a smooth balladeer who sits at a piano and charms with beautiful songs like “Three Times a Lady� and “Truly.�

Several of his concert songs — such as “All Night Long (All Night)� — are uptempo, and besides, the guy is just likable and a lot of fun. And there was a bo-

Reflections Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power.� But Chuck D had no problem with it, saying, “The song is beyond me and the crew. The point of the song is a call to making change.�

Getting back to Rock, the lack of black nominees warranted being addressed, but there was no need to introduce the show as “the White People’s Choice Awards,� or to say, “We’ll be white back� before going to a commercial break. (Not that it wasn’t funny.)

But that’s Chris Rock and they knew what they getting.

Iyanla Vanzant says there is something very serious going on in the head of Kanye West, which accounts for his frequent widely publicized rants and meltdowns. Vanzant says she prays for him every day.

West, by the way, is probably among the top three most overexposed artists of today, the others being the Kardashians (as a unit)

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She said yes to singlehood because everybody’s “happy endingâ€? is different. And she said yes because “Saying yes‌ is courage.â€?

That was hot In 1982, Luther Vandross, one of the best singers that ever walked the face of the earth, was presented in concert at Masonic Auditorium. The show was mesmerizing and flawless. For “Bad Boy/Having a Party,� the stage was actually transformed into a house party, complete with furniture.

Week’s Best

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17-21-39-4-37-13 8274 3506

‘Year of Yes’ by Shonda Rhimes

most people had seen it.

March 9-15, 2016

nus during this concert tour — his lead dancer was Damita Jo Freeman, one of the most famous of the original “Soul Train� dancers. That made the show even hotter.

And we couldn’t end this story without noting the see-thru gown that the lovely Rihanna wore to the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards ceremony in 2014. She received the Fashion Icon Award.

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This is not an endorsement for see-thru attire, but anyone with a very open mind had to be impressed with the imagery‌and Rihanna’s courage.

From page D-1 and Nicki Minaj.

Since this country made history by electing a black president nearly eight years ago, it would be great to elect the first female president.

Hillary Clinton is pulling in major celebrity support. Among the stars cheering her on — and making financial contributions — are Angela Bassett, Vivica A. Fox, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Hill Harper, Common, Steve Harvey, Michael Douglas, Samuel L. Jackson, Joy Behar, Holly Robinson-Peete, NeYo, Chris Rock, Magic Johnson, Dustin Hoffman, BeyoncÊ, John Legend, Quincy Jones, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Ciara, Sting, Ricky Martin and Grant Hill.

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW‌ that even though his name is synonymous with the twist, Chubby Checker is also associated with the pony, the fly and the limbo rock. He didn’t create any of them, but he did much to popularize them.

MEMORIES: “Going in Circles� (the Friends of Distinction), “Encore� (Cheryl Lynn), “It’s No Crime�

(Babyface), “Shake Your Groove Thing� (Peaches & Herb), “Love Ballad� (L.T.D.), “A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)� (Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio), “Dear Lover� (Mary Wells), “You’re My Everything� (the Temptations), “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now� (McFadden & Whitehead), “Typical Male� (Tina Turner).

BLESSINGS to Alex Alexander, Bettye LaVette, Ed Phillips, Henry Tyler, Ruben Yabuku, Denise Stevenson Cash, Thomas A. Wilson Jr., Donafay Collins, Linda Burgess and Sylvia Quarles WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Annie Lennox: “Fame for fame’s sake is toxic.�

Let the music play!

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

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Respond to Marvin R. Moore, mmoore@hartfordchurchdetroit.org

SOUTHFIELD RESTAURANT IS NOW HIRING

Canton Township is now accepting applications for the Clerk III position.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 16, 2016.

Job description with complete qualifications and hiring process is available on the Canton Township website: http://canton.applicantpro.com/jobs/ (EOE)

Openings at The Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences (2) Housekeeping Staff (1) Assistant Principal (1) K-8 Teacher All Subjects Self Contained (1) Science Teacher (DA) (DX) State of Michigan Teacher Certification Elementary K-5 (K-8 Self CC) Send Resume and Credentials to: Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences J. Harris, Human Resource Director 2985 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit MI 48207 jeharris@daask12.com Fax 313-393-0460

Seeking

ASSISTANT DEAN FOR GRADUATE STUDY AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Published Every Wednesday Subscribe and receive one full year of the Michigan Chronicle to your home or office Name Address City

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Provide oversight and direction to the Office of Graduate Education, in administration of financial activity, including graduate assistantships, recruitment and retention of students, assisting with program development and evaluation, admission and enrollment processes, policy review and process improvement.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree and two years’ experience in fund accounting including monitoring, budgeting and forecasting. Experience in supervising the processing of payroll, payables, receivables and purchasing within unit environment. Salary is up to the low $90s, commensurate with experience. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 16, 2016.

Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

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ENTRY LEVEL POLICE OFFICER CITY OF SOUTHGATE, WAYNE COUNTY E.O.E To apply, go to EMPCO’S website at www.empco.net to register for your written exam.

The written exam must be completed by 5:00 pm on April 8, 2016.

Empco, Inc. has been contracted to facilitate the written examination process.

Candidates passing the written examination will be contacted to complete an application.

For Applicant Requirements: Go to www.southgatemi.org and then click Police Department on the left hand side.

Janice M. Ferencz, City Clerk Publish date: March 9, 2016

Seeking

COORDINATOR, GRADUATE STUDY AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Responsible for overall front office activities, including the reception area, mail, large purchasing requests and facilities. Responsible for directing and coordinating office services and related activities. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to process information quickly and accurately and work collaboratively in a team environment. Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks in a high-volume environment. Salary up to the low $40s, commensurate with education and experience. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 16, 2016.

Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

! !

Michigan State University Infrastructure Planning and Facilities is seeking to hire for the following positions:

Carpenter I - Posting #2886 Carpenter I - Posting #2887

View complete postings and apply online at www.jobs.msu.edu. Refer to the posting numbers.

The closing date for these positions is Tuesday, March 15, 2016.

MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.

MSU is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

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2016

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(StatePoint) It may not sound romantic, but couples planning a life together should develop an ongoing dialogue about money.

However, not every couple takes this step before taking their relationship to the next level.

Indeed, only about half of Americans feel it’s important to know their significant other’s credit score before commingling finances, according to a 2015 Wells Fargo study. Yet, financial experts say that discussing how to handle joint finances is one of the best ways lovebirds can set themselves up for happily ever after.

The experts at Wells Fargo offer these five important tips to keep in mind when thinking about money and your relationship: 1. Combining Accounts?

A simple question requiring a joint decision based on your financial needs. Separate accounts let individuals maintain independence. Joint accounts can help unite goals.

In either case, ensure your accounts combine to create an effective investment plan.

2. Realistic Budgeting Some say the key to financial success is spending what you have after saving, rather than saving what’s left after spending.

Many couples find themselves in the latter position because they lack a budget to control expenses. Couples should sit down and list combined monthly income and expenses; short and longterm goals, and strategies for sticking with the program.

3. Joint Credit

married, your partner’s credit score may lower yours. While this is not true, it can affect your ability to access credit if you are seeking it jointly.

Additionally, good credit is the foundation for a couple’s sound financial future, and can help when you’re applying for a mortgage or car loan, and, in some cases, a job.

Maintain an open, ongoing dialogue: your credit score can change rapidly, and even missing a single payment can have an impact.

4. Making Purchases You may always apply for loan as an individual, but couples looking to do so together will find that most lenders look at the credit history of both applicants and consider the average of both credit scores when approving a loan and setting an interest rate.

5. Ground Rules By sharing your individual financial goals with each other, you can get motivated to create a financial plan together, as well as ground rules to help you save and plan for emergencies.

More financial tips and resources can be found at www.

WellsFargo.com.

Love and credit may not sound like a match made in heaven. In fact, talking about money can feel awkward. But when planning for a future together, these conversations lay the groundwork for happily reaching financial goals.

A common misconception about credit is that when you get

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March 9-15, 2016

Page D-5

Remembering Dr. Keefa Lorraine Weatherspoon, N.D.

By Donald James

cational and training experiences in the field, Dr. Keefa earned a doctor of naturopathy degree from Clayton College of Natural Health in Alabama.

Special to the Chronicle

She was one of America’s foremost experts in naturopathic medicine, an alternative form of medicine that uses a wide-range of natural modalities to heal and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Standing on the foundation of her faith in God, education, training and experience in naturopathy, Dr. Keefer became a much-sought after lecturer, locally, nationally, and internationally.

In Detroit, she was a guru, who loved teaching others how to study and practice wholistic living.

Minister M. L. Echols (left), pastor, First Church of the Redeemed; Rev. Andre F. King, Universal Liberty in Christ Temple; Rev. Naomi Gatlin Universal Liberty in Christ Temple; O' Neil D. Swanson Sr., president and CEO, Swanson Funeral Homes Inc.; and Rev. William Love, Universal Liberty in Christ Temple

22nd Annual Fruit of the Spirit Extravaganza

Marcus Patton and Lee Claire

pants receiving large gift bags, abundant with fruit.

Universal Liberty in Christ Temple recently presented its much anticipated 22nd Annual Fruit of the Spirit Extravaganza at the church home, 7000 Canfield and Helen Detroit’s east side.

The music was nothing short of celestial as both vocal and instrumental selections were inspiring and uplifting.

Program participants representing joy, faith, longsuffering, temperance, goodness, gentleness and peace were equally moving.

The service was well attended, with congregants, visitors and partici-

Historic Second Baptist Church celebrates 180 years Continually serving an unchanging Christ in an ever-changing World On March 23, 1836, 13 blacks received permission from the Territorial Legislature to own and operate a church, the Society of Second Baptist Church of Detroit. Second Baptist Church of Detroit first met in members’ homes and then located on Fort Street between Beaubien and St. Antoine Streets. In December, 1856 Second Baptist purchased the property where it now stands, formerly owned by the Gernan Reformed Presbyterian Society, at 441 Monroe Street (formerly Croghan) between Beaubien and Brush in Detroit. Second Baptist was the seventh major church in the city and the first in the Midwest operated by blacks.

Baptists from New York and New England living in Detroit organized the First Baptist congregation, one of the first Protestant churches in Detroit with the Reverend Henry Davis as their minister on October 20, 1827.

The original church was erected in 1831 at the corner of Fort and Griswold.

In 1910, First Baptist built a structure at 8601 Woodward and in 1957 moved to Southfield con-

structing a new church in 1965.

First Baptist Church has always been a diverse congregation and in 1836, it is estimated that 11 of its 100 members were black. Some of these black members requested an end to segregated seating which was the custom of that era. When the request was denied these members withdrew from First Baptist and became the founding members of Second Baptist Church.

Today these two churches are more closely united than ever as on October 19, 2014 Rev. Theodore T. Turman was installed as pastor of First Baptist Church of Detroit. The installation sermon was preached by his father, Rev. Dr. Kevin M. Turman, pastor of Second Baptist Church.

Second Baptist Church of Detroit, 441 Monroe, celebrates its 180th anniversary with several events.

• Sunday, March 13, 10:30 a.m. Heritage Sunday worship service guest speaker: Frank (Ebow) Vroom, Ghanian born member of Second • Sunday, March 13, 3 p.m. Heritage Sunday Gospel Concert • Sunday, March 20, 10:30 a.m. 180th Anniversary Sunday Worship Service, Pastor Kevin M. Turman, preaching • Sunday, March 20, 2016, 2 p.m. 180th Anniversary Dinner at the Roostertail, 100 Marquette, Guest Speaker: Rev. Theodore T. Turman, pastor, First Baptist Church of Detroit, Tickets $75.

While small and petite in physical stature, her love, spirit and devotion loomed larger than life for more than four decades, as she taught people how to regenerate, rebuild, and renew their respective spirits, minds, and bodies.

She was Dr. Keefa Lorraine Weatherspoon, N.D., who died Wednesday, Feb. 24. She was 64.

As founder of the Sankofa Life Campus, which includes the Water Station and Healthy Soul Natural Food Store located on Woodward Ave., just south of Seven Mile Rd. on Detroit’s east side, Dr. Keefa was passionate about empowering others.

She led by example of what it meant to trust God and His healing powers, and how to identify and eat healthy foods while avoiding foods that attributed to chronic fatigue, illnesses and diseases, in particularly cancer.

Perhaps her signature message to the masses was to keep drinking alkaline water, which is fortified with anti-oxidants to boost metabolism and speed the release of harmful heavy metals, toxins, and fat-cells from the body.

Since 1997, the Water Station, under the supervision of Dr. Keefa, has supplied alkaline water for tens of thousands.

Additionally, through her Sankofa LIFE (Living Institute for Enlightenment) Learning & Wellness Center, Dr. Keefa, also known as Ayanna, was a master teacher of such wholistic classes as Transformational Tuesdays, Circle of Light, Taste of Wellness with Liquid Bio Cell Life, the Trilogy of Life Rites of Passage, and many more.

Dr. Keefa was also a Sukyo Mahikari practitioner, who taught and used the transmission of light energy — which she believed to be the love and will of God — to purify and revitalize the spirit, mind and body.

Award-Winning play ‘Perilous Times’ comes to Detroit Opera House

By Roz Edward This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. — 2 Timothy 3:1 When a stage play makes it from a church sanctuary to the Fisher Theater and then on to play at the Detroit Orchestra Hall — the Broadway of Detroit — the play has to have star quality, engaging dialogue, and vibrantly resonate with diverse audiences. The award-winning national hit gospel production “Perilous Times” fits the bill at all levels of entertainment value and leaves audience members with a memorable theatrical experience.

“Perilous Times” is playwright and author TJ Hemphill’s first major stage play, but the former DPS teacher and minister has since written and directed the popular films “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” (Lamman Rucker Vivica Fox), “Lord, All Men Can’t Be Dogs” (Vivica Fox, Elise Neal, Christian Keyes) and “A Love That Hurts” (Matthew J. Boucher, Ayanna Fullilove and Deloran Cotton).

Hemphill, a native Detroiter and the founder and publisher of Totally Gospel magazine is bringing the much anticipated production to the Detroit Opera House March 24 through March 26 with a cast of sought after actors, including Clifton Powell, Isaac Carree, Tim Bowman Jr., Terrell Carter and Teisha Brown.

“My first major work was actu-

ally ‘Perilous Times’ and I had no idea that it would develop into the show that it currently is. I wrote the play back in 1990, and it was just a tremendous experience. I think I kind of expected it to grow, but the extent to which it has grown … I didn’t expect,” confides Hemphill.

The gospel play, now a novel delves into the epic journey of a young man discovering his past which changes his view of the world and his future.

“I had thought one day that doing church plays was fine for people in church. But I wanted a play that was going to draw people that didn’t know anything about church people, or church, or the story of Christ. That’s when God gave me a vision about perilous times,” explains Hemphill. “This is a story that takes place in a very contemporary setting, and then transforms that back into Biblical themes.”

The playwright and novelist began writing plays during his teaching days in Detroit Public Schools, after funding cuts deprived students of auditorium programs and live theater experiences.

“I felt so bad for the kids because I was raised on those programs.

[Plays] open and expand kids’ imaginations and gives them a chance

to express themselves through another medium,” explains Hemphill.

“It impacts them in that it inspires them and motivates them to do things better, knowing that they are part of a process in motion.”

Hemphill maintains a presence in the classroom teaching part-time at Commonwealth Community Development Academy. “I think it is so important — particularly for African Americans — for young people to experience success as soon as they can. So that’s what I try to provide.

I want people to be a part of something that is really successful, something that’s good and something they can be proud to attach their name too.”

The takeaway for audiences …

“The [priority] for me is the ministry. I want people to know the story of Christ, the value and the meaning of the cross, what it means for us as Christians and the hope that it brings to people who have no hope. The second thing as a playwright and as a director, is if a person comes to our show … they should at least go away saying, what a powerful message of redemption and love. They should come away saying this was a great theatrical experience.

The “Perilous Times” show has donated tickets and secured buses and will be transporting Flint residents to the show in an effort to uplift members of that community.

Keefa Weatherspoon She was a Reiki Master, who believed that healing could be achieved using hands on-healing techniques.

Dr. Keefa’s interest in naturopathic medicine/ natural healing began inauspiciously. In July, 1977, about eight years after graduating from Denby High School on the city’s east, Denise Lorraine Weatherspoon (Dr. Keefa) was diagnosed with cancer.

“There I was, saved, sanctified and full of cancer,” Dr. Keefa wrote in “Standing in the Majesty of Grace,” one of seven books that she authored.

“I couldn’t understand how such a thing could happen to me. I was in church six or seven days a week, doing all the right things. How could this happen to me?”

Nevertheless, Dr. Keefa humbled her mind, body, and heart to God, asking Him to heal her, and promised if He did, she would dedicate her life to helping others in need of restoration.

Thus, Dr. Keefa was healed, naturally, and she subsequently began a 39-year journey to keep her promise to God. Her journey included becoming an authority in Eastern and Western natural healing practices, as well as perfecting the use of energy medicine and divine science.

Along with other edu-

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She hosted a television program called “Spirit of Wellness with Ayanna,” which aired on WHPR-TV 33, as well as a radio show called “Live Well Naturally with Ayanna” on WCHB 1200 AM. While no one lives forever, regardless of who they are and what they believe, Dr. Keefa, however, demonstrated that through God’s love and light, self-determination, and faithfully following a wholistic regiment, natural healing can occur.

She led so others would follow in their quests to be healed.

“Dr. Keefa will be greatly missed,” said Linda Johnson (Amina), an author, local college instructor, and naturopathic expert who has known and interfaced with Dr. Keefa for more than three decades.

“Dr. Keefa was the face of naturopathic medicine and natural healing in this community. She has left a huge void to fill.”

Jon Muhammad, head master of Sankofa LIFE Learning & Wellness Center, agrees.

“Dr. Keefa will be missed in the community, where it was important for her to build and expand the Sankofa Life Campus, which presented opportunities to empower people, especially youth,” said Muhammad.

“She was about bringing minds, bodies, and souls into balance. While she definitely will be missed, we will continue to build on her vision and work, while protecting her long legacy.”

Page D-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • March 9-15, 2016